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Death by black powder revolver: a case report
Joseph J Pavelites1, David Kintzele, Paul Fotia
1Transitional Year Program, GME Office, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Building 300, Hospital Road, Ft. Gordon, GA 30905, USA. joseph.pavelites@us.army.mil
Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology
|June 26, 2010
Summary
Black powder handguns are rarely fatal, but this case shows a lethal facial gunshot wound. Autopsy revealed characteristic soot and powder, indicating the firearm type in this fatal injury.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Ballistics
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Deaths from black powder handguns are infrequent compared to modern firearms.
- Black powder firearms present unique ballistics and wound characteristics.
Observation:
- A case study of a 48-year-old female with a fatal gunshot wound to the face.
- The injury was inflicted by a black powder revolver.
- Autopsy findings included extensive soot and powder deposition around the entrance wound, skull perforation, and brain injury.
Findings:
- The entrance wound exhibited characteristic soot and powder deposition, indicative of close-range discharge.
- The exit wound also showed evidence of soot, further supporting the use of a black powder weapon.
- The trajectory resulted in extensive damage to the skull and brain.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing unique ballistic evidence from black powder firearms.
- Forensic analysis of soot and powder deposition can aid in reconstructing the events of a shooting.
- Such findings are critical for legal proceedings and understanding firearm lethality.
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