[Suicide with a manipulated hand grenade]

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Toxicology
• Ballistics

Background:

• Civilian explosion injuries are infrequent.
• This report details an unusual suicide case involving a manipulated hand grenade.

Observation:

• The victim sustained massive soot blackening, singeing, and splinter injuries.
• Evidence suggested the use of black powder from fire-crackers instead of standard trinitrotoluene (TNT).
• The victim was found in a sitting position, having detonated the grenade with his right hand.

Findings:

• The grenade was modified using parts from multiple devices and commercially available black powder.
• The victim died from a fractured femur and liver lacerations.
• High blood alcohol content (2.5 per mille) and numerous unlicensed weapons in the residence indicated suicide under severe intoxication.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for improvised explosive devices using accessible materials.
• Forensic analysis is crucial in distinguishing between standard and manipulated explosive devices.
• The findings underscore the importance of regulating access to materials that can be used to create improvised explosive devices.