Suicide by Shotgun in Southeastern Minnesota

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Ballistics
• Public Health

Background:

• Shotgun suicide is a prevalent method with significant geographical variations.
• Understanding the specific features of shotgun-related suicides is critical for forensic analysis.
• Demographic and risk factors associated with shotgun suicides require detailed examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the unique and challenging characteristics of shotgun suicides.
• To identify demographic and risk factors associated with this method of suicide.
• To aid in the identification of contact-range shotgun wounds through scene and autopsy findings.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 228 gunshot wound autopsies at Mayo Clinic (1994-2014).
• Focused analysis on 75 cases identified as shotgun suicides, all at contact range.
• Inclusion of demographic data, wound characteristics, location, survival period, and toxicology.

Main Results:

• Shotgun suicides constituted 32.9% of gunshot wound autopsies, predominantly affecting men (97%) aged 14-92.
• Head injuries were most common (70.9%), often intraoral with upward/backward trajectory; chest injuries (21.5%) showed backward/downward trajectory.
• Most suicides occurred at home (66.7%), with 71% having a known psychiatric history and 32.4% positive toxicology.

Conclusions:

• Contact-range shotgun wounds, despite causing severe destruction, possess identifiable characteristics.
• Thorough scene investigation, autopsy, and radiographic documentation are essential for accurate interpretation.
• Findings provide valuable data for forensic pathology and suicide prevention strategies.