Variability of characteristics of cranial projectile trauma in skeletal material

In cranial firearm trauma, where soft tissues have decomposed, determining the manner of death can pose difficultly for a forensic anthropologist. Detailed analysis of skeletal wounds may lead to reconstruction of the events surrounding death, however considerable research has been conducted on soft tissue details and less has focused on skeletal wounds alone. Macroscopic descriptive observations were carried out on thirteen skulls from the Hamman-Todd Human Osteological Collection at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Ohio which had documented cranial projectile trauma to analyse wound location, shape, size, beveling and projectile paths. This sample of skeletons provides a non-arbitrary selection of individuals which were unclaimed bodies from a disturbed social environment. Nine entry wounds were located on the right side of the skull, 3 located on left side of skull and one had entry under the right side of the skull. Entry wounds were often oval or round in shape. Exit wounds were not present in all cases; however, when present they were of irregular shape. Radiating fractures occurred in 8 entry wounds and 8 exit wounds. Concentric fractures accompanied 3 exit wounds. Three entry wounds had clear internal beveling. Three cases had exit wounds with external beveling. One showed signs of combination beveling on the entry wound. Beveling, if present, can lead to identifying the entry/exit wound. Radiating fractures form when the intracranial pressure is too great and if the pressure is not relieved, concentric fractures form secondarily. Based on the characteristics of the cranial projectile trauma one can suggest manner of death, however, it is not possible to reach a firm decision.