[Atypical bullet entry injuries. A case report and experimental contribution]

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Ballistics
• Wound Analysis

Background:

• Contradictory findings in firearm suicide versus homicide cases necessitate standardized forensic analysis.
• Understanding projectile behavior and impact effects is crucial for accurate scene interpretation.

Observation:

• Firing tests were conducted using diverse firearms on multiple targets, including textiles, gelatine, biological tissues (animal/human skin), and animal heads.
• Bullet ricochets and impacts through intervening materials were systematically produced and analyzed.
• Morphological and emission spectrum analyses were performed on entry holes, alongside inspection of recovered projectiles.

Findings:

• Distinct morphological and chemical alterations at entry holes were observed and classified based on firearm type, projectile, and impact conditions.
• Analysis of emission spectra provided insights into the combustion and projectile interaction with targets.
• Projectile examination revealed deformation and material transfer consistent with impact dynamics.

Implications:

• The findings provide a scientific basis for differentiating firearm entry wound characteristics in forensic investigations.
• This research can improve the accuracy of determining the circumstances of firearm-related deaths (suicide vs. homicide).
• Standardized protocols for analyzing firearm evidence can be enhanced based on these detailed observations.