Fatal Air Weapon Injuries: Two Unusual Cases and Review of the Forensic Literature

Air weapons use compressed gas to fire projectiles without igniting gunpowder. Although commonly perceived as recreational devices, modern air rifles can reach muzzle velocities exceeding 1000 feet per second and are capable of inflicting fatal injuries. This report describes 2 unusual fatalities from air weapon chest wounds: a 15-year-old male who sustained a self-inflicted injury while handling an air rifle, and a 61-year-old male shot by another individual. Both victims died shortly after sustaining the wound despite medical intervention. Autopsies revealed penetrating chest injuries with retained wasp-waisted pellets within the left lung, and the manner of death was certified as suicide and homicide, respectively. A literature review identified only a few comparable fatalities, including 2 suicides and 3 homicides involving chest injuries. Despite their small caliber and widespread availability, air weapons can produce sufficient kinetic energy to penetrate skin, bone, and vital organs. These cases emphasize the lethal potential of air rifles and the diagnostic challenges they can present during forensic investigation. While commonly regarded as low-risk devices, these weapons demonstrate considerable lethality and should be subject to stronger regulatory oversight.