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Fatal injuries caused by guns using shotshell: case reports and ballistic studies
D Rougé1, N Telmon, D Alengrin
1Faculté de Médecine, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Handguns modified to fire shotshells can cause lethal injuries in homicides and suicides. These adaptable firearms pose a significant public safety risk due to their easy acquisition and potential for modification.
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Ballistics
- Firearms analysis
Background:
- Homicide and suicide cases involving firearms are a critical area of forensic study.
- The use of non-standard ammunition or firearm modifications presents unique challenges in investigations.
Observation:
- Six cases are presented where handguns firing shotshells were used in homicides and suicides.
- Detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained and ballistic analyses of the firearms were conducted.
Findings:
- The handguns, despite using shotshells, inflicted severe injuries consistent with lethal outcomes.
- Ballistic studies revealed that these weapons can be modified (e.g., barrel changes, removal of slug-preventing devices) to increase their lethality.
Implications:
- Readily available handguns, when modified, represent a serious threat, contrary to potential assumptions of reduced danger.
- Understanding the modification potential of such firearms is crucial for forensic investigations and public safety assessments.