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Citation |
Blumenthal R. Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. 2007; 28(4): 288-291. |
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Affiliation |
From the Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Pretoria, PO Box 2034, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2007, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
18043013 |
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Abstract |
A retrospective review of 406 suicidal gunshot wounds to the head, investigated at the Medico-Legal Laboratory of Pretoria, between 1997 and 2000 was performed. Fifty-seven percent of fatal suicidal firearm injury to the head occurred in the 21- to 40-year age range in both male and female victims. Eighty-two percent of all these victims of suicidal firearm fatalities to the head were male. Of the 406 cases, 63% were white, 31% were black, and 6% were of mixed ethnic and/or Asian decent. There was a slight increase in incidence around spring and autumn. Handguns were used in the majority of cases with shoulder weapons being used in 18 of the 406 cases. Ninety-two percent of the suicidal gunshot wounds to the head occurred indoors. A positive blood alcohol concentration was seen in 40% of cases. Of those examined, 81% were contact gunshot wounds. The trajectory was upward in 51% of cases and horizontal in 24% of cases. The right temple was the most common entrance gunshot wound site. Findings are in keeping with previously published literature. Language: en |