TY - JOUR PY - 2009// TI - Characteristic Features of Pediatric Firearm Fatalities-Comparisons Between Australia and the United States JO - Journal of forensic sciences A1 - Byard, Roger W. A1 - Haas, Elisabeth A1 - Marshall, Drew T. A1 - Gilbert, John D. A1 - Krous, Henry F. SP - 1093 EP - 1096 VL - 54 IS - 5 N2 - Gunshot deaths in children less than 17 years of age from Adelaide, SA, Australia (1969-2005) and from San Diego County, CA, United States (1988-2005) were compared. Forty-two pediatric gunshot fatalities occurred in South Australia (1.1 cases/year; M:F = 30:12). There were 6 accidents (14%), 14 suicides (33%), and 22 homicides (52%). In San Diego there were 185 cases (c.10 cases/year; M:F = 148:37). There were 6 accidents (3%), 42 suicides (23%), 130 homicides (70%), and 7 undetermined cases (4%). The incidence of homicide was significantly higher in San Diego County compared to Adelaide (p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of murder-suicides occurring in Adelaide. There were markedly more accidents and suicides involving males in Adelaide and a far higher number of male homicide victims in San Diego County compared to females. Rifles of 0.22-caliber were preferred weapons in South Australia, compared to handguns in San Diego County.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0022-1198 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01125.x ID - ref1 ER -