Gunshot Residue Deposition With and Without Firearm Suppressors (Silencers).

Forensic pathologists recognize the importance of estimating the range of fire for gunshot entrance wounds. Classically described ranges of fire include contact, close range, medium (or intermediate) range, and indeterminate (or distant) range. The presence or absence of gunshot residue (smoke/soot and/or gunpowder) and the characteristics of the gunshot residue are evaluated in order to estimate the range of fire.

Exsanguination From Superficial Lower Extremity Trauma.

Deaths related to exsanguination are not rare; however, most are related to large-caliber blood vessel or organ disruption. This article reports 2 deaths from external hemorrhage arising from superficial lower extremity trauma in persons with peripheral vascular disease and anticoagulant therapy. The first involved a 78-year-old woman who was found unconscious in her home by a relative, with a plastic bag tied around her left foot and evidence of profuse hemorrhage arising from a left great toenail partial avulsion injury.

"Comet-tailing" associated with gunshot entrance wounds.

A "plated bullet" has a thin layer of electroplated metal covering the lead core of the projectile. In certain situations, this thin layer of electroplated metal can fracture upon discharge of the firearm. When such fracturing occurs, vaporous lead can escape through the fracture lines of the spinning projectile, resulting in a spiral-shaped deposition of dark residue surrounding a central bullet defect.

Hostage Situation Homicide.

Deaths related to hostage situations occur in many forms, as these situations can easily escalate as a result of many confounding variables. When approaching such cases, forensic pathologists and death investigators should be mindful of the many details that should be well-documented at the scene and during autopsy to ensure that the correct conclusions and death certification are determined. This case report highlights a death in a hostage situation and the importance of correlating scene information and autopsy findings.

Homicide in a Horse Barn?

As forensic scientists and physicians, forensic pathologists are duty-bound to perform their examinations with integrity and professionalism. The practice of medicine requires knowledge regarding the history and presentation of the patient. In forensic pathology, the history includes scene and other investigative information, and the decedent's medical and social history.

Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis.

A significant number of medicolegal deaths involve ethanol. Deaths may be related to the acute, intoxicating effects of ethanol, either in decedents or within persons responsible for causing the deaths of others. Additionally, deaths may be related to chronic alcoholism.

Recreational Sporting Activity Vehicle-Related Deaths.

Deaths occurring in the setting of nonprofessional, vehicle-related, recreational sporting activities occurring on land or in water during warm or winter months represent a diverse group of cases. These deaths tend to involve scenarios where the participants are purposefully attempting to enjoy themselves prior to experiencing sudden, catastrophic accidents resulting in lethal outcomes. Ultimately, many of the deaths are related to the high speed at which these vehicle-related activities normally occur.

Fatal Dragging Deaths with Soft Tissue and Bone Grinding Injuries.

The classic grinding/dragging cutaneous injury has a target-like appearance, often with postmortem features and possible associated underlying bone grinding trauma. It is important that forensic pathologists be able to recognize and identify such injuries. In this report, we present two cases of classic grinding/dragging injuries that resulted in death.

Accidental Trauma Mimicking Homicidal Violence.

Homicide investigations represent an important function of death investigators. Although recognizing nonobvious homicides is crucial, an equally important role involves the identification of cases that initially present as possible homicides, but are ultimately discovered to not represent homicides. Failure to recognize such cases results in wasted time, squandered resources, false allegations, and potential life-altering consequences.

Tandem Bullet Homicide.

The phenomenon referred to as "tandem bullets" occurs when two (or more) projectiles are expelled from a firearm barrel in a single pull of the trigger. A "tandem gunshot wound" occurs when tandem bullets produce injuries. Several scenarios can occur, including the occurrence of multiple entrance wounds produced by separate tandem projectiles as well as a single entrance wound through which multiple tandem projectiles enter the body.