CHARACTERS OF FIREARM CHARACTERS OF FIREARM INJURIES (WOUND)INJURIES (WOUND)

1- Loss of substance 1- Loss of substance This loss depends on the size of missile, velocity and distance of This loss depends on the size of missile, velocity and distance of firingfiring..

22 - -Presence of two wounds inlet and exitPresence of two wounds inlet and exit ((grazing of the bulletgrazing of the bullet))

33 - -Possible presence of associated of Possible presence of associated of projectileprojectile (Powder marks)(Powder marks)

4- Beveling occurs in flat bones .4- Beveling occurs in flat bones .

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INLET & EXITDIFFERENCE BETWEEN INLET & EXIT

inletinletexitexit SizeSizeSmall Small Large Large

Loss of Loss of substance substance

MoreMore LessLess

Powder Powder marksmarks

++++ ++++NONO

EdgeEdgeInvertedInverted EvertedEverted

Beveling Beveling InternalInternal EternalEternal

Factor affecting the shape of the FA woundFactor affecting the shape of the FA wound

1- The type of the weapon 1- The type of the weapon

2- Distance of firing 2- Distance of firing

3- Direction of firing. 3- Direction of firing.

4- Site of the wound 4- Site of the wound

5- Type and amount of the powder 5- Type and amount of the powder

Estimation of the distance of firing:

1- 1- In cases of short distance (near firing):In cases of short distance (near firing):

Powder marksPowder marks

II- In cases of long distance (far firing):II- In cases of long distance (far firing): The estimation of distance is based on The estimation of distance is based on

the extent of dispersion of shotsthe extent of dispersion of shots In cases of bullets it is estimated by the In cases of bullets it is estimated by the

amount of penetration amount of penetration

point blank firing )0-15(point blank firing )0-15(

The inlet is cross shapedThe inlet is cross shaped EvertedEverted Burnt (flam).Burnt (flam). Blackening (smoke)Blackening (smoke) Tattooing (unburned particles).Tattooing (unburned particles).

In contact firingIn contact firing

Burning take the shape of the Burning take the shape of the muzzle,muzzle,

Minimal blackening and tattooing.Minimal blackening and tattooing.

Why Why

Medico legal importance of powder marks:

1- Diagnosis of fire arm injuries1- Diagnosis of fire arm injuries

2- Differentiation between inlet and exit2- Differentiation between inlet and exit 3- Identification the type of powder used 3- Identification the type of powder used

4- Estimation the distance of firing4- Estimation the distance of firing 5- Determination the direction of firing 5- Determination the direction of firing

Identification of the weapon used

Finger printsFinger prints Smell of burnt powder Smell of burnt powder Type and bore compared with Type and bore compared with

projectile extracted form the victimprojectile extracted form the victim Experimental examination of the Experimental examination of the

suspected weapon suspected weapon Empty cartridge at the scene of the Empty cartridge at the scene of the

crime crime

Suicide , homicide or accidentalSuicide , homicide or accidental

1.1. Circumstantial evidenceCircumstantial evidence

2.2. Scene of the crime Scene of the crime

3.3. Examination of the victim Examination of the victim Sex - Victims clothes - Cadaveric spasm Sex - Victims clothes - Cadaveric spasm Blackening of the victim's fingers Blackening of the victim's fingers Signs of resistance Signs of resistance

44 - -Examination of the woundExamination of the wound Site of the woundSite of the wound Number of wounds Number of wounds Distance of firing Distance of firing

5 -Examination of the weapon5 -Examination of the weapon presence of the weaponpresence of the weapon Type of weapon Short – longType of weapon Short – long

6- Examination of the suspected assailant6- Examination of the suspected assailant