Evidence of D-shaped wounds in the intrasomatic bullet path: two case reports

Abstract

The final appearance of gunshot wounds is influenced by both the projectile's behavior from the muzzle to the terminal target and by the intrinsic characteristics of the anatomical compartments where the lesion(s) occur. The D-shaped morphology is an uncommon yet well-known finding in the forensic literature and has been described when the surface of impact with the skin is represented by the bullet's lateral projection. Two cases where D-shaped gunshot wounds were observed are hereby presented: in both cases, interaction with multiple intermediate targets (case 1) and a human intermediate target (case 2) had been documented and confirmed by the forensic examination. Despite the different dynamics of production, this peculiar morphology was described throughout most of the intrasomatic bullet path in both the victims. The discovery of D-shaped gunshot wounds can guide the forensic pathologist in the ballistic reconstruction of the event by supporting the hypothesis of an interaction with an intermediate target that has led to deviation from the initial trajectory and destabilization of the bullet associated with loss of kinetic energy.

Keywords: Atypical gunshot wounds; Bullet path; D-shaped gunshot wounds; Intermediated target; Ricochet.

Fig. 1

Case 1 intermediate targets. a First intermediate target: the wire fence dividing the two carriageways. Interaction with the bullet caused a “watermelon slice”–like deformation of the metal and subsequent ricochet from the original trajectory. b Second intermediate target: glass of the rear window. Note the shape of the hole which accurately represents the lateral projection of the bullet

Fig. 2

Case 1 third intermediate target. a The necklace worn by the victim with two breaks at the level of the entrance (*) and exit (arrow) wounds. b Repositioning of the necklace during the autopsy with the margins at the level of the entrance wound. c Repositioning of the necklace during the autopsy with the margins at the level of the exit wound

Fig. 3

Cal. 9-mm bullet retrieved during crime scene investigation, characterized by a deformation produced by the contact with the metal wire fence (upper arrow) and the glass (lower arrow)

Fig. 4

Case 1 GSWs. a D-shaped entrance wound produced by the lateral projection of the bullet coupled to the cutaneous fold of the neck region. b Jugular vein with a D-shaped hole. c D-shaped hole in the trachea, which caused bleeding and bronchoaspiration of blood. d Shored exit wound produced by the presence of the necklace. All the pictures have been oriented as follows: TOP–BOTTOM, LEFT–RIGHT. Note that some of the structures have been partially displaced during the autoptic examination to exhibit and document the wounds

Fig. 5

Lacerated carotid wall compared to the venous wall

Fig. 6

Case 2 intermediate target. a Entrance wound on the forehead of the infant, with a prominent V-shaped projection. b Irregular exit wound on the occipital region

Fig. 7

Case 2 GSWs. a D-shaped entrance wound on the sternal surface of the thorax. b Removed sternum with an irregularly shaped hole and bony fragments. c D-shaped hole on the pericardial sac. Anterior d and posterior e cardiac walls with D-shaped lesions, which appear longer and thinner than the pericardial ones. All the pictures have been oriented as follows: TOP–BOTTOM, LEFT–RIGHT. Note that some of the structures have been partially displaced during the autoptic examination to exhibit and document the wounds