An Autopsy Study of Suicides Due to Gunshot Wounds

The present study was carried out during the period 2009 to 2012. A total 29 cases gunshot Suicides were studied. Males dominated the Victim group with the Male to Female ratio of 13.5:1. Majority of the Victims belonged to the age group 2140yrs.In 93.1% of cases the Head was the most preferred region and Temple was the preferred Anatomical site .All the weapons used were Handguns and were Legally procured. Large majority of Victims[96.7%] preferred in House to commit the act. Marital/Relationship Crisis were the Major Motivating factors in 79.3% of cases. Psychiatric Illness contributed to only 6.9% of cases. 93.1% the victims were right handed. All the victims received single Shot. All the victims shot at contact range[31%] or loose contact range[69%].The wounds track were directed forwards and in 86.2% of cases the wounds were directed Right to Left ,upwards in 65.5% and Horizontal in 24.1%.Suicidal notes were found in 6.9% of cases. 27.6% of the victims Blood sample was positive for Alcohol. Victim clothes were intact in 86.2% of cases. 93.1% of cases the incidence took place between 8pm to 2am.In 89.7% of cases the Surroundings were intact. The Crime scene was compromised in 37.9% of cases. In all the cases the Weapon, spent shell were recovered from the crime scene. Ballistic examination of the weapon, spent shell and Bullet was done in all cases. Swabbing of both the hands for gunshot residue was done in all cases. A combined approach including Circumstances, Crime scene examination, Autopsy, Ballistic examination is important to arrive at the exact Manner of death in