An unusual method of suicide by rifle using a supportive device and string to pull the trigger – A case report

Forensic Science International: Reports

Ditor Haliti¹  Ilir Kukaj²  Flamur Dylhasi²  Flamur Blakaj²  Driton Krasniqi³ 

[1] Corresponding author.;Institute of Forensic Medicine, Rrethi i Spitalit, p.n., 10000, Pristina, Republic of Kosovo;Kosovo Agency for Forensics 12 Qershori str, no. 10, Industrial Zone no. 1., 10000, Pristina, Republic of Kosovo;

关键词: Suicide;    Rifle;    Mechanical device;    String;    Forensic autopsy;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Suicides with rifles are relatively common, particularly in cases when the deceased can pull the trigger by hand. However, the discrepancy between the length of the individual’s arms and the firearm barrel may make investigators question suicide as a possibility. In some cases, the deceased used a supportive mechanical device with accessories to fire the gun. Here, a 52-year-old Caucasian male with a history of suicide attempts was found dead in a thicket near his house. The scene investigation revealed that the deceased was found lying on his back with a rifle across from him resting on an X-shaped wooden supportive device with the buttstock leaning against an oak tree. There was also a nylon string attached to the wooden device, wrapped around the tree and over the trigger of the rifle. Measurements taken during forensic autopsy showed that the man’s upper outstretched limbs were shorter than the barrel of the rifle by approximately 7.5 cm. The case reported here is an example of such a scenario.

【 授权许可】

Unknown