A First Time for Everything: Homicide Involving the Brenneke® SuperSabot Shotgun Slug*

Abstract

Sabot shotgun slugs are not a new projectile, but the Brenneke SuperSabot shotgun slug has never been reported in a homicide. We present the case of a 28-year-old man killed with multiple gunshot wounds during an alleged "drive-by" shooting. At autopsy, a 496.2 grain slightly deformed projectile with a base diameter of 5/8'' (1.7 cm) was found within the decedent's clothing. Six distinct bullet tracks were identified. An entrance of the anterior right thigh was 3/4 x 5/8'' and ovoid, having only passed through the decedent's jeans. This bullet track passed through the soft tissue of the right thigh, exiting out the medial aspect and partially transecting the right greater saphenous vein, re-entering the medial left thigh and re-exiting out the posterior left upper thigh. With the exception of an irregular entrance on the sole of the left foot, which passed through the decedent's shoe, all other entrances were less than 1/2'' in greatest dimension. Investigating officers recovered an additional projectile of the same type, which had undergone more extensive deformation after striking and penetrating the tailgate of a truck. Further investigation identified the projectiles as the Brenneke SuperSabot shotgun slugs.