Fatal Homicidal Shotgun Injury at Unusual Site

Abstract

A shotgun is a firearm that is usually designed to be fired from the shoulder, during the 19th century; shotguns were mainly employed by cavalry units. Both sides of the American Civil War employed shotguns. U.S. cavalry used the shotgun extensively during the Indian Wars in the latter half of the 19th century. In 2011, a total of 478,400 fatal and nonfatal violent crimes were committed with a firearm. Homicides made up about 2% of all firearm-related crimes. There were 11,101 firearm homicides in 2011, down by 39% from a high of 18,253 in 1993. In our case husband shot his wife with a shotgun at an unusual site and she was treated for two days after the incident. In this case cause of death was opined as “ Death was due to peritonitis consequent upon Fire Arm Injury sustained”. Interpreting a shot gun injury requires an in-depth knowledge of ballistics. In cases where the firearm is a front loading country made firearm a thorough knowledge of unconventional ballistics is also of great importance.