FORENSIC ANALYSIS OF SUICIDAL AND HOMICIDAL FIREARM INJURIES: RETROSPECTIVE STUDY CONDUCTED AT MEDICO-LEGAL SECTION LUMHS HYDERABAD

Abstract

Background: Firearms injuries are of great medico-legal importance and mostly result from homicidal or suicidal intent. The demographic profile, anatomical sites and manner of firearm injuries are of great significance from a forensic point of view. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to determine firearm injuries based on body regions involved, gender, and frequency of suicidal and homicidal firearm injuries. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 100 firearm injury cases received at the Medico-Legal Section, LUMHS, Hyderabad. Data was extracted from medico-legal case records using a predesigned proforma. Cases were analyzed and results were generated in terms of frequencies and percentages to see the gender distribution, nature of injury and primary anatomical sites involved. Results: A total of 96 (96%) cases were male and 4 (4%) were female. In terms of nature of injury, 76 (76%) cases were homicidal, 13 (13%) were suicidal and 11 (11%) were undetermined. The primary anatomical sites involved were lower limbs (55%), upper limbs (22%), thorax/chest (9%), face (5%), head/skull (4%), neck (3%) and abdomen (2%).

Conclusion: Firearm injuries were more frequently observed among males than females and homicidal injuries are common as compared to suicidal injuries. The study highlights important statistical data related to suicidal and homicidal firearm injuries which can help medico-legal authorities and law-enforcement agencies in dealing with such cases in an effective manner.