A crossbow suicide. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Panata, Laura; Lancia, Massimo; Persichini, Alessandra; Scalise Pantuso, Sergio; Bacci, Mauro
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 281(2017)
• Page Start: e19
• Page End: e23
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Suicide -- Crossbow -- Illegal dart -- Intracranial injury -- Autopsy -- Forensic pathology; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.10.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: A case of self-inflicted crossbow arrow is reported. It is a contribution to literature because crossbow injuries are rare. The case highlights the unrestricted sale of the crossbow. The case emphasizes the simple access to dangerous items in the global market. Abstract: The crossbow is an ancient ranged weapon originally conceived for war and hunting. Although nowadays its use in warfare has been surpassed by firearms, it continues to be used in hunting, sports and recreation. The authors present the case of a 40-year-old man who suffered from severe depression. When his condition further deteriorated, doctors ordered a forced hospitalization but, just a few hours before the measure became effective, the man committed suicide using a crossbow. The autopsy and police investigation showed possession of the crossbow darts which the man used to shoot himself in the head. The forensic pathologist found the dart stuck in the skull: the entry wound was in the suprahyoid region while the arrow tip emerged in the left parietal region meaning the arrow crossed the tongue, the middle fossa, the brain and the cranial wall. All the wounds presented a three-pointed star shape consistent with the three sharp blades of the dart. An extensive blood infiltration affected the subdural and subarachnoid space, particularly where the dart had passed. The severe brain injury, extensive subdural and subarachnoid bleeding and brain swelling following the trauma caused the death. Even though the use of the crossbow is only permitted in sporting/hunting contexts, the reported case highlights the sharp contrast between its potential for harm and the easy access to this kind of weapon, even for those affected by mental illness.