How Much Can a Gunshot Injury Say About the Gun Used?

February 25, 2016February 4, 2016 / Ben / 8 Comments

Gunshot injuries can reveal a lot of information, but don’t expect miracles. (Shutterstock photo)

TLDR: It depends, but it’s probably not as much as you think.

Full disclosure: I’m not a forensic scientist. I can’t hold a candle to books like Dr. D.P. Lyle’s Howdunit Forensics (Writer’s Digest Books) unless I’m burning it as part of a book ban, and I gave those up years ago.

Regardless, I’ve served as a resource for journalists working on stories involving firearms and crime, including homicide. In one instance from last year, I provided commentary on autopsy reports from a notorious shootout in Texas about the firearms used. The experience highlighted how much and how little a gunshot injury can reveal about the firearm used. Continue reading →

FACT or FICTION: Forensics and Crime Scene Investigation Portrayed in Entertainment

November 19, 2015March 11, 2016 / Ben / 5 Comments

Skilled investigators work to unravel crime scenes, but it doesn’t always follow the process portrayed in pop culture. For example, in this photo, it’s clear that someone spilled white paint on himself/herself, then tripped while doing a Wile E. Coyote impression. ~Ben (Image by Nate Nolting via sxc.hu)

If you’re not already reading crime writer/criminologist Jennifer Chase’s blog and Emily Stone series of novels, you’re missing out. In addition to those great reads, Chase cranks out posts on her website worthy of a college course in criminal justice. I’m privileged to host another fantastic post from her here. Enjoy!

~Ben

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Infographic: Gunshot Wounds

July 9, 2015September 3, 2015 / Ben / 4 Comments

I found this infographic over at True Forensics, and it’s incredible how much information about gunshot injuries is crammed into it. I especially like the bit about penetration patterns of different cartridges. This is one to bookmark, pin or download.

Should Characters “Dig Out” Bullet Injuries?

April 28, 2015March 11, 2016 / Ben / 1 Comment

Photo via Wikimedia

TLDR: No.

Not having been shot by a gun (thankfully), I’m a little naive in the department of gunshot injuries. However, a Facebook conversation the other day brought up the topic of characters treating gunshot wounds. Books, movies and TV shows will often depict a character “digging out the bullet” before wrapping up the wound.

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Should Characters Use Sugar to Heal Gun/Knife Wounds?

April 28, 2015September 3, 2015 / Ben / Leave a comment

TLDR: Using sugar is old school, but it can be effective for minor injuries. Modern characters would likely use a commercial coagulent and antibiotics.

A trick from back in the day involved packing a wound with sugar. Apparently, this came up in the movie Shooter, where an injured character dumped sugar into a wound. (I only have the gist of what happened, I haven’t actually seen Shooter.)

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