The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology
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Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Mar 2004
ReviewOccupational deaths due to penetrating chest injuries from sledgehammer fragments: two case reports and review of the literature.
Occupational deaths due to projectiles from hand tools are rare. We report 2 unusual cases of individuals killed by metallic projectiles produced by the fragmentation of the head of a sledgehammer. At initial examination, these wounds appear similar to atypical gunshot or stab wounds. Proper evaluation requires radiographic examination, scene correlation, and, when possible, comparison of metallic fragments retrieved at autopsy and tools from the scene.
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Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Mar 2004
Case ReportsBloodstain pattern analysis in a case of suicide with a compound bow and arrow.
The incidence of human fatalities due to arrow injuries in the medical literature is rare. We report an incident involving a 46-year-old man who was found in his secured apartment with a fatal arrow wound of his chest and abdomen. ⋯ However, analysis of the bloodstain patterns suggested that the victim used the compound bow to propel the arrow. When investigating deaths due to bows and arrows, thorough scene investigation along with bloodstain pattern analysis is essential in determining the mechanism of injury and manner of death.