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Borges J, Sautier C, Krebs-Drouot L, Henry P, Paysant F, Scolan V. Death and non-lethal weapons: A case of homicide by penetrating injury without projectile. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 337:111374. [PMID: 35839685 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report the death of a man, approximately thirty years old, victim of a short-range shot to the thorax from a PIEXON JPX4, a hand weapon classed category D in France, said to be non-lethal. External examination of the lesion revealed characteristics similar to those of ballistic injuries. The autopsy found an intercostal wound that reached the pulmonary parenchyma and the pulmonary artery, with severe hemothorax. By the end of the autopsy, no projectile had been found in the body, nor any exit orifice. Death was caused by the effects of hemorrhagic shock. The PIEXON JPX4 has four cartridges, projecting a capsaicin gel that is designed to irritate the ENT area (ear nose throat) to incapacitate an assailant. The manufacturer recommends not to use it at distances of less than 1.5 m. Experimental shots were performed on gelatine blocks at point-blank range and at distances of 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 and 150 cm to evaluate the distance necessary for the jet of gel to have a penetrating effect. Shots at 5-30 cm penetrated the structure. None of the other shots were penetrating. The autopsy and experiment data therefore show the penetrating potential of the jet of gel. Herein, we report the first death due to use of the PIEXON JPX4. From a forensic investigation viewpoint, we add a new exception to the "bullet rule". (The odd and even bullet rule states that if the number of gunshot wounds of entrance and exit found in the body is even, the presumption is that no bullet is lodged in the body. If the number of gunshot wounds of entrance and exit is odd, the presumption is that one or more bullets have been lodged in the body.).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Borges
- Service de médecine légale, CHU de Grenoble, France.
| | | | | | - P Henry
- Service de médecine légale, CHU de Grenoble, France
| | - F Paysant
- Service de médecine légale, CHU de Grenoble, France
| | - V Scolan
- Service de médecine légale, CHU de Grenoble, France
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Ifantides C, Christopher KL, Deitz GA, Smith JM, Patnaik JL, SooHoo JR, Subramanian PS. Ophthalmic Injuries by Less-Lethal Kinetic Weapons During the US George Floyd Protests in Spring 2020. JAMA Ophthalmol 2021; 139:242-244. [PMID: 33270094 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.5325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristos Ifantides
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado, Aurora.,Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Karen L Christopher
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado, Aurora.,Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Galia A Deitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Jesse M Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado, Aurora.,Department of Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado
| | | | - Jeffrey R SooHoo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado, Aurora.,Department of Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado
| | - Prem S Subramanian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado, Aurora.,Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, Aurora.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado, Aurora
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Less-Lethal Weapons Resulting in Ophthalmic Injuries: A Review and Recent Example of Eye Trauma. Ophthalmol Ther 2020; 9:1-7. [PMID: 32535838 PMCID: PMC7406611 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-020-00271-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prior reports have highlighted the dangers of crowd control weapons such
as rubber bullets, paintball guns, and pepper spray. Many of these reports were
written decades ago and outside of the USA. We summarize a review of the literature
and discuss a contemporary case of a ruptured globe and facial trauma secondary to a
projectile weapon. This case serves to highlight the severity of eye trauma caused by
less-lethal weapons; severe morbidity or even mortality can occur. Clinical Description A civilian presented after a projectile weapon reportedly fired by
Denver law enforcement struck his face during one of the recent protests in May 2020
in Denver. Upon ophthalmic examination, we observed no light perception (NLP) vision,
periorbital ecchymosis, and devastating globe trauma. Primary Diagnosis, Interventions, and Outcomes Further examination revealed a severely ruptured globe with extensive
hemorrhage and extrusion of intraocular contents. Attempts to repair the ruptured
globe failed because of the lack of remaining scleral tissue and expulsion of
intraocular contents. Postoperatively, the visual acuity remained NLP and the eye was
unable to hold pressure. Subsequently, the patient elected for enucleation. Conclusion Despite the purported safety advancements of less-lethal weapons, we
continue to see high levels of morbidity and mortality. Permanent vision loss, loss
of the eye, and death caused by these weapons have been reported. We hope that this
information will serve as an example to help promote judicious use of these weapons
by the proper authorities. Additionally, protesters and bystanders should be aware of
these dangers and utilize high-quality eye protection.
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Beatty JA, Stopyra JP, Slish JH, Bozeman WP. Injury patterns of less lethal kinetic impact projectiles used by law enforcement officers. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 69:101892. [PMID: 32056809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.101892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason P Stopyra
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, USA.
| | - John H Slish
- University of Florida School of Medicine, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, USA.
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Guérant M, Vaz MA, Peoc'h M, Gaillard Y, Boyer B. Suicidal shot in the mouth with rubber bullets. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2018. [PMID: 29523001 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Rubber bullets weapons can have tragic consequences when used at short range and on vulnerable body areas. A man in his forties was found deceased at his house, covered in blood. A "non-lethal" firearm was found near the bed: the «SAPL GC27». This is a single shot handgun with mini Gomm Cogne ammunition: 12 rubber spherical pellets, 7.4 mm in diameter. The findings were consistent with an intra buccal shot, and an ingestion-inhalation of blood and projectiles. Cause of the death was linked to both the hemorrhage due to mouth and aero digestive crossroad trauma, responsible of a mechanical asphyxia, and blood absorption in lungs. This case insists on the deadly potential of this weapon if misused. Fortunately, the term "non-lethal" has been progressively replaced, but sometimes still can be seen, especially in gunsmith and webstores. It should be deleted to avoid confusion among inexperienced people, and at best, this weapon should be restricted to certain professions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malou Guérant
- Service de Médecine Légale, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 58 rue Montalembert, 63003 Clermont Ferrand, France.
| | - Marie-Aude Vaz
- Service de Radiologie, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 58 rue Montalembert, 63003 Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Michel Peoc'h
- Service d'Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologiques, CHU de St Etienne, bd Pasteur, 42055 St Etienne, France
| | - Yvan Gaillard
- Laboratoire LAT LUMTOX, 07800 La Voulte Sur Rhône, France
| | - Baptiste Boyer
- Service de Médecine Légale, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 58 rue Montalembert, 63003 Clermont Ferrand, France
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Rodrigues E, Faria P, Santos A, Fraga S. Police shootings against civilians in Portugal: Contextual, forensic medical and judicial characterization. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 33:50-5. [PMID: 26048497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the circumstances, the forensic assessment and the legal assessment of police shootings of civilians, according to the severity of the victim's injuries. Sixty-nine cases tried in Portuguese criminal courts were analysed. Of the 32 cases that resulted in death, 16 were on the public thoroughfare and 13 were in the victim's vehicle or in third-party vehicles. The majority of the lethal cases occurred when the region of the body hit was the thorax/abdomen. The firearm most frequently used was a semi-automatic 9 mm pistol. In cases resulting in death police officers involved were convicted whilst those involved in non-lethal cases were acquitted. The results of this study can be taken into account by Portuguese authorities for the implementation of policies that will allow the restriction of firearms use by police officers to situations of imminent danger of death or serious injury and that will make it possible to avoid shooting at fleeing civilians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Rodrigues
- Doctoral Program in Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula Faria
- Faculty of Law of Catholic University of Portugal, Rua Diogo Botelho, 1327, 4160-005 Porto, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Santos
- National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Department of Pathology, North Branch, Jardim Carrilho Videira, 4050-167 Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Department of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; School of Health Sciences of Minho University, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Center of Forensic Sciences, National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Largo da Sé Nova, 3000-213 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Fraga
- EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Rua das Taipas, 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
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Kunz SN, Arborelius UP, Gryth D, Sonden A, Gustavsson J, Wangyal T, Svensson L, Rocksén D. Cardiac changes after simulated behind armor blunt trauma or impact of nonlethal kinetic projectile ammunition. THE JOURNAL OF TRAUMA 2011; 71:1134-1143. [PMID: 22071920 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e318232b079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac-related injuries caused by blunt chest trauma remain a severe problem. The aim of this study was to investigate pathophysiological changes in the heart that might arise after behind armor blunt trauma or impacts of nonlethal projectiles. METHODS Sixteen pigs were shot directly at the sternum with "Sponge Round eXact I Mpact" (nonlethal ammunition; diameter 40 mm and weight 28 g) or hard-plastic ammunition (diameter 65 mm and weight 58 g) to simulate behind armor blunt trauma. To evaluate the influence of the shot location, seven additional pigs where exposed to an oblique heart shot. Physiologic parameters, electrocardiography, echocardiogram, the biochemical marker troponin I (TnI), and myocardial injuries were analyzed. RESULTS Nonlethal kinetic projectiles (101-108 m/s; 143-163 J) did not cause significant pathophysiological changes. Five of 18 pigs shot with 65-mm plastic projectiles (99-133 m/s; 284-513 J) to the front or side of the thorax died directly after the shot. No major physiologic changes could be observed in surviving animals. Animals shot with an oblique heart shot (99-106 m/s; 284-326 J) demonstrated a small, but significant decrease in saturation. Energy levels over 300 J caused increased TnI and myocardial damages in most of the pigs. CONCLUSION This study indicates that nonlethal kinetic projectiles "eXact iMpact" does not cause heart-related damage under the examined conditions. On impact, sudden heart arrest may occur independently from the cardiac's electrical cycle. The cardiac enzyme, TnI, can be used as a reliable diagnostic marker to detect heart tissue damages after blunt chest trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian N Kunz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany.
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Luyer MDP, Hoofwijk AGM. Blunt liver trauma from bean bag ammunition. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2009; 35:503. [PMID: 26815219 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-008-8059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2008] [Accepted: 10/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Police departments in Europe are increasingly using nonlethal weapons and/or ammunitions such as a bean bag to restrain and disable a person temporarily. A bean bag is a small nylon bag filled with metal balls that is fired from a shotgun and weighs approximately 50 g. It is successfully used in the United States by law enforcement personnel. This report describes a case in which use of a bean bag resulted in a contusion of the liver, which was treated conservatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misha D P Luyer
- Department of Surgery, Maasland Hospital Sittard, Sittard, The Netherlands. .,Department of Surgery, Maasland Hospital Sittard, PO Box 5500, 6130 MB, Sittard, The Netherlands.
| | - Anton G M Hoofwijk
- Department of Surgery, Maasland Hospital Sittard, Sittard, The Netherlands
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Rezende-Neto J, Silva FD, Porto LB, Teixeira LC, Tien H, Rizoli SB. Penetrating injury to the chest by an attenuated energy projectile: a case report and literature review of thoracic injuries caused by "less-lethal" munitions. World J Emerg Surg 2009; 4:26. [PMID: 19555511 PMCID: PMC2715385 DOI: 10.1186/1749-7922-4-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2009] [Accepted: 06/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the case of a patient who sustained a penetrating injury to the chest caused by an attenuated energy rubber bullet and review the literature on thoracic injuries caused by plastic and rubber "less-lethal" munitions. The patient of this report underwent a right thoracotomy to extract the projectile as well as a wedge resection of the injured lung parenchyma. This case demonstrates that even supposedly safe riot control munition fired at close range, at the torso, can provoke serious injury. Therefore a thorough investigation and close clinical supervision are justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Rezende-Neto
- Risoleta Tolentino Neves University Hospital Trauma Center - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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