Gunshot Suicide: Cherry-Red Discoloration of the Temporal Muscle Beneath the Exit Wound

The article describes a case of gunshot suicide to the head in a 51-year-old man. The entrance wound was located in the left temple and exit wound in the right temple. The entrance wound had the characteristics of a hard-contact gunshot wound. The most interesting finding in this case was cherry-red discoloration of the right temporal muscle surrounding the exit wound. This finding could make the determination of the entrance versus exit gunshot wound challenging, especially if the wounds are of atypical appearance. In addition, the finding described in the presented case could be the proof that carbon monoxide may follow the missile through the body and may be prominent in the soft tissue at the exit.
Source: The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology - Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research