Abstract

Unavailable in the literature is any reference to an investigation of death after evidence has been destroyed. In this presentation two firearms and the bullet were melted after the death was certified as a suicide. A team of investigators conducted a psychological autopsy as well as shot patterns to determine the distance from the gun muzzle to the head to determine whether or not the wound was a contact type. The resolution of the case is discussed and the factor of local politics and case prominance in the media is reviewed.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Keywords:
criminalistics, forensic science, death investigation, evidence

References

1.
American Psychiatric Association
,
Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-III-R
, Third Ed.,
Washington, D.C.
,
American Psychiatric Association
,
1987
, pp.
217
-
226
.
2.
Maris
,
R.
 
Pathways to Suicide
,
Baltimore, MD
,
John Hopkins University Press
,
1981
, p. 275.
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