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Suicide Using a Compound Bow and Arrow

1998; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 19; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/00000433-199803000-00020

1533-404X

Stephen J. Cina, Stephen Radentz, John E. Smialek,

Gun Ownership and Violence Research

Accidental, suicidal, and homicidal injuries have been caused by arrows fired from crossbows. To our knowledge, a case of suicide using a full-size compound bow to fire a projectile has not been reported in the English literature. Described is a case of a 17-year-old man who shot himself in the chest with a broadhead hunting arrow fired from a compound bow. Examination of the foot-wear suggests that the decedent drew the bowstring with his left foot while holding the bow in his hands. The mechanism of injury is discussed. When dealing with a longbow-related fatality, examination of the weaponry used and reenactment of the fatal methodology are critical in determining whether self-inflicted injury is a probability.