The skull and mandible were broken and exhibited a mosaic pattern of sun bleaching. The pattern of bone breakage and absence of warping were consistent with a perforating injury such as a gunshot that entered under the chin, traveled from below to above and from back to front, and exited through the facial region. Microscopic examination of the frontal bone's fracture margins revealed numerous particles embedded in the spongiosa above the eye orbits. The skeleton exhibited several unusual features that occurred postmortem and was characterized by varying discoloration. Several bones showed postmortem breakage and loss; the os coxae, femora, and third lumbar vertebra exhibited penetrating and perforating wounds. The direction of the shotgun blast was from the decedent's right side. Two perforations of the left acetabulum and left femoral head indicated that these bones were still articulated when shot and that the body was not standing at the time. Evidence suggested that the individual had been dead at least 2 to 3 years when shot. The case exemplifies the kind of information that can be obtained by careful examination of the human skeleton and associated material evidence and the specialized skills and knowledge required of the forensic anthropologist. 10 references and 5 figures