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Wounding Characteristics of Glaser Safety Ammunition: A Report of Three Cases

NCJ Number
187188
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2001 Pages: 160-164
Author(s)
Stephen J. de Roux M.D.; Nancy C. Prendergast M.D.; Robert Tamburri
Date Published
January 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the autopsy and radiographic findings in three individuals who were fatally wounded with Glaser safety ammunition; the findings are contrasted with those reported in shotshell injuries.
Abstract
The Blaser safety slug is a type of pellet-containing handgun ammunition. The wounding capabilities of this round are far superior to that of shotshell ammunition, with which it may be confused at forensic autopsy. This paper reports on three cases that involved wounding with Glaser safety ammunition. Radiographs of individuals injured with Glaser-type ammunition show the metal jacket and pellets within the tissues. At autopsy, in addition to the metal fragments, the plastic plug may be found. No jacketing would be present in the tissues on X-ray following shotshell cartridge injuries. In contact or close-range shotshell cartridge injuries, the plastic cylinder and wadding material may be found in the wound. Clearly, the wounding capabilities of the Glaser safety bullet are severe. The wound inflicted from a distance (case 3) resulted in fractured bones, extensive internal injuries, and the production of small exiting fragments. The extensive skull fracturing seen in cases 1 and 2 (at close or contact range) likewise highlight the dissipation of considerable energy. 3 figures and 4 references