Ballistic study of the SAPL GC27 gun: is it really "nonlethal"?

Lethal head ballistic trauma with a «nonlethal» projectile: A case report and review of the literature

Forensic investigations of cranioencephalic ballistic trauma involve several aspects, including the study of terminal ballistics. This includes the analysis of projectiles and the damage they cause. Although some projectiles are considered "non-lethal", serious injuries and deaths secondary to the use of this type of ammunition have been reported. We report the case of a 37-year-old man who died from ballistic head trauma after the use of "Gomm Cogne" ammunition. A post-mortem computed tomography (CT) showed a right temporal bone defect and seven foreign bodies. Three of these were located in the encephalic parenchyma, which showed diffuse hemorrhagic changes. External examination indicated that this was a contact entry wound and confirmed encephalic involvement. This case illustrates the potential lethality of this type of ammunition with CT and autopsy with similar features to single projectile firearm injuries.

Death and non-lethal weapons: A case of homicide by penetrating injury without projectile

Herein, we report the death of a man, approximately thirty years old, victim of a short-range shot to the thorax from a PIEXON JPX4, a hand weapon classed category D in France, said to be non-lethal. External examination of the lesion revealed characteristics similar to those of ballistic injuries. The autopsy found an intercostal wound that reached the pulmonary parenchyma and the pulmonary artery, with severe hemothorax. By the end of the autopsy, no projectile had been found in the body, nor any exit orifice. Death was caused by the effects of hemorrhagic shock. The PIEXON JPX4 has four cartridges, projecting a capsaicin gel that is designed to irritate the ENT area (ear nose throat) to incapacitate an assailant. The manufacturer recommends not to use it at distances of less than 1.5 m. Experimental shots were performed on gelatine blocks at point-blank range and at distances of 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 and 150 cm to evaluate the distance necessary for the jet of gel to have a penetrating effect. Shots at 5-30 cm penetrated the structure. None of the other shots were penetrating. The autopsy and experiment data therefore show the penetrating potential of the jet of gel. Herein, we report the first death due to use of the PIEXON JPX4. From a forensic investigation viewpoint, we add a new exception to the "bullet rule". (The odd and even bullet rule states that if the number of gunshot wounds of entrance and exit found in the body is even, the presumption is that no bullet is lodged in the body. If the number of gunshot wounds of entrance and exit is odd, the presumption is that one or more bullets have been lodged in the body.).

Suicidal shot in the mouth with rubber bullets

Rubber bullets weapons can have tragic consequences when used at short range and on vulnerable body areas. A man in his forties was found deceased at his house, covered in blood. A "non-lethal" firearm was found near the bed: the «SAPL GC27». This is a single shot handgun with mini Gomm Cogne ammunition: 12 rubber spherical pellets, 7.4 mm in diameter. The findings were consistent with an intra buccal shot, and an ingestion-inhalation of blood and projectiles. Cause of the death was linked to both the hemorrhage due to mouth and aero digestive crossroad trauma, responsible of a mechanical asphyxia, and blood absorption in lungs. This case insists on the deadly potential of this weapon if misused. Fortunately, the term "non-lethal" has been progressively replaced, but sometimes still can be seen, especially in gunsmith and webstores. It should be deleted to avoid confusion among inexperienced people, and at best, this weapon should be restricted to certain professions.

Facial fractures caused by less-lethal rubber bullet weapons: case series report and literature review

PURPOSE

The present study aims to describe three cases of patients inflicted by rubber bullets with severe facial fractures.

METHODS

In addition, a review of English-language literature involving facial fractures by rubber bullets from 1975 to 2016 was performed.

RESULTS

This current study demonstrated that the use of the LLRBW is unsafety even when applied by police enforcements exclusively.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of facial fractures caused by LLRBW is done in a usual manner with closed or open reduction associated with bone mini-plates or reconstruction plates when indicated. Special initial wound care should be done to avoid secondary infection and additional procedures.

Less-lethal hybrid ammunition wounds: a forensic assessment introducing bullet-skin-bone entity

Agencies all around the world now use less-lethal weapons with homogeneous missiles such as bean bag or rubber bullets. Contusions and sometimes significant morbidity have been reported. This study focuses on wounds caused by hybrid ammunition with the pathologists' flap-by-flap procedure. Twenty-four postmortem human subjects were used, and lesions caused on frontal, temporal, sternal, and left tibial regions by a 40-mm hybrid ammunition (33 g weight) were evaluated on various distance range. The 50% risk of fractures occurred at 79.2 m/sec on the forehead, 72.9 m/sec on the temporal, 72.5 m/sec on the sternum, and 76.7 m/sec on the tibia. Skin lesions were not predictors of bone fracture. There was no correlation between soft and bone tissue observed lesions and impact velocity (correlated to distance range). Lesions observed with hybrid ammunition were the result of bullet-skin-bone entity as the interaction of the projectile on skin and bone tissues.

Severe facial rubber bullet injuries: less lethal but extremely harmful weapons

Less-lethal rubber-bullet weapons are designed to induce blunt injuries that incapacitate violent individuals.

AIM AND SCOPE

We intend to study the functional and aesthetic impairments and the cost in terms of social health resulting from rubber-bullet facial trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively collected all the facial trauma cases caused by mass-appeal, less-lethal guns followed up in two French university hospitals since the year 2000. We did not consider the facial injuries caused by professional, less-lethal, rubber or plastic bullet guns.

CONCLUSION

We showed that mass-appeal, less-lethal rubber-bullet guns induce severe traumas with irreversible functional consequences and long-term social implications. Victims of facial rubber-bullet traumas should be managed like high-energy trauma patients and benefit from extremely careful primary wound care.