Planned complex suicide combining pistol head shot and train suicide and Virtopsy examination

This case report focuses on the findings in what appeared to be a planned complex pistol head shot and train suicide. The post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) scan this instance yielded two interesting skull fragments among many of highly fragmented body head. These fragments, based initial resolution, show consistent with firearm Upon reconstruction higher resolution data, necessary discrimination non-gunshot related semi-circular fragment rims firearm-related beveling matched macroscopic aspect fragments. As first lesson learned, thorough examination PMCT data relatively high degrees fragmentation may have inspect all bone edges also for subtle changes, possibly indicative sharp force trauma or gunshot trauma. To that end, individual should placed scanner table carefully proper spacing, expose their edges. Only allows capture avoids edge overlaps collisions optimal checking possible semicircular defects data. A second technical learned is particularly instances at least parts body, as good maximally achievable. availability raw reconstruct images maximal image quality rather than using trade-off between lesser cost yield key issue. third bodies consequence an apparent form injury - fire/thermal, fall from great height, collision other forms trauma, interpreted caution, regard can ruled out.