Gunshot Injury in Neck; Suicide or Homicide?

Forensic investigation of a gunshot related death can be a challenging process .When ascertaining the mannerof death, the forensic expert should be careful, as, attempts are not uncommon to disguise homicides assuicides. Abnormal and unusual location of gunshot wound adds to this suspicion. The case under discussionhighlights the role of a forensic expert in the ascertainment of the manner in firearm deaths. The deceasedwas a criminal who was absconding and when his where about were revealed to the investigating agency, hewas followed to arrest but, upon reaching the spot in the sugarcane fields, there was exchange of fire and hisdead body was found with the weapon lying near him. A thorough complete autopsy and detection of gunpowder residue on hands lead to the unfolding of this mystery.