Suicide using a simple crude homemade firearm (zip gun) - a case report

摘要

Introduction. For homemade firearm, as well as for blank pistol, tear gas gun or cap pistol, that are adapted to use as firearm, there is a commonly used term - zip gun. Presented zip gun is one of the simplest crude homemade firearms that was found among reviewed articles. Case report. We present a case where a young man committed suicide by using a very simple, crude zip gun. The iron tube was used as a barrel. At one end of the iron tube a hunting cartridge was inserted. That end of the tube was closed by iron cylinder with a screw breaching through the center. The decedent was holding the metal tube i.e. the barrel in left hand. He was holding a hammer with his right hand and trying to hit the head of the screw which was, in this case, used as a firing pin. Conclusion. Authors would like to emphasize the importance of thorough investigation and detailed documentation of the crime scene. Particular attention is needed in cases were unusual metal or other parts can be found at the scene from witch a crude homemade gun can be made. We also emphasize that, because of the low power of these kind of firearms and possibility of surviving the shot, if the vital structures are not damaged, an urgent and adequate medical intervention could save the injured persons life.