Isolated firearm deaths are usually self-inflicted. The determination
of suicide is supported not only by the presence of a
close-range wound but also by the scene and historical information.
A complete external examination of the victim may
also reveal evidence of self-intent on the hand(s), i.e., blood
spatter and soot deposition. The head is the most common site
for self-inflicted firearm wounds. Usually, multiple firearm
wounds arouse suspicion of homicide. In the case of multiple
firearm the wound tracks, relative lethality, and incapacitation
needs to be assessed to determine the manner of death.2