Entrance Wound Identification
Wound margin shape reveals the bullet's direction of travel.
- 3–6mm: Entrance diameter (typical caliber range)
- Abraded: Margin type (inverted, scraped edges)
- <60cm: Soot/stipple range (close-range indicator)
- Variable: Skin elasticity (alters wound shape)
Wound margin analysis
Inverted, abraded edges signal the bullet's entry point.
Entrance sizing
Entrance holes are usually smaller than the bullet caliber.
Close-range evidence
Soot and stippling around the wound indicate firing distance.
Exit Wound Identification
A larger, everted margin marks where the bullet left the body.
- 5–15mm: Exit diameter (larger than entrance)
- Everted: Margin type (outward-torn edges)
- Stellate: Wound shape (irregular star tear)
- Possible: Bone deflection (fragments alter path)
Exit wound morphology
Everted, irregular edges signal the bullet's exit point.
Tissue disruption
Exit wounds are typically larger and messier than entry.
Missing exit cases
Some bullets lodge inside the body, leaving no exit.
Trajectory Line Drawn
A straight line links entrance and exit through soft tissue.
- Rod / laser: Probe method (visualizes wound path)
- Straight: Assumed path (no deflection assumed)
- Soft tissue: Tissue type (minimal deviation)
- ±2°: Line accuracy (typical uncertainty)
Connecting the points
A straight line links the entrance to the exit point.
Probe method
Rods or lasers help visualize the internal wound path.
Straight-travel assumption
Soft tissue rarely deflects a bullet's path significantly.
Angle of Trajectory
Vertical and horizontal deviation are measured from body position.
- -45°…45°: Vertical range (up/down deviation)
- -45°…45°: Horizontal range (left/right deviation)
- Anatomic: Reference plane (standing position)
- Assumed upright: Body posture (affects estimate)
Vertical angle
Up-down deviation from horizontal is measured precisely.
Horizontal angle
Left-right deviation from midline is measured precisely.
Body position matters
Victim posture at impact changes angle interpretation.
Shooter Position Estimated
The trajectory is projected backward to locate the shooter.
- ~5 m: Standoff distance (assumed baseline)
- Computed: Shooter height (from vertical angle)
- Moderate: Estimate confidence (angle-dependent)
- Forensic recon: Primary use (courtroom evidence)
Backward extrapolation
The trajectory line is projected past the entrance point.
Distance estimation
An assumed standoff distance yields a shooter height.
Courtroom application
Reconstructions corroborate or refute witness testimony.