Page 96 - CFDI Guide

position, often also assuming the decedent’s position was as found. In addition, the assessment on scene

may be based on a two-dimensional plane – such as a paper target receiving gunshots, vs. a three-
dimensional plane – such as a box receiving gunshots. The former cannot discern trajectory, and the latter

does. The body as a three-dimensional plane must be considered. In addition, at least the first gunshot is
most often with the decedent in a position other than found – such as standing vs. fallen. At other times, it

may be unchanged – such as a sitting position. Bodies have multiple points of pivot and axis – rotations,
movements of limbs, etc. The incidents are fluid and dynamic and these dynamic and fluid actions must be

considered.

Scene Description
GSWs are blunt force injuries, and many of the same components. Specific to GSWs, to fully understand

the dynamics of a shooting incident and the trajectories involved, the scene must be looked at in its three-
dimensional form and the decedent, or victim, scene included – as well as any additional persons to

include the defendant, and any fixtures.

Additional scene information with the assessment, including trajectories and blood spatter, will define the
parameters from which a shooter could or could not be positioned, and also the decedent or victim. For

example, at autopsy the range of fire may be ‘distant’ – greater than three feet, and if the available space
to the shooter from the decedent is no greater than eight feet, this information is important to the

autopsy and law enforcement investigation. Other considerations:
• Seeing specific types of trajectories assist with dynamics and body positions.

• Any progression of the injured person – such as collapsing.
• If the body is moved after.

• Blood flows with gravity, whether the person is standing, sitting, or laying down before and after any

shooting.
• Was blood flow consistent with the position of the body?

Accurate trajectory determination and diagramming in the official investigation is important, and should
be of concern if not determined or provided. Any scene assessment by ‘stringing’ blood spatter or
reenactment, including by the CFDI and experts, may be beneficial to the review and analysis of additional

scene information. The CFDI will do their own diagramming and trajectory determination.

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