Evaluation of Childhood Firearm Deaths Autopsies in Diyarbakır

Abstract

Objective:The medical findings, characteristics and investigation information of childhood firearm deaths autopsied in Diyarbakır were examined. It was aimed to discuss the effects of possession of firearms on children and possible solutions to prevent similar incidents.Methods:Deaths due to firearm injuries in individuals under the age of 18 years, who were autopsied between 2014 and 2018 by the Council of Forensic Medicine, Diyarbakır Forensic Medicine Group Presidency, were analyzed retrospectively through autopsy reports.Results:5.7% of firearm deaths undergoing autopsy occurred in childhood. In our study, 62 cases (92.5%) were in the ages of school period. The number of male cases was 43 (64.2%), while the number of female cases was 24 (35.8%). While the suicide origin was observed more frequently in the cases (21 cases, 31.3%), origin of the murder and the accident was found less frequent (11 cases-16.4%, 8 cases 12%, respectively). In 54.1% (13 cases) of female cases, the etiology of suicide was evaluated. Short barreled weapons were used in 33 cases (49.2%), and long barreled weapons were used in 33 cases (49.2%). The number of cases with death at the scene was 42 (62.6%), and 25 (37.4%) cases died in the hospital. There was a single gunshot wound in 59 cases (88%), and more than one gunshot wounds were detected in 8 cases (12%).Conclusion:We think that the actions aimed at ensuring preventing children from accessing firearms, controlling individual armament with serious mechanisms and raising social awareness about the damages that firearms can cause will make us encounter less of such incidents.

Keywords

• childhood
• firearm fatalities
• death
• autopsy