Ricochet Wound
Definition
An entry wound produced by a bullet that has deflected from a hard surface before striking the victim. Characterised by a deformed bullet (one asymmetric face), an irregular or crescentic wound perforation, an asymmetric or absent abrasion collar, and trace inclusions from the deflection surface. Velocity and energy are reduced relative to direct fire at equivalent distance.
- Cause
- Bullet deflects off a hard surface before impact
- Bullet shape
- Asymmetric deformation, one flattened face
- Wound shape
- Irregular or crescentic perforation
- Abrasion collar
- Asymmetric or absent
- Energy
- Reduced versus a direct shot at the same distance
Common questions
Why is bullet deformation important in identifying a ricochet wound?+
A bullet that strikes a hard surface before hitting the body typically flattens or distorts asymmetrically on one face, and matching that deformation pattern to the suspected deflection surface helps confirm the ricochet trajectory rather than a direct shot.
How does trace evidence help confirm a ricochet strike?+
Material transferred from the deflection surface, such as paint, concrete dust or metal fragments, can become embedded in the wound or on the bullet itself, giving investigators physical evidence linking the wound to a specific intermediate surface.
Related terms
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- Post-Mortem Wound
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- Staging
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- Vital Reaction
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