Murder by air rifle: A case report

Air guns, which use compressed air to propel pellets known as diabolo projectiles, are often perceived as harmless toy-like weapons. However, advances in pressure mechanisms have increased their lethality, and fatal cases have been reported. We report the case of a 50-year-old man who died as a result of multiple air rifle injuries. Autopsy revealed seven pellet wounds, most likely caused by five shots. One pellet fractured the mandible, penetrated the neck and chest cavity, injured the ascending aorta, and lodged near the left first rib. Another entered the abdomen, injured the left kidney, and was found at the third lumbar vertebra. Two pellets traveled subcutaneously and exited the body, while a fifth produced only a superficial abrasion. The cause of death was determined to be major vascular and visceral organ injury with massive internal hemorrhage secondary to air rifle pellet trauma. This case illustrates the severe and often underestimated lethality of air rifles. Although widely regarded as recreational devices, these weapons can cause penetrating trauma comparable to that of conventional firearms, especially when vital structures are involved. Air rifles should not be considered toys. Their manufacture, distribution, licensing, and use should be strictly regulated, with attention to age restrictions and procurement requirements, to prevent serious injuries and fatalities.