The Next Best Thing to a Confession is a Lie

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Forensic Pathology Unveils the Truth Behind Two Gripping Homicide Cases

In two separate cases, forensic analysis played a pivotal role in unraveling deceptive stories crafted by suspects, ultimately leading to justice. Forensic evidence tore apart alibis in each case and painted a grim picture of what transpired. Here’s how Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr used his expertise to bring the truth to light.

The “Impossible Reach” Case: A Shotgun Alibi Shattered

In the first case, a suspect claimed he was trying to wrestle a shotgun away from his partner in an attempt to prevent her from harming herself. According to his account, as he struggled to disarm her, the weapon inadvertently discharged, causing a fatal wound to her chest. But forensic evidence and an autopsy told a starkly different story.

The Science Behind Shotgun Spread

Forensic pathologists found telltale signs that discredited the suspect’s story. The shotgun was loaded with birdshot, which disperses in a cone-shaped pattern when discharged. This spread created a pattern referred to in forensic pathology as a defect with “satellite wounds,” which appeared on the victim’s chest several inches apart. This dispersion indicated the weapon was fired from a distance of several feet away, rather than pressed against the skin, as the suspect’s account implied.

“In forensics, we look closely at wound patterns. The further away a shotgun is fired from, the wider the spread of pellets,” Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr explained.