Suicide by shooting with a tiling hammer

Abstract

Reports of cases involving self-made firearms are rare. This report discusses an unusual case involving a 36-year-old man found dead by the bank of a lake with a suspected gunshot wound. A gas pistol, calibre 9 mm, was found in the lake. A metal pipe with a hammer was also found but not initially identified as the causative weapon. The investigation focussed on the gas pistol until tests revealed that this had never been fired. Attention then turned to the metal tube and hammer. A reconstruction of the weapon revealed that the victim had constructed a unique functional device activated via a hammer used in his occupation as a tiler. It was concluded that the man had committed suicide. This is a highly unusual suicide case due to the discovery of more than one weapon at the scene and the use of a self-made firearm. The findings of this case would be of interest to forensic scientists, pathologists and the police.