Russian roulette and risk-taking behavior - A medical examiner study

Author: Shields LBE / Hunsaker JC / Stewart DM
Publication: American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
Topics: Accidents/Unintentional Recreational Use State Suicide Surveillance/Data Collection
Keywords: AGE Head Wounds Kentucky Male Russian Roulette
Bibliographic information +

The authors reviewed cases in the Medical Examiners’ Offices in Kentucky of self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the head from Russian roulette. Of the 24 incidents, most (79.2%) were white, and all were male and between 14 and 47 years. Compared with other firearm suicides involving head wounds, these victims were more likely to have elevated levels of ethanol in their blood, along with various drugs detected in their urine.