NCJ Number
148722
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1994) Pages: 685-692
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed deaths due to firearms injuries in children ages 10 and under in Cook County (Ill.), which contains Chicago, from 1984 through 1992.
Abstract
The information came from the records of the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. During this period the office performed 32,400 autopsies, of which 45 were deaths on children due to firearms injuries. Results revealed that homicidal shootings predominated (69 percent) in this age group; the most common circumstance was that a child was struck by a stray bullet or shot intentionally by an adult. When the death was accidental (31 percent), the fatal incident always occurred when one or more children were playing with a gun they found in the home. Figures, photograph, and 33 references (Author abstract modified)