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Summary and Comment: The autopsy report states:
- The identity of the remains was without question.
- Gunshot wound #1: A bullet entered the left temple from above, fragmented, and lodged in the left side of neck.
- Gunshot wound #2: (cause of death): Gunshot wound from high-velocity bullet entering left cheek and exiting right rear of neck, collapsing vertibrae of neck.
- Terminal bleeding.
- Aspiration of blood.
- Bullet fragments recovered.
The wounds are not consistent with the marksmanship of Bible students shooting madly in the heat of combat.
Instead, the wounds appear to be expertly placed to pass through the center of the brain, causing instant and certain fatality — as few but a professional sniper could do. The bullet did extensive fatal damage that could not be mitigated in the world's best trauma unit, even if it were already on the scene.
Note that the states, "Weapon Gun; Unknown type" without citing the caliber identified in the autopsy. Further, it states, "Offender: Committed suicide" without identifying the offender or noting that surviving Davidians were tried and convicted for the deaths of the ATF agents.
Bone chart and
medical glossary available on line.
Anomalies in the Forensic Process may also be
helpful.