How Messy is a Contact Shotgun Blast??? (Alex Murdaugh Trial)

Published on March 15, 2023
Duration: 8:51

This video experimentally recreates the forensic effects of a contact shotgun blast, inspired by the Alex Murdaugh trial. It demonstrates how trapped gases and pressure cause extensive damage beyond projectile impact, destroying the back and top of a ballistic dummy head while leaving the face relatively intact. The experiment highlights the significant splatter and debris generated, offering insights into trial evidence.

Quick Summary

A contact shotgun blast occurs when the muzzle is pressed against the target. Damage is caused by trapped gases and intense pressure expanding into the target, in addition to projectile impact, leading to extreme destruction.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Murdaugh Trial & Contact Shotgun Blast
  2. 00:45What is a Contact Gunshot?
  3. 01:12Baseline: Normal Shotgun Blast
  4. 02:54Experiment Setup: Simulated Shed & Dummy
  5. 04:02Performing the Contact Shot (00 Buck)
  6. 05:57Forensic Analysis & Trial Comparison
  7. 06:46Post-Blast Inspection & Debris

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the extreme damage in a contact shotgun blast?

In a contact shotgun blast, the muzzle is pressed against the target. Damage is caused not only by the projectiles but also by the intense pressure and gases trapped inside the barrel that have nowhere to escape but into the target.

How does a contact shotgun blast differ from a standard blast?

A standard blast allows gases to dissipate quickly. In a contact shot, gases are trapped, leading to explosive expansion into the target, causing significantly more tissue damage, pressure effects, and splatter than a non-contact discharge.

What type of ammunition was used in the contact shotgun test?

The test utilized a 3-inch shell loaded with 12 pellets of double-aught (00) buckshot, fired at a velocity of approximately 1300 feet per second (fps).

What forensic insights did the contact shotgun test provide?

The test demonstrated that the back and top of the head were destroyed, while the face remained relatively intact. This aligns with forensic findings in cases like Paul Murdaugh's death, offering visual evidence for trial testimony.

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