What does the presence of burn marks on the skin from a gun typically indicate?

The presence of burn marks on the skin from a gun typically indicates that the firearm was discharged at very close range, which is commonly associated with suicide scenarios. When a gun is fired in close proximity to the skin, the hot gases and gunpowder residue can cause burns and other injuries. This physical evidence suggests a high likelihood that the individual was holding the firearm against themselves at the time of discharge.

In contrast, burn marks are less definitive when it comes to other potential scenarios. In cases of homicide, accidental shooting, or self-defense, the distance from which the gun was fired might not produce similar burn marks, as these situations often involve a greater separation between the shooter and the victim, reducing the chances of such close-range effects. Thus, burn marks are a significant indicator and can assist forensic scientists in determining the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident.