The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology
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Accidental, suicidal, and homicidal injuries have been caused by arrows fired from crossbows. To our knowledge, a case of suicide using a full-size compound bow to fire a projectile has not been reported in the English literature. ⋯ The mechanism of injury is discussed. When dealing with a longbow-related fatality, examination of the weaponry used and reenactment of the fatal methodology are critical in determining whether self-inflicted injury is a probability.