Fatal bullet wound in head. Image 1 of 2. The wound has been caused by the close-range firing of a gun, as is shown by the charred (black) edges of the wound. This is caused by the heat of the discharge of the gun as hot gases propel the bullet forward. Further blackening, away from the immediate edges of the wound, is bruising. The bullet has passed through the skull and into the brain (seen through the hole), where it caused extensive and fatal damage. The photograph will be used as evidence. Samples of gunshot residue are obtained to compare with samples from suspects. For a view of the internal damage caused by this wound, see image H200/314.