Booth autopsy

[Houmes]

(08-21-2013 04:37 PM)J. Beckert Wrote:  Thank you again. So - if Dr. Woodward was correct and the path of the bullet was traveling with a slight inclination downward and backward, it had to enter from the front right. I'm not sure of Corbett's position in relation to Booth (left or right), but I think this makes it more palatable that it wouldn't be so difficult for Booth to point the revolver at his neck.

Although this can be debated endlessly, it's significant that Corbett reported he had his gun aimed at Booth early on, and that as soon as Booth made a move--ostensibly when Corbett heard the voice of providence, but more likely when he thought Booth was going to fight or at least shoot at his fellow soldiers, he (Corbett) pulled the trigger. It's highly unlikely that while standing uncomfortably with more weight on one foot (and until the last minute using a crude wooden crutch for balance until he threw it away) Booth would have had the time needed to pull his gun all the way up anywhere near his neck or head, let alone aim it and then fire. Every one--soldiers and suspects--were tense as negotiations broke down. I suspect the other soldiers were just as itchy fingered as Corbett probably was.