Dublin, Ireland. - A man accidently shot himself in the head when a stolen car he was travelling in went over a speed bump, an inquest heard today.

Victor Murphy had his thumb on the trigger of a sawn-off shot gun which was resting between his legs as the car sped through a Traveller halting site in Finglas, north Dublin.

The body of the 30-year-old, of Deanstown Green, Finglas, was dumped at the side of the road at Dunsink Lane by the driver of the vehicle, who has since died.

His remains were spotted in the early hours of the morning by passer-by Wayne Derham who raised the alarm.

Investigating gardaí today told Dublin County Coroner's Court that the Mitsubishi Lancer used on the night was later dumped in the area.

Forensic examinations showed blood stains and brain tissue belonging to the victim inside the vehicle. Detective Inspector Bernard Sherry, of Blanchardstown Garda Station, said on July 8th, 2003, the men drove through Avilla Park, Cappagh Road, Finglas.

He told the inquest that Travellers living on the site said they heard a loud bang coming from the vehicle, before it fled the scene, but they refused to assist the investigation because were too afraid to give evidence during any criminal proceedings. "We have established from ballistic and forensic examination that the gun accidently discharged when the car went over one of the speed bumps," said Det Insp Sherry.

"We are satisfied there was only one other person in this car at the time the gun discharged. We know the identity of that person who has since died."

The gun has never been found. The officer told Dublin County Coroner Dr Kieran Geraghty that when criminals saw a shotgun it can be cut too short and interfere with the mechanics of the weapon, making them very unstable to discharge. He added that the speed bumps in Avilla Park were higher than normal to cater for vans, and the car could have hit the ridge of the bump.

"It could accidently discharge if going over a bump, in particular in the footwell of a car," said Det Insp Sherry.

State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy said the victim suffered one single bullet wound to his right cheek, measuring almost 4cms, with blood on his lap to show he had been in a sitting position. Dr Cassidy told the hearing Mr Murphy's right thumb had also been snapped back, suggesting it had been resting on the trigger as it went off. "This man died from a single shot gun injury to his head," she said.

"He would have been rendered unconscious immediately due to irrecoverable and irreversible damage to the brain. He also lost a considerable amount of blood."

The pathologist added that although she could not rule out Mr Murphy was shot by a second person, she stressed the aim of the shot would have made that very difficult.

She also ruled out suicide, as the most common method would be to shoot under the chin or mouth. A jury recorded a verdict of misadventure.

Submitted on 05/24/2007

Submitted by: Brian Marshall
Reference: http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0522/breaking82.htm

Copyright © 2007 DarwinAwards.com

Graham said:
Definitely Toss: Other
I would send this one to DUMBCROOKS, Brian. They appreciate deaths/accidents by felons, etc.

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
It took me a couple readings of this to understand what it seems happened. It sounds like Murphy was a passenger in a stolen car, and he had the shotgun tucked in his legs with the barrel pointed upwards. He also had his thumb on the trigger. Not a very good way to be holding a sawed-off shotgun! The car drove over a large speed bump and that jolt caused the shotgun to go off, possibly because his thumb was on the trigger. The driver dumped his body and then ended up dying himself at some later time, but that's secondary to the story we're interested in. It seems to me that Murphy did exhibit classic Darwinian behavior. Thanks for the story, Brian!

James said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
After reading this a couple of times, I have to concur with Bruce. While I could argue no self-selection (the driver hit the bump, after all), Darwinian behavior was the ultimate reason our victim met his end!

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