Re: Obviously NOT a "Dockside Chat" member
JB, in answer to your questions, just as a point of interest. I have investigated many suicides. Most hanging, a few overdose, and some firearms.<br />I have never found a suicide note. If I did I would be very suspicious. The shotgun lying "near" the body is very common. The force of the muzzle blast combined with the involuntary jerk of muscle when the shot is fired almost always throws the gun. The guns are always anywhere from 6 inches to 6 feet from the body. Usually closer to 3 to 6 feet. <br />It is unusual to travel a distance from home first, but not uncommon. He may have felt some kind of guilt or kinship with the victims of 9/11, he may have wanted to make a symbolic point and be remembered, he may have just wanted to be far from home so mom and others close to him didn't find him. Maybe even he hoped someone would catch him and stop him???<br />But in answer to the question who shoots himself with a shotgun then tosses it nearby, almost all of them that use a shotgun.<br />Think of the precarious angle of the gun, then the recoil combined with muscle reflex.<br />I wish I didn't know all of this, but unfortunately I do.<br />BTW I saw a new recent article indicating they confirmed suicide, but they also cited personal problems with his girlfriend. A recent fight or breakup.