Having read other replies: I do not believe he was shot first considering the ME evidence, and having read about what being shot to the head would incur besides the obvious: Scull fractures, brain damage, blood loss, unconsciousness, and other injuries to the rest of the brain that one does not consider like massive concussions, etc. Being shot first does not fit within the scheme of things IMO.
I am with you in being very fascinated with this question. I too do not see her taking chances. I think there was something. I have mulled over wether she lured him into a sexual bondage situation. There was that silky rope found at the crime scene, in the pools of blood.
Have you looked at the trajectory of the bullet? It would have barely contacted the brain if at all.
IMO the bleeding would have been like a big nose bleed and a pulled back- tooth. Mostly bleeding from the sinus region.