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Parra RC, Baraybar JP, Condori LA, Luna L, Garizoain G, Avalos-Cordero E. Cranial trauma in handgun executions: Circumferential delamination defect and its relationship with contact/close-range shooting. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:1171-1182. [PMID: 38798041 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Skeletal evidence usually constitutes the only source of information to interpret lesion patterns that help to clarify the circumstances surrounding death. The examination and interpretation of bone trauma are essential to the application and utility of anthropology as a forensic science. When discussing the effect of gunshot wounds in bone, it becomes imperative to differentiate between short and long-distance injuries based on clear, distinct, and observable signs. To contribute to the debate, our focus is directed toward the external analysis of the so-called circumferential delamination defect (CDD) as an observable proxy for close-range shooting (≤30 cm) and contact gunshot wounds in the skull. In the context of known extrajudicial killings, in which the perpetrators used short 9 × 19 FMJ ammunition in a close-range shooting, instances of CDD have been documented. Empirical evidence reinforcing the causal relationship between CDD and close-range shootings is presented. Elements' characteristics of firearm residues were also found in remains buried for up to 30 years. Primarily, this work shows that the concentrations of gunshot residues (Pb, Ba, and Sb) resemble those observed in fresh corpses with the same gunshot wound (GSW). Moreover, the correlation observed between CDD and gunshot residues, where the likelihood of CDD increases the closer to the head and the more perpendicular the shot angle is, reinforces CDD as a pivotal discriminatory factor in the skeletal evidence of short-range or contact shot. This research contributes to the field of forensic anthropology by providing fundamental insights into the etiology of CDD and its practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto C Parra
- Forensic Team, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (United Nations Joint Human Rights Office)., Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jose Pablo Baraybar
- Forensic Unit, International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lucio A Condori
- Equipo Forense Especializado, Instituto de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, Ayacucho, Peru
| | - Leandro Luna
- CONICET, Multidisciplinary Institute of History and Human Sciences (IMHICIHU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Bioarchaeology and Forensic Anthropology Research Unit (UIBAF), Faculty of Philosophy and Letters and Faculty of Odontology, Endodontics Chair and Public Health Research Institute (IISAP), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gonzalo Garizoain
- CONICET, Laboratory of Forensic Science Research (LICiF), Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Ernesto Avalos-Cordero
- Unidad de Absorción Atómica, Laboratorio de Química y Toxicología Forense, Instituto de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, Lima, Peru
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Fischer J, Redouté Minzière V, Werner D, Jung B, Weyermann C. Technical note: Influence of the drying position and time on the persistence of gunshot residues on fabrics. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 350:111810. [PMID: 37639874 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The influence of the drying position and time on the persistence of gunshot residues (GSR) on fabrics was investigated. Powder tattooing from a 40 cm shooting distance on targeted fabrics were slightly wetted using a spray and dried for 3 h or 48 h in horizontal or vertical positions. The GSR particles were visualised using IR fluorescence with a Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) and automatically counted with a software before the wetting and after the drying stages. While a significant rate of GSR particles (up to 22%) were lost, it was mainly due to the wetting procedure rather than the drying stage. No statistically significant difference was observed between the drying positions, indicating that both drying positions can be used in practice to dry slightly wet fabrics. The drying time had no influence on the loss, and the GSR distribution was not significantly influenced by either factor (i.e., time and position).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fischer
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Denis Werner
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, University of Lausanne, Switzerland; Discipline of Biomedical & Forensic Science, School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Balthasar Jung
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Kantonspolizei Aargau, Switzerland
| | - Céline Weyermann
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Redouté Minzière V, Robyr O, Weyermann C. Should inorganic or organic gunshot residues be analysed first? Forensic Sci Int 2023:111600. [PMID: 36801088 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Gunshot residues (GSR) collected during the investigation of firearm-related incidents can provide useful information for the reconstruction of the events. Two main types of GSR traces can be targeted by forensic scientists, the inorganic (IGSR) and the organic GSR (OGSR). Up to now, forensic laboratories have mainly focused on the detection of inorganic particles on the hands and clothes of a person of interest using carbon stubs analysed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS). Several approaches have been proposed to also analyse the organic compounds since they might bring additional information for the investigation. However, implementing such approaches might disrupt the detection of IGSR (and vice versa depending on the applied sequence of analysis). In this work, two sequences were compared for the combined detection of both types of residues. One carbon stub was used for collection, and the analysis was performed either by targeting the IGSR or the OGSR first. The aim was to evaluate which one allows maximum recovery of both types of GSR while minimising losses that might occur at different stages of the analysis process. SEM/EDS was used for the detection of IGSR particles while an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was used for the analysis of OGSR compounds. Extracting OGSR first required the implementation of an extraction protocol that did not interfere with the IGSR particles present on the stub. Both sequences allowed good recovery of the inorganic particles since no significant difference was observed in the detected concentrations. However, OGSR concentrations were lower after IGSR analysis than before for two compounds (ethyl and methylcentralite). Thus, it is advised to extract rapidly the OGSR before or after IGSR analysis to avoid losses during the storage and analysis processes. The data also indicated that there was a low correlation between IGSR and OGSR highlighting the potential of a combined detection and analysis of both types of GSR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivier Robyr
- Microscan Service SA, Chavannes-près-Renens, Switzerland
| | - Céline Weyermann
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
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Levy O, Weiss R, Silchenko A, Levi A. How may analysis of an inner layer of clothing affect the scene reconstruction in a shooting incident? J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:2089-2096. [PMID: 35848718 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Shooting distances are utilized, among other forensic input, to position shooters and victims at the crime scene. Shooting distance estimation is done, mainly under the knowledge or assumption, that no intervening object has been present between the target and the muzzle. In the analysis of clothing items of victims that have been involved in a shootout, it is assumed that most of the marks and materials are left on the outer layers of clothing. The outer layers, not the inner layers, are the first objects the bullet meets. Consequently, undergarments are often disregarded for shooting distance estimation as they are not assumed to contain sufficient information in the form of marks or materials. In light of the above, it is the standard operating procedure in some forensic laboratories not to examine underwear. In this case report, the forensic examiners started by the implementation of standard operating procedures, thus examining only the outer layers of clothing of the victims. A thorough visual examination of the various clothing items led a forensic examiner to decide to extend the standard operating procedures, and try and examine an undergarment of one of the victims as well. The interpretation of examination products led to different scene reconstruction, one that may have led to a different interpretation of evidence. In this case, simply sticking to standard operating procedures might have led to less accurate crime scene reconstruction. This case report comes to stress the importance of thorough inspection of forensic exhibits, and scientific and critical thinking about different scenarios. Moreover, it demonstrates how the case-by-case approach in shooting distance estimation may add meaningful information, and eventually-bring us even closer to the truth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophir Levy
- Toolmark and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Jerusalemn, Israel
| | - Revital Weiss
- Toolmark and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Jerusalemn, Israel
| | - Alexander Silchenko
- Toolmark and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Jerusalemn, Israel
| | - Aviad Levi
- Toolmark and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Jerusalemn, Israel
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Abedi M, Bonsu DOM, Badu IK, Afoakwah R, Ahuja P. Spectroscopic (analytical) approach to gunshot residue analysis for shooting distance estimation: a systematic review. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-021-00253-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The determination of the shooting distance using gunshot residue (GSR) analysis is crucial in the investigation and reconstruction of firearm-related crimes. However, the conventional chemographic method for GSR analysis is destructive and has limited sensitivity and selectivity. While the spectroscopic method has potential in GSR analysis for crime investigation, there is a current lack of consistency in the spectroscopic results obtained for shooting distance estimation via GSR analysis. Addressing such limitations will enhance the forensic capabilities of law enforcement and provide an added advantage to crime laboratories during an investigation. It will also reinforce the use of such spectroscopic data in a criminal investigation.
Main text
We obtained all peer-reviewed articles relevant to shooting distance estimation from searching Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. We specifically searched the databases using the keywords “shooting distance,” “range of fire,” “gunshot residue,” “firearm discharge residue,” and “firearm-related crime” and obtained 3811 records. We further filtered these records using a combination of two basic keywords “gunshot residue” and “shooting distance estimations” yielding 108 papers. Following a careful evaluation of the titles, abstracts, and full texts, 40 original peer-reviewed articles on shooting distance estimation via GSR analysis were included in the study. The forgoing included additional sources (n = 5) we obtained from looking through the reference lists of the forensic articles we found.
Short conclusion
This paper discusses the current scope of research concerning the chemographic and spectroscopic analysis of GSR for shooting distance estimation. It also examines the challenges of these techniques and provides recommendations for future research.
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Wongpakdee T, Buking S, Ratanawimarnwong N, Saetear P, Uraisin K, Wilairat P, Tiyapongpattana W, Nacapricha D. Simple gunshot residue analyses for estimating firing distance: Investigation with four types of fabrics. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 329:111084. [PMID: 34752997 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This work presents two simple methods for estimating the firing distance from the gunshot residues (GSRs) on fabric targets. Four types of fabric targets, namely twill weave denim cotton-polyester (80/20), jersey knitting 100% cotton, plain weave cotton-polyester (80/20) and plain weave cotton-polyester (60/40), were employed. The firing tests were carried out using these white fabrics as targets at distances of 5-100 cm, respectively. In the first method, digital images of the black GSRs on fabric materials were recorded inside an illuminated box and the inverted gray intensity values were plotted against the firing distances. Since the plots of all fabrics are not significantly different, the estimation of firing distance employs the same exponential curve for all test fabrics. Although simple, the imaging method is not suitable for dark-colored materials. A chemical-based method was therefore developed as an alternative method. In the second method, a small disposable microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) was employed for detecting Pb(II) extracted from the GSRs. The μPAD method uses the measurement of the length of a narrow band of a pink color resulting from reaction between rhodizonate reagent and the Pb(II) extract. The plots indicated that the data of thick denim material are significantly different to other test fabrics which are much thinner. These three fabrics share the same estimation curve. However, it is recommended that the separate estimation curve for denim materials must be used. Both methods are suitable for short range firing distance, no further than 60 cm, since at greater distances the inverted gray intensity and the 'band-length' methods are unable to detect the GSRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thinnapong Wongpakdee
- Flow Innovation-Research for Science and Technology Laboratories (Firstlabs), Thailand; Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Supatana Buking
- Flow Innovation-Research for Science and Technology Laboratories (Firstlabs), Thailand; Office of Police Forensic Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nuanlaor Ratanawimarnwong
- Flow Innovation-Research for Science and Technology Laboratories (Firstlabs), Thailand; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Sukhumvit 23, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Phoonthawee Saetear
- Flow Innovation-Research for Science and Technology Laboratories (Firstlabs), Thailand; Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kanchana Uraisin
- Flow Innovation-Research for Science and Technology Laboratories (Firstlabs), Thailand; Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Prapin Wilairat
- Analytical Sciences and National Doping Test Institute, Mahidol University, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Warawut Tiyapongpattana
- Flow Innovation-Research for Science and Technology Laboratories (Firstlabs), Thailand; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12121, Thailand.
| | - Duangjai Nacapricha
- Flow Innovation-Research for Science and Technology Laboratories (Firstlabs), Thailand; Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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Shrivastava P, Jain S, Kumar N, Jain VK, Nagpal S. Handheld device for rapid detection of lead (Pb2+) in gunshot residue for forensic application. Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.106186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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8
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Zain ZM, Jaluddin SN, Halim MIA, Subri MSM. The effect of type of firearm and shooting distance on pattern distribution, particle dispersion and amount of gunshot residue. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-021-00225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Evidence can be defined as the object’s availability and/or information that indicates whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. Gunshot residue (GSR) is an important evidence that can serve many roles in ballistic investigation such as shooting distance, type of firearm and ammunition used in shooting related to GSR. However, due to minimal amount of GSR that can be found in crime scene, suitable methods and technique are required in order to obtain the information from the evidence. This action is also known as evidence recovery. When a firearm is fired, soot or particles are discharged from any opening of the firearm and deposited at the vicinity of point of shooting.
Results
This study emphasized on the examination of the soot/particles produced and pattern distribution of GSR deposited on white cotton cloth target at varying shooting distances (from 3 to 50 cm) using a video spectral comparator. Pattern distribution and GSR particle density are the main factors in determining the shooting distances in clothing. Principle component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were used to classify firearms; the differences in the GSR pattern distribution are highly recognizable. This study showed that the relationship between the GSR particle dispersion and shooting distance was proportionally linear. The results obtained from the shooting test showed that the diameter of GSR distribution and the amount of residues being deposited from shots fired decreased at distances greater than 21 cm.
Conclusion
This study will help the investigators in determining the shooting distances and evaluating the firearms used. There is a promising method for examination of GSR pattern on the target material which is also important for firing distance estimation.
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Feeney W, Vander Pyl C, Bell S, Trejos T. Trends in composition, collection, persistence, and analysis of IGSR and OGSR: A review. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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10
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Bueno J, Halámková L, Rzhevskii A, Lednev IK. Raman microspectroscopic mapping as a tool for detection of gunshot residue on adhesive tape. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:7295-7303. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1359-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Multi-spectral imaging for the estimation of shooting distances. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 282:80-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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12
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Arouca A, Lucena M, Rossiter R, Talhavini M, Weber I. Use of luminescent gunshot residues markers in forensic context—Part II. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 281:161-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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13
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Investigation of the use of luminescent markers as gunshot residue indicators. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 280:95-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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The use of unburned propellant powder for shooting-distance determination. Part II: Diphenylamine reaction. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 278:24-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Pandey G, Tharmavaram M, Rawtani D, Kumar S, Agrawal Y. Multifarious applications of atomic force microscopy in forensic science investigations. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 273:53-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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López-López M, Alvarez-Llamas C, Pisonero J, García-Ruiz C, Bordel N. An exploratory study of the potential of LIBS for visualizing gunshot residue patterns. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 273:124-131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Forensic ballistics by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy: Quantification of gunshot residues and prediction of the number of shots using different firearms. Microchem J 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2014.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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