Analysis of Gunshot Residue and Associated Materials—A Review

Abstract

A comprehensive review of the scientific literature on gunshot residue (GSR) is presented. Aspects of both inorganic and organic GSR are discussed, from formation and distribution, to sample collection, preparation, and analysis using a variety of techniques. The interpretation of GSR results is also considered including issues surrounding the contamination, distribution, and transfer of GSR. Potential problems with ulterior sources of GSR like particles have been reported in the literature. For example, particles from environmental and occupational sources have been highlighted as exhibiting similar chemical and morphological characteristics to GSR. These findings are put into context with regard to interpreting samples. A move toward a ''case by case'' approach is argued to be more preferable to a ''formal'' classification system where possible. The analysis of both inorganic and organic compositions of residue samples as well as morphological considerations is considered to be a more ideal approach to GSR analysis, whereever practicable.

Is it possible to determine firearm calibre and shooting range from the examination of gunshot residue in close range gunshot wounds? An experimental study

“…During this process, the particles involved are subjected to extreme temperature and pressure is followed by rapid cooling. Particles form as liquid droplets, which subsequently solidify (11). Th e areas from which GSR may be collected are wide ranging.…”

“…When the reconstruction of gunshot fatalities is in question, the macroscopic examination of gunshot wounds as well as the investigation of GSR particles gains extensive forensic signifi cance (1). Gunshot analysis has been widely studied in the forensic literature for the estimation of the fi ring range and in the last decades a lot of techniques have been used for the detection and identifi cation of GSR particles in the gunshot wound (11). Th ese experiments have clarifi ed that the amount is strictly correlated to the shooting distance (2,12,13).…”

“…Th e areas from which GSR may be collected are wide ranging. Skin, vehicles (seats and seat backs, doors, windows, dashboards, headliners, interiors, and exteriors), the surroundings of an incident, doors, windows, body parts, clothing, and any surfaces in the immediate vicinity of a fi rearm discharge may all be sample targets (11). We analyzed these components in gunshot entrance wound.…”

“…A lot of diff erent methods in GSR analyzing have been used (3,11), but only a few of them dealt with analyzing gunshot wounds. In one of them, gunshot wounds from previously amputated human parts, both normal and charred, were used in analysis with micro CT, and the conclusion was that this analysis could provide the diff erential diagnosis between gunshot and sharp force wounds, entry and exit holes (1, 2) artefacts and gunshot lesions.…”

An investigation into artefacts formed during gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of firearms propellant that contains diphenylamine as the stabiliser

“…If partially burnt particles are located following a shooting incident examination of their physical appearance and analysis to determine their chemical profile can provide definitive evidence of a firearms origin and potential indication of a source ammunition, (2,3,4). Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS) is a widely used analytical technique to determine the chemical profile of propellants (4,5).…”