Blood-Spatter Patterns

Abstract

Biologic and nonbiologic traces on the hands are of particular importance for the forensic reconstruction of shooting incidents; gunpowder residue analysis in particular helps determine whether the gunshot is close range or distant. In crime scene investigation, knowledge about the morphology of bloodstain patterns-including gunshot-related back spatter-has increased since various experimental examinations have been performed in the last years; nowadays, these traces are frequently used for forensic crime scene reconstruction. The goal of this study was to deduce the position and orientation of the hands, and therefore the firearm, according to the bloodstain patterns on the hands of the deceased. For this purpose blood-spatter stains on the hands were examined on site in 5 suicides caused by gunshot. In all cases, forensically relevant conclusions regarding forensic reconstruction were enabled through close examination of the spatter marks. Therefore, in shooting incidents, analysis and documentation of blood-spatter findings on the hands is recommended before hands are tested for gunpowder residue or wrapped for the transport of the body.

“Rust stain”: a rare mark in firearm suicide—a case report and review of the literature

“…Detail of the trigger of the Beretta 84F-note the design of the trigger that perfectly coincides with the pattern of the rust stain can be complementary to the evaluation of the case. In the setting of firearm suicides, the weapon can leave several marks, signs, and traces on the person holding it that can guide the forensic pathologist in the investigation [14][15][16]. Occasionally, the weapon may remain in contact with the cadaver long enough to form a rust stain, which cannot be removed by rubbing [1,17,18].…”