Improved Method for Shooting Distance Determination. Part 2—Bullet Holes in Objects that Cannot be Processed in the Laboratory

Abstract

An improved method for firing distance determination on exhibits that cannot be processed in the laboratory such as cars, doors, windows, or furniture is described. The novel part of the method includes transfer of total nitrite (nitrite ions and smokeless powder residues) from the target to an adhesive lifter. After the transfer, vaporous lead and copper deposits around the bullet entrance hole are visualized on the target by sodium rhodizonate and rubeanic acid, respectively. The Modified Griess Test is carried out after alkaline hydrolysis of the smokeless powder residues on the adhesive lifter.

Recent developments in methods of chemical analysis in investigations of firearm-related events

“…Glattstein et al [82] examined the feasibility of applying an adhesive lifter to the entrance bullet wound on human body surfaces to visualize total nitrite patterns, as was reported for clothing and other exhibits described above [68,75]. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a case in which it was impossible to observe gunpowder residues around bullet entrance holes in the cadaver by visual or microscopic methods; the total nitrite pattern was, however, visualized on the adhesive lifter.…”

“…Glattstein et al [75] examined the feasibility of the method developed for clothing [67], as described above, for additional materials such as galvanized steel, glass, plywood, and high-pressure laminated plastic sheets of melamine and phenolic materials (Formica). It was found that for all the target materials and shooting distances tested, the amounts and densities of the discharge residues detected visually (without any treatment) were considerably smaller than those obtained after chemical treatments.…”

Recent Developments in the Methods of Estimating Shooting Distance

“…However, in the literature on the chemical safety data [10], N-(1-naphthyl)-ethylenediamine dihydrochloride is not reported as a carcinogen. In fact, we are using this reagent with sulphanilamide routinely for "our" MGT [11,12,13,14]. MGT does not refer to one specific, defined test.…”

“…Glattstein et al [13] examined the feasibility of the method developed for clothing[12] (described above) for additional materials: galvanized steel, glass, plywood, and high-pressure laminated plastic sheets of melamine and phenolic materials (Formica). It was found for all tested target materials and shooting distances that the amounts and densities of the discharge residues detected visually (without any treatment) were considerably smaller than those obtained after chemical treatments.…”

“…They found that the simulants that most closely represent the human skin are fresh pig skin, twill jean cloth, Whatman #1 blotter paper, and Whatman #10 Benchkote. Fresh pig skin was the most accurate overall simulant tested, while the twill jean and blotter paper were more accurate from 2 to 3 ft, and the Benchkote was more accurate at 3 to 4 ft. Glattstein et al [14] examined the feasibility of applying adhesive lifters to the entrance bullet wound on human body surfaces to visualize the total nitrite patterns, as was reported for clothing and other exhibits above [12,13]. Figs.…”