Recent Developments in the Methods of Estimating Shooting Distance

Abstract

A review of developments during the past 10 years in the methods of estimating shooting distance is provided. This review discusses the examination of clothing targets, cadavers, and exhibits that cannot be processed in the laboratory. The methods include visual/microscopic examinations, color tests, and instrumental analysis of the gunshot residue deposits around the bullet entrance holes. The review does not cover shooting distance estimation from shotguns that fired pellet loads.

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

“…Several recent publications [1,2,3,4,5,6] provide a comprehensive background on some of these topics. This review will not discuss chemical methods used for restoration of erased serial numbers on firearms.…”

Evaluation of Shooting Distance by AFM and FTIR/ATR Analysis of GSR

“…KEYWORDS: forensic science, GSR, AFM, shooting distance, FTIR ⁄ ATR The detection and analysis of gun-shot residue (GSR) is essential for approximating the firing distance (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6) and verifying whether a suspect has fired a gun (4,7,8). The most commonly used technique in characterization of GSR is currently the technique of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with the attachment, X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) (7)(8)(9).…”

“…The estimation of shooting distance, when combined with other evidence, is important in reconstructing shooting events. The appearance of the bullet entrance hole and the GSR patterns around the hole are usually used to estimate the firing distance (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6). A variety of chemical and physical methods have been applied to obtain the GSR patterns (4)(5)(6).…”

“…The appearance of the bullet entrance hole and the GSR patterns around the hole are usually used to estimate the firing distance (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6). A variety of chemical and physical methods have been applied to obtain the GSR patterns (4)(5)(6). The Griess test and a series of modified and improved Griess tests are used as a color test for nitrites and a procedure for estimation of muzzle to target distance (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6).…”

“…A variety of chemical and physical methods have been applied to obtain the GSR patterns (4)(5)(6). The Griess test and a series of modified and improved Griess tests are used as a color test for nitrites and a procedure for estimation of muzzle to target distance (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6). Chemical analyses in investigation of firearm-related events have recently been reviewed by Zeichner (4) and Zeichner and Glattstein (6).…”