The survival of metallic residues from gunshot wounds in cremated bone: a SEM–EDX study

Abstract

The research and analysis of gunshot residues has a relevant role in the examination of gunshot wounds. Nevertheless, very little literature exists concerning gunshot wounds on charred material. In this study, 16 adult bovine ribs (eight still with soft tissues and eight totally skeletonized) underwent a shooting test with two types of projectiles (9 mm full metal-jacketed bullet and 9 mm unjacketed bullet). Each rib then underwent a charring process in an electric oven, reaching the stage of complete calcination at 800°C. The area of each entrance wound was analyzed before and after the carbonization process via a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX). In each sample, metallic residues composed of lead, barium, and antimony were found. These metallic residues were thus preserved also after exposure to the extremely high temperatures reached within the oven, especially with unjacketed bullets, although the particles seem to be more irregular in shape as a result of the heating process. In conclusion, this study proved that gunshot residues survive extremely high temperatures and can be detected via SEM/EDX even in cases of charred tissues.

Micro-CT features of intermediate gunshot wounds covered by textiles

“…Considering that micro-CT is an invasive, but nondestructive technique, and that the proposed method allows only a presumptive identification of A two-sided p < 0.05 was taken to indicate statistical significance ns not significant GSR, positive results could and should be confirmed by a Bgold standard^method, such as environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with an X-ray fluorescence energy-dispersive spectrometry [30,31], inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry [32], and/or neutron activation analysis [33,34].…”

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

“…Th ese experiments have clarifi ed that the amount is strictly correlated to the shooting distance (2,12,13). Th ere are many histochemistry (12-15) studies and electron microscopy methods who are accurate and precise for estimating fi ring distance (16,17). However, most of these studies, if not all of them, are not applicable in every day forensic work, mostly due to their cost, as well as a necessity for sophisticated and expensive equipment.…”

Gunshot residue preservation in seawater

“…Studies on GSR in decomposed remains have been conducted on soft tissue [17,18], as well as on skeletonized remains [4,10,11]. A study by La Goo et al [18], used microwave digestion prior to ICP-MS to detect GSR of Pb, Ba and Sb in pigs shot multiple times.…”

“…A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t 3 Studies on GSR or bullet residue in skeletonized remains [4,10,11,19] have found evidence of GSR up to 90 years decomposition. Fischbeck et al [11] showed the presence of Pb in a finger bone of a murder victim by using PIXE analysis when soft tissue was absent.…”

“…In casework involving shootings, inorganic residues originating from the primer, bullet and cartridge are analysed. Pb, Ba and Sb are considered unique to GSR and can be found in different combinations and concentrations [3,4]. They can M a n u s c r i p t 2 be divided into GSR-unique (i.e.…”