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Trajectory reconstruction from trace evidence on spent bullets. I. Deposits from intermediate targets
B Karger1, A Hoekstra, P F Schmidt
1Institute for Legal Medicine, University of Münster, Germany.
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|October 16, 2001
Summary
Forensic analysis of bullets can identify intermediate target materials like concrete or glass. This helps determine ricochet and impact details in gunshot investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Materials Science
- Ballistics
Background:
- Bullet and intermediate target interactions are crucial in ballistics.
- Understanding material transfer from targets to bullets aids forensic investigations.
- Previous studies lacked detailed analysis of material deposition characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transfer of intermediate target materials onto bullets.
- To analyze the composition and deposition patterns of transferred materials.
- To assess the utility of SEM/EDS for identifying target materials on recovered bullets.
Main Methods:
- Fired 76 (9 mm Luger FMJ RN) bullets at various intermediate targets and tissue.
- Utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS).
- Analyzed elemental composition and surface morphology of bullet deposits.
Main Results:
- Brittle materials (concrete, glass, asphalt, gypsum board) transferred abundantly and characteristically.
- Ductile materials (wood, car parts) resulted in less characteristic or absent spectral data.
- Trace evidence remained detectable even after secondary contact or tissue perforation.
Conclusions:
- SEM/EDS analysis effectively identifies brittle intermediate target materials on bullets.
- This technique can determine ricochet and impact details in gunshot incidents.
- Preservation of evidential bullets is critical to prevent contamination.