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Specific traces in stun gun deployment.
Bert Schmiederer1, Alfred Du Chesne, Peter Fritz Schmidt
1Institut für Rechtsmedizin, UKM Münster, Röntgenstrasse 23, 48149, Münster, Germany. schmiede@uni-muenster.de
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|May 24, 2005
Summary
Forensic analysis of stun gun use reveals metallic deposits and craters as key trace evidence. These findings help identify the specific device and deployment conditions, aiding investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Materials Science
- Ballistics
Background:
- Stun guns are electric devices used as weapons.
- Identifying trace evidence from stun gun deployment is crucial for investigations.
- Previous research has not fully characterized the range of trace evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify trace evidence for corroborating stun gun deployment.
- To determine clues related to the specific stun gun used.
- To analyze the influence of deployment factors on trace evidence.
Main Methods:
- Conducted approximately 250 stun gun firing tests.
- Varied factors: time duration, distance, target surface (bare skin vs. clothing).
- Utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) for analysis.
Main Results:
- Metallic deposits from electrodes were identified on targets.
- Deposit quantity correlated with firing duration and distance.
- Elemental composition of deposits indicated device type and wear.
- Craters on target surfaces were analyzed for dissemination patterns.
Conclusions:
- SEM/EDS analysis of trace material collected on carbon tabs is a viable method.
- Distinct trace evidence groups exist and are feasible for collection and examination.
- This research provides a framework for analyzing stun gun evidence in forensic contexts.