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Gunshot residues on dry bone after decomposition--a pilot study.

Anna Taborelli1, Daniele Gibelli, Agostino Rizzi

  • 1LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale, DMU-Dipartimento di Morfologia Umana e Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.

Journal of Forensic Sciences
|April 5, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Gunshot residue (GSR) can survive in skeletonized remains for years. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis is crucial for detecting GSR in skeletal material from decomposed bodies.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Materials Science
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Limited research exists on gunshot residue (GSR) detection in decomposed and skeletonized remains.
  • Advanced microscopic techniques may aid in identifying suspect lesions, even when gunshot wounds are no longer apparent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the survival of gunshot residue (GSR) in skeletonized animal and human remains.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis for GSR detection in skeletal samples.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of nine pig heads skeletonized for 4 years post-gunshot.
  • Examination of four macerated human head samples from judicial cases.
  • Utilized scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) for elemental analysis.

Main Results:

  • Positive GSR detection occurred in 4 out of 9 animal samples.
  • All 4 human skeletal samples yielded positive results for GSR.
  • Detected elements included lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and barium (Ba) in human samples.

Conclusions:

  • Gunshot residue (GSR) can persist in skeletal material.
  • SEM-EDX analysis is a vital tool for identifying GSR in skeletonized remains.
  • Further research is required to understand environmental influences on GSR preservation.