Who Shot the Bullet? Projectile Composition Characterization as an Evolutionary Method for Enhancement of Ballistics...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Forensic toolmark and firearm examination opinions face scrutiny due to inadmissible evidence.
• The absence of physical ballistics evidence can lead to wrongful convictions and unsolved cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a solution for subjective conclusions in ballistics analysis.
• To develop a method for analyzing bullet composition in the absence of complete physical evidence.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of bullet material using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).
• Extraction and analysis of metal deposits from surface scratches caused by bullet impact.

Main Results:

• Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy successfully distinguished bullet composition between manufacturers from surface scratches.
• Proof of concept established for analyzing metal deposits to corroborate existing microscopy techniques.

Conclusions:

• This novel analytical method can improve crime scene investigation procedures, especially when physical evidence is scarce.
• The technique offers potential to increase the scientific value of expert conclusions in ballistics.
• Future research could extend this method to distinguish barrel manufacturers from fired bullets and casings.