Firing distance estimation based on the analysis of GSR distribution on the target surface using ICP-MS-An experimental study with a 7.65 mm x 17 mm Browning pistol (.32 ACP)

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Agostinho Santos (Author) Other; Patricia Ramos (Author) Other; Luis Fernandes (Author) Other; Teresa Magalhaes (Author) Other; Agostinho Almeida (Author) FFUP; Antonio Sousa (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Forensic Science International

Vol. 247

ISSN: 0379-0738

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 11 Citations

Scopus - 14 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Other medical sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-695

Abstract (EN): An experimental study aiming to estimate the firing distance was conducted using a 7.65 mm x 17 mm Browning (.32ACP) pistol. Briefly, test shots were made against a target of cotton tissue (35 cm x 35 cm), and the amounts of antimony (Sb), barium (Ba), and lead (Pb) deposited in quadrangular pieces (1 cm x 1 cm) of the target cut from four radial positions at increasing distances from the bullet entrance hole ("samples'') were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The data obtained were used to search for a mathematical model for estimating the firing distance. The best model was a simple linear correlation between FD (the firing distance) and ln c (where c is the content of Sb, Ba or Pb in the samples, expressed in mg/g of target tissue). Best results were obtained with samples collected at radial distances within 2.0-3.0 cm from the bullet entrance hole. Using this approach, it was possible to accurately (+/- 6 cm) estimate the firing distance in the interval [20-90] cm from the target. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific