Citation

Freitas JC, Sarkis JE, Neto ON, Viebig SB. J. Forensic Sci. 2012; 57(2): 503-508.

Affiliation

Laboratório de Caracterização Química e Isotópica, IPEN - CNEN/SP Av. Lineu Prestes 2242, Cidade Universitária, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil. Instituto de Criminalística de São Paulo, Centro de Exames, Análises e Pesquisas, Rua Moncorvo Filho, 410 Butantã, 05507-060 São Paulo, Brazil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01956.x

PMID

22074259

Abstract

During criminal investigations involving firearms, the detection of gunshot residues (GSRs) is one of the most important evidences. In the present study, a new method to identify trace evidences of GSRs, deposited around the bullet entrance hole, in different types of fabrics used as targets, is described. The experiments were carried out using a 0.38-inch caliber revolver, and 9-mm and 0.40-inch caliber pistols. Testimonies of 2.25 cm(2) of the fabrics were cut around the bullet entrance and digested with 10% nitric acid. Antimony, barium, and lead were analyzed in the remaining solution using a sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The concentrations of the elements were detected at levels up to few microgram per square centimeter. The use of ternary graphics allowed us to identify specific patterns of distribution for blank samples and the clear distinction between the revolver and pistols used.

Language: en