Citation

Dutton G. AFTE J. 2014; 46(1): 3-32.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Whilst the available forensic firearms evidence in any shooting murder is usually important to the case and assists in the reconstruction of events, only occasionally does it become the single most important aspect of the investigation and subsequent trial. This case study is one of those instances and was a technically challenging forensic firearms investigation from a number of perspectives. The firearms evidence was key to understanding what had occurred, primarily hinging on the interpretation of various toolmarks left on a.22 calibre fatal bullet. The toolmarks included those left by the bore but more importantly also comprised three other extraordinary marks, all occurring by totally separate processes during loading by the use of an aftermarket magazine in conjunction with the exhibit sawn off rifle. This article focuses mainly on the interpretation of these marks, how the marks were inter-related and the philosophy of identification. For completeness, the case study also includes a discussion of other important associated aspects of the forensic firearms evidence.

Language: en