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- Title
BULLET HOLES AND CHEMICAL RESIDUES IN SHOOTING CASES.
- Authors
Walker, Joseph T.
- Abstract
This article focuses on the importance of bullet holes and chemical residues in shooting cases in post-mortem examination. All methods for the determination of distance are applicable to comparatively short distances only. Under ordinary circumstances a bullet wound may be self-inflicted only when the weapon is held with the muzzle within a few inches of the body. The determination of distance is therefore particularly valuable in this region. Fortunately, fairly accurate determinations are possible. All available methods depend upon the presence and distribution of various ingredients of the muzzle blast. It is therefore necessary to distinguish carefully between the contact ring produced in fabric or tissue by the impact of the bullet and the powder residue tattooing and smoke halo produced by the muzzle blast. The halo and tattooing are present only at short distances; the contact ring is independent of distance. There are five major types of material emitted from the muzzle during discharge of the bullet. These consist of first, gases, second, smoke, third, residues of partially-burned and unburned powder, fourth, metal fragments or droplets, and fifth, wax or grease lubrication.
- Subjects
BULLET identification; FORENSIC sciences; CRIMINOLOGY; CRIMINAL investigation; FORENSIC chemistry; IDENTIFICATION of firearms
- Publication
Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology (08852731), 1940, Vol 31, p497
- ISSN
0885-2731
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2307/1137588