Improved Method for Shooting Distance Estimation: Part 1: Bullet Holes in Clothing Items

• NCJ Number: 184326
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 45 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2000 Pages: 801-806
• Author(s): Baruch Glattstein M.Sc.; Asya Vinokurov M.Sc.; Nadav Levin M.Sc.; Arie Zeichner Ph.D.
• Date Published: July 2000
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study proposes an improved method for estimating the firing distance involved in producing bullet holes in clothing; the method rests on the examination of the visualized patterns of lead, copper, and total nitrite residues around the bullet entrance hole.

Abstract

The novel part of the method includes the transfer of total nitrite (nitrite ions and smokeless powder residues) from the target to an adhesive lifter. The method involves the visualization of the lead and copper deposits around the bullet entrance hold after the transfer through the use of rhodizonate and rubeanic acid, respectively. The technique also includes the use of the Modified Greiss Test after alkaline hydrolysis of the smokeless powder residues on the adhesive lifter. Findings indicated that the distribution of lead, copper, and gunpowder residues around the entrance bullet hole can serve for estimating the shooting distance. Photograph, figures, and 13 references (Author abstract modified)