A groundbreaking study conducted by Kourtney Dalzell, a doctoral student at West Virginia University (WVU), has shed light on the behavior of gunshot residue (GSR) on skin, hair, and fabric. This discovery has significant implications for crime scene investigators and forensic laboratories as they adapt to the increasing use of environmentally friendly ammunition.
In the past, the presence of heavy metals like lead in ammunition served as a crucial indicator of GSR at crime scenes. However, the emergence of new “green” ammunitions that lack these toxic components has presented a challenge for traditional analysis methods. Tatiana Trejos, an associate professor at WVU, explains that when a gun is fired, the primer released a cloud of particles that contains inorganic compounds and heavy metals like lead, barium, and antimony. These particles typically adhere to the skin upon contact, providing unique evidence of firearm discharge.
However, with the rise of eco-friendly ammunition, the composition of GSR has changed. Modern primers are manufactured without harmful metals, which has forced forensic scientists to explore alternative indicators like organic compounds such as nitroglycerine. By incorporating information about both organic and inorganic compounds in GSR analysis, researchers at WVU aim to improve the accuracy and reliability of their findings. This is especially crucial considering the limitations of current forensic science methods in determining whether an individual actually fired a gun.
To gather data for their study, the WVU team developed standardized mixes of particles to accurately replicate real-world GSR. They applied these particles to various surfaces, including fabrics, human skin and hair, and an artificial skin product called Strat-M. These surfaces were then subjected to different activities, such as running, hand shaking, washing, and rubbing, to observe how the particles persisted and transferred. The researchers found that inorganic GSR particles tend to persist longer on surfaces but are more susceptible to being lost or transferred during normal activities. On the other hand, organic compounds are more readily lost over time but less likely to transfer to others.
Furthermore, the team discovered that Strat-M, an artificial skin substitute, proved to be a reliable alternative for testing GSR. Trejos emphasizes that this artificial skin avoids the ethical and safety concerns associated with testing on human subjects. Additionally, the researchers noted that up to 100 inorganic particles could be transferred from one person to another during a handshake, while organic compounds did not transfer at all.
Moving forward, the WVU researchers plan to combine their findings with a recently developed methodology that enables field crime scene investigators to analyze potential GSR on-site. This integration of data and methods aims to provide investigators with faster and more informative tools, ultimately aiding in the apprehension of offenders with solid evidence while minimizing the risk of false incarcerations.
In conclusion, the WVU study on gunshot residue behavior represents a significant breakthrough in forensic science. The research not only addresses the challenges posed by environmentally friendly ammunition but also opens up new avenues for answering crucial questions in criminal investigations. By utilizing a combination of organic and inorganic compound analysis, forensic scientists are poised to make significant strides in accurately determining the presence of GSR and identifying those responsible for firearm discharge.
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