Gunshot Residue (GSR)
This is a mixture of material that originate from firing a gun and is residue that is deposited on the hands and clothes of someone who discharges a firearm.
Residue can be found on both the firearm and the individual.
It is principally composed of burnt and unburnt particles from the explosive primer, the propellant
There is also the possibly of fragments of the bullet, cartridge case, and the firearm present.
Gunshot Residue Collection Process
Investigators should use gloves to limit potential contamination of the scene.
Investigators should test the clothing and skin of people for gunshot residue to determine if they were near a gun when it discharged.
Gunshot residue can travel over 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 meters) from the gun.
However, at the farthest distance, only a few trace particles may be present.
Gunshot Residue Analysis
Elements barium and antimony are found in high levels.
Use powerful microscopy (SEM)
Making a Match
If the ammunition used was specifically tagged in some way by special elements, it is possible to know the cartridge used to produce the gunshot residue.
Using scanning electron microscopy and/or energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry can help this process
Goal is to match the bullet to the gun
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