An investigation into the factors that influence toolmark identifications on ammunition discharged from semi-automatic pistols recovered from car fires

Following a shooting incident where a vehicle is used to convey the culprits to and from the scene, both the getaway car and the firearm are often deliberately burned in an attempt to destroy any forensic evidence which may be subsequently recovered. Here we investigate the factors that influence the ability to make toolmark identifications on ammunition discharged from pistols recovered from such car fires. This work was carried out by conducting a number of controlled furnace tests in conjunction with real car fire tests in which three 9mm semi-automatic pistols were burned.

Source: Science and Justice - October 13, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Mark A. Collender, Kevin A.J. Doherty, Kenneth T. Stanton Source Type: research