Gunshot Residue and Brakepads: Compositional and Morphological Considerations for Forensic Casework

Gunshot residue is the term used to refer to the substances that form as a result of the discharge of a firearm and remain to be collected during the investigation of a shooting incident. These residues originate from the primer and propellant and may incorporate traces of the projectile, cartridge casing, or barrel of the firearm [1,2]. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) has established guidelines for the analysis of GSR and defines a hierarchy of particles. Particles considered characteristic of GSR (most likely to be associated with the discharge of an explosive cartridge or firearm), are spheroidal, non-crystalline, and contain the elements lead (Pb), barium (Ba) and antimony (Sb) [3].

Source: Forensic Science International - November 22, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: William Tucker, Nick Lucas, Kelsey E. Seyfang, K.Paul Kirkbride, Rachel S. Popelka-Filcoff Source Type: research