Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Distribution patterns of firearm discharge residues as revealed by neutron activation analysis

  • Physical Methods Section
  • Published:
Journal of Radioanalytical Chemistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A systematic investigation using a variety of handguns has revealed the existence of distinguishable distribution patterns of firearm discharge residues on surfaces below the flight path of a bullet. The residues are identifiable even at distances of 12 meters from the gun using nondestructive neutron activation analysis. The results of these investigations show that the distribution pattern for a gun is reproducible using similar ammunition and that there exist two distinct regions to the patterns developed between the firearm and the target—one with respect to the position of the gun and the other in the vicinity of the target. The judicious applications of these findings could be of significant value in criminal investigations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. A National Strategy to Reduce Crime, Report of the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals, U. S. Department of Justice, Law Enforcent Assistance Administration, Washington, D. C., 1973, p. 213.

  2. I. CASTELLANOS, La Prueba de la Parafina en el Grabiente Nacional de Identification, (Edicion Oficial), P. Fernandez y Cia, Habana, Cuba, 1942, 1.

    Google Scholar 

  3. H. C. RUCH, V. P. GUINN, J. Forensic Sci., 4 (1959) 184.

    Google Scholar 

  4. R. R. RUCH, V. P. GUINN, R. H. PINKER, Nucl. Sci. Eng., 20 (1964) 381.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. S. S. KRISHNAN, J. Forensic Sci., 12 (1967) 471.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. K. K. S. PILLAY, W. A. JESTER, H. A. FOX, III, J. Forensic Sci., 19 (1974) 768.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. R. D. CONE, Detection of Barium, Antimony and Lead in Gunshot Residues Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, Paper presented at the Southern Association of Forensic Scientists, Atlanta, Georgia (USA), April 1973.

  8. W. B. RENFRO, W. A. JESTER, J. Radioanal. Chem., 15 (1973) 79.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. C. SMITH, J. Forensic Sci., 18 (1973) 101.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. P. L. KIRK, Crime Investigation, Interscience, New York, N. Y., 1953, p. 353.

    Google Scholar 

  11. C. E. O'HARA, Fundamentals of Crime Investigation, 3rd ed., Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, Illinois, 1973, p. 741.

    Google Scholar 

  12. L. W. BRADFORD, J. Forensic Sci., 11 (1966) 358.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nuclear Engineering, Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, The Pennsylvania State University, 16802, University Park, Pa., USA

    K. K. S. Pillay, D. C. Driscoll & W. A. Jester

Authors
  1. K. K. S. Pillay
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. D. C. Driscoll
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. W. A. Jester
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Pillay, K.K.S., Driscoll, D.C. & Jester, W.A. Distribution patterns of firearm discharge residues as revealed by neutron activation analysis. J. Radioanal. Chem. 27, 421–438 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02520580

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02520580

Keywords

Search

Navigation