The fate and behaviour of gunshot residue: recreational shooter distribution

ABSTRACT

Despite continued improvements in gunshot residue (GSR) detection and analysis, there are still challenges in the interpretation of GSR evidence. The level and distribution of GSR present on an individual can be influenced by many factors, dependent upon the context of any given case. Due and diligent attention must therefore be placed upon fate and behaviour processes in relation to GSR when assessing and interpreting any case findings. The distribution of GSR upon the body of a recreational shooter was assessed. Samples were taken from 17 positions across a shooter’s body immediately after the discharge of one round of ammunition. The shooting hand prevailed as the most GSR-contaminated area, with as many as 351 characteristic GSR particles identified. The face and supporting hand also exhibited high levels of GSR contamination. This level of contamination raises questions concerning the fate and behaviour of GSR particles within the general environment, specifically with regard to transfer processes.

KEYWORDS:

• Forensic science
• ballistics
• gunshot residue
• fate and behaviour
• distribution
• transfer

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University and Cellmark Forensic Services for research funding through the Faculty of Science PhD Studentship Scheme.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.