How important do you think Gunshot Residue is to an investigation?

Expert Solution

Importance of Gunshot residue to an investigation:

Gunshot residue is vital to a case as it can help forensic investigators determine the shooter, the area of the crime, and the location from where the shot was fired. Gunshot residue is what's left of the chemical components after a shot has been fired. The residue has 3 important chemical components that are essential for the shot to be fired and they are Lead, Barium, and Antimony. The presence of these chemicals in the residue is vital to an investigation as it can be unique based on the proportions of lead, barium, and antimony. Normal cases have at least two of the chemical components during the examination of evidence. However, unique cases demonstrate the presence of all three chemical components.

Why the residue is vital to the investigation and how it uncovers evidence?

After firing a cartridge, the gunshot residue is formed by the vapors that are released from the primer. These particles tend to get attached to the hands of the shooter, cloth and the victim as well. By a detailed and proper examination, it can help forensic investigators determine the shooter, the area of the crime even if the convict has cleared the area of the evidence. This is because the residue particles are small and vary in sizes and cannot be removed completely.

The important factors to consider here are that the gunshot residue doesn't wash off very easily from cloth and can remain for a period of time. The area of the palm is usually concentrated with residue after firing and this can help forensic investigators to identify shooters. However, the residue can be washed off from the hands leaving only a negligible amount of residue. Also, the place where the shot was fired can be determined as the residue scatters up to three feet from the point of release.

Types of crimes it is used for

The examination of gunshot residue is mostly common in crimes that are violent and might involve murder. They help the police in uncovering significant information that might help the case or cause a breakthrough in the case. For detectives, this information might be key in identifying suspects involved in the crime.

keosha answered 1 hour ago

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