Semifinals- Lecture#1

GUNSHOT RESIDUE
-Basically, gunshot residue comes from the powder component of bullet, elements from cartridge cases and gun barrel
where the bullet passes.
-When these components are burned, certain products of combustion are formed which includes partially burned and
unburned particles.
-These particles are deposited on the target as definite pattern depending upon the distance between the muzzle of the
gun and the target at the time of discharge.
-Upon discharge of firearm, gunpowder residues (nitrates) may be deposited on a person at close proximity, so the
interpretations as to who discharged the firearm should be made with caution. (Thorton, 1986) -Hand or body
part close to the fired weapon may have gunpowder residues consistent with having discharged the weapon.
-However, absence of gunpowder residues on the person’s hands or body parts does not mean that he/she did not
discharge a firearm.
-Gunpowder residue may be found on the skin or clothing of the person who discharged the gun, on the entrance bullet
hole of garment or wound of the victim, or on other target materials at the scene.

Components of Gunshot Residue

1. Primer or lead residue
2. Gunpowder residue
3. Elemental component from cartridge cases residues

Composition of Primer
-Primer elements may be easier to detect in residues because they do not get as hot as that of powder. (Tassa et al,
1982b).

Types of Gunpowder
a. Single based - when the basic ingredient is nitrocellulose
b. Double based – nitrocellulose + 1 to 40% nitroglycerine
c. Triple based – nitrocellulose + nitroglycerine + nitroguanidine.
*These can be differentiated using a mass spectrophotometer!*

Composition of cartridge case, bullet coating and metal jacket

a. Cartridge and primer cases; BRASS (7:3 COPPER-ZINC)
b. Bullet cores: lead, lead, antimony and few iron alloy
c. Bullet jackets: brass (9:1 copper-zinc), some are iron or aluminum alloy. Some contain nickel.

GUNSHOT RESIDUE EXAMINATIONS

Purpose:
-Gunshot residue examinations are performed to help the investigators in determining whether a person has
discharged/fired a firearm/gun or not; whether a firearm was discharged or not; and the possible gunshot range or the
distance of the shooter to the victim.
-Both hands of the suspect as well as those of the victim, the firearms and clothing of the victim must be examined to
determine the presence of gunpowder nitrates.
Types of Powder Used in the Ammunition of Small Firearms
There are two types of powder used in the ammunition of small firearms. These are:
1. Black Powder
2. Smokeless Powder

Types of Powder
1. Black Powder – this consists of a mixture of carbon (Charcoal), sulfur and potassium nitrate. This mixture is used as
an igniter in smokeless gun propellant.
-It consists of a mixture of 15% Charcoal, 10% Sulfur and 75% Potassium nitrates.
-Aluminum is added to enhance the burning property.
-When this powder is burned, combustion reaction takes place:
2KNO3 + 2o2 + S + C CO2 + SO2 + k2O2 + 2NO2

2. Smokeless Powder – This mixture consists of Cellulose or glycerol nitrate combined with some stabilizers
(nitrobenzene or graphite nitrates, dichromate and oxalates).
-When this powder explodes, the chemical reaction takes place

Types of Powder
Cellulose nitrate:C12H14O4(NO3)66H2O+3N2+4CO2+8CO+H2
Glycerol nitrate :C3H5(NO3)3+CO2 +H2O+N2 + O2

Primers
-To explode a low explosive, flame is required.
-In guns, the flame is applied by means of a primer.
-Primer produces flame on percussion.
-A typical primer consists of a case containing an initiating explosive such as mercury fulminate, an oxidizing agent such
as potassium chlorate or barium nitrate, and a fuel such as antimony sulfide.
-This component is the basis for examination of gunshot residue particularly primer residues for distance
determination.

DETECTION OF GUNSHOT RESIDUE

The following are common methods used by most crime laboratories to detect gunshot
residue: 1. Paraffin Test (most common in the practice)
2. Lead Residue (detection limit: up to 30 feet and always present on the opposite sides of the penetrated target).
3. Gunpowder Residue Examination (detection limit: highly variable up to 20 cm, and up to 21 inches is common)
4. Other examinations
The last two methods are classical.
Color development or modern methods such as Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), atomic absorption
spectrophotometry (AAS), Scanning Electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis (SEM-EDA) and inductively
coupled plasma with mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS) are used.

History of Paraffin test/Dermal Nitrate or Diphenylamine Test

-Paraffin test was originated from Cuba when Dr. Gonzalo Iturrios first used paraffin for collecting gunpowder residues
from discharged firearm.
-In 1933, Teodoro Gonzales of Criminal Identification Laboratory, Mexico City introduced the test in the United States.
-In this test, the hands were coated with a layer of melted paraffin.
-After cooling, the casts were removed and treated with Diphenylamine (5% DPA in 60% sulfuric).

Methods of Examination

Paraffin Test
-To determine whether a person has discharged a firearm, the Paraffin–Diphenylamine test is used.
-The basis of this test is the presence of nitrates in the gunpowder residue.
-When a warm melted paraffin wax is applied on the hands of the alleged shooter, it will cause the pores of the skin to
open and exude the particles of gunpowder residue.
-These particles of gunpowder residue are being extracted by the paraffin cast (with the use of melted paraffin wax) and
will appear as blue specks, when diphenylamine reagent (DPA for brevity) is added on the cast. -It must be noted that
the specks are generally located on the area of the thumb and forefingers Note:
-The blue color that appears indicates the reaction of nitrates with diphenylamine reagent.
-Thus, nitrate from other sources like fertilizers will give the same reaction.
-Other substances similar to nitrate known as oxidizers will also react with the reagent in the same way.
-However, it must also be noted that the blue specks have the characteristic of “tailing”.

What Are The Principles Behind The Paraffin Test?

Principles
-While the burned and partially burned particles (gunpowder residue) is deposited on the target and in the barrel of the
gun, some of these burned and partially burned particles may escape around the breech of the gun and some may be
embedded on the exposed surface of the hand/s of the person discharging the firearm.
-Thus, the presence of these residues can be detected by way of paraffin examination.
-Paraffin casting of the alleged shooter shall only be done within seventy-two (72) hours from the time of the alleged
shooting incident.
-No person shall be subjected to paraffin casting after the lapse of the specified period.
-Embalmed cadaver who allegedly discharged a firearm shall no longer be subjected to paraffin examination because of
the impossibility of extracting the gunpowder nitrates from the former’s hands.

Different Names of This Test:

-Lunge’s Test
-Diphenylamine Test
-Dermal Nitrate Test
Gonzales Test – named after the one who improved the test

Ammunition.
-A hand discharging a revolver is more likely to give a positive result for gunpowder nitrates compared to that of a hand
discharging a pistol.
-In an automatic pistol, the chamber is an integral part of the barrel, whereas in the revolver, the chamber is located in
the cylinder and separated from the barrel with airspace.
-Thus, leakage of powder in a revolver is more likely to occur.

False Positive result

-It is the contamination or transfer of gunshot residue (GSR) to the body by mishandling, or when the body is heavily
contaminated by GSR from previous shooting.
-Washing of hands where samples are collected
-Type of ammunition such as rifle and shot gun.

False Positive Reaction

-Smear of blue color or a conglomeration of blue specks on both dorsal and palm aspects of the hand. -Failure to find
traces of nitrate on the hand of the person does not prove that he did not fire a gun. -But it is submitted that the
paraffin test has some value due to the psychological effect on the persons whose hands were found positive.
-Also, the finding of actual traces of gunpowder nitrates on the hand/s of the person does not conclusively determine or
establish that he has discharged a gun.
-It is possible that the GPR particle may have been blown on the hand directly from the barrel of the gun being
discharged by another person.

Gunpowder Residue Test on Firearms

-The diphenylamine reagent is also applied to cotton swabbing of the barrel and chambers of the gun to determine if the
firearm was discharged.
-A deep blue color resulting from the reaction of nitrates with the reagent indicates presence of gunpowder residue.

Gunshot Range (GSR) Determination

-AKA Gunshot Distance Determination
-When a firearm is discharged, gunpowder residue may also be deposited on the clothing of the victim. -The size
and density of the pattern of gunpowder residue found on the clothing are the main factors considered in
determining the approximate distance of the shooter to the victim.
-As the distance to the victim increases, the size of pattern expands while density decreases and vice-versa

Distance determination – the method of determining the distance between the firearm and the target. This is usually
based on the distance of the powder patterns or the spread of the shot pattern.

Importance of Distance Determination

1. In connection to self-defense pleas
2. In the distinction between murder and suicide. It is possible to state with certainty the distance of the gun from the
target by means of the patterns and residues left on the target. It is not only the type of gun, but also the condition and
type of ammunition that will affect this pattern.

Gunshot Range (GSR) Determination

In ascertaining the gunshot range (GSR) the examiner should note and observe the
following: 1. Entrance and Exit holes
2. Powder residue pattern (Burning, singeing, smudging, tattooing – a black coarsely peppered pattern)
Entrance and Exit Holes
-Entrance hole contains gunpowder residue (bullet wipe residue) and it is slightly burned.
-The diameter of entrance hole is smaller than the exit hole.
-The exit hole is frayed outward while entrance hole is inward.
Other Characteristics (Entrance Holes)
a. Angled bullet entrance hole has elongated hole.
b. Contact fires have uneven margins but all entrance holes typically have even margins.
c. Grazing bullet hole (several small holes created from a folded garment)

Classification of Gunshot Distance

a. Burning (direct)
b. Singeing (1 to 2 inches)
c. Smudging (2 to 8 inches)
d. Tattooing (8 to 18 inches)

Classification of Gunshot Distance

The distance of the muzzle of the gun to the target is classified into three (3):
1. Direct contact
2. 2 inches to 36 inches away
3. 36 inches away or more

a. Direct/Contact Wounds
-The principal damage is more visible due to the flame and the muzzle blast than to the penetration of bullet. The
following observations may be noted:
1. Gaping hole where fabric is badly torn
2. Blackened area surrounding the bullet hole
3. The presence of partially burned powder residues around the entrance hole

b. Wounds inflicted at a Distance from 2-36 inches:

-If the gun is discharged closely to the body of the victim, two (2) types of discoloration will be observed around the hole
of the entrance namely: (1) smudging and (2) powder tattooing (black coarsely peppered pattern).

Types of Discoloration
a.Smudging is produced when the gun is held from about 2 inches to the maximum of 8 inches. -The smoke
and soot from the burned pores are deposited around the hole of the entrance producing a dirty
appearance.

The size of the smudge depends upon the following:

A. Length of the barrel:
-A weapon of 2-inch barrel will deposit residue over a larger area than a weapon of 5-inch barrel (even if they are fired
from the distance with the same type of ammunition).
-In a longer barrel, the hand is farther away from the muzzle end of the gun.
-It takes a bullet to travel in more time, thus, using up/burning up more, if not all, of the nitrates. -In a short
barrel, the bullet travels through the barrel in less time leaving behind a greater amount of unburned particles.

B. Age of the gun/efficiency of mechanism.

-Complete combustion or the conversion of all nitrates into its end product is more likely to occur in a new weapon
compared to an old one.
-Besides, leakage of gunpowder is more likely to happen in the old weapon where the breech mechanism is no longer
tightly fitted.

C. Direction of Firing.
-More powder residues will be obtained when the gun is fired upward than downward.
-Gunpowder residues have weight and will naturally fall down because of gravity.

D. Wind Direction and Velocity.

-In high velocity (strong wind), the powder residues will be blown in the direction of the wind. -One is more likely
to be positive for gunpowder nitrates if there is no wind, or the direction is away from the body.

E. Humidity/percentage moisture in air.

-Humidity lessens the extent of combustion yielding more gunpowder nitrates.

Types of Discoloration
-Powder tattooing produces black coarsely peppered pattern. Individual specks of tattooing around the hole are
visible by the naked eye.
-The area of blackening around the perforation will be found to diminish in size as the muzzle of the gun is held further
away from the target.
-Take note that the size of the area of powder tattooing will also depend on the following:
- Caliber
- Powder charge
- Distance of firing

c. Wounds inflicted at a Distance of more than 36 inches:

-Powder tattooing is seldom present
-Nitrates found will not be sufficient for GSR

FIREARM EXAMINATION
Methods used to determine the probable time the firearm has been discharged:
a. Lucas Test
-A characteristic smell that decreases in intensity with lapse of time is present immediately after firing but even after
several weeks some slight smell remains.

b. Odor (Hydrogen Sulfide)

-This is another product resulting from combustion of gunpowder which is present in the gaseous state.
-This compound can be detected by means of lead acetate paper test.
-If the breech of the gun is kept closed, this persists between 2-3 hours.
*Sulfide – the greater part disappears in about 4-5 hours but frequently a trace remains for a longer time, the longest
period being 10 hours*

c. Odor of the Barrel (rusting)

-As a rule, no rust can be detected inside the barrel of a firearm if such firearm has not been discharged. -But if the
firearm has been discharged, iron salts are formed and can be detected inside the barrel. These iron salts are soon
oxidized resulting in the formation of rust.
-The formation of rust is affected by the humidity of the air so that in the interpretation of the result, this factor must
always be considered.

d. Presence of Nitrates (by cotton swabbing method)

-Nitrates diminish after a lapse of time. Nitrates can be detected by swabbing a portion of residue in a barrel and
mixing the residue with Diphenylamine solution (DPA).

e. Dermal Nitrate test

-The test is designed to determine the presence of gunpowder nitrates on the hands of the alleged shooter.
-It is the distance from which the gun has been discharged.
Significance:
a. In connection with self-defense
b. In the distinction between murder and suicide. It can be stated with certainty the distance of the gun from the target
by way of patterns of residues left on the victim.

Scorching or Singeing
-If a firearm was discharged very close to the target as in a case of alleged suicide and sometimes in murder, burns or
scorches may result.
-This resulting reaction is caused by flame that emerges from the muzzle and travels only a short distance from it. -This
distance will vary with the length of the barrel, the size of the powder charge and the degree to which the bullet fill the
barrel.
-The presence of scorch is a proof that the firearm was discharged a few inches away from the target.
-Scorching is very rare if the victim was shot 3 inches or more away from the muzzle.