X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS OF GUNSHOT RESIDUE

SARAN, A.; GUALPA, J.; MUCH, D.; SANCHEZ ORMACHEA, J.P.; WILBERGER, D.; MERINI, L.

Gaceta Internacional de Ciencias Forenses

Universidad de Valencia

Lugar: Valencia; Año: 2022 p. 9 - 16

2174-9019

Several analytical techniques are available for forensic scientists to perform the reconstruction of a shooting incident.Among them, the analysis of gunshot residues typical elements, as Pb, Ba and Sb, are the most frequent. Investigation of its presence on the body from the victim or a suspect can provide crucial information regarding the incident. In this work we propose the use of X-ray fluorescence for detecting gunpowder residues on the skin. The analysis was focused in the relationship of these elements, mainly on the hands and face of a handgun shooter. An experiment was performed in the forensic laboratory shooting room, using commercial carbon stubs for sampling the hand and face skin of a shooter firing a 9 mm pistol. Results indicate a clear correlation between samples taken from both hands after firing a 9 mm pistol in relationship to Pb an Ba presence. The XRF instrument proved to be a quick and easy tool to detect inorganic components as a screening for GSR on hands.