Abstract

Locating and retrieving gunshot residue from the scene of the crimeis important for the investigation of shooting-related crime incidents. The presence of gunshot residue on the glass that can be hit as anintermediate target is occasional but not collected commonly because of its nature and the amount found on the glass. They may be found in crimes such as shooting where the target involves windowpanes or windshields among many other shooting related incidents. It is indicative that gunshot residues provide an exemplary source of partially burnt, completely burnt, and unburnt residues of primers and propellants that can help establish the manufacturer’s details. Gunshot residues are deposited on the hands, face, and clothing of the shooter and are commonly found on the entry hole of the targets. These residues can be recovered from the surface of intermediate targets through which the bullet travels. Detection of gunshot residue from these intermediate targets can be useful for forensic investigation. They can be promising in absence of other pieces of evidence such as cartridge cases, bullets, or firearms. The current study was performed to explore the detection of gunshot residue on glasses fired at 25 metres range. Lead, barium, and antimony were successfully detected on all samples fired at 25 metres range. The analysis provided consistent evidence that gunshot residue detected can be helpful to obtain reliable data for forensic investigation. The statistical analysis of the data revealed a significant difference in the diameter of entry, number of radial fractures, diameter and thickness of mist zone with types of glass.

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