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The effect of firearm muzzle gases on the backspatter of blood.
- Source :
-
International journal of legal medicine [Int J Legal Med] 2011 Sep; Vol. 125 (5), pp. 617-28. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 May 12. - Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- Injuries caused by gunshots can produce what bloodstain pattern analysts know as "backspatter." Observations about the presence or absence of backspatter on an individual may be used in court as evidence of guilt or innocence. The discharge of three firearms (.22 caliber revolver, .38 caliber revolver, and .308 caliber rifle) and the resulting impact of bullets on a blood source were recorded using high-speed digital video imaging. Blood droplets, firearm muzzle gases, and ballistic shock waves were visualized using standard reflected light and shadowgraphy imaging techniques. A significant interaction between air currents, muzzle gases, and particulate material emanating from the firearms upon discharge with backspattered blood was observed. Blood droplets, initially spattered back toward the firearm and the shooter, were observed to change direction under the influence of firearm-induced air currents and were blown forward toward and beyond their original source location. Implications for experts testifying in court and for bloodstain pattern instructors are discussed.
- Subjects :
- Air Movements
Humans
Lighting instrumentation
Lighting legislation & jurisprudence
Shadowing Technique, Histology instrumentation
Video Recording instrumentation
Blood Stains
Firearms
Forensic Ballistics legislation & jurisprudence
Gases
Homicide legislation & jurisprudence
Wounds, Gunshot pathology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1437-1596
- Volume :
- 125
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- International journal of legal medicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 20461525
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-010-0462-4