Analysis of shot residue collected from shooter leftovers using Varredura Microanalysis in Electron Microscopy: A persistence time control study

Abstract

In this study, residues were collected from the shooter's eyebrows, an unconventional collection area, using carbon tape, and the persistence of these residues was analyzed up to 8 h after the gunshot. A 28-gauge shotgun, commonly found and used in the South and Southeast regions of Pará, Brazil, was used. The technique of scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) proved to be efficient in confirming the persistence of Gunshot Residues (GSR) at 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h after the shot was fired, followed by collection from the shooter's eyebrows. 6 (six) particles were found in both eyebrows 2 h after the gunshot and only 1 (one) particle was found in the left eyebrow, both 4 h and 8 h after the shots performed with the 28-caliber rifle. The current method, which uses the Sodium Rhodizonate reagent, does not provide conclusive results, requiring the detection of lead (Pb), barium (Ba), and antimony (Sb) combined in a single particle to confirm the origin of the GSR. In this region of Pará state, Brazil, there is a need for a more robust technique to identify gunshot residues that meets the demands of the police and judicial authorities. The SEM-EDS technique is effective, unequivocal, conclusive to firearm shooting, and can be implemented as an important auxiliary tool in the forensic protocol.

Keywords

ASTM E 1588
Shotgun
GSR
SEM/EDS
Eyebrows
ASTM E 1588
Escopeta
GSR
MEV/EDS
Sobrancelhas
ASTM E 1588
Espingarda
GSR
MEV/EDS
Sobrancelhas

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Author(s)

  • José Augusto Barbosa de Andrade,
  • Renata Carvalho Silva,
  • Wagner Soares de Alencar,
  • Leonardo Brasil Felipe,
  • Fernanda Carla Lima Ferreira,
  • Raiane Sodré de Araújo,

    • José Augusto Barbosa de Andrade

    Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Forenses, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, PA, Brasil

    Renata Carvalho Silva

    Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia – Inmetro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

    Wagner Soares de Alencar

    Instituto de Geociências e Engenharias, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, PA, Brasil

    Leonardo Brasil Felipe

    Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Forenses, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, PA, Brasil

    Fernanda Carla Lima Ferreira

    a Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Forenses, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, PA, Brasil

    Raiane Sodré de Araújo

    Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil