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.