Gunshot Residue as Forensic Evidence

Abstract

As a crime scene investigator reconstructing a crime scene is very important in firearm cases. In a crime scene for investigators, it is important to determine whether it was suicide or homicide or who may have shot the firearm might be critical to a case. Qualified forensic experts are very important in such cases. When a person has fired a weapon, the detection of gunshot residues (GSR) on the hands of a suspect can be of great significance.

Firing mechanism: When the trigger is pulled, the firing pin strikes the primer cap of the cartridge and it causes some sparking chemical reaction. After that, it ignites the gun-powder in the cartridge. The burning gun powder causes a build-up of pressure and temperature gasses within the cartridge. From this high amount of heat and pressure, the bullet moves forward and exits out of the muzzle of the firearm.