Journal Published Online: 01 April 1976
Volume 21, Issue 2

Soft Tissue Radiography in Determining Contact and Near-Contact Gunshot Wounds

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Determination of firing distance is an important consideration in the investigation of gunshot wounds. To define this distance as precisely as possible many studies have been proposed and conducted to correlate the deposits remaining on target surfaces with the muzzle-to-target distance. Among these have been microscopic tissue examination [1]; various chemical tests, including atomic absorption spectrophotometry, neutron activation analysis, and so forth [2,3]; and visual examination of powder patterns [4]. Some of these techniques allow correlation of the pattern with an approximate distance. Others only support conclusions of greater or less than a particular distance. Results of these methods become difficult or impossible to assess where surface deposits are destroyed or obliterated. This study describes the application of soft tissue radiography to the characterization of contact and near-contact gunshot wounds independent of surface integrity.

Author Information

Rivers, RL
Institute of Forensic Sciences, Oakland, Calif.
Miller, LB
Institute of Forensic Sciences, Oakland, Calif.
Loquvam, GS
Institute of Forensic Sciences, Oakland, Calif.
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10506J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10506J