ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 November 1987
Page Count: 8

Observations of High Velocity Bloodspatter on Adjacent Objects
Vaughan, CH
Criminalist and director, Oregon State Police Crime Detection Laboratory, OR

Pex, JO
Criminalist and director, Oregon State Police Crime Detection Laboratory, OR

(Received 20 January 1987; accepted 26 March 1987)

Abstract

In a recent homicide investigation, high velocity backspatter was observed on the sleeve cuff of the accused. These minute droplets were discovered only after microscopic examination and were limited in number. A study was initiated to determine if these were truly backspatter droplets or transferred blood produced from light contact with a bloody item. It was observed that the backspattered blood was primarily limited to contact or near contact shots. An exception was a shot into an already bloody surface. It was found that backspattered blood would deposit on the shooter's shirt sleeve irrespective of the weave pattern. Transferred blood was observed only on the fiber tops. This information was found to be useful in reconstruction of events in suicides as well as possible homicides.

Keywords:
criminalistics, ballistics, blood, drops (liquids), wound ballistics, bloodspatter, backspatter, homicide

Paper ID: JFS11218J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11218J
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