Journal Published Online: 01 January 1986
Volume 31, Issue 1

Detection of Bullet Residue in Bone Using Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) Analysis

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

External beam proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis has been used to verify the presence of lead in the finger bone of a murder victim. The deceased, who had been buried several years, was known to have suffered a bullet wound to his right hand several yers before death. X-ray radiographs of the right second proximal phalanx revealed the possible presence of metal fragments below the surface of the bone. To verify the presence of lead in a nondestructive manner, the bone was scanned with a 1.5-MeV proton beam. PIXE analysis showed that lead was present only in the vicinity of the fragments previously detected in the radiographs. A study of gunshot residue in bone shows that the distribution of lead around the bullet hole is independent of the firing distance for distances greater than 0.6 m.

Author Information

Fischbeck, HJ
University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Ryan, SR
University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Snow, CC
Rhode Island Medical Examiner's Office, Providence, RI
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS11861J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11861J