FSCI - Experience

TRACE BULLET METAL TEST KIT

The general question that arises quite often at shooting scenes is, "Is this a bullet hole", or "Was this damage created by a bullet?" Sometimes the visual identification of bullet wipe, a consecutive series of perforations, or the presence of a bullet at the end of a trajectory adequately resolves the issue. However, many times, visual characteristics are not enough to determine whether or not a damaged area is indeed bullet related. Often, the final support to conclude that a hole or dent is bullet related is the presence of copper and/or lead in characteristic patterns at the site. Many times in my career, the final piece of the puzzle that supports or refutes opposing versions of an occurrence has come down to identifying whether a ricochet mark, dent, or disturbed area can be verified as bullet related. Detecting the presence of lead and/or copper can accomplish this goal. This kit not only allows for the specific detection of these two, most common bullet metals, but also gives pattern information that can indicate direction and more. Here are a few real life examples of how this can, and has, augmented investigations and shooting reconstructions.

Hypothetical Scenarios:

I.
A law enforcement officer is making a routine traffic stop that turns into a shooting incident. He reports that as he approached the driver's door of the vehicle, a firearm emerged from the open window and was fired.
This kit can:
1) support that a firearm was discharged in close proximity to the window frame
2) assist in the reconstruction of the firearm's location at time of fire
To the left is a picture of a vaporous lead cloud produced by a 357 Magnum revolver and a lead bullet. This cloud covers almost the entire front half of the top of this car. The sodium rhodizonate test for lead allowed examiners to see these deposits, and confirm them as lead.

II.
Two assailants fire revolvers in a shooting incident. One assailant is found to have a revolver loaded with lead bullets and fired casings of the same type, while the other is found to have a revolver loaded with copper jacketed bullets and fired casings of this same type. Several suspected holes, divots, and dents are found in various areas of the scene.
This kit can:
1) detect the presence of copper and/or lead
2) show patterns of lead splash indicating directionality of the bullets
3) given the limited universe of bullets in this event, differentiate which bullet type created the impacts
To the left is an example of a shallow angle impact on sheet metal. Note the lead splash made visible with rhodizonate to the right side of the impact, showing that the direction of travel was left to right.

III.
A decedent is found with several perforating gunshot wounds to the head. Next to the head, on cinder block, suspicious marks are observed. The question arises whether or not this person was shot standing up, or while on the ground.
This kit can:
1) detect the presence of copper and/or lead in the mark on the concrete
2) give investigators an idea of directionality based on the pattern of bullet metals detected in the suspicious mark
Shown to the left are two suspect marks on cinderblock. Using copper and lead lifts, you can determine if the two most common bullet metals are present in the suspected impact area. No sampling for scanning electron microscopy, no waiting for results from the lab. You can do the test right at the scene, and develop pattern information!

IV.
A man shoots his girlfriend in the head. The bullet perforates her head, and is recovered on the floor. The run-down shack where the event occurred has numerous dents on the walls which could be secondary bullet impacts.
This kit can:
1) selectively determine which site possesses bullet metal transfer, therefore establishing a general trajectory for the bullet after it left the decedent's head

V.
An officer involved shooting takes place, and the officer shoots the assailant in the hand. Suspected damage on the gun may or may not be bullet caused.
This kit can:
1) indicate that the assailant had the gun in hand at the time the officer fired
2) locate and pattern the trace bullet metals, indicating orientation of the gun when struck (ie. pointed at or away from the officer)
Located to the left is a photo of two copper (ammoniacal) lifts. The left one is of the underside of the frame and the lower one is of the front of the grip. The pink response of 2-NN with copper is observed where the bullet hit the grip. The addition of a drop of DTO changes the pink to green as seen in the bottom lift and in one spot in the left lift.

To the left is a photo of two lead (tartrate) lifts done in the same orientation as the copper lifts. Note the pink primary response for lead, and the purple response spot in the lower lift from the addition of a 5% HCl solution.

VI.
It is important to determine whether a small perforation of a tire on a car is bullet caused or not.
This kit can:
1) detect lead and copper "wipe" around the suspected bullet hole

VII.
It is in question whether an officer was fired upon by a suspect. A suspicious mark is found on the windshield of the officer's vehicle.
This kit can:
1) detect the bullet metals that should be present if this is indeed a bullet graze mark
The shallow angle impact of this copper, full metal jacketed bullet on a windshield left no cracks whatsoever. Just the long smudge visible below. How can you verify that this was caused by a bullet? The detection of both copper and lead at this site was the clincher to tracking down an impact point for the last shot to be accounted for in this multiple shot event. It also explains why the subsequent impact downrange was produced by a destabilized or tumbling bullet.

The potential uses of this kit are many.

Key impact types and scenarios where this kit can help:
1) Identify impacts created by decelerated projectiles that do not perforate objects, but rather leave dents
2) Shallow angle ricochets that do not possess classical bullet impact characteristics
3) Establish direction of travel based on vaporous lead "splash" after an impact
4) Inclusion or exclusion of an impact being created by plain lead or copper jacketed bullets
5) Many others depending on your specific scenario

This kit is designed to allow investigators in the field to have the flexibility to analyze suspected bullet/pellet impact sites and proximal areas to the muzzle at firing for trace amounts of the two most common bullet metals: 1) copper and 2) lead.

Cost of this kit depends on current prices of chemicals, so please email for a quote.

What this package contains:

One customized tool box
Reagent and solution vessels with labels and descriptions
One box of protective gloves
One set of eye protection
Sprayer Units
Permanent Pens
Scissors
Field Instructions
One copper standard- an inert cartridge loaded with a copper jacketed bullet
One lead standard- an inert cartridge loaded with a lead bullet
MSDS sheets for all the reagents used
Disposable pipettes
Verification/validation set:
Several sample bullet impacts to test with your kit (Cu and Pb lift techniques)
[9x19mm FMJ impacts on sheet metal]
One sample gunshot residue pattern to test with your kit (direct spray NaRh technique)
[9x19mm FMJ on paper at 12"]

Optional Items (your lab may already have it):

One package (50 sheets) of Whatman BenchKote (18" x 22")
Adds $150.00
pH paper (optional)

Items you need to obtain to use this kit:

Reagent grade ethanol [VWR Cat #: EM-EX0278-6]
Pure ammonia solution [unscented and non-suddsing, from the grocery store]
Water

Departments may choose to buy their own restocking supplies, or purchase them as needed from Forensic Science Consultants.
Notes:

Use this kit only when you can ventilate the area

This kit should not be stored in areas of excessive heat or cold (ie. trunks of cars in summer or winter, etc)

In addition to the basic kit materials listed above, literature is included, free of charge, that will be very helpful in referencing the origins of these procedures.

Consider hosting a day long training class on the benefits, uses, and pitfalls of using this chemical test kit. Live fire demonstrations or simple hands-on classes are available.
Contact Mike Haag for information:

Forensic Science Consultants, LLC

(505) 401-6225
mhaag@forensicfirearms.com
www.forensicfirearms.com

References:

Haag, M. 2-Nitroso-1-Naphthol vs. Dithiooxamide in Trace Copper Detection at Bullet Impact Sites AFTE Journal Vol. 29 No. 2

Haag, L. A Microchemical Test for Copper Containing Bullet Wipe AFTE Journal, Vol. 13 #3

Haag, M. and L., Trace Bullet Metal Test Kit for Copper and Lead, www.forensicfirearms.com
Kubota, Mitsumasa, Color Test of Bullet Residue Inside Bore
AFTE Journal Vol. 12, #1

Excerpts: Fiegl, Fritz and Anger, Vinzenz, Spot Tests in Inorganic Analysis, 6th Edition, Elsevier Publishing Company, 1972.
Kokacinski, C. Brundage, D. and Nicol, J. A Study of the Use of 2-Nitroso-1-Naphthol as a Trace Metal Detection Reagent Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol. 25 #4


	TRACE BULLET METAL TEST KIT The general question that arises quite often at shooting scenes is, "Is this a bullet hole", or "Was this damage created by a bullet?" Sometimes the visual identification of bullet wipe, a consecutive series of perforations, or the presence of a bullet at the end of a trajectory adequately resolves the issue. However, many times, visual characteristics are not enough to determine whether or not a damaged area is indeed bullet related. Often, the final support to conclude that a hole or dent is bullet related is the presence of copper and/or lead in characteristic patterns at the site. Many times in my career, the final piece of the puzzle that supports or refutes opposing versions of an occurrence has come down to identifying whether a ricochet mark, dent, or disturbed area can be verified as bullet related. Detecting the presence of lead and/or copper can accomplish this goal. This kit not only allows for the specific detection of these two, most common bullet metals, but also gives pattern information that can indicate direction and more. Here are a few real life examples of how this can, and has, augmented investigations and shooting reconstructions. Hypothetical Scenarios: I. A law enforcement officer is making a routine traffic stop that turns into a shooting incident. He reports that as he approached the driver's door of the vehicle, a firearm emerged from the open window and was fired. This kit can: 1) support that a firearm was discharged in close proximity to the window frame 2) assist in the reconstruction of the firearm's location at time of fire To the left is a picture of a vaporous lead cloud produced by a 357 Magnum revolver and a lead bullet. This cloud covers almost the entire front half of the top of this car. The sodium rhodizonate test for lead allowed examiners to see these deposits, and confirm them as lead. II. Two assailants fire revolvers in a shooting incident. One assailant is found to have a revolver loaded with lead bullets and fired casings of the same type, while the other is found to have a revolver loaded with copper jacketed bullets and fired casings of this same type. Several suspected holes, divots, and dents are found in various areas of the scene. This kit can: 1) detect the presence of copper and/or lead 2) show patterns of lead splash indicating directionality of the bullets 3) given the limited universe of bullets in this event, differentiate which bullet type created the impacts To the left is an example of a shallow angle impact on sheet metal. Note the lead splash made visible with rhodizonate to the right side of the impact, showing that the direction of travel was left to right. III. A decedent is found with several perforating gunshot wounds to the head. Next to the head, on cinder block, suspicious marks are observed. The question arises whether or not this person was shot standing up, or while on the ground. This kit can: 1) detect the presence of copper and/or lead in the mark on the concrete 2) give investigators an idea of directionality based on the pattern of bullet metals detected in the suspicious mark Shown to the left are two suspect marks on cinderblock. Using copper and lead lifts, you can determine if the two most common bullet metals are present in the suspected impact area. No sampling for scanning electron microscopy, no waiting for results from the lab. You can do the test right at the scene, and develop pattern information! IV. A man shoots his girlfriend in the head. The bullet perforates her head, and is recovered on the floor. The run-down shack where the event occurred has numerous dents on the walls which could be secondary bullet impacts. This kit can: 1) selectively determine which site possesses bullet metal transfer, therefore establishing a general trajectory for the bullet after it left the decedent's head V. An officer involved shooting takes place, and the officer shoots the assailant in the hand. Suspected damage on the gun may or may not be bullet caused. This kit can: 1) indicate that the assailant had the gun in hand at the time the officer fired 2) locate and pattern the trace bullet metals, indicating orientation of the gun when struck (ie. pointed at or away from the officer) Located to the left is a photo of two copper (ammoniacal) lifts. The left one is of the underside of the frame and the lower one is of the front of the grip. The pink response of 2-NN with copper is observed where the bullet hit the grip. The addition of a drop of DTO changes the pink to green as seen in the bottom lift and in one spot in the left lift. To the left is a photo of two lead (tartrate) lifts done in the same orientation as the copper lifts. Note the pink primary response for lead, and the purple response spot in the lower lift from the addition of a 5% HCl solution. VI. It is important to determine whether a small perforation of a tire on a car is bullet caused or not. This kit can: 1) detect lead and copper "wipe" around the suspected bullet hole VII. It is in question whether an officer was fired upon by a suspect. A suspicious mark is found on the windshield of the officer's vehicle. This kit can: 1) detect the bullet metals that should be present if this is indeed a bullet graze mark The shallow angle impact of this copper, full metal jacketed bullet on a windshield left no cracks whatsoever. Just the long smudge visible below. How can you verify that this was caused by a bullet? The detection of both copper and lead at this site was the clincher to tracking down an impact point for the last shot to be accounted for in this multiple shot event. It also explains why the subsequent impact downrange was produced by a destabilized or tumbling bullet. The potential uses of this kit are many. Key impact types and scenarios where this kit can help: 1) Identify impacts created by decelerated projectiles that do not perforate objects, but rather leave dents 2) Shallow angle ricochets that do not possess classical bullet impact characteristics 3) Establish direction of travel based on vaporous lead "splash" after an impact 4) Inclusion or exclusion of an impact being created by plain lead or copper jacketed bullets 5) Many others depending on your specific scenario This kit is designed to allow investigators in the field to have the flexibility to analyze suspected bullet/pellet impact sites and proximal areas to the muzzle at firing for trace amounts of the two most common bullet metals: 1) copper and 2) lead. Cost of this kit depends on current prices of chemicals, so please email for a quote. What this package contains: One customized tool box Reagent and solution vessels with labels and descriptions One box of protective gloves One set of eye protection Sprayer Units Permanent Pens Scissors Field Instructions One copper standard- an inert cartridge loaded with a copper jacketed bullet One lead standard- an inert cartridge loaded with a lead bullet MSDS sheets for all the reagents used Disposable pipettes Verification/validation set: Several sample bullet impacts to test with your kit (Cu and Pb lift techniques) [9x19mm FMJ impacts on sheet metal] One sample gunshot residue pattern to test with your kit (direct spray NaRh technique) [9x19mm FMJ on paper at 12"] Optional Items (your lab may already have it): One package (50 sheets) of Whatman BenchKote (18" x 22") Adds $150.00 pH paper (optional) Items you need to obtain to use this kit: Reagent grade ethanol [VWR Cat #: EM-EX0278-6] Pure ammonia solution [unscented and non-suddsing, from the grocery store] Water Departments may choose to buy their own restocking supplies, or purchase them as needed from Forensic Science Consultants. Notes: Use this kit only when you can ventilate the area This kit should not be stored in areas of excessive heat or cold (ie. trunks of cars in summer or winter, etc) In addition to the basic kit materials listed above, literature is included, free of charge, that will be very helpful in referencing the origins of these procedures. Consider hosting a day long training class on the benefits, uses, and pitfalls of using this chemical test kit. Live fire demonstrations or simple hands-on classes are available. Contact Mike Haag for information: Forensic Science Consultants, LLC (505) 401-6225 mhaag@forensicfirearms.com www.forensicfirearms.com References: Haag, M. 2-Nitroso-1-Naphthol vs. Dithiooxamide in Trace Copper Detection at Bullet Impact Sites AFTE Journal Vol. 29 No. 2 Haag, L. A Microchemical Test for Copper Containing Bullet Wipe AFTE Journal, Vol. 13 #3 Haag, M. and L., Trace Bullet Metal Test Kit for Copper and Lead, www.forensicfirearms.com Kubota, Mitsumasa, Color Test of Bullet Residue Inside Bore AFTE Journal Vol. 12, #1 Excerpts: Fiegl, Fritz and Anger, Vinzenz, Spot Tests in Inorganic Analysis, 6th Edition, Elsevier Publishing Company, 1972. Kokacinski, C. Brundage, D. and Nicol, J. A Study of the Use of 2-Nitroso-1-Naphthol as a Trace Metal Detection Reagent Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol. 25 #4

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