The results of research demonstrating uniqueness of fingernail striation patterns, persistence over a period of time, and constancy after injury are presented to support such acceptance by the Courts. Examination of a fully functional camera revealed alterations indicative of an attempt to manufacture an improvised stun gun. Contact gunshot wounds often leave muzzle impressions that can be matched to a class of weapon. Methods to compare wounds and muzzles of weapons and a series of photo comparisons of wounds and weapons will be presented. Distinguishing offensive from defensive powder residue patterns on hands is important in determining whether close gunshot wounds are homicidal or suicidal.
Some reconstructions can rule out a self-inflicted wound.
A correlation study was undertaken to determine the relationship between pellet patterns from a smooth bore shotgun barrel versus a full rifled shotgun barrel. Using a Remington Wingmaster 870 shotgun, patterns were produced from known distances utilizing various pellet loads in both a smooth and rifled barrel. Furthermore, both barrels were shortened to evaluate the effect this would have on pellet patterns. With the increase of spreader load manufacturing, a brief overview of some current manufacturing trends is provided. The scattering effect of these loads should be noted when determining distance from pellet patterns when the ammunition may not be known.