Shooting Scene Reconstruction

Question 1

Definition of shooting reconstruction

Answer 1

The process of utilising info derived from physical evidence at the scene, analyses of physical evidence, and interferences drawn from such analyses to test various theories of the occurrence of prior events.

Question 2

Definition of shooting re-enactment

Answer 2

A demonstration of a previously existing reconstruction based on opinion and previous conclusions rather than scientific principle.

Question 3

What is the purpose of reconstructing a shooting?

Answer 3

Who, what, where, when, why?

To understand component factors of shooting (trajectories, distances, cartridge case ejections, ricochets, etc.)

To provide a range of possible positions for shooter and victim (paint picture).

To support or dismiss claims made about a given shooting in courts.

Question 4

What at the scene confirms that the crime was a shooting?

Answer 4

BULLET HOLES DON’T COUNT!!!
(How do you know it’s a bullet hole?)

The presence of a bullet, cartridge or bullet jacket would support that the crime was a shooting

Question 5

4 main possible outcomes to consider with bullet impact scenarios

Answer 5

1. Bullet remains intact and passes through causing identifiable entry and exit holes.
2. The bullet remains intact but does not pass through (entry wound but no exit wound).
3. The bullet foes not remain intact and some, or all the fragments are either retained or pass through.
4. The bullet bounces off either intact or fragmented.

Question 6

how to identify if a hole in a metal surface is a bullet hole?

Answer 6

• high velocity - the exit side of the hole will have a ‘truncated funnel’ shape. This depends on velocity, caliber and physical properties of the metal surface.
• thicker metal surface - bullet will likely cause a dent instead of a hole. This may cause a disruption in any paint or coatings of the metal.

Question 7

how to identify if a hole in a wooden surface is a bullet hole?

Answer 7

• entry side of hole is neat
• catering and splintering on the exit side
• low velocity, large caliber will cause significant splintering on exit.
• high velocity, small caliber will create neater holes.
• soft wood splinters less than hard wood.
• plywood will delaminate, large sections of bakc layer will be torn away.
• may be wipe ring on the entry side.

Question 8

how to identify if a hole in a glass surface is a bullet hole?

Answer 8

• highly depends on the type of glass.
  info that can be gathered:
• order of bullet impacts (if multiple)
• radiating cracks will not propergate across an existing crack or fault.
• high velocity tend to leave smaller, neater holes with little fracturing.
• low velocity is the opposite
  crack types:
• concentric (circular/ ringed cracks)
• straight radial cracks.

Question 9

equation for calculating angle of impact

Answer 9

sin^-1(width/length)

Question 10

What factors affect cartridge ejection patterns?

Answer 10

• Human facors: shooters height and grip, stance and movement.
• firearm characteristics: type of firearm (varying ejection mechanisms), internal wear and tear.
• ammunition characteristics: type and power
• environmental conditions: prevailing weather conditions (wind), surface on which the cartride case lands.
• terrain
• obstacles

Question 11

collection of cartridge ejection patterns

Answer 11

• study and documentation of ejection patterns
• data collection: location and angle of the ejected casings are meticulously recorded and measured using various methods, such as total stations or grids.
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