Date of Award
Fall 12-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department/Program
Forensic Science
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Peter Diaczuk
Second Reader
Patrick Mclaughlin
Third Advisor
Andrew Winter
Abstract
Determining the muzzle to target distance of a firearm discharge is an integral part in crime scene reconstruction. Shooter distance is most often estimated using the Modified Griess test, which can be used to visualize gunshot residue (GSR) patterns around bullet holes. However, this test has a 3- to 5-feet range limit as the plume of GSR particles can only travel a certain distance past the muzzle. The purpose in this study was to develop a new method that overcomes this range limitation by analyzing the physical damage characteristics of a bullet hole. Test fires were conducted with a .22 caliber rifle over a range of muzzle to target distances and different bullet velocities. The goal of the study was to simulate an indoor shooting on plywood and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) panels. The results show that as muzzle to target distance increases, bullet hole depth decreases. In addition, specific damage patterns were observed on the back of the substrates relating to shooter distance and bullet velocity. A predictions model was developed using this data that allowed shooter distance to be estimated based on bullet hole depth. Conclusions were made that not only does this new method cover the limitations of the Modified Griess test, but it also works in tandem with other ballistics analysis methods. With some finetuning, this method may be of use to forensic scientists in casework.
Recommended Citation
Lee, Alan, "Estimating Muzzle to Target Distance from the Physical Characteristics of a Bullet Hole in Different Wood Substrates" (2020). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/175