NCJ Number
194649
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 191-195
Date Published
December 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article presents results of an experiment conducted on a high velocity blood spatter in an attempt to explain the existence of the High Velocity Impact Stain (HVIS) pattern.
Abstract
Utilizing a case study where high velocity blood spatter was observed on a door near a victim without the expected associated wound being observed (typically a gunshot wound), an experiment was initiated to determine other ways in which to produce High Velocity Impact Stain or Spatter (HVIS) without an associated gunshot wound. It was proposed that the pattern could have been produced by projectiles or propellant gases from the shotgun discharged into the pooled blood from the victim’s beating or from the initial gunshot wound. Three tests were conducted using a similar weapon to that used at the crime scene. In the first, a shot was discharged into the pool of blood at a muzzle to blood distance of 72 inches. In the second, a shot was discharged into the pool of blood at the same muzzle to blood distance of 72 inches. In the third and final test, a shot was discharged past the pool of blood at a muzzle to blood distance of 24 inches. HVIS was evident in all three tests. These test results support the theory that the more energy that is available, the more blood will spatter. Figures