NCJ Number
113159
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 33 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1988) Pages: 1052-1057
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
An actual case demonstrates the evidentiary value of material from the victim's clothing trapped within the cavity of a hollow-point bullet.
Abstract
Analysis of this material, as well as that from hollow-point bullets used in test firings, showed that the contents of the bullet's cavity, especially if in multiple layers, could be correlated with the series of intermediate targets perforated. In the case presented, this aided investigators in determining how many bullets struck the victim. Frequently displaced, especially if distortion of the hollow point has occurred, this trace evidence is worth recovering and analyzing. This finding varies from the existing assumption which holds that clothing driven into skin by bullets is usually found in the dermis or subcutaneous tissues near the entrance wound. This assumption does not take into account how various types of bullets may cause the clothing penetrated to adhere to the bullet to the point of final impact. 1 table, 4 figures, 16 references. (Author abstract modified)