An Arson Investigation by using Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

Taylor Cm

doi:10.4172/2157-7145.1000169

Abstract

The aim of this investigation is to develop a new tool for the investigation of hydrocarbon accelerants. The chemical analysis of fire debris in an arson investigation has gone through several developmental stages. The nature of the analysis has been divided into three essential components due to the complexity of the samples. The first has been the extraction of the accelerants from the debris. The second has been the development of instrumental techniques for the analysis of extracted samples. The interpretation of the results is the final stage. In our investigation, we have used comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GCXGC-qMS). GCXGC-qMS is well suited for the analysis of complex hydrocarbon accelerants. We applied the resolution and separation powers of the GCXGC with the high precision mass scanning capabilities of a quadrupole mass spectrometer to investigate these complex samples. Total and selective ion scans were performed on samples obtained from an arson investigation. By using this process, we were able to conclusively determine the presence of hydrocarbon accelerants in fire debris.

Highlights

During 2010, law enforcement agencies reported 56,825 arsons to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, at an estimated total direct cost of over $1.5 billion in property damage
One out of every four fires is due to arson [1]
An arson investigation usually starts by looking at the four factors that must be present in order to create and sustain a fire

Summary

Introduction

During 2010, law enforcement agencies reported 56,825 arsons to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, at an estimated total direct cost of over $1.5 billion in property damage. One out of every four fires is due to arson [1]. An arson investigation usually starts by looking at the four factors that must be present in order to create and sustain a fire. These four factors are known as the fire tetrahedron [3]. The tetrahedron consists of a chemical reaction, flammable substance, starting heat source and oxygen. The starting heat source needs to match the ignition temperature of the flammable substance. In order to classify a fire as arson, the investigator has to prove tampering with at least one of the factors in the fire tetrahedron

Objectives

Results

Conclusion