Determination and quantification of capsaicin-type compounds in forensic samples by UHPLC-HRMS: The case of Corinaldo

Abstract

The use of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)-based sprays has been reported as non-lethal self-defense tools in Europe since the 1950 s. Stinging pepper sprays may be very useful tool for self-defense in case of aggression, but they can turn into instruments of panic production with fatal outcomes, as demonstrated by what happened in the deadly Turin soccer stampede in 2017 or in Corinaldo (Ancona, Italy) nightclub in 2018.The aim of the present work was the development and validation of an analytical method for the determination of the two most common capsaicinoids contained in OC-sprays at crime scenes. A simple and effective method for the extraction of capsaicinoids from commercial swabs, has been developed. Sample clean-up was carried out by μ-SPE, in order to reduce matrix effect. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out by means of UHPLC-HRMS/MS.The validated method was applied to the investigations related to the Corinaldo nightclub case, where a OC-spray was suspected of having created panic among the crowd, causing six dead and dozens hurt. A total number of 118 samples were collected from disco surfaces, including floors and balustrades, using swabs. The samples were treated and analysed with a validated method in order to identify and quantify the presence of capsaicinoids. Thanks to the large number of samples, it was possible to draw a concentration map of the analytes of interest within the disco, making possible to identify the room area from which the spray delivery started.