Abstract
In molecular ballistics, the molecular genetic analysis of biological material is integrated with the biophysical wounding events and trace investigations of terminal ballistics. It aims to support the objective, evidence-based reconstruction of gun-related crimes. Of central interest is the analysis of backspatter traces: biological material propelled back from the entry site of a bullet after impact on a biological target. This study is a first approach to systematically investigate possible correlations or patterns between the amount of recoverable DNA (yield) from backspatter traces found on and inside fired guns and the shooting distance. After firing shots from five distances (0, 5, 10, 15, 30 cm) with both a pistol and revolver in triplicates, no clear correlations or patterns can be observed, due to considerable variation between measurements from identical triplicates and a lack of linear relation between distance and yield, e.g. yields from even 30 cm shots will sometimes exceed those of contact shots. Wound channel evaluation was performed as well and distinct differences between contact shots and distance shots could be observed, but not between any distant shots.
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