DNA TYPING OF CELLULAR MATERIAL ON PERFORATING BULLETS

DNA typing of cellular debris from perforating bullets was investigate d following shooting experiments. A total of 14 perforating gunshots w ere fired into 9 calves. PCR typing of tissue fragments was done using bovine-specific primers flanking a 247 bp segment within the bovine l actoglobulin gene. Positive amplification results were obtained for al l 9 hollow point (HP) and all 5 full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets. In co ntrast to HP bullets the smooth surfaces of the FMJ bullets did not ha ve visible biological material, which resulted in weaker bands in the DNA analysis compared to HP bullets. Tissue seemed to accumulate at th e base of the projectiles. Due to the lack of a suitable marker in bov ines, only a species identification was carried out on the DNA from ti ssue on the bullets. The small amount of DNA extract (up to 5%) requir ed for specification is promising for the successful application of a set of short tandem repeat (STR) systems for individualization in huma ns. By individualizing tissue on perforating bullets, the bullet and t he victim it passed through can be linked. This can assist the investi gation of gunshot deaths, especially when several persons are involved in a gun fight.