Improved method for shooting distance estimation. Part III. Bullet holes in cadavers

An improved method to estimate firing distance on human body surfaces is de scribed. The novel part of the method includes a chemical test in addition to the traditional visual and microscopic examinations of the gunshot wound s. This chemical test consists of a transfer of the gunpowder residues from the area of a gunshot wound to an adhesive lifter; the residues are then v isualized as total nitrite after alkaline hydrolysis by the Modified Griess Test (MGT). When cadavers are in an advanced stage of decomposition or whe n gunshot wounds are in hairy areas, the information obtained by this chemi cal test can be crucial for shooting distance evaluation. In other cases it may improve the accuracy of the examination. In some cases, the results ob tained by this test may assist in the discrimination between entrance and e xit gunshot wounds.