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AFTE 2008 Summaries

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Jerryp:
ASCLD/LAB Accreditation Updates
Glen Johnson
Objectives: This presentation will provide interesting and useful information for the Firearm/Tool Mark discipline with regards to the ASCLD/LAB accreditation programs. The presentation begins with an overview of the 25-year history of the ASCLD/LAB organization including statistical data on the number of accredited laboratories. Differences between the Legacy Program and the International Program will be presented, and improvements incorporated into the 2008 Legacy Program Manual will be outlined. Significant ISO-17025:2005 and 2006 Supplemental requirements of concern for firearm and tool mark examiners will be reviewed.
Biography: Glen Johnson is currently an ASCLD/LAB Staff Inspector and Certified Lead Assessor. He has participated in more than fifty ASCLD/LAB accreditation inspections and assessments since 1990. He is a life member of AFTE, a certified gunsmith, a recipient of the Tony Longhetti ASCLD/LAB award for excellence, a member of the AFTE Accreditation Committee and a retired firearm and tool mark examiner and system manager, formerly with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Glen Johnson, ASCLD/LAB Training Division, 139J Technology Drive, Garner, NC 27529, 512.255.5382, Fax 919773.2602, JohnsonCG@aol.com

Jerryp:
Wound Ballistics 2008 ‘Looking Forward Looking Back’
David Andrew
Objectives: Wound Ballistics is a science driven by need. The current conflicts in the Middle East have given a new impetus. 'Mythbusters' and the gratuitous use of ballistic gelatin have also helped. This paper looks at what we have learned and how it could be used in the future.
Methodology: A literature and media review was undertaken. This was then analyzed and evaluated.
Results: Old lessons are being relearned, and a lot of information is again resurfacing on energy transfer. Bullets are getting bigger, and blast injury is becoming the focal point.
Conclusions: A new definition of Wound Ballistics, "A Study of Bombs, Bullets and Blast upon the Body". The design of Body Armour is being evaluated under these principles, bullets are getting bigger, and blast is a major focus area.
Biography: David Andrew is a Registered Nurse at Berri Hospital in South Australia, and a Lieutenant in the Australian Army Reserve. He holds a Masters of Nursing Degree and has served in the Australian Defense force in various roles for over 32 years. He has presented in this field for over 20 years and presented at AFTE in 2006.
David Andrew, 22 Wishart Street, Berri, South Australia 5343, Australia, 61.8.8582.4638
davidandtheresa@bigpond.com

Jerryp:
Visualization of Gunshot Residue Patterns on Dark Clothing Using a Video Spectral Comparator
John Durina and Marie Durina (and others)
Objectives: The determination of muzzle-to-target distance is often a critical factor in criminal and civil investigations involving firearms; however, seeing and recording gunshot residue patterns can be difficult if the victim’s clothing is dark and/or bloody. The Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) is an imaging instrument routinely used by forensic document examiners. The VSC 2000TM model (Foster & Freeman Ltd, Evesham, Worcestershire, UK), includes a color charge coupled device (CCD) video camera, a black and white CCD video camera, various radiant energy sources, and numerous excitation/barrier filters.
This research set out to determine if the VSC could quickly, easily, and reliably provide instantaneous viewing, saving, and printing of gunshot residue patterns on dark and bloodstained clothing without the use of specialized film, and without chemical processing.
The study examines the reliability, speed, and accuracy of determining muzzle-to-target firing distance from gunshot residue particle patterns using the Video Spectral Comparator 2000 (VSC) 2000. Examinations included (a) the use of the VSC 2000 to detect gunshot residue particles on dark clothing, and; (b) what effect the addition of blood to the materials may have in making firing distance determinations using the VSC 2000.
Methodology: Five different types of dark clothing using eight different handguns of different calibers were examined. Test fires were made on dark colored fabrics at three muzzle-to-target distances of 6 inches, 12 inches, and 18 inches Test fires into white, unstained, cotton fabrics at 6 inches were used as controls. The target fabrics were then viewed with a Video Spectral Comparator. After results were obtained, some of the fabrics were then stained with human blood from crime lab stock supplies. The target fabrics were then viewed again with the Video Spectral Comparator. Images of results were recorded.
Results: Gunshot residues were readily detected, and patterns were easily seen on dark clothing. Bloodstains did not preclude the viewing of these patterns.
Conclusions: This study has determined that the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) can assist firearms examiners in quickly and easily visualizing gunshot residue patterns without any specialized film, or chemicals, and with instantaneous viewing, saving, and printing of the image. Video Spectral Comparators already exist in many crime labs and are used frequently by forensic document examiners. The VSC is also a useful tool for examining gunshot residue patterns and determining muzzle-to-target firing distances. Biography: Christina Atwater graduated from National University, San Diego, CA in 2005 with a master’s degree in forensic science. Marie Durina is a Forensic Document Examiner with the San Diego Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory Questioned Document Unit, San Diego, CA. John Durina is a Criminalist in the Firearms Unit of the San Diego Police Department Laboratory, San Diego, CA. Robert D. Blackledge is a retired Senior Chemist, formerly with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Regional Forensic Laboratory, San Diego, CA, and an adjunct professor of Criminalistics with National University, San Diego, CA.
John Durina and Marie Durina, Christina Atwater, Robert Blackledge, c/o of Marie Durina, San Diego Sheriff’s Department Crime Lab, 5255 Mt. Etna Drive, San Diego, CA 92117, 858.467.4591, Fax 858.467.4650, marie.durina@sdsheriff.org

Jerryp:
Gunpowder Visualization by Digital Infrared Photography
William Matty
Objectives: To assess the capabilities of new digital camera technology, this is optimized to capture infrared light. These cameras can detect and enhance gunpowder patterns on cloth.
Methodology: Several different fabrics of differing colors and patterns were photographed under varying light conditions in order to determine optimum photographic conditions to enhance gunpowder pattern visualization. Results: Depending on the type of dye used, the use of infrared photography can enhance the ability to see the gunpowder pattern to a remarkable degree.
Conclusions: Infrared photography is a very useful tool for the detection and recording of gunpowder patterns on cloth which has a dark color or a colored pattern.
Biography: William Matty has over 30 years experience in field of Firearms Examination and general Criminalistics. He has worked for the California Department of Justice Crime Lab system and currently works for the San Bernardino County Sheriff/Coroner Crime Lab of the Firearms Unit.
William Matty, San Bernardino County Sheriff, 200 S. Lena Rd, San Bernardino, CA 92415 909 387 2200, 909 387 2688, wmatty@sbcsd.org

Jerryp:
The Antwerp Massacre and the Consequences for a Small Country
Dr. Jan De Ceuster
Objectives: In 2006, a young guy created a massacre in the Old Town of Antwerp, killing two persons and severely wounding a third one. These murders had tremendous influence on the whole of the country; the people were in shock. It was the first trail in Belgium where the accused was eventually convicted for murder with racist motives. Also, in the aftermath of these murders, the Belgian firearms legislation was rapidly changed by the government.
Methodology: The audience will be given an overview of what happened on that particular day and what happened in the days following the crime. The ballistic investigation included a study of the terminal ballistics of the .30-30 bullet. The surviving victim was shot through a mammary implant, which could have saved her life.
Results: 1. An overview of the current Belgian firearms legislation is given. Up to date this law is still not fully applicable. 2. Using ballistic soap and gelatine, the influence of a mammary implant was shown to reduce importantly the wound cavity behind. High-speed video enabled us to study the temporary cavity in ballistic gelatine, which confirmed the results of the ballistic soap.
Biography: I have a PhD in science (physics) and have been working at the NICC for 5 years as a firearm and toolmark Examiner. This is my 4th AFTE Meeting and I have been a provisional member of AFTE since 2007.
Jan De Ceuster, National Instituut voor Criminalistiek en Criminologie, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100,Brussels B-1120, Belgium, +32.2.240.05.03, Fax +32.2.243.46.25, jan.deceuster@just.fgov.be

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