Nothing but hot air?—On the molecular ballistic analysis of backspatter generated by and the hazard potential of blank guns

Abstract

Blank cartridge guns are prevalent especially in countries with laws restricting access to conventional firearms, and it is a common misconception that these weapons are harmless and only used as toys or for intimidation. However, although their harming potential is well-documented by numerous reports of accidents, suicides, and homicides, a systematic molecular biological investigation of traces generated by shots from blank cartridges at biological targets has not been done so far. Herein, we investigate the occurrence and analyzability of backspatter generated by shots of different types of blank cartridge guns firing different types of blank ammunition at ballistic gelatin model cubes doped with human blood and radiological contrast agent soaked into a spongious matrix and covered with three different variants of skin simulants. All skin simulants were penetrated, and backspatter was created in 100% of the shots in amounts sufficient for forensic short tandem repeat (STR) typing that resulted in the correct identification of the respective blood donor. Visible backspatter was documented on the muzzle and/or inside the barrel in all cases, and in 75% of cases also on the outer surfaces and on the shooter’s hand(s). Wound cavities were measured and ranged between 1 and 4.5 cm in depth. Discussing our findings, we provide recommendations for finding, recovering, and analyzing trace material from blank guns, and we demonstrate the considerable hazard potential of these devices, which is further emphasized by the presentation of a comprehensive overview of the pertinent literature on injuries inflicted by blank guns.

Survival of a Blank Cartridge Gunshot Injury to the Soft Palate in a Soldier

“…Although it is commonly believed that these weapons are harmless and are only used as toys or for intimidation, those beliefs are misconceptions. The wound cavities from these weapons were found to range from 1 to 4.5 cm in depth 4…”

Interpol review of forensic firearm examination 2019–2022

“…The authors found the results promising. In the third study, contact shots were fired with various blank-firing guns at gelatine blocks [ 149 ]. The blocks were doped with human blood and radiological contrast agent and covered with three different skin simulants.…”

Modern Global Scientific Trends of Forensic Research Methods in Cases of Firearm Trauma

“…(2019, 2021) констатували важливе значення молекулярної балістики, особливо під час дослідження так званого феномену «backspatter» -зворотного (в бік, протилежний польоту кулі) розбризкування біологічного матеріалу з вхідної вогнепальної рани [29,30]. У своїх працях ці дослідники довели високу доказовість застосування методів молекулярної балістики під час вивчення зворотного розбризкування, зокрема на так званих стандартизованих моделях голови -репродукція людського черепа, вкритого тонким шаром спеціальної гуми та наповненого зсередини резервуаром з кров'ю, акриловою фарбою та контрастною речовиною, а також желатином як імітатором мозкової речовини [30,31].…”