Centro de Documentação da PJ
Analítico de Periódico
38864
Effectiveness of the Bullet Hole Testing kit (B.T.K) on tampered bullet entry holes / Adam Abu-Rezek ..[et al.]
Journal of Forensic Identification, Vol.75, n. 4 (October-December 2025), p. 329-351
CD 372.
BALÍSTICA, ARMA DE FOGO E MUNIÇÕES, ESTUDO DE CASOS, METODOLOGIAS
The lead and copper detection capabilities of the Bullet Hole Testing Kit (B.T.K.) was assessed on bullet holes in five car doors produced by 9 x 19 mm Parabellum and 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition. This study included the assessment of B.T.K.'s metal detection before and after five different tampering methods: scrubbing with a scouring pad, washing with water and soap, treatment with bleach, high-pressure water rinsing, and burning. Prior to tampering, bullet entry holes from 9 mm Parabellum ammunition exhibited significantly weaker reactions for both lead and copper compared to those created by 5.56 mm ammunition. Burning and high-pressure rinsing significantly reduced lead presence in 9 mm Parabellum entry holes, while scrubbing had a greater impact on copper. In 5.56 mm entry holes, lead was notably reduced by bleach, high-pressure rinsing, and scrubbing, whereas copper levels remained largely unaffected. This study demonstrates that specific tampering actions can significantly diminish the detectable presence of lead and copper residues in bullet entry holes. These findings provide critical insights for forensic investigations, particularly in assessing the influence of tampering on ballistic evidence.
