Subscribe now

Chemistry

Missing bullets can be identified by ricochet residue at crime scenes

Investigating gun crime is challenging if bullets have been removed from the scene – a tool that can identify bullets from the shavings they leave as they ricochet off surfaces could help

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

22 January 2024

Bullet shells on the ground as members of the FBI practice their investigation techniques

Analytical chemistry could help forensics team gain more information from crime scenes

Orange County Register/MediaNews Group via Getty Images

The brand of bullets used in a crime could be identified even when no bullets are found at the scene, by analysing tiny metal scraps they left behind.

Forensics experts may attempt to link a suspect to a crime by analysing bullets or spent bullet casings found at the crime scene and demonstrating they were fired by the suspect’s gun. But doing so when the bullets are not present at the scene – for instance, when they have been removed…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account