Defense Date

2023

Document Type

Directed Research Project

First Advisor

Stephanie Walcott

Second Advisor

Stephen Stockman

Third Advisor

Sylvia Buffington-Lester

Fourth Advisor

Karen Morrow

Abstract

The use of fingerprints to identify individuals in forensic cases has been useful for many years due to the persistence and individuality of the prints. In addition, the presence of firearms in forensic casework is steadily increasing over the years. This study aims to expand upon prior research in the development and recovery of latent prints on fired, brass ammunition using an acidified hydrogen peroxide method. Although latent prints are left on the cartridge casing of ammunition during the handling and loading of ammunition into the firearm, it is hypothesized that the pressure within the barrel of the firearm during the firing process evaporates and destroys any latent prints.

This study utilized uncontrolled samples where the caliber of ammunition, handling, and loading processes were out of the researcher’s control. A total of seven different calibers were obtained. Once collected, the cartridge cases were processed using cyanoacrylate fuming, acidified hydrogen peroxide, and rhodamine 6G. Photographs were taken of the results and each latent print was ranked on a scale of 0 through 4, from no ridge detail present to potentially being used for identification, respectively.

The results show that, on average, no latent prints of value were developed. It was found that an inverse correlation between the fingerprint scale rating and the pressure applied during the firing process occurred; however, the surface area of each caliber also played a significant role in the presence of a latent print. These findings help support the current trend of minimizing latent print analysis on fired cartridge cases collected from a crime scene in order to help manage laboratory backlog and preserve resources.

Rights

© The Author(s)

Is Part Of

VCU Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Date of Submission

5-4-2023

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