Abstract:
Shooting scene reconstruction and the identification of where the
shooter and weapon most likely were located, can be critical pieces of
information for law enforcement and crime scene investigators. During an
extensive literature review, the gap which appeared was identifying the most
likely position of the shooter when accounting for limiting factors, such as
room size and furniture. There are several ways to conduct shooting
trajectory analysis, with individuals such as Haag, L., and Haag, M. (2011),
Hueske (2009), Gardner and Bevel (2009), Gardner and Krouskup (2019), writing
at length about the process of determining shooting trajectory and overall
crime scene reconstruction. The trajectory analysis for this project was
adopted from Gardner and Bevel (2009) and through coordination with the
Virginia State Police and included using trajectory rods, angle finders,
protractors, and lasers to determine the trajectory of the bullet. Then
limiting factors along the path of the bullet, gunshot residue (GSR), and
overall room size was accounted for, to identify the most likely position of
the shooter. According to Gardner and Bevel (2009) and through coordination
with certified crime scene experts, it was determined that shooter positions
are broadly assigned to zones one through three. The results expected from
this project are to refine zone 1 described as the most probable shooting
location, identify the overall accuracy rate of shooting trajectory analysis,
and to develop a predictive model statistical analysis to determine the
impact of the limiting factors on predicting the shooter’s distance. The
conclusion anticipated from this research is when all factors are taken into
account, a most likely shooter location could be identified within +- three
through five feet.
Description:
This research was conducted to better define the most probable shooter location when conducting shooting scene reconstruction. Additionally, this paper set out to identify key factors needed to conduct this placement, as well as, establish predictive modeling techniques, to better assist crime scene examiners.