AFTE Store - Bone Particles in Bullets: Their Recognition and Forensic Value

The matter of bone particles embedded in a recovered bullet can be the most important and significant finding in certain cases. The recognition of bone particles adhering to, or embedded in bullets based on the physical appearance of bone particles under the stereomicroscope is a readily acquired skill for firearm examiners who regularly examine bullets from gunshot victims. While there is little doubt that experienced firearm examiners can correctly identify bone particles by visual inspection, such opinions are clearly subjective and totally experience-based. As such they are subject to attack and challenge on this basis by those whose theory of the shooting incident stands to be disproved by the presence of bone particles embedded in an evidence bullet. Moreover, there may be cases where the suspected bone particles are too small to allow their customary physical properties and attributes to be adequately seen under the stereomicroscope.This article describes the physical properties and attributes of bone particles observable during an examination of evidence bullets followed by the ability of SEM-EDS analysis, polarized light microscopy and/or magnetic levitation to discriminate bone particles from any other mineral or material with which they might otherwise be confused.