And what kind of tests could be that important?
Quoting: Anonymous Coward 23760635 Gunshot residue analysis of your Aunt's body where the bullet impacted her head. When a gun is fired it expels gasses and residue through the barrel and through examining the point of impact, a forensic examiner can make a determination as to how far away the barrel of the gun was when it was discharged (if it were close enough to leave behind residue).
If the gun when off when he was handing it to her, then the forensic examination should show that the gun was minimum of a couple feet away from the point of impact on her body. If this act were murder, then it would be likely that your Uncle held the gun up to her head and pulled the trigger and a trained forensic examiner should be able to determine this based on the analysis of gunshot residue.
P.S. sorry to hear about your loss and I hope your family finds justice.
Anhedonic has nailed it here... Though i'd like to offer my two cents.
Gun Shot Residue or GSR tests are common in these cases, but not always the "tell tale" when it comes to forensic evidence and determining if a story "holds water" or not. More often, the size, shape and trajectory of the wound has a little more weight in the case, as any halfway decent attorney can argue that GSR will be present in/on a bullet wound from
any distance, seeing as the projectile (bullet) was fired from a gun.
However, there are tell-tale signs when a round is fired from close range, and even more so if fired as a "contact shot". Here are two examples of contact wounds
(
Graphic for some)
[
link to www.forensicindia.com]
[
link to www.forensicindia.com]
Notice how there is charring and stippling in both of the images. Sometimes you'll also have tearing of the skin and other effects from the gas not being allowed to escape properly from the barrel.
What does this mean for YOU??? Well, If the investigator is halfway worth his salt, he should have seen that a the death scene and been able to immediately know if the suspect told a story that was congruent with the evidence.
IF he didn't know about it, then the Coroner or Pathologist should be including that information in their report (Which by the way is most likely done and submitted... Happened Nov 4th?)
So, I guess what is probably happening is that the wound may have been consistent with the story told and the investigators don't really have the needed evidence to proceed. But don't let that get you down. I'm sure if there's ANY question about the death, they are still interested in making the arrest.
I will tell you from many years of experience that Stories do NOT change, unless they are 1) A LIE, or 2) Told to protect some other bit of information (Witnesses, extra evidence, Etc. There is no other simpler explanation that that. The TRUTH does not change.
You need to have a talk with the medical examiner, (Pathologist / Coroner) to get specifics on the wound itself, as well as the trajectory. Then have a talk with the investigator in the case.
TRY to do it in that order.... The Investigator will most likely try to protect his/her own ego by telling you what you want to hear, before telling you that they "don't know" a little bit about ballistics or wound dynamics. The M.E. or Pathologist most likely will not have the same protective veil.
I am sorry to hear about your loss....
