Page 4 - The Smoking Gun Gunshot Residue

Introduction to

A Smoking Gun

elcome to A Smoking Gun, a Gunshot presumptive tests for the detection of gunshot
Residue Analysis lab in the Mystery of residue on swabs from several surfaces throughout
WLyle and Louise. A brutal murder case is the crime scene. Additionally, she students will
unfolding in a small Appalachian town. Already the learn about scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
case spans two crime scenes and five people are and examine actual data and images from the SEM
dead. When investigators examined the cabin, they to determine if the collected evidence is gunshot
found a bullet lodged in the ground outside; a gun was residue or another substance.
later found in the abandoned truck in New Mexico. As
a result of these findings, forensic specialists decided Once the lab results have been analyzed, students
to swab for gunshot residue in order to determine may conduct a mock trial to hold a suspect
where the gun was fired, and by whom. accountable for their actions.

In this lab, students will learn about the properties Teacher’s notes can be found at the beginning of
of gunshot residue and the techniques that the manual and copies may be freely made of all
are used in its analysis. They will then perform materials for your students.

4 THE MYSTERY OF LYLE AND LOUISE