Evasion Tactics in Forensic Investigation: Exploring the Complexity of Disposing of Evidence

When it comes to disposing of evidence from a crime, the complexity of forensic investigation plays a significant role. Despite popular belief, completely eradicating all traces of a firearm used in a crime can be an unrealistic expectation. In this article, we will delve into the nuances and common practices for forensically disposing of a firearm and its components.

The Myths and Realities of Disposing of Evidence

Many believe that simply destroying or changing a few critical components of a firearm can obscure the forensic evidence. However, the reality is far more intricate. For instance, replacing the firing pin, as described in the example of 'Godfather', might alter the marking on a bullet casings but does not entirely erase the firearm's unique identifiers.

Forensic Connections in a Crime Scene

The ways a firearm can be linked to a crime are not limited to the act of firing a shot. Striations on recovered bullets, caused by the rifling of the barrel, provide crucial forensic evidence. Additionally, shell casings can bear markings such as those from the firing pin and extractor, all of which can be vital to a criminal investigation.

Common Disposal Practices and Their Efficacy

Changing Critical Components
While changing the barrel, firing pin, and bolt might disrupt forensic analysis, the mere replacement isn't enough. A more comprehensive approach includes disposing of the source ammunition as well. Ammunition can often be chemically identified, making it a potential flaw in the evasive strategy.

Handling of Ammunition Casings
The brass from fired ammunition casings can hold valuable forensic information. Crooks might prefer revolvers over semi-auto pistols because brass casings from semi-autos are ejected during firing, making them harder to track. However, even revolvers can provide evidence through fingerprints or residue left on the casings while loading.

Changing Rifle Grooves
Rifling patterns, specifically the barreling and rifling itself, can be altered to make it extremely difficult to prove that a particular bullet was fired from a given barrel. For example, using a rat-tail file to modify the pattern can render the firearm's unique identifier obsolete. However, such modifications can introduce new evidence, such as the suggestion that the barrel had been altered, allowing the jury to draw inferences about the perpetrator.

The Role of Spare Parts in Forensics

Common Requests and Criminal Intentions
Interestingly, businesses selling firearm spare parts often see orders for specific components, such as barrels, bolts, and firing pins. Employees in these companies recognize these requests as potential red flags, acknowledging the common practice of replacing these parts to obscure the firearm's true identity.

These practices highlight the importance of thorough forensic analysis in crime-solving. Even with meticulous efforts to change and dispose of evidence, forensic experts have sophisticated tools and techniques to uncover the truth, making it nearly impossible to completely hide a firearm's involvement in a crime.

Conclusion

The complexity of forensic evidence often makes the task of evading investigation more challenging than it might seem at first glance. Understanding the relationship between firearm components and forensic evidence is crucial for both law enforcement and the public to ensure justice is served. In today's world, where forensic science continually evolves, it becomes increasingly difficult to cover up criminal activities.