Alex Murdaugh Trial: Gunshot Residue All Over Blue Jacket, Forensic Examiner Testifies

TL;DR

Forensic scientist examines a blue rain jacket for gunshot primer residue, finding significant particles inside.

Transcript

uh well you submitted another potential piece of evidence in this case forensic scientist Megan Fletcher yes sir I was Anna what was that uh this was a um a blue rain jacket uh kind of Poncho type jacket you know when you I guess when that came into your custody when you when you uh looked at it first time October 5th 2021 foreign excuse me we rene... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥳 25 particle lifts were collected from various parts of the blue rain jacket for examination.
• ❓ 38 particles characteristic of gunshot primer residue were confirmed on the interior of the jacket.
• ❓ The forensic examination involved detailed scrutiny of the jacket's exterior and interior for residue particles.
• 😚 The presence of significant gunshot primer residue particles inside the jacket suggested a close association with firearms.
• ✋ The forensic scientist needed to exercise judgment on when to stop examining particles to maintain efficiency.
• ❓ Physical actions like washing or brushing could remove gunshot primer residue from an inanimate object like the jacket.
• 🥺 Candidate features containing lead, barium, and antimony were identified during the examination.

Questions & Answers

Q: What did the forensic examination of the blue rain jacket entail?

The examination involved collecting 25 particle lifts from different parts of the jacket, including sleeves, chest, and interior pockets, to detect gunshot primer residue.

Q: How many particles were confirmed on the inside of the jacket?

A total of 38 particles characteristic of gunshot primer residue were confirmed on the inside of the blue rain jacket during the forensic examination.

Q: How long would it have taken to finish the examination if every particle was checked?

If every particle had been checked, the examination would have taken approximately a week, as each particle needed detailed inspection.

Q: What does the presence of significant gunshot primer residue particles inside the jacket indicate?

The findings suggest that the jacket could have been in the vicinity of discharged firearms or objects with gunshot residue, potentially implicating it in the case.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Forensic scientist Megan Fletcher examines a blue rain jacket for gunshot primer residue.

• 25 particle lifts were collected from various parts of the jacket, confirming 38 particles on the inside.

• Significant particles characteristic of gunshot primer residue were found on the interior of the jacket.