Bullets fragments identification by comparison of their chemical composition obtained using instrumental neutron activation analysis.

Bullets found in crime scenes are usually compared by examination of the rifling impressions produced in the barrel of the questioned firearm. When, however, a bullet is fragmented or highly deformed, the comparison of rifling micro striations cannot be performed, and the only way two compare two or more bullets is by a match of their chemical analysis. In spite of the limits of the chemical analysis methods, due to the frequent compositional lead variability of ammunition boxes, the technique still keeps its full value, both as trial element, and as an aid in the investigations. A case is reported in the present paper, in which some crushed and deformed bullets, recovered from a murder victim body, have been analyzed by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. The analysis allowed the assignation of the bullets to one of the ammunitions lots owned by one of the murder suspect.