Examples Of Forensic Services Offered

Case Review

One of the most valuable and requested services provided by Sandlapper Forensics is a comprehensive case review of all pertinent records - especially but not limited to those pertaining to firearm, tool mark, and crime scene investigations. Such a review may reveal voids in the investigation, incomplete or incorrect conclusions, or other issues that can strengthen your case.

You owe it to your client and yourself to have confidence that the case has been completely, competently, and correctly investigated. Such a review is the best way to confirm this.

Following a review, David can help you better understand the case - the nuances, strengths, weaknesses, evidence, reports, and, in some cases, where the documentation indicates that more work needs to be done.

Laboratory Examination or Re-Examination

Sandlapper Forensics can perform a detailed analysis of any firearm or tool mark based evidence in the case. These examinations, in their most basic form, are intended to provide essential data concerning the items in question...

What caliber is that fired bullet? What brand is that ammunition? Does that firearm function properly? What gauge of ammunition did that shotshell wad come from? What kind of tool made that mark (example... was that door forced open with a pry bar, or something else?) - the list goes on......

The information in these examinations serves as the foundation of all following tests. If the evidence was not examined by the opposition, there may be probative or exculpatory information present that has not been brought to light.

Likewise, if you believe or the case review indicates that prior examinations were not performed correctly, a re-examination of those items may bring peace of mind that you have the correct information.

Microscopic Comparison

The practice of microscopically comparing two items with each other to determine if they have same origin is a fundamental skill used by firearm and tool mark examiners. By comparing individual characteristics on two items using a comparison microscope, a trained examiner may be able to determine if that bullet was fired by that gun, or whether that tire was pierced with that knife.

This is the skill that most associate with the field of firearm and tool mark examinations, often when the "ballistics expert" on their favorite television show performs their tests.

David has over 28 years of experience in such examinations, having compared tens of thousands of items during the analysis of thousands of cases.

Muzzle to Target Distance Determination

The analysis of gunshot residue and projectile material transferred to a surface can aid in an investigation.

The size and density of a pattern of gunshot residue on clothing or other surfaces may be examined through chemical processing and specialized photography techniques. Comparison of these patterns with test patterns may be used to establish an approximate muzzle to target distance.

The same principles may be applied to shot pellet patterns from shotguns to assist in such determinations.

Additionally, Sandlapper Forensics is available to generate distance test standards for review by trained medical examiners and pathologists to aid in their investigations.

Shooting Scene Reconstruction

A fresh look at a shooting scene may shed new light on the incident. Even years after an event, there may be evidence remaining that bears analysis.

Common questions that may need to be answered include determining the origin of projectiles through careful analysis of the damage they leave behind, and determining the path of the projectile through the scene.

These and other answers may be determined through a professional reconstruction of the scene or bullet-damaged evidence, using detailed analysis and industry-accepted methods.

Sandlapper Forensics stands ready to examine your shooting scene and attempt to perform such reconstructions. Additionally, David holds a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 certification) from the Federal Aviation Authority and has a suitable UAS (drone). The use of a drone to perform aerial documentation of your scene may provide new insight into the incident, especially when combined with other reconstruction efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at david@sandlapperforensics.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Who may submit evidence to Sandlapper Forensic Consulting?

Sandlapper Forensics accepts evidence from members of the legal system - including prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other such entities. We provide the same level of unbiased and competent examination to all customers.

Are Sandlapper Forensics examination results reviewed before publishing?

Sandlapper Forensics incorporates a system of peer review for cases where reports have been generated - case files are submitted to a qualified firearms examiner outside of Sandlapper Consulting for independent review (administrative and technical). These reviews serve as a quality control measure to ensure that all results are scientifically supportable, were obtained through validated processes, and properly documented.

Are you willing to travel?

Yes! David is willing to travel to provide on-site examinations when required, as well as to provide expert witness testimony in court or deposition. Travel to investigate, review, or reconstruct a shooting incident location is a service he is happy to provide.

Are you always able to perform requested examinations?

No. In cases where prior examinations have "consumed" or altered the evidence, it may not be possible to perform analysis. This is particularly true with distance testing - if it has been chemically processed to determine distance PRIOR to requested examination by Sandlapper Forensics, David will likely not be able to perform those tests. These issues can be identified in the initial consultation.

Additionally, requests to perform testing or examinations that have not been validated and accepted by the firearm and tool mark examiner community will not be accepted.