Fatal Shooting During Police Pursuit Requires Ballistics Investigation

This case involves a woman that was running from the police after robbing a store when she fatally shot. The robber was shot twice; once in the arm and once in the back. The officer who fired the shot claimed that the robber was running at him. He claimed that the first bullet hit her arm, caused her to spin around, and thus caused the second bullet hit her in the back. An expert in ballistics was sought to review the file and determine the accuracy of these statements.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please describe your background in ballistics as it relates to this case.

2. How would you determine the veracity of the police officer's claims?

Expert Witness Response E-068719

Consulting on civil and criminal cases concerning issues related to firearms, ballistics, and shooting incident reconstruction is my full-time occupation. I have investigated thousands of shooting incidents as a law enforcement investigator and have provided analysis in hundreds of shooting cases as a private consultant. The specific issue of the ability of a bullet to "spin" a person around is well within the scope of my expertise. What is typically done is a review of the autopsy or medical records (depending on the outcome of the plaintiff) to determine the timeline and location of the two shots fired.