A shooting reconstruction is an evaluation and analysis of the static aftermath of the confluence of a number of dynamic variables, the goal of which is to make an informed assessment as to the sequence of events that took place during the shooting incident. Each variable needs to be evaluated individually, separately and apart from one another. 

    These variables include the shooter; the target, the weapon, the projectile and the physical environment in which the shooting took place.  In addition, all associated investigative case reports, including the offense report, supplemental reports, crime scene reports, crime scene diagrams, crime scene and autopsy photographs and videotapes, witness statements, 911 audio tapes, autopsy, toxicology and laboratory reports must be incorporated into the evaluation of the shooting event. 

    Due to the dynamic nature of a shooting incident, it is quite possible that the final opinion may not be a precise accounting of the event.  Thus, the resulting opinion should only be considered the best possible explanation of the likely sequence of events, based on the evidence available to the shooting reconstructionist, rather than an absolute statement of fact. 

    Issues addressed during a shooting reconstruction may include:

• Shooter identification through GSR testing
• Position of the shooter
• Position of the victim or target
• Determination of bullet path
• Determination of bullet path deviations
• Determination of muzzle-to-target distance
• Determination of type of firearm used
• Link bullets and cartridge cases to firearms
• Cartridge case ejection patterns

   These data sets are used to verify or refute an accounting of the incident by victim/s, shooter/s and/or witnesses.