Ballistic Clues are Tried and True

Forensic scientists can use evidence like bullets to learn more about serial killers, like the sniper who is reportedly still on the loose in Maryland.<br><br>Tulsa's police lab does two-hundred bullet

Tuesday, October 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Forensic scientists can use evidence like bullets to learn more about serial killers, like the sniper who is reportedly still on the loose in Maryland.

Tulsa's police lab does two-hundred bullet and gun tests a year. Each gun barrel leaves unique marks on a bullet that's fired through it.

That allows scientists to determine whether several bullets were fired through the same gun and to prove a bullet came from a specific gun. And, juries are listening more than ever.

Mark Boese, Tulsa Lab Dir: "The public is more aware about lines do line up and match."

A relatively new computer system called NIBIN (pronounced NIE â€“ BIN) allows scientists to enter information about a bullet or casing into a database and determine if a gun has been used in other crimes across the nation.