Gunshot residue test hits a snag in Katanga trial

No gunshot residue appeared on Molly Katanga's right hand, Dr. Jaffer Kisitu told the court Thursday. The government toxicologist explained that specific criteria must be met to confirm gunshot residue. He stated that chemical elements found on her left hand were consistent with residue but did not meet all required standards. Judge Comfort Kania questioned why the report offered no interpretation of these findings.

Defense lawyer Elison Karuhanga pressed Dr. Kisitu about the results. Dr. Kisitu admitted that available data cannot determine which hand fired a weapon. He confirmed people can have residue simply from being near a discharged firearm. The court also heard that just having residue does not prove someone fired a gun.

This testimony matches earlier statements from ballistics expert Derrick Nassawali. Nassawali could not rule out suicide as the cause of death. He expressed doubt that someone with broken fingers and fractured arms could aim and fire a gun. The expert said such actions might only be possible for highly trained individuals with similar injuries.

The high-profile murder trial continues next Tuesday. Both expert witnesses have raised questions about key evidence in the case against Molly Katanga.