Virginia Forensic Science Agency Reviews More Than 2,600 Firearm Cases
Virginia's Department of Forensic Science is reviewing over 2,600 firearm comparison cases from its Western Laboratory in Roanoke. The review stems from an examiner failing a proficiency test, which led to findings of insufficient support for previous identifications in cases…
Richmond Petersburg, VA, October 21, 2026 —
Virginia’s Department of Forensic Science is reviewing more than 2,600 firearm comparison cases handled by its Western Laboratory in Roanoke after an examiner failed a proficiency test, according to the information provided.
The review led to findings that previous firearm identifications in cases worked by two former employees had insufficient support. Some conclusions in the cases have since been changed. The available information does not specify how many conclusions were revised or describe the changes made in individual cases.
A former employee has filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation. The information provided does not identify the employee, explain the specific allegations, or state when the lawsuit was filed. It also does not include a response from the department or details about the lawsuit’s status.
The department is reviewing over 2,600 cases, but the reason for selecting the full set of cases, the review’s timeline and its procedures were not provided. No details were provided about the examiner’s proficiency test, including when it took place or what aspect of the test was failed.
The findings concern the support for earlier identifications, while the summary says only that some case conclusions have changed. It does not indicate whether any cases resulted in charges, convictions or other legal outcomes, or whether any further changes are expected. The information provided also does not say whether the agency has notified people connected to the cases.
The review’s scope and outcome remain unclear from the available details. The department’s findings, the number of affected cases and the status of the former employee’s lawsuit were not further specified.
Story summarized from the original created by Dean Mirshahi on www.vpm.org, see more information here.
