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True Crime - Case 2 - Small Town Murder

jhungary

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So, y'all ready for round 2?

This time, I am going to have to limit the scope a bit, I will format the detail in a more detail scene, and please noted that for this moment, I will be taking as a role of the crime scene investigator, and you are a detective, you can ask me anything you want about the scene and I will tell you (According to the actual case) what I know and what I don't know, but I will not be making any speculation. At the end of this case detail, you are to submit a report for indictment out of the possible suspect and what kind of charge you think you can get for your suspect.

This case will be a bit harder to get solved, unlike last time, because all the suspect have motive, mean and opportunities, it's up to you to find out who is the true killer. As usual, I will be posting the actual case detail in 5 days (7 days is too much I guess) so we can have a debate within that 5 days and everyone can post their theory and who did it.

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Small Town Murder.

On an autumn day in Long Island Sound. Shop worker Vivian failed to show up for her shift, the other workers growth worried and asked the duty supervisor to go up to her apartment to check her out, make sure she was okay. But when the duty supervisor arrived on Vivian Apartment, what he found is a gruesome crime scene

The Victim - Vivian

Vivian was a 29 years old woman, after serving in the Military, Vivian had came to this small town to enjoy the small town atmosphere, she live near the shop she works, have a good relationship to the neighbour and her work mate, she is a carefree, outgoing person with a love of nature.

She was killed by multiple blunt force trauma to her heads, murder weapon is the fire extinguisher found near her body.

The Crime Scene

The Crime Scene is Vivian apartment, on the second floor, she laid dead face down near the sofa, next to her on either side is a fire extinguisher and a broken jewellery box, a bit further laid 2 house hold gloves, used and discarded inside out with fingertip folded into the gloves, the origin of the gloves is unknown, could be belong to the household, or could be brought in by the killer or killers.

The scene have minimal struggle, beside a few thing displaced on the coffee table next to Vivian (possibly when she felt and disrupted the setting) the scene is otherwise tidy, there is a clear sign of break in, with the window being open and broken inside, indicated someone went thru the window.

The Investigation

The investigation started almost immediately after the discovery of Vivian death, time of death is determined to be between 11 pm the night before to 3 am that morning. There is one single latent print discovered by the bedside, belong to the victim, and there were blood that was on the window that was open (allegedly broke in). Blood Sample was NOT collected.

The window was open, and the ledge was broken from the outside, a clear sign of break in.

When interviewing the co-worker and friend of the deceased, the investigation found out that the victim was recently broke up with a casual boyfriend, whom was married, and before that, the victim was in a turbulence relationship with another man, which did not end the relationship on a good term.

There are no physical and forensic evidence collected on the scene which can be definitely link to any involvement.

The Evidence

The evidence collected on the scene included;

1.) The Fire Extinguisher collected from the scene, no print can be lifted, and was belong to Vivian
2.) A Pair of Household Gloves, no prints, unclear of origin.
3.) An Unsent Letter send to the boyfriend at that time, detailing the affair and the mind of don't want to have the affair end.
4.) A Police Report lodged by the victim a few weeks before her death, detailing a harassment of the old boy friend.

The Suspect

After the initial investigation concluded. There are 3 possible suspects on this case using the MMO (Means, Motives and Opportunities Model).

Suspect 1 - Rachel

Rachel is the wife of Sam, which was the boyfriend who recently broken up with Vivian.

Motive : Jealousy, possibility of knowing the affair between Vivian and her Husband.

Means : Being bludgeon to death with a fire extinguisher, it's something Rachel can possibly have access to and it's within Rachel mean to be able to do it.

Opportunities : On the night of the murder, Rachel and her Husband were attending a Police Bash (party) however, Rachel left Early at around 10 pm, and she claim she went home afterward, and claim to be with her husband at home (which turn out to be false, read below.)

Side Note : Was not asked nor took a Polygraph test, she is about 5 ft 10, slight/medium build.

Suspect 2 - Sam

Sam was 26 at the time of Murder, a serving Policeman, a detective of the local police department. He had been involved in a affair with Vivian about a month before the murder, he broke up with Vivian just a few days prior to the murder.

Motive : Killing Vivian to hide the Affair or end the affair from his wife.

Means : Being a Police Detective, he is strong enough and knowledgeable enough to commit this murder without leaving any trace of evidence. He also know the layout of Vivian apartment as he has been involve in an relationship with Vivian before.

Opportunities : He, along with his wife, Rachel was attending a party by the department the night of murder, he was observed a short argument with his wife Rachel before Rachel departed the party alone, Sam left approximately 1 hour later with his brother, who drop him off at home afterward, however, unlike what his wife (Rachel) testimony claim, he did not stay home and went back to the party at about 1am, witness at the party claim Sam seems shocked on return to the party.

Side Note : He Offered and Took a Polygraph Test, and he passed the Polygraph.

Suspect 3 - Tommy

Tommy, was 31 at that time of murder, work as a carpenter, was the former on and off boyfriend of Vivian, broken up with her approximately 2 to 3 months before her death, he broke up with her when one day she show up to his work place unannounced.

Tommy have been and still affected by the break up, and was trying to patch thing up with her even when she was dating Sam.

Motive : Jealousy, unable to let go and accept Vivian have moved on with her new boyfriend, obsessed with her and killed her.

Means : Being a former lover, he knows Vivian's living place and know her routine, he is in his prime so he would not have any problem committing the crime and overpower Vivian.

Opportunities : Largely unaccountable, Tommy claim he was drunk, and last at a bar til midnight, then gone straight back home. His whereabouts cannot be and did not be collaborated with anyone during the time of murder.

Side Note : Upon interviewing Vivian's friend, they testified that Tommy is a "Sticky" boyfriend, and would not let go of the break up (even thought it was him who broke off with Vivian) Vivian at one point call the Police station and lodge a report about her ex-boyfriend harassing her by calling her on the phone, the police department dispatched (or rather Vivian requested) Sam to attend the scene, and hence starting the extra-martial relationship.

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Please refer to the notes and give me your opinion. Please states what kind of crime would you be able to proof (beside actually proofing it) if you can indict any of the above suspect.

Time, People and Location was changed to preserve integrity of the case, I will reveal the case in 5 days (Oct 4) so, please stay tune, in the mean time, please put in your thought(s)

Thank You
 
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How big is the fire extinguisher? Was it actually fired at the scene (seems not). Swinging a fire extinguisher seems more trouble than it is worth.

Seems to be an odd murder weapon for a guy to use against a woman. I'm leaning towards the jealous wife. Folded tips in gloves means small hands. Very odd if left at scene by the murderer...unless it was a happy wife who just did in her rival and didn't care what the consequences were.

Evidence seems to point to Rachel busting in window. Sat in the apartment waiting for Vivian. Vivian walks in and wham she gets it.

I don't think so. She knocked on the door, was let it in, starts threatening Vivian, Vivian grabs the fireextinguisher, gets overpowered, then beaten with it. Husband finds out the story later from the happy wife, goes to scene, sees open door. sees dead Vivian, and kicks in the window as a coverup. Closes door.
 
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@jhungary What's the dimensions of the window. The height from the floor, what's Rachels back ground? Her profession.

Also the details of the victim, height, weight?
 
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How big is the fire extinguisher? Was it actually fired at the scene (seems not). Swinging a fire extinguisher seems more trouble than it is worth.

Seems to be an odd murder weapon for a guy to use against a woman. I'm leaning towards the jealous wife. Folded tips in gloves means small hands. Very odd if left at scene by the murderer...unless it was a happy wife who just did in her rival and didn't care what the consequences were.

Rachel busted in window. Sat in the apartment waiting for Vivian. Vivian walks in and wham she gets it.

The Fire Extinguisher is a 17 pounds Fire Extinguisher, a standard Halon 1211 Fire Extinguisher you can get from a y hardware store.
 
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The Fire Extinguisher is a 17 pounds Fire Extinguisher, a standard Halon 1211 Fire Extinguisher you can get from a y hardware store.

That's a big *** fire extinguisher. It belonged to her? Seems like it was grabbed from an apartment hallway. I think Rachel grabbed it and knocked on her door and wham let her have it in the face.
 
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@jhungary What's the dimensions of the window. The height from the floor, what's Rachels back ground? Her profession.

Also the details of the victim, height, weight?

Do not know the dimension of the window (No case file survive with the window measurement and it may not be measured at all, the window is on the crime scene photo, but I cannot show you that now.), it is a standard window, approximately 3 ft. x 1 ft.

Rachel is a housewife, she is 5 ft 10, and about 130 lbs.

Vivian is about 5 ft 6 and 110 lbs

That's a big *** fire extinguisher. It belonged to her? Seems like it was grabbed from an apartment hallway.

It belong to the household....and yes, that is a big arse fire extinguisher, but it is within the weight level the wife can swing (the wife is also a tall and strong woman)
 
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: He Offered and Took a Polygraph Test, and he passed the Polygraph.
Was not asked nor took a Polygraph test
Polygraph tests are too unreliable so its hard to take it as reliable evidence
On the night of the murder, Rachel and her Husband were attending a Police Bash (party) however, Rachel left Early at around 10 pm, and she claim she went home afterward, and claim to be with her husband at home (which turn out to be false, read below.)
Opportunities : He, along with his wife, Rachel was attending a party by the department the night of murder, he was observed a short argument with his wife Rachel before Rachel departed the party alone, Sam left approximately 1 hour later with his brother, who drop him off at home afterward, however, unlike what his wife (Rachel) testimony claim, he did not stay home and went back to the party at about 1am, witness at the party claim Sam seems shocked on return to the party.

Its possible that the argument with Sam angered Rachel and went to kill the Victim and when Sam returned home she confessed what she had done. But I find it unlikely that a woman would climb up to a 2nd floor apartment with gloves and murder a person with a Fire Extinguisher while returning from a party
and there were blood that was on the window that was open (allegedly broke in)
So did any of the suspects had any injuries?
 
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Was the door unlocked or open when coworker came to look for her. How did he get in to find her dead?
 
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@jhungary What is the point of impact of the extinguisher. Back or front side of the head? How was the first blow delivered? I mean, with the bottom side or the length? Any idea on what the victim was doing just before her death? Typing the mail?
 
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Polygraph tests are too unreliable so its hard to take it as reliable evidence



Its possible that the argument with Sam angered Rachel and went to kill the Victim and when Sam returned home she confessed what she had done. But I find it unlikely that a woman would climb up to a 2nd floor apartment with gloves and murder a person with a Fire Extinguisher while returning from a party

So did any of the suspects had any injuries?

As I said, I can only comment on fact related issue, so I cannot comment on the theory regarding the husband and wife.

Polygraph is inadmissible in court, but cop generally uses it as an indication of guilt, base on if you have nothing to hide, you would have done it.

And none of the suspect is injured when interviewed.

Was the door unlocked or open when coworker came to look for her. How did he get in to find her dead?

The Door is unlocked (No need to break down) and no force entry was made on door during or prior for the co-worker to gain access to the room. The door is partially open when the co-worker gone up to check on vivian

@jhungary What is the point of impact of the extinguisher. Back or front side of the head? How was the first blow delivered? I mean, with the bottom side or the length? Any idea on what the victim was doing just before her death? Typing the mail?

Autopsy show Vivian died of a single blunt force trauma hit on the left side of her temple, however, there are strike mark, but she had multiple blunt force trauma to her head and her head was lying on a pool of her own blood.

The case is in 1980s, so Forensic Science is not really advance back then, it's unknown how or what deal the first blow.

It's unknown what was the victim doing when she was killed, but the letter was finish, put into envelope, sealed and neatly put on the night table, suggesting her finished writing the letter when she was killed (The letter is not typed)
 
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The Door is unlocked (No need to break down) and no force entry was made on door during or prior for the co-worker to gain access to the room. The door is partially open when the co-worker gone up to check on vivian

What's the stats on Tommy? Height, weight, and more importantly his hand size. May as well toss the stats about Sam in too.

If Tommy is small I may lean more towards him. Who beats a 5'6 woman with a fire extinguisher? Seems an implausibly needed weapon (I'm sure one punch would send her to the ground and you could simply shod foot her. Why bother with an awkward fire extinguisher?) unless you were small or a woman wearing expensive shoes (from a party that night) that she didn't want to get f-uped from kicking somebody.

B443-300x300.png

Halon 1211 17lb
Yes, its metal and heavy but not the first thing I'd grab.

If Tommy is over 5'6" he's off my list.

Sam as a cop knows he can't risk any physical things like hurting his hand or fracturing a toe so he has the insight on why to use something like a fire extinguisher and wear gloves. But I can't believe he is stupid enough to drop the gloves unless he knows no prints can be lifted off them.

Rachel may use it because she needs a physical advantage.
 
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What's the stats on Tommy? Height, weight, and more importantly his hand size. May as well toss the stats about Sam in too.

If Tommy is small I may lean more towards him. Who beats a 5'6 woman with a fire extinguisher? Seems an implausibly needed weapon (I'm sure one punch would send her to the ground and you could simply shod foot her. Why bother with an awkward fire extinguisher?) unless you were small or a woman wearing expensive shoes (from a party that night) that she didn't want to get f-uped from kicking somebody.

B443-300x300.png

Halon 1211 17lb
Yes, its metal and heavy but not the first thing I'd grab.

If Tommy is over 5'6" he's off my list.

Sam as a cop knows he can't risk any physical things like hurting his hand or fracturing a toe so he has the insight on why to use something like a fire extinguisher and wear gloves. But I can't believe he is stupid enough to drop the gloves unless he knows no prints can be lifted off them.

Rachel may use it because she needs a physical advantage.

Not sure how tall is tommy, but he was taller and bigger than Vivian (judging from a photo of two of them together, again, I cannot show you that photo) So, I would say he is over 5' 6"

You also need to know the death blow is from the Fire Extinguisher, that does not mean the first blow was done by it, she have multiple blunt force trauma on her head, and 2 items (Jewellery box and the Fire Extinguisher) was laying beside her, she could have been stuck with the Jewellery Box or something else (if the killer took with him/her) before finishing her off with the Fire Extinguisher.
 
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@jhungary Any details of the polygraph? The questions asked, his answers.. etc

The Polygraph is on his where about during his "leaves" from the party and whether or not he have any knowledge on who killed Vivian, he was also asked about the affair. The result is a pass and no deception on his answer.

His answer is somewhere around he was out for a drive during his absent, and he don't know anything about who killed Vivian, and he did have an affair with the deceased.
 
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