Murder Mystery
For this project, we had to solve the fictional murder of Carleton Comet. This consisted of a motive (or at the very least, intent) from which we derived pedigrees, fingerprint evidence, ink evidence, blood evidence, karyotypes, from which we derived mutations and the nature of the crime in order to charge a suspect for an arrest warrant. The ink evidence was based on a malicious letter found at the scene of the crime which read “YOU ARE A DEAD MAN”, which showed us that this violent killing was a first degree murder (which implies intent). We analyzed the ink using a strategy called Ink Chromatography, where we || The blood evidence was based on a second blood sample found on the murder weapon, a steak knife.
Based on matches on all of these pieces of evidence, we concluded that the person guilty of the murder was most likely a character named Nancy Normal. For example, her fingerprint, and blood type were consistent with that found at the scene of the crime. However, the ink found in the note was a match with her and Sam Sophomore, as they are married and share a pen. Therefore, they could have conspired together with joint intent due to Carleton Comet’s negative actions throughout the story under the name “Thomas Sandstone”.
Based on matches on all of these pieces of evidence, we concluded that the person guilty of the murder was most likely a character named Nancy Normal. For example, her fingerprint, and blood type were consistent with that found at the scene of the crime. However, the ink found in the note was a match with her and Sam Sophomore, as they are married and share a pen. Therefore, they could have conspired together with joint intent due to Carleton Comet’s negative actions throughout the story under the name “Thomas Sandstone”.
Our Slideshow:
Reflection
While doing this project I learned many things, about the world within, the world without and, of course, most simply, forensics. One problem that I had during this project was finding a balance between pulling back and being a leader, but I think that I now understand exactly how to counteract this duality. This is best done through constant communication and taking initiative even when there is a lull in the work. However, I really enjoyed doing research and creating the slideshow with the group, as we were able to create something that can truly communicate our theory about the circumstances surrounding the murder. In all, this was a very fun and learning experience.
(image credit: Coen Brothers, Fargo, 1996)