CRJ 320 SU Investigating a Homicide In Progress Case Study

 Investigating a Homicide In Progress

Introduction

In the last assignment, you conducted your initial crime scene investigation. Your work continues now as you consider the interview, interrogation, and arrest phases of the homicide investigation.

Preparation

Review chapters 6 and 7 of your textbook.

Scenario

(Continued from Week 3) . . . You just received confirmation from the coroner of your belief that the death of Mathew R. Brewster is indeed a homicide – it is no big revelation as there was no weapon found at the crime scene. During the initial investigation, you were only able to interview tenants of the building who mentioned seeing the victim and some unknown visitors, but none of them were home during the suspected time of the murder as determined by the coroner.

Fortunately, persons of interest have been identified. How do you uncover more information inclusive of interviewing these persons of interest?

Gathering Information

You continue gathering information by revisiting the crime scene and utilizing available resources commonly used by the police.

Interview

A potential suspect,19-year-old Vanessa Montros, has been identified and agreed to be interviewed at the station… which interview model will you employ? What questions will you ask?

Interrogation

Based on the answers gained from your initial interview and other information, you feel that Ms. Montros should now be interrogated. She has become defensive and wary of the process – at times belligerent, but she has not asked for a lawyer and continues to cooperate. You need to decide how you are going to legally conduct the interrogation. What approach is likely to be the most effective in garnering further information? Does the suspect need to be Mirandized? Why or why not?

Arrest

Imagine, that days later you go to Ms. Montros’ home to ask her some additional questions. She answers the door and steps outside to talk – leaving the door open behind her. The discussion escalates and soon she is fed up with talking to you. In a fit, she pushes one of your fellow officers. You respond by arresting her. Your gut tells you that she is the killer and there is damning evidence of it to be found in her house. Can you legally enter and search the house?

Instructions

Consider the developing scenario and do the following:

Gathering Information

• Describe the next steps that you would take on a scene that would be effective in identifying additional witnesses and evidence. Include police resources that should be consulted or utilized to further the investigation at this point.

Interview

• Choose and justify an appropriate interview model (from the course text) and pose 5 revealing questions that you would ask the suspect that directly reflect it.

Interrogation

• Explain 2 circumstances under which this suspect will need to be Mirandized.

Arrest

• Describe the details of a specific circumstance under which a legal search of the premises may be conducted.