This exercise challenges students to critically analyze evidence and emphasizes the

importance of thorough observation and note taking at the crime scene.

The Facts of the Case

Centerville police discovered the body of a 36-year-old white male (later identified as

Gaven Brooks) in a field about twenty miles north of town. Mr. Brooks's body was

discovered at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 11. He was found lying face-up on a yellow,

queen-size sheet. According to autopsy reports, one fatal gunshot to the back of the

head ended Mr. Brooks's life. Scientists estimate that death occurred at about 4:20 p.m.

As investigators scanned the crime scene, they made the following notes:

Paper plates filled with partially eaten fried chicken, deviled eggs, potato salad, and

chocolate cake were located near Mr. Brooks's body.

An open bottle of red wine and two partially filled glasses of wine were found next

to the yellow sheet.

A recently smoked cigarette butt was found near the sheet.

Shoeprints from the road to the field were those of a male, size 10, and a female,

size 5. The only shoeprints from the field back to the road were those of a female,

size 5.

Car tracks of the same wheel base and tread pattern as Mr. Brooks's automobile

were found at the road. The car was not found at the scene.

Mr. Brooks's car was found abandoned in an empty parking lot in downtown

Centerville.

Who committed the Crime?

Investigators believe that a female friend of Mr. Brooks was responsible for his demise.

After questioning family and friends, it was discovered that the deceased had frequent

social outings with six women who live in or near Centerville. The women's names are

Rita, Lauren, Gail, Janice, Elaine, and Peggy. Investigators gathered the following

information about the six women:

Janice works full-time as a caterer.

Elaine and Gail are schoolteachers.

Rita's babysitter says Rita arrived home in her own car at about 5 p.m.

Peggy and Elaine live together in a two-bedroom apartment in downtown

Centerville.

Gail lives in a nearby town called Jordan.

Elaine and Janice are very petite womenthey wear size 4 jeans.

Gail and Peggy are smokers.

Rita's father owns a gun shop.

Elaine attends a 5-p.m. step aerobics class in downtown Centerville every Friday

afternoon and has not missed a class in two years.

Peggy is deathly allergic to grapes.

Lauren works at a chemical supply house.

Rita lives in a country house about thirty miles west of Centerville.

Gail is a vegan (she eats no animal products).

Rita is a florist.

Janice doesn't know how to drive.

Elaine and Gail hate the color yellow.

Lauren played center for a semiprofessional basketball team five years ago. She has

red hair and is six feet, one inch tall.

Based on the preceding information, students must determine who murdered Mr.

Brooks and the general facts of the case