Crime Files Slides CRIME FILES
Unit 01: Evidence & Deduction
The Incident Report
THE CRIME:
The "Golden Falcon" trophy has been stolen from the locked display case in the gym lobby.
WHEN:
Yesterday afternoon between 3:30 PM and 4:15 PM, during Varsity practice.
Missing: Golden Falcon Trophy
Thinking Like a Detective
Evidence
The facts. Things you can see, touch, or prove without guessing.
Example: "A size 10 muddy footprint was found near the case."
Deduction
The logic. Using evidence to reach a conclusion about what happened.
Example: "The suspect must wear a size 10 shoe and was recently outside."
Your Mission
1
Examine the Suspects
Review their alibis, motives, and physical descriptions.
2
Connect the Clues
Match the physical evidence to the specific suspects.
3
Write the Verdict
Use deductive reasoning to prove WHO did it and WHY.
Evidence Log Worksheet Evidence Log
Dept. Campus Security • Case #772-B
Agent Name:
Date:
Instructions: Record physical clues and what they allow you to deduce about the suspect.
Evidence Found (Observation)
Deduction (Handwriting Area)
Muddy footprint (Size 9, star-pattern tread) near trophy case.
Small scrap of green polyester fabric snagged on the lock.
Keycard #402 (Janitorial) used at gym lobby: 3:55 PM.
Half-eaten blue raspberry lollipop found on floor.
Initial Brainstorming
Write three "must-have" characteristics for our primary suspect based on the clues:
Suspect Files Handout Suspect Dossiers
Classified: Official Use Only
Coach Miller
Varsity Football Coach
Shoe Size: 11 (Standard Cleats)
Attire: Navy blue team tracksuit.
Alibi: Pacing halls between 3-5 PM while practice was starting.
Motive: Thinks the trophy is "bad luck" for the team.
Note: Allergic to artificial dyes and sugar.
Janitor Higgins
Facilities Manager
Shoe Size: 9 (Rubber work boots, star-grip)
Attire: Forest green maintenance jumpsuit.
Alibi: Cleaning cafeteria. Claims he lost his keycard.
Motive: Hates polishing the "dusty old bird" trophy.
Note: Higgins always carries hard candies.
Samantha Swift
Cheer Captain
Shoe Size: 6 (Cheer sneakers)
Attire: Maroon and White cheer uniform.
Alibi: Near trophy case at 3:45 PM checking hair in glass.
Motive: Wants a more "modern" school display case.
Note: Highly competitive and meticulous.
Benny Beats
Drum Major
Shoe Size: 9 (Band shoes)
Attire: Emerald green marching band uniform.
Alibi: Claims he was in the library (unconfirmed).
Motive: Feels the football team gets too much attention.
Note: Often eats blue raspberry lollipops.
Check physical clues: candy type, fabric color, and shoe size.
Sleuth Report Worksheet Case Final Report
The Verdict
ID: 772-B Author: _____________________________
Primary Suspect
The culprit is identified as:
Deductive Reasoning
How do the footprint, fabric, and candy prove this suspect's guilt?
Motive & Opportunity
Why did they do it and how did they get away with it?
Investigator Signature
Chief Approval
Case Solution Key Master Sleuth Key
TEACHER-FACING MATERIAL • CONFIDENTIAL
The Culprit: Benny "Beats"
While Janitor Higgins seems suspicious due to the keycard and jumpsuit color, the specific physical evidence points directly to Benny. Higgins has a size 9 foot, but the star-grip tread is common for work boots. Benny also has a size 9 foot, but his band shoes are also green (Emerald Green vs Forest Green). The key piece of evidence is the blue raspberry lollipop —a signature snack of Benny's that Coach Miller is allergic to and Higgins doesn't specifically prefer over other candy.
Clue Evidence
Footprint: Size 9. (Matches Higgins and Benny).Fabric: Green polyester. (Matches Higgins' forest green and Benny's emerald green).Keycard: Logged at 3:55 PM. (Higgins' card was "lost," likely stolen by Benny who knew the janitor's routine).Lollipop: Blue raspberry. (Direct match to Benny's habit).
Common Pitfalls
Students may jump to Higgins because of the keycard. Ask them: "If a keycard is lost, who could have used it?"
Students may suspect Coach Miller due to "pacing," but his shoe size (11) and allergy to the candy rule him out.
Students may suspect Samantha, but her shoe size (6) makes the footprint impossible.
Extension Questions
1. Reliability of Alibis: Benny says he was in the library, but the librarians can't confirm it. Why is a lack of evidence (no one seeing him) just as important as positive evidence?
2. Motive vs. Evidence: Both Benny and Higgins had a "motive" (hating the trophy or feeling ignored). Why can't we convict someone on motive alone?
3. Red Herrings: How did the forest green vs. emerald green fabric act as a "red herring" to distract you from the real thief?
