4- The why
The next most provocative question to ask is “WHY” was this victim the subject of the crime? The answer leads the investigation toward the criminal motivation. Often, the offender will inadvertently reveal himself through behavior committed during a crime. This diagnosis assists the investigator during the initial stages of formulating a probable motive and reasonable suspects. Additional pertinent questions include:
“I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.
Insensibly one begins to twist the facts to suit the theories, instead of the theories to suit the facts.”
- Sherlock Holmes
Insensibly one begins to twist the facts to suit the theories, instead of the theories to suit the facts.”
- Sherlock Holmes
- Why was the victim selected by the offender?
- Why was the crime committed in this location?
- Why was the crime committed in this manner?
- Why did the offender approach the victim in a particular manner?
- Why did the offender assault the victim in this particular manner?
- Why did the offender inflict these particular wounds on the victim?
- Why did the offender use/choose a particular weapon?
- Why was the victim left in a particular position?