While I’m working on your information request, there are some other steps you can take to keep the investigation moving forward.

Now that you’ve had a chance to review the initial case materials, there’s some follow on work that needs your attention. I’ll explain each below in more detail, but at a high level I’d like you to:

• diagram the crime scene
• brainstorm theories about whether the death was a homicide or suicide
• update the Progress Report to reflect your latest thoughts on the case

 

Diagram the scene
A crime scene diagram is a drawing of the crime scene that documents the location of evidence. It’s a good way to show other people involved in the case what the crime scene looked like, and it can document facts about the scene that will help support your theory about what happened.

You might revisit a few items attached to my last email that described the scene in detail (crime scene photos, etc.). These case materials will help you make an accurate representation of the scene. Keep in mind, the point of the diagram is to capture everything in the room including useful points of reference (e.g., furniture, doorways) and evidence that could be critical to the case (e.g., location of body, weapon). So document all the details of the scene, not just what you think is important at this moment. It could be that something that seems like a mundane detail now could be critical to a theory that you have not yet thought of - - so be thorough in your documentation.

I’ve attached the first draft of the Crime Scene Diagram, which captures the basic layout of the scene. You may use it as a starting point for your Crime Scene Diagram or you may create your own diagram from scratch if you prefer.

 

Brainstorm theories as you go
You may find that the very process of creating the Crime Scene Diagram will naturally get you thinking about theories that could explain whether Linda Lawson’s death was a homicide or suicide. For example, how did a certain object end up where you diagrammed it? How might that object support the theory of homicide or suicide? As you diagram the scene, you’ll probably want to take notes about your theories as they occur to you.

 

Update the Progress Report
Use your notes about your latest theories to update your Progress Report and summarize your current position- - I want to know your latest and greatest thinking on the case. Also, be sure to include any requests for additional information you need in your investigation along with your rationale for how it will help the case.

I look forward to seeing your Crime Scene Diagram and reviewing your latest theories on the case in your updated Progress Report.

 

Thanks,

K.C. Hammond, P.I.
Hammond Investigations