Crimes That Were Solved In Crazy Ways

From DNA to criminal profiling, we know all about the typical techniques that are used when solving crimes today. However, there are some crimes that have been solved in ways that are anything but “normal.” So, let’s take a look at some crimes that were solved in crazy ways.

The Use of Playing Cards

In 2010, an experimental new method of attempting to identify perpetrators was used by the Department of Corrections in Connecticut. This involved using playing cards as “Have You Seen Me?” milk cartons.

The decks were distributed throughout the prison, featuring victim or suspect photos, and crime descriptions. They have resulted in a huge number of vital leads. In fact, they recently helped to find the murderer of Derrick Comrie. After five years of fruitless investigation, the details being printed onto a Jack of Spades was all it took to get the case moving and ultimately, solved.

The Murder Solved by Plant Evidence

If you’ve watched crime shows, you will know everything from fabric fibres to bugs can provide evidence for those in crime and criminal justice jobs. In one case in 2002, a humble nettle resulted in a murder being solved. You may remember the horrific case of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells, known as the Soham murders.

Patricia Wiltshire, a forensic botanist, was brought in to investigate the scene. She was able to provide a pivotal timeline for the murder by discovering some stinging nettles in a path to the ditch were growing new side shoots. This only happens when someone has trampled on the plant. Furthermore, pollen in a soil sample from Patricia was pivotal in Ian Huntley’s conviction.

Study Crime and Criminal Justice at the University of Bolton

If you would like to learn about the more conventional ways of solving crimes and navigating criminal investigations, our BA (Hons) Crime and Criminal Justice course could be the perfect fit for you.

Our experienced academic staff will support you to develop core skills in presenting a case profile, preparing for court, crime scene management, crime intelligence, investigation and interviewing, and working with offenders.

Voted seventh in the country for teaching quality and first for student experience, come and enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe.

You don’t have to wait until next September either; check out our university courses starting January. If you have any questions, call us on +44 (0)1204 900 600 or simply send an email to UGadmissions@bolton.ac.uk.