Category Archives: True Crime StoriesWho says police work is all drama and no comedy? If you’re writing a crime novel consider lightening the mood with an infusion of humor. The following are based on (mostly) true events.
Who you gonna call?
Dispatcher: 9-1-1 What is your emergency?
Caller: Someone broke into my house and took a bite out of my ham and [...]
I’ve noticed several news articles lately in which false claims have been made to extort money or revenge from the accused. This would be a good plot device, especially if told from the accused point of view. A 60 year old landlord was accused of imprisoning his tenant. Police received a report from a woman [...]
I’m writing a YA Novel right now and so I’ve been doing a little research on school shootings. Today’s news includes a story of middle school students who were released from school due to threats of violence.
Three students plotted to kill classmates and themselves in a Columbine-style attack. Columbine High School massacre occurred on April 20, [...]
I tend to research subjects for my writing related to crime, police investigations and forensics. Crimes, particularly violent crimes, are often associated with mental illnesses. I think writers have a responsibility to accurately represent mental illness rather than stereotyping or propagating misinformation. If you are incorporating mental illness into your work of fiction, learn about [...]
The smallest bit of evidence left at the scene of a crime can be used to identify and convict perpetrators. According to Wikipedia, the Locard Exchange Principle states:
“Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him. Not only his fingerprints or his footprints, but his [...]
Forensic Files is a television show on TRU TV and it’s a great resource for crime or mystery writers. Each episode highlights a real case and demonstrates how forensic science is used to find and process evidence. Unlike other shows which dramatize police investigations and have a small group of characters who do it all, [...]
I find True Crime Stories fascinating, especially as a writer. I’m always curious about what motivates people to act. Why do Cult members allow themselves to be manipulated by a psychotic leader, relenting all personal choice and individual thought? Is the Cult leader who instructs disciples to commit brutal acts responsible for the acts of [...]
Most Evil is a series on the Discovery Channel that features stories of serial killers, cult leaders or criminal masterminds. The criminals are placed on a scale of evil according to their forethought, actions and remorse. The following notes were taken from an episode regarding Deviant Serial Killers, January 2008.
A fisherman found the decomposing remains [...]
Mary Lou Pratt, a known prostitute, was shot in the head, her partially clad body left in the street, her eyes removed. Two more women were killed and mutilated before a tip led police to the home of Charles Albright. Police were able to link Albright to the crimes using hair samples and carpet fibers [...]
What draws two damaged souls together, to commit crimes and feed each other’s pathology?
The Ken and Barbie killers, Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka killed 3 young women and were responsible for the rape and torture of several others. Karla was a willing accomplice to Paul’s crimes. She was obsessed with the handsome young man, submitting [...]
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