The Complexity and Duration of Solving Homicides in the Real World

The complexity of solving homicides can vary widely, with factors such as the type of murder, the quality of evidence, and the resources available all playing significant roles. In the real world, the investigation process can be quick, taking mere hours, or it can be drawn out, extending over years or even decades. The book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets highlights these differences, describing two types of murders: the slam dunk, easily solved, and the stone cold who done it, where the perpetrator may never be identified.

Quick Solutions and Premeditated Assignments

Some cases, like the one where a man called 911 to announce that he had just murdered his wife, can be solved very quickly. This case illustrates a scenario where the perpetrator immediately wants to be held accountable, making the solution almost immediate. In such cases, where the perpetrator calls to report the crime, the investigation process can indeed be much faster.

However, it is not uncommon for a murderer to be premeditated, framing others to divert suspicion away from themselves. In such instances, the investigation can save valuable time and resources by focusing on the one person who is likely responsible. These premeditated assignments are designed to save endless time, money, effort, and resources that would otherwise be wasted on the wrong investigation.

Variability in Investigation Times

The duration of a homicide investigation varies greatly. For example, in some cases, the murderer is identified and arrested within the same day as the crime. Other cases, where the evidence is scarce, the investigation may drag on for years, even decades, before a resolution is reached, if at all. There is no typical timeline for solving a homicide. Many factors come into play, including the quality and quantity of evidence, the sophistication of the crime, and the resources and efforts of the police.

Compared to the past, current modern investigations can take much longer. In the past, television shows often dramatized the process by having the murderer identified within three commercials and arrested by the end of the sixth. In reality, it can take significantly longer to compile a complete list of suspects, often requiring 10 or more commercials’ worth of time.

Unsolved and Cold Cases

Moreover, some murders remain unsolved indefinitely. These unsolved cold cases can linger for years, sometimes even decades, becoming a significant focus for investigative teams. It is not unusual to find new evidence or witness testimony that can resolve a cold case after years of dormancy. Congratulations and reversals of convictions are common once new information comes to light.

The example of a murderer who called 911 to report their own actions and calmly waited to be arrested is a rare but illustrative case where the entire investigative process was resolved in a matter of minutes. In other instances, the evidence may be so lacking that the case remains open, with no clear resolution in sight.

Conclusion

The investigation of a homicide can be unpredictable and highly variable. Whether a case is resolved immediately, solved years later, or remains unsolved, it all depends on the specific circumstances of the crime and the resources available for the investigation. This complexity makes each homicide case unique and highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving such crimes.