Chapter 142: Chapter 69: Case Investigation (Requesting Subscriptions, Favorites, and Monthly Tickets)
For detectives, the most troublesome cases are those where the killer commits random murder.
If it’s a crime by someone known to the victim, or a premeditated targeting, no matter how secretly the killer acts, as long as we investigate the victim’s social relationships we can find some clues.
What worries them is when the killer had no prior acquaintance with the victim and decided to murder on a whim upon meeting them. This type of case is without leads and undoubtedly increases the difficulty of solving it.
Therefore, after Zhang Fan’s analysis, everyone felt a bit heavy-hearted, except for Wang Lei who nonchalantly said, "I don’t think this is a random act. If it were a random act, why would the killer take away the victim’s clothes and belongings? The killer did this to conceal the victim’s identity, so I think the killer definitely knew the victim."
"That’s true. If they didn’t know each other, why be so cautious?"
"If it’s a crime by an acquaintance, then it’s manageable. Once we identify the victim, it’s only a matter of time before we find the killer through their connections!"
Xia Zheng and Zhong Jun immediately echoed Wang Lei’s viewpoint.
At this point, Luo Fei, who had been silent, spoke up, pouring cold water on the three.
"Don’t get too optimistic yet. Taking the victim’s clothes does not prove that the victim and the killer knew each other. After all, many killers have certain peculiarities."
Out of trust in his crime-solving abilities, everyone looked at him, and Zhao Donglai asked in a deep voice, "Luo Fei, what do you think?"
Even though Yang Su and Zhang Fan’s analysis made sense, he was most interested in hearing Luo Fei’s thoughts.
After all, since joining the police team, Luo Fei had never been wrong in his analyses and deductions.
"Captain Zhao, although I cannot yet determine if the killer and the victim knew each other, the killer definitely didn’t take the victim’s clothes to prevent them from being identified."
"How do you see it?"
"Did you forget about Wang Fu’s case? At that time, to prevent people from identifying Wang Fu, Zhang Meng smashed Wang Fu’s face beyond recognition. That was the correct way to hide an identity, not merely taking away the victim’s clothes."
"Now that you mention it, there’s really something to it. After all, just taking a few clothes isn’t enough. As long as a missing person report is issued, the victim’s identity can eventually be traced."
"Exactly. It seems that Luo’s analysis is correct—the killer took the victim’s clothes due to some odd habit."
"But if that’s the case, this case might be difficult, and it could become another unsolved injustice."
Each year, the police receive numerous cases of crime committed in the heat of passion. Regardless of the type, they all share a common trait: the killer and the victim had no prior acquaintance, and the killer acted out of pure impulse.
The resolution rate for such cases is less than one in ten, which means nine out of ten remain unsolved mysteries, filed away in the police archives.
Perhaps one day when the killer strikes again, the police might discover them, allowing the victim’s injustice to be rectified. But more often, these cases remain eternally unsolved.
Thinking of this possibility, everyone inevitably felt a bit disheartened.
As police officers, they certainly hope to bring criminals to justice.
Sensing their discouragement, Luo Fei quickly said, "There’s no need to be so pessimistic. It’s a bit too hasty to conclude it’s an unsolved injustice when we haven’t investigated anything yet. What if there’s a breakthrough later?"
"That’s right, Luo Fei is right! We are the people’s police, and it’s our duty to catch the real culprit and give victims justice. If we shrink back at the slightest setback, then what’s the point of being police? We might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes!"
Zhao Donglai sternly reprimanded everyone.
The others seemed to have been jolted awake, and their expressions showed their embarrassment, unable to speak.
Zhao Donglai no longer expected them to take initiative, turning directly to Luo Fei, "Luo Fei, share your thoughts."
"I think our main task now is to identify the victim and then conduct an investigation. Besides looking into the victim’s social connections, we should also trace their recent activities."
"Regardless of whether the victim and the killer knew each other, their paths must have intersected. Additionally, the fact that the victim wasn’t from the Yang Family Village but their body was found there suggests the killer is quite familiar with the Yang Family Village."
"So we should visit the Yang Family Village and the nearby villages, paying special attention to single individuals or those with peculiar behaviors. Considering the killer’s method of crime, the person might be a male homosexual, and such individuals often display behavior or characteristics that differ from the norm, making them easier to distinguish."
Zhao Donglai nodded frequently, "Alright, then you all should set out immediately to conduct a field investigation in the villages."
"Yang Mei, please restore the victim’s photo right away, then use the public security system database to compare it, and ensure to confirm the victim’s identity as quickly as possible. Also, remember to distribute a copy to several nearby townships and ask for their assistance in identifying."
"Furthermore, analyze the fluids extracted from the victim’s body for DNA comparison with the database. There’s a chance the individual might have a criminal record."
Although the likelihood is very slim...
"Understood, Captain Zhao!"
Following these arrangements, everyone immediately began preparing to proceed with their tasks.
Meanwhile, Luo Fei, Yang Su, and Zhang Fan left the meeting room, and Yang Su promptly said, "Yang Family Village is adjacent to the Xu Family Stronghold and Kanshui Village, so our group will take responsibility for Kanshui Village."