This diagram is an actual exhibit from a homicide investigation conducted by the Paterson Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office in 2014. I have modified it to include only the initials of the suspects and/or witnesses.  The first victim J B died instantly when struck by a projectile as he exited a deli. He was not an intended target. The second victim M C was struck in the head with a projectile. She sustained massive life-long injuries.

            What are the key pieces of evidence and information contained in the diagram?

            What do these items tell us about the incident?

            J B and M C were non-intended targets caught in the cross fire. Should a harsher penalty be applied to any actor based on the victim being innocent and in the wrong place at the wrong time?

 Treat this assignment like your are the detectives investigating this homicide. Try to figure out clues and other important information in this diagram that can assist your investigation. 

 

Victim One: J B (.45 cal projectile to head) Fatal Victim Two: M C (unknown caliber projectile to head) V1: Blue BMW V2: Tristan's Vehicle Items linked by statement or ballistics shown in same colors Diagram is not to scale and positions are estimates NOT measured or specific North 6th Temple St. .45 cal projectile 1+ X + X X XX 2 62 3 X O V2 66 Witnesses and relative information: W1: Places "Fat Fat" at scene and reports he is firing a weapon; puts Double O on scene but in vehicle two W2: Arrested for domestic prior to shooting; reports two shooters "Fast Break" and "Double O"; reports Double O known to use .45 Tristan: owner of vehicle two, states double o not in her car 1 Suspect 1: F B "Fat Fat" 2 Suspect 2: J G "Fast Break" 3 Suspect 3: QF "Double O" Spent Shell casings: 13.45 Cal casings (at NIBIN) 6 9MM casings (match to gun) 29MM casings (match to gun) Weapons: 9MM Glock recovered at scene- 9MM Glock recovered on Holsman 45 handgun recovered on Union Ave at Lab Suspect positions as indicated by witness statements W3 and W4: seated in vehicle one, place Fat Fat and G O at the scene GR: Arrested for attempted murder of police officer; in possession of .45 handgun; states .45 is community gun for Brick squad Witness on Holsman Street: calls police to report a stashed handgun; identifies fast break; fingerprints found on gun from fast break ballistics match to 2 casings at 66 North 6th