The majority of homicide investigation involve a victim and offender who know each other. because of this relationship aspect, an essential starting point in the investigation is learning as much about the victim as possible. this is done in order to create a suspect pool as well as some type of orderly sequence of how the investigation will proceed. even in instances when the offender is readily identifiable, background information on the victim may assist investigators in strenghening motive or refuting a victimology, or victim background investigation, aimed at establishing information regarding the victim's lifestyle, associates, etc.
submit a 3 to 5 pages paper outlining all sources of informant-- people, records, and files, etc. -- that would be used to gain as much information about the victim as possible. some key points that should be addressedinclude, but are not limited to:
. who last saw or spoke with the victim?
. did the victim have any enemies?
. how was the victim employed?
. information regarding the victim's lifestyle (drug usage, gambling, infidelity, etc.)
. information regarding the state of the victim's domestic/ significant relationships?
** outline in great detail the sources you would contact and files and records you would analyze in order to access this information including how far you would go in developing new sources of information. be creative and thorough!