Part I

On Monday morning Professor Dis Covery came to the University early to pick up copies of the final examination for his course on the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal distress and administer the test. As he turned the corner of the hallway he noticed that the window in his dental clinic was broken and the door partially ajar. He called University security and then cautiously entered his dental clinic, avoiding broken glass, open drawers and cabinets and scattered books, papers, instruments and dental supplies. It was clear that someone had been searching through the contents of the dental clinic. He quickly surveyed the area and noticed that the pile of examinations remained although it had been moved. His laptop computer was missing as well as a fax machine. Before he could complete his review of his office the University police arrived and instructed him to leave so that he would not contaminate any potential evidence.
 

The University police did a careful evaluation and were able to find numerous fingerprints on the door, desk, chair and other objects in the office. There were several drops of blood on the broken window of the office and at different sites on the desk and floor. One piece of broken glass also had a piece of cloth attached. They found hair on and under the desk and a huge collection of dust in the corners. There were footprints in the dust and on some of the papers that had been strewn about the floor.
 

The police asked Professor Dis Covery who had access to his dental and when they might last have entered. For security reasons Professor Dis Covery has the only key since he had noticed several years that his cigars were frequently missing. Professor Dis Covery noted that at least four other people had access to the dental clinic and had entered either on or since last Friday. Mr. I.M. Hipp had entered to discuss both some of his research findings and the upcoming examination in the professor’s course. Ms. Frederica Hollywood had met with the professor to discuss the management of the Center for Gastrointestinal Distress. Ms. Roberta Bagwell had left some research data for the professor to review and an invitation for happy hour. Mr. Clem Kiddlehopper had emptied the professor’s waste baskets Friday evening.
 
 

The police decided to question each of these individuals and seek permission to obtain biological samples for testing.

Click here to go to the Addendum - "The Suspects"
Click here to go to Part II
Click here to go to Part III