Crime & Clues

A Case Study

Detective Wesley Clark
Connecticut State Police Department
Western District Major Crime Squad

This Article originally appeared in Connecticut Trooper Magazine, Fall 1998.

The Crime

The following case, a car jacking which was reported to the Troop "A" barracks in Southbury, is an actual crime that occurred within the town of Oxford, CT. This case was selected for a case study in Statement Analysis for several reasons, first being the case is closed and it has completed its journey through the court system. Secondly, the statement by the victim reporting the crime contains many points to review, some that are directly related to the actual crime , and others (outside-issues) which come to provide us with insight into the dynamics of the events and relationships of those mentioned within the statement, thus providing us with "the big picture". Thirdly, this case demonstrates how Statement Analysis can be a benefit right though Prosecution of the case. In this particular case, we were able to show the Prosecution who actually had the gun during the crime, (a crucial point for the Prosecution), when there was conflicting testimony between the victim and the suspects regarding that issue. In this case, as it turned out, the victim lied about which of the three suspects actually had the gun. However, the truth did prevail, and Statement Analysis was an important aspect in reaching the truth.

As a member of the law enforcement community for the past twelve years, I have made it my commitment to seek the truth in all matters, personal and professional. During my career I have encountered, as all other police officers throughout the state and country, those individuals who do not necessarily hold tight to the same values when it comes to truth. Though the reasons for this deception may vary, as do the investigations in which they arise, the intent of the subject in question is always the same; to mislead you and/or your investigation. As a detective with an ever-increasing caseload, that is something I am not willing to accept. With Statement Analysis as one additional tool available to you in your pursuit of the truth, you will be able to focus your investigations and reach an accurate conclusion to many cases.