Case ACC-001 · Ashgrove Cold Cases
Under the Open Dome
This page contains no spoilers. Nothing here names who did it or how.
1 Before you open the envelope
The solution only feels good if you commit first. Make sure your team has:
- Answered all three objectives on the Case Closure Form:
- WHEN: Work out the time window in which Dr. Marchetti fell. The 1999 medical examiner could only say "between about 11 p.m. and 3 a.m." You can do much better.
- WHO WAS THERE: Was she alone? If not, who was with her? Cite the evidence that identifies that person.
- WHAT HAPPENED: Who is responsible for her death? How did it happen, and why? List the three evidence items you consider strongest, and briefly explain how each of the other suspects is ruled out.
- Written down the three exhibits that prove your answer best.
- Given a reason, from a document, for ruling out every other person of interest.
- Agreed as a team. No changing answers once the envelope is open.
2 Not sure yet?
Use the hint cards before you give up on the case. Each step has three cards: A is a gentle nudge, B tells you where to look, and C gives the answer to that step only. Turn over one card at a time. The checkpoint cards confirm you are on track without naming anyone.
The hints are in their own file in your download, so print them only if you want them.
3 The reveal
Open the solution file from your download. It is a separate PDF so nobody sees it by accident. Read it in order:
- The closing letter. The investigators tell you how the file was finally closed.
- The answer key. Check your Case Closure Form against it, one objective at a time.
- The deduction chain. Every step of the proof, with the exhibits that carry it.
- What really happened. The full timeline, start to finish.
4 If something is missing
- Lost your files? On a computer, go to etsy.com, then You, then Purchases and reviews, then Download files. You can download them again as often as you like.
- Think you found a logic error? Tell us. Our Fair-Play Guarantee says the solution can be proven from the evidence alone. If you find a gap, we'll fix the file and send you the update free.
- Still stuck after the hints? Message us on Etsy and we'll send a nudge, not a spoiler.
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