True Crime (George Floyd) investigation

Step 1. Choose a crime or case to solve. Anything goes* – you can pick a famous trial, a pending case, a cold
case, a perfect crime, something mysterious, murderous, or mundane. Conspiracy theories will also do. The
crime/case must be questionable (i.e. it must be proven whodunit, that a crime has indeed occurred, or that a
party is innocent or guilty) and real (no fictional true crime, please). Most importantly, you must be able to get
your hands on the clues and evidence you will need to solve it (think: primary sources).
*Except those on the Topic Blacklist: NO ONE can write about the following cases/scenarios: Lizzie Borden, OJ
Simpson, the Black Dahlia, Amanda Knox, Casey Anthony, Jon Benet Ramsey, or any/all violent crimes
against children.
Step 2. Analyze the primary source evidence. The case must contain at minimum five pieces of evidence from
which you will develop a theory to crack it.
Step 3. Solve the case with logic. Create a syllogism that works through the evidence as individual premises
and leads to a decisive conclusion.
Step 4. Compose your findings as an argument of fact. Your thesis will be a claim of fact that states your
syllogism’s conclusion. The body paragraphs themselves may then be devoted your reasoned induction of
each clue. Remember to avoid fallacies!
Additionally, examine any and all counterclaims or alternative theories, and disprove them via your keen
analysis of the evidence. You may incorporate other detective’s analysis to support your argument or represent
the counterargument, but it is not required. The emphasis of this assignment is how well you infer a theory
using logic.