Murder Mystery Solved

Who committed the murder?

Mr. John Doe was impersonating as Dr. Ichabod Clave. Mr. Doe committed suicide with prolonged exposure to and ingesting bacteria.

  1. Mr. Doe was a frequent patient at SGH for several years. Clue: Home Page: Second paragraph of the story.

  2. SPD would not recognize him as a patient. Clue: Home Page: Second paragraph of the story. He was well-loved by the staff on the third floor.

  3. Dr. Clave was a traveling physician. Clue: Suspect Page: Intro to Dr. Clave.

  4. The suspects are on medical leave. Clue: Suspect Page: Intro to suspects.

  5. Mr. Doe had knowledge of the transportation of bacteria. Clue: Suspect Page: Intro to Dr. Clave.

Mr. Doe suffered from schizophrenia.

The Evidence is in the Autopsy Report:

  1. Schizophrenia: The Toxicology Section lists “Clozapine”. Clozapine was historically believed to help stop patients from drinking alcohol. It is an anti-psychotic medication and has also been used for treating schizophrenia.

  2. Cause of Death: Acute Sepsis. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was in his bloodstream.

How did he do it?

By impersonating as a physician, Mr. Doe was able to access the Sterile Processing Department as he pleased.

  1. Mr. Doe ate bacteria. Clue: Autopsy Report. He enjoyed eating his Hostess snacks on Loaner Trays and stirring his chicken noodle soup with a Sponge Stick. Clues: Murder Weapons: Loaner Trays and Sponge Stick.

    A. Additional Clues: Crime Scene Rooms: Decontamination: Trays had remnants of bioburden. Sterile Storage Room: Tray shelf was missing a lock and trays were missing.

  2. Mr. Doe manicured his fingernails with Nail Nippers for additional exposure to MRSA. Clues: Home Page: Second paragraph of the story. Murder Weapons: Nail Nippers.

  3. Mr. Doe transported the contaminated tools/murder weapons from the SPD to his room on the third floor with Ziploc bags. Clue: Crime Scene Rooms: Assembly Room. The Detective found Ziploc bags.

Mr. Doe suffered from schizophrenia resulting in him to slowly but surely commit suicide in an unusual manner. By impersonating as Dr. Clave, Mr. Doe was able to regularly expose himself to the bacteria from the Sterile Processing Department. He had enough knowledge about bacteria that the frequent exposure to it over a long period of time would eventually cause his organs to shut down and he would die from Acute Sepsis. This is consistent with the Cause of Death in the Autopsy Report.