Nutshell Studies #2: Dark Bathroom
R ead the witness statement below, then scroll over the image to see the evidence.
Date: November 1896
Deceased: Maggie Wilson
Witness: Lizzie Miller, a neighbor
“I roomed in the same house as Maggie Wilson, but knew her only from we met in the hall. I think she had ‘fits’ [seizures]. A couple of male friends came to see her fairly regularly.”
“On Sunday night, the men were there and there was a lot of drinking going on. Some time after the men left, I heard the water running in the bathroom. I opened the door and found her as you see her.”
A text description of this Nutshell is available.
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1. The Bottle & Glass
One bottle and one glass contradict the witness statement that she had guests. Is there another possible crime scene nearby?
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2. The Sink
The sink could contain evidence that she refreshed herself there, possibly as a result of illness from her disorder or alcohol.
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3. The Tub Stopper
The stopper is not in the tub, which would be logical for someone drawing a bath. Her guests could've placed her here to revive her in the event of a "fit," though that seems unlikely.
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4. The Legs
Her legs are in full rigor mortis, which indicates she may have been moved to the tub. Had she died here, her legs would fall in a more natural manner.
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5. The Body
Autopsy will reveal if there is water in her lungs or blows to the head. The Medical Examiner will determine death by natural causes, intentional, or accidental drowning.
