MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

In the remote chill of the mountain cabin, Santiago lay lifeless with the trace of a pistol shot piercing the silence, introducing Detective Winston's daunting task of discerning guilt between Orville and Troy.

Detective Winston rubbed his temples as he went through the fact pattern again. He had been working with murders out in the city, but one in the solitude of the mountains... that was new to him.

The victim Santiago was a reclusive man who loved his solitude and his land. He lived on that mountain territory, lush with nature and confirmed stories of hidden treasure. An idyllic hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. A paradise he wasn't willing to share, especially not willing to sell. He loved his land and nature more than anything else.

Winston glanced at his notes once more when a name caught his attention - Orville.

Orville, an orthodontist by trade with a penchant for pistols, Winston noted, given the several on display when he paid a visit to the man's office. Orville was also a known hiker, often found rambling about the mountains touching Santiago's cabin.

Santiago's cabin stood alone, hidden away in the mountains which held a deep fascination for Orville, something that Santiago was fully aware of. Santiago wasn't oblivious to Orville's intentions to purchase the land either, something he had politely but firmly refused.

Sitting deep in thought, Winston recalled the confirmation he had received of Santiago's solitude that fateful day. Orville had visited Santiago at the secluded cabin the same day of Santiago's murder. He had been invited by Santiago himself. An invitation made with an eerie statement from Santiago: ""I will be alone at the cabin, Orville", he had said. Winston wondered at the oddness of that fact. Santiago had been firm in not selling his land to Orville.

Winston shifted his gaze to a page in his notes that lingered at the back of his mind. Orville had purchased a pistol a week before Santiago's murder. The pistol bore an eerie resemblance to the murder weapon wielded against Santiago. In the solitude of the mountains, Santiago had been shot with a pistol. He had told Orville he would be alone.

Winston sighed and leaned back in his chair. There was more to this case than met the eye. It wasn't just a murder; it was a fight for the territory, for a treasure hidden away. But to prove it, he needed substantial evidence and concrete proof. Deciding that he needed more time to weave through the complicated web he was tangled in, he stood up and decided to call it a day. Tomorrow, he hoped, would reveal some answers.

Winston, now grizzled from years of experience, strode up the gravel path to the isolated mountain cabin. A camera was pointed at its only entrance and exit. It was a quiet night, just like the one Santiago met his untimely end. From the information received from the coroner and the timestamp on the footage, it was clear that the murder had taken place at the same time the cameras showed no movement.

The cabin was secluded, a haven for star-gazers, far removed from the polluting city lights. Inside he found Troy, a renowned astrophysicist, immersed in a difficult book about dark matter and the end of the known universe, hardly suitable party conversation.

Troy rose to greet Winston, a customary politeness despite his reputation for being mute on any non-astrophysics discussions. "Detective," he greeted, nodding his head.

"Seems you favor the life of an introvert, Troy." Winston asked, thumbing the worn-out book. Troy shrugged. "I think I speak enough about astrophysics, people never catch up anyway."

Noting the nearby table carrying gun cleaning supplies, he asked, "Been a while since you've handled a gun?" It wasn't uncommon knowledge that Troy, despite his academic leanings, had served in the military and even undergone firearm training.

Troy gave a wistful sigh and gave a cryptic response, "The universe ends with the big crunch, Detective, and some things, like firearm expertise... you never really forget."

Santiago's last moments replayed in his mind as he continued talking with Troy. The latter had been seen at a local gun store recently, acquiring a shiny new pistol, the perceptive store owner even mentioned Troy buying ammunition that matched the pistol.

Their conversation ended promptly, as Troy resumed reading his book, and Winston made his way back to contemplate further upon the unfolding mystery.

choices

• Orville
• Troy