Psychics and cold cases

Psychics and Cold Cases

Psychics are often brought into investigations to assist police. For writers, this provides a unique opportunity to combine supernatural or spiritual elements into crime novels. These notes taken from Sensing Murder, a documentary series on Discovery, may provide inspiration.

On November 15, 1998, 18 yr old Miranda was brutally killed; her throat slit and left for dead. The night Miranda was murdered she was working at the local video store. The last customer left the store at 7:40 PM. Some time between 7:40 and 8:20; the time Miranda was found and police were called; the attack occurred. When police arrived, Miranda was still alive, however, she was unable to speak or provide information regarding her attack. She died a few hours later at the hospital. Witnesses were interviewed and the store searched, but there was little evidence to go on. Money was taken from the store, so robbery seemed to be the motive. They were unable to find anything in Miranda's life to indicate there may have been another motive involved.

The case has remained unsolved, so investigators and Miranda's family have turned to psychics for help. Pam Coronado, a clairvoyant, and Laurie Campbell, a medium, will try to find clues to help police solve this case. The psychics work separately; Pam with Detective Weston and Laurie with Officer Guy. Each is given a ring that Miranda was wearing the night she was killed. Personal belongings often carry residual energy of the owner.

Both psychics are able to describe Miranda's bubbly personality and trusting nature. Pam feels torn between two locations, indoors and outdoors, light and dark. Miranda was attacked in the store, but she was able to crawl out to the parking lot, seeking help.

Laurie and Pam both feel the confrontation and struggle. Pam was able to pinpoint the injury that killed Miranda. Laurie felt the killer kept the weapon and police confirmed the murder weapon was not found at the scene.

Pam and Laurie are shown a photo of Miranda. Pam senses the perpetrator was someone Miranda knew and Laurie feels that he is a member of the community and familiar with the area. Pam thinks he has left the area, because she sees a wide open space, perhaps a ranch and a specific brand. Pam sees a young blond man, about the age of Miranda, who has a tattoo of a flower or flowery design.

Laurie thinks the perpetrator is in jail or has a criminal record. Laurie sees a dark haired man, heavy set, with beard and mustache. Laurie thinks Miranda did not know the killer. The Texas Railroad Serial Killer was at large when Miranda was killed and police believe a transient may have been involved. However, they have been unable to place the Texas Railroad Killer in Montana at the time of Miranda's death.

The descriptions are very different, as are the motives. Pam believes the crime may have been a result of unrequited love; Miranda may have rejected the romantic advances of a boy she considered a friend. Laurie believes the killer was a predator; who stalked and killed as sport. Neither felt the killer acted with an accomplice, although Pam thought someone may have helped with the cover up.

The psychics are taken to the crime scene. The video store is gone and a health club is there now. Laurie is able to see the difference and even feels there were videos on shelves when the crime occurred. She thinks the killer is fascinated with pornography and violence. Pam is pulled to the area where the attack occurred and also feels a shadowy presence of a potential witness. She thinks the witness was intimated and is afraid to come forward.

The psychics are asked to describe the murder weapon and both feel it is a hunting knife, wrapped and buried somewhere. Laurie tried to pinpoint a spot on a map where the knife is buried.

Police received three leads as a result of their work with the psychics; a brand design; a description of the murder weapon and possible location; and a potential witness to the crime. Despite the conflicting information, investigators are excited to have new information in this cold case.

For your next crime novel, consider writing a character with psychic abilities. It will open up possibilities for plot lines, interactions between characters, especially if the authorities are skeptical, and maybe even your readership. Visit Fictionway.com if you're looking for more ideas or writers resources including leads for Psychics and cold cases.