The CrimeA small grocery store in your neighborhood, The Fresh Market, was burglarized between 10 pm and 10:15 pm on Friday night. The store closes at 9 pm, and the last person working at the store left at 10 pm. The burglar stole $500 from a locked cash register, which had been broken open with an axe. A large glass window was broken, and the police believe the burglar entered and left the store through the window. A policeman driving by the store noticed the broken window at 10:15 pm.

Sam Spade

Evidence 1The police spoke with the manager of the Fresh Market and discovered they have a video security system. The police watched the tape and saw a man with bright green shoes breaking into the window that fit Sam’s description (same height, body shape and hair color). When the police brought in Sam he was wearing bright green shoes.

Evidence 2The police dusted for fingerprints one hour after the burglary was discovered. One of Sam’s fingerprints was found on the counter of the store. When questioned about why his fingerprint was found on the counter, Sam said that he had been at the store earlier that day to buy a newspaper.

Evidence 3O positive blood was found on the window. Sam’s blood type is B positive. About 38% of Americans have O positive blood type and 9% of Americans have B positive blood type.

Evidence 4Both Sam and Sam’s best friend Joel testified that they were playing poker together from 9:00 pm. until midnight on the night of the crime. They both said they were playing at Joel’s apartment, which is 20 miles from the store that was robbed. Joel stated that Sam won about $400 during the game.

Evidence 5There were 12 horses that entered the race and there was only 1 winning horse. The horse was brown.

Evidence 6Sam was seen by more than 10 witnesses spending a large amount of cash at the horse races the day after the robbery. 

Evidence 7:The police were granted permission to look into Sam’s financial status (how much money he makes/spends). They checked Sam’s bank account, as well as other financial records. They found that he had a rather large amount of money. From all his accounts, they found about $80,000. Sam even had a portion of that money set aside to buy a new car.