On April 16, 2025, a crime was solved at the “Unsolved Case Files” event, held by The Criminal Justice Society, in Miller Hall Room 21. Natasha Depaoli, the president of The Criminal Justice Society, who is a Criminal Justice major, explained the objectives of the case to participants at the event. Students worked together to determine who murdered Harmony Ashcroft, a fictitious child psychologist who was engaged to Christian, a suspect in the murder. Participants also worked to prove that William McBride, whose nickname is “Bones,” is innocent in the slaying of Ms. Ashcroft.
Students were provided with information on the suspects in the case. For example, students were provided with crime scene investigation photos of the scene where Ms. Ashcroft was. Ms. Ashcroft’s body was found outside Tully Restaurant, which was where Ashcroft and Christian planned to have their Rehearsal Dinner. Also, police found McBride in Grant Park with Ashcroft’s engagement ring in his possession. The ring had an inscription that read, “Til’ death do we part.” Students were provided with physical descriptions of the suspects in the case. For instance, reports stated whether each suspect had a scar or a tattoo. McBride’s fingerprints were also provided.
Students sorted through and analyzed police statements and witness statements for each suspect. For example, a police statement was given to students regarding a conversation between the detective for the case and Derek Sivers, a suspect. Mr. Sivers had a motive to kill Ms. Ashcroft, as Ms. Ashcroft testified against Mr. Sivers in court and said that he was an unfit father. Mr. Sivers lost custody of his son. Another suspect in the case was Rex Ratcliffe. Mr. Ratcliffe called the mental health clinic many times to speak with Ms. Ashcroft the day that Ms. Ashcroft was murdered. According to a statement made by the receptionist for the clinic, Mr. Ratcliff insisted on seeing Ms. Ashcroft for counseling. Students were able to figure out that the murderer was Andy Allen, a man who was in love with Ms. Ashcroft and who lied to police that he was right-handed. Mr. Allen was found to be left-handed, which was an important fact in the case. Ms. Ashcroft was struck on the left side of her head by a tool.
The event was a great way for students to meet and socialize with their peers. Natasha Depaoli states, “In a way, this event was like a team bonding experience because students were forced to work together, sharing thoughts and opinions in order to solve the crime.”
In addition, students were able to make use of their detective skills, as they were required to assess the facts given to them to figure out who murdered Ms. Ashcroft. Depaoli states, “I think event allow students to start to learn how to think like an investigator.”
The event allowed students to understand the steps that investigators must take to solve different cases. They must analyze different types of evidence, such as photographs, witness statements, police statements, and newspaper articles. Depaoli states, “Solving a crime is kind of like putting the pieces of a puzzle together. Once you have one piece, the rest of the pieces fall in place.”
he Criminal Justice Society plans to host a variety of different events in the future, such as inviting guest speakers to speakers to speak at events. In addition, the club will organize a trip to the New York Police Department’s K-9 academy. For more information on events held by The Criminal Justice, students can email Natasha Depaoli at nd78713p@pace.edu.