Mystery and Forensic Vocabulary Words

An excuse that a suspect uses to show that he or she was somewhere other than the scene of the crime

• detective

• alibi

• cold case

• evidence

An unsolved criminal investigation which remains open pending the discovery of new evidence

• investigate

• detective

• crime

• cold case

A person who investigates mysteries and gathers information.

• detective

• misdemeanor

• jurisdiction

• accomplice

To try to find out the facts about something to learn how it happened and who did it.

• crime

• alibi

• investigate

• evidence

A minor wrongdoing or crime.

• misdemeanor

• evidence

• red herring

• sleuth

Something that is a secret or unknown

• solve

• suspense

• mystery

• victim

A clue or piece of information that is or is intended to be misleading or distracting. ( A false lead)

• witness

• solve

• red herring

• mystery

Find an answer

• suspense

• victim

• witness

• solve

A state of or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen.

• accomplice

• suspense

• alibi

• crime

Someone who saw the crime being committed and can provide information.

• victim

• modus operandi (MO)

• witness

• sleuth