ESL Podcast 974 - Talking About Old Crimes
cold case - a criminal investigation that has not been solved and will no longer be actively investigated until more information becomes available
The police officer received a mysterious call with details about a cold case.
unsolved crime - an instance of someone breaking the law but never being punished for it because investigators cannot determine who did it
Their daughter's murder is referred to as an unsolved crime, but they've never given up hope that the criminal will be found.
decade - a period of 10 years
Wow, Lorraine and Benny been married for three decades!
to reconstruct - to put something together again, either a physical object or an idea
City planners are trying to reconstruct the original train routes from 50 years ago to help determine the new train routes.
once and for all - a phrase used to show that something will happen definitely and not need additional attempts
Just tell me the truth once and for all. Are you the person who stole my lunch?
trail - a series of clues that lead someone in a particular direction, especially toward solving a problem
Researchers are on the trail toward finding a cure for AIDS.
lead - a clue; a piece of information that provides some idea about what happened or who did something
The police are encouraging people to call if they have any leads about the robbery.
witness testimony - statements made by people who saw something happen and were present during a situation or crime
The accident happened in daylight in the middle of Times Square, so they'll definitely be able enough witness testimony.
scientific method - the accepted process of conducting investigations, using a defined and generally used system
If they had been following the scientific method, they would have had a control group that didn't receive the treatment.
statute of limitations - the maximum period of time after an event when legal action can be taken
What is the statute of limitations on assult in cases where the victim was a child?
murder - the crime of killing a person
The mayor has promised to reduce the number of murders in the city by 20%.
to crack - to solve a mystery or complete a difficult investigation that has been too challenging for other people
Scientists have been trying to crack the secrets of the universe.
crack - very sharp; astute; very smart and good at what one is doing
Pierre is a crack shot with that gun and can hit the middle of the target every time.
investigative method - a process for conducting research, especially to solve a crime
Basic investigative methods include photographing the location of all objects before moving anything at a crime scene.
keen eye for detail - the ability to notice many small things that other people might not notice
Interior designers have a keen eye for detail and color.
deathbed confession - a statement that one makes while dying, admitting to something bad or wrong that one did earlier in life
Grandpa Henry made a deathbed confession that shocked his wife, but she never told anyone what it was.