The opening section of the text describes a crime that has been called into the local police department. Students review crime scene illustrations, follow case updates, and use example legal documentation to build their case. The investigation culminates in a charge and other court-related outcomes that require the research of relevant case law.

Throughout the text, students learn how to solve the crime while using appropriate investigative techniques and correct application of the law. Investigative updates and worksheets are included to help students organize and build their case while learning professional record-keeping and report writing skills. This affordable text/workbook helps students foster their knowledge of crime scene procedures, investigative techniques, interviews, subpoenas, probable cause, search warrants, complaints, arrest warrants, direct versus indirect evidence, plain view evidence, and more.

Murder at 144: Student Investigative File is part of From the Files of Fanelli and Moscato: An Investigative Criminal Justice Series, a collection of scenario-based textbooks and active learning materials that help students cultivate critical thinking and investigative skills while applying their knowledge of key criminal justice principles, techniques, and theories.