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Corporal Hess went to work delegating assignments and updating his supervisors
on the progress of the investigation, as well as handling the flood of media
calls and inquiries. Corporal Hess determined that additional investigators were
needed in order to assist with the interview process. After speaking with
neighbors and businesses in the immediate area, they were able to confirm that
one of the vehicles from the crime scene had been stolen. Upon completion of the
interviews, Hess was in the process of releasing the scene when a call came in
that changed the course of the investigation. The caller gave a location where,
he stated, he had found some items containing the homeowners’ phone number and
personal articles, which appeared to be stolen. Corporal Hess immediately sent
every available investigator to that address and alerted the local police
department with jurisdiction. With the help of the local authorities, the stolen
vehicle was soon located and apprehended by our investigators. The three males
who occupied the stolen vehicle were taken into custody and transported to the
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office for questioning. It was determined from the
interviews that the suspect involved in the home invasion/homicide had been
apprehended. The suspect was arrested, transported to our Detention Facility and
booked into jail. What made this case unique was the fact that it was solved
within thirteen hours of the initial call. The first forth-eighty hours are the
most crucial in a typical “who-done-it” investigation. Corporal Hess’ decisions
clearly show the maturity and experience needed to manage a multijurisdictional
scene. His leadership and the notable support of the investigation team were the
key to a successful conclusion in this case.
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