Local students investigate a “murder” and learn to think like detectives during mock crime scene

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – It was a murder that included an abduction and kidnapping. A jealous ex-boyfriend shoots the mother of his child along with two others and kidnaps their son.

That’s all part of a mock crime scene put on by the Criminal Justice Department at West Virginia Northern Community College in Wheeling.

The programs staff created the scenario while students were able to take a hands on approach to solving the crime. School staff and members of the Wheeling Police Department also took part in the exercise.

Students had to access the scene, and gather evidence that was taken to their crime lab.

“We have a criminal justice advisory board made up of local police chiefs, Sheriffs and stage police and so-forth. They have continuously told me what our kids are lacking is hands on experience. The ability to document evidence, the ability to write concise police reports. So we have made an effort here at Northern how to do that because once they graduate here, most of them are going into the workforce.”

John Lantz. Program Director, Criminal Justice

Students are graded on aspects like note taking, interview skills and evidence collecting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTRF.