BOM murder mystery Instructions for Set up:

This activity should be set up in groups of eight. In each group you will have one person to represent each character and on person designated leader to hand out the clues. (There are six characters; one to distribute clues; one extra chair for anyone who might come in late. They can read clues, or be designated to expose the murders)

Make up a set of character nametags for each table. As the people come in give them name tags and seat them so you will have one "set" of suspects at each table.

Copy the clues for each table. Cut the clues apart and put them in corresponding envelopes. All clue #1 (one for each character) in one envelope labeled CLUE #1, All clue #2 (one for each character) in a second envelope labeled CLUE #2. And all of clue #3 in a third envelope labeled CLUE #3.

In other words, if you think you will need five tables, you will need to copy and cut up five pages of CLUE #1, five of CLUE #2, and five of CLUE #3. Don't give out the clues until you are instructed to later in the activity.

When the table leader hands the clues to each character (at the appropriate time) they should not show them to each other.

The mystery in set around a three-course dinner

Round 1 - salad course or chips and salsa

Round 2 - main course or taco bar

Round 3 - dessert course

Pre-assign someone to set the scene and reveal the murderer. They will need to do some preparation to be ready to do this, so assign them ahead of time so they can be prepared. Now you are ready to begin.

The Activity

Introduction:

You are about to become a murder suspect and so is everyone else involved in this activity. You can prove your innocence only by proving that someone else is guilty. The people at your table must work together to solve the mystery.

As the evening progresses, each person will receive an outline of their character and pieces of information that will be known only to them. You must be sure to clearly and accurately reveal all the facts that you know about yourself and the other suspects in each round. You may not lie about the clues you are given. When someone reads a clue that places suspicion on you, then you need to read your clue, which will change the subject and raise suspicion on a different character. This activity is divided into three rounds. Round 1: First meal course and CLUE #1; Round 2: Second meal

Course and CLUE #2; Round 3: Dessert and CLUE #3.

Do not go on to the next round until you are told to do so. (All tables should stay on the same schedule of starting and finishing.) At the conclusion of the three rounds, you should decide as a table who you believe the murderer is. The solution will be revealed after the final round.

Remember, you are out to catch a murderer. Be inquisitive! Be aggressive! Be suspicious!

Now to set the Scene:

The scene is the home of Judge Jones, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. On this Saturday evening, Judge Jones was found murdered. He had multiple stab wounds and was found lying in a pool of blood. There are six suspects, all with a motive for the murder. They are: (Have each character stand as their characters are called).

Mr Enn - He has always been a fine, upstanding member of the community

Judge Black - A very high ranking, but corrupt judge. He hates Mr. Enn and would like to see him behind bars, but he fears a public outcry.

Sean Jones, J.D. - He is the brother of the murder victim, Chief Judge Justice Jones. He is also a powerful attorney.

Mr. Mult - An average citizen who is a friend of Mr. Enn.

Mr. Fife - Works for Chief Justice Jones (the dead man) and Judge Black.

Maid - Works for Chief Justice Jones (the dead man)

Give the leader at each table the envelope labeled CLUE #1. Tell them to pass them out to the appropriate character. Have them choose one character to go first reading their clue. The clue will accuse another character. Then that character can read their clue to try to cast suspicion at a different character. Have them continue in this manner until each character has read their CLUE #1.

Each table will play the game at the same time, but separately.

As soon as each table is finished, you can serve your first course of

Food.

After all the tables are finished eating, give the leaders at the

Tables the clue envelope #2. Have them read them just like the last clue. As they finish, serve course #2.

After all tables are finished eating, give the leaders at each table

clue envelope #3. Have them read them just like the last 2 clues. As they finish, serve dessert.

While they are eating their dessert, have each table decide who they think is the murderer. Have them choose one person as a spokesman and have them stand and tell who they think did it and why.

Now reveal the murderer.

THIS PAGE IS TO BE SEEN ONLY BY THE PERSON ORGANIZING THE MYSTERY AND THE

PERSON CHOSEN TO REVEAL THE MURDERER.

This murder mystery is taken from the Book of Mormon. But none of the participants will realize that. Study Helaman 8 and 9. At the conclusion of the murder mystery dinner, use your scriptures and relate the story in Helaman to solve this murder.

 Mr. Enn is Nephi (Helaman 8 and 9)

Judge Black is all the other judges (Helaman 9:13)

Sean Jones, JD, is the murderer, Seantum (Helaman 9:26)

Mr. Mult is the multitude (Helaman 9:19)

Mr. Fife is the 5 men who went and saw the dead man (Helaman 9:1-6)

The Maid is the servants who ran (Helaman 9:6)

Directions for Table Leaders:

We appreciate your help in making this activity fun and successful for the sisters at your table. Help them to "get into" the activity by playing the part as much as they feel comfortable doing. We don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable, so they can just read their clue if that is what they are comfortable with. Your job is to hand out the clues to the appropriate characters at the beginning of each round.

Choose one character to begin each round by reading their clue

While you are eating dessert, have the sisters decide who they think the murderer is. Have them choose one person as their spokesperson. They will stand and tell who they think did it and why at the appropriate time.

Some additional helps:

As one character is accused, he/she should defend themselves by reading their clue. If it is not clear who should go next, just choose another character to read their clue until all characters have read their clues.

Each table will be playing the game separately, but at the same time. As each round is played, another course of the meal will be served (appetizer, main course, dessert).

There will be an extra chair set at each table for anyone who may come in late. They will not have a character to play, so let them be involved by passing out the clues. Perhaps they can be the spokesperson at the end of the game.

Have fun!

After each table has identified who they think the murderer is and why, the following drama is acted out :

Narrator: This story is actually a true story that comes from one of the greatest books of all time. Many of you have probably read it at least once. Did anybody recognize the story? Let me tell you the story in a little different way.

There was a prophet a long time ago named Nephi. This Nephi was the son of Helaman and had at one time been a judge of the land. But because of the extreme iniquities of the people, Nephi gave up the judgment seat and spent all of his time preaching the word of God and trying to get his people to repent.

Of course, most of the people would not listen to Nephi. The Gadianton robbers were becoming more numerous and eventually took over the Nephite government. The people were "ripening in iniquity" as we hear it said in the scriptures. But Nephi did not give up. He continued to try to teach his people and warn them about their wickedness and the wickedness of their leaders.

There were many corrupt judges at this time who were part of the

Gadianton robbers. Knowing that what Nephi was saying about them was true, and being fearful to do anything to Nephi themselves, they tried to incite the people to anger against Nephi.

"And it came to pass that thus they did stir up the people to anger against Nephi, and raised contentions among them; for there were some who did cry out; Let this man alone, for he is a good man, and those things which he saith will surely come to pass except we repent" (Helaman 8:7)

Those who were against Nephi were afraid to do anything to him because of those who supported Nephi, and so Nephi again began to preach to the people and to warn them.

(Nephi walks out and says)

Nephi: " behold, ye have rejected the truth, and rebelled against your Holy God; and even at this time, instead of laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where nothing doth corrupt, and where nothing can come which is unclean, ye are heaping up for yourselves wrath against the day of judgment.

Yea, even at this time ye are ripening, because of your murders and your fornication and wickedness, for everlasting destruction; yea, and except ye repent it will come unto you soon.

Yea, behold it is now even at your doors; yea, go ye in unto the Judgment seat, and search; and behold, your judge is murdered, and he lieth in his blood; and he hath been murdered by his brother, who seeketh to sit in the judgment seat.

And behold, they both belong to your secret band, whose author is Gadianton and the evil one who seeketh to destroy the souls of men." (Helaman 8:25-28)

Narrator: So it happened, that after Nephi had said these words, five

Men who were there decided to go to the judgment seat to see if the words of Nephi were true.

(Five men mingle together and say)

Man #1: Now we will know of a surety whether this man be a prophet and God hath commanded him to prophesy such marvelous things unto us.

Man #2: We do not believe that he has, yea, we do not believe that he is a prophet.

Man #3: Nevertheless, if this thing which he has said concerning the

Chief judge be true, that he be dead, then will we believe that the other words which he has spoken are true.

(Five men act part as Narrator tells story)

Narrator: So the men ran with their might to the judgment seat, and

Sure enough, they found that the chief judge had fallen to the earth and was lying in his blood.

"And now behold, when they saw this they were astonished exceedingly (act astonished), insomuch that they fell to the earth (fall to the ground) for they had not believed the words which Nephi had spoken concerning the chief judge. But now, when they saw they believed, and fear came upon them lest all the judgments which Nephi had spoken should come upon the people; therefore they did quake, and had fallen to the earth." (Helaman 9:4-5)

Now let's back up in the story a little bit. Immediately after the judge

Was murdered, and his servants discovered it they ran and told the people. Meanwhile, the five men came, saw, and fell to the ground. Now let's pick up the story again.

(Group of people gather on stage; act out according to narration)

"And behold, the people did gather themselves together unto the place of the judgment seat - and behold, to their astonishment they saw those five men who had fallen to the earth." (Helaman 9:7)

Now the people didn’t know anything about the group across town who had been with Nephi when he prophesied the murder of the chief judge. So think of it from their perspective. The servants run out and tell everyone the chief judge has been murdered. The people run to see, and find these five men lying on the ground. What would you assume? "They said among themselves: These men are they who have murdered the judge, and God has smitten them that they could not flee from us." (Helaman 9:8)

And so they grabbed the men, bound them, and cast them into prison.

(grab men, tie rope around hands, and take them to "prison")

A proclamation was sent forth telling everyone that the chief judge had been slain, and the murderers had been caught and cast into prison.

(Big crowd of people including wicked judges)

Narrator: The next day, all the people came together to mourn and fast at the burial of the great chief judge. Among those gathered were the wicked judges who had been with Nephi the day before. They began to inquire among the people, saying:

Judge #1: Where are the five men who were sent to inquire concerning the chief judge to see if he was dead?

Person #1: We don't know anything about those five of whom you speak.

Person #2: But there are five who are the murderers, and we have cast them into prison.

(Act out according to script)

Narrator: The judges asked the people to bring the five men to them.

And they were brought and behold they were the five who were sent; and behold the judges inquired of them to know concerning the matter, and they told them all that they had done, saying:

Man #1: We ran and came to the place of the judgment-seat, and when we saw all things even as Nephi had testified, we were astonished insomuch that we fell to the earth; and when we were recovered from our astonishment, behold they cast us into prison.

Man #2: Now, as for the murder of this man, we don't know who did it. We only know that we ran to see as you desired us to and found that he was dead, just as Nephi said he would be.

Narrator: The judges, still trying to find some way to get rid of Nephi, cried out against him.

Judge #1: Nephi must have agreed with someone to kill the chief judge so he could supposedly prophesy it and try to convert us to his faith!

Judge #2: Let's make him confess and tell us who the true murderer is!

Narrator: The five men were let go, but they did rebuke the judges in their words against Nephi for they believed him. Nevertheless, the judges caused that Nephi should be taken and bound and brought before the multitude, and they began to question him in divers ways that they might cross him. But Nephi said to them,

Nephi: "O ye fools, ye uncircumcised of heart, ye blind, and ye stifnecked people, do ye know how long the Lord your God will suffer you that ye shall go on in this your way of sin?""(Helaman 9:21)

Behold, I say unto you: Go to the house of Seantum, who is the brother of your chief judge, and ask him if I have conspired with him to kill his brother. Behold, he will tell you No!

Ask him if he murdered his brother. He will stand with fear, and will deny it and shall declare his innocence. But if you examine him, you will find blood upon the skirts of his cloak. When you ask him about this, he will tremble and look pale, and then you will know of his guilt. And then will he confess that he indeed is the murderer. And he will tell you that I, Nephi, know nothing of this matter save it was given unto me by the power of God.

And then shall ye know that I am an honest man, and that I am sent unto you from God.

Narrator: And it came to pass that they went and did, even according as Nephi had said unto them.

" And behold, the words which he had said were true; for according to the words he did deny; and also according to the words he did confess. And there were some of the Nephites who believed on the words of Nephi; and there were some also, who believed because of the testimony of the five" (Helaman 9:37, 39)

Now how do the characters of our game relate to the story you've just heard?

Mr. Enn is Nephi (Helaman 8 and 9)

Judge Black represents all the other judges (Helaman 9:13)

Mr. Mult is the multitude (Helaman 9:19)

Mr. Fife represents the 5 men who went and saw the dead man (Helaman 9:1-6)

The Maid represents the servants who ran (Helaman 9:6) and

Sean Jones, is the murderer, Seantum (Helaman (9:26)

How many of you guessed correctly?

We are told to "liken the scriptures to ourselves" or to try to apply the lessons learned to our own lives. One of the questions we might ask ourselves relative to this true story is "Do we listen to our prophet better than the people listened to Nephi? Are we heeding the things that he tells us to make sure that our lives are in order to be able to return to our Heavenly Father? What does our prophet tell us? Refer to September ’99 General Women’s Broadcast – Sis. Sherry Dew, challenge & call to arms and then bear testimony of the importance of listening to and following our prophet.

-Part 2-

Directions for Table Leaders

We appreciate your help in making this activity fun and successful for the sisters at your table. Help them to "get into" the activity by playing the part as much as they feel comfortable doing. We don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable, so they can just read their clue if that is what they are comfortable with.

Your job is to hand out clues to the appropriate characters at the beginning of each round. Choose one character to begin each round by reading their clue. While you are eating dessert, have the sisters decide who they think the murderer is. Have them choose one person as their spokesperson. They will stand and tell who they think did it and why at the appropriate time.

I know that Mr. Mult knows that there is a great deal of animosity between Mr. Enn and Judge Black. I know Mr. Mult is a great friend of Mr. Enn and would do anything to help him.

Clue #2 for Mr. Fife:

I saw the maid running out of the house screaming, "the judge had been murdered!" as I was approaching the house.

Clue #2 for the Maid:

I found the body lying in a pool of blood.

 Clue #2 for Sean Jones:

Tuesday evening I issued a press release announcing that my brother, the Chief Justice, had been murdered.

 Clue #2 for Mr. Mult:

I found Mr. Fife lying unconscious next to the judge’s dead body when I entered Judge Jone’s home. I had him arrested and charged with murder.

 Clue #2 for Judge Black:

Tuesday afternoon I heard Mr. Enn say that the Chief Justice had been murdered. I sent Mr. Fife to see if it was true.

Clue #2 for Mr. Enn:

At the press release I saw blood spattered on Sean Jones clothing.

Clue #3 for Mr. Fife:

I believe that the maid is the murderer. I saw her running out of the Chief Justice’s house as I was approaching it. I know she hated her boss. I believe she ran out screaming that the judge had been murdered in order to throw suspicion from herself.

Clue #3 for the Maid:

I heard Judge Jones confront Judge Black about his involvement in a group conspiring to oust him from his office. I know Judge Black is corrupt and wants to be more powerful than he is. I believe Judge Black killed Judge Jones so that he could have his seat and also to prevent Judge Jones from exposing and punishing Judge Black and his group. (Try to convince everyone that Judge Black is the murderer!)

Clue #3 for Mr. Enn: I knew how badly the judge’s brother, Sean, envied his position as Chief Justice. I know he always wanted the position for himself. I believe he killed him so that he could have position and power for himself, thus fulfilling his life-long dream. I believe the blood you saw on his clothing was his brother’s blood. (Try to convince everyone that Sean Jones is the murderer!)

Clue #3 for Sean Joness:

I heard Mr. Enn say that Judge Jones was dead before the press release had been issued. I believe the only way that he could have known that he was dead prior to its being made public in the press release was if he was involved in the murder himself. I believe Mr. Enn hired Mr. Mult to kill Judge Jones and since Mr. Mult was the "hit man", I believe Mr. Mult should be charged with murder!

 Clue #3 for Mr. Mult:

I found Mr. Fife lying unconscious next to Judge Jones corpse. I believe this proves that he killed him. Why else would he have been there? (Strive to convince everyone that Mr. Fife is the murderer!)

 Clue #3 for Judge Black:

I heard Mr. Enn say that Judge Jones was dead before the press release had been issued. I believe that the only way that he could have known that he was dead prior to the press release was if he was involved in the murder himself. The problem is, he was with me at the time of the murder, so I know he couldn’t have actually stabbed him. I figure he hired someone else to commit the actual murder. But, because it was all his idea, I believe that Mr. Enn should be charged with the crime of murder!

Narrator: This story is actually a true story that comes from one of the greatest books of all time. Many of you have probably read it at least once. Did anybody recognize the story? Let me tell you the story in a little different way.

There was a prophet a long time ago named Nephi. This Nephi was the son of Helaman and had at one time been a judge of the land. But because of the extreme iniquities of the people, Nephi gave up the judgment seat and spent all of his time preaching the word of God and trying to get his people to repent.

Of course, most of the people would not listen to Nephi. The Gadianton robbers were becoming more numerous and eventually took over the Nephite government. The people were "ripening in iniquity" as we hear it said in the scriptures. But Nephi did not give up. He continued to try to teach his people and warn them about their wickedness and the wickedness of their leaders.

There were many corrupt judges at this time who were part of the Gadianton robbers. Knowing that what Nephi was saying about them was true, and being fearful to do anything to Nephi themselves, they tried to incite the people to anger against Nephi.

"And it came to pass that thus they did stir up the people to anger against Nephi, and raised contentions among them; for there were some who did cry out; Let this man alone, for he is a good man, and those things which he saith will surely come to pass except we repent." (Helaman 8:7)

(Nephi walks out and says:)

NEPHI: "Behold, ye have rejected the truth, and rebelled against your holy God; and even at this time, instead of laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where nothing doth corrupt, and where nothing can come which is unclean, ye are heaping up for yourselves wrath against the day of judgment.

Yea, even at this time ye are ripening, because of your murders and your fornication and wickedness, for everlasting destruction; yea, and except ye repent it will come unto you soon.

Yea, behold it is now even at your doors; yea, go ye in unto the judgment seat, and search; and behold, your judge is murdered, and he lieth in his blood; and he hath been murdered by his brother, who seeketh to sit in the judgment seat.

And behold, they both belong to your secret band, whose author is Gadianton and the evil one who seeketh to destroy the souls of men." (Helaman 8:25-28)

Narrator: So it happened, that after Nephi had said these words, five men who were there decided to go to the judgment seat to see if the words of Nephi were true.

(Five men mingle together and say:)

Man #1: Now we will know of a surety whether this man be a prophet and God hath commanded him to prophesy such marvelous things unto us.

Man #2: We do not believe that he has, yea, we do not believe that he is a prophet.

Man #3: Nevertheless, if this thing which he has said concerning the chief judge be true, that he be dead, then will we believe that the other words which he has spoken are true.

(Five men act part as Narrator tells story)

Narrator: So the men ran with their might to the judgment seat, and sure enough, they found that the chief judge had fallen to the earth and was lying in his blood.

"And now behold, when they saw this they were astonished (Act astonished), insomuch that they fell to earth (fall to the ground) for they had not believed the words which Nephi had spoken concerning the chief judge. But now, when they saw they believed, and fear came upon them lest all the judgments which Nephi had spoken should come upon the people; therefore they did quake, and had fallen to earth." (Helaman 9:4-5)

Now, let’s back the story up a little bit. Immediately after the judge was murdered, and his servants discovered it, they ran and told the people. Meanwhile, the five men came, saw, and fell to the ground. Now let’s pick up the story again.

(Group of people enter)

"And behold, the people did gather themselves together unto the place of the judgment seat and behold, to their astonishment they saw those five men who had fallen to the earth" (Helaman 9:7)

Now the people didn’t know anything about the group across town who had been with Nephi when he prophesied the murder of the chief judge. So think of it from their perspective. The servants run out and tell everyone the chief judge has been murdered. The people run to see, and find these five men lying on the ground. What would you assume?

(Act out narration)

"they said among themselves: These men are they who have murdered the judge, and God has smitten them that they could not flee from us." (Helaman 9:8)

And so they grabbed the men, bound them, and cast them into prison (grab men, tie rope around hands, and take them to "prison")

About my Character 
Mr. Enn

(Read or paraphrase) 
 
I am a fine upstanding citizen. I serve in the community. I am very well known and well liked by some. I think there are some though who would like me to just go away. Am I as good as I seem? I guess you will have to make that decision. 
(Stop Reading) 
 
DO NOT REVEAL UNLESS ASKED: 
 
You really are a very good person who is not capable of killing anyone. You are too humble to ever reveal this. You are probably the smartest one in the group. You have recently upset a lot of the others because you have been appearing on television speaking out against the others because you feel they are dishonest. 

 
Mr. Enn Clue # 1 
 
(Read or paraphrase) 
I have discovered through my research that Judge Black is a part of an underworld gang that is trying to corrupt the government. He is the leader and has been accepting bribes from his friends to keep them out of jail. He has also shredded important documents to cover up crimes that his friend has committed. 

 
Mr. Enn Clue # 2 
 
(Read or paraphrase) 
At the press conference I saw Sean Jones with something red on his pant leg. I asked him about it and he said he was out working and he got some red mud on his pants. He looked kind of nervous and hurried off. 

  
Mr. Enn Clue # 3 

(Read or paraphrase) 

I know how badly Sean, the Judges brother, envied his position as Chief Justice. His dream was to become the next Chief Judge. I know he always wanted the position for himself. I believe he killed him so that he could have the position and power for himself, thus fulfilling his life long dream. I don’t think that it was mud on his clothes, I think it was blood. 
(Try to convince everyone that Sean is the murderer!) 

About my Character: 
Judge Black 

(Read or paraphrase) 
 
I am a great judge second in command only to the now dead Judge Jones. I think that I would make a great head judge. I am very sad to find out about Judge Jones death. I don’t particularly like Mr. Enn. As a matter of fact I know some things that might be able to put him behind bars if only he weren’t so popular. Oh by the way I have been known to accept favors from people but hey everyone is doing it. 
(Stop Reading) 
 
DO NOT REVEAL UNLESS ASKED: 
 
You are very corrupt. You have accepted bribes from anyone who has money to spend. You hate Mr. Enn more than anyone in the world. He threatens you because he has the power to expose you to the world as being a major crook. 
 
Judge Black  Clue # 1

(Read or paraphrase) 
Mr. Fife is a great employee. Basically he is a great worker because he will do anything I say. He works for me and for Judge Jones. We both gave him access to both our homes because we fully trust him as our employee. 
 
Judge Black  Clue # 2 

(Read or paraphrase) 
This afternoon I got an anonymous tip that someone heard Mr. Enn say that the Chief Justice was murdered. This was before the press conference. I immediately sent Mr. Fife to find out if this was true. 
 

Judge Black  Clue # 3 

(Read or paraphrase) 
I actually was eavesdropping on Mr. Enn so I heard him say with my own two ears that Judge Jones was dead. This was before the police revealed it at the press conference. The only way he would have known this was if he was involved in the murder himself. He was with me at the time of the murder, so I know he couldn’t have actually stabbed him. I figure he hired someone else to commit the actual murder, but because it was all his idea I believe that Mr. Enn should be charged with the crime of murder! (Try to convince everyone that Mr. Enn is the murderer!)

About my Character: 
Sean Jones, J.D.

(Read or paraphrase) 
 
I am the brother of the Chief Justice. I loved my brother with all my heart, we were very close. I have spent my whole life building up a law practice that my older brother would be proud of. Now I am one of the best attorneys in town. You have probably seen me on T.V. or on the radio. I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever realize. 

(Stop Reading) 
 
DO NOT REVEAL UNLESS ASKED: 
You really hate your brother. You are pretty broke because you loose more cases than you win. In fact if you didn’t bribe the other judges in town you probably would never win. Luckily you have made a lot of money because you have helped get a lot of crooks out of jail and they have rewarded you very nicely. 
 

Sean Jones, J.D. Clue # 1

(Read or paraphrase)  
My brother was always very hard on his employees and that his maid was fed up with the poor treatment she was receiving. I would never treat anyone unfairly like he did. I heard Maid Marion was thinking of quitting because she hasn’t received a raise in 5 years. She feared Judge Jones and was tired of his abuse. 
 

Sean Jones, J.D. Clue # 2 

(Read or paraphrase) 
I organized the press conference announcing that my brother, the Chief Justice, had been murdered. I wanted it to be classy and on television so the world would know how great my brother was. It was the least I could do to honor his name. 

Sean Jones, J.D. Clue # 3 

(Read or paraphrase) 
I heard Mr. Enn say that Judge Jones was dead before the press conference. I believe the only way Mr. Enn could have known that the Chief Justice was dead prior to its being made public in the press conference was if he was involved in the murder himself. More than likely he hired Mr. Mult to do kill Judge Jones. Mr. Mult has been pretty desperate for money so he was the one who would benefit the most from killing my brother. Since Mr. Mult was the "hit man" I believe Mr. Mult should be charged with murder! (Try to convince everyone that Mr. Mult is the murderer!)
 

About my Character: 
Mr. Tom Mult 

(Read or paraphrase) 
 
I am an average citizen. I am not well known so I can do what I please without many people noticing me. Lately I have been a little down on my luck. Things at home haven’t been the greatest. If it weren’t for Mr. Enn I probably wouldn’t have any friends.

(Stop Reading) 
 
DO NOT REVEAL UNLESS ASKED: 
 
You are not just a little down on your luck. You are flat broke. Mr. Enn is the only one in the group who has helped you at all. You respect Mr. Enn and try to help him any way you can. 

Mr. Tom Mult  Clue # 1

(Read or paraphrase)  
I know that Mr. Enn and Judge Black don’t get along. Judge Black is angry that Mr. Enn is in the process of exposing him and his corrupt group of friends. I think Judge Black would do anything to get revenge. I don’t trust the Judge, he seems like the type of guy who would trip his own mother if she crossed him. 
 

Mr. Tom Mult  Clue # 2

(Read or paraphrase)  
I happened to go by Judge Jones house and saw Mr. Fife lying next to the judges’ dead body. I figured he had to be the murderer so I went to the police to have him arrested. I was pretty shaken up at the time so I don’t remember much else. 
 

Mr. Tom Mult  Clue # 3 

(Read or paraphrase) 

Mr. Fife was there lying next to the dead Judge. I think he may have either been knocked out after a lengthy battle with the judge or he just fainted. Why else would he be there? He is the murderer.  (Try to convince everyone that Mr. Fife is the murderer!)
 

About my Character: 
Mr. Barney Fife

(Read or paraphrase) 
 
I work for Judge Jones and for Judge Black. I am so good at my job that they have given me all access to everything they own. I must be so valuable to be entrusted with so much information. I can be counted on to do whatever is necessary to help either Judge. I want to go down in history as the best assistant in the world. 

(Stop Reading) 
 
DO NOT REVEAL UNLESS ASKED: 
You really only like Judge Black, you think that Judge Jones is corrupt. Judge Black has been promising you all kinds of riches if you will do whatever he says. You will do whatever Judge Black says because you are very eager to please.
 

Mr. Barney Fife Clue #1

(Read or paraphrase)  
I know that Mr. Mult knows of the fighting going on between Mr. Enn and my boss, Judge Black. I think Mr. Mult thinks very highly of Mr. Enn and would do anything to help him. I think he’s a little desperate for money, more than he lets on. Maybe Mr. Enn is giving him money.
 

Mr. Barney Fife Clue #2 

(Read or paraphrase) 
I saw Maid Marion running from the house right after the murder. She was screaming "The Judge has been murdered! The Judge has been murdered!" as I was approaching the house. I am not sure if she was surprised or screaming for joy.  

 
Mr. Barney Fife Clue #3 

(Read or paraphrase) 

Maid Marion has to be the murderer. She was running around right after the murder had taken place screaming that the Judge was dead. I believe she ran out screaming that the judge had been murdered in order to throw suspicion from herself. (Try to convince everyone that Maid Marion is the murderer!)

About my Character 
Maid Marion: 
 
(Read or paraphrase) 
I work for Judge Jones. He can be a good boss but sometimes he can get a little difficult to work for. He had treated me fairly well although he hasn’t given me a raise for quite some time now. From cleaning his house I do get to see some interesting people though. 

(Stop Reading) 
 
DO NOT REVEAL UNLESS ASKED: 
You are not happy at all. You have wanted to quit for some time now but you know that if you do, Judge Jones would make sure you could never get a job again. You are kind of like a slave to the dead Judge. You are so happy that he is dead and are having a hard time trying to hide it. If people realize that you are really happy that the Judge is dead than feel free to express your joyfulness that the Judge is dead.

 
Maid Marion Clue # 1 

(Read or paraphrase) 

I know that the Judge’s brother, Sean, is a liar when he says that he likes his brother. Sean is very jealous because his brother is successful and powerful, and Sean just isn’t. Sean really wants to be Chief Justice himself. 
 

Maid Marion Clue # 2 

(Read or paraphrase) 

As I was cleaning the house today I found the body lying in a pool of blood. I immediately ran out and starting telling everyone I saw in a ladylike manner. I did this to spread the word as quickly as possible.

Maid Marion Clue # 3 

(Read or paraphrase) 

I heard Judge Jones confront Judge Black about his involvement in a group conspiring to oust him from his office. I know that Judge Black is a crook and is very power hungry. I believe Judge Black killed Judge Jones so that he could have his seat and also to prevent Judge Jones from exposing and punishing Judge Black and his group. (Try to convince everyone that Judge Black is the murderer!)

Opening Exercises:

Song / Prayer

Welcome: We are going to go into the gym – when you enter the gym, find the seat with your name. Don’t move it. Don’t put on the name tag until I tell you to because we may have to rearrange the tables.

__

Arrange tables and have them put on the name tags.

You are here tonight because each of you is a suspect. A murder has been committed. Your goal is to try and prove your innocence by proving that someone else is guilty. As the evening progresses, each person will receive an outline of their character and pieces of information that will be known only to you. You must be sure to clearly and accurately reveal all the facts that you know about yourself and the other suspects in each round. You may not lie about the clues you are given. When someone reads a clue that places suspicion on you, then you need to read your clue, which will change the subject and raise suspicion on a different character.
 
This activity is divided into three rounds. 
Round 1- first course and clue #1 
Round 2- second course and clue #2 
Round 3- dessert and clue #3 

Do not go on to the next round until you are told to do so. (All tables should stay on the same schedule of starting and finishing). At the conclusion of the three rounds, you should decide, as a table who you believe is the murderer. The solution will be revealed after the final round. Remember that you are out to catch a murderer. Be inquisitive! Be aggressive! Be suspicious! 

The scene is the home of Judge Jones, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. On this Tuesday evening Judge Jones was found murdered. He had multiple stab wounds. There are six suspects, all with a motive for the murder. You are welcome to investigate the crime scene during dinner. Please stand as your character is called.

Mr. Enn-- He has always been a fine, upstanding member of the community 
 
Judge Black--A very high ranking, but corrupt judge. He hates Mr. Enn and would like to see him behind bars, but he fears a public outcry. 
 
Sean Jones, J.D.-- He is the brother of the murder victim, Chief Judge 
Justice Jones. He is also a powerful attorney. 
 
Mr. Mult-- An average citizen who is a friend of Mr Enn. 
 
Mr. Fife- Works for Chief Justice Jones (the dead man) and Judge Black. 
 
Maid-- Works for Chief Justice Jones (the dead man) 

The leader at your table is the Private Investigator. (Have Private Investigators come up and get their envelope)

He or she will now hand out information about your character. You will each read the first paragraph out loud, but do NOT read the second paragraph. The second paragraph is information that you read to yourself but DO NOT reveal this unless asked. You are taking on this character for this evening. You can read the clues, or you can paraphrase them and put them in your own words. The more you become an "actor" playing a character, the more fun it will be.

The Private Investigator will now hand out the ABOUT MY CHARACTER cards.

__

We will now begin round 1. The Private Investigator will now hand out clue #1. Choose one person to go first, and have them read their clue. Their clue will accuse another character. Then that character can read their clue to try to cast suspicion at a different character. Continue in this manner until each character has read clue #1. 

In a few minutes, after everyone has read their clue, we will begin the first course of dinner.

__

The Private Investigator will now hand out clue #2. Read this clue in the same manner as the first clue.

After everyone has read their clue, we will begin the second course of dinner.

__

The Private Investigator will now hand out clue #3. Read this clue in the same manner as the other clues.

After everyone has read their clue, we will begin the dessert course. As you are eating, decide as a table who you think is the murderer and why, and how it happened.

__

We will now ask each table to chose a spokesperson and tell us who they think is the murderer and why.

__

We will now reveal the truth. I will turn the time over to Bishop Maxwell to reveal what really happened.

You are the Private Investigator.

If you have an extra youth at the table, have them take on the role of the Private Investigator and let them steer the conversation.

Explain that they are taking on the role of these people, it is meant to be fun, and they can use their acting abilities, but they CANNOT lie about their character.

Make sure everyone has a name tag. There should be six suspects. Mr Enn, Judge Black, Sean Jones, J.D., Tom Mult, Maid Marion, and Mr. Fife.

Help generate discussions.

If someone is getting too much attention, try and get someone else to reveal something about someone else.

Give the group about 2 minutes to discuss it.

Have the youth read the clues in order, handing them out one at a time.

ABOUT MY CHARACTER:

Have them read their information in this order:

1. Mr. Enn

2. Judge Black

3. Sean Jones

4. Tom Mult

5. Mr. Fife

6. Maid Marion

Have them read Clue #1 in this order:

1. Mr. Fife

2. Maid Marion

3. Mr. Enn

4. Sean Jones

5. Tom Mult

6. Judge Black

Have them read Clue #2 in this order:

1. Mr. Fife

2. Maid Marion

3. Sean Jones

4. Tom Mult

5. Judge Black

6. Mr. Enn

Have them read Clue #3 in this order:

1. Mr. Fife

2. Maid Marion

3. Mr. Enn

4. Sean Jones

5. Tom Mult

6. Judge Black

After the clues are given out have them discuss who they really feel is the murderer. Have them come up with an agreement on who they feel is the murderer, why, and how it happened.