Case 1: The Ember Lounge Arson
On June 1st, just after closing, The Ember Lounge went up in flames. By the time firefighters broke in, they found only ash and the burned remains of Marcus Kent, the bar’s manager.
Arson investigators called the fire suspicious. Five people were at the bar that night. One of them knows the truth.
Your mission: Solve the case by answering three critical questions:
- Who started the fire?
- What was their motive?
- What key piece of evidence proves it?
Crime Scene Report
Location: The Ember Lounge – trendy downtown cocktail bar.
Fire Origin: Behind the bar, near the top-shelf liquor rack.
Estimated Ignition Time: 1:08 a.m.
Victim: Marcus Kent, 37. His burned remains were discovered near the back exit, keys fused in one hand.
Investigator’s Note: “Heavy charring at the origin point indicates accelerant use. Evidence strongly suggests deliberate ignition.”
Witness Statements
Sasha Morgan (Bartender): “We closed up around 12:45. Marcus said he had to finish the books alone. He was nervous. Kept looking at the door. I left at 12:50, and he told me not to worry about him.”
Jared Lin (Musician): “I was loading my gear out back. Saw Marcus arguing with a guy in a hoodie. They were close, yelling. I didn’t hear details. I didn’t want to get involved, so I just left.”
Bianca Dale (Regular): “I was in the restroom when the lights flickered. Then the smoke hit. I panicked and ran. I didn't see anyone. I didn’t even grab my purse—I just ran.”
Chris Hall (Ex-Employee): “Look, I showed up to get my final check. Marcus refused to face me. I didn’t even step inside. We hated each other, sure—but I’m not an arsonist.”
Maya Ruiz (Waitress): “I stayed to help clean up. Marcus was jumpy. Kept saying he thought someone was following him. He was on edge. I left around 12:50. He insisted he'd finish alone.”
Evidence Locker
- Bar Tab Printout: Printed at 12:46 a.m. Shows an unpaid tab under Chris Hall’s name, totaling $182. Marcus circled it with the note: “Settle this.”
- Security Still: Grainy black-and-white image from the back entrance camera, captured at 1:02 a.m. Shows a hooded figure re-entering through the rear door. Facial features obscured.
- Recovered Phone: Melted remains of Marcus’s phone. Data recovery pulled one unsent text, timestamped 1:03 a.m.: “He’s back. If anything happens, it’s him.”