Detectives who made history

We always talk about serial killers, but we too often forget the detectives who work tirelessly to arrest them . These dedicated detectives sometimes had to spend years collect and analyze evidence, divert the traps, question witnesses and establish the psychological profiles murderers to understand their motivations.

Focus on these extraordinary personalities who miss nothing.

1 - William King

You've probably heard of serial killer Albert Fish , the child-eating cannibal. But do you know the man who unmasked him? It was William King , the detective in charge of the disappearance of young Grace Budd in 1928.

For 6 years , not a day went by without Detective King investigating Grace's disappearance. His dedication was such that in 1934, he was hospitalized for 3 months, exhausted. Barely recovered, William King resumed his investigations.

The disappearance case takes a new turn when the detective receives one of the many letters sent by Albert Fish to the Budd family, under the name " Frank Howard ". The envelope included a poorly crossed-out letterhead, where one could guess the name of an association: the " New York Private Chauffeur's Benevolent Association ".

After comparing the handwriting of all the association members to the one found on the letter, the detective is at a standstill, until a volunteer confesses to having stolen some envelopes. He would have left them at his old address before moving.

It is through this address that the detective traces Fish, the new occupant of the premises. Albert Fish's handwriting matches perfectly with that found on the letter. One of the greatest serial killers of all time is unmasked.

2 - Melvin Purvis

Also known as “ Little Mel ,” Melvin Purvis is considered one of America’s greatest detectives. Famous for arresting major criminals like Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson, Machine Gun Kelly (the gangster, not the singer) and the Barker brothers , the most famous case remains that of John Dillinger , a famous bank robber.

It is 1934 , Dillinger has been on the run for several months. After receiving information about the criminal's presence in a Chicago cinema, Detective Purvis decides to launch an operation to capture him. A shootout breaks out: the detective shoots the famous Dillinger twice, who dies instantly.

Melvin Purvis made his name as an FBI special agent in the 1930s, heading the Organized Crime Investigation Division. He was also one of the first to use scientific techniques to solve crimes.

Despite his successes, Purvis' life ended tragically. In 1960, the detective committed suicide in his car. The cause was financial and health problems.

3 - David Toschi

David Toschi is undoubtedly one of the most iconic detectives of the San Francisco Police Department . He is best known for leading the investigation into one of the most famous and mysterious serial killers in American history: the " Zodiac Killer ".

For years, the Zodiac Killer has been rampaging through California, terrorizing local populations and defying law enforcement.

Always dressed in his bow tie , his long trench coat and his shoulder holster , David Toschi had a style all his own. He didn't really look like the other detectives of his time, which made him the main character of many films like " Bullitt ". It is also from Toschi that the famous Inspector Gadget owes his style!

Despite Detective Toschi's dogged efforts, the mystery surrounding the identity of the Zodiac Killer remains unsolved. The story of Detective David Toschi and the killer inspired David Finsher's 2007 film "Zodiac."

4 - Robert Peel

Born in 1788 in Bury, England, politician Robert Peel left his mark on his era by creating the London police force in 1829.

Robert Peel was not a detective but is famous for founding the Metropolitan Police Force in 1829, considered the world's first modern police force . Peel also introduced several reforms in the justice system: one to make sentences fairer and more humane and another to improve prison conditions.

Robert Peel left a lasting legacy in the world of security . His reform of police practices laid the foundations for modern policing as we know it today.

Thanks to Peel, the police were no longer seen only as a force of coercion, but also as a community force, a guarantee of public safety .

5 - Eliot Ness

Eliot Ness is known as one of the greatest FBI detectives of the 1920s and 1930s. He led " Task Force Ness ", a special team of the Chicago police, created specifically to end the criminal career of the notorious Al Capone .

Eliot Ness was also involved in solving many other crimes, such as the " Hillside Killer " case, a serial killer who murdered several women in Cleveland in the 1930s, as well as the " Red Gut " case, a series of bloody murders in Los Angeles in the 1940s.

The detective died of a heart attack in 1957 and his book " The Untouchables " was published shortly after his death.

6 - YOU!

What if you put yourself in the shoes of a detective?

In the investigation " Woodlock University: Murder and Secret Society ", you will have to solve the murder of Henry Coleman, a 21-year-old student, who died in strange circumstances... Betrayal? Jealousy? Secret society? In this investigation, YOU are the detective . Unmask the culprit!

Will you be able to solve this investigation and bring justice to Henry Coleman's family? Be careful, you will need all 3 boxes to completely solve the case! Find in the box:

• a map of the campus
• a school photo album
• the local newspaper
• Henry's mother's interview
• the police report
• real physical items like those found in Henry's room.

Alone or in a team, put yourself in the shoes of a real detective. The Detective Box agency is counting on you to untangle truth from falsehood and bring justice to the family of the deceased.

From 1 to 4 players , from 14 years old.

Duration of a box: between 3 and 4 hours .

Good luck, detective 🕵️‍♂️

Begin the hunt for the assassin!