A wealthy investor was found dead in his home office, shot through the heart. The gun was clutched tightly in his right hand. A heavy crystal ashtray was shattered on the floor nearby. The detective noticed the burn mark on the victim's right sleeve, but the unlit cigar was clutched in his left hand, and his index finger on his right hand had no gunpowder residue. Who pulled the trigger?
Someone else
If the victim had fired the gun with his right hand, his right index finger would have gunpowder residue. Furthermore, a suicide victim clutching a gun after being shot through the heart is physically implausible due to instant loss of muscle control.
About this riddle
Detective riddles are tiny mysteries. Look for the detail in the story that does not fit; it is usually the clue that solves the case.
Difficulty: Medium. More like this: Detective riddles with answers or try Truth & Lie Island for a different kind of puzzle.
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