Inspector Vance found the victim slumped over a desk with a frozen carbon dioxide sculpture melting nearby, a warm space heater glowing, and a half-eaten sandwich. The note left behind read: 'I melted my own evidence.' Vance immediately arrested the victim's assistant for murder. Why?
The assistant
Solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) sublimes into gas directly; it does not melt into a liquid. The presence of a puddle from 'melting' dry ice proves someone staged the scene with regular water ice, exposing the fake suicide.
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.
More detective riddles
A victim was found in a locked hotel room with a single gunshot wound. A tape recorder was found playing on the nightstand. When Detective Reed pressed rewind, he heard a gunshot recording followed by the sound of a window breaking, then silence. Reed knew immediately it was a staged murder-suicide. Why?
An antique pocket watch was stolen from a locked museum display case. Three suspects were interrogated: Arthur, who claimed he was reading a book in the east wing; Beatrice, who said she was eating lunch in the cafeteria; and Charles, who insisted he was swimming in the indoor pool. Detective Thorne arrested Charles on the spot. Why?
The victim was found face down in the snow with a pair of skis strapped to his feet, but there were no ski tracks leading to his body. How did he get there?
A rare manuscript was stolen from the university library. Security cameras showed three students entering the archive room, but none leaving with a bag or bulky coat. Student A carried an empty guitar case. Student B carried a stack of heavy textbooks. Student C carried a rolled-up yoga mat. Detective Reed arrested Student C. How did Student C smuggle the manuscript?
Detective Cole investigated a break-in at a digital vault. The keypad required a 4-digit PIN. The numbers 1, 4, 7, and 9 were worn down on the buttons. The suspect claimed he guessed the code on his first try. Cole arrested him for lying. Why?
Three trick-or-treaters rang a doorbell: a ghost, a witch and a pirate. The ghost came before the witch, and the pirate came last. Who was first?

