The famous singer Maria was found dead in her dressing room before a big concert. The room was locked from the inside. On her vanity mirror, scrawled in lipstick, was the name 'MARK'. Detective Silva suspected Mark, but Mark produced a watertight alibi: he was on a live television broadcast three miles away when she died. Silva smiled and arrested Mark anyway. How did Mark commit the murder with an alibi?
Mark used a pre-recorded broadcast
The television broadcast was pre-recorded earlier that day, allowing Mark to appear live on air while he was actually across town murdering Maria.
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: Hard. More like this: Detective riddles with answers or try Truth & Lie Island for a different kind of puzzle.
More detective riddles
A museum curator was found bound and gagged in the vault. He claimed masked men tied him up and stole the golden chalice. Detective Lane noticed the curator's wristwatch was facing outward on his wrist instead of inward. What did that prove?
A man was found slumped over his steering wheel in a locked car parked in an alley. The windows were rolled up tight, the engine was off, and there were no signs of trauma. Yet, Detective Gable declared it a homicide by drowning. How is that possible?
An antique dealer was found dead behind his counter, struck down by a heavy brass statue. The store was packed with heavy items, but the cash register was wide open and empty. Detective Ray noticed that despite the chaotic struggle, the brass statue and the cash register had no fingerprints, while every other item in the store was covered in dust and smudges. What does this indicate?
An explorer was found dead in his tent in the Sahara Desert, wearing heavy winter snow goggles and a thick parka zipped to his chin. Next to him lay an empty canteen and a pocket compass pointing north. The local tracker took one look at the scene and called the police. Why was the outfit suspicious?
Detective Miller walked into a freezing cabin during a blizzard. The lone occupant was frozen stiff in a rocking chair. On the wooden table nearby sat a lit kerosene lamp, a half-filled cup of hot coffee, and a sealed calendar opened to January 15th. Miller immediately knew the person hadn't died from the cold. How did he know?
Three kids race to build the tallest squirrel tower. Omar finished before Noah. Noah finished before Max. Who finished last?