The Story Unfolds
The story of "Who killed Howard Ashland?" begins with another question: "Who was Howard Ashland?" A 17-year old prodigy, Howard was already a graduate student in his fourth year at SIUE. He wanted to be an engineer - not the type that builds bridges, an assumption that left him infuriated - but the type that invents robots, spacecraft, and other designs that will launch humanity into the final frontier of space. He had lived life chasing the difficult or seemingly impossible dreams including force shielding and hover cars (one of which he made during his brief high school experience). At this point in his life, which we now recognize as its end, Howard was working on transparent aluminum - a material that would change the world of transparent shielding in many ways.
He wasn't working alone though. To begin his research at the STEM Center, Howard would have to join a team of researchers. Of course, in this case "team" serves as a misnomer. Each individual within this lab worked alone, each striving to find the answer to developing transparent aluminum. It is said, although it is more rumor and speculation than anything, that Howard was getting close, perhaps, too close to the answer. Not only was he making progress, he was hinting at the idea of stealing the credit for himself.
On June 21, 2012, in a late night of work, Howard assumed he was alone in the lab. He assumed wrong. As he returned to his lab bench from using the restroom, he found a printed threat: a note that read "You should have kept your mouth shut." It was there and then that an assailant, likely a member of the project, cruelly strangled Howard from behind. From the evidence at the scene, one can deduce a struggle took place - the unsuccessful struggle for Howard's brief existence. The assailant was left bleeding, possibly leaving a trail of blood along a path of muddy yet indistinct footprints to his or her escape. Unfortunately, the murderer also left the smell of ammonia, making sure to wipe away all traces of DNA. As it turns out, this murder is very much like regular aluminum - opaque. Only the evidence can speak for Howard Ashland now.
Below, you can find the list of suspects. Using fingerprinting, blood pattern analysis, chromatography, soil analysis, and inspection of fibers, we are hoping that the research teams of Upward Bound Math and Science can unveil this sinister killer!
He wasn't working alone though. To begin his research at the STEM Center, Howard would have to join a team of researchers. Of course, in this case "team" serves as a misnomer. Each individual within this lab worked alone, each striving to find the answer to developing transparent aluminum. It is said, although it is more rumor and speculation than anything, that Howard was getting close, perhaps, too close to the answer. Not only was he making progress, he was hinting at the idea of stealing the credit for himself.
On June 21, 2012, in a late night of work, Howard assumed he was alone in the lab. He assumed wrong. As he returned to his lab bench from using the restroom, he found a printed threat: a note that read "You should have kept your mouth shut." It was there and then that an assailant, likely a member of the project, cruelly strangled Howard from behind. From the evidence at the scene, one can deduce a struggle took place - the unsuccessful struggle for Howard's brief existence. The assailant was left bleeding, possibly leaving a trail of blood along a path of muddy yet indistinct footprints to his or her escape. Unfortunately, the murderer also left the smell of ammonia, making sure to wipe away all traces of DNA. As it turns out, this murder is very much like regular aluminum - opaque. Only the evidence can speak for Howard Ashland now.
Below, you can find the list of suspects. Using fingerprinting, blood pattern analysis, chromatography, soil analysis, and inspection of fibers, we are hoping that the research teams of Upward Bound Math and Science can unveil this sinister killer!
New Information (Updated 7/9/2012)
7/9/2012
After reviewing the evidence, the forensic team has determined that most points to Michael W. Pulley and Gwendylon Dolittle. The trial for Mike and Gwen will be held this Friday, July 13th, at the St. Claire County Courthouse.
7/2/2012
In a recent interview, Constable Jay Tate revealed, “The suspects have remained very guarded thus far,” said lead officer Constable Jay Tate. “Not surprisingly, they all have stated they are innocent, and most are confused about being suspects at all. We will be relying heavily on forensic evidence to solve this case.”
7/27/2012
“He was one of our best and brightest,” said Research Lab Director Alvin B. Honeydew. “We had such high hopes for him.”
After reviewing the evidence, the forensic team has determined that most points to Michael W. Pulley and Gwendylon Dolittle. The trial for Mike and Gwen will be held this Friday, July 13th, at the St. Claire County Courthouse.
7/2/2012
In a recent interview, Constable Jay Tate revealed, “The suspects have remained very guarded thus far,” said lead officer Constable Jay Tate. “Not surprisingly, they all have stated they are innocent, and most are confused about being suspects at all. We will be relying heavily on forensic evidence to solve this case.”
7/27/2012
“He was one of our best and brightest,” said Research Lab Director Alvin B. Honeydew. “We had such high hopes for him.”