However, the most baffling aspect of these crimes was the astounding lack of evidence the killer left in his wake. There were no prints to be found- either at the sites or on the notes, which themselves were crafted carefully from newspaper cut outs. There was no evidence, which could possibly implicate the killer, that is, until now. I suppose it should be known that on my orders, for the past week the police force had mounted surveillance cameras throughout the town in an almost desperate attempt to find the killer. Our diligence has finally paid off and I have obtained footage revealing the killer’s identity as he entered and left the abode of his latest victim- Ms Pamela Thatcher.
Pamela who succumbed to this slayer two days ago was murdered in the same manner as all the other victims. Being in charge of this investigation, I was the first to check the camera footage around the victim’s house.
Now I know why the crime scenes appeared so familiar, like I had been to each of those places before. That is the reason why there was no evidence to be found – the killer was someone who knew how the police force functioned; it had to be one of us investigators: it was I. That is why no matter how deep I probed I came to a complete dead end. That is the reason I ended up going in circles; because all this while I had been chasing my own tail. I suppose the lack of evidence proved to be the greatest clue. Only a detective could commit the perfect crime. Tonight, in my dying moments I wish to confess to these heinous murders. I know these crimes are unforgivable and I do not wish to do the injustice of asking to be forgiven. I just hope you understand.
I merely want it to be known that I would never have committed these felonies had I been in complete consciousness. Having consulted a psychiatrist it is now known to me that I happen to have an alter ego who surfaces while I sleep. It may sound ironic at first but after careful contemplation, you will be convinced, as I am too that it is the only possible solution to this problem, which has perplexed us all. Nothing else can explain my familiarity with the crime scene even before my first visit, or the uncanny dream I have been having repeatedly for quite some time. In this dream, I witness a murder; no matter how hard I try, I am unable to flee. Without any warning, the murderer turns around and I see myself staring at me. Then he raises the dagger above his head and prepares to strike; that’s when I wake up.
These crimes cannot go on! Although, by the laws of this land I cannot prosecute myself, at the same time I cannot allow the Gingerbread Man to torment this town any longer! Thus, I have decided to end it all. I am not a coward; I shall finish this tonight not because I fear the judicial system but because I fear for the people of this town. I promised that I would bring peace to this place and I shall even if it means that I must take my own life.
I am writing to you and not to any of my friends in the police force for a reason. I do not wish to deny the people of this town the knowledge of the identity of the person who is to blame for their grievances; I do not want anybody else to suffer in the shadow of suspicion and doubt; I do not want this scandal to be hushed up and buried amongst the numerous files at the bureau. Do not have any second thoughts about publishing this document- that is my last wish.
Yours faithfully,
Samuel H. Jenkins
Senior detective of Townsville police force