Trails Found - Grasky Tracking School

TRACKS TELL A STORY…

Information was received that there might be a double homicide at an abandoned ranch house which was on the US and Canadian Border. An investigation team was put together, and my position was that of human tracker. Two marks on the linoleum floor of the dwelling led us to the cellar where evidence of freshly over turned dirt was found. Digging revealed two bodies, both victims of gunshot wounds. This murder was done over a week earlier. There had been a snow storm through the area and the chances were nil of finding any track evidence. However, a circle cut was made of the area, and a set of tracks was found in a sheltered area. The ground was dense and the tracks held up very well and very distinct.

A deduction was made that these tracks belonged to the murder suspects. Note was taken of the type and size of the foot gear as well as the factors of stride, straddle, pitch and pressure in and release out of both suspects. Detection and deductive reasoning put forth the following: one suspect wore a very distinct western riding boot, the size was large, and he had a long stride and a narrow straddle, and his pitch was straight ahead. A mimic of his walk suggested he was bow legged. All the factors suggested that this was a tall, long-legged cowboy.

The other suspect wore a western walking boot which was small, and his stride was short – a short person. This suspect had a distinct toed in pitch, a pitch that is not uncommon with American Indians of the area. A suggested profile was that this could be a “Lone Ranger and Tonto” team, or a “Mutt and Jeff” type team. Other things considered were that the pair did ranch work and they lived a rural western life style. This evidence set a direction for further investigation. Several law enforcement departments and agencies as well as local citizens developed a case against the murderers. They were found, and both were convicted and sentenced to life terms in the Montana State Penitentiary.