Define the exact crime, date range, and location
Identify known names, aliases, and related people
Search local newspaper archives
Search court records and dockets
Check police blotters and arrest logs
Review coroner, autopsy, and death records
Search prison, parole, and probation records
Examine census, city directory, and voter records
Look through property, probate, and land records
Search historical society and museum archives
Check library special collections and microfilm
Review old maps and city planning records
Search genealogy websites for family connections
Use archival photographs and yearbooks
Search federal, state, and local archives
Request records through public records laws
Interview descendants, witnesses, and local historians
Compare multiple sources for consistency
Build a timeline of events and evidence
Keep detailed citations for every source
Verify facts before drawing conclusions
Respect privacy laws and sealed records
Consult a professional archivist or researcher if needed