Research on Issues of Detection, Solving and Evidence Collecting in Cases of Professionally Executed Murders

Abstract

This paper analyses the complex problems of detecting, solving and evidence collecting in cases of professionally executed murders, specifically the analysis of the low clearance rate of professionally executed murders committed by unidentified perpetrators in Montenegro. The aim of the research is to determine the factors that contribute to a high number of unsolved professionally executed murders and to propose measures that can contribute significantly to a more efficient identification of perpetrators. The sample included all 69 cases of unsolved professionally executed murders over a period of twenty years. The research results show that 522 aggravated murders were committed from 1990 to 2015, of which 105 (20.11%) were professionally executed. Of these, there were 36 solved murders (34.28%), while 69 (65.71%) remained unsolved. It was found that the low clearance percentage was caused by a deficit of trace evidence allowing identification, a high level of organisation and specialisation in the commission of crimes, and the destruction of instruments used, among others. Unsuccessful identification of perpetrators was also affected by numerous shortcomings in the operational-tactical and forensic mode of police proceeding, which would not have occurred had they applied all the modern methods and techniques of detecting and solving professionally executed murders. The conclusion is that successful and efficient detection and prevention of professionally executed murders can be achieved if a scientific and practical basis for investigation and prevention of these offences is created and developed.