Practitioner Case Study: Evidence-Based Suspect Interviewing Practices In Action: A Case Review of the Adam Strong Interview

In May 2021 Adam Strong was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of Rori Hache (2017) and Kandis Fitzpatrick (2008) in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Although there was forensic evidence showing he had dismembered and disposed of Rori’s body, including the recovery of her body parts from Strong’s apartment, there was no direct evidence demonstrating Strong had murdered her or Kandis. The key to the conviction, as outlined on the judge’s ruling, was the admissions Strong made during a 12-hour interview with Detective Paul Mitton of the Durham Regional Police. The purpose of this case study is to analyze Det. Mitton’s approach using video clips taken from the original interview with Strong. This includes the use of rapport-building tactics, employing open-ended questions and silence, ensuring proper legal procedures were followed, and effective evidence presentation. Despite never obtaining – or even pushing for – a confession, Det. Mitton was able to obtain enough inculpatory admissions from Strong to secure a conviction. It is hoped that this case review can serve as an example of how using evidence-based information-gathering suspect interviewing practices in real-world investigations can lead to interviews that are both highly effective and legally admissible.