Text Messages Mysteries

Read each of the following nine text message conversations. Answer the questions on the packet provided about each.

First read the following TRUE mystery situation. In the middle of the night, ten police cars drove up to a bank and surrounded it. The police officers began calling for everyone in the bank to come out with their hands up. When no one answered, they entered the bank and discovered that no one was inside. Who was seen inside the bank, and how did the mystery person get out without being detected?

Now read each of the following clues, and, in the packet, write down your theory about who it was and how he/she got out. A local resident passed by the bank at night and saw someone inside. She phoned the police. When the police entered the bank, all alarms were on and working perfectly. No one had tripped (set off) the alarms all night. When the police arrived, they also saw a figure inside the bank. There is only one exit to the bank, and the police saw no one leave. When police called for anyone in the bank to come out, the figure did not move.

Then read the following mystery…The Kidnapping of a Millionaire Mr. Banks was a very wealthy and successful man. He owned a prosperous oil company and inherited millions from his family. Although Mr. Banks was successful, he had many enemies. Mr. Banks lived alone. He was never married and never had children. In fact, he didn’t even like children. He was a grumpy old man who traveled the world and bought himself extravagant things. He had 7 sports cars, 3 mansions, and even a private island. You would think someone of this mans wealth would donate generously, but not Mr. Banks. That’s why on April 15th, it was no surprise when Mr. Banks was kidnapped. “He had it coming!”, said the town’s baker. Mr. Banks never left him a tip. “Serves him right!” said the local charity who never saw a dime from old Mr. Banks. Regardless of his reputation, the local police had an important case to crack. Who kidnapped Mr. Banks?

Now read each of the following clues on the next four slides, and, in the packet, write down your theory about who kidnapped the millionaire, Mr. Banks AND how you figured it out. Mr. Banks lived on Strawberry Lane. Janet Long was the only person who was friends with Mr. Banks. John Williams was Mr. Banks chauffeur. He drove Mr. Banks everywhere. In fact, Mr. Banks didn’t even know how to drive. On the morning of the disappearance, Mr. Banks told Janet that somebody called him and threatened to kill him if he didn’t pay the person $1 million. Mr. Banks said that it was a male’s voice and the voice was familiar. Sally Denman was Mr. Bank’s maid. She was the last person to see Mr. Banks on the morning of the disappearance.

Mr. Banks was on his way to a golf tournament the morning he was kidnapped. He never arrived. James Gall was Mr. Banks rival. He despised Mr. Banks in every way. Margaret Short was Mr. Banks accountant. She was the only person who had access to Mr. Bank’s personal information. Janet and John were seen together at the local deli. They were having lunch. James was often heard making threats to Mr. Banks. He told Mr. Banks a week prior that he wish he’d disappear. Sally and John were underpaid and over worked. Margaret told Janet that Mr. Banks would lose a lot of money soon.

After the kidnapping, Janet told the police about the threatening call that had been made to Mr. Banks that morning. The police traced the call to a pay phone on Lemon Lane. Janet was very fond of John Williams. They had recently started dating. James’ office building was located on the corner of Lemon Lane and Apple Avenue. Janet was the only person who was listed on Mr. Banks’ will. She would inherit everything when he was gone. John told police that Mr. Banks gave him the morning off. Sally told police that Mr. Banks wanted to drive himself to the golf tournament. The police thought that was odd, because Mr. Banks didn’t know how to drive.

Janet broke things off with John after she overheard him talking to Sally about a vacation they were planning. James left on a business trip the night of April 14th. John lived in a small apartment on Lemon Lane. Janet was in a meeting the morning of the kidnapping. John and Sally were best friends. Maybe even more than that. They liked working together, but hated working for Mr. Banks. They often joked about how they would steal his fortune. John didn’t have a cell phone. Margaret met with Mr. Banks the night of April 14th to discuss his finances. MORE THAN LIKELY, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO GO BACK AND REREAD THE CLUES.

1. Put your packet in the IN-TRAY. 2. If there is time left in class, you may read silently and do your WIRLs OR you may work on other homework quietly and individually.