ABSTRACT
Most homicide investigations begin with the discovery of a body. Prosecutors use the evidence coming from the body to tell a story of how death occurred. This chapter discusses how a different logic is needed for prosecutions in no-body cases. The fact of death is proven by evidence documenting absence. The fact of homicide is proven by circumstantial evidence about both pre- and post-disappearance behavior. This “black box” logic allows for conviction even when the prosecution is unable to prove how the victim was killed or their body disposed of.
