Case of a One Handed Accident

The coroner said his death was accidental but I have my suspicions — I just can’t prove anything.”

Detective Nose stood inside the secluded cabin with the deceased’s brother. The cabin consisted only of two small rooms. It was very spacious with the antique kitchen being the highlight. It had an old wood burning stove and hand carved cabinets. On the blue stained counters sat, some food including some freshly opened canned goods, some apples, a few dirty dishes and a handheld can opener. The common area was small with a couch and a table. The second room was tucked away in the back. In it there was a single bed covered with an exquisite handmade quilt and a plain brown desk. The deceased’s body had been removed just a short hour ago.

“So tell me what lead you to conclude that his death wasn’t accidental after all?” Detective Nose asked.

“My brother was a handicapped man; he recently lost his arm in a horrible mechanical accident. Ever since then he’s required a nurse to help him out with even the simplest of tasks.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that,” Nose interrupted. “Please continue.”

“Well, this week he insisted on going up to the cabin alone for a few weeks. He was determined to prove to everyone that he hadn’t lost his independence. He had only been gone for a few days and because there is no phone out here, I decided to come up on check on him. Even though he insisted on spending the week alone, I was worried about him. When I arrived, I knew something was not right. There was an extra set of large footprints going into the cabin, my brother had small feet, but the police stated that it was not enough evidence to go on. Inside, I found him dead on the couch. I must admit that it was common knowledge that he owned this cabin but my brother was afraid that if he told anyone where he was going that they might try to stop him. I was the only person who knew where he was and that was because I was more than just his brother; I was his best friend. I know in my heart that his death was no accident. Therefore, I phoned you. My brother deserves justice.”

The Detective pursued the cabin once more. “Tell me, has anyone been in the cabin or touched anything since you reported the death of your brother.”

“No, only the police and the medical staff have been here.”

“Well based on what I’ve seen I don’t believe this was any accident either and I think I can help you prove it! Can you think of anyone that may have wanted to kill your brother?”

What evidence did the Detective find that lead him to believe that there was no accident?

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