Murder Mystery Game: "Who Killed Reginald Thompson?"
Welcome to your immersive murder mystery experience, inspired by the real unsolved case of Reginald Thompson, Sr. This game challenges you to step into the shoes of law enforcement, navigating real-world clearance barriers as you work to solve the case.
Game Setup & Case Background
On September 11, 2022, 34-year-old Reginald Thompson, Sr. was talking with friends in the parking lot of a shopping center at Vermont Avenue and Imperial Highway, Los Angeles. Four suspects exited a dark-colored sedan, opened fire, and fled the scene. Reginald was struck and later died at the hospital. The case remains unsolved, with family and law enforcement urging the public to come forward with information.
Key Facts:
Victim: Reginald Thompson, Sr., 34
Date/Time: September 11, 2022, just before 9:00 p.m.
Location: 11400 block of South Vermont Ave., Los Angeles
Incident: Four suspects, dark sedan, multiple shots fired, suspects fled south on Vermont Ave.
Reward: $20,000 for information leading to arrest/conviction.
Your Role: Law Enforcement Team
Players are assigned the roles of police officers and investigators, each with different clearance levels and access to case information.
Police Roles & Clearance Levels
Role Access Allowed Limitations
Patrol Officer (First on Scene) Secures scene, basic incident report, observes obvious evidence No access to full case files, forensics, or interviews
Detective/Investigator Access to case files, interviews, some forensic results No access to all lab data or unrelated investigations
Crime Scene Investigator Collects and logs evidence, documents scene No access to suspect interviews or case strategy
Sergeant/Lieutenant Reviews reports, supervises team, can request more info Still limited to division-specific info
Forensic Lab Analyst Processes evidence, provides lab results No access to full police reports or interviews
Prosecutor (DA) Access to all admissible evidence for court Some evidence may be withheld for legal reasons
Game Mechanic:
Each player receives information only their role would realistically know. Players must collaborate, share, and sometimes request access through proper channels to piece together the full story.
Instructions
Assign Roles: Distribute character sheets with clearance-specific information.
Distribute Evidence: Hand out initial reports, witness statements, and evidence logs according to clearance.
Investigation Rounds: Players discuss, request info, and share findings (if allowed).
Barriers: Some info requires written requests or supervisor approval to access.
Final Accusation: After all rounds, each team presents their theory and evidence.
Debrief: Discuss how clearance limitations affected the investigation and whether the team could realistically solve the case.
Real-Life Case Details for Reference
News Coverage:
[LASD Press Release]: $20,000 reward, details of the shooting, family appeals for information.
[CBS News], [NBC LA]: Billboard campaign highlights Reginald's case and other unsolved murders, calls for community tips.
[Instagram LASD]: Visuals and appeals for information.
Family Statements:
Reginald was a father, friend, DJ, and writer. His family describes him as loving and fun, devastated by his loss.
Community Response:
Justice for Murdered Children and local leaders urge witnesses to break the silence and help solve the case.
How to Play
Download/Print Materials: Use the case facts and news reports above to create your evidence packets and role sheets.
Share the Blog: Encourage readers to research the case using the sources provided and see if they can solve the mystery within the real-world constraints of police clearance.
Reflect: After playing, discuss how information silos and clearance levels impact real investigations—and whether justice can truly be served under these conditions.
Sources for Case Research
LASD Homicide Detectives Press Release
CBS News: South LA Billboard Spotlights Unsolved Murders
NBC LA: Billboards Spotlight Unsolved Murders in LA County
LASD Instagram Appeal
Challenge your readers:
Can you solve Reginald Thompson's murder with only the information your role allows? Or does the system itself make justice nearly impossible?