The Murder of Bridget King

Means:

• Cassandra Montgomery purchased the firearm used in Bridget King’s murder. This gun purchase is well-documented and traceable back to her.

Motive:

• Cassandra's primary motive was driven by her desire to publish the Whitewood article, showcasing her journalism prowess and gaining recognition.

• She became fixated on the Whitewood storyline and meticulously integrated herself into Summer and Evelyn's lives.

• She spent large sums of money at Bridget's shop to maintain appearances and access.

• When Bridget resisted allowing Cassandra to write the article, Cassandra felt compelled to take drastic action to secure the necessary information.  After she shot Bridget, she took the time to photograph the "Mysteries of The Past" book and the bookmark.   She used these photographs to write her story about the Whitewoods later.

Opportunity:

• Cassandra was well aware of Bridget's schedule and could easily have seen her car parked outside the shop. She knew about the tunnels and could have easily traveled the distance between her family's properties and the antique shop.​

• Cassandra worked hard to ensure the blame was very far from her doorstep. Making sure law enforcement had many different trails to follow.  She did this by: 

  • She used the tunnels to plant the Gilded Elephant in the Whitewoods' home, later photographed them in front of it, and used the phot for her article. 

  • Taking the Mirage's Tear adds suspicion to Olivia (not knowing Olivia canceled her appointment).

  • Giving the Mirage's Tear to Donny as a wedding gift, knowing his involvement with Bridget.

  • Inserting herself into the current PI's investigation. Ensuring she had already searched the database for everyone involved for a registered gun. 

The Attempted Murder of August King

​While Stephanie appeared to have a clear motive to want Bridget out of the picture.  With no proof of opportunity or means Stephanie was not the killer of Bridget despite Donny's thoughts. 

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Motive:

• Donny West's motive stemmed from his deep-seated desire to shield his wife, Stephanie, and their children from potential legal consequences.

• He believed Stephanie's involvement in Bridget King's murder could jeopardize their family's stability and security. The private investigator's inquiries and the discovery of incriminating evidence intensified his fears, leading him to hire a hitman to eliminate August King, whom he perceived as a threat to his family's safety.

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Means:

• Donny West possessed substantial financial resources, evidenced by his business ventures and wealth, which enabled him to finance the hiring of a hitman. This financial capability provided him with the means to carry out his plan to eliminate August King.

Opportunity:

• Donny's opportunity arose when he received information from the private investigator regarding Olivia Smith, which solidified his suspicions about Stephanie's involvement in Bridget King's murder.

• Fearing imminent exposure and the potential fallout for his family, Donny took swift and decisive action to hire a hitman, believing it was necessary to protect his wife and children from legal repercussions.