Mysterious Death of a Rock Star

Background

Mr James Morrison, known as Fate, a wide-famous rock star was found dead in his country house on October 21 in 2012. Mr Morrison’s veins were cut and there was a note which said that he had committed suicide…

Chronicles of Crime Death of the Legend by Susan Sharon
The Department of Criminal Justice has reported lately that James Morrison, a top-famous rock-star was found dead in his country house. However, the circumstances are rather strange: everything went well both inJames Morrison’s career and in his family life while the detectives found a suicide note in his hand.	At the same time, James’s wife, Nicola reported that during the last few weeks he was very depressed. Probably the most unusual part of the story is that Mr Morrison’s dog, a huge pit-bull, was also found dead in his living room with a cut throat. Nevertheless, the police together with the medical experts have concluded that it was suicide before which Mr Morrison cruelly killed his own pet dog.

TASK: Let’s start our own investigation and decide whether the case is a suicide, an assassination or a murder because of money or something else. Study the letters given below. Work in groups of 5 – 6 students. Share your opinion with the whole group.

Before that look through the useful vocabulary.

VOCABULARY

bad circumstances suicide note totally insane extra attention business agreement return the debts a serious issue this is urgent

this is your fault! it is disturbing me to commit suicide who is the victim? a case of suicide evidence invest money into business

Now study the letters and identify the authors of those letters:

· a detective · a producer · a medical expert

· an extrasensory adept · a strange religious sect · the sect leader

1. Hey James,

We need to talk about the profit from the last two concerts. I’m afraid I didn’t get all the money, did I? I hope you remember about our agreement and you’ll solve the problem. Contact me if you have anything to tell or ask.

Mark

December 22, 2010

2. James,

It’s me again. Why aren’t you answering my messages? Your wife told me that you’re out of town this week but remember about your debts. This time it’s not only the studio, that’s a serious situation! I can understand that you may have personal problems but I need to do my job! Do something, Jamie. Time is short.

Mark

April 8, 2012

3. Mr Morrison,

Maybe you don’t like our attention, maybe you get tired of our society. But there is nothing we can do. You are chosen.

Eric

November 23, 2011

4. Mr Morrison,

We can call ourselves your big fans. You are absolutely talented. But your music can become unusual, fantastic, chilling. Visit our sessions which will give you new emotions. Interested? Contact – Eric ([email protected])

The Evil Side society,

Dockville 66

September 5, 2010

5. Dear James,

I understand that your dreams make you feel nervous. This is creating negative energy around you. And there is a reason. I can see and feel some dangerous people in your life. However, they are still far. I need more time to make sure.

Robert Shawler

August 1, 2010

6. Dear James,

This is urgent. What I see these days is disturbing me: these people are near. You had a message from them and you need to be careful.

Robert

September 10, 2010

7. James,

I’m worried about you. I think you need to visit me again before you report about that to the police. I know those guys are getting on your nerves. But the stars are telling me that you shouldn’t hurry.

Rob

October 17, 2012

8. Dear Mrs Morrison,

I’m very sorry for your loss but the autopsy results show that your husband has committed suicide. The dog must have been the victim of his aggressiveness.

Samantha Crown ([email protected])

November 1, 2012

9. Dear Mrs Morrison,

The death of your husband is definitely not a case of suicide. I’m sure of that. I have studied all the evidence and a lot of letters including diary pages. I have some interesting ideas. Contact me if you want to cooperate.

Lee Brown

October 21, 2012

Diary

Page 1

Tonight I had a strange dream. But was it a dream? I saw a man sitting at my writing table his back to me. I wanted to move but I couldn’t. I wanted to scream but I couldn’t. He turned his face at me! And…and I remember that I woke up.

June 14, 2010

Page 2

I was walking along the street in the evening to relax before sleep. Suddenly I heard strange sounds – people talking behind my back. I turned around – nothing. I was passing a huge ark and maybe these were just sound effects. But it seems to me that the voices were saying: “You shall die”.

September 3, 2010

Page 3

A terrible day. A nervous message from Mark. He wants back the money that he invested into the last 3 concerts. Why is he so dramatic? Everything will be fine, I know it. Or does he forget how popular I am? I need Robert’s advice. Only he can help. No wonder his services cost 300$ per hour.

January 20, 2011