The American Sherlock

The father of forensics that history forgot

Heinrich at work. (Courtesy of University of California, Berkeley)

Nicknamed the “American Sherlock” during his time, famed criminologist Edward Oscar Heinrich has fallen into obscurity. Not only did Heinrich solve more than 2,000 cases in the first half of the twentieth century — including some of the most famous crimes of his era — but he also discovered many scientific techniques that are still in use today. Yet, despite his brilliant contributions to forensics, Heinrich doesn’t even have a Wikipedia entry.

If you’re a fan of shows like Bones and CSI, then Heinrich is your guy. Much like Sherlock Holmes, Heinrich’s curiosity and expertise on matters related to all facets of criminology was vast. He worked obsessively, often going twenty-four hours without food or sleep while he traveled the country to work on case after case.

“When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” — Arthur Conan Doyle

Of course, Heinrich recorded and stored everything (and I mean everything). He hoarded notes written on napkins, stacks of newspapers, thousands of photographs, letters, notes, sketches, journals, trial transcripts, and priceless books on countless topics, including fingerprint…