Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

Murder Suspect

What is the difference between a suspect and a person of interest in a murder case?


Asked on 5/14/04, 4:07 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Brian Leininger Leininger Law Office

Re: Murder Suspect

The truth is there is no difference. The police will use whatever term suits their purposes at the time. If they want the world to know a certain person is a suspect they will use that term with the media. If they would prefer to let people believe the person is only wanted as a witness (whether this is true or not) they will call him a person of interest. And I have noticed that police agencies will adopt whatever terms are popular on TV cop shows. For instance, a lot of agencies now have a CSI unit because of the popular shows. These units existed before but were called something else.

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Answered on 5/14/04, 4:42 pm
robert nudelman criminal defense associates

Re: Murder Suspect

A suspect is a person the police think may have committed the crime. A person of interest is a potential suspect. If you feel that you or your loved one are either, I strongly suggest you contact us to protect yourselves at (800) 313-9619

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Answered on 5/14/04, 6:29 pm


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