Macbeth

An Investigation into the Death Of King Duncan

Requested by: Macduff

ABSTRACT:

The purpose of this report was to determine the identity of King Duncan’s murderer. This was achieved through the interrogation of five key witnesses who saw firsthand exactly what happened on the night of the murder.

Enormous amounts of manpower went into the completion of this report, and in the end one fact became clear: Macbeth and His Lady conspired to murder King Duncan. They were motivated to commit this crime for one simple reason: ambition. They both wanted the throne of Scotland.  

It is the recommendation of this report that Lord and Lady Macbeth be executed for their crimes against the Royal Family of Scotland. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1.0  INTRODUCTION

            1.1 Background of the Study

            1.2 Purpose of the Study

            1.3 Scope of the Study

2.0  DISCUSSION                                            

2.1  Evidence                                          

2.1.1        Autopsy                         

                        2.1.2   Forensic investigations   

2.1.3   Interviews                    

3.0 CONCLUSIONS………………                

4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS………..          

5.0  APPENDICES                                            

6.0  BIBLIOGRAPHY…………...…..        

1.0       INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO STUDY:

At 8:00am on the 16^th of October, King Duncan was found dead in his chambers at Castle Inverness. The chain of events that led up to this began the evening before when King Duncan arrived at Macbeth’s castle to celebrate Macbeth’s promotion and His victory over the invading Irish and Norwegians.

That night, the party ran until 11:00pm, when the festivities ended and the King retired to his chambers with two guards stationed outside. The following morning King Duncan and his guards were found dead by Macduff.

1.2  PURPOSE:

This report has been commissioned by Macduff due to the violent nature of King Duncan’s death. Macduff feels it is necessary that the culprit be brought to justice.

1.3 SCOPE:

An examination of various forms of evidence has taken place to determine, beyond reasonable doubt, just who the murderer is. This evidence included the autopsy on King Duncan and his guard’s bodies, as well as forensic evidence gathered from the scene of the crime. In addition, numerous sources and witnesses were examined and cross-examined. From such evidence, deductions will be made and recommendations given regarding the identity and motive of the murderer(s). 

2.0       DISCUSSION

         2.1          Evidence

2.1.1       Autopsy

2.1.1.1 King Duncan’s Body

The results of the autopsy concluded that the victim was stabbed multiple times by a sharp object. The cause of death was attributed to the severing of the superior vena cava, which resulted in the victim bleeding to death. In total, eight stab wounds were detected, seven around the sternum and the eighth to the windpipe. (See Appendix A) Silicone moulds cast in the wounds identified that two similar murder-weapons were used in the attack owing to the striations of the blades. From the incisions on the body, the murder-weapons respectively measure fifteen and seventeen centimetres, and were both four centimetres wide. Bruising was observed on the victim’s shoulder. Through algor mortis, the approximate time of death was between 11:00pm and 12:00am, and the toxicology analysis reveals Duncan had twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system. Finally an examination of the victim’s brain found a large, malignant tumour at an advanced stage. 

2.1.1.2 William Turner and Samuel Little  (King Duncan’s Guards)

The autopsies on the bodyguards of the victim reveal that they were hacked to death at approximately 8:00am. The suspected murder weapon for both victims is believed to be a sharp object approximately five foot long. The toxicology analysis identified the presence of benzodiazepines; a well know sleep inducing drug which is commonly found in the nightshade plant.

2.1.2   Forensic Investigations

2.1.2.1 Fingerprints

Five fingerprints on the victim’s right shoulder were found and identified. (See Appendix B) Although the prints were latent, three of the prints could be clearly identified as belonging to Macbeth. Macbeth’s fingerprints were also found imprinted on blood on the hallway leading from the King’s room to his own. The two daggers involved in the murder were found next to the guards they had both theirs and Macbeth’s fingerprints on them.

2.1.2.2 Blood Spatter Patterns

The quantity of blood, angle of impact and the position of the spatter indicate that an individual standing over the victim administered the weapon utilized in the murder in a downward motion.

2.1.2.3 Skin Scrapings

Skin scrapings were detected underneath the victim’s fingernails, confirming a struggle with the murderer had occurred. The DNA from the sample (See Appendix C) was found to be consistent with Macbeth’s DNA strand.

2.1.2.4 Fibre Samples

Analysis of the crime scene has resulted in the discovery of a large number of fibres, deemed to be natural because of the shape and colour. The fibres match those of the bearskin coat Macbeth was seen wearing at the party, on the night of the murder.

2.1.2.5 Hair Samples

Strands of hair were retrieved from the victim’s body and once examined were seen to still contain follicle tissue caused by the hair being pulled out. These hairs were found to match those of Macbeth. (See Appendix D)

2.1.2.6 Serum Samples

Fluid stains were found on the back of King Duncan’s robe. These were swabbed and analysed. The results concluded that the stains were from saliva that matched those swabbed from Macbeth.

2.1.2.7 Blade Striations

The two blades involved in the murder match the daggers owned by the king’s guards. The unique striations on the blades matched the silicane casts made in the wounds. (See Appendix F) King Duncan’s blood was identified on the blades, as well as three sets of fingerprints matching those of the guards and Macbeth. (See Appendix B)

2.1.2.8 Well Water

Phenolphthalein confirmed the presence of blood in the water of the castle’s well. Unfortunately, the water had eliminated any fingerprints that may have occurred.

2.1.3   Interviews               

                       

                        2.1.3.1 Banquo

During the interview, Banquo was clearly distressed. He stated that he was with his son the whole night. His version of events on the night of the murder consisted of observing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth arguing at the party. However, he did not think much of it as he stated “Lady Macbeth always did have a wicked tongue.” Banquo also stated that he met Macbeth wondering around the castle shortly before the approximate time of the murder. Banquo recalled saying to Macbeth: “What, sir, not yet at rest?’ He did not think much of it except Macbeth mentioned how he was thinking about a prophecy he had heard earlier; that said he would be King. Banquo when quizzed recalled also recalled that at the time, Macbeth was wearing a bearskin coat. 

                        2.1.3.2 Lady Macbeth

Lady Macbeth was obviously agitated and nervous. She stated that her alibi was her husband who, as she stated; “had been with me the whole night.” When queried about why she and her husband were arguing at the party on the night, she replied that it was because “I was worried that the food and wine supplies were running low” When confronted with the fact that this was simply untrue, as there were enormous quantities of food (which she had ordered as befits her role as hostess) and liquor remaining, Lady Macbeth changed her story and instead stated that they were arguing because “Macbeth wanted an heir and I refused to be burdened with bearing Him a child.” When asked why she did not state this in the first place, she hesitated, and then claimed it was because she was embarrassed.

Lady Macbeth was also asked if she and her husband stayed in their chambers for the whole night after the party. She replied that she and her husband had been so exhausted that they had gone straight to bed. When asked if she or her husband visited the castle well in the middle of the night, she turned pale, before replying no. Lady Macbeth’s attorney then suspended the interview on the grounds of his client’s health.   

2.1.3.6 Belinda Lancaster – Maidservant to Lady Macbeth

Miss Lancaster was serving Lady Macbeth mere hours before King Duncan’s doomed arrival at Macbeth’s castle. She was folding a quilt, when Macbeth burst into the room and exclaimed “My dearest love, Duncan comes here tonight.” She then recalled how Lady Macbeth motioned for her to leave, but Miss Lancaster stated that “I only stepped just outside the doorway, so I could continue folding laundry when my Lord and Lady were gone.” She then heard Lady Macbeth say to her husband “And when does he leave?” Macbeth then replied “Tomorrow.” Lady Macbeth then whispered to Macbeth “Never shall that morrow come.” Miss Lancaster was then quizzed as to why she had not reported this to the authorities, to which she replied that “I had convinced myself that I had misheard my Lady.”

2.1.3.6 Clara Jane – Kitchen Maid

Miss Jane was clearly fretful and apprehensive, and stated that on the night of the murder she had been clearing the table in the grand hall where the party had been held earlier that night. She stated that she saw Macbeth enter the grand hall. For some reason Macbeth failed to notice her, and she clearly heard him say “Is this a dagger which I see before me?” She noted that Macbeth seemed intent on area of empty space just ahead of him. As Macbeth exited the hall, she heard him murmur “it is the bloody business which informs.” She then stammered “does this mean that Lord Macbeth had something to do with the murder of King Duncan?”

                                    

2.1.3.4 John Liberty - Night Watchman

Mr. Liberty was on watch duty on the night of the murder. He stated “I was making my rounds which included watching the castle’s water supply.” As Mr. Liberty passed the main castle well, he remarked about his surprise upon observing “my Lord and Ladyship beside the well at the ungodly hour of 12:00am in the morning.” He then testified how after Lady Macbeth left, “Macbeth drew water from the well, and whilst washing himself, peeled off his bearskin cloak and flung it in the well.”

3.0       CONCLUSIONS:

Based upon evidence gathered, the identity of the murderer of King Duncan is that of none other than Lord Macbeth. The main signifiers for evaluating this conclusion are: The murder time; which occurred between the hours of 11:00pm and 12:00am. Banquo stated how he had seen Macbeth wondering the castle between these hours. Also, several hours before the murder, Lady Macbeth’s maidservant overheard the couple conspiring to kill King Duncan. Finally, the Castle’s watchman observed Macbeth at the castle well, washing himself of Duncan’s blood after he had committed the crime.  

These witnessed accounts, coupled with the forensic evidence leaves no doubt as to whom the guilty party is: Macbeth and His Lady. This evil duo conspired to kill King Duncan as he slept. Lady Macbeth, who spiked the drinks of King Duncan’s bodyguards at the party, set the elaborate plot in motion. With his guards fast asleep, Duncan lay helpless before Macbeth, who had sneaked into his chambers via the great hall where he was seen by both Banquo and a maidservant. With the two daggers Macbeth had plundered from Duncan’s unconscious guards, Macbeth stabbed Duncan eight times. In the ensuing struggle, Macbeth accidentally left several crucial pieces of forensic evidence behind which have been used to pin the murder on him. 

So what was Macbeth’s motive? Why would he kill the man who for years had been like a father to him? Ambition was the reason. Macbeth was not content playing second fiddle to King Duncan, and then his son. He believed that it was his right to take power for himself, which he did. 

4.0       RECOMMENDATIONS

With Duncan dead, and His son’s whereabouts unknown, it seems likely that the crown will fall to Macbeth, the only other major power in the land at the moment. As it is the findings of this report that Macbeth is a murderer, it is recommended that the following actions be taken:

ü  Macbeth’s inauguration ceremony must be postponed indefinitely until formal charges can be laid against him;

ü  Macbeth must be arrested and charged with the wilful murder of King Duncan and both his guards. The findings of this report must then be used in order to ensure a conviction;

ü   Lady Macbeth must be arrested for conspiring with her husband to kill King Duncan.

ü  They must then be punished under the High Treason Act, sections 11B, and paragraphs 17–19; which states that an individual who conspires to kill Scotland’s Head of State must be hung by the neck until he is dead. He must then be drawn a quartered. Lady Macbeth must be burnt alive at the stake, as is the textbook punishment for woman in this day and age.

Appendices

Appendix A: King Duncan’s Body

Appendix B: Fingerprints From The Crime Scene

Appendix C: Skin Sample

Appendix D: Hair Samples

Appendix E: The Murder Weapons

Bibliography

Shakespeare, W. (1986). Macbeth. London : MACMILLAN

Coville, B (1997). William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. New York : Dial Books