Leverage Open-Source Information in an Investigation
Example of a Homicide Case

A person’s online presence is a critical source of information in modern investigations, with 64% of analysts beginning their casework by searching online for information, according to Cellebrite’s 2025 Industry Trends survey. Conducting investigations without considering a subject’s online presence—spanning various social media platforms—is like working with one arm tied behind your back.

How open-source information can support every investigation, across every stage.

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">1.</div><div><span class="text-orange">At the start of an investigation: </span>Looking for motive</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">2.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Developing the subject of interest: </span>Deeper dive into relationships, connections and motive</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">3.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Collaborating and updating stakeholders: </span>Generating comprehensive and transparent reports</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">4.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Lead goes cold: </span>Diving into connections to generate new leads</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">5.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Using connections to progress case: </span>Using other parties’ details to identify suspects.</div></div>

Uncover digital footprints and validate information with open-source data

Automated, non-invasive collection of online data
Actionable insights from multiple sources
Standardized, shareable reports with full source transparency

Begin your FREE TRIAL and accelerate discovery with Cellebrite Smart Search!

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Leverage Open-Source Information in an Investigation
Example of a Homicide Case

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">1.</div><div><span class="text-orange">At the start of an investigation: </span>Looking for motive</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">2.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Developing the subject of interest: </span>Deeper dive into relationships, connections and motive</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">3.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Collaborating and updating stakeholders: </span>Generating comprehensive and transparent reports</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">4.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Lead goes cold: </span>Diving into connections to generate new leads</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">5.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Using connections to progress case: </span>Using other parties’ details to identify suspects.</div></div>

Latest news

Leverage Open-Source Information in an Investigation Example of a Homicide Case

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">1.</div><div><span class="text-orange">At the start of an investigation: </span>Looking for motive</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">2.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Developing the subject of interest: </span>Deeper dive into relationships, connections and motive</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">3.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Collaborating and updating stakeholders: </span>Generating comprehensive and transparent reports</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">4.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Lead goes cold: </span>Diving into connections to generate new leads</div></div>

<div style="display:flex; gap: 5px;"><div class="text-orange">5.</div><div><span class="text-orange">Using connections to progress case: </span>Using other parties’ details to identify suspects.</div></div>

Leverage Open-Source Information in an Investigation
Example of a Homicide Case