Linguistic Insights in Criminal Investigations

Mar 23, 2025

Episode 2: Linguistic Evidence - True to Lies Podcast

Introduction

  • Host: Steve Johnson
  • Experience: 28 years as a retired police detective and consultant on criminal cases.
  • Focus: Discussion on linguistic evidence and its importance in various conversations, particularly in criminal investigations and job interviews.

Importance of Linguistic Evidence

  • Linguistic evidence is crucial for:
    • Job interviews
    • Criminal investigations
    • Everyday conversations (doctors, salesmen, etc.)
  • Every conversation has latent content that can reveal truth or deception.

Forensic Linguistics

  • Similarities between forensic linguistics and traditional forensic investigations.
    • Maintaining a sterile crime scene (e.g., using booties, bunny suits).
    • Searching for latent evidence that isn't immediately visible (e.g., fingerprints).
  • Latent content in linguistic evidence can reveal:
    • Deception
    • Personal struggles (addictions, trauma, mental health issues)

Case Study: Larry Molletti Interview

  • Context: Larry Molletti's wife, Maya, went missing in January 2021.
  • Larry's initial interview revealed insights through his language use.
  • Key details about the case:
    • Larry reported Maya missing after family visited on January 9, 2021.
    • Larry claimed Maya disappeared after they had an argument.

Linguistic Analysis of Larry's Statements

  • Key Observations:
    • Use of ambiguous language (e.g., "kind of an argument") indicates downplaying of events.
    • Unsolicited explanations provide insight into his mindset.
    • Repeatedly portrays himself as the "good guy."
    • Use of terms like "briefly" and "physically" shows psychological distancing and potential deception.
  • Word Salad:
    • Twisted or complicated answers suggest stress or deception when recalling events.
  • Carryover Stress:
    • Stress from deception may affect subsequent responses, causing inconsistencies.

Key Findings from the Interview

  • Last time Larry claims to have seen Maya was Thursday night.
  • His descriptions of the situation contain elements of stress and evasion.
  • Linguistic evidence strongly suggests that he may have committed a crime against Maya.

Confirmation by Subsequent Investigation

  • Press conference details revealed:
    • Last activity on Maya’s phone was at 1:25 a.m. on January 8.
    • Larry’s behavior indicated possible concealment of evidence (e.g., repositioning his vehicle to hide activities).
  • Linguistic analysis matched with investigative findings, suggesting reliability of the analysis.

Conclusion

  • Importance of understanding linguistic evidence in investigations and interviews.
  • Steve Johnson encourages studying statement analysis for deeper insights into truth and deception.

Further Information