In Hitman 3, the Dartmoor mission titled Death in the Family presents players with a unique murder mystery experience that’s unlike anything else in the franchise. Within the majestic Thornbridge Manor, Agent 47 has the opportunity to take on the role of a private detective. The objective is to solve the mysterious death of Zachary Carlisle and uncover the truth. Accusing the right suspect is key to completing this investigation path. If you want to know how to accuse Zachary in Hitman 3, you’ll need to follow a specific chain of clues and understand the deeper context of the murder.
Getting Started with the Dartmoor Mystery
Assume the Role of the Detective
The first step in solving the Dartmoor mystery and getting the option to accuse Zachary is to disguise yourself as the private investigator. This can be done shortly after entering the mansion. Head to the main hallway and wait for the real detective to arrive. You can subdue him in a quiet spot, take his clothes, and begin the investigation.
Speak with Alexa Carlisle
After you are dressed as the detective, proceed upstairs to Alexa Carlisle’s room. She will brief you on the case: Zachary Carlisle was found dead in his bedroom, and the death appears to be a suicide. However, she suspects foul play and asks you to investigate. This initiates the full murder mystery scenario and unlocks the opportunity to accuse a suspect later in the mission.
Exploring the Crime Scene
Examine Zachary’s Bedroom
Go directly to Zachary’s bedroom, which is located on the second floor. Begin your investigation by inspecting the following:
- Zachary’s body on the bed
- The glass of whiskey on the nightstand
- The suicide note on the desk
- The secret room behind the bookshelf
This area contains vital evidence, including inconsistencies that suggest suicide might be staged. The secret room contains a clue that hints someone could have had access to Zachary’s room without being seen.
Scan for Clues
Use your camera to scan important objects, especially the whiskey glass and the suicide note. These actions add evidence to your case file, which is crucial for making an accusation later. The camera is your primary tool for verifying and recording evidence in this mission.
Interviewing the Suspects
Talk to Family Members and Staff
After examining the crime scene, you need to interview members of the Carlisle family and key staff. The list includes:
- Patrick Carlisle
- Emma Carlisle
- Gregory Carlisle
- Rebecca Carlisle
- Edward Carlisle
- Mr. Fernsby (the butler)
Each suspect offers background and alibis. While many players look to pin the blame on Emma due to her suspicious behavior, it is entirely possible to build a case where you can accuse Zachary himself suggesting that his death was, in fact, a suicide as originally claimed.
Validate Alibis
As you gather stories from each person, you will start to piece together who was where during the estimated time of death. The goal here is to find inconsistencies or support their alibis with physical evidence. Zachary is the only one who doesn’t have an alibi, but for a good reason he’s dead. However, this can support a suicide conclusion if nothing else contradicts it.
Gathering Supporting Evidence
Key Evidence for Suicide Theory
To accuse Zachary as the one responsible for his own death, you must prove that no one else had motive, means, or opportunity. The evidence that points to a suicide includes:
- The suicide note in Zachary’s handwriting
- The poison glass by his bed, with only his fingerprints
- No evidence of forced entry into his room
- The hidden diary found in his secret room
The hidden diary is crucial, as it reveals that Zachary was emotionally unstable and deeply affected by past family secrets. It suggests he was struggling with guilt and despair, making suicide a believable conclusion.
How to Officially Accuse Zachary
Return to Alexa with Your Findings
Once you have collected enough information, head back to Alexa Carlisle. She will ask you to present your conclusion. You will be given several choices, depending on the evidence you’ve gathered and how you interpret it.
To accuse Zachary of killing himself (i.e., concluding it was suicide), choose the dialogue option that states Zachary took his own life. Be confident in your evidence when doing so, as Alexa will ask for reasoning. Present the following:
- Zachary’s suicide note
- The poisoned whiskey glass with no tampering signs
- The emotional content of his hidden diary
This path confirms that no foul play occurred, and Zachary died by suicide, as originally reported. Alexa will believe you and end the investigation, rewarding you accordingly.
What Happens After the Accusation
If you successfully accuse Zachary and convince Alexa, she will thank you for solving the case and provide you with the location of the case file you need for your main mission objective. This is one of the possible outcomes in Dartmoor and is necessary if you want to complete the mission using the detective role without killing Alexa directly.
Benefits of Accusing Zachary
Choosing to accuse Zachary allows for a more passive and non-violent solution to the Dartmoor mission. It lets you experience the full narrative depth of Hitman 3 while still completing your objectives. Additionally, it’s a great way to unlock specific achievements and challenges related to the murder mystery path.
Other Accusation Options
Accusing Other Suspects
It’s also possible to accuse other suspects like Emma, depending on what evidence you gather. However, accusing Zachary is considered the true peaceful resolution. If you accuse the wrong person without enough evidence, Alexa may dismiss you or even become suspicious, making the mission more difficult.
Ignoring the Mystery Altogether
Remember, this investigation is optional. You can still assassinate Alexa using traditional methods. But solving the mystery and accusing Zachary is one of the more unique and rewarding routes in the game.
To accuse Zachary in Hitman 3, you must fully explore the mansion, collect all relevant clues, validate everyone’s alibis, and piece together the reality that Zachary’s death was a suicide. It’s a slower, more methodical route, but it adds narrative richness and satisfaction to the Dartmoor mission. Focus on using your camera for scanning evidence, pay attention to details in interviews, and rely on logic more than assumption. By following this approach, you’ll reach a conclusion that not only fits the story but also unlocks a compelling ending to one of Hitman 3’s most memorable missions.