Virtual Detectives: Exploring Homicide Investigations and the Black Dahlia with <i>LA Noire</i>

This article explores how I use LA Noire , an open-world detective video game, to teach students about homicide investigations. Specifically, I use the video game to dive into the unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, who was posthumously nicknamed the “Black Dahlia” in newspapers, as a central case study. In LA Noire , the backdrop of Elizabeth Short’s murder highlights the complexities of detective work. It is complemented by other in-game cases inspired by real murders that police suspected were connected. These interactive missions provide an interactive way to discuss the difficulties of homicide investigations, the media’s sensationalism of violent crimes, and the collaborative nature of institutional responses. By moving beyond mere entertainment, video games like LA Noire can serve as powerful tools for enhancing student learning and engagement.