What is a "motive" in a criminal investigation?

A "motive" in a criminal investigation refers to the reason behind a crime committed by an individual. Understanding the motive is crucial for investigators as it helps establish why the suspect may have committed the offense. It provides insight into the psychological or emotional drivers that can lead someone to engage in criminal behavior, such as financial gain, revenge, passion, or other personal reasons.

In the context of a criminal case, establishing a motive can be a powerful element in connecting a suspect to the crime, as it can sway juries and influence the direction of an investigation. By showing how the motive aligns with the events of the crime, investigators can build a more comprehensive narrative that explains the criminal's actions.

The other options address different aspects of a crime investigation: the suspect's location pertains to alibi evidence, physical evidence refers to tangible items collected from the crime scene, and the timeline of events involves chronologically organizing relevant facts. While all these elements are important in a criminal investigation, they do not define the concept of motive, which specifically relates to the reasoning behind the actions taken by the suspect.