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by:  Erik Oosterwal

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Whodunnit? - Solution

This problem is closely related to the Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire puzzle found on The Puzzle Page.


Let's go through the possibilities one by one...

If Anderson lied, then the statements made by Brimmers and Dodge contradict each other, so Anderson cannot be the liar.

If Carter lied, then, again, the statements made by Brimmers and Dodge contradict each other, so Carter cannot be the liar.  At this point you should be able to see that the key to the puzzle is in the contradictory statements made by Brimmers and Dodge.

If Dodge lied, then the statements made by Anderson and Brimmers cannot both be true (assuming only one man was guilty).

Therefore we are left with only one option.

If Brimmers lied when he accused Dodge, then Anderson could truthfully be saying that Brimmers did it, Carter could truthfully deny being involved, and Dodge could truthfully claim that Brimmers wrongfully accused him.

Since Anderson was telling the truth when he accused Brimmers, Brimmers is the guilty man.

All original puzzles and solutions are © Erik Oosterwal 1993-2008

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