This complete FORENSIC - M.E. Protocol Case 6 walkthrough guides you through every phase of “The Collector” investigation, also known as the “Cinema room” case. To get the S-Rank, you must find all 18 pieces of evidence, correctly link them on the evidence board, and accuse the right suspect without contaminating the scene. This guide provides the exact sequence of operations to ensure you miss nothing.
The core challenge of Case 6 is its reliance on environmental storytelling and multi-layered digital evidence. Unlike previous cases, the physical clues are sparse; the real story is hidden inside encrypted files and on a custom-made film reel. Success demands a methodical approach, starting with a flawless sweep of the initial crime scene.
Phase 1: Securing the Scene at the Grand Trianon Cinema
Your first objective is to process the crime scene in Screening Room 4 of the Grand Trianon. The victim, archivist Julian Croft, is found in his seat. The key is to work from the outside in, documenting the wider environment before focusing on the body to avoid contamination. Do not interact with the victim or the projector until all other evidence in the room is secured.
Key Evidence in the Screening Room
- Unusual Film Canister: On a small table to the left of the entrance, you'll find a non-standard, lead-lined film canister. Mark it as evidence, photograph it, and use your particle sampler on the strange metallic dust on its surface. This is Evidence #1 (Canister) and Evidence #2 (Metallic Residue).
- Scuff Marks: Near the front row, by seat A4, there are visible scuff marks on the floor. Use your UV light to reveal a faint chemical trace. Photograph the marks and take a sample of the trace. This is Evidence #3 (Scuff Marks) and Evidence #4 (Chemical Trace).
- Victim's Datapad: Julian Croft’s datapad is on the floor beneath his seat (D12). Before touching it, photograph its position. Then, bag it as Evidence #5 (Victim's Datapad). This is the most important piece of evidence in this phase.
- Modified Popcorn Machine: The popcorn machine in the lobby outside Screening Room 4 has been tampered with. Open the service panel on its side to find a hidden signal repeater wired into its power supply. Mark and photograph the device. This is Evidence #6 (Signal Repeater).
Once these items are secured, you can proceed to the two main interactive elements: the victim and the projector.
Annotated Diagram of the Grand Trianon Cinema crime scene with key evidence locations.
Analyzing the Victim and Projector
First, approach the victim. Photograph Julian Croft's body from multiple angles (Evidence #7: Victim's Body - Photos). The M.E. report will later confirm cause of death as a fast-acting neurotoxin, but you can find the delivery method now. Use your UV light on his right hand to find a small puncture mark. Take a biological sample from the injection site (Evidence #8: Toxin Sample).
Next, move to the projection booth overlooking the screening room. The projector is still loaded with a custom reel. Do not turn it on. First, dust the projector's main housing for fingerprints (Evidence #9: Partial Fingerprint). Then, carefully remove the reel itself (Evidence #10: Custom Film Reel). Analyzing this reel back at the van will reveal it contains not a movie, but a sequence of encoded data patterns.
Phase 2: The Collector's Digital Trail
With the physical evidence collected, the investigation moves to your mobile forensics van. This phase involves cracking the datapad and analyzing the data from the film reel and signal repeater. The solution to the datapad's password is found by cross-referencing clues from the environment.
Decrypting the Datapad
The datapad is protected by a six-digit passcode. The clue is on a faded poster for a classic film, “Helios Station,” in the cinema's lobby. The poster lists a premiere date: 10.24.88. The passcode is a variation of this date. The correct combination is the month, year, and day: 108824.
Inside, you'll find three crucial pieces of evidence:
- Evidence #11 (Encrypted Emails): A series of emails between Julian Croft and an unknown user, “Aperture,” discussing the sale of a rare film archive. The tone of the final email from Aperture is threatening.
- Evidence #12 (Financial Transaction): A record of a large cryptocurrency transfer from Croft to an anonymous wallet, dated the day before his death.
- Evidence #13 (Deleted Location Data): A fragment of deleted GPS data pointing to a warehouse at the city's shipping yards.
Analyzing the Film and Signal
Run the custom film reel through your van's optical data scanner. The data patterns on the film (Evidence #14: Decoded Data Fragments) are incomplete but seem to be part of a larger decryption key. Next, analyze the signal repeater from the popcorn machine. It was amplifying a short-range transmission. By analyzing its frequency, you can triangulate the source: the projection booth itself. This proves the killer operated the projector during the crime (Evidence #15: Signal Triangulation Data).
Infographic showing the evidence connections between suspects in Case 6 of FORENSIC - M.E. Protocol.
Phase 3: The Evidence Board and Suspect Profiles
Now it's time to connect the dots on your evidence board. This case presents three suspects provided by your detective liaison. You must link your forensic findings to one of them to establish means, motive, and opportunity.
- Elias Vance (The Projectionist): A film purist who despised Croft for digitizing classic movies. He had access to the projection booth. His alibi is that he was on a break during the estimated time of death.
- Genevieve Reed (The Rival Collector): A wealthy collector who was in a bidding war with Croft over the same film archive mentioned in the emails. Her alibi is that she was at a gala across town.
- Marcus Thorne (The Theater Owner): The owner of the Grand Trianon, who was in severe debt to Julian Croft. His alibi is that he was in his office all night doing paperwork.
Your goal is to use the evidence to break one of their alibis. The chemical trace from the scuff marks and the metallic residue from the canister are the keys.
| Suspect | Alibi | Evidence Contradiction | Link to Crime Scene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elias Vance | On break, in the lounge | Fingerprint partially matches one on file. The lounge is adjacent to the lobby. | Direct access to projection booth. Expert in film reels. |
| Genevieve Reed | Across town at a gala | Financial records show she owns the anonymous crypto wallet that received Croft's payment. | Motive established (lost bidding war). Financial link is strong. |
| Marcus Thorne | In his office all night | The chemical trace from the scuff marks matches a rare cleaning solvent found only in his private supply closet. | Opportunity confirmed. He was in the building. |
A forensic me protocol case 6 walkthrough comic showing the interrogation of Marcus Thorne.
Phase 4: Interrogation and Final Accusation
Based on the evidence, Marcus Thorne is the prime suspect. The financial motive was a red herring; the real story is about a hidden partnership. The decoded data fragments from the film reel, when combined with files from Thorne's office computer (which you gain access to after presenting the chemical trace evidence), form a complete ledger. This ledger (Evidence #16: Black Market Ledger) shows Thorne and Croft were partners in selling black-market film copies. Croft wanted out, and Thorne silenced him.
The Confrontation
- Present the Chemical Trace: Confront Thorne with the evidence of the cleaning solvent from his closet being at the crime scene. This will break his alibi that he never left his office.
- Link the Signal Repeater: When he claims he was nowhere near Screening Room 4, present the signal triangulation data. Explain that the repeater was boosting a signal from the projection booth, a location he has access to.
- Reveal the Ledger: Finally, present the completed Black Market Ledger. This proves the motive. Thorne feared exposure and losing his cinema.
After his confession, you will locate the neurotoxin injector pen (Evidence #17: Injector Pen) and the original film archive (Evidence #18: Stolen Film Archive) in a safe in his office. Securing these two items is required for the S-Rank.
Poster celebrating the S-Rank conclusion of 'The Collector' case.
Case 6 FAQ
Where is the last piece of evidence in Case 6? The most commonly missed evidence is the Stolen Film Archive (Evidence #18). It is only accessible after you get Marcus Thorne's confession. It's located inside the floor safe in his office, along with the Injector Pen.
How do you get the S-Rank in 'The Collector'? You must collect all 18 pieces of evidence, avoid contaminating the crime scene (e.g., don't walk on the scuff marks before analyzing them), and correctly link the key evidence (Chemical Trace and Ledger) to accuse Marcus Thorne on your first attempt.
What is the password for the datapad?
The password is 108824. It's derived from the premiere date on the “Helios Station” movie poster in the lobby (10/24/88), rearranged as Month-Year-Day.
Can you accuse the wrong person? Yes. Accusing Elias Vance based on the partial fingerprint or Genevieve Reed based on the crypto payment will lead to a lower grade (B or C) and lock you out of finding the final two pieces of evidence needed for the S-Rank.
Final Analysis
Case 6, “The Collector,” is a turning point in FORENSIC - M.E. Protocol. It shifts the focus from simple physical evidence to complex digital forensics and motive analysis. It teaches you to look beyond the obvious suspect and to trust your environmental analysis tools. By following this guide, you can systematically dismantle the case, uncover the conspiracy, and earn the perfect S-Rank, preparing you for the even more complex cases that lie ahead.