Final answer:
Some of the earliest instances of homicide investigation include the Jamestown colony in 1609-1610, the case of Jean Gianini in 1914, and the trial of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti in 1920. These cases highlight the use of forensic anthropology, evidence linking suspects to crimes, and international attention to murder cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Earliest Instances of Homicide Investigation
One of the earliest instances of homicide investigation dates back to the Jamestown colony in 1609-1610, where forensic anthropology was used to determine that a 14-year-old girl had been cannibalized by other settlers after she died. Another early instance is the case of Jean Gianini in 1914, where Gianini's lost button at the crime scene provided evidence that tied him to the murder of his former teacher Lydia Beecher. Additionally, the trial of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti in 1920 and their subsequent execution in 1927 showcased an early instance of a high-profile murder case with international attention.