suspect

In criminal investigations, a suspect is an individual believed to be possibly involved in a crime but not yet formally charged or arrested. The process of identifying a suspect involves several phases, beginning with the discovery of a crime. Investigators may use the criminal's modus operandi, or method of operation, to narrow down possibilities. Visual identification by victims or witnesses is also common, though eyewitness accounts can be unreliable. Legal systems worldwide recognize a suspect's right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination. Evidence is collected to build a case, and in some jurisdictions, a magistrate may authorize actions like arrest or search warrants based on probable cause.1234