Hannibal covered the stone as a deliberate step in his intricate plan to frame Nick Boyle for the murder of Marissa Schuur. This action was a crucial part of his elaborate deception to mislead investigators and divert suspicion away from himself.
The Strategic Purpose Behind Covering the Stone
The primary reason Hannibal concealed the stone was to preserve critical biological evidence belonging to Nick Boyle. This evidence, which included Nick's tissue, was essential for fabricating a false narrative that would implicate him in Marissa Schuur's death.
Key Evidence: Nick Boyle's Tissue
The stone was not just a random object; it held significant value to Hannibal's scheme because it was already contaminated with Nick Boyle's tissue. By covering or hiding the stone, Hannibal ensured that this vital piece of evidence remained undisturbed and available for his malicious intent. It served as a pre-planted "smoking gun" that could later be used to create a direct link between Nick and the victim.
Executing the Frame-Up
At a later time, when Hannibal proceeded to commit the murder of Marissa Schuur, he retrieved the carefully hidden stone. He then meticulously carried out the next phases of his plan:
- Retrieval of the Stone: Hannibal uncovered and collected the stone from where he had hidden it.
- Collection of Biological Material: From the stone, he extracted Nick Boyle's blood and skin, which had presumably been left there previously.
- Fabrication of Evidence: To firmly establish Nick's supposed involvement, Hannibal deliberately smeared these biological samples onto Marissa Schuur's teeth. This act was designed to make it appear as though Nick had been present at the scene and directly involved in the fatal incident.
Anatomy of the Deception: A Summary
The table below outlines the key elements and their roles in Hannibal's criminal framing operation:
| Element | Description | Strategic Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| The Stone | A rock contaminated with Nick Boyle's tissue. | Served as a carrier for false incriminating evidence. |
| Hannibal | The perpetrator and mastermind of the framing. | To deflect blame and implicate an innocent party. |
| Nick Boyle | The intended scapegoat, falsely accused of murder. | To be framed as the killer of Marissa Schuur. |
| Marissa Schuur | The victim whose death was exploited. | Her murder provided the context for the elaborate frame-up. |
By covering the stone, Hannibal ensured the integrity of the crucial evidence he needed to manipulate the investigation and mislead authorities into believing Nick Boyle was responsible for Marissa Schuur's demise.
