NBC News' "This algorithm helps catch serial killers"

I don't find many examples of cluster analysis to share, but this example is REALLY engaging (using data to find serial killers), and is simple enough for a baby statistician BUT you can also make it a more advanced lesson as the data's owners freely share their data and code.

Short Version: Journalist Thomas Hargrove (and his team) used cluster analysis to find clusters of similar killings within geographic areas. These might be a sign that a serial killer is active in that geographic region. It correctly identified a killer in Indiana.

I found this interview from datainnovation.org which most succinctly describes the data analysis:

https://www.datainnovation.org/2017/07/5-qs-for-thomas-hargrove-founder-of-the-murder-accountability-project/

Also statsy because the cluster analysis was validated using data from known serial killers.

Hargrove's data and code can be accessed here and more information on his overall project to solve murders can be found here.

Here is coverage of the project from The New Yorker.