Who is defined as someone with direct knowledge about a crime or incident?

An eyewitness is defined as someone who has directly observed a crime or incident taking place. This person can provide firsthand accounts of what they saw or heard, which is critical for investigations and legal proceedings. Eyewitness testimony is often a key component in gathering evidence about the event, as it helps law enforcement to understand the circumstances surrounding the crime and identify suspects.

In contrast, other roles, such as a suspect or a victim, do not inherently imply direct observation of the incident. A suspect may be someone who is believed to have committed the crime, but they may not have witnessed the event. A victim is the individual who has suffered as a result of the crime, and while they may have direct knowledge of how the crime affected them, they might not witness it in the same context as an eyewitness. An informant typically provides information about criminal activities but may not have personally witnessed the crime. Thus, the defining characteristic of an eyewitness is their actual observation of the event, making them a crucial source of evidence in criminal cases.