Motive in a true crime story can vary widely. It could be greed. For example, someone might have committed a crime to get a large inheritance or financial gain.
One possible motive could be protection. The mother may want to shield her family from a painful truth.
One possible motive is pure infatuation. The secret admirer might be attracted to the person's appearance or charm and is too shy to express it directly. For example, in a school setting, a student might admire a classmate's beauty from afar.
Jealousy is a very likely motive. If one of the lovers suspected the other of being unfaithful, it could have sparked a violent reaction. Also, involvement in illegal activities together could be a factor. If they were part of a criminal scheme and things went wrong, it could have led to their deaths. For instance, if they were involved in drug dealing and there was a dispute over money or territory within the illegal business.
One possible motive could be money. Maybe she was after an inheritance and decided to eliminate those who stood in her way.
One possible motive could be obsession. The stalker might have developed an unhealthy fixation on Laura for some reason, perhaps her appearance or a perceived connection.
Jealousy could be a motive. An unlikely murderer might see someone else having what they want, like a relationship or a job opportunity, and out of envy, commit murder.
One possible motive could be revenge. Maybe the officer had a personal grudge against the victim. Another could be greed. If the victim had something valuable, the officer might have wanted it for himself.
There could also be a motive related to power or control. The criminal in this New York police story may want to show that they are above the law. By committing a perfect crime, they feel a sense of superiority, believing they can outwit the police and get away with whatever they want in the city.
One possible motive is power. By observing disasters, they can figure out how to gain more influence in the post - disaster chaos. For example, they might manipulate the distribution of resources.
Jealousy could be a motive. Maybe she suspected her husband of infidelity and in a fit of rage, committed murder.