As an AI language model, I can provide you with general guidance on how to approach the case, but I cannot access specific criminal statutes for individual states. Therefore, it's recommended to consult the laws applicable in your home state to determine the specific crime and relevant statutes.

1. Determining the Crime:
To identify whether a crime was committed, it is important to assess the specific laws of your home state. Generally, the potential crimes involved in this case could include:

a) Harassment: If the direct message includes repeated, unwanted contact with the intention to threaten or torment Mary, it may constitute harassment. Check your state's statutes regarding harassment to determine the specific elements required for such a charge.

b) Criminal Threats/Intimidation: If the direct message involved a credible threat to burn down Mary's house, it might potentially fall under criminal threats or intimidation laws. The specific statutes can vary by state, so refer to your own state's laws for the exact criteria.

c) Stalking: Depending on the nature of the direct message and any associated continued unwanted contact or surveillance, it could potentially be categorized as stalking. Review your state's stalking laws to identify the specific elements needed.

2. Steps to Identify the Perpetrator:
To identify the perpetrator, consider the following steps:

a) Gather evidence: Document and preserve the direct message as evidence. You may also need to collect any previous messages or obtain any related digital traces.

b) Obtain metadata: Contact Instagram (or other relevant platforms) to request information on the account that sent the message. Metadata, such as IP addresses, timestamps, or device information, could potentially help identify the perpetrator.

c) Interview the victim: Conduct a detailed interview with Mary to gather additional information, such as any potential suspects, previous conflicts, or other relevant details.

d) Analyze digital footprint: Examine Mary's social media presence, public information, followers, and any known adversaries to identify potential suspects.

e) Request account information: Obtain Mary's consent and assist her in contacting Instagram or relevant law enforcement agencies to request disclosure of account information linked to the threatening message.

f) Cooperation with law enforcement: If needed, involve local law enforcement agencies early in the investigation process to collaborate on potential leads and legal steps.

3. Crime Scene Processing:
While this case might not involve a traditional crime scene, processing the online or digital crime scene is crucial. Steps to process the crime scene could include:

a) Digital evidence preservation: Preserve any electronic evidence, such as screenshots or log files, that might be relevant to the investigation. Ensure they are securely stored and maintain a proper chain of custody.

b) Authentication: Verify the authenticity of the digital evidence gathered. Document the process used to establish the evidence's integrity and ensure it is admissible in court.

c) Collaborate with digital forensic experts: If required or available, consult with digital forensic specialists to extract and analyze any potential evidence from electronic devices or social media platforms.

d) Seek search warrants: Depending on the circumstances, it might be necessary to obtain search warrants to access and search digital or physical evidence related to the case.

Remember, the specific steps and laws involved in this case can vary based on your state jurisdiction. Always consult your local laws and regulations or seek advice from law enforcement professionals to ensure accurate and specific guidance tailored to your case.

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