What is an alibi in the context of a criminal investigation?

An alibi in the context of a criminal investigation refers to a claim made by a suspect that they were in a different location at the time the crime was committed, meaning they could not have been involved in the offense. This claim is often supported by evidence such as witness testimony, video footage, or other documentation that can establish the suspect's presence elsewhere. The purpose of an alibi is to provide an alternative explanation that helps to exonerate the suspect by demonstrating that they could not have participated in the crime due to their absence from the scene. Alibis are crucial for investigators as they can either support or undermine the case against a suspect, depending on their validity and the strength of the supporting evidence.