Provide a solid motif in the film.

After Uncle Charlie arrives, he makes sure to get the newspaper every day. He knows that there are stories about the murders in the papers that reveal that police are searching for the murderer out West as well as in the East.

The newspaper gives the viewers a lot of information both about Uncle Charlie's crimes and his personality. We first learn more details about the murders from the papers before Graham and Saunders even arrive on the scene.

The newspaper also lets viewers know how close the police believe they are to catching the killer. The more confident they feel, the more nervous and demanding Uncle Charlie becomes. Charlie finally realizes the truth and seeks to get Uncle Charlie out of their house and their lives.