Traditional instruction in plant physiology relies on rote memorization of nutrient deficiency symptoms, which can lead to low student engagement and poor long-term retention. This practice introduces a gamified curriculum designed to transform standard nutrient diagnostics into a high-stakes forensic investigation. The primary objectives are to demonstrate how "True Crime" storytelling can be used to teach complex plant pathologies and to provide educators with a technical toolkit for building interactive, non-linear digital escape rooms that foster critical thinking and diagnostic mastery. The curriculum is integrated into undergraduate horticultural coursework in an introductory course and then a capstone project for nutrient management course. It utilizes a constructivist framework where students move from passive observers to active Forensic Horticulturists. The scope involves a multi-modal approach: a professional-grade video vignette establishes a narrative "hook," while a digital crime scene "hub" requires students to navigate scientific evidence. This methodology is designed to be adaptable across various agricultural disciplines where diagnostic logic and evidence-based problem-solving are essential. Reflections on the implementation of this project indicate a significant shift in student agency and analytical depth. By investigating the "homicide" of a specific specimen, students successfully apply forensic logic to distinguish between mobile and immobile nutrient pathologies. Qualitative feedback suggests that the high-stakes narrative increases time-on-task and peer collaboration. With over 200 introductory horticulture students surveyed upon completion of the murder mystery investigations, the students almost unanimously agreed that the investigative format significantly boosted their interest and information retention. This practice session provides a comprehensive walkthrough of a "True Crime" pedagogical model, showcasing how to merge multimedia storytelling with interactive technology. Attendees will explore the specific case logic of a mystery and leave with technical strategies needed to employ forensic gamification themselves, transforming traditional lectures into immersive, student-driven investigations.