How did detectives verify the connection to the shoes purchased?

The connection to the shoes purchased was verified through the use of credit card records. This method provides a direct link between the purchaser and the transaction, showing the exact time, location, and possibly the person who made the purchase. Credit card transactions are recorded with details that can effectively corroborate whether specific shoes were bought by a suspect at a given store, establishing a concrete financial trail that supports the investigation.

Options such as checking delivery addresses, linking to eyewitness accounts, and examining surveillance videos can provide valuable information. However, they may not offer the same level of direct evidence and specificity found in credit card records. Delivery references may not confirm who actually made the purchase, eyewitness accounts can be subject to error or interpretation, and surveillance videos may not capture clear images or identities tied to the shoes without additional context.