1) Dr. Denton Deere told Judge that her partner, Sandy, "sure could have used some [plastic surgery]...", because Sandy had a "battered face: the scars; the bashed-in-nose..."
2) Sandy's behavior during the final meeting in the Westing mansion (towards end of book) was suspicious to Judge, as she ponders why Sandy was purposefully "leading the heirs to Crow."
3) She finally pieces everything together realizing that Sandy was "the one person who could confound her plans, manipulate her moves, keep her from the truth. Her partner, Sandy McSouthers, was the only heir she had not investigated."
The judge thought Sandy was really Sam Westing because they shared a similar physical appearance, including a missing finger, and had a secretive nature. Additionally, Sandy's familiarity with Westing's business dealings and the Westing mansion led the judge to believe there was a connection between the two.
Judge Ford initially suspects Sandy as Sam Westing because of Sandy's knowledge of chess and his connection to the Westing family through his friendship with Turtle, one of Sam Westing's heirs. Additionally, Sandy's behavior and mysterious past contribute to the suspicion surrounding him.
The judge thought the victim of Sam Westings revenge was George Theodorakis
Sandy believes that Otis is Mr. Westing because she notices similarities between Otis and Mr. Westing, such as their physical appearance and mannerisms. She also notices Otis using the same phrase that Mr. Westing often said, leading her to believe that Otis is actually Mr. Westing in disguise.
Sandy initially thought that Mr. Westing was a suburbanite. She later realized that he was actually the mysterious Westing ghost, the same person they were all trying to solve the puzzle of.
Judge Ford believed that Sandy was actually the daughter she had given up for adoption many years ago. She recognized Sandy's mannerisms and felt a strong connection to her, leading her to suspect their true relationship.
Turtle Wexler kicks Theo Theodorakis in The Westing Game.
In The Westing Game, Judge J.J. Ford thought Turtle was the victim of Sam Westing's revenge. It wouldn't make sense if anyone was the victim of Sam Westing's murder, except Sam Westing.
No, Sam Westing faked his own death(two times once as Sam Westing and once as Sandy McSouthers) and continued to live as his other 3 identities Barney Northrup,Mr Eastman,and Sandy McSouthers. All were really Windy Windkloppel (Crow's ex-husband) in disguise.
Sandy thinks Otis Amber is Sam Westing because they both wear disguises and have similar physical attributes, such as missing limbs. Additionally, Otis always seems to be in the right place at the right time, leading Sandy to suspect a connection between the two.
Judge Ford believes that Sam Westing paid for her education because she discovered that the mysterious benefactor who funded her schooling years ago had the initials "S.W.," which matched Sam Westing's initials. Additionally, Judge Ford found out that Sam Westing had a strong connection to her father, further indicating his generosity towards her education.
Sam Westing was the mastermind behind the mystery in The Westing Game. He faked his own death and orchestrated the whole game to bring the heirs together and eventually reveal the true purpose of the will.
He is dressed as Uncle Sam