Factual error: There is not a cat in hell's chance that Columbo would be allowed to take charge of the dogs Laurel and Hardy unsupervised and unaccompanied, regardless of his faith in their "deprogramming." These dogs are known to have killed a human being! If they had to be moved, they would be muzzled, attached to a very sturdy chain leash, and each would be led by an armed police officer who would have orders to shoot them if they showed any signs of hostility.
Factual error: Devlin proclaims himself to be a staunch Irish Republican but he refers to the Northern Irish city of Derry as "Londonderry." This is the name imposed upon the place by the British and is despised and rejected by Republicans. Devlin would refer to the city as "Derry."
Answer: Columbo deduces that the first blow must have been to the front of the head, the force causing the victim to fall backwards and hitting the back of his head hard on the ground.
raywest ★