How do I find out if a tramatic event happened in a home before I purchase the house?

Fr_Chuck

Talk to neighbors, sit down at the local newspaper and look though years of archived papers, Talk to local police, paramedics and the such.

In general it is hard and often not possible without alot of research

AW805

I echo Fr_Chuck. It's also good to investigate any criminal activity in your neighborhood prior to purchasing a home anyway. Start with your local police.