No, the police do not catch Mr. Harvey. However, he is suspected and questioned by the police. Unfortunately, the police are not able to connect Mr. Harvey to the crime. The investigation eventually comes to a standstill because there are no further leads. The friends and family of Susie Salmon also believe Mr. Harvey is responsible for her death. Susie’s sister even breaks into Mr. Harvey’s house in search of evidence. At this point, Mr. Harvey flees town.

In the end, the police do not catch Mr. Harvey, but many would agree that karma does. While stalking another victim, an icicle falls on his shoulder, causing him to lose his balance. Mr. Harvey slips to his death in a deep and snow-covered New Hampshire ravine.

Susie watches the events unfold from her place in heaven and narrates this story of pain and healing in The Lovely Bones.

Unfortunately, the police never apprehend Susie’s attacker, Mr. Harvey, but that doesn't mean he lives a long, happy life. Susie, observing her family from heaven, watches as her grows old living down the street. She watches as one day he tries to kidnap a young girl from a bus stop. However, before he can, an icicle falls on his shoulder, knocking him into a ravine, where he dies. His death does not draw much attention, as he is not really an important character to the story. Susie, now with her grandfather, watches her mother return to the family as they slowly move on with their lives.