culprit
nounUK /ˈkʌl.prɪt/
US /ˈkʌl.prɪt/
The culprit is the person who did something wrong.
The teacher found the culprit who drew on the wall.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The person responsible for a problem or mistake.
The culprit behind the noisy engine was a loose screw.
3. A person accused of a crime in a court.
The culprit stood before the judge.
4. The cause of a difficulty or trouble.
Scientists found the culprit for the strange smell in the water.