Forensic Tales

On December 27, 2011, Russ Faria returned home and discovered his wife, Betsy, lying on the living room floor with a knife lodged in her neck. Although Russ had spent the evening with friends, cellphone records supported his alibi and none of Betsy’s blood was found on his body or clothing, investigators became convinced that he was responsible. What they failed to seriously examine was the woman who had driven Betsy home that night: Pamela Hupp. Just four days before the murder, Betsy had named Pam the sole beneficiary of a $150,000 life insurance policy. Pam’s account of her final moments with Betsy repeatedly changed, yet she was treated as a trusted witness while Russ was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. In this episode, we examine: • The final hours of Betsy Faria’s life • Pam Hupp’s changing statements • The $150,000 life insurance policy • Russ Faria’s documented alibi • The blood found on Russ’s slippers • The theory that Betsy’s socks were used to stage evidence • Problems with the Bluestar blood testing and crime-scene photographs • The forensic evidence used to convict Russ • Russ’s wrongful conviction and eventual acquittal • The suspicious death of Pam’s mother, Shirley Neumann • The murder of Louis Gumpenberger • The current case against Pam Hupp • The new Y-STR DNA evidence being raised by her defense Pam is currently serving life in prison without parole for the murder of Louis Gumpenberger. She has pleaded not guilty to Betsy’s murder and is presumed innocent of that charge unless proven guilty in court. Her bench trial is currently scheduled to begin on January 31, 2028. Follow Forensic Tales: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forensictales Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForensicTales TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forensictales Website: https://www.forensictales.com/the-murder-of-betsy-faria-and-the-lies-of-pam-hupp Support the show and receive early, ad-free episodes and monthly bonus content: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we’re opening the Forensic Tales Vault and revisiting one of the most controversial cases ever covered on the show—the death of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson. On January 11, 2013, Kendrick was found upside down inside a rolled-up gym mat at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia. Investigators concluded that Kendrick climbed into the mat while trying to retrieve a pair of shoes, became trapped, and died from positional asphyxia. But Kendrick’s family has never accepted that explanation. In this completely re-recorded and updated Vault episode, we take a fresh look at the forensic evidence surrounding Kendrick’s death, including: • The position of Kendrick’s body and the gym mats • The shoes discovered inside the mat • Blood found near the scene • DNA evidence recovered from items inside the gym • The controversial surveillance footage • The original autopsy and finding of positional asphyxia • Subsequent independent autopsies and conflicting conclusions about Kendrick’s cause of death • Questions surrounding the handling of his remains • Suspicions raised by Kendrick’s family • Multiple investigations into whether his death was accidental or the result of foul play More than a decade later, Kendrick Johnson’s death continues to generate debate. Was this truly a devastating accident—or does the forensic evidence suggest something else happened inside that gym? ️ This episode has been completely re-recorded and updated from the original Forensic Tales episode. Follow Forensic Tales on social media and wherever you listen to podcasts. For early, ad-free episodes and monthly full-length bonus episodes, join the Forensic Tales Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ForensicTales Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On November 2, 2007, 21-year-old British exchange student Meredith Kercher was found murdered inside the apartment she shared with Amanda Knox in Perugia, Italy. What followed became an international media spectacle. Amanda Knox and her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were arrested, convicted of Meredith’s murder, acquitted, convicted again—and ultimately cleared by Italy’s highest court. But what did the forensic evidence actually prove? Follow Forensic Tales Instagram: @ForensicTales TikTok: @ForensicTales Patreon (ad-free & bonus episodes): https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Website: https://forensictales.com/the-murder-of-meredith-kercher If you're enjoying the show, please consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps others discover the podcast and supports the show. Thank you for listening to Forensic Tales. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode of Forensic Tales, we’re covering a forensic breakthrough announced just days ago. In June 1978, skeletal remains belonging to a young woman were discovered buried in a shallow grave in a grape vineyard near Arvin, California. Investigators collected what evidence they could, but fingerprints, dental records, and eventually traditional DNA testing failed to reveal her identity. For nearly 48 years, she was known only as the Arvin Jane Doe. Then investigators turned to forensic genetic genealogy. With the help of advanced DNA testing and Othram, investigators were eventually led to the family of 15-year-old Michelle Louise Collier, who had disappeared from Fresno in February 1978. In this episode, we break down the original investigation, the 2007 exhumation and DNA testing, the facial reconstruction created to help identify her, how forensic genetic genealogy finally solved the mystery of her identity, and the questions investigators are now trying to answer about who killed Michelle. Michelle finally has her name back—but her murder remains unsolved. Anyone with information about Michelle Louise Collier, her disappearance, or her death is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110. Learn more about forensic genetic genealogy and help fund DNA testing for unsolved cases: https://dnasolves.com Forensic Tales proudly makes a monthly contribution to support this work. ️Follow Forensic Tales wherever you listen to podcasts, and make sure you’re following the show so you don’t miss future updates in Michelle’s case. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the morning of November 6, 2001, a customer arrived at The Hair Gallery in Florence, Montana, expecting nothing more than a routine nail appointment. Instead, she walked into one of the most horrific crime scenes investigators had ever encountered. Inside the small salon, owner Dorothy Harris, manicurist Brenda Patch, and longtime customer Cynthia Paulus had all been brutally murdered. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we examine the forensic evidence left behind, including the mysterious black sunglasses, an unidentified palm print, bloodhound tracking, and the unanswered questions that continue to haunt investigators more than twenty years later. We also explore the timeline of the murders, the strange man seen leaving the salon moments before the bodies were discovered, the investigation into Brian Weber and Lincoln Benavides, and why prosecutors ultimately dropped their murder case. Finally, we discuss the eerie similarities between the Florence Salon Murders and the unsolved Dolly Madison Bakery Murders in Great Bend, Kansas—a case many believe could be connected, despite investigators never finding evidence to prove it. If you'd like to hear a full deep dive into the Dolly Madison Bakery Murders, I've previously dedicated an entire episode to that case. Check it out.  If you have any information regarding the Florence Salon Murders, please contact the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office. Follow Forensic Tales Instagram: @ForensicTales TikTok: @ForensicTales Patreon (ad-free & bonus episodes): https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Website: https://forensictales.com If you're enjoying the show, please consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps others discover the podcast and supports the show. Thank you for listening to Forensic Tales. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode of Forensic Tales, we examine the forensic case against recording artist D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, following his five-day preliminary hearing. Fourteen-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dead inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke in September 2025. During the hearing, prosecutors presented autopsy findings, DNA evidence, suspected bloodstains, a damaged inflatable pool, chainsaw purchases, Tesla location records and thousands of messages recovered from Burke’s phone and iCloud account. We also examine the limitations raised by his defense, including questions about evidence collection, DNA transfer, presumptive blood testing, the unidentified murder weapon and whether the digital evidence proves who was driving the Tesla. A judge ultimately determined that prosecutors presented sufficient probable cause for the case to proceed to trial. Burke has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Content warning: This episode discusses the death and alleged sexual abuse of a minor. Some graphic details have been omitted.   Episode sources: Los Angeles County District Attorney: https://da.lacounty.gov/media/news/d4vd-ordered-stand-trial-murdering-dismembering-14-year-old-girl Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/65647a24c7808bebc0b6ff9040f50615 ABC7 Los Angeles: https://abc7.com/post/d4vd-murder-case-singers-lawyers-ask-more-dna-testing-wasnt-done-chain-saws-car-celeste-rivas-hernandez-killing/19564190/ For more episodes and information, visit: https://forensictales.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In May 1947, newlywed Christina Kettlewell traveled to a remote cottage in Severn Falls, Ontario, with her husband, Jack, and his close friend Ronald Berry. Three days later, the cottage was destroyed by fire, Jack was found unconscious, and Christina’s body was discovered face down in only nine inches of water. An autopsy determined that Christina had drowned, but the forensic evidence raised more questions than answers. Why were there no burns or significant injuries on her body? What role did the codeine found in her stomach play? And why did the accounts provided by the two men closest to her seem to conflict with the physical evidence? This special preview introduces the mysterious death of Christina Kettlewell, also known as the Eight-Day Bride. The complete episode—including the alleged love triangle, missing money, insurance policies, purported suicide notes, coroner’s inquest, and competing theories—is available now as July’s bonus episode on Patreon and through Apple Podcasts subscriptions. Support the show and listen to the complete bonus episode: Patreon: patreon.com/forensictales You can also subscribe directly through the Forensic Tales page in the Apple Podcasts app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

W Hey everyone! Courtney here. I have a little bonus for you today. Since Forensic Tales is part of the Believe Podcast Network, I wanted to introduce you to another podcast on the network that I think some of you might enjoy. Today's episode is from Til Death Do Us Part, and it's called "The Body in the Clearing: Harry Crawford and Annie Burkett." To friends and neighbors, he seemed like an ordinary husband. But when his wife, Annie Birkett, vanished without a trace, a shocking investigation uncovered secrets no one saw coming. Don't worry—this isn't taking the place of a Forensic Tales episode. I'll still be back with a brand-new episode on Monday. Until then, I hope you enjoy this one! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Til Death Do Us Part Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#332 - In April 1996, a motorist traveling along a rural road in Bastrop County, Texas, made a disturbing discovery. Lying in a grassy ditch along the roadside was the body of a young woman. Her clothing was partially removed, and a belt had been tightened around her neck. She would soon be identified as 19-year-old Stacey Stites. Just hours earlier, Stacey had been reported missing after she failed to show up for her early morning shift at the local grocery store.  DNA evidence collected at the scene pointed to a man named Rodney Reed. But nearly three decades later, the question still remains: Did investigators convict the right man? Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#331 - On the early morning of June 3, 2011, 20-year-old Indiana University student Lauren Spierer disappeared after a night out with friends in downtown Bloomington, Indiana. Investigators were able to reconstruct much of Lauren’s final hours using surveillance footage, witness statements, and digital timelines. But despite knowing many of the places she went and the people she was with that night, Lauren seemingly vanished just blocks from her own apartment. More than a decade later, her disappearance remains unsolved. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we examine the timeline of Lauren Spierer’s final night, the key investigative clues, and the unanswered questions that still haunt this case. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio Production. The show is written & produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For months, Dorothy Jane Scott received anonymous phone calls from a man who said he was watching her. He knew where she worked. He knew where she went at night. Sometimes he even described the clothes she had worn that day… or the car she was driving. At first, Dorothy tried to ignore the calls. But they kept coming. Sometimes the caller sounded angry. Other times, almost obsessed. On one occasion, he told her he was going to cut her up into pieces. Dorothy was terrified. She started taking self-defense classes and even considered buying a gun. But whoever was calling always remained anonymous. Then, on the night of May 28, 1980, Dorothy drove a coworker to the hospital after he had been bitten by a spider. After parking her white Toyota station wagon, she went inside with him. A short time later, Dorothy stepped outside to bring the car around to the front entrance. But instead of pulling up to the hospital doors, her car suddenly sped through the parking lot… and disappeared into the night. Dorothy Jane Scott was never seen alive again. And in the years that followed, the phone calls didn’t stop. But now, they were coming to her family. Each time, the caller asked the same chilling question: “Is Dorothy home?” If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes, exclusive bonus content, and monthly extra episodes. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#329 - In July of 2015, thousands of people gathered along the river for a weekend of music, camping, and wakeboarding. The annual event known as WakeFest was supposed to be a carefree summer getaway, a place where friends could relax, drink, and enjoy the water. But by the end of that weekend, one of the campers would be dead. Twenty-one-year-old Lauren Agee had been camping on a steep cliff overlooking the river with friends she trusted. Sometime during the night, she disappeared from the campsite. Hours later, her body was discovered hundreds of feet below in the water. At first, investigators believed it was a tragic accident, that Lauren had fallen from the cliff in the dark. But when her family began asking questions, they uncovered troubling details that didn’t seem to add up. Injuries that appeared inconsistent with a simple fall. A chaotic campsite. Conflicting witness statements. And a crime scene that many believe was never properly investigated. More than a decade later, the circumstances surrounding Lauren’s death remain fiercely debated. Was it truly an accident? Or did something far more sinister happen on that cliff that night? Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. You can also watch Forensic Tales on YouTube. Just search Forensic Tales Podcast and be sure to subscribe. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#328 - When police in Oklahoma got a call from a woman saying a man wearing only gloves and a pair of underwear broke into her house, killed her boyfriend, and tortured her for hours, it seemed almost too far-fetched to be true. But as detectives combed through the forensic evidence at the scene, it seemed to line up perfectly with her story. What they didn’t realize at the time was that this brutal attack was connected to a predator who had been quietly slipping in and out of homes for years — watching, stalking, and committing crimes no one ever saw coming. For nearly two decades, he managed to evade capture. And when investigators finally uncovered who he was, the truth revealed a disturbing pattern: a man who had been hiding in plain sight while secretly living a double life as a voyeur, a prowler… and eventually, a killer. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. You can also watch Forensic Tales on YouTube. Just search Forensic Tales Podcast and be sure to subscribe. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The verdict is in. In this special episode of Forensic Tales, we take a closer look at the trial of Gerhardt Konig, the Hawaii doctor accused of violently attacking his wife during a hike earlier this year. Prosecutors argued that the assault was deliberate and brutal, pointing to physical evidence and testimony presented during the trial. The defense, however, painted a very different picture, suggesting the events unfolded in a far more complicated way. Over the course of the trial, jurors heard testimony about the timeline of the attack, the injuries involved, and the forensic evidence that investigators used to reconstruct what happened that day. Now, after days of testimony and deliberation, the jury has reached its decision. In this episode, we’ll break down the key moments from the trial, the arguments from both sides, the forensic evidence presented in court, and the verdict that ultimately decided Gerhardt Konig’s fate. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content for as low as $3/month. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. You can also watch Forensic Tales on YouTube. Just search Forensic Tales Podcast and be sure to subscribe. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#327 - For years, prosecutors across the United States relied on a diagnosis known as Shaken Baby Syndrome to explain the sudden deaths of infants and toddlers. In many cases, that diagnosis became the foundation for criminal convictions. But over time, some doctors and forensic experts began questioning the science behind it. In 2002, a two-year-old girl in Texas died after being rushed to the hospital. Her father was later accused of shaking her to death and was ultimately sentenced to death. More than twenty years later, his case has become part of a growing debate over whether some convictions may have relied on flawed or misunderstood evidence. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. You can also watch Forensic Tales on YouTube. Just search Forensic Tales Podcast and be sure to subscribe. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#326 - When a 17-year-old beauty school student went missing in February 2010, the residents of a small Washington town were left stunned. Then just days later, the teen's body was discovered by a passerby on the banks of the Columbia River. What began as a desperate search quickly turned into something far more disturbing—an investigation filled with false leads, unsettling rumors, and a suspect hiding in plain sight. Because in this case… the answers weren’t just buried in secrets. They were written in the forensic evidence.  This is the murder of Mackenzie Cowell. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Five years ago, I covered the murders of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson, the case often referred to as the Lovers Lane Murders. At the time, the case remained unsolved and was widely considered one of Houston's most notorious cold murder cases. But this week, more than thirty years later, investigators announced something that many people thought might never happen: an arrest. This is a Forensic Tales Bonus Episode on the Lovers Lane Murders. a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. You can also watch Forensic Tales on YouTube. Just search Forensic Tales Podcast and be sure to subscribe. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#325 - When the body of a 19-year-old mother was discovered murdered inside her apartment in 1988, the residents of Three Rivers, Michigan, were shocked. But the brutal details of her murder weren’t the one thing that left people in the community on the edge. It was the fact that when the young mother’s body was discovered by her fiancé, the victim’s eight-month-old daughter was found still sleeping in her crib in the bedroom next door. But without any solid leads, the investigation quickly turned cold. And the victim’s family would have to wait over three decades and new advancements in forensic science technology to finally get justice. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. You can also watch Forensic Tales on YouTube. Just search Forensic Tales Podcast and be sure to subscribe. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Thank you for listening. And I’ll see you next week. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In March 2022, 39-year-old Eric Richins was found unresponsive in his Utah home. His death was initially believed to be the result of a fentanyl overdose, a tragic loss for his family. But what followed would shock investigators. Eric’s wife, Kouri Richins, later published a children’s book about grief, written to help her young sons cope with the sudden loss of their father. At first glance, it seemed like a story of heartbreak and healing. Until questions began to surface. As investigators dug deeper, the case took a dramatic turn, one that would ultimately lead to charges and a high-profile trial. In this special episode of Forensic Tales, we break down the trial from a forensic perspective, examining the toxicology findings, digital evidence, and key testimony presented in court. From the prosecution’s theory to the defense’s strategy, we walk through the most critical moments that shaped this case. What did the forensic evidence really reveal? And how did it influence the outcome of the trial? Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by me, Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. You can also watch Forensic Tales on YouTube. Just search Forensic Tales Podcast and be sure to subscribe. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. Remember...not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#324 - It was supposed to be a normal night for 78-year-old Shirley Ramey and her husband of 57 years, Daryl, from Hope, Idaho. Daryl went to play cards with friends while Shirley stayed inside at their quiet home near the Canadian border. But when Daryl returned home that evening with a bacon cheeseburger she had asked for, he found the sliding glass door open and Shirley lying on the floor in a pool of blood. His wife of nearly six decades had been shot twice at close range. But just when the police thought they had everything figured out, the case went ice-cold.  Who would want a 78-year-old wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother dead?  Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written & produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. Forensic Tales is now on YouTube. Be sure to subscribe for even more content. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#323 - In 1986, a Washington woman was convicted of intentionally killing two people with cyanide-laced extra-strength Excedrin capsules. One of the victims was her very own husband. The other was a complete stranger.  Her conviction and 90-year prison sentence became the first under federal product tampering laws instituted after the 1982 Chicago Tylenol murders that killed at least 7 people.  Is she a victim of a system that got it wrong during a time when people were paranoid of product tampering? Or is she guilty as charged? Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written & produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. You can also watch Forensic Tales on YouTube. Just search Forensic Tales Podcast and be sure to subscribe. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Until then… remember: not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#322 - In 2007, two-year-old Mariah Alvarez was rushed to a hospital in Brownsville, Texas. She wasn’t breathing. Doctors were unable to revive her. Within hours, suspicion turned toward her mother, Melissa Lucio. After a lengthy interrogation, Melissa said four words that prosecutors would later present as a confession. She was charged with capital murder, convicted, and sentenced to death. But over the years, serious questions have been raised about the case from the forensic conclusions surrounding Mariah’s death, to the interrogation tactics used by investigators, to testimony the jury never heard. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you’d like to support the show and help fund research, production, and editing, you can do so with a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Patreon supporters get early access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. You can learn more at Patreon.com/ForensicTales. You can also watch Forensic Tales on YouTube. Just search Forensic Tales Podcast and be sure to subscribe. And if you enjoy the show, leaving a positive rating or review really helps others discover it. For a full list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Remember... not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#321 - In December 2004, 21-year-old Johnia Berry was attacked inside her Knoxville, Tennessee apartment. The crime scene raised more questions than answers. There were no clear signs of forced entry. The weapon came from inside the home. And despite the brutality of the attack, there was no obvious motive. Investigators initially focused on someone close to her, but forensic evidence would soon complicate that theory. A partial fingerprint. A single shoe print. And an unidentified DNA profile left behind at the scene. For years, the case seemed stalled. Then, an unexpected lead shifted the investigation in a new direction. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we examine the forensic evidence, the missteps, the turning points, and the lasting impact this case had on DNA laws in Tennessee. Because sometimes the science speaks clearly even when the “why” never does. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you'd like to support the show and gain access to exclusive content, early and ad-free episodes, please consider joining the show's Patreon. You can support the show for as low as $3/month. Subscribe to Forensic Tales on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen so you don't miss an episode. Also, be sure to follow us on YouTube. If you love the show, please leave a positive review or tell friends and family about us. For a complete list of sources used in this episode, visit our website. Remember... Not all stories have happy endings... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#320 - In 2008, a South Carolina man disappeared while checking his mail outside his home. His body was soon found in nearby woods, and an autopsy revealed he had been strangled to death. At first, the police had few suspects. But right before the case turned cold, investigators did something outside the box. They turned to cell phone forensics. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you'd like to support the show and get access to early, ad-free episodes, consider joining the show's Patreon page. You can support the show for as little as $3/month. For a complete list of sources used in this episode, please visit our website. Listen on YouTube: Search Forensic Tales and subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BONUS UPDATE Yesterday, Juliana Peres Magalhães, the former au pair and key witness in the so-called “Au Pair Affair” murder trial, was sentenced. In this short follow-up episode of Forensic Tales, we recap the sentencing hearing, including the defense’s motion to exclude victim impact statements from Christine Banfield’s family, the judge’s ruling, and the final sentence handed down in connection with the death of Joseph Ryan. Juliana previously entered into a plea agreement and testified for the Commonwealth against Brendan Banfield, serving as the prosecution’s central witness in a case built heavily on digital forensic evidence and allegations of a calculated online setup. This episode breaks down what happened in court, what the sentence means, and how this development fits into the larger case. If you haven’t listened to our full trial recap, be sure to check out last week’s special episode for the complete breakdown. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you'd like to support the show and get access to early, ad-free episodes, please consider joining the show's Patreon page. You can support the show for as low as $3/month. For more ways to listen and support, subscribe to Forensic Tales on YouTube. You can also leave the show a positive review or tell friends and family about the show. Remember... not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#319 - In May of 1993, three eight-year-old boys were brutally murdered in West Memphis, Arkansas. Within weeks, police arrested three teenagers, despite a complete lack of physical evidence tying them to the crime. What followed was an investigation shaped by fear, rumor, and the cultural panic of the early 1990s. A confession filled with factual errors. Forensic interpretations that would later be widely challenged. And a jury decision that would haunt the justice system for decades. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we take a forensic-first look at the case of the West Memphis Three, examining the crime scene, the investigative failures, the role of junk science, and how belief replaced evidence at every critical turn. We also explore why advances in DNA testing could still hold answers today and why, nearly thirty years later, the murders of Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers remain unresolved. Because this case didn’t end with justice. It ended with questions. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you'd like to support the show and get access to early, ad-free episodes, please consider joining the show's Patreon. You can support the show for as little as $3/month. For a complete list of sources used in this episode, please visit our website. Listen on YouTube: Search Forensic Tales and subscribe. Not all stories have happy endings... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special Episode In February 2023, police were called to a quiet home in northern Virginia. Inside the master bedroom, they found Christine Banfield, a wife and mother, suffering from multiple stab wounds. A second man, Joseph Ryan, was also found dead. He had been shot inside the same room. Christine’s husband, Brendan Banfield, would later be charged with their murders. What followed was a case that quickly drew national attention, centered on allegations of a secret affair, digital deception, and a FetLife account prosecutors say was used to lure Ryan to the home. In this special episode of Forensic Tales, we break down the facts of the so-called “au pair affair murder trial,” including the competing narratives presented in court and the digital forensic evidence at the heart of the case. Was this a tragic, chaotic confrontation or a calculated online setup that ended in murder? This episode examines how modern investigations now extend beyond the physical crime scene and into logins, messages, and digital footprints before turning to the jury’s verdict. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you'd like to support the show and get access to early ad-free episodes, please consider joining the show's Patreon page. You can support Forensic Tales for as little as $3/month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#318 - In February 2005, an Ohio woman suddenly collapsed and died while driving to a local movie theater. At first, her death was thought to be the result of a minor car accident. But as the forensic evidence started to reveal itself, the thought that this woman died in a car accident seemed impossible. And the deeper investigators looked, the more suspicious one of the victim’s loved ones looked. If you’d like to help create compelling new cases, fund research, and assist with production and editing costs, you can support the show with a small monthly contribution. In return, you’ll be one of the first to listen to new, ad-free episodes and gain access to exclusive content. You can support the show for as low as $3/month. For a complete list of sources used in this episode, please visit forensictales.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#317 - When a pattern emerges in criminal investigations, it often becomes the strongest lead. In Southern California, that pattern pointed to a serial sexual offender who used a knife to control his victims and left DNA behind at multiple scenes. For years, the DNA sat unmatched. Today’s episode examines the San Diego Knifepoint Rapist case, the forensic evidence that connected the assaults, and how modern genetic genealogy transformed a cold case into a solved one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the Archives: The Mysterious Death of Tiffany Valiante In 2015, 18-year-old Tiffany Valiante was struck and killed by a train in New Jersey. Authorities quickly ruled her death a suicide but from the very beginning, her family has insisted that explanation doesn’t make sense. Tiffany had made plans for the future. She had no known history of depression. And crucial pieces of evidence, including her phone, shoes, and the circumstances surrounding how she ended up on the tracks, raised troubling questions that were never fully answered. In this episode, we take a closer look at Tiffany’s final hours, the investigation that followed, and the inconsistencies that continue to fuel doubt years later. Was this truly a suicide… or was something else overlooked? This is a case that has haunted listeners since it first aired and one that deserves another careful listen. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced my Courtney Fretwell. If you'd like to support the show & get access to early ad-free episodes, please consider joining the show's Patreon page. You can support the show for as low as $3/month. You can also support the show by leaving a positive review & telling friends and family. For a complete list of sources used in this episode, please visit our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#315 - In 1975, a three-year-old boy disappeared in Richmond, Virginia. Days later, his body was found in the James River, and a young neighbor, Marvin Grimm Jr., became the focus of the investigation. After hours of interrogation, Marvin confessed and later pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to life in prison. But decades later, advances in forensic science told a very different story. DNA testing excluded Marvin from every piece of biological evidence in the case. Experts identified clear red flags in his confession. And toxicology analysis made the prosecution’s timeline impossible. In 2024, nearly fifty years after his conviction, the courts ruled that Marvin Grimm Jr. was innocent. This episode examines how a confession, outdated forensic assumptions, and the absence of modern DNA testing combined to produce a devastating wrongful conviction, and how science ultimately helped set the record straight. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you'd like to support the show and get access to early, ad-free episodes, consider joining the show's Patreon page. You can support the show for as little as $3/month. For a complete list of sources used in this, visit our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#314 - For decades, Robert Eugene Brashers lived in near-total obscurity. While investigators across multiple states worked unsolved cases involving sexual assault and murder, his name never surfaced. Not because evidence was missing, but because the science needed to connect it all didn’t yet exist. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we trace the full scope of Brashers’ crimes: from a brutal attempted murder in Florida, to a series of sexual assaults and homicides stretching across the South and Midwest and finally, to the forensic breakthroughs that would link him to at least eight murders. Most people know Brashers’ name today because of one case: the 1991 Austin Yogurt Shop Murders. But that case is only part of a much larger story. Through advances in DNA analysis, ballistics, and investigative genetic genealogy, investigators were able to uncover a serial offender who had operated for years across state lines, evading detection and living an ordinary life in between acts of extreme violence. This episode focuses not just on one infamous crime, but on the many victims whose cases were finally connected and on how forensic science exposed a serial killer who had been hiding in plain sight. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you'd like to support the show & get access to exclusive content, early ad-free episodes, and merchandise, consider joining the show's Patreon. To learn more: https://www.patreon.com/c/forensictales You can support the show for as little as $3/month. You can also support the show by subscribing or telling friends and family about us. Don't forget to follow us on YouTube. Remember... not all stories have happy endings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#313 - This week, we’re revisiting one of the most downloaded episodes of 2025. The death of UK spy Gareth Williams in 2010 has become one of the most high-profile unsolved mysteries in years after his naked body was discovered padlocked inside a duffel bag. Described as a genius mathematician who the intelligence service had recruited, Gareth’s exact cause of death remains unknown, and people can’t agree whether he could have locked himself in there on his own or whether someone else was responsible.  There have been a number of theories over the years, including sex games gone wrong and Russian spies. But even today, there are still so many unanswered questions about his death. What happened to Gareth Williams, and how can forensic science help us find those answers? Support If you love the show, the easiest way to show your support is by leaving us a positive rating with a review. You can also tell your family and friends about Forensic Tales. Patreon - If you would like to get early AD-free access to new episodes, have access to exclusive bonus content, snag exclusive show merch or just want to support what I'm doing, please visit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Support the show for as low as $3/month. Credits: Written and produced by Courtney Fretwell Rockefeller Audio production For a complete list of sources used in this episode, please visit forensictales.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#312 - In 1991, John Kunco was convicted in Pennsylvania of raping and torturing a 55-year-old woman inside her apartment. There was no DNA evidence tying him to the crime. Instead, the case against him relied heavily on an alleged bite mark and a delayed voice identification. Kunco spent nearly 28 years in prison before advances in forensic science began to unravel the evidence used to convict him. DNA testing excluded him from key physical evidence, and the forensic dentists who testified at his trial later withdrew their conclusions, acknowledging that bite mark analysis is not a reliable forensic method. In 2018, Kunco’s conviction was vacated — but the case did not end there. Subsequent legal developments, including guilty pleas to reduced charges, complicated public understanding of whether Kunco was wrongfully convicted, raising difficult questions about how forensic failure, legal strategy, and justice intersect. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. To listen to new episode early & ad-free, please consider joining the show's Patreon at patreon.com/forensictales Support the show for as little as $3/month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#311 - In November 2008, 24-year-old Arpana Jinaga was found murdered in her Redmond, Washington apartment—just hours after attending a Halloween party with neighbors in her building. Arpana was a bright, accomplished software engineer with no known enemies, yet the crime scene was chaotic and filled with conflicting forensic clues. Despite multiple suspects, extensive DNA testing, and even a criminal trial, her killer has never been identified. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In March 2008, 21-year-old Juliana Redding was found murdered inside her Santa Monica apartment. Juliana had moved to Los Angeles to study communications and pursue modeling, building a life close to the beach and staying closely connected to her family in Arizona. When she stopped responding to calls and messages, police conducted a welfare check and discovered signs of a violent struggle — along with attempts to start a fire inside the home. Investigators collected a significant amount of forensic evidence, but the case would take an unexpected turn in court. This episode examines Juliana’s life, the investigation into her death, and the questions that remain today. Despite the volume of forensic evidence, no one has ever been convicted of her murder. A stark reminder that even strong forensics don’t always lead to a clear resolution. For a complete list of sources, visit ForensicTales.com. To support the show and access early, ad-free episodes, join us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Forensic Tales is written and produced by Courtney Fretwell. A Rockefeller Audio Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A respected veterinarian is found dead under mysterious circumstances in an upscale Rancho Santa Fe neighborhood. What first looked like a car accident quickly turned into a homicide investigation filled with unanswered questions — a wrecked vehicle, blunt-force trauma, and no clear explanation of how Dr. Robert Stonebreaker ended up in a nearby driveway. Nearly 15 years later, the case remains unsolved. In this episode, we break down the timeline, the forensic inconsistencies, and the theories that still surround his death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we revisit the shocking murder of 23-year-old law student Jane Mixer, long believed to be a victim of Michigan’s “Co-Ed Killer.” When modern DNA testing finally pointed to an unexpected suspect, Gary Leiterman, the case was reopened, re-examined, and fiercely debated. Was the forensic evidence clear-cut? Or did lab contamination muddy the truth? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When 41-year-old Peggy Carr suddenly fell gravely ill, doctors were stumped. Her symptoms made no sense—burning limbs, hair loss, and paralysis with no clear cause. But when her teenage son and stepson became sick too, investigators uncovered a chilling truth: the Carr family had been poisoned. The substance was thallium—a deadly, nearly undetectable metal once used in rat poison. The discovery launched a full-scale forensic investigation that led detectives to a single suspect: a brilliant but disturbed neighbor with a background in chemistry and a fascination with murder. This is the story of how science, persistence, and an undercover operation exposed one of Florida’s most shocking poison cases. For a complete list of sources used in this episode, visit ForensicTales.com. Support the show and get early, ad-free access to episodes by joining us on Patreon. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. Hosted and produced by Courtney Fretwell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1983, 19-year-old Barbara Grams was found murdered behind a dental office in Tampa, Florida. Detectives said a small mark on her cheek was a bite — and that 18-year-old Robert DuBoise’s teeth matched it. That single piece of forensic “evidence” sent him to death row. But nearly four decades later, new DNA testing proved what Robert had said all along — he was innocent. The mark wasn’t even a bite. This week on Forensic Tales, we uncover how junk science, unreliable witnesses, and a discredited forensic method stole 37 years of an innocent man’s life. Because in forensic science, the smallest mistake can destroy a life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was Valentine’s Day, 2007, when 39-year-old Jodine Serrin’s parents stopped by her Carlsbad, California condo to check on her. Moments after walking into her bedroom, they realized something was terribly wrong. Jodine had been brutally attacked—and the man they’d seen inside her home had vanished. For over a decade, her murder went unsolved. No witnesses. No leads. Just a single piece of DNA left behind. In this episode, we examine how cutting-edge forensic technology—and one company’s groundbreaking use of genetic genealogy—finally revealed the truth about who killed Jodine Serrin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#304 - In 1981, 31-year-old single mother Linda Slaten was found murdered in her Lakeland, Florida apartment. Her sons were asleep just down the hall. For decades, detectives chased every lead — a violent ex-husband, a mysterious boyfriend, even a convicted predator who once lived next door. But the trail always went cold. Nearly forty years later, a revolutionary forensic tool — genetic genealogy — finally revealed the truth. And the answer shocked everyone: the killer had been hiding in plain sight the entire time. This is the story of how one preserved palm print, a decades-old rape kit, and the persistence of science brought long-awaited justice to Linda Slaten’s family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In January 1984, 29-year-old Teresa Solecki walked to a payphone in Vista, California, to make a quick call to her sister. She never came back. Hours later, her body was discovered along a remote stretch of Gopher Canyon Road—brutally beaten and strangled. For decades, investigators held onto the evidence: a bite mark, a drag trail, and an unknown male’s DNA. But without modern technology, Teresa’s case went cold. It would take 35 years, new forensic science, and the power of investigative genetic genealogy to finally reveal the truth—and identify her killer. This is the story of the murder of Teresa Solecki—and how DNA preserved for decades helped bring justice to her family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In June 1991, 70-year-old grandmother Dorothy Donovan was found brutally murdered inside her farmhouse in Harrington, Delaware. The crime stunned the small town—and suspicion immediately turned to the person who discovered her body: her own son. Charles Holden told investigators a strange and terrifying story about a violent hitchhiker he’d picked up earlier that night, a man who threatened him with a screwdriver and chased him through the dark. But detectives weren’t convinced. To them, it sounded like a desperate attempt to cover up something far worse. For years, Dorothy’s family was torn apart by grief and suspicion. Was Charles telling the truth, or had he concocted an elaborate alibi to hide his guilt? This is the story of a brutal crime, a family divided, and the forensic evidence that finally uncovered the truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On New Year’s Eve 1989, Mansfield, Ohio was rocked by the disappearance of Noreen Boyle. Her husband, prominent neurosurgeon Dr. John Boyle, insisted she had walked out after an argument. But Noreen’s son, 11-year-old Collier, told a very different story—a scream in the night, suspicious behavior from his father, and threats to stay silent. When investigators dug deeper—literally—they uncovered the truth buried beneath the floor of Boyle’s new home in Pennsylvania. Forensic science, from dental records to a Rolex watch frozen in time, dismantled Boyle’s lies and secured his conviction. This case became one of the most publicized trials in Ohio history, second only to Sam Sheppard. It’s a story of hidden abuse, the power of forensic evidence, and the extraordinary courage of a child who refused to be silenced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For our 300th episode of Forensic Tales, we’re tackling one of the most infamous and puzzling unsolved cases in American history—the Zodiac Killer. Between 1968 and 1969, a mysterious figure terrorized Northern California with a string of murders, chilling phone calls, and cryptic letters sent to local newspapers. Despite decades of investigation, the Zodiac’s identity remains one of the greatest mysteries in true crime. In this milestone special, we’ll retrace the Zodiac’s crimes and focus on the forensic evidence: the ballistics that linked his attacks, the fingerprints and palm prints that led nowhere, the handwriting analysis that divided experts, and the DNA testing that continues to fall short. We’ll also look ahead at how advances in forensic science—like genetic genealogy—could one day solve this case. Thank you for joining me on this journey through 300 episodes. Here’s to the stories we’ve told, the voices we’ve remembered, and the breakthroughs still to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#299 - In June 1983, 37-year-old Noelle Russo was found beaten to death and left naked in a patch of weeds behind a real estate office in Rohnert Park, California. For decades, her case went cold—suspects were interviewed, rumors circulated, but without forensic evidence, detectives had nowhere to go. Nearly forty years later, modern DNA testing finally identified a suspect: a man who had been on investigators’ radar since the very beginning. His arrest has reignited questions about Noelle’s final night, unresolved leads, and what justice looks like after four decades of waiting. This is the story of the murder of Noelle Russo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2014, Florida State law professor Dan Markel was shot in his driveway in what prosecutors called a calculated murder-for-hire plot. Over the years, three people—including Donna Adelson’s son, Charlie—were convicted for their roles. But investigators always believed the real mastermind was Donna herself. In September 2025, after nearly a decade of speculation, Donna Adelson finally stood trial. Prosecutors leaned on phone records, wiretaps, financial transfers, digital breadcrumbs, and even testimony from jailhouse informants to argue she orchestrated the killing. The defense insisted the evidence was circumstantial and that Donna was nothing more than a grieving grandmother. On September 4, 2025, a jury found Donna Adelson guilty on all counts. She now faces a mandatory life sentence without parole. This special episode of Forensic Tales breaks down the forensic evidence, courtroom drama, and the final verdict that brought the Adelson matriarch to justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In February 1996, 36-year-old Jasmine “Jazzie” Porter was found dead in her Bronx apartment while her five-year-old son was left to survive alone for days. For more than two decades, her case went unsolved—until a cold case detective uncovered long-preserved evidence that changed everything. A DNA match pointed to a man with a violent past, already convicted of killing another woman years earlier. The case is still pending, with no clear motive identified, but after 25 years, Jasmine’s family may finally be closer to justice. Support If you love the show, the easiest way to show your support is by leaving us a positive rating with a review. You can also tell your family and friends about Forensic Tales. Patreon - If you would like to get early AD-free access to new episodes, have access to exclusive bonus content, snag exclusive show merch or just want to support what I'm doing, please visit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Support the show for as low as $3/month. Credits: Written and produced by Courtney Fretwell Rockefeller Audio production For a complete list of sources used in this episode, please visit forensictales.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In July 2002, the body of 15-year-old Katie Hamlin was discovered in a remote area of Cherokee County, Georgia. She had been brutally murdered, and her killer attempted to erase every trace of evidence by setting her on fire. What followed was a years-long investigation that left a quiet community shaken. Police quickly focused on two suspects who pointed fingers at each other, but with crucial forensic evidence destroyed, the case stalled. It wasn’t until a determined mother, new forensic findings, and unexpected jailhouse confessions that prosecutors finally had enough to bring Katie’s killer to justice. This is the story of Katie Hamlin, the search for truth, and the fight to bring her killer down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices