Ep 11. Beauty Queen Killer/The Fingerprint

In season 4 episode 11 of Cold Case Files Classic, viewers are introduced to two gripping true crime cases that captivated the nation.

The first case, known as the Beauty Queen Killer, tells the story of Christopher Wilder, a handsome and charming man who used his looks to lure unsuspecting women to their deaths. Over the course of just six weeks in 1984, Wilder murdered at least eight young women from across the United States. He would often pose as a talent scout or photographer, promising young beauties a shot at fame and fortune. Once alone with his victims, however, he would violently assault and murder them before disposing of their bodies in remote locations.

Despite the public alarm caused by Wilder's killing spree, he managed to evade capture for weeks due to his transient lifestyle and careful planning. Each of his victims was chosen carefully and methodically, making it difficult for police to pinpoint his exact location or next move. The case was eventually cracked due to a series of eyewitness accounts and tire tracks found at one of the murder scenes, leading to Wilder's eventual capture. The episode delves into the psychology of the killer and the tireless work of detectives to bring him to justice.

The second case, known as The Fingerprint, takes a look at the groundbreaking technology that revolutionized the field of criminal forensics. In 1905, a burglar made off with a small amount of change and some cash from a woman's home in England. Although police had plenty of suspects, they lacked the technology to pinpoint the culprit. That is, until Dr. Henry Faulds, a Scottish physician, suggested using fingerprint analysis to solve the case.

Faulds had been studying fingerprints for several years and believed that they could be used to solve crimes. He asked the inspector in charge of the burglary case to send him the fingerprinted items from the crime scene. When Faulds examined the fingerprints, he was shocked to find that they belonged to a man who had been arrested for a similar crime in another part of the country. The man, Harry Jackson, was eventually linked to the burglary and convicted.

This groundbreaking case proved that fingerprint analysis was a viable tool for solving crimes, and it ultimately led to the creation of systematic fingerprint databases and the widespread use of fingerprinting in modern law enforcement. The episode not only explores this fascinating and groundbreaking case but also highlights the importance of innovation and persistence in solving difficult cases.

Overall, season 4 episode 11 of Cold Case Files Classic is a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of criminal forensics. With two gripping cases that showcase the best of detective work and scientific innovation, viewers are sure to be on the edge of their seats from start to finish.