Ep 21. The Monster/A Cousin's Promise

In Cold Case Files Classic season 4 episode 21, titled "The Monster/A Cousin's Promise," two separate cases are highlighted. The first case revolves around the murder of a 19-year-old girl named Jody Loomis in 1972. Despite a significant amount of evidence being collected at the time of the crime, the case went cold for over 30 years. It wasn't until DNA technology advanced that the killer was identified and brought to justice.

The second case is that of 15-year-old Dawn Donaldson, who was sexually assaulted and murdered in 1991. Her cousin, a police officer at the time, promised her parents that he would do everything in his power to solve the case. He remained dedicated to the case (even long after retiring from the force) and eventually helped to bring Dawn's killer to justice.

Throughout this episode, viewers are taken on a journey through both cases, as they discover the intricate details that helped to solve these long-dormant cases. Interviews with family members, law enforcement officials, and forensic experts add depth to this already complex episode.

In regards to the Jody Loomis case, viewers will learn how DNA technology was used to identify Jody's killer (who was already serving time for other crimes at the time). Footprints and tire tracks found at the crime scene were crucial in linking the killer to the crime. Additionally, viewers learn how the killer was revealed to have murdered another woman prior to Jody.

Regarding the Dawn Donaldson case, viewers will discover that her cousin, a police officer, was relentless in his pursuit of justice. When the case initially became cold, he took it upon himself to keep investigating in his free time, eventually resulting in the arrest and conviction of the killer. He shares how emotional it was when he was finally able to tell Dawn's parents that her killer had been caught.

Overall, this episode highlights the importance of DNA technology and the dedication of law enforcement officials who refuse to give up on a case. By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a sense of hope that even the most cold and seemingly unsolvable cases can be solved with determination, patience, and scientific advancements.