Ep 3. Beauty Queen Killer / The Fingerprint

In season 4 episode 3 of Cold Case Files Classic, titled "Beauty Queen Killer / The Fingerprint," viewers are taken on a journey to explore two high-profile murder cases that took place decades ago and the efforts made by law enforcement to finally bring justice to the victims' families.

The first segment focuses on the notorious "Beauty Queen Killer" case, which involves the brutal murder of three young women in the Dallas area in the late 1970s. The killer, who was later identified as former Dallas firefighter Robert Ben Rhoades, would lure his victims into his truck before assaulting and murdering them. The case went cold for over a decade until a piece of crucial evidence was uncovered, leading to Rhoades' eventual arrest and conviction.

Through interviews with detectives who worked the case, as well as friends and family members of the victims, viewers get a firsthand look at how the investigation unfolded, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the emotional toll the murders had on the community.

The second segment, "The Fingerprint," delves into the murder of a prominent businessman in Pennsylvania in 1985. Despite several suspects being identified, the case went unsolved for over a decade until a new piece of technology – the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) – was employed. The system scanned thousands of fingerprints, ultimately leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

Viewers are taken on a step-by-step journey through the investigation, from the initial crime scene to the various leads law enforcement pursued. The episode also explores the role of forensic science in solving the case – particularly the importance of fingerprints and advances in technology that allowed for more accurate identification.

Throughout both segments, viewers are introduced to the individuals who tirelessly worked to solve these cold cases, either as part of law enforcement or as family members of the victims. In addition to providing insight into how these investigations played out, the episode emphasizes the importance of patience, perseverance, and the power of technology in cracking what initially seemed like unsolvable crimes.

Overall, "Beauty Queen Killer / The Fingerprint" sheds light on both the horrors of unsolved murders and the efforts made to bring peace to the families of victims. Through interviews, crime scene footage, and gripping storytelling, the episode provides an insightful and compelling account of two cold cases finally brought to justice.