Ep 9. Obsession: Dave Reichert and the Green River Killer

Obsession: Dave Reichert and the Green River Killer is a riveting episode of Cold Case Files Classic season 5, that attempts to unravel one of the most baffling homicide cases in modern history. The episode explores the life and times of Sheriff Dave Reichert, who doggedly pursued the Green River Killer, causing a sensation in the media and captivating the public's imagination for more than two decades.

The episode kicks off with the haunting voice of a woman's cry for help, followed by a dramatic reenactment of the discovery of the first few bodies of the Green River Killer's victims. Narrator Bill Kurtis provides a grim commentary on how more than 40 women were brutally murdered and dumped in the Green River, sending shockwaves across the Seattle and Tacoma communities in the early 1980s.

The episode then goes on to introduce Sheriff Dave Reichert, a former rodeo cowboy turned law enforcement officer who was tasked with the seemingly impossible task of catching the Green River Killer. Through a combination of gritty determination, shrewd police work, and sheer audacity, Reichert emerged as the lead investigator and spokesperson for the high profile case.

Obsession: Dave Reichert and the Green River Killer tells the story from Reichert's perspective, delving into his psyche and the emotional toll that the case took on him and his family. The episode features candid interviews with Reichert, who talks about how the Green River Killer kept him awake at night, consumed his thoughts, and drove him to the brink of desperation.

The episode also showcases some of the key moments in the investigation, such as the discovery of the Green River Killer's distinctive tire tracks, the discovery of a sex worker's purse that contained crucial evidence, and the use of revolutionary forensic techniques that ultimately led to the killer's capture.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the killer's twisted psyche, as well as the harrowing experiences of some of the surviving victims and their families. The episode also features interviews with some of the detectives and witnesses who played a key role in the investigation, providing unique insights into the intense and frenzied atmosphere surrounding the case.

Obsession: Dave Reichert and the Green River Killer is a compelling and poignant episode of Cold Case Files Classic season 5, that provides a comprehensive overview of one of the most captivating and complicated criminal cases in American history. With its honest portrayal of the human toll that crime and justice can take, the episode offers a powerful message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.