Ep 1. The Voice in the Lake

While countless crimes have gone unsolved throughout history, few things are more frustrating than a murder case that remains unsolved for decades. Such is the subject of "Cold Case Files," a gripping true crime series that delves into some of the country's most concerning investigations.

The tenth season of "Cold Case Files" kicks off with a truly baffling case in "The Voice in the Lake." The episode opens in 1995 on a warm summer day when a group of teenagers discovered a body in a lake in Washington state. The young woman was naked, and her hands had been tied behind her back. Autopsy reports later revealed that she had been strangled, but the victim, who was estimated to be in her mid-twenties, was never identified.

Nearly a decade later, detectives with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office reexamined the case. This renewed attention on the investigation eventually led to an arrest, though it was a DNA match that would ultimately crack the case wide open.

The hour-long episode of "The Voice in the Lake" documents the twists and turns that investigators took over the years in trying to identify the victim and bring her murderer to justice. It's a story of unwavering perseverance – a team committed to solving the crime no matter how long it took.

Among the many individuals who played a role in the investigation is Det. Sgt. Kevin Bowhay. He's been working in law enforcement for more than thirty years, and he's spent a significant portion of his career trying to bring justice for the victim and her family. As the episode shows, he continues to work the case even when he moves to another department.

The case also highlights how advancements in technology over the years have made it possible to track down DNA evidence that could not have been analyzed at the time of the crime. The effort to exhume the victim's remains for testing is one of the many examples of the painstaking work that investigators put in to bring the killer to justice.

It's easy to imagine the sorrow and frustration felt by the victim's loved ones as the case remained open for so many years, but "Cold Case Files" shows how the defeat of the killer can bring a sense of closure and justice for all those affected by such a heinous crime.

As ever with true crime, "The Voice in the Lake" deals with topics that some viewers might find distressing. The show provides detailed accounts of the murder, including the manner of death and the condition of the victim's remains, so it may not be suitable for all audiences.

Overall, "Cold Case Files" season 10's premiere episode is a must-see for any true crime enthusiasts. It's an engrossing, fascinating, and ultimately hopeful story of the dedication and persistence of law enforcement as they pursue a killer who had thought himself free for far too long. If you're a fan of the show or just true crime in general, "The Voice in the Lake" is an episode you won't want to miss.