Ep 9. Episode 9
- August 2, 2009
- 51 min
In the season 3 episode 9 of Crime Investigation Australia, we are taken through a case that shook the nation. In this episode, we delve deep into the investigation of the 1995 murder of Teresa Cormack, a 6-year-old girl who was abducted and killed in New Zealand.
The episode starts with a brief background of the location and the victim. Teresa Cormack was a young and innocent girl who was raped and murdered in the small beachside community of Napier, New Zealand. Her case sparked one of New Zealand's largest police investigations, and for over a decade, Teresa's killer remained unknown.
The police initially had no suspects or leads, and it was only after using newly developed forensic techniques that they were able to identify a DNA sample taken from Teresa's body. However, even with this breakthrough, it took another ten years of hard work by detectives to finally pinpoint the killer.
The investigation into Teresa's murder was complex, with numerous dead ends, mistaken identities, and other false leads. The episode takes us through the twists and turns of the investigation, highlighting the dedication and persistence of the detectives, as well as their frustration at the lack of progress.
We see how the police were able to develop a forensic profile of the killer, allowing them to narrow down the suspects. This ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of a suspect, who had previously been convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl. The DNA evidence conclusively linked him to Teresa's murder, and he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
Throughout the episode, we hear from key individuals involved in the case, including family members of the victim, law enforcement officers, and forensic experts. They provide their own perspectives on the case and offer insight into the investigation process.
The episode also touches on the wider impact that Teresa's death had on the community, with many people struggling to come to terms with the heinous crime that had been committed against an innocent child. The episode does a good job of balancing the horrific details of the crime with a sense of justice being served.
Overall, this episode of Crime Investigation Australia is a poignant reminder of the importance of justice and the tireless efforts of law enforcement officials in bringing criminals to justice. It also highlights the role of advancements in forensic science in solving complex and long-standing investigations.