Ep 5. Siberia's Coldest Case

Expedition Unknown is a documentary series that follows intrepid explorer Josh Gates as he travels the world in search of answers to some of history's greatest mysteries. In season 7 episode 5, titled "Siberia's Coldest Case," Josh heads to the remote region of Siberia in search of clues to a chilling unsolved crime.

The episode opens with Josh arriving in the Siberian city of Yakutsk, one of the coldest inhabited places on earth. He meets up with local officials who tell him about a gruesome discovery that was made in the nearby wilderness. In the early 2000s, a group of hikers stumbled upon a partially buried body that had been preserved in the permafrost for over 70 years. It was soon determined that the body belonged to a woman who had been brutally murdered, but despite extensive investigations, no one had ever been held responsible for the crime.

Josh meets with a team of forensic archaeologists who are hoping to piece together new evidence that could help solve the case. They take him to the remote location where the body was found and begin to excavate the area. The conditions are brutal, with temperatures plummeting to well below freezing and winds whipping up snowstorms. Josh is bundled up in heavy Arctic gear, but still struggles to remain warm.

As the team digs deeper, they uncover a number of items that were likely left behind by the murderer. They find pieces of clothing, a knife, and even a set of false teeth that could belong to the killer. All of the evidence is carefully cataloged and sent off for analysis.

Meanwhile, Josh speaks with local experts who shed light on the historical context surrounding the crime. The woman who was killed was a member of the Russian Orthodox Church, and her murder may have been politically motivated. At the time, the Soviet Union was carrying out a campaign of repression against religious groups, and the woman's death may have been intended to send a message of intimidation.

Josh also delves into the fascinating mythology and folklore of Siberia, which is home to some of the most unique and haunting stories in the world. He meets with a shaman who performs a traditional ritual in an attempt to summon the spirits of the deceased and learn more about what happened to the murdered woman.

As the episode progresses, the team uncovers even more evidence that could help identify the killer. They use state-of-the-art technology, such as ground-penetrating radar and DNA analysis, to piece together the events surrounding the murder. But with so much time having passed and so many mysteries still remaining, it's clear that this case will not be easily solved.

For fans of true crime documentaries, Expedition Unknown season 7 episode 5 is a must-watch. With stunning Arctic landscapes, fascinating cultural insights, and a gripping mystery at its core, this episode is a testament to the power of investigative journalism and the human desire for justice. So bundle up and prepare to be transported to the furthest reaches of the earth in search of answers to Siberia's Coldest Case.