Ep 13. Bike Path Rapist

Forensic Factor season 5 episode 13 "Bike Path Rapist" delves into the case of a serial rapist who terrorized women in the Niagara Falls area in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The episode begins by describing the rapist's methods, which involved attacking women who were walking or jogging on bike paths, dragging them into the woods, and sexually assaulting them.

The investigation into the Bike Path Rapist began in 1989 after a woman was attacked and raped on a bike path near the Niagara River. The victim provided a detailed description of her attacker to the police, but despite their efforts, the rapist continued his spree, attacking three more women over the next two years.

However, in 1991, the police caught a break in the case when they were able to link DNA evidence from one of the crime scenes to a suspect named Altemio Sanchez. Sanchez was a married father of two who worked as a plant operator for the local water authority.

The episode explores the forensic evidence that was crucial in linking Sanchez to the bike path rapes. Forensic scientists were able to extract DNA from semen samples found at the crime scenes, even though they had been exposed to the elements for months. The DNA was analyzed using a cutting-edge technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which allowed tiny amounts of DNA to be amplified and compared to known DNA samples.

The forensic evidence was further bolstered by a series of tire tracks found at one of the crime scenes that matched the make and model of Sanchez's car. Additionally, a particle of paint found on one of the victim's clothing was also traced back to Sanchez's car.

Despite the compelling forensic evidence, the case against Sanchez was complicated by a lack of eyewitnesses and the fact that he did not match the initial description provided by the first victim. However, the police were able to build a circumstantial case against Sanchez, including evidence that he had frequently visited the crime scenes and that he had purchased a new car shortly after the last attack.

In 2007, Sanchez was finally brought to trial and convicted of three counts of murder and several counts of rape and sodomy. He was sentenced to 75 years to life in prison.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the impact of the Bike Path Rapist's crimes on the victims and their families. Survivors of the attacks were interviewed and spoke about how the trauma had affected them and their loved ones. One survivor described how she had experienced panic attacks and flashbacks for years after the attack, while another spoke about the sense of relief she felt after Sanchez was finally caught and brought to justice.

Overall, Forensic Factor season 5 episode 13 "Bike Path Rapist" is a gripping and emotionally charged exploration of a terrifying case of serial rape and the forensic techniques that ultimately led to its resolution.