Ep 5. Forsaken: The Murder of Yvette Budram

In the fifth episode of the fifth season of Forensic Factor, titled "Forsaken: The Murder of Yvette Budram," viewers are taken back to 2011 when a young, vibrant woman named Yvette Budram went missing. Yvette, a mother of two, was last seen leaving her job as a waitress at a local restaurant in Brampton, Ontario. Her family and friends became worried when she failed to show up for her daughter's graduation ceremony and subsequently became unreachable.

Despite an initial search by authorities and her family, Yvette's whereabouts remained unknown for several months. This was until a hiker discovered her remains in a shallow grave near a cottage in Caledon, Ontario. From there, the investigation into Yvette's disappearance and death began in earnest.

As with many investigations into murder, the police began their work by interviewing those in Yvette's life who knew her best. Forensic Factor delves into these interviews and portrays the case through the often conflicting recollections of Yvette's acquaintances. Although many of them were forthcoming with information, none could provide definitive answers or lead the authorities to a suspect.

It was not until forensic evidence was uncovered that the case began to come together. Forensic Factor highlights in detail the scientific techniques used to process the physical crime scene, including soil and plant analysis, insect growth patterns, and the use of specialized dogs.

The work of these forensic scientists became a turning point in the case, as they were able to deduce with a high degree of accuracy where Yvette's body had been for the period it had been missing. Moreover, they discovered that Yvette's body had been moved, causing the investigation to shift focus from her immediate circle to an external party responsible for moving the body.

The episode covers the further discoveries made by another forensic team, this time examining the details of a car found to be abandoned within close proximity to where Yvette's remains had been discovered. Forensic Factor highlights the significance of the car's make and model and how this information led authorities to a suspect in Yvette's murder.

The episode describes the subsequent trial of the accused killer and how prosecutors used forensic evidence to build their case. Viewers see the extensive use of DNA analysis and computer simulations to obtain a full understanding of the events leading up to Yvette's death. The jury ultimately made their verdict, guilty in the first-degree murder of Yvette Budram.

Even though justice was achieved in Yvette's case, the episode emphasizes how much was lost with her untimely death. It is the families and friends whose stories will never be the same, with the emotional and financial costs of justice continuing from this point on.

Through a series of interviews with Yvette's family and friends and highlights of the technical forensic techniques used during the investigation, Forensic Factor's "Forsaken: The Murder of Yvette Budram" provides a poignant account of what a police investigation can accomplish in the face of brutal tragedy.