Ep 6. The Smiley Face Killer

In season 5 episode 6 of Forensic Factor, entitled "The Smiley Face Killer," viewers are taken on a gripping journey through a perplexing case of a string of accidental drownings that turn out to be anything but. The case centers around a series of young men who are all found dead in waterways across the Midwest and East Coast of the United States.

Initially, authorities believed that the young men had simply been victims of accidents, potentially as a result of drunkenness or drug use. However, as more and more cases began to pile up, investigators began to realize that there was something else at play. All of the deceased were found in close proximity to a graffiti drawing of a smiley face, leading authorities to believe that there was a serial killer at work.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a deep dive into the forensic evidence and investigative techniques used to try to solve the case. From studying the water currents and weather patterns to thoroughly examining the bodies of the deceased, investigators pulled out all the stops in trying to find any clues that would lead them to the killer.

One particularly intriguing aspect of the investigation was the use of dogs to try to sniff out any traces of the killer. Because the bodies were all discovered in water, traditional scent techniques were not effective in finding a trail. However, with careful training and an innovative new approach, investigators were able to use dogs to detect the scent of a person who had been near the water's edge.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a deep look into the toll that the case took on both the investigators and the families of the victims. As more and more bodies were discovered, tensions began to rise, and the pressure to solve the case became even more intense. It was a situation that weighed heavily on everyone involved, and the episode does an excellent job of conveying the emotional complexity of the investigation.

In the end, viewers are left with a deep sense of understanding of just how difficult it can be to bring a serial killer to justice. Despite the use of every forensic technique available, the Smile Face Killer was never caught. The case remains one of the most intriguing and troubling unsolved mysteries in recent history, and the episode is an excellent exploration of the fascinating forensic evidence and investigative techniques that were used in attempting to solve it.