Ep 14. Inside Pocket

Forensic Files II season 1 episode 14, titled "Inside Pocket," focuses on a murder investigation that took place in 1992. The victim, a 19-year-old college student named Tammy Lynn Zywicki, was driving from her home in New Jersey to her college in Iowa when her car broke down on the side of the highway in Illinois. She was last seen speaking with a truck driver who had pulled over to help her.

Tammy's body was discovered several days later in Missouri, thousands of miles away from where she had disappeared. She had been bound, gagged, and stabbed to death. The case quickly became a high-profile case, and the FBI, along with local authorities, launched a massive manhunt for the killer.

The investigation uncovered several important clues, including the fact that Tammy's car had been seen being driven erratically by a light-colored pickup truck shortly after she disappeared. The truck was later identified as a Ford F-150, and authorities were able to match a small piece of debris found near Tammy's body to the truck.

The investigation also revealed that a man named Tony Ray Smith had been driving a pickup truck that matched the description of the one seen near Tammy's car on the day she disappeared. Smith, who had a criminal record that included charges of kidnapping and sexual assault, was questioned by law enforcement officials but denied any involvement in the crime.

Despite the overwhelming evidence against Smith, however, authorities were unable to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This changed several years later, when new DNA technology emerged that allowed investigators to match a strand of hair found in Smith's truck to Tammy's DNA.

Smith was eventually arrested and tried for Tammy's murder. He was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The episode explores the groundbreaking forensic techniques that were used to solve the case and bring Tammy's killer to justice. It features interviews with law enforcement officials, forensic scientists, and members of Tammy's family, as well as footage from the investigation and trial.

Overall, "Inside Pocket" is a gripping account of a murder case that left a lasting impact on those involved. It demonstrates the importance of forensic evidence in criminal investigations and highlights the tireless efforts of law enforcement officials to bring justice to victims and their families.