Ep 1. The Obsession

Forensic Files II season 2 episode 1, titled "The Obsession," delves into the intense and tragic case of a young woman who goes missing in Des Moines, Iowa. 25-year-old Jennifer Lewis was an ambitious and hardworking employee of the Iowa Association of Realtors. However, after failing to show up for work one day, her colleagues grew concerned and notified the police.

The authorities eventually discovered Jennifer's abandoned car, which contained no signs of struggle or foul play. As a result, the initial investigation assumed that Jennifer was a runaway. Nevertheless, Jennifer's family knew otherwise. They were positive that something had happened to her and they were determined to find out what.

The case quickly became an obsession for Jennifer's father, Private Investigator Dave Lewis. Dave spent countless hours following leads, interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence. He tracked down the man who sold Jennifer's car and found that the individual had purchased it from a woman who found the vehicle in a remote area outside of town.

Further investigation led Dave to a house in a nearby town where he discovered that Jennifer's car had been sighted multiple times. With permission from the homeowner, Dave searched the residence and found a strand of hair that was later confirmed to be Jennifer's.

The discovery of the hair led the investigation to the home's owner, Michael Ryan, who turned out to be a serial killer. Ryan had an extensive criminal record and had been previously convicted of beating and sexually assaulting multiple women.

The investigation deepened as the authorities discovered more evidence of Ryan's involvement in Jennifer's disappearance. Forensic evidence showed that Ryan had taken Jennifer to his home, where he assaulted and murdered her. The investigators also discovered bloodstains that matched Jennifer's DNA.

The case ultimately went to trial, where Ryan was found guilty of Jennifer's murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"The Obsession" is a gripping episode that highlights the dedication of a family and the tireless efforts of a private investigator to bring justice to their loved one. The episode also showcases the remarkable work of forensic scientists and law enforcement officials in their efforts to solve complex and tragic cases like Jennifer's.

The episode also serves as a reminder of the dangers that women face every day and the importance of remaining vigilant and aware of your surroundings. It emphasizes the role that forensic science plays in solving crimes and bringing justice to victims and their families. Overall, "The Obsession" is an intense and emotional episode that underscores the importance of never giving up on a case and the power of determination in the face of unimaginable tragedy.