Ep 6. Knots

Forensic Files II is a documentary series that focuses on different criminal cases solved through forensic science. In season 2 episode 6, titled "Knots," the show tells the story of a case in which a young woman's body was found in a remote area of Missouri, USA.

The episode starts by showing images of the crime scene and setting the background for the case. The victim, a 19-year-old college student named Rachel Newhouse, went missing in September 2000. Her car was found abandoned close to a state park, and an extensive search was conducted in the area. It was not until a hunter stumbled upon her body several months later that investigators had any leads to go on.

Investigators found several clues that suggested Rachel had been strangled to death. However, they had no suspects or leads in the case. That all changed when a man named Ryan Ferguson came forward with some information he claimed he had heard from someone else.

Ryan told detectives that a high school friend of his, Charles Erickson, had made some incriminating statements in conversations with him. Charles was apparently really drunk the night of the murder and claimed to have killed someone with a spool of wire.

Detectives were skeptical of this information, especially since Ryan had waited several years before coming forward. However, they decided to interview Charles and brought him in for questioning.

As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that both Ryan and Charles had some involvement in the crime. However, the extent of their involvement was unclear. Charles had confessed to the murder early on but then recanted his confession, claiming that he had been coerced by investigators.

Forensic evidence became crucial in determining what had happened to Rachel. The episode shows how forensic scientists examined several pieces of evidence, including the spool of wire that Charles had mentioned, to determine whether it could have been used to strangle Rachel. They also looked at several other pieces of physical evidence found at the crime scene, such as Rachel's clothes and her shoes.

The episode discusses how forensic scientists rely on the smallest details to build a case. For example, they examined the knot found on the wire in detail and compared it to other knots that were found in Charles's room. They also looked at fibers found on Rachel's body and compared them with fibers found in Charles's car.

The use of forensic science ultimately led to a guilty verdict for both Ryan and Charles. The episode shows how the evidence was used in court, and how the defense tried to discredit some of the forensic evidence. The trial took several years to complete, but eventually, both men were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

In conclusion, "Knots" is a gripping episode that showcases how forensic science can be used to solve even the most complex of cases. The episode highlights how forensic scientists rely on the smallest details to piece together what happened at a crime scene. It also shows how innocent people can be wrongly accused without the use of forensic science to support or discredit a case's evidence. Overall, it's another excellent installment of Forensic Files II that is sure to captivate fans of true crime and forensic science alike.