Ep 7. The Reunion

Forensic Files II season 2 episode 7, titled "The Reunion," is an intriguing episode that explores the lengths people will go to ensure justice is served. The episode revolves around the unsolved murder case of a high school student, Tricia Pacaccio, who was stabbed to death on her doorstep in 1983.

The case went cold for nearly two decades until a DNA match was found in 2002, connecting the evidence found at the crime scene to a former classmate of Tricia's named Michael Gargiulo, who was living in California at the time. The trial was scheduled to begin in 2010, but it was postponed because of a lengthy legal process.

The episode features interviews with Tricia's family and friends as they recount their memories of her and the impact her death had on their lives. It also offers insights from the prosecution, defense, and experts who provided forensic evidence during the trial.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken through the intricate web of evidence that was collected by the investigators. It includes still images taken by the perpetrator of Tricia and other women that he allegedly stalked, a fiber from his shirt that was found at the crime scene, and the movements that placed him at the scene of the crime on the night of the murder.

"The Reunion" brings to light the fact that killers can be hiding in plain sight. Gargiulo was a seemingly normal guy, known as the friendly "Hollywood Ripper" by many of his acquaintances. He continued to harm other women even after Tricia's murder, but was not brought to justice until years later.

The meticulous investigations and forensic evidence collection by the police are highlighted in this episode. It is clear that without their tireless work, Gargiulo may still be free. "The Reunion" is a sobering reminder of the need for increased safety measures and awareness of the signs of potential danger.

Overall, Forensic Files II season 2 episode 7 is a riveting installment that provides viewers with a unique glimpse into the world of forensic science and the painstaking process of seeking justice for victims and their families. The show underscores the significance of forensic science in our justice system and how it can be used to help solve even the most complicated of crimes.