Ep 8. The Orange Shorts

Forensic Files II season 2 episode 8, "The Orange Shorts," takes an in-depth look at a case involving the murder of a young woman named Angie Dodge. In 1996, Angie was found dead in her Idaho Falls apartment, and the case went cold for over two decades.

The investigation into Angie's murder was re-opened in 2014, thanks to new DNA evidence. The case was assigned to detective Lance Houck, who worked tirelessly to track down the killer. The main suspect in Angie's murder was a man named Chris Tapp, who was 20 years old at the time of the crime. Tapp had been convicted of the murder in 1998 and sentenced to life in prison, but new DNA evidence proved his innocence.

The episode explores the details of the investigation, from the initial crime scene to the eventual exoneration of Tapp. We learn that Angie had been brutally raped and stabbed multiple times, and that her killer had left behind a unique DNA profile. DNA evidence eventually led investigators to a man named Brian Dripps, who had previously been a suspect in the case but had been cleared due to lack of evidence.

The episode shows how the detectives built their case against Dripps, using a combination of DNA evidence and old-fashioned police work. We see how they tracked down Dripps' whereabouts on the night of the murder, and how they obtained a DNA sample from him. The results of the DNA test proved conclusively that Dripps was the killer, and he was subsequently arrested and charged with Angie's murder.

Throughout the episode, we hear from the victim's mother, Carol Dodge, who has been fighting for justice for her daughter for over two decades. We also hear from Tapp, who spent 20 years in prison before being exonerated. Tapp describes the toll that his wrongful conviction took on him and his family, and how he struggled to adjust to life on the outside.

Overall, "The Orange Shorts" is a compelling and emotional episode that highlights the importance of DNA evidence in solving crimes. The episode also raises important questions about how wrongful convictions happen, and how the justice system can better protect innocent defendants. It is a must-watch for fans of true crime and anyone interested in the criminal justice system.