Ep 9. Personal Penmanship

In Forensic Files II season 2 episode 9 titled "Personal Penmanship," viewers follow the investigation of a gruesome murder case that took place in Wichita, Kansas in 1995. The victim, a 29-year-old single mother, was found fatally stabbed and strangled in her own home by her 7-year-old daughter. The little girl had been left alone with her mother's dead body for hours before finally calling the police.

Detectives initially had little to go on, as there were no witnesses and no apparent motive for the crime. However, they soon discovered that the victim's ex-boyfriend had been threatening her and had a history of domestic violence. Despite his repeated denials, suspicion quickly fell on him as the prime suspect.

The investigation soon focused heavily on a crucial piece of evidence - a note left at the scene of the crime, supposedly written by the killer. Though the note seemed to implicate the victim's ex-boyfriend, the police had to be sure that it wasn't a forgery or a red herring designed to throw them off the trail.

To investigate the authenticity of the note, forensic analysts thoroughly examined the penmanship on the note and compared it to known samples of the ex-boyfriend's handwriting. As they delved deeper into the matter, they found that the differences between the two samples indicated that the note was, in fact, authentic.

The handwriting analysis played a vital role in ultimately solving the case. The forensic evidence not only incriminated the ex-boyfriend as the murderer but also helped establish his motive and provided a compelling foundation for the prosecution's case against him.

The episode "Personal Penmanship" showcases the intricate work of forensic analysts and the crucial role they play in solving complex crimes. The investigation into this case highlights the impact that careful handwriting analysis can have on uncovering key evidence and ultimately bringing justice to the victim and her family.