Ep 4. Words Matter

Words Matter, the fourth installment of the third season of Forensic Files II, delves into the case of a missing woman whose suspicious husband becomes the prime suspect. The episode takes place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1999 and explores the importance of language in forensic investigations.

The episode begins with the disappearance of Juanita Fisher, a 49-year-old woman who worked at a local hospital. Juanita's husband, John Fisher, reported her missing on May 24th, 1999 after she failed to return home from work. John claimed that he had spoken to his wife on the phone earlier that day, but she never arrived home. The police were called to investigate and began questioning John about Juanita's whereabouts.

Detectives noticed inconsistencies in John's story, and his behavior raised red flags. He appeared calm and collected, which they found strange for a man who just reported his wife missing. John's responses to questioning were evasive and rehearsed, and his story of what happened the day Juanita disappeared changed several times. Detectives also became suspicious of the couple's marriage, discovering that it was fraught with problems.

After further investigation, detectives noticed something odd about the words John used when talking about his wife. He referred to Juanita in the past tense and spoke about her as if she were already dead. During one interview, John even said, "I miss her, you know, she was a good person." Detectives knew that this could be an indication that John might have had something to do with Juanita's disappearance.

The investigation continued, and forensic scientists were called in to search John and Juanita's home for evidence. They discovered that the carpet in the living room had recently been cleaned and that there were red stains in the garage. DNA analysis revealed that the stains were consistent with blood, and further testing confirmed that the blood was Juanita's. John was arrested and charged with her murder.

The trial was full of twists and turns, with the defense arguing that there was no physical evidence linking John to the crime. However, the prosecution relied on the language John used when speaking about Juanita as evidence of his guilt. They pointed out that John's words suggested that he knew Juanita was dead and that he was responsible for her death. The jury agreed, and John Fisher was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Words Matter is a prime example of how language can be an important piece of evidence in forensic investigations. The words we use and the way we say them can provide insight into our thoughts and feelings and even reveal our guilt or innocence. This episode shows that detectives and forensic scientists are paying closer attention to language when investigating crimes, and it highlights the importance of using language in a precise and accurate manner in legal proceedings.

Overall, Words Matter is a gripping episode of Forensic Files II that explores the use of language in forensic investigations. It's a reminder that sometimes the smallest details can make a big difference in solving crimes and that careful analysis of language can be a valuable tool for investigators.