Ep 67. Photo Finish

In "Forensic Files" season 1 episode 67 entitled "Photo Finish," the case centers around the brutal murder of 58-year-old Carol Hutto. Hutto was a well-known artist in her small town in Georgia and had been working on a portrait for a local socialite, Martha Jo Katz.

Hutto was found dead in her studio by her husband, Thomas Hutto, who called 911 immediately. The police arrived on the scene to find Hutto's body lying on the ground with a cord around her neck. The police originally suspected that Hutto had been the victim of a robbery gone wrong. However, upon further investigation, they found that there were no signs of forced entry and nothing was missing from the studio.

The investigation led to several suspects, including Hutto's husband, who had a history of violence towards her. Katz was also a suspect, as Hutto was known to be a perfectionist when it came to her artwork and may have been critical of Katz's portrait.

Forensic evidence played a crucial role in solving the case. The police found a photograph in Hutto's studio, depicting a bloody footprint. They were able to match the footprint to a shoe belonging to one of Hutto's former students, who had a criminal record and motive for the murder.

DNA evidence was also key in solving the case. The police found genetic material on the cord used to strangle Hutto, which they were able to match to the suspect through DNA testing.

The prosecution built a strong case against the suspect, who was proven to have been in the vicinity of the scene of the crime at the time of Hutto's murder. The suspect was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

"Photo Finish" showcases the crucial role of forensic science in solving crimes. The use of forensic evidence, including DNA testing, played a decisive role in bringing the perpetrator to justice. The episode also highlights the importance of conducting a thorough investigation, even when the crime scene appears to be straightforward. The case demonstrates that the most important pieces of evidence are often hidden in plain sight and require attention to detail to uncover.

Overall, "Photo Finish" is a gripping and informative episode that showcases the fascinating world of forensic science in action. It is a must-watch for fans of true crime and those interested in the inner workings of solving complex criminal cases.