Ep 7. A Leg to Stand On

In the seventh episode of Forensic Files' first season, titled "A Leg to Stand On," the show delves into the case of a woman who was viciously attacked in her own home. The victim, a middle-aged woman named Cheryl Reifschneider, was beaten and left for dead in her bedroom by an unknown assailant. She was rushed to the hospital where it was discovered that both of her legs were broken, leaving her unable to walk.

The investigation begins with little evidence to go on besides the victim's account of the attack and the fact that a window screen was removed to gain access to the home. However, the forensic team starts to piece together the puzzle by examining a few key pieces of evidence. For one, they found blood evidence on Cheryl's clothing that didn't match her own blood type. They also discovered a piece of the attacker's shoe embedded in the carpet, which provided crucial information about the type of shoe worn by the assailant.

With these clues in hand, the investigators begin to retrace the steps of the attacker, scouring the neighborhood for anyone who had recently purchased shoes matching the evidence. In a stroke of luck, one of the officers on the case notices a man walking down the street who appears to be wearing the same shoes as the attacker. The man is brought in for questioning and eventually confesses to the crime.

The show delves into the fascinating forensics used to put the pieces of this case together, including DNA testing that helped link the suspect to the scene of the crime. Viewers will learn about the technology and expertise used by forensic investigators to identify important evidence and connect the dots in seemingly impossible cases.

The episode demonstrates just how important forensic evidence can be in bringing perpetrators to justice. Without solid evidence, cases like this often go unsolved, leaving victims and their families in a state of perpetual insecurity. Forensic Files shines a light on the crucial work done by those in the field of forensics, and encourages viewers to remember the importance of evidence-based investigation and justice.