Ep 20. Marked for Life

In Forensic Files season 10 episode 20, titled Marked for Life, viewers are taken on a journey through the investigation of a brutal assault that left a young woman permanently disfigured. The episode begins by introducing Mary Anderson, a beautiful and popular college student who was just twenty years old when her life was forever changed.

On the night of June 2nd, 1990, Mary was leaving a party with her boyfriend when they were attacked by a masked assailant. The attacker, armed with a box cutter, sliced Mary's face from the corner of her mouth to her right ear, leaving her with a grotesque and permanent scar. Her boyfriend was also injured, but not as severely as Mary.

The investigation into the attack was initially difficult, as there were no witnesses and the attacker left little physical evidence behind. However, detectives were eventually able to track down a suspect, a man named John Horvat, who lived in the area around the time of the attack.

Horvat had a criminal record, with previous convictions for violent crimes. When police searched his apartment, they found a box cutter that matched the one used in the attack. In addition, they found evidence that Horvat had been in the area on the night of the assault.

However, the case against Horvat was not airtight. He had an alibi for the night of the attack, and there was no DNA evidence linking him to the crime. In order to strengthen their case, prosecutors turned to forensic evidence.

The episode goes on to describe the various pieces of forensic evidence that were used to link Horvat to the crime. For example, forensic analysts were able to match fibers found on Mary's clothing and the box cutter handle to fibers found in Horvat's apartment. In addition, blood spatter analysis showed that Horvat's shirt had come into contact with Mary's blood.

Perhaps the most important piece of forensic evidence, however, was the bite mark found on Mary's cheek. Forensic dentists were able to compare the bite mark to dental impressions taken from Horvat, and they concluded that the bite marks were a match. This allowed prosecutors to connect Horvat directly to the crime scene and strengthen their case against him.

The rest of the episode follows the trial and eventual conviction of John Horvat for the assault on Mary Anderson. Although the trial was difficult for Mary, who had to relive the attack and endure cross-examination, she was ultimately able to find closure and move on with her life.

Overall, Forensic Files season 10 episode 20, Marked for Life, is a fascinating look at the power of forensic evidence to solve crimes and bring criminals to justice. Through detailed analysis of fibers, blood spatter, and bite marks, investigators were able to piece together a compelling case against a violent criminal and ensure that he was held accountable for his actions.