Ep 27. Picture This

Forensic Files season 10 episode 27 is titled "Picture This" and takes viewers through the investigation of a brutal stabbing in the small town of DeWitt, Michigan.

The victim, a 68-year-old woman named Margaret Haenlein, was found in her home by a family member who had become concerned after not hearing from her for several days. Haenlein had been stabbed multiple times, and her body had been left in the bathtub.

The investigation was led by Detective Sergeant Larry Jerue, who immediately began searching the home for evidence. He found a photo of a young woman that had been ripped in half and left on the kitchen floor. This led him to believe that the attack may have been personal and motivated by anger or revenge.

The forensic team collected evidence from the scene, including DNA samples and fingerprints. They also analyzed the broken photo and were able to piece it back together using specialized software. The photo turned out to be a portrait of the victim's granddaughter, Heather Strong.

Detective Jerue questioned Strong, who denied any involvement in the murder. However, upon further investigation, it was discovered that the 21-year-old had a troubled history and had been in and out of legal trouble since she was a teenager.

One piece of evidence that was crucial to the case was a bloody palm print that was found on the bathroom wall. The print was analyzed using advanced forensic techniques, including a process called physical fit matching, which involves comparing the unique characteristics of a print to those of an individual's hand.

The analysis revealed that the print belonged to Heather Strong, and she was arrested and charged with the murder of her grandmother. During the trial, the prosecution presented several pieces of evidence, including the ripped photo and the bloody palm print, which convinced the jury of Strong's guilt.

The "Picture This" episode of Forensic Files takes viewers on a gripping journey through the investigation of Margaret Haenlein's murder and the subsequent trial of her granddaughter, Heather Strong. Through a combination of advanced forensic techniques and dedicated police work, justice is served for the victim and her family.