Ep 39. Fired Up

Forensic Files season 11 episode 39, titled "Fired Up," examines a deadly arson case that the investigators worked hard to solve.

The episode starts with a fire that breaks out in a small town in Louisiana which completely destroys a convenience store. The owner of the store was away on vacation when the fire occurred and returned home to nothing.

The cause of the fire was determined to be arson, and this is where investigators came into action to find the culprit behind this heinous act. The Fire Marshal's office was quickly on the scene to conduct a thorough investigation.

As the investigators sifted through the wreckage, they discovered a crucial piece of evidence that led them to the culprit: a roll of toilet paper with the word "Zeus" written on it. Upon further analysis, scientists identified the handwriting on the toilet paper as that of the suspect's.

The investigators, along with the help of the Louisiana State Police, then went on to identify the suspect, a man named Kerry Menard, based on his association with an extremist group known as Zeus.

Menard was a former Marine, who was dishonorably discharged due to his participation in hate groups. After his discharge, Menard joined Zeus, a white supremacist group that held extreme anti-government ideologies.

Investigators found that Menard was angry with the convenience store owner, as the owner had banned him from the store after he made racist remarks. This act of rejection seems to have pushed Menard over the edge, driving him to commit the arson.

The investigators collected further evidence, including Menard's DNA from a cigarette butt found at the crime scene, as well as witness testimony placing him near the store at the time of the fire.

Menard was arrested, tried, and convicted on multiple charges, including arson and using fire to commit a felony. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Through the episode, viewers can see the hard work and dedication of the investigators and forensic experts in their pursuit of justice for the innocent victims, and how forensic evidence can be pivotal in solving cases like arson. "Fired Up" is a gripping episode that showcases the skill and tireless work of those in the forensic field.