Ep 10. Step by Step

In the Forensic Files season 12 episode 10 titled "Step by Step," viewers are presented with a case involving the seemingly impossible murder of Carol Grannon, a mother of two who was found dead in her home in New Hampshire in 1993. At first glance, the investigation led police to believe that Carol may have accidentally electrocuted herself while vacuuming, as the vacuum cleaner was found overturned and unplugged next to her body.

However, something about the scene felt off to police, and they summoned the help of forensic scientists to investigate the cause of Carol's death. With forensic evidence, the scientists were able to determine that Carol had actually been strangled to death, and the vacuum cleaner had simply been overturned as a result of her struggle with her attacker.

Police initially had very few leads in the case, with no suspects and no known motive for the crime. However, they soon discovered that Carol's husband, Ken Grannon, had taken out a massive life insurance policy on his wife just weeks before her death. Suspicious of Ken's motives, the police dug deeper into the couple's past, and uncovered a history of domestic violence and infidelity.

Despite the strong evidence against him, Ken maintained his innocence and argued that he had nothing to do with Carol's death. In court, the prosecution presented forensic evidence linking Ken to the crime, including a thread found on the vacuum cleaner that matched a thread on a shirt belonging to Ken. Additionally, analysis of soil samples from Ken's shoes suggested that he had recently been in the area where Carol's body was found.

The trial ultimately hinged on the testimony of forensic expert Henry Lee, who was able to convincingly argue that the forensic evidence presented at trial supported the theory that Ken had strangled his wife in a fit of rage. In the end, Ken was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Overall, "Step by Step" is a gripping episode of Forensic Files that highlights the crucial role that forensic science plays in solving crimes. Through meticulous analysis of physical evidence, the forensic experts in this case were able to uncover the truth behind a seemingly accidental death and bring a murderer to justice. Viewers who enjoy true crime stories and the science behind forensic investigations are sure to find "Step by Step" both fascinating and informative.