Ep 11. Blanket of Evidence

In season 12 episode 11 of Forensic Files titled "Blanket of Evidence," viewers are taken on a journey through a complex investigation to solve the brutal murder of a young woman in Norwood, Ohio. The episode is a true crime story that showcases the incredible work of forensic scientists and detectives who pieced together the evidence to uncover the identity of the killer.

The episode opens with the discovery of a young woman's body in a ditch by a teenage boy out walking his dog. The victim was identified as 21-year-old Julie Hurst, who had been missing for several days. Upon examination, police discovered that Julie had been stabbed multiple times before her body was dumped in the ditch.

As the investigation began, detectives quickly realized that they had very little evidence to go on. The killer had taken great care to clean up the crime scene, leaving no fingerprints or DNA evidence behind. The only clue they had was a single footprint found in the mud near where the body had been dumped.

The footprint was analyzed by forensic experts who determined that it had been made by a specific type of shoe. With this information, investigators began to canvass nearby shoe stores to see if anyone had recently purchased that style of shoe. After several days of searching, they found a store in a neighboring town where a man had recently bought the exact same type of shoe.

The man was identified as Michael Booth, a 19-year-old who lived just a few miles from where Julie's body had been found. When police searched his home, they found a large blanket covered in bloodstains, as well as a pair of jeans with bloodstains that matched Julie's DNA. Michael was arrested and charged with Julie's murder.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented a wealth of forensic evidence that linked Michael to the crime. The bloodstains on the blanket and jeans provided crucial evidence, as did the footprint found near the crime scene. In addition, forensic analysts were able to match a small swab of DNA found on Julie's neck to Michael's DNA.

Despite Michael's defense team arguing that the DNA evidence was circumstantial and could have been contaminated, the jury found him guilty and he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Overall, "Blanket of Evidence" is a gripping episode that showcases the crucial role that forensic science plays in solving crimes. The episode highlights the meticulous work of forensic experts who are able to piece together even the smallest details to build a compelling case against a suspect. It also shows the dogged determination of detectives who never gave up on their search for justice, even when they seemed to be facing insurmountable odds.