Ep 5. Mistress of Hollywood

In season 12 episode 5 of Forensic Files, titled "Mistress of Hollywood," viewers are taken on a journey through a high profile celebrity murder case. The episode begins with the discovery of a body in a deserted area near the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. The victim, a well-known Hollywood talent manager, had been brutally murdered, and detectives were left with very little to go on.

As the investigation unfolds, detectives focus their attention on the victim's former mistress, a woman named Lana Clarkson. Clarkson, a struggling actress, had been linked to a number of high profile men over the years, including famous record producer Phil Spector. It wasn't long before investigators honed in on her as a potential suspect in the murder.

As detectives delved deeper into the case, they discovered that Spector had actually been with Clarkson on the night of her death, and that he was the last person to be seen with her alive. A search of Spector's mansion turned up a surprising piece of evidence - a gun that was thought to have been used in the murder.

With this evidence in hand, the case against Spector began to build. However, his high-priced legal team was able to mount a strong defense, casting doubt on the credibility of the forensic evidence and claiming that Clarkson's death was actually a suicide. Despite their efforts, however, Spector was eventually found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 19 years to life in prison.

Throughout the episode, viewers are provided with an in-depth look at the forensic evidence that was used to solve the case. This includes ballistic testing that links the gun found at Spector's house to the scene of the crime, as well as blood spatter analysis that helps to pinpoint the location of the shooter.

In addition to the forensic evidence, the episode also explores the role that Spector's celebrity status played in the case. As one of the most famous producers in the music industry, Spector was able to wield a great deal of power and influence, and his wealth allowed him to hire some of the best lawyers in the country.

Despite these challenges, however, investigators were ultimately able to build a strong case against Spector, one that relied heavily on the forensic evidence gathered at the scene of the crime.

Overall, season 12 episode 5 of Forensic Files is a fascinating look at one of the most high-profile murder cases in recent memory. By examining the various pieces of forensic evidence that were used to solve the case, viewers are able to get a unique perspective on the behind-the-scenes work that goes into cracking a major criminal investigation.