Ep 11. House Hunting

In the 11th episode of season 13 of Forensic Files, titled "House Hunting," viewers are taken on a journey through a crime that will challenge even the most skilled forensic experts. The episode begins with the disappearance of a 20-year-old woman named Jessica Snyder, whose case goes cold for almost two decades. Then, a shocking discovery is made when the current residents of the house where Jessica lived as a tenant find her skeletal remains buried in the backyard.

The forensic investigation into Jessica's murder is complex. The police interview several suspects, including the house's owner and Jessica's roommate at the time of her disappearance. But when the police discover that the prior homeowner, who was a contractor, had performed renovations on the house shortly after Jessica disappeared, they begin to suspect foul play. The contractor had a criminal history and was known for creating hidden compartments in the homes he worked on. Hence, his background put him on the police radar as an excellent suspect.

The forensic team gets to work, and not long after, they find a hidden compartment beneath the home's crawl space containing a tarp, duct tape, and a tape measure containing human hairs. These findings provide the evidence they need to charge the contractor with Jessica's murder. Still, there's one significant problem – the contractor dies before the case goes to trial, denying Jessica's family and loved ones any justice or closure.

The show delves into the intricacies of forensic investigation and how experts use various forensic techniques to solve such crimes. The forensic team uses advanced technology to extract DNA evidence from the hair on the tape measure found in the hidden compartment in the house's crawl space. Experts also use entomology to estimate the time of death and anthropology to identify Jessica's remains. Additionally, the forensic team reconstructs the murder scene using bloodstain pattern analysis, which helps them determine how the perpetrator committed the crime and the murder weapon used.

As we see in the episode, forensic experts face challenges at every step. There are several instances of incomplete evidence, and many times, investigators must pour through years of evidence to piece together the necessary information to solve a case. But despite the difficulties, the forensic team never gives up, and the justice system ultimately serves to bring Jessica's killer to face justice.

Overall, "House Hunting" is an exceptional addition to the Forensic Files series. The episode is engaging, and it's a showcase for the skills and tenacity required of the forensic experts who help solve crimes. Jessica's case is a tragic one, but it serves as an essential reminder that no matter how well a killer may believe they have hidden the evidence, determined forensic investigators will ultimately get to the bottom of their crimes with the help of science and technology. Anyone looking for a fascinating and educational true-crime documentary should add "House Hunting" to their watch-list.