Ep 1. DNA Dragnet

DNA Dragnet is the first episode of Forensic Files' fourteenth season. This popular true-crime series gives viewers behind-the-scenes looks at the investigations that helped solve some of the most complicated and gruesome crimes in the United States. Each episode tells a new story of how forensic science played an important role in bringing criminals to justice.

In DNA Dragnet, viewers are transported back to 1998, when a man named Mark Cleveland was brutally murdered in his Oregon home. Cleveland had been an employee at a local convenience store, and the owner of the store, a man named Fred Kornahrens, was immediately a suspect in the case. Kornahrens was known to be ruthless and mean-spirited, and Cleveland had been planning to quit his job at the store. However, there wasn't enough evidence to link Kornahrens to the crime, and the investigation quickly went cold.

Years went by, and the case remained unsolved. However, advances in DNA technology were just starting to gain traction, and in 2001, the Oregon State Police DNA lab started using a new method of DNA testing called Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). This new technology was incredibly sensitive and could identify DNA from samples that had previously been considered too small or contaminated for analysis. With this new technology, the police decided to revisit the Cleveland murder case and see if they could finally identify his killer.

The DNA testing process was a grueling one. The police collected DNA samples from dozens of people who had been in contact with Cleveland or Kornahrens around the time of the murder. They also retested old evidence from the scene of the crime, including clothing fibers, cigarette butts, and other materials. The lab technicians worked painstakingly to extract usable DNA from these samples, using a variety of techniques to clean and purify the genetic material.

In the end, the hard work paid off. The DNA results were able to link Kornahrens to the murder of Mark Cleveland, and he was arrested and brought to trial. The prosecutors used the DNA evidence to prove that Kornahrens had been at the scene of the crime and had likely killed Cleveland in a fit of rage when the victim tried to quit his job. Kornahrens was found guilty of the murder and sentenced to life in prison.

DNA Dragnet is an excellent episode of Forensic Files that highlights the incredible power of DNA evidence in solving even the most complicated criminal cases. Viewers will be amazed by the hard work and dedication of the police and lab technicians who worked tirelessly to solve the Cleveland murder case, as well as by the incredible sensitivity of the STR testing method. The episode is a fascinating look into the inner workings of a modern-day forensic investigation and shows just how far DNA technology has come in recent years. If you're a fan of true crime shows or interested in forensic science, DNA Dragnet is an episode that you won't want to miss. So, it can be a great way to get entertained and learn some interesting facts about forensic science.