Ep 23. Freeze Framed

Forensic Files is an American documentary-style television program that profiles important cases involving forensic investigation. The show highlights how scientific techniques have aided in solving crimes over the years. Season 15 episode 23 named Freeze Framed is a thrilling episode that presents forensic experts attempting to solve a perplexing puzzle.

In Freeze Framed, the life of Sheila Ross, a former police officer, is cut short when she is found murdered in her car. The case becomes even more complicated when it is discovered that Ross' murderer meticulously staged the crime scene, making forensic analysis difficult.

The investigators found that Ross had two gunshot wounds, and the glass sprayed all over the driver's side indicated that the gunshots had come from outside the car. But the impact marks on Ross' body suggested that she had been shot from a distance of 8 and 18 inches away from the car. The distance of 18 inches made it hard to believe that the perpetrator had stood outside the driver's side and shot Ross. Furthermore, they find no brass on the road when there should have been shell casings on the crime scene.

At the onset of the investigation, the detectives determined that the shooter had to have used a silencer. The killer made efforts on the scene to disguise the truth when he carefully packaged the victim's car with a plastic cover and smeared makeup on the bullet wounds, which made it hard to see the point of entry and exit even at closer inspections. The forensic team also encountered issues with fingerprints, as they were scanty and didn't go beyond the steering wheel and the driver's side door.

The detectives acquire brain cells, creating suspicion that the killer was suffering from a neurological condition. An autopsy report from the medical examiner makes a significant breakthrough for the investigators. The examiner discovers a rare disease in the victim called cerebral amyloid angiopathy, which would progress over time, leading to dementia or brain hemorrhage. They learned that the disease leaves amyloid deposits in the brains' blood vessels and that forensic scientists could use high technology to ascertain the murder weapon by determining if any amyloids were present on the bullets.

The detectives rope in a medical technology company and through their advanced technology, trace the murder weapon. The tests prove that there was a match between the bullet at the crime scene and a gun that belonged to Ross's ex-husband. To further gather evidence and information, the detectives sought the help of renowned forensic psychologist Kris Mohandie.

With forensic psychologists' help, the detectives traced the alleged gun to a shooting range that Ross's ex-husband frequented. Kris also analyzed the ex-husband's behavior and the relationship dynamics between the couple. There were many discrepancies in the couple's relationship. The detectives found that Ross's ex-husband had cleared all his firearms before he handed them over to the authorities. Although he had scratched out the serial number on the gun, ballistics testing proved that the gun was the murder weapon.

Mohandie concluded that Sheila Ross' ex-husband was responsible for her murder. The case was puzzling due to the level of preparation and forethought shown by the perpetrator. However, with extensive testing, analysis, and investigation, the forensic team was successful in uncovering the killer's identity.

Overall, the episode Freeze Framed is a thrilling and engaging part of the Forensic Files series. It highlights the level of effort, preparation, and technology that forensic investigators must utilize to solve complex cases. Through cooperating with medical technology companies and forensic psychologists, the detectives were able to gather the necessary evidence to convict the killer. The episode is highly recommended for anyone interested in crime, forensic science, or investigations.