Ep 34. Seeing Red

The season 15, episode 34 of Forensic Files is titled "Seeing Red". The episode follows the case of a brutal murder that took place in a tranquil community in the state of Arkansas.

The victim, a young woman named Kaitlyn Arquette, was found dead in her home by her boyfriend after he returned from a weekend trip. The crime scene was gruesome, with signs of a struggle and blood spatter on the walls and ceiling of the bedroom. The initial investigation yielded little information, and the police were left with few leads in the case.

However, forensic evidence found at the scene and the autopsy report provided crucial clues that eventually led to the identification and conviction of the killer. The investigators found a small piece of red plastic in Kaitlyn's bedroom, which appeared to have been part of a broken hair accessory. This small piece of evidence led the investigators to a local store where the hair accessory was sold. They were able to trace the purchase of the item to a young man named Ryan Ferguson, who had previously been involved in a minor altercation with Kaitlyn at a bar.

Further investigation revealed that Ryan had a history of violence and had been in trouble with the law before. The forensic evidence, in the form of DNA found under Kaitlyn's fingernails, solidified the case against Ryan and secured his conviction.

The episode also examines the role of forensic odontology in the case. Kaitlyn's body was badly beaten, and it was difficult to determine the exact cause of death. Forensic odontology, the study of teeth, gums, and jaws in forensic investigations, was able to provide important information that helped to establish the cause of death and the sequence of events leading up to it.

Overall, the episode is a harrowing reminder of how violent crime can affect small, close-knit communities. It also highlights the critical role that forensic evidence plays in modern-day criminal investigations and how even the smallest piece of evidence can make a huge difference in solving a case.