Ep 38. Expert Witness

Expert Witness is an enthralling episode from season 15 of Forensic Files. The show highlights the importance of expert witnesses in the courtroom, as they play a significant role in defending or convicting criminal suspects.

The episode opens with a crime scene investigation team in Minnesota, who are dispatched to the house of an elderly couple, murdered in their home. The investigators in Minnesota were familiar with crime scenes, but the sophistry of this one perplexed them. Their analysis of the crime scene revealed that the killer had attempted to create an illusion of him being a victim as well. It was ingenious enough to cause law enforcement to think twice about their initial theory.

However, the investigative team persevered, combing over every piece of evidence they could find to discover the perpetrator's identity. The DNA samples collected from the crime scene identified a match with a registered sex offender, Matthew Michaelson, who had visited the couple on the day of their murder for handyman work. But Michaelson had an alibi, he was in Wisconsin at the time of the murders.

This alibi creates an enormous problem, and the local authorities turned to Richard Souviron for expert assistance. Richard Souviron is a renowned forensic dentist with years of experience and a reputation for providing crucial evidence in important cases. Rich Souviron, an expert witness in forensic odontology, examines bite marks on the body of the murdered couple and works closely with the investigators to find further evidence that can link the crime to Mathew Michaelson.

Forensic odontology, a branch of forensic science, utilises teeth, jaws, and oral characteristics to provide pieces of evidence that could potentially solve crimes. Richard Souviron was one of the first few dentists who pioneered scientifically-backed forensic odontology. His expertise played an instrumental role in solving multiple high-profile cases, including one that resulted in the identification of the infamous serial killer, Ted Bundy.

Souviron examined the bite marks on the deceased couple's bodies and, using specialised techniques, distinguished them from Michaelson's alibi. Souviron was able to link the bite marks to a prior case, in which Michaelson was also a prime suspect but had not been convicted. Using the bite material evidence linked to Michaelson, the investigators obtained a warrant to search his residence.

The search results were surprising. They discovered that Michaelson had prepared hand casts in a distinct substance, much like the one used in the elderly couple's house, and a set of high-quality prosthetic teeth. Additionally, several items from the couple's house were also discovered in Michaelson's residence.

With the accumulated evidence, the authorities could charge Michaelson with murder. The trial predominantly relied on Souviron's forensic odontology evidence, which proved decisive in Michaelson's conviction.

The episode also highlights how forensic dentistry has evolved to become an essential tool in investigating and solving cases related to crimes against children. Souviron gives us a glimpse into the investigation process that he conducted, showing us examples of bite mark investigations.

Expert Witness showcases how forensic evidence, coupled with expert testimony, can significantly influence the outcome of a trial. Souviron's testimony played a crucial role in securing the killer's conviction and ensured that justice was done and served.

Overall, the episode demonstrates how the forensic techniques of experts like Richard Souviron play a vital role in the US judicial system. It also shows how forensic odontology, a relatively unknown field of study, plays a critical role in establishing guilt or innocence in violent crimes. Expert Witness is an excellent example of the compelling storytelling and insightful examination present throughout the Forensic Files television series.