Ep 10. Brotherhoods

In the second season, Forensic Files focuses on the intricate details surrounding different crimes and investigations. Episode 10 titled "Brotherhoods" showcases the forensic science behind the murder of Commander William Pizzarro, a highly respected navy officer.

In 1989, Commander William Pizzarro had just returned from a secret operation in Panama when he was gunned down in his garage. The investigation was a difficult one as there were no apparent motives and no immediate suspects. Police concluded that the case was likely a premeditated assassination that was carefully planned.

Initially, the prime suspect was Commander Pizzarro's drug-dealing nephew who was also found shot dead just a few days later. However, forensics later revealed that the shootings were not linked, leading investigators to search for other suspects.

The episode delves into the investigation that uncovered a series of interlocking secret societies within the navy that sought to gain power and influence through manipulating the system. The investigation revealed that the navy had an underground culture where these secret societies were formed to protect their interests. These societies were known for their strict rituals and codes of silence, making it difficult for investigators to find evidence.

The episode explores the different forensic techniques that were applied in the investigation. Forensic experts employed blood spatter analysis to reconstruct the crime scene. This helped determine the position of the shooter relative to the victim, the number of shots fired, as well as the distance from which the shots were fired. Using the forensic evidence, investigators were able to infer that the shooting was carried out by a professional killer.

Forensic Files also shows how DNA analysis played a crucial role in the case. Scientists extracted DNA samples from bloodstains found at the scene of the crime using a technique known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR allows small amounts of DNA to be replicated to produce a more significant sample that can be analyzed. Forensic scientists matched the DNA samples to a suspect, establishing his connection to the crime.

As the investigation progressed, it became apparent that the military legal system notoriously protected these secret societies within the navy. The significance of this episode was not only unraveling the highly organized crime but also the sub-culture that enabled such crimes to take place. The episode uncovers secrets and paints a picture of intrigue, showing a world where officers could operate outside the law.

In conclusion, Forensic Files season 2 episode 10, "Brotherhoods" presents a compelling and detailed account of a complicated crime. The case shows how forensic science was integral to finding answers in a difficult and secretive investigation. The episode is exciting, educational, and provides a glimpse into the hidden world within the military.