Ep 14. The Big Chill
- September 17, 2003
Forensic Files season 2 episode 14, titled The Big Chill, is a captivating episode that details the investigation into the mysterious death of a young woman named Tracy Jo Shine in the winter of 1987. The episode begins with a reenactment of a snowmobiling excursion that took place on a cold, dark night in rural New York. Tracy Jo Shine was a 19-year-old college student who was out snowmobiling with a group of friends when she suddenly disappeared into the freezing wilderness.
The next day, Tracy's snowmobile was found abandoned on a remote trail. Despite an extensive search by law enforcement and volunteers, Tracy was nowhere to be found. As the days and weeks went by, the case started to grow cold, and Tracy's family and friends began to lose hope.
But then, almost three months after she disappeared, Tracy's frozen body was discovered in the woods by a pair of hunters. In this episode, forensic investigators use cutting-edge techniques to try to piece together what happened to Tracy that night and who might be responsible for her murder.
Throughout the episode, viewers are shown a deep dive into the forensic evidence and witness testimonies that led to the eventual arrest and conviction of Tracy's killer. From analyzing tire tracks in the snow to deciphering phone records to decoding the unique pattern of Tracy's snowmobile tracks, investigators leave no stone unturned in their quest for justice.
Along the way, viewers are introduced to the various people involved in the case, from Tracy's distraught family members to the tireless investigators who worked around the clock to bring her killer to justice. Through their interviews, viewers get a sense of the emotional toll that such a long and difficult investigation can take on those involved.
Ultimately, the episode culminates in a tense courtroom scene, where Tracy's killer is finally brought to trial and held accountable for his heinous crime. While justice may have been served, the episode leaves viewers with a somber reminder of the tragic loss of a young life and the lasting impact that such a senseless act can have on those affected by it.
Overall, Forensic Files season 2 episode 14, The Big Chill, is a gripping and emotionally charged episode that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. With its mix of forensic science and dramatic reenactments, this episode is a shining example of the high-quality investigative journalism that has made Forensic Files a beloved and long-running true-crime series.