Ep 16. Sphere of Influence

Forensic Files season 2 episode 16, "Sphere of Influence," tells the story of a woman named Christine Wilson who disappeared from her home in the early hours of August 22, 1984. Her husband reported her missing, but the police had little evidence to go on. For years, her case remained unsolved, leaving her family and friends in a state of despair.

However, in 1995, a jogger discovered a skeletal remains near the site where Christine's husband said she had gone jogging that fateful day. Detective Kevin Smith, who had taken over the case, immediately called in forensic experts to examine the remains. The forensic team collected every piece of evidence from the site, which included a fragment of a bright pink shoelace, and sent them to the lab for analysis.

Using advanced forensic techniques, the investigators were able to build a detailed picture of what happened to Christine Wilson. The analysis showed that she had been strangled to death with the pink shoelace, and her body had been dumped in the woods. The forensic team also found a surprising piece of evidence - a small piece of a lighter - near the body. They soon realized that the lighter was designed to resemble a miniature globe, or a "sphere of influence."

With this piece of evidence, the forensic team began investigating potential suspects who owned such a lighter. Investigators soon identified a man named Keith Allen Bass, who had a history of violence against women and owned a similar lighter. The forensic evidence was damning - Bass's DNA was found on the shoelace used to strangle Christine Wilson, and his fingerprints were found on the miniature globe lighter.

In addition to the forensic evidence, the investigation team also discovered that Bass was in the vicinity of the crime scene around the time of Christine's disappearance. They also found a car tire impression near the crime scene that matched a car owned by Bass. With all this evidence, the police arrested Bass for Christine's murder.

At trial, the prosecution presented the forensic evidence, including the DNA and fingerprint evidence, as well as the circumstantial evidence linking Bass to the crime scene. The jury was convinced by the weight of the evidence, and Bass was found guilty of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"Sphere of Influence" showcases the incredible power of forensic science to solve even the most daunting of cases. With the advent of DNA analysis and other cutting-edge forensic techniques, investigators are able to identify perpetrators, link them to crime scenes, and bring them to justice. The episode also highlights the importance of circumstantial evidence, which can be just as powerful as direct evidence in proving guilt.

Overall, "Sphere of Influence" is a gripping episode that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The episode is a testament to the hard work and dedication of forensic experts and law enforcement officials, who work tirelessly to solve these complex cases.