Ep 21. Smoke In Your Eyes

In the Forensic Files season 2 episode 21 titled "Smoke In Your Eyes," viewers are taken through a gripping account of a murder investigation filled with plot twists and turns. The episode presents the case of a 44-year-old man named Morris Davis who was found dead inside his home, in an apparent arson attack. The medical examiner determined that Davis had died from a heart attack before the fire started, leading investigators to suspect foul play.

The episode follows detectives as they try to piece together what happened and identify the culprit. The biggest challenge they face is the lack of evidence since the fire destroyed everything in the house. Investigators turn to forensic science to get the answers they need. The first piece of evidence they find is a small charred piece of carpet that contains high concentrations of gasoline. This evidence points towards arson, but not to a suspect.

The investigation leads police to two key suspects- Morris's ex-girlfriend, Cheryl, and her current boyfriend, Steve. Both had a motive to kill Morris as they stood to gain from his death. Cheryl had an ongoing custody battle with Morris over their son, which she was losing. Steve was struggling financially and had a criminal record, which had ruined his chances of finding a job.

Detectives bring in a forensic scientist to help them build a case against the two suspects. The expert analyzes shoe prints found in the muddy yard surrounding the house and identifies them as belonging to Steve. Detectives also discover that Steve had an old gas can in his shed, which was consistent with the gasoline found in the piece of carpet.

The investigators are now confident in their theory that Steve had killed Morris in a botched burglary attempt. Steve was found guilty of murder and arson and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

What makes this episode so riveting is the way it seamlessly integrates forensic science and detective work, allowing viewers to see how they complement each other to solve crimes. It also highlights the importance of being meticulous in crime scene investigations and how every piece of evidence, even small and seemingly insignificant, can help solve a case.

Overall, "Smoke In Your Eyes" is an excellent episode that is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. It is a testament to the brilliance of forensic science and the dedication of those who work tirelessly to bring killers to justice.