Ep 18. Burning Desire

In this episode of Forensic Files, titled "Burning Desire," viewers follow the investigation into a case of arson that claimed the life of an elderly man.

One night in February 1997, firefighters responded to a blaze at the home of 81-year-old Dick Sklar. Despite their best efforts, Sklar could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators soon determined that the fire had been deliberately set, and that Sklar had likely been incapacitated by smoke inhalation before ultimately perishing in the flames.

Detectives initially had little to go on, but their investigation soon led them to Sklar's tenant, a woman named Susan Brock. Brock was a nurse who had been renting a room in Sklar's home for several months, and was seen by some in the community as a caretaker for the elderly man. However, as detectives began to look more closely at Brock, they started to uncover evidence that pointed to her as the likely perpetrator of the arson.

Forensic analysis of the fire scene revealed that the blaze had originated in the vicinity of Brock's room, and that there were multiple points of origin indicating that an accelerant had been used. Furthermore, a gas can found in Brock's car contained traces of gasoline that had been used to start the fire. Investigators also uncovered a motive for the crime: Sklar had recently informed Brock that he intended to sell the house, leaving her without a place to stay.

As the case against Brock built, she was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and arson. However, her defense claimed that she had been coerced into confessing to the crime during an intense interrogation that lasted for several hours. They also argued that the evidence against her was circumstantial and could be explained in other ways.

Despite the challenges facing the prosecution, they ultimately secured a conviction against Brock, who was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The case against her was helped by the testimony of several expert witnesses who were able to present a convincing case for her guilt based on forensic evidence and their own experience in the field.

The episode "Burning Desire" is a powerful reminder of the importance of forensic investigation in solving crimes, and the ways in which it can help bring justice to victims and their families. Through the use of detailed analysis and expert testimony, detectives were able to uncover the truth about a devastating arson, and secure a conviction against the person responsible.