Ep 21. In Her Bones

In the episode "In Her Bones" from season 4 of Forensic Files, viewers are introduced to the chilling case of a missing woman, Terri Lynn Hollis. Terri Lynn was a 24-year-old mother of two who disappeared from her residence in South Carolina in August of 1986. Her boyfriend at the time reported her missing, but despite an intensive search by local law enforcement, no trace of Terri Lynn was ever found.

The case went cold for nearly a decade until a group of children playing in the woods stumbled upon a human skull. Further investigation revealed that the remains belonged to Terri Lynn Hollis. Despite the discovery of her remains, the cause of Terri Lynn's death was still unknown, and her killer remained at large.

The investigation into Terri Lynn's murder was re-opened, and the forensic evidence was re-analyzed using more advanced technologies. Investigators discovered that the remains were not buried where they were found, but instead, they were moved to the location where they were discovered.

Forensic experts also uncovered small bone fragments in Terri Lynn's lungs, indicating that she had been burned alive before her death. Investigators believe that Terri Lynn was murdered by someone she knew, and they began to look into potential suspects.

Through interviews with family members and friends, investigators discovered that Terri Lynn had a troubled past, struggling with drug addiction and abusive relationships. One of her ex-boyfriends, Ernest Brown, had a history of violence and a reputation for being possessive and jealous. He had been abusive towards Terri Lynn in the past and had threatened to kill her.

Investigators obtained a warrant to search Brown's home and found evidence linking him to Terri Lynn's murder. They discovered a pair of jeans stained with Terri Lynn's blood, and the match was made using DNA evidence.

During his trial, Brown maintained his innocence, but the overwhelming forensic evidence against him was too much to overcome. He was found guilty of murder in the first degree and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"In Her Bones" is a captivating episode of Forensic Files that showcases the power of forensic science in solving cold cases. The investigation into Terri Lynn Hollis' murder took over a decade, and it was the tireless efforts of forensic experts, law enforcement, and prosecutors that finally brought her killer to justice.

Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as the case unfolds, and they will be shocked at the horrific manner in which Terri Lynn was murdered. It is a cautionary tale that highlights the dangers of domestic violence and underscores the importance of forensic science in solving crimes.