Ep 20. Without A Trace

In the season 6 episode 20 of Forensic Files, titled "Without A Trace," the show takes a closer look at the vanishing case of a 35-year-old mother named Cindy Lincoln. Cindy disappeared mysteriously from her hometown in Washington, and there was no evidence or leads available about her whereabouts.

The episode begins by introducing Cindy through her friends and family, who describe her as a loving and caring mother of two. Cindy was in the process of getting a divorce from her husband, and she had just returned from a weekend trip visiting her family in Oregon. She was scheduled to meet with her lawyer the next day to finalize her divorce paperwork, but she never showed up.

The show then explores the investigation process that followed her disappearance. The authorities and her loved ones were baffled by the lack of evidence, and the case went cold for years. The investigators explored all possibilities, including suicide, homicide, and kidnapping, but they couldn't prove any of them.

However, the case took a turn when a human skull was discovered several miles from her home. The investigators immediately suspected that it was Cindy's remains, but they needed forensic evidence to confirm it. The episode delves into the sophisticated forensic techniques that were used to identify the skull and tie it to Cindy.

The investigators found a small fragment of dental work in the skull, which they used to identify her through dental records. They also analyzed the soil and vegetation attached to the skull to determine the location of where it was buried. These findings gave the investigators the crucial evidence they needed to re-examine the case and gather more clues.

As the investigation progressed, the authorities began to suspect that Cindy's husband may have been involved in her disappearance. The episode details how the investigators uncovered evidence that pointed to him as a suspect. They found out that he had a criminal record and was abusive towards Cindy during their marriage. They also discovered that he had taken out a $250,000 life insurance policy on her before she disappeared.

The show then examines the evidence that was presented in court. The prosecution presented the forensic evidence that linked the skull to Cindy and the suspicions surrounding her husband, while the defense argued that there was not enough evidence to prove his guilt. The jury eventually found him guilty and sentenced him to life in prison.

The episode concludes by reflecting on the impact Cindy's disappearance had on her loved ones and community. Despite the closure that the case brought, her friends and family were devastated by her loss and the circumstances surrounding it. The show emphasizes the importance of forensic science in solving missing person cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.

In summary, the Forensic Files season 6 episode 20 "Without A Trace" is a gripping tale of a missing person case that was eventually solved using forensic science. The episode delves into the complex investigation process, explores the advanced forensic techniques used in identifying the remains, and highlights the emotional impact of the case on the victim's loved ones.