Ep 8. Killer Fog

Forensic Files season 6 episode 8, titled "Killer Fog," delves into the mysterious death of a young woman named Joanne Nichols. In December of 1986, Joanne was found dead in her car, which had crashed into a ditch after she had apparently driven off the road. At first, it seemed like a tragic accident, but after further investigation, it was revealed that Joanne had been killed by a lethal dose of carbon monoxide.

The investigation into Joanne's death was complicated by a thick fog that had settled in the area around the time of her death. This fog had caused numerous accidents in the area, and some investigators wondered if Joanne's death was simply a result of the poor visibility. However, others suspected foul play, as Joanne's death seemed too coincidental given the circumstances.

The episode follows the forensic investigation into Joanne's death, which eventually uncovered a number of suspicious details. For one, it was discovered that Joanne's car had been tampered with, with the exhaust pipe having been deliberately blocked to cause a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide. Additionally, Joanne's husband, James Nichols, was found to have a motive for the murder, as the couple had been having serious marital problems in the weeks leading up to Joanne's death.

As the investigation unfolds, viewers are taken through the forensic evidence that ultimately led to James Nichols' arrest and conviction. This evidence included toxicology reports that showed that Joanne had been knocked unconscious by the carbon monoxide before crashing her car. Additionally, fiber analysis on the tape used to block the exhaust pipe showed that it had been cut from a roll found in the Nichols' garage.

Overall, "Killer Fog" is a fascinating episode that showcases the power of forensic evidence to uncover the truth in seemingly unsolvable cases. Through cutting-edge scientific techniques and dogged detective work, investigators were able to piece together the events that led to Joanne's death and bring her killer to justice. The episode also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of keeping your vehicles properly maintained to avoid tragic accidents like the one that claimed Joanne's life.