Ep 3. Reel Danger

In season 7 episode 3 of Forensic Files, titled "Reel Danger," viewers are taken on a journey to solve a complicated murder case that involves missing body parts and a car fire.

The case centers around the murder of a young woman named Cindy Monkman. In 1996, Cindy's car was found engulfed in flames on the side of the road. Her body was found inside, but her head and several limbs were missing.

Investigators believed that Cindy's murder was linked to her involvement in the adult film industry. At the time of her death, Cindy was working as a producer for an x-rated video company.

The investigation into Cindy's murder was complicated by the fact that her body parts were scattered across several different states. A construction worker found her head in a trash bag in Missouri, and her legs were discovered in Arkansas.

The case took a surprising turn when investigators identified a suspect who was a former employee of the x-rated video company where Cindy worked. The suspect, Michael Thornton, had a history of violent behavior and had been fired from the company for stealing equipment.

Despite his initial denial, Thornton eventually confessed to killing Cindy. He claimed that he did it in a fit of rage after she threatened to expose him for stealing equipment from the company. Thornton admitted to dismembering Cindy's body and scattering her remains across multiple states.

Forensic evidence played a key role in Thornton's conviction. Fiber analysis linked the trash bag that Cindy's head was found in to the same brand of bags that were found in Thornton's home. DNA evidence also linked Thornton to the crime scene in Arkansas where Cindy's legs were discovered.

Overall, "Reel Danger" is a gripping episode that delves into the seedy world of the adult film industry and the lengths that people will go to cover up their crimes. The episode is a testament to the power of forensic evidence in solving even the most complex of cases.