Ep 4. Who's Your Daddy

In Forensic Files season 7 episode 4 ‘Who’s Your Daddy,’ we see the case of a young woman named Dawn Lee Luster who went missing from her home in San Diego in September 1999. Her family was concerned about her safety, as she had a history of drug use and often associated with dangerous individuals.

The investigation into Dawn’s disappearance led authorities to a man named John Smith, a wealthy businessman who had been dating Dawn for some time. Though he denied any involvement in her disappearance, evidence began to mount against him.

Forensic evidence played a key role in this case, and the episode highlights the importance of DNA testing in criminal investigations. When authorities discovered a bone fragment in John Smith’s backyard, they sent it to a laboratory for analysis. The results showed that the bone belonged to Dawn Lee Luster, confirming that she had been murdered and her body had been buried in Smith’s yard.

But the DNA testing didn’t stop there. Investigators were able to obtain DNA samples from both Smith and his son, allowing them to answer an important question: who was Dawn’s child’s father? The child, who was born after Dawn’s disappearance, could potentially serve as key evidence in the case.

Through the use of DNA testing, investigators were able to determine that John Smith’s son was the father of Dawn Lee Luster’s child. This revelation provided important information about the case, as it suggested that John Smith had been in contact with Dawn after her disappearance and may have helped to arrange for the birth of her child.

Ultimately, John Smith was convicted of murdering Dawn Lee Luster and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of DNA testing in criminal investigations and the role that it can play in bringing criminals to justice.

Overall, ‘Who’s Your Daddy’ is a fascinating and compelling episode of Forensic Files that showcases the crucial role that forensic evidence and DNA testing can play in criminal investigations. It’s a must-see for true crime fans and anyone interested in the science of solving crimes.