Ep 25. Fishing For The Truth

In the Forensic Files season 9 episode titled "Fishing For The Truth," viewers are taken on a journey to the quiet town of Steilacoom, Washington where a gruesome homicide took place in 1995. The victim, well-known local fisherman John Constable, was brutally beaten to death in his small cabin on a secluded beach. Despite the efforts of local police, the killer remained at large for years.

It was only in 1999 when new evidence was discovered that the case took a turn. A local man named Mike Brown was identified as a suspect after his DNA matched that of semen found at the crime scene. Brown admitted to being at the cabin on the night of the murder, but claimed that he left before Constable was killed and that he saw another man on the beach as he was leaving. However, when police searched Brown's home, they found a pair of bloodstained pants that matched the blood found at the crime scene. Brown was arrested and charged with murder.

The case went to trial in 2000, where the defense argued that Brown was innocent and that the DNA evidence was contaminated. However, forensic experts testified that the DNA found at the crime scene was a match to Brown's DNA, and that it was highly unlikely that the evidence was contaminated. In addition, a footprint found at the scene matched the shoes that Brown was wearing on the night of the murder.

Despite the evidence against him, Brown maintained his innocence throughout the trial. He claimed that he had nothing to do with Constable's murder and that he was being set up. The jury, however, did not believe his story and found him guilty of first-degree murder. Brown was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The episode takes a deep dive into the forensic evidence used to solve this brutal crime. Viewers will learn about the forensic techniques used to collect and analyze the DNA evidence, as well as the importance of examining the smallest details, such as a footprint, in solving a crime.

In addition, the episode provides an in-depth look at the trial process and the importance of jury selection. The defense argued that Brown was being framed by the police, but the prosecution was able to convince the jury of Brown's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The episode also discusses the impact that the murder had on the small town of Steilacoom, as well as the victim's family and friends.

Overall, "Fishing For The Truth" is a gripping and emotional episode of Forensic Files that showcases the importance of forensic evidence in solving crimes and bringing justice to victims and their families.