Ep 8. Death in the Delta

Death in the Delta is the eighth episode of the fourth season of The FBI Files, where the FBI investigates a serial killer who wreaked havoc in the Mississippi Delta region in the early 1990s. The episode is a crime documentary that follows the FBI's meticulous investigation that eventually led to the arrest and conviction of Glen Rogers, the notorious "Cross-Country Killer."

The episode begins with the first victim, Tina Marie Cribbs, a twenty-year-old single mother of two, who was found dead in a cotton field in Leflore County, Mississippi. The discovery of her body set off a wave of panic in the Mississippi Delta, as it was the first of many similar murders in the region. The FBI quickly got involved, hoping to catch the killer before he struck again.

The FBI's investigation involved piecing together the killer's motives and patterns to develop a profile. They determined that he was a transient that moved around the country, hopping from state to state, and targeting vulnerable women who were alone or separated from their families. The investigators combed through hundreds of potential suspects, but all leads turned up empty until they received a critical tip from Rogers' sister.

Rogers had once stayed with his sister, who had noticed his unusual behavior and called the police department. She reported that Rogers often talked about his desire to travel and kill women. His sister also noticed that he had bloody clothing, which raised her suspicions. Working on this tip, the FBI conducted a background check on Rogers and found that he had a long criminal record and had alleged to have killed up to 70 women across the country.

The FBI then initiated a manhunt for Rogers, who was located in Kentucky. They arrested him on an unrelated charge and later discovered the murder weapon and other incriminating evidence that connected him to the murders in the Mississippi Delta. Through a thorough interrogation, Rogers eventually confessed to several murders and provided detailed information about his victims and their locations.

The episode also showcases the FBI's use of forensic evidence and modern crime investigation techniques, including analyzing hair and fiber samples, tire prints, and fingerprints, to track the killer's movements. They also used DNA analysis to connect Rogers to one of the victims, which was a crucial piece of evidence presented at the trial.

Ultimately, Rogers was found guilty of two murders in the Mississippi Delta, and several others across the country, and was sentenced to death. The episode concludes with the FBI's assertion that they will continue to use their resources and expertise to bring justice to victims and their families and prevent such heinous crimes from occurring in the future.

Death in the Delta is a gripping episode that highlights the FBI's dedication to protecting citizens and bringing dangerous criminals to justice. It also offers insight into the psychology of a serial killer and provides valuable lessons for law enforcement personnel and the general public alike.