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Forensic Files - Season 10, Episode 33 - Penchant for Poison - Full Episode

FilmRise True Crime・14 minutes read

A scientist in Texas developed a groundbreaking method to test cremated remains for evidence of foul play, leading to the detection of arsenic poisoning in multiple cases, ultimately resulting in the conviction of Tim Scoggin for murder.

Insights

  • A groundbreaking method developed by a scientist in Texas allows for the testing of cremated remains, revolutionizing forensic investigations by providing crucial evidence even after cremation.
  • The case involving Tim Scoggin reveals a pattern of suspicious deaths linked to arsenic poisoning, ultimately leading to his conviction for multiple murders and attempted murder, highlighting the meticulous work of forensic scientists in uncovering complex criminal schemes.

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Recent questions

  • How did scientists detect arsenic in cremated remains?

    By using neutron-activation analysis on hair samples.

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Summary

00:00

"Forensic Breakthrough: Testing Cremated Remains for Arsenic"

  • Cremation typically destroys evidence of foul play, but a scientist in Texas developed a method to test cremated remains, making forensic history.
  • Olgie and Leita Nobles, who ran an air-conditioning business in San Angelo, Texas, had a strained relationship despite their love.
  • After Olgie's death at 70, Leita fell ill, experiencing vomiting, weakness, and numbness in her fingers and toes.
  • Doctors discovered Leita had been poisoned with arsenic, suspecting Olgie as the perpetrator due to their rocky marriage.
  • Scientists used neutron-activation analysis on Leita's hair to determine she ingested arsenic before and after Olgie's death.
  • Investigators found arsenic in an antacid in the Nobles' home but exhumed Olgie's body to reveal lethal doses of arsenic, ruling his death a homicide.
  • The Nobles' son and Timothy Scoggin, who bought their business, were suspects, but Leita defended both, especially trusting Scoggin.
  • Scoggin had a close relationship with elderly sisters in Llano, Texas, who died suddenly, leaving him a substantial inheritance.
  • The sisters' deaths raised suspicions, especially when linked to Olgie's poisoning, but their bodies had been cremated, hindering further investigation.
  • If Scoggin was responsible for the deaths of the sisters and Olgie, it would constitute a perfect crime, with three deaths and one near-death incident.

10:40

"Tim Scoggin: Murderer of Wealthy Friends"

  • Tim Scoggin's close friends, Leita and Olgie Nobles, were poisoned with arsenic within a 12-month period.
  • Catherine and Cordelia Norton, friends of Scoggin, also died suspicious deaths within a day of each other.
  • Scoggin was the last person alone with both Cordelia and Catherine.
  • Scoggin desired money and riches, admiring the lavish lifestyle of the Nortons.
  • The Norton sisters were cremated, leaving only their ashes as evidence.
  • Rod McCutcheon, a toxicologist, successfully detected arsenic in the sisters' ashes using a chemical cocktail.
  • Cordelia Norton ingested a massive amount of arsenic, leading to her death.
  • Scoggin was the prime suspect in the murders of the Norton sisters, Olgie Nobles, and the attempted murder of Leita Nobles.
  • Scoggin was convicted and sentenced to two life sentences for his crimes.
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