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Forensic Files Season 11, Episode 15 - Nice Threads - Full Episode

FilmRise True Crime・15 minutes read

Christian missionary Dawn Fehring was murdered in her apartment in Kirkland, Washington, with forensic evidence linking neighbor Eric Hayden to the crime, leading to his conviction for first-degree murder and sentencing to 26 years in prison. A scholarship in Dawn's name was established for missionary work, highlighting the importance of technology in solving the case.

Insights

  • Dawn Fehring, a Christian missionary, was tragically murdered in her Kirkland, Washington apartment, where she was sexually assaulted and strangled with a bedsheet.
  • Eric Hayden, the neighbor living above Dawn, emerged as the prime suspect in her murder, with forensic evidence linking him to the crime and leading to his arrest, conviction, and a scholarship established in Dawn's name for missionary work.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Dawn Fehring?

    A Christian missionary and talented violinist.

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Summary

00:00

Christian missionary murdered in Washington apartment

  • Dawn Fehring, a Christian missionary, was murdered in her apartment in Kirkland, Washington.
  • Dawn was an accomplished violinist and dancer who had recently returned from Japan.
  • Her neighbor, a local fireman, discovered her body after noticing her front door left open.
  • Dawn was found dead in her bedroom, having been sexually assaulted and strangled with a bedsheet.
  • The attacker was identified as a smoker based on evidence found at the crime scene.
  • Investigators found a bloodstain on the bedsheet, which was confirmed to be Dawn's blood.
  • Dawn lived alone and led a low-risk lifestyle, focused on her Christian faith and missionary work.
  • Grocery receipts showed Dawn was last seen at a store at 9:45 PM before her body was discovered the next morning.
  • Investigators used a substance called "Amido Black" to reveal handprints and fingerprints in blood on the bedsheet.
  • Despite initial challenges, forensic scientists were able to uncover crucial evidence that could potentially lead to identifying the killer.

10:40

"Prime suspect linked by forensic evidence"

  • Eric Hayden lived with his girlfriend above Dawn Fehring's apartment.
  • Hayden initially denied knowing Dawn, then later admitted seeing her but claimed no contact.
  • When questioned about his whereabouts during the murder, Hayden said he was out drinking with friends.
  • Investigators found Hayden suspicious, noting his shaky hands during police questioning.
  • Hayden, a mill worker, emerged as the prime suspect in Dawn Fehring's murder.
  • A neighbor described Hayden as "weird" for his behavior, particularly towards women.
  • Forensic investigator Erik Berg enhanced a palm print found on Dawn's bedsheet using digital technology.
  • The enhanced palm print was compared to Hayden's prints, conclusively linking him to the crime.
  • Hayden was arrested and charged with first-degree murder based on the forensic evidence.
  • Hayden was convicted and sentenced to 26 years in prison, with a scholarship set up in Dawn's name for missionary work.

20:57

"Timely Technology Solves Dawn's Case"

  • Technology found at the perfect time for solving Dawn's case.
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