Forensic Files Season 11, Episode 3 - Just Desserts - Full Episode

FilmRise True Crime・2 minutes read

An ex-convict was suspected of a brutal double homicide but was later cleared after DNA evidence from a spoon found at an ice cream store linked a construction worker, William DeParvine, to the crime scene, resulting in his arrest and conviction for first-degree murder.

Insights

  • The initial suspect in the double homicide, Henry Sullivan, was cleared of involvement after DNA testing did not match the blood found in the victims' Jeep, shifting investigators' focus towards a new suspect.
  • William DeParvine, a seemingly unassuming construction worker with a law degree, was ultimately convicted of the murders after DNA extracted from a discarded spoon at an ice cream store matched the blood found on the steering wheel of the victims' Jeep, highlighting the crucial role of forensic evidence in solving the case.

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Recent questions

  • Who were the victims in the double homicide?

    Richard and Karla Van Dusen

  • What led investigators away from the initial suspect?

    A dish of ice cream

  • What evidence pointed towards the prime suspect?

    Florida driver's license

  • Who was eventually convicted of first-degree murder?

    William DeParvine

  • What theory emerged involving a different suspect?

    Involvement of Justin Sullivan

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Summary

00:00

"Murder Suspect Cleared by Ice Cream Alibi"

  • An ex-convict was suspected of a brutal double homicide due to his driver's license being found at the crime scene.
  • A dish of ice cream led investigators in a different direction from the suspect.
  • Richard and Karla Van Dusen's Jeep was found near a store with blood and suspicious items inside.
  • The bodies of Richard and Karla Van Dusen were discovered outside their home, both shot in the head, with Karla also stabbed.
  • The couple had been married for three years and had grown children from previous marriages.
  • Investigators believed the killer was someone known to the Van Dusens based on the evidence and crime scene locations.
  • Henry Sullivan's Florida driver's license was found near the abandoned Jeep, leading to him being a prime suspect.
  • Sullivan denied involvement in the murders, claiming he often lost his IDs.
  • A .9-millimeter bullet found in the victims' Jeep matched a pistol found in Sullivan's possession, but further analysis proved it wasn't the murder weapon.
  • William Deparvine, who bought the Van Dusens' truck, had discrepancies in his story, and his criminal record raised suspicions in the investigation.

10:54

"DNA Evidence Leads to Murder Conviction"

  • Richard Van Dusen was pulled from his Jeep and shot outside the vehicle, while his wife, Karla, was shot through the windshield.
  • Blood not belonging to Richard or Karla was found on the steering wheel of the Jeep.
  • DNA testing on the blood from the steering wheel revealed it was human blood, leading investigators to suspect the killer nicked his hand while cutting the seat belt to remove Karla's body.
  • Initial suspect Henry Sullivan's DNA did not match the blood in the car, prompting investigators to consider another theory involving Henry's brother, Justin Sullivan.
  • Justin Sullivan had a warrant for his arrest and used his brother's name, leading investigators to suspect he may have dropped the driver's license at the crime scene.
  • Justin Sullivan denied involvement in the murders, providing an alibi corroborated by friends.
  • Third suspect William DeParvine refused to provide a DNA sample, leading investigators to follow him to obtain his DNA through discarded items.
  • DeParvine, a construction worker with a law degree, led a monotonous lifestyle, but was eventually caught after discarding a spoon at an ice cream store.
  • DNA extracted from the spoon matched the blood on the steering wheel, leading to DeParvine's arrest and conviction for first-degree murder.
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