Forensic Files - Season 8, Episode 23 - Sphere of Influence - Full Episode

Recent questions

• How did the investigation into Mandy Lemaire's disappearance unfold?

  The investigation into Mandy Lemaire's disappearance began with uncertainty between a grizzly bear attack or abduction in Alaska. However, the discovery of fiber, molten steel, and a yellow paint chip pointed towards human involvement. Mandy, an 11-year-old girl from Tazlina, Alaska, disappeared while playing with friends, sparking a community search effort. Tragically, Mandy's body was found shot to death after 10 days. Autopsy revealed she was shot twice with a .22 caliber rifle and sexually assaulted. Suspects included David DeForest and Charlie Smithart, with Smithart eventually arrested due to discrepancies in his alibi and forensic evidence linking him to the crime scene. The investigation culminated in Smithart's trial, where he was found guilty of murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault, receiving a 114-year prison sentence.

• Who were the main suspects in Mandy Lemaire's case?

  The main suspects in Mandy Lemaire's case were David DeForest and Charlie Smithart. Both individuals had conflicting alibis and exhibited suspicious behavior during the investigation. However, it was ultimately Charlie Smithart who was arrested and charged with the kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder of Mandy. Investigative breakthroughs, such as discrepancies in Smithart's alibi and forensic evidence linking him to the crime scene, led to his arrest and subsequent trial.

• What forensic evidence linked Charlie Smithart to Mandy Lemaire's murder?

  Forensic evidence linking Charlie Smithart to Mandy Lemaire's murder included paint chips, fibers, and metal spheres found at the crime scene. Analysis of a yellow paint chip from Mandy's clothing matched a chip from Smithart's workshop. Additionally, red and blue polypropylene fibers found on Mandy's clothing and in Smithart's environment were identified. Metallic spheres on Mandy's skin were identified as carbon steel, matching metal fragments from Smithart's truck. These forensic findings played a crucial role in linking Smithart to the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of Mandy.

• What role did Skip Palenik play in the investigation of Mandy Lemaire's case?

  Skip Palenik, a criminalist in Chicago, played a significant role in the investigation of Mandy Lemaire's case. He analyzed a yellow paint chip from Mandy's clothing, determining it matched a chip from Charlie Smithart's workshop. Palenik also identified red and blue polypropylene fibers on Mandy's clothing and in Smithart's environment. Additionally, he matched metallic spheres found on Mandy's skin to metal fragments from Smithart's truck. Palenik's forensic analysis provided crucial evidence linking Smithart to the crime scene and ultimately contributed to his arrest and conviction.

• What was the outcome of Charlie Smithart's trial?

  The outcome of Charlie Smithart's trial resulted in a guilty verdict for the murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault of Mandy Lemaire. Smithart was sentenced to 114 years in prison for his crimes. The trial showcased the importance of forensic evidence, including paint chips, fibers, and metal fragments, in linking Smithart to the abduction and murder of Mandy. Despite conflicting alibis and suspicious behavior, the forensic findings played a pivotal role in securing Smithart's conviction and ensuring justice for Mandy and her family.