Forensic Files - Season 9, Episode 29 - The Stake-Out - Full Episode

FilmRise True Crime・2 minutes read

Despite being respected church members, the Weiner family faced tragedy when Sally Weiner was kidnapped and murdered after her husband, Harry, was chosen as Man of the Year. David Copenhefer was arrested as the prime suspect in the case due to forensic evidence and a recovered document detailing "The Plan" for the crime.

Insights

  • Sally Weiner, a church member, was tragically kidnapped and murdered after her husband, Harry, was chosen as Man of the Year, leading to a complex investigation involving forensic analysis and recovered documents detailing the perpetrator's plan.
  • David Copenhefer, the bookstore owner, meticulously orchestrated Sally Weiner's abduction and murder, with forensic evidence, including unique metal rods and recovered documents, linking him to the crime and revealing his intent to also kill Harry Weiner.

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Recent questions

  • Who was kidnapped in the Weiner family?

    Sally

  • What was the motive behind Sally Weiner's kidnapping?

    Unknown

  • How was David Copenhefer linked to Sally Weiner's murder?

    Forensic evidence

  • What role did "The Plan" play in Sally Weiner's kidnapping?

    Detailed steps for abduction and murder

  • How did the FBI assist in the investigation of Sally Weiner's murder?

    Analyzing evidence and recovering deleted documents

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Summary

00:00

Church Couple Kidnapped, Murdered by Bookstore Owner

  • The Weiner family were active church members known for their community involvement.
  • Despite their positive reputation, someone in their congregation had a motive to harm them.
  • Sally Weiner received a call informing her that her husband, Harry, was chosen as Man of the Year.
  • Sally was then kidnapped, with a ransom demand for money to save her life.
  • Harry followed instructions to deliver the ransom money, involving police and FBI assistance.
  • After waiting at the drop site, Harry was instructed to proceed to different locations.
  • Sally's body was tragically discovered with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
  • Investigators found clues linking a bookstore owner, David Copenhefer, to the crime.
  • Forensic analysis of insect activity on Sally's body helped determine the time of death.
  • Further evidence, including items found in Copenhefer's trash, led to his arrest as the prime suspect in Sally's kidnapping and murder.

12:11

Copenhefer's Murder Plan Revealed Through Evidence

  • FBI found metal file cabinet rods in Copenhefer's shed, similar to those with the ransom notes.
  • Forensic metallurgist William Tobin analyzed the rods and found unique marks indicating they were made at the same time.
  • Glaser-brand ammunition found in Copenhefer's home matched that used in Sally Weiner's murder.
  • FBI analyzed Copenhefer's computers, finding that deleted documents can be recovered if not overwritten.
  • Al Johnson's team manually reassembled deleted documents from Copenhefer's hard drives, taking 33 days.
  • Recovered document called "The Plan" detailed steps for Sally Weiner's kidnapping and murder.
  • Copenhefer planned to kill Harry Weiner after retrieving the ransom, as revealed in "The Plan."
  • Copenhefer disguised his voice to lure Sally Weiner, abducted her, killed her, and planned to kill Harry Weiner.
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