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Earth, Wind & Destruction | TRIPLE EPISODE | The New Detectives

The New Detectives・87 minutes read

Multiple cases of murder and disappearance are solved through meticulous forensic analysis, linking suspects to crimes through DNA evidence, blood spatter, and accelerant residues found at the crime scenes. These cases highlight the crucial role of forensic science in solving complex criminal investigations with overwhelming evidence leading to successful convictions.

Insights

  • Natalie Mirabal's murder investigation involved crucial evidence such as a broken Redwood board near the body, matching tire tread impressions, and plant material in her car, leading to the implication of her husband, Matthew Mirabal.
  • Forensic analysis played a pivotal role in solving the cases, from matching dental records of a burned tooth to identifying a unique dental adhesive in Katie Poyer's case to finding gasoline residues in Donald Harmasek's arson and murder.
  • The successful resolution of each case, from the arrest and sentencing of the perpetrators to the identification of victims through DNA analysis and forensic examination, showcased the importance of meticulous investigation and scientific methods in criminal justice.

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Recent questions

  • What evidence led to Michael Caprat's arrest?

    Michael Caprat was arrested after forensic evidence, including DNA and fingerprints, linked him to the murders and arsons. Despite the lack of evidence initially, the forensic analysis provided crucial links to Caprat, ultimately leading to his arrest and conviction for the crimes.

  • How did investigators identify Jackie Beard's remains?

    Investigators identified Jackie Beard's remains through mitochondrial DNA analysis, confirming the victim's identity. Dr. Murray Marks led a team in a controlled search effort to recover the skeletal remains, which included a skull and strands of hair. The analysis revealed that Jackie Beard was a young female aged between seven and nine years old.

  • What led to the conviction of Nathaniel Lindell?

    Nathaniel Lindell was convicted of first-degree murder, burglary, and arson due to overwhelming evidence against him. Forensic analysis of blood spatter, shoe prints, and accelerant residues linked Lindell to the crime scene. Despite his refusal to speak to investigators, the evidence presented during the trial led to his conviction.

  • How was the victim in the Donald Harmasek case identified?

    The victim in the Donald Harmasek case was identified through forensic analysis and mitochondrial DNA. Skeletal remains, including a skull and strands of hair, were found in a rural area. Dr. Murray Marks led the recovery effort, determining that the victim was a young female aged between seven and nine years old.

  • What evidence implicated Ronald Bell and Crystal Maestas in the murder?

    Ronald Bell and Crystal Maestas were implicated in the murder through circumstantial evidence and witness testimony. Despite the lack of direct evidence linking them to the crime, a witness came forward with details about the murder, leading to their arrest. Bell and Maestas were sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the murder, tried as adults.

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Summary

00:00

Mystery Surrounding Natalie Mirabal's Disappearance and Murder

  • Natalie Mirabal went missing after going to the grocery store, leaving her husband and baby at home.
  • Her car was found in the store parking lot with a fresh scratch, but no sign of Natalie.
  • Investigators impounded the car for further inspection and spoke with Natalie's husband, Matthew Mirabal.
  • Natalie's body was discovered decapitated 12 miles away from Longmont, with signs of violence.
  • Investigators found a broken Redwood board near the body, potentially a clue.
  • Natalie's purse was found on a nearby road, containing her identification and cash, ruling out robbery as a motive.
  • Natalie's family was informed of her murder, and investigators formed a task force to chase leads.
  • Natalie's husband, Matthew Mirabal, became a suspect after a life insurance policy in his name was found hidden.
  • Plant material and work gloves with blood were found in Natalie's car, leading investigators to a nearby canyon.
  • Tire tread impressions from Natalie's car matched those found near her body, implicating Matthew in her murder.

20:41

"Murder Investigation: Evidence Leads to Arrest"

  • A man requested a large insurance policy for his wife, who didn't work, but later accepted a lower amount without argument.
  • Detective Ainsworth visited the man's workplace, finding a plastic bag with flashlight packaging and a cardboard tab for gloves.
  • Fingerprints from the plastic bag were matched to the man, prompting further evidence collection.
  • A piece of Redwood found in the man's truck resembled a piece from the crime scene, suggesting a link.
  • Swabs from a flashlight at the man's home tested positive for human blood, with DNA analysis revealing inconsistencies.
  • Another piece of Redwood was found at the crime scene, fitting with the piece from the man's truck.
  • Blood on a glove found in the victim's car matched her DNA on the outside but not on the inside, implicating the killer.
  • The man's DNA was found on the inside of the glove, along with DNA consistent with the victim's, leading to his arrest.
  • Investigators theorized the man planned the murder, decapitated the victim, and tried to mislead police by leaving her car at a supermarket.
  • The man was sentenced to life without parole, highlighting the successful conclusion of the investigation.

41:41

"Forensic Evidence Leads to Conviction in Abduction"

  • Police suspected Donald Pence of abducting Katie Poyer from a convenience store in Moose Lake, Minnesota.
  • Detectives found a black truck at Pence's house matching a partial description given by a witness.
  • The truck was towed to the BCA crime lab for forensic examination, but no blood traces were found.
  • Bones and a tooth were discovered in Pence's fire pit, indicating a human victim.
  • Anthropologist Susan Thurston Meister determined the victim was a female aged 19-24.
  • Forensic odontologist Thomas Rumreich matched the burned tooth to Katie Poyer through dental records.
  • Analysis of the tooth revealed traces of a new dental adhesive used by Katie's dentist.
  • The unique dental adhesive led to Pence's arrest, as it was a recent product not commonly used.
  • Pence initially confessed to the crime but later recanted, denying any involvement.
  • Despite Pence's denial, overwhelming forensic evidence led to his conviction and life sentence without parole.

01:05:19

Teenagers implicated in murder of Cordell Richards

  • Cordell Richards was killed in the neighborhood, possibly due to gambling debts or other financial issues.
  • Investigators found an unfamiliar car near where the body was discovered, with two teenagers seen coming from the woods.
  • Ronald Bell, a resident who knew Cordell Richards, confirmed his car matched the witness's description.
  • Evidence mounted against Bell and another teenager, including the victim's blood in their shared apartment.
  • A warrant was obtained to search Bell's car, but no evidence linking it to the crime was found.
  • Officials at the school Bell attended provided information about his absence and borrowing a truck.
  • Paul Martin was asked to hack into Cordell Richard's computer, revealing Bell's involvement in disposing of property.
  • Despite circumstantial evidence, a witness was needed to tie everything together for a case.
  • An anonymous informant came forward with details about the murder, leading to the arrest of Bell, Crystal Maestas, and Renee Links.
  • Crystal Maestas and Ronald Bell were sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the murder, tried as adults.

01:29:39

"Jackie Beard's Murder: Forensic Investigation Reveals Truth"

  • Jackie Beard's disappearance led to a search for her remains, which were found in a rural area.
  • Investigators found skeletal remains, including a skull and strands of hair, indicating a young victim.
  • Dr. Murray Marks led a team to recover the remains in a controlled search effort.
  • Analysis revealed the victim was a young female, aged between seven and nine years old.
  • The remains showed no signs of sharp force trauma, blunt force trauma, or strangulation.
  • Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed the victim's identity as Jackie Beard.
  • Fibers found on Jackie's clothing matched those from Glenn Rogers' car, linking him to the crime.
  • Rogers was convicted of Jackie's abduction, rape, and murder, sentenced to death.
  • The arson and murder of Donald Harmasek in Wisconsin led to a complex investigation.
  • Forensic analysis of blood spatter and shoe prints revealed multiple suspects and a brutal crime scene.

01:52:29

Accelerant Residue Analysis Leads to Conviction

  • Flammable liquid used to start a fire accelerates the process, leaving behind traces that slowly evaporate.
  • Debris collected from a fire scene is placed in a can with a carbon strip to absorb any accelerant residues.
  • The can with the carbon strip is sealed and heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit for 16 hours.
  • The carbon strip is then analyzed in a gas chromatograph to identify the chemical components of the accelerant.
  • Residues of gasoline were found in three samples collected from the scene.
  • Todd Carpenter was brought in for questioning and revealed his involvement with the Lindell Brothers in a burglary.
  • Nathaniel and Josh Lindell planned the burglary to steal cash from Donald Harmasic's house.
  • The Lindell Brothers burned their clothes after the crime, and Carpenter was paid for his involvement.
  • Nathaniel Lindell was convicted of first-degree murder, burglary, and arson, while Josh Lindell was convicted of first-degree murder.
  • Despite the evidence against him, Nathaniel Lindell refused to speak to investigators, leading to his conviction.

02:14:14

"Arson murders solved by forensic evidence"

  • Monique Jenkins, a 70-year-old victim, was found burned beyond recognition on her bed in a bedroom where everything had dropped to the ground.
  • The medical examiner couldn't determine the cause of death but found the victim's hands bound with duct tape, indicating foul play.
  • Detectives were frustrated by the lack of evidence in the case, hoping for fingerprints, trace evidence, or accelerants to link the crimes.
  • Rita Talbot, another victim, was found dead in her bedroom, with evidence of restraint and alcohol poured around the bed, though no fire occurred.
  • Michael Caprat, a local handyman with a criminal history, was arrested after forensic evidence, including DNA and fingerprints, linked him to the murders and arsons.
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