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Forensic Files - Season 10, Episode 35 - Sole Searching - Full Episode

FilmRise True Crime・15 minutes read

Criminals leave trace evidence at crime scenes, which was crucial in identifying suspects in the murder case of 67-year-old Audrey Nichols. Forensic experts utilized shoe impressions and DNA analysis to link suspect John Skinner to the crime scene, leading to his confession and guilty plea for second-degree murder.

Insights

  • Trace evidence left at crime scenes is vital in identifying suspects, as shown in the case of Audrey Nichols's murder, where shoe impressions led to the apprehension of the killer.
  • The forensic analysis of footwear impressions, combined with a prisoner's confession, played a pivotal role in solving Audrey Nichols's murder, ultimately leading to the successful prosecution of the perpetrator.

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Recent questions

  • How do criminals leave trace evidence at crime scenes?

    Criminals leave trace evidence at crime scenes through various means such as fingerprints, shoe impressions, DNA, fibers, and blood. These traces can help investigators identify suspects and link them to the crime.

  • What techniques were used to identify a suspect in a crime spree?

    Scientists used Aurora Pink powder, cyanoacrylate fumes, and a computer database to identify a suspect in a crime spree. These methods helped in analyzing and matching evidence found at the crime scenes to potential suspects.

  • Who received a call about a break-in at 4:00 a.m.?

    Kim Miller, a police switchboard operator, received a call about a break-in at 4:00 a.m. This call alerted authorities to the crime, leading to an investigation into the incident.

  • How did the victim, Audrey Nichols, try to protect herself during the break-in?

    The victim, Audrey Nichols, tried to protect herself during the break-in by hiding in the bathroom. Unfortunately, she was shot at close range despite her efforts to seek safety.

  • What led to the identification and confession of the killer in Audrey Nichols' murder case?

    The identification and confession of the killer in Audrey Nichols' murder case were heavily reliant on forensic evidence, specifically shoe impressions found at the crime scene. Through forensic analysis of shoe prints and evidence linking the suspect's shoes to the crime scene, the killer was identified and successfully prosecuted.

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Summary

00:00

Trace Evidence Crucial in Identifying Suspects

  • Criminals leave trace evidence at crime scenes, which can be crucial in identifying suspects.
  • Scientists used Aurora Pink powder, cyanoacrylate fumes, and a computer database to identify a suspect in a crime spree.
  • Kim Miller, a police switchboard operator, received a call about a break-in at 4:00 a.m.
  • The victim, 67-year-old Audrey Nichols, was found shot in her home after a break-in.
  • Audrey Nichols, a retired Michigan State Police worker, was shot in her home, leading to shock and anger among colleagues.
  • The killer targeted the house for valuables, possibly for drug money, taking Audrey's purse.
  • Audrey tried to hide in the bathroom during the break-in but was shot at close range.
  • Forensic experts found shoe impressions in the house, leading to the discovery of a Spalding tennis shoe as a possible match.
  • A suspect, Kent Embry, was arrested six weeks after Audrey's murder while attempting a robbery nearby.
  • The case heavily relied on the footwear impressions found at the crime scene to identify the suspect.

10:55

Forensic evidence links shoes to murder

  • Suspect wore Spalding tennis shoes, matching what investigators were looking for.
  • Shoes were sent to forensics lab for analysis.
  • Amy Michaud compared shoe prints to partial prints found at the crime scene.
  • Michaud looked for class and accidental characteristics on the shoes.
  • Comparison results showed the sizes were slightly off, ruling out the suspect's shoes.
  • Investigators received a letter from a prisoner named Carl Hedly confessing to the murder.
  • John Skinner, a 22-year-old, was the prime suspect but denied involvement.
  • Skinner's fingerprints did not match the prints found at the crime scene.
  • Police found a worn pair of Spalding tennis shoes in Skinner's bedroom.
  • Forensic evidence linked Skinner's shoes to the crime scene, leading to his confession and guilty plea for second-degree murder.

20:53

Forensics key in solving case

  • Case solved and successfully prosecuted
  • Forensics crucial in bringing everything together
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