Skip to Main Content

S7 E4 The Alibi

Documentary

14+

23 minutes

Jan 28, 2002

In 1991, a high school girl vanished after attending a party. The prime suspect had two alibi witnesses for the night she disappeared. A solid alibi can often overcome circumstantial evidence, but forensic evidence is another matter.Starring: Peter Thomas

Season 7, 36 Episodes

Forever Hold Your Peace,

When Chris Ochoa confessed to the 1988 rape and murder of Nancy DePriest, the case was closed. 8 years later, Achim Marino confessed to the same crime. Can DNA evidence identify the real perpetrator?

When two boys are brutally attacked, investigators rely on evidence fished out of a nearby pond. It became the first case where diatom analysis was used to place a suspect at the scene of the crime.

Who's Your Daddy,

In 1988, the body of a young woman was discovered in an Ohio river. Most of the evidence had been washed away, but the victim's 6-year-old son unwittingly told investigators all they needed to know — without saying a word. The clue was in his genes.

In 1991, a high school girl vanished after attending a party. The prime suspect had two alibi witnesses for the night she disappeared. A solid alibi can often overcome circumstantial evidence, but forensic evidence is another matter.

Purr-fect Match,

When police discovered the body of Douglas Beamish's estranged wife, authorities linked 20 cat hairs found on her jacket to a cat owned by Beamish's parents. It was the first time animal DNA was used to solve a criminal case.

When more than 700 Oregonians contracted food poisoning from a unique strain of salmonella in 1984, investigators uncovered a secret plot to influence local elections.

A Shot in the Dark,

Two sets of scientists probe a woman's death.

Without a Prayer,

In 1995, the founder of American Atheists disappeared with one of her sons, her granddaughter and $500,000 in gold coins. The police investigated several suspects, including David R. Waters, who worked for American Atheists.

A Clutch of Witnesses,

Two eyewitnesses may hold the key to the death of a motorcycle gang member.

In 1984, a passerby finds the torso of a woman in a cardboard box. A forensic entomologist analyzes nearby insect activity to determine when the victim was killed.

A Touching Recollection,

The investigation into the kidnapping and rape of an 18-year-old Ohio woman is aided when the victim returns hours after the incident occurred. With her help, the police are able to track the assailant to his front door.

A Leg to Stand On,

The police investigate when a severed leg is discovered among garbage. Conventional means of identifying the victim are impossible, leading investigators to rely on DNA, forensic anthropology and toxicology.

Partners in Crime,

In a 1992 murder case, the autopsy of a cremated body turns up telltale clues of foul play.

In 1996, Indiana police identified Richard Alexander as the “River Park Rapist” who assaulted four women that year. Later, DNA analysis casts doubt on his conviction.

Chief Evidence,

After the 1996 murder of Seattle residents Raquel Rivera and Jay Johnson, evidence from the couple's dog eventually ties one of the murderers to the scene.

A Bitter Pill to Swallow,

Soon after becoming pregnant by Dr. Maynard Muntzing, firefighter Michelle Baker's health quickly deteriorates. Eventually, she raises suspicions that Muntzing is doing her harm.

In the 1980s, a trio of unsolved murders occurred in Wichita Falls, Texas. Later, a fourth murder from the same time period provided the police with far more than they realized.

Telltale Tracks,

The disappearance of Philadelphia college athlete Aimee Willard is investigated after her car is found on the roadside. When her body is found, the police find unusual marks and DNA evidence that eventually lead to her killer.

Ghost in the Machine,

While investigating the apparent overdose suicide of Reverend Bill Guthrie's wife, detectives recover incriminating files from Bill's computer and learn of his infidelity.

Dressed to Kill,

After 6-year-old Michelle Lee Dorr went missing, her father confessed to murdering her. But investigators soon poked holes in his story, leaving the case unsolved for 14 years.

The 1987 disappearance of Houston resident Tracy Jo Shine is recalled. The investigation went cold until 2000 when a "cold case squad" learned that the woman's ex-boyfriend Michael Neal had bragged about killing her.

The Metal Business,

Doctors cannot pinpoint the source of a businessman's illness.

Palm Print Conviction,

The 1996 investigation into 48-year-old Martha Hansen's murder is helped by a legal requirement that bars have video cameras installed on the premises.

Elephant Tracks,

The murders of an elderly couple leave police stumped until, two years later, they receive a major break. A jeweler looking through old newspaper clippings recognizes a necklace the female victim wore as having been pawned in her own shop.

A Bag of Evidence,

While investigating the murder of 9-year-old Jessica Knott, police use a garbage bag to connect suspect James Edward Crow, Jr. to the crime.

Tooth or Consequences,

An investigation into the murder of Katie Poirier is stymied by the lack of a body. Finally, investigators use a single tooth found among some charred remains to identify her.

Scratching The Surface,

The only clue recovered from a shooting is a twelve-guage shotgun. Scientists use unique methods to lift the serial number from the weapon to trace it to its owner

A serial arsonist starts several fires that cause millions of dollars worth of damage and the deaths of three people. He is discovered, partly through the use of forensic hypnosis.

Breaking the Mold,

A three-year-old develops a respiratory condition. His father has Alzheimers. An investigator reveals that their ill health is due to mold in their modern home.

A murder investigation in Florida crosses jurisdictions from New York and Jamaica. The police rely on cell phone mapping, wiretapping and a host of forensic evidence to link a suspect to a murder.

A woman convicted of killing her mother in a car fire is granted a new trial. An expert witness has a different opinion as to how the fire started and, if proven, would clear the woman of any culpability.

Authorities track a kidnapper who let his victim write a last will and informed the family of her murder. A phone number written on a previous page left a lasting impression, which helped to convict.

X Marks the Spot,

Computers aid the police and FBI in solving a string of crimes in St. Louis.

All Charged Up,

Using an anonymous letter and geographical profiling, investigators close in on a serial rapist.

After a man's body is discovered a few miles from his home, police trace the crime back to his wife.

The Sniper's Trail,

An examination of the 2002 DC area shooting spree that resulted in ten murders.

Details

Forensic Files

Crime

14+

14 Seasons

23 minutes

Forensic Files is the longest-running true crime series in television history. Evidence and interviews with experts help solve real crimes, disease outbreaks and accidents around the world.

Watch Free TV Shows

Watch free TV shows, from exciting new releases to timeless classics. Whether you’re into gripping crime shows, fan-favorite sitcoms, reality TV, or acclaimed dramas, watch free full seasons of TV shows On Demand anytime, anywhere.