Ep 19. The Missing Hunters/The Flashlight Rapist

The third season of the hit true crime series Cold Case Files offers a riveting collection of some of America's most perplexing and harrowing unsolved cases. Episode 19, entitled "The Missing Hunters/The Flashlight Rapist," is a particularly chilling installment that investigates two very different crimes - but both of which have had a devastating impact on the victims' families.

The episode commences by delving into the disturbing case known as "The Missing Hunters." In 1985, two experienced hunters, Lawrence Martin and Raymond Fowler, set out on a hunting trip in the dense forests of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. They were both skilled outdoorsmen and had prior experience in the area, but after three days of no sightings, their family and friends began to fear the worst. The search for Martin and Fowler continued for months to no avail, leaving their loved ones with aching hearts and countless unanswered questions.

Years passed without a breakthrough, until 28 years later, when a chance discovery reopened the investigation. A group of hunters stumbled across a piece of clothing and a skull in a remote patch of forest, prompting detectives to revisit the case and finally bring some closure to the families. But the evidence proved to be few and far between, and the investigation went in unexpected directions that led to some shocking discoveries about the hunters' mysterious disappearance.

The second half of the episode examines a violent serial rapist who terrorized southern California throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. Dubbed "The Flashlight Rapist" due to his penchant for using a flashlight to subdue his victims, this criminal was responsible for numerous violent assaults and was a nightmare for the women of Los Angeles. The perpetrator's brazen and ruthless modus operandi made him almost impossible to catch until DNA evidence finally linked him to his crimes years later.

Through interviews with lead investigators, victims, and eyewitnesses, viewers are taken on a captivating journey through the extensive investigation and the impact of the Flashlight Rapist's heinous crimes on the local communities. The meticulous and exhaustive police work that ultimately led to his arrest and conviction is detailed, leaving viewers in awe of the hardworking law enforcement officials who never gave up on bringing justice to the victims of one of California's most notorious serial rapists.

Overall, "The Missing Hunters/The Flashlight Rapist" is a compelling and enthralling episode of Cold Case Files that highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering determination of law enforcement officials to solve the most puzzling and heart-wrenching cases. Whether you're a seasoned true crime aficionado or just starting your journey into the world of crime-solving, this episode - and the entire third season of this gripping series - should not be missed.