Cold Case Files Classic Season 3 Episode 20 The Missing Hunters/The Flashlight Rapist

The Missing Hunters/The Flashlight Rapist episode of Cold Case Files Classic season 3 is a gripping and haunting exploration of two different horrifying cases. The episode begins with the story of two hunters, Gail and John, who went missing in 1974 while on a hunting trip in Oregon. The main lead came from Gail's sister who received a postcard three weeks after they disappeared, which read "having a great time, wish you were here." The handwriting was believed to be Gail's and gave the impression that the couple was merely extending their vacation.

However, ten years later, the hunters' remains got discovered, buried in a shallow grave in a small clearing near the area they were believed to camp. The authorities struggled to solve the case, despite the considerable amount of evidence found at the site. The investigation appeared to go dormant until the case was reopened in 1994 when advancements in technology led to them discovering a microfiber belonging to a particular type of car.

The investigation soon led to several individuals who had been camping in the area during the time of Gail and John's disappearance. After much interrogation and DNA testing, they were eventually able to connect the semen stains found on Gail's clothing to a suspect, who had died before official charges could be made. But decades later, his DNA was in the database, and it helped unravel the mystery behind the couple's disappearance and murder.

The second case presented in this episode is that of "The Flashlight Rapist." Between 1981 and 1986, the citizens of New Jersey were in a panic due to a string of rapes. The most notable thing was that the perpetrator used a flashlight in each of the attacks, a detail that gave him his nickname.

The case's chief inspector, Gerald McAleer, narrates how the police barely had any leads until there was a break when the rapist attempted to abduct a woman from her car. She managed to escape and gave a detailed account of the assailant's car. Subsequently, the police began checking garages and saw "the car" parked inside a garage. The occupants were a father and son duo, both of whom were brought in for questioning.

On interrogating the father, he admitted to being the "Flashlight Rapist." The detectives discovered that the father's teenage son assisted him in several of the assaults. In court, the father pleaded guilty to seven counts of rape while his son pleaded guilty to two counts of rape while having acted as a lookout. Both the father and son were sentenced to multiple years in prison.

The cases presented in this episode are tough to watch, but they are intriguing nonetheless. The detectives' jobs are admirable, but it's worth appreciating the technological advancements that led to both cases' eventual resolutions. This episode is a perfect example of how justice delayed is not necessarily justice denied. The families of Gail and John finally got closure while the city of New Jersey could finally breathe a sigh of relief that "The Flashlight Rapist" was in custody. If you're a fan of cold case stories or true crime in general, this episode of Cold Case Files Classic season 3 should be on your watch list.