Ep 2. "X" Marks the Spot

Forensic Files season 1 episode 2, "X" Marks the Spot, delves into the investigation of a missing woman named Jane Snow. Jane was a well-known member of her small town in Arkansas, and her disappearance sent shockwaves through the community.

The episode begins with Jane's husband, Earl Snow, reporting her missing to the police. Earl insists that he had left his wife at home while he went to his job at a local factory, and when he returned, Jane was gone. However, the detectives quickly begin to suspect Earl may have had something to do with Jane's disappearance, particularly because of his strange behavior and the fact that his alibi seems shaky.

The investigation really picks up steam when a local boy discovers a shallow grave in the woods near Jane's home. DNA evidence confirms that the body found in the grave is, in fact, Jane's, and the detectives begin to piece together a timeline of events leading up to her murder.

One crucial piece of evidence is the X-shaped pattern of injuries found on Jane's shoulder blades. This leads the detectives to suspect that the killer used a tool with a distinctive X-shaped blade, and they begin searching for anyone with access to such a tool. They eventually narrow their focus to a man named David Wayne Brown, a former employee of Earl's who had been fired a few weeks prior to Jane's disappearance.

Although Brown denies any involvement, several pieces of evidence point squarely at him. For one thing, tire tracks and footprints found near Jane's body match those of Brown's truck and shoes. When police search Brown's home, they find a hatchet with a blade that matches the X-shaped wounds on Jane's back. On top of that, Brown's girlfriend reveals that he had come home late on the night of Jane's murder, covered in dirt and acting very suspiciously.

The detectives arrest Brown, but at trial, his defense team attempts to cast doubt on the DNA evidence. They suggest that contamination may have occurred in the lab, and also argue that the hatchet could have belonged to someone else. However, the prosecution's case is strong, and Brown is ultimately found guilty of murder.

Overall, "X" Marks the Spot is a gripping episode with many twists and turns. It showcases the meticulous work of forensic investigators and demonstrates the importance of using a variety of forensic techniques to solve crimes. Additionally, it explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and small-town politics, making for a truly compelling watch.