Ep 93. The Dissapearence of Helle Crafts
On the evening of November 18, 1986, Helle Crafts went missing from her home in Newtown, Connecticut. Helle's husband, Richard Crafts, claimed that she had left him and their three children to start a new life in Denmark. However, evidence uncovered by authorities told a much darker story.
This episode of Forensic Files follows the investigation into the disappearance and probable murder of Helle Crafts. Suspicions were raised when a neighbor reported seeing Richard Crafts struggling with a large, heavy object near his home late one night. Investigators searched the property and found evidence of a violent struggle and blood in Richard's truck.
The case gained national attention when it was discovered that Richard had attempted to dispose of Helle's body using a wood chipper. The forensic science used to analyze the evidence at the crime scene was groundbreaking for the time, including the use of luminol to detect bloodstains and high-tech equipment to sift through the wood chips to find bone fragments.
As the investigation unfolded, it was discovered that Richard Crafts had a history of violent behavior and a mistress with whom he had been planning a new life in South America. The prosecution was able to build a compelling case against Richard, who was eventually found guilty of the murder of his wife and sentenced to 50 years in prison.
The episode also highlights the importance of the work done by forensic analysts and investigators in bringing justice to victims of violent crimes. Through interviews with the investigators and forensic scientists involved in the case, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the techniques used to uncover the truth in criminal investigations.
Overall, "The Disappearance of Helle Crafts" is a gripping episode of Forensic Files that delves into a shocking and tragic case of domestic violence and murder. The use of cutting-edge forensic science to piece together the evidence is fascinating to watch, while the emotional impact of the crime reminds viewers of the importance of seeking justice for victims and their families.
