Ep 1. Season 12, Episode 1

In the first episode of Forensic Files' 12th season, viewers are taken on a journey to solve the mystery of the disappearance and murder of Maria Lauterbach, a United States Marine who vanished months before her due date.

Lauterbach was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, a military base where she reported being raped by her superior, Corporal Cesar Laurean. Despite reporting the assault, Lauterbach was left to remain in the same unit as Laurean, which ultimately resulted in her going missing in December 2007.

Initially, Laurean was thought to be a possible suspect in Lauterbach's disappearance, but he disappeared shortly before the discovery of Lauterbach's buried remains in January 2008. Laurean was eventually found and extradited back to the United States to stand trial for the murder of Lauterbach and her unborn child.

The episode takes viewers through the investigation process, including the discovery of Lauterbach's remains and the scientific evidence gathered from the burial site. There's also a deep dive into Laurean's past and possible motives for the murder.

Forensic Files' use of forensic evidence and technology to piece together this tragic story is both intriguing and informative. From the excavation of the burial site to forensic analysis of DNA and cell phone records, it is fascinating to see how law enforcement utilized scientific evidence to ultimately solve this case.

The episode also sheds light on the issue of sexual harassment and assault in the military, highlighting the difficulties faced by those trying to report these crimes to their superiors. It is a sobering reminder that despite progress, there is still much work to be done in addressing and preventing sexual assault and harassment in the military and beyond.

Overall, the first episode of Forensic Files' 12th season is a poignant examination of a terrible tragedy, and a testament to the power of forensic science in solving crimes. Fans of the long-running series will not be disappointed.