Forensic Files Season 17 Episode 11 Where the Blood Drops

In episode 11 of season 17 of Forensic Files titled "Where the Blood Drops," viewers are taken through a case of a brutal murder that happened in the small town of Sharon Springs, New York.

It all started when a local farmer found the body of his missing wife, Patricia Welden, in a pond near their home. The autopsy showed that the victim was brutally beaten and strangled, and there were clear signs of a struggle. The police didn't have many leads, but they found some drops of blood in the victim's car that seemed to belong to the killer.

The investigation led the detectives to two suspects: a local handyman named Christopher Porco, and his friend, Johnathan Hearn. Porco had a rocky relationship with his father, who was the target of a violent attack with an ax a few years before the murder. The authorities thought that Porco, who was attending college at the time, may have harbored resentment towards his parents. However, there was no concrete evidence linking him to the crime.

On the other hand, Hearn had a criminal record that included a burglary charge, and he was also known to have a somewhat unstable temper. When the detectives questioned him, they found that he had a strong motive to kill the victim. Hearn had been involved in a romantic relationship with Patricia Welden, and she had broken it off a few months before her murder. Hearn was still in love with her and couldn't accept the end of the relationship. Furthermore, Hearn had been fired from his job at the Weldens' dental practice around the same time.

The detectives dug deeper and found that Hearn had been in Sharon Springs on the night of the murder, and there were some inconsistencies in his alibi. They also obtained a sample of Hearn's DNA and compared it to the blood drops found in the victim's car. The result was a match, confirming that Hearn was at the crime scene.

The prosecution built a solid case using forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and Hearn's financial records that showed he had withdrawn a significant sum of money from his bank account around the time of the murder. They argued that Hearn killed Patricia Welden in a fit of jealousy and revenge, using an ax handle from the Weldens' garage to bludgeon her and strangling her with a shoelace.

Hearn, however, maintained his innocence, and his defense team argued that the DNA evidence was contaminated and that his confession was coerced. They also pointed out that there was no direct evidence linking Hearn to the murder, such as witnesses or video footage. The jury deliberated for several days, weighing the evidence presented to them, and finally reached a verdict.

Overall, "Where the Blood Drops" is a gripping episode that showcases the importance of forensic science in solving crimes, particularly in cases where there is no apparent motive or suspect. The show highlights the painstaking work of the detectives, medical examiners, and forensic experts, who use every tool at their disposal to bring justice to the victims and their families.