NOVA Season 8 Episode 17 Science Of Murder (The)

In this episode of NOVA, titled "Science of Murder," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the intersection of science and crime investigation. The episode begins with an introduction to forensic science, the use of scientific methods to uncover and analyze evidence related to crimes. Through interviews with forensic experts, viewers learn about the various techniques used in such investigations, including DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and ballistics testing.

The episode then delves into specific cases in which forensic science played a critical role in solving a crime. One such case is the murder of a young woman named Michelle Martinko in Iowa in 1979. Martinko's body was found in her car, which was parked outside a mall. The investigation went cold for decades, until a breakthrough in DNA analysis technology led investigators to a suspect, who was eventually convicted of the crime.

In another case, viewers learn about the use of ballistics testing to connect a rifle to a murder committed decades earlier. The details of the case are shocking: a man named Joseph DeAngelo committed a string of rapes and murders in California in the 1970s and 80s, but was not caught until decades later, when detectives used DNA evidence to track him down. But what viewers may not know is that DeAngelo was also responsible for the murder of a couple in 1978, and it was ballistics testing that finally linked him to the crime.

Throughout the episode, viewers are shown the high stakes of forensic science, the painstaking work done by investigators, and the toll it takes on both victims' families and law enforcement professionals. We are reminded that, while forensic science can be an incredibly powerful tool in solving crimes, it is not foolproof: mistakes can be made, and in some cases, innocent people have been wrongly convicted based on flawed evidence.

Ultimately, "Science of Murder" offers a fascinating window into the world of criminal investigation, and the ways in which science can help us understand and solve the most heinous crimes. Whether you are a true crime enthusiast or simply curious about the technology behind forensic science, this episode is sure to captivate and intrigue.