Ep 7. Pattern of Violence

On The Case With Paula Zahn season 10 episode 7 titled "Pattern of Violence" is a thought-provoking crime investigation story that examines the mystery around each homicide and looks into the lives of the victims and the killers. In this episode, Paula Zahn delves into a series of killings and brutal attacks that took place in Oregon, USA.

The episode begins with the case of a 23-year-old woman named Staci Jazvac, who was found dead in her apartment by a concerned neighbor. The authorities discovered that she had been raped and brutally murdered, with signs of multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma to her head. During the investigation, Paula Zahn takes viewers through the crime scene, highlighting the evidence gathered, including DNA samples. The case saw few leads for the investigators until another homicide occurred shortly after Staci's murder, with similarities that raised suspicion.

The second victim was 46-year-old Jerry Dean Thompson. He was found dead in his back yard, with his throat slit. Luminol testing revealed that there was a considerable amount of blood splatter in the garage of his home, indicating that the murder had occurred there. Paula Zahn explains that the investigation found a vital clue linking the two homicides, which was the DNA sample. This clue linked Staci Jazvac's murder to Thompson's murder, resulting in the authorities suspecting the involvement of one person in both killings.

Paula Zahn explores the lives of both victims and their connections, leading her to shed light on how the lives of both victims were intertwined with the killer's. She also interviews members of the families of both victims, who recount the emotional turmoil and pain of losing their loved ones in such a brutal and senseless manner.

The episode takes viewers through the investigation as detectives hunt for their suspect, eventually leading to the arrest of 32-year-old Josiah Lee Johnson. Johnson's criminal past and history of violence made him an excellent suspect for both homicides, and DNA samples from the crime scenes confirmed his involvement.

Paula Zahn delves into Johnson's history, highlighting his long-standing issues with substance abuse, violence and mental health, which experts suggest could have motivated him to commit the murders. The episode also touches on the court proceedings, where Johnson was charged and eventually sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for the brutal murders of Staci Jazvac and Jerry Dean Thompson.

In conclusion, On The Case With Paula Zahn Season 10 Episode 7 "Pattern of Violence" is a gripping true crime story that showcases the hard work of investigators in the face of a series of brutal and seemingly random murders. It takes the viewers through the case step by step, highlighting the evidence and clues experts use to catch the killer. The episode provides both heart-wrenching and insightful interviews with family members of the victims and sheds light on the aftermath of the crime. Paula Zahn does an exceptional job of explaining the sequence of events in an engaging and informative way, capturing the attention of true-crime enthusiasts and viewers alike.