Ep 7. Voice of a Killer

In The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes season 1 episode 7, titled "Voice of a Killer", forensic criminologist Paul Holes delves into the case of a series of murders committed in the late '70s and early '80s, where the killer left behind an audio recording of himself taunting the police.

Holes breaks down the evidence left at the crime scenes, including DNA samples and the recording, to decipher clues that might finally lead to the culprit's capture. He speaks with detectives and family members of the victims to gain insight into the investigation and the impact the murders had on the community.

With the help of modern technology and forensic techniques, Holes analyzes the DNA evidence to create a digital composite of what the killer might look like today. He also highlights the importance of familial DNA searching, a controversial but increasingly used method of combing through DNA databases to identify potential familial matches to a suspect.

The episode takes viewers through the intricate and harrowing investigation, where multiple suspects are pursued and eliminated, leaving detectives to remain stumped for years. Holes reconstructs the likely behavior of the killer and maps out the geography of the crimes to try to understand the pattern and motive behind the murders.

As additional DNA evidence emerges, Holes is able to pinpoint the origin of the killer's ancestry, leading to a breakthrough and potential suspect. He goes onsite with detectives to collect DNA samples and watches as the investigation unfolds in real-time.

"Voice of a Killer" is a gripping episode that showcases the complexity and urgency of forensic investigations, and the emotional weight that these cases carry for the victims' families and communities. While the killer remains at large, the episode highlights the potential for DNA evidence to bring long-awaited justice to the victims of these brutal crimes.