Ep 4. The Deadly Playdate

In the fourth episode of The Genetic Detective season 1, titled "The Deadly Playdate," forensic genetic genealogist CeCe Moore investigates the brutal murder of nine-year-old Christine Jessop in 1984. The case had been unsolved for 36 years until DNA evidence led investigators to a man named Calvin Hoover, who was eventually cleared of the crime. However, CeCe discovers that the DNA found at the crime scene does not match Hoover's.

As she digs deeper into the case, CeCe learns about Christine's family and friends, including a neighbor who babysat her and her friend, Debbie, on the day of her disappearance. She finds that Debbie's DNA is a partial match to the DNA found on Christine's underwear, leading her to suspect that Debbie may have been involved in the murder.

CeCe travels to Canada to speak with Debbie, who has since changed her name and lives a reclusive life. Debbie denies any involvement in Christine's death and provides a hair sample for DNA testing. The results come back negative, and CeCe is back to square one.

Undeterred, CeCe continues to investigate the case and discovers new information about another suspect, who had been overlooked by investigators at the time. She finds that this suspect lived near the Jessop family and had a history of violence towards children. CeCe works with law enforcement to obtain a DNA sample from the suspect, and the results show a match to the DNA found at the crime scene.

With this new evidence, CeCe and law enforcement arrest the suspect, ending the 36-year mystery of Christine Jessop's murder. The episode ends with a message from Christine's mother, thanking CeCe and law enforcement for finally bringing justice for her daughter.

Overall, "The Deadly Playdate" is a compelling episode of The Genetic Detective, showcasing CeCe Moore's expertise and dedication in solving a decades-old crime. It highlights the power of DNA technology in solving cold cases and provides a satisfying conclusion to a heartbreaking case.