True Crime
**Forensic Tales**

Not all stories have happy endings… Hosted by Courtney Fretwell, M.S. in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Tales is a weekly true crime podcast with a forensic twist. Each episode features real cases and explores how forensic science, criminal profiling, and investigative techniques were used to uncover the truth—or, in some cases, left more questions than answers. From fingerprint analysis and DNA evidence to bloodstain pattern analysis and behavioral profiling, every episode breaks down the science behind the headlines. Whether it's a solved murder, a cold case, or a controversial investigation, Forensic Tales takes you beyond the crime scene and into the forensic evidence that shaped the case.

Latest Episodes:

Murder of Leanne Tiernan Mar 02, 2020

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#009 - The body of 16-year old school girl Leanne Tiernan was discovered on August 20, 2001. At her autopsy, valuable forensic evidence was collected from her body, including several dog hairs.

The murder of Leanne Tiernan became known as the first British murder investigation that used dog DNA profiling to catch a savage killer. How were police able to link dog hairs found on Leanne's body to her killer?

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The Hillside Strangler Feb 24, 2020

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008 - The Hillside Strangler terrorized the city of Los Angeles between October 1977 and February 1978, killing 12 innocent women throughout the sunny California south land. Police quickly realized they might not just be searching for one serial killer, but two killers working together.

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The Soham Murders Feb 17, 2020

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#007 - Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman were best friends from a small town in England. They went missing from a family barbecue on August 4, 2002 and were never seen alive again. A forensic botanist was called in to examine the crime scene and the prime suspect's car.

Who murdered Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells, two young girls who had their entire lives ahead of them, and how could investigators use plants to solve the case?

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The Murder of Krystal Baslanowitch Feb 10, 2020

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#006 - In December 1995, a bloodied and broken body of a teenage girl was found along Utah's Provo River. Completely naked. Her body was so badly beaten by the river’s sharp rocks that investigators almost couldn’t make out her face.

At the same time this teenager’s life was cut so short, her killer would go on for years completely undetected by police. And after 18 excruciating years… it seemed like the murder of 17-year old Krystal Beslanowitch would forever remain a cold case.

Could police use the latest advancements in forensic science to finally catch their killer and bring him to justice after all these years?

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The List Family Murders Feb 03, 2020

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#005 - The List Family consisted of John Emil List, his wife Helen and their 3 young children: Patricia, John List Jr., and Frederick. John's mother, Alma, shared the List family's 19-room Victorian mansion in Westfield, New Jersey.

On November 9, 1971 John List murdered his wife, mother, and 3 children. It wasn't until one month later that their bodies were discovered in the ballroom of the mansion.

John List remained on the run for over 18 years until he was finally apprehended after his face was featured on the popular television show, America's Most Wanted.

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Jeffrey MacDonald Jan 27, 2020

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#004 - Jeffrey MacDonald was a decorated U.S. Army Officer and Physician. He lived the All American Dream by all accounts. He had a beautiful wife, Colette and two daughters, Kimberely and Kristen.

Jeffrey's life was turned completely upside one early February 1970 morning. His wife and two daughters were brutally murdered inside their very own home. Jeffrey told police 4 intruders attacked him and killed his entire family. The word "PIG" was written in blood in the MacDonald's master bedroom.

The MacDonald family murders occurred just months after the infamous Charles Manson murders. Was this another Charles Manson murder, or was it something else entirely?

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Green River Killer Jan 16, 2020

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#003 - Gary Leon Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer confessed to killing 71 girls and women throughout the state of Washington. He evaded police capture for nearly two decades while he continued to live his life as a father and husband.

It wasn't until the notorious Ted Bundy sat down with police investigators to provide his personal opinion of who he thought the killer would be. It turns out that one serial killer can lead police to catch another one.

If you'd like to support the show with a small monthly contribution and get access to bonus content and early access to episodes please visit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales

For a complete list of sources used in this episode please visit: https://forensictales.com/

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Golden State Killer Jan 16, 2020

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#002 - The Golden State Killer is one of the nation's most notorious serial rapist and killer who evaded police capture for over 40 years. He is accused of killing 13 innocent people and raping over 50 women across the entire state of California. He's been called the East Area Rapist, the Original Night Stalker, the Visalia Ransacker, and most recently, the Golden State Killer.

Today, the world knows him as 74-year old Joseph James DeAngelo. How was this killer finally caught? It's all thanks to a popular at home DNA kit, GEDMatch.

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D.C. Mansion Murders Jan 02, 2020

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#001 - In May 2015, Savvas Savopolous finally realized his lifelong dream. He lived a life that can only be described as perfect. Husband to a wife dedicated to fighting brain trauma. Father to three outstanding children. And CEO of his own, successful company.

But life is never perfect.

A house fire exploded in an upscale Washington D.C. suburb. The Woodley Park Mansion engulfed in flames. Terror struck.

Thousands of dollars, 22 horrifying hours, four dead family members, one fire, and zero suspects.

Could forensics solve this fiery tale?

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Forensic Tales Trailer Jan 01, 2020

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Forensic science has completely changed how criminal investigations are conducted. We can now identify John and Jane Does from the smallest amounts of DNA. Or catch serial killers because a family member submitted their DNA to a database. The Forensic Tales podcast is here to talk all about it.

Hosted by me, Courtney Fretwell, with a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Tales is a weekly true-crime podcast with a forensic science twist. Each episode features real stories highlighting how forensic science was used, from fingerprinting to criminal profiling to DNA. Some cases have been solved with forensic science, while others have turned cold. Created in 2020… there are over 250 episodes for you to listen to right now. Forensic Tales podcast is available on Spotify or wherever you get your favorite shows.

Subscribe today so you don’t miss an episode. Remember, not all stories have happy endings.

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Forensic Tales

008 - The Hillside Strangler terrorized the city of Los Angeles between October 1977 and February 1978, killing 12 innocent women throughout the sunny California south land. Police quickly realized they might not just be searching for one serial killer, but two killers working together.

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