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00:00:00 – 00:22:37
The video details the tragic case of Jessica Knott, a nine-year-old girl who was kidnapped and murdered in 1996. The investigation into her death involved forensic evidence, including trace evidence analysis, audio analysis of an anonymous 911 call, and identifying similarities between the garbage bag found with Jessica's body and those in the suspect's possession. James Edward Crowe was ultimately identified as the killer using forensic evidence, leading to his conviction despite pleading no contest. The importance of forensic evidence in solving crimes and the role of advancements in DNA testing and scientific technology are highlighted, underscoring the crucial collaboration between local law enforcement and forensic labs in achieving justice.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, a 9-1-1 call anonymously reported the location of a missing nine-year-old girl’s body, which led investigators to a suspect. The girl, Jessica Knott, went missing on the Friday before Easter in 1996 while playing outside. Her father, Kevin, couldn’t find her when he returned home. A neighbor had seen Jessica earlier sitting outside reading. A crucial lead came from an anonymous call directing police to Jessica’s body near her home on Montgomery Road. The call originated from a gas station payphone, but no one was present when the police arrived at the scene. Crime scene investigator Deanna Tominski was notified of finding a juvenile female body in a dark isolated area.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, Jessica Knott’s body was found near a water system pump house, covered with a dark plastic garbage bag. Detective Rodriguez informed the family of her death. Deanna Tominski searched for forensic evidence, noting Jessica’s intact clothing except for a missing shoe and signs that she was placed at the scene. Investigations focused on family members who couldn’t provide alibis. Kevin Knott’s vehicle contained garbage bags, and an anonymous caller with a sympathetic tone was considered a prime suspect in Jessica’s murder.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the autopsy of nine-year-old Jessica Knott revealed bruising on her neck and mouth, indicating suffocation likely by a hand over her mouth. She had eaten a fast-food hamburger before her death. Scott Ryland analyzed the bag covering Jessica, finding no fingerprints or a match to her father’s truck, ruling him out as a suspect. Forensic scientist Max Houck identified important details about the killer from trace evidence, including Caucasian hair types, distinct types of fibers suggesting she was in different locations, and dog hairs resembling a sharpay breed. The evidence pointed to the killer being Caucasian.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, it is revealed that Jessica was taken to a fast food restaurant by a person and later found in another location. The police focused on an anonymous 911 call as a key piece of evidence, using audio techniques to identify the caller. Dr. Harry Holine, a forensic audio analyst, identified the caller’s voice with the help of Jessica’s mother, who recognized it as a neighbor who walked his dog in the area. The suspect, James Edward Crowe, an unemployed man who spent time walking his dog, was identified and had no prior arrests.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on the investigation surrounding the disappearance of Jessica and the potential involvement of Crowe. Key points include Crowe being seen talking to Jessica before her disappearance but denying involvement, the discovery of fast food remnants in Jessica’s stomach, Crowe’s new tires post-Jessica’s death, and the similarities between the garbage bag found with Jessica’s body and those in Crowe’s apartment. Investigators explore the possibility of linking the bags through quality control expert Noel Roberts, who explains the manufacturing process of trash bags and the variability in materials used, shedding light on how each bag is not truly identical. This segment highlights the meticulous investigative work to link the bags from the crime scene to those in Crowe’s possession.
00:15:00
In this segment of the video, a fluorescent spectrometer identifies the elements in the plastic of the bags found with Jessica. The imperfections in the plastic, known as dye lines, indicated that the bags were from the same batch of plastic. The unique dye line patterns on the bags from Crow’s apartment and the crime scene matched up, suggesting they were manufactured around the same time. This narrowed down the potential sources to 1 in 17 boxes, implicating James Edward Crowe. Matching carpet fibers, dog hair, and bag characteristics linked Crowe to the murder. Dr. Harry Hollen also compared Crowe’s voice to the anonymous telephone call.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, it is discussed how prosecutors believe that James Crowe used his dog to lure Jessica by starting a conversation with her. Crowe persuaded Jessica into his car with the promise of a fast food meal and afterward suffocated her in his apartment. Despite maintaining his innocence, Crowe pleaded no contest to second-degree murder due to overwhelming forensic evidence, receiving a 40-year prison sentence. The judge deemed the forensic evidence as some of the best testimony seen, ensuring its admissibility for trial. Crowe’s plea spared Jessica’s family from the trial ordeal.
00:21:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the significance of forensic evidence in solving crimes, highlighting the advancements in DNA testing and scientific technology. They emphasize the crucial role of local law enforcement and FBI labs in enabling successful prosecution of cases like the one mentioned. The speaker suggests that without these forensic capabilities, the suspect would likely not have been apprehended.