The summary of ‘Forensic Files – Season 8, Episode 18 – Hair of the Dog – Full Episode’

This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.

00:00:0000:21:32

The video discusses the mysterious murder of John Helble, who was found dead in his trailer under strange circumstances with no forensic evidence. Investigators suspect his dog, Keisha, witnessed the crime. As the investigation unfolds, it is revealed that John was killed long before his body was found, complicating the timeline for suspects. Key suspects include Mike Harding, Andrew Rich, and Sharon Schneider, with forensic evidence eventually implicating Rich. Keisha's unique noseprint and hair samples played a vital role in solving the case. Ultimately, Andrew Rich confessed to the murder, with Sharon Schneider also involved. The collaboration between detectives and Keisha was crucial in resolving the case.

00:00:00

In this segment of the video, investigators are baffled by a murder scene with no forensic evidence. They suspect the victim’s dog witnessed the crime. John Helble, a reclusive individual with a troubled past, is found dead in his trailer after being missing for months. The body, in an unusual position, was discovered with gunshot wounds to the head. The murder had occurred weeks earlier, with no forced entry into the locked trailer, implying someone familiar with the victim was involved.

00:03:00

In this segment of the video, it is revealed that John was found dead in his home with a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Additionally, his prized gun collection, including a customized Gold Cup .45 semiautomatic pistol, was missing along with his beloved dog, Keisha. Keisha was later found wandering miles away but in clean condition, indicating she was driven there and dropped off. The investigation takes a bizarre turn as it is discovered that John had been killed long before his body was found, making it difficult to determine suspects without a clear time of death.

00:06:00

In this segment of the video, authorities had messages not yet listened to when they found out that John was dead on January 22-23. Three primary suspects were Mike Harding, Andrew Rich, and Sharon Schneider. Mike Harding, a friend of John, had an alibi for the time of the murder and passed a polygraph test. Andrew Rich and Sharon Schneider, who lived in Wyoming, were also suspects. Bullets found in Andrew Rich’s apartment were the same caliber used to kill John, but neutron-activation testing showed they were not a match. Investigators found smudge marks in Rich’s Jeep, possibly from transporting John’s dog after the murder.

00:09:00

In this segment of the video, it is highlighted that each dog’s noseprint is unique, comparable to a fingerprint. The investigation into John Helble’s murder lacked forensic evidence and leads, leading it to go cold. Investigators turned to Helble’s dog for insights, which ultimately played a crucial role in solving the case. Suspicions fell on Helble’s best friend Andy Rich, who had aspirations of becoming a hitman. Sharon Schneider, Rich’s girlfriend, purchased guns for him, which led to legal complications. Schneider revealed crucial information about her involvement, shedding light on events leading up to Helble’s murder.

00:12:00

In this part of the video, Sharon reveals that Andy left alone with guns after a brief stay in Wyoming and headed to Texas. Investigators found short black-and-white hairs in ammunition box during their search for corroborating evidence. Mitochondrial DNA extracted from the hair suggested they were from an animal. Joy Halverson, a veterinarian, analyzed the DNA to match the specific reference dog. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were conducted to visualize the DNA type. The outcome of these tests helped in identifying the origin of the DNA found in the ammunition box.

00:15:00

In this segment of the video, Keisha’s hair sample contained a rare haplotype found in only 1 in 300 dogs, providing compelling evidence. Investigators also found a note in a gun box with handwriting matching John Helble’s, confirmed by forensic expert Gary Licht. Licht identified John Helble as the writer. Andy Rich was arrested for Helble’s murder based on the DNA and handwriting evidence. Rich was portrayed as manipulative and self-serving. During court proceedings, the forensic evidence further implicated Andy Rich in the case.

00:18:00

In this segment of the video, the key points include Andy Rich’s motive for killing John Helble to sell his gun collection for money or drugs, and the handling of Helble’s dog, Keisha, before the murder. Rich tried to silence Keisha by putting her in Helble’s van and later abandoned her. Keisha’s hair was found at the crime scene, linking back to Helble’s dog. Rich sold Helble’s pistol with a note matching Helble’s handwriting. During Rich’s trial, he confessed to killing Helble for his guns but showed no remorse. Eventually, Rich pleaded guilty to robbery and manslaughter, receiving a 35-year prison sentence. Sharon Schneider, who cooperated with authorities, received a lesser sentence for drug possession.

00:21:00

In this part of the video, it is highlighted that Sharon was not a witness to the crime but provided essential pieces of the puzzle that helped solve the homicide case. Keisha played a crucial role in helping solve the crime by working with detectives and providing evidence against Andrew Rich, ultimately leading to his apprehension. The partnership between Keisha and the detectives resulted in the successful resolution of the case.

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