Forensic Tales

Rockefeller Audio

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.

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  1. 10 Aug • Subscriber Early Access

    The Murder of Meredith Kercher: Did DNA Wrongfully Implicate Amanda Knox?

    Forensic Tales

  2. 1 day ago

    Identified After 48 Years: The Michelle Louise Collier Case (BREAKING NEWS)

    In this special episode of Forensic Tales, we’re covering a forensic breakthrough announced just days ago. In June 1978, skeletal remains belonging to a young woman were discovered buried in a shallow grave in a grape vineyard near Arvin, California. Investigators collected what evidence they could, but fingerprints, dental records, and eventually traditional DNA testing failed to reveal her identity. For nearly 48 years, she was known only as the Arvin Jane Doe. Then investigators turned to forensic genetic genealogy. With the help of advanced DNA testing and Othram, investigators were eventually led to the family of 15-year-old Michelle Louise Collier, who had disappeared from Fresno in February 1978. In this episode, we break down the original investigation, the 2007 exhumation and DNA testing, the facial reconstruction created to help identify her, how forensic genetic genealogy finally solved the mystery of her identity, and the questions investigators are now trying to answer about who killed Michelle. Michelle finally has her name back—but her murder remains unsolved. Anyone with information about Michelle Louise Collier, her disappearance, or her death is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110. Learn more about forensic genetic genealogy and help fund DNA testing for unsolved cases: https://dnasolves.com Forensic Tales proudly makes a monthly contribution to support this work. ️Follow Forensic Tales wherever you listen to podcasts, and make sure you’re following the show so you don’t miss future updates in Michelle’s case. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. 4 days ago

    The Florence Salon Murders

    On the morning of November 6, 2001, a customer arrived at The Hair Gallery in Florence, Montana, expecting nothing more than a routine nail appointment. Instead, she walked into one of the most horrific crime scenes investigators had ever encountered. Inside the small salon, owner Dorothy Harris, manicurist Brenda Patch, and longtime customer Cynthia Paulus had all been brutally murdered. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we examine the forensic evidence left behind, including the mysterious black sunglasses, an unidentified palm print, bloodhound tracking, and the unanswered questions that continue to haunt investigators more than twenty years later. We also explore the timeline of the murders, the strange man seen leaving the salon moments before the bodies were discovered, the investigation into Brian Weber and Lincoln Benavides, and why prosecutors ultimately dropped their murder case. Finally, we discuss the eerie similarities between the Florence Salon Murders and the unsolved Dolly Madison Bakery Murders in Great Bend, Kansas—a case many believe could be connected, despite investigators never finding evidence to prove it. If you'd like to hear a full deep dive into the Dolly Madison Bakery Murders, I've previously dedicated an entire episode to that case. Check it out.  If you have any information regarding the Florence Salon Murders, please contact the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office. Follow Forensic Tales Instagram: @ForensicTales TikTok: @ForensicTales Patreon (ad-free & bonus episodes): https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Website: https://forensictales.com If you're enjoying the show, please consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps others discover the podcast and supports the show. Thank you for listening to Forensic Tales. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Florence Salon Murders

  4. 6 days ago

    SPECIAL EPISODE: The Forensic Evidence Against D4vd

    In this special episode of Forensic Tales, we examine the forensic case against recording artist D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, following his five-day preliminary hearing. Fourteen-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dead inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke in September 2025. During the hearing, prosecutors presented autopsy findings, DNA evidence, suspected bloodstains, a damaged inflatable pool, chainsaw purchases, Tesla location records and thousands of messages recovered from Burke’s phone and iCloud account. We also examine the limitations raised by his defense, including questions about evidence collection, DNA transfer, presumptive blood testing, the unidentified murder weapon and whether the digital evidence proves who was driving the Tesla. A judge ultimately determined that prosecutors presented sufficient probable cause for the case to proceed to trial. Burke has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Content warning: This episode discusses the death and alleged sexual abuse of a minor. Some graphic details have been omitted.   Episode sources: Los Angeles County District Attorney: https://da.lacounty.gov/media/news/d4vd-ordered-stand-trial-murdering-dismembering-14-year-old-girl Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/65647a24c7808bebc0b6ff9040f50615 ABC7 Los Angeles: https://abc7.com/post/d4vd-murder-case-singers-lawyers-ask-more-dna-testing-wasnt-done-chain-saws-car-celeste-rivas-hernandez-killing/19564190/ For more episodes and information, visit: https://forensictales.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. 28 Jul

    The Mysterious Death of Christina Kettlewell (The 8 Day Bride) | Patreon Bonus Preview

    In May 1947, newlywed Christina Kettlewell traveled to a remote cottage in Severn Falls, Ontario, with her husband, Jack, and his close friend Ronald Berry. Three days later, the cottage was destroyed by fire, Jack was found unconscious, and Christina’s body was discovered face down in only nine inches of water. An autopsy determined that Christina had drowned, but the forensic evidence raised more questions than answers. Why were there no burns or significant injuries on her body? What role did the codeine found in her stomach play? And why did the accounts provided by the two men closest to her seem to conflict with the physical evidence? This special preview introduces the mysterious death of Christina Kettlewell, also known as the Eight-Day Bride. The complete episode—including the alleged love triangle, missing money, insurance policies, purported suicide notes, coroner’s inquest, and competing theories—is available now as July’s bonus episode on Patreon and through Apple Podcasts subscriptions. Support the show and listen to the complete bonus episode: Patreon: patreon.com/forensictales You can also subscribe directly through the Forensic Tales page in the Apple Podcasts app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. 27 Jul

    The Unsolved Murder of Mike Emert

    On January 4, 2001, successful Seattle-area real estate agent Mike Emert left to meet a prospective buyer at a vacant home in Woodinville, Washington. Just hours later, he was found stabbed 19 times inside the home's bathtub with the shower and sinks still running in what investigators believed was a calculated attempt to destroy forensic evidence. In this episode, we examine the meticulous crime scene, the forensic evidence recovered from Mike's abandoned Cadillac Escalade, and the years-long investigation that led detectives to believe they were looking at a professional hit rather than a robbery or crime of passion. We also explore the DNA breakthrough that linked Gary Krueger to the case more than a decade later, why that discovery came too late to question the suspect, and how Mike's murder forever changed safety practices for real estate agents across Washington. If you have any information regarding the murder of Mike Emert, please contact the King County Sheriff's Office. Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written & produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you'd like to submit a case, please email courtney@forensictales.com. Follow Forensic Tales: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forensictales Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forensictales Website (including source material & additional readings): https://forensictales.com Patreon (ad-free episodes & bonus content): https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Support the show by subscribing, leaving a rating and review, and sharing this episode with others interested in forensic science and true crime. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Unsolved Murder of Mike Emert

  7. 27 Jul • Subscribers Only

    The Mysterious Death of Christina Kettlewell (The 8 Day Bride)

    Forensic Tales

    The Mysterious Death of Christina Kettlewell (The 8 Day Bride)

  8. 23 Jul

    You Might Also Like: Till Death Do Us Part (The Body in the Clearing: Harry Crawford and Annie Burkett)

    W Hey everyone! Courtney here. I have a little bonus for you today. Since Forensic Tales is part of the Believe Podcast Network, I wanted to introduce you to another podcast on the network that I think some of you might enjoy. Today's episode is from Til Death Do Us Part, and it's called "The Body in the Clearing: Harry Crawford and Annie Burkett." To friends and neighbors, he seemed like an ordinary husband. But when his wife, Annie Birkett, vanished without a trace, a shocking investigation uncovered secrets no one saw coming. Don't worry—this isn't taking the place of a Forensic Tales episode. I'll still be back with a brand-new episode on Monday. Until then, I hope you enjoy this one! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Til Death Do Us Part Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Rockefeller Audio
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    442
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rockefeller Audio LLC
  • Show Website
    Forensic Tales
  • Provider
    Courtney Fretwell

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