What the Forensics

In this episode we delve into the harrowing and controversial case of Aileen Wuornos, one of America's most infamous female serial killers. Known for her tumultuous life and violent crimes, Wuornos's story is a complex tapestry of trauma, survival, and vengeance that challenges our understanding of justice and human nature. Aileen Wuornos's life was marked by abuse and instability. By examining her troubled upbringing, early criminal activities, and the series of murders that led to her arrest, we want to uncover the factors that transformed her into a notorious killer. We also examine the media's role in shaping public perception and the controversial legal proceedings that followed her arrest.Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPodYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca

George Joseph Smith, robbing & murdering his wives (yes wives, plural) since 1898. He appeared to be a charming and respectable man, luring women into marriage before orchestrating their tragic deaths which became known as the "Brides in the Bath" murders. We follow the investigation led by Detective Inspector Arthur Neil, whose relentless pursuit of justice brought Smith's crimes to light and changed the landscape of forensic science. We also discuss pathologist Sir Bernard Spilsbury and his techniques, including his meticulous autopsy procedures and the infamous bathtub experiment, which provided the crucial evidence needed to convict Smith. We then end our discussion with some information about drowning, including the many different types and how a drowning analysis is carried out. If you have a significant other who you want to bathe more, definitely don't let them listen to listen episode because according to Smith "women have often lost their lives through weak hearts and fainting in the bath"...or do, we don't control you.Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca

From the dense jungles of the Amazon to the vast savannas of Africa, wildlife forensics experts are on the front lines of the battle to protect endangered species from poaching, illegal trafficking, and habitat destruction. In this episode we discuss the intricacies of what it takes to protect the numerous species on this planet. Rebecca leads us in an amazing conversation about the legislation and regulations surrounding wildlife forensics as well as the importance of having these things. Nicole then educates on how wildlife forensics impacts reptiles specifically and shares with us a very 'illuminating' forensic corner. This is one episode you won't want to miss. Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca

This week we each found a number of cases with some exceptionally dumb criminals. Alternating through them you get to learn about some dumb cases, dumb alibis, and some relatively successful fingerprint removal techniques. This has got to be our funniest episode so far and we hope you enjoy because we would love to do some more like this. Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca

In this weeks episode, we delve into the disturbing realm of fetish killers, focusing on the heinous crimes of Jerry Brudos and the psychological motivations behind such depraved acts along with when a fetish can turn into a disorder. Jerry Brudos, infamously known as the "Shoe Fetish Slayer" or the "Lust Killer," is our focal point in this episode. Operating in the Pacific Northwest during the late 1960s, Brudos terrorized the region with a series of brutal murders that were fueled by his obsession with women's shoes and undergarments. As we examine Brudos's case in detail, we also shine a light on the broader phenomenon of fetish killers, exploring the underlying psychological factors that drive individuals to commit murder in pursuit of their sexual fetishes. Join us as we journey into the depths of depravity, where fantasies turn deadly and the line between desire and destruction becomes disturbingly blurred.Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca

In this episode we delve into the clandestine world of contract killers, exploring the chilling tales of Richard Kuklinski and John Wilkes Booth, two figures whose names are synonymous with treachery and assassination. Operating in the shadows of the criminal underworld, Kuklinski gained infamy for his cold-blooded demeanor and ruthless efficiency. With a penchant for violence and a reputation for discretion, he carried out numerous murders for hire, earning him a fearsome reputation among his peers and law enforcement alike. Next, we turn our gaze to the infamous John Wilkes Booth, whose name is forever etched in history as the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. Booth's heinous act, carried out in the midst of the Civil War, sent shockwaves through the nation and forever altered the course of American history. We shine a light on the hidden motivations and chilling methods employed by contract killers throughout history, forcing viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface of society. Join us as we journey into the silent shadows, where the line between right and wrong blurs and the price of a life is measured in blood.This episode does contain spoilers for the TV show Dexter but seeing as the spoilers are from 2006, you'll probably survive...Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca

We explore the tragic and complex case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, whose story of deception, abuse, and murder captured the nation's attention and sparked a debate on the ethics of caregiving, the criminal justice system, and the media's portrayal of victims and villains. For years, Gypsy was subjected to unnecessary medical treatments, surgeries, and drugs. She was confined to a wheelchair, her head was shaved to mimic the appearance of a chemotherapy patient, and she was fed through a feeding tube. The deception was so complete that Gypsy herself was unsure of what was real and what was not regarding her health. We explore Gypsy's life with her mother, Dee Dee, the psychological impact of the abuse, and the desperate plea for freedom that led her to conspire with her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to kill Dee Dee. The episode examines the intricacies of the case, including the legal battles that ensued, the plea deals, and the public's reaction to the unfolding story. Join us as we journey into the depths of one of the most perplexing true crime stories of our time and discuss if someone can be both a victim and a murderer.Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca

Building upon the case we covered in Part 1, we delve deeper into the haunting legacy of the Atlanta Child Murders, exploring the intersection of behavioral analysis, historical precedent, and the relentless pursuit of justice led by FBI Behavioral Analyst John Douglas. We explore the history of Behavioural Analysis through famous case studies such as Jack the Ripper and the Mad Bomber. We don't delve too deeply into those cases because we're hoping to cover them in another episode. But we do go fairly in-depth into the birth of behavioural analysis and how it played a role in the Atlanta Child murders. To end the episode Nicole shares a super heartwarming story about local SPCA graves. Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca