Crime Solving & Forensics

Accused killers occasionally gain attention for their appearance.

The infant was found stabbed to death in a trash can in 1994.

Despite the risks, some still own up to their wrongdoing.

The body of the mother of two was found on Thanksgiving in 1990.

Whole genome sequencing takes a starring role in a trial.

Although multiple suspects have been named, no one was convicted.

The Texas mom said she had postpartum psychosis.

The officer had been embezzling from his police training program.

She harassed her daughter Lauryn via hateful text messages.

Attention on the murders might’ve impacted the outcome.

The DeFoors were found hacked to death in their Georgia home.

September marks National Cold Case Month.

Dr. Thomas Noguchi, Los Angeles' 'coroner to the stars,' investigated celeb deaths like Marilyn Monroe and Sharon Tate. Known for detailed autopsies and media flair, he pioneered linking forensics to profiling, often clashing with police and critics.

The 1979 murder of 6-year-old Etan Patz was one of the most memorable unsolved cases in New York City history. It was solved in 2017.

A forgotten pioneer played a role in developing and distributing rape kits and—changed the world of sexual-assault forensics.

In 2022, DNA extracted from the clothing of a murder victim, Kathy Halle, was linked to serial killer Bruce Lindahl, who had murdered other women in Illinois.

Law enforcement agencies are ramping up use of artificial intelligence to help solve crimes, but experts warn the technology is still in its infancy and should only be used to augment traditional investigative methods.

Despite evolving forensic technology, traditional investigative methods are still proving valuable to revisiting unsolved cases.

George Olivo, a retired FBI special agent and senior polygraph examiner, on how polygraph tests work and their reliability.

We speak with experts about how conditions, like environment and temperature, affect forensic evidence when a body goes undiscovered for long periods of time.

Detective John Dawes speaks with us about the difference between solving active and cold cases.

Psychological autopsies, performed by forensic psychologists, are used to try to resolve cases where a murder may be mistaken for a suicide.

After Diane Staudte's husband and son died, and her daughter was hospitalized, an investigation showed she, and her favorite daughter, Rachel, were responsible for their deaths.

Scientists are promoting and developing guidelines and standards within the forensic science industry to help combat bias in results.

In 2020, Shirley Ann Soosay, a member of the Cree Nation, was one of the first Indigenous people to be identified using investigative genealogy. Prior to that, Soosay, who was murdered in California in July 1980, was referred to as Jane Doe Kern County.

Explore the rights victims of violent crimes have within the United States, and how these laws can vary by location.

Ron Franscell, author of 'ShadowMan,' speaks with us about the first case in which the profiling technique, often used by the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, successfully apprehended a suspect.

Ann Wolbert Burgess tells us about how her expertise in victimology aided the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit in their mission to capture rapists and serial killers in the 1970s and '80s.

Hired in 1921, James E. Amos was the first Black agent to work publicly for the FBI and worked high-profile cases involving murder, organized crime, Nazi spies and more during his 30-plus years of service.

Psychologist Fathali Moghaddam unpacks the motivations.

The Philadelphia-based forensic scientist discusses her experience being one of the few Black women in the field and the work her nonprofit, Association of Women in Forensic Science, does to bring STEM to kids.

Expert FBI profiler John Douglas shares how he turned the sophisticated and cruel tactics of murderer Larry Gene Bell against him.

In 2012, the Supreme Court's Miller v. Alabama verdict found that almost all juvenile offenders deserve a chance at release and must be resentenced.

A&E investigates attempts made by death-row inmates to donate their organs posthumously.

In January 1977, Gary Gilmore gained international attention for his choice to die by firing squad after being sentenced to death for the murder of two young Mormon men.

DNA Doe Project's Margaret Press on how the discovery was made.

Shi Yan, an assistant professor at Arizona State University's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, spoke with A&E.

Across the United States, cadaver dogs are used in a variety of crime investigations, ranging from missing persons cases to murder.

Sam Kean, author of the book 'The Icepick Surgeon,' discusses unethical undertakings.

Rita Smith, a renowned domestic violence expert and advocate, talks about some red flags that indicate an abusive partner may be homicidal.

Police uploaded the suspect's DNA to a public genealogy database.

Forensic anthropologists not only study bones, they also examine human remains and analyze crime scenes to reconstruct past events.

Retired investigator Joe Kennedy established a coalition of investigators who help police departments in the U.S. solve cold cases.

2020 was the deadliest year in United States history.

A stalking victim spoke with several experts about what you should and should not do when grappling with the realities of stalking.

Bessie Blount Griffin invented an automatic feeder for patients without limbs. She later became a forensic handwriting analyst.

Dr. Michael McCart on what a crime victim can do to get help later.

'A lot of people believe that people who fake their deaths are dummies. And that's just not true,' says Steven Rambam, a private investigator. 'Faking your [own] death is a full-time job.'

Hear from one detective what it's like working a real-life SVU.

We explore how anthropology research facilities work, their role in helping improve crime-solving and what motivates people to give their bodies to science.

We spoke with legendary FBI profiler John Douglas about how a childhood injury may have pushed Joseph Paul Franklin to serial murder.

A popular theory claims three childhood behaviors—animal cruelty, fire setting and persistent bedwetting—can indicate a serial killer in the making.

Writer Jeanette Hurt explains how her father helped expose corruption at the Chicago Truck Drivers, Helpers and Warehouse Workers Union.

In today's world, homicide detectives are expected to be jacks-of-all-trades: equally adept at chasing outlaws and identifying DNA evidence at the scene of the crime. But, in an overwhelmingly male-dominated field, Frances Glessner Lee, a Midwestern woman without a high school diploma, made contributions throughout the 1930s and 40s that earned her the moniker 'The Mother of Forensic Science.'

You may have heard about body farms, the research facilities where people donate dead bodies for scholarly research. But have you ever wondered what goes on in these places? What exactly are scientists doing with all these donated bodies? What mysteries are they trying to solve, and why?

The idea that people have a right to defend themselves harks back centuries and formed the basis of the American legal system.

We speak with Christopher Kuvlesky, an agent with the Investigative Services Branch (ISB) of the National Park System about what it's like investigating violent crimes within our vast national parks.

A&E interviews Sheriff Pettway about his road to working in law enforcement.

A&E speaks with journalist Jerry Mitchell about his book and how to handle cold cases.

A&E True Crime caught up with the two analysts from 'Live PD: Wanted' to discuss what makes the show such compelling television.

When new evidence arises, or new technology becomes available, investigators may need to take a second look at a corpse.

Serial killers have long targeted prostitutes—from Jack the Ripper, an uncaught murderer who terrorized women in late 19th-century London, to the Long Island Serial Killer, an uncaught murderer whose last confirmed victim disappeared in September 2010 after advertising sex work on Craigslist. We explore the various reasons why serial killers prey upon sex workers.

Genealogical DNA databases are helping solve more cold cases. We explore why that could be problematic.

The inspector with the East Providence Police Department talks to us about his road to working in law enforcement and how he would come to value and prioritize family in the decades to come.

What causes adults to kidnap children? The perpetrators range from serial rapists to parents trying to protect their sons and daughters.

In three decades as a forensic psychologist, Dr. Kris Mohandie has met one-on-one with some of the most violent men ever to grab headlines: Joseph Paul Franklin, Herb Mullin, Willie Woods and others. He talks to us about whether violent criminals are born or made.

Cpl. Mark Laureano talks to us about the less-than-traditional road he took to the Richland County Sheriff's Department.

What happens to a young child who murders? The answer largely depends on whether they're tried as a juvenile or as an adult. And, in 33 of the 50 states, there's no minimum age for prosecuting child offenders, which means you can prosecute 3-year-olds.

Morris talks about his unexpected career path and how he landed as the host of 'Live PD: Wanted.'

Derrick Jamison, who spent 20 years in prison for murder before being exonerated on his execution day, and Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, tell us what it's like in the final hours leading up to an execution.

A closer look at the lives of serial killers Dennis Rader, Randy Kraft and Richard Cottingham, whose seemingly normal childhoods gave way to unspeakable cruelty.

Ten-year-old Russell Callicoat was a kid with a dream—to grow up to serve as an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper. Now, more than 30 years later, he spoke with A&E True Crime about the significance of this dream becoming a reality.

Officer Kingery of the Lawrence Police Department about what he's learned from Live PD, his proudest moments and his now-very-well-known dance moves.

Known for her empathetic approach, Jill Marshall was first drawn to law enforcement in high school, and has never second guessed that path.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department senior deputy and law-enforcement vet spoke on how technology makes his job safer and more fun.

Former FBI special agent John Douglas spent his 25-year career with the Bureau interviewing hundreds of America's most infamous killers, from Charles Manson and Ted Bundy to the 'BTK Killer,' Dennis Rader and more. The 'Mindhunter' author talks to us about his new book, 'The Killer Across the Table,' and his tried-and-true interview techniques.

To mark Live PD's 200th episode, A&E True Crime asked you, the Live PD Nation, what you're just dying to know about host Dan Abrams and analysts Tom Morris Jr. and Sgt. Sean 'Sticks' Larkin. From ride-alongs, to tattoos, to what it is that makes Live PD so special, we asked all three of them some of your best questions.  

The Slidell (Louisiana) Police Chief talks to A&E True Crime about the impact the show has had on community relations for his department.

Since the Golden State Killer suspect was arrested after being tracked down via a DNA database, more crimes are being solved that way.

An ex-offender describes learning of his release—and preparing for it—after over three decades behind bars.

Officers Juan Mercado and John Oliva share their most memorable moments on the job and what they like to do for fun.

Neal Smither on his peculiar brand of janitorial work and why some people are interested in crime-scene photos.

A&E asked Live PD analyst Tom Morris Jr. to look back on the past year and tell us about the show moments most memorable to him.

A&E True Crime spoke to the Richland County Sheriff's Department Deputy Sheriff about some embarrassing moments on the job, the story behind his Twitter handle, what he's learned from other Live PD cops and his work on his department's Community Action Team.

Sgt. Curley of the Warwick (Rhode Island) Police Department, talks to us about intense situations at work, the best thing about his job and how he's doing in his newest role—as a dad.

Deputy Nick Carmack of the Pasco County (Florida) Sheriff's Department talks to us about life with his K-9 partner, Shep.

Watch clips of the various police dogs featured on Live PD working alongside their human partners.

Researchers have found the vast majority of people who kill their families (familicide), are men with a history of violence toward their spouse and children. But what tips the scale from abuse to murder? And which men are most likely to kill? We spoke to a professor of forensic psychology for answers.

For Jeffrey Dahmer, it was watching certain movies. Dennis Rader, known as the BTK Killer, set the mood by pretending he was a spy. Ted Bundy liked drinking alcohol before some of his slayings. Not every serial killer has a signature routine, but some of them do engage in some sort of ritual or preparation before a killing.

Dr. Thomas Andrew, a medical examiner, says performing autopsies helped him understand the 'fragility of life.'

JC Ferguson talks about how dispatchers handle the stress of responding to calls about violent crimes.

Could a decline in testosterone really put a halt to a killer's murderous spree?

For over a century, electricity has been used as the ultimate punishment on criminals who've gone violently astray of the law.

The Missouri officer talks about working with K-9 Lor and shares a few truths about police dogs.

Move over fingerprints—an exciting new field of forensics has emerged: DNA phenotyping, where investigators interpret DNA left behind at a crime scene to make predictions about what the perpetrator might look like. We spoke with Ellen Greytak, a bioinformatics expert, to learn more about the use and limitations of this new science.

Tricia Griffith, who runs the web forum Websleuths, talks to A&E about her close encounter with Ted Bundy.

Dr. Thomas Andrew, retired chief medical examiner of New Hampshire and now a forensic consultant, on a surprising autopsy case he worked on that aided a murder case.

We spoke with forensic podiatrist Dr. Michael Nirenberg about why foot evidence can be so valuable to law enforcement.

Professors at the University of South Florida are leading a project that evaluates all inmates that come through the Pasco County jail.

The Live PD analyst and host of 'Live PD Presents: PD Cam,' on misconceptions about how cops use body cameras.

A&E True Crime talks to retired FBI profiler Dr. Mary Ellen O'Toole about serial killers, like Ted Bundy and the Toolbox Killers, who had well-defined victim preferences.

Forensic science may be on the verge of a straighter path to exposing lies.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department officer spoke with us about how being in the military and in law enforcement are similar, how social media has impacted policing and the importance of police transparency.

Tom Stankiewicz, commander of the Erie bomb squad who responded to the 2003 'Pizza Bomber' case, tells us how bomb squads operate and what new tools his team started carrying after the Brian Wells case.

James Atkinson, who has spent decades designing and installing listening devices for the FBI, CIA and other agencies, tells us about some of the dangerous undercover work he's done and unusual things he's bugged.

Some criminals write 'fictional' books detailing murders they've committed or turn their own wanted posters into profile pics on Facebook.

Bodily fluids from dogs, cats and birds have helped solve several violent crimes in the U.S. and Canada.

Over the last century, dozens of highly publicized child kidnappings have shocked the nation and ignited a public effort to prevent them. Now, missing-child awareness campaigns help spread the word more widely and quickly, resulting in finding many more of these kids.

Sgt. Ryan Wisniewski talks about how drones are used by—and against—law enforcement today.

We spoke with David Hall, a forensic botanist, to discuss the information plant life leave behind.

As smart technology advances, so does the means for authorities to detect crime. We look at some cases of criminal clues in the Wi-Fi age.

Maggots, blowflies and other bugs help investigators determine time of death for a fresh corpse, and also help catch killers.

Samantha Sieber, vice president of Bio-Response Solutions, a company that makes alkaline hydrolysis machines for human disposal, discusses the process of bio cremation and how it's different than the way killers try to get rid of bodies.

Gayani DeSilva, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist and author, tells us about the warning signs of Munchausen syndrome.

Bloodstain pattern analysts on how the science works and why some are skeptical about how it's used in criminal cases.

With the 2017 chloroform-poisoning murder of 3-year-old Mariah Kay Woods, A&E explores the history of the chemical's use and how it kills.

Dep. Chris Mastrianni discusses the moment when he had to tackle a suspect holding a child, misconceptions about policing and the importance of body cameras.

The execution of a prisoner on death-row usually results in the beginning of a new trauma for the family members they leave behind.

Cracking a murder case commonly draws on forensic evidence and eyewitnesses, but occasionally victims themselves—either before they die or after—are playing a role in helping find their suspected killers.

In an excerpt from "Pistols and Petticoats: 175 Years of Lady Detectives in Fact and Fiction," see how a policewoman helped solve a murder.

The life of a crime-scene investigator is far different from the way it's portrayed in crime dramas. We clear up the biggest misconceptions.

K-9 Master Trainer Lt. Glenn Jackson, who helps train Live PD's Flex and Cairo along with their human partners, on what he looks for in bringing in new police dogs, the relationship between K-9s and their partners and a funny challenge he had with training Cairo.

Ryan Calo, a leading scholar in emerging technology and the law, discusses the ethics and legality of robotic policing.

Richard Lopez, a former prison chaplain, spoke to A&E True Crime about how murderers on death row come to embrace a higher power while awaiting execution.

Katie Zejdlik, a biological anthropologist and curator at a forensic body farm, on why researching dead bodies is important.

Quite often it is only in hindsight that the friends and family of a mass-shooting perpetrator realize that the bloodbath was actually the climax of a series of foretelling clues from an angry, violent, paranoid, withdrawn person, who happens to have a  newfound fixation with guns. Such devastating epiphanies beg the question: Can we predict tomorrow's mass shooter?

Pastor and police chaplain Alex Evans on the evolving role of a chaplain in today's world.

A&E True Crime asked Live PD analyst Tom Morris Jr. for his take on the most shocking, exciting moments from the show this year. Here, in his words, are the moments that had the studio gasping in shock and cracking up laughing.

Some police departments are using unique fundraising methods to send kids in their community to camp for the summer.

Dep. Rebecca Loeb of the Lake County Sheriff's Department spoke with us about her transition from lawyer to law-enforcement officer, the challenges and benefits of being a female in a male-dominated profession and those funky pink handcuffs.

Ted Bundy, for one, received hundreds of love letters in prison.

Judges sometimes go beyond jail time, issuing creative punishments designed to fit the crime instead of standard incarceration.

Bestselling true-crime writer Suzy Spencer tours a body farm at Texas State University, where researchers study body decomposition in different settings to help those in forensic science and law enforcement fields.

From suspects hiding behind fake walls to chasing naked peeping Toms, the Live PD analyst shares his most memorable arrests.

When you're paid to interview killers, you learn what to expect: lies, manipulation, and eventually, the truth.

An expert in the psychology of school shooting perpetrators talks about who commits these heinous crimes.

Sgt. Leverett talks to us about how he gets people to tell the truth, the unexpected places he's found drugs (butts aren't that unusual) and what would surprise fans to know about his K-9 partner Flex.

Some of the most notorious serial killers of our time have something in common, beside their thirst for blood: They were all adopted. We spoke with criminologist Dr. Scott Bonn to see whether there is any evidence of an adoptee-serial killer connection.

Retired Miami-Dade Police Major Rey Valdes shares his experience policing in the aftermath of 1992's Hurricane Andrew.

In the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting, we asked a retired coroner about how coroners prepare for large disasters.

Live PD's host Dan Abrams on how body cameras and TV cameras help law enforcement with transparency.

Live PD host and veteran legal commentator Dan Abrams on some of the high-profile cases he's covered.

Some people are trying to make DIY guns.

Want to get people to open up? Talk less, says a top Los Angeles Sheriff's Department crisis negotiator.

Over the last few decades, a major trend in forensic science has been the rise of doubts about previously rock-solid methods, raising serious concerns about the justice system's ability to protect the innocent and punish the guilty.

Captain Roger Sankerdial, who works out of the 114th precinct in Astoria, Queens, shares the experience of being deployed on September 11, a mere ten weeks after beginning his police training.

Unique ways police officers around the country are working on improving their mental and emotional wellness.

Sgt. Hager on the challenges of underwater crime scenes.

Forensics has revolutionized law enforcement in the last several decades.

Retired Detective Sergeant Joseph Giacalone had the pleasure of working with compassionate cops who truly loved the job and "cowboys" who were unworthy of the badge. Here are some of his stories.

We asked Live PD's Officer Alyssa Wright how it feels to be called a role model, working with her K-9 partner Cairo, and what you didn't see happen during that intense take down featured on a recent episode.

Retired CSI Ken Martin breaks down what happens once law-enforcement arrives and some of the challenges he's faced in gathering evidence.

Ken Martin, a veteran crime scene investigator, describes problems that arise when gathering evidence, and how to avoid having defense attorneys claim contamination.

Join Brooke Gittings from the hit podcast, Convicted, as she takes a deeper dive into the Cold Case Files episode, "A Family Secret," in the latest installment of Cold Case Files: The Podcast.

Many people think the concept of a citizen's arrest is a joke or a myth. We asked Live PD analyst Tom Morris Jr. about this practice.

Live PD analyst Tom Morris Jr. shares tips on how best to behave—and communicate—during a brush with police.

Hot weather can spark tempers, and experts have plenty of theories.

Join Brooke Gittings from the hit podcast, Convicted, as she takes a deeper dive into the Cold Case Files episode, "Officer Down," in the latest installment of Cold Case Files: The Podcast.

We've all heard that one big sign someone is lying is if they can't look you in the eye. How much truth is there to that? Apparently, none.

Michael J. Tillman says 20 years in the crime-scene cleanup field have taught him how to walk the line between sensitive, personal care for a victim's family and maintaining a sense of remove so he can still come to work the next day.

Watch highlights from Live PD featuring fan favorite moments featuring the show's courageous canines.

A forensic artist about her work from reconstructing a lost person from a skull to helping traumatized victims remember visual details.

Join Brooke Gittings from the hit podcast, Convicted, as she takes a deeper dive into the Cold Case Files episode, "Sweethearts, Silenced," in the newest installment of Cold Case Files: The Podcast.

Q&A with Live PD's "Sticks" about fentanyl, when to intervene if you witness an attack, and his after show snack of French toast.

Social worker Brooke Gittings, whose wildly successful Convicted podcast tells the story of imprisoned killer Richard Nicolas, talks to us.

Travis Yates, editor in chief of LawOfficer.com, talks about the toll an officer's death takes on families and fellow officers.

Podcaster Christine Schiefer reviews the Cold Case Files episode "The Night Shift."

Alexis Robie, executive producer of "The First 48," on what he's learned from the show, including the worst crime he ever covered.

Q&A with Bill Kurtis on his prison fan mail, the worst case he ever saw, and how you can go home again.

A timeline of dedicated (and sometimes deputized) dogs.

An interview with the Live PD trooper and guest commentator.