Forensic Files - Season 6, Episode 9 - Soft Touch - Full Episode

Summary

In 1992, a violent robbery and shooting left Ward Maracle critically injured on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Canada. The gunmen, wearing masks, were identified through forensic evidence such as shoe prints, shell casings, and DNA on the masks. Investigators connected Peter Benedict to the crime through his discarded shoes, gun, and a ring he purchased after the robbery. Further DNA analysis revealed Frank Lanoue as the shooter. Both men were convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. The case is a compelling example of forensic investigation, especially the pivotal role of shoe print evidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The robbery and shooting took place on December 30, 1992, at the home of Ward and Diana Maracle in the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Canada.
• 😀 Ward Maracle, the victim, was shot three times but survived the attack, though he was left permanently disabled.
• 😀 The perpetrators, two masked gunmen, broke into the Maracle's home demanding money, and the shooting occurred during a struggle.
• 😀 Forensic investigators found key evidence at the crime scene, including shoe prints, shell casings, and masks left behind by the assailants.
• 😀 Shoe prints found in the snow outside the house and inside the home played a significant role in identifying the perpetrators.
• 😀 Using sulfur casting, forensic experts captured clear impressions of the shoe prints, which matched a pair of Nike Air sneakers worn by one of the suspects.
• 😀 Ballistics analysis linked a .22 caliber pistol found in the possession of Peter Benedict to the shooting by matching shell casings.
• 😀 DNA evidence found inside the ski and rubber masks worn by the gunmen helped identify Frank Lanoue as the shooter.
• 😀 Investigators also traced a ring purchased by Benedict, using cash from the robbery, as further evidence linking him to the crime.
• 😀 Peter Benedict and Frank Lanoue were arrested, and both pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and robbery, receiving six-year prison sentences.
• 😀 The case highlights the importance of meticulous forensic work, including shoe print and DNA analysis, in solving the crime and identifying the perpetrators.

Q & A

What was the motive behind the break-in at the Maracle household?

The motive was robbery. The gunmen broke into the Maracle's home and demanded money, which led to a struggle and shots being fired, injuring Ward Maracle.

How did the community react to the crime?

The Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory is a small, tight-knit community, and the crime shocked its residents, as violent crimes were rare in the area.

What physical evidence was crucial in identifying the perpetrators?

Crucial evidence included shoe prints found in the snow and on the stairs inside the Maracle home, shell casings, and a piece of wood used to break the door.

How did investigators collect evidence from the shoe print found in the snow?

Investigators used a sulfur casting method to create a mold of the shoe print in the snow, which revealed key accidental characteristics, such as small cuts on the sole, that helped identify the shoe.

What did forensic scientists find when analyzing the shoe prints?

The shoe prints matched a pair of size 8 Nike Air sneakers, with specific accidental characteristics, such as cuts from stepping on wire, that helped link the prints to the perpetrators.

What was significant about the gun found at Peter Benedict's apartment?

A .22 caliber pistol was found in Peter Benedict's apartment, the same caliber used in the shooting of Ward Maracle. This linked Benedict to the crime.

How did investigators connect Peter Benedict to the purchase of an expensive ring?

Investigators found a receipt for a ring purchased with $1,100 in cash just hours after the robbery, suggesting that Benedict used stolen money from the Maracle robbery to buy the ring.

How did the shoe store clerk contribute to the investigation?

The shoe store clerk recognized Peter Benedict from a mug shot and recalled that he had bought a new pair of running shoes, leaving his old ones behind, which were later found to match the prints at the crime scene.

What role did DNA play in identifying the shooter?

DNA traces found inside the masks worn by the perpetrators helped identify which mask was worn by each suspect. Peter Benedict's DNA was found in the rubber mask, and Frank Lanoue's DNA was found in the wool mask, identifying Lanoue as the shooter.

What was the outcome for Peter Benedict and Frank Lanoue?

Both men pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and robbery. They were sentenced to six years in prison. Ward Maracle eventually recovered from his injuries after a long rehabilitation.