Forensic Files - Season 8, Episode 6 - Tourist Trap - Full Episode

Summary

In South Florida, tourists faced a crime spree with eight murders and hundreds of robberies. German journalist Uwe-Wilhelm Rakebrand was killed during a 'bump and rob' scheme. Journalist Helga Luest survived a brutal assault and, with forensic bite mark evidence, helped convict attacker Stanley Cornet. The case led to increased security measures and Luest founded 'Witness Justice' to support crime victims.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Tourists in South Florida were frequently targeted by criminals, resulting in hundreds of robberies, assaults, and eight murders.
• 🇩🇪 Uwe-Wilhelm Rakebrand, a German tourist, was tragically killed in a 'bump and rob' incident in 1993, highlighting the severity of the crime wave.
• 📰 Journalist Helga Luest became a victim herself after reporting on tourist crimes, suffering a brutal assault that left her with significant injuries.
• 🔎 The police focused on identifying suspects through forensic evidence, such as bite marks, due to the lack of witnesses and the quick nature of the crimes.
• 🦠 Stanley Cornet was identified as a suspect in Helga's assault through a lineup, and further linked to the crime through a distinctive bite mark.
• 🦷 Forensic odontology played a crucial role in the case, with Dr. Souviron helping to match the bite mark on Helga's arm to Stanley Cornet's teeth.
• 🏭 Cornet's alibi of being at work during the crime was discredited by evidence that he had left work during his break.
• ⏰ Despite legal delays, Helga Luest's persistence in attending court ensured that her case moved forward.
• 🏛 The clarity of the bite impression evidence was a pivotal factor in the jury finding Cornet guilty of attempted robbery and aggravated battery.
• 💡 The case led to increased security measures, such as the removal of rental car stickers and changes to license plate practices, to protect tourists.
• 🌐 After her experience, Helga Luest founded 'Witness Justice,' an advocacy group supporting victims of crime.

Q & A

What was the situation with tourist safety in South Florida at the time described in the script?

Tourists in South Florida were a favorite target for criminals, with hundreds being robbed, some assaulted, and eight murdered.

What was the significance of the 'Bump and Rob' tactic mentioned in the script?

The 'Bump and Rob' was a tactic used by robbers where they would ram a tourist's car from behind, hoping to get the driver to stop, after which they would attempt to rob them.

What happened to Uwe-Wilhelm Rakebrand and his wife during their trip to Florida?

Uwe-Wilhelm Rakebrand and his wife were victims of a 'Bump and Rob' attempt. When they didn't stop, a gunman shot and killed Uwe-Wilhelm instantly.

What was the role of Helga Luest in the story?

Helga Luest was a journalist who covered tourist crimes for German television. She later became a victim herself during a vacation in Florida.

How did Helga Luest and her mother get lost on their way to the Miami airport?

They got lost looking for the airport rental-car area and ended up driving onto a side street to turn around, which led to the assault.

What injuries did Helga Luest sustain during the assault?

Helga Luest sustained injuries to her head, neck, back, and a dislocated jaw. She also lost feeling in the left side of her face, which she never regained, and had a deep bite wound on her arm.

What was the significance of the bite mark evidence in the case against Stanley Cornet?

The bite mark on Helga Luest's arm was a crucial piece of forensic evidence that helped link Stanley Cornet to the crime scene.

How did forensic experts use the bite mark to help identify the attacker?

Forensic experts took photographs of the bite mark and compared them with dental impressions of Stanley Cornet to determine if his teeth matched the pattern in the bite mark.

What challenges did the prosecution face in proving that Stanley Cornet was the attacker?

The prosecution had to overcome Cornet's alibi that he was at work during the time of the crime and convince the jury of the reliability of bite mark evidence.

What measures were taken to prevent similar crimes against tourists after the incidents described?

Police increased surveillance of rental car areas, rental agencies removed stickers from cars, and stopped using identifiable license plates.

What impact did Helga Luest's experience have on her life after the assault?

After her ordeal, Helga formed an advocacy group for victims of crime called 'Witness Justice' to support and advocate for other victims.