Forensic Files - Season 8, Episode 18 - Hair of the Dog - Full Episode

Summary

In a small Iowa town, the mysterious murder of John Helble baffles investigators, especially due to the lack of forensic evidence. A breakthrough comes when they discover that Helble's dog, Keisha, may have witnessed the crime. Using innovative forensic methods, including DNA analysis of Keisha's hair, investigators piece together a case against Helble's best friend, Andrew Rich. The investigation uncovers a motive tied to Helble's gun collection, and Rich's guilt is ultimately proven through a combination of dog DNA, handwriting analysis, and witness testimony. Rich is convicted, and the case highlights the critical role of forensic science in solving the crime.

Takeaways

• 😀 No forensic evidence was found at the crime scene, but investigators suspected the victim's dog had witnessed the crime.
• 😀 John Helble, a 28-year-old reclusive man, was found dead weeks after being murdered, with no signs of forced entry or struggle.
• 😀 The victim's gun collection was missing, suggesting a motive for robbery, and his 3-year-old husky, Keisha, was also gone.
• 😀 Keisha, the dog, was found miles away from the scene, suggesting she was transported there after the murder, potentially by the killer.
• 😀 An autopsy confirmed Helble had been dead for several weeks before his body was found, and investigators narrowed the time of death to January 22–23.
• 😀 Three primary suspects were considered: Mike Harding, Andrew Rich, and Sharon Schneider. Harding had an alibi, but Rich and Schneider had suspicious connections to the crime.
• 😀 Evidence, such as bullets and ammunition, linked Andrew Rich and his girlfriend Sharon Schneider to the crime scene, but it was not enough to prove their involvement.
• 😀 Investigators collected dog DNA from Keisha, which later matched hair found in a box of ammunition sold by Andrew Rich, providing crucial evidence linking him to the crime.
• 😀 Handwriting analysis of a note found with a stolen gun confirmed that it was written by John Helble, solidifying Andrew Rich's involvement in the crime.
• 😀 Andrew Rich was arrested, and after initially denying involvement, he confessed to killing Helble for his guns. Rich was sentenced to 35 years in prison for manslaughter and robbery, while Sharon Schneider received a lighter sentence for cooperating.

Q & A

What was the initial challenge for investigators in solving John Helble's murder?

The initial challenge for investigators was the lack of forensic evidence at the crime scene, making it difficult to determine what happened. They also suspected that John Helble's dog, Keisha, might have witnessed the crime, but needed a way to find out what the dog had seen.

How did John Helble's lifestyle and past influence the investigation?

John Helble had a history of narcotics use and possible dealing, which led investigators to consider his connections with people in the narcotics world. However, despite his past, those who knew him said he would have given the shirt off his back, indicating that he was not deserving of his fate.

What evidence suggested that John Helble was killed weeks before his body was found?

The advanced state of decomposition of John Helble's body indicated that he had been killed weeks prior. Additionally, there were unanswered messages on his answering machine from January 22, which confirmed he was dead by that date.

What was missing from John Helble's home when police arrived?

When police arrived, they discovered that John Helble's prized gun collection was missing, including a unique Colt Gold Cup .45 semiautomatic pistol. His 3-year-old Husky, Keisha, was also missing, which raised further suspicions.

How was Keisha, the dog, connected to the investigation?

Keisha's connection to the investigation grew when she was found wandering miles away from John Helble's home. Investigators learned that Keisha had been driven away in Helble's van, which had been used to transport the dog and possibly dispose of her after the murder.

What was significant about the hair found in the ammunition box?

The hair found in the ammunition box was significant because it was confirmed to be from a dog, though DNA testing could not pinpoint a match immediately. However, mitochondrial DNA testing linked the hair to Keisha, proving that it came from John Helble's dog.

What role did Sharon Schneider play in the investigation?

Sharon Schneider was initially evasive but later cooperated with police after being confronted. She revealed that she had dropped off her boyfriend, Andrew Rich, at John Helble's home before the murder. She later confirmed details about the gun collection and Rich's involvement in the crime.

What forensic evidence led to Andrew Rich's arrest?

Forensic evidence that led to Andrew Rich's arrest included the discovery of a note inside a gun box, which had handwriting matching John Helble's. Additionally, mitochondrial DNA from Keisha's hair found in the ammunition box linked Rich to the crime scene and the stolen items.

What was Andrew Rich's reaction to the charges against him?

Andrew Rich surprised investigators and the victims' family by confessing to the murder just before his trial. However, he showed no remorse and did not apologize to the family, despite admitting to killing John Helble for his guns.

How did Keisha, the dog, contribute to solving the murder case?

Keisha played a crucial role in solving the case by providing forensic evidence that linked Andrew Rich to the crime. Her hair found in the ammunition box, along with the note in the gun box, helped investigators confirm Rich's involvement in the murder of John Helble.