9 DEC 2023 · DB Cooper disappears and amateurs are still on the case"The Case of the Vanished Skyjacker: Looking Back at D.B. Cooper's Great Airline Escape Well now, you folks probably remember that peculiar skyjacking case from back in 1971, when some daredevil calling himself Dan Cooper, later immortalized as D.B. Cooper by the press, hijacked a Northwest Orient plane out of the Portland airport with nothing but a briefcase he claimed was a bomb. Ol’ D.B. extorted $200,000 out of the airline and four parachutes before he let all them passengers off when they refueled in Seattle. Then, somewhere over those rainy, pine-covered mountains of Washington state, Cooper lowered the aft stairs and parachuted out with all that ransom money into oblivion. The FBI hunted high and low for Cooper or his remains after that brazen hijacking and airborne getaway, but shoot, the mystery man done disappeared without a trace. Now decades later, FBI forensics experts and amateur aviation sleuths are still chasing their tails trying to figure out the identity of that rakish skyjacker. They got half-chewed sandwiches, old parachute straps, and hand-written notes about aerodynamics and flight vectors. Heck, they even brought one of them Service Bulletins on the Boeing 727 from some library just to recreate Cooper's daring nighttime descent. But Ol’ D.B. has evaded 'em at every turn. Could be he didn't even make it out of that plane alive, getting hisself stuck in the gears of the aft stairs or getting his chute tangled up as he jumped. Or maybe he touched down in some lonely stretch of pine forest and made his way to parts unknown with all that ill-gotten loot. I suppose we all got us a little bit of D.B. Cooper in our hearts, wondering what it might be like to pull off the perfect getaway and vanish into the pages of American legend. But I expect the FBI would still take it kindly if someone could offer the solid truth of it. Till then, Ol’ D.B.'s plane disappearin' act remains the stuff of rambling country tales told when the campfire burns low."

8 DEC 2023 · n the seemingly idyllic suburbs of King County, Washington, a sinister darkness took root in the early 1980s. A shadow crept along the Green River, claiming the lives of young women and leaving a community in a state of terror. This was the reign of the Green River Killer, a name synonymous with unspeakable horror and a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity. For over a decade, the Green River Killer stalked the vulnerable, targeting marginalized women and leaving their bodies scattered throughout the county. Fear and uncertainty gripped the community as the number of victims mounted, each life extinguished leaving behind heartbroken families and unanswered questions. But amongst the darkness, a beacon of hope emerged – the newly formed King County CSI Unit. Armed with cutting-edge technology and unwavering dedication, they embarked on a relentless pursuit of justice. These unsung heroes meticulously documented crime scenes, collected evidence, and painstakingly analyzed skeletal remains, each step bringing them closer to unmasking the perpetrator. Forensic anthropology, a crucial tool in the CSI arsenal, played a pivotal role in identifying and profiling the victims. By examining skeletal features, the team was able to estimate age, height, and even the manner of death. This invaluable information provided detectives with a clearer picture of the killer's profile, allowing them to refine their investigation and narrow down the pool of suspects. The sheer scale of the investigation presented immense challenges. With numerous victims, a vast crime scene, and a lack of leads, the pressure to apprehend the killer was immense. Witness intimidation further compounded the difficulties, adding an element of danger to the already demanding task. However, the dedication and expertise of the CSI team and law enforcement remained undeterred. They pursued every lead, followed every hunch, and refused to give up hope. Their tireless efforts, fueled by a burning desire for justice, finally yielded a critical breakthrough. A DNA sample collected from one of the crime scenes matched the profile of Gary Ridgway, a seemingly nondescript truck driver. This long-awaited development provided the crucial evidence needed to bring the Green River Killer to justice. Ridgway's arrest brought a long-awaited end to the reign of terror that had gripped King County for over a decade. While closure may have been achieved for some, the scars left by the Green River Killer's crimes still resonate to this day. The families of the victims continue to grapple with their loss, forever marked by the tragedy. Beyond the chilling narrative, the Green River Killer case serves as a powerful testament to the vital role of forensic science in solving complex criminal investigations. The dedication and expertise of the CSI team proved instrumental in cracking the case and ensuring that the voices of the victims were not silenced. As we look back on this harrowing chapter in history, we are left with a sense of both horror and admiration. The brutality of the crimes committed leaves one profoundly shaken, while the unwavering determination of those who brought the perpetrator to justice inspires awe. The Green River Killer case serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can reside within humanity. However, it also shines a light on the bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice that can prevail even in the face of unspeakable horror. May the victims of the Green River Killer never be forgotten, and may their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of forensic science in protecting our communities and ensuring that justice is served.