An 18-year cold case from Flint, Michigan gets revived when new DNA methods bypass indigo-dye interference on a suspect’s jean jacket. Forensic expert Eric Spekin walks through why a single, tiny blood spot testing positive for both victims is a massive red flag, how siloed lab workflows can mislead prosecutors, and the cross-examination strategy that helped a jury reach “not guilty.” If you’re into true crime, forensic science, or legal strategy, this episode breaks down the science—and the storytelling—behind cold case prosecutions. Stick around to the end and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! 
Chapters
00:00 - Cold open: “Both DNAs in one spot?”
00:17 - Welcome & guest intro (Eric Spekin)
00:40 - Case setup: 1991 Flint shooting; 2009 prosecution
01:06 - Dice game, $937 motive, suspect & van murders
02:05 - Evidence seized: the indigo jean jacket
03:39 - Cold case team finds a blood spot
04:34 - Why indigo dye blocks DNA; buffers fix it
06:07 - Lab result: both victims on one tiny spot
07:15 - Defense brings in an outside expert
08:37 - Only one sample from one location—why that matters
09:09 - Building the cross & challenging the narrative
11:07 - Verdict: not guilty; key lesson learned
12:03 - How court-appointed defense experts work
14:31 - Trial tactics: using prosecution witnesses
16:47 - Takeaways on scientific honesty
17:31 - Outro & CTA
Links
SunlitStudios.com
Hashtags
#ColdCase #TrueCrime #ForensicScience #DNAEvidence #BloodstainPattern #PCRInhibitors #ExpertWitness #CrossExamination #CriminalJustice #IndigentDefense #FlintMichigan #LegalStrategy #ColdCaseReview
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