Skip to content
Forensic Files artwork

Forensic Files

HLN·Hosted by Peter Thomas·372 episodes

SocietyCultureTrue CrimeForensic scienceStandalone cases20-25 minEvidence-ledClassic true crimeTV documentary audio

Forensic Files is a pioneer in the field of fact-based, high-tech, dramatic storytelling. This series of television programs delves into the world of forensic science, profiling intriguing crimes, accidents, and outbreaks of disease from around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why listen

Forensic Files turns real investigations into tight, 20-minute forensic puzzles, showing how fibers, DNA, handwriting, blood evidence, fire science, and tiny trace clues break open difficult cases. Narrated in the classic Peter Thomas style and produced by HLN, it is ideal for true-crime listeners who like concise, evidence-first stories without long host banter.

Episodes

20 min
May 28, 2026
Writers Block

This episode originally aired August 12, 2019. A brilliant young architect became ill and died just before she was to testify in a criminal trial. The autopsy revealed she'd been poisoned with arsenic; it was a slow and painful death, so suicide was unlikely. Investigators had to determine who among her family, friends and business associates had a motive for murder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 min
May 28, 2026
Introducing Explain Like I'm 5

Explain Like I'm 5 is a podcast which takes the questions you always wanted to ask, and explains them in a way that is easy to understand. Each question is covered in mini episodes that are easy to digest and less than 10 minutes long. We have been loving this podcast and hope you check it out too.

20 min
May 21, 2026
Whodunit

This episode originally aired August 8, 2019. A murder mystery theater performance turns into a real life whodunit when a badly burned body is discovered after the performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 min
May 21, 2026
Introducing Explain Like I'm 5

Explain Like I'm 5 is a podcast which takes the questions you always wanted to ask, and explains them in a way that is easy to understand. Each question is covered in mini episodes that are easy to digest and less than 10 minutes long. We have been loving this podcast and hope you check it out too.

20 min
May 14, 2026
The Common Thread

This episode originally aired August 5, 2019. The year was 1984, and a serial killer was on the loose in Florida. Eight women had been found dead. At each crime scene, investigators found tiny red fibers, fibers they hoped would lead them to the killer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 min
May 14, 2026
Introducing Explain Like I'm 5

Explain Like I'm 5 is a podcast which takes the questions you always wanted to ask, and explains them in a way that is easy to understand. Each question is covered in mini episodes that are easy to digest and less than 10 minutes long. We have been loving this podcast and hope you check it out too.

20 min
May 7, 2026
No Corpus Delicti

This episode originally aired August 1, 2019. A woman disappears without a trace; even though foul play is suspected, the leads don't pan out and the trail turns cold. Twenty years would pass before police are able to link a clump of hair discovered in an isolated area with the missing woman. Members of "NecroSearch," a group of volunteer forensic scientists, searched a remote area of Colorado a meter at a time, found the victim's body, and gave authorities the evidence they needed to bring the killer to justice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Apr 30, 2026
Telltale Tracks

This episode originally aired July 29, 2019. Police find an abandoned car on a busy Philadelphia highway; later, strange marks on the driver's body lead police to her killer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Apr 23, 2026
Soft Touch

This episode originally aired July 25, 2019. A young woman was killed in a senseless act of revenge. Could police identify the killer through a fingerprint on cloth? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Apr 16, 2026
Constructive Criticism

This episode originally aired July 22, 2019. The huge amount of blood at the crime scene spoke of the violence of the attack; investigators describe it as "overkill," and it's usually an indication that the victim knew the attacker. Police hoped that, during the struggle, the killer had left some of his own blood - and his DNA - behind. Their challenge was to find it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Apr 9, 2026
Headquarters

This episode originally aired July 18, 2019. When hunters reported finding a skull in a Texas canyon, police immediately began an investigation. At the scene, they found bits of clothing, a woman's shoe, some small bones and a strand of hair. An anthropologist determined the victim was a Caucasian woman, and that she'd been stabbed repeatedly. A forensic artist reconstructed her face, and the image was released to media. Eventually, police learned who she was. Now all they had to do was find her killer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Apr 2, 2026
The Alibi

This episode originally aired July 15, 2019. After the rape and murder of a popular high school student, authorities ask the males in her social circles to volunteer DNA. When a match is found, the community is stunned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Mar 26, 2026
Slippery Motives

This episode originally aired July 11, 2019. While staying at a hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, a Louisiana woman drowns in a bathtub. Her husband claims it was an accident, but detectives are skeptical as they discover evidence of foul play. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Mar 19, 2026
Broken Bond

This episode originally aired July 8, 2019. The story of nurse Tanya Reid who may have murdered her own baby and was planning to murder her son. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Mar 12, 2026
Bed Of Deceit

This episode originally aired July 4, 2019. A retired police officer is discovered dead in his bed. Examination of the evidence at the crime scene, the tape from a bank surveillance camera, and forensic textbooks found in the victim's home are used to solve the murder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Mar 5, 2026
Flashover

This episode originally aired July 1, 2019. A fire erupted in the Kings Cross Underground Station in London, killing 31 people and injuring dozens more. Arson investigators were able to pinpoint the cause of the fire, but it would take state-of-the-art computer technology and experts in the field of fluid dynamics to explain why it became a deadly inferno. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Feb 26, 2026
Water Hazard

This episode originally aired June 27, 2019. The victim had ingested a massive amount of cyanide. An unlikely clue - a flaw on a mailing envelope -- exposed a murderer who was willing to kill innocent people to get the one person he wanted. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Feb 19, 2026
Knot For Everyone

This episode originally aired June 24, 2019. A series of murders near Sacramento, Calif., where prostitutes were gagged and molested, their clothes cut off in random patterns and their hair cut off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Feb 12, 2026
Cement the Case

This episode originally aired June 20, 2019. A man confesses to killing his wife but forensic evidence may lead to another suspect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Feb 5, 2026
Pastoral Care

This episode originally aired June 17, 2019. When the body of a female prison guard shows up in a landfill, investigators suspect the prisoners in the facility where she worked. The medical examiner found an important clue, a "signature" element, which figured in two other murders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Jan 29, 2026
Where The Blood Drops

This episode originally aired June 13, 2019. When someone dies under mysterious circumstances, the spouse almost always is a suspect -- especially if they are in bed, sleeping beside the individual at the time of their death. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Jan 22, 2026
Naked Justice

This episode originally aired June 10, 2019. A 29-year-old pregnant wife is found dead in her home of a gunshot wound to the head. Blood spatter analysis led police to the truth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 min
Jan 15, 2026
Video Diary

This episode originally aired June 6, 2019. A gas station employee was shot at point blank range. Police find the entire murder was caught on the station's security camera. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Jan 8, 2026
Killigraphy

This episode originally aired June 3, 2019. A man considered unstable by his neighbors is accused of killing his wife. But a medical detective holds a different view. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Jan 8, 2026
Killigraphy

This episode originally aired June 3, 2019. A man considered unstable by his neighbors is accused of killing his wife. But a medical detective holds a different view. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Jan 1, 2026
The Metal Business

This episode originally aired May 30, 2019. It looked like sixty-two-year-old Phillip Rouss, Jr. had it all: family, friends, and a new business which was the culmination of a life-long dream. Then his health began to deteriorate. Doctors couldn't pinpoint the cause of the illness and Phil began to suspect his condition was no accident. Toxicologists and investigators identified the real problem just in time to save Phil's life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Jan 1, 2026
The Metal Business

This episode originally aired May 30, 2019. It looked like sixty-two-year-old Phillip Rouss, Jr. had it all: family, friends, and a new business which was the culmination of a life-long dream. Then his health began to deteriorate. Doctors couldn't pinpoint the cause of the illness and Phil began to suspect his condition was no accident. Toxicologists and investigators identified the real problem just in time to save Phil's life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Dec 25, 2025
Without a Prayer

This episode originally aired May 27, 2019. When the once called America's most hated woman and her top two lieutenants disappeared, there was no shortage of suspects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Dec 25, 2025
Without a Prayer

This episode originally aired May 27, 2019. When the once called America's most hated woman and her top two lieutenants disappeared, there was no shortage of suspects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Dec 18, 2025
Nailed

This episode originally aired May 23, 2019. Just weeks before a witness is to testify against the man accused of sexually assaulting her, she is murdered in the front yard of her own home. Investigators immediately suspect her attacker, but they don't have enough evidence to prove his guilt. It would take fifteen years, and the remarkable advances in forensic science and DNA testing which occurred during that time, to enable police to nail the killer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Dec 18, 2025
Nailed

This episode originally aired May 23, 2019. Just weeks before a witness is to testify against the man accused of sexually assaulting her, she is murdered in the front yard of her own home. Investigators immediately suspect her attacker, but they don't have enough evidence to prove his guilt. It would take fifteen years, and the remarkable advances in forensic science and DNA testing which occurred during that time, to enable police to nail the killer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Dec 11, 2025
A Clean Getaway

This episode originally aired May 20, 2019. An employee of a dry-cleaner was raped and murdered in the store, and investigators thought themselves fortunate to have two eyewitnesses. Their descriptions were similar but not identical, and the prime suspect didn't come close to resembling that person. So police turned to forensic science for the answers they needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Dec 11, 2025
A Clean Getaway

This episode originally aired May 20, 2019. An employee of a dry-cleaner was raped and murdered in the store, and investigators thought themselves fortunate to have two eyewitnesses. Their descriptions were similar but not identical, and the prime suspect didn't come close to resembling that person. So police turned to forensic science for the answers they needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Dec 4, 2025
Cold Hearted

This episode originally aired May 16, 2019. When a young fireman died from what appeared to be serious but undiagnosed heart disease, his family and friends were devastated but they had no proof of foul play. Then they learned that, six years earlier in a nearby town, a young police officer died in the same way. The men had one thing in common: At the time of their deaths, they were married to the same woman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Dec 4, 2025
Cold Hearted

This episode originally aired May 16, 2019. When a young fireman died from what appeared to be serious but undiagnosed heart disease, his family and friends were devastated but they had no proof of foul play. Then they learned that, six years earlier in a nearby town, a young police officer died in the same way. The men had one thing in common: At the time of their deaths, they were married to the same woman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Nov 27, 2025
A Bitter Pill To Swallow

This episode originally aired May 13, 2019. A 33-year old woman meets, falls in love with, and marries a successful young doctor, but an unusual amount of discomfort during her pregnancy arouses her suspicions, prompting a personal investigation that culminates in a startling revelation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Nov 27, 2025
A Bitter Pill To Swallow

This episode originally aired May 13, 2019. A 33-year old woman meets, falls in love with, and marries a successful young doctor, but an unusual amount of discomfort during her pregnancy arouses her suspicions, prompting a personal investigation that culminates in a startling revelation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Nov 20, 2025
Prints Among Thieves

This episode originally aired May 9, 2019. The murder of an eccentric millionaire was not entirely unexpected; he flaunted his wealth and cared little for personal security. The evidence at the crime seemed to indicate robbery, but investigators wondered if there was something more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Nov 20, 2025
Prints Among Thieves

This episode originally aired May 9, 2019. The murder of an eccentric millionaire was not entirely unexpected; he flaunted his wealth and cared little for personal security. The evidence at the crime seemed to indicate robbery, but investigators wondered if there was something more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Nov 13, 2025
Past Lives

This episode originally aired May 6, 2019. The body of a businessman was found in his rental car. Teeth and bone fragments were all that remained of the body; When the victim's wife filed a life insurance claim, investigators sought the help of a forensic anthropologist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Nov 13, 2025
Past Lives

This episode originally aired May 6, 2019. The body of a businessman was found in his rental car. Teeth and bone fragments were all that remained of the body; When the victim's wife filed a life insurance claim, investigators sought the help of a forensic anthropologist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Nov 6, 2025
Writing On The Wall

This episode originally aired May 2, 2019. The victim was well liked and successful, which made the brutality of the crime even harder to understand. In the final moments of her life, she'd written a name on the wall - presumably that of the killer - in her own blood. But this wasn't an open and shut case and, in order to solve it, investigators would have to read between the lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Nov 6, 2025
Writing On The Wall

This episode originally aired May 2, 2019. The victim was well liked and successful, which made the brutality of the crime even harder to understand. In the final moments of her life, she'd written a name on the wall - presumably that of the killer - in her own blood. But this wasn't an open and shut case and, in order to solve it, investigators would have to read between the lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Oct 30, 2025
Sleight Of Hand

This episode originally aired April 29, 2019. An elderly woman is murdered. Though investigators were able to lift prints from the scene, they failed to find a match and the crime went unsolved. Years later, advances in fingerprint science enable police to identify the print and the killer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Oct 30, 2025
Sleight Of Hand

This episode originally aired April 29, 2019. An elderly woman is murdered. Though investigators were able to lift prints from the scene, they failed to find a match and the crime went unsolved. Years later, advances in fingerprint science enable police to identify the print and the killer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Oct 23, 2025
Drowning Sorrows

This episode originally aired April 25, 2019. A family vacation turns into a nightmare when the wife is found face-down in the lake. There are no witnesses and little conclusive evidence to help police determine if they're dealing with a suicide, an accident, or something more sinister... until a forensic pathologist uses a groundbreaking technique to discover the truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Oct 23, 2025
Drowning Sorrows

This episode originally aired April 25, 2019. A family vacation turns into a nightmare when the wife is found face-down in the lake. There are no witnesses and little conclusive evidence to help police determine if they're dealing with a suicide, an accident, or something more sinister... until a forensic pathologist uses a groundbreaking technique to discover the truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Oct 16, 2025
Cold Storage

This episode originally aired April 22, 2019. When a young dancer who got involved with the wrong crowd disappeared, her family immediately suspected her new friends. When a young dancer who got involved with the wrong crowd disappeared, her family immediately suspected her new friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Oct 16, 2025
Cold Storage

This episode originally aired April 22, 2019. When a young dancer who got involved with the wrong crowd disappeared, her family immediately suspected her new friends. When a young dancer who got involved with the wrong crowd disappeared, her family immediately suspected her new friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Oct 9, 2025
Pressed For Crime

This episode originally aired April 18, 2019. A brutal murder, lots of suspects, and conflicting evidence... but the forensics were clear on one thing: The killer knew his victim. And that alone gave investigators a head start. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.