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Body in the Snow / From the Ashes

A fibre analyst is called in when a missing persons enquiry becomes a murder investigation, and a forensic archaeologist leads the search for the remains of a young woman.

This episode takes us to Bristol, where police launch a major missing persons enquiry following the disappearance of 25-year-old Jo Yeates. Days later, the body of the young woman is discovered by dog walkers on Christmas Day, and immediately the case becomes a murder enquiry. As investigators find no sign of forced entry into Jo鈥檚 flat, they conclude the killer must be someone known to her.

Detectives initially hope DNA samples would lead them to her killer, but when the evidence doesn鈥檛 reveal any further leads, they turn to Dr Kelly Sheridan, an expert in fibre analysis. By inspecting Jo鈥檚 clothes and fibres found in her flat, Kelly鈥檚 evidence is crucial in identifying and convicting the killer. With interviews from Dr Sheridan and news reporter Ronke Phillips.

In Wolverhampton, teenage sex worker Marcella Davies is reported missing after failing to collect her baby from her childminder. Tireless police work eventually uncovers a suspect, but without finding Marcella鈥檚 remains, the likelihood of conviction is low. Police turn to forensic archaeologist Professor John Hunter to search and excavate potential deposition sites, including a wood yard the suspect had access to. Alongside colleague and archaeozoologist Umberto Albarella, John and the team make discoveries, including bone fragments and teeth, that can be linked back to Marcella. Their work not only returns Marcella to loved ones but convicts a dangerous killer.

11 months left to watch

28 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Ashley John-Baptiste
Production Manager Maggie Fagan
Production Manager Andrea McClelland
Editor Declan McCann
Editor Christy Scoltock
Composer Philip Guyler
Executive Producer Emma Barker
Executive Producer Edward Hart
Series Producer Bridget Fallon
Series Producer Lucy Wedlock
Producer Liza Chambers
Producer Angus Gibson
Producer Catriona Wright
Director Liza Chambers
Director Angus Gibson
Director Catriona Wright
Production Company Rare TV

Broadcasts

  • Wed 4 Dec 2024 14:30
  • Wed 11 Dec 2024 15:15