Digest

The episode delves into the chilling case of Nicole Smith, a 14-year-old girl murdered in Atlanta in 1995. The episode underscores the rarity of solving cold cases, with only 1% being solved. It details the events leading up to Nicole's murder, including her morning routine and her decision to go back home for her homework. The episode then describes the discovery of Nicole's body, the initial investigation, and the challenges faced by detectives in finding the killer. The episode follows the investigation's twists and turns, including the identification of Nicole through her school ID, the discovery of K-Swiss sneakers at the scene, and the witness testimony of Nicole's sister. It explores the use of DNA evidence, the frustration of dead ends, and the emergence of new leads. The episode highlights the formation of a cold case unit and the subsequent DNA match that connects Nicole's murder to the rape of Betty Brown. The episode then delves into Betty Brown's case, the similarities between the two crimes, and the creation of a new composite sketch. It describes the surveillance of a suspect named Terrence and the collection of a DNA sample. The episode discusses the offering of a reward for information and the subsequent national attention generated by the case. The episode then explores the involvement of Cold Case Files in the investigation and the emergence of a new tip about a suspect named Stephen Burris. It discusses the use of genealogy databases in solving the Golden State Killer case and the application of this technique to Nicole's case. The episode reveals a potential match in the genealogy database, leading investigators to Kelvin Arnold as a suspect. The episode concludes with the confirmation of Kelvin Arnold as the killer through a DNA match and the revelation of his death. It discusses the emotional impact of the revelation and the closure that Nicole's mother and Betty Brown find in knowing the identity of their attacker. The episode ends with the press conference announcing the closure of the case and the focus on the resilience of Nicole's family.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Murder of Nicole Smith

This episode introduces the case of Nicole Smith, a 14-year-old girl murdered in Atlanta in 1995. The episode highlights the rarity of solving cold cases, with only 1% being solved. It details the events leading up to Nicole's murder, including her morning routine, her walk to school with her sister, and her decision to go back home for her homework.

00:02:37

The Investigation and Early Leads

The episode describes the discovery of Nicole's body by a police officer, the initial investigation, and the challenges faced by detectives in finding the killer. It reveals Nicole's identity through her school ID found at the scene and the initial investigation leads to the discovery of K-Swiss sneakers and a potential witness.

00:12:36

New Leads and a Cold Case

The episode introduces a new witness who saw the suspect running from the woods, leading to the creation of a composite sketch. It describes the frustration of Nicole's mother as the case goes cold and the investigation stalls. It details a new lead from an inmate who claims to know the killer, leading investigators to a suspect named Rhodes.

00:17:25

DNA Evidence and the Connection to Betty Brown

The episode introduces the formation of a cold case unit and the subsequent DNA match that connects the murder of Nicole Smith to the rape of Betty Brown. It details the rape of Betty Brown, nine years after Nicole's murder, and the DNA match that connects the two cases.

00:31:46

Solving the Case with Genealogy Databases

The episode discusses the use of genealogy databases in solving the Golden State Killer case and the application of this technique to Nicole's case. It reveals a potential match in the genealogy database, leading investigators to Kelvin Arnold as a suspect. It describes the confirmation of Kelvin Arnold as the killer through a DNA match and the revelation of his death. It discusses the emotional impact of the revelation and the closure that Nicole's mother and Betty Brown find in knowing the identity of their attacker. The episode ends with the press conference announcing the closure of the case and the focus on the resilience of Nicole's family.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the challenges faced by investigators in solving cold cases?

  Cold cases often lack leads, evidence, and witnesses, making it difficult to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.

• How did the use of genealogy databases help solve Nicole Smith's case?

  By comparing the suspect's DNA to profiles in genealogy databases, investigators were able to identify relatives and ultimately narrow down the search to Kelvin Arnold.

• What impact did the revelation of Kelvin Arnold's death have on Nicole's mother and Betty Brown?

  While they found closure in knowing the identity of their attacker, they were also disappointed that they would never be able to confront him or see him face justice.

• What is the significance of the press conference announcing the closure of the case?

  The press conference highlighted the resilience of Nicole's family and the importance of never giving up hope in solving cold cases.

• What is the message conveyed by the episode about the importance of solving cold cases?

  The episode emphasizes the importance of bringing closure to victims' families and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes, even after years have passed.

Show Notes