Forensic Files

Forensic Files

HLN

689 - Naughty or Nyce
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.

689 - Naughty or Nyce
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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.

Episode's summary

This episode investigates the suspicious death of Michelle Nice and the subsequent investigation into her husband, Jonathan. Initially appearing to be a car accident, forensic evidence—including blood spatter and reconstructed shoe soles—uncovered a violent homicide involving a baseball bat. Despite Jonathan's attempts to stage the scene and claims of self-defense following an extortion attempt involving his wife's lover, physical evidence proved decisive. The trial concluded with the jury convicting Jonathan of passion provocation manslaughter.

Chapters

Click on a chapter to go directly to that moment

Highlights

Hello? Dr. Nice, I'm having an affair with your wife, and here's some proof.

00:02:01 · This is the anonymous extortion call that first disrupted the couple's marriage.

The bottom of her stockings were dirty. So obviously, at some point, she was walking around in her bare feet with the stockings without shoes.

00:04:54 · This observation serves as a major red flag indicating that the car crash was not an accident.

That test revealed there were four different kinds of glue on the bottom of the loafers.

00:12:13 · The discovery of multiple types of glue leads investigators to the realization that Jonathan had modified his shoes.

Jonathan grabbed a baseball bat and struck her repeatedly in the head.

00:17:19 · The segment concludes with the prosecution's reconstruction of the violent attack in the garage.

The jury found Jonathan Nice guilty of the lesser charge of passion provocation manslaughter.

00:20:10 · This marks the legal outcome of the trial following the defense's argument regarding the affair.

Episodes

689-

Naughty or Nyce

This episode investigates the suspicious death of Michelle Nice and the subsequent investigation into her husband, Jonathan. Initially appearing to be a car accident, forensic evidence—including blood spatter and reconstructed shoe soles—uncovered a violent homicide involving a baseball bat. Despite Jonathan's attempts to stage the scene and claims of self-defense following an extortion attempt involving his wife's lover, physical evidence proved decisive. The trial concluded with the jury convicting Jonathan of passion provocation manslaughter.

16 Jul 2026
688-

Introducing Explain Like I'm 5

Janice from Warner Brothers Discovery introduces the podcast Explain Like I'm Five, a series designed for listeners with a deep curiosity about how the world works. The show features hosts Tim and Kevin, who provide succinct, clear, and approachable answers to various scientific and everyday questions in bite-sized episodes ranging from five to eight minutes. The podcast covers a wide array of topics, including the mechanics of power lines, the effects of caffeine, mosquito bites, dopamine, and the national debt. It is positioned as an ideal audio snack for those seeking quick, informative content that makes complex subjects easy to understand.

16 Jul 2026
687-

A Shot In The Dark

This episode examines the complex legal battle of Martin Frias, who was initially convicted of the 1984 murder of his wife, Ernestine Perea, in Wheatland, Wyoming. The prosecution's case relied on forensic evidence suggesting a homicide involving a struggle and a shot to the back, while the defense presented new scientific findings, including scanning electron microscopy, to argue for a suicide. Through a detailed analysis of ballistics, blood sputters, and acoustics, the narrative explores how a second trial and the introduction of new expert testimony led to an acquittal based on reasonable doubt.

09 Jul 2026
685-

Picture This

In 1995, 14-year-old Jenna Mauser disappeared from her home, only for her body to be discovered days later in a roadside ditch. The investigation initially faced a lack of physical evidence, as there were no DNA samples or signs of a struggle within the home. However, a combination of forensic botany and advanced photogrammetry eventually linked her stepfather, Doug Mauser, to the crime. Investigators utilized plant biology to identify specific yellow star thistle found under the suspect's car that matched the development of plants found near the body. Furthermore, 3D modeling of post-mortem pressure marks on the victim's skin allowed experts to recreate the exact pattern caused by a seat belt buckle and carpet edge in the suspect's vehicle. The episode details the reconstruction of the crime and the forensic breakthroughs that led to a murder conviction.

02 Jul 2026
683-

Broken Promises

In 1988, the death of popular Durham High School teacher and coach Russ Steger was initially ruled an accidental shooting. His wife, Barbara Steger, claimed the .25 caliber pistol under his pillow discharged while she was attempting to remove it. However, forensic evidence, including bullet trajectory, trigger pull tests, and the absence of gunpowder residue, began to contradict her account. As investigators delved deeper, they uncovered a pattern of suspicious deaths involving Barbara's previous husband and discovered evidence of financial fraud, including forged signatures and a $170,000 life insurance policy. The case was ultimately solidified by a chilling audio recording made by Russ Steger himself just days before his death, in which he expressed fear for his life and suspicion regarding his wife's motives.

25 Jun 2026