Forensic Tales

In May 1947, newlywed Christina Kettlewell traveled to a remote cottage in Severn Falls, Ontario, with her husband, Jack, and his close friend Ronald Berry.

Three days later, the cottage was destroyed by fire, Jack was found unconscious, and Christina’s body was discovered face down in only nine inches of water.

An autopsy determined that Christina had drowned, but the forensic evidence raised more questions than answers. Why were there no burns or significant injuries on her body? What role did the codeine found in her stomach play? And why did the accounts provided by the two men closest to her seem to conflict with the physical evidence?

This special preview introduces the mysterious death of Christina Kettlewell, also known as the Eight-Day Bride.

The complete episode—including the alleged love triangle, missing money, insurance policies, purported suicide notes, coroner’s inquest, and competing theories—is available now as July’s bonus episode on Patreon and through Apple Podcasts subscriptions.

Support the show and listen to the complete bonus episode:

Patreon: patreon.com/forensictales

You can also subscribe directly through the Forensic Tales page in the Apple Podcasts app.
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On January 4, 2001, successful Seattle-area real estate agent Mike Emert left to meet a prospective buyer at a vacant home in Woodinville, Washington. Just hours later, he was found stabbed 19 times inside the home's bathtub with the shower and sinks still running in what investigators believed was a calculated attempt to destroy forensic evidence.

In this episode, we examine the meticulous crime scene, the forensic evidence recovered from Mike's abandoned Cadillac Escalade, and the years-long investigation that led detectives to believe they were looking at a professional hit rather than a robbery or crime of passion. We also explore the DNA breakthrough that linked Gary Krueger to the case more than a decade later, why that discovery came too late to question the suspect, and how Mike's murder forever changed safety practices for real estate agents across Washington.

If you have any information regarding the murder of Mike Emert, please contact the King County Sheriff's Office.

Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written & produced by Courtney Fretwell. If you'd like to submit a case, please email courtney@forensictales.com.

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Support the show by subscribing, leaving a rating and review, and sharing this episode with others interested in forensic science and true crime.

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Hey everyone! Courtney here.

I have a little bonus for you today. Since Forensic Tales is part of the Believe Podcast Network, I wanted to introduce you to another podcast on the network that I think some of you might enjoy.

Today's episode is from Til Death Do Us Part, and it's called "The Body in the Clearing: Harry Crawford and Annie Burkett."

To friends and neighbors, he seemed like an ordinary husband. But when his wife, Annie Birkett, vanished without a trace, a shocking investigation uncovered secrets no one saw coming.

Don't worry—this isn't taking the place of a Forensic Tales episode. I'll still be back with a brand-new episode on Monday. Until then, I hope you enjoy this one!

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Til Death Do Us Part Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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For more than four decades, she was known simply as "Orange Socks." Found murdered along Interstate 35 in Georgetown, Texas, in 1979, the young woman remained unidentified despite extensive investigative efforts. Her case appeared to be solved when serial killer Henry Lee Lucas confessed to her murder—but as the years passed, serious doubts emerged about whether his confession could be trusted.

In this episode of Forensic Tales, we examine the forensic evidence, the investigation that led to one of America's most controversial serial killer confessions, and the DNA technology that finally identified Orange Socks as Debra Jackson more than 40 years after her death. We also explore the remaining forensic evidence that could one day identify the person truly responsible for her murder.

In this episode, we discuss:

The discovery of Orange Socks Doe

The autopsy and forensic examination

Early investigative theories

Henry Lee Lucas and his controversial confession

False confessions and the importance of corroborating evidence

DNA analysis and investigative genetic genealogy

Debra Jackson's identification

The remaining mystery surrounding her killer

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review—it helps more people discover the show.

To get early ad-free access to weekly episodes, monthly full-length bonus episodes, exclusive merchandise & more, consider joining our Patreon. You can support the show for as little as $3/month.

For a complete list of sources used in this episode, visit our website.

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Have a case suggestion or feedback?
courtney@forensictales.com

Thank you for listening to Forensic Tales.

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When 33-year-old Lina Kaufman was found unresponsive in the bathroom of her Florida home in November 2007, her sudden death left investigators with more questions than answers. She appeared to be a healthy young mother with no known medical conditions, making her death all the more mysterious. But when the medical examiner eventually ruled her death a homicide caused by mechanical asphyxiation, suspicion quickly turned toward her husband, Adam Kaufman.

In this episode of Forensic Tales, we revisit one of the most unusual cases we've ever covered—completely rerecorded and refreshed for 2026. At the center of the trial was one of the strangest defense theories ever presented in a courtroom: Could Lina's recent spray tan have triggered a fatal medical event? Or was the "spray tan defense" simply an attempt to explain away murder?

Join me as we examine the forensic evidence, expert pathology testimony, conflicting medical opinions, and courtroom battle that ultimately ended with Adam Kaufman's acquittal. Years later, Lina Kaufman's death remains one of the most debated cases in forensic pathology.

In this episode, we discuss:

The mysterious death of Lina Kaufman

Adam Kaufman's 911 call and the initial investigation

The autopsy findings and ruling of mechanical asphyxiation

The controversial "spray tan defense"

Competing forensic pathology testimony

Myocarditis vs. homicide

Crime scene evidence and forensic analysis

The 2012 murder trial and not guilty verdict

Why the cause of Lina Kaufman's death continues to divide forensic experts

This episode is a newly rerecorded and updated version of a case originally released in 2023, featuring refreshed narration and production for both longtime listeners and those discovering the case for the first time.

Support Forensic Tales
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Thank you for listening and supporting Forensic Tales. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps others discover the show.

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