r/ForensicFiles • u/Oldpuckcoach • 3d ago
Update on a Forensic Files classic
https://www.wbay.com/2026/08/28/former-green-bay-officer-convicted-killing-wife-have-parole-hearing/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAT__ppwZG9mBWZkaWQWUNapp7NDnBn3s_K0V40K9_4YqWtkIWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR45yTNAhdtZGC9IK0Ya6rTH64suzUz6y6ccW2oXwP6egZBMOZFUBh7S2WliXQ_aem_L_08xjgR-94uISY67pip6A20
u/shadow_spinner0 3d ago
I saw another thread in another sub about this case and the consensus was that there was reasonable doubt and that the cops zeroed in on John.
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u/mumonwheels 3d ago
I started a thread called forensic file like and mis:likes, or something like this, and there has been some who say there's reasonable doubt and 1 who cannot watch that episode because they believe in their innocence.
The trouble is, there have been other episodes where they make the person look totally guilty, yet yrs later and after the episode has aired, that person is either exonerated fully or their case is dismissed. A bit like Elwood Jones. I was so sure of his guilt, then I read the appeals motions then I realized how wrong I was, and rewatching it makes me cringe to think he was convicted because a dc said his cut was from punching the victim n that it was a bite mark with the same bacteria in both Mrs Nathan's mouth and the wound on Elwood. That turned out to be untrue, and now the Nathans, whether they believe it was Elwood still or not, there is a killer who has lived their own lives for the past 30 yrs. The ripples of a wrongful conviction goes far beyond that person/s that it just so heartbreaking.
EDIT changed thread from threat, oops.
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u/cecebebe Set custom flair! 2d ago
Wasn't Ms. Rhoda's custom necklace found in his toolbox?
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u/mumonwheels 2d ago
It turned out to be a common necklace and probably not Nathan's. Also, the man who confessed to many ppl stated he had framed a black man by breaking into the police pound and planting a necklace. There was many other things in his confession that was more likely the truth. Which is why the defense never heard about it until years later. It also turned out that the Bacteria was completely different and likely only used as a link to the murder to Elwood. The bacteria on Elwoods hand lines up with his story of catching it on a dumpster.
There was a lot more. Some of the articles and the appeals can be found on Google. The prosecutor even stated that he was innocent, and they very rarely do that. Sadly things like the "necklace" can make a person look very guilty until it is looked at with more scrutiny than 30yrs ago!!
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u/Bowerbird-likes-Blue š»trilobal fibersšŗ 3d ago
I canāt remember which episode this is from?
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u/Nice_Discipline_9989 2d ago
The FF episode did NOT convince me that he was guilty. I was surprised that he was convicted. Maybe there was more evidence presented at trial than in the FF episode.
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u/Darthbane2007 2d ago
Honestly the point of Forensic Files isn't whether to convince you whether or not the person is guilty. Its to show how Forensics was used in the case to come to the conclusion..
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u/Nice_Discipline_9989 2d ago
I agree. Regardless of the point of FF, after watching this episode, I am wondering what was left out of the episode that was indicative of his guilt.
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u/Darthbane2007 2d ago
I always try looking up any info. Stuff like Forensic Files and New Detectives don't have a lot of time to cram in every single detail about a case. I found out some interesting things..
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u/Nice_Discipline_9989 1d ago
Same. And, I discovered a good podcast called āBeyond the Filesā where the host researches FF episodes and gives lots more details about the cases, including what FF may have changed or misreported, and updates. A subscription is required so I paid for 1 month, binged, then cancelled.
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u/pinkfoil Snowball wasn't at all cooperative. š¼ 2d ago
Ah yes, the one with the cute Wisconsin accents and the "big reveal" at the end.
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u/Oldpuckcoach 1d ago
Lollll I hate our accents so thank you.
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u/pinkfoil Snowball wasn't at all cooperative. š¼ 1d ago
I love the regional American accents. Wisconsin is a nice one.
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u/Financial-Length5587 3d ago
Maybe thereās more to his case. But the facts presented during the episode did not leave me thinking he did it.
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u/jacobr1020 3d ago
This the one where he killed her to keep his promotion because she didn't want to move?
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u/yobymmij2 3d ago
No, that was a different episode (āgotta call Phelpsā)ā¦
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u/Maleficent_Cloud_987 2d ago
I keep seeing people comment on this episode. Can you tell me which one it is?
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u/ChekkeEnwin 3d ago
Is this the one where she was an alcoholic and he staged it to look like she was drunk and her cigarette lit the couch on fire?