Unveiling the Unseen: Crime Scene Confidential Season 2 Exposes the Forensic Truth

Summary

Crime Scene Confidential explores controversial murder cases through the lens of forensic evidence, aiming to provide a balanced and thought-provoking look into each case.

Forensic expert Alina Burroughs explores the intricacy and controversy surrounding each case, shedding light on the potential flaws of juries, judges, and investigators, while emphasizing the vital role of meticulous evidence examination. In the second season of Crime Scene Confidential, viewers are exposed to a wider range of forensic science experiments and granted unprecedented access to the relatives of victims, law enforcement personnel, and even the individuals who are suspected or have been found guilty of the crimes.

Modern society may sensationalize true crime stories, but obtaining justice in the real world is a challenging task. This is precisely why Alina Burroughs, a forensic expert and former CSI, has dedicated herself to guiding audiences through complex cases on her Investigation Discovery series, Crime Scene Confidential. Season 2, which premieres on September 6, delves into a series of controversial cases spanning several decades of US history, with the goal of providing a comprehensive understanding of the available forensic evidence.

While juries, judges, and investigators can make mistakes, the evidence itself is indeniable when appropriately scrutinized. This is the central message that Crime Scene Confidential strives to convey. Season 2 commences with "Threads of Evidence," as Burroughs embarks on a journey to Mansfield, Ohio to reexamine the unsolved murder of Margie Coffey, a single mother, that took place in January 1998. Subsequently, the show will take viewers to Florida to explore a furniture store robbery from the '70s, and to Arizona, where a bite mark holds the power to determine one's fate, among other captivating cases.

Alina Burroughs Talks Crime Scene Confidential Season 2

: Burroughs' Approach to Crime Scene Confidential and the Importance of Equal Time for Victims, Loved Ones, and Suspects.

Screen Rant: How do you go about ensuring that a specific case is featured in the series? Is this a collaborative effort with your team or predetermined in advance?

Alina Burroughs states that there is an extensive process before cases reach her. There are approximately 17 criteria that need to be met, most of which revolve around the requirement for the case to have a controversial outcome with forensic evidence at its foundation. Additionally, the case must have already been adjudicated.

In her role on the show, Alina acts as a navigator and translator. She guides viewers through these cases by contacting individuals who played a significant role in the case, such as the investigators, prosecution, defense, and emotionally affected family members. When it comes to analyzing the forensic evidence, Alina takes on the role of a translator, explaining the significance and implications of the evidence.

In season 2, I devoted more time to exploring the subject matter through various experiments. I frequently questioned myself, wondering why someone would engage in certain behaviors or why I couldn't perceive certain aspects. When faced with these uncertainties, I felt compelled to conduct tests to understand the underlying reasons and to determine if there could be alternative explanations.

Throughout the episodes, there were occasions when I had to discuss my discoveries and the case's facts with individuals who were still grieving or processing the events. Balancing sensitivity with an emphasis on factual evidence, how do you ensure that you approach these individuals with care when delivering the information?

Alina Burroughs acknowledges that the impact of a homicide extends beyond just the loss of the victim's life. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the loved ones left behind as additional victims in these cases. Being an empath, Alina approaches her work from a perspective of empathy. In her Crime Scene Investigation experience, she found that putting herself in the victim's shoes allowed her to become a more effective investigator, understanding their actions and potential choices. Similarly, she believes it is crucial to also consider the perspective of the suspect. By empathizing with them, Alina attempts to envision their actions, including weapon involvement, their touch, potential cleanup efforts, and their mental state. Employing empathy in her investigative approach has now extended to her interactions with family members, recognizing their emotional journey as fellow victims.

Often, people genuinely desire the truth. They have a genuine interest in scientific evidence. They recognize that my purpose is to present the facts without any bias, which they appreciate. Additionally, they may feel frustrated with the legal system. They may believe that their loved one's case was overlooked or received insufficient attention, or they may suspect bias in the investigation. Science, unlike other aspects of the process, is impartial, and it is this impartiality that drew me to crime scene investigation and forensic science.

By approaching my work with empathy and treating the victims as if they were my own loved ones, I strive to deliver justice to them and their families through truth and accurate reporting.

That reminds me of what you mentioned on the show - the idea that evidence never lies or fails, but rather it is the interpretation of the evidence by individuals that can sometimes be flawed.

Alina Burroughs: Absolutely. This is where we often go astray, and it is precisely why I am here - to reexamine the evidence with a fresh perspective in 2023. I frequently talk about confirmation bias, but our awareness of it wasn't always as keen as it is now. That concept has emerged more recently. It's essential to recognize that everyone possesses bias when examining any investigation. This recognition was not always practiced, especially in 1988.

Are there individuals or organizations involved in reexamining such cases who show strong resistance towards bringing in additional parties or incorporating new perspectives?

Alina Burroughs: Resistance has not been encountered in our experience, at least not to my knowledge. The advantage of having a season 2 is the incredible access we have gained. People have watched season 1 and now understand our intentions. We aim to present both sides without bias. This show does not promote any specific way of thinking. The benefit of approaching it from a crime scene and evidence-based perspective is that we don't focus solely on one side of the story. We often engage in conversations with family members because it is important for them to have an outlet to share who their loved ones were in life.

I frequently mention this: when you search for someone who has fallen victim to homicide online, you are bombarded by details about their death. This is not how loved ones would want them to be remembered. Our goal is to interview family and friends so that they have the opportunity to highlight aspects of their loved one's life. They can provide context and say things like, "My dad always supported me at my softball games." These are the specific details that are important for us to remember them as individuals.

But in season 2, we also gather insights from the suspects themselves. I engage in conversations with multiple individuals who have been convicted of murder, seeking to understand their experiences. "Please enlighten me about what transpired. Tell me about the day you were implicated as a suspect. Share with me your encounters in prison." It is my belief that once everyone comprehends that we are being fully transparent, they display a genuine willingness to cooperate with us.

Crime Scene Confidential truly offers a valuable educational experience rather than exploiting the subject matter. It serves as a refreshing counter to our society's fascination with true crime and its dramatization.

Alina Burroughs shared her perspective as a former crime investigator, explaining the common assumption that she must be a fan of shows like CSI. However, she emphasized that while these programs can generate interest in the scientific aspect of crime investigation, they often portray unrealistic techniques like collecting fingerprints from thin air for comparison.

Crime Scene Confidential is truly a groundbreaking show, unlike any we've seen since Forensic Files. It provides viewers with a genuine insight into the world of forensic science, all through the eyes of a skilled crime scene investigator. Unlike any other show, Crime Scene Confidential lifts the crime scene tape and invites you to join along, experiencing the inner workings of a crime scene firsthand. The name speaks for itself; you will feel as if you are engaged in a thrilling ride-along experience with me.

As I guide my trainee, my rookie, I demonstrate the precise methods we use to collect evidence. From carefully swabbing surfaces to processing blood samples, I walk you through each step. While the show aims to entertain, it also aims to enlighten. I subtly educate the audience, ensuring that viewers not only enjoy the experience but also gain valuable knowledge.

In the current season's bite mark incident, it never crossed my mind how unreliable expert witnesses can be. It's astonishing how easily people trust their credibility without considering otherwise.

Alina Burroughs: As a juror, how would I even discern? These individuals are supposedly experts through a vetting process. Someone assured me they are qualified. But how would I, as a juror, truly determine their reliability?

In your experience as an investigator, what are the most common misconceptions that the public has about forensic findings and the judicial process?

Alina Burroughs: Regarding crime scenes, a common misconception is the expectation for quick results. Television shows often depict immediate outcomes, but in reality, it takes much longer to obtain conclusive evidence. Due to the significant backlog of DNA evidence, it can take months before investigators receive DNA results for their cases. This distortion of timeframes in the public's perception can be attributed to television programming.

The portrayal of crime scene investigators on television often gives a misleading impression, as it combines multiple roles into one. In reality, there are separate positions for fingerprint examiners and firearms analysts. Now, moving on, I am curious to know if you have any cases from this season that you believe will either shock people or are relatively unknown prior to their exposure.

Alina Burroughs acknowledges the true crime audience's enthusiasm for diving deep into cases and conducting their own research. She believes that even if viewers are familiar with a case, each episode will reveal unknown aspects. When asked to choose a favorite case from the season, she equates it to a parent selecting a favorite child, as she cherishes them all in different ways.

According to Alina, there are surprising moments in every episode, designed to captivate the audience. The show strives to deliver compelling television and offers valuable learning experiences. Alina finds it gratifying when viewers engage in discussions about the guilt or innocence of the individuals involved, creating thought-provoking conversations based on the evidence presented.

About Crime Scene Confidential Season 2

I adore that aspect. It is my desire to encourage individuals to engage in deep reflection and dialogue. As a member of this show, my purpose is not to dictate people's thoughts. I am not inclined to neatly wrap up the proceedings, assigning guilt or innocence. Being a CSI implies my responsibility to present the evidence and allow you to deliberate as a juror who has received this information. Having observed the conduct and listened to the case unfold before you, what course of action do you take? How does it make you feel? Consequently, I find it utterly thought-provoking and captivating. Each episode never fails to stun in some capacity.

Burroughs embarks on a compelling expedition in Crime Scene Confidential, delving into high-profile homicide scenarios that have captured public attention. As the evidence leads her down an intricate path, Burroughs unearths the intricate nuances and contentious nature of each piece, elucidating their significance and maneuvering through the strategies employed by both the prosecution and the defense teams to emphasize evidence that favors their respective positions.

In the upcoming season of Crime Scene Confidential, viewers can expect a continuation of intriguing cases that have taken place throughout the years and across the country. Join Burroughs as he travels to the actual crime scenes, thoroughly investigating the collected evidence, and engaging in conversations with essential individuals involved in understanding the crimes. This season will also delve deeper into forensic science as Burroughs explores key theories through captivating tests. Moreover, viewers will have unparalleled access to the victims' families and friends, law enforcement personnel who worked on the cases, and even interviews with the suspected or convicted killers themselves. Don't miss the premiere of Crime Scene Confidential season 2 on Wednesday, September 6 at 9/8c on ID, and catch the episodes online on Max.