Lay Them to Rest

More about the book

Fans of true crime shows understand that the key to catching criminals lies in the strength of evidence and forensic science. For decades, forensic science has been instrumental in solving challenging cases. A notable example is the apprehension of Joseph DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, in 2018, thanks to forensic genealogy, a technique that has since helped close numerous cold cases and deliver justice to victims' families. However, forensic genealogy is just the beginning of a vast field. Laurah Norton, driven by her passion for forensic science, became involved after discovering a mishandled cold case from the 1990s involving missing twins. This led her to create a popular podcast that brought attention to the case. The narrative explores the history and evolution of forensic science, from ancient death masks to modern 3-D facial reconstruction technology, featuring real-life cases like The Boy in the Box. Readers will witness Laurah working with forensic anthropologist Dr. Amy Michael to identify "Ina" Jane Doe, whose remains were found in 1993. The book celebrates the experts and artists in the forensic field while addressing why certain cases remain unsolved, particularly those involving marginalized individuals. Engaging and insightful, this work delves into the advancements in forensic science and the ongoing challenges in achieving justice.