The Evidence Trail

Good evening, detective. Glad you could make it. Welcome to The Evidence Trail — a forensic science podcast hosted by Chris Gee, exploring the science, the stories, and the people behind the evidence. Join us every fortnight as we step beyond the crime scene to uncover the fascinating world of forensic investigation. From real-world cases and the science that helps solve them to conversations with...

If you're struggling with your mental health, see the show notes at the end. #WorldMentalHealthDay How reliable is a witness’s memory? What can go wrong during a suspect interview? And how can investigative interviewing be improved to reduce the risk of miscarriages of justice? In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Forensic Psychologist Dr Laura Dominique, a Professor and researcher...

New to The Evidence Trail? This is the perfect place to start! Join host Chris Gee, a forensic scientist with almost 20 years of forensic investigation experience, for an introduction to the world of forensic science and the stories behind the evidence. Discover what the podcast is all about, how forensic science helps solve crimes, and get a taste of what’s to come with exclusive clips from futur...

What happens when science meets some of the most dangerous substances in the world? In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Rob Moore and Rebecca Wood, Clinical Scientists in Toxicology and hosts of The Tox Lab podcast. Toxicology plays a crucial role in forensic investigations, from detecting drugs and poisons in biological samples to helping investigators understand what happened in...

What happens when a case goes cold — but the evidence doesn’t? In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Charley McClellan, a Forensic Science student at Nottingham Trent University with a particular interest in applying forensic science to cold cases. Charley talks about her journey into forensic science, the experiences that have shaped her interest in the field, and her involvement w...

25 Years Later: The Forensic Investigation of 9/11 September 11th, 2001 changed the world. But behind the images that became etched into history was another story — an unprecedented forensic investigation and the painstaking effort to identify those who lost their lives. In this special episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Lydia de Castro, Director of the Division of Forensic Sciences at t...

What can your teeth reveal about who you are? In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Richard “Leigh” Evans, a forensic odontologist with more than 22 years’ experience using dental evidence to identify human remains and support criminal investigations. Leigh has worked on more than 450 forensic cases, advised the UK’s National Crime Agency, and contributed to major disaster victim id...

On 7 March 2018, 30-year-old Georgina Gharsallah disappeared from Worthing, West Sussex. She left home that morning and, despite reported sightings shortly afterwards, has never been seen again. More than eight years later, there have been no confirmed sightings, no activity on her bank accounts, phone or social media, and no answers for the family she left behind. In this deeply personal episode...

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Dr Rachel Bolton-King, Associate Professor of Forensic Science and one of the UK’s leading experts in firearm-related investigations. Rachel shares her fascinating journey into forensic science, from her first steps in the profession to earning a PhD in Forensic Firearms Identification and Imaging. We explore what first sparked her interest in f...

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Greg Laskowski, President of Criminalistics Services International, retired criminalist, forensic science educator, and consultant with nearly four decades of experience in forensic science and law enforcement. Over the course of his remarkable career, Greg has investigated countless crime scenes and developed expertise in bloodstain pattern ana...

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by forensic scientist, criminologist, victim advocate, and podcast host Asha Carmody. As the creator of Exhuming The Truth and founder of a charitable organisation supporting families affected by missing persons and violent crime, Asha is dedicated to giving victims a voice, shining a light on cold cases, and helping the public understand the vital...

In this episode, we head to Brazil to explore the science of crime scene reconstruction with senior forensic specialist Andrei Portinho. Andrei has built a distinguished career in forensic investigation, publishing research on crime scene reconstruction, presenting his work at professional congresses, and helping advance forensic science in Brazil. With a new book set for release later this year,...

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Emily Gilbey, a forensic science graduate with a deep passion for tackling wildlife crime through science and conservation. Alongside her work for the NHS, Emily volunteers with Wildlife ACT, a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting Africa’s endangered species and supporting frontline conservation efforts. Together, we explore the growi...

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, we’re joined by special guest Jodie, a digital forensic examiner. We explore the different career pathways into forensic science—whether you’re coming from a traditional science background or a complete novice. Jodie offers practical advice for students and aspiring professionals, including how to stand out in applications, what skills employers are really lo...

Welcome to Be the Detective, the immersive spin-off from The Evidence Trail. In this series, the roles are reversed. Instead of hearing the conclusions, you’ll step into the investigation itself. Each episode invites you to follow a case as it unfolds—listening carefully, gathering details, and piecing together the truth from the clues left behind. These stories are inspired by my own experiences...

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, forensic botanist Mark Spencer reveals how plants can become silent witnesses to crime. From analyzing species distribution to tracking regrowth patterns, he explains how vegetation can place suspects at specific locations and times. The episode highlights a remarkable case where a single leaf provided the crucial link needed to solve a murder, demonstrating...

This episode takes you inside the forensic response to the Grenfell Tower fire. Former Metropolitan Police Operational Forensic Manager Andrew Langley reveals the realities of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), mortuary examinations, and the unseen work carried out to identify victims and support justice. We also explore the emotional and ethical challenges faced by those on the frontline, the...

What is Bloodstain Pattern Analysis? How do bloodstains differ? Is the science in Dexter anything like real life? All good questions, which I hope to answer in this Podcast! Having trained with experts in the Netherlands and UK, I discuss the basics of BPA and give you some real examples of how this knowledge can be used at Crime Scenes.  A great starting point for anyone about to study BPA, or ju...

This podcast may be upsetting to those who have lost people close to you recently. I discuss the facination around death, the trauma that comes with it, and how we assist in an autopsy/post mortem. 

We begin a new season of The Crime Scene Investigator! In my first episode back behind the mic, I discuss what I've been up to recently, the news surrounding my department, and my first ever court case.    If you have any questions for me, please head over to Twitter and message me - @CSIChrisGee

I go into more depth about DNA than I have previously, and discuss methods on how to recover DNA samples from Crime Scenes. 

There are so many myths and expectations regarding fingerprints, and I aim to answer these in this podcast! Hope you enjoy it and learn a few things.

Ever wondered how to recover an item as evidence, wonder no longer! In this episode I discuss the techniques we use to package some weird and wonderful exhibits. I feel I've said wonder too much...

I catch up with previous guest Hayley and discuss the top 5 types of forensic evidence we collect, their positives and limitations, and which piece of evidence would be most useful in a court room. 

I give you all the tips and tricks to prepare you to enter a crime scene, and we have a silly scenario at the end putting our new skills into practice!