The 'stars' of this episode are forensic entomologists who specialize in determining time of death by the development of insects found with the body. In Hawaii, a missing person case becomes a murder when a body wrapped in a blanket is found. An entomologist simulates conditions with a dead pig and watches fly development to pinpoint her time of death and convict her killer. In Tennessee, a dried-out wasp's nest in a dry skull helps identify a victim. William Bass, a forensic anthropologist, determines age and sex, as well as the length of time required for conditions to allow skull and nest to be there (at least 18 months). Searching missing teen reports are matched with jewelry found, and the victim is identified. Forensic entomologist Neal Haskell teaches lawmen how to observe and collect the evidence provided by insects. The last case involves a house in Indianapolis with three dead bodies in it (two of them mummified), bodies and surfaces covered with beetles. Haskell helps police unravel the STRANGE circumstances they had encountered. Last, we are reminded that many insects can provide DNA and toxicology on victims.
—jeaneva