About Code of a Killer

The extraordinary true story of how a brilliant scientist and a progressive police detective united to create the biggest advance in modern criminal investigation.

1983: Lynda Mann is found raped and strangled to death in a village outside Leicester. After a fruitless search, DCS David Baker is forced one year on to scale down the investigation.

Articles

Premiere of "Code of a Killer" on Viasat True Crime on Tuesday, August 27 at 10:00 PM

We are delighted to invite you to the premiere of the fascinating series "Code of a Killer," which will debut on the Viasat True Crime channel on Tuesday, August 27 at 10:00 PM. This extraordinary true crime documentary will take us deep into one of the most revolutionary moments in the history of criminalistics, changing the way police investigations are conducted worldwide.

Leicestershire 1984: the beginning of a revolution

In 1984, in Leicestershire, Alec Jeffreys, a scientist at Leicester University, made a discovery that forever changed the face of forensic science. Jeffreys unlocked a method to read the unique DNA fingerprint of every individual, which he called "genetic fingerprinting." This groundbreaking technology made it possible to conclusively identify perpetrators of crimes based on their genetic material.

The remarkable power of DNA codes

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, contains all the genetic information of an organism. Every person has a unique set of DNA codes, which act like biological fingerprints. This technique has proven incredibly effective not only in criminalistics but also in various fields of science and medicine. In criminal investigations, it allows for precise identification of perpetrators based on microscopic traces left at crime scenes.

Unsolved mysteries and new hope

At the same time, only four miles away, DCS David Baker, a tenacious detective, was leading an investigation into the brutal murder of a local schoolgirl. This crime shocked the entire community and soon became a pivotal moment in the history of criminal investigation. Two years later, another tragedy struck—a second schoolgirl was found strangled. Shortly thereafter, a young man was arrested, confessing to the second murder but denying involvement in the first. Convinced that the same person committed both crimes, DCS Baker approached Dr. Jeffreys, hoping that his innovative DNA test could provide the evidence needed to solve this mystery.

A breakthrough in forensic science

In "Code of a Killer," we will learn the incredible story of two men—a scientist and a detective—whose paths intersect in a dramatic investigation. It is through their collaboration that forensic analysis made an unprecedented leap forward. The DNA tests, which were first used in this case, quickly became an indispensable tool in criminal investigations worldwide.

True crime stories

Since that time, this technique has been used repeatedly to capture real murderers. One notable case is that of Colin Pitchfork, who was the first person to be convicted based on DNA evidence, along with numerous other unsolved mysteries that found resolution thanks to this tool. DNA testing has also been instrumental in exonerating many individuals wrongfully accused of crimes. Despite its remarkable precision, DNA testing has limitations and requires meticulous analysis by experts in forensic science.

Forensic specialists

Investigating crimes using DNA is a task for specialized experts. This work requires deep knowledge in biology, chemistry, and criminal psychology. These specialists, often with degrees in forensic sciences, play a crucial role in forensic analysis and police investigations, helping to solve the most challenging criminal cases.

Join us for "Code of a Killer"

Will Dr. Jeffreys' DNA tests point to the guilty party and conclude the dramatic investigation in Leicestershire? What secrets lie behind these crimes? The answers to these questions can be found in our series.

"Code of a Killer" is a crime drama that will surely captivate all enthusiasts of true crime and criminal investigations. Let us immerse ourselves in the thrilling world of detectives, dramas, and true crime stories. Join us on the Viasat True Crime channel on Tuesday, August 27 at 10:00 PM and experience these unforgettable moments together.

We look forward to seeing you!

Code of a Killer – True Crime Drama on Viasat True Crime

This captivating documentary series transports viewers back to one of the most revolutionary moments in forensic science. Tune in on Monday, 30th December at 21:00 CET to explore a groundbreaking discovery that forever transformed investigative methods, ushering in a new era of justice.

It all began in 1984 in Leicestershire, where Alec Jeffreys, a scientist at Leicester University, made a discovery that enabled precise identification of criminals through the unique “genetic fingerprint” – DNA profiling. This pioneering method allowed investigators to identify perpetrators based on microscopic traces left at crime scenes, fundamentally reshaping detective work. Jeffreys had no idea that his discovery would soon help solve harrowing murders that had shaken the local community.

Around the same time, Detective Chief Superintendent David Baker was investigating the brutal murder of a teenage schoolgirl that had shocked Leicestershire residents. When another similarly disturbing crime occurred two years later, and the suspect confessed to only one of the murders, Baker decided to seek help from Dr. Jeffreys. He hoped that Jeffreys' innovative DNA technique would crack the case and ensure justice. Thanks to their collaboration, DNA technology was applied to a criminal investigation for the first time, marking a milestone in forensics, and “genetic fingerprints” rapidly became an invaluable tool in police work worldwide.

Since that pivotal moment, DNA technology has repeatedly played a key role in apprehending real perpetrators. Among the most notable cases was the capture of Colin Pitchfork, the first person convicted with DNA evidence, as well as the exoneration of many wrongfully accused individuals. While DNA testing has proven highly effective, its analysis requires close cooperation with experts and deep knowledge in fields like biology and forensic psychology.

Part of the True Crime Drama stunt, Code of a Killer will captivate true crime enthusiasts by unveiling the intricate details of detective work, where investigative drama intertwines with the harsh realities of violent crimes and challenging moral decisions. Will Dr. Jeffreys’ groundbreaking tests lead to the capture of a killer and bring a painful investigation to a close? What secrets are revealed in this milestone story?

Find out by watching Code of a Killer, airing in a special two-part broadcast on Viasat True Crime – PREMIERES Monday 30th December at 21:00 CET, with the second part on Tuesday 31st December at the same time.

STEP INTO A WORLD SHROUDED IN MYSTERY AND DECEIT