evidence had been lost and basic forensics had been botched. >> tracey richter's clothes were not retrievedrrect. >> reporter: the defense argued that tracey's injuries spoke for themselves. they were the marks of someone who had been strangled. the doctor who had treated her at the er said he had never doubted her story. but perhaps the investigator's biggest omission, the defense argued, was in giving up on the hunt for that second intruder. they presented the jury with a possible suspect for that person. someone who had been having an affair with dustin's mother, mona wehde, and had left town abruptly after the attack. >> and you thought it was suspicious that he broke up with you immediately after dustin's death. >> i did. >> you believe he's the second man? >> well, yes, absolutely. >> reporter: and so it appeared did tracey. when the defense's alternate suspect was called to the stand, tracey wept. this is the man who tried to kill me and got away. >> was she acting for the jury, karmen? >> i dont believe so, no. >> absolutely not. >> reporter: the man adamantly denied any involvement