In this episode of Behind the Star, we visit with Crime Scene Investigator Mikayla Overholtzer and Forensic Firearms Specialist Marriah Herro to uncover what forensics work really looks like at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Mikayla and Marriah break down how they got into the field, what it’s like to work in their unit and how forensics plays a key role in solving everything from shootings to suspicious deaths. Marriah shares how firearms are test-fired, linked to crimes using NIBIN, and even restored when serial numbers are destroyed. Mikayla walks us through her process at crime scenes, including the tough emotional side of the job and how the team supports one another.

You’ll hear wild stories from the field and find out why some scenes smell worse than others. The episode also includes fun rapid-fire questions and heartfelt moments about what drives them to do this work and what they’re most proud of.

0:24 – TV vs. Reality: How shows shape public perception of forensics
2:16 – How Mikayla and Marriah got into the field
3:42 – Overview of the Forensics Unit and roles; why so many women in CSI
5:07 – Types of crime scenes OCSO responds to
8:08 – Marriah breaks down firearms forensics and NIBIN
11:47 – Role of forensic biologists and fingerprint analysts
14:00 – Fun questions: weirdest crime scene finds, unexpected parts of the job
16:18 – Impact of regularly seeing death and trauma as a CSI
19:56 – Mikayla’s scene-processing workflow
23:16 – Memorable moments and stories from the field
30:37 – How friends and family react to their careers
31:57 – Eureka moments, staying updated on case outcomes, proudest moments
37:24 – Testifying in court, mentoring others, advice for aspiring forensic professionals
43:57 – The unit’s family dynamic and trauma bonding
46:28 – Rapid-fire fun: worst smells, weirdest evidence, most “Florida” things
49:23 – Marriah on oddball guns and a test-firing mishap