Ep 12. The Deer Hunting Murder

In the season 2005 finale of American Justice, episode 12 titled "The Deer Hunting Murder", the show dives into a case that rocked a small Wisconsin town.

The case begins in November 2001 when police are called to a hunting camp to investigate a murder. The victim is a 39-year-old hunter named Jim Thoms, who was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head. The camp was occupied by several hunters who were all friends and had been hunting together for years.

The investigation quickly turns to one of the hunters, Mark Totzke, who happened to be Thoms's best friend. Totzke was found near the scene of the crime with blood on his clothing, and he soon becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation.

As the evidence against Totzke begins to pile up, the case takes a bizarre turn when he confesses to the murder to his attorney. However, Totzke later claims that the confession was coerced and that he is innocent of the crime.

The show delves into the details of the investigation, including the forensic evidence found at the scene, witness testimony, and Totzke's contradictory statements. It also examines the complex relationship between Thoms and Totzke and the impact Thoms's death had on the small Wisconsin town.

The episode also includes interviews with key players in the case, including investigators, witnesses, and attorneys. These interviews shed light on the various twists and turns in the investigation and offer insight into the personalities of the individuals involved.

Overall, the episode explores the difficult nature of investigating and prosecuting a murder case and the many challenges that come with it. It also raises important ethical questions about the use of confessions in criminal trials and the impact these confessions can have on the outcome of a case.

"The Deer Hunting Murder" is a gripping conclusion to the 2005 season of American Justice and is sure to keep viewers engrossed until the very end.