Ep 5. Shooting Phoenix

In the fifth episode of American Monster season 1 titled "Shooting Phoenix," viewers are taken to Phoenix, Arizona, where an intense and twisted crime unfolds. The episode revolves around the murder of a 35-year-old mother, Tina Hendricks, who was gunned down in her Phoenix home in December 2006.

The suspect responsible for this heinous crime is Tina's ex-husband, Timothy Hendricks, who had a shady past and a history of domestic abuse. Timothy had a volatile temperament, and he was known to threaten his family and abuse them during his marriage with Tina. Despite that, the former couple's split was amicable, and they made an agreement to share custody of their two young daughters.

The night of the murder, Timothy called Tina to pick up their daughters after work. Tina believed Timothy was already at home with the girls and went over to get them. Upon her arrival, Timothy demanded that Tina reconcile with him, but she refused; that is when Timothy pulled out the gun and shot Tina in the back of her head, leaving her to die on the floor in front of their daughters.

The episode includes interviews with law enforcement officials, Tina's friends and family, and experts who provide an in-depth analysis of the crime and Timothy's behaviour. The show also features news footage, crime scene photos, and dramatic reenactments that help to build tension, suspense, and a sense of danger.

As the investigation begins, detectives quickly identify Timothy as the prime suspect. But when they couldn't locate him right away, they feared he might flee the country, as he had a passport and $15,000 in cash in his possession. Timothy was eventually arrested after a week-long manhunt, thanks to tips from people who saw him on the news.

The show highlights the challenges of investigating domestic violence cases, as victims often feel pressured to reconcile with their abusers to protect themselves and their children. Tina's story is a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse and how it can lead to deadly outcomes if not properly addressed.

In conclusion, "Shooting Phoenix" is a heartbreaking episode of American Monster that depicts the tragic consequences of domestic abuse. The show does an excellent job of providing insight into the victim's life, the suspect's motives, and the investigation that follows. The episode is gripping, emotional, and thought-provoking, making it a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts.