Ep 7. A Time to Hate

In Cold Case season 1 episode 7, titled "A Time to Hate," the team investigates a case from 1963 which involves a young African-American girl named Vivienne Deering, who was shot and killed along with her father in their home. The investigation begins when a reporter contacts the Philadelphia Police Department, stating that he has a letter from someone who claims to have killed the Deering family. As the case unfolds, the team discovers that the incident occurred amidst the height of the civil rights movement and the fight for desegregation.

Detective Lilly Rush (Kathryn Morris) takes the lead in the investigation along with her team, which includes Detective Will Jeffries (Thom Barry), Detective Scotty Valens (Danny Pino), Detective Nick Vera (Jeremy Ratchford), and Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Thomas (Lindsay Crouse). They soon learn that the Deering family had moved to Philadelphia from Mississippi due to tensions in the town where they lived. Vivienne had become involved in the civil rights movement and had begun to speak out against segregation in her school, making her a target for those who opposed her views.

As the investigation progresses, the team uncovers a web of hatred and bigotry that existed within the community at the time. The Deering family had faced harassment and threats from their white neighbors, and had even been the victims of a cross burning on their front lawn. The team also learns that the police at the time did not carry out a thorough investigation, and may have even covered up evidence in the case.

The team interviews several people who were involved with the case at the time, including a former police officer who was working on the case, and Vivienne's former classmates who were also involved in the civil rights movement. They discover that Vivienne had been dating a white boy, which had caused even more tension within the community.

The team also uncovers evidence that suggests that the shooter had not acted alone, leading them to suspect that there may have been a group of people involved. As they delve deeper into the case, they become more and more convinced that there was a cover-up, and that the police at the time may have been involved in the conspiracy.

Throughout the investigation, the team must navigate through the complicated racial tensions of the time, while also dealing with their own personal struggles. Detective Rush, in particular, finds herself becoming more emotionally involved in the case as she begins to see parallels between Vivienne's story and her own personal life.

In the end, the team is able to uncover the truth behind Vivienne's murder, and brings closure to her family. The episode ends with the team reflecting on the importance of justice, and the ongoing fight for civil rights and equality in America. "A Time to Hate" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that explores the complexities of racism and hatred in America, and the importance of seeking justice for all.