Ep 12. Detention

In Cold Case season 3 episode 12 titled "Detention," Detective Lilly Rush and her team investigate the murder of a high school student who was killed in detention 27 years ago. The victim, a popular and intelligent student named Scotty Valens, was found dead in the detention room after school hours.

The investigation initially focuses on a group of students who were in detention with Scotty on the day he was killed. The detectives discover that some of the students had a motive to harm Scotty, including jealousy over a scholarship that he had won. However, as the investigation progresses, they realize that the motive for the murder might be much more complex and personal.

As Lilly and her team delve deeper into Scotty's life, they uncover dark secrets about his family and a hidden relationship that he had with one of his teachers. The investigation takes a dramatic turn when a crucial witness comes forward with new information about the night of the murder, leading the detectives to a shocking discovery.

Throughout the episode, flashbacks are used to show the events leading up to Scotty's murder and provide insight into the characters' emotions and motivations. The use of music from the era in which the murder took place adds to the atmosphere of the episode and helps to transport viewers back to that time.

The episode deals with themes of teenage angst, jealousy, and the consequences of keeping secrets. It also highlights the impact that a violent crime can have on a community, particularly when it involves a young person.

As with most episodes of Cold Case, "Detention" is a well-crafted, emotionally charged story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the final reveal. Through the use of flashbacks and a strong script, the episode successfully creates a sense of nostalgia and captures the essence of the time period in which the crime occurred.