Ep 18. A Dollar, A Dream

In Cold Case season 4 episode 18 titled "A Dollar, A Dream," the Philadelphia homicide squad takes on a case from 1984, involving the death of a man named Darnell Montroe. Darnell was just 16 years old when he went missing after leaving his home to attend a job interview. His body was found a few days later, and the case quickly went cold.

The team reopens the case 20 years later when Darnell's mother, Mrs. Montroe, contacts them and pleads for them to reinvestigate. She believes that her son's murder is connected to a string of other homicides that took place in the neighborhood at the same time. She shares with the detectives that before Darnell's death, he had begun to act out of character and had started carrying a gun around with him. She believes that the job interview he went to was for something illegal and that it ultimately led to his death.

As the detectives start to dig deeper into the case, they discover that Darnell had been caught up with a local gang, the Crenshaw Kings. They learn that he had been selling drugs for them, but had recently decided to quit after realizing the danger involved. The detectives suspect that Darnell's decision to leave the gang is what led to his murder.

Throughout the episode, the team interviews several people who were connected to Darnell, trying to piece together what happened during those last few days of his life. They speak with Darnell's best friend at the time, a fellow gang member named Tyrese. They also talk to other members of the Crenshaw Kings, as well as local business owners and residents who may have seen or heard something.

As they gather more information, the detectives begin to suspect that the killer may have been someone who was very close to Darnell. They learn that Darnell had been saving money, hoping to one day open up a business of his own. However, when his body was found, all of his cash was missing. They begin to wonder if someone close to him may have killed him in order to steal his money.

The team works tirelessly to uncover the truth about what happened to Darnell that fateful day in 1984. They follow lead after lead, but it seems like every time they come close to solving the case, they hit a dead end. However, they refuse to give up, knowing that Mrs. Montroe deserves answers after all these years.

As the episode comes to a close, the team finally pieces together what happened to Darnell. They discover that the killer was someone they had spoken to earlier in the investigation, someone who had been hiding in plain sight. The detectives are able to bring the killer to justice, finally bringing some semblance of closure to Mrs. Montroe and her family.

Overall, "A Dollar, A Dream" is a gripping episode that showcases the dedication and hard work of the Philadelphia homicide squad. It highlights the importance of never giving up on a case, even when it seems like all hope is lost. Through twists and turns, the team is able to solve the case and bring justice to a family that has been waiting for answers for over two decades.