Ep 6. Friendly Fire

I AM A KILLER season 4 episode 6, titled "Friendly Fire", delves into a complex case of mistaken identity and forceful coercion leading to murder.

The episode follows the story of Brandon Rhode, a young man who, together with his high school friend Christopher Braswell, was implicated in the killing of three members of a family in 1998. Rhode was 18 years old at the time of the murders and had been living with Braswell in the family's house as a guest of their son, who was away on vacation.

Rhode and Braswell initially had plans to burglarize the house to steal cash and jewelry, but things took a turn for the worse when they were interrupted by the family members returning home unexpectedly. In a panicked state, Rhodes and Braswell proceeded to tie up the family members and eventually shot and killed them, including a 6-year-old girl.

The key issue in the case, however, revolves around the role that Rhodes played in the murders and whether he should have been prosecuted at all. According to Rhodes, Braswell had pressured him into going along with the burglary plan and had taken the lead in committing the killings, leaving him with no choice but to follow suit.

Despite this, Rhodes was tried and convicted of multiple counts of murder and sentenced to death. His case gained national attention in the years following his conviction, with some people arguing that he was a victim of injustice due to his young age and susceptibility to coercion.

The "Friendly Fire" episode of I AM A KILLER delves into the complex circumstances surrounding the case and the moral issues that it raises. In particular, it explores the concept of "felony murder", which is the practice of holding someone criminally responsible for a death that occurs during the commission of a felony offense, even if they did not personally commit the killing.

The episode is presented through interviews with Rhodes himself, as well as legal experts and family members of the murder victims. It provides a nuanced and thought-provoking look at the case, exploring questions of morality and justice that are sure to leave viewers thinking long after the episode ends.

Overall, "Friendly Fire" is a powerful addition to the I AM A KILLER series, providing a gripping look at a case that raises important questions about the legal system and the nature of justice.