Ep 5. God Bless the Child

The Law & Order season 2 episode 5, titled "God Bless the Child," follows the detectives of the 27th precinct as they investigate the murder of a young boy in the housing projects of New York City. The boy, known as Little Daryl, was found beaten to death in an elevator, and the detectives quickly realize that solving this case will be more difficult than they anticipated.

As they delve deeper into the case, the detectives discover that Little Daryl was part of a gang of children who were being exploited by their adult "mentor" for money and drugs. The detectives also learn that the children were being targeted by a rival gang from a nearby housing project, who were trying to recruit them as soldiers in their turf war.

Meanwhile, ADA Stone is facing his own challenges in the courtroom as he tries to prosecute a mother who had left her children alone in their apartment for days, resulting in the death of her infant daughter. The case becomes particularly complicated when it is revealed that the mother was struggling with drug addiction and had been forced to leave her children unattended due to her inability to afford childcare.

As the detectives race to solve Little Daryl's murder, they must navigate the complex web of gang violence and child exploitation in the housing projects. Along the way, they discover that even the most vulnerable members of society can have a dangerous impact on those around them.

The episode ends with a dramatic courtroom scene in which ADA Stone must make a difficult decision about the fate of the mother accused of neglecting her children. As the verdict is read, the detectives finally catch the person responsible for Little Daryl's murder, bringing some justice to the tragic case.

Overall, "God Bless the Child" is a gripping and emotionally charged episode that explores the difficult realities of poverty, drug addiction, and gang violence in urban America. The show skillfully weaves together multiple storylines to create a compelling narrative that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.