Ep 21. Purple Heart

In Law & Order season 5 episode 21 titled "Purple Heart," the detectives of the 27th precinct are investigating the murder of a former Marine, Tompkins, who was found beaten to death in a parking garage. Tompkins was a Purple Heart recipient who had served in Operation Desert Storm and was struggling to adjust to civilian life. The detectives discover that he was working for a security company that protected a jewelry store, and he had just been fired from his job. They also find out that he had a heated argument with the jewelry store owner, Mr. Mann, just a few hours before his death.

The investigation leads the detectives to Sergeant Ross, Tompkins' former commanding officer in the Marines, who is now working as a security consultant for Mr. Mann's jewelry store. Ross initially denies any involvement in Tompkins' death, but the detectives later find out that he had a personal vendetta against Tompkins. Ross was jealous of Tompkins' Purple Heart and had been spreading rumors that he hadn't earned it. Tompkins, who was struggling with PTSD, was furious when he found out, leading to the argument with Mr. Mann.

The detectives also learn that Tompkins was involved in an altercation with a group of teenagers just a few days before his death. One of the teenagers, a boy named Mike, was also a former Marine who knew Tompkins from their time in the service. Mike admits to the detectives that he had punched Tompkins during the fight, but he had never intended to hurt him. Mike explains that he wanted Tompkins to snap out of his depression and take pride in his Purple Heart.

As the investigation continues, the detectives discover that Tompkins had been a victim of a hit-and-run just a few months earlier, which had left him with a severe head injury. The hit-and-run had occurred while Tompkins was working as a truck driver, a job he had taken after his discharge from the Marines. It turns out that the driver who hit Tompkins was Mr. Mann's son, who had been driving under the influence of drugs. Mr. Mann had covered up the accident and had paid for Tompkins' medical bills to avoid any legal consequences.

The detectives eventually solve the case, revealing that Ross had killed Tompkins in a fit of jealousy and anger. Ross confesses to the murder and is taken into custody. However, the detectives also find out that Mr. Mann had covered up his son's hit-and-run, and he is arrested as an accessory. The episode ends with Tompkins' Purple Heart being returned to his family and Mike attending the funeral to pay his respects.

Overall, "Purple Heart" is a gripping and emotional episode that explores the struggles many veterans face when trying to adjust to civilian life. The episode highlights the importance of providing support and resources to those who have served our country and illustrates the devastating consequences when support is absent. The episode also touches on themes of justice, loyalty, and sacrifices made in the line of duty.