Ep 1. Convicted by a Hair

In Reasonable Doubt season 2 episode 1 titled "Convicted by a Hair," viewers are taken on a compelling journey through the murky waters of criminal investigation. The show follows two experts in their respective fields, retired homicide detective Chris Anderson and criminal defense attorney Melissa Lewkowicz, as they unite to investigate potential wrongful convictions.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the case of Jerry Lee Evans, who was convicted of murder in the first degree and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The victim, a convenience store clerk named Lisa Monique Green, was found dead in her workplace with a single gunshot wound to the head. Evans has always maintained his innocence, and through the eyes of Anderson and Lewkowicz, the audience is invited to explore whether or not Evans could be telling the truth.

The crux of the case rests on the analysis of hair found at the crime scene. At the time of the original investigation, hair analysis was widely regarded as an infallible forensic science. However, as the episode delves into the details, it becomes clear that the science behind hair analysis is not as reliable as it once seemed.

Anderson and Lewkowicz enlist the help of a hair analysis expert, who examines the evidence from the crime scene and presents his findings. Through a combination of scientific explanation and clear demonstrations, the expert explains how the results of hair analysis can be skewed and how it can be easily misinterpreted. As the implications of these limitations sink in, the question of Evans' guilt or innocence becomes even more perplexing.

Throughout the episode, Anderson and Lewkowicz interview witnesses, re-examine crime scene photos, and analyze the timeline of events leading up to the murder. With their impressive combined expertise and a fresh perspective on the case, they expose a number of inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the original investigation. The evidence they reveal paints a picture that is at odds with Evans' conviction.

As Anderson and Lewkowicz dig deeper into the case, they encounter resistance from the prosecution team, who are reluctant to entertain the possibility of Evans' innocence. Despite this, they persevere, convinced that they can uncover the truth.

The final act of the episode is a tense and emotional one, as Anderson and Lewkowicz make their case to the parole board. They argue that new evidence has come to light which suggests that Evans is not guilty of the crime he was convicted of. The board listens carefully as Anderson and Lewkowicz lay out their argument. The fate of Evans, who has already spent almost two decades in prison, hangs in the balance.

"Convicted by a Hair" is a gripping episode of Reasonable Doubt that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It is a fascinating exploration of the limitations of forensic science and the ways in which our justice system can sometimes be flawed. Above all, it is a testament to the power of persistence, as Anderson and Lewkowicz fight tirelessly for a man they believe to be wrongly convicted.