Ep 1. Honor Code

In the season 17 premiere of 'The First 48,' an episode titled 'Honor Code,' viewers are taken into the investigation of a murder that took place in Birmingham, Alabama. The victim, 38-year-old Jermaine Johnson, was found dead in his car with multiple gunshot wounds.

Detectives John Tanks and Cynthia Morrow are assigned to the case and are immediately faced with limited evidence and no known suspects. As they dig deeper into Jermaine's life, they discover that he was a well-respected coach and mentor to young men in the community. Jermaine had a strict honor code that he lived by and instilled in his students, which made it difficult for detectives to believe that anyone would want to harm him.

The detectives start by interviewing Jermaine's family and friends to gain insight into his personal life and any possible enemies he may have had. They also visit the high school where Jermaine coached and speak with his former students. As they talk to those who knew him best, they try to piece together a timeline of Jermaine's last few days and any encounters he may have had that could have led to his death.

One potential lead comes when detectives discover that Jermaine had recently been in a heated altercation with another coach at a basketball game. They follow up on this lead and speak to the other coach, but he denies any involvement in Jermaine's murder. The detectives continue to follow this lead and track down witnesses who were at the game to see if they can provide any information that may be helpful in the investigation.

Meanwhile, the forensic evidence collected at the crime scene is analyzed, and surveillance footage from the area is reviewed to try and identify any potential suspects. The detectives also receive tips from the community, which they diligently investigate to see if they lead to any new information.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives begin to uncover a different side of Jermaine's life that he had kept hidden from those closest to him. They learn that Jermaine was involved in some illicit activities that could have put him in harm's way. This new information expands the pool of potential suspects and complicates the case even further.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey with the detectives as they work tirelessly to find justice for Jermaine and his family. The episode concludes with the detectives making a shocking discovery that changes the entire course of their investigation.

In 'Honor Code,' viewers get an intimate look into the challenges that detectives face when investigating a complex murder case with limited evidence. With the clock ticking and pressure mounting, the detectives must put their skills and experience to the test as they try to solve a crime that has rocked the community.