Ep 3. Monster

In season 17 episode 3 of The First 48, titled "Monster," viewers follow the detectives of the Phoenix Police Department as they investigate a particularly brutal murder case. The episode is set in July of 2015, and it begins with a 911 call reporting a woman found dead in her apartment. The victim is identified as 54-year-old Hazel Cornelius, who had lived alone in her apartment for several years. The detectives soon learn that Hazel was well-liked by her neighbors and co-workers, and there didn't seem to be any motive for the murder.

As is customary in homicide investigations, the detectives start by canvassing the area and interviewing witnesses to gather as much information as possible. They talk to Hazel's neighbors and people who knew her at work, and slowly, they begin to piece together a timeline of the events leading up to her death. They learn that Hazel was last seen alive on the evening of July 6, when she returned home from work. No one heard any commotion or saw anything suspicious, so the detectives have very little to go on at this point.

The next day, Hazel's co-workers became concerned when she didn't show up for work, which was out of character for her. They tried calling her phone, but it went straight to voicemail. Concerned, they decided to visit her apartment to check on her. When they arrived, they found her front door unlocked and Hazel dead in her living room. The detectives are able to determine that Hazel had been killed between 8 and 9 p.m. the previous night, but they don't have any suspects yet.

Through their investigation, the detectives discover that Hazel had recently acquired a new boyfriend, who they believe may have been the last person to see her alive. They track him down and bring him in for questioning, but he denies having anything to do with Hazel's death. Although they don't have any hard evidence linking him to the crime, the detectives keep him on their list of suspects and continue to interrogate him.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives begin to uncover a disturbing pattern of violence that seems to be connected to Hazel's murder. They learn that there have been other similar cases in the area in recent weeks, and they start to wonder if they're dealing with a serial killer. They also learn that Hazel's boyfriend had been previously arrested for domestic violence, which raises red flags for the detectives.

Throughout the episode, viewers see the detectives working tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against the killer. They utilize forensic evidence, witness statements, and surveillance footage to piece together what happened to Hazel in the moments before her death. Although the investigation is complex and often frustrating, the detectives are dedicated to bringing her killer to justice.

Without giving away any spoilers, it's safe to say that this episode of The First 48 is filled with twists and turns as the detectives get closer to solving the case. As always, viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they watch the investigation unfold and the killer is brought to justice. "Monster" is a gripping and emotional episode of this popular true crime show, and it's sure to keep viewers hooked from beginning to end.