Ep 5. Downstream Drifter / Murder in Room 162

The First 48 is a documentary-style television program that follows homicide detectives as they investigate homicide cases in various cities across the United States. Each episode documents the first 48 hours of the investigation, which is often the most critical time period in which to solve the case. Season 2, Episode 5, titled Downstream Drifter / Murder in Room 162, follows two separate homicide investigations in Memphis, Tennessee.

In the first segment, Downstream Drifter, detectives respond to a call about a body found floating in the Mississippi River. The victim is identified as 47-year-old Kenneth Clark, and it appears he has been shot multiple times. The detectives from the Memphis Police Department's Homicide Bureau begin the investigation by canvassing the area for any witnesses or surveillance footage that may have captured something important. They quickly discover that the victim was homeless and had been living near the river. They speak with some of the other homeless people in the area, but no one saw or heard anything.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives receive information that leads them to a local homeless shelter, where they discover that Kenneth had been staying there off and on for the past few months. They interview staff and other residents and eventually find a witness who saw the victim leaving with two other men on the night he was killed. The detectives track down the two men, who are identified as Chris and Bobby, and bring them in for questioning. Through their interrogation, the detectives discover that one of the men had robbed Kenneth of his belongings and shot him when he resisted. Both men are arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

In the second segment, Murder in Room 162, detectives respond to a call at a local Motel 6, where a housekeeper has discovered a man dead in one of the rooms. The victim is identified as 47-year-old Curtis Lydell. The detectives begin the investigation by processing the scene for evidence and interviewing witnesses and potential suspects. They learn that Curtis was a frequent guest at the motel and had been staying in Room 162 for several weeks.

As the detectives dig deeper, they discover that Curtis had been involved in a dispute with a man named Robert, who had been staying in the next room. The detectives bring Robert in for questioning, and he denies any involvement in the murder. However, there are inconsistencies in his story, and the detectives continue to press him. Eventually, Robert confesses to shooting Curtis, claiming that he did so in self-defense.

The detectives are initially skeptical of Robert's story, but they continue to investigate and eventually discover evidence that corroborates his claim. They determine that Curtis had been under the influence of drugs and had attacked Robert with a knife, and Robert had shot him in self-defense. Robert is charged with second-degree murder but is eventually acquitted after a jury determines that he acted in self-defense.

In both cases, the detectives face numerous obstacles as they work to solve the homicides. However, through persistence and determination, they are able to gather the evidence and information necessary to bring the killers to justice. The First 48 provides a detailed and gripping look into the world of homicide investigation, showcasing the hard work and dedication of the detectives who work tirelessly to solve these difficult cases.