Ep 5. Pre-Emptive Strike/Unlucky

In this episode of The First 48, titled "Pre-Emptive Strike/Unlucky," the homicide detectives from Birmingham, Alabama, are called to investigate two separate cases of murders. In the first case, a man is murdered outside his apartment complex. He was shot several times, and the detectives find a large amount of drugs in the victim's apartment. They believe that the murder may be a pre-emptive strike in retaliation for a drug deal gone bad.

The detectives start their investigation by interviewing the victim's friends and family to find any connections to the drug world. They also canvass the area around the crime scene to find any witnesses or surveillance footage that can help them identify the murderer. As the investigation progresses, they discover that the victim had a volatile relationship with his girlfriend, and they start to suspect her involvement in the murder.

In the second case, a man is shot and killed outside a convenience store. The detectives believe that it may have been a robbery gone wrong. They find a surveillance video that shows the victim being followed by two men who tried to rob him before killing him. The detectives track down the two suspects and arrest them for the murder.

Throughout the episode, the detectives face many challenges as they try to solve the murders. They have to deal with uncooperative witnesses, false leads, and a lack of forensic evidence. They use their experience and intuition to piece together the clues and finally solve the cases.

"Pre-Emptive Strike/Unlucky" is a gripping episode that showcases the intense and often difficult work of homicide detectives. It highlights their dedication, expertise, and persistence as they navigate through complex cases and bring justice to the victims and their families. The show also gives viewers a glimpse into the world of crime and its devastating effects on individuals and communities.