Ep 5. Stray Bullet / Payback

In the fifth episode of season five of The First 48, titled "Stray Bullet/Payback," viewers are taken to the streets of Memphis, Tennessee where two separate murder investigations are unfolding simultaneously.

The first case involves the death of a young mother who was hit by a stray bullet while sitting on her porch. Detectives quickly learn that the bullet may have been intended for one of her neighbors who had recently gotten into a heated argument with a group of men. As they sift through witness statements and surveillance footage, investigators begin to piece together a timeline of events that may lead them to the shooter.

Meanwhile, in a separate part of town, another murder investigation is underway. This time, a man is found dead in a car outside of an apartment building. With no witnesses and little evidence, detectives struggle to determine a motive for the crime. However, as they dig deeper, they discover that the victim may have been involved in some shady business dealings that could have led to his untimely demise.

As both cases unfold, the pressure mounts for the detectives to solve them before time runs out. With only 48 hours to work with, they are forced to work quickly and efficiently, relying on their years of experience and gut instincts to guide them through the labyrinth of clues and red herrings.

The episode is a gripping exploration of the complex and often unpredictable world of criminal investigation. It offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous and often frustrating work that detectives do, as they navigate a world of lies, deceit, and violence to bring justice to the families of the victims. It is a testament to the tenacity and determination of the men and women who work tirelessly to make our communities safer, often at great personal risk.

Overall, "Stray Bullet/Payback" is a must-watch episode for any fan of crime drama, offering a harrowing and fascinating look into the gritty reality of homicide investigation in America today.