Ep 5. Last Birthday

In this episode of The First 48, entitled "Last Birthday," viewers are taken into the investigation of a shocking murder in New Orleans. The episode begins with a phone call to the local police department, reporting that a man named John Perry has been shot in his own home. Perry's body was discovered by his girlfriend after she returned from running errands, and the first responders on the scene quickly realize that he has died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Detectives working the case are faced with a web of possible motives and suspects, as Perry's personal life is revealed to be complicated. He had a reputation for being a ladies' man, was known to struggle with addiction, and was deeply in debt. The detectives are left wondering if one of Perry's many acquaintances could be responsible for his death, or if the true motive lies closer to home.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a cast of characters who may have played a role in Perry's murder. These include his estranged wife, who was due to receive a large settlement in their ongoing divorce proceedings, as well as a neighbor who was witnessed arguing with Perry just hours before the murder.

As the detectives delve deeper into the investigation, they begin to focus on one suspect in particular: Perry's best friend, a man named Archie. Archie was seen on surveillance footage near Perry's house shortly before the murder, and his alibi begins to fall apart under questioning. However, Archie maintains his innocence and refuses to confess to the crime.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken through the various stages of the investigation, from the crime scene to the interrogation room. They witness the detectives working tirelessly to piece together a coherent narrative of what happened to John Perry and who is responsible for his death.

The episode also provides a window into the emotional toll that violent crime can take on the families of both the victim and the suspect. Perry's girlfriend is devastated by his death and struggles to come to terms with the loss, while Archie's family members are left to grapple with the possibility that he may be facing life in prison.

In the end, viewers are left with a satisfying resolution to the case, as the detectives are able to uncover the truth about what happened to John Perry and bring his killer to justice. "Last Birthday" is a gripping and suspenseful episode that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.