Ep 28. Smoke/Touch of Evil

In the 28th episode of season 7 of the popular crime documentary series, The First 48, the viewers are taken through two separate cases of homicide investigation in different parts of the United States.

The first case, titled "Smoke," is set in Louisville, Kentucky, and begins with the burning of a house that leads to the death of a young woman named Brandy Nuckols. Detectives Cory Cadwell and Troy Stadter are assigned the case and begin their investigation by talking to the neighbors, who saw a man running away from the scene of the crime. The detectives find out that Brandy had been involved in a romantic relationship with a man named Shawn Kelly, who was previously arrested for domestic violence against her. The detectives bring Shawn in for questioning and he denies any involvement. However, the forensic evidence from the scene of the crime points towards Shawn's guilt. Can the detectives find enough evidence to make an arrest?

The second case, "Touch of Evil," is set in Dallas, Texas, and follows the investigation into the murder of 57-year-old John Martinez. In this case, Homicide Detective Eddie Ibarra and his team hit a roadblock when the witnesses and neighbors in the area refuse to cooperate with the investigation. The detectives conduct a thorough search of the crime scene, which leads them to a potential suspect, but they don't have enough evidence to make an arrest. However, when a new witness comes forward, a trail of evidence and testimony helps the detectives piece together the final moments of the victim's life and ultimately leads them to the killer.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an inside look into the intense investigation process that detectives go through in solving these complex homicide cases. From analyzing forensic evidence to interviewing potential suspects, the detectives in both cases have to work tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims and their families.

The episode also highlights the importance of community involvement in solving crimes. With both murders occurring in residential areas, the detectives face resistance from the locals who often fear retaliation from the killers. The detectives need the help of the neighbors and witnesses to get the information they need to solve the case. They use various tactics to convince the people to come forward, such as emphasizing the importance of justice and the safety of the community.

Overall, "Smoke/Touch of Evil" is a gripping episode that showcases the dedication and determination of detectives and law enforcement officials in solving homicide cases. It is a perfect example of how the littlest pieces of evidence can often lead to the biggest breakthroughs in a criminal investigation. Fans of true crime documentaries and crime thrillers will be on the edge of their seats, guessing along with the detectives until the very end.