Ep 12. Heart of Gold / Last Breath

The First 48 is an American true crime documentary television series that has been on the air since 2004. The show follows homicide detectives from various cities around the United States as they investigate and try to solve murder cases in the first 48 hours after the crime has been committed. In season 9, episode 12, titled "Heart of Gold / Last Breath," the show features two separate cases from different cities.

In "Heart of Gold," the detectives from the Louisville Metro Police Department in Kentucky investigate the murder of a young mother named Stephanie Melson. Stephanie was found shot to death in her car on a quiet suburban street and investigators have few leads to work with. Stephanie had a troubled past, including a history of drug addiction, and the police suspect that her murder may be connected to her involvement with the wrong crowd.

As the detectives begin talking to Stephanie's friends and family, they learn that she had recently become involved with a new man who may have been tied to the drug trade. They also discover that Stephanie had recently received a large sum of money and they suspect that her murder may be related to a drug deal gone wrong. The detectives work tirelessly, following up on every lead and piece of evidence, including a surveillance video from a nearby store that shows a car similar to the one Stephanie was driving on the night of her murder.

Meanwhile, in "Last Breath," the detectives from the Tulsa Police Department in Oklahoma investigate the brutal murder of a young man named Jeremy Lake. Jeremy was a hardworking and motivated 19-year-old who had recently graduated from high school and had big dreams for his future. But tragedy struck when he was shot and killed in his own driveway during a botched carjacking.

The detectives have few leads to go on, but they begin to investigate the possibility that Jeremy's murder may be connected to a recent string of carjackings in the area. They interview witnesses and collect forensic evidence from the scene, including tire tracks and shell casings. They work tirelessly to piece together what happened that night, hoping to find the person or people responsible for taking Jeremy's life.

As the investigations unfold in both cases, the detectives face challenges, setbacks, and emotional moments as they work to bring justice to the victims and their families. "Heart of Gold / Last Breath" is a powerful and emotional episode that showcases the complexities of homicide investigations and the dedication of the detectives who work tirelessly to solve these crimes. The episode highlights the toll that murder takes on communities and individuals and underscores the importance of the first 48 hours in solving these cases.