Ep 1. Small Town Suicide?

In the first episode of Cold Justice season 1, titled "Small Town Suicide," former prosecutor Kelly Siegler and former crime scene investigator Yolanda McClary join forces to reopen a case involving the suspicious death of a young mother named Melissa Brannen.

Melissa Brannen disappeared from a Christmas party hosted by her apartment complex on December 3, 1989. She was last seen around 10:30 p.m. by a neighbor who dropped her off at her apartment. The next day, Melissa's husband discovered that she was missing when he woke up. He found her car still parked in the complex and her purse still inside. A search party was formed, but it wasn't until three days later that Melissa's body was found in a nearby wooded area. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled.

The initial investigation into Melissa's death was marred by mistakes and missteps. The local police department failed to secure the crime scene, contaminating potential evidence in the process. Suspects were questioned haphazardly and without proper legal representation. The investigation eventually slowed to a crawl and the case went cold.

Now, more than 20 years later, Kelly and Yolanda are determined to uncover new evidence that could lead to Melissa's killer. They start by reviewing the original case files and conducting their own interviews with witnesses and potential suspects. They also enlist the help of forensic experts to analyze DNA evidence that was collected at the scene.

As they dig deeper, Kelly and Yolanda uncover a complex web of relationships and potential motives. They learn that Melissa was involved in an extramarital affair with a coworker and that she had plans to leave her husband. They also discover that one of the lead investigators on the case had a personal connection to Melissa's husband, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Throughout the investigation, Kelly and Yolanda face numerous roadblocks and challenges. They encounter resistance from some members of the local community who are wary of their presence and suspicious of their motives. They also struggle to piece together the many disparate pieces of evidence and information they uncover.

Despite these challenges, Kelly and Yolanda remain determined to uncover the truth about what happened to Melissa Brannen. As they inch closer to solving the case, they must grapple with the emotional toll of working on such a heartbreaking and difficult investigation.

In "Small Town Suicide," Kelly and Yolanda demonstrate their expertise and tenacity as investigators. They work tirelessly to bring justice to Melissa's family and to honor her memory. The episode sets the tone for the rest of the season, showcasing the compelling true crime stories and expert investigative work that make Cold Justice such a captivating show.