Ep 1. Murder Bites

In season 3 episode 1 of Homicide Hunter titled "Murder Bites", Detective Joe Kenda, a retired detective from the Colorado Springs Police Department, takes on the case of a serial killer who is terrorizing the quiet neighborhood of Woodland Park.

The episode begins with Kenda narrating the events that led to this particular case. He explains that in the summer of 1987, there were a series of bizarre murders in which the victims were found strangled with a wire. The police were baffled by the lack of evidence and the killer's ability to strike without leaving a trace.

Kenda then goes on to describe the killer's MO, which was to lure his victims by offering them drugs or alcohol and then killing them in his car. He also explains how the killer left bite marks on the victims' bodies, which is where the episode gets its title from.

As the investigation progresses, Kenda and his team start to narrow down their suspect list. They interview witnesses and search for any clues that could lead them to the killer. However, as the body count rises and the killer continues to evade capture, Kenda becomes increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress.

The episode then takes a darker turn as Kenda interviews the families of the victims. Their pain and grief are palpable, and Kenda reflects on the toll that these cases take on law enforcement. He talks about how homicide detectives often work long hours, sacrificing time with their families and taking on the emotional burden of the victims' families.

Eventually, the team gathers enough evidence to make an arrest, but Kenda isn't satisfied. He realizes that there may be more victims out there and sets out to find them. He explains that the investigation doesn't end with an arrest, and that detectives must always be vigilant, keeping an eye out for any signs of similar crimes.

The episode ends with Kenda reflecting on the case and the toll it took on him. He talks about how he struggled to find closure for the families of the victims and how he still thinks about the case to this day.

In "Murder Bites", Homicide Hunter tackles the difficult subject of serial killers and the toll that investigating these crimes can take on law enforcement. With a mix of interviews, reenactments, and narration, the episode provides a compelling look at a high-profile case from Kenda's career.