Ep 16. Murder Haunts Me

In this episode of Homicide Hunter season 5, titled "Murder Haunts Me," we follow retired Colorado Springs detective Lt. Joe Kenda as he solves a complex case that has haunted him for years. Kenda takes viewers through his investigation, detailing the facts of the case and how he eventually brought the killer to justice.

The episode opens with Kenda explaining how some cases stay with you forever, and this particular case is one that has been on his mind for years. Kenda recalls the victim, a young woman named Ruthie who was found dead in her apartment. The case was particularly gruesome and involved both rape and murder. Kenda explains how the brutality of the case has stayed with him, and he has spent countless hours thinking about how he could have solved it sooner.

Kenda takes us step-by-step through his investigation, detailing how he collected evidence and interviewed witnesses. He explains how he became convinced that the killer was someone who knew Ruthie, as there was no sign of forced entry into her apartment. Kenda also talks about how frustrating the investigation was, as his team kept hitting dead ends and the case went cold for years.

At one point in the investigation, Kenda learns that Ruthie's ex-husband might have been involved. However, the ex-husband had moved out of state and was difficult to track down. Kenda explains how they eventually found the ex-husband and brought him in for questioning. Although he was a suspect, Kenda was able to clear the ex-husband of any involvement in the crime.

Years pass without any progress in the case until Kenda receives a phone call from a man who believes he has information about Ruthie's killer. The man explains that he had been speaking to a woman who had bragged about killing Ruthie. Kenda and his team are skeptical at first but eventually track down the woman in question. The woman, who had been a friend of Ruthie's, finally confesses to the crime.

Kenda describes how the woman's confession was the final piece of the puzzle, and he was finally able to bring the killer to justice. He talks about the impact that the case had on him personally and how he was able to find closure once the killer was behind bars.

Throughout the episode, we see Kenda in his element as he reminisces about his career as a detective and the cases that he worked on. He describes the skills that are necessary to be a successful investigator, including the ability to read people and think outside the box. Kenda also talks about the toll that this kind of work takes on a person, both emotionally and mentally.

As always, Homicide Hunter season 5 episode 16 is a fascinating look into the world of law enforcement and the people who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Kenda's passion and dedication to his work are evident, and viewers will be captivated by his storytelling and the way he pieces together this complex case. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and the power of persistence in solving even the most difficult cases.