Ep 11. The Informant
- March 19, 2017
In this episode of Dateline On ID season 10, episode 11 titled "The Informant," viewers follow the true-crime story of a confidential police informant named Gerardo Martinez. Martinez was an informant for the NYPD for over a decade, but his involvement in drug operations and his work with the police had made him a target.
On November 9, 1992, Gerardo's body was discovered in an abandoned lot in Brooklyn. He had been shot to death, execution-style. The case was investigated by NYPD detectives, but they hit a wall in their investigation. The case went cold for years, until journalist Sarah Wallace decided to investigate. She had been investigating corrupt law enforcement officers, drug dealers, and the relationship between them, when she stumbled across Gerardo's story.
The episode looks at the investigation and the unraveling of Gerardo's life. As a confidential informant, Gerardo had helped to put away some of the most dangerous criminals in New York. His bravery and cooperation had made him a valuable asset to the police department. But the dangers of his life had taken their toll, and the investigation reveals just how far Gerardo was willing to go to ensure his safety and his family's safety.
Through interviews with the detectives who worked the case, as well as Gerardo's friends and family, viewers get a glimpse into the complex and dangerous world of undercover police work. The investigation shows that Gerardo's case was not just about a murder, but about a larger problem in society - that of corruption within law enforcement.
Viewers will see how Gerardo's work as a confidential informant exposed him to a life of danger, to the point where he was killed for information he had provided. His death was heartbreaking for his family and friends, as they grappled with the fact that he had risked so much for others.
As the episode uncovers new evidence and speaks to key witnesses, viewers are taken on a journey through the investigation of a murder and the life of a man who gave everything to help others. The twists and turns of Gerardo's case make for compelling viewing, and viewers will be left with a sense of the dangers that lurk in the shadows.
"The Informant" is a gripping episode of Dateline On ID that delves into the shadowy world of police informants, drug dealers, and corrupt law enforcement officers. It highlights the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering the truth and bringing justice to those who have been wronged. Throughout the episode, viewers will see the impact of Gerardo's death, as well as the incredible lengths he went to in order to keep himself and his family safe. It's a must-watch for true crime fans and those interested in the complexities of police work.