Ep 5. Rearview Mirror

In Homicide Hunter season 7 episode 5, titled Rearview Mirror, Lieutenant Joe Kenda recounts the investigation of a case that haunted him for years. The episode begins with Kenda reflecting on the moment he received the call about a missing person case in 1990. The victim was a young, talented musician named Craig Wilson, who had disappeared after leaving a friend's house.

Kenda and his team immediately launched an investigation, but their progress was slow. The only lead they had was a witness who claimed to have seen Wilson leaving the house that night. However, the witness couldn't provide any additional information about Wilson's whereabouts.

Months went by with little progress until Wilson's body was discovered in a nearby park. Kenda's team was devastated, and they knew that finding Wilson's killer was now a top priority. But once again, they hit a dead end. The autopsy revealed no definitive cause of death, and there were no signs of physical trauma or gunshot wounds.

Despite the lack of evidence, Kenda and his team persisted. They interviewed Wilson's friends, family, and acquaintances, hoping to find any leads. It wasn't until years later that a new development emerged.

A woman contacted Kenda, claiming to have information about Wilson's death. She said that she and her ex-boyfriend, who was a known drug user, had seen Wilson's body in the park the night he disappeared. She also provided Kenda with a crucial piece of evidence - a rearview mirror that had been knocked off Wilson's car during the attack.

Kenda and his team were able to use the rearview mirror to track down a suspect - a man named Jeffrey Duvall. Duvall had a long criminal history, including drug possession and theft, but he had never been linked to a murder case before.

With the rearview mirror as evidence, Kenda was able to secure a search warrant for Duvall's house. Inside, they found Wilson's stolen belongings, as well as a bloody T-shirt and a pair of gloves. Duvall was arrested and charged with Wilson's murder.

The trial proved to be a difficult and emotional ordeal for Kenda and his team. Duvall was a difficult witness, and the evidence was largely circumstantial. However, with the help of a skilled prosecutor, Kenda was able to secure a conviction.

As the episode comes to a close, Kenda reflects on the toll that the case ultimately took on him and his colleagues. He also emphasizes the importance of never giving up on a case, no matter how challenging it may be.

In Rearview Mirror, Homicide Hunter delivers another gripping episode that showcases the tireless dedication and persistence of law enforcement officials. The episode is a reminder that even the most difficult cases can be solved with hard work and determination.