Ep 1. Last Dance

I, Witness is a true crime documentary series that explores real-life stories from the perspective of those who witnessed them firsthand. In season 1, episode 1 titled "Last Dance," viewers are taken back to the 1990s to the small town of Lompoc, California.

The episode starts with a nostalgic shot of an old dance studio in Lompoc. The camera pans to show a young woman, Jodine Serrin, who is talking about her love for dancing. Jodine was a talented dancer who dreamed of pursuing a career in the industry. She had just enrolled in college and was excited about her future.

However, Jodine's life was cut short when she was brutally murdered. The case remained unsolved for years until a witness finally came forward with crucial information.

The episode is narrated by Jodine's childhood friend, Araceli Martinez, who is one of the witnesses in the case. Araceli recalls how Jodine's murder shook their small town and how the police were unable to solve the case. She talks about the rumors and speculations that started to circulate in Lompoc after Jodine's death, and how her family and friends were left devastated and searching for answers.

The documentary uses old news clips and interviews with detectives who were involved in the case to give viewers a glimpse into the investigation process. The police were under immense pressure from the community to solve the case, and they worked tirelessly to piece together the evidence.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to another witness, a woman named Cheryl Wulf, who had crucial information about Jodine's murder. Cheryl was initially scared to come forward, but eventually, she decided to tell the police what she knew.

Cheryl's testimony became a turning point in the investigation, and the police were finally able to solve the case. The killer was identified, and he was brought to trial. The trial was long and difficult for Jodine's family and friends, who had to relive the tragedy all over again.

The documentary shows how the trial unfolded, the evidence that was presented, and how the killer was finally put behind bars. Through it all, Araceli and Jodine's loved ones never lost hope and continued to fight for justice.

The episode ends with Araceli visiting Jodine's gravesite and talking about how much she misses her friend. She reflects on how Jodine's passion for dance and her bright spirit continue to inspire her to this day.

Overall, "Last Dance" is a gripping and emotional episode that showcases the impact of a violent crime on a small community. The episode highlights the importance of witnesses in solving crimes, and the bravery it takes to come forward.