Murder Decoded Season 1 Episode 3 Murder on the Rocks

After two episodes that explored tragic killings in the United States, "Murder Decoded" turns its attention to a case in the Caribbean. In "Murder on the Rocks," the show examines the mysterious death of 27-year-old Catherine Johannet, a world traveler and Peace Corps volunteer who was found dead on an idyllic beach in Panama in 2017.

As with the previous episodes in this true-crime series, "Murder on the Rocks" follows detectives as they try to unravel a complex case with few clear clues. From the outset, it's clear that Johannet's death was no accident -- her body was found with numerous bruises, and an autopsy revealed that she had been strangled. But with no witnesses and no obvious suspects, investigators have to use all the tools at their disposal to piece together what happened to the young woman.

The episode begins with a look at Johannet's life before she died. Friends and family members describe her as a free-spirited adventurer who was always eager to explore new places and cultures. At the time of her death, she was volunteering in Panama as an environmental activist, working to protect the country's delicate ecosystems from being destroyed by mining and other industries.

Once investigators start looking into Johannet's death, they quickly realize that there are a lot of unanswered questions. For one thing, there's the matter of her missing clothing. Johannet's body was found partially clothed, but her shirt, shoes, and some other items were nowhere to be found. Detectives speculate that her killer may have taken these items as some sort of macabre souvenir, or possibly as a way to dispose of evidence.

Another puzzling aspect of the case is the location where Johannet's body was found. She was discovered on a rocky outcropping on a secluded beach, a spot that was hard to get to and not frequented by tourists or locals. How did she end up there? Was she brought there by her killer, or did she stumble onto the spot on her own?

As the investigation continues, "Murder Decoded" introduces us to a cast of characters who might have some information about what happened to Johannet. There's the expat bar owner who was the last person to see Johannet alive, and who claims to have made some strange observations that night. There's also a group of local teenagers who were seen near the beach around the same time that Johannet disappeared. Could they have been involved in her death?

To help sort through all these leads and clues, detectives turn to forensic evidence. They analyze Johanne's phone and laptop to see if there are any clues about her movements or her social network. They also delve into the specifics of the autopsy report, looking for any signs of who might have strangled Johanne and how they did it.

Throughout the episode, "Murder Decoded" keeps the tension high as it methodically works through the details of Johanne's death. As viewers, we feel drawn into the search for answers, eager to know who killed this young woman and why.

Like the previous episodes of "Murder Decoded," "Murder on the Rocks" succeeds in creating a tense, engaging portrait of a complex mystery. It's a compelling true-crime series that keeps us guessing right until the end.