Ep 3. Trial by Fire

In season 1, episode 3 of The Coroner: I Speak for the Dead, entitled Trial by Fire, we follow the investigation into the death of a firefighter named Willard Kitchens. Willard had been fighting a fire in a local residential area when he suddenly collapsed and died. The coroner must determine the cause of death and figure out if there was any foul play involved.

The investigation into Willard's death is led by coroner Graham Hetrick, who is determined to find out what happened to the beloved firefighter. Willard was well-known in his community and had been awarded multiple medals for his bravery and dedication to his job. Hetrick is met with a lot of resistance in his investigation, as many of the people he questions and interviews are reluctant to give information.

As Hetrick delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Willard had been called to put out a fire at a local drug house earlier in the day. It's revealed that the drug house was a hotbed of criminal activity, and some of the people who lived there had ties to a notorious gang in the area. The coroner starts to wonder if Willard's death was somehow connected to his run-in with the criminals at the drug house.

While gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, Hetrick also reflects on the dangers of being a firefighter. He speaks with other firefighters and their families about the risks involved in the job, and the toll it can take on their mental health. Hetrick's investigation into Willard's death becomes not just about solving a crime, but also shedding light on the sacrifices made by first responders like Willard.

Throughout the episode, Hetrick uses his expertise as a coroner to piece together what happened to Willard. He examines the body and performs an autopsy, looking for any signs of trauma or foul play. He also speaks with witnesses and analyzes the scene of the fire to try and recreate what happened to the firefighter. Hetrick's meticulous attention to detail and thorough investigation leads him to uncover some surprising facts about the case, and ultimately leads him to a shocking conclusion about Willard's death.

Trial by Fire is an emotional episode that highlights the bravery of firefighters and the challenges they face on a daily basis. As Hetrick works to solve the case, he provides a deep dive into the investigation process, explaining the techniques and technology used to determine the cause of death. The episode also provides a moving tribute to those who have lost their lives in service to their communities.