The Closer s05e03 Episode Script
Red Tape
Sorry i'm late.
Diet cola, please.
Thank you.
So, how'd things go with irene? Sorry, david.
She won't even let me apologize? David, there are some things an apology just can't change.
Well, is she dating someone else? [ sighs .]
She's moved on.
And so should you.
[ sighs .]
This thing with irene -- It hurt your career.
You know, it -- it kills me, because She gets promoted, and i'm the bad guy.
Yeah.
Sanchez won't talk to me unless he has to.
Tao -- he's polite but distant.
And the chief [inhales sharply.]
Chief won't confide in me anymore.
So, i don't know, Maybe i should take the lieutenant's test.
Nah.
Outside of major crimes, Lieutenant's an administrative position, just like sergeant.
Instead of taking a step up, consider this -- Take a step sideways.
Add "detective" to your present rank.
and that's something i can help you with.
[ gunshots .]
[ indistinct shouting, woman screams .]
L.
a.
p.
d.
everyone, stay inside.
[ clatter .]
Hey! stop! Police! stop now! police! [ gunfire .]
Show me your hands! show me your hands! Where's your gun?! What did you do with your weapon?! Please, i don't want to die.
You all right? yeah, i'm fine.
We got a victim down by the newsstand, And this kid just took a shot at me! We need to secure the area and find his gun! [ siren wails .]
[ whimpering .]
Hurry up, guys.
You're going to the e.
r.
with this kid.
I can't.
i can't.
i shot him.
I have to wait here.
we have to find his gun.
This kid is dying.
If you want time to question him, it's got to be now.
Go.
Go.
[ police radio chatter .]
What? No one was supposed to get hurt.
[ siren chirps .]
Rehder: i want every inch of this area taped off.
Sergeant davies, make sure those casings over there Are marked with our gps system.
That couple over there -- the ones who called 911 -- They say they saw the murder from their car.
Separate them.
get detailed -- and i mean detailed -- statements From both of them individually.
Uh, captain rehder? Lieutenant flynn, i'm a little busy.
What is it? Well, we were wondering if, While you're investigating the shooting of a scumbag suspect, We might be able to look into the actual murder.
Chief johnson won't be happy With the evidence just deteriorating -- This isn't chief johnson's crime scene, So i wouldn't worry about it, gentlemen.
Officer-involved shootings are my jurisdiction, Not major crimes'.
that dead body over there is ours.
Not tonight.
Taylor: uh, captain rehder.
Maybe it might expedite things if i -- If you'd explain why the sergeant who pulled the trigger Was permitted to leave the scene After he'd been drinking and while you were with him, Which makes you a percipient witness.
What hospital am i going to? Cedars.
Sergeant ray, Get the commander's statement and get him out of here.
Sergeant elliot, i'm reachable on my cell! Chief.
Sergeant.
you're okay? Uh, yeah, i'm -- i'm -- yes, ma'am.
I'm just waiting to hear about, uh Erik whitner, the kid i shot.
[ inhales sharply .]
doesn't look good.
Commander taylor told me that you may have had a chance To question this young man -- erik -- On your way to the hospital.
Getting in the -- in the ambulance, He just kept saying he didn't want to die And no one was supposed to get hurt and Well, that's an odd thing to say, Especially since he was killing people.
What else did he say? [ sighs .]
Look, chief, um I may have made a mistake here.
Okay, what was that? Well, i never read the kid his rights, And i talked to him while he was laid out on the stretcher -- Oh, no, no, that's okay.
[ sighs .]
that's okay.
[ sighs .]
That's not a mistake.
that's not a mistake.
Um erik is probably dying, And dying declarations are admissible in murder trials.
Wait.
Chief, why are you here instead of the crime scene? Well, unfortunately, david, Major crimes isn't allowed to pursue this homicide Until after the force investigation division Has finished their initial assessment ofwhat you did.
[ chuckling .]
what? Look, look, look, i-i need you to sit down.
Okay, i need you to sit down right now and listen to me.
Commander taylor deliberately sent f.
i.
d.
To the wrong hospital, But they're gonna figure that out soon enough, so we have maybe minutes Before your lawyer shows up and captain rehder steps in.
whoa.
my lawyer? I need you to tell me exactly what happened -- exactly what happened.
[ sighs .]
i -- I heard shots.
I-i ran out of the bar.
I saw the victim down by the newsstand.
I looked up, i saw the gunman fleeing.
I identified myself as a police officer, ordered him to stop.
He turned around and opened fire -- two shots.
And i returned fire, and i dropped him.
Erik whitner fired his gun twice? Yes, twice.
at you? are you sure? Yes, i'm sure! Okay, f.
i.
d.
is gonna tell you That there was no gun found at the crime scene And that the only casings were from a 9-millimeter, and i'm certain that that is gonna match up with your gun.
there was a gun, because he shot at me.
But there were no bullet impacts Behind where you were standing, and there were no ricochet marks.
As far as f.
i.
d.
is concerned, You were not fired upon, and you shot an unarmed man.
W-what about the body at the newsstand? Doesn't that prove that there was a gun? Are you absolutely positive that erik whitner fired at you? Sergeant gabriel, don't answer that.
Who are you? anthony monroe.
Communications division notified the union, And i've been assigned as your attorney in this case.
Apologize it took me so long to get here, But there was a mix-up in hospitals.
If we could, i'd like to sit down And talk about tonight's events.
Look, mr.
monroe, i didn't do anything wrong, And i don't want an attorney.
Yes, sergeant, you do.
Okay.
So i have an attorney.
Captain rehder.
Are you sergeant david gabriel? Yes, i am.
As a sergeant, I would expect you to be familiar With the rules and regulations Surrounding the use of your firearm.
And you would be correct.
Then why did you disregard l.
a.
p.
d.
policy And leave the scene of your action? I was following a direct -- Sergeant, please say nothing else.
I see you've met your counsel, So i won't bother asking you for your statement.
But over here, there is this officer with a breathalyzer, And i would appreciate it if you visited him immediately To assess your blood alcohol level.
Or if you prefer, your lawyer can explain to you The long-term consequences of failing to do as i ask.
[ scoffs .]
Do you need help with the word "immediately"? Captain rehder, it is so nice to finally meet you.
So, i was told that sergeant gabriel And the victim had been sent to cedars, And here you all are at st.
catherine's medical center.
And i was just wondering, How is it that you happened to be at the right hospital while i was sent to the wrong one? If i may, i'd like to offer some advice.
When investigating shootings like this, I question the criminals first before my fellow officers.
When i have an unarmed civilian sprayed by bullets From a member of the l.
a.
p.
d.
, I expect cooperation.
It encourages me.
And if i could offer you some advice -- While i am investigating this shooting, Be careful where you place your sympathies.
"chief.
" Excuse me? "be careful where you place your sympathies, chief.
" You are a captain and a subordinate officer, And you will remember that when addressing me.
Do i make myself clear, captain? Perfectly Chief.
Excuse me.
Got work to do.
Fritz: is kitty okay?! I thought i heard her throwing up! no, no.
[ sighs .]
it's just -- just a little cough.
He's fine.
she's fine.
[ meowing weakly .]
Are you sure? i could take her in today instead of tomorrow.
No, no, no, no.
She ate her whole breakfast.
I don't want to rush her over to the vet.
Let's -- let's not make too much of it.
[ growling softly .]
I got to go.
Well i'm late.
i could swear i no, i'm late.
i-i heard -- i'm late.
[ whimpers .]
Let's pause in this report for a moment, commander, To hear why you ignored policy And put sergeant gabriel in an ambulance Instead of waiting for the black-and-whites And then sent f.
i.
d.
to the wrong emergency room.
I thought the paramedics were going to cedars.
[ chuckling .]
my apologies.
i was off-duty.
I had had several alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach.
You didn't seem at all drunk to me, commander.
Oh.
thanks.
Brenda: uh, well, regardless, Erik whitner is in stable condition.
Sergeant gabriel has met with his counsel And given his statement.
The only thing outstanding Is the homicide of a newspaper vendor, Which no one has been allowed to investigate.
Chief pope, i spent the night Familiarizing myself with major crimes -- Really, really impressive.
I find no incidents Where they've investigated the murder Of a newspaper vendor, Whereas the shooting of an unarmed civilian By an l.
a.
p.
d.
officer incurs serious liability.
Well, it can't take priority over homicide.
Perhaps captain rehder would like to tell Mr.
parsall's family that his murder -- Chief johnson is trying to combine my officer-involved shooting when they are clearly two distinctly different cases.
are you interrupting me? I must go first! my investigation must go first! These attempts to pull rank are embarrassing, unacceptable, And potentially an obstruction of justice.
I have a federally mandated responsibility To determine why an l.
a.
p.
d.
officer Discharged his weapon, Which supersedes chief johnson's objections, As well as yours, sir if it comes to that.
Itwon't.
thank you.
Were there any witnesses to this shooting? Yes, a-a couple saw a young white man Shoot mr.
parsall several times at point-blank range, Empty his cash drawer, and run away.
Erik whitner had $2 in his pocket, He had no gun, he wasn't i.
d.
'd by the witnesses.
Well, then whoever murdered mr.
parsall is still out there.
What if he shoots someone else While captain rehder refuses me access to the crime scene? Is it safe to assume that the white male who shot mr.
parsall was not sergeant gabriel? That is not the issue here.
Then what is the issue, captain? Clearly, chief johnson wants to combine My case with her murder In order to protect a well-liked member of her division.
I will not allow my professional conduct To be questioned like this, Especially when all i've asked captain rehder to do Is just to move her red tape just a few feet to the left So that i can properly begin searching for a murderer.
Pope: all right, captain rehder, You seem to be insisting That this officer-involved shooting And that parsall's murder are two separate events.
That's exactly what they are, And i need to be allowed to work my case Before chief johnson -- no, no, no.
if erik whitner is not the shooter, Than major crimes needs to look for the real killer.
You and chief johnson will share the crime scene And the witnesses.
But sergeant gabriel is not to take part In this investigation Until the officer-involved shooting Is completely explained.
Rehder: chief johnson, wait.
I just want to say that i understand the urge To protect the people you work with, and i respect it.
But i'm obligated to investigate this shooting As if it were a criminal act, And i would ask that you do nothing To jeopardize the success of my inquiry, that's all.
You stay out of my way, captain, i'll stay out of yours.
Well I tried.
Careful, chief.
She's part of internal affairs, And she can carry a grudge.
Well, then She better get ready for some heavy lifting.
I remember rehder back when she was a sergeant.
Filed a complaint against my old partner, george andrews, Said he was misogynistic.
[ chuckles .]
we had to look it up.
got both of us four months of sensitivity training.
Well, that was a complete waste of time.
Doctor, anything? Well, he's definitely dead.
There's also this stippling around each wound -- Basically, gunpowder burns.
But they're not spread out, Which tells me mr.
parsall was shot at extremely close range.
What's bothering you, though? Usually, when bullets pierce the skin, They tear the epidermis and present a torn edge.
These wounds are clean Round.
The only reason i can think of for this type of entrance wound Is that the bullet must have been [ squishing .]
Ah! Ah, i'm right.
Wadcutters.
Target rounds.
flat tip.
Leave clean, round holes in paper So you can tell the exact entrance point.
Yeah, well, finding the exact entrance point -- not a problem we have with this guy.
[ shell clinks .]
Tao: the average target round Is accurate only over short distances.
And because the bullet is flat-tipped, They're not used in magazines or clips.
Jams too easily.
Which means the murder weapon is probably -- a revolver.
Which would explain Why there were no casings found at the crime scene.
Sergeant, please, you're not allowed to be part of this investigation.
Yes, lieutenant? Chief, a revolver would explain Why there were no casings at the crime scene.
Thank you.
What do we know about the couple who witnessed the shooting? Okay [clears throat.]
well, that was ron and tina drake.
They were sitting in their car by the curb for an hour or so, And they saw the robbery and the murder.
What were they doing in their car for an hour? Well [sighs.]
they're a divorced couple, You know, working things out.
Well, good for them.
A relationship based on love is -- Is worth fighting for.
Isn't it? who are you? Sanchez: chief, the drakes said They got a good look at the shooter As the robbery started But ducked down in their car right after.
And when they were shown a photo of whitner, They had no idea who he was.
Flynn: you know what i was thinking, chief? [ clears throat .]
I mean, what do you get when you rob a newsstand? Like, what, $38 in quarters? Maybe mr.
parsall pissed somebody off.
They killed him, and the robbery was just incidental.
What do we know about mr.
parsall? Well, he immigrated here from israel, uh, in 2000.
He was naturalized in 2004.
Besides owning the newsstand, Volunteered at a jewish community center twice a week.
No record.
So, if it wasn't a robbery, what was it? [ footsteps approaching .]
uh, chief johnson? Uh, buzz, we're not ready to go to the crime scene yet.
That's fine.
I just stepped in to tell you i can't come with you.
What? why not? Well, the other detectives over there Say they never got word from captain rehder to let civilians in.
but you work for us! I know.
Oh! That woman! Never mind, we're all going.
Lieutenant tao, would you please bring your bag of tricks? And, sergeant gabriel, you're coming, too.
You just said i wasn't a part of this investigation.
But you're a witness, and i need witnesses.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! what are you doing?! We're headed to the newsstand To pick up a paper, read about the two f.
i.
d.
guys Who got fired because they disregarded orders from the pope.
Listen, i'm not gonna -- tone, tone, tone.
That's no way to talk to a lieutenant, Or a deputy chief, for that matter.
Sir, if you do anything to interfere With my murder investigation, I'll see to it that you spend the next month on unpaid leave.
Is that understood? Okay, buzz.
Buzz, start filming everything over here, Including the unhappy officers over there.
"s.
g.
" Sergeant gabriel.
Stands for "suspect guilty," as far as f.
i.
d.
's concerned.
Okay, so, this is where you said You were standing thank you.
All right, sergeant, please return to this mark.
Thank you.
And, buzz, could you -- Buzz? Where is buzz? Right here.
Chief, what are you thinking? What if there was someone else involved In the shooting of mr.
parsall? What, like a second gunman? More like a lone gunman with an accomplice.
Gabriel: yeah, but, chief, i saw the gun fire From right about where flynn is standing.
In your statement, you said you saw the flash of a gun, Not the gun itself.
So, just like i couldn't see buzz Standing behind lieutenant flynn just now, It's possible that you didn't see the gunman Standing behind erik whitner.
Y-yeah, but it couldn't be like that.
I mean, h-how could it be like that? Syzygy! Huh? Syzygy.
It means when three things are in a row, Like an eclipse when the earth, The moon, and the sun are in alignment-- Or, in this case, gabriel, Erik whitner And someone else.
The divorced couple were sitting in their car for an hour, So, to the shooter and his lookout, This whole area would have appeared deserted.
The lookout, erik, signaled to someone else That the coast was clear.
Provenza: and if that someone else murdered parsall And then fired at gabriel as he was making his escape, Those shots could have looked like they came from erik.
Wait.
wait a minute.
so what are you saying? You think i shot an unarmed kid? There were no bullet impacts Behind where sergeant gabriel was standing.
Sergeant Would you turn over your firearm, please? Thank you.
And, lieutenant tao, can i have a clip of blanks, please? mm-hmm.
Mm, here you go, chief.
Thank you.
Okay, everyone stand behind me, please.
I'm firing a weapon with blanks.
There's no need to be alarmed.
there's no need to be alarmed.
Sergeant, there's no way you were standing on this mark When you fired your weapon.
Yeah, he would have been standing more near here.
[ beeping .]
[ beeping intensifies .]
Tao.
tao: yeah.
[ chuckles .]
looks like a wadcutter.
Thank you, lieutenant.
[ sighs .]
[ elevator bell dings .]
Brenda: sorry to interrupt, gentlemen.
Where's erik whitner? Uh, in his room, asleep, i think.
His parents and attorney are waiting outside there.
It's not exactly a, uh, police-friendly situation here.
Yeah, ballistics matched the bullet found at the crime scene With the bullets that killed howard parsall.
So whoever killed our victim Also fired at sergeant gabriel.
It doesn't prove that this erik kid Was involved in the crime, Even with what he said in the ambulance.
So it's still david's word against this kid.
[ sighs deeply .]
I hate to ask y'all this, Since i know it's against your nature, But, um, do you think that you could distract Erik's parents and his lawyer, Sort of irritate them down the hall? After you.
[ clears throat .]
Lieutenant flynn, l.
a.
p.
d.
Yeah, we'd like to talk to you about your son.
We have some very important information.
Can we just go over here to the waiting room, please? Be a bit more private.
[ door closes .]
Who are you? I'm deputy chief brenda leigh johnson Of the l.
a.
p.
d.
I'm so sorry to awaken you when you're feeling unwell, But i have a few questions.
I already talked to the other lady.
I'm here Because you may have witnessed the actual murder.
I don't know what you're talking about.
You don't remember another man being shot The night before last? Well, that happens sometimes.
Um, the trauma of being wounded Can affect your recollections, But the killer ran right past you.
He was as close to you as i am right now.
Okay, i don't want you in here anymore.
Please leave.
Hey.
hey! Hey, you can't do that! Dad! hey, mom! [ breathing heavily .]
i'm not gonna talk to you.
That's okay.
you can just listen.
I got plenty to say.
The officer who rode with you in the ambulance Told me you said some things to him on the way to the e.
r.
"nobody was supposed to get hurt.
" I didn't say anything to him.
He shot me.
why would i say anything to him? You'd be amazed at what people say When they think they're about to meet god face-to-face, Because they're sorry or guilty or afraid.
I wasn't dying.
You thought you were.
That's the other thing you said -- "please don't let me die.
" sound familiar? No.
Erik, have you ever heard of the term "transferred intent"? It means that if a homicide occurs During the commission of a felony -- Say, armed robbery -- That everybody involved is as responsible for the murder As the guy who pulled the trigger, Even if they were just a lookout And they didn't see the car With the witnesses sitting at the curb.
I didn't do anything.
i was just standing there.
Why were you just standing there? Doesn't matter why.
You can't arrest me for anything.
Not right now, erik, but i'm coming after you! I'm gonna prove that you murdered howard parsall, Even if i have to use transferred intent to do it.
Do you really want to go to the gas chamber Because someone else committed a murder? Come on, who was with you the night before last? Who shot mr.
parsall?! who shot at the police?! What are you doing in here? I'm talking to your son, that's all.
Without his lawyer present? I'm discussing a murder, not your civil case.
Either way, this is all going into the lawsuit.
Mr.
whitner: what's with you people? You care more about investigating some dead arab Than you do my son.
Oh.
chief johnson.
Ricardo, of course.
how are you? Would you gentlemen excuse us just for one moment, please? You're here about the boy.
Cop shooting an unarmed teenager -- That's a big story.
Of course, taylor keeps shutting me out, So i figured i'd just come here and see what the boy has to say.
Well, if you wait a day -- It's already been two, chief.
Pretty soon, it's gonna be old news.
I can't let that happen.
This case may be more Than just an officer-involved shooting.
Really? how so? well, i'm not at liberty to say today [ chuckles .]
but look, look, look, look -- I'moffering you an exclusive.
All right, 24 hours.
it better be worth it.
It will.
I want to know everything i can about this erik whitner -- Where he goes to school, who his friends are, What his activities are.
I'm beginning to think this was a hate crime.
[ cellphone rings .]
Oh.
Uh, sorry, one second.
[ beep .]
Hey! fritzi! Hey, uh, w-what did Dr.
fleming say? [ kitty meows .]
Kitty isn't getting better.
What does that mean? [ sighs .]
brenda, there's just-- [sighs.]
All right, listen.
Honey There is nothing else we can do Except try and keep kitty comfortable, warm.
[ sighs .]
look, we need to get a second opinion.
Now, listen to me.
You really want to put kitty through more needles and tests? She has been loyal to you and loving in every way, And she has nothing but suffering Ahead of her.
She's counting on us to stop that.
But, you know, dr.
fleming said That we could keep her comfortable.
try and keep her comfortable -- try.
Look [sighs.]
do we need to talk about this right now? No, brenda, we don't have to talk about it now, Because you know what needs to be done here.
[ voice breaking .]
but i can't do it.
I can't do it.
[ sighs .]
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
[ exhales heavily .]
[ meows weakly .]
[ sighs .]
Taylor: chief johnson? yes? pope's in the office with rehder.
Oh, that woman! Gabriel: chief Look, if the kid i shot was really unarmed, Maybe i should call my attorney and -- No, sergeant.
Your attorney will say what i'm going to say-- Sit tight.
[ sighs .]
Hello.
Chief johnson, i told you to investigate a murder, And now you're harassing a witness.
Well, he's not a witness anymore.
He's a suspect.
Are you in possession of evidence i don't have? I don't know.
Okay, let's get this straight here.
I have 72 hours After an l.
a.
p.
d.
officer discharges his firearm To report to the chief of police And the federal government As to the exact nature of the event.
So if you are in possession of evidence that i don't have, it is required that you give it to me for my report.
You can have access to my evidence When i finish investigating the murder.
She isn't just investigating a murder.
She's working very hard to get sergeant gabriel off the hook For shooting my victim, And she's impeding federal justice.
i am the one with the victim! And you're protecting the suspect From the justice system.
The opposite is true here, actually, chief johnson.
You are protecting sergeant gabriel -- My suspect -- as well as badgering the witness.
How am i doing that? Uh, by threatening erik with the death penalty.
All i did was give an 18-year-old boy Some free legal advice.
Transferred intent can be a difficult concept to grasp.
Your conduct during this murder investigation has begun to seriously threaten a federal inquiry.
look, captain, you were the one who insisted That these were two separate cases.
But, chief johnson, according to erik whitner's attorney, Who called me to complain about this harassment, A little sensitivity might be called for.
The whitners recently lost a family member In the war in afghanistan, And now, two weeks later, To have their son shot up by an l.
a.
p.
d.
-- I'm sorry, what -- what -- who -- who in their family died? Gunnery sergeant william m.
roth -- Mrs.
whitner's older brother -- Marine sharpshooter killed in afghanistan 19 days ago When mortar fire hit his transport vehicle.
So, mr.
parsall's murder could have been revenge For erik's uncle's death in the middle east.
Yeah, but mr.
parsall is from israel.
It isn't always easy to tell Who's from where in the middle east.
And where did, uh, gunnery sergeant roth live? Uh, 1066 sylmar avenue, uh, panorama city.
Provenza: and a search on the roth family address Shows a complaint was filed against them by their next-door neighbor.
A complaint -- for what? Uh, shots fired.
Turns out gunnery sergeant roth's son, billy, Who happens to be erik whitner's cousin, Was playing target practice with his neighbor's fence Yeah, i regret filing that complaint.
Why is that, sir? I didn't know that billy's dad died in afghanistan A little while ago.
I'm sure the kid was just blowing off some steam.
The fence is old anyway, needs to be replaced.
Ah, i should have let it go.
[ beeping intensifies .]
ah.
tao.
Hmm? Ahh.
[ grunts .]
You know, i can't get to it without entering The roth property, and there's no one home to ask.
Not home.
right.
Uh, detective sanchez, Why don't you go ahead and give it a try? [ dog barks .]
Sir? Oh, hey, be my guest.
Oh! Looks like a wadcutter.
Six lands, with a left twist.
I'll have to confirm it with ballistics, But i think we have a match.
Lieutenant flynn, i think that buys us a search warrant.
Already on it, chief.
Okay Now, where are the roths, i wonder? Flynn: en route to nebraska.
[ sighs .]
Apparently, the roths booked a family trip to grandma's Right after you visited with erik.
Omaha p.
d.
is waiting for them at the airport.
How did the tests go on the revolver we found Under billy's bed? Matches the bullets.
Plus, sanchez put a picture of billy roth in a six pack, And each witness separately i.
d.
'd him as the shooter.
Uh, ricardo, would you mind? [ sighs .]
Look, we won't have the kid in our custody For at least another 48 hours.
I can't wait that long.
Captain rehder needs to report to the chief tomorrow.
I'm gonna have to get what i need from erik.
Chief, i don't think the parents and the lawyer Are gonna fall for the same trick twice.
Mr.
and mrs.
whitner.
Hi, my name is ricardo ramos.
i work for the times, and i'd like to ask you a few questions, if i could.
We're not giving statements.
Oh, i don't need a statement.
i, uh, need a perspective -- your perspective.
You see, you have a story that needs to be told, And i want to be the one to tell it.
I'll even buy the coffee.
Okay.
Great.
Hello, erik.
You're not supposed to be in here.
You remember that legal term i explained to you -- Se "transferred intent"? Well, you don't need to worry about it anymore, Because i just spoke to your cousin billy.
What are you talking about? Billy told me that the two of you Were just gonna hassle mr.
parsall But that you had other ideas once you got there.
Do you recognize this gun? You should.
We've just confirmed it As the weapon used to kill mr.
parsall.
That's That's not mine.
I didn't do anything.
I told you i was coming after you, erik, and here i am.
I have the murder weapon.
I have your cousin's statement saying that you're the shooter, that you fired at the police, and that after you were shot, He grabbed the gun and ran away, Which means i have you for homicide.
Erik whitner, you are under arrest For the murder of howard parsall.
You have the right to remain silent.
If you can't afford the attorney you already have hold on, please? Do you understand and waive your rights? Yeah, fine, yes.
just let me explain.
No, this is my son's room.
step back.
Your parents can't help you now, erik.
only me.
Talk to me.
Tell me what happened, Or i'm gonna have to go with billy's side of the story, And you can kiss the rest of your life goodbye! I didn't know about the gun.
I thought we were just gonna kick the guy's ass Or steal his money or something.
Because he's middle eastern? because he's muslim.
Because we're at war with the muslims.
But, listen, i didn't know billy was gonna shoot that guy.
I didn't know.
I-i just wanted to scare him.
I swear.
you have to believe me.
Billy is the one who shot him, not me.
And after billy shot mr.
parsall? He took the money out of the register, And we started to run.
Until you heard someone telling you "stop.
" I stopped and i turned around And i started to raise my hands.
But billy was standing behind you, and he fired at the officer? Yes.
Yeah, he shot at him, yeah.
How many times? how many times?! twice! i think.
Look, nobody was supposed to get hurt.
That's exactly what you said to sergeant gabriel In the ambulance -- "nobody was supposed to get hurt.
" yeah.
that is what i said.
And now look at me.
Well [sighs.]
The good news is that the doctors say That you're gonna make a full recovery.
Unfortunately, the same can't be said for mr.
parsall.
Oh, and for your information, howard parsall, the arab that your cousin murdered -- He wasn't an arab, and he wasn't a muslim.
He was an american citizen And he was jewish.
You shot the wrong guy.
[ sighs .]
Hey.
hey! I didn't shoot anybody! This is against the law.
You cannot come in here and accost my son! i'm not accosting your son.
i'm arresting him for murder in the first degree.
Lieutenant provenza, would you please do the honors? Oh, my pleasure, chief.
Ricardo.
I helped you out.
Thank you for that.
And we had a deal.
We did.
And i think i know What your exclusive should be, hopefully.
And, hopefully, that will be what? the headline should read, LAPD sergeant cleared of all charges.
Taylor: so tell the shrink, If you had the whole thing to do over again, You don't know how you'd do it differently.
Say shooting the kid made you upset, but not too upset, 'cause you were being shot at, too, So you're happy to be alive.
Say you feel for the kid, Even though he participated in a murder.
And they're going to ask you How many nights a week do you drink.
Keep it under three.
Yeah.
yeah, that's good.
Rehder: sergeant gabriel? Will you join us, please? [ sighs .]
[ clears throat .]
Thank you, commander.
Thank you, julio.
Brenda: so, sergeant gabriel, as you know, Erik whitner's cousin billy roth has been arrested For the murder of mr.
parsall and attempted murder of a police officer.
Erik whitner has also been charged With the murder of mr.
parsall, Though i fully expect the d.
a.
to make a deal with him In return for his testimony.
Does that comport with your version of events, Captain rehder? It does Now that i have all the information you withheld.
And is there anything else? Yeah, there is.
Sergeant gabriel, The district attorney has reviewed f.
i.
d.
's report And, upon our recommendation, is not filing charges against you.
So, once behavioral science has signed off, You are cleared for full duty.
Thank you, captain.
You're very welcome.
is that all, chief? Uh, well, i do want to express my appreciation For the insight that you've given me Into how f.
i.
d.
functions.
I have learned a great deal From your single-minded approach.
and i have learned a great deal About your investigative technique, as well, Especially as it regards l.
a.
p.
d.
's struggle To regain autonomy over its own affairs, And i'll be including all of that in my final report Chief.
Oh, i can't wait to read that, captain.
Mm.
Sergeant [ clears throat .]
do not doubt yourself on this.
You acted properly, legally, and decisively To protect the public safety.
By shooting an unarmed kid.
The law considers him every bit as guilty As the boy holding the gun.
Yeah, well, i understand how the law sees it.
I just, um-- [inhales sharply.]
I see it a little differently.
But i do want to thank you, chief, For being there for me.
Well, if i'm going to be upset with you When you're wrong, sergeant, The least i can do is stand up for you when you're right.
[ chuckles softly .]
[ sighs .]
[ sighs .]
[ meows weakly .]
[ footsteps approaching .]
Hey.
Hey.
[ sighs .]
I made arrangements for someone to be with kitty During the day, so No, no, no, you're right.
I've been thinking about it, and [ meows .]
i've only been looking at how hard this is on me Not kitty.
[ meows .]
It's not what she deserves.
Dr.
fleming's coming over right now.
And, uh, we're gonna do it here So that her last moments aren't in some examination room.
I just -- i want to do the right thing by her.
This is the right thing, isn't it? I think it is, sweetie, yeah.
[ doorbell rings .]
[ breathes deeply .]
[ smooches .]
I wish i knew what you were thinking.
But no matter what it seems like we're doing It's only because i love you so much.
[ sniffles .]
[ voice breaking .]
oh, my poor little kitty.
My poor, poor, poor, poor little girl.
Diet cola, please.
Thank you.
So, how'd things go with irene? Sorry, david.
She won't even let me apologize? David, there are some things an apology just can't change.
Well, is she dating someone else? [ sighs .]
She's moved on.
And so should you.
[ sighs .]
This thing with irene -- It hurt your career.
You know, it -- it kills me, because She gets promoted, and i'm the bad guy.
Yeah.
Sanchez won't talk to me unless he has to.
Tao -- he's polite but distant.
And the chief [inhales sharply.]
Chief won't confide in me anymore.
So, i don't know, Maybe i should take the lieutenant's test.
Nah.
Outside of major crimes, Lieutenant's an administrative position, just like sergeant.
Instead of taking a step up, consider this -- Take a step sideways.
Add "detective" to your present rank.
and that's something i can help you with.
[ gunshots .]
[ indistinct shouting, woman screams .]
L.
a.
p.
d.
everyone, stay inside.
[ clatter .]
Hey! stop! Police! stop now! police! [ gunfire .]
Show me your hands! show me your hands! Where's your gun?! What did you do with your weapon?! Please, i don't want to die.
You all right? yeah, i'm fine.
We got a victim down by the newsstand, And this kid just took a shot at me! We need to secure the area and find his gun! [ siren wails .]
[ whimpering .]
Hurry up, guys.
You're going to the e.
r.
with this kid.
I can't.
i can't.
i shot him.
I have to wait here.
we have to find his gun.
This kid is dying.
If you want time to question him, it's got to be now.
Go.
Go.
[ police radio chatter .]
What? No one was supposed to get hurt.
[ siren chirps .]
Rehder: i want every inch of this area taped off.
Sergeant davies, make sure those casings over there Are marked with our gps system.
That couple over there -- the ones who called 911 -- They say they saw the murder from their car.
Separate them.
get detailed -- and i mean detailed -- statements From both of them individually.
Uh, captain rehder? Lieutenant flynn, i'm a little busy.
What is it? Well, we were wondering if, While you're investigating the shooting of a scumbag suspect, We might be able to look into the actual murder.
Chief johnson won't be happy With the evidence just deteriorating -- This isn't chief johnson's crime scene, So i wouldn't worry about it, gentlemen.
Officer-involved shootings are my jurisdiction, Not major crimes'.
that dead body over there is ours.
Not tonight.
Taylor: uh, captain rehder.
Maybe it might expedite things if i -- If you'd explain why the sergeant who pulled the trigger Was permitted to leave the scene After he'd been drinking and while you were with him, Which makes you a percipient witness.
What hospital am i going to? Cedars.
Sergeant ray, Get the commander's statement and get him out of here.
Sergeant elliot, i'm reachable on my cell! Chief.
Sergeant.
you're okay? Uh, yeah, i'm -- i'm -- yes, ma'am.
I'm just waiting to hear about, uh Erik whitner, the kid i shot.
[ inhales sharply .]
doesn't look good.
Commander taylor told me that you may have had a chance To question this young man -- erik -- On your way to the hospital.
Getting in the -- in the ambulance, He just kept saying he didn't want to die And no one was supposed to get hurt and Well, that's an odd thing to say, Especially since he was killing people.
What else did he say? [ sighs .]
Look, chief, um I may have made a mistake here.
Okay, what was that? Well, i never read the kid his rights, And i talked to him while he was laid out on the stretcher -- Oh, no, no, that's okay.
[ sighs .]
that's okay.
[ sighs .]
That's not a mistake.
that's not a mistake.
Um erik is probably dying, And dying declarations are admissible in murder trials.
Wait.
Chief, why are you here instead of the crime scene? Well, unfortunately, david, Major crimes isn't allowed to pursue this homicide Until after the force investigation division Has finished their initial assessment ofwhat you did.
[ chuckling .]
what? Look, look, look, i-i need you to sit down.
Okay, i need you to sit down right now and listen to me.
Commander taylor deliberately sent f.
i.
d.
To the wrong hospital, But they're gonna figure that out soon enough, so we have maybe minutes Before your lawyer shows up and captain rehder steps in.
whoa.
my lawyer? I need you to tell me exactly what happened -- exactly what happened.
[ sighs .]
i -- I heard shots.
I-i ran out of the bar.
I saw the victim down by the newsstand.
I looked up, i saw the gunman fleeing.
I identified myself as a police officer, ordered him to stop.
He turned around and opened fire -- two shots.
And i returned fire, and i dropped him.
Erik whitner fired his gun twice? Yes, twice.
at you? are you sure? Yes, i'm sure! Okay, f.
i.
d.
is gonna tell you That there was no gun found at the crime scene And that the only casings were from a 9-millimeter, and i'm certain that that is gonna match up with your gun.
there was a gun, because he shot at me.
But there were no bullet impacts Behind where you were standing, and there were no ricochet marks.
As far as f.
i.
d.
is concerned, You were not fired upon, and you shot an unarmed man.
W-what about the body at the newsstand? Doesn't that prove that there was a gun? Are you absolutely positive that erik whitner fired at you? Sergeant gabriel, don't answer that.
Who are you? anthony monroe.
Communications division notified the union, And i've been assigned as your attorney in this case.
Apologize it took me so long to get here, But there was a mix-up in hospitals.
If we could, i'd like to sit down And talk about tonight's events.
Look, mr.
monroe, i didn't do anything wrong, And i don't want an attorney.
Yes, sergeant, you do.
Okay.
So i have an attorney.
Captain rehder.
Are you sergeant david gabriel? Yes, i am.
As a sergeant, I would expect you to be familiar With the rules and regulations Surrounding the use of your firearm.
And you would be correct.
Then why did you disregard l.
a.
p.
d.
policy And leave the scene of your action? I was following a direct -- Sergeant, please say nothing else.
I see you've met your counsel, So i won't bother asking you for your statement.
But over here, there is this officer with a breathalyzer, And i would appreciate it if you visited him immediately To assess your blood alcohol level.
Or if you prefer, your lawyer can explain to you The long-term consequences of failing to do as i ask.
[ scoffs .]
Do you need help with the word "immediately"? Captain rehder, it is so nice to finally meet you.
So, i was told that sergeant gabriel And the victim had been sent to cedars, And here you all are at st.
catherine's medical center.
And i was just wondering, How is it that you happened to be at the right hospital while i was sent to the wrong one? If i may, i'd like to offer some advice.
When investigating shootings like this, I question the criminals first before my fellow officers.
When i have an unarmed civilian sprayed by bullets From a member of the l.
a.
p.
d.
, I expect cooperation.
It encourages me.
And if i could offer you some advice -- While i am investigating this shooting, Be careful where you place your sympathies.
"chief.
" Excuse me? "be careful where you place your sympathies, chief.
" You are a captain and a subordinate officer, And you will remember that when addressing me.
Do i make myself clear, captain? Perfectly Chief.
Excuse me.
Got work to do.
Fritz: is kitty okay?! I thought i heard her throwing up! no, no.
[ sighs .]
it's just -- just a little cough.
He's fine.
she's fine.
[ meowing weakly .]
Are you sure? i could take her in today instead of tomorrow.
No, no, no, no.
She ate her whole breakfast.
I don't want to rush her over to the vet.
Let's -- let's not make too much of it.
[ growling softly .]
I got to go.
Well i'm late.
i could swear i no, i'm late.
i-i heard -- i'm late.
[ whimpers .]
Let's pause in this report for a moment, commander, To hear why you ignored policy And put sergeant gabriel in an ambulance Instead of waiting for the black-and-whites And then sent f.
i.
d.
to the wrong emergency room.
I thought the paramedics were going to cedars.
[ chuckling .]
my apologies.
i was off-duty.
I had had several alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach.
You didn't seem at all drunk to me, commander.
Oh.
thanks.
Brenda: uh, well, regardless, Erik whitner is in stable condition.
Sergeant gabriel has met with his counsel And given his statement.
The only thing outstanding Is the homicide of a newspaper vendor, Which no one has been allowed to investigate.
Chief pope, i spent the night Familiarizing myself with major crimes -- Really, really impressive.
I find no incidents Where they've investigated the murder Of a newspaper vendor, Whereas the shooting of an unarmed civilian By an l.
a.
p.
d.
officer incurs serious liability.
Well, it can't take priority over homicide.
Perhaps captain rehder would like to tell Mr.
parsall's family that his murder -- Chief johnson is trying to combine my officer-involved shooting when they are clearly two distinctly different cases.
are you interrupting me? I must go first! my investigation must go first! These attempts to pull rank are embarrassing, unacceptable, And potentially an obstruction of justice.
I have a federally mandated responsibility To determine why an l.
a.
p.
d.
officer Discharged his weapon, Which supersedes chief johnson's objections, As well as yours, sir if it comes to that.
Itwon't.
thank you.
Were there any witnesses to this shooting? Yes, a-a couple saw a young white man Shoot mr.
parsall several times at point-blank range, Empty his cash drawer, and run away.
Erik whitner had $2 in his pocket, He had no gun, he wasn't i.
d.
'd by the witnesses.
Well, then whoever murdered mr.
parsall is still out there.
What if he shoots someone else While captain rehder refuses me access to the crime scene? Is it safe to assume that the white male who shot mr.
parsall was not sergeant gabriel? That is not the issue here.
Then what is the issue, captain? Clearly, chief johnson wants to combine My case with her murder In order to protect a well-liked member of her division.
I will not allow my professional conduct To be questioned like this, Especially when all i've asked captain rehder to do Is just to move her red tape just a few feet to the left So that i can properly begin searching for a murderer.
Pope: all right, captain rehder, You seem to be insisting That this officer-involved shooting And that parsall's murder are two separate events.
That's exactly what they are, And i need to be allowed to work my case Before chief johnson -- no, no, no.
if erik whitner is not the shooter, Than major crimes needs to look for the real killer.
You and chief johnson will share the crime scene And the witnesses.
But sergeant gabriel is not to take part In this investigation Until the officer-involved shooting Is completely explained.
Rehder: chief johnson, wait.
I just want to say that i understand the urge To protect the people you work with, and i respect it.
But i'm obligated to investigate this shooting As if it were a criminal act, And i would ask that you do nothing To jeopardize the success of my inquiry, that's all.
You stay out of my way, captain, i'll stay out of yours.
Well I tried.
Careful, chief.
She's part of internal affairs, And she can carry a grudge.
Well, then She better get ready for some heavy lifting.
I remember rehder back when she was a sergeant.
Filed a complaint against my old partner, george andrews, Said he was misogynistic.
[ chuckles .]
we had to look it up.
got both of us four months of sensitivity training.
Well, that was a complete waste of time.
Doctor, anything? Well, he's definitely dead.
There's also this stippling around each wound -- Basically, gunpowder burns.
But they're not spread out, Which tells me mr.
parsall was shot at extremely close range.
What's bothering you, though? Usually, when bullets pierce the skin, They tear the epidermis and present a torn edge.
These wounds are clean Round.
The only reason i can think of for this type of entrance wound Is that the bullet must have been [ squishing .]
Ah! Ah, i'm right.
Wadcutters.
Target rounds.
flat tip.
Leave clean, round holes in paper So you can tell the exact entrance point.
Yeah, well, finding the exact entrance point -- not a problem we have with this guy.
[ shell clinks .]
Tao: the average target round Is accurate only over short distances.
And because the bullet is flat-tipped, They're not used in magazines or clips.
Jams too easily.
Which means the murder weapon is probably -- a revolver.
Which would explain Why there were no casings found at the crime scene.
Sergeant, please, you're not allowed to be part of this investigation.
Yes, lieutenant? Chief, a revolver would explain Why there were no casings at the crime scene.
Thank you.
What do we know about the couple who witnessed the shooting? Okay [clears throat.]
well, that was ron and tina drake.
They were sitting in their car by the curb for an hour or so, And they saw the robbery and the murder.
What were they doing in their car for an hour? Well [sighs.]
they're a divorced couple, You know, working things out.
Well, good for them.
A relationship based on love is -- Is worth fighting for.
Isn't it? who are you? Sanchez: chief, the drakes said They got a good look at the shooter As the robbery started But ducked down in their car right after.
And when they were shown a photo of whitner, They had no idea who he was.
Flynn: you know what i was thinking, chief? [ clears throat .]
I mean, what do you get when you rob a newsstand? Like, what, $38 in quarters? Maybe mr.
parsall pissed somebody off.
They killed him, and the robbery was just incidental.
What do we know about mr.
parsall? Well, he immigrated here from israel, uh, in 2000.
He was naturalized in 2004.
Besides owning the newsstand, Volunteered at a jewish community center twice a week.
No record.
So, if it wasn't a robbery, what was it? [ footsteps approaching .]
uh, chief johnson? Uh, buzz, we're not ready to go to the crime scene yet.
That's fine.
I just stepped in to tell you i can't come with you.
What? why not? Well, the other detectives over there Say they never got word from captain rehder to let civilians in.
but you work for us! I know.
Oh! That woman! Never mind, we're all going.
Lieutenant tao, would you please bring your bag of tricks? And, sergeant gabriel, you're coming, too.
You just said i wasn't a part of this investigation.
But you're a witness, and i need witnesses.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! what are you doing?! We're headed to the newsstand To pick up a paper, read about the two f.
i.
d.
guys Who got fired because they disregarded orders from the pope.
Listen, i'm not gonna -- tone, tone, tone.
That's no way to talk to a lieutenant, Or a deputy chief, for that matter.
Sir, if you do anything to interfere With my murder investigation, I'll see to it that you spend the next month on unpaid leave.
Is that understood? Okay, buzz.
Buzz, start filming everything over here, Including the unhappy officers over there.
"s.
g.
" Sergeant gabriel.
Stands for "suspect guilty," as far as f.
i.
d.
's concerned.
Okay, so, this is where you said You were standing thank you.
All right, sergeant, please return to this mark.
Thank you.
And, buzz, could you -- Buzz? Where is buzz? Right here.
Chief, what are you thinking? What if there was someone else involved In the shooting of mr.
parsall? What, like a second gunman? More like a lone gunman with an accomplice.
Gabriel: yeah, but, chief, i saw the gun fire From right about where flynn is standing.
In your statement, you said you saw the flash of a gun, Not the gun itself.
So, just like i couldn't see buzz Standing behind lieutenant flynn just now, It's possible that you didn't see the gunman Standing behind erik whitner.
Y-yeah, but it couldn't be like that.
I mean, h-how could it be like that? Syzygy! Huh? Syzygy.
It means when three things are in a row, Like an eclipse when the earth, The moon, and the sun are in alignment-- Or, in this case, gabriel, Erik whitner And someone else.
The divorced couple were sitting in their car for an hour, So, to the shooter and his lookout, This whole area would have appeared deserted.
The lookout, erik, signaled to someone else That the coast was clear.
Provenza: and if that someone else murdered parsall And then fired at gabriel as he was making his escape, Those shots could have looked like they came from erik.
Wait.
wait a minute.
so what are you saying? You think i shot an unarmed kid? There were no bullet impacts Behind where sergeant gabriel was standing.
Sergeant Would you turn over your firearm, please? Thank you.
And, lieutenant tao, can i have a clip of blanks, please? mm-hmm.
Mm, here you go, chief.
Thank you.
Okay, everyone stand behind me, please.
I'm firing a weapon with blanks.
There's no need to be alarmed.
there's no need to be alarmed.
Sergeant, there's no way you were standing on this mark When you fired your weapon.
Yeah, he would have been standing more near here.
[ beeping .]
[ beeping intensifies .]
Tao.
tao: yeah.
[ chuckles .]
looks like a wadcutter.
Thank you, lieutenant.
[ sighs .]
[ elevator bell dings .]
Brenda: sorry to interrupt, gentlemen.
Where's erik whitner? Uh, in his room, asleep, i think.
His parents and attorney are waiting outside there.
It's not exactly a, uh, police-friendly situation here.
Yeah, ballistics matched the bullet found at the crime scene With the bullets that killed howard parsall.
So whoever killed our victim Also fired at sergeant gabriel.
It doesn't prove that this erik kid Was involved in the crime, Even with what he said in the ambulance.
So it's still david's word against this kid.
[ sighs deeply .]
I hate to ask y'all this, Since i know it's against your nature, But, um, do you think that you could distract Erik's parents and his lawyer, Sort of irritate them down the hall? After you.
[ clears throat .]
Lieutenant flynn, l.
a.
p.
d.
Yeah, we'd like to talk to you about your son.
We have some very important information.
Can we just go over here to the waiting room, please? Be a bit more private.
[ door closes .]
Who are you? I'm deputy chief brenda leigh johnson Of the l.
a.
p.
d.
I'm so sorry to awaken you when you're feeling unwell, But i have a few questions.
I already talked to the other lady.
I'm here Because you may have witnessed the actual murder.
I don't know what you're talking about.
You don't remember another man being shot The night before last? Well, that happens sometimes.
Um, the trauma of being wounded Can affect your recollections, But the killer ran right past you.
He was as close to you as i am right now.
Okay, i don't want you in here anymore.
Please leave.
Hey.
hey! Hey, you can't do that! Dad! hey, mom! [ breathing heavily .]
i'm not gonna talk to you.
That's okay.
you can just listen.
I got plenty to say.
The officer who rode with you in the ambulance Told me you said some things to him on the way to the e.
r.
"nobody was supposed to get hurt.
" I didn't say anything to him.
He shot me.
why would i say anything to him? You'd be amazed at what people say When they think they're about to meet god face-to-face, Because they're sorry or guilty or afraid.
I wasn't dying.
You thought you were.
That's the other thing you said -- "please don't let me die.
" sound familiar? No.
Erik, have you ever heard of the term "transferred intent"? It means that if a homicide occurs During the commission of a felony -- Say, armed robbery -- That everybody involved is as responsible for the murder As the guy who pulled the trigger, Even if they were just a lookout And they didn't see the car With the witnesses sitting at the curb.
I didn't do anything.
i was just standing there.
Why were you just standing there? Doesn't matter why.
You can't arrest me for anything.
Not right now, erik, but i'm coming after you! I'm gonna prove that you murdered howard parsall, Even if i have to use transferred intent to do it.
Do you really want to go to the gas chamber Because someone else committed a murder? Come on, who was with you the night before last? Who shot mr.
parsall?! who shot at the police?! What are you doing in here? I'm talking to your son, that's all.
Without his lawyer present? I'm discussing a murder, not your civil case.
Either way, this is all going into the lawsuit.
Mr.
whitner: what's with you people? You care more about investigating some dead arab Than you do my son.
Oh.
chief johnson.
Ricardo, of course.
how are you? Would you gentlemen excuse us just for one moment, please? You're here about the boy.
Cop shooting an unarmed teenager -- That's a big story.
Of course, taylor keeps shutting me out, So i figured i'd just come here and see what the boy has to say.
Well, if you wait a day -- It's already been two, chief.
Pretty soon, it's gonna be old news.
I can't let that happen.
This case may be more Than just an officer-involved shooting.
Really? how so? well, i'm not at liberty to say today [ chuckles .]
but look, look, look, look -- I'moffering you an exclusive.
All right, 24 hours.
it better be worth it.
It will.
I want to know everything i can about this erik whitner -- Where he goes to school, who his friends are, What his activities are.
I'm beginning to think this was a hate crime.
[ cellphone rings .]
Oh.
Uh, sorry, one second.
[ beep .]
Hey! fritzi! Hey, uh, w-what did Dr.
fleming say? [ kitty meows .]
Kitty isn't getting better.
What does that mean? [ sighs .]
brenda, there's just-- [sighs.]
All right, listen.
Honey There is nothing else we can do Except try and keep kitty comfortable, warm.
[ sighs .]
look, we need to get a second opinion.
Now, listen to me.
You really want to put kitty through more needles and tests? She has been loyal to you and loving in every way, And she has nothing but suffering Ahead of her.
She's counting on us to stop that.
But, you know, dr.
fleming said That we could keep her comfortable.
try and keep her comfortable -- try.
Look [sighs.]
do we need to talk about this right now? No, brenda, we don't have to talk about it now, Because you know what needs to be done here.
[ voice breaking .]
but i can't do it.
I can't do it.
[ sighs .]
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
[ exhales heavily .]
[ meows weakly .]
[ sighs .]
Taylor: chief johnson? yes? pope's in the office with rehder.
Oh, that woman! Gabriel: chief Look, if the kid i shot was really unarmed, Maybe i should call my attorney and -- No, sergeant.
Your attorney will say what i'm going to say-- Sit tight.
[ sighs .]
Hello.
Chief johnson, i told you to investigate a murder, And now you're harassing a witness.
Well, he's not a witness anymore.
He's a suspect.
Are you in possession of evidence i don't have? I don't know.
Okay, let's get this straight here.
I have 72 hours After an l.
a.
p.
d.
officer discharges his firearm To report to the chief of police And the federal government As to the exact nature of the event.
So if you are in possession of evidence that i don't have, it is required that you give it to me for my report.
You can have access to my evidence When i finish investigating the murder.
She isn't just investigating a murder.
She's working very hard to get sergeant gabriel off the hook For shooting my victim, And she's impeding federal justice.
i am the one with the victim! And you're protecting the suspect From the justice system.
The opposite is true here, actually, chief johnson.
You are protecting sergeant gabriel -- My suspect -- as well as badgering the witness.
How am i doing that? Uh, by threatening erik with the death penalty.
All i did was give an 18-year-old boy Some free legal advice.
Transferred intent can be a difficult concept to grasp.
Your conduct during this murder investigation has begun to seriously threaten a federal inquiry.
look, captain, you were the one who insisted That these were two separate cases.
But, chief johnson, according to erik whitner's attorney, Who called me to complain about this harassment, A little sensitivity might be called for.
The whitners recently lost a family member In the war in afghanistan, And now, two weeks later, To have their son shot up by an l.
a.
p.
d.
-- I'm sorry, what -- what -- who -- who in their family died? Gunnery sergeant william m.
roth -- Mrs.
whitner's older brother -- Marine sharpshooter killed in afghanistan 19 days ago When mortar fire hit his transport vehicle.
So, mr.
parsall's murder could have been revenge For erik's uncle's death in the middle east.
Yeah, but mr.
parsall is from israel.
It isn't always easy to tell Who's from where in the middle east.
And where did, uh, gunnery sergeant roth live? Uh, 1066 sylmar avenue, uh, panorama city.
Provenza: and a search on the roth family address Shows a complaint was filed against them by their next-door neighbor.
A complaint -- for what? Uh, shots fired.
Turns out gunnery sergeant roth's son, billy, Who happens to be erik whitner's cousin, Was playing target practice with his neighbor's fence Yeah, i regret filing that complaint.
Why is that, sir? I didn't know that billy's dad died in afghanistan A little while ago.
I'm sure the kid was just blowing off some steam.
The fence is old anyway, needs to be replaced.
Ah, i should have let it go.
[ beeping intensifies .]
ah.
tao.
Hmm? Ahh.
[ grunts .]
You know, i can't get to it without entering The roth property, and there's no one home to ask.
Not home.
right.
Uh, detective sanchez, Why don't you go ahead and give it a try? [ dog barks .]
Sir? Oh, hey, be my guest.
Oh! Looks like a wadcutter.
Six lands, with a left twist.
I'll have to confirm it with ballistics, But i think we have a match.
Lieutenant flynn, i think that buys us a search warrant.
Already on it, chief.
Okay Now, where are the roths, i wonder? Flynn: en route to nebraska.
[ sighs .]
Apparently, the roths booked a family trip to grandma's Right after you visited with erik.
Omaha p.
d.
is waiting for them at the airport.
How did the tests go on the revolver we found Under billy's bed? Matches the bullets.
Plus, sanchez put a picture of billy roth in a six pack, And each witness separately i.
d.
'd him as the shooter.
Uh, ricardo, would you mind? [ sighs .]
Look, we won't have the kid in our custody For at least another 48 hours.
I can't wait that long.
Captain rehder needs to report to the chief tomorrow.
I'm gonna have to get what i need from erik.
Chief, i don't think the parents and the lawyer Are gonna fall for the same trick twice.
Mr.
and mrs.
whitner.
Hi, my name is ricardo ramos.
i work for the times, and i'd like to ask you a few questions, if i could.
We're not giving statements.
Oh, i don't need a statement.
i, uh, need a perspective -- your perspective.
You see, you have a story that needs to be told, And i want to be the one to tell it.
I'll even buy the coffee.
Okay.
Great.
Hello, erik.
You're not supposed to be in here.
You remember that legal term i explained to you -- Se "transferred intent"? Well, you don't need to worry about it anymore, Because i just spoke to your cousin billy.
What are you talking about? Billy told me that the two of you Were just gonna hassle mr.
parsall But that you had other ideas once you got there.
Do you recognize this gun? You should.
We've just confirmed it As the weapon used to kill mr.
parsall.
That's That's not mine.
I didn't do anything.
I told you i was coming after you, erik, and here i am.
I have the murder weapon.
I have your cousin's statement saying that you're the shooter, that you fired at the police, and that after you were shot, He grabbed the gun and ran away, Which means i have you for homicide.
Erik whitner, you are under arrest For the murder of howard parsall.
You have the right to remain silent.
If you can't afford the attorney you already have hold on, please? Do you understand and waive your rights? Yeah, fine, yes.
just let me explain.
No, this is my son's room.
step back.
Your parents can't help you now, erik.
only me.
Talk to me.
Tell me what happened, Or i'm gonna have to go with billy's side of the story, And you can kiss the rest of your life goodbye! I didn't know about the gun.
I thought we were just gonna kick the guy's ass Or steal his money or something.
Because he's middle eastern? because he's muslim.
Because we're at war with the muslims.
But, listen, i didn't know billy was gonna shoot that guy.
I didn't know.
I-i just wanted to scare him.
I swear.
you have to believe me.
Billy is the one who shot him, not me.
And after billy shot mr.
parsall? He took the money out of the register, And we started to run.
Until you heard someone telling you "stop.
" I stopped and i turned around And i started to raise my hands.
But billy was standing behind you, and he fired at the officer? Yes.
Yeah, he shot at him, yeah.
How many times? how many times?! twice! i think.
Look, nobody was supposed to get hurt.
That's exactly what you said to sergeant gabriel In the ambulance -- "nobody was supposed to get hurt.
" yeah.
that is what i said.
And now look at me.
Well [sighs.]
The good news is that the doctors say That you're gonna make a full recovery.
Unfortunately, the same can't be said for mr.
parsall.
Oh, and for your information, howard parsall, the arab that your cousin murdered -- He wasn't an arab, and he wasn't a muslim.
He was an american citizen And he was jewish.
You shot the wrong guy.
[ sighs .]
Hey.
hey! I didn't shoot anybody! This is against the law.
You cannot come in here and accost my son! i'm not accosting your son.
i'm arresting him for murder in the first degree.
Lieutenant provenza, would you please do the honors? Oh, my pleasure, chief.
Ricardo.
I helped you out.
Thank you for that.
And we had a deal.
We did.
And i think i know What your exclusive should be, hopefully.
And, hopefully, that will be what? the headline should read, LAPD sergeant cleared of all charges.
Taylor: so tell the shrink, If you had the whole thing to do over again, You don't know how you'd do it differently.
Say shooting the kid made you upset, but not too upset, 'cause you were being shot at, too, So you're happy to be alive.
Say you feel for the kid, Even though he participated in a murder.
And they're going to ask you How many nights a week do you drink.
Keep it under three.
Yeah.
yeah, that's good.
Rehder: sergeant gabriel? Will you join us, please? [ sighs .]
[ clears throat .]
Thank you, commander.
Thank you, julio.
Brenda: so, sergeant gabriel, as you know, Erik whitner's cousin billy roth has been arrested For the murder of mr.
parsall and attempted murder of a police officer.
Erik whitner has also been charged With the murder of mr.
parsall, Though i fully expect the d.
a.
to make a deal with him In return for his testimony.
Does that comport with your version of events, Captain rehder? It does Now that i have all the information you withheld.
And is there anything else? Yeah, there is.
Sergeant gabriel, The district attorney has reviewed f.
i.
d.
's report And, upon our recommendation, is not filing charges against you.
So, once behavioral science has signed off, You are cleared for full duty.
Thank you, captain.
You're very welcome.
is that all, chief? Uh, well, i do want to express my appreciation For the insight that you've given me Into how f.
i.
d.
functions.
I have learned a great deal From your single-minded approach.
and i have learned a great deal About your investigative technique, as well, Especially as it regards l.
a.
p.
d.
's struggle To regain autonomy over its own affairs, And i'll be including all of that in my final report Chief.
Oh, i can't wait to read that, captain.
Mm.
Sergeant [ clears throat .]
do not doubt yourself on this.
You acted properly, legally, and decisively To protect the public safety.
By shooting an unarmed kid.
The law considers him every bit as guilty As the boy holding the gun.
Yeah, well, i understand how the law sees it.
I just, um-- [inhales sharply.]
I see it a little differently.
But i do want to thank you, chief, For being there for me.
Well, if i'm going to be upset with you When you're wrong, sergeant, The least i can do is stand up for you when you're right.
[ chuckles softly .]
[ sighs .]
[ sighs .]
[ meows weakly .]
[ footsteps approaching .]
Hey.
Hey.
[ sighs .]
I made arrangements for someone to be with kitty During the day, so No, no, no, you're right.
I've been thinking about it, and [ meows .]
i've only been looking at how hard this is on me Not kitty.
[ meows .]
It's not what she deserves.
Dr.
fleming's coming over right now.
And, uh, we're gonna do it here So that her last moments aren't in some examination room.
I just -- i want to do the right thing by her.
This is the right thing, isn't it? I think it is, sweetie, yeah.
[ doorbell rings .]
[ breathes deeply .]
[ smooches .]
I wish i knew what you were thinking.
But no matter what it seems like we're doing It's only because i love you so much.
[ sniffles .]
[ voice breaking .]
oh, my poor little kitty.
My poor, poor, poor, poor little girl.