Law & Order Special Victims Unit s18e13 Episode Script
Genes
1 In the criminal justice system, sexually based offenses are considered especially heinous.
In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit.
These are their stories.
[rock music playing.]
- Want me to keep the tab open? - Yeah.
Okay.
How's it going, Jessica? What can I do for you, Rodney? Go to dinner with me tomorrow night.
Polo Club, Locanda Verde, Nobu.
Whatever you want.
I'm working.
Forget dinner.
Just marry me.
Okay, all right, marriage might be a bit premature.
So let's compromise.
Okay, all right.
Paris it is.
You and me, strolling down the Champs-Ãlysées She's not into you, dude.
Deal with it.
You her boyfriend? No.
- Then shut up.
- Just back off, Rodney.
- You hear me? - I love when you get mad.
Your eyes sparkle and your lips get all pouty.
[distant siren wailing.]
[sighs.]
- Hey oh, sorry.
- [gasps.]
I didn't mean to scare you.
Go home, Rodney.
I'm not in the mood.
Okay, all right, hey, but I'm a good guy.
I swear, I'm sorry for being so annoying.
- But - Whoa, don't touch me! Relax, I just wanted to say good night.
[car alarm chirps.]
Aah! Get off of me! - Get off of me, help, aah! - Get the door.
Getahh! Get off! - Just relax.
Just relax.
- Aah! Aah! Aah! Jessica Walcott, 26.
Works at a bar on 7th and Avenue B.
Someone pushed her into her car and raped her on the front seat.
[dark music.]
We are so sorry about what happened.
Can we ask you some questions? Uh, yeah, sure.
Did you see the man who attacked you? No, 'cause he came up from behind me when I opened the car door.
So, no I didn't see him.
I'm sorry.
No, it's okay.
Don't worry.
Did you hear his voice? Uh, yeah, 'cause afterward he talked a lot.
What did he say? That he was sorry.
And then he started to cry and said it wasn't his fault because he was born to be a rapist and it was in his genes.
[dramatic music.]
I opened the door, someone grabbed me from behind, and I elbowed him.
But he grabbed my arms anyway, 'cause he was really strong.
And he put me down on the back seat, put a hand over my mouth, pulled down my underwear, my tights, and then then he raped me.
And you told my detectives that he said something.
Yeah, he just kept saying, "I'm sorry.
" But I think I know who did it.
You do? Great.
- Do you know his name? - Rodney.
Okay.
He comes to the bar a lot.
And he's always flirting with me and asking me out, and I say no, but he keeps trying.
And he tried again last night? Yeah.
After I closed up, he followed me to my car.
[solemn music.]
So, you told my detectives that the assailant cried and that he told you that the reason that he assaulted you was because of his genetics? Yeah.
It was odd.
I mean, is that real? No, that's not real, and that's that's ridiculous.
It's the best car in the showroom.
I sold one to Derek Jeter two months ago.
He calls me once a week to thank me for talking him into it.
Hand to God, he said it's the best car he's ever had.
Rodney Marsh, we need to talk.
I'm in the middle of a deal, guys.
We're in the middle of a deal, too.
Looks like you might be on the wrong end of it.
Excuse me? Yeah, we want to speak to you about last night.
A woman named Jessica Walcott.
Uh, give me two minutes, Mitch.
My prices are so low, the cops assume I'm committing some sort of a crime.
[laughs.]
Your timing is suboptimal, guys.
I got this clown in the kill zone.
Even money, I close him by lunch.
So let's make this quick.
What happened between you and Jessica Walcott last night? - The bartender? - Mm-hmm.
I asked her out and she said no.
[chuckles.]
That a felony or something? - No, but sexual assault is.
- What are you talking about? She was raped.
And you were the last person to talk to her before it happened.
Even money, you're the guy, Rodney.
I'll take that bet.
'Cause I absolutely, unequivocally did not attack that girl.
I swear to God.
No, I-I was just flirting with her.
And then after the bar closed, I saw her walking down the street, so I-I took another shot.
So you refused to take no for an answer.
- Is that what you're saying? - Not like that.
I'd never rape somebody.
Why'd you follow her to her car? I didn't follow her.
I talked to her outside the bar for, like, a minute, she blew me off, so I walked away in the opposite direction.
I got a QuikRide and went home.
Well, since you're innocent, I'm sure you won't mind giving us a DNA sample.
Swab away.
[sighs.]
Security cam footage from a bodega near the bar.
It shows Rodney grabbing Jessica, but then she pulls away, walks off.
He watches her for a couple of seconds, but he heads the other direction.
Corroborates his story, for now.
Uh, more like forever.
Rodney's DNA doesn't match the semen in the rape kit.
But the good news is, we got a familial hit to a guy named Mark Brown.
Arrested in 2013.
Rape one.
Where is he now? He's doing 7-10 in Sing Sing.
He raped a math teacher in the Bronx.
Okay, so go to Sing Sing, talk to this Mark guy, and get the names of all male family members living in the area.
You want me to tell you if I got family in the area? What else you want me to do? Wash your car? No, we have people who do that.
One of the few perks to being a cop.
Listen, we talked to the warden, he said if you help us out, he's gonna look into that request you made for a TV.
Have him put it in writing.
If you don't care about a critically injured family member, - that's on you.
- Critically injured? Wait, what are you talking about? We're here looking for blood.
Yeah, there was a car crash and somebody got hurt.
He needs blood, so we ran his DNA, found out that you're a familial match.
Now do you have any family in the city? Jersey? Yeah, my brother Nick.
I mean he okay? He gonna make it? - Not sure.
- Well, if he gets his transfusion, the docs think he's gonna pull through.
Oh, God.
It's gotta be Nick.
He lives in the East Village, but My mom know about this? Uh, no we haven't been able to contact her yet.
But listen, do you have Nick's address and where he works, maybe? He's an accountant at one of those giant accounting firms.
Thanks for your time.
- Nick Brown? - Yes? NYPD, can you come with us, please? - You here about the bartender? - Yeah, how'd you know that, Nick? I heard I heard someone attacked her.
You heard? From who? A guy I-I know at the bar.
All right, well, why don't you come down with us, huh? [stammering.]
I did it.
Okay? I raped her.
I couldn't help it.
I was born this way.
I was born to be a rapist.
All right, stand up and turn around.
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law.
My father was a monster.
He did seven years in jail for rape, three counts.
He said he couldn't help himself.
It was in his DNA, which means it's in mine.
It was just a matter of time.
It's in my blood.
It's who I am.
Nick, enough.
My client has information that can help you solve an outstanding case involving a serial rapist.
- Let's hear it.
- Sure.
After you talk to the DA and make us a deal.
Yeah, we're happy to run that up the flag pole, but we are gonna need a little taste.
You gotta give us a preview, something that tells us that you're credible.
I know who the River Rapist is.
The River Rapist? You know him? What's his name? Not yet.
Just what we discussed.
He gags his victims with socks.
Congratulations, you read a newspaper.
You didn't let me finish.
Wool socks, 'cause they're thick and they're coarse.
And it makes the girls gag.
And the weapon it's not a knife, like they said in the papers.
It's an ice pick.
And he smells like cigars.
I guarantee you that some of the victims mentioned that to the police because he's always smoking these cheap, thin cigars.
The ones with the plastic tip thing.
Okay, we'll talk to the detectives investigating the case, and if what you said checks out, we'll be in touch.
Tell the bartender that I - I'm really sorry, okay? - Yeah, sure.
You want us to send her flowers, too? [tense music.]
[door closes.]
I ran the perp's story by the lead detective on the River Rapist case.
- And? - It checks out.
The socks, the cheap cigars, it looks like he's telling the truth.
Great, I'll call Barb and see what kind of deal he's willing to make.
Make sure you tell him this guy claims he was born with the rape gene.
The excuses these guys come up with never ceases to amaze me.
Well, why don't you call Jessica and tell her that we arrested the assailant, and he confessed, and he wants a plea deal? Okay.
You obviously didn't tell Carisi about your father.
- Neither did you.
- It's not my place.
But are you are you okay with all this talk about genetics? Yeah.
Yeah, thanks.
So Noah and a little girl had a a disagreement.
She had the toy he wanted or the cupcake.
Yes, and I say, what if it's something else? What if it's something more? What do you mean? Well, sometimes I worry that That Noah may turn into his father? Yes.
Did you turn into your father? Well, I didn't turn into a rapist, if that's what you mean.
But I think about him all the time, and I think about what he did and the choices that he made.
I think about it a lot.
And I've been dealing with this for quite a long time, even before I met you.
Mm.
And no matter [chuckles softly.]
What I do, I still worry that About what, Olivia? [solemn music.]
That somehow his darkness will overpower my life and my choices, because I've been there before.
I've been angry.
I've been violent.
I know.
And I know how much that frightened you, but I don't believe that's who you really are.
My opinion: your strength, your moral compass, your belief systems more powerful than your father's DNA.
But there is no such thing as a rape gene, Olivia.
Whether you're male or female, there just isn't.
I talked to Lieutenant Benson.
It sounds like you can help us out.
So I'm willing to offer you a deal.
Rape two, assuming your information is credible.
- I was thinking - Rape two is as good as it's going to get, so say yes.
Or we're walking.
You okay with that? Yes, that, uh that sounds fair to me.
So what is the River Rapist's name? - I know him by Sam.
- You don't know his full name? No.
You know where he lives? Works? - No.
- So what the hell do you know? Where he'll be tonight at 10:00.
[dark music.]
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Really? Sexual predators praying about not trespassing against others? It's like a "Saturday Night Live" skit, - but it's real.
- [Sighs.]
There's a lot of that going around these days.
Hey, man.
Can I start? Go for it.
Um, I was out, drinking a beer, talking to this pretty bartender.
And I began to spin out.
I started having these feelings.
And, uh, I couldn't control myself.
And then I did the thing that I vowed I'd never do.
I raped her.
How could you do that? We had a deal.
That we were gonna fight this thing together.
Where is Sam? I haven't heard Nick say his name yet.
[sighs.]
Who knows? Maybe the River Rapist didn't feel like purging tonight.
I made a mistake.
And I am sorry.
Okay.
I'm not buying it.
Would you judge an alcoholic for sipping a drink? He's not responsible for his genetics.
Neither are you.
Or you.
So don't blame yourself.
Don't hate yourself.
Are you kidding me? I despise myself.
Every day, I wake up and I think, is this the day that I-I finally fulfill my destiny? [door closes.]
The day that I ruin my life and the life of an innocent woman.
- Hey.
- [laughs.]
Wait, hold on, somebody new is joining the group.
- Chris.
- Hi, Sam.
Oh, it's him, it's him.
Somebody just said his name, come on.
Nick was just telling us about a recent transgression and Will was expressing his disappointment.
They had been supporting one another.
Sorry to hear about that.
But it happens.
Thanks.
What about you, Sam? How's it going? Good.
I feel like I've turned a page.
I went on a proper date last night with a great woman.
That's terrific.
Mr.
Witt, do you think it's possible for Sam or any of us to have a normal relationship? I do.
But it's a process.
Even though he's assaulted three women? Whoa.
Why are you going so negative? Just trying to make sense of this for myself.
- Then talk about your own crap.
- I'm in the same boat.
I just I want to know what's possible for people like us.
People who have raped.
Why do you have to use the R word? Huh? We're all doing the best we can.
Good question.
- This doesn't look good.
- Wait, give him a chance.
Well, we're not doing the best we can if we just lie Why are you judging me, man? Everybody calm down! Now.
We're here to support one another.
Nick's asking too many questions.
Accusing people of doing things.
I've been here ten times.
I never heard him talk about rape.
Or other people's business.
But tonight tonight he's all up in Sam's situation, getting specific.
You a snitch? No.
[tense music.]
- Huh? - Oh.
Put the knife down.
Put the knife down! Hey, Chris.
All units move in, move in.
Put it down, Chris.
Put down the knife.
- You working off a case? - No, come on, I'm an accountant! [panting.]
You lying son of a bitch.
- Son of a bitch! - Kill me.
I deserve it.
I deserve it.
Drop that knife! Back off or I will shoot you! Drop the knife.
Drop the knife! Hey, you there! Freeze! Freeze.
Right there.
Put your hands on your head, now.
Get over there.
Turn around.
Get on your knees.
Everybody sit on that curb.
Everybody! Hand up, nice and slow.
Do not reach.
Handcuff this man.
We are all gonna go down to the precinct and continue this fascinating group chat.
[crying.]
So Nick was telling the truth.
He really was part of a rape therapy group.
Too bad we didn't get a full confession.
Oh, we tried like hell.
But they pushed Sam Dalton too far, things went sideways, and we had to break it up.
You have something to hold him on? No.
Invent something.
They're flawed, no question.
But they're decent.
They're trying.
How about we talk about Sam Dalton? He ever confess to you, tell you he assaulted three different women? The members of my group discuss lots of things.
Well, all I care about are those things involving rape.
The purpose of this organization is to support men with nowhere to turn.
- [scoffs.]
- No one to talk to.
We listen, we encourage, and most importantly, we don't judge.
Most of the members have never done anything wrong.
Like I said, Richard, my focus here is Sam Dalton.
Or anyone else who's committed a crime.
I refuse to betray the group.
Yeah, but you're okay betraying three innocent victims? Three women who go to sleep at night and wonder if the cops are ever gonna catch the son of a bitch who attacked them.
If I betray anyone, I lose all credibility, and the group vanishes.
And lots of decent men who are fighting their impulses their their genetics will have nowhere to go.
Then there's not just one rapist, there's ten.
Decent point.
Better they exorcise their demons in a warehouse than act on their violent impulses.
In theory.
But in reality, it could make things worse.
It gives them a forum to rationalize and legitimize their crimes.
Who is this kid? - Will Stein.
- What do we have on him? Nothing.
Everything I know and what Carisi's told me, he's clean.
And anything we say remains private.
Okay, so he did say something to you, but you just refuse to cooperate.
That's what you're saying? No we we go there to become better.
And and to become better people.
Maybe you do, but Dalton ain't gettin' any better.
He's raped three women, Will.
I don't know anything about that.
Do you know it's a crime to lie to a police officer? - You know that? - I didn't ask to be a part of this.
Okay, it's not my fault that my father raped somebody and I inherited his genes.
I'm just trying to do the right thing and make sure his evil never manifests.
That's why I go to these meetings.
That's why I can control my urges.
I feel for you, Will.
But I'm a cop, all right? I'm not a priest, I'm not a shrink.
I want to talk about actual crimes.
So one more time, are you gonna tell me anything about Sam Dalton or not? No.
[solemn music.]
Let me know about Dalton.
[door opens, closes.]
Sam, we have reliable evidence that you assaulted three women.
Robin Landry, Sara Perez, Kim Espinoza.
Then why haven't you arrested me? Because we want to hear your side of the story.
Give you a chance to explain yourself.
Look, you're in this therapy group.
You're obviously remorseful.
So maybe you want to come clean.
Get all that guilt and shame off your chest.
- Like, confess? - Yeah.
Well, you're going down either way.
That's a given.
But if you own up to it, you could redeem yourself a little bit.
You know, the judge will take that into account at your sentencing.
And who knows? Might make you feel good.
You know what would make me feel good? Hm? A thick steak.
Well, you're not alone in that.
But, uh, I don't think that's gonna happen for you right now.
[tense music.]
- Where are you going? - Home.
Yeah, that ship sailed.
You're under arrest for trespassing.
What? You weren't allowed to be in that warehouse.
It's private property.
And we found that marijuana in your pocket.
Turn around.
- I want a lawyer.
- I'm sure you do.
No problem.
But first, we're gonna get you processed.
All three victims ID'd Dalton.
They remembered his face, his voice, and the stench of cheap cigars.
And they're all willing to testify? Oh, more like excited.
They can't wait to put this guy away.
[phone chimes.]
More good news.
The crime lab just confirmed that Dalton's DNA is a match to all three vics.
You're too kind.
- Sorry to interrupt.
- Hm? - Motion to suppress.
- Suppress what? Dalton's confession to the therapy group.
Defense claims it's inadmissible.
Clergymen-congregant privilege.
Clergymen-congregant? That's a bit of a stretch.
Yeah, it is.
But the law is evolving.
Okay, so worst case scenario, we lose the motion.
What does that mean? That means we're screwed.
We lose that confession, we lose everything else.
Fruit of the poisonous tree.
My client grew up in an abusive household.
His father was a violent man who struggled with drug addiction and impulse control.
He's currently serving seven years in Greenhaven for sexual assault.
Given Mr.
Dalton's upbringing, he, too, had issues with impulse control.
But he was determined to do something about it.
To get help.
To develop the skills and tools necessary to suppress these urges.
Your Honor, I'm not sure how this is relevant to the defendant's motion.
Me neither.
Mr.
Strauss? I'm simply trying to provide context.
- For what? - The therapy group where my client confessed, as stated in my brief, these conversations are inadmissible under the clergy-congregant privilege and the establishment clause of the First Amendment.
Guys in a warehouse talking about women they raped or they want to rape is hardly a religious experience.
The First Amendment of the Constitution states that Congress shall make no law - respecting the establishment - Yes, he confessed Or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
To four men in a carpet cleaning warehouse.
Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.
Four men and a minister.
Excuse me? Richard Witt, the founder of the group, is an ordained minister, and a member of the Third Avenue Baptist Church.
You're arguing that this therapy group is a religious organization? I'm arguing it's a spiritual fellowship in the vein of Alcoholics Anonymous, a group that both state and federal courts have ruled is a religious organization.
I presume you intend to call Mr.
Witt as a witness.
He's in the hallway.
[tense music.]
We begin each meeting with the recitation of The Lord's Prayer.
After that, they can say or not say whatever they want.
The goal is to give people who believe they are prone to violent sexual impulses a forum to discuss these complex and shameful issues.
What is your role in this organization? I am the founder.
And do you have any background in social work or psychology? I'm a minister.
And how would you characterize the tone or the feeling of these meetings? Spiritual.
Thank you.
What is your occupation? I think of myself as a man of God.
Huh.
I think of you as a private security guard who works at a topless night club called Bunnies.
I work for the security company.
They tell me where to report.
And this past month, you've been reporting to a place called Bunnies.
- Yes.
- And you derive 100% of your income from your work as a private security guard.
- Correct? - Yes.
- So you preach for free? - Yes.
So, it's a hobby.
Some men play golf, some collect wine.
You preach.
I preach because I have a desire to help others and I'm good at it.
I was ordained at the Church of our Holy Savior.
You mean the ChurchofOurHolySavior.
com.
That is correct.
But I studied Nothing further.
So now, talking about rape in a warehouse is a religious meeting? According to the judge, yeah.
She ruled that the purpose of the rape therapy group is akin to the purpose of AA.
Help people overcome demons and addictions.
So because they recite the Lord's Prayer and Witt studied online for all of two weeks, it's a religion and the communication is privileged? The truth is, the judge got nervous.
- [sighs.]
- Look, it's a very complicated issue.
- And there's lots of case law.
- Hey.
The Cox case, in particular.
If a murder confession during an AA meeting can be considered privilege, then why not a rape confession during a rape therapy group? Well, if the confession is inadmissible, what else is out? Dalton's DNA.
What about the three victims? They're out, too.
If it weren't for Nick's improper disclosure of Dalton's rape confession, we never would have known who Dalton is or what he looked like.
So, the photo we showed the victims is no good and their IDs are no good.
[solemn music.]
- So we have nothing.
- Correct.
What about everybody else in the therapy group? Like I said, any communication inside the group What about outside? [sighs.]
If the conversation took place away from Witt and the warehouse, we're good.
But the problem is, all these guys are tainted.
All except one.
Will.
He has no priors.
DNA doesn't match any outstanding rape kits.
He has a great job, and you saw him, he looks like an Eagle Scout.
Hey, Will.
Hey, Will.
- Remember me? - Yeah, um, hi.
Hi.
- We met the other day.
- Everything okay? Yeah, no, this is Allison.
Um, we work together.
Yeah, Will's helping us out with something.
He's a model citizen, this kid.
Yeah, that's why we're here.
We need some more help.
So if you would excuse us for just a moment.
- Yeah, yeah.
- Are you okay? - Do you need anything? - It's all good.
All good, thank you.
Don't worry.
Um, I work here.
And I can't have people thinking - that I'm some - They don't.
- 'Cause you're not.
- Okay.
- Okay, so - Okay, yeah.
Did you ever talk to Dalton outside of the therapy meetings? I just don't want to betray anybody.
Okay, listen to me.
You don't owe Dalton a damn thing.
He's a predator.
He's everything that you're working so hard not to become.
But if you protect him, then he's gonna do it again.
- Yeah.
- And that rape that rape's gonna be on you, Will.
We had coffee once, at a diner.
Did he say anything about his victims? He said the victims enjoy it.
That they don't scream and they don't fight back.
And I wanted to punch him in the face.
But I didn't.
But he's really scary, and I'm I'm not that tough.
So I didn't, but I really, really wanted to.
Dalton told you that he raped three women? That's correct.
And there was no one else present? No ministers? No group members? No, it was just the two of us.
Call the three victims.
And tell them what? The case is back on, and they're testifying first thing tomorrow.
So Will's testimony is enough? Dalton's coffee shop confession to Will is admissible.
There's no religious privilege whatsoever, so we can ask the victims to ID Dalton based off this.
Thank you, Carisi.
I really appreciate your help, Will.
You just saved our case.
Sam Dalton raped three women.
Sara Perez, Robin Landry, Kim Espinoza.
The evidence is overwhelming.
Each of these three victims will describe the brutality this man inflicted upon them.
The defendant is a violent and impulsive predator.
His semen was found inside or on each of the three victims.
There is no question he is responsible for attacking these three women.
But don't take my word, or the victim's word, or the crime lab's.
Take his word.
The defendant confessed to attacking these women.
Sam Dalton is a dangerous predator who deserves to be punished to the full extent of the law.
[tense music.]
And after he put the wool socks in your mouth, what did he do? He put an ice pick near my neck and then he raped me.
Do you see the man who did that to you here today? Yes, he's right there.
If that's true, then you couldn't have seen Mr.
Dalton's face.
No, I-I saw his face before he attacked me.
But you told the police, "He pushed me down on the floor within seconds.
" Right.
So, nine months ago, a man pushes you down on the floor within seconds of seeing him in the dark yet you remember his face so vividly you can confidently identify him in a court of law? Yes.
You either have the best memory in the history of the world or you are a liar.
Objection.
Withdrawn.
32 minutes after the attack, you told the police the assailant "was 5'8" tall.
Yeah.
190 pounds, had blue eyes and a crooked nose.
But as you can see, that description does not fit I mean, does not remotely fit Sam Dalton.
I'm not very good at describing people.
But I'm certain that he Sam Dalton raped me.
Right, just like you were certain when you gave the police a faulty description of the assailant.
The night of the attack, you told the police you were drinking.
You had four glasses of wine.
Yes.
So you were drunk? I had four glasses of wine.
Which means you were intoxicated.
Which means I had four glasses of wine.
Exactly.
Nothing further.
Mr.
Barba, will you please call your next witness? Yes, Your Honor.
The people call Will Stein.
At this time, Your Honor, the people call for a recess.
Court adjourned.
[Bangs gavel.]
Oh.
Where is he? I keep calling him.
He's not picking up.
Went by his workplace, his receptionist said that he didn't even show up today and he wasn't at his apartment, either.
Well, you need to find him, fast, 'cause without him, - we don't have a case.
- We understand.
I don't care if you understand, just find him now.
You know what, we're gonna find this kid.
But don't you hang this on us.
You lost that motion to suppress, not me.
- This again, Carisi? - I showed you a case with precedent that was directly on point.
- It was a Delaware case.
- That white supremacy group - Was not applicable.
- Well, that's your opinion.
And that worked out great for us.
Come on, Sonny, let's go.
Hey, what the hell was all that about? - It was nothing.
- It didn't sound like nothing.
Listen, Amanda, I don't care about Barba.
All right, but I gave him a good case.
It would've kept the original confession alive.
And we wouldn't be in this position right now, where a rapist is about to walk.
Okay, Sonny, all right, I hear you.
But we are where we are now, so What about Will's friend, Allison? I called her, she has no idea where he is.
But what about the preacher, Witt? Right? He and Will seemed close.
Yeah.
That's a good idea.
I talked to Will last night.
I told him not to testify.
[laughs.]
Are you out of your mind? You know, that's witness tampering.
I'm trying to help him.
He needs the group.
Which means he shouldn't he can't betray it.
Without us, he has nowhere to go and he will eventually fall prey to his predilections.
If he needs help, he'll find a real minister, - he'll find a real shrink.
- You know what, enough of this.
Let's talk about Sam Dalton.
That son of a bitch assaulted terrorized three women, all right? So whether or not you think it's genetics, he needs to be punished.
And that means we need Will to testify regardless of his predilections.
Okay, so you're gonna tell us where Will is right now.
- I don't know where he is.
- Then call him and find out.
I did everything right.
I work hard and I pray.
But no matter what, the truth comes out and everything reverts back to the mean.
And my mean is that I'm supposed to be a rapist.
So if I'm just a good person if if I'm truly a good person, I'm just gonna kill myself before I hurt some innocent woman.
It's okay, okay? Just take it easy.
Like you said, you're doing everything right.
I'm 25 years old and I've never kissed a girl.
'Cause I'm afraid of what I might do to her.
What might happen.
So so I just do what Mr.
Witt says and I, uh I just I just suppress my urges and I-I avoid getting intimate with women.
Yes, but you ask me, you avoid Mr.
Witt.
He is trying to help you, but he's not equipped to deal with these issues.
But that's the thing that nobody is, 'cause it's not an issue, it's a gene.
You can't help it when it's a gene, right? If you got a cancer gene or people have schizophrenia.
It's not a matter about time, it's about it's about when.
Will, Will, listen to me.
Listen to me.
There's no such thing as a rape gene.
There just isn't.
You got to trust me on that.
I know, because I've done the research on this.
I've talked to doctors.
I've talked to psychiatrists.
- Why? Why? - Because I'm like you.
What do you mean you're like me? My father was a rapist.
So I know this one.
I've been dealing with it for my whole life.
But that doesn't make me bad.
That doesn't make me evil.
Listen, Will, when the guys in your group therapy when they tell stories about rape, how does that make you feel? It's absolutely disgusting.
Exactly.
It repulses you.
It repulses you because you are not a rapist, Will.
- Hey, come on.
- [grunting.]
I got you I got you.
It's okay, it's okay.
You're okay, I got you.
[sighs.]
We were having coffee, and Sam Dalton told me that it was okay to assault women to rape them as long as you prayed for forgiveness afterward.
What did you say in response? I told him he was wrong.
And and that raping somebody is horrible.
And he just smiled at me and said I didn't get it.
That the women actually enjoy it.
Did he tell you how many women he'd assaulted? Yes.
He said he raped three women.
Right now, do you see the man you spoke to in that coffee shop who told you that he raped three women? Yes.
That's him.
Sam Dalton.
It's a hell of a thing, thinking that you're destined to be a rapist, that every normal, healthy urge is a warning.
[phone buzzing.]
An omen that something bad is to come.
Hello? Oh, okay.
All right.
Yes.
Okay, thank you.
Thank you so much for calling.
Everything all right? [sighs.]
Yeah, it's it was Noah's school.
He fell, playing tag.
He cut his knee.
It's it's no big deal.
Just like pushing a kid in a sandbox.
[sighs.]
I hope you're right.
I am.
Hi, Mommy.
Hey.
You still awake? Mm.
Good night, Noah.
I love you.
I'm always gonna love you, no matter what.
No matter what.
Close your eyes.
[Smooches.]
Good night, sweet boy.
In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit.
These are their stories.
[rock music playing.]
- Want me to keep the tab open? - Yeah.
Okay.
How's it going, Jessica? What can I do for you, Rodney? Go to dinner with me tomorrow night.
Polo Club, Locanda Verde, Nobu.
Whatever you want.
I'm working.
Forget dinner.
Just marry me.
Okay, all right, marriage might be a bit premature.
So let's compromise.
Okay, all right.
Paris it is.
You and me, strolling down the Champs-Ãlysées She's not into you, dude.
Deal with it.
You her boyfriend? No.
- Then shut up.
- Just back off, Rodney.
- You hear me? - I love when you get mad.
Your eyes sparkle and your lips get all pouty.
[distant siren wailing.]
[sighs.]
- Hey oh, sorry.
- [gasps.]
I didn't mean to scare you.
Go home, Rodney.
I'm not in the mood.
Okay, all right, hey, but I'm a good guy.
I swear, I'm sorry for being so annoying.
- But - Whoa, don't touch me! Relax, I just wanted to say good night.
[car alarm chirps.]
Aah! Get off of me! - Get off of me, help, aah! - Get the door.
Getahh! Get off! - Just relax.
Just relax.
- Aah! Aah! Aah! Jessica Walcott, 26.
Works at a bar on 7th and Avenue B.
Someone pushed her into her car and raped her on the front seat.
[dark music.]
We are so sorry about what happened.
Can we ask you some questions? Uh, yeah, sure.
Did you see the man who attacked you? No, 'cause he came up from behind me when I opened the car door.
So, no I didn't see him.
I'm sorry.
No, it's okay.
Don't worry.
Did you hear his voice? Uh, yeah, 'cause afterward he talked a lot.
What did he say? That he was sorry.
And then he started to cry and said it wasn't his fault because he was born to be a rapist and it was in his genes.
[dramatic music.]
I opened the door, someone grabbed me from behind, and I elbowed him.
But he grabbed my arms anyway, 'cause he was really strong.
And he put me down on the back seat, put a hand over my mouth, pulled down my underwear, my tights, and then then he raped me.
And you told my detectives that he said something.
Yeah, he just kept saying, "I'm sorry.
" But I think I know who did it.
You do? Great.
- Do you know his name? - Rodney.
Okay.
He comes to the bar a lot.
And he's always flirting with me and asking me out, and I say no, but he keeps trying.
And he tried again last night? Yeah.
After I closed up, he followed me to my car.
[solemn music.]
So, you told my detectives that the assailant cried and that he told you that the reason that he assaulted you was because of his genetics? Yeah.
It was odd.
I mean, is that real? No, that's not real, and that's that's ridiculous.
It's the best car in the showroom.
I sold one to Derek Jeter two months ago.
He calls me once a week to thank me for talking him into it.
Hand to God, he said it's the best car he's ever had.
Rodney Marsh, we need to talk.
I'm in the middle of a deal, guys.
We're in the middle of a deal, too.
Looks like you might be on the wrong end of it.
Excuse me? Yeah, we want to speak to you about last night.
A woman named Jessica Walcott.
Uh, give me two minutes, Mitch.
My prices are so low, the cops assume I'm committing some sort of a crime.
[laughs.]
Your timing is suboptimal, guys.
I got this clown in the kill zone.
Even money, I close him by lunch.
So let's make this quick.
What happened between you and Jessica Walcott last night? - The bartender? - Mm-hmm.
I asked her out and she said no.
[chuckles.]
That a felony or something? - No, but sexual assault is.
- What are you talking about? She was raped.
And you were the last person to talk to her before it happened.
Even money, you're the guy, Rodney.
I'll take that bet.
'Cause I absolutely, unequivocally did not attack that girl.
I swear to God.
No, I-I was just flirting with her.
And then after the bar closed, I saw her walking down the street, so I-I took another shot.
So you refused to take no for an answer.
- Is that what you're saying? - Not like that.
I'd never rape somebody.
Why'd you follow her to her car? I didn't follow her.
I talked to her outside the bar for, like, a minute, she blew me off, so I walked away in the opposite direction.
I got a QuikRide and went home.
Well, since you're innocent, I'm sure you won't mind giving us a DNA sample.
Swab away.
[sighs.]
Security cam footage from a bodega near the bar.
It shows Rodney grabbing Jessica, but then she pulls away, walks off.
He watches her for a couple of seconds, but he heads the other direction.
Corroborates his story, for now.
Uh, more like forever.
Rodney's DNA doesn't match the semen in the rape kit.
But the good news is, we got a familial hit to a guy named Mark Brown.
Arrested in 2013.
Rape one.
Where is he now? He's doing 7-10 in Sing Sing.
He raped a math teacher in the Bronx.
Okay, so go to Sing Sing, talk to this Mark guy, and get the names of all male family members living in the area.
You want me to tell you if I got family in the area? What else you want me to do? Wash your car? No, we have people who do that.
One of the few perks to being a cop.
Listen, we talked to the warden, he said if you help us out, he's gonna look into that request you made for a TV.
Have him put it in writing.
If you don't care about a critically injured family member, - that's on you.
- Critically injured? Wait, what are you talking about? We're here looking for blood.
Yeah, there was a car crash and somebody got hurt.
He needs blood, so we ran his DNA, found out that you're a familial match.
Now do you have any family in the city? Jersey? Yeah, my brother Nick.
I mean he okay? He gonna make it? - Not sure.
- Well, if he gets his transfusion, the docs think he's gonna pull through.
Oh, God.
It's gotta be Nick.
He lives in the East Village, but My mom know about this? Uh, no we haven't been able to contact her yet.
But listen, do you have Nick's address and where he works, maybe? He's an accountant at one of those giant accounting firms.
Thanks for your time.
- Nick Brown? - Yes? NYPD, can you come with us, please? - You here about the bartender? - Yeah, how'd you know that, Nick? I heard I heard someone attacked her.
You heard? From who? A guy I-I know at the bar.
All right, well, why don't you come down with us, huh? [stammering.]
I did it.
Okay? I raped her.
I couldn't help it.
I was born this way.
I was born to be a rapist.
All right, stand up and turn around.
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law.
My father was a monster.
He did seven years in jail for rape, three counts.
He said he couldn't help himself.
It was in his DNA, which means it's in mine.
It was just a matter of time.
It's in my blood.
It's who I am.
Nick, enough.
My client has information that can help you solve an outstanding case involving a serial rapist.
- Let's hear it.
- Sure.
After you talk to the DA and make us a deal.
Yeah, we're happy to run that up the flag pole, but we are gonna need a little taste.
You gotta give us a preview, something that tells us that you're credible.
I know who the River Rapist is.
The River Rapist? You know him? What's his name? Not yet.
Just what we discussed.
He gags his victims with socks.
Congratulations, you read a newspaper.
You didn't let me finish.
Wool socks, 'cause they're thick and they're coarse.
And it makes the girls gag.
And the weapon it's not a knife, like they said in the papers.
It's an ice pick.
And he smells like cigars.
I guarantee you that some of the victims mentioned that to the police because he's always smoking these cheap, thin cigars.
The ones with the plastic tip thing.
Okay, we'll talk to the detectives investigating the case, and if what you said checks out, we'll be in touch.
Tell the bartender that I - I'm really sorry, okay? - Yeah, sure.
You want us to send her flowers, too? [tense music.]
[door closes.]
I ran the perp's story by the lead detective on the River Rapist case.
- And? - It checks out.
The socks, the cheap cigars, it looks like he's telling the truth.
Great, I'll call Barb and see what kind of deal he's willing to make.
Make sure you tell him this guy claims he was born with the rape gene.
The excuses these guys come up with never ceases to amaze me.
Well, why don't you call Jessica and tell her that we arrested the assailant, and he confessed, and he wants a plea deal? Okay.
You obviously didn't tell Carisi about your father.
- Neither did you.
- It's not my place.
But are you are you okay with all this talk about genetics? Yeah.
Yeah, thanks.
So Noah and a little girl had a a disagreement.
She had the toy he wanted or the cupcake.
Yes, and I say, what if it's something else? What if it's something more? What do you mean? Well, sometimes I worry that That Noah may turn into his father? Yes.
Did you turn into your father? Well, I didn't turn into a rapist, if that's what you mean.
But I think about him all the time, and I think about what he did and the choices that he made.
I think about it a lot.
And I've been dealing with this for quite a long time, even before I met you.
Mm.
And no matter [chuckles softly.]
What I do, I still worry that About what, Olivia? [solemn music.]
That somehow his darkness will overpower my life and my choices, because I've been there before.
I've been angry.
I've been violent.
I know.
And I know how much that frightened you, but I don't believe that's who you really are.
My opinion: your strength, your moral compass, your belief systems more powerful than your father's DNA.
But there is no such thing as a rape gene, Olivia.
Whether you're male or female, there just isn't.
I talked to Lieutenant Benson.
It sounds like you can help us out.
So I'm willing to offer you a deal.
Rape two, assuming your information is credible.
- I was thinking - Rape two is as good as it's going to get, so say yes.
Or we're walking.
You okay with that? Yes, that, uh that sounds fair to me.
So what is the River Rapist's name? - I know him by Sam.
- You don't know his full name? No.
You know where he lives? Works? - No.
- So what the hell do you know? Where he'll be tonight at 10:00.
[dark music.]
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Really? Sexual predators praying about not trespassing against others? It's like a "Saturday Night Live" skit, - but it's real.
- [Sighs.]
There's a lot of that going around these days.
Hey, man.
Can I start? Go for it.
Um, I was out, drinking a beer, talking to this pretty bartender.
And I began to spin out.
I started having these feelings.
And, uh, I couldn't control myself.
And then I did the thing that I vowed I'd never do.
I raped her.
How could you do that? We had a deal.
That we were gonna fight this thing together.
Where is Sam? I haven't heard Nick say his name yet.
[sighs.]
Who knows? Maybe the River Rapist didn't feel like purging tonight.
I made a mistake.
And I am sorry.
Okay.
I'm not buying it.
Would you judge an alcoholic for sipping a drink? He's not responsible for his genetics.
Neither are you.
Or you.
So don't blame yourself.
Don't hate yourself.
Are you kidding me? I despise myself.
Every day, I wake up and I think, is this the day that I-I finally fulfill my destiny? [door closes.]
The day that I ruin my life and the life of an innocent woman.
- Hey.
- [laughs.]
Wait, hold on, somebody new is joining the group.
- Chris.
- Hi, Sam.
Oh, it's him, it's him.
Somebody just said his name, come on.
Nick was just telling us about a recent transgression and Will was expressing his disappointment.
They had been supporting one another.
Sorry to hear about that.
But it happens.
Thanks.
What about you, Sam? How's it going? Good.
I feel like I've turned a page.
I went on a proper date last night with a great woman.
That's terrific.
Mr.
Witt, do you think it's possible for Sam or any of us to have a normal relationship? I do.
But it's a process.
Even though he's assaulted three women? Whoa.
Why are you going so negative? Just trying to make sense of this for myself.
- Then talk about your own crap.
- I'm in the same boat.
I just I want to know what's possible for people like us.
People who have raped.
Why do you have to use the R word? Huh? We're all doing the best we can.
Good question.
- This doesn't look good.
- Wait, give him a chance.
Well, we're not doing the best we can if we just lie Why are you judging me, man? Everybody calm down! Now.
We're here to support one another.
Nick's asking too many questions.
Accusing people of doing things.
I've been here ten times.
I never heard him talk about rape.
Or other people's business.
But tonight tonight he's all up in Sam's situation, getting specific.
You a snitch? No.
[tense music.]
- Huh? - Oh.
Put the knife down.
Put the knife down! Hey, Chris.
All units move in, move in.
Put it down, Chris.
Put down the knife.
- You working off a case? - No, come on, I'm an accountant! [panting.]
You lying son of a bitch.
- Son of a bitch! - Kill me.
I deserve it.
I deserve it.
Drop that knife! Back off or I will shoot you! Drop the knife.
Drop the knife! Hey, you there! Freeze! Freeze.
Right there.
Put your hands on your head, now.
Get over there.
Turn around.
Get on your knees.
Everybody sit on that curb.
Everybody! Hand up, nice and slow.
Do not reach.
Handcuff this man.
We are all gonna go down to the precinct and continue this fascinating group chat.
[crying.]
So Nick was telling the truth.
He really was part of a rape therapy group.
Too bad we didn't get a full confession.
Oh, we tried like hell.
But they pushed Sam Dalton too far, things went sideways, and we had to break it up.
You have something to hold him on? No.
Invent something.
They're flawed, no question.
But they're decent.
They're trying.
How about we talk about Sam Dalton? He ever confess to you, tell you he assaulted three different women? The members of my group discuss lots of things.
Well, all I care about are those things involving rape.
The purpose of this organization is to support men with nowhere to turn.
- [scoffs.]
- No one to talk to.
We listen, we encourage, and most importantly, we don't judge.
Most of the members have never done anything wrong.
Like I said, Richard, my focus here is Sam Dalton.
Or anyone else who's committed a crime.
I refuse to betray the group.
Yeah, but you're okay betraying three innocent victims? Three women who go to sleep at night and wonder if the cops are ever gonna catch the son of a bitch who attacked them.
If I betray anyone, I lose all credibility, and the group vanishes.
And lots of decent men who are fighting their impulses their their genetics will have nowhere to go.
Then there's not just one rapist, there's ten.
Decent point.
Better they exorcise their demons in a warehouse than act on their violent impulses.
In theory.
But in reality, it could make things worse.
It gives them a forum to rationalize and legitimize their crimes.
Who is this kid? - Will Stein.
- What do we have on him? Nothing.
Everything I know and what Carisi's told me, he's clean.
And anything we say remains private.
Okay, so he did say something to you, but you just refuse to cooperate.
That's what you're saying? No we we go there to become better.
And and to become better people.
Maybe you do, but Dalton ain't gettin' any better.
He's raped three women, Will.
I don't know anything about that.
Do you know it's a crime to lie to a police officer? - You know that? - I didn't ask to be a part of this.
Okay, it's not my fault that my father raped somebody and I inherited his genes.
I'm just trying to do the right thing and make sure his evil never manifests.
That's why I go to these meetings.
That's why I can control my urges.
I feel for you, Will.
But I'm a cop, all right? I'm not a priest, I'm not a shrink.
I want to talk about actual crimes.
So one more time, are you gonna tell me anything about Sam Dalton or not? No.
[solemn music.]
Let me know about Dalton.
[door opens, closes.]
Sam, we have reliable evidence that you assaulted three women.
Robin Landry, Sara Perez, Kim Espinoza.
Then why haven't you arrested me? Because we want to hear your side of the story.
Give you a chance to explain yourself.
Look, you're in this therapy group.
You're obviously remorseful.
So maybe you want to come clean.
Get all that guilt and shame off your chest.
- Like, confess? - Yeah.
Well, you're going down either way.
That's a given.
But if you own up to it, you could redeem yourself a little bit.
You know, the judge will take that into account at your sentencing.
And who knows? Might make you feel good.
You know what would make me feel good? Hm? A thick steak.
Well, you're not alone in that.
But, uh, I don't think that's gonna happen for you right now.
[tense music.]
- Where are you going? - Home.
Yeah, that ship sailed.
You're under arrest for trespassing.
What? You weren't allowed to be in that warehouse.
It's private property.
And we found that marijuana in your pocket.
Turn around.
- I want a lawyer.
- I'm sure you do.
No problem.
But first, we're gonna get you processed.
All three victims ID'd Dalton.
They remembered his face, his voice, and the stench of cheap cigars.
And they're all willing to testify? Oh, more like excited.
They can't wait to put this guy away.
[phone chimes.]
More good news.
The crime lab just confirmed that Dalton's DNA is a match to all three vics.
You're too kind.
- Sorry to interrupt.
- Hm? - Motion to suppress.
- Suppress what? Dalton's confession to the therapy group.
Defense claims it's inadmissible.
Clergymen-congregant privilege.
Clergymen-congregant? That's a bit of a stretch.
Yeah, it is.
But the law is evolving.
Okay, so worst case scenario, we lose the motion.
What does that mean? That means we're screwed.
We lose that confession, we lose everything else.
Fruit of the poisonous tree.
My client grew up in an abusive household.
His father was a violent man who struggled with drug addiction and impulse control.
He's currently serving seven years in Greenhaven for sexual assault.
Given Mr.
Dalton's upbringing, he, too, had issues with impulse control.
But he was determined to do something about it.
To get help.
To develop the skills and tools necessary to suppress these urges.
Your Honor, I'm not sure how this is relevant to the defendant's motion.
Me neither.
Mr.
Strauss? I'm simply trying to provide context.
- For what? - The therapy group where my client confessed, as stated in my brief, these conversations are inadmissible under the clergy-congregant privilege and the establishment clause of the First Amendment.
Guys in a warehouse talking about women they raped or they want to rape is hardly a religious experience.
The First Amendment of the Constitution states that Congress shall make no law - respecting the establishment - Yes, he confessed Or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
To four men in a carpet cleaning warehouse.
Gentlemen.
Gentlemen.
Four men and a minister.
Excuse me? Richard Witt, the founder of the group, is an ordained minister, and a member of the Third Avenue Baptist Church.
You're arguing that this therapy group is a religious organization? I'm arguing it's a spiritual fellowship in the vein of Alcoholics Anonymous, a group that both state and federal courts have ruled is a religious organization.
I presume you intend to call Mr.
Witt as a witness.
He's in the hallway.
[tense music.]
We begin each meeting with the recitation of The Lord's Prayer.
After that, they can say or not say whatever they want.
The goal is to give people who believe they are prone to violent sexual impulses a forum to discuss these complex and shameful issues.
What is your role in this organization? I am the founder.
And do you have any background in social work or psychology? I'm a minister.
And how would you characterize the tone or the feeling of these meetings? Spiritual.
Thank you.
What is your occupation? I think of myself as a man of God.
Huh.
I think of you as a private security guard who works at a topless night club called Bunnies.
I work for the security company.
They tell me where to report.
And this past month, you've been reporting to a place called Bunnies.
- Yes.
- And you derive 100% of your income from your work as a private security guard.
- Correct? - Yes.
- So you preach for free? - Yes.
So, it's a hobby.
Some men play golf, some collect wine.
You preach.
I preach because I have a desire to help others and I'm good at it.
I was ordained at the Church of our Holy Savior.
You mean the ChurchofOurHolySavior.
com.
That is correct.
But I studied Nothing further.
So now, talking about rape in a warehouse is a religious meeting? According to the judge, yeah.
She ruled that the purpose of the rape therapy group is akin to the purpose of AA.
Help people overcome demons and addictions.
So because they recite the Lord's Prayer and Witt studied online for all of two weeks, it's a religion and the communication is privileged? The truth is, the judge got nervous.
- [sighs.]
- Look, it's a very complicated issue.
- And there's lots of case law.
- Hey.
The Cox case, in particular.
If a murder confession during an AA meeting can be considered privilege, then why not a rape confession during a rape therapy group? Well, if the confession is inadmissible, what else is out? Dalton's DNA.
What about the three victims? They're out, too.
If it weren't for Nick's improper disclosure of Dalton's rape confession, we never would have known who Dalton is or what he looked like.
So, the photo we showed the victims is no good and their IDs are no good.
[solemn music.]
- So we have nothing.
- Correct.
What about everybody else in the therapy group? Like I said, any communication inside the group What about outside? [sighs.]
If the conversation took place away from Witt and the warehouse, we're good.
But the problem is, all these guys are tainted.
All except one.
Will.
He has no priors.
DNA doesn't match any outstanding rape kits.
He has a great job, and you saw him, he looks like an Eagle Scout.
Hey, Will.
Hey, Will.
- Remember me? - Yeah, um, hi.
Hi.
- We met the other day.
- Everything okay? Yeah, no, this is Allison.
Um, we work together.
Yeah, Will's helping us out with something.
He's a model citizen, this kid.
Yeah, that's why we're here.
We need some more help.
So if you would excuse us for just a moment.
- Yeah, yeah.
- Are you okay? - Do you need anything? - It's all good.
All good, thank you.
Don't worry.
Um, I work here.
And I can't have people thinking - that I'm some - They don't.
- 'Cause you're not.
- Okay.
- Okay, so - Okay, yeah.
Did you ever talk to Dalton outside of the therapy meetings? I just don't want to betray anybody.
Okay, listen to me.
You don't owe Dalton a damn thing.
He's a predator.
He's everything that you're working so hard not to become.
But if you protect him, then he's gonna do it again.
- Yeah.
- And that rape that rape's gonna be on you, Will.
We had coffee once, at a diner.
Did he say anything about his victims? He said the victims enjoy it.
That they don't scream and they don't fight back.
And I wanted to punch him in the face.
But I didn't.
But he's really scary, and I'm I'm not that tough.
So I didn't, but I really, really wanted to.
Dalton told you that he raped three women? That's correct.
And there was no one else present? No ministers? No group members? No, it was just the two of us.
Call the three victims.
And tell them what? The case is back on, and they're testifying first thing tomorrow.
So Will's testimony is enough? Dalton's coffee shop confession to Will is admissible.
There's no religious privilege whatsoever, so we can ask the victims to ID Dalton based off this.
Thank you, Carisi.
I really appreciate your help, Will.
You just saved our case.
Sam Dalton raped three women.
Sara Perez, Robin Landry, Kim Espinoza.
The evidence is overwhelming.
Each of these three victims will describe the brutality this man inflicted upon them.
The defendant is a violent and impulsive predator.
His semen was found inside or on each of the three victims.
There is no question he is responsible for attacking these three women.
But don't take my word, or the victim's word, or the crime lab's.
Take his word.
The defendant confessed to attacking these women.
Sam Dalton is a dangerous predator who deserves to be punished to the full extent of the law.
[tense music.]
And after he put the wool socks in your mouth, what did he do? He put an ice pick near my neck and then he raped me.
Do you see the man who did that to you here today? Yes, he's right there.
If that's true, then you couldn't have seen Mr.
Dalton's face.
No, I-I saw his face before he attacked me.
But you told the police, "He pushed me down on the floor within seconds.
" Right.
So, nine months ago, a man pushes you down on the floor within seconds of seeing him in the dark yet you remember his face so vividly you can confidently identify him in a court of law? Yes.
You either have the best memory in the history of the world or you are a liar.
Objection.
Withdrawn.
32 minutes after the attack, you told the police the assailant "was 5'8" tall.
Yeah.
190 pounds, had blue eyes and a crooked nose.
But as you can see, that description does not fit I mean, does not remotely fit Sam Dalton.
I'm not very good at describing people.
But I'm certain that he Sam Dalton raped me.
Right, just like you were certain when you gave the police a faulty description of the assailant.
The night of the attack, you told the police you were drinking.
You had four glasses of wine.
Yes.
So you were drunk? I had four glasses of wine.
Which means you were intoxicated.
Which means I had four glasses of wine.
Exactly.
Nothing further.
Mr.
Barba, will you please call your next witness? Yes, Your Honor.
The people call Will Stein.
At this time, Your Honor, the people call for a recess.
Court adjourned.
[Bangs gavel.]
Oh.
Where is he? I keep calling him.
He's not picking up.
Went by his workplace, his receptionist said that he didn't even show up today and he wasn't at his apartment, either.
Well, you need to find him, fast, 'cause without him, - we don't have a case.
- We understand.
I don't care if you understand, just find him now.
You know what, we're gonna find this kid.
But don't you hang this on us.
You lost that motion to suppress, not me.
- This again, Carisi? - I showed you a case with precedent that was directly on point.
- It was a Delaware case.
- That white supremacy group - Was not applicable.
- Well, that's your opinion.
And that worked out great for us.
Come on, Sonny, let's go.
Hey, what the hell was all that about? - It was nothing.
- It didn't sound like nothing.
Listen, Amanda, I don't care about Barba.
All right, but I gave him a good case.
It would've kept the original confession alive.
And we wouldn't be in this position right now, where a rapist is about to walk.
Okay, Sonny, all right, I hear you.
But we are where we are now, so What about Will's friend, Allison? I called her, she has no idea where he is.
But what about the preacher, Witt? Right? He and Will seemed close.
Yeah.
That's a good idea.
I talked to Will last night.
I told him not to testify.
[laughs.]
Are you out of your mind? You know, that's witness tampering.
I'm trying to help him.
He needs the group.
Which means he shouldn't he can't betray it.
Without us, he has nowhere to go and he will eventually fall prey to his predilections.
If he needs help, he'll find a real minister, - he'll find a real shrink.
- You know what, enough of this.
Let's talk about Sam Dalton.
That son of a bitch assaulted terrorized three women, all right? So whether or not you think it's genetics, he needs to be punished.
And that means we need Will to testify regardless of his predilections.
Okay, so you're gonna tell us where Will is right now.
- I don't know where he is.
- Then call him and find out.
I did everything right.
I work hard and I pray.
But no matter what, the truth comes out and everything reverts back to the mean.
And my mean is that I'm supposed to be a rapist.
So if I'm just a good person if if I'm truly a good person, I'm just gonna kill myself before I hurt some innocent woman.
It's okay, okay? Just take it easy.
Like you said, you're doing everything right.
I'm 25 years old and I've never kissed a girl.
'Cause I'm afraid of what I might do to her.
What might happen.
So so I just do what Mr.
Witt says and I, uh I just I just suppress my urges and I-I avoid getting intimate with women.
Yes, but you ask me, you avoid Mr.
Witt.
He is trying to help you, but he's not equipped to deal with these issues.
But that's the thing that nobody is, 'cause it's not an issue, it's a gene.
You can't help it when it's a gene, right? If you got a cancer gene or people have schizophrenia.
It's not a matter about time, it's about it's about when.
Will, Will, listen to me.
Listen to me.
There's no such thing as a rape gene.
There just isn't.
You got to trust me on that.
I know, because I've done the research on this.
I've talked to doctors.
I've talked to psychiatrists.
- Why? Why? - Because I'm like you.
What do you mean you're like me? My father was a rapist.
So I know this one.
I've been dealing with it for my whole life.
But that doesn't make me bad.
That doesn't make me evil.
Listen, Will, when the guys in your group therapy when they tell stories about rape, how does that make you feel? It's absolutely disgusting.
Exactly.
It repulses you.
It repulses you because you are not a rapist, Will.
- Hey, come on.
- [grunting.]
I got you I got you.
It's okay, it's okay.
You're okay, I got you.
[sighs.]
We were having coffee, and Sam Dalton told me that it was okay to assault women to rape them as long as you prayed for forgiveness afterward.
What did you say in response? I told him he was wrong.
And and that raping somebody is horrible.
And he just smiled at me and said I didn't get it.
That the women actually enjoy it.
Did he tell you how many women he'd assaulted? Yes.
He said he raped three women.
Right now, do you see the man you spoke to in that coffee shop who told you that he raped three women? Yes.
That's him.
Sam Dalton.
It's a hell of a thing, thinking that you're destined to be a rapist, that every normal, healthy urge is a warning.
[phone buzzing.]
An omen that something bad is to come.
Hello? Oh, okay.
All right.
Yes.
Okay, thank you.
Thank you so much for calling.
Everything all right? [sighs.]
Yeah, it's it was Noah's school.
He fell, playing tag.
He cut his knee.
It's it's no big deal.
Just like pushing a kid in a sandbox.
[sighs.]
I hope you're right.
I am.
Hi, Mommy.
Hey.
You still awake? Mm.
Good night, Noah.
I love you.
I'm always gonna love you, no matter what.
No matter what.
Close your eyes.
[Smooches.]
Good night, sweet boy.