Law & Order season 15 episode 9 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
Roman Rybakov, a diamond merchant, is murdered in a public area, sparking a complex investigation. Rybakov's involvement in a Russian diamond smuggling scheme and his cooperation with federal authorities are revealed. His wife, Zina Rybakov, desperate for a religious divorce and fearful for her family, anonymously tips off the Russian mob about his activities. Contract killers Stefano Granados and Paolo Clemente are linked to the murder. The trial exposes Zina's indirect role in her husband's death, but legal technicalities lead to her charges being withdrawn, leaving her moral culpability ambiguous.
Full Episode S15E09 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Roman Rybakov?
Roman Rybakov was a diamond merchant from Queens and a victim in the episode, shot dead in a public area.
What was Roman Rybakov's connection to the Russian mob?
Rybakov was involved in a diamond smuggling scam with Russian mobster Serge Andropov.
Were there any witnesses to Rybakov's shooting?
Yes, several eyewitnesses, including two actresses on a police ride-along, provided accounts of the shooting.
How many shooters were involved in Rybakov's murder?
Ballistics evidence indicated two shooters were involved.
What did the U.S. Attorney reveal about Rybakov?
U.S. Attorney Mike Warner revealed Rybakov's involvement in a Russian diamond smuggling operation.
Who hired Stefano Granados and why?
Stefano Granados, a contract killer, was hired to murder Rybakov. He was linked to the murder through investigation.
What role did Zina Rybakov play in her husband's murder?
Zina Rybakov anonymously tipped off the Russians about her husband's cooperation with federal authorities.
Why did Zina Rybakov want a divorce?
Zina Rybakov wanted a divorce due to her husband's infidelity, criminal activities, and her inability to obtain a religious divorce (get).
What was the outcome of the trial for Zina Rybakov?
The charges against Zina Rybakov were withdrawn, leaving her moral culpability ambiguous but legally free.
How did Rybakov's wife contribute to his murder?
Zina Rybakov anonymously informed the Russian mob about Rybakov's cooperation with the authorities, indirectly leading to his murder.
Did Zina Rybakov pay for her husband's murder?
While it was suggested that Zina paid the Russians, there was no conclusive evidence to prove this in court.
What was the significance of the religious divorce (get) in the episode?
The get was significant as it represented Zina Rybakov's struggle to free herself from her marriage within her religious community.
Who was Paolo Clemente?
Paolo Clemente was identified as the other shooter involved in Rybakov's murder.
What was the motive behind Rybakov's murder?
The motive was tied to his involvement in diamond smuggling and his cooperation with federal authorities, which led to a contract hit on him.
Was Zina Rybakov guilty of her husband's murder?
Legally, Zina Rybakov was not found guilty, but her indirect role in her husband's murder left her moral culpability in question.