Law & Order season 16 episode 12 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Philip Messick, a 55-year-old accountant with ties to the Gambino mob, is murdered in his home, where his wife Valerie is critically injured. The crime, initially appearing as a robbery, unravels a complex web involving mob connections, stolen goods, and personal vendettas. Retired cop and family friend Bob Cerullo is revealed to have killed Jay Fleckner, the acquitted suspect in Philip's murder, under the guise of self-defense. However, further investigation exposes Cerullo's deeper criminal involvement and manipulation by Valerie, who sought revenge for her husband's death. Cerullo is eventually found guilty, but his past actions cast doubts on his previous cases.

Full Episode S16E12 Recap

### Opening Scene: The Crime - **Location:** Apartment building - **Characters:** Upstairs neighbor (caller), Philip Messick (victim), Valerie Messick (wife, victim), Detectives - **Details:** - Philip Messick, 55, found dead, showing signs of a struggle. - Upstairs neighbor called in after hearing Valerie, Philip's wife, scream. - Valerie, critically injured, taken to Roosevelt ICU. - Apartment ransacked, possibly a robbery. - Neighbor heard a car screech away. - Philip had connections with John Vitale, a Gambino mob member. ### Hospital Scene: Valerie's Condition - **Location:** Hospital - **Characters:** Doctors, Detectives, Valerie Messick - **Details:** - Valerie survived severe injuries, stabilized quickly. - Detectives informed about Valerie regaining consciousness. - Valerie could not identify the attackers, but remembered one face. ### Investigation Begins: Mob Connections - **Location:** Various - **Characters:** Detectives, Bob Cerullo (family friend, retired cop), Valerie Messick, Kenny Genovese (mob associate) - **Details:** - Bob Cerullo, retired cop and family friend, present at the hospital. - Valerie and Philip married for 15 years, no known enemies. - Philip's connections with the Gambino family and his job as an accountant for mob associates revealed. - Valerie unaware of Philip's mob connections. ### Funeral and Leads - **Location:** Funeral, Pawn Shop - **Characters:** Detectives, Mob associates, Darrell Dennehy (suspect) - **Details:** - Observing mob members at Philip's funeral for potential leads. - Stolen items from Philip's apartment found at a pawn shop. - Bloody fingerprints at the pawn shop match Darrell Dennehy, a burglar. ### Confrontation and Arrest - **Location:** Street, Police Station - **Characters:** Detectives, Darrell Dennehy, Jay Fleckner (accomplice) - **Details:** - Darrell arrested, claims the crime was meant to be a simple robbery led by Jay Fleckner. - Darrell provides details of the crime and Jay's role in it. ### Courtroom Drama - **Location:** Courtroom - **Characters:** Prosecutors, Valerie Messick, Jay Fleckner - **Details:** - Valerie testifies but becomes unsure of her attacker's identity under cross-examination. - Jay Fleckner found not guilty due to doubts raised about Valerie's testimony. ### Aftermath and Revenge - **Location:** Various - **Characters:** Bob Cerullo, Detectives, Jay Fleckner (now deceased) - **Details:** - Jay Fleckner found dead; Bob Cerullo admits to killing him in self-defense. - Investigation reveals deeper connections and motives involving the mob, stolen goods, and revenge. - Bob Cerullo's past actions and connections to the crime scrutinized. ### Conclusion: The Trial of Bob Cerullo - **Location:** Courtroom - **Characters:** Bob Cerullo, Prosecutors, Valerie Messick - **Details:** - Bob Cerullo stands trial for the murder of Jay Fleckner. - Evidence and testimonies highlight Cerullo's motives and actions. - Valerie Messick reveals her role in manipulating the trial and asking Cerullo to kill Fleckner. - Cerullo found guilty, but his past cases become subject to review and retrial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Philip Messick?

Philip Messick was a 55-year-old victim, found dead in his apartment.

What was the cause of Philip Messick's death?

Philip was murdered, evident from the struggle at the crime scene.

Who discovered the crime?

The upstairs neighbor called in after hearing screams.

What was the condition of Philip's wife, Valerie?

Valerie was critically injured and hospitalized.

Did Valerie know the attackers?

No, Valerie could not identify the attackers but remembered one face.

What was Philip Messick's connection to the mob?

Philip was connected to the Gambino mob through John Vitale.

Who is Bob Cerullo?

Bob Cerullo is a retired cop and a friend of the Messick family.

What was Philip's profession?

Philip was an accountant, working for mob associates.

Who are some of the mob associates Philip worked for?

Philip worked for Kenny Genovese and other mid-level Gambino family members.

Who was Darrell Dennehy?

Darrell Dennehy was a suspect, linked to the crime through fingerprints found at a pawn shop.

What role did Jay Fleckner play in the crime?

Jay Fleckner was the accomplice who led the robbery at the Messicks' home.

What was the outcome of Jay Fleckner's trial?

Jay Fleckner was found not guilty due to doubts about Valerie's testimony.

How did Jay Fleckner die?

Jay Fleckner was killed by Bob Cerullo.

What was the motive behind Bob Cerullo killing Jay Fleckner?

Bob Cerullo claimed self-defense, but evidence suggested revenge and mob-related motives.

What was the verdict in Bob Cerullo's trial?

Bob Cerullo was found guilty of murder.

Law & Order season 16 episode 12

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