Law & Order season 5 episode 16 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

The episode revolves around the murder of Bill Prescott, found shot outside his home. Police investigation reveals Prescott's professional conflicts as an accountant at Latham Morris, particularly involving union disputes. Suspicion initially falls on Jimmy Rose, linked by the murder weapon, but shifts to Tom Harrigan, whose son had issues with Prescott. Despite evidence suggesting his son's involvement, Tom confesses to the murder, raising questions about his guilt and the extent of a father's sacrifice for his child.

Full Episode S05E16 Recap

### Opening Scene: Introduction to the Criminal Justice System - **Narrator**: Explains the two groups representing the criminal justice system: police investigating crimes and district attorneys prosecuting offenders. - **Background**: Various scenes showing the activities of police and attorneys. ### The Prescott Family and the Shooting - **Scene at the Prescott Home** - The Prescott family discusses a delayed cake delivery for Carrie's birthday. - A gunshot is heard; Bill Prescott, the father, is found shot outside. ### Police Investigation Begins - **Initial Investigation Scene** - Detectives arrive at the crime scene and find Bill Prescott dead. - No witnesses are willing to come forward. ### Interviews and Clues - **Interview with Sally Prescott** - Sally, Bill's wife, discusses his routine and mentions a driver named Eugene. ### Eugene's Statement - **Eugene's Interview** - Eugene, the driver, talks about Bill's daily routine and the lack of suspicious activity on the day of the murder. ### Investigating Prescott's Professional Life - **Interview at Latham Morris** - Colleagues at Latham Morris describe Bill as an expert accountant involved in significant company turnarounds. - Discussion about Bill's current project with Colony Air and conflicts with unions. ### Union Involvement - **Union Leader Interview** - The union leader expresses anger towards Bill but denies involvement in his murder. ### Tracking the Murder Weapon - **Ballistics Report** - The murder weapon is identified as a .32 Charter Arms Undercover. - Comparison with previous cases is requested. ### Jimmy Rose, a Potential Suspect - **Interrogation of Jimmy Rose** - Jimmy, acquitted in a previous case, becomes a suspect due to the murder weapon's match. - He denies involvement but slips up about the gun. ### The Harrigan Lead - **Exploring the Harrigan Angle** - Harrigan, who called Prescott multiple times, becomes a person of interest. - The connection to Prescott's work and Harrigan's anger about job losses are explored. ### Confronting Harrigan - **Confronting Harrigan** - Harrigan admits his anger towards Prescott but doesn't confess to the murder. - His motive is tied to his son's issues at school. ### The Luther C. Chase Academy Connection - **School's Involvement** - The school plays a significant role in the case, with connections to Prescott and Harrigan's son. - The school's secrecy about student issues complicates the investigation. ### The Search and Arrest - **Searching Harrigan's Home** - The police find no gun but take gloves for evidence. - Colin Harrigan is taken in for questioning but denies involvement. ### Courtroom Developments - **Legal Proceedings** - Evidence against the Harrigans is weak, but gunpowder residue on the gloves implicates Colin. - The case faces challenges in court due to procedural issues and a lack of clear evidence. ### The Final Twist: Confession and Resolution - **Tom Harrigan's Confession** - In a dramatic turn, Tom Harrigan confesses to the murder to protect his son. - However, inconsistencies in his confession raise doubts about his guilt. - The case concludes with a focus on the family dynamics and the lengths a father will go to protect his child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the main groups represented in the criminal justice system according to the narrator?

The police, who investigate crime, and the district attorneys, who prosecute offenders.

What is the event that triggers the investigation in this episode?

The shooting of Bill Prescott outside his home.

Who is Bill Prescott?

Bill Prescott is a character who is shot and found dead on the sidewalk.

What was Bill Prescott's occupation?

He worked at an accounting firm called Latham Morris in Rockefeller Center.

What leads the police to investigate Bill Prescott's professional life?

Bill's involvement in significant company turnarounds and conflicts with unions at Colony Air.

Who is Eugene in relation to Bill Prescott?

Eugene is the private car service driver who regularly drove Bill Prescott.

What key evidence is found regarding the murder weapon?

The murder weapon is identified as a .32 Charter Arms Undercover handgun.

Who is Jimmy Rose and why is he a suspect?

Jimmy Rose is a suspect because the murder weapon matches the gun used in a crime he was previously acquitted for.

How is Harrigan connected to the case?

Harrigan had called Bill Prescott multiple times and had issues related to his son's school and Prescott's actions.

What role does Luther C. Chase Academy play in the investigation?

The school is connected to both Prescott and Harrigan's son, with issues related to student conduct affecting the case.

What evidence is found in Harrigan's home?

No gun is found, but gloves with gunpowder residue are taken as evidence.

Why is Colin Harrigan taken in for questioning?

Colin Harrigan is questioned due to the evidence found in his home and his connection to the case through his father.

What legal challenges does the prosecution face in court?

The prosecution faces challenges due to procedural issues and a lack of clear, direct evidence.

Who ultimately confesses to the murder, and why is it significant?

Tom Harrigan confesses to the murder, but inconsistencies in his confession raise doubts about his guilt.

How does the episode conclude regarding the Harrigan family?

The episode concludes with a focus on the family dynamics and the extent a father will go to protect his child.

Law & Order season 5 episode 16

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