Law & Order season 6 episode 9 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In a shocking crime at Advanced Studies School, art teacher Sarah Aronson is found strangled, with her belongings untouched. Investigation reveals she had conflicts with Richard Kovax, a math teacher involved in a grade-buying scheme. Student Mattie Braverman exposes this scheme, leading detectives to focus on students, especially Matt Hastings, who displayed racist tendencies. Despite evidence and a trial pointing to Hastings, a jury deadlock results in a mistrial, leaving the case unresolved with discussions of a plea deal.

Full Episode S06E09 Recap

### Opening Scene - **Location**: Criminal Justice System Introduction - The narrator outlines the roles of the police and district attorneys in the criminal justice system. ### At Home - **Location**: A home setting - A man discusses setting a romantic mood with Frank Sinatra and Count Basie music. - A conversation about hot oil as a romantic gesture is interrupted by a phone call. ### Advanced Studies School - **Location**: School office - The school custodian, Johnny Cobb, finds Mrs. Aronson's body around 9:30 PM. - Mrs. Aronson was last seen around 7:00 PM grading papers and was expected to leave soon. - Her husband called the school twice; the second time, her body was discovered. - Detectives note her strangled with a handbag strap, with her belongings untouched. - A piece of chalk is found, possibly used as a weapon by Mrs. Aronson. ### Mrs. Aronson's Background - **Location**: Advanced Studies School - Sarah Aronson was an involved art teacher, coaching volleyball and leading outreach. - Dr. Sabloff, the school principal, doubts any student could be the perpetrator. - Faculty and staff could disarm the school alarm; Sarah's dinner plans with Lana Halstead are mentioned. ### Investigation Begins - **Location**: Various - Detective Briscoe and Curtis investigate, finding that Sarah Aronson had been receiving strange phone calls and might have had issues with another teacher, Richard Kovax. - Kovax, an advanced math teacher, denies involvement and provides an alibi. - The detectives learn Kovax had a troubled relationship and may have been involved with a student. ### Student Involvement - **Location**: Advanced Studies School - Mattie Braverman, a student, reveals she was buying grades from Kovax. - Kovax admits to the scheme but denies murder, mentioning Sarah received threats from students. - Investigation shifts towards students, focusing on Matt Hastings and others involved in the grade-buying scheme. - Detectives find hate-filled messages in Sarah’s locker and connect them to students. ### Confronting the Suspects - **Location**: Various - The investigation zeroes in on Matt Hastings, who has a shaky alibi and a history of racist behavior. - Eddie Camarillo, another student, eventually admits to giving Hastings the key to the school. ### Arrest and Trial - **Location**: Courtroom - Hastings' trial features arguments about his anti-Semitic views and the murder's motives. - The jury deadlocks 11-1 in favor of conviction, leading to a mistrial. ### Conclusion - **Location**: Courtroom and Aftermath - The prosecution and defense discuss a plea deal due to the hung jury. - The case concludes with uncertainty, reflecting on the challenges of the justice system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who found Mrs. Aronson's body?

The school custodian, Johnny Cobb, found her body.

What was Mrs. Aronson's role at the school?

She was an art and art history teacher, also involved in coaching volleyball and leading outreach.

Were any of Mrs. Aronson's belongings stolen?

No, her belongings, including cash and cards, were left untouched.

Did Mrs. Aronson have problems with any teachers?

She may have had issues with Richard Kovax, an advanced math teacher.

What did student Mattie Braverman reveal?

She was buying grades from Richard Kovax.

What was Richard Kovax's response to the murder accusation?

He denied the murder but admitted to taking money for grades.

What evidence linked students to the crime?

Hate-filled messages were found in Mrs. Aronson's locker.

Who was primarily suspected of Mrs. Aronson's murder?

Student Matt Hastings was a key suspect.

What was the outcome of Matt Hastings' trial?

The jury was deadlocked 11-1 in favor of conviction, resulting in a mistrial.

Is there a planned retrial for Matt Hastings?

The prosecution and defense are discussing a plea deal due to the hung jury.

Did Richard Kovax have an alibi?

Yes, he was at the gym at the time of the murder.

How did the school react to Kovax's involvement in the grade scheme?

Kovax was fired from the school after his involvement was discovered.

What motivated the students' involvement in the murder?

The motivations included grade manipulation and anti-Semitic views.

Was any physical evidence found at the crime scene?

Yes, the murder weapon was identified as a handbag strap.

Did the investigation reveal any systemic issues at the school?

Yes, it uncovered a grade-buying scheme and issues of racism among students.

Law & Order season 6 episode 9

Blood Libel