Law & Order season 7 episode 4 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Stephen Campbell, a coin dealer, is murdered in his gallery, leading detectives to investigate the complex world of coin collecting. The main suspects include Richard Petersen, a wealthy businessman and coin enthusiast, and Judith Sandler, an art restorer with a personal connection to the coins. Campbell’s financial troubles come to light, revealing he used Petersen's coins as loan collateral. However, it turns out Petersen's collection was a fabrication. Judith, believing the coins belonged to her family, lost during the Nazi era, is found guilty of Campbell's murder. Petersen is convicted of fraud, and both receive prison sentences.

Full Episode S07E04 Recap

### Opening Scene - **Location**: New York City - **Characters**: Narrator, Unnamed Characters - **Events**: - Narrator introduces the criminal justice system's two key groups: the police and district attorneys. - A couple comments on Missy Lempkin’s appearance. - Discovery of a body prompts a 911 call. ### Crime Scene Investigation - **Location**: Antique Store - **Characters**: Detectives Briscoe and Curtis, Forensic Experts - **Events**: - Examination of the crime scene reveals no forced entry. - The victim, Stephen Campbell, was killed with a heavy object, possibly a green glass Tiffany lamp. - Detectives note missing rare coins, while more valuable items remain, indicating an inexperienced thief. ### Interrogation of Mrs. Campbell - **Location**: Campbell Residence - **Characters**: Detectives, Mrs. Campbell - **Events**: - Mrs. Campbell expresses her fears about her husband working alone due to valuable items in the gallery. - She mentions Stephen’s plan to meet a client late at night. ### Nancy Farber's Statement - **Location**: Gallery - **Characters**: Detectives, Nancy Farber (Assistant) - **Events**: - Nancy is unaware of any late appointments of Stephen. - She notes some missing items, including Weimar commemoratives and rare coins on consignment from Richard Petersen. ### Interview with Richard Petersen - **Location**: Richard Petersen's Office - **Characters**: Detectives, Richard Petersen - **Events**: - Petersen, a wealthy businessman and coin collector, discusses his friendship with Stephen and his passion for coins. - He offers to post a reward for solving Stephen’s murder. - Petersen reveals his collection was on consignment at Stephen’s gallery. ### Investigation Continues - **Location**: Various - **Characters**: Detectives, Various Witnesses - **Events**: - Detectives interview multiple people connected to Stephen, including clients and coin enthusiasts. - They learn about a mysterious woman interested in the coins. - Witnesses provide alibis and insights into Stephen’s business dealings and personal connections. ### Discovery of Coin Fraud - **Location**: Police Station - **Characters**: Detectives, Prosecutors, Financial Experts - **Events**: - Investigation uncovers financial troubles for Stephen, involving a syndicate loan with Richard Petersen's coins as collateral. - Suspicions arise about Petersen’s knowledge of the coin’s whereabouts. - Detectives find inconsistencies in Petersen’s story about his coins. ### Arrest and Interrogation of Judith Sandler - **Location**: Judith Sandler’s Apartment - **Characters**: Detectives, Judith Sandler - **Events**: - Detectives find evidence linking Judith to the crime scene. - Judith is arrested for Stephen’s murder after finding glass matching the murder weapon. - Judith's connection to the coins through her family history is revealed. ### Trial and Resolution - **Location**: Courtroom, DA’s Office - **Characters**: Prosecutors, Richard Petersen, Judith Sandler - **Events**: - The case takes several turns with both Judith and Petersen as suspects. - It's revealed that Petersen's coin collection was a fabrication, leading to his fraud conviction. - Judith confesses to the murder, driven by the belief that the coins belonged to her family. - The case concludes with both receiving sentences for their respective crimes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the cause of Stephen Campbell's death?

Stephen Campbell was murdered, hit in the back of the head with a heavy object.

Who found Stephen Campbell's body?

A couple who knew him found his body.

Were there signs of forced entry at the crime scene?

No, there were no signs of forced entry.

What was missing from Stephen Campbell’s gallery?

Rare coins, including some Weimar commemoratives and coins on consignment from Richard Petersen.

Who is Richard Petersen?

Richard Petersen is a wealthy businessman and coin collector who had coins on consignment at Stephen’s gallery.

Did Richard Petersen offer a reward for solving the murder?

Yes, he offered to post a reward for solving Stephen’s murder.

What was discovered about Stephen Campbell's financial situation?

Stephen Campbell was in financial trouble and had used Petersen’s coins as collateral for a loan.

Who was arrested for Stephen Campbell's murder?

Judith Sandler was arrested for Stephen Campbell's murder.

How was Judith Sandler connected to the crime scene?

Detectives found glass in her apartment matching the murder weapon from the crime scene.

What was the motive behind Judith Sandler's actions?

Judith believed the coins belonged to her family, who lost them during the Nazi era.

Was Richard Petersen found guilty of any crime?

Richard Petersen was convicted of fraud for lying about his coin collection.

What was Richard Petersen’s relationship with Stephen Campbell?

They were friends and business associates, with Campbell holding Petersen's supposed coin collection.

How did the detectives find out about Judith Sandler's connection to the coins?

They learned about her family history and her belief that the coins belonged to them.

What sentence did Judith Sandler receive?

Judith Sandler received a sentence for manslaughter, eight-and-a-third-to-25 years.

What sentence did Richard Petersen receive?

Richard Petersen received a five-year sentence for misdemeanor fraud.

Law & Order season 7 episode 4

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