Robbery and Murder Department Squad One Office.
After returning to the police department, Luke had Carlton Platas interrogated. His statement matched Salma Gonzalez's; both denied any involvement with the murdered officer.
However, after some questioning, he confessed to other illegal activities, including theft, running red lights, speeding, and intentional injury.
He had a criminal record, which was why he was reluctant to turn himself in.
After comparing their statements, Luke gathered everyone for a meeting.
Luke wrote their names on the whiteboard and asked, "Everyone has seen their statements, what are your thoughts?"
The deputy squad leader said, "I was responsible for interrogating Carlton Platas. He has a strong distrust of the police, and I could sense he doesn't like the police and even harbors some hostility towards them.
I've seen too many similar 'bad boys,' just a bunch of petty thugs.
If they got into a conflict with the police, these bad boys could do anything, confront the police, or even shoot.
But that would be in the heat of the moment, under 'crime of passion.'
The deputy continued, "But according to the victim officer's partner, he was pursuing Carlton Platas the whole time, the latter had no time to return to the crime scene to shoot, meaning he was not the one who shot the victim.
The key question now is whether they know the killer and if they colluded with the killer in setting up the officer.
I think he lacks the courage and doesn't have a motive for such a thing.
So, I tend to trust their statements."
Luke personally took Salma Gonzalez's statement and also observed the interrogation of Carlton Platas from the observation room. He found no obvious signs of lying from either, and he leaned towards the deputy's analysis.
Luke followed up, "Assuming the deputy's analysis is correct, that these two are not related to the officer's murder, then what was the actual murderer's motive?"
Everyone wore serious expressions; killing a police officer is no trivial matter, and as officers themselves, they couldn't help feeling a sense of alarm.
While officer killings in Los Angeles are not uncommon, mostly they occur during active duty with armed confrontations, in most cases, the killers are shot on the scene or soon apprehended. Ambushes , with no leads post-event, are rare.
Jackson said, "According to Salma Gonzalez's description, the killer is likely an African American woman, and her shooting range wasn't far—she fired four shots, hitting only twice, indicating her marksmanship is average.
I'm wondering if this could be a personal vendetta?"
Luke nodded, "We can't rule that out. Jackson, check the victim's personal connections for any suspects matching the killer's description.
Additionally, Raymond and Jenny, search for surveillance around the crime scene for any suspect leads."
There was a knock at the door.
Mary walked in holding a document, "Lieutenant Lee, the ballistics report on the murder weapon is out."
Luke inquired, "Did we identify the owner of the handgun?"
Mary shook her head, "No, but from the ballistics database, we found another murder case using the same handgun." She handed over a file, "This is related to the other murder case."
Luke took the file to review, but the details were sparse.
Residence: Los Angeles
Time of Death: Between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. on December 18th.
Place of Death: Cliffside, east of Highway 1
Cause of Death: Shot unconscious, died from excessive blood loss
Case Status: Under investigation
Highway 1 is located on the north side of Los Angeles, under Canyon Division.
This case is being investigated by the Canyon Division, Detective Bureau.
Luke found Reid to explain the situation; the murders were committed with the same gun, likely by the same killer, linking the cases. He suggested a joint investigation.
Reid contacted Canyon Division, and after some discussion, the Canyon Division's Detective Bureau agreed to let the Robbery and Murder Department participate in the investigation.
With two divisions involved, it made sense for the Robbery and Murder Department to lead the dual-case investigation.
Morning of December 28th.
Luke, with Jackson, a detective nicknamed Little Black, and Port, headed to Canyon Division.
Port just returned from vacation and wasn't familiar with the case details; on the way, Luke briefed him on the case.
Luke casually asked, "Do you know the murdered officer, Jens Hauley?"
"No, we're not in the same department," Port shook his head, seeming somewhat distracted, as if not yet in work mode.
Luke said, "Did your vacation go well?"
Port shrugged, helplessly saying, "Honestly, I don't really enjoy going on vacations. Every time my family and I go on a vacation, we end up arguing—don't ask me why.
I also want to know why. Really."
As they conversed, the car drove into Canyon Division.
After getting out, Luke surveyed the area; Canyon Division had more officers and a larger area than the detective bureau, though the building was much older than the detective bureau's.