19. Strange Fruit

Jeffries reopens the 1963 murder of a black 16-year-old boy whose severely beaten body was found by the then 12-year-old Jeffries in a local park. The veteran detective believes the killing was racially motivated and may be linked to the fact that the boy's father supervised several white men who resented him at a nearby plant. Elsewhere, Valens' drinking becomes a problem on the job.

Plot summary and ending

Spoilers ahead. Coverage follows the scope labeled below.

Complete story — includes the ending

Haunted by a childhood memory, Jeffries asks Lilly to help him reexamine the 1963 murder of Zeke Williams, a 16-year-old African-American boy who was found dead in a playground. When it is discovered his family had moved into a predominantly white neighborhood prior to his death, the team investigates the possible racial tensions surrounding his death. Song featured in the intro: " One Fine Day ", by The Chiffons Song featured in the finale: " Strange Fruit ", by Nina Simone.

Sources and content license

Source and revision history · Adapted from Wikipedia contributors, Cold Case season 2. HTML formatting and reference markers removed. · Content license