"This is the story of Solomon Robinson." — Ashley Flowers
"But Solomon's murder doesn't match the circumstances that they so often encounter. He's not in a gang, he doesn't sell drugs, and he had never been in any trouble." — Britt
"And this kind of attack, this is exactly the signature that these guys were known for." — Britt
The episode details the unsolved murder of Solomon Robinson, a young soldier home on leave, who was found stabbed and shot in St. Mary's Park in the Bronx in 1998. Despite a large crowd being present, witness accounts were inconsistent and uncooperative, leading to significant challenges for the NYPD investigation. Initial theories ranged from robbery to gang involvement, but Solomon's background as a soldier with no known enemies complicated these possibilities.
The investigation faced numerous obstacles, including a lack of physical evidence and a pattern of witness unreliability, most notably from a woman named Gail who had been with Solomon shortly before his death. Her account shifted multiple times, casting doubt on her credibility. A significant development occurred eight months later when an incarcerated individual, "Frank," provided details and identified two cousins, John and William, as the perpetrators. However, Frank's credibility was questioned, and a key teenage witness, "Brenda," who corroborated parts of Frank's story, refused to cooperate further due to fear.
Years later, renewed efforts by Detective Klein, who had a personal connection to Solomon's military service, brought the case to the attention of a joint NYPD and FBI task force. This brought new leverage, but a crucial witness, Frank, recanted his initial statement, admitting he fabricated parts to gain a deal. Brenda, re-interviewed by the FBI, maintained her account but remained unwilling to fully cooperate. Despite these setbacks, the investigation continues, focusing on John and William, who have alleged ties to gang activity known for a specific type of facial injury inflicted on Solomon. The case remains open, with law enforcement seeking any information that can lead to a conviction, acknowledging the ongoing pain for Solomon's family.