The First 48

10 Best Episodes of The First 48 - Season 13

The First 48 is a hit true crime docu-series that follows detectives during the hours immediately following a homicide. It is available to watch on A&E and first aired back in 2004. After 24 seasons, The First 48 has created some unforgettable episodes. Below, we’ll be ranking the best episodes of The First 48 and why they have earned their spots on the list.

From the shocking twists and turns of the case, to the heartbreaking stories of the victims and their families, the show has created some truly moving and captivating episodes. Each episode is filled with intense moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right into the ranking and see which episodes made the cut as the best of the best of The First 48.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 13, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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The First 48 - S13E33

#15 - Killer Connection/Bloody Birthday (Season 13 - Episode 33)

In Dallas, a young father is shot dead outside a bar, and the killer is caught on video. But can detectives find someone to ID him? Then, in Cleveland, a mother of six is gunned down on her birthday, leaving her family devastated and the homicide team desperate to figure out who pulled the trigger.

The episode was rated 7.76 from 21 votes.

The First 48 - S13E9

#14 - Desperate Moves (Season 13 - Episode 9)

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Dallas detectives launch a manhunt for the person who gunned down an innocent man in his car.

The episode was rated 7.77 from 35 votes.

The First 48 - S13E24

#13 - For a Quick Buck/Bloody Sunday (Season 13 - Episode 24)

Masked gunmen terrorize a Cleveland family and execute the young patriarch; Dallas detectives hunt for a killer who gunned down an innocent teen with an assault rifle

The episode was rated 7.79 from 19 votes.

The First 48 - S13E37

#12 - Calling for A Killer/Boiling Point (Season 13 - Episode 37)

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In Dallas, a man is shot dead by a car thief and Detectives race to find the stolen vehicle before the killer gets away. And, in Cleveland, Detectives hunt for a witness to ID the shooter of a young man robbed and killed outside a party.

The episode was rated 7.87 from 15 votes.

The First 48 - S13E11

#11 - Easy Money/Ambushed (Season 13 - Episode 11)

The First 48 episode "Easy Money/Ambushed" is a gripping tale of death, desperation and a search for justice. The episode takes place in Dallas, Texas and Cleveland, Ohio, as two separate but equally tragic stories unfold. In Dallas, a young father is shot in the back, and his family and friends are left to pick up the pieces. However, no one wants to talk and the police are left with few clues as to who committed this crime.

In Cleveland, a corner store stickup goes tragically wrong and an innocent clerk is left dead. The police are faced with a difficult task to find the perpetrators of this heinous act and bring them to justice. This episode is a powerful example of how crime can have devastating and heartbreaking consequences for victims, families and communities. The First 48 shows viewers that justice can be served and those responsible for these cruel acts will not be forgotten.

The episode was rated 7.87 from 15 votes.

The First 48 - S13E5

#10 - Strapped/The Killers Next Door (Season 13 - Episode 5)

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In the episode of The First 48 entitled "Strapped/The Killers Next Door", Miami detectives investigate the murder of a teen that occurred in their city. Meanwhile, in Cleveland, detectives investigate the robbery and shooting of two college students who were walking their dog when they were attacked.

The episode is a riveting look into the world of crime and the difficulties law enforcement faces when investigating violent crimes. This particular episode stands out due to the fact that it features two different crimes that are happening in two separate cities. This unique twist allows viewers to get a better understanding of the different kinds of crimes that occur in different parts of the country. In addition, the episode highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in order to ensure justice is served.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 35 votes.

The First 48 - S13E6

#9 - Birthday Girl (Season 13 - Episode 6)

The First 48’s episode “Birthday Girl” tells the tragic story of a 14-year-old Cleveland girl who was killed at her own birthday party. During the celebration, multiple gunmen opened fire on the crowd. Despite the efforts of the police, the girl was already dead when they arrived. The story follows the Cleveland homicide detectives as they try to track down the shooters and uncover the mystery of what happened.

The episode depicts a heartbreaking story of an innocent life cut short. The detectives face an uphill battle to find the perpetrators as they are up against a wall of silence. As they comb through the evidence, they are reminded of the tragedy that took place and the impact it has had on the victim’s family and friends. “Birthday Girl” is an emotional and powerful episode that showcases the dedication of the police and their desire to seek justice.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 40 votes.

The First 48 - S13E40

#8 - After the First 48: Brutal Business (Season 13 - Episode 40)

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In the Dallas Neighborhood of Oak Cliff, two young men are shot in the head inside a drug house, their bodies found burned in the trunk of a car. Investigators scramble to find eyewitnesses to the crime and the three suspects, but at trial no one can say who pulled the trigger. It's up to the prosecution to paint a gruesome, vivid picture of this brutal crime in the hopes of securing a capital murder conviction.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 12 votes.

The First 48 - S13E36

#7 - Killer Connection/Bloody Birthday (Season 13 - Episode 36)

The First 48 episode "Killer Connection/Bloody Birthday" follows the investigation into two separate homicides in Dallas and Cleveland. In Dallas, a father is fatally shot outside a bar, and the shooter is recorded on security footage. Detectives must now find someone to identify the killer. In Cleveland, a mother of six is tragically killed on her birthday, leaving her family in shock and the homicide team desperate to find the murderer.

This episode of The First 48 sheds light on the difficult process of solving a crime and the toll it takes on the families of the victims. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the victims' families and the dedication of the detectives in their pursuit of justice. The episode will leave viewers with a greater understanding of the complexities of solving a crime and the importance of never giving up.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 15 votes.

The First 48 - S13E18

#6 - Brother's Keeper/Fighting Words (Season 13 - Episode 18)

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In the episode of The First 48, "Brother's Keeper/Fighting Words," Cleveland Detectives race against the clock to find the killers of an innocent man gunned down in a gang war. With tensions running high, the detectives must act quickly and find the perpetrators before any more bloodshed occurs. In Dallas, a father has been murdered close to home, and the detectives must rely on the information from the neighbors to help guide their investigation.

The episode is full of suspense and intrigue as the detectives work diligently to find the killers. As the time pressure increases, the detectives must make difficult decisions in order to find justice for the innocent man and the father who have lost their lives. With the help of the community and their own expertise, the detectives will do their best to bring the criminals to justice. This episode is sure to be a thrilling journey as the detectives use all of their resources to try and find the truth.

The episode was rated 7.94 from 17 votes.

The First 48 - S13E49

#5 - Abandoned by the Bayou (Season 13 - Episode 49)

New Orleans police detectives piece together the last hours in the life of a mother of five, who was found bound and executed in an empty lot.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 19 votes.

The First 48 - S13E54

#4 - Killer Connection/Bloody Birthday (Season 13 - Episode 54)

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In Dallas, a young father is shot dead outside a bar, and the killer is caught on video. But can detectives find someone to ID him? Then, in Cleveland, a mother of six is gunned down on her birthday, leaving her family devastated and the homicide team desperate to figure out who pulled the trigger.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 24 votes.

The First 48 - S13E10

#3 - Wild Ride (Season 13 - Episode 10)

In the thrilling episode of The First 48, "Wild Ride", Cleveland homicide detectives pursue an enigmatic case of a father of five who was stabbed over 50 times. It's a wild ride full of bizarre twists and turns as the detectives investigate every detail of the crime. The audience follows the police officers as they uncover leads and analyze evidence to unravel the mystery of the victim’s death.

The detectives are able to piece together a trail of clues with the help of witnesses, surveillance footage and other evidence. As the case progresses, the audience is kept on the edge of their seats as the story slowly reveals itself. Ultimately, the detectives are able to identify the suspect and bring justice to the victim’s family. This episode of The First 48 provides a unique perspective into the world of criminal investigation and will keep viewers guessing until the very end.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 26 votes.

The First 48 - S13E44

#2 - After the First 48: Trail of Evidence (Season 13 - Episode 44)

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In Harris County Texas, a 38-year-old man is stabbed to death in his own home leaving behind two children and his wife. Investigators track down the suspect thanks to surveillance video and some good old fashion detective work. But when the defendant claims self defense, the state must put together a case that will convince the jury the dead man was in fact the victim and not a predator.

The episode was rated 8.19 from 16 votes.

The First 48 - S13E35

#1 - Trust No One/Risky Business (Season 13 - Episode 35)

The First 48’s episode, ‘Trust No One/Risky Business’, follows the murders of two beloved neighbors in Cleveland and Dallas. In Cleveland, Detective Art Echols is on the hunt for a killer who may be closer than he thinks. In Dallas, Detective Steve David needs to track down two killers before they strike again.

This episode is an emotional roller-coaster, as the detectives try to solve the cases before the killers strike again. It is a suspenseful ride, as they unravel the clues and hunt for the perpetrator. Through interviews and evidence, the detectives uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims and their families. This episode is an example of the strength of the detectives and their dedication to their work and is an inspiring reminder of the power of justice.

The episode was rated 8.28 from 18 votes.

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