The First 48

10 Best Episodes of The First 48 - Season 3

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 - S3E2

#12 - Duct Tape Murder/Custody of the Devil (Season 3 - Episode 2)

Lies can make or break a case as in the first story. Mothers death lays heavy on the mind of her daughter.

The episode was rated 7.26 from 58 votes.

The First 48 - S3E1

#11 - House of Blood/Last Man Standing (Season 3 - Episode 1)

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Trails of blood are the common thread between these two crimes.

The episode was rated 7.40 from 67 votes.

The First 48 - S3E4

#10 - Evil Streak/.50 Caliber (Season 3 - Episode 4)

People killing people for no reason, and without leaving a clue.

The episode was rated 7.41 from 59 votes.

The First 48 - S3E8

#9 - Point Blank/Shoot Out (Season 3 - Episode 8)

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Two dead men will take detectives down separate paths to find the killers. Clues are found that will lead one detective across state lines and another to an uncooperative witness.

The episode was rated 7.42 from 52 votes.

The First 48 - S3E11

#8 - Close Ties/Last Call (Season 3 - Episode 11)

Three young people are found dead. Getting all the facts to prove plain murder or murder suicide is the task at hand. A frantic 911 call leads detectives to a front lawn that holds the body of a young man. He was with his girlfriend the last time the mother her son alive.

The episode was rated 7.44 from 45 votes.

The First 48 - S3E6

#7 - Fifty Dollar Murder/Murder in Liberty City (Season 3 - Episode 6)

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With a dead store clerk, evidence is not hard to find. But what will hold the key to solving the murder? A dead man and a wounded man…is there a connection?

The episode was rated 7.49 from 47 votes.

The First 48 - S3E12

#6 - Pack of Lies (Season 3 - Episode 12)

A young man is found stabbed to death in his home. During the investigation some information surfaces that leads to drugs. Detectives will have to get deep in a drug ring to find the truth.

The episode was rated 7.52 from 44 votes.

The First 48 - S3E9

#5 - Last Exit/Out Cold (Season 3 - Episode 9)

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With the discovery of two male bodies detectives are left to find answers for the families. About all the detectives know is that the cases are homicides. Investigating these mysterious cases will hopefully lead to a killer.

The episode was rated 7.55 from 40 votes.

The First 48 - S3E5

#4 - Foolproof Alibi/Left Behind (Season 3 - Episode 5)

In Miami, when a young father-to-be is gunned down in broad daylight, Sgt. Eunice Cooper and Detective Ervens Ford are sure they know who did it. But when their primary suspect claims he was at home when the shooting occurred, and has the record from his GPS ankle bracelet to prove it, they must work against the odds to catch their killer. In Phoenix, Detectives Steve Orona and Jeremy Rosenthal respond to a call of a foul odor coming from an apartment. When they arrive at the scene their worst fears are realized. The body of a woman, wrapped in a blanket, is decomposing on the floor of the bathroom. The detectives are now in a race against time to try and find the killer. They chase their suspect to Mexico, hoping to find him before he disappears.

The episode was rated 7.64 from 56 votes.

The First 48 - S3E10

#3 - Dead Man Running/Crash (Season 3 - Episode 10)

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When two men are found dead, one on the porch the other in front of the auto body shop, detectives are left to find answers. With the discovery of a trail of blood and a cell phone…detectives may or may not have found witnesses. But they might have even found a killer.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 43 votes.

The First 48 - S3E3

#2 - Fish out of Water/Good Samaritan (Season 3 - Episode 3)

Counterfeit money may have cost a man his life. A hero is slain protecting another man. Will the killers get away?

The episode was rated 7.72 from 50 votes.

The First 48 - S3E7

#1 - Torched (Season 3 - Episode 7)

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The First 48 presents the episode “Torched”, which follows detectives as they search to uncover a plot of crime. When a rental car is found torched, an unidentified victim is discovered inside. As detectives search to find out who the victim is and who is responsible, they must also figure out if they can catch the suspects before they disappear.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey as detectives uncover the mystery. They work tirelessly to unearth clues in the hopes of finding answers. Detectives must also work fast and be vigilant to ensure the suspects don’t escape before they can be apprehended. With a combination of tenacity, intuition and investigative skills, detectives must race against the clock to solve this case before it goes cold.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 41 votes.

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