School's Out
Summary
This episode of The First 48 investigates the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Zachary Cortez in Mobile, Alabama, which stemmed from a teenage dispute over a stolen gun. Detectives Riley Stewart and Jermaine Rogers uncover that the motive was not a domestic issue but a "beef" between the victim and 18-year-old Margarius Duke, who had his firearm taken by Cortez. Surveillance footage and a recovered 40-caliber pistol lead to the arrests of Duke and his accomplice, Jeffrey Johnson, both of whom plead guilty to manslaughter. The case highlights how a minor conflict escalated into a life-altering …
Topics discussed
Introduction: The loss of Zachary Dobe
The 911 call and initial discovery
Show intro and case overview: 'Schools Out'
Sponsor segments: QVC and Lincoln Tech
Detectives arrive at the crime scene
Victim profile and witness interviews
Ballistics evidence and witness testimony
Interviews with surviving friends
Interview with the 911 caller and prior threats
Interview with the ex-girlfriend
Sponsor segments: QVC and Telehealth
Interrogation of the ex-girlfriend
Identifying suspect Margarius Duke
Arrest of Duke and discovery of gun
Interrogation of Duke and release on weapons charge
Surveillance footage and search of Duke's home
Jail interview: Duke names second shooter
Investigating the second suspect Jeffrey Johnson
Interrogation of Jeffrey Johnson and confession
Sentencing, family impact, and 21st birthday
Outro and final sponsor segments
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