deep end, cm [ 1 ]

074. brothers in arms

"Earlier this evening, the Phoenix police force lost two of their own. Sergeant Michael Rodriguez and Officer Thomas Kayser were killed in the line of duty." Jordan pauses the news footage.

"That's 3 officers in the past 4 days." She states. "After the first shooting, the Phoenix police department assumed gang involvement."

"Pretty reasonable assumption." Rossi says.

"True. Almost 30% of all officer slayings are gang related." Jordan says.

"Technically, it's closer to 40%. If a cop isn't killed during a commission of a crime, gang involvement is highly likely." Spencer informs.

"Actually, their precinct commander believes it may be a serial and has asked for our help." Jordan says.

"What makes him doubt the gang theory?" Rossi asks.

"A couple of things. Last night's victims were killed exactly the same way as the first." Jordan says.

"Shot in the neck." Hotch says.

"Something that the press didn't release." Jordan says.

"Well, now, wait. There could still be a gang behind this." Emily says. "Killers working together could establish the same M.O."

"Commander Marks hasn't ruled it out, but there's another detail." Jordan says.

"Trophies." Rossi says. "Killer took their badges."

"Gang members don't usually take trophies. They don't need to." Derek says. "This is an unsub with something to prove."

"And he's got the entire city on edge." Jessica comments.

"Kill those who protect and serve, and no one feels safe." Emily states.

+++

They're on the jet and starting to go over the case file. Jessica and Spencer are sitting on the couch and he has his arm resting on the back of the couch so it's behind her.

"Go ahead, Garcia." Hotch tells her.

"Okay, while you birds have been in the air, I got the 411 on the first shooting." Penelope says. "Apparently, every Saturday night, Phoenix P.D. sets up a DUI checkpoint."

"Is that common knowledge?" Emily asks.

"Mais, oui." Penelope answers. "Public awareness is part of the deterrent. So our unsub blows past said checkpoint at 90 MPH, and is pursued by an Officer Jason Kessinger. Kessinger pulls the car over, approaches the driver's side window, where he is shot in the throat." She informs.

"Mon dieu. He was a single parent, 2 daughters." Penelope says.

Jessica flips through the file, finding a photo of the man's two young daughters. Her chest aches at their bright, smiling faces, thinking of how they had to be told terrible news.

Spencer, noticing the slight chance in Jessica's body language, rubs her shoulder for a second. He proceeds to rest his hand behind her hand and starts playing with her hair.

"So, the unsub planned ahead, used the DUI stop to set his trap, and then lured the officer to his death." Rossi says.

"It could have been personal." Emily says. "The unsub might have had a problem with these particular officers."

"Or with law enforcement in general." Hotch says. "He's sending a message."

"Criminals, gang members, academy washouts, security rent-a-cops, teenagers, and that's just a start." Spencer says. "I mean, the list of people who have a problem with police officers is a long one."