deep end, cm [ 1 ]

075. normal

"This is Orange County, California. 10 days ago, Judy Hannity, a real estate broker and a mother, was shotgunned on the 91 Freeway." Jordan says, sitting next to Emily on the jet.

"She survived this?" Emily asks.

"Barely. She's paralyzed from the waist down." Jordan says. "The second and third victims were both D.O.A. There were different vehicles for each shooting. A small black SUV, a black Sedan, a white Sedan, no makes, no plates."

"No solid witnesses?" Derek asks.

"The first victim described the shooter as a normal, middle aged white guy in an SUV." Jordan says.

"She gave the description but she couldn't remember anything else?" Hotch asks.

"Isn't that consistent with trauma?" Jordan asks.

"Uh, actually, no. Trauma victims either remember everything or nothing." Emily says.

"So wait, the third victim was shot last week and we just got the phone call today?" Spencer asks.

"Until the third shooting, the locals weren't convinced it was a serial shooter. There were different cars, and the first shooting there was a different weapon." Jordan says.

"It's the same weapon." Rossi says, putting the photos down.

"The shot pattern on the second and third one are much wider, though." Spencer says.

"He sawed off the shotgun. It's the same shooter." Rossi says. "He's evolving, and quickly."

"The media has already dubbed him the Road Warrior." Jordan says.

"That explains why they wanted us there so quickly." Jessica says.

"What do you mean?" Jordan asks.

"This type of unsub is the hardest to catch. Totally impersonal victims." Derek says. "A third of the crime scene flees with him and his vehicle. The victim's car's a wreck. And the last third, the road, it's contaminated by all the other cars that drive over it."

"So how do we get him?" Jordan asks.

"We build a solid profile. We release it to the public with an appeal for help. Somebody knows this guy." Hotch says.

"And it's my job to make them realize." Jordan says.

+++

"Thea Salinas, sheriff's county homicide." A woman informs. "I'm running the task force."

"I'm Special Agent Jordan Todd. Special Agents Rossi, Hotchner, Prentiss... Morgan... Taylor, and that's Dr. Spencer Reid." Jordan points to each of them, everybody but Spencer shaking Thea's hand. Spencer waves.

"Are these the vehicles from the shootings?" Hotch asks.

"Yes." Thea nods. Hotch, Emily, and Derek walk off to inspect the vehicles.

"Did you set up the hotline?" Jordan asks.

"Like you asked. We have the local stations putting the number out there. We're getting about a dozen calls an hour." Thea says.

"I'll alert the media to stand by for our press conference. Excuse me." Jordan walks off.

"The sheriff's department and the CHP are on tac alert. We've got choppers on round the clock freeway patrol. The victims' vehicles, with maps, CSPs, and bullet points. Everything we got on the case is in this room." Thea states.

"Anything solid on the tip line?" Jessica asks.

"Usual nut jobs. Crime bluffs, bored senior citizens." Thea says.