Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

March 7, morning.

Robbery and Murder Department, Squad One Office.

Everyone looked up, watching the television overhead.

The TV was broadcasting news about the Rebecca Mosel robbery.

Since Rebecca Mosel is a public figure, the impact of this case was already significant, and after the police arrested Rebecca Mosel's agent, Wendell Duma, it sparked much speculation and discussion from the media and the public.

The deputy team member complained, "Why do I feel like every TV station is reporting this news?"

Jenny laughed, "Previous involved parties were strangers to the public, but this case's victim is a celebrity they know. Many people I know are talking about this case."

Black joked, "Including my mom and wife, they were asking me about the case all through dinner last night.

They couldn't believe it when they heard Wendell Duma instructed someone to rob Rebecca Mosel."

The deputy team member said, "I think it's quite normal. Wendell Duma's goal was to create a news topic by orchestrating the robbery, and from the current results, he succeeded.

The attention and focus on Rebecca Mosel have risen again.

The entertainment industry is full of messy affairs, this is nothing new."

Matthew asked, "Since Wendell Duma instructed suspect Cabin Bass to rob, why did he kill Cabin Bass?"

The deputy team member replied, "The reason is simple.

Wendell Duma only asked Cabin Bass to rob Rebecca Mosel, to generate media buzz.

But Cabin Bass not only robbed Rebecca Mosel, he also assaulted her.

This indicates Cabin Bass went out of control, whether out of anger or concerns for his own safety, Wendell Duma had every reason to kill Cabin Bass.

As long as Cabin Bass was alive, he could potentially threaten Wendell Duma with this matter.

It's a ticking time bomb.

If it were me, I would choose to eliminate him."

"Hey, guys, I suddenly saw explosive news on the police intranet!" Matthew's voice suddenly sounded.

Black teased, "Did the city government decide to give us a raise?"

"No, Coleman was transferred.

Reid is taking over as interim chief detective!"

Upon hearing this news, everyone gathered around.

The deputy team member exclaimed, "Reid got promoted again!"

Black laughed, "That's good news, we should have Reid treat us to a drink tonight."

Jackson said, "Now that Reid is the chief, does that mean he won't be overseeing the Robbery and Murder Department anymore?"

The deputy team member huffed, "No wonder Deputy Magna Meit has been so active these days; she probably knew all along."

Luke wasn't too surprised, as Reid had discussed this matter with him last year.

March 15.

Reid held his first media session within the detective bureau, with Los Angeles Deputy Commissioner Vinoc Reno, Bureau Chief Public News Superintendent Gylvie Eso, and other high-level police officials also attending.

After Reid's promotion from deputy commissioner to commissioner, there were several local role adjustments within the detective bureau.

Economic Crime Division Chief Gnadi Morris was promoted to deputy commissioner of the detective bureau.

Former deputy chief of the Robbery and Murder Department, Magna Meit, was promoted to chief of the Robbery and Murder Department.

...

March 25.

Outside the Robbery and Murder Department Chief's office.

"Knock knock..." Luke tapped on the office door.

"Come in."

Luke pushed open the door and saw a woman in her forties sitting behind the desk, slim-built, with a somewhat stern face.

"Director Meit."

"Captain Li, have a seat." Magna Meit stood up, forcing a smile on her face, "Want something to drink? How about a cup of coffee?"

"Okay." Luke nodded.

While both worked in the Robbery and Murder Department, Magna Meit primarily handled Squad Three and Squad Four, so the two rarely interacted directly.

Magna Meit poured two cups of coffee and handed one to Luke, saying, "Previously, Squad One and Squad Two were under Reid's direct management. Now I've taken over the Robbery and Murder Department, there won't be major changes in direction.

If you have any ideas, feel free to discuss them with me."

"I will."

After Reid's promotion to commissioner, he had a conversation with Luke, preparing him for the overall arrangement of the Robbery and Murder Department.

Seeing Luke's calm reaction, Magna Meit felt a bit disappointed; Reid may no longer be directly responsible for the Robbery and Murder Department, but he wasn't transferred away, he was promoted to chief commissioner, and his influence still remains within the department.

Putting down the coffee cup, Magna Meit changed the subject, saying, "I called you over today because of a tricky case.

Squad One has the highest case-solving rate in the Robbery and Murder Department, so I'd like to assign this case to Squad One."

"What case?"

"Yesterday morning, a police officer named Ossie Perkins was involved in a car accident, and he died before reaching the hospital.

Afterwards, the police inspected the car and discovered someone had tampered with the transmission and brakes.

This accident could very likely be a murder, not an accident."

Luke asked, "Which department is currently handling this case?"

"Southern District."

"Was the murdered officer also from Southern District?"

"He's a patrol officer from the Southern District." Magna Meit took out a business card and handed it to Luke. "The person in charge of this case is Chief Manu Murillo from the Southern District. You can contact him."

"Understood, I'll take my team to investigate right away."

...

Half an hour later, Luke and his team arrived at the Southern District.

Luke stepped out of the car and saw a Mexican man in a police uniform approaching him.

"You're Captain Li from the Robbery and Murder Department, right? I've seen you on TV."

Luke had just spoken with him on the phone and recognized his voice. "Hello, Chief Manu Murillo."

"Honestly, things aren't great. We've just lost one of our best officers."

Luke sighed, "I also feel very sorry about this.

We will do our utmost to investigate the truth behind Officer Ossie Perkins' murder."

"Thank you. I know you're the best in investigations. If there's anything you need help with, just let us know."

"I want to learn as much as possible about the circumstances of Ossie Perkins' murder right now."

"No problem, let's discuss it in the conference room."

Manu Murillo led Luke and his team to the conference room on the second floor, where two young officers served coffee to them.

Manu Murillo took out a file and placed it on the projector, saying, "Ossie was an excellent patrol officer—serious, responsible, with a strong sense of justice, and he got along well with his colleagues.

Yesterday morning, I suddenly received news that he was involved in a car accident on Highway 105, critically injured, and passed away on the way to the hospital.

Afterward, I took a team to the scene." Manu Murillo played some photos on the projector. "These are photos taken at the scene.

The car was flipped over, with the chassis facing upwards, and the windows shattered.

According to eyewitnesses, the car was traveling very fast at over a hundred miles per hour.

There was a traffic jam ahead, and the car couldn't pass, but Ossie still didn't slow down, driving off the road and crashing into a rock, causing the car to flip.

After the crash, the car's wheels were still spinning rapidly.

This phenomenon was very abnormal, so we transported the car back to the station for a detailed inspection.

It was discovered that the car's transmission and brakes had been tampered with.

Ossie wasn't deliberately not slowing down; the car was out of control, and he couldn't reduce the speed at all.

This was murder."

"Was he off-duty yesterday?"

"Yes."

"His girlfriend had returned from out of town, so he drove to Los Angeles International Airport to pick her up."

"Was he alone in the car at the time?"

"Yes."

"Was he driving his own car?"

"It was a silver-gray Lexus he bought last year, very beautiful."

"Did Ossie Perkins show any unusual behavior recently?"

"Not that I know of."

Luke said, "I'd like to talk to his partner."

"Of course.

I'll go get him." Manu Murillo left the conference room and soon returned with a young Mexican man in his twenties.

Manu Murillo introduced him, "This is Tex Werner, Ossie's partner.

This is Captain Li, who is now responsible for investigating Ossie's car accident case."

"Hello, Captain Li."

"Hello." Luke assessed him and asked, "How long have you been partners with Ossie Perkins?"

"Almost a year."

"What do you think of him?"

"He's a good person, very responsible, diligent in his work, and sincere with people, but sometimes a bit quick-tempered."

"What are your thoughts on his car accident?"

Tex Werner licked his lips, "Ossie's car was tampered with, it's obvious this was a murder."

"Did Ossie Perkins show any unusual behavior recently?"

Tex Werner thought for a moment and shook his head, "I didn't notice anything; we rarely discuss personal matters."

"Do you have any suspects for the car accident involving Ossie Perkins?"

Tex Werner took a deep breath and said, "Yes, I do have a suspect.

His name is Mario Brana, and some time ago, Ossie and I arrested him for car theft.

The kid threatened us back then, saying that once he got out, he would definitely come after us for revenge."

Luke pressed further, "How is Mario Brana's car theft technique?"

This car accident might sound simple, but it's quite challenging to execute. If Ossie Perkins had noticed something unusual in time, at a lower speed, he might have been able to escape.

It's only when the car loses control at high speed that it leads to the driver's death.

Tex Werner said, "He used to work in a garage, not only does he know how to steal cars, but he can also fix them. He's quite well-known around there."

Luke raised an eyebrow, this person fits the suspect's profile well, and continued asking, "Where is Mario Brana now?"

Manu Murillo replied, "I know this. He was just bailed out three days ago."