The death of Eddie Wells in 1982 would seem like a straightforward case. His body was found floating in the Mississippi River in New Orleans’ Upper 9th Ward. The coroner determined he likely drowned, but a police detective believed the 17-year old boy was murdered. The New Orleans Police Department is  now re-examining Eddie’s death, and so are we. The mystery begins between Piety and Desire streets.

We get a clearer picture of the life Eddie Wells led in the neighborhood where he grew up:  Bywater.  Eddie was portrayed in a less than favorable way in the newspaper, but those who grew up with him paint a different portrait.  They also describe a person who often put Eddie on edge.  Did he have anything to do with Eddie’s death?  The web of questions expands.      

The current cold case investigation into the death of Eddie Wells began after complaints filed with the New Orleans Police Department by two men.  They believe one man killed Eddie.  The accounts of what they endured and witnessed begin to uncover a long history of cover-up.   

Detailed accounts and accusations of corruption deepen.  Serious questions about a New Orleans Police Detective are swirling.  It’s the same detective who was adamant that Eddie Wells was murdered back in 1982. 

An already twisted situation for Richard worsens and it begins to unfold just blocks away from his home in Mid-City.  Meanwhile, Vic recalls the first time he met Eddie Wells.  All of this takes place with Stanley Burkhardt looming over their lives.  

The narrative shifts to New Orleans East.  Vic’s family moves to that neighborhood and he believes he can avoid Stanley Burkhardt.  He’s proven wrong and something proves to be even more chilling when he says Burkhardt shows him a set of photos.  

The law catches up with Stanley Burkhardt, but not before a shocking a conversation Richard says he had with him.  That conversation supposedly took place at Vaughan’s Lounge in the Bywater, and it revolved around the death of Eddie Wells. 

In the aftermath of the prison system releasing Stanley Burkhardt multiple times, Richard decides to go on the offensive.  He begins what he calls “the crucible.”  It set off a chain of events that ultimately leads to the cold case investigation of Eddie Wells’ death.