Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 25 episode 13 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In this episode of SVU, the team tackles the case of the Wire Hanger Rapist, who has terrorized New York City. Despite initially arresting Billy Hedges due to a mistaken victim ID and his fingerprint at a crime scene, another attack occurs while he's in custody. This points to either a wrongful arrest or a copycat. Further investigation reveals the true assailant, Glenn Duncan, a dishonorably discharged ex-Marine, conclusively linked to all attacks by DNA evidence. Billy is exonerated and released, reuniting with his son, as the team reflects on the complexities of their work.

Full Episode S25E13 Recap

### Opening Scene: Introduction of the Crime and New ADA - The episode opens with the iconic introduction voiceover, highlighting the severity of sexually based crimes and the dedicated efforts of the Special Victims Unit (SVU) in New York City. - The scene transitions to a meeting where Captain Olivia Benson and her team discuss a pattern assailant known as the Wire Hanger Rapist, responsible for multiple sexual assaults. - ADA Heidi Russell, the new chief of the Trial Division, introduces herself and emphasizes her commitment to transparency with the NYPD. ### Introducing the Perpetrator's Modus Operandi - The team discusses the escalating pattern of the attacks, noting that the unknown perpetrator targets single women in low-income neighborhoods. - The assailant gains access to the victims' apartments by unscrewing light bulbs to simulate a power outage, then surprises and assaults the victims using a coat hanger to bind them and a gun barrel for the assault. ### Latest Victim and Investigative Challenges - The latest victim, Ariel Bradford, is severely injured and remains in ICU. The team struggles with a lack of forensic evidence, making it difficult to progress in the investigation. - Despite generating sketches and utilizing various resources, the team has little to go on, putting pressure on them from the District Attorney's office. ### Crime Scene Investigation - The team visits the crime scene where Ariel was attacked. They analyze the scene, noting details like unscrewed light bulbs and the use of a wire hanger. - They hope to find a mistake made by the perpetrator that could lead to a breakthrough, but so far, evidence is scarce. ### Interrogation and False Identification - A suspect named Billy Hedges is brought in after his fingerprint is found at a crime scene. Despite his protests and weak alibi, he is pressured by his public defender to plead guilty to avoid a harsher sentence. - Ariel Bradford, under stress, mistakenly identifies Billy as her attacker, leading to his incarceration. ### New Attack Raises Doubts - A new attack occurs while Billy is in custody, suggesting either a wrongful arrest or a copycat. The team reexamines the evidence, desperate to correct their potential mistake and catch the real perpetrator. - As they delve deeper, they uncover more about the real assailant's background, including military training and a dishonorable discharge, which aligns with the nature of the attacks. ### Resolution and Reflection - The real perpetrator, Glenn Duncan, is eventually confronted and apprehended after a tense standoff. Evidence conclusively links him to all the attacks. - Billy Hedges is exonerated and released, reuniting with his son. The episode concludes with Captain Benson reflecting on the challenges and responsibilities of her role, emphasizing the importance of hope and healing in their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Wire Hanger Rapist?

The Wire Hanger Rapist is an unknown assailant responsible for multiple sexual assaults, targeting single women, binding them with a coat hanger, and assaulting them with the barrel of a gun.

What evidence is there against Billy Hedges?

A fingerprint of Billy Hedges is found at one of the crime scenes, and he is mistakenly identified by a victim as her attacker.

Is Billy Hedges the Wire Hanger Rapist?

No, Billy Hedges is not the Wire Hanger Rapist. He was wrongly accused and is later exonerated when the real perpetrator, Glenn Duncan, is apprehended.

How was the real assailant, Glenn Duncan, caught?

Glenn Duncan was caught after a standoff with the police. He was conclusively linked to all the attacks through DNA evidence found on underwear in his possession, which matched the DNA of all the victims.

What happens to Billy Hedges after he is exonerated?

After his exoneration, Billy Hedges is released from custody and reunites with his son.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 25 episode 13

Duty to Hope