Letters From a Convicted Killer Prompt SVU to Reopen a Nun’s Murder Case, Testing Benson and Stabler’s Strained Order

A Case Returns to Benson

Gwen approaches Olivia Benson outside work to discuss a man who has spent years writing to her from prison. He was incarcerated in 1998 for Claire Sobel’s murder, but has continued to say he is innocent. Gwen asks Benson to take another look.

Sobel, a nun, was stabbed to death at her convent in Harlem. Benson says the case was one of her first investigations with the Special Victims Unit, and reacts sharply when Gwen names the victim. The convicted man is being held at Attica.

Stabler Hesitates to Help

Gwen asks Benson to review the case with her once more and mentions that Stabler has not returned her calls. Benson finds him at his boxing gym and tells him they may have gotten the investigation wrong. He recognizes the case and jokes that he thought she had come because she missed him.

Benson says she does miss him, but cannot make him talk to her. Stabler says they are not friends, prompting Benson to leave. Before she goes, she urges him not to isolate himself and reminds him that he used to say they right wrongs.

Questions About the Evidence

Stabler arrives at the precinct the next day as the squad begins reviewing the case. He makes a pointed remark about Curry’s former work in Internal Affairs, and she responds coolly.

Gwen, Benson and Stabler discuss the conviction. Charles said he found Claire and tried to remove the knife, which could explain his fingerprints on it. Gwen notes that his account has not changed, that he had a poor attorney, and that the bite evidence used against him is now considered junk science.

Gwen also raises concerns about the original questioning: Stabler interrogated Charles alone, leaving no objective record of the interview. Stabler resists the idea that the team missed something, while the review brings new scrutiny to the case.