S4·E12 The Score

Episode recap

In this episode the Miami‑Dade Crime Scene Investigation unit is called to a bustling nightclub after a patron is found dead. The victim, a man who had been taking lessons on how to approach women, is discovered with multiple injuries that suggest a violent, possibly pre‑meditated assault. The team secures the scene, documenting the layout of the club, the lighting, and the positions of furniture that could have contributed to the struggle. Forensic specialists collect trace evidence from the victim’s clothing, the surrounding floor, and any objects that may have been used in the attack. Blood spatter is photographed and measured, while DNA samples are taken from skin cells and hair found at the scene. The investigators also review surveillance footage from the venue to identify individuals who were present at the time of the murder and to establish a timeline of the victim’s movements inside the club.

Parallel to the murder investigation, Lieutenant Horatio Caine becomes involved in a personal matter concerning Marisol, the sister of CSI Eric Delko. Marisol has been taken into custody on drug‑related charges, and Horatio steps in to provide assistance. He meets with her legal representatives, reviews the circumstances of her arrest, and works to ensure that she receives appropriate counsel. Throughout the episode, Horatio balances his responsibilities as a law‑enforcement leader with his concern for a colleague’s family member, offering guidance while respecting procedural boundaries.

Back at the crime lab, the forensic team processes the collected evidence, running toxicology tests, fingerprint analyses, and ballistics examinations where applicable. Results from these tests are compared against known criminal databases, helping to narrow down potential suspects. As the investigation progresses, the CSIs piece together a narrative that links the victim’s presence at the nightclub with the motive and opportunity of the perpetrator. The episode concludes with the team presenting their findings to the district attorney, setting the stage for the next steps in the case, while Horatio’s involvement with Marisol underscores the personal stakes that often accompany the demanding work of the Miami‑Dade Police Department.