Lee Shepherd

When three unrelated people connected to cases that were handled by Detective Benson (Mariska Hargitay) are found ritualistically murdered, all the evidence points to Benson as the true target of the violence. As she struggles with guilt over the murders, Benson continues to pursue the assailant despite warnings from the FBI that she may be in danger.

Carrie finds herself conflicted about her new relationship as Berger reveals more of his emotional limitations. Meanwhile, Charlotte has become the hot prospective daughter-in-law within the synagogue's Sister Society; Miranda is worried that the demands of her career are keeping her from Brady; and Samantha's new PR creation gets hot.

Jamie gets Danny involved when he finds a homeless teen who claims his aunt was killed by her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Erin is angered when McCoy replaces her as the prosecutor on a case involving a corrections officer.

When a drug-addled 15-year-old girl is found murdered, Detectives Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Green (Jesse L. Martin) find a host of likely suspects among her mega-wealthy family as well as their equally monied friends next door -- but they can't eliminate any male until they get a judge's permission to test DNA from previously donated blood of one family's son. However, once Assistant District Attorneys McCoy (Sam Waterston) and Carmichael (Angie Harmon) begin their case, a festering family scandal unfolds that might affect their chances for proving first-degree murder. S. Epatha Merkerson and Steven Hill also star.

An investigation into the murder of a Navy officer helps Detectives Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Curtis (Benjamin Bratt) crack a rash of murder/muggings. But when the two cases are proved unrelated they find themselves up against the Navy. Later, McCoy (Sam Waterston) and Ross (Carey Lowell) do battle to win jurisdiction and confidential information. Patti LuPone reprises her role as defense attorney Ruth Miller. S. Epatha Merkerson and Steven Hill also star.

An unidentified female body is found in the bay near the garment district, leading detectives in the tough position of getting the many illegal immigrants in the are to speak up about what may have happened. The victim is finally traced back to an illegal sweat shop, but without any murder suspects the DAs turn to a 100-year-old slavery case in order to prosecute.