[1] The 45-minute episode was filmed in New York City, was written by Janis Diamond, was directed by Jace Alexander, and originally aired on NBC on January 8, 2003.
Contextually, Washington Heights is considered an area with a low socioeconomic level in America.
When arriving at the scene; the victim is identified as high school student Emily Milius.
A suspect green Saturn is discovered and forensic evidence proves the car struck Emily Milius.
The detectives speculate he took the job to support a suggested drug habit, and then killed himself, as directed by the hirer.
Diane Payton is brought down to the 27th precinct, the police station for the detectives featured on Law & Order, for further questioning.
Van Buren timely enters the room and admonishes Briscoe for his rudeness, before inviting Mrs. Payton for a coffee and a private chat.
Van Buren empathizes with Mrs. Payton over the difficulties of being a mother ("You're only as happy as your unhappiest kid"[5]).
Later, in a discussion with McCoy, Southerlyn reveals she remembers Hartley as a highly competitive student set upon becoming a high-earning Wall Street lawyer.
In the trial, psychiatrist Dr. Trask testifies Danny Payton was diagnosed with schizophrenia several years earlier and was held in a psychiatric hospital, but was eventually released, as medication proved effective in controlling his condition.
Finally, McCoy asks that if Diane Payton knew her son was a homicidal man with schizophrenia, why did she willingly give him the keys to her car?