In the second episode of "The Breakthrough," titled "Leave No Stone Unturned," the investigation into the 2004 double murder in Linköping continues to unfold, with Detective John Sundin's personal life beginning to crumble under the weight of his obsession with the case. The episode picks up immediately where the first left off, with witness Karin under hypnosis, finally providing a clearer description of the killer.
The police, now armed with a photofit of the suspect, face the challenge of its vagueness. Despite the skepticism from his colleagues, John insists on going public with the image, believing it is crucial to show the public that they are actively pursuing leads. This decision leads to a press conference where John, dressed in his police uniform, faces a barrage of questions from the media. The skepticism and pressure are palpable, with reporters questioning the effectiveness of the investigation and the potential consequences of releasing the photofit.
As the case consumes more of John's life, his personal relationships suffer. His pregnant wife, Anna, watches with growing concern as John becomes increasingly distant, his focus entirely on the investigation. Meanwhile, the football team from the previous episode continues to be a subplot, with the coach noticing the photofit and questioning the whereabouts of a team member, Ante, who had recently exhibited erratic behavior.
The emotional toll of the case is further highlighted when John visits Adnan's parents, who have decided to leave Linköping due to the unbearable pain of living in the city where their son was murdered. Their frustration and grief are evident as they challenge John's ability to find the killer. John's determination is unwavering, however, as he promises them that he will not stop until the case is solved.
John's personal life reaches a breaking point when he becomes a father, giving birth to a son named Henry. Despite this joyous occasion, John is haunted by the case, unable to fully embrace the moment as his mind is preoccupied with the murder. His wife's frustration grows, culminating in her decision to leave John, unable to cope with the situation on her own.
As the years pass, the investigation seems to stagnate. The episode fast forwards through the years, showing the relentless pursuit of leads and the growing frustration of both the police and the victims' families. John's dedication to the case remains undiminished, even as he is threatened with being transferred to the cold case unit. He is given a final ultimatum: solve the case within two weeks or risk losing his position.
In a pivotal moment, John is inspired by the news of the Golden State Killer case in the United States, where DNA genealogy played a crucial role in identifying the suspect. This leads him to seek out Per Skogkvist, a genealogist who has been using similar techniques to solve family mysteries. Despite initial skepticism from his superiors, John is convinced that this new approach could be the breakthrough they need.
"Leave No Stone Unturned" is a powerful exploration of the impact of a high-profile murder investigation on both the personal and professional lives of those involved. It highlights the dedication and perseverance required to solve such complex cases, while also shedding light on the emotional toll it takes on the investigators and the community. The episode sets the stage for the innovative methods that will eventually lead to the resolution of the case, showcasing the resilience and determination of Detective John Sundin in his relentless pursuit of justice.