Starting in February 2005, New Times staff writer Paul Rubin got unprecedented access to the Phoenix Police Department's C-32 homicide squad, whose members include veteran Detectives Jack Ballentine and Alex Femenia. Over 11 months, Rubin stood alongside the murder cops at 20 crime scenes. He saw a lot of dead bodies, and he observed the detectives break down a host of suspects back at police headquarters. He was also present for witness interviews and autopsies — literally every aspect of C32's investigations. The result is a series of stories on homicides in Phoenix.

1. Feature
   The Case of the Grim Tweaker
   Officer Dave Uribe's murder made no sense, until detectives made the killer as a doper bent on shooting a cop
   By Paul Rubin
   Published: February 02, 2006
2. News
   Toy Box Killing
   A dad whose child suffocated inside a toy chest is indicted on felony child abuse charges here and arrested in Michigan
   By Paul Rubin
   Published: August 10, 2006
3. Feature
   Fear Factor
   Two serial murderers loom among us. Inside the case of the Baseline Killer's first Phoenix victim
   By Paul Rubin
   Published: July 27, 2006
4. Feature
   The Case of the Two Abigails
   One infant dies with her head in a noose, another dies inside a toy chest. Each was in a father's care, and homicide cops want answers
   By Paul Rubin
   Published: May 18, 2006
5. Feature
   The Case of the Wily Coyote
   Getting smuggled into the U.S. is a dangerous game, even when the smuggler's just like family
   By Paul Rubin
   Published: April 06, 2006
6. Feature
   The Case of the Fatal Femme
   Samantha Somegustava's boyfriend tells the homicide detective she has a "hard heart." By now, the cop knows what he means
   By Paul Rubin
   Published: March 09, 2006
7. Feature
   The Case of the Jealous Lover Boy
   Despite all the sex toys, Tim Contreraz and Shawn Drake weren't exactly living together in bliss
   By Paul Rubin
   Published: February 16, 2006