In NCIS: Origins Season 1, Episode 13, titled “Monsoon,” the team investigates the murder of Marine Lance Corporal Peter Rice, a Vietnam War veteran who had fallen on hard times. The case leads Mike Franks to reflect on his own struggles following the war, highlighting the challenges veterans face in reintegrating into civilian life.
The investigation uncovers a pattern of attacks on homeless veterans, with a surviving victim named Jonathan Smith providing a crucial lead. However, the case takes a tragic turn when it’s revealed that the killer is Tom Molina, a fellow veteran suffering from severe PTSD-induced night terrors, who was unaware of his violent actions. This revelation underscores the profound impact of war trauma on individuals and the complexities of seeking justice.
