As SVU uncovers disturbing secrets about Manhattan Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Carl Rudnick, an acquaintance of Dr. Yates and key figure helping SVU with the case disappears and later turns up dead.
In the 17th season opener, the squad revisits a crime scene where bodies were buried by a serial killer. Rollins tries to get a confession, but the killer reveals shocking new info instead, and the problems mount as Barba faces slick lawyers in court.—Diana Bennett