Jeffrey Doornbos

A case involving a serial killer believed to be copying Jack the Ripper takes Gideon to New Orleans after three victims are found with their throats cut.

Lynda Carter, Estella Warren, Julian Sands and Mark McGrath guest star. A distraught and pregnant April Troost, (guest star Estella Warren) is found on a ledge threatening to commit suicide. After being talked down, she confides in Benson (Mariska Hargitay) that she has been raped, and her unborn child is a product of that crime. Troost accuses Barclay Palmer (guest star Julian Sands), a handsome, wealthy and successful business man, of the crime. Although Palmer denies involvement, DNA tests prove he is the father. The case goes to trial, but when it becomes evident that Troost is willing to settle for money, her credibility diminishes and Benson and Stabler (Chris Meloni) become suspicious of her story. Diane Neal, Dann Florek, Ice-T, and Richard Belzer also star.

Meredith volunteers to run the ER for a night in hope of proving that she is chief-resident material; Bailey and Eli get into mischief; Adele comes to the hospital as a patient.

When a colleague's murder sends shockwaves through the team, Gibbs uncovers a surprising link to the crime.

Addison has an ovarian cancer patient that doesn't want surgery because she wants to have her own child; Charlotte opens up her own practice leading to a battle for patients; Pete and Sam work on a cyclist's sore knee but ignore his potentially fatal heart condition; Dell convinces the practice to try an adoption matching service.