The Little Giant

While driving alone in Los Angeles, Tina Salvatore notices a suspicious car that follows her then stops at a stop sign, raising her fears of being followed. She pulls over at a gas station for help, but finds it deserted, and the man with the car retrieves items from his trunk nearby. Tina runs and hides, eventually stopping a truck to escape the dangerous situation.

Sheriff Joe 'Deke' Deacon, a former detective with a troubled past, responds to a complaint about vandalism and joins lead detective Jimmy Baxter to investigate recent murders of prostitutes. They discover the latest victim, Julie Brock, strangled and bound, with evidence suggesting the killer revisited the crime scene.

At Julie Brock’s apartment, Deke notices similarities between the current killer’s modus operandi and a previous case he was involved in, where victims were nude, bound, and had bags over their heads. Forensic evidence hints that the killer is returning to the crime scene.

Ronda Rathbun, out jogging with a friend, is followed by a similar car to the one that stalked Tina. She is reported missing the next day, prompting the investigation to widen and police to focus on potential victims.

Police arrest Stan Peters, a registered sex offender, who is brought in for questioning after stressing over photos of the victims, especially Julie. His emotional breakdown hints at possible guilt, while inconsistencies in his behavior suggest he might not be the killer.

Deke examines Julie Brock’s stomach contents and discusses her dietary habits with coroner Flo Dunigan, revealing her death was recent and unexpected. Deke continues researching the case and revisits Julie’s apartment, uncovering more about her background.

Jimmy and Deke visit the sites where previous victims were found, linking Deke’s old case with the current murders. Deke’s obsession with the past case deepens as he analyzes similarities and suspects that the killer targets women with specific traits.

Deke identifies Albert Sparma, a repair shop worker with a car similar to the killer’s, as a suspect. Surveillance shows Albert engaging in questionable activities, including picking up prostitutes, prompting police to question and surveil him further.

Albert is brought in for interrogation, and Tina, who earlier reported stalking, recognizes him but cannot definitively identify him as her stalker. During interrogation, Albert displays an unsettling fascination with crimes, raising suspicion about his involvement.

Jimmy, suspecting Albert’s guilt, follows him to the desert where Albert taunts him with conflicting clues about Ronda’s body. Overwhelmed and angry, Jimmy kills Albert with a shovel, believing him to be the murderer, and they bury him in secret.

After the killing, Deke helps Jimmy burn the evidence in Albert’s apartment, attempting to close the case. Deke’s actions are motivated by his troubled past, and in a final act of reassurance, he leaves a symbol indicating the case is closed, while Jimmy struggles with guilt.

Jimmy’s family notices his distress, and he receives a mysterious envelope from Deke containing a red barrette and a message, suggesting that Deke might have protected him by hiding evidence. Jimmy feels the weight of his actions, with unresolved questions lingering about the true killer.