The team in NCIS: Sydney faced a modern crime in Season 3, Episode 8, titled “Turkey Shoot.” The story investigated the shooting death of an American sailor, a case complicated by viral online stories and a devoted fanbase. The episode aired on CBS on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
The victim was U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Nathaniel “Nate” Holbrook. He was in Australia on leave from Florida when he was killed. Before his death, Nate was publicly named as a suspect in a different, unsolved murder case through a popular true-crime podcast. This public accusation set the stage for a tragic outcome.
Agents Michelle Mackey and Jim “JD” Dempsey led the investigation. They quickly learned that the podcast, called “The Marsh Family Murders,” was hosted by a woman named Lucinda Wainwright. It focused on the death of a woman named Zoe Marsh. The podcast episodes suggested Nate was responsible and accused the U.S. Navy of covering up his crimes. This narrative, heard by millions, turned Nate into a target.
The Investigation: Separating Online Stories from Facts
The team’s first job was to understand the facts of the old Zoe Marsh case. They found that Nate had been a suspect and was charged in Australia, but those charges were dropped when he returned to the United States. The legal system had not found him guilty. However, the podcast presented a convincing story of his guilt, which many listeners accepted as truth.
This created a major challenge for Mackey and JD. They had to work in a world where public opinion, shaped by entertainment, was stronger than the official legal record. The episode showed how difficult it is for police to investigate a crime when the story of the crime has already been written and spread online.
JD pointed out the central problem to Mackey, noting that the sailor was on the podcast and the story had reached a massive audience.
Agents DeShawn Jackson and Evie Cooper were familiar with the “Marsh Family Murders” podcast. Their knowledge of the show helped the team understand the culture around it and how a listener could become obsessed. The investigation asked a tough question: did a superfan of the podcast decide to deliver their own justice by killing Nate Holbrook?
A Family Tragedy and a Twisted Path to Revenge
As the team dug deeper, they uncovered a tragic and complex family story behind the original Zoe Marsh case. The truth was different from the simple story told by the podcast.
The investigation revealed that Zoe Marsh’s death was part of a murder-suicide within her own family, triggered by the discovery of an affair. Nate Holbrook was not the killer. He was Zoe’s boyfriend and had been wrongly blamed. The podcast, seeking a compelling villain for its story, amplified this false accusation.
The killer was a man named Luca. He was a brother of Zoe Marsh who was misled by the podcast’s narrative. Grieving and convinced by the podcast that Nate was guilty and had escaped punishment, Luca took action. He tracked down Nate and shot him, believing he was avenging his sister. In a heartbreaking moment, Nate was on the phone with his own brother, Travis, when he was killed.
This twist showed the real-world damage caused by misinformation. Luca, acting on a story he believed was true, killed an innocent man. The episode highlighted how the desire for justice, when fueled by false information, can lead to devastating violence.
Mackey Confronts the Podcaster Lucinda
A key scene in the episode was the confrontation between Agent Mackey and the podcaster, Lucinda Wainwright. Lucinda, played by guest star Jane Harber, was portrayed as confident and unapologetic about turning real-life tragedy into entertainment.
Mackey’s meeting with Lucinda highlighted the clash between law enforcement and sensational media. For Mackey, the goal is finding factual truth and legal justice. For Lucinda, the story and its audience are what matter most. The episode did not show Lucinda facing legal consequences, focusing instead on the moral argument about her responsibility.
The tension in their scenes served as the episode’s commentary on the true-crime entertainment industry. It questioned where the line is between telling a story and creating a dangerous narrative that can inspire real-world crime.
The Team’s Dynamic Amid a Heavy Case
Even with a serious main plot, the episode included lighter moments showing the team’s camaraderie. Scenes with Evie, DeShawn, and AFP liaison Travis “Trigger” Riggs provided humor and highlighted their personalities.
These moments, like friendly competition at a gun range, offered a balance to the dark theme of vigilante justice. They reminded viewers of the trusting relationships within the team, which are essential for them to handle difficult cases.
Dr. Roy Penrose and scientist Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson also contributed with their forensic work, piecing together the physical evidence that helped uncover the truth behind both murders.
A Look at Modern Crime and Media Influence
“Turkey Shoot” was notable for how it connected to current issues. The episode explored the power of digital media and how stories can spread and change public perception.
The episode asked viewers to think about the true-crime content they consume. It showed how a narrative can become so powerful that it motivates someone to commit violence, believing they are doing the right thing. This made the episode one of the more reflective and layered stories of the season.
How to Watch NCIS: Sydney
NCIS: Sydney airs new episodes on CBS. Season 3, Episode 8 “Turkey Shoot” premiered on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 10:00 PM Eastern/Pacific Time.
For viewers who stream, the episode is available on Paramount+. Subscribers to the Paramount+ Premium plan can stream it live or on-demand after it airs. Those with the Paramount+ Essential plan can watch it on-demand the day after the CBS broadcast.
The main cast for the episode includes:
- Olivia Swann as NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey
- Todd Lasance as AFP Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey
- Sean Sagar as NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson
- Tuuli Narkle as AFP Constable Evie Cooper
- Mavournee Hazel as Forensic Scientist Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson
- William McInnes as Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roy Penrose
The episode was written by Michael Miller and directed by Grant Brown.
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