Motive Episode 1.09 Framed

Julia Conrad is a beautiful, young art aficionado. She tolerates her snobbish boss at the museum where she works with the hope of someday opening her own gallery. Marion Rieder is a financially-strapped woman who is struggling to keep from losing her house. The only thing that keeps her going is her adult son, Owen, who moved home to help his ailing mom and her beloved cat. Marion is also the person who murdered Julia Conrad. The question is... Why?

In the past, Marion's friend, Katie, puts up her paintings in the coffee shop where she works. Marion reworks original artwork by placing her cat into the already-existing scenes. Julia sees the paintings and thinks they are truly awful. Yet she buys one of them anyway. Julia stops by Marion's house where she learns that the painting was picked up at a thrift shop. She makes a hasty exit once she gathers this info.

In the present day, Owen informs the police that his antique gun has been stolen. He's confused when his mom says the bullets may also be missing. He'd never thought to check on that. Angie learns that the bullet that was pulled out of the victim came from an antique gun. There may have been a small explosion when it was fired. The killer may still have burns on his or her hand.

In the past, Owen tries to score a date with Julia. He's rebuffed immediately. Marion also pays Julia a visit at her home trying to sell her more of her paintings. In the present, Julia's old boss gives Lucas a description of the man who came to see his deceased employee. This leads to Owen becoming a prime suspect in the case. The young man confesses to Julia's murder. Angie doesn't buy it. She believes he's covering someone. But who?

Marion shows up at the station pleading with the police to release her innocent son. Angie believes Owen may be protecting his mom. She finds the painting Marion sold to Julia in her home when she returns Owen to his mother. Angie notices the gunshot burns on Marion's hand. In the workroom, the painting sits on an easel. Julia had noticed that the painting was actually a missing masterpiece. It's worth a lot of money. Marion figured this out. She wanted her property back. When Julia refused to return it, Marion shot her in the park. Case closed.