Resurrection Walk Chapter 6 – Bosch Uncovers a Tattoo Clue
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Bosch arrives at the Los Angeles Superior Court archives at 9 a.m. to retrieve the case file for California v. Lucinda Sanz. The clerk brings a thin folder because the case never went to trial – it was a nolo contendere plea. Inside, Bosch finds the sentencing order, three leniency letters, the plea agreement, and the presentencing report (PSR) authored by probation officer Robert Kohut. The PSR includes police and autopsy reports. The crime report reflects Lucinda’s account: she argued with her ex-husband about a custody violation, he left, she heard gunshots, and hid with her son in his bedroom. The autopsy diagram shows two gunshot wounds to the back: one from a flat angle (victim standing), the second at an acute angle (victim already on the ground) – a coup de grâce. Bosch photographs the wound diagram. He also notices a tattoo on the victim’s left hip reading “Que Viene el Cuco” – Spanish for “The Bogeyman’s Coming.” He photographs that as well, planning to share the evidence with Haller.
Key Events
- Bosch goes to the court archives to access the Lucinda Sanz case file.
- The clerk retrieves a thin folder because the case ended with a nolo contendere plea and no trial.
- Bosch reviews the presentencing report, which includes summaries of the police investigation and autopsy.
- He reads the crime report: Lucinda’s account of the argument and subsequent gunfire.
- Examining the autopsy diagram, Bosch notes two shots to the back with different trajectories, indicating the victim was shot a second time while already down.
- Bosch discovers a tattoo on the victim’s hip: “Que Viene el Cuco.”
- He photographs both the diagram and the tattoo for later reference.
Character Development
Bosch appears as a methodical, solitary investigator. He prefers to gather baseline knowledge on his own before involving his partner, Mickey Haller. His ability to scrutinize reports for discrepancies and his immediate recognition of the tattoo’s potential significance demonstrate his seasoned instincts. The chapter reinforces Bosch’s independence and his commitment to uncovering the truth, even when working outside the formal justice system.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
The archive basement – a “windowless concrete bunker” beneath Grand Park – symbolizes the hidden, buried truths Bosch seeks to unearth. The tattoo “Que Viene el Cuco” introduces a motif of hidden threats: the bogeyman figure could point to a different perpetrator or to a secret in the victim’s life. The chapter also advances the “resurrection walk” theme by giving Bosch concrete evidence to evaluate whether Lucinda Sanz might be innocent.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter provides Bosch (and the reader) with the core factual foundation of the Sanz case. The autopsy details – especially the second shot fired while the victim was on the ground – are critical to understanding why the prosecution offered a deal and why Bosch is skeptical of Lucinda’s guilt. The tattoo is a major clue that may later connect to an alternate suspect. Bosch’s independent work sets the stage for a deeper collaboration with Haller.
Study Questions and Answers
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What did Bosch discover in the autopsy diagram that is significant?
The diagram shows two gunshot wounds to the back. The first entered at a flat angle (victim standing), but the second entered at an acute upward angle, proving the victim was already on the ground. This “coup de grâce” contradicts claims of self-defense or an accidental shooting. -
What is the meaning of the tattoo “Que Viene el Cuco” and why might it be important?
It translates to “The Bogeyman’s Coming.” The tattoo could be a nickname the victim used or a warning about someone who threatened him. Its presence suggests the victim may have been involved with dangerous people, potentially pointing to a different killer. -
Why does Bosch photograph the diagram and the tattoo?
He wants to share these findings with his partner Mickey Haller and have copies for his own investigation. Physical copies allow him to study the evidence away from the archives and discuss the case in detail with Haller.