Some investigations start like any other with clues pointing outward and away from the badge. >> I'm sorry to inform you, but your wife is faster. >> No. God damn it. >> Did you call 911 when you when you heard the gunshot? >> No. >> Thank you. Your wife. >> But sometimes the truth hits closer to home and officers discover the is one of their own. And >> the fact that you're making it difficult, I'm asking to step out of the car. That's resistant obstructing. Okay. Stop. Stop. >> 847. Shots fired. Shots fired. >> No, we were we were just chilling in the car minding our business. The car wasn't on or nothing. >> Okay. >> Here are the times when cops realize that the killer is one of them. Starting with the case of Juan David Ortiz, revealing a chilling secret lurking behind the mask of a respected officer. >> So, you know who he is? >> His name is David. As I said, give me >> turn around. Hey, hey, hey. >> DAVID, COME OUT. >> You can't do that, bro. >> Yeah, you can. He He just >> Yeah, he can. >> On the 3rd of September 2018, police received a 911 call reporting a body found on the side of the road. Melissa Ramirez. What officers didn't realize was that this was part of a spree carried out by one of their own. 10 days later, they got another call. This time, Claudine and Lera, a friend of Melissa's, was still alive. Both women had ended up in the same dangerous situation. But investigators had no leads on the suspect until Erica Penna approached an officer after narrowly escaping the same fate. Okay, real quick. Let me just get something from you. No way. All right. >> Okay. Just all right. Just hold on. Okay. So I noticed So, help me. Help me. See you, sir. Okay. Uh-huh. >> Are you sure he's not maybe standing around? Maybe I started getting very sick, sir. >> I started getting very sick. Do you want a burger? I'm going to stop real. They saw this really good. >> So, you know who he is? >> His name is David. >> You only know him as David or >> Yeah. >> Just relax. Don't worry. parking lot. Okay. So, I'm very scared. Don't worry. You're you're you're afraid, sir. Okay. And how does he So you knew this guy before? Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Okay. Okay. He knew that I wanted to get off and um he said she's closer. Erica knew the man was dangerous, but she had little choice. Any hesitation could have meant she suffered the same consequences as her friends. Yeah. >> I started my body I started feeling very sick. I started shaking. >> Okay. Okay. Oh, don't worry. You're safe with me. I have yours. >> You're safe with me. Don't worry. >> On the 14th, Erica felt a mix of fear and courage when she asked David about Melissa Ramirez and Claudine Lera. His eyes darkened and he advanced toward her, forcing Erica to flee the house in terror. She tried to calm the situation by suggesting a trip for cigarettes, but tensions escalated in the car. In the parking lot, when she mentioned her friends again, David pulled a gun, but Erica broke free, leaving her shirt behind and screaming as she ran. Her quick thinking ultimately saving her life. Another officer drove Erica around the neighborhood to pinpoint the suspect's house. Any mistake could have been deadly, which made her extra cautious. >> Okay. Well, just just relax. You're doing good. Okay. And I'm like, I just want to remind you, okay? And we're gonna help you out. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I send them a text right now. I mean, okay. So, >> I remember that side. >> Yeah, that side. >> Do you remember this side right here? Yes, because I I just want to make sure you get your help first. You know, and then we have to drive around several times, but I can we'll go ahead and do that. Okay. Slowly it sank in just how close she had come to a tragic end if she hadn't fought to survive >> in this Walmart but it's on the other See? So from that point on, okay. >> All right then. Um, that's good then. So when you went over there the first right >> cuz there's like several that's the thing this is a forces God sick. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. No, that's fine. Yeah. Yeah. No, that's fine. Of course. Of course. Oh, they're fine. >> Meanwhile, officers reviewed footage and quickly identified a vehicle matching Erica's description. The plate came back to Juan David Ortiz, a respected man, Navy veteran, intelligence officer for border control, husband and father of three. His description matched Ericas perfectly, and his house was in the exact area she had pointed out. Hours after Pena's escape, law enforcement raided Ortiz's home, but he was gone, leaving behind a case of guns and ammunition, a chilling sign he wasn't finished. With the situation escalating, officers patrolled relentlessly until in the early hours, two of them spotted his truck at a gas station on the edge of Loredto, ready to confront him. >> That's a strip right there. He walked inside. >> He walked inside. >> Yeah. 385. >> 3845. I'm with uh I'm with Bradshaw making contact. >> Put your hands up. Turn around. Turn around. Turn around. Turn around. >> Stop right there. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. >> Stop. Is this your truck? Is this your truck? >> Okay. All right. Turn around. >> Turn around. >> Get on your knees. >> Turn around. I'll explain to you right now. Turn around. >> Okay. Okay. I'm going to explain to you. Okay. Brett, I'm going to do the talking. >> All right. Sir, we got a positive ID with some this truck right here is matching with the potential with the with the M that's been happening within the past two weeks. We want to we want to do an interview. We want to do some questioning. We we just need for you to cooperate with us. Okay. >> All right. Fine. Make my way. Just turn around and make my way this way. Okay. >> Turn around. Just turn around. Turn around. Please turn around. Hey, hey, hey. Hey. Hey. >> He's in here, bro. >> Where is he? >> He's in here. >> We don't know. That's where we lost him when he did the corner. He cut in. So, he's going to be on this right here. On this section right here. >> We We need a unit on that side, BRO. DAVID, COME OUT. State police. >> What's up? >> Check that door to your right. >> Hey, I need one of y'all at that fence. One of y'all got to stay at the fence, guys. >> DAVE LIZ, COME OUT. >> He's got to be, bro. He could have made it all the way over there. >> Calls flooded the police station as the investigation intensified. Ortiz had already claimed the lives of two other women, Relo Alicia Hernandez and Janelle Ortiz, making it clear that every second was critical. >> What was Jeans? Jeans. Jeans. Uh, khaki shirt, bro. >> Jeans. >> Right here. Dude, he could have made all the way up here. That dog didn't bark just now. Go down. >> I got top cover. Y'all go down. >> You have to go down again. >> Hey, you want to go in? >> Let's go. That's what we're trying for right here. I I I don't know, Wayey. I don't know how he could have jumped. No, that's not it. We That's not it. He couldn't have made it. 100%. He couldn't have made it 100%. 100% way. 100% bro. 100% sure he could make that. >> He could. Bro, can you make this in 5 seconds after running uh one, two, three, three blocks? I don't know. >> Trying to think of other ways cuz right now we've got this unlocked. >> Okay, let's just say Okay, boom. I know what to do. Look at this. >> I'm going to go talk to the hotel. Do you got any camera? >> Yeah. They're waiting on some other guys approval. >> Are you serious? >> Yeah. >> Brad went in there. >> So, and the military always talked to least path of resistance. So, jumping right there. Right there's one. This would be your second officer. >> Yeah. The lady at the gas station. So, what did he see y'all and just take off? >> No, he stopped. So, Brad tried the commands and then uh I was doing commands and >> y'all go into the store to get him or outside. >> No, outside. So, then uh the guy was like, "Y'all, I don't know what y'all want. I don't know. Like, you got the wrong guy. I'm not I don't know." So, then I told Bradshaw, "Hey, Bradshaw, let me do the talking just so we won't have to, you know." So, of course, I mean, obviously my journal is up. So, I'm like, "Okay, you got to chill. We're here for to interview you, possible suspect from possible uh victims or case." He's like, "No, I don't know what you're talking about." I was like, "Okay, just listen. Turn around." So, he turned around. He's like, "Okay, just follow my uh and walk towards me." And then he like bolted. Got you. >> He can't do that, bro. >> Yeah, he can. He He just >> Yeah, he can. >> I'm serious. >> He's already armed. >> Okay. Two people, >> but we don't know it was him. We don't know. Now we do, right? Obviously, but did you know at that point he was a possible suspect, right? Okay. >> Someone had spotted Ortiz, giving officers the critical window to plan a precise strategy to apprehend him. Moments later, they closed in on his location and moved to take him into custody. Go down. Talk to the person in front. Ask him how we can get to the bottom of his ramp. >> Hey, relax. That's tough. 91. >> I got it. >> Yes, it is. >> Hold your hand. >> Relax. Relax. Relax. >> What's your name, bro? >> You already know. >> Huh? >> You already know. >> You already know. >> All right. Let me see your face. I got a picture. What's your name? >> Huh? What's your name? Take a shoe that way. Hey. >> Hey. Get him up. >> Get him up. Sit him right here. Good job. That's the I'm talking. >> The interrogation with Ortiz stretched nearly 10 hours. At first, he denied everything, exuding arrogance and trying to manipulate the situation, unaware that investigators had already pieced together the full picture. >> Are you okay? Are you still around with Erica? >> Because I would always go with Erica. for a while. Okay. So, we're pulling into the greenhouse. I'm saying you know what? Yeah. Speaking of Erica said, "Hey, that is her freak. They're >> freaking Erica. Erica kept going with somebody knew that she was Melissa. >> Melissa goes in um That house has like rules like they're in and out like in 5 seconds. >> She goes in and comes out. >> This is >> Hey, dude. Wake up. Get up. >> Dude, get up. After a while, I'm like, "Okay, she got a complete deep sleep." [ __ ] driving around like, "Fuck, man. Look at this bitch." I drove through the hell. It was in there. There's cameras. There came in my truck. I was just going to film further and see where they are like this. And I'm driving and uh end up driving. Yeah. She pissed me off. You know what? She didn't pick me up. She was knocked out. I just how I do this out of here. >> My dump her. They're going to say I did something to her. >> But then Erica with her like 35 driving. I'm driving and then I'm like I should have [ __ ] exited a long time ago. Uh I exited at the 18 rest area >> where the rest areas at 83 I go under left. There's a pad right there for law enforcement to stay on place to get there. I turn around and look in the hotel time around it. >> Stop. >> I have to go. >> Jeff, please. So I go in >> and you would know that >> she tried to assault me. >> She got out >> and it happened, you know. >> Eventually Ortiz began confessing, revealing the horrific extent of his crimes. >> I was told he had a kid. I don't know if you told he had eight and that the state has custody of them. And I was just telling myself, "Dude, this chick from she has a bunch of kids. The state has them. She's on the street all day, every day. You should not feel sorry for her." >> In the end, Juan David Ortiz was charged with four counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault with a weapon. He was later indicted on one count of capital murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful restraint, and evading arrest. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Juan David Ortiz showed the extreme end of what an officer can become, especially when compared to Matthew Boon, who began his downfall by misleading colleagues about his wife's belongings, starting a chain of deception that cost him everything. >> I got rid of everything I knew of. The bag was completely filled with female clothes. Do you understand? You didn't buy that. >> I understand. >> That does not make it community property. >> Understand? >> That makes it her property. >> Yes, sir. >> Why would you say you didn't have the damn bag when you had it? >> On the 14th of April 2016, the relationship of Jessica and Matthew Boon had gone arry. Jessica, who grew up longing for stability, fell for Matthew, who isolated her from her relatives once she became pregnant at 16. As Matthew pursued his dream of becoming a police officer, their marriage grew strained, especially after both had affairs, and Jessica began preparing to leave him with their two sons. The night of the shooting, a neighbor heard gunshots shortly after a public argument while Matthew left the house and later contacted police, only after receiving a text he claimed was from Jessica. Jessica survived the gunshot wounds, but Matthew's story unraveled when his girlfriend revealed a packed gym bag Jessica had prepared to take with her, an item Matthew had denied existed under oath. Confronted with this evidence, Matthew admitted he lied and was arrested for making false statements to his own department. On the 28th of July 2017, Matthew was finally confronted by his fellow police officers. >> What's that in reference to? >> It's in reference to You remember the um statement you wrote me about Jessica saying he took items from the house? >> Yeah, that computer. Yeah, >> that's what it's going to be in reference to. >> Okay. >> So, what's the time? >> 17:22. How old are you, Matthew? >> 21. >> What's your current address? >> Uh, 130 Lay Road. >> Spell that for me. >> L O E M A E. Is that Griffin? >> Yes, ma'am. It's Cali 224. All right. And what's the last grade you completed in school? And I graduated high school. >> Okay. >> From college. >> All right. Well, this is a Wanda waiver. We read everybody before we talk to them. I just got today's date is 7:27 to 17. The time is 17:22. We're in C. Your name is Matthew Boon. Uh you're age 21. You live at 130 L Road Griffin. Uh you completed the 12th grade school and that you know that myself, Kay Yansy, and Jay Hayes are officers with the Griffin Police Department. And we're going to advise you that you have the right to remain silent. Do you understand that? Anything I say can't be used against me in a court of law. Do you understand that? I have the right to talk to a lawyer and have her present with me while I'm being questioned. Do you understand that? If I cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent me before any question if I wish. Do you understand that? I can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statements. You understand that? It says, "I understand my rights and having these rights in mind, I'm now willing to talk about items that belong to Jessica." Uh, I've not been threatened. I've not been promised anything. I've not been forced in any way to answer any question or make any statements. Okay. If you want to talk to us, this sign right there. >> When asked if he had access to Jessica's belongings, he lied outright, setting in motion the unraveling of the investigation. I talked to you about it. Uh, you wrote a statement saying you didn't have any of her items. Um, the report specifically said her retainer and stuff like that enclosed. Okay. Um, do you know anything about where her clothes or retainer might have been? >> Like I told her before, the only thing that we might have had would have been in that white trailer and my stepdad has not mentioned anything else being in there cuz she had put some stuff in like a uh it's like a little split chase thing you open up. It's got two little boxes. I think we used to use it for like diapers and stuff now. But everything that she had that I knew of was gone. I got rid of everything I knew of >> and got rid of a house to either give back to her. her family came back and got it, you know, like she had a big kitchen table and some other stuff that her aunt Kathy and Uncle Tim come and got. Um, just different I think my stepdad actually took a whole bunch of stuff over to her grandparents house at 2464 Milner >> in Pike, which is like right by my parents house. >> Okay. So, when did you move to Lum Road? >> Uh, that would be sometime in March. >> March. And uh through the course of that move, did you find anything that belonged to her at that point? >> No, cuz if I would have, I would have turned it over to her cuz I had no need to keep her stuff. Only thing I had at that point is that computer and me and you had talked about that and gave it back to her >> cuz she go and talk to Bird. >> Okay. So, do you recognize that bag? >> Yes, that bag that Jessica let me used to put all my gym stuff in when we used to be together. >> Okay. So, when's the last time you saw that bag? Uh, it's been a long time. Like I said, when I used to work out at um there's two gyms in Thomas. I don't remember the name of it. I used that one. And I had a uh the gray Nike bag I use to work out in. Um so I interchange my stuff like protein drinks, um powder shakes, like pre-workout, uh workout shorts, pants, shoes, whatever. I'd put it in that bag or my Nike bag. >> So when's the last time you saw that bag? >> I mean, it's been a while. I don't I don't know the exact date. I don't know. Um, I think my stepdad, he he had it in the I think the white trailer and that that's been a while and he brought it, but I haven't been through it or anything. Um, he put it in my storage put it in my storage thing at my house, which is like when you pull in the driveway. >> Mhm. >> It's a little storage thing on the right. You open the door and it's got all my stuff in there. I had to clean it some of it out recently. that was tossed in there. But I mean, it's in there with a bunch of my stuff like a brown tub I used to keep in my old patrol car with gym stuff in it. Work stuff. >> Would that be the utility room, my carport room at your new house? >> Yeah. Yeah, that's where I keep like Well, I keep stuff in that. I keep stuff in like what's considered the office and like the back of my house. >> Mhm. >> I just toss it over the rest of my just old gym bag. At this point, Matthew had no idea that someone close to him would expose the deception. Yet, his lies continued, and each one only dug him deeper. >> Known you a long time? >> Yes, sir. >> This bag you saw moving when you moved from your apartment to Lum Road? >> I didn't know. and and and your stepdad and Wendle Wendle saw it and another female saw it. All right. Okay. >> At the house in the apartments. Yes or no? >> When you move from the apartment >> when I when I moved, like I said, I had all my stuff in the white trailer. >> That's not That's not I'm asking you. When y'all were in the process of moving, and you moved into the house that you're at now, your residence, did you did you not see this bag? >> Yes, sir. I was in my storage room in the in the garage. >> All right. Now, why would I be holding a picture of this bag? >> I guess cuz Jessica wrote it into you. >> Why would Jessica have it if you had it at your house? >> Um, I don't know. I guess somebody got it from my garage or my shed. >> Who would have gotten it? >> Um, there's a couple of people. >> I don't know. >> All right. >> Exactly who. >> And inside that bag, there were numerous contents inside of it. And one of those is this right here. You know what this is? >> Looks like Jessica's old retainer thing that she had when we were together, >> right? >> The bag was completely filled with female clothes. This is one photo of it. That's not yours. >> No, it's not. >> Right. >> No, sir. >> Okay. That's not yours. >> No, sir. >> Right. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Who does that belong to? >> This guy Jessica's name wants to be Jessica's retainer thing. >> If it was in that If it was in this right here, where would that have been at? >> Had all her stuff in it. My >> What would it have been at? >> It would have been in my the garage thing like I could sit in. >> Which is where? >> Which is at my house. >> Which is at your house? >> Yes, sir. >> Did you buy that for Jessica? >> I don't recall. I don't think I did >> because she had >> I think her grandparents didn't >> because she had retainers before she met you, right? Before y'all got married, right? >> I believe so. >> So, that would make it whose property? >> Uh, hers. >> Not yours, right? >> Right. Yes, sir. >> Whose bag is that? >> Uh, Jessica's. >> And the contents in the bag? >> It's got all her stuff in it. So why would you not have brought that to us when you noticed when you saw the bag it moving? >> Sergeant, I promise I have not been through that bag. The last time I used that bag didn't ask you that, Matthew. Listen to me, buddy. >> I understand what you're saying, Miss Jessica. I should have brought it up here. you know all things and I don't know anything about you this is this year but all things involved in reference to this case all the going around the statement that you wrote where's the statement at >> the statement that you wrote the same statement I didn't read the statement said what did it say >> it's just very brief gave Jessica her property like I gave her a computer and everything >> right >> yes sir >> who's is bag. >> That's Jessica's >> trapped with no way out. His attempts to cover up the truth only made it clearer to his supervisors that he was hiding something. >> I just I didn't think about it cuz I used it as a gym bag and she let me use it. I understand what you're saying. >> Matthew, a police officer. >> Yes, sir. >> I understand. >> You're a police officer, Matthew. You know, we are held to a higher standard than anybody else. >> I understand. You know, people don't don't don't expect us to make mistakes. They don't realize we're human. I understand that. You understand that? >> You work out a lot, don't you? You stay in shape. You're in good shape, right? >> Trust me. >> You have two bags. Did you swap your stuff in between? I don't have the other one anymore. >> This would have been your only gym bag. So, how would you not do the plastics in the bag if this was your gym bag? >> I have no excuse. I like you said, I should have should have thought about it and brought it up. >> That's like having two cars. >> Yes, sir. >> If you use two cars and you get in the other one and it's out of gas, do you not know it's out of gas? >> You're right. >> Because you use two cars, right? >> Yes, sir. If you were using this being slap full, when I say it was slap full, I mean it was I want to say just just a guessing probably 30 or 40 articles of clothing in it. You would have known. I mean it almost look like when whoever packed this bag had packed this bag to move. Yes, sir. This is Matthew Boon. January 9th, 2017. I was advised to complete a statement on previous date by Lieutenant Yansy. Jessica Lester Boington's property was already approved to return to her by my stepdad, Charles McDaniel Jr. shortly after Jessica got out of this hospital. Uh the dining room table along with other items were picked up by Kathy Zelner for Jessica. The remaining items such as hope chest, clothing, other miscellaneous items returned to Jessica. I do not have any other items of Jessica's. This is Matthew Boon. Is that your statement? >> Yes, sir. >> Is that Matthew? >> That's Jessica's bag. Jessica's retainer. Do >> you understand you didn't buy that? I >> understand. >> That does not make it community property. I >> understand. >> That makes it her property. >> Yes, sir. that you're in possession of. Yes, sir. I understand. >> The truth began to surface and Matthew found himself at the center of it all. Who would have expected a police officer to be capable of this level of deception? >> The bag was turning into us. We have possession of the bag. Yes, sir. >> We have evidence that it came out of your storage room. >> Is that true? Yes, sir. >> Is there anything you'd like to say? >> No, sir. I said I was just done with my part script. >> Do you believe Do you believe that statement to be accurate and true? >> Not now. >> Did you believe it then? >> No, sir. Sorry, man. I don't smoke a cigarette. You're good, man. I'm walking around outside. Why would you say you didn't have the damn bag when you had it? You know, you can't give a sworn statement and lie on it. >> Why would you do that, Matthew? >> It was a bag, man. It wasn't It's not like it was Talk to me, man. I mean, help me understand. I'm >> sorry. I swear that was that was hard to believe if I didn't think about that bag. Otherwise, I wouldn't have I wouldn't run. I said, "Hold on, Lil T. I got something. Let me go get it." I swear I wouldn't have done that cuz I've got two kids. Three in one. I wouldn't jealous over a bag. >> If I'm telling you something, if I would have thought about it then, I would have said something. >> But you knew you had the bag and I >> Did you not know you had the bag? I mine's I don't know I didn't I should have turned it in but not only because I'm a cop because I should have cuz it was Jessica music the right thing to do man >> I'm clear if I would have thought about it then I wouldn't I wouldn't have messed up and been in this position cuz of my kids >> but why didn't you turned the bag in when you damn moved. >> I don't know. All right. I don't know what I was I was thinking then. >> Did you think he was going to get in trouble if you turned it in late? >> I I guess I don't know what I was going through. Never mind. >> The consequences were looming and it was now getting obvious that Matthew could not face them. >> What do you think should happen now? >> I know it's probably going to happen. >> No, that's not what I asked you. So, what do you think should happen? >> I just lose my kids, man. My kids daddy's boys, man. If I was all I would have done it. >> Oh, all of all the stuff that you you see about you, you know, if you were in possession of something that belonged to her, you know, you should you could have brought it to me. You know I'm going to do the right thing. You know I have to do the right thing. I would have took care of it. I would have gotten the bag back to her. But when you knew you had the bag and you didn't do anything about it, man, you put me in a situation where I got I don't have any other choice. >> I'm clear. I'm clear. There's no excuse for it here. It's got that on there. It's >> it's so hard like >> I I love working here. >> I know you do. >> And I was asked you I was so scared to come to work every day. >> Why? >> Because every time I did, you know, it was always 1179 or 10:22 42 come up here and it's always something I I don't know. Maybe I thought if I brought up here I was going to get fired and whatever, man. I don't know. I'm so young. But Matthew, you know, doing the right thing regardless, it doesn't matter. If you do the right thing, you can live with yourself. >> Nine times out of 10, I do. I mean, that's the way I was raised. >> But you you know that you know that you have to do the right thing. >> And when you found even if if you found the bag, you should have said, "Hey, hey, LT. Hey, Sar. Hey, whoever. I got something, man. Stop for a minute and talk to me. >> I don't know what I was thinking then. I don't know if it's because I was scared. I mean, I come I told you I come to work every day scared now. There's no excuse. I'm not trying to make one for myself. I know I'm obviously not employed anymore. I just like only thing I can think about now is my kids, man. My kids. >> He claimed he feared going to work if the truth came out. But the real reason for keeping this secret from his peers was far more complex. Was it fear of judgment? Something darker? >> But you know when you when you swear an oath, we swear that we're going to uphold the law. >> Yes, sir. >> Regardless, and you know you can't lie, tell you can't lie in an investigation. You know that. >> I don't know what I was thinking. Like I said, I don't if I was scared or what. I don't know what was going through my mind then. >> Does that make it right? >> No, it doesn't. I know that and I know this is everything I've ever worked for like out the door. My main concern is my kids, man. Cuz I've got I've got primary custody over them and this is going to set me back if I get locked up for this. So, I'm going to go down and see him every other weekend. And she's not going to take care of him like she's supposed to. It's like she's supposed to put him on her insurance. I had to do that. >> But Matthew, if you did what you were supposed to do, we would not be here in this situation. You think I want to be here? >> Yes, sir. >> I would be rather be anywhere else and be here. >> Clear. >> But if you done what you were supposed to do, we would not even have to be in this conversation. You would have to worry about it. >> Yes, sir. >> But you know that we have to do we have to do the right thing. We have to do what people pay us to do. You know that. You know that. Especially with me and Lieutenant Yans. You've known us a long time. >> Yeah. I just I don't want to let lose the the primary custody of my kids. Like I know I mean no matter where I go now, I'm not really going to get a good job now. But like the main focus is my kids, man. >> Life is not over with. Everything happens for a reason. just get your phone and your glasses. Get your stuff. >> Uh, can I get that flashlight or my stuff whenever y'all get a chance? Nearly every piece of evidence supporting Jessica's claim of being targeted was either excluded or dismissed, a result many saw as inevitable given the close relationship between the sheriff and the judge. Matthew insisted he feared she might harm herself or the boys. But a full psychological evaluation contradicted that, and Jessica was limited to just four supervised hours a week with an armed officer present. In the end, Matthew Boon was charged with making false statements and violating his oath of office, both felonies. But he wasn't indicted and was hired as a reserve officer only 4 months later. Then in 2018, their oldest son reported that his father had hurt him, prompting a year-long investigation that ended with child psychologists recommending the boys have no further contact with him. Matthew Boon may have shattered the trust of his colleagues and family. And now to officer Felipe Hernandez, patrol officer whose encounter with a trespassed individual led to a lifeending decision. >> 84 fired. Shots fired. >> She's just What the >> It's just a pinball game. >> Okay. What's in his waistb there? >> That's a pinball game. >> If you pull that out again, bro, we're going to have issues. Jesus Garcia, >> I'm not kidding. >> Holy. You're back on the property now. >> I'm doing I'm in the car. >> Stop. 84 fire. >> On the 3rd of October 2023, an officer radioed in shots fired, sending multiple units rushing to the scene. A woman had been shot in her car, and the shooter was one of their own. While conflicting accounts began to circulate, body cam footage of the suspect would later reveal the truth. Officer Felipe Hernandez had been investigating a suspicious vehicle when minutes later, he made a shocking call over the radio. 80% fire. Fired. Huh? >> Yeah. So, I'm trying to get her out, but I don't know where she's hit at. All right. My lost my flashlight over there. >> Okay. Here you go. Flash. Let me grab my flashlight. >> Okay. Think she's hitting on the side. >> She's not Terry. Man, she's not I don't think she's breathing, man. >> Okay, we'll we'll deal with that here in a bit. >> Is there any weapons in the car? Anything like that? >> Just a paintball, man. >> Okay. Don't reach for her or anything. Okay, we're going to take her out. You weren't doing anything. >> What the Cherry Terry? She has a she >> Okay, I'm going to start cleaning all this off cuz we don't know where this uh one is. Additional officers arrived to secure the scene while a few desperately tried to save the woman, but it was too late. >> What happened, bro? >> We were We were just chilling in the car. Let's >> step over here, bro. That baby. >> Medics are on the way. It's all right. >> Guys, come on. We're doing >> I think it's on the side cuz I saw blood on the side. How my arm is wet on the right side. Take off your sweater. Um, good. You want to try? >> Yeah. Yeah. Just let me wipe it off. Quiet. Quiet. Shut up. Was it just >> Oh, yeah. I'm not sure. >> All right. Can you tell me what happened? We were just sitting in the car and then he came and told her to get out of the car, man. >> Who did? >> Mr. Hernandez for no reason. >> Okay. And then what happened after that? >> And then she got out and then he was looking her and then we were she we took off like >> Okay, go ahead and calm down. >> So he came to the car. >> She's not breathing. No, man. >> Okay. They're helping her out. Medics are on the way. Okay. >> We weren't doing nothing. >> Okay. So he came up to the car. He told her to get out of the car. What happened after that? Well, he was looking at me. You took off, but we weren't doing anything in the first place. >> Okay, I understand. But what happened? How did she end up on the floor? >> He She He tased her. >> He tased her? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then >> Did you hear gunshots? Anything like that, bro? >> Well, I think he tased her, man. Like, >> maybe weren't doing anything, you know? >> Do you know any reason why she he would tase her? >> No. I I don't know. I don't like we're just chilling. You guys hanging out? >> She's bleeding out in the back still. >> Yeah. >> You guys need more chest? >> Yeah. Sure. >> Uhhuh. >> Give us another one cuz this one the blood kind of >> tres or you don't want to pack it first cuz it's just >> the sole witness was left in complete shock and the full picture had yet to emerge. >> What's her name? Sir, for real, right now they're in this timeline. >> I got I know, but no, that's bull right there. >> We're trying to figure out what happened, dude. I just got here. >> I know, but she's not even breathing. You're trying to check my Oh, come on, man. >> Look, they're helping her out right now. >> But she's not breathing, sir. >> Okay. Medics are on the way. Medics are on the way. They're going to help her. >> Yeah, but this was wrong. We're in the first place. >> I'm trying to understand what's going what's happening. Okay, >> I understand. But you guys want you want to do this? Come on, man. I I have to >> sir for real. >> Okay. Do you want to give me your name? >> Not after this. >> Sir, come on. >> I'll get I'll get your name right now. >> Okay. But this is gross. >> You guys are up for blood for no damn reason. We weren't doing nothing, man. >> Okay. Okay. >> Wow. What the >> reason why he stopped you guys? >> No, we were we were just chilling in the car minding our business. The car wasn't on or nothing. >> Okay. Okay. >> Like that was wrong. What he doing like for no reason? No. >> Just trying to figure it out. >> I know. So, but come on out. >> Who is she to you? >> She used to be my ex-girlfriend. >> Your ex-girlfriend? >> Yeah. We're just chilling. We're just hanging out, man. >> Okay. >> At this time, we're just chilling. >> I know it's late, but come on. >> Where are you guys heading? >> We're going to head to her house. Like, >> okay. Where are you guys coming from? She wants >> He's up there. Yeah, it's >> paramedics finally arrived to provide life-saving measures as a sergeant approached to assess officer Hernandez's actions. >> She had one gunshot wound from her back. We had chest seal but it the blood came off entrance just an entry wound and she doesn't have a pulse. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> We started see she was bleeding out. >> You hurt? >> No, she just car. >> Yeah. >> Okay. You going to be with this bloody officer? >> Yeah. >> Okay. C's already been contacted. Um, so if you just want to, I guess, take him down to the station, just wait there in the C briefing or we'll lock it down here. Is it way down there? >> Um, my bike and everything's right over here in front of >> uh the court. >> But I did move my bike though. Um, when Well, I've got I want to grab my bike and my flashlight, my notebook that that hit the ground. >> Okay. So, what she did? Uh, right. >> They're not on it. >> No. >> Hey, can you have him uh priority download his camera? >> By then, the witness remained hesitant to cooperate with the officers who had shot his ex-girlfriend, and it took a considerable effort to gain their statement. Items resembling a firearm were recovered from the passenger, though it remained unclear if they were real. You want to give me your name, man? >> Guys, this is wrong, man. I don't This This whole government, >> we need your information, man, cuz you're with us right now and there's an investigation going on. >> She's though. >> No, it's a big deal. It's a big deal, for sure. So, can you give him your name? Cuz you saw what happened, right? >> It's a big deal. You're protecting both him and her and talking to talking to him, giving you >> Yeah. Wait. >> So he's >> If you give him your information, it's protecting both targets. >> He's uh 19, but he's not really giving me anything. >> No. What if I have a >> That's not why we're here. That's not why we're here. >> We're here because we're trying to help her and help our officer. Okay. I promise you that's why we're here. It doesn't have anything to do with >> runningest. Your name is Jesus Garcia. That's >> What's the What's your phone number? >> I got a new phone. >> That's okay. >> You know her name? You got her information? Did you get her 49? >> Yeah, he you have it. >> Oh, man. >> Hold on. Let me >> I have I just have his 49. >> Okay. >> Not hers. >> Oh no. If she or what? >> What's her name? >> Terry. She don't know. They're still working on it right now. Okay. So, just cooperate with these. >> What is that? Terry Terry? >> I don't know. Did you? >> Did you pat him down? >> What? >> Did you pat him down? >> No, I didn't. >> I I would pat him down just cuz >> I know I already asked if you had any weapons you. Can I just make sure? Can I just pat you down real quick? >> You can put your hands behind your back here. And like I said, you're not in any trouble. Just letting you know. >> Take it out. >> Can I take it out? >> Yeah. Wash on the inside. >> Yeah. Hold on. Don't reach for it. Don't reach for it. >> Officers suspected the passenger was withholding key information, knowing that he had been present when the shooting occurred. >> Can we vent him? >> No. Stand by. >> Even though he's passenger. >> Yeah. Yeah. We don't know if he's less suspect. >> Can I ask real quick? >> Yeah. >> Hey, Serge. Why aren't we running him? >> Why aren't we running him? >> He's a passenger. install the whole thing inside the car. >> Did you ask me? >> What do you mean? >> Why aren't we running it? >> I didn't say you couldn't. >> You said to question him cuz he's got to be questioned with another agency cuz the whole task force is coming out. >> So, we can run him right now? >> Yeah, you can run him on two. Just make sure he's clear and whatnot. But, I mean, you don't need to. All we say is not to question him. So, >> do you have his 49? >> Can you run him? >> No, on two. We We got channel two for us. So, I we'll just stay on two. >> Cuz nobody had pat him down when I walked up. Nobody today. >> I didn't know him in her mouth that he's a witness. So >> I'm just Why would like treating him like he's a suspect? >> Treat him like he's a suspect. >> Well, I don't know why we're not treating him. >> No, I just honestly I I thought he was a witness that walked out of his house. So cuz nobody told me otherwise. >> So cuz I was dealing with all this and trying to make sure everything else was squared away. So >> as a victim, Terry was rushed to the hospital. Officers and first responders pieced together what had actually occurred. Now the true identity of the witness was revealed. Though that wasn't the most shocking element of the case. >> I'm showing invalid suspended on an ID card 59 185 brown eyes. >> Show that he has >> one out of the district attorney's office. >> Actually he's going to have two. Oh, worse. >> It's going to be failure to appear for code 16. History of resisting, evading, obstructing. One is going to be nationwide for controlled substance. 10,000 secured bond. Second is going to be 10,000 secured bonds and it's going to be for breaking and entry. He also has one out of LCPD for failure to appear for trespassing. and he has 16. >> Eventually, officer Hernandez was then formally assessed for his actions. >> All right, Hernandez, we're just going to All we're doing is we're going to be taking overall pictures. We'll be sticking the old numbers or letters on each individual portion of your vest. So, there's some questions I need to ask real quick. Are you injured? >> Yes. >> Okay. Have you been checked out by medical staff yet? >> Okay. >> We'll make sure we get that done for you. Okay. Uh during the were you kneeling, prolonged, mounting, or something else? >> Standing. >> You're standing. Okay. >> How many rounds uh do you load in your magazine? Top off 16 plus one. Okay. >> 16 plus one. >> So basically, we're going to be taking pictures around your hands, arms, you name it, we're taking pictures. Okay. >> Okay. So you said you were injured. Um, >> is it just please? >> Okay. All right. So, if you can just give your time for me. >> Meanwhile, the witness had to be taken into custody due to outstanding warrants. >> Hold up for now and then we'll move. >> Who ran him? >> Um, well, technically they ran over, but it's possible. >> I know. Okay, cool. the warrants for this muscle truck that we ran out here. Can you confirm this? >> Stop tensing up. Relax your arm. >> I'm not tensing up. You're going >> I can feel you because you're flexing your arm. >> I'm not fixing my arm. >> What did I do wrong? Why are you guys all being me now when I've been waiting here this time? >> This is crazy. What did I do wrong? Because I'm asking you questions cuz I'm worried about her. I want to go to the hospital and see if she's okay. >> So you guys are arresting me cuz I want to see if you're going to jail. >> Okay. machine central 117. >> Why you squeezing my arm like that? I'm not >> cuz I'm not like anything, bro. Just watch. >> Despite repeated risks of the crime scene being compromised, investigators finally reviewed Hernandez's body cam footage, and what they saw was utterly shocking. >> Roll the window down. Leave your hands where I can see them. >> Okay, just leave your hands where I can see them. I don't know that. >> Roll your window down, ma'am. Open the door. >> It's just It's just a >> step over here. >> I don't have >> Step over here. >> You're not doing nothing wrong, sir. >> I'm looking for my for my keys. I can't find them. It's just a pinball gun. >> Okay. What's in his waistb there? >> It's a pinball game. >> No. D. >> It's a pinball gun, sir. >> Step out. >> What? Nothing wrong, though. >> Step out, ma'am. >> Why don't you step out? >> Step out now or I'm going to pull you out. >> I You cannot pull me out. >> Excuse me. I caught your sergeant. I want to see your sergeant. I want your sergeant. Don't touch me. We're not out. Don't touch me. Step out. >> Don't touch me. >> Step out. >> I want to record this right now. >> Go ahead. Step out. >> I want to record this. Don't touch me. >> Step out. >> No. >> Come on. Hurry up. >> No. >> Who are you here visiting? >> Um, Butterfly. >> It's too late to be visiting, Butterfly. >> Uh, no, it's not. >> Yes, it is. >> I came out to look for my keys. >> This is public housing, ma'am. >> I haven't done that. No. No, sir. Don't touch me, sir. >> Okay. You're going to get tased. >> No, you're not. >> Step out, then. >> I'm going to call you. >> You are. I'm asking you to step out. That's what I'm trying to figure out. >> Okay. Step out. >> Step out. >> Why don't you step out, though? >> I'm so I can talk to you. This guy has paintball guns. But I don't know what else he has there. >> It's just a pin. >> It doesn't matter, ma'am. It doesn't matter. >> It still looks like a gun, does it not? >> No. >> Yes, it does. >> Step over here. Right here, >> sir. Right there. >> If you pull that out again, bro, we're going to have >> Tensions escalated further when Hernandez recognized who the car's passenger really was. >> Show me your face. Show me your face. >> I'm not doing nothing these days, >> Jesus. Garcia, >> I'm not >> Holy. You're back on the property now. >> What are you doing? I'm in the car. >> You're in the property, >> sir. Come here. >> You're on the property. >> I'm in the >> I told you not to be here. Did you not rip last time? >> Yeah, I know, but I'm not in the property. >> You're going to put get warrant down for arrest. Step over here. Shut up. Come here, man. Come here. >> Why? >> What's going on? Okay. >> What? >> This is public housing. >> Okay. There's rules and regulations that need to be followed. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> He's trespassed. Okay. He's trespassed. He has five warrants out for criminal trespassing. Okay. Judge already ripped this and told him not to be here. Guess what? He's here again. Okay. So, again, I'm going to ask you, what are you doing here? >> I'm looking for my keys. I was here visiting Butterfly. >> At what time? What time did you leave at? >> Um, I just barely walked out the door and I'm looking for my keys cuz I can't find it anywhere. Am I going to let me in her house? >> Okay. So, what is your name? >> My name is Terry. >> Is that really your name? >> Yes, it is. >> Okay. What's your last name? Why? >> Ma'am, I'm doing a investigation. You have a trespasser here right now. That's what I'm telling you. What is your last name? >> Please go get my keys. >> What is your last name? >> Please go get my keys. >> What is your last name? >> Okay. What is your date of birth? >> You know, you don't have to answer this. >> You do. >> No, I don't. >> You do. Why? >> You have to provide me with your name and date of birth. That is the law. All right. If there's probable cause for uh for as a crime being happening, he's already trespassed. That is my probable cause. Do you see what I'm saying, ma'am? Yes. >> Okay. How do you want to do this? I can either charge Listen to me, okay? Don't make this difficult for me, okay? I've been doing this for the last 3 years, >> okay? I know this area. I know cars that are supposed to be here and cars that aren't supposed to be here. Okay? So, let's not make this difficult because I will I will really really make your life a living hell. >> Do you hear me? >> Okay. I will tow your car. As a matter of fact, >> no, don't tow my car. I'm visiting her. She's allowed to have guests. >> She's allowed to have guests at certain times. Ma'am, >> I did not know that. She did not tell me that. >> Okay. Again, that's what I'm trying to explain to you. >> Well, let me explain. >> But if you want to make things difficult. >> No, I don't. >> Okay. So, hear me out, okay? And just be quiet for like 10 seconds. Sorry. I'm sorry. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> This is public housing. >> Okay. >> Okay. There's rules and regulations that they sign when they first move in. >> I understand. I'm not the one breaking the rules. >> Ma'am, you keep >> obviously. Okay. But still, you're here. >> I I mean, by the way, >> it doesn't matter. You're here and you don't live here. I know that for a fact. >> I found him. >> Okay. So, listen to me. >> Okay. >> Okay. And please just be quiet. >> Okay. >> Okay. You're trespassing. Number one. >> No, I'm not. >> Yes, you are. >> Number two. Okay. You're not allowed to be here past certain hours. >> I did not know that. >> Listen to me. Okay. Can you just shut up, lady, for 10 seconds? >> Why are you talking to me? >> Because you don't listen. You don't listen. You're just like Jesus Garcia. You want to argue all the time, okay? But you're not listening. Can you >> just give me a pass ticket and a bowl? >> No, I'm not going to get I'm not going to do that. Why not? >> Okay. Number one, this car isn't drivable. >> Yes, it is. >> Okay, that closes. Okay. Number two, >> it's not stolen. It's insurance. >> I didn't say it was stolen. Okay. Okay. So, you're trespassing though. Okay. There's rules that I don't care if you know it or not. I'm telling you. And the fact that you're making it difficult, I'm asking you step out of the car. That's resistant obstructing. Okay. Yeah. When I ask you to do something, you got to step out. Okay. Do you understand? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, next time you're here and you're visiting Butterfly at these strange hours of the time, remember that rules and regulations. You can't be here past certain hours. >> This is an elderly disabled community. >> That's why these rules and regulations are here. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> So, again, what is your name? >> Can you be nice? >> Yes. What's your name? >> Terry. >> Terry. What? Garcia. >> Garcia, what's your date of birth? >> I'm lost this last thing. I'm sorry. >> Yeah, I was going to say you you just lied to me once. So, you're about to get put in handcuffs. >> Okay. Thank you. What is your date of birth? >> 78. >> Let me ask you, do you have warrants? >> No. >> Do you have a valid driver's license? >> Yes, I do. I have a patrol. >> Oh, it's fine. So, if I run your name, you're going to have a valid driver's license? Yes. >> It was then that Hernandez made a fateful decision that would change his life forever. Be aware. I'm going to put a warrant out for your arrest. You're back on the property when you're told not to be. Cuz >> you're going to get arrested. >> Listen to me. Listen to me. Okay. Again. You make stupid comments all the time cuz you don't want to listen. Okay. The judge told you cuz I spoke to the judge the last time I put that warrant out. You're not to be on the property. Doesn't matter if you're in the car. Doesn't matter if you're flying over the air. You're on the property. Okay? I'm going to put a warrant out for your arrest. Okay. Be aware about who you hang out with. Ma'am, stand by real quick. 84 centrals for the court. RBI with two code 24 individuals two. Why details? >> You have a seat belt. Stop. Stop. Fired. Fired. Stop. Stop. Get out. Get out. >> Sir, what the [ __ ] >> Stop car. Stop the car. Get outside and get medical assistance. Get out. Get out. >> This is up. Start me fire. Get out. We weren't doing nothing. >> She almost hit me with the car. >> Get out. >> In the beginning. >> Get out. >> That'sing crazy, man. >> She almost hit me with the car. >> I know, but we were doing it in the beginning. >> It doesn't matter. I'm not trying to find out what's going on here. And you're trespassed. I recognize you. You're trespassed. Doesn't matter. 84 in front of brother court. >> No shots fired on my part. Uh she almost hit me with the car. >> Come on, Mr. >> Terry. Stay with me. Terry, >> Terry, stay with me. In the end, Terry Gomez passed away on the scene. Officer Hernandez was charged with seconddegree murder, but was acquitted of that charge and instead convicted of voluntary manslaughter. Officer Felipe Hernandez's case shows how a single lapse in judgment can have tragic consequences. While the next case on former state trooper Dan Howard exposes a cop husband who couldn't let go. >> Please don't tell me it's going to go away. I'm sorry to inform you, but >> your wife is pastor. >> No. God. >> When she said she didn't want a divorce or she does want a divorce, it changed about every other day. >> Thank you. Your wife. >> On the 2nd of February 2021, officers received a frantic call from a man about his wife who had selfharmed. They realized that the call was from Dan Howard, a man who the police knew was already in a volatile state. >> Yeah. So, just so you know, or uh 60 or n this guy that we're going to retired ISP. >> Yeah. But he's super volatile. He's torched off rounds. He's done all kinds of um so we're waiting for all of us to get here to go in and be aware that it could turn into something major. Wait with him. >> Get bugs. sended medical. >> Yep. Central. >> No, no heartbeat. >> Not seeing anything. After 27 years of marriage, Kendi Howard was planning to divorce him. Days before the incident, she had made a distress call to her boyfriend, who heard alarming noises in the background and contacted Kendy's parents, who then phoned 911. When police arrived for a welfare check, Kendi appeared anxious but relieved. She packed a bag and stayed at her parents' home that night. Next morning, she called her boyfriend sobbing to describe waking up to Dan looming over her dressed in black with gloves and spotting a gun magazine on the floor. She feared he intended to kill her. Despite pleas from her boyfriend and parents not to return, Kendi insisted on going back to check on her pets and attend a scheduled appointment. On the 2nd of February, the officers were again called to the residence, but for a different reason, one that will change Dan's life. So medical is going to disturb your scene. >> So please >> Hi guys. >> Huh? >> Excuse me. >> I honestly haven't seen it. Oh no. Please don't tell me it's going to go away. Hi sir. >> Good. How are you? Oh, please. Please. Do you need anything? Though his emotions seemed intense yet eerily restrained, officers had no choice but to confront Dan with the reality of what had unfolded. >> Do we give him This is a different case. So given the circumstances of him and emotions and things like that, do we want to tell him? I don't think medical did medical tell him that she did. >> I don't think so. >> Do we want to tell him or do you want to wait? >> You better tell him. Oh, I got it. Uh, actually, you know what? You haven't done one. >> Okay. Before I take pictures. >> Yeah. Okay. >> What's his name? >> Dan. >> Thank you. >> It's Dan. >> Hey, Dan. Dan. >> Dan. >> Hey, Dan. I'm Deputy Wheeler. I'm I'm sorry to inform you, but your wife is faster. >> No. God damn it. >> Hey, Dan. >> I got it. >> Hey, Dan. Is there anyone that we can call for you? Anyone that can devastate my Oh my god. >> Is there anyone we can call to give you some support or anything like that? Any family that >> um Dan, I know this is hard, but when when is the last time that you saw your wife alive? I know this is this is tough. >> I don't know. >> How long how long ago? >> Can you recall? >> What time is it? >> Did you Did you call 911 when you when you heard the gunshot? >> No. >> Okay. >> I didn't. Well, I Oh, no. I didn't. >> Well, help us out with the time frame. All right. I didn't think it was a gunshot. I was downstairs maybe gone. It sound like something hit the floor or something. I don't know. >> When was When was the last time you saw your wife before she went to go take a bath? >> Hour and a half. >> Hour and a half. >> Hour and a half. >> Hour and a half or something. I don't know. >> I really don't know. I'm out of it. >> It's It's about 11:15. Uh, maybe 9:30. >> 9:30 or so, >> I think. >> Okay. >> I don't know. I might be wrong. >> Despite his cries, police remained cautious of Dan Howard. His violent past made that necessary. Back in 2013, he had discovered his wife in an affair and threatened the other man, pointing firearms at him and even stalking him. Dan had worked as a trooper with the Idaho State Police for 19 years, but after a warrant was served at his home, he resigned following his suspension. Investigators found thousands of rounds of stolen ammunition, a fraudulent Harley-Davidson title and evidence of poaching a white-tailed deer without a license, leading to charges in both Kai and Bonnet counties. In early 2015, he was sentenced for malicious injury to property, petty theft, little fraud, and failing to tag the deer, receiving 120 days in jail, 600 hours of community service, a suspended 3-year prison term, and probation. Although the Howard's marriage had survived prior turmoil, Kendi had finally made up her mind to leave him, a decision that would tragically cost her life. Dan painted Kendi as volatile, claiming that she needed help. Did she ever make any statements that had you concerned about her well-being? >> Yeah, about every day. Well, it's just she's so emotional. She tells, "Well, we we should split up." I agree with her and we should go the other way. >> How long has this been going on? this hitch. Last hitch were pretty distant, you know. I knew something was up, but >> last month. >> Yeah. Whatever that turned out to be. Yeah. Pretty distant. >> Do you suspect she was cheating on you again? >> I asked her that. I asked her that to give me closure cuz, you know, that would be it. She said she hadn't been. >> Do you believe it, >> man? Her behavior. I I don't know. It just doesn't add up. Okay. >> What does it add up? >> She's behaving the same way she was before. And uh you know before we made a go was pretty good. And uh when she said she didn't want a divorce or she does want a divorce and it changed about every other day. She went and and put earnest money on a house while I was up on the slope down there. Text me once that she was going to go see an attorney. She saw the attorney a day before I got in and then she had those papers. >> Okay. Yeah. You're >> and I tried to talk her out of it. Let's talk first. Well, she didn't. And so since I've been here, we've been uh just going back and forth. You want to make it work? Okay. I'll encourage you to make it work. If you don't want to make it work, I'm encouraging you to still make it work. I couldn't see throwing 27 years away. But then, you know, I'm the one that filled out the papers and I'll give her what she wants if that's what she wants. And then she we'll do everything 5050. Okay. That includes the flipping house down there. That would >> So you're I mean obviously you're you're wanting to make things work here and she's saying >> I'm trying to encourage her. >> She's telling you you're not hearing me. I want the house and to change. >> Okay. >> I feel out of love, but breaks my heart. I'm hurting you. >> Yeah. And then she'll come back and go, "Well, I'm not sure if I want the divorce." Love that cat. >> A call from his stepdaughter tipped officers off, confirming the worst. >> Thank you, your wife. I have no idea >> cuz I got to tell you that phone call put chills down my spine. >> People you did it, didn't you, Dan? >> No, I didn't. >> I didn't think so. But now after that, I think you did, didn't you? How the hell do you How the hell? She doesn't know. She wasn't here. She knows what she knows that there's a divorce going. >> What does she know? She knows something. She wouldn't have reacted the way she did. >> Well, I don't know what it is. >> Mother, she obviously had concerns if that was her neat jerk. >> Okay. Well, >> you understand where we're coming from. >> What the? Because I had talked to my daughter about that. >> You think Do you think all you want? >> I think you did. >> No, I didn't. >> At trial, Dan denied all allegations, but the evidence spoke for itself. The judge cited jealousy, greed, pride, anger, and revenge as driving factors in Kendy's. In the end, Dan Howard was sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus an additional 10-year sentence for domestic battery. The last cases were troubling, but nothing could prepare you for officer Philip Braillesford, the cop who shot an unarmed man after a call reported a weapon in his hotel room, which turned out not to be a weapon at all. >> STOP. STOP. GET ON THE GROUND. BOTH OF YOU, LAY DOWN ON THE GROUND. >> THERE IS A VERY severe possibility you're both going to get. Do you understand that? >> Yes. >> I SAID KEEP YOUR LEGS CROSSED. >> I'm sorry, sir. >> On the 18th of January 2016, police were called after a rifle was reportedly pointed out of Daniel Shaver's hotel room where he was staying on business. Officers were already waiting in the hallway when Daniel arrived and were immediately instructed to follow their commands. >> STOP RIGHT THERE. STOP. STOP. GET ON THE GROUND. BOTH OF YOU LAY DOWN ON THE GROUND. LAY DOWN ON THE GROUND. >> YES. >> Who else is in the room? >> Nobody. >> Nobody else is in the room. Positive. >> Nobody. Absolutely positive. >> Okay. Since apparently we have a failure for you to comprehend simple instructions, I'm going to go over some of them again. Okay. Can you both hear and understand me? >> Yes. >> All right. If you make a mistake, another mistake, there's a very severe possibility you're go both going to get. Do you understand that? >> Yes. >> I do. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> What the >> This is Shut up. >> I'm not here to be tackle diplomatic with you. You listen, you obey. >> For one thing, did I tell you to move, young man? >> Did I tell you to Yes, sir. >> put both your hands. Put both your hands on the top of your head and interlace your fingers. Take your feet and cross your left foot over your right foot. >> Who else is in the room? >> Nobody. >> Can you see the door? >> All right. Stand by. We have >> All right. Confused and heavily intoxicated, Daniel and his friends tried their best to comply. Yet, the officer's hostility made the situation unnecessarily tense. >> Are you both drunk? >> No. >> No. >> All right. So, you're not going to have any problems understanding anything that I tell you, right? >> Great. >> All right. >> Can I go to my room? >> No, you're not going to do anything but come towards us. Young man, you are not to move. You're to put your eyes down and look down at the carpet. You're to keep your fingers interlaced behind your head. You are to keep your feet crossed. If you move, we're going to consider that a threat and we are going to deal with it and you may not survive it. Do you understand me? >> Yes, sir. >> Young lady, shut up and listen. Right. You are to keep your feet crossed. Take both of your hands, put them flat in front of you. You are to push yourself up to a kneeling position. Kneeling position. Now put both your hands in the air. Okay. Crawl towards us. >> I'm so sorry. Okay. Stop. Come. Grab pull. No, Rich. Pull this way. >> Let me know when you're clear. Clear. >> No, you're not clear. You have question. >> Okay, when you're done with that, lay her flat. >> Okay, I need one more cup. Okay. >> Matters escalated when Officer Philip Railsford focused all his attention on Daniel, who was crawling in an attempt to follow instructions. >> Okay, young man, listen to my instructions and do not make a mistake. >> You are to keep your legs crossed. Do you understand me? >> You are to put both of your hands palm down straight out in front of you. Push yourself up to a kneeling position. I SAID KEEP YOUR LEGS CROSSED. >> I'm sorry. >> I didn't say THIS IN CONVERSATION. WATCH YOUR HAIR. Hands up in the air. >> You do that again. We're you. DO YOU UNDERSTAND? >> Please do not me. >> And listen to my instructions. >> I'm trying to >> DON'T TALK. LISTEN. HANDS STRAIGHT UP in the air. Do not put your hands down for any reason. You think you're GOING TO FALL, YOU BETTER FALL IN YOUR FACE. YOUR HANDS go back into the small OF YOUR BACK OR DOWN. WE ARE GOING TO YOU. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME? >> YES, SIR. >> Crawl towards me. CRAWL TOWARDS ME. YES, SIR. >> Don't get up on him. >> Okay, hold on him. One with me. Daniel Shaver was struck five times and instantly. In the aftermath, Officer Braillesford was fired and charged with murder and manslaughter, but was acquitted at trial in 2017. Next is a case of Stephanie Lazarus, a once respected detective whose decades old crime finally caught up with her. >> I mean, if you guys are claiming that I'm a suspect, then, you know, I I got a problem with, you know, with that. >> We asked you for a DNA swab. Would you be willing to give us one? Maybe cuz now now now >> now I'm thinking I probably need to talk to a lawyer. This I mean we had a fight and so I went and killed her. >> On June the 5th, 2009, Stephanie Lazarus began her day as usual. Heading to the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters. As a respected detective in the art theft unit with 26 years of service, she had no reason to suspect that this day would be different from any other. She had been asked to come in to assist with what she believed was an art theft case, a routine request given her expertise. Unbeknownst to Stephanie, her colleagues had been secretly investigating her for months in connection with a cult case from 1986. The case that would change everything began on February the 24th, 1986 when Sher Rasmusen, a 29-year-old nursing director, was found in her Van Noise townhouse. She had been beaten three times. Initially, investigators believed it was a burglary gone wrong, despite Rasmusen's husband, John Rutin, mentioning that Stephanie, his ex-girlfriend, had threatened Rasmusen in the past. Fast forward to the mid 2000s, the LAPD, in an effort to clear cold cases, revisited Rasmusen's, and advances in DNA technology provided new hope. Detectives re-examined the evidence, including a bite mark on Rasmusen's arm. DNA from the bite mark was tested and a shocking match was found. It belonged to Stephanie, a veteran detective with the LAPD. Stephanie had a history with Rasmusen's husband, John Rutin. They had dated in college, but Jon had moved on and married Rasmusen. Stephanie, it turned out, had been obsessed with Jon, and her jealousy was a potential motive for them. To obtain a DNA sample for comparison, undercover officers had secretly collected a discarded straw Stephanie had used. The DNA matched the sample from the crime scene, providing the crucial evidence needed to proceed with questioning Stephanie. As the detectives began probing into her past relationship with John Rutin, subtle inconsistencies in her recollection started to emerge. Her inability to recall specific time frames is a common deception tactic to avoid committing to details that might be contradicted later. >> Do you know John Ruten? >> John Ruten? >> John Rutton? >> Rutton? >> Oh, yeah. I went to school with him. >> You did? >> Yeah. How long did you know him? >> Gosh, I went to school in um let's see, went to UCLA 1978 I started and um you know, met him at school at the dorms. >> Mhm. >> Um >> were you guys friends? Close friends? >> Yeah, we're very close friends. >> I mean, what's this all about? >> Well, it's regarding it's a case we're working on. And it involves John and in there some of the statements we we reviewed uh you know there's notes and stuff that that he knew you and stuff. >> Oh yeah. I mean we good friends um lived in the dorms for I was in the dorms for 2 years. Um >> you guys lived in the same dorms? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Dyra. >> Okay. Were you guys just friends or anything else or? >> Yeah, we were we were good friends. >> Yeah. Was there any relationship or anything that developed between you guys? >> Yeah. I mean we dated. Uh-huh. >> You know, um I mean is what's this all about? >> Well, it's relating to uh his wife. >> Okay. >> Okay. Did you know her? >> Not really. I mean, I knew that he got married years ago. >> Uh-huh. Did you ever meet her? >> God, I don't know. Um >> do you know who she was or anything? >> Well, I let me think. God, it's been a long time ago. Um um I you know I may have met her. Um Jeez, you know. >> Yeah. Uh well, let me see. Let me ask you. You said you you dated John. How long did you guys date? >> The detective's gentle proddding revealed Stephanie's reluctance to discuss details of her relationship with Jon. Her vague responses and inability to recall specific time frames raised questions about what she might have been hiding. Her body language and speech patterns began to shift as she discussed the duration of a relationship with John. Her repeated use of filler words and phrases like um and you know indicated increasing anxiety and potential deception. >> How long would you say you guys did? >> Oh jeez. Um I couldn't even say. I mean I started school there in 78. I started UCLA in 1978. >> I graduated in ' 82. Um, I don't even remember what year he graduated. If it was a year or two before me, >> okay. >> Um, I think he was a little bit older than I was. I mean, you know, I can't remember if he was born, let's see, I was born in 60, 1960. I don't know if he was born in 58 or 59. I mean, you know, um, I mean, I knew his parents. I knew his sister. His brother went to Northridge. Um, um, you know, his sister spent the night at my house before. Obviously, I spent the night at his house before. before. We probably spent the night at my house before um you know I you know I don't >> Well, correct me if I'm wrong cuz from what you're telling me is you guys dated while you were in college together, right? >> Yeah. And probably after college. Um I I can't jeez. Um trying to think when I met my husband. I met my husband in when did I meet Scott? Um let's see. I was teaching DARE cuz I met Scott when I was teaching DARE up in Oregon. But we had long stopped, you know, dating before that. >> So, you haven't talked to him for a long time? >> Oh, I I think I haven't talked to him in a long time. Um, I couldn't even tell you when the last time I talked to him. Um, I met Scott, I'm thinking in ' 92, maybe um, April of 92. >> As the conversation progressed, her attempts to downplay her connection to John became more apparent. The contradictory statements about the nature and duration of their relationship suggested she might have been concealing the true extent of their involvement. She attempted to downplay her connection to Jon by mentioning other relationships. This diversionary tactic is often used by suspects to create distance from a person of interest in an investigation. >> I I haven't been in contact with her in a long time. >> Um I mean what you know what's what's I mean what's this all about? I mean, >> well, let me ask you, what ended the relationship between you and John? >> You know, I don't it was kind of a weird relationship. I mean, we we we dated. Um I can't say that he was my boyfriend. I don't know that he would consider me his girlfriend. Um we just we dated. We did things. I played sports in college. He played basketball. His brother played basketball. um we just, you know, it just didn't work out. At one point, um another friend of mine who's actually dying right now, uh was went to Hawaii with us, um at some point, um >> remember roughly when that was. >> Oh jeez. Um let me think. I'd have to check my pictures. Um or I'd say I'd ask Greg, but my friend Greg is like dying of liver cancer right now. >> Um yeah, I mean I you know >> and you were saying that um >> it's 2009 now. >> Had you ever met his wife? >> I may have. >> Do you know do you remember her name or anything or >> um um >> or what she did for a living or where she worked or anything about her? Well, I think she I I'm going to say I think she was a nurse. >> The mention of Jon's wife, Sherry, generated a notably evasive response from Stephanie. Her claimed lack of familiarity with Sherry contrasted sharply with her detailed recollections of Jon's family, hinting at a possible source of tension. This selective memory is a red flag, potentially indicating an attempt to dissociate herself from Sherry. >> The people that were on the dorm floor, we'd have we'd have gettogethers. Um there's probably like four or five. I don't think he ever came. Um yeah, I don't think No, there was there was like it was mostly girls, you know. Um girl named Smea Diane. Um there's there's two Dian's, but the one Diane, I don't think she ever came. I kind of lost contact with her. We were good friends on the floor. Um yeah, I mean I don't you know again I I mean what you know I don't understand why you're talking about some guy I dated a million years ago. Well, do you know what happened to his wife? >> Yeah, I know she got >> What did you What did you hear about that? >> I I saw a poster at work. Um I'm sure I spoke to him about it. Um I think I spoke to another friend of his about it. Um >> and how did how did you first learn about that? >> Jeez. Someone could have called me. I could have heard it at work. Um, I think at one point there may have been a flyer or something. I know a good friend of his. Um, >> Were you on the job back then when that happened? >> Yeah, I think so. Yeah, I'm sure I was on the job. That's who I would have heard about it with the flyer. Um, he had a good friend, Mike. Mike Mike Buldrick. Mike. Um, anyways, a he may have lived in the dorms. I don't remember if that's how I met him. Um, I I may have talked to him. I mean, you know, I don't remember how I heard. I mean, I don't even remember what year it was. >> And you think you you thought you said you thought his wife was a nurse. Do you have any idea where she was working at the time? Or >> did he ever mention that to you? Was it a hospital or a doctor's office? >> I'm sure he must have mentioned it. Now, now that you're bringing that up, I think she worked at a hospital somewhere. And yeah, I may have met her at a hospital. Um, I may have talked to her once or twice. um >> at a at a hospital >> or more um you know >> being that you were kind of you used to see uh John you know was it everything okay between you guys? I mean there wasn't anything uncomfortable or anything between you and her. >> Um you know I don't know. I mean it's God it's been so many years. I mean, the uncomfortable. I mean, I can't even I can't even remember if we had a conversation. I mean, we may have I may have I may have seen her at his apartment, you know. Jeez, how many years ago was that? I don't even know what year she, you know, got >> Where was his apartment? >> On Rosco. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Rosco and um um east or west of DO. Uh either east or west of Dodto. >> Do you know where he moved after did he move after he got married or do you know or >> I'm sure he did. >> Did you know where he was living or >> somewhere in the valley? >> Did you ever visit him and his wife? >> No. >> No. Never went out, you know, get together, dinners, >> anything of that nature? >> No. No. Like I said, his sister used to come over. his sister had had come to my place. I knew his I knew his brother because his brother played basketball at Northridge. Um in fact, I was just coming across some pictures that I just scan uh scanned from um I take a lot of photos. >> Um like 10,000 and I just did a service where I scanned everything. Um and I'd seen some pictures of his brother playing basketball. >> You just put them all on your computer so you could have them accessible and do things with him. Well, my partner is a big photo thing and he had a deal to scan. >> So, I spent a ton of time just scanning photos. I mean, I paid a company to do it. >> Mhm. >> Um, so I've got photos of I mean, his brother, his sister, you know, >> 10,000 pictures. >> Oh, yeah. >> How long did that take him? >> Months. >> Stephanie's recollection of how she learned about Sherry's passing was suspiciously vague. Her inconsistent answers and attempts to change the subject raised red flags about her potential involvement. >> I can't even tell you the last time I had any contact with any of them. It's been so long. >> Did he tell you what happened? Like what he heard from the detectives or the police or >> You know what? He may have um for some reason I'm thinking that I mean again this is like or something. I mean, I think I faintly remember him mentioning something maybe about um >> that she was involved with that. >> You know, I don't know that he said she was involved or they thought she, you know, again, it's been so long. I you know, he could have mentioned he could have told me the whole story of what happened. And I mean, like I said, I'm faintly remember either between him or the flyer. Um, that there was some kind of a burglary. Um, you know, >> let me ask it. Did the detectives ever reach out to you ever? >> No, no one's ever talked to me. I don't think anybody ever talked to me about where was I working. >> Um, >> 1986. >> I would have been working in Devonshire. You know, I'm thinking that I did speak to somebody. >> Oh, really? >> I couldn't tell you who it was >> cuz it doesn't it doesn't say anything. >> Probably on the phone. Okay. >> Um >> would it have been somebody in regards to this or just >> Yeah. >> Uh-huh. >> Yeah. Um >> I don't even know if you said a name if I would remember it because I worked Van Ice for a while. >> Oh, you did? >> Yeah. I worked dumb. >> As the detectives pressed for more details about Stephanie's interactions with Sherry, her responses became increasingly defensive. Her inability to provide clear answers about alleged confrontation suggested she might have been hiding significant information. The detectives were making good progress and things were already looking like that with a little more probing she was going to. >> They're saying you were having with with Sherry. >> I mean, it seems like the relationship is just going on even plain. >> That just I I that I don't have a recollection of that at all. No. >> No. >> And cuz from what you're telling me is when you guys met at the hospital, uh I mean you guys talked, but it wasn't from what you recall confrontational think >> from either side. >> No, I I mean I'm trying to, you know, turn my memory back, you know, and I'm trying I can't even can't even picture the, you know, picture the the conversation. I mean, I can't even picture the conversation. >> Well, let me ask I mean at the hospital it never got to the point where people are going, "Hey, hey, you know, go to everybody go to your own culinary type of thing." >> I don't think so. >> Nothing like that. >> I don't think so. I mean, I really don't. I mean, if you you know, if you say people said that that's not ringing a bell to me at all. I mean, it's not. I mean, that that's not ringing a bell. >> I'm thinking that the hospital thing that sounds familiar that I I met her there. I just can't say that I've ever again was I there with other people. I don't I I it I don't know. Um I don't think I ever met her there or him there. Um meaning one or the other. I don't think so. I really I just I can't I don't think so. >> Cuz I mean I know the way my wife is at our house, she wouldn't want my own girlfriends there, you know? So, I don't know if maybe she had the same mentality towards you if as far as you ever being there >> or being welcome there, you know, because it's >> You know what? If somebody said I was there when they were there, then that's possible. But I just I I don't recall. I mean, I don't think so. I don't I it's not sounding familiar. >> Yeah. Cuz I guess basically what I'm asking is, you know, were you ever welcome to the house? Like, you know, hey >> Oh, come over. >> Yeah, come on over. We're having a barbecue, you know, a dinner party. Christmas party or whatever. >> I don't know. >> The interrogation took a dramatic turn when the detectives began to hint at Stephanie being a suspect. The sudden change from cooperative to defensive is a common reaction when a suspect realizes that they may be cornered. >> You know, as they processed everything, uh they did the best they could at that time and they looked at a lot of a lot of people and different things in this case. And you're right. >> I mean, if you guys are claiming that I'm a suspect, then, you know, I I got a problem with, you know, with that. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, you know, if you're if you're doing this as an interrogation, you're saying, "Hey, I'm a suspect." Well, now I got a problem with, you know, now you're accusing me of this. Is that what you're Is that what you're saying? >> We're trying to figure out what happened, Stephanie. >> Well, I'm I was, you know, I'm just saying, you know, would I need to get a lawyer if you're accusing me of this? >> You know, >> you don't have to. I mean, you know, you're here of your own free will. I mean, >> Well, I know, but >> you know, you're not you're not under arrest. You can walk out whenever. >> You can leave whenever you like. >> Well, you know, I I'm trying to give you some background of, you know, how I knew him and now you're telling me that some somebody's saying that we had this big old fight and I don't even know what you're talking about. Um, you know, and I don't want to, you know, get in trouble for something that I didn't even do or you're saying I did something. >> Okay, >> we understand. >> I mean, how would you guys like it if the tables were turned on you? >> I understand. No, >> no, that's why we're telling you. I mean, you're free to go whenever you want. If if this makes you uncomfortable and you want to if you want >> now you're starting to make me uncomfortable. >> The thing is I mean detectives did what they could at that time on the crime scene. Okay. And the burglary thing you're talking about that is an angle that they looked at. I go but now we're looking at everything else on the case cuz nobody was ever arrested on the case. >> I I don't know that or not. >> Okay. Now what we'd like to do is obviously you know about all the DNA stuff and things of the nature that you know gets done on cases nowadays. You know, if we asked you for a DNA swap, would you be willing to give us one? >> Maybe, cuz now now >> now I'm thinking I probably need to talk to a lawyer. >> Stephanie's reaction to the mention of DNA evidence was particularly revealing. Her abrupt refusal and insistence on legal counsel strongly suggested she feared what such evidence might reveal. This behavior is consistent with a guilty party realizing the gravity of this situation. >> That's what we're at to. I mean, because right now from looking at the evidence, it's, you know, it's possible we may have some DNA at the location. >> That's great. >> And we're going to do what we can to try to put this thing together. And your name's in the book. These people are pointing at you for whatever reason. >> I don't know why. That's just crazy. I mean, that's just that's absolutely crazy. >> And it would be irresponsible on our part not to look at it. >> I know you guys have to do your job. And I guess I'm going to have to contact somebody. So >> that's fair. >> I mean, because I know how this stuff works. I mean, I I I I just can't believe it. >> That's I mean, we we understand that. I mean, if we were in your position, I mean, we would feel the same way. >> I just can't even believe it. I mean, it's just I mean, I'm shocked. I'm really shocked >> that somebody would be blame saying that I did this. I mean, we had a fight and so I went and killed her. I mean, come on. Well, >> that's >> okay. Correct. >> Well, thanks for giving me the court. I appreciate your report today. >> Thanks for your time. >> After the interrogation, the detectives had enough to move forward. Stephanie was arrested and charged with the of Sher Rasmusen. On March the 8th, 2012, after several days of deliberation, the jury found Stephanie Lazarus guilty of first-degree. She was sentenced to 27 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Just as Stephanie Lazarus shocked the system, Michael Neie's story was even darker, recalling the night he went drinking with his colleagues and what unfolded afterwards. >> Did you uh advis him what he was charged with? >> No. Um, Michael, you being charged with second degree? >> Okay. I had no idea what I was being charged with. >> You are sitting on his chest, his face is beaten, and he tells you, "Get off of him. to get off of him. >> On November the 10th, 2019, Detective Michael Neely and Chief Lucky Miller from the Manford Police Department in Oklahoma arrived in Peniscola Beach, Florida. They were there to attend a law enforcement conference and shared a room at the Hilton Hotel. As the evening progressed, the two officers were reportedly drinking and socializing. What started as a routine professional trip took a dark turn. Hotel staff and guests reported hearing loud noises and a commotion from the officer's room. When hotel security investigated, they found Chief Miller unresponsive and severely injured. Detective Michael, present in the room, appeared disoriented and showed signs of intoxication. Emergency services were called to the scene, hoping to save Chief Miller's life. Despite their efforts, Chief Miller was pronounced at the scene. As investigators assessed the situation, they noticed blood on Detective Michael's hands and clothes. This physical evidence combined with Michael's confused state and inability to explain what had happened led investigators to suspect his involvement in Miller's passing. Witnesses confirmed that only Michael and Miller had been in the room during the incident. Given the circumstances and evidence, Michael was immediately detained at the scene and taken into custody by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. Detective Michael, now a suspect, was placed in an interrogation room. The tables had turned on the law enforcement officer as he now faced questioning about his relationship with Chief Miller. his recollection of the events and any potential motives for the tragic incident that had unfolded in room 527. The interrogation began with detectives establishing rapport, a common technique to put the suspect at ease and encourage conversation. They discussed flight details and arrival times in a casual manner. >> How you doing, Mike? >> Hello. >> I'm investigator Martinez. I think you've already met him. >> Here's my card, sir. I don't know, Mike, before we begin, I'm going to advise you of your rights, right? Yeah. >> So, tell me, Mike, you guys um flew out of Tulsa, >> Oklahoma City. >> Oklahoma City. Okay. Into Pensacola. >> Yep. >> Was it a direct flight? >> Nope. >> All right. Where Where'd you guys >> Houston? Mhm. >> Was it a long layover or just a >> short? Pretty short. >> So, from Houston to Pensacola? >> Yep. What time did you guys get in? >> Uh, I don't I don't even remember. Uh, the afternoon sometime. Okay. >> Uh, did you guys get to run car? >> Yes. >> Okay. Enterprise or >> I think it was Enterprise. Okay. All right. And then from there um we uh got to the hotel and that's it. >> You got to the hotel. Did you guys make any stops anywhere? >> Nope. >> As Michael recounted the events leading up to the incident, his vague responses and claimed memory lapses indicated an attempt to avoid incriminating details. He frequently claimed he didn't remember specific times or events. >> Any problems? or anything going on that crowd just normal dinner or what? >> Just normal. >> Uh-huh. Any drinks there or just dining with? >> Couple beers. >> And I guess from where Crabs is to the hotel just walked. >> Yeah, it's not very far. Yeah, it's just right there. >> Was it a early dinner, late dinner, or what? >> Pretty early. It was uh I don't think it was dark yet. All right. And then tell me once what what you guys did once you got back to the hotel. It's about it. Just watch football game. >> Any particular team or just football in general? >> That was Dallas game starting. >> Dallas and somebody I don't remember who. All right. Do you remember um hotel staff or hotel employee coming up and telling you guys keep it down? >> I don't I don't remember that. >> So, what is the last thing you remember as far as that evening until the football game? >> Michael's surprising question about who had passed away revealed his attempts to gather information. A tactic suspects often use to tailor their stories. >> Well, I I mean, I know you're asking me questions, but can I ask you a question? >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Homicide. Who Who who is? >> Yes, sir. Trained detectives have ways of getting a suspect to talk without asking them questions about the case. They employed these techniques to encourage Michael to speak freely. >> I guess I I probably don't have any anything else to say then. I I got nothing nothing to say to you. >> Despite initially invoking his rights, Michael's curiosity led him to continue talking. A common mistake that investigators exploit. >> Did you uh advise him what he was charged with? >> No. Um, Michael, you've been charged with second degree. >> Okay. I had no idea what I was being charged with. >> Yeah. You being charged with second degree and your victim to be booked in the Scam County jail with no bond and we've already notified your uh your wife. >> Okay. >> And um >> the victim, I'm assuming. >> Yes. Okay. >> And uh and uh we've notified department. >> Okay. and the task force head. >> Okay. >> You have any questions for us? >> I mean, yeah, I've got a thousand of them, but I mean, really doesn't make it. >> Well, I mean, sure it does. I mean, if you want to talk, we'll sit here and listen to you talk. I mean, we'd love to know what the heck happened. >> I mean, that's that's up to you. I mean, we'll answer your questions, you know, in return. So, >> I I would love to know what happened, too. U you know, Well, I mean, do you want to continue to talk to us? If you do, then I mean, we'll tell you what happened. >> I mean, I I I would love I I would like to I would like to know what happened. Uh, you know, cuz I'm I'm telling you, I don't uh I don't have any memory of of any of this. And I, you know, I'm I'm shocked that it's I mean, it's it's it's shocking, you know, tell you that. Uh maybe maybe a good job, but my memory I I I have no idea. So, but I I don't know. >> Do you want us to You want to continue talking to us? >> Yeah. I mean, I I I'll continue to talk. I' I'd like to know what happened. I mean, what if you'll tell me what happened? That that'd be great. You know, >> the detectives used a storytelling approach, revealing details of the crime to probe Michael's reactions. His continued claims of memory loss became less credible as more information was presented. >> Well, the first call came a little bit after 6, I believe. U one of the guys that uh the room next to you didn't say you guys were arguing, just being loud, just laughing, yelling, probably maintenance or security came up, knocked on your door, answered it. Guy said, "Can you guys keep it down? We got a noise complaint." He said, "Fine, we'll keep it down." >> Mhm. >> Okay. So, the next noise complaint came out about 9 minutes till 10:00 in the evening. Uh, this one was from the other neighbor because the one beside you, the first complainant, uh, they moved his room cuz you guys were continued just to be loud. Nothing out of sorts, just being loud. Uh this time he can't get anybody to come to the door. All he hears he's knocking. He hears just grumbling, grunting, uses his car to get in, walks in, and you remember the room layout. There's two queen beds. Is on the ground between the bed and the wall. You are sitting on his chest. His face is beating. And he tells you, "Get off of him. Get off of him." Pulls you off of him. You go on the bed, roll off the bed, fall on your face, and that's where the nose and the lip get busted and responsive. Michael's lack of emotional response when told about the chief's death was noteworthy, potentially indicating a disconnect from the gravity of the situation or an attempt to maintain composure. >> Is that what you're telling me? >> Yes, sir. >> He was found between the uh his bed and the wall. His face was uh his right eye was pretty much swollen shot. >> Does any of that jog your memory, Mike? >> No, it doesn't. Did you have any kind of animosity or anything like that towards? >> No, not at all. >> No. >> Have you ever had u a violent outburst or anything like that before when you were drinking? >> No. >> Anybody ever told you that you got violent when you drank? No. Michael's denial of any animosity towards the victim or history of violent behavior while drinking might have been an attempt to distance himself from the crime. >> Yeah, that's I can't believe it. >> There there's a lot of people like said commander down in your unit said you guys were brothers. >> He was you were too. It's possible that Michael could very well be in shock, which would explain his behavior. A person suffering from shock will have an altered mental state. Their mind feels like it's in a fog, which slows down their alertness and awareness. They will also be in denial about their situation. However, he repeated expressions of disbelief rather than showing concern for the victim, which could be a strategy to appear innocent. He frequently used phrases like, "I can't believe it. I cannot believe it." >> You have any questions for us, Mike? I I it I just it's just unbelievable. I just uh >> Did you make any phone calls? I mean, >> I called my wife, you know, earlier in the night. It's uh Man, it's it's unbelievable. I just I It's unbelievable. Unbelievable. >> Why do Why do you say that? >> I I I got no problem. I you know I I I can't I can't believe what you're telling me. It has happened. Can't believe it. Wow. Well, this sucks for us just as much as it does for you. I mean, having to arrest a a fellow officer, you know, for something like this >> was is I cannot I can't believe it. I cannot believe it. Huh? And from what what I mean, what's she what's he dead from? >> As more details are revealed, Michael's continued insistence on not remembering becomes less credible, potentially indicating deception. Right now, like I said, we don't know until we have the autopsy, >> right? I mean, cuz I mean, I I mean, I I'm feeling my hands. I I mean, my hands don't feel anything. Uh, you know, you know, I what she did for him, I don't understand. I mean, it appears that he's been beat to death >> by all by all indicators that we have at this time that we, you know, that we can physically see. >> It it gives the appearance that he's beat to death. His head is very swollen. Like we said, his uh right eye is completely shut and the uh as he laid there, you know, as as time was going on, as we were getting the search warrants and everything together that we needed to do, uh bruises were starting to show up even more. H >> I mean you you can't think of anything that that would have triggered you to to jump on >> nothing. I mean nothing. >> Michael began to offer selective memories, possibly choosing which details to reveal while still maintaining overall ignorance of the incident. He recalled the chief wanting to go out, but doesn't remember getting upset about it. >> And we went out to eat. >> Was the game playing when y'all left to go out to eat? >> No. No, we came back. It was a Dallas game. I don't even know what time it started. And he kept wanting to go out. He kept wanting to go out. I just kept telling him I don't want to go out. You know, it's a bad idea. You shouldn't go out. >> Where was he wanting to go? >> The bar. Uh I don't know where specific, you know. Did he keep on about it and you got upset about that? >> Well, he he kept on about it, but I you know, I don't remember be getting upset about it, you know. He just Yeah, he kept on about it. It's like it seemed later than it was. You know, it seemed seem late. >> Yeah, it's time change, man. It messes everything up. It gets darker a whole lot quicker. And it does. It seems later than it is. >> Yep. And uh you know, he kept wanting to go out. Let's go to the bar. We need to go to the bar. I said, "That's a bad idea. We shouldn't, you know, let's not do that." I don't I I mean, I wasn't pissed off at him for God's sakes. >> At this point, his recollection of specific details about drinking vodka contrasted with his claimed memory loss about other events, raising questions about the truthfulness of his earlier statements. >> Now, I remember you said that he got the bottle of vodka. Were you guys both drinking vodka or just >> Yeah, I I drank I drank vodka with him, you know, >> cuz that way it'll be something uh the Emmy office will need to know, especially when we do the toxicology. >> I don't I I'm can't I'm It's unbelievable. I just cannot believe. I can't can't believe it. >> After the interrogation, Michael Neely was charged with secondderee and subjected to a jury trial. Ultimately, Michael was sentenced to life in prison for taking the life of police chief Lucky Miller.