DON'T KILL MY PARTNER, BRO. >> HEY, HEY, HEY, HEY, NO, NO, NO. The people you're hearing right now have just learned that Brandon Tells has died from his injuries. What makes this case so complicated is that nearly everyone involved tells a different story about what happened that night. And at the center of it all is 23-year-old Aaron Smithson. >> Oh my god. Oh my god. OH MY GOD. OH MY [laughter] GOD. >> WHERE'S HE AT? >> I DON'T KNOW what happened, but she stabbed the young man. In that house right there. >> Where is the one that got stabbed at? >> They went to the hospital with him cuz he passed out. >> 381 >> 381 Allegedly the stabbing victim >> The victim is 23-year-old Brandon Tells, a young man whose night would end in a way nobody around him could have imagined. >> Police department. Police department. Police department. Police. Did he stab somebody? >> Uh put the knives down. Put the knife down. >> Come out here. >> Come out here. >> Okay. COME DOWN HERE. OKAY. Come out here. [crying and laughter] Look, just until we figure out what's going on, we're going to put you in some handcuffs, okay? Okay, we're going to figure out what's going on, okay? >> What's going on, honey? >> She's >> I want to advise one black female of the pain. >> What is that? >> I got her in her room crying because >> You got a knife in you? >> Yeah. >> Okay, who is he to you? >> He's my husband, he's the father >> Do you have a knife with you? >> No, sir. >> Okay. We're going to figure out what's going on. We're going to figure it all out, okay? What's your name? You got anything else on you? Make sure it's all right, okay? Is this all his blood >> He punched me in the mouth. >> or did he hurt Yeah, I see your mouth is a little swollen. Look at me. Look at me real quick, okay? >> I got you. >> Hang on, come back over here, okay? >> Okay. >> We got one in route to the Piedmont. >> pictures of you, okay? Yeah, I think somebody's going to >> Hold on. >> Three dispatch, we got one in route to the Piedmont. >> This is 23-year-old Erin Smithson. As officers escort her to a patrol car, another team began searching the house for answers. I also wanted to quickly mention that I've been working on a side project lately, short cinematic docs on disasters and real cases. It's called Black Archive, if you want to check it out. Link is in the description. Let's get back to the case. >> I think this might be something right here, too. Like is this Is this something, too? >> Yep. >> Coming up. >> Okay. >> So, come up. That's three, four pairs of shoes. >> You said two on the porch? Two Two things of blood? >> Well, I think the shoes and that swabs should cover it. >> Yeah. I'm going to stay out here. >> And then the door? >> Door. I'm about to go back on the street. >> Yeah, that's going to be number five. >> Mhm. >> He said just leave them one for the wall. >> We want two in here? >> Two from the hallway. >> Top of the officer report. >> And then So, I'll do that one and then >> I mean obviously my car's getting used. >> I think this is my beat. >> Mhm. >> This is my beat. >> I'm going to stay here. >> I don't think this is my Actually, I think this is number two. Mhm. I think this is a beat, too. It don't matter to me. I know Battles is using my car, though. >> So, 10 markers looks like it'll cover it. >> Officers know the crime scene can only tell them so much. To understand what really happened, they need answers from the people who were there. >> Can you >> What the [ __ ] did they go? Hey, where did those two two witnesses go? >> Just hang on one second, okay? >> Hey, who all saw what happened? >> I didn't see anything. I just rushed outside with my brother. He said yes. Um he was bleeding. I just >> Okay. All right. >> I didn't see nothing. >> Hey, did any of y'all see what happened? >> No. >> Where did it happen at? >> It was um over there over there by the wall there. >> Over here? >> No, over Got you. All right, you got taste in your mouth? Uh, 81 does. 3 to 81, we're down here by the scene. I got you. Help me move my car. Is this yours? >> Yeah. >> You just back it up a little bit. So, no no none of y'all saw what happened? All right, hey, stay stay out of this area, please. All right, you two, stop stay over here. Did you see what happened? >> When I came out to I heard you yelling. I heard you yelling. When I came back when I came to the front door they were running. They were running. >> Just back up like 10 ft. >> They were running. I don't know if they were going here, I don't know if they were back here. >> All right. >> And when I came to the door, they were they were out here and next thing I know he was on the ground. He had them passed out. So, I dialed 911. >> I got you. Do you mind if I get your name? >> Audrey. >> And you said you you saw them running up the street? >> No, that I don't I think they were running from back here in my backyard. >> Which one's your yard? >> Over here where the red car >> Okay. And when I heard the commotion, so I'm in the kitchen I heard the commotion they were running back out this way toward the street. I get I don't I don't know who what what took place, but when I came outside he collapsed. >> Okay. >> And that's when I dialed 911. >> Do you know where he was stabbed at? >> Oh, my son said he was stabbed in the chest. Huh? Oh, my god. >> Who took him to hospital? Y'all know whose car he got in? Do you know what the car looks like? >> I didn't see when he left, either, cuz I was up there trying to um tell that girl's mama that her her daughter had stabbed somebody. >> As Brandon is rushed to the Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital, his family begins arriving, unaware of just how serious his condition has become. >> Okay. >> I looked. When our detectives last night, they dropped him off down there, so >> Yeah, he walked up. I was here for that one, too. What's his last name, sir? >> No, I don't want no visitors back in trauma. >> All right. >> Remember that shooting up in uh Wilson, where those guys got shot up in the car? He was one of the ones that was in the car. He's the one that lived. >> Okay. >> Brandon had survived serious situations before, but this time the odds are stacked heavily against him. If there was ever a moment Brandon needed a miracle, this was it. >> All right, Jeff. Can you go through what happened, what you seen, what you heard? >> Uh a lot of commotion. The shot I heard came from that door. That kid out in the motor. So, she came over here with the blue shirt. >> Mhm. >> She My brother was in there shooting. She When I came he came out she he was bloody. Everybody was out here panicking, so just got him to the hospital. >> Okay. You said your boy, who you talking about? >> The [ __ ] that got that that guy. >> I don't know his name. >> Brandon. >> You said what is it? >> Brandon. >> Brandon? >> Yeah. >> What's his last name? >> Till. >> Till? >> Yeah. >> All right. You said she was kicked out the next door at the house over there? >> Yeah. >> Why she was kicked out before do you know? >> Uh yeah, you know, arguing and [ __ ] they kicked out the yard, you know. >> Mhm. >> Commotion. So I got down. [ __ ] she came over here. I get it. And still whatever. >> Huh? >> She at the hospital. Yeah. Yeah, with Brandon. For Brandon. Yeah, yeah. >> Okay. So was it was Brandon over there too? >> Yeah, but he came over here before her. >> Before her? Okay. >> They was in that [ __ ] And uh [ __ ] when he came out he was bleeding. All I know is they had to get him to the hospital. >> Okay. What what how did you get him to the hospital? >> My truck. >> Your truck, where's your truck at? >> In the back back there that white one on the um >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> The truck in your name? >> No, that's my homeboy's truck. I just drive it. >> Okay, what's your homeboy's name? Huh? What's your homeboy's name? >> He don't he ain't he ain't nothing. >> So I mean yeah, but he got to get the truck back. >> Huh? >> He got to get the truck back. >> Huh? >> He got to get the truck back. I mean cuz he got to but he got to pick the truck up. >> I got to go to work in the truck. >> Well, we can't give you the truck if it ain't in your name and we don't know who it is. And he said you can get a truck you can get the truck. >> Yeah, yeah, all right, man. >> Nah, hey man, I'm just that's all I'm really asking about the truck cuz if we run the tag it ain't going to come back to your name and we ain't going to let you get the truck. But if he says it's okay for you to get the truck you can get the truck. >> Uh yeah, uh you know what I'm saying or what? So y'all got to take him with y'all? >> I don't know, it's up to whoever the lead is on the case. >> And not having a truck I just took him in the truck. >> Okay, who all went with you when you took him in the truck? >> [ __ ] me and another homeboy they put in the back of the truck in the back of What was he at at the time? Who was outside with you? Everybody was in high motion. [ __ ] I had Jake came up. Everybody else was in the house. Okay, and when you came up, he walked out. He was bleeding. And I just got him to the hospital. Got any blood on you? No, I ain't got nothing on me. All right, which hospital did you take him to? I don't know if that's by the bridge station. He might. It's there. The blood came out right there. Did you hear her say anything or you hear him say anything? No, I just heard commotion. You can't tell what was going on, but you know. You heard commotion inside the house? Okay. All right. Hey Josh. >> To understand Aaron's actions, investigators need more context, and that's exactly what they're trying to get from this witness. Every witness sees a different piece of the puzzle, and officers are about to hear another important perspective. >> Okay, so you stay there. Okay. What can you tell me happened tonight? >> Basically, all that I know is that was blood and a big boom. He got up, went to the front. All that I seen was blood everywhere. >> Mhm. >> And all that I seen was a big ass hole on his chest, and all that I >> Was that on the right side or left side, do you remember? >> I would say either right I think it was right. >> Okay. >> I can't say. Everything happened so fast. >> Mhm. All right, did you hear anything before the the boom or anything? Did you >> was quiet. I was just minding my business and all of a sudden I heard a big boom, then I heard them arguing. And I rushed up there, and that's when I seen him. Blood everywhere. >> How long you say they was arguing? >> I wouldn't even say not even a minute cuz everything happened so quick cuz after the boom is when I started hearing them argue. So I ran up there, that's when I seen blood all over the floor and stuff and they was rushing out the door telling me [ __ ] I said. >> Did you uh did you hear anything specific from any either one of them, him or her? Okay. >> I wasn't in the living room with them. I was in the room. >> Okay. Who was all at the house at the residence that you know of on this >> Yeah, I don't know. >> You don't know? >> The only people that I know was me, Joshua, and EJ. But everybody else I don't know. >> Okay. So do how well you know Brandon? >> I only know Brandon through Joshua. I mean to say I don't know. Brandon's been about a year. >> What about the female? You know anything about her? >> Mhm. She need to be in a mental institution for sure. >> Why you say that? I'm asking cuz I need if you put details on anything. >> Mhm. You can tell the difference between a normal person and a person who don't have their marbles. >> Okay, what what >> Two. >> Give me an example of her not having her marbles. Like something that you have witnessed or seen. >> I mean just say anything weird stuff like I mean it's just the [ __ ] that she say and the [ __ ] that she act but I just can't tell you how to act. It is one day she'll act like a normal person, next day she'll act like a whole lunatic. >> Like when I when I ask her I'm asking like if you like she talking to herself and she >> I mean she she be talking to herself and everything. >> Okay, just just give me a minute. Just give me a second. Okay, you said what? >> But I mean she she be talking to herself and everything. I mean she got a few friends or whatever but I don't know her. I only know her by seeing her and everything. Josh. Can you come here for a minute? All right, I appreciate it. >> As officers compare witness statements, a clearer picture begins to emerge. Multiple witnesses claim Brandon tried to walk away from the confrontation. Prosecutors would later allege Aaron followed him. Moments later, he was stabbed twice in the chest with a steak knife that would ultimately take his life. >> I I actually we uh we pulled up and there's a group of people right here. They all point to that house, knock on the door. She comes out with a knife and with this knife in her hand. Blood on it. Blood all over the backside of her. Um her lip is swollen. She said that she was at a house with the big stairs down there. Um and he said that he was going to kill her kids. She's got a 4-year-old and her mom inside of this house. And she said that it happened at the big house with the big stairs. And she's got blood all over the backside of her. Her lip is swollen as if she probably got punched. >> All this info you got before the handcuffs went on? >> Anyone who saw ID to it? >> Um no, once she came out with with blood on >> Handcuffs already on him? >> No, handcuffs on. Not yet. >> No one saw anything? >> The only one that that was called is the only one that told me anything is the one I want. If you want to get their names and stuff and just write down saw nothing. Or said nothing or whatever you want to do. Uh whoever Audrey the older black female with the glasses is the one I talked to. She's the only one that said she saw anything. And where is he's he's at the hospital now? >> Yeah. >> Okay. 3:00 to 9:00. >> Back at the hospital, Brandon's family is still hoping for positive updates. Instead, they're about to receive devastating news. >> Hey, I just got a call and they said he got stabbed. >> Mhm. >> And they was like, "Go to the hospital cuz he got stabbed like in his chest." >> Mhm. >> That's all I got. >> Okay. >> They said a girl named Ariane stabbed >> Mhm. >> I don't know who she is. Cuz I'm not like >> Yeah. >> I don't hang out. So but I called the boy that called me on my brother's page on Facebook. Cuz the boy he texted me. I got the message. He texted me and said 911 got stabbed. Which that's all I got. I don't know. >> So that's when that happened. >> No. >> So when whoever brought him in he was unresponsive and his heart had stopped. >> No. >> And >> No. NO. >> [screaming] >> NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. >> [screaming] >> I AIN'T COMING IN THIS ROOM AFTER I SAY HE'S GONE. SAY MERCY. [screaming] SAY >> [laughter] >> HELP ME GOD. HELP ME. NO. SAY >> [laughter] >> OH HAVE MERCY. >> OH MY GOD. >> [crying] >> Oh my God. >> That's why I hate coming in here. I SWEAR. EVERY TIME EVERY TIME WE COME IN THIS ROOM somebody die. I swear. [laughter] Every time, bro. I've talked TO SO MANY DOCTORS. I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE NO MORE. PERIOD. FOR REAL. THIS MAKE NO SENSE. People taking people's life for nothing. HE WASN'T EVEN THAT OLD, BRO. FOR REAL. LIKE THAT'S SERIOUS. And she walking around like it never even happened. >> Lord have mercy. My brother on the way up here. >> My brother is gone. >> Oh my god. >> Y'all, y'all better get her before I do. I swear to god. >> PERIOD. I'M NOT PLAYING. >> ALL I KNOW HER name is Ariel. She likes to >> Hey, CALM DOWN. CALM DOWN, ZANE. CALM DOWN. ZANE, CALM DOWN. >> THIS IS NOT FAIR. OH MY GOD. >> I KNOW. ZANE, YOU HAVE TO CALM DOWN. >> ZANE, SHE'S SO [ __ ] LAME, BRO. Oh my god. >> WHY DO PEOPLE THEY DO THAT? FOR WHAT? >> THIS MAN DON'T BOTHER NOBODY, BRO. >> For what? >> It makes no sense, bro. For real. It makes no sense. >> Man, y'all need to find OUT WHO THE [ __ ] THAT GIRL IS, MAN. BRANDY IS DEAD. I NEED TO GO I DON'T NEED TO SEE THAT GIRL. >> ZANE, Y'ALL BETTER FIND THE [ __ ] OUT WHO THAT GIRL IS. I'M NOT PLAYING. Cuz I swear I'm on demon time, for real. Zane, she really make no [ __ ] sense. >> Back at the scene, tensions are beginning to rise, and officers are about to face a completely new challenge. Here's a quick reminder that I have a Patreon on page with a ton of exclusive [music] and ad-free content, like this one about a predator that was exposed live on TV. His interrogation [music] is definitely something you'd want to watch, and you can do that right now at patreon.com/strangerstoriesplus. >> What I'm going to tell you right now is going to act up as you try to police officer. He's going to go and cuff. Hey, stay right here for me. >> Can we go home? >> Just stand right here for me. >> Hey. >> Our house is right here. Our house is right here. OUR HOUSE IS RIGHT HERE. >> Our home is right here. YOU GOT TO STAND OVER THERE. YOU [ __ ] TRIPPING. >> HEY, take that. >> Our home is right here, bro. >> Man, they can't tell me I can't go home. That's what they talking about. They tripping. >> Y'all don't do y'all Y'all better do y'all job right here. >> DO Y'ALL JOB. WE CAN GO HOME. >> THEY'RE DOING AN INVESTIGATION. >> What they got TO DO WITH THAT? WE CAN GO HOME RIGHT HERE. >> YOU GOING TO TELL US TO STOP RIGHT HERE. WE'RE I'M TO WAIT UP HERE NO MORE. WE'RE NOT GOING TO WAIT UP here no more. I got it. >> Man, we stay right here, man. These These my people, bro. >> All right. Chill out. >> All right, the 81 said that name was Brandon Powell. >> Huh? Is 81 right there? [ __ ] wrong with these police, bro? >> She should be there right now, baby. >> Yeah, they asked you to >> [ __ ] whatever. >> This is not a game. He's up there, okay? Just calm down, okay? >> There's no one coming down here. >> Calm down. They got her in the car, so don't Don't worry about that. Just calm down. >> Hey, stay over here. >> Huh? >> Stay over here, please. Hey, y'all stay out of here, too. This is a crime scene now. Hey, you might as well wrap it around that tree and go that way. Cuz there's It's all the way over here. He got stabbed in your kitchen? >> Yeah. >> All right. Y'all Y'all get out of the crime scene, please. Do you stay in this house? >> Yeah. >> All right, you part in the crime scene. You want to hop on the hood or whatever. >> I ain't the part of nothing. I'm just I'm staying here. >> You all the one that took him to the hospital? >> Yeah. >> So, we're going to this house here? >> Yeah. >> Right here, my boy. Right here. You see that hood? I'll fight. Right here. >> I I I stay out of the road, please. Do you see all the blue >> I ain't doing this [ __ ] >> I'm I'm saying Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. You know, a big part of our job is investigation. >> I ain't And you ain't talking to me? >> I am, cuz you took him to the hospital. Let me get your name. You. >> What you need my name for? >> Because you took him to the hospital. >> Eugene Williams. >> Just when investigators think they've stabilized the situation, things suddenly become far more chaotic. Between conflicting accounts, emotional witnesses, and a growing crowd, officers are facing obstacles at nearly every step. >> All right. So What What happened? Tell us the whole thing from the get-go till you taking to the hospital and coming back. All right. So, I'm going to assume y'all saw the whole thing go down. >> I was outside. I didn't I took him to the hospital. >> All right. So, he came out and you saw him stabbed and you took him to the hospital? >> Yes, sir. That's >> She was trying to get back there. My My boys put her out. >> her put her ass out from back there. Then she came over here with that [ __ ] I heard the commotion, so I came in. My girl was in the room. I came out the room. He was just bleeding and [ __ ] But I heard when I was in the room, I heard her saying somebody had dead child or some [ __ ] >> In the house. >> This crazy. >> Jury 34 dispatch on 17. >> I her to stay away from over here. I told her to stay away from over here. I told her to stay away from over here. I don't know why the hell she'd be coming around. >> 034, go ahead and speak. >> It's crazy. >> 04, can you call violent crimes? >> Man, this [ __ ] the [ __ ] out here. >> What is What is she Was she uh Who's she to the person that got stabbed? No, the chick that walked in. Okay, so why did she come in acting acting wild? >> I don't know. Like I said, something had already happened over there that I don't know nothing about. >> Okay. Okay. >> They had altercation over there and I guess they put out from over there and then [ __ ] she came over here with crazy [ __ ] >> Got you. >> What makes this case even more tragic is that the suspect and victim weren't strangers. As Brandon fights for his life, his family is left searching for answers that nobody seems able to provide. >> Excuse me, that's not helping any. That's not helping any. Come over here. >> It make no sense, bro, for real. >> That's not helping any. I'm here. >> Man, it make NO SENSE. IT MAKE NO SENSE. >> I'M HERE. >> MAN, I'M TALKING TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT. TALKING TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT. >> IF YOU ARE GOING TO ACT LIKE they act, what good is it? >> Man, it make no sense, THOUGH. FOR WHAT? WHAT WAS HE DOING? >> WHAT GOOD IS IT? WHAT good is it? >> For what? WHAT WAS HE DOING? >> YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE HERE TO support me. You're not supporting me. Please, in the name of Jesus. >> Do me a favor. >> In the name of Jesus. >> Go sit next to her, please. >> Please. >> You're hurting me. >> In the name of Jesus. >> She's hurting, too. >> Please. >> Brenda, please. >> Please. >> Please. Please. Don't do this. >> Yes. >> Please don't do this. >> Okay. >> Please. >> They just came here and told us. >> [snorts] >> My god. >> Yes, Jay. They just came here and told us. >> Okay. >> My god. >> So, who are you on the phone with? >> My brother. That's my brother. >> Okay. Is he still coming here? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Right here. >> All right. So, I'm going to tell you a little bit about what that you can expect from here you know, moving forward. This is going to be referred to violent crimes. There's going to be detectives that going to ask you certain questions and stuff like that. I'm not going to ask y'all anything. I'm going to give you the room. >> Okay. >> I'm going to let you do what you need to do in here. Um let's refrain from making threats. This I understand it's a hard time. >> Yeah. [snorts] >> Okay? But, let's support her. Let's support y'all. Whatever y'all need, okay? But, I understand it's a rough time. I get it. Okay. >> We still here. >> Okay. I'm going to give you the room. I'm going to let the violent crimes detective know that you guys are here. Please do not go nowhere. >> Can we see him? >> I don't know what they got policy-wise. I can't make a decision on that. That's going to be hospital security and the doctor and what they say, okay? And uh since he is part of a murder, um they're going to have to do lots of photographs and stuff like that. >> The emotional toll is becoming overwhelming. Family members are breaking down as the reality of the situation begins to sink in. >> Uh which which one of y'all's the the one that took him to the hospital? >> Huh? >> Did you take him to the hospital? >> Uh me, him, and what's her name? >> Some good reaction time, man. >> Huh? >> Good reaction time taking him to the hospital, man. >> Yeah. >> All right, well. What's your What's your name, man? Do you live here? >> Hey, are you taking off? >> Do you live here? >> Uh no, but He's one of my roommates. We were the ones who found him. >> All right, I'll put this one down. All right, you just saw him out here and took him to threw him in the car and took off? >> No, bro, I was sitting out here, bro, and then she came outside, bro. He was holding his chest, bro. And then that was when he came out. And then bro, I was telling him cuz he he he was losing blood. I told him I said, "Sit down, bro. Sit down for a minute." He got up. Then when he fell, I picked him up. Picked him up and he was No, he walked up. And he spun again. He fell. And [ __ ] And he picked him up, put him on the arm truck, bro. >> And he flew him to the hospital. >> Got you. >> Oh, we see y'all around there, too. Y'all just be busy, man. >> Yeah. Y'all got cases out here. Just doing the right thing. Yeah. I don't I didn't get a girlfriend. All right, let me get Is that your brother? You live here? >> Mhm. >> All right, what did you see? >> Um all I seen was the knife in his chest. He was wobbling. >> He had the knife in his chest? >> No, no, no, no, no. The knife was in his chest and she pulled it out. >> Okay. >> He was just leaking blood and then he made his way outside by himself. But he was fumbling. >> So, you were in the house? >> Yeah. >> Okay. You know what what um What the started the whole altercation between them two? >> I was on my phone. Look, look, I didn't see him like I didn't mind. I just seen blood just shooting out of his chest. He made it outside by himself and I took off my shirt. >> Okay, so that's your shirt? >> Yeah. >> Right now, everyone has pieces of the puzzle, but nobody has the full picture. Witnesses have stories. Officers have evidence, but nobody yet knows exactly what happened inside that house. >> I'm just trying to keep an eye on this whole situation. Yeah. I talked to all the people I talked to actually saw stuff. Yeah. Which I don't I don't think I don't think any of them were lying. >> I just want to know the reason. >> I'm going to tell the way the way they're talking about it's it's almost like she's cuz they were like were they dating were they I was going to ask if they were dating or anything. They were like no man not that we know. >> Hey, y'all stand up down there and make sure no one comes in. And make sure that no one comes in that door. Don't try to go in that house. He can't say >> Back at the hospital, officers are working to untangle the relationships between everyone involved hoping it might explain how the night spiraled into violence. >> Okay. >> [snorts] >> And you said the person who did this is what name now? >> Ariel. Yeah, we went we went there. But I'm just going on what the people >> Who is the people? >> Um his >> I don't want to ask too many questions cuz I know you guys got to go. >> Okay. I called one of his friends and I asked him like who who whoever he is and if I if I call her again she gets friendly to you she gets friendly cuz they They had a situation with the family. He was telling me about it like 2 days ago. >> Okay. I'm going to stop you there cuz I don't want you to tell me too much cuz that's not for my it's not my case, okay? Um only thing I want to know is the name of the person. >> Ariel. >> I don't know the >> Know the last name, okay. That is fine. All right. So, detectives will be in here to talk to you. I don't know when that's going to be. It's probably going to be a long time. Could be a short time. Um I'm sorry for your loss. Um >> Thank you, sir. >> Deep >> My condolences is for you and your families, okay? >> [snorts] >> Um There's no good that comes out of this if you retaliate. That's all I can say. All right? We'll give you the room. You need anything feel free to talk to one of the staff. They should be able to help you out, all right? >> [snorts] >> Again, I'm sorry for your loss. >> Hello, so I'm I'm Detective Ballou. And this is the coroner, Justin Harrison. I work with the violent crimes unit and from what I understand y'all are family of Mr. Tellus. >> Tells. >> Tells, I'm sorry. I'm going to say Tellus. >> You okay? >> Okay. What relation are you to him, ma'am? >> Um That's my brother. >> And the mother? You're the mama? Okay. >> Um What am I going to say? >> We We We We We We >> We were adopted by my >> He's adopted to our family. >> Yeah, he's adopted to our family. >> We like brothers. >> No, we're not brothers. >> No, cuz you're answering too slow. >> I'm trying to describe. >> I mean I I don't want to lie. I'm trying to tell the truth. >> We growed up in the house together. We was in foster care. >> Okay. >> My granddaddy married her, so that make all of us kin. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah. So. >> Well, I mean so I'm not the lead investigator. Our lead investigator is Sergeant Phillips. I'll give you all a point of contact for her. >> Okay. >> Um and she'll probably be contacting you all. What I'll do is get your name, your first and last name, a contact number so I can provide that to her, okay? So, is your last name Telles as well, ma'am? >> Yes. >> And your first name is Telles? Annie? And what's your home address? >> 3145 Public Street. >> And you're his mother, correct? >> No, he's adopted. >> An adopted mother? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I would think I could be his mother then. >> Um >> She ain't >> No, ma'am. I'm I'm sorry. >> [laughter] >> It ain't funny. >> I just want to make sure I'm accurate. >> All right. All right. I'm just trying to be accurate. >> And um You're his adopted sister is what you're saying? >> Well, I ain't adopted. >> He was We He was adopted. We was in foster care. >> She took over and took custody of him. >> Yeah, she's married to my stepdad. She married to my granddad. >> What's your last name, ma'am? >> My last name >> Telles. We are all Telles. >> Okay. Okay. >> Yeah. >> What's your first name? >> Quanesha. >> Spell that for me. >> Q u a r >> Just when officers think things are beginning to settle down, another emotionally charged confrontation threatens to throw the entire scene into chaos. >> I don't know who just called them. >> I'll find out. >> KILL MY PARTNER, BRO. >> HEY. HEY. HEY. HEY. NO. NO. NO. >> BRO, WHAT'S HE AT, BRO? >> CALM DOWN. >> DOWN. CHILL IT. DOWN. >> That's [ __ ] up, bro. >> My god, damn it. I'm setting up here. >> MAN, THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE JOKING RIGHT NOW. IT'S NOT. IT'S NOT the time to be joking right now. Oh, Jesus. Oh. Oh, God. He got it. He got it. Baby girl, you'll be okay. Oh. Oh, God. Now, put it on my [ __ ] same way, bro. JJ. JJ. Hey. Chill, bro. Back up. BACK UP. BACK UP. YOU TOUCHING ME, BRO. MAN, HE AIN'T EVEN DID NOTHING, MAN. YOU GOT MY BROTHER PHONE, MAN. THAT'S WHY I GOT MY BROTHER PHONE, BRO. THAT'S WHY I GOT MY BROTHER PHONE, BRO. CHILL, BRO. GET YOUR TEAM, BRO. Y'ALL CHILL, MAN. THAT MAN AIN'T DOING [ __ ] BRO. CHILL, MAN. CHILL, MAN. CHILL, BRO. CHILL, BRO. Y'ALL GOING TO CALL FOR BACKUP, BRO. THAT [ __ ] [ __ ] UP, BRO. DON'T PUT YOUR [ __ ] HANDS on nobody, MAN. I AIN'T DID NOTHING, BRO. I SAW HIM, BRO. Y'ALL HITTING ME, BRO. MAN, Y'ALL SHOULDN'T even put your hand on him, man. YOU CALM DOWN. THAT [ __ ] UP. THIS [ __ ] [ __ ] UP, MAN. Don't lie on nobody. [ __ ] with y'all. I need to [ __ ] this tall real quick. All these unsolved murders. I'm tweaking. I told you. Y'all [ __ ] tweaking, bro. Hold >> you, bro. They shouldn't to put you in there till you calm down, bro. >> Man, you all about to get killed and see if you don't mess the [ __ ] up. >> Ain't nobody going to say [ __ ] to him. >> Bro, that [ __ ] [ __ ] up, man. >> Damn. >> That [ __ ] hot, bro. >> You mad, trick, man, bro. >> Listen, if they want to search you, they're going to search you. You don't want to hit your head, too. >> Ain't nobody going to >> Take nobody, [ __ ] >> Hit that man for no reason. >> I know what I'm doing. >> Nobody hit him. >> Oh, you better go to check my charges. >> Anything is possible. >> Hit that man for no reason. Let that man walk. >> Let that man walk for no reason. >> You want to tell me what you got me up here for tonight? >> Let that man walk for no reason. >> He's going down for the T's, bro. He's going down for the T's, bro. >> I need to turn it tight up because apparently he is sending you to the police station. >> Everybody killing themselves. >> Everybody killing themselves with the [ __ ] >> Everybody else out here killing themselves. >> Everybody else out here killing themselves with the [ __ ] >> You got to let that man walk for no >> What you grabbing me for? >> Just stop. We're going up the stairs. >> He's going >> Hey, stop. Stay Stay in the driveway, please. >> Yeah, I got to talk to >> No, just let him be in there. >> How do I know where he's going? >> Let him be going up there. >> That [ __ ] [ __ ] up. >> You got to get up THE STAIRS. >> SO, WHAT? WHAT? >> LET THAT MAN be going back there, bro. Let that >> Now, we talking now. >> Let that man be going up >> Hey, Sarge, don't try to argue with him. >> about the man who just died. >> You know what I'm saying? >> Stop. You worry about somebody else looking at everybody else out here killing. You want to be all Billy the badass and [ __ ] >> Come on, man. We killing [ __ ] bro. >> That [ __ ] >> [ __ ] bro. >> It could be whatever Whatever you say. >> That's it. >> Calm down, JJ. Just calm down, bro, cuz they're going to keep with that [ __ ] [ __ ] Y'all put him in the coffin for no reason. Man, JJ, man, chill. >> Stop, JJ, before you catch a real charge because you really ain't did nothing, bro. Just stop. >> That [ __ ] [ __ ] up. >> That [ __ ] [ __ ] up, bro. >> Y'all rocking bad in here. Y'all ain't caught no [ __ ] body, bro. Y'all don't do [ __ ] All I'm employed alley talking about we ain't doing [ __ ] >> Word begins spreading that Brandon has died from his injuries and the reaction is immediate. The moment people learn Brandon didn't survive, the atmosphere changes completely. Shock gives way to heartbreak and heartbreak begins turning into chaos. >> Well, they're not going to let you back there for that one. What you have to understand is technically a crime scene as well up here even though he was treated and what's going to happen from this point with the corner being here, he'll be sent to Atlanta for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. So, they're not going to let the family go back there and interact at this moment. I'm sorry. That's just not the procedure. This is a murder. This is a homicide investigation. As far as I know from what I was told, so we're not going to allow the family to go back there at this time. >> So, we won't be able to see him period. Until I can get him by the police department. >> Until you get until the body comes back. Yes, ma'am. >> I understand. >> I'm sorry, but that's just procedure. >> I understand. >> Do y'all have any questions or anything? >> Did y'all get the people to eat? >> Well, see I I don't know a lot about the case. We work in teams, so my task was to come up here to evaluate his injuries, speak to the family, and to give y'all a point of contact for the investigator. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, I'm sorry. Corner, you want you got any number? >> I I want to I don't have my car my car is in the shop actually, so I'm going to in a loaner car, but I'm going to write down my phone number for y'all to have in my contact. >> Yeah, I can put it in my phone. >> Okay. And uh >> Put it in your phone. >> This >> so crazy, man. >> That's what >> I'm not going to >> Please. Please. >> I'm just saying. >> What do y'all know? I mean, what what is What was he like? I mean, what do y'all know about >> Okay. >> Y'all Y'all were saying >> I feel like >> We can't ask the people. >> What a person? >> Or the person. >> I got a call. They just said he was stabbed and my brother picked up the phone. And when I called back, the boy was like, he told the boy My boy told >> Who was that at? Family problem. But when we got here, the people said somebody dropped him off in the truck. >> So, I mean, I went there I was in the beat. So, I'm just going off what he said. We just came up with it. >> So, who who actually sent you the message on Facebook? >> Uh I don't know his real name. >> Who Who you know? >> Daddy. >> That ain't all you really know. >> I don't know his real name. >> You know his name. >> Do y'all know anything about who he was dating or saying or anything? >> Yeah. >> What about it? >> But the the girl they claim doing it. Like she she staying in the neighborhood. And I don't think they had like no relationship with him. >> Yeah, they did. >> cuz they all had their own group. Yeah. And they all used to you know, walk talk together. Like they all used to be together. So, they ain't had no relationship with him. I don't think she he she was his type anyway. Like he >> Yeah. >> They went to school together in in elementary and junior high >> school. >> If the two they talking about. Uh We all in the neighborhood. >> Oh, everybody know everybody in the >> Who Who Who are they saying did it? Who Who are people talking about? >> I'm hearing two names. >> Yeah. >> First, I was hearing Ariel. Now, I'm hearing Aaron. Aaron is the one that stay on the corner. Ariel, I don't know. >> But I thought her name is >> But like 2 days ago three two or three days ago, Brandon was telling me a story. He was like, about the two girls he hang with now. And possibly the girl that Ariel girl could have beat it cuz he was like um Talk to the other girls. I don't know, I've never seen her. He was just talking to her and she was like she was a whole bunch of tattoos and he was like um the two girls they got the argument with the Ariel girl, but they said they never fought, they just got an argument. So, on the way up here, I called them on the phone and I asked her, I was like, "Did y'all just get an argument with them?" She was like, "Yeah." I was like, "Y'all get to fighting?" I was like, "No." I just called her back. I mean, I asked her again. Now she Now she asking me what happened. Now somebody else Now the girl the same girl I'm talking about. She saying her name is Ariel Gabriella George. She's been beefing with me about a I N-word and Tay who I've been talking to that she claims she's effing with. Her her heart and her homegirl have been trying to fight me all day. >> He probably was trying to intervene. Knowing him. I was trying to tell him what they beefing for. >> Yeah, so basically yeah, basically the homegirl and them boys said the girl name is Ariel Gabriella George. >> He's not a rowdy He's not a rowdy person. >> Yeah, he not. >> He trying to be a peacekeeper. But he always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Uh he's that type. He need somebody to go to the store, he go to the store. He need his grass cut, he cut the grass. He He's He's that type. >> Did he work anywhere? >> He hasn't worked since he said he was in a drive-by shooting. Two I think. >> When was that? >> That's 2 years ago. >> Yeah, it was like oh >> He came here? >> Yeah, it was 2 years ago and on March actually cuz it was right before I had my surgery, right? >> Yeah. When they had got >> Shot up in KCK. Yeah, they shot him in the leg. >> That was him when he got shot in the leg. >> He went in He went in the house to a birthday party and as he walked in the house, they started shooting. >> What was this at? >> KCK. >> The same area. >> The same area. >> 31st day. >> But the thing is, Brandy, you know, he live around the corner. >> Yeah, it's around the street from her street. So, he could walk. Walk in this in like 2 minutes. I say again, cuz once you hit the corner you just Yeah. Yeah, I'm good. >> So, what's I'm going to give y'all Officer Phillips' number to her office. >> Back at the scene, officers continue working to prevent emotions from escalating into something even worse. >> What's up, sir? >> It's right here. This is pretty much this area right here and this house. They're just acting wild now. Somebody just called in a code nine, 10-7, and they're all acting wild now. Put it 10-1 cuz he was trying to go up to the house. Yeah, they were all right here. There's the the three that I think one of the ones in the car is actually the one that took him to the hospital. They happened in the house. They walked out here. Crime scene is pretty much this alleyway. Yes. Um it'd be this gentleman with the Nike shirt, this one without the shirt, and this one in the car without the shirt. That I don't know. I've been I've been here dealing with them acting foolish this whole time. >> What's the guy's name in the red shirt? >> His name is Eugene, no. Uh help me out. Boat. Joshua Overly. >> Huh? Joshua Overly. This is residence where it happened in. How you doing, sir? Happened in the house. Came out here. Collapsed in the street right here. The three the one with the Nike shirt on, the gentleman without the shirt on, and the other one that's detained in the car right now are the ones that drove him to the hospital. I don't know I don't know what vehicle they're wearing, but it happened in the house. They came outside. And then they the three of them saw him out here actually collapsing and took him into the car and drove to the hospital. >> Okay. >> They're they're all Somebody called some the the dude in the car right now and told him that he's 10-7 and he started freaking out. >> Yeah. >> Officers review surveillance footage showing Brandon being rushed to the hospital. But the most important unanswered questions are sitting in an interview room with Aaron Smith. >> up, there's a full collection of true crime inspired merch available now at strangerlabeled.com. You'll find premium t-shirts, hoodies, hats, beanies, and more. Each piece designed with bold detail and a dark investigative [music] edge. Head over to strangerlabel.com and check out the full lineup. Now, let's get back to the case. >> I got a 14. The dogs also take She said that >> This is them coming in right now. Let's pause that right there for me. They're doing their best to conceal their faces. But we'll get something off of that. But Do you have any any other angle of them here? >> Yes, sir. >> Hey, are you driving a gray >> We're staying at the Fairfield Inn and Suites. >> Let me switch to a different camera. >> Uh so, you have blue jeans and shoes, Kelly. >> Okay. >> You already know what kind of what else you got. All right, Kelly and Miranda, we need to get you back here. >> I'm ready. My name is Karen Swanson, is that correct? I'm Karen Swanson. My name is Shuggy Swanson. This is my partner, Corporal Green. And we're here and we wish that this is my Mr. Tell. >> Oh my god! Oh my god! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! [laughter] I DIDN'T MEAN TO KILL HIM. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to I didn't mean to kill >> [crying] >> my brother. Oh my god! Oh my god! Jesus! >> [clears throat] >> What a perfect Jesus. I didn't mean to kill him. I don't I promise. I've known him since we were little. I promise I didn't mean to kill him. >> I have to ask you questions and >> This is the exact moment she realizes she killed him. The formal interview process is beginning, but Erin is clearly overwhelmed by everything that is happening. >> What's he even doing over there? He was over here. He was just like, "Were y'all out there talking to them?" And he was I was like, "Were y'all out there in the neighborhood?" And he was like, "You want to see something?" >> We were sitting in the front porch sitting in there. >> Did you see him? I think tall guy got a chunky yesterday. He's brown skinned. >> I I did not see him. >> And he was like, "His name is famous Robert Kelly." And he came home and he was looking at the people. We were not dating or anything. But like he said that I owe him. So like he probably did that. Well, he needs to open up and talk. Well, he'll help But I don't know what I said to raise him. Talk or anything. He was like he didn't know what to do with his hands. All he told me was he was going to beat me up if I And and that's what was going on tonight. And he helped us in the house. He did that [ __ ] He did that. Right. And sometimes like it's just like a little That's what he did in his house. This is called a little house. Well, tell them I love you. Um His homeboy looking at me. Yes. He walked up and he was like, "You done in his home or hotel?" What were you doing? A couple of them. And then he needs to come home. And then he was all up in the bed. And we didn't need to argue with him because I put my kids to um bed. And they were sleeping. They were sleeping and they woke up. And then he had to be like, "My mom said that you and stuff like that. And then they come to sleep. I want I want to get back to the house to sleep. And so he was like, "Okay, I'll just go home and um He was like, "We can have sex." And then I was like, "No, I want to go to the house." But he has a girlfriend and then um we got to arguing. He was like, "No, [ __ ] [ __ ] any balls." And then I was like, "Yeah, hell no, nigga." And he was starting to talk about my mama and stuff like, "Bitch, your mama. [ __ ] your mama a hoe. Nobody else told you." He was like, "No, my mama." He was telling me other stuff. I'm not a person that you know somebody Somebody else talking about your mama and you get mad. And so you say something back. So like, "At least I can go home and see my mama. You don't even know yours." Cuz he's living with He's living with his mama. He doesn't even know his dad. That's his mama. And she raised him. That's the only mama I've ever known he's ever had. And we've known each other since pre-K. So like, "You say you know who my mama is. Who's yours?" He was like, "I don't care about your mama." He was talking about his mama. And I was like, "I don't know. At least I can go home and see my mama." And then he got mad and started talking about my kids. And I said something about his kids cuz he always talking about my dead child, my dead child. I said, "At least I can go home and see my kids. And your kids gone." And then he was like, "He open the heart of his baby." I guess he said something about my kids and my mama and he got mad. So then I said something back. And that's when he got mad and jumped up. He was like, "You [ __ ] I'll kill your kids." I said, "You ain't going to kill my kids. You ain't even going to touch my kids. You ain't even going to do nothing to my kids." And we jumped up arguing and hitting each other and stuff. And that's when he He said, "I'll kill you." He was like, "I'll punch your I'll punch you in your whole ass and your [ __ ] right now. I'll punch you right now." I was like, "Well, do it. Do it. Do it." And then he just went up in my face. And I didn't know who was Christian before that. I didn't know Brandon. He's crazy in the head. So, I went in the kitchen. In Josh's kitchen that the house was at. Well, that's the house he walked over to me and when he hit me I couldn't breathe right. And I couldn't breathe. And then he hit me again. I first I hit him right here. And then I said, "Oh, no, no." Cuz he might get calm and [ __ ] and he's a little big guy. I don't know if he's that big but he's he's tall. And I won't be able to defend myself. He's already already a man. He's stronger than me. So, I hit him right here. And then he went right back to arguing. I was like, "Get out of my face." Brandon, cuz if you do what you hit me, I'm going to do what I got to do to defend myself. I'm going to do what I got to do to defend that kid. Get out of my face. And as he got up there in my face that I tripped and I fell and he got on top of me. And I grabbed it and I just went The cord. I didn't mean to kill him. I was like, "My eyes were closed. I just went stabbing anywhere that I could." And then he ran out of the house. He's the older brother. He called. >> Aaron insists she was defending herself. Prosecutors would later argue the evidence told a different story. Ultimately, the case centered around a question that remains heavily debated. Was this self-defense or an unnecessary escalation. Regardless, Aaron was charged with murder. That'll do it for today. If you like this video and want to support the channel, there's a Patreon [music] link in the description below where you can do just that. Thank you for watching and stay safe.