and you are the father of this father and she wanted to visit with you about some things that we were about to start talking. >> This is 54year-old Shirley Falcowski sitting alongside her father George. For the past 4 years, Shirley has been on the run after committing a brutal homicide. And right now, George is about to realize that his own daughter has been a wanted murderer all along. I did. [screaming] >> But Shirley's story goes far beyond what George knows in this never-before-seen interrogation footage. Because everyone in this room is about to realize that the murder of 71-year-old James Earl Johnson may not be the only one she's hiding. Did you call the death of one individual in 98? >> Sure. Can you tell me how it happened? has been hunting me for so long. So, can I please just be locked up? No way to keep. >> On August 5th, 2015, police in Texas were called to the scene of a gruesome murder that had been uncovered by staff at a local apartment complex. Inside, they discovered the body of 71-year-old James Earl Johnson on his living room floor. James had been brutally stabbed, not just once or twice, but a startling 71 times, leaving investigators shocked and desperate [music] to find the culprit. And it didn't take long for them to find him. Soon after the murder, detectives uncovered footage showing someone using James' card at a nearby ATM to withdraw funds. The person caught on surveillance was identified as 50-year-old Shirley Falcowski, a woman who claimed to be friends with James. Conveniently, she also claimed to have no idea who murdered him, [music] stating that he had allowed her to use his card and car and that she returned them promptly after. We all need a friend like that, don't we? Armed with the video evidence, police had a solid lead, but it wasn't until 4 years later in 2019 that Shirley voluntarily came into the station for another interrogation. And how did they get her to come in willingly to be questioned about a murder investigation? They repeatedly called her father, requesting that he convince her to come in so they could speak to her. After months of trying, [music] he finally got her to agree and drove her to the station himself. At the time, he was hoping the investigation would be put behind them and his daughter would be released from suspicion of a murder she told him repeatedly she didn't commit. But as soon as the police read her her rights, it becomes pretty clear that there's a secret she's harboring. Now, I know um and like I said, I want to just clarify this. I do appreciate you um um agreeing to come up here and revisit with me on some stuff. Um like I said previously, of course, there's been some time we hadn't spoke since 2015. That door is just shut for our privacy. You're not under arrest. You're free to leave at any given time that you choose to do so. Okay? I want to make sure that you know that and that you're not compelled to stay here and visit with me about some things that we're going to talk about. Okay? But like I said, I do appreciate your willingness because in our previous interview, you did say that um I believe you called the piggy. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That you're willing to help us >> figure out what happened to him. You know what I mean? >> Um and just kind of bring some closure for him, number one, and two, for the family. Um and and help us as law enforcement bring some allow that to be some closure brought to the family. Okay. >> Um and there again, I do appreciate it. Not trying to get all, you know, get you all emotional about it because I mean, >> it is emotional because even when I bring it up to friends, you know, right now [snorts] situation, you know, I was doing drugs and stuff. >> You do. I told you you look much better. >> Father's been working with me and stuff and things, you know, and it's been a difficult time. Then when I bring him up, you know, just more emotional because he was my friend, >> my best friend, and he was on there for me. And All my friends, my bed says it. >> Yeah, I understand. Few and far between when you when you're not doing the same things that they do, >> but you know, I feel good more knowing more now inside my heart now. >> So, can I ask you this? Are you clean? >> Well, I mean, as far as the harder stuff that we were talking about back, >> I have indulged [clears throat] a few times, you know, >> and that's good that you're being honest. I'm being more honest about things in my life now than ever, >> you know, and I have indulged more times, you know, sometimes >> just, >> you know, and it was like, you know, I know I was looking bad. Oh my god, I was looking bad, but not like do nothing, do anything, and hurt anybody or steal anything, anything like that. I did with my job. That's why I'm having a hard time with my job. They want to hire me back, but I'm waiting on some openings. messed you up with your job. Is that what you're saying? >> Well, messed your whole life up period. >> Yeah. >> On real. So, you know, details on stuff on that. It's just I seem to like, you know, and I'm destroying myself and my family, you know. So, enough is enough. >> Yeah. Can I ask you a question in regards to because like you said, I'm kind of curious being that you're at a point now where you can talk about it. How when you were on [clears throat] or using how did that make you feel? I felt good inside, you know, just it was like it's like to me I look at like, you know, y'all take asp headache or something. I just take away the pain in my legs or, you know, like and stuff, you know, things like that. >> And then I like to make feel, you know, I like the high. >> Did you really care about anything whatever you were? >> Yeah, I cared about a lot, you I mean, I guess what I'm trying to say is sometimes uh when I've spoke to people in the past, they say, "Well, when I'm high or if you will, >> that it just takes away all the care as far as the pain or stresses that you may be encountering." You know what I mean? >> Yeah. >> Um just kind of let you just relax. >> Yeah. I was Yeah. I I like to be by myself >> and cuz you know it just I be in my own little world and I just just be relaxed and stuff you know and I don't tweet on it or keep on it like some people do do >> and and I like my privacy when I do get hot and stuff. >> I understand. So you usually don't usually with a group just kind of get by with somebody who's there. I never never felt too comfortable being around people because some people they just trip out and stuff, you know, and I don't like that type of being around people like that >> at all. So >> Shirley has a long and troubled history of substance use, alleged street work, and murder, which makes you wonder why is she walking free? In 1998, Shirley stabbed her boyfriend several times when the two got into an argument in a car in St. Louis, Missouri. She told detectives and the jury that her boyfriend had threatened her and that fearing for her life, she took his in self-defense. At trial, she took a plea deal, pleading guilty to seconddegree murder and armed criminal action in exchange for just 12 years behind bars. She was released from prison in 2010. And just 5 years later, she took the life of James Earl Johnson. Though at this point in the interrogation, she's eager to convince detectives that she's innocent of both killings. >> I was visiting with with your dad cuz when we were walking out there, he had said that and I I wasn't too familiar with it. Um your dad had said something about you had went to prison and I don't think you and I visited about that the first time that we talked. Of course, >> I don't talk about it anymore really because, you know, there's things I still, you know, still hurtful and painful about it, you know, as far as me, you know, and I just I just don't feel >> what happened in in two years. >> You were in a abusive relationship. Never. >> So >> that's all. >> So this particular guy that you were dating, he was to >> and I mean I apologize for for taking you there but um >> since you had brought it up I was and your dad had said something about it and I was I was told I said I wanted to visit with you about it to kind of you know see where you were at there. He knows I don't talk about it much, you know. You know, I just I just don't think I just can't, you know, believe that I snapped what I did. And it, you know, when I went to prison, they put me in county and I couldn't handle it. I couldn't uh I couldn't I couldn't believe that that happened. You know, I took a life, you know, real bad. So basically, I know he had said you had guess he called it pops somebody with a knife, >> but I didn't know if the person died was a knife. I mean, it was a knife and um was when they was trying to tell me what happened. I don't remember. I don't remember at all. >> I can't say. >> If you don't mind me asking, were you under the effects of of drugs at that time? Were you using drugs at that time? Um, >> not I don't think not really. I don't think so. It's just that my uh boyfriend, we was I don't know. We was together. It's just I don't know. He just changed on me and I don't understand. It's like sitting at the table like you right there and I'm here and he was talking to me about something. I still can't remember the conversation. I don't know. He just hit me and I felt myself >> across the table. >> Yeah. He was a big guy. And I I still to this day cannot say what was said, what I've done, anything. I can't >> and and I got up and I just remember going to the bedroom to get my green card because I was a German citizen and he took that and when I was trying to hit me again I got myself ready to pass out and I remember running outside the house screaming and the police came and I said I need my card. I need my car cuz I had to have that for work and you know >> your car is what you >> green card. Yeah. And he's I tell he's teared up all the time and I was doing good. But that just the first time he hit me >> and that's when it all started. But I was so stupid in love. I mean really stupid stupid in love. >> Mhm. >> And [snorts] I kept going back and going back and going back finding wardrobes each time. I mean everything's just >> I don't know. >> He's put the cool whipping cherry on top and that's that was it. And I couldn't do it no more. Well, you got used to a certain lifestyle, I guess. >> Well, being single. Yeah, it's lonely. Yes. But I I know I prefer people by myself. >> Given her history, it seems that all of humankind should prefer that, too. >> Did he attack you again in y'all's home? Did y'all live together? >> And he attacked you when I guess whenever his death happened. Was he at home? >> I don't want to talk about that. Okay. Well, I we won't go there. Um I just know that you said that he had hit you at home and I I was so I don't like to assume anything. The reason why I asked So, and >> I just like you asking, >> huh? >> I understand why you actually question, you know, but but uh but like I said, what what we're here for and I don't want to hold you long. I know your dad said he's got a an appointment and um set up 11 29. Um like I said the day I just want to kind of revisit to kind of show off some things that you said the day that you registered um Johnson's apartment. Um you were there I believe you said on the 4th um because the day that we got the call that he was deceased was August the 5th. You you told me you had gone to Mr. Johnson's house two times that particular day. Um the first time being earlier in the day um and you guys visited for a little while and then the second time was later on in the night. >> Um and you had told me that during your visit if you remember anything or if I say something that you remember that's incorrect please correct me. >> Okay. >> But during that visit the second visit and I think both visits you told me that there was nobody there. >> Right. Understanding. Well I didn't see nobody else there. And um and then the last visit you had you had went by there later on in the night and Mr. Johnson was there alone. Is that correct? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Um while you were there, I believe you said you drank a beer. >> He always had beer for me. >> And because you said he had stopped drinking, right? >> Stop drinking >> cuz I think he had said that I guess when you first started I guess being introduced he used to come out to I guess your dad's house out here when y'all used to go out there and drink and then y'all would come back to town or whatever or he would drive back. I can't think that's what it was, but that's when he was drinking. But I guess at this particular time, he had stopped drinking, was trying to get himself together, had got in this apartment here in town at the housing authority. And but this particular day on the 4th, you went by there later on that night because um you told me that you wanted to borrow five bucks to get you some beer >> from a lady, I guess, at bootleg. [laughter] >> I mean, it's it's it's true, right? >> Yeah. >> Um so, I mean, it is what it is. We can't change that and people do it. >> Okay. Um, but you had said that you wanted to [clears throat] >> I forgot about that. [laughter] Oh my god. >> I got like I said I got on remember anymore. I just know I went to visit him and we said he was sitting in the kitchen table and I was I remember I was hugging him, you know, and stuff and give me his card to go get some money. But the thing I know when I was at my friend's house, my sister called me and said, "Piggy, Piggy's dead." I said, "Piggy dead. I just saw him last night. He ain't dead." >> When you say your friend, who you talking about? >> Piggy. >> No, I'm saying you said when you said >> the guy that hit the car. >> Oh, Mr. Young. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. >> His first name is Jerry. >> I have to go back. >> Okay. Okay. And um and that's [snorts] all I saying. I know >> that's it. But said he fell hit his head. So I'm still under the pressure that he hit his head, you know, he hurt himself and that's it. That's all I know. >> But the incident, >> you had told D that you was [clears throat] at his house. >> Um >> I didn't tell my sister. I told her I was there that night. >> Oh, okay. >> I said be dead cuz he was alive when I left. You know, he was fine when I left. >> And that's all I remember. >> Now [snorts] >> that was it. That's the end of that. That's all I know as far as on that on that note. And as far as anything else, I just I don't know. No, they don't. >> The details Shirley offers to detectives about the day of the murder matches her original testimony, but there's still a problem. That original story makes absolutely no sense. Shirley claims that she used her boyfriend's car at the time to visit James in order to get some money. James gave her his card, she went to the ATM, returned his card, and then left his home with him perfectly alive. Obviously, that story reeks, especially when you look at additional evidence police found, namely James' blood DNA in the vehicle Shirley had been driving. A vehicle she claimed that James never stepped foot inside. Then there's another piece of the puzzle. The fact that following James' murder, Shirley gave a wad of cash to a friend of hers. The money was covered in blood stains. When the friend pointed it out, Shirley shrugged and used probably the most juvenile lie in the book. It's ketchup. >> How much did he tell you to get out? >> Oh, I still have to get 10 or 20 out. >> 10 or 20? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Even though you only wanted to borrow five. >> Yeah, that's all I want to borrow five. >> Okay. >> I never I never disrespected like that, you know, when he said whatever, you know, cuz he Yes. You know, just every time. Okay. Um, had you and Mr. Johnson ever had an argument or anything? >> Oh, no. >> Okay. >> I might push on when he when he used to get drunk and stuff and pee on himself. [laughter] It made me mad. >> And forgive me for >> you made it seem so comical when you said pee on himself. >> Yeah. I ain't drunk. I ain't drunk. Yes, you are, sweetie. Drunk. >> Yeah. [snorts] But you said he was pretty much, I would say, pretty sweet on you. He was he was a good guy. Yeah. I mean, you know, he he was a normal per nice good person. You know, everybody loved everybody. Cared about you know, you know, he was a good guy. >> Yeah. How often would you hug him? >> A >> be honest with yourself and with me. >> How much would I hug him? >> All the time. >> I mean, so basically, you sit little and stuff, you know? >> Sitting flat. M his legs was like too bony, you know, too foam, you know, he was real fragile for a thing. >> Um, but when you hugged him, when you hug him from the backside, how would you >> Well, I just give him a hug and then um we just sit across each other, play cards on the table, in the kitchen and stuff, you know, >> when he's in his other place, I'll sit next to him on the couch, but other than that, you know, if I see him, I give him a hug and kiss on the cheek or the lip, you know. >> Yeah. >> So, basically, he buttered me up. Yeah, [laughter] >> not voted him up in a in a fake way. I was real. >> No, I understand. But, you know, as far as I'm saying because at the end of the day, you knew >> everybody thought we was a couple. So, we just let let the people think that, you know, woman. [laughter] >> Yeah. But at the end of the day, I mean, the perception on the streets and in the community is that you guys were couple, right? Yeah. >> Even though you telling me that you guys were not >> involved or I never said it was nobody just I told them we weren't. So, y'all were >> once once in a while I'll get piggy a little bit. Okay. >> I'm not gonna deny that, you know, with you cuz, you know, we trying to figure out what's going on. But with anybody else, you know, I would because to me, I was private was none of their business, you know. >> Now, tell me this, if you will. Uh, the night that you were there on the 4th, did you and him engage in any kind? >> No, we just set her to talk about it. that [snorts] >> when if you don't mind me asking um when um was the last time if you can remember >> I don't know >> before that day do you know roundabout >> I can't tell you >> so it had it had been some time is that is that >> I can't tell you Um, so >> but I don't remember nothing else as far as I just don't remember. >> And that's fair and that's fair cuz you know I don't want to say something that I don't don't know and it be think is the right thing to say you know think that it did happen that way or that night we ain't talking about that night but whenever time we did do I just can't really say you know for real. So >> well can I ask you this? um when you guys did have aggressive or just kind of calm and casual. >> Oh, he's he's know how old he was. >> I I can't remember how old he was. >> Me neither. Um he wasn't aggressive. I mean, he was he was okay. Almost there. >> According to everyone the detectives interviewed, it was well known that James and Shirley were in a sexual relationship and had been for quite some time in spite of their 21-year age difference. They were practically attached at the hip, spending ample time together up until his death. At that point, Shirley had allegedly moved on to another man, and she no longer needed James, just his money. What size shoe you wear? >> Sometimes I'm from like a five and a half to six to six and a half. It depends on the uh the way the shoe is made. >> I'm just going to kind of shoot straight to the point. Okay. I don't know if I told you when we spoke when you and I visited before there was a search warrant done on that white car that you were driving. Mhm. >> Okay. Did I ever tell you that? >> I know y'all came. I know y'all took it. >> Guy told me you took it and he got it back. >> That's what I heard. >> Um, we did some testing on that car for the detection or identification of blood in that vehicle. Okay. >> We found spots within that vehicle. Um, and we sent the the evidence that we collected from within that vehicle to the crime lab for analysis >> and it did come back with a match to Mr. Johnson's blood. >> Okay. >> My question to you today is, sir, how did Mr. Johnson's blood get in that car? >> I have no idea. >> Okay. Um, I'm wanting and I know this is hard for you to sit across the the desk and tell me, but you're gonna have to come clean. Um, and be honest with me and yourself and bring some closure to this. Um, surely I'm not trying to rehash stuff that happened to me in the past, but if you cared about Mr. Johnson, as much as you told me, >> um, you wouldn't allow what happened to him to just go because right now I'm going to tell you what I believe. You caused the death of Mr. Johnson. Um, we got some evidence from within the apartment and from the car >> that puts you and Mr. Johnson. You around there when Mr. Johnson was there. Okay. I'm going to ask you to be honest with me and tell me what happened and let's bring some closure to this. Okay. Would you do that for me? >> I don't know how to ask. >> Well, you were there when Mr. Johnson died because the blood would be in the car you was driving cuz you went in the bathroom and washed your hands. >> And [snorts] can I tell you something else? >> The shoes you had on, you put them in a bag. Okay. I mean, it's up true. I mean, I'm sorry it took this long, >> but time does bring the truth out. >> Okay. So, allow me to help you help Mr. Johnson. >> Before we go any further on, I talk to my father. >> I can bring it with you. >> Yes. turn all this stuff off. >> Well, the recording has to stay on because if we have a break, I have to redo all this stuff. >> So, u you mean help me. >> Well, the thing is the way the judicial system here in Texas work. Okay. I cannot speak for the courts, but I can speak to you about my experience about the courts. If the courts, and when I say courts, I'm talking about if this goes in front of a judge or if it goes in front of a jury, I refer to it as a court. If they see that you're not continuing to be deceptive even though you've been approached with the truth and the facts. >> If they see that you're willing to try to help, if there's any leeway in the actual offense, they'll be like, I can see where she was presented with the truth and she came clean versus continuing to deny >> your actions. Okay, that's what I mean by that. because you can't sit here and tell me that this doesn't bother you knowing all of these years have passed and you were responsible for the death of Mr. Johnson. Okay. Um it bothers me anytime I have to go out and do an investigation where someone died. I have to find the answers for the family. That's the reason why I'm back here today. Sh. >> Okay. I I hope you don't think I've ever treated you mean >> because I don't do my cases that way. Okay. But I look at you as an individual who needs help. That's the reason why I said help me help you to help Mr. Johnson. >> Okay. >> Sorry. You willing to tell me the truth? >> Yes. >> Okay. Let's go. >> Can I talk to >> Well, it's going to have to be on the record. >> I don't care. >> I'm sorry. >> And one of them died. >> Are you going to die? >> Yeah. I can't say I'm not going to hurt you. >> They going to kill me. >> I I don't know what's going to happen if if if they bring him in. I'm going to cut this for that air conditioner. Um they're supposed to be trying to find out. I don't know if you stay here or if you left. Okay. >> If your dad >> No, I'm talking about that the name attorney. The >> the prosecutor. >> No, the he's the investigator for the district attorney's office. Basically, he's a representative from the district attorney's office. You know what I mean? Lots of times, >> if I don't go to trial, I mean, can I can the district attorney talk? >> That could be a possibility, but we got to get past this first. >> Detectives have asked about Shirley's shoe size for good reason. Inside James' home, detectives found bloody shoe prints. Those prints match shoes they discovered in a dumpster behind the apartment. Shoes that, of course, were a match for Shirley's shoe size. and actually had her DNA on them. Why didn't detectives solve the case for four years? We wish we could tell you, but now this detective is about to. All it takes is bringing in her father, who is in for the shock of his life. >> Come on. >> Come on. [snorts] >> All right. How you doing, man? >> Um, just for the record, I am recording. Okay. And I'm going to identify >> You think you are recording? >> Yes, sir. Okay. Um, I want to identify you since you came in just for my documentations. Give me your name, your full name, >> George. >> And your date of birth. >> 42945. >> Okay. And you are the father of this. >> Sure is. >> Okay. And she wanted to visit with you about some things that we were about to start talking about. Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I did. You did. What? Pies. >> [snorts] [snorts] >> I'm so sorry. >> She wanted you to be in here when she when she said it. Um because it's been bothering her, Mr. Harris. And uh >> cuz you've eaten me up. >> And and like I said, out of respect for you and out of for her, [snorts] um we wanted that to to happen. Okay. [snorts] Are you okay, Mr. Harris? Okay. [laughter] >> Surely, can I get Mr. Harris to step out for a minute? Let's finish. if you would step out, Mr. Harris, real quick, please. [clears throat] And just a second. Let me get these guys real quick if you want to visit with these guys. Okay. Um, just [snorts] visit real. Okay. >> Sure. I know this is hard. I know [clears throat] this is hard for you and >> [laughter] >> Here's some paper towel. I'm sorry. This is all I have. [snorts] >> Sure. Can we kind of Can you tell me how that happened [snorts] so [snorts] we can get past this and not have to revisit it? There's some sorry that's all they had. I'm just in their office. [snorts] [snorts] >> [gasps] [snorts] >> I'm so sorry. [snorts] Feels right. >> Did they kill me? I want I want to do it now. >> I'm not I'm not >> I want them to do it now. Sure. [laughter] [laughter and gasps] Look at me. [gasps and laughter] >> Can [snorts] you Can you tell me something? Um, why did you kill Mr. Johnson? >> What happened [snorts] [snorts] to his wife? >> How did it happen? >> I observed that. >> We're not going to talk about that. But >> I just want to understand why Do you know why you you killed Mr. Johnson? >> I don't remember. Well, I don't remember. Really? Don't >> How did you kill Mr. Johnson? >> Where did you stab him with? >> I'm sorry. I can't. >> A knife. >> Um, where did you get the knife? >> In his house. >> And you said you killed him with a knife. How did you kill him with a knife? >> You know how you killed him with a knife? Did you stab Joe? >> Yes, sir. >> When you got finished, Mr. Johnson, what did you do with the knife? >> I I don't know what that thing is. [snorts] >> Now, those shoes that you had on that night, you put them in that dumpster, correct? I'm sorry. I'm having my I've got >> Yes. >> Okay. I'm I apologize, but my ears are messed up because of my sinus infection. >> Um, why did you did you wrap them in a bag before you put them in? I don't remember. >> Well, I can tell you that's what they were found. Okay. And and I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but since we're sitting here talking about it, I want you to tell me the verses you >> I can't remember exact how everything went. I can't don't remember. >> But after you did stab Mr. Johnson, do you remember going to the bathroom to wash your hands? >> No, I don't remember. Seriously, I don't I don't remember. I can't when I told you I can't remember. I can't remember. >> And that's fair. I'm not really >> I'm not trying to get you to tell me something that you believe >> that may you may think that occur. If you don't remember, that's that's fine. >> I don't. >> Um but once you did stab Mr. Johnson, is that when you got his ATM card and try to get money out? >> No. >> When did you try to get the money out? I don't remember the time when >> No, I'm talking about was it before or was it after Johnson that you >> before before he was alive when they gave you gave me the card? [snorts] >> He was alive when you gave him the card. >> Yes. [snorts] >> So when you took went back to his apartment, is that when you killed him? No, I don't remember. Seriously, I don't. >> Okay. But you can remember that he was alive before he gave me >> He was alive. I'm telling you. [snorts] >> So, and I'm just I'm not trying to >> I know you're mad at me. >> No, ma'am. I don't take this personal. Sh. Look at you. >> Go ahead and lock me up. >> Look at you. Sir, look at me. >> Please help me. >> I listen to me. Like I was telling you earlier, these are steps that we need to take, okay? >> And I can see that this hurts you by having to relive and rehash all the events that happened on August the 4th of 2015. >> I can't do it. >> Okay. >> I can't do it. [snorts] Would you look at me real quick? [snorts] >> I understand you say you don't remember, but in order for me to bring some closure to well, not closure to myself, but some understanding [snorts] of this case and some closure to the family. Um, can you tell me why you killed Mr. Johnson? >> I don't know. >> I'm sorry. >> I don't know. I really don't. Do you remember if anything happened that caused you to do that? >> No, I don't. I really don't. [snorts] >> You just don't know. >> Why? So why? And I don't know why. >> To this day, Shirley has not given a motive for killing James. She hasn't, however, tried to use the same excuse she did with the 1998 murder, that she did it out of self-defense. That ship has sailed for her because the detective got her opinion of James upfront. If you recall, she repeatedly stated that James was a good man who was kind, gentle, and loving with her, which now prevents her from backtracking and stating he was violent and cruel. >> I can't remember. This is always I just can't remember. [snorts] >> Now, do you ever remember [snorts] that you did cause the death of Mr. Johnson whenever you talk to friends about it? >> It don't seem like I did do did it. I just don't even remember it. >> I mean, you remember it today because you told me about it, >> right? >> I had to have done it. I really did. I had to have done it. >> Well, why didn't you say you had to have done it? >> Cuz y'all said I was the one there. >> Well, no, you told me that you was there. >> Yeah, I know. I mean, I was there. Yeah, >> you the one told me in front of your dad. >> I told him, "Yes, I did it." So, can I please just be locked up? Throw away the key. Well, I mean, [snorts] >> now are you telling me now that you didn't do it? Sir, [snorts] [snorts] >> look at me because I want to make sure we're clear once you and I leave this place. I want to make sure that we're clear and I'm giving you the opportunity to be upfront, honest with me and that we are under the same impression. Are you telling me that you did not cause the death of Mr. Johnson? I don't want you to tell me what I'm telling you. I didn't tell you anything. You told me this. unknown. >> I just presented you with the evidence that we have the the results from the evidence that we collected and then therefore you were you decided to tell me that you caused the death of Mr. Johnson. Okay. So, you do remember it to a point of what occurred. And like I was telling you earlier, even though you feel that you're not helping yourself by telling me what happened, if this thing ever does go to court, >> um you know how this thing play out. And can I tell you another thing? >> I do have that report from Missouri. >> Okay, that's the reason why I asked you some of the questions earlier in our in our just our general conversations. I know the events around that. I know what you told the police back in 1998. >> Okay. So, I wanted to see how honest you were going to be with me because at the end of the day, Shirley, you are not compelled to talk to me in any kind of way. I hope you don't feel that I've treated you mean in any kind of way. Um because our conversation has been cordial. Would you agree >> the conversation with your father has been cordial? I don't conduct my business in a way where I don't I don't make threats. That's you don't get anywhere with that. If I shoot straight with you, I told you when I got the house and you agreed to come up because you did tell them you're willing to do whatever you could to figure out who's responsible for this. >> I'm responsible for Pete's death. I'm the one. >> I'm sorry for taking his life. I really am. I don't know why I did it. I don't remember why I did it, but I know it's been to me for so long. And I'm sorry to the family, my family. Sorry. I didn't mean no harm. I [snorts] didn't mean no harm. >> I'm sorry I'm not coming to you clearly now. >> Wow. >> But it's it's just hard again. Real hard to remember certain things. Yes, I did. I mean, I really do. I'm not crying cuz I'm scared to go jail like that. I deserve [snorts] the family need closure. So, tell them I'm sorry. I don't want to go to trial. Y'all just go ahead and send me. >> Well, >> please. >> Sure. Let me tell you this. There is a process. >> I know he's trying to help me. >> Well, I'm being honest with you. And >> I'm trying to be honest, too. >> Well, I don't want you to try. Just be honest. Okay. >> I know. >> But the thing is, I'm going to tell you how this thing works. Okay. Um the judicial system has to play out. There's a process um um that has to go that has to be done. Okay. Um, and if you choose to do so after seeking uh legal counsel u from an attorney or anybody that you choose to uh represent you in this investigation um after you've um consulted with them and you still um if there is an offer on the table from the district attorney's office um if you're willing to accept an offer if there's one presented. >> Can you speak to him? >> Can you speak to me? >> Let me let me back up and tell you this. The guy out here does not make that decision. He's the investigator. He's not the prosecutor. He's pretty much a police officer like I am, but he works under the direction of the district attorney. >> Can I speak? >> The district attorney is not. >> I'm talking about that one. >> Yes. I can um bring Mr. Hall in here and allow you to speak now if you choose to do so. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Give me just I'm sorry. My knees are kind of bad. >> Hey, Lance, could you come here closer? M I want to visit with you about something just to keep you on the record. Uh Mr. Glance Paul with the blue county District Attorney's Office. He's investigator. Time is 12:08 p.m. He's coming in for [clears throat] um Mr. M wanted to talk to you about um something. >> Okay. You work under what's that additional term? Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. I know I done was wrong. >> Yes, ma'am. And I don't want to go to trial cuz I'm being ashamed of what I've done. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I want to face nobody. >> Yes, ma'am. >> You know, and I was talk to the district attorney. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And relay that. I can relate all that to him. >> Jesus. >> [snorts] >> me up. I was telling you I wanted to die. I don't know the electric chair or whatever. >> Well, like I told you earlier, Shirley, that's not our decision today. >> That's right. And and I know your emotion right now, but I don't think you really wanted. >> It seems that all that regret Shirley was feeling and her desire to see the electric chair have since completely disappeared. As of the publishing of this video, Shirley has repeatedly filed appeals, saying that she was coerced into a confession and that she didn't have a fair trial. Unfortunately, the only person she's hurting with these actions is the person who cares about her the most, her father. >> Broke his heart. >> But, you know, at the end of the day, Shirley, you're actually helping him. Even though it sounds weird what I'm saying because in the back of his mind, he's known already that you caused the death of one individual in 98. That had to bear a burden on him. And then now uh back in 2015, he had he and I talked over the phone because that's how I would get in contact with you because we were investigating the death of Mr. Johnson and that had to rehash a lot of things that he endured back in 98. So, I mean, you saw the look on his face a minute ago. >> It was in shock. And I noticed that you didn't look at him. And I'm telling you, that's the reason why I asked him to leave again because he just froze because you're his baby. You know, you know what I'm saying? So, he does not he has been nothing but helpful to us. He was willing to drive you down here under your own free will and accord. You understand what I'm saying? So today had to have happened at some point. I wish it had have been sooner on your own efforts in your initiative. >> I wanted to so bad. There was there was plenty of times many times that [snorts] I want to contact you and I said my phone got lost, stolen. I was telling him and your number was in there and I couldn't find your number. >> Yeah, cuz I gave you my cell phone. >> Yeah. And I couldn't find my phone anymore. You probably would have got this call a long time ago if I had lost my phone. >> But you know what? If you had have just reached out to any law enforcement agency and asked to speak to trust nobody and I could remember your name was Greg or Gary or something. >> It's great. It was right here on my badge. Greg >> Gary or something. But I didn't trust. >> You got to ask for the black ranger. in the family. Is there anything else that you want to tell >> about what >> about the investigation or anything? >> Just >> I'm sorry, my ears messed up from the silence. God in a middle world right now. >> So, what would you want me to do now? [snorts] >> Um, basically what the process is going to happen now, um, we're going to draft a warrant or draft a warrant for your arrest for the death of Mr. Johnson. Okay. Um, and you'll be taking by state by state by state. Um, will be booked in and then I'll have to prepare my investigation. Um, you'll see a judge I believe >> in the morning >> in the morning >> where they will do what they call an arraignment. Have you ever been arrested here in Texas? >> Other than a traffic violation, I mean something where you had but anyway, let me finish. You you'll be arraigned in the morning where the judge will read you your statuto rights of a person charged with an offense and set a bond if he chooses to do so or not set a bond if he chooses to do so. Um if a bond is set, you'll be be given the opportunity to make bond. >> You speak bad on me. >> I'm going to report the facts. Okay? I'm not going to sit here uh and apply any opinion because my opinion does not matter a hill beans in this case. All I do is report the facts and findings of the investigation and we report the same. Okay? I'm not going to sit here and make you look bad in any kind of way because surely at the end of the day, what has happened has happened. I can't change the past. You can't change the past. But what we can do is help direct the future. And by our actions is what we do. Okay. So, I'm going to go put this on the report form, document uh what we talked about today and then present it. >> Okay. >> Can I smoke a cigarette? >> If there's one available, we'll get you one out. >> Cigarette. I just >> Well, I can't I'm not going to say we're going to smoke inside their building. This is >> somebody stand outside and smoke a cigarette. >> We'll go outside. >> I ain't trying to be funny or nothing, but >> that's disrespect. I mean, who wants a cigarette? Have a drink. That's right. That's fair enough. And I don't mean to to laugh, but just you being me. >> Um, >> but I would like to say one thing. >> Yes, sir. [clears throat] [snorts] >> Hey, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much for being the person that you are. Thank you for what system that y'all do. I appreciate what y'all do. >> I'm not a bad person. >> Mhm. >> And because I didn't mean to do this. I don't know why I did it. I don't remember what I did. [snorts] But the last I don't remember. They say that so many time. I don't remember that. I really don't. I don't know why I don't remember. I'm honest with being honest about that. [snorts] >> And I do know I did do it. But as far as how when I came [clears throat] and still >> and um >> I'm relieved, but I'm not really honest. Mhm. And [snorts] I was so sympathetic about everything. Very sorry about everything. [snorts] Don't know what's wrong. I just can't explain it. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I really can't. I don't know why. [laughter] That's what he's Okay. [snorts] Well, I appreciate that you appreciate what we do. >> I do. >> I'm glad it's you. >> I'm glad it's you. >> You're a good person. >> Ultimately, in 2021, Shirley was sentenced to life in prison in Texas for the first-degree murder of James Earl Johnson. As we stated, she still seems to refuse responsibility and is still filing appeals in an attempt to be released. Hopefully judges remember how well things went last time she was released. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of James Earl Johnson as well as Shirley's family who were devastated by her actions and continuously tried to urge her onto the right path. Thank you for watching today's video. Whether you're new here or have been with us for a while, check out one of the craziest cases I've ever covered right here or one of my newest uploads right here.