better. That one seems kind of crappy, too, though. >> Does that look better? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Do you guys have any other family that lives here? >> Grandparents, >> anywhere. >> Um, we have an uncle and two grand, various cousins. >> Where do your grandmas live? >> They're moving out. I think >> July 22nd, 2015. Almost half 11 at night, a 12-year-old boy locks himself in a room, picks up a phone, and quietly tells the dispatcher that his brothers are attacking his family. He doesn't get to finish. Screaming, movement, a voice somewhere behind him. Then the line goes dead. His name was Daniel Bever. That call was the last thing he ever did, and it helped save two of his sister's lives. When police force their way into the house on Magnolia Court in Broken Arrow for Homer, they find blood. 13-year-old girl still alive and five members of the same family who aren't. The suspects didn't break in. They lived there. Robert was 18. Michael was 16. Two brothers from inside the house. >> I'll read some stuff to you. It makes it legal for us to talk to you. Okay. >> Um, so like I told you when I met you at the jail, my name's Eric. I'm a detective here with Broken Air Police. As she told you from Indiana, she's a detective also. Um, and uh, we just want to spend some time maybe talk and discuss some things and maybe ask you some questions, let you ask us some questions and make sure we're all what's going on and then we'll go from there. Sound good? Okay. So, you probably heard or seen this on TV before, but it's your notification rights, your Miranda rights. And so I'm gonna read them to you, but I want to sit here where you can see the paper because I'm what I'm going to do is I'm gonna read one through five right here. And so I'll read them and you kind of can look at it with me. I want to make sure you understand all these. Um, you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions or make any statement. Anything you say can be used against you in court. You have the right to talk to a lawyer before we ask you any questions. And you have the right to have a lawyer with you during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer and want one, the court will appoint one for you before you are asked any questions. Um, it's hard to read it sideways. There we go. Um, if you want to answer questions now without a lawyer being present, you may do so. You have the right to stop answering questions at any time. So, you understand what those are saying? Basically, if you want an attorney, just tell me. Um, if you don't like any of the questions I ask, just tell me to stop. Um, if you get uncomfortable, we'll stop whenever you want. Okay. You're in control. Does that sound good? Sounds good. Okay. Um, so what I want to do is I'm going to read this waiver to you right here, and you look at it as I read it to you cuz I want to make sure you understand it. Um, >> it says, "I have read the statement of my rights shown above. I understand what my rights are. I'm willing to answer questions and make a statement. I do not want a lawyer present at this time." >> Hours later, Michael is sitting across from detectives, injured, in custody. hours removed from the worst night of his life. And he's calm. He doesn't break. He answers. At first, detectives simply let him talk. They ask about his brother, the weapons, the plan, what happened inside the house, and Michael keeps answering. That's where the problem begins. Because the more he explains, the harder it becomes to tell where Robert's actions end and where Michael's own choices begin. Every answer seems to push the blame a little further away from him. His brother wanted it. His brother planned it. His brother did it. The detectives notice and slowly their questions change. They're no longer asking only what happened. They're asking something much more important. How much of this story actually belongs to Michael? Michael walked into that room with a version of events already in his head. But a story only survives if it can withstand pressure. And that's exactly what the detectives are about to test. Piece by piece, question by question, until one detail begins to change the meaning of everything that came before it. Watch closely. >> I understand and know what I am doing. No promises or threats have been made to me. And no pressure of any kind has been used against me. So if you agree with that statement that I just read to you that you're looking at, if you'll sign right there for me. >> Well, I can do my >> Yeah. just whatever you can do the best. And then if you will um read an answer one through four. >> So put like high school. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Cuz you had said you had graduated. >> Yep. >> Okay. Okay, that probably need So you put high school for your formal education and are you presently on any drugs or medication? You answered no. Are you under the influence of alcohol? You answered no. And you do read and speak English, obviously. You put yes. Yeah. Sound good? Okay. Um, >> do you take any prescription medications? >> Well, [sighs] man, I'm, you know, I'm just kind of got thrown into this. So, I was hoping maybe you could kind of just go back at the beginning when all this started and kind of tell me what happened cuz I need I need kind of the details so we know and understand what what you went through and stuff. >> Okay. From the very start. >> Mhm. [clears throat] >> Okay. About like uh 2 months ago. >> Okay. was when we first started talking. >> So when you say we, who are you talking about? >> Me and my brother Robert. >> You're a brother. >> Yeah. Who's he has to do with me? >> And what's his name? >> Robert. >> Robert. Okay. And how old is he? >> Uh 18. >> Okay. All right. Go ahead. Sorry. >> A couple months ago, I think this guy, we started talking about uh Bruh and Rampage and stuff like that. I didn't take it serious later first, but then he started buying like a body armor and stuff. >> Where did he buy body armor from? >> eBay and Amazon. >> Oh, okay. >> Legal. >> Does he have a job? >> He did at my tech. He quit. So, there you go. Um, and basically it just kept escalating. He kept getting ruined and he asked if I wanted and I said yes. So, he got me my own set. >> Okay. And then about a month about like June 30th is when he came to me and say found out that he can legally buy guns without permit in Oklahoma that he could. >> Okay. >> And uh that's when he started planning. And um >> did you you said he bought body armor, but you kind of said like a bunch of stuff. Did he buy what else did he buy besides body armor? >> Um besides body armor, knives. And [clears throat] he was in the middle of buying guns and ammunition. >> I see. Okay. Where did where did he buy the knives from? >> He did too. >> On eBay. >> Can you tell me like how many knives or what they looked like or anything like that? >> I think he had about three normal knives and then one small cannon packs. >> Okay. And then um the guns. Where did he start buying guns from? >> Um he bought them online. I think the website's like Buds Gun Shop and Right. And he bought two Glocks. Two Block 41 and um and a shotgun. I forget. It's like a Mos I think. Bought the Glocks off of website called Buds I think. >> Okay. And he bought Moss Boo off of the official website and then had them shipped >> to um like guns. Actually a guy now waiting for him. >> So they were going they were shipped to >> to a gun shop >> here in Broken Arrow. >> Yep. >> Okay. I do. >> Where is that gun shop? Do you know? >> Um he said 7 miles away. He was planning on biking up. >> Okay. >> It's like um in I think it says the gift mall. It's like a gun shop. >> Okay. >> Or something. And um then he bought I think it was like 250 shotgun rounds. >> Okay. >> On eBay. Not eBay but >> on some website. >> Then I think he bought close to a,000 rounds for the box. >> Wow. Okay. And he's still Oh, so he was supposed to have to pick those up. Yeah. Supposed to pick them up today. [clears throat] >> And where was he supposed to pick those? >> The ammunition. It was being shipped to the house. The guns would be now gun shop. >> Okay. Do you know what his um eBay uh user was? >> No. >> No. No. >> I just didn't know if you'd ever been on eBay and shopped or anything. Well, I I used to a long time ago like you know stuff, >> right? >> So then how So he was buying weapons cuz you guys had talked about murdering. >> Yeah. And he stopped planning it. >> Okay. >> And I went along with it cuz I fig I thought I wouldn't want to do it. I quickly learned tonight that I didn't. >> Okay. That you didn't want to do it. >> I don't want to do it. I didn't um just I didn't kill anyone. >> Okay. >> I stabbed someone. >> Who did you stab? >> Um my younger brother, Christopher. >> Christopher, how old is Christopher? >> Um nine, I think. >> What did you stab him with? >> Oh, my knife. >> What's your knife look like? >> It's green on like camouflage on >> where your hand goes or where the blade is? >> It's camouflage. >> Yeah, it's all camouflage. >> Oh, the whole thing. How big is it? Show me how big it is. I think it's about this big. >> So what was what was Christopher doing when you stabbed him? >> He was laying on bathroom floor. Bravo was also stabbing him. Robert asked me to go over and help him. So I stabbed Christopher and then >> Where did you stab him? >> Oh neck. >> Really? [clears throat] Okay. You okay? Yeah. You okay? Let me know if you need a break or anything. Okay. >> Um so was Christopher still alive when you stabbed him? Yes. What was he saying and doing? >> He was just screaming. >> Screaming. Was Did you say he was in the bathroom? >> Yeah, he was next to the toilet. Um >> Five members of one family are dead. Two children survive. One identifies two brothers as the attackers. But detectives aren't starting with the murders. They're starting with the idea behind them. Because if Michael's story is true, this wasn't sudden violence. It was a plan that had been building for some time. The detectives begin calmly with Miranda writes and basic questions about Michael's education, medication, and alcohol use. They create a baseline and remind him that he can stop the interview at any time. Then they let him tell the story in his own words. Almost immediately, the focus shifts to his brother, Robert. Michael describes Robert buying body armor, knives, ammunition, and guns. Now, there are more than suspicions. There are purchases, deliveries, dates, and preparation. The detective simply keeps asking questions. Where did he buy them? How much did he order? Where were they shipped? With every answer, Michael reveals another part of the plan. Then the detective connects the weapons to earlier conversations about murder. Michael admits they had discussed doing it. That changes everything. Investigators are no longer hearing only about what Robert did. They're beginning to uncover a plan and Michael's possible role in it. >> I think I think Victoria might have been in that I wrote >> Victoria. >> Yeah. My four-year-old sister. >> Four-year-old. Okay. Um I want to talk about that more, but I we got to try to kind of stay like chronologically, if you know what I mean. Um so let's go back real quick. Um we talked about the ammunition being delivered. Uh [clears throat] making plans. Tell me more about making plans and what you guys talked about. >> Making plans. We all plotted every night and I studied lines. We were actually going to do this thing on the second night and so I started getting ready. >> When was that? When you second night where you >> July 1st. >> Okay. >> Cuz we started 30th. >> That's when you started making the plan. >> Yeah, that's when we found out he could buy guns legally. >> I see. Did you guys draw make drawings or write things down or >> I think he had a journal. I think his ideas down. I think it's under his bed. >> Under his bed. >> Check that out. >> Is it like a >> like a journal like a notepad or like a book? >> It's like a It's like a blank book. Okay. Black book. I think it's like a little case. >> So, you think he wrote stuff in there? >> Yeah. I think he was planning in it. [sighs] >> Huh. >> Um, so then the second day you said that's when you realized that it might actually happen. >> Yeah. >> What made you realize that? >> Um, how serious he was? I mean, he was going through he started um he started planning on taking all his money out of his uh bank and throwing away stuff. stealing away all this stuff. So, you know, >> why did he want to do it? >> Do not kill people. >> Yeah. >> Um well, mainly two reasons. I think it's um because he just like he says he hates everyone. He thinks society is pointless and so he wanted to kill people and also he wanted to like beat the kill like amount of other famous people like Colin Bing and James Egan Holmes. >> Okay. Did you kind of feel that way too? Like when you guys were talking earlier, like >> Yeah. >> Like do you have a problem with society too, do you think? >> No, I just >> Or you were just more like the the number of people getting killed was kind of interesting and >> exciting. Yeah. >> Okay. So, um cuz you mentioned a couple names of are those like serial killers or something? >> What? Like Colin? >> Yeah. >> Colin B and James Holmes. James E. Good Holmes is a guy that shot at the theater >> in Colorado. >> Yeah, he killed 12 in. >> Wow. >> How many were killed in Coline? >> Coline? I don't know. Like 15. >> Okay. >> I think. >> Um, so did you guys have a goal? Did you have a number? >> He just wanted I think he wanted to kill like 50. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I have a goal. >> So, how Okay. So, as the planning goes, tell me tell me what what plans you started making and coming up with. >> Well, originally I think kind of stayed steady uh throughout the month. So, we went to kill everyone at the house first. >> Okay. >> And then wait for all the packages to show up over the weekend. Um and then we take the economy to our state with the guns and still >> Okay. >> So, rampaging. >> Did you know where you were going to drive to? Oh, towards Washington. >> Washington State or DC? >> Washington State. >> Washington State. >> Why would you go to Washington State? >> Kind of. >> And you said Yukon. Do your parents have like a Yukon? Is that what it is? >> Yeah. You XL? >> Does Robert have a driver's license? >> He has a motorcycle. >> Okay. So, he would be able to drive it. Can you drive if I mean if you had to? >> No, I wouldn't. >> Well, you can play video games. Really? You can drive a car. >> Just not very well. I mean, you could get it from point A to B. You might hit some things on the way, but Okay. [clears throat] Um, so you had your plan. >> So then, so what happened after? I mean, tell me some more. >> Well, I think everything started falling in place. >> Yeah, Kleenex right there. >> There we go. >> Or maybe your finger. I don't know. >> Yeah. But um back weeks ago is when I th started throwing away my useless stuff. >> Okay. >> I need and so did he. >> Did you guys like give things away to friends or anything like that? >> Do it in the trash. I'm sure a lot of it still in the barrels in the garage. >> In the garage. Yeah. >> What kind of stuff did you throw away? >> Random stuff. Toys. You know, stuff that was just piled up in my closet and you had the room to put the body home. >> Oh, I see. >> Old shoes, clothes. Did you have how long have you had the body armor? >> The body armor? Robert's had his body since it started ago and we've been buying it. Well, he's been buying it. >> And was it was it shipped to the house? >> Yeah. >> Do your parents know? I mean, did they know it? >> They knew he had bulletproof vests. They always thought that was a little weird, but anything about it. >> Did he have anything else like the the gear that the guys wear? Helmets or goggles or gloves? >> Yeah. had a soft cavlau vest, a heavy um I know it's like a metal plated vest in the level theater. >> He had a a helmet, bulletproof helmet, a bulletproof DEA mask and it goes. >> Wow. >> Also like a like knife proof arm thing. >> Yeah. Knife and ball. >> Okay. >> So, yeah. >> And then your the body armor that you had, what was it like? >> It was almost identical. >> Okay. Just a couple different models and stuff. >> And where is your body armor now? >> Oh, my vest and my helmet. It was laying in the woods. The dog pulled it off of me. >> Oh, >> I was wearing it. >> Oh, you were wearing it? >> Yeah, I was wearing this fest in the play. >> So, I took that out and the rest of my body was still in the closet. >> Okay. So, then kind of what happened is I mean, you guys started getting all that stuff together and throwing things away and >> Yeah. And we do the all the packages and the holsters, sour guards, all that stuff. Let's go and get healthy on. And so we set a date. >> So was the plan um to use the knives at first on the family? >> Use the knives >> cuz the guns weren't going to be here till later on. >> Yeah. The guns would be too loud. >> Oh, I see. >> So um go use the knives on the family which obviously did not go as planned. >> Yeah. Thank god. >> At first, Michael tries to create distance. The implication is simple. Robert wanted this. Michael didn't. But the detectives don't challenge that directly. Instead, they let him keep talking. And that's important because the more comfortable Michael becomes, the more specific his answers become. He describes the knives, the guns, the ammunition, the journal, the preparations. Then the conversation moves from equipment to intention. Michael explains that Robert wanted to kill a large number of people. names associated with previous mass killings are brought into the conversation. The detective asks whether Michael felt the same way. Michael says no. But the conversation doesn't end there because the investigator isn't only interested in what Michael believes. He's interested in what Michael was willing to participate in. And slowly the distinction becomes harder to maintain. They weren't simply discussing murder. They were making plans. Michael describes preparations to leave the state. They considered Washington State. They discussed getting away after the attack. They were removing belongings, buying protective equipment, preparing weapons, and even deciding when the attack should happen. That is the moment the interrogation changes psychologically. The question is no longer, "Did you know what Robert was planning?" It's becoming, "How involved were you before it happened?" And Michael keeps answering, which means the detectives don't have to force the story out of him. They're allowing him to build it himself. >> Yeah. No, I just saw nobody saw my math. Like we didn't put more people out. >> Yeah. [sighs] Did um So then you picked a date, you said? >> Yeah. Which was yesterday? Yesterday night was the date. >> Did you pick a time and everything? >> Yep. Yeah. Midnight when we said he was in bed tomorrow. >> So how did you guys know? Did he just came and got you or you got him or would you were hanging out waiting? >> Okay. And so >> how did you pick the date? >> Um they revoling with the packages and stuff we had cuz you know all the ammunition he didn't want them to see that so we killed them the day before the ammunition get held the day after we didn't leave. >> Do you guys um do you guys not like your mom and dad? I mean is there are they I mean most teenagers don't like their parents so I can understand that. >> Yeah. I mean mom's okay but that was a little bit you know >> just a little bit too much. Yes. >> So, you guys waiting in the room? >> Mhm. >> And was it right when midnight? And that's when things started >> right at midnight. Um, my sister, she came in cuz she was going to get to go to bed. She came in to tell us um how old 13. >> Okay. >> She came in to tell us that mom wanted to get the kitchen done before we went to bed and put the cats up. And basically, we did what we planned. trying to get I I got to my desk and I like had to look at something to just went up behind to grab to him and slip with you. >> Really? What did he use? >> Um his large red knife. >> Okay. A large red knife. >> Yeah, it's like it's like mine. >> Oh, I see. >> Um and then she fell into the ground screaming. Mom and dad, you know, mom came in first and then she >> Is your room upstairs? I don't I haven't been to your house, so I don't know. >> The whole room is downstairs towards the back. >> Okay. And so she fell down and started screaming. >> Yeah. One of them kept stabbing. I kind of creeped out cuz you know >> Mhm. >> I wasn't planning on this. >> Were you saying anything or I mean >> I just stood there. >> Okay. >> And then mom came in yelling, called the police. I think he might have went and stabbed her. >> Then he stabbed her. Yeah, he probably stabbed her, pushed her foot down the hallway and got up and ran. >> Okay. >> She ran out the door >> when Now Okay. So, she sat down at your desk >> and he slid her through it. You said >> she was standing at my desk and came up behind and slid her through the she fell down screaming >> and then he stabbed her some more. When he was stabbing her some more, was it where was he stabbing her? >> Her neck. >> Oh, her neck. >> Her neck. Stomach. >> Stomach. Okay. And um and then my mom came in and she started yelling, called the police, get dad, and then he came over and started attacking her. Actually got up and ran out the field, too. >> Wow. >> And um once mom was on the ground, he got up and started chasing after her. >> And what were you doing? >> Standing. >> Did you come out in the hallway? >> No. No. I was just standing in the room in the process. I don't know what I was doing. >> So he stabbed your mom with the same knife. >> Yep. Same knife. >> And where did he stab her? I think in the neck too. Um and no actually he stabbed him in the neck pushed him into the kitchen and then together she started screaming ran into the family room at the same time left the house. >> Okay. >> I went over disabled the alarm. >> Okay. >> That's what I did. And then >> where's the the pad for your alarm? >> It's now the front door. >> It's what? >> It's now the front door. >> The front door. >> Yeah. And I'm sorry my friend disabled the alarm so it wouldn't you know. >> But has she already gone outside? went outside and the mother went after her. >> So where where did she uh >> she she was laying in the driveway and he took off her back um you know the bench you know and started choking her bench out front. >> Yeah, it was like a little [ __ ] and he threw a [ __ ] on her and went back inside to go after the little kids. >> Did he bring her in or did she stay out there? >> She stayed out there until he asked me to be in her and ran out. I had to go inside. That's why she's in the um in the way I go inside. >> Oh, you brought her back. Was she still alive? >> Yeah, she was still screaming. And then that's about the time dad came down. >> Okay. >> Cuz his bedroom's upstairs. And he went back in the police, that's what they call it, our room. Um and they start attacking dad. They got a little bit of fight. Um but then eventually Robert got him down and I think he killed him. >> Did he cut his throat too? Um >> where did that happen? >> In our room. >> In your room. >> Y >> and uh where were you? >> I was standing in the hallway. >> Okay. So did you see him cut your dad's throat? >> Yeah. >> Did he stab him other places, too? >> I don't know. I think he just meant for it to go. And um >> And where was she was in the entryway? Yeah, she was I think she was in the interview at that time. And then um and and then he went and and uh Daniel was in uh his room, which is, you know, down the hall. And I was like, "Let me um I think it's I think it's 12." >> Okay. >> And um I was like, "Let me in." And he let me in. He was sitting there on the phone with the police. I grabbed the phone, which is my phone. Got my phone. And then I went into the kitchen and I smashed the underground, >> which was your phone. >> Yeah, it was my phone. >> I don't have a cell phone anymore. >> Um, and they all went back down and he um and Daniel and Christopher locked himself in the bathroom. Daniel locked himself in dad's office. >> Okay. >> And then I finally got both of them to open the door um because they thought I wanted in there to >> But they were in different rooms. >> Yeah, the guy right next to each other, right? >> Oh, I see. And then um Robert went in and stabbed him. They went in and uh stabbed Christopher. That's that's when I stabbed Christopher. >> So when he stabbed Daniel, where did he stab him? >> I think he um shanked him in the neck and then Daniel ran off and so he went in and started attacking Christopher. >> So Daniel got stabbed in the neck and ran off. >> He ran into the family room about mom. Mom ended up she was laying on the ground yelling, "Call 911." >> Okay. And he stopped in there. >> Yeah. He left. He collapsed in there and then Marggo came in and started stabbing him in the chest. >> Oh, I see. >> Um then >> and then who's the youngest? The fouryear-old. >> The four-year-old. >> I don't know what happened before. I hope she's alive. >> I'm sorry. Maybe I messed up. The one that you stabbed. Who? Who was that? >> Christopher. >> Christopher. >> He's 8. I think >> he's eight. >> 10. >> And he was in the bathroom. >> Yep. So Daniel had got stabbed in the neck, ran out to where your mom was. >> Robert followed him, stabbed him some more. >> Yeah. After after we stabbed Christopher in the bathroom. >> Oh, I see. Okay. >> And um and then basically after that, everyone was pretty much dead. We forgot about all >> who was dead. >> Everyone, I think looked like they were dead except for screaming. Then that was a knock at the door. >> Okay. someone knocked. I think that might have been the neighbor because the police wouldn't have been there yet. And then they just kept knocking on the door. So we turned around, I grabbed on, put my soft vest and heavy vest on. I was carrying the plates. I put my helmet on and then we went we went up the back door of D's office, climbed over the fence, went down into the poke and started cutting through the woods. Okay. Well, we both collapsed looking just sitting there and they found us. >> That's how you got kind of dirty and stuff. Dirt on you. Yeah. >> So you guys collapsed. Were you just kind of hiding out? >> Yeah. Just laying in a little ditch thing in the woods and then we saw the light. We laid down and um the dog came. >> Did you hear the dog coming? >> Mhm. >> I heard them coming. I saw them coming and then they started yelling and put your hands up and then I stepped on my head and handcuffed me. >> Okay. Um >> can you kind [laughter] of Okay. I'm a little bit lost, I think, cuz there's too many people on this side. The conversation reaches the night of the murders. Michael describes the family gathering, the first attack, the screaming, and the chaos spreading through the house. Detectives repeatedly slow him down. Where were you? Who was there? What did you do? Where did the victim go? These questions force Michael to map the scene through the bathroom, hallway, bedroom, family room, front door, and woods. Each detail can be compared with physical evidence, injury surveillance, witness statements, and the crime scene. Michael eventually admits stabbing Christopher, describes Robert's actions, and explains how he left. The detectives are building more than a confession. They building timeline. And by the end, Michael's story is no longer just about Robert. He has placed himself inside the murders, and that will be difficult to take back. >> Then Christopher >> and then Victoria. >> Victoria, she's four. >> Yeah, Victoria. >> Okay. And what's mom's name? >> April. >> April. If your bedroom um on Mar call it is Sharp. >> Sharp. >> Yep. >> Okay. Um Okay. And Victoria's four. >> Mhm. >> And then what's dad's name? >> Uh David. >> David. >> David. >> And then are there any other kids? How many kids is that? >> Um >> that's >> I think that was She's a baby. She's about to turn to todd. She was up in her bed. Okay. >> I think I he forgot about her and I think she stayed asleep until the police came. I saw them give her out so she's okay. >> Was uh >> So you saw them carry her out? >> Yeah. Yeah. I was in the car. >> Was that the plan was to kill her too though? >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So when y'all got done at the house, where were you going to go? >> Um we were going to hang out for at least the day. We're going to go like to get bodies in a room or something. Maybe the attic, clean up, and then wait for the ammunition, go pick up the guns, and then go leave the next day. >> Where where were you going to go? I mean, where was your going to be your mask land to get the most people the most bang for your buck? >> We're just heading generally towards Washington State. We went to do it statewide. >> Okay. Did you guys have like like were you going to go I mean who else were you going to kill? Just whoever you ran into. >> Yeah, pretty much we he said five at a time like gas stations, restaurants. >> Okay. Just keep going. >> Did um how did he have some money saved up or something? >> Yeah, he had about 480 after buying all the ongoing weapons plus that. >> Yeah, plus 100 that I had. Oh, >> okay. So, so we talked a lot about your plans in the beginning cuz here's what I don't understand is um as as you and Robert are kind of planning things out. I mean, cuz you seem like a really smart kid and that you kind of I mean, it seems like you had some pretty detailed plans. You guys had good equipment and weapons. And it seems to me, and tell me if I'm wrong, but I would think that as you guys plan this out, you had maybe more specific plans. Like Robert was going to kill this person. You were going to kill. So, who were you supposed to kill? >> I was supposed to take my pistol crossbow. Who was supposed to shank his she was supposed to die while Yeah. She was going to be the first she was. And then um Robert would go in slit on he push you over and then we both go in and >> because it was supposed to be like quiet. >> Yeah, it was then I would go upstairs and uh shoot David and the guy with my pistol crossbow kill him and then I would go over and kill >> Okay. >> So did you use your did you use your crossbow at all? No. I the only time I ever heard anybody um was when I stabbed Christopher in the neck. >> Did um >> Did Robert use your crossbow? >> No, I was just saying. >> Where is your crossbow? >> I think it's on my bed still unless I collected it. >> So, did you have it out ready to go and then it just kind of [clears throat] didn't go as planned? >> Yeah. No, nothing. >> Yeah. Um, >> did um I think we talked about it, but did Robert um you said he had a knife that was just like yours, but it was red. >> Did he ever use another knife on anybody else or anything? >> I don't think he did. I mean, he had another small surgical blade knife. >> It's about like 4 in. He said he was going to use it. But >> where was that? >> In his pocket. He had three knives. a large about 15 inch black one >> like a machete kind of thing. >> Yeah. Kind of like a Karon knife. >> Okay. >> And um the 12 >> Where was that? The big one. >> It was also it was scuffing on his belt. >> Okay. >> And um the one he used the blade one >> and um then the small surgical blade. >> Okay. Okay. >> Um so who who all died? Who do you know died for sure? Like what's the count? How do we know? >> I don't know. >> Okay. >> Who do you think died? >> Um, dad, mom, Daniel. >> That's That's about all I know cuz I saw him. >> And Daniel's the one that you stabbed. >> No, Chris was one step. Daniel's the one he went in and stabbed him in the lungs. >> And he was in the living in the living room. >> Yeah. In the living room with mom. >> And Christopher, you stabbed him in the neck. >> Yeah, he was in the bath, you know. So, how did I mean was he still making noise when you left or how did that go down? >> Yeah, he was still yelling when I left. I don't think we probably killed him. >> Um I think he might have been alive because I came back and the door was shot and locked. He had to kick it down. >> Okay. [clears throat] >> Um just do it now. >> So, um >> you kicked it down. >> I didn't kick it down. >> Okay. >> I had to. Nobody kicked it down. Yeah, it stayed in tactile to know if he's still alive. >> Did you um Cuz here's what I'm seeing happen. You know, you guys had all these detailed plans. You had all the cool stuff to make it happen. >> Yeah. >> And it kind of started falling apart and you said like it didn't go as planned. I think I mean did you kind of just freak out a little bit like this really happening? >> Well, people I didn't know in school like >> Yeah, you don't. But here's what's here's what's getting me is like it's crazy because you guys work together and make all these plans and you know had it all figured out and then when it happens you're just kind of standing there not doing anything and did you did you decide like Robert's going to kill everybody and I'm going to stand here and do nothing so I better >> I mean did you is that >> I think I think that would I I didn't kill anyone with anyone I couldn't do it. So, I was going to let him like kill everyone. >> Yeah, but you stabbed somebody in the neck. I mean, >> I just kind of >> Well, what I'm saying is is it's not Robert's the one that should get all the credit here. I mean, for I mean, um >> Yeah. >> Because it's a big deal. I mean, you're going to be on the news. >> The detectives shift from the attack to what was supposed to happen next. Michael says he and Robert plan to leave, possibly for Washington State, and kill strangers at gas stations, restaurants, and other random locations. The family may not have been the final target. It may been only the beginning. Then, detectives ask Michael what he personally was supposed to do. He describes specific victims, friends, and assignments for himself and Robert. That makes his claim that he was merely following his brother harder to believe. When asked who actually died, Michael hesitates over the number. The detectives are testing his consistency, and his story is beginning to conflict with the physical evidence. The interrogation is approaching its first major confrontation. >> People are going to want to interview you. >> I don't want to be a big >> Well, but I'm just thinking he does. >> Cuz [clears throat] you had said you had the plans like you're supposed to kill this person. He's supposed to kill this person. Were you supposed to kill Christopher? Was he your responsibility? >> No. Um, >> it just worked out that way. >> When Daniel was supposed to be his responsibility supposed to kill dad to help with >> But he had already basically done that. >> Yeah. >> So now you're left standing there. So were you trying to kill Christopher when you stabbed him in the neck? Were you just going to >> I don't I mean I I purposely missed the middle of the neck. I think I might have even hit him in the shoulder. I certainly didn't do it, but >> So originally your responsibility was >> Victoria. Victoria >> and Ted >> and Tad. >> Yep. That's supposed to take care of. >> Did you guys talk specific? Because you said you said the crossbow. So you said I mean you guys had it planned like this is specifically how we're going to do it. >> Yeah, it was specific unfortunately. You know, >> I think he got his plan through something. It's doesn't work out that way. >> Yeah. Well, it was supposed to be a lot quicker and quieter, I guess. I mean, Did you um so had your cell phone? Is that right? >> Uh Danielle had my cell phone. They got my cell phone and called the police. >> So when when did you last have your cell phone that you remember? >> Yeah, I remember. I think I think it was in my pocket. Either I was sitting. >> Detective exposes a contradiction. Michael planned the attack, carried a weapon, and admitted stabbing Christopher yet now claims he mostly stood by while Robert killed people. The detective presses him. Was Christopher his responsibility? Did he intend to kill him? Michael's certainty fades. He hesitates, softens his language, and becomes less direct. Then the detective points out another inconsistency. Michael says he wanted the killings to stop, but he never opened the doors, never intervened, and continued moving with Robert. Now Michael must face the gap between what he claims to have felt and what he actually did. That gap becomes the interrogation's central psychological sitting on the living room couch. >> Okay. >> I don't know when he got it, but >> So, you had maybe left it on the living room couch and gone to your room. You know, you guys are waiting for things to go down. >> Did he like ever use your phone or play with it or do any of that stuff? >> No, he wasn't allowed to. >> So, did he only get your phone cuz he was trying to call for help? >> Yep. >> So, do you think he went to the living room and got it? >> Yeah, I think he did. His mom was laying in the living room, you know, screaming call. >> Okay. And so somehow he came down the hall. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um I don't know if he got in my funeral room. I know it was outside. He was doing nothing alone. >> Okay. >> I don't know what that was. >> Do you have what alarm company or alarm? >> Oh, we we never actually um it's it's just the alarm. The sound itself. >> Yeah, just the sign. I think it's AT&T whatever. >> And are there cameras or anything in your house? >> Yeah. Where do those record to? >> Hallways, living rooms, um, another hallway, and um, >> I don't think it was being recorded. No, >> just live. >> Do you not have Oh, so is there a TV where you can watch it somewhere? >> Yeah, my dad watches it on his phone. He has an app to watch. >> Is that through like the cable company or something or >> No, I think it's something he set up like his own server or something. >> Oh, okay. You don't think it's being recorded? >> I don't know if it was being decoded. I mean, his computer system isn't like, you know, super hard to get into. >> Oh, but is it like a good computer system? >> It's a good computer system. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I mean, he's like a database engine or something. So, >> Oh, that's right. Um, what So, as all this was going on, what was Robert saying? Did he say anything to you? He he didn't say anything to me until they were okay and head out the back door. I asked him if he was okay, what was going on. He said, "Yeah." >> Okay. So, you guys were just kind of silent the whole time? >> Yeah, it was silent. >> Did you cut your finger? Is that your other hand? Is that >> I think I think I might think I might have done this. I got to step twist. >> Okay. So, >> so that might be from your own knife is what you think? >> Yeah, it's my >> Are you right or left-handed? >> I'm right-handed. >> Right-handed. And so, how do you think you cut your fingers? I was candle. >> Oh, you were you holding him? >> No, he was he was on the he was on the floor, but >> you know I I something. >> You don't remember? >> I cut I cut it with my own knife. I know that. >> And [snorts] it was You think it was during the time when you were stabbing him? >> Yeah, I know that time. >> Huh. [snorts] >> Did you say anything to Christopher? >> I No. So So you stabbed him. [clears throat] Now it's several hours later. How are you feeling >> this whole thing? Like feeling when you first start to get caught. I think you only last you about 30 minutes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But that was like cuz it's it's 8:00 in the morning now. So that's like 8 hours ago. >> Yeah. >> So how do you feel now? I mean >> just kind of >> I didn't want to do that. >> Yeah. >> I just done that. So, you were saying you pleaded with I guess when they were locked in the bathroom and what we know what other room were they locked in? >> Uh the bathroom and they were right next to it is my dad's office. Daniel locked himself's office. >> Is it just one door to get into the bathroom and the office? >> No, they were two doors right next to each other. >> Right next like this basically >> like you know like this >> in the corner kind of. And um and I I was like I said how Robert's after me and they both have been >> the detective shift strategy. Michael has been cooperative. So he uses that cooperation as leverage warning that Robert will give his own version. He asks whether Michael left anything out then appeals to his self-image as a smart honest person. Eventually Michael reveals that he gained survivors trust while the attack was happening even calling police. This changes everything. He wasn't merely standing by. He was interacting with survivors, giving investigators a crucial new piece of the timeline. >> Um, so here's a problem that we might have and and I don't want it to be an issue for you cuz you've been really cooperative. Um, you know, we're going to talk to Robert, too. So, he's going to give us his version of the story and, you know, sometimes they're going to be different. So, um, is there anything that you kind of didn't quite tell me right or you changed a little bit and now that you understand that Robert's going to tell me everything? >> But, um, how could I tell you that three of them? Because that's why I told him, you know, when seen out of the woods to make conversation, but you know, forensics, I'll show you the food. >> What? Three. >> What do you mean you told him? So, you told him you killed three people. I told him I cuz he asked me how many did you get? I said three. >> Did you tell him who you got? >> No, I just said three. Um, so do you I guess this is my question for you. Do you think it's a lesser sentence if you killed one or if you killed three? >> No. >> What? I mean, I don't know. I I think Robert he may have there's going to be a lot of differences. That's what I'm concerned about. And we don't want you to come off as a liar. I mean, cuz you've been real cooperative. You seem like a really good kid. You know, you graduated high school early. Um you're designing games. I mean, there's all kinds of stuff you got going on. And so, I don't want people to get a bad opinion of you. and think that you're the type of guy that lies to police when he's kind of caught. You know what I mean? Um tell me I know that you're leaving something out. There's I mean cuz it it's like she said um you know you're this isn't like you stole a bicycle. You know this is the most you can do, you know. >> So it's a big deal. Um, but a lot of people when they talk and think about this thing, your honesty is a big deal and how you handle yourself from here on out. And if you come off cuz cuz to me, you don't seem like a bad guy, you know, like you don't scare me. I I mean, I never never thought you would have done this. So, you just seem like a normal kid to me and you seem like an honest kid. But, see, I talk to people all the time. >> The detective asks what Michael told the victims. Michael says he pretended to be on their side to keep them calm and prevent resistance. This shows his behavior was strategic, not passive. They then discuss fame documentaries and becoming famous for the murders. Michael admits he wanted to do it with Robert, but claims he feared Robert might kill him if he refused. The interrogation reveals a mix of influence, fear, loyalty, ambition, and personal responsibility. Then the detectives leave Michael alone, knowing his story will soon be compared with Robert's. >> What did you want? >> No, I just want to go by Luna. >> But you I mean your your big brother's telling you he wants to be famous and you guys are making these plans. Surely you want some of that pain too, right? >> Yeah, I do want to do it with him because like he's going to do it no matter what. He says if I don't do it with him, they'll just kill me too. Well, leave me thin. Yeah. >> So, y'all have been planning this since 30th of June. You said that's the first time y'all talked about it. >> Well, not the first time we talked about blue. I mean, he bought us life vest. He always said he'd come sit out with a pillow and I think you do it, but [sighs] >> yeah. Um, you need anything? We're going to step up for just a second. >> We'll just be right outside. All right. >> Give me a quick version of what he's saying that you did. >> Yeah. >> And you haven't told me everything. Okay. So, I know you're not being completely honest and I gave you one shot already. >> I'm sorry. I don't know what you said. I mean, >> well, you stabbed more than one person. So, who else did you stab? >> Or you stabbed more than just one time? >> Oh, I stabbed more than one time. >> How many times did you stab him? >> I think twice. >> Cuz you don't think we're going to know that? stop thinking and go with what you know. >> You mentioned forensics a minute ago. >> I know. >> I mean, I'm I'm just one of like hundreds of people that are going to look at this thing. Okay. >> I know. >> I mean, we got we got the state police coming in. Uh there's I don't know 20 different forensic detectives at your house right now. Um >> they're going to be there a long time because of the scene that it is. So everybody that you killed and every single stab wound that you inflicted, we're going to know about >> and this is your last chance to just kind of let us know to be honest to man up and tell us exactly what you did and and start making it right. >> I hit Christopher not stab Victoria with Daniel. >> You did not stab Victoria. >> Yeah, I um I got to stab mom. >> You stabbed your mom? Yeah, I got when she was walking away, I just had to go for a knife. But you know, >> is that when you cut yourself, you think? >> Yeah, I think after that. >> Where did you stab her? >> I just had to go from behind to cut. >> Did you cut her? >> I think so. Yeah, >> it doesn't seem like something you have to think about. I know it's it's you're still kind of dealing with it. Um, and I wasn't there. I wasn't the one doing it, but you don't have to think about it. You know what you did. So you cut her neck. You stabbed Christopher in the neck. How many times did you stab Christopher? >> Two or three, I think. >> And who else did you stab >> besides mom? >> Cuz here's the thing. Everybody's been stabbed and you both had knives and we know you both stabbed everybody. So you guys are kind of at the same level. And so now it's who's going to be honest and make this right and who's a liar. Okay. Which one do you want to be? Not what happened. >> Okay. So, you're a man of your word. >> Yes. >> Okay. Do you want to make this right and do the right thing at this point in time? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> What else are we missing? >> You want to start over then? >> You You tell us where you need to start. >> He stabs. >> I didn't stab her. I took her though. So, >> what about the crossbow? >> The crossbow? Yeah. Um, it was pulled back like it didn't have a bolt or anything. I had to get to five and it broke. >> It broke. >> Yeah. I never used it broke. It's cheap. >> So, it was it broke before last night. >> Um, it broke. I had to guide, you know, to go. I wasn't able to bolt or anything. And yeah, I just need to unc. And that was a while ago or that was last night. >> Oh, that was last night. >> Cuz you were supposed to use it. >> I was supposed to use it. I was caught back. I wasn't going to use it. So I had to, you know, clock in and look. >> So nobody's going to have any crossbow injuries. >> Nope. No, they're not. >> Okay. >> What about the big knife, the machete? Did that get used on somebody? >> I think he might use it on Daniel. I think that's a blade he might have used to stab him in the chest. And what about the surgical blade knife? Got >> think that's supposed to stick with too. So you got to think he used all of them. I only used one. I was the um the green one. >> You only used the green one. And you're sticking to that? Yes. And so we only stabbed you only stabbed the your family because they were in the way >> towards the bigger plan. >> Um no well the reason we was kind of killed family is um they were in the way and you know higher count >> just to start off with a big count. Um, >> so is this all a game? Um, this higher count, I'm confused. Is this a game? >> It's a Well, like to become famous and get, you know, set a record. >> Did you now cuz you said you said this yourself, you told Robert you killed three. And so now we're stuck at the point where you've told us you stabbed Christopher and your mother. >> Is there one more person that you stabbed and and you didn't mention earlier? >> No. >> Okay. I I can stick to my I can't stab anybody else, but nothing. >> How do How do you feel about what you've done now? [clears throat] >> I I didn't like it the minute it started. >> I mean, how do you feel about your >> detectives return? They say Michael's story doesn't match Robert's. They warn that forensics will expose every wound and weapon, leaving no safe lie. Under pressure, Michael adds details and admits stabbing Christopher. The detective asks who else he attacked, forcing Michael to choose between lying and telling the truth. >> I mean, you stabbed him in the neck. >> What What has he ever done to you? >> So, he's just a number. >> Yes. >> And how does I mean, how do you feel about that now? >> It's what? >> Pointless. >> Pointless. Do you um do you would you be willing to write us a statement kind of explaining what we just talked about? >> Yeah. >> Um kind of start at the beginning >> papers >> like paper that >> um yeah pen and paper is what I'm talking about. Okay. >> These forms that you can write on. Um you think you can do that for me? >> Sure. What about what? Well, what I would want you to kind of write down is basically what we talked about is >> like kind of talking about the plans that you guys put together, the stuff that you got that he bought that he bought for you. Um, and then what you're going to do and then what happened last night. >> Like a little timeline. >> Yeah, just basically like a timeline kind of like your story like almost you're writing it for a [snorts] a book or a magazine or something. Okay. So, let me fill out some of this for you first. All right. So, you think the first time he ever talked to you about killing people was how long ago? >> First time he ever went to killing people. I don't know. It might have been 2013 to 2014. >> Okay. So, um So, you're going to put it says I sign. So, you're going to put your name right there for me. So, go ahead and write your name there. >> And then it says and and it wants to know how old you are in years. >> Okay. Like 16. >> Yeah, that's that's good. And then it says um that's fine. We know you were born on. So, put your date of birth right here. Okay. >> Like, um however, it doesn't matter. However you want to do it. And the guns were supposed to be picked up from where? Oh, >> now gun shop and then >> on Elm. >> Yep. Put your address there and you can come to the next line if you need to if you need room. >> And what was the name of that website? >> Uh Buds Gun Shop and the official Mass website, I think. Yeah, perfect. Um, let's see. So, let me I'll use this other pen, too. So, put my name on here. Okay. So, here's what it says. is I've been duly warned in advised by Eric Vince, a person who has identified himself as a detective that I do not have to make any statement at all, nor answer any questions or do anything that might go against me or incriminate me in any manner and then any statement I make can be used against me. I was also advised I'm not able to if I'm not able to hire an attorney on my request and have an attorney appointed for me by the proper authority without cost or charge to me. I do not want to talk to an attorney and I hereby knowingly and purposely wave my right to the advice and presence of an attorney before and during any questioning or at any time before or while I voluntarily make the following statement to the effort said person. Knowing that anything I say can be used against me in the court or courts of law. I declare that the following voluntary statement is made to the afor said person of my own free will without promise or hope of reward without fear or threat of physical harm without coercion favor or offer a favor without leniency by any person or persons whoever. >> Do you understand all that? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um so what you can do is uh yeah you can write here and then if you run out of space just jump over here and write here. If you run out of space here, let me know. I've got more of these. So, just do your best. Don't worry about spelling. If you misspel something, it's not a big deal. >> This pain, this pin is like that. That one better. That one seems kind of crappy, too, though. Is that one better? >> Yeah. Okay. Do you guys have any other family that lives here? Like grandparents? >> Anywhere? >> Um, we have an uncle and two grandma's and various cousins. >> Where do your grandmas live? >> They're moving on. Um, I think in Florida and one is being filled. >> The interrogation had moved beyond conversation and reached the stage of a written statement. Michael expressed regret for what he had done and faced questions about his mother and younger brother Christopher. He then wrote down the entire incident, how the plan was made, the weapons used, the preparation, the attack, and what happened afterward. This written statement allowed detectives to confirm and compare it with his verbal account. The investigation revealed that five members of the Beaver family had been killed. Crystal survived despite suffering serious injuries, while the youngest child, Autumn, remained safe. Robert later confessed to the crime and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Michael received a life sentence with the possibility of parole. The most important part of the interrogation was that the detectives did not force Michael into a confession from the beginning. They first listened to his story, then questioned him about contradictions and evidence. Gradually, Michael's story began to change. He moved from describing Robert's plan to admitting his own involvement in the crimes. What do you think about the detective's approach? Share your thoughts in the comments and don't forget to like and follow for more true crime stories. [bell]