You know what it is, and I know what it is, but I need you to say it. >> I don't know. >> Colby, tell me. >> What? I don't know. >> On the morning of Monday, September 20th, 2021, 64-year-old Melody Rohrer set out from Oak Shores Campground in Hamilton Township, just west of Decatur, Michigan, for one of the walks she took almost every morning along County Road 215. She was a retired nurse and a grandmother of four. She never made it back to the campground. Within a day, the search for a missing walker had become something else. Investigators had evidence she had been struck by a vehicle. No one had called for help, and Melody was no longer at the scene. The trail led to a 29-year-old man from White Pigeon. Police found him asleep in his black Ford pickup in a Walmart parking lot, the front end badly damaged. He took them to Melody's body, left in the Three Rivers State Game Area in neighboring St. Joseph County. Now he sits across from two detectives. He says it was an accident in the fog, and that everything after it was panic. They have heard that version once. Today, they want every detail of it. This is the interrogation of Colby Martin. >> I think what we're trying to do is to do is make sure we're talking to the right person here, you know? Is it okay if you don't you have a driver's license >> I didn't have anything like that, did you? And I was in my car driving. >> Okay. And then, I just want to let you know that remember when I read you the Miranda rights a little bit ago, those still apply to you right now, okay? >> Yeah. >> All right. >> [snorts] >> And this is we talked before, here's my Phoenix is a video. You know, I have not told you why Well, we we discovered that that was on your own free will. We want to all know that. Colby, wanted to get this off of his chest. Is that correct? >> Yeah. >> And we have not talked about what brought us to him yet. So, that's what we're going to do today. Is that Now, you want to hear what we what brought us to all this. Correct? And then you tell us your side. Miranda still applies, okay? If you don't have to feel comfortable saying something, say, "Nate, can I have a minute to collect myself?" or something like that. Not a problem. Same thing with Kyler. Do Do you want a glass of water or anything like that? We'd be more than happy to get you whatever you may And Colby, you and I didn't talk about this, so I I don't want to bring it up to you now. What brought I can You You probably have an idea why we've made contact with you today. Um just a little bit history about that since I haven't told you anything yet, but I think you It's fair for you to know that yesterday we got this we got called down to Rapid Decatur area. Do you know where that's at? >> I mean, I I yeah, I mean, I know the name, but I don't know where >> Okay. Do you Are you Do you frequent Van Buren County much or what? >> No, I mean, you just tell me the thing that I'll tell you the story. >> Okay. Okay. So, it's just Okay. Um why don't you just tell me the story? That That's totally okay. That'll save us some time. >> Well, I ain't I was at work and then cuz my mom was sick, so they were like cuz we're medical, you know, so they were like, "Well, maybe you shouldn't be here." >> Did your mom have COVID or something or >> Well, her her husband had COVID, so she was around her or something. They just were being cautious. >> Mhm. >> So, I didn't want to go home, so I was just driving around and I got lost. So, I was just, you know, driving. >> Mhm. >> And then it was foggy out that morning. And out of nowhere >> What came out of nowhere? >> The lady. >> Okay. >> And then I tried to miss her, but I couldn't. Then I just got scared. >> Mhm. >> Didn't know what to do. I should have just called the cops. >> So, what happened after you after you hit her? >> I don't know. I don't know. >> What's that? >> I don't >> Okay. >> I mean, like I just I scared and left. >> Did you leave her there? >> I put her on the end of the bag. >> In the back of the truck? Do you know if she was >> so [ __ ] stupid. I'm not I'm not a bad person. >> No, I don't think Kyle and I neither one of us said that you were a bad guy. >> the whole >> [clears throat] >> situation just looks like I'm a [ __ ] psychopath or something. >> No, we we neither one of us has said that, have we? >> Not at all. >> No. >> I'd never say that, but >> Listen, I bet you'd be surprised how many people would tell you that. And we're not going to say that. Was she Do you think she was still alive when after you hit her? She wasn't. Okay. So, from that point, where did you where did you go? >> I just went back down into where we were at. >> I love you. >> Yeah, I just >> Did you drive right to there? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I don't know why. I just >> Are you familiar with that area? >> Down there a little bit. >> Okay. >> I just scared. I don't know why. I don't know why. >> Mhm. Did um Do you have any idea what she was wearing? >> No. >> Okay. And correct me if I'm wrong, it did some significant damage to your truck, right? Is that all from just striking her or did you hit something else? >> No, I had a deer the other day. >> Oh, you did hit a deer? >> So, it's all like one >> Okay. Do you know how long ago that was that you hit the deer? >> I don't Sunday maybe. Saturday or Sunday. >> Okay. Did you report it at all or not? >> No. >> Okay. Do you know where where it happened at? Just a rough idea? >> I'm like home. I was like around Texas Corners or something like that. >> So, Saturday or Sunday or up around Texas Corners. Okay. >> All right. >> You don't know what road it was on though. >> No, I don't even know the names of those. >> Okay. And then shh driving in the middle of roadway because it's one of those hilly bumpy roads. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And where do you think she was at lo- when you came upon her? Was she in the roadway? >> Yeah. >> Okay. How far into the road do you If this is the center line >> [snorts] >> Probably like not in the dirt, but like in the middle of the road. Say like that's the dirt. >> Yeah. >> Mhm, she was right there. >> Okay. So So in the travel lane is what you're thinking? Okay. >> What Now once you hit her do you lose control or anything like that? Okay. You come to a stop I'm assuming you come to a stop because you said you put her in there. Did you Did you check her for signs of life? >> I tapped her and I said asked her if she was okay or anything. She didn't say anything. I was like freaking out. >> Yeah. So when you you got her in the back of the pickup truck. Did you cover her with anything once you put her in the back of the pickup truck? >> I had like a towel or a blanket. >> Okay. Where you Did you put that over the top of her? >> Yeah. [snorts] >> It didn't blow off when you were driving down the road? >> When I got down there it did. >> It Did it blow out of the pickup truck? >> I know where it went though. >> Okay. So somewhere alongside the roadway is the blanket? >> I don't know. >> Do you know what color blanket it is by chance? >> It was like green. >> Green blanket? Was it a heavy blanket or a light blanket? >> Like a weight put on a couch. >> Okay. Like a throw maybe or >> Kind of like that. >> Okay. So you covered her with that blanket at one time inside the truck and you took it out and put it over the back? >> Yeah, it was just like an extra sitting there. >> All right. >> This sounds so stupid though. >> Listen, you were the only one that can tell us what happened out there. >> but I just sound dumb. Like >> Tell me Tell me why what sounds dumb? >> I should have just [ __ ] called you guys and stopped being so scared. I agree. I agree and then I believe that's why you wanted to tell us what happened. Is that right? You are you want people to know your side of the story what happened out there but this wasn't you tracked this lady down you stalked her right you know and by you telling Kyle and I what happened out there we've got the story what happened cuz otherwise we wouldn't know you know. It's the way I feel really bad. I don't I believe you. Yeah, I'm sure you did not do this on purpose. And you didn't know this lady right? I did just a little bit. I might have got on there I don't know what it I just was wondering you know >> [clears throat] >> so when you got down that back road is that when you just decided this is where I'm going to put her? Yeah I just didn't know I was like I can't tell you guys now it's too late. You probably do you think you would have come forward sooner or later I mean I mean I thought about this morning. Yeah. I said like I can't just let it do that like right. It's [ __ ] up. I'm not like that I'm not you you did work for a while that morning. Do you know how what time you supposed to show up for work? I go to work at 6. 6 o'clock. Do you know what time you punched out or anything like that? I think I left around like 7:30 maybe. Okay. 7 And then that's when you just started cruising around after that? Okay. And I just want to confirm you're not familiar with this part of okay. All right you didn't grow up around here or anything like that. All right. Once you put her in there, did did her clothes or anything fall off of her? >> I don't I did >> And I'm just asking you just just to the best of your knowledge, God I mean cuz you know, Kyler and I didn't go up there where you where you pointed her out to us. >> I don't know. Maybe I don't know. I didn't really look. You know what I mean? Like I was just in shock. >> You didn't take them off of her though, right? >> No. >> Okay. All right. Just had to ask. >> Yeah. >> All right. And then tell me about her her cell phone. >> I didn't see a cell phone. >> How did her SIM card get put into your cell phone? >> My SIM card? >> Her SIM card put into your cell phone. >> How? >> I don't know. That's what we're asking you. That's how we were able to locate who you were. Remember I didn't tell you anything about this I'm bringing up to you now. Yeah. That's how we were able to develop you as a person of interest is because your two phones were moving together and and they're mirroring off each other and then the information was is that her SIM card was put in your phone, but that's not the case. >> I don't I didn't take it out. >> Okay. >> I don't even have like the push button now. >> Okay. >> I don't even have like a home button. >> Mhm. >> And then like No, I didn't take it out though. I don't know. >> Do you remember what you what you did with her cell phone? >> I did I was in her pocket. I don't know. I didn't see her phone the phone though. >> Okay. All right. So maybe her phone might still be with her. >> I don't know. >> Okay. You didn't do anything with her phone. Okay. >> I didn't want to look. I didn't want to see anything. >> Okay. So what's And now when you drop her off how long I don't How long did you say you were driving around for after this terrible accident happened? >> Let's say hour or so. >> Okay. You You don't uh you put her there and then where do you go from there? >> Home. >> You went home? You stayed home for the rest of the day after that? >> Yeah. >> Never left mom and dad's? Okay. Did your Did your mom and dad see your truck? >> Yeah. >> Did they ask you about it at all or not? >> No, I didn't tell them anything. >> Okay. Now, you had some damage you said already to the truck, right? From uh over the weekend? >> Yes. >> Tell me what's going through your mind today. >> My life's over. >> Why do you think that? >> Because I got to live with that forever. >> Okay, but don't you think what you're doing it by coming forward and by coming to Kyle and us and you're out there, you know, I can't use >> I mean, how am I going to get a job now and all that [ __ ] >> Everybody This is not the end of the world. You made a mistake. >> I just started getting my [ __ ] together and now I'm back. >> Tell me about how you getting your [ __ ] together. What What happened to something happened in your life before that? >> Well, I just started a divorce and [ __ ] I took that real hard and my son was taking it hard and >> Yeah. Divorces are hard. How do you still feel about your your ex? Do you still have feelings for her? >> Yeah. >> What about her feelings back for you? You don't think so? >> Not done now. >> What? She don't know about this? >> She not find out. >> She doesn't know about this? >> Well, it's going to be on the paper. >> She don't know about this? You know? Colby, I think this This is a horrible thing to happen. Horrible accident. Um you know, it speaks volumes whether you want to believe it or not uh for you coming forward and telling us what happened, okay, and to tell us where we could find her. You know? Did you or did you not feel a sense of relief once you said that? >> I mean, I'm glad so she's not just laying there. Emily can have her, but I just feel so bad. Like I >> I I'll I'll be honest with you, I don't think anybody's a winner in this. I think I feel sorry for you and I feel sorry for them. You know? Yeah, just That's why they call them accidents, you know? If this would have totally different >> If I just called them, that would have made it >> Right. >> [ __ ] different. >> Right? Yeah. But we didn't get >> I just I never I don't >> I didn't say so. >> Notice what these detectives have not done. Through this entire opening stretch, they have not challenged a single answer. That is a choice. The blanket where she was on the road, an hour of driving going straight home, never touching her phone. Every one of those details is now on the record in Colby Martin's own words. A detailed uncontested account gives investigators something precise to test. And the second detective is about to begin testing it. >> [clears throat] >> And you how how old are you? I'm sorry. >> 28 years >> So you've been driving for about 12 years. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So you knew that you had to report an accident if you were involved in one, right? >> I don't know, I didn't think about that. So I didn't think about that. >> Especially if somebody's hurt. >> Well, no, she had already >> Yeah. >> It's not like I was trying to hide anything at all. I'm just >> Do you believe that and I I like I said, I think I already asked you this, but do you think you would have came forward >> [snorts] >> before we made contact with you to tell us what happened? >> I tried to find a way to tell them. >> Mhm. >> I wasn't just going to leave her there. >> Right. Yeah. >> I just was scared and That's why I don't know. It doesn't make it right, but >> Well, we did have some >> [clears throat] >> I didn't not see, you know, any point that her her location out to Kyle and I didn't go up there and take a look at her, but the the detective from the state police that did walk up there, he did have concerns about the way she was undressed, okay? And that's why >> How was she undressed? >> Just and it could be from pulling her out of the vehicle or something like that, okay? I just wanted to make sure that we were on the same page, yeah. >> That's [ __ ] up. >> Yeah. So, um Kyle. >> Um I'm kind of a details guy. >> Yeah, okay, yeah, go on. >> So, um I appreciate you telling us and really you you're doing the righteous thing. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> Um we're going to work through this. It's a hurdle. Yeah, it is, but we're going to work through it. We're going to get you through this. And uh but I'm more of a details person. >> [clears throat and cough] >> Um days to talk around >> [laughter] >> Um anyway, I was just wondering if we could go through a little bit more details step by step of kind of what happened and um make sure that we have the dates and the times correct and stuff like that. >> I'm sorry, guys. >> And uh just some of those details. >> [snorts] >> Do you mind if >> I'm not going to do this again. >> When exactly >> [snorts] >> did you strike this lady? >> I have no I have no, I mean >> Do you remember if it was what what day it was? >> It was yesterday. >> Yesterday, okay. And do you remember about what time of day? >> I was maybe getting 8-ish, like around there or so. >> Okay. Okay. And um >> [snorts] >> can you describe the weather for me? >> It's like hazy, foggy. It wasn't raining though. Oh, wait, it was raining on and off, I think. >> On and off, but I think so. >> Okay. >> So, it was about an hour. I think what it was mainly though was bumpy. >> [snorts] >> Yep. >> I just remember like it was you know, bouncing a little bit, you know. >> Sure. >> I was just like I mean, cuz I don't even know like where I was at. >> What did you see? >> Fog and then like last minute, she appeared. >> Okay. What did she look like? >> Just a blur, you know, I mean, I [snorts] didn't see her. >> Do you remember colors or anything or >> I don't think so, I mean. I thought she had something yellow on. >> Okay. >> But, that's the only thing I could think of. I mean, I didn't >> She was wearing something yellow? >> I think. I mean, like that's what I like it looked like when I was driving and I had a yellow figure. >> Okay. All right. Um anything else? >> I don't think so. I mean. Okay. >> I don't think so. >> Like what did you see? >> [clears throat] >> What are you looking for? >> I'm just trying to get you to describe what you saw. >> Yeah, I mean, it just happened so fast though like she came out of [snorts] there, there was nothing there and then she was there. >> And do you remember where at your vehicle she would have hit? >> I don't know, it's like I'm assuming in the middle. Middle, which I thought it would have been like the side cuz I tried to turn last minute, but I mean I probably wasn't that much time in. >> Okay. So, after >> [clears throat] >> you hit her, what happened next? >> I stopped. >> Okay. Did you >> Got out, went up to her, ran up to her. >> Where was she at? >> Right on the side of the road. >> Okay. [snorts] Do you think she was on the paved part or somewhere else? >> I think she was more in the grass. But, like close to the road. >> Okay. >> Then I went up to her, asked her like, "Hey, are you okay?" And then I fell. >> Was there any response from her at all? >> No. Okay. All right. Um where at on her body did you check? >> I touched her shoulder. I I mean I like pushed on her shoulder, moved her. And she didn't do anything. >> Oh, okay. Um So, back up just a little bit. What did you said you swerved to the right? >> I I tried No, I mean I I don't think I just tried to go like I seen something. >> right. Yeah. Yeah. >> Instinct, you know. >> Okay. So, correct me if I'm wrong, did you stay on the road or you went off the road? >> I stayed on the road. I didn't turn right. I went left [clears throat] cuz I was going this way, you know, and then she was walking right in my lane. So, I tried to go towards I mean I was that's where I was trying to go, to the opposite way, but >> Okay. >> You know what I mean? >> And then what? >> And then I just got hit and then I stopped. And I got out, ran to the car. >> You said you stopped in the dirt part? >> Yeah. >> Okay. How did you get to the dirt part? >> I don't know. I stopped. I I chuckled. I stopped. I don't know. >> Okay. All right. Um Did you have to walk very far to get up to her or how far away were you when you stopped? >> I don't know. Like 20 ft, 15 maybe. I was close, but Okay. It was close. >> Behind you? >> Oh, yeah. >> You stopped the same direction? >> Yeah. >> You stood there before you decided to you know, do something and load her up. >> I don't know. I thought I just started freaking out. It wasn't very long. So, I was scared. I was like I don't know what to do. >> How did you freak out? >> In my head, you know, like I don't know. I was just >> Okay. >> I shot up. I don't I never >> Sure. >> Don't wish that on anyone. It hurt. >> Mhm. >> And it wasn't right, but I don't know why I laughed. >> How long do you think it was before you made that decision? >> Say >> Roughly? >> A couple minutes, maybe. >> A couple minutes? >> After I like talked to her and asked her if she was okay, and then I was like, "Shit." Freaking out. >> So, she was clearly dead at that point. Did she have any injuries that you saw? >> It looked like her arm was broke. >> Okay. >> That's the only thing I could got her out of the truck, and I just drove. Trying to figure out what the [ __ ] was going on. >> Mhm. How did you get her into the truck? >> Just picked her up. >> Um Like how? >> Like under her like forearm, no. And I slid her onto the bed. >> Um You would you tailgating? >> Yeah. >> I put her down. >> Down? >> Down. >> So, on the back of the truck? Into the bed. Um So, like were your arms under her arms or how how did you pick so? [clears throat] >> Yeah, like pick her up like you'll fireman's carry or whatever you want to call it. >> Okay. >> Or whatever, you know. >> Okay. Under her arms? >> Mhm. >> That's so stupid. You guys think I'm [ __ ] up? >> We don't think you're [ __ ] up. We think that you Like you said, you were scared and you panicked. I mean, this just happened, and so >> Colby, did you did you clean your vehicle at all last night or this morning? Did you drive through a car wash or anything like that or just look like there was a some fresh water and stuff in there. Did you Did you wash your vehicle out or clean it yourself? >> I don't think I went to the car wash since like Friday, maybe. >> Okay. >> Did you do anything to wipe it out today? >> [clears throat] >> I don't think so. >> I mean >> Like wipe wipe >> Well >> We need you to be honest about the wipes >> like Armor >> Yeah, something I >> Okay, did you use those in any way? >> I think so. But it is I do that like every day though. >> Okay, where did you use those at? >> Like on the >> Where at on the pickup truck? >> Dash and everything. Just like on the Like I was sitting in the parking lot on the board so I just >> Nothing in the back of the truck vehicle you would not Okay. All right. You know, was there floor mats in the back of the truck? Is that Did you put your floor mats in the >> Oh, yeah. >> What what was up with that? >> I was cleaning it. >> Oh, and that was when? >> That was I forgot it was even in there. >> [clears throat] >> I don't know why I took that out. >> It was Was it before yesterday? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I had box maker too and trash and [ __ ] >> Okay. All right. Yeah, I just I just want to make sure that just you know, I know we had a lot of dew and stuff and I think it rained a little bit so I didn't know if that It looked like there were Looked like to me the truck had been cleaned and I just This is why I was just inquiring about that. >> it in a while. Well, being days. >> [snorts] >> Okay. >> Um >> [clears throat] >> What else did you load up with her? >> I That's it. That's all I got. >> What do you mean? What What else did you pick up off the ground? Anything? >> That doesn't mean she was just walking. >> Did she lose any items off of her? >> No, I don't know. I didn't even grab anything. But, don't know if she had anything on her. >> So, other than her, you didn't have any >> left her and I left. I felt scared. >> Can you explain the phones a little bit more? >> I didn't know she had a phone on her, though. I don't know how they [snorts] would do that, though. Like, I don't know how they can, you know, find her phone. You got to have like the some thing that pop that out with a needle. >> Okay. Did you check anything on her, any of her clothes? >> I didn't want to look at her, you know what I mean? Like, I didn't want to see that. >> All right. >> I mean, it sounds really bad, but >> I'm sorry. Listen, I I believe you, you know. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come forward with the information, let us know where she was. You know. And I do believe that that you would have come forward sometime and given somebody else some information on where to look, whether it be anonymously or whatever. >> I shouldn't have >> That's a lot to live with, isn't it? >> All right, sir. Where did you tell us where did you go from there? >> Home. >> To White Pigeon? >> Yeah. >> Your parents' place? >> Okay. >> And then did you stay there all day or go anywhere else? >> I just stayed home. >> All right. >> Yeah. Yeah. I was >> Yeah, that's when I talked to them. >> Is that what you did when you got home? >> I did. Yeah. I think so. Pretty sure. I remember them calling me, asking me where I was at, and I'm home. >> Your mom and dad had called you yesterday? >> I think so. I think it was yesterday. >> And then, were they home when they called you to see if you were where you were at? And they were in the room. >> Okay. >> They just didn't know. So, I went down to the basement. >> Okay. >> Then I went back upstairs. >> All right. And then did you eat dinner with my your mom and dad that night? >> I don't think so. I usually do my own thing usually. >> You didn't go out to get dinner or anything like that? What did you do for food? >> just cooked something. I don't think I ate. I might have made wings. >> Okay. But we're sure that we didn't leave the house then. Okay. >> I don't remember leaving. >> [clears throat] >> And you don't remember And you don't remember ever seeing a cell phone with her? You never touched a cell phone? >> Her having a phone, no. >> Okay. All right. Okay. >> Is your prints or anything going to show up on anything that she has like a cell phone? >> No. I mean, just wherever her arm might grab her. That is it. >> Okay. Cuz you know they're going to be checking, right? >> Yeah. >> They're going to be sending some of this stuff to the lab. And so again, this is Now, I want to make it clear here. >> The last time [clears throat] I talked to >> Cuz we don't want any surprises. >> You know, I'm talking to you. Picked her up, put her in the driver's side. Put her out. >> Okay. >> That's it. >> Okay. All right. >> Is there any reason that um there be any DNA inside of her at all? >> No. No. >> Okay. Cuz again, they're going to be checking. >> Yeah, I know, but no. >> And and sometimes this happens. I mean, that's why we ask. It's all of our standard questions that we always go through, but they're also going to check. And so, you know, we don't need any surprises there. So, there's no reason that you're going to have DNA inside of her, any semen inside of her, anything like that? From you? >> Okay. >> [ __ ] no. >> Okay. Well, we just you know, we have to ask. >> I know. I'm just saying. Yeah. >> What we would like to do, Colby, is um just collect some DNA from you if you don't mind. Okay? Um this is going to save us a little bit of process and totally eliminating all that stuff. We don't We don't have any proof right now that anything other than the crash happened and that she died. Okay? It's just suspicious to us when we find her and there could be very several logical reasons why she didn't have any clothes from the waist down. >> I get it. Yeah. >> Dragging her through that thick brush, okay? We might find it. Might have blew off or the blanket blew off or what maybe the pants did, too. We don't know. We just have to ask. >> I get it. >> Um Yeah. So, do you I'm going to run next door and grab a flashlight. >> I think I'm [ __ ] I think that you coming forward and you cooperating with this is going to go a huge length. Dave and I, we always uh give input to the prosecutor. Look, you're a remorseful person. You didn't want this to happen. You're sorry for what happened. You're doing the right thing now. You know, that's that's workable. You're a workable person. This is not the end of the road for you. At all. You have a future ahead of you. You have You're going to be there for your kids. You definitely will. You know, that's the last thing we ever want to do is take someone away from their kids. >> It's hard right now cuz he's having a lot of trouble with uh that before. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. He's not really able to have a say right now. >> Yeah, my parents were divorced. It's it's difficult, but you know what? They'll get through it. You know? >> And now he's stressing about to jail. It's going to [ __ ] him up. >> You're not the only one that's ever made mistakes. Like I said, we've all made mistakes. >> And it's just so stupid like it was an accident and then I ended up making it worse. >> If you would, I'd like you to kind of draw out the scene if you're willing to do that. [snorts] I mean so if we just do like it doesn't have to be perfect, doesn't have to be a work of art, but just draw like the road and where your truck was and where >> Are you guys doing all this to use this against me? >> We're just trying to do a complete investigation. >> The pants are going to be thrown out. You want to try [snorts] to draw a picture? >> No, that's fine. >> Whatever you want to add to it or whatever. Um was there any of your vehicle parts? >> I mean my it was all >> Was your missing grill? >> Yeah, well yeah, that's all the stuff that's at the house. So I was I don't want it to fly off when I was driving. >> Your grill's at your house? >> Yeah, it was at the dog. You know what I mean? It was kind of flopping around and whatnot. >> Semi or whatever down >> blew it off. >> Okay. So I'm going to tell you that we found some tracks off the road. So I just want That's kind of where I was I was [clears throat] trying to get to clear this up. So I found tracks off over here. >> Okay. I don't I don't remember finding grass but whatever. Really like to write in the same spot where everything happened. >> Mhm. >> I mean I don't want to. I mean, I thought I was in >> That's kind of what I was asking you. Because >> pieces of the vehicle were all, you know, off the road and the tire tracks were off the road. So, that's why I want you to really think about that part of it. >> Yeah, I mean I mean, obviously I need to handle that stuff, but maybe That's where I stopped though. I don't know. I mean, I guess. I don't know why. I don't I wouldn't think I did this on purpose or anything. Is that what you think? >> I don't. That's but I mean, I know you >> I mean, you're doing your job though. I know sometimes your guys' job is to act like our friend and then >> I get that. I'm not trying to turn on you, but look, my concern is for the family. >> know. I get it. I mean, you're doing your job though. So >> is to make sure that the victims are taken care of. And so, sometimes it might come off mean. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be mean, but I do want to >> I just don't think anybody thinks I did this on purpose. >> Okay. I don't think you did. And honestly, I didn't think that you did yesterday when we were out [snorts] there. It's like what you were telling us is exactly what I thought had happened. If you would have called us then, we wouldn't have thought that. You know? Do you know this lady? >> I don't know. >> Is there any records that we're going to dig up that you've had contact with her before. So, you know, why would we even start going along those lines? >> What? >> Like I said, we're here >> No, I didn't. >> you know, to make sure that the family's taken care of and that we've done the best job that we can do. >> Right. >> You know, we've looked at every angle. And so, that's why we've come across some of these tough questions um because they're going to test everything. They're going to test her. They're going to test your vehicle. So, [snorts] whatever's out there will come up. >> And you did shower yesterday? Shower after you got that call? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, and then you Just before What time do you think you actually went to bed? Or tried to fall asleep? >> [snorts] >> I showered like 8:00 or 9:00. >> 8:00 or 9:00 at night? That was your Shower downstairs or is there one you have to go upstairs? All right. All right. And you you're sure you didn't clean out your truck, right? The the back end of it? >> I don't know. >> All right. Would there be a reason why when the officers went to your mom and dad's house to look there was bloody rags discovered in the trash can? >> Where at? >> In the trash can at your mom and dad's house. >> Bloody rags at my mom and dad's? >> Yeah. >> I didn't throw anything away. >> Okay. You sure about that? Because Okay. Could you have maybe could have maybe blacked out or just don't remember? The reason I ask is we did we we did go out to your mom and dad's house. >> Right. >> Um >> I didn't clean anything out. >> But Yeah. They're worried about you. But your dad did the direct us to a trash can where there was some bloody rags and such. And he said those were from you cleaning your truck. >> So, remember when I talked to you about being honest, Colby? It goes a long way. >> trying to think of when I wiped it. I mean, maybe then I don't remember it. I mean, maybe I wiped it out of the bed, but that's I didn't like clean it like >> Okay. So, that's something like >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> When I asked if you cleaned out the truck, that's what we're talking about. >> Well, I forgot about it. Like the red >> Okay. Need you to not forget. >> Okay, I'm sorry. >> Okay. You got to be honest with us. The only way we're going to go to bat for you is if you're telling the truth, okay? Okay? >> All right. >> Like [snorts] I said, we're going to be checking everything. You already know that we're down at your mom and dad's place. All right? We're already checking your truck. Okay? We're talking to you, so we need the truth out of you. Okay? Be honest with me. >> So, >> with the beer. >> When when I asked you originally if you had cleaned your truck because I thought it looked like it had been recently washed. >> Mhm. >> Did you wash your truck now? >> No, I didn't wash it. >> Okay. So, you didn't wash the truck, but what day you told me you >> I don't know. I guess I must have wiped it out with the bed of the the my bed. >> With with a hose or with just a rags? Okay. You have any idea how many rags you used? >> Just whatever was in there, I guess. >> Okay. >> Most of the time I would have done that. >> Where did the rags come from? >> Just the >> Were they ones that you had around your mom and dad's? Did you have to stop by them? >> No. I think I would I had I had some in my truck. >> Okay. So, the rags that were used to wipe out the truck came were already in the truck. >> them. >> All right. So, was there So, she must have been bleeding. Is that my understanding? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Cuz I didn't know that. I My understanding was that she just had a what appeared to be a broken arm. >> All right. >> Okay. And I don't know if you guys had talked about that. So, So, we know that she she was bleeding. Do you know where she was bleeding from? >> Like her nose, I think. >> Okay. Was there a significant amount of blood that was recovered off of these rags, okay? Um did it look Did she like pool a lot of blood in your in your vehicle? >> Yeah, it wasn't a lot when I wiped it off. >> Okay. All right. But you do remember wiping your vehicle out. >> I don't know if I did. >> Okay. All right. How about the shorts that we found in the garbage can with the bloody rags? >> My shorts? >> There's a pair of looks like cut-off shorts. It looks like some shorts were cut off or ripped or or or something that we that were found in there. I don't know if it was hers. >> I didn't throw any shorts away. >> Okay. >> At my dad's? >> Yeah, they're I said I'm not at your dad's. I'm just listening to what the officer said. In the dumpster with those bloody rags is a pair of shorts that your mom and dad don't say looks familiar to them. >> I don't remember throwing the shorts away. >> Okay. Do you remember then when you took her out of the truck? Do you remember being naked from the waist down? >> No. >> Okay. So is it your belief that she still had her her her her shorts on? >> off. >> I understand that. I'm just saying >> When I took her out, I she had clothes on. >> Okay. All right. So the shorts that are at your mom and dad's are not hers. >> No. >> Okay. I'm just ask I'm just asking. Your mom and dad just can't figure out where they they came from. >> I know. >> And your dad says he does remember talking to you about the damage to your vehicle. Um but your dad doesn't remember the car deer crash over the weekend. >> On Sunday? >> Yeah. >> Well, he wasn't paying attention. >> Okay. Cuz he says he remembers talking to you yesterday about the damage to your truck. >> Cuz when I brought it up to him so we could >> Okay. So your dad didn't see the damage to the to the pickup truck that occurred over the weekend. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Your dad okay. So your dad only saw the damage to your vehicle after you had struck this lady. All right, that makes a little bit more sense. >> Sorry. >> [snorts] >> The bloody rags and the shorts are at the car wash. >> Are they at car wash in Pigeon? Oh. It's okay. So did he go to the car wash? >> I didn't wash my car at all. >> Okay. >> I stopped there and my buddy was there. >> Who's your buddy? >> His name is Chad. >> Does he work there or something? >> No, he was just I was driving by and I seen his truck so I pulled in. Isn't the >> Is this before you got to your mom and dad's then after you put her in the woods? >> Oh wait, there we go. See? Damn it. I'm not lying to you guys. >> I understand that but I'm I'm just I'm kind of confused. >> So after that >> After what? >> I dropped her off. >> Yeah. >> Then I then I would stop by the car wash seeing Chad. >> Okay. Okay. >> Then I went home. >> All right. What's Chad's last name? All right, then you went home for sure? >> Yeah. >> All right, cuz you you're not sure if your mom and dad were home or not because your mom and dad say that >> Cuz that's when they came out and looked at the truck after I got home. >> Your dad said that was at 6:00. >> It was 6:00. No, it was not. >> I'm not I'm just saying what he said, okay? >> Cuz it was like almost dark. >> It was almost dark when your dad came out. >> All right, so that would have been late in the evening. >> So then I didn't >> You understand we're just trying to put it all together. >> to get my >> We're just trying to develop a timeline here of just collaborating the information that you're giving >> it together right now. I'm trying to I'm sorry. I'm not trying to tell you anything. >> And maybe by us bringing this stuff up it's making you remember some things. Okay. >> I feel like you guys are just playing on me. >> How How are we doing that? >> Not that I have, but like now you're mad at >> No, I'm not. I am I'm not mad at all. Okay. And I don't think Kyle is either, so you know? >> So I'd say, "Okay, so >> Did you really leave work at 8:00 Okay, so you really left >> It was like cuz my HR lady was like, "You need to go home." >> Okay. She did tell you that. You're not fired or anything like that. >> So I was like It was after It was a little after 7:00. >> Okay. >> So I was there for like an hour and then she said, "You got to go home." I got out. >> [snorts] >> I don't think I had a bunch of gas station or anything. I mean, I just went driving. And then it was like around the 8:00 No, it was early morning still. >> Mhm. >> So then that when I hit I must have driven around for a little bit then. >> Beforehand or >> No, after. I didn't I mean, trying to figure out what the [ __ ] was going on. >> Okay. So So maybe you had her in the back of the vehicle a little longer than an hour. What do you think? Okay. Are we sure about the phone? Are we sure Yeah, I just >> I never For real, I never seen her phone. >> Okay. >> I don't know if she had a phone. >> Okay. Never touched the phone or Okay. All right. >> Her clothes I did not take her clothes off. >> Okay. >> The rags I did wipe out the bed out. I'm sorry I didn't say that. >> Okay. >> What else did you throw away there? Cuz they're pulling video from the car wash. >> Remember what I told you to do with the bag? >> I know, but I'm just >> We're looking at everything, so I need you to be honest with me, okay? What else did you throw away there? >> It was the bags. >> I just threw out a pile of [ __ ] >> What else? Rags. You know there was more stuff that you threw out. >> Wasn't >> Well, then obviously there's clothes then. But >> Well, well, us >> I didn't know they were hers. >> Well, how'd they get in the trash? >> Cuz there was just a pile of clothes in the back. I thought >> Well, whose are they? >> I thought it was just like like a shirt or something I was using to wipe up. >> So, clothes in the back of your truck that you don't know whose they are, but you decided to throw them >> I had I had a box. The box is in the back there. I was heading over to the car wash then, and I just grabbed it and I threw everything. >> What else is in there? >> A pile of it. Should just be rags. Clothes or whatever that Oh, obviously the shorts now, but then I think that's it. >> Whose shorts are they? >> Well, I thought it was a shirt. >> Well, whose shirt is it? >> I thought it was mine. >> [snorts] >> Kobe. >> Cuz I thought it was just like the [ __ ] I was using to wipe up, you know what I mean? >> So, if it's not hers, whose is it? >> Well, then I don't know. >> But, is that hers then? >> Well, cuz her clothes are all off, right? >> Are you saying you put her in the back of the truck with her clothes on? Somewhere in the car ride, her shorts are off, but you don't know how? >> I said >> Tell me how that What What sense that makes. >> It don't make sense. >> Right. So, that's what I'm telling you. You got to tell the truth to us. Because guess what? When we go and pull the video from that car wash, they'll be like, "Well, he's lying about this. He's lying about this. He's lying about this." Then we're going to say, "Well, well, we're not going to bat for this guy cuz he's not telling us the truth." But, guess what? We're going to find out the truth anyway. So, you need to come clean with us, all right, Kobe? >> When her clothes are ripped up from getting hit, I assume. >> Okay. >> And then probably when I put her in, everything was like ripping off. And then I just threw everything away. >> Okay, so they are her clothes that you threw away? >> Yes. I'm sorry. >> At the car wash. What else is in there? Cuz you know there's >> I mean, for real, I don't rag and that's it. >> What else? >> I don't What else did they find? I don't know. >> Come on. >> What else did they find though? What do you think this stuff means when you know? >> We're telling you this stuff and until we tell you something, then you don't remember it. Now it's your turn to tell us something that we don't know about. >> the only thing I can think of is shorts or whatever and rags. >> There's something very significant that you should remember. >> What? >> And guess what? It's going to have your DNA on it and it may have her DNA on it, also. So I need you to tell me the truth. You know what it is and I know what it is, but I need you to say it. >> I don't know. >> Totally. Tell me. >> What? I don't know. >> You know what this is. >> [clears throat] >> Cuz guess what? We're going to test it. Everything is getting tested. I'm telling you this. >> I don't know what would have DNA on it. I'm honest. >> You had sex with her. >> No, I didn't. I would not have sex with a dead person. >> People do it. >> Well, I'm not one of those [ __ ] people. >> Why are we finding evidence of this on her? Evidence of this in the trash. >> What's in the trash? Her shorts? >> You need to tell me. >> [clears throat] >> This is all going to come out. I know. >> This is all going to come out. Colby, you >> I don't I I told you now, for real. I told you guys. >> You're leaving stuff out. >> I'm not leaving [ __ ] out. I didn't [ __ ] her, okay? I didn't have sex with her. That's [ __ ] up. It's [ __ ] up whatever happened. I know. >> Was the spent condom something that you threw in there from a time that you had relationship with somebody else? >> Well, that's over. It's not mine. I don't know where condoms. >> Okay. All right. So who >> I jacked off with one but that's it. >> Okay. But there's no And like Kyle's telling you, there's no reason to say this Is this Okay. >> I understand. That's why I think I was scared to say [ __ ] >> Right. >> I would not [ __ ] that dead girl. >> Tell me about the condom then. >> I didn't have a condom though. I didn't know I threw one away. It's a car wash. There's hundreds of people. >> So you're saying that one's not yours? >> I don't know. It might have been. But I didn't use it with her. >> But you just told us a little bit ago >> I said I might jack off in one. >> Okay. >> But I have a girlfriend and we never use a condom. >> So [clears throat] would would there be a reason why that would have been left in your vehicle? >> What? >> Your the condom. >> No. >> Okay. Is there going to be any DNA of her on there? >> I don't know. Why would there be? >> That's what I'm saying. I'm trying to find out. >> Hey, I'm I didn't have sex with her, okay? I swear. >> And you And you do know, as Kyle said, if that comes back, that's why we collected DNA. It's all for elimination purposes. Your DNA may be on that condom, right? Might be. But her DNA definitely won't be. >> No. >> Okay. >> I didn't have sex with her. >> That's all I'm asking. I'm just saying, yours might be on it, okay? Your your DNA may be on that condom, but hers will not. >> No. >> Okay. >> [snorts] >> All right. >> Mine shouldn't be on there cuz I don't use them. >> Okay. >> You said you jack off in them, so >> Yeah. >> You use them for something. >> When was the last time you would have jacked off with a condom? >> I don't [ __ ] know. That was >> A long time ago? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Like we're talking months, weeks, years? >> Probably when I lived in my old house. >> Okay. And that was what? >> July. June. >> Track how the account has moved. The truck was never cleaned, then the bed was wiped out with rags. He drove straight home, then he stopped at a car wash. He threw nothing away. Then rags, then clothing, then shorts, he finally agreed were hers. Each change arrived only after detectives revealed what they already had. That is why they held their evidence back. In an interview room, the order of an admission can matter as much as the admission itself. >> You just see how it looks. >> And all I know is you did it now. Now it's all turning. >> You were in over your head and you're flustered. You're making mistakes. You're Well, it's hard. I can't I don't remember every little thing. Okay. And I did the wiping of the thing out. I shouldn't have told you. But I figured you guys would have like made it like I was trying to hide [ __ ] or something. What? I know it sounds stupid, but I I know I'm not explaining it very well. I'm not keeping anything else from you, though. >> That's what >> I'm trying to say. >> I'm sorry. I upset you. >> We've We've talked. We've had this this conversation. You say, "Yeah, I'm telling the truth." And then I say, "Well, what about this?" And you're like, "Oh, yeah, about that." And then you talk a little further and then I'm like, "What about this?" And you're like, "Oh, yeah." It's like, what How many more "Oh, yeahs" are there? >> I don't think there's going to be any more "Oh, yeahs." I feel like I told you everything. Unless you There's something You act like there's something you know that you're waiting for me to say or something. >> I want you to tell the truth. >> I just don't know what the whole truth is. I was driving. >> Not just my direct questions. >> I drove. She came out of nowhere. I hit her, you know, like I said. Stopped. I got out. Did my thing. She was there. You know, and she was gone. I drove. Put her in the back. Drove around trying to figure everything out. Scared. Cuz I didn't know, you know. And then just driving and it ends up just I just drove her off. Her clothes were ripped off and stuff, and they did fall off. So I just threw them in the back of the truck. >> How do How do you mean they fall fell off? >> I Well, I don't know if they were ripped when she got hit. But when I had pulled her, like everything was falling, so I I don't know. I just >> So those stayed in your truck, then? >> I had to throw them in the back cuz I didn't want to leave her clothes laying out there. And then I just drove to car wash. When I seen him, then I was like, "Oh, no, I'll throw this [ __ ] away." >> What did you tell Chad? >> I just told him when he asked what I did, I said a deer. >> You told him you hit a deer? >> Yeah. >> So, did he see you put the the rags in the trash? >> I did it after he left. >> Okay. Is there anywhere else you went? >> Not that I know. I swear to God. I drove around for >> every single location is going to be pinpointed. >> No, I didn't go anywhere. I drove around trying to, you know, just clear my head, you know. Not the right thing, but but no, I didn't go anywhere else. Just drove around. >> So, those were tonight's clothes? Did you wear any gloves or anything? >> I was wearing cleaning so I didn't get like the [ __ ] on me. >> Like rubber gloves or mother gloves or something else? >> Just like I don't know. Maybe like rubber. Like utility gloves maybe like gardening gloves. >> Yep. Those are still at your house? Where are they? Yeah, where are they? >> I don't think so. I think they're wet. >> Where were you throwing those or where are they at? >> They might have been in that pile when I was throwing it away. You know what I mean? In the trash with the >> Car wash? >> Yeah. >> What kind of people are your folks? >> I'm just trying to get >> Okay. The ones that you purchased, I don't know how long ago did you purchase these condoms? Some time ago. All right. They you would have jacked off into these and somehow it would have been left in your pickup truck. And if the condom that we found in the trash can with the bloody rags and the and the shorts, come back with your DNA on it, that is an old condom. >> It shouldn't have any DNA. >> Okay, just just try it on. Okay. >> I didn't know. >> Okay, I just wanted to make sure that we knew that we were talking the same thing when we talked about [ __ ] that I want to make sure that I didn't leave something out where it's penetration with fingers, toes, tongue, >> Nothing. >> you know, anything. No no penetration into her at all. >> No. >> Okay. All right. >> I'm going to throw up. >> Yeah. >> [snorts] >> Do you understand where Kyle and I are coming from? Now, we had some concern. You told us some of the story, you know, and I almost kind of felt like we had to feed you the information what we have dealt in our hand. I almost felt like I had to tough feel like I got to tell you what kind of cards I have in my hand in order for you to tell me everything that's going that happened that day, you know? That's not fair. >> I'm sorry. >> You know? This is your opportunity to tell us what happened cuz we were not there. And not that it totally discredits what you're telling us, but when you forget stuff or you tell Kyle I didn't I didn't wash out the truck, but yeah, I did go wash it out, wiped it out. It could be her shorts, you know, I don't know. They are her shorts, or whatever we were at with those, okay? Um that it doesn't It sets us It's just it's going around. It's you know, when we could just go straight down the road and just tell us exact You know, we're just looking to see exactly what happened. Okay? Uh Kyle and I Neither one of us has said you purposely stalked this lady and and killed her. No, we've never heard that out of our mouths, did you? We never said you purposely hurt the hit this lady, did we? >> No. >> Yeah. We never said you were a monster, did we? >> I think I was worried. I guess I was scared to say about the shorts thing cuz I thought you guys would assume that. >> Okay, so so these these are her shorts, is that that you guys could not confirm that these were in fact her shorts? Is that my understanding now? >> Okay. All right. All right. Cuz I missed that. I mean I was I was out of the room. So these these >> Say some of the clothes came off when he was pulling her out of the truck. >> Okay. >> They were ripped. I mean they were ripped off. So I >> Okay. >> from the like the shirt here. >> All right. >> And then I saw when like they were just falling off so I just threw them back in the truck. >> Was there really a blanket that you put over her with you? There is. >> Sorry. I don't know. >> And this is described as a green like throw blanket or something like that. >> Kind of like a fuzzy blanket. You know what I mean? >> Okay. [snorts] >> Did any of her clothes tear off? >> Not like off off. I think the shorts are the only thing that like completely ripped off. >> Okay. >> So they're going to have damage to them? >> I got I mean I I'm assuming they There's a shirt I think her shirt was ripped too. >> The Now my understanding was she was located found she didn't have any underwear on. Did her underwear located too? >> I did. I don't know. >> I don't know. >> I don't know if they found them with those shorts. I didn't like look at them. I just I don't want to touch them. >> I know you're scared of me and I I know. >> I didn't have sex with her. >> Okay and that's that's fine. What if doesn't it look if you were cuz you you know you'd have to look at it and you'd have to ask what it >> I was scared to say the short thing. >> Right. Is that why you didn't tell Kyle in the first place about the shorts because you were afraid that we'd automatically think >> I know. >> a a sexual assault we'd think it was. >> Yeah they're like >> Okay. >> and then they're going to be like oh you had sex with her. Which I mean >> Isn't there a Isn't there a very logical reason that like you said I'm pulling her out they were ripped off her already maybe. >> I mean that's why I was afraid. >> Right. >> I know. If this [ __ ] never [ __ ] be here we should I should have [ __ ] called. >> Right. >> And we wouldn't have to worry about this. >> Wouldn't have We wouldn't be where we're at today would we? >> Yeah. But I want Kyle and I have been honest with you and that's all I was asking is that you be honest with us. >> And I feel like I'm honest. I feel got everything out I feel like >> All right. Doesn't it feel good to just Remember how we talked before? How the truth is so easy to say. But when you lie, you got to think, "Okay, what did I what did I say?" Remember that? >> Yeah, but I don't know what I said. >> The truth is so easy. >> Yeah. >> And this this was a horrible thing that happened yesterday. >> And I feel terrible. >> All right. >> You know what I mean? >> Okay. We're good? >> I think so. >> All right. Okay, I'm going to take >> [sighs and gasps] >> Colby next door for a little bit. Just have him kind of we'll put him in some some uh I know some uh jail you know jail greens for right now. Just have him relax. We'll we'll come back, figure out what we're going to do. And uh Like I said, Kyle and I will be honest with you about everything that happened, all right? We've got a lot of work to do on this. There's no lie. You know, we have a lot of work left to do on this investigation, so >> I'm sorry about that. >> It's okay. It's all right. I You got scared, but I'm hoping that you told us everything we needed to know. >> I think I've told you everything I know. >> All right. >> [snorts] >> All right. Well, I'm going to take you next door and then you and I will reconvene. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Colby Martin was first held in connection with the crash and with hiding Melody's body. The investigation did not stop there. At a probable cause hearing in February 2022, a detective testified that DNA from Martin and from Melody had been linked to condoms recovered by investigators. And that his online activity included searches for pornography involving dead or unconscious women. A district judge allowed an open murder charge to proceed. At trial in Van Buren County, prosecutors argued the collision was no accident. The defense maintained that it was. A forensic witness acknowledged that DNA could transfer through contact with her body. Martin denied any sexual act. And he was never charged with one. The county prosecutor said Michigan had no law addressing sexual activity with a corpse. On June 14th, 2023, after about an hour and a half of deliberation, the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder, failing to stop at the scene of a crash causing death, and concealing the death of an individual. On July 31st, 2023, Judge Kathleen Brickley sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Colby Martin chose not to address the court. Melody Dawn Rohrer was 64. She spent her working life as a nurse, retiring from Bronson Methodist Hospital. She was Rick's wife, a mother, and a grandmother of four. And on most mornings, she could be found walking the country roads near the campground. After the verdict, her husband said he was thankful, but that there was no joy in his family's heart. Melody Rohrer, remembered. 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