Do anybody know who this is? >> It's your husband, Jeff. >> I don't even know how we got here. I really don't. >> How we got where? >> To where? He's underneath my car. >> Did you sh Londa? >> I shot anybody. How did I move? >> So, was Aaron also shot or she was helping her? >> No, she was shot. >> A wife vows to love her partner until the very end. But what happens when the end comes at her own hands and the cops uncover the truth she tried to bury? >> So, what happened tonight that made you that you put it snap? >> How many times? >> I don't know. LA. >> Did you run him over, man? >> No. I swear to God, I didn't. I turned around, Billy. I didn't do nothing. >> All I can tell you is your truck ran him over. These were the moments when killer wives realized cops had discovered their horrifying secret. We begin with the case of a wife who swore she had no idea how her husband ended up pinned beneath her own car. But a witness standing just feet away was about to tell officers a very different story. >> County unresponsive. Looks to be head bleeding. So, you were in the vehicle and this is your husband? How did this >> I don't know. I got him in my car. >> His right leg popped. >> Yeah. Okay. >> He's still hollering. He finally stopped. He was sitting up on his left leg, >> right? >> And had already rolled him halfway over. >> Place your hands behind your back, please. >> On September 2nd, 2023, officers in Jefferson County, Illinois, responded to a Dollar General parking lot where a man was found trapped under a vehicle. His wife, 54year-old Melissa House, was standing nearby, distraught, and claiming she didn't understand what happened. But what first responders were about to uncover would turn a late night accident into something far more disturbing. >> County unresponsive. Uh looks to be head bleeding. >> County 894 head bleeding and arms twisted out behind. All right, hang on. Let me try and find a jack. Expedite response could be possible. 79. >> That's what I'm getting right now. County 894. I'm going to attempt to jack the front of the vehicle off of this patient. >> Who is this? Do we know? >> I have no ide. >> It's your husband, Jeff. >> Okay. What happened? It's all right. Get off me for just a second. Do you need a bigger desk? >> If anybody has one, that'd be great. >> This is the only one I got with me. But >> how long ago did this happen? Was it right as we were called? >> 10 15 minutes. >> As soon as I walked out. >> Okay. Who was the driver of this vehicle? >> Okay. >> Who was driving you? Okay. All right. Just stay, bud. I'll have to get your information here in just a minute. Okay. Firefighters had just pulled Jeffrey free and Melissa was struggling to explain what had happened. But the officer still hadn't heard the full story and what was about to come next would shift the entire investigation. >> So you have back of the head. You want me to jack this vehicle off of him? >> Okay. You want me to jack this vehicle off of him? >> Back of the head. He's wrapped up under there. Nonresponsive. large pull. >> Yeah, but let's start trying to get off. >> All right, we're going. >> We're going to go right there. Okay. Make sure I don't bump him. >> Yep, you're good. >> Okay. Going up. >> Tell me if anything starts creaking or weird. >> All right. I'm not going to be able to see, so I'm trusting you guys. Are you off the ground on this? >> Off the ground. Am I off of him? >> Oh, sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Did not mean to bump. >> You guys are clear. >> Okay. >> All right. We're clearing him. He's off. >> What do you got? >> She was driving. She says that's your husband. >> Yeah. She said hysterical but she smells >> pretty. >> I think this is the same jeep is looking for one of the PD guys said that they gave that flight. >> Okay fatal she needs to get >> we're going to have to get >> um >> was she in the vehicle and this is >> he's helping. So, you were in the vehicle and this is your husband, I guess. >> How did this How did this go? >> I don't know. It's my car. >> Okay. >> Okay, ma'am. >> Whatever you can recall, I need you to recall. >> I don't know what happened. I don't even know why I got to use my car. >> Okay. How were you guys in the store? What What was the buildup here? What was the leadup to this? >> Well, I No, I was with a friend from work. I don't really like that. >> Okay. How much have you had to drink tonight? >> Well, too much. Evidently. >> Too much. And were you the only one in the vehicle at this point? >> Yes. >> Okay. Where did you leave tonight? >> Were you the one that was at the Frosties? >> No, I went to Yeah. And I went Okay. You went to Frosties and 618 tap. >> Okay. About how much did you have to drink at both of those? >> Well, I don't know exactly, >> sir. But were you by yourself while you were at the bars? >> Yeah. I We don't even go out that much. We just We just go to work and go home. >> And I don't know how we got here. >> 104. Thank you. >> I don't know how we got here. >> Okay. Are you injured at all? Cream. Will you keep this going? I'm going to talk to detectives. >> Melissa had just admitted she'd been drinking heavily, but the officer still needed to piece together how they got to that parking lot. The details she gave were scattered, and someone nearby was about to fill in the blanks. >> All right, ma'am. I just need any account that you can recall. What? How did you get in that driver's seat today? >> Well, I know my husband when we were at the bar, they were arguing about me drinking too much. >> Your husband was at the bar with you. And did you drive away from the bar? >> Your husband drives? >> Yes. Okay. So, how do you get here then? >> Well, we got here and and I I departured from some friends. >> Your friends met you here? >> What's happening right now is I've talked to our on call detective. Our on call detective is calling the captain. What's probably going to happen? I'm going to need to do some field sobriety testing with you and then I'm going to need to transport you. I'm going to have to transport you out to one of the hospitals. If you have a preference, start thinking on it cuz we're going to have to do a drop. I want to go to a good >> Sam. Okay, I'll be right back with you. So, Melissa, will you consent to some field testing? I need to know how much you've had to drink, if you're sober, if you're okay to drive. If you're not, >> so you're not okay to drive? No. >> Okay. Are you going to consent to some testing for me? >> It's some standardized field sobriety testing. >> My husband was driving. >> Okay. >> A witness had been watching from across the lot, and his version of events was about to change everything the officers thought they knew. sat there. She pulled up. Little white car pulled pulled up beside her. >> See guys are getting all the TCR arguing back and forth. >> These two are >> Yeah. Her that dude there and the guy was doing all the yelling talking about my wife and the other my girlfriend and all back and forth. >> So the other male is in the white car at this point. Yeah. >> Okay. of the white car. Well, they finally got they calmed down. The white car backed up and leaving and it I didn't I wasn't looking. Then I heard a thump and when I look back over he's laying spread eagle on the ground. >> Okay. She goes and gets in the car, fires the car up, lights up, turns the fog lights on, and then turns the left one on and turn the right one on and starts pulling forward. And the dude standing in the door, he's hollering her stop. I'll follow her and stop. And when she finally stops, she was sitting up on him. He literally rolled over. >> Okay. Um, >> he was laying flat. >> So when you hear first, how was male position? flat on his back >> back just like that. >> Was there any that you noticed at that point? Okay. Um >> you start bleeding till she run over. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Rolled up on him. I heard I heard his right leg popped. >> Yeah. Okay. >> And he still hollering and she finally stopped. He was sitting up on his left leg, >> right? >> And had already rolled him halfway over. >> Okay. >> He was under the undercarriage. After hearing the witness describe what he saw, the officers went back to Melissa. The questions they had for her now were very different from the ones they'd started with. >> Hey, Melissa. >> Yes. >> So, who was the guy in the white car? >> White cars. >> He said he heard your husband and somebody else arguing. Who's your husband arguing with? >> That the only person I could think of is um that I worried with. >> Okay. >> That's all I can I >> Do you know his last name? apartment. >> Where do you work at? >> I'm trying to think. I'm sorry. >> No, no, no. It's all right. We just need >> my husband. So, >> okay. We're going to step in front of his vehicle. Okay. >> I know. I have too much drink to drive. >> That's what you're trying to discover. Just with your eyes, not with your head. >> I didn't move my head. >> Follow the tip of my finger with your eyes. You're all right. Two. One. Okay. Cuz I know you said you had too much drink. >> Were you drinking here or were you drinking somewhere else? >> Yeah, I was drinking somewhere else. And whenever we left, they said, "You're not driving anymore." My husband drove here and then Oh, I went to I was going to go get gas or something. I'm in my car. He's over. >> Your husband drove here and then But you got in the car here going, >> but you never left the parking lot. >> Melissa had already refused to finish the sobriety tests and that decision forced the officers into their next move when she wasn't going to be able to talk her way out. >> Sam's instructions. trying to give me a deep >> I have to check if you're able to drive. >> And so I didn't drive. >> Oh my god. Where's my husband? >> Okay. Are you are you clear on those instructions? >> No. I want to see my husband. >> I can't do that right now. They've got to He's got to be with the proper medical stuff. Do you want to perform this test? >> No. >> No. Okay. >> Okay. Ma'am, would you would you submit to a breath test? >> I have a No. Okay. >> So, ma'am, at this time, you are going to be placed under arrest for a DUI. Okay. Um, what I'm going to do next, we're going to go up to the hospital. They're going to need to get from you and they'll have to submit that. Do you have any infies? >> I I refuse. >> Okay. You refuse? >> Okay. Okay. All right. Have place your hands behind your back, please. >> I want my >> If I find something out, I'll tell you. Okay. >> Um I'll follow you up there and help you get a warrant. >> Okay. Sounds like a plan. >> Head up to crossroads. >> I'm gonna go meet up with my master and let them know what's going on. >> Okay, sounds good. Hang on just one second. >> Okay, ma'am. We're going to head over to my truck over here. Where are your shoes at? >> I don't know. I lost them. >> Okay. >> Hey, Creamer. I did not get any photos. Could you get some photos this scene for me? Um, do you have a preference on tow company? Somebody's going to have to tow this vehicle. >> I don't know, sir. >> You don't have a preference. 1051 on call. >> I've never been this through this kind of thing. >> Okay. >> After being taken to the hospital, the questions about Melissa's husband continued. But by now, the investigation had moved well beyond what she was willing to say. >> We're going to head all the way down on the right. >> Get in there. >> Get your body. All right. Have you have a seat on the bed, folk? >> Not yet. No, >> you will be able to in just a moment. >> See if I can get someone to approach. >> Please, cuz I got to go. Really bad. >> Uh, no. Everything on this one. >> Okay. >> Please, can you tell me what my husband How my husband's doing? >> He's just now getting to the hospital. >> He was He was live whenever he left. He's out of the hospital. >> I cannot believe this happened, sir. I mean, I I don't even know how we got here. I really don't >> how we got where. >> So, we're He's underneath my car. >> I see what you mean. Okay. If you um if you want to put up one of those rails and take her cuffs off or she just kind of >> I love my husband. >> I understand. >> Okay. M Let me see your handcuffs. Actually, I'll get one side of that off for you and then I'll just cut you two that way. Okay. That'll be a little better anyway. >> He's working on it right now. He'll get you as quick as he can if you want to sit back on this bed for me. >> Ready? >> Can I have a phone call or something? >> That is going to be up to state. I'm not sure on that. >> Are you going to deny me a phone call? >> What's that? you deny me a phone call. >> No, no, no. They'll get you a phone call, but just when is the thing that they have to they have to figure out. [snorts] It might be when you get to uh jail. Um I'd assume >> I I'm not used to this whole process. I'm not arrested very often. >> Okay. >> So, but I do know that I can get a phone call, right? >> Yes, you can get a phone call, but just a matter of when is is the thing. Melissa's questions about Jeffrey kept coming, but the officers had already seen enough. What happened in that parking lot was no longer a mystery. >> Never in my life would ever hurt anybody. >> I understand accidents happen. >> No, [snorts] that's not it. I just don't even know how we got here. >> He was living when we left the scene. That's the last thing I knew. >> I wish I had more information for you, but they don't. >> You got to talk to somebody who's >> He's not even at this hospital. So these guys don't even know who >> they I mean they put him in a helicopter right before him out. >> So >> I don't know why it's so bad. >> Well, he had a very weak pulse is why we sent him >> this girl. The sooner I can get this done, the sooner I don't care right now. >> I know you don't. I'm so concerned about >> I know you are. [clears throat] >> Okay. So this is a love fight between anybody else that makes your brother. >> HOW DID WE GET [laughter] GOD? >> Let me see. Can we go ahead and get this draw? I promise you the second the second that I know information, you will know that information. I promise. >> I'm here to make your job easier. >> I know. I promise. >> Oh, no, no, no. It's completely It's completely understandable. >> Yeah, that's your husband. We completely understand, but the sooner we can get this done, the sooner we can get you more information. >> In the end, Melissa was charged with aggravated DUI and first-degree murder. She pleaded guilty to the charges [music] and was sentenced to 20 years behind bars. Next up, we have the case of a wife whose actions during a Christmas Eve gathering set off a major investigation. During a Christmas Eve gathering, and by the time officers arrived, she had already vanished. >> Ma'am, STOP. STOP THERE. MA'AM, DON'T STOP. I'M JUST SAYING THE LADY WHO SHOT HIM IS NOT HERE. >> You said you anybody that moved. Do you remember any of that? Do you remember shooting anybody else? You just her. >> If anybody's in that apartment hurt, I heard them. I'm not going to deviate from it. >> On December 24th, 2021, officers in Alpharetta, Georgia, were flooded with 911 calls about gunfire at an apartment complex. When they arrived, they found the homeowner, 41-year-old Lashondaanda Allison, her two daughters, and her daughter-in-law with serious injuries. The person responsible, 51-year-old Stephanie Azy, Lashonda's own wife, was nowhere to be found. What happened next would turn a Christmas gathering into a manhunt. >> Oh, to the right. >> Hold on. >> Calm down, please. >> I'm holding you. Sorry. >> You're fine. >> To the right. To the right. To the right. Make a right >> in Huntington. >> Yes. sitting with >> and make a left. Go up past the mailbox. Make a left. >> Up past the mailbox and make a left. >> Go up past the mailbox and make a left, sir. >> PASS THE MAILBOX. PASS the mailbox. >> The pandola. The pandola. Go past the pandola. >> Oh my god. >> Please, if they're need help to the left. Okay, but that loser. >> Ma'am, stop there. >> MA'AM, DON'T STOP. LET US >> I'M JUST SAYING THE LADY WHO is not here. >> Stay here. >> He's not in there. >> Okay. Okay. >> Please go help him. >> She is not in there, y'all. You just seen me talk to her. Please go help her. Stay in there. >> Okay. Okay, ma'am. >> Okay, [laughter] >> baby. I don't know. >> My man, come get her. Please take her away from here. Take her away. Please take her over there. Let us do the thing. Okay, stay with her. >> Shot fire. >> She's not in there, y'all. >> Who is right here? Is where the victim's supposed to be. The victim is in there, but the lady >> tell me. >> Who's in there? Come out. >> WINDOW. WINDOW. YOU CAN'T MOVE. >> He got her. >> I got the right window. >> All right, guys. Vict them down. >> Okay. >> While officers worked to save the victims, they got the information they needed. Stephanie Azy was the shooter and she was still on the run. The search was on and the clock was ticking. >> All right, just talked to this victim. So, it's Stephanie Ay. She's the one who says that um is it's going to be our suspect. That's what this woman is saying her. The radio's got that they found her information on P2P and they're pushing it out. Now, this this one here, victim says that Stephanie doesn't know anybody. She has nowhere to go. Um, so that I think is going to be her the girlfriend is called, which is these these um, >> hey boss, come on in here. >> These kids in here, her mother. So we're thinking that she's they're saying she's got to be on foot somewhere. >> She's saying she doesn't know where she would [ __ ] them all over the place. So K9 track's not in >> exactly. But what I'm saying is they're saying that they think she's going to be in the area. >> Be out at the racetrack with Stephanie. Ag. Can you help me? The unit roll towards me. Which one? Let >> me tell you what happened. >> Yes. Okay. Hang on a second. Let me do this. >> I'm not going to do nothing to you. >> Yeah, man. All right. Put >> Just put your You can tell me what you're saying. I'm listening. I'm listening. >> What's in my pocket? >> What's in your pocket? my key. >> Okay. To your car. >> Reach in my pocket, man. >> I'm not going to reach in your pocket right now. >> Reach in my pocket. The gun is in the car. >> The gun's in what? That gray car. >> Yes. If you come down. >> Okay. >> Come on. >> Okay. Hang on. >> Okay. All right. Miss Agy. Hey, you're going to stop telling me what to do. I want you to lean right here. >> I'm trying to tell you where the gun is. >> I got you. You've told me that. Okay. Yes. >> Yeah. Unlock it for him. I don't. >> It's in the front seat. >> Look, the gun's fine right there. There's nobody else in the car, right? >> No. >> Okay, then. I'm not worried about it. We'll get to that. >> Down. >> Okay. Lean against the car like I've told you. >> Lean against the car. >> Traffic. >> Hey, listen. Y >> stand right here. I need you to pat her down. >> Stephanie was tracked down at a nearby gas station and brought in for questioning. Once the interview began, she had plenty to say about Lashonda, but the version of events she started laying out didn't quite match what the witnesses had already described. >> Make sure no one nobody speaks to the suspect that she's going to be brought to headquarters for questioning. >> It's fine. >> I can transport this. They want nobody to >> We'll get you. This is Officer Benfield. >> All right. I want you guys to sit in the back. >> Officer Benfield, can I get my phone? Can you get my phone for me, please? >> We'll get your phone. Bring it to you. But right now, you're coming with me. >> Can you get my phone, please? Not right now. I'm just going to use a sec. >> Have y'all started a uh tow truck? >> Hey, >> what is she doing? >> I'd go in and then put your feet in. >> Is she doing before? I'm already asking. Is my wife okay? >> Well, I'll get to that. I have some people not at the hospital but with a question. Do do you want to [music] talk to me? >> Sure. >> Okay. So, what what is your name? Let's start with that. >> Stephanie H. >> Ph. Stephanie PH. [clears throat] And how your how do you spell? A G E. >> All right, Stephanie. So, just pretty much tell me what happened today. Well, I'm not going to go back. I'm not going to tell you what happened today cuz I don't know. I just kind [music] of blanked out. >> Okay. >> August the uh 16th, my mother called my wife. She kind of sniggled. Mhm. She kind of thought [music] it was funny. blew it off like I always do about a month and a half ago. Call the police to our residence. >> Mhm. >> It's having an issue. Same issue we've been having since my little niece been born. My nephew came up on the scene cuz I called him and she thinks that my nephew's fiance and I are having an affair. We're not. But I went with my nephew's girlfriend. She's crazy. >> We married, you know, but she's a very jealous woman. She wants to put it off because she's a Scorpio. >> She has issues. >> She's bipolar. It's documented. She has a doctor that she sees over in Alpharetta. She's nuts. I try to deal with it. >> What is her name? >> Leanda Allison. >> Landa Allison. >> Mhm. >> And that's your wife. >> Yeah. I've been married for 6 years. We've been together for 9 years >> altogether. >> Okay. >> She's level two bipolar. >> Stephanie had just spent several minutes painting Landa as the problem, claiming she was violent, that she provoked every fight. But the detective wasn't just taking her word for it. And the next round of questions was about to test how much of that story actually held together. >> My wife comes out of the kitchen. She's in my face. [clears throat] Ah, talk about, you know, I'm strong. And I'm looking up at him, watch the TV. She's like, "Who? You you just texting her talking about you getting on the couch." And I was like, "Calm down." You know, I'm like, "They want me to come over for Christmas. You You got to go to work. I'm just going to go over there until they get up and I get my gift. I'm going to leave." I don't celebrate Christmas. Mhm. >> She was like, "Yeah, I don't even celebrate Christmas." I mean, she's going crazy. You know, looking up at her and I'm like, "Chill, you know, it's it's not serious. I just want to go over there." Yo, you know, I'm like, "No, Sha. You know I'm not, you know, I'm doing this." I'm like, "You know I'm not doing it." She's like, "If you go over there and get on that couch, you're going to stay over there. You're not a kayak over here. you know, like, okay, today she she did a lot. She smacked me in my face a couple times. Like when she last week when the month before, she scratched me in my face right here. Scratched me over here. She scratched my neck up. Police didn't do nothing. You know, I'm like, windshield gone. Spending money on hotel. I spent like $2,000. Nobody going to help me. Four years ago in Marietta where we live, she destroyed all of my clothes. Police come, I call them, they don't do nothing. But y'all married, you know. She destroyed everything in this apartment. Y'all married. She snatched my mom's chain off my neck at the last today. So she snatched it off my neck. I didn't know where it was. She's like, "Is it in your shirt?" She know I'm I'm upset before I'm passive. I'm always passive. >> Stephanie admitted she was the only one with a gun that night. She talked about reaching a breaking point, about being pushed too far. But the detective wasn't just listening to her words. He was comparing them to what the survivors had already said. >> Kayla was sitting on the floor. shoes. I miss Stephanie. What' you do? Cuz that's what they call me. Kayla said, "Oh, trying to do too much." And she's like, "I know." She said, "But stop. I'm just like shaking my head and I I had my gun in my hand. I was like looking at her and then I'm going to look back in the kitchen. I saw I saw what I had. I said I did that just stop and I just left. I just want to have my kids. >> So, do you anybody that moved? It looked like I was just like, you know, she had slapped me in my mouth a couple of times. She when she slapped me in my face when my the chain was gone or I I just like it seemed like I I just had enough, you know? All I did I tried to help her. This is she just so disrespectful. I'm just like I just snap. The questions turned to who else had been hurt. Stephanie's answers came slowly, piece by piece, and the picture forming in that room was becoming harder to reconcile with the one she had started with. >> Can I ask you, do you do you usually carry a gun with you? >> Who don't carry a gun? >> Oh, yeah. A lot of people don't. But do you like do you conceal carry it all the time or >> No, but today I did cuz I didn't work today. >> Okay. What? What kind of What kind of gun do you have? >> I got a 40. >> A 40 >> that I bought legally. >> I understand. Do you know what kind of brand it is? >> It's a Smith and Wesson. >> Smith and Wesson 40. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Is So when you snapped after all that happened, >> I already had it on me. >> You had it on your person? >> Yeah. >> We knew Stephanie. Before we continue, I want to say, you know, at any time you want to stop, we can stop. Just got to let me know. >> Listen, I ain't I'm not going to I'm not trying to hide or Yeah. I'm I'm 51. [clears throat] >> Mhm. >> I'm a grown >> and I ain't going. And and the the reason we're here is because you know we have >> the call came out and >> uh we have some people in the hospital and you know people especially in the apartment complex they hear things and they start saying I saw this, I saw that. So we don't know if there was a out uh then we start getting some clarification. Well uh >> Stephanie left. >> Yeah, I did. I told you I live, >> right? But and and that's what I'm trying to get is so it was so we know it was uh you the confrontation that she had Leanda had toward you because [music] of the mistake of the text. >> Mhm. >> After the chamber, you went into rage. You kind of snapped. You told me >> I ain't going to even say I went into a rage. I kind of I just like had like I don't know. It seemed like I had enough. I just like blacked out, >> you know, and then I would have never lay a finger on her ever. Man, she done did all kind of stuff to me. I would never touch her. >> Stephanie described seeing the victims on the floor, the weapon still in her hand. She didn't deny what she had done. But there was one question Stephanie still hadn't asked, and the answer was about to hit harder than anything else that night. >> Do you remember any of that? Do you remember anybody else? Do you just her? >> [sighs and gasps] >> No, I know. When Kayla started talking to me when I looked back in the kitchen. >> Mhm. >> Her eldest daughter was in there with her. She was on the floor with her. K was on the floor. >> Who Who is that? The eldest daughter. That's Aaron. >> Aaron was so was Aaron also she was helping her. >> No, she was do you also Aaron? >> I was the only one. >> What was that? >> I was the only one there. No, nobody else was Nobody else had a gun. >> Okay. >> So, yes. >> Okay. Like I'm if if anybody in that apartment is I'm not going to I'm not deviating from it. >> Mhm. If anybody's in that apartment hurt I hurt them. I'm not going to deviate from it. Nobody else had a gun in that apartment on them. >> Nobody else was acting a fool but Sha, >> you know. Was Kayla as well or she was not? >> Yeah, she was. >> How about did you see Ryan? >> Ryan came to the door. I saw her come to the door and that's before Kayla even said anything to me. >> Okay. >> Sorry. >> How did you Ryan? >> I don't know. Did I Ryan? >> Well, I'm I'm going to find out. something. >> I don't know. I know she was there cuz her car was outside. >> Okay. But you see she came to the door. What? What door? The front door. >> No, her bedroom door. >> Bedroom door. Okay. >> We have a like a roommate style. Like her room is all the way on the other side. So our bedrooms are like this. >> Okay. >> So I don't know. >> Okay. So, but when when Kayla called your name and you kind of realized again, who were the people that you saw that were >> uh my wife, Aaron, and Caleb? >> Okay. And you still had the gun in your hand? >> Yeah, it was in my hand. >> Okay. What do you do with that gun? >> It's in the car. >> Okay. So, then you left the apartment. >> I told you I left. >> Stephanie finally asked about Lashonda. The detective left the room to get an update. When he returned, what he told her stopped the interrogation cold and left her collapsing under the weight of it. >> Are you okay? >> I I'll get you an answer. >> Where did they take it to the bathroom? >> Come on. Calm down. Calm down. Calm down. [laughter] Calm down. >> Don't Don't You're going to hurt yourself. Is she okay? Is she okay? >> Just have a seat. Have a seat. Okay. >> Have a seat for me. Okay. [laughter] Have a seat. [screaming] Just sit down, please. All right. I'm right here. Stephanie Shondaanda passed away. [screaming] HELP ME. A LOT please table. [laughter] Why you would leave me alone? Why? Why she would leave me alone? Please, you're doing it too much. Why you do that? Why you take my mama? >> Landa Allison was the only victim who didn't survive. her daughters and daughter-in-law pulled through. Stephanie Azie was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her wife and the shooting of three other innocent people. Moving on to the case of a Florida mom whose son called 911 after hearing loud bangs from his parents' [music] bedroom and what officers found inside that house was far worse than a family argument. >> Coral Springs police. You're in the house. Come outside. Don't pull people out. We need someone to grab them. >> He didn't know you own guns. He was like, I've never seen him [ __ ] before. to what happened tonight that made you that you put it smile. >> On August 31st, 2024, officers in Coral Springs, Florida, rushed to a family home after a 14-year-old boy called 911. He had heard loud bangs while listening to music, and when he ran to his parents' bedroom, his mother, Denise Malcolm, was standing there with a gun. His father, Rohan Malcolm, was already wounded. What happened inside that room before police arrived was something no one else in that house [music] could explain. >> Open the door. Open the door. Let me see your hands. Come out. Come out. Where's your dad? Where's your dad? >> Where's the >> house? Mom, where's mom at? >> Where's mom? Come on. Come on. >> Coral Springs Police come outside. Coral Springs Police come outside. CORAL SPRINGS POLICE COME OUTSIDE. Coral Springs Police. You're in the house. Come outside. >> Whatever you want to go. >> Where's your mom at? >> Where's mom at? >> I got I got fire inside the house. >> Big police. >> Hey, call police. Give me a shield. May I shield? There's >> a female inside. The mom's still inside. CALL POLICE. COME ON. PUT YOUR HANDS UP. IF YOU want >> 25. I got two juveniles outside. >> COME ON OUT. COME ON OUT. COME ON OUT. COME ON OUT. COME OUT. >> COME OUT TO ME NOW. COME OUT TO ME NOW. >> Keep coming out. Do it now. >> Keep coming out. KEEP COMING OUT. TURN AWAY FROM ME. TURN AWAY. >> Back back. >> Who's inside? Who's got a gun? >> Who's got a gun? >> Back up. >> Don't call people out. We need someone to grab her up. >> Yeah, two of them came out. Nobody. >> Sir, is somebody hurt in here? >> Officers had just taken Denise into custody and the scene inside the house was still being secured. >> 24. The front door is a jar. One female is out. We're making announcements at the door. We have units in the back door. I'm pushing the right. Hold the air. Make an entry. 103 traffic. >> Huh? One sec. Look, >> we're just detaining you for right now. 3 hours. Got a subject down in the bedroom. >> We know who she is in there. >> We didn't She didn't She didn't want to speak to us. So, >> do we have 14 for her or no? >> No, we didn't. She didn't want to speak to us. >> The cops coming. See what wants to do. >> Okay. Um >> can you help him out with the the tape for now? 46. Put it back on. >> Ma'am, do you have a license on it? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, it's in my What's your name? >> D E >> D E N I >> N I >> S E >> S E. Do you have a middle name? >> Nicole. >> Can you spell it for me? N I >> N I >> C O >> C O >> L E >> L E. Your last name. >> Spell it for me. >> M A L >> M A L >> C O >> C O >> L M >> L M What's your date of birth? >> 6479. >> 647i. >> Can you have my boys call your uncle to come in? >> We'll let you know what will be going on with him shortly. Okay. >> The interrogation began with simple questions. Denise's marriage, the living arrangements. Denise offered her side willingly. But the detective wasn't just making conversation. He was building towards something. And Denise didn't yet know where the questions were heading. >> Is it your ex-husband? >> Not my husband. >> But you're separating. Is that correct? You were getting a divorce. Your son told me you were getting a divorce. You hadn't gotten it yet, though. Okay. Just wanted to clarify. You got a good kid, by the way. I didn't He's He's a great kid. He really is. He told me a little bit about the history with you guys. He didn't even know you had a gun. >> He didn't even know you own guns. He was like, "I've never seen him before." I was thinking, "Mike down at like 10, so I guess it was weird like that." Um, did you just buy that? >> No. >> No. >> Maybe a year ago. Oh, you had that long. Just kept it from the kids for their safety. Yeah. >> Okay. [clears throat] Denise, talk to me. Look at me. You want to talk to him? We talk to him. >> I'm James, by the way. >> Rude to me. >> I'm James. [laughter] >> Like, I know he's a good-looking guy. >> Got this new kick where I'm growing my hair out like your son. So, it's like, [laughter] >> you can tell it's to my distinct. >> I'm the young one. I'm the old one. [laughter] >> What were you born? >> Huh? >> What year were you born? >> 79. >> Oh god, I'm still older than everybody. [sighs and gasps] >> I'll give you bucks. >> I'll take it. [laughter] >> Um, your watch. >> Mhm. >> Is that a smartwatch? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Can you do me a favor and give that to him for me? We We have to take it from you. >> Is that connected to your phone? >> No. >> Is it a telephone phone number? >> No. >> Okay. I've seen that. >> Can you shut those off? >> I don't know. >> Yeah. No, just leave the >> questions turned to the firearm. In the night of the argument, Denise described the barbecue plans that fell apart. The detective was building a timeline, but the most important detail was still waiting to be revealed. >> So, did he your son didn't tell me if he uh your husband was abusive? I'm just going to go out and say it. I'm trying [snorts] to be as as as cordial as possible, but >> No, he was on physical abuse. Okay. >> So, you bought the gun a year and a half ago not to protect yourself from him? >> No. >> Okay. >> I don't think a year and a half ago. Maybe a year ago. >> Who'd you get it from? >> What kind of gun was it again? >> 380. >> A 30 380 or 38. >> Okay. We all pretty much know, but you know, I want to hear your side of the story. I want to get it from you because you have a right to tell me what's going on. >> I just I just slept. I just couldn't be anymore. >> I didn't want me just >> even going back and forth. Um I was going to move out. He kept saying, "I'm going to take the kids away from him. It's better we stay together." But I don't want to live like that. >> So, what happened tonight that made you, as you put it, snap? >> It's just the lies. The the constant lies. the guns move. You don't want me to move out. You don't want me to leave. You keep saying you want your family, but you don't because you keep doing what you're doing. >> Denise recounted walking out of the argument, retrieving the gun and what she did next. But the detective had already spotted something in the evidence that Denise hadn't yet addressed. We >> were going to have a little family thing tomorrow. because it's Labor Day. >> So, we went to Sam's, we got meat, we got stuff, and we got a >> like a cookout barbecue. >> Barbecue. >> Okay. >> When did you do that? Today. >> Yeah. So, we came back and all of a sudden he's telling me his um friends need him to come and go somewhere and he's going to go um go with his friend Chris. Then I see a bag going in a bag. So the lies just keep coming again and again and again. >> What bag? >> Yeah. It's almost like a overnight bag. >> Like a backpack? >> No. Cool. >> A duffel bag. >> Almost like a carryon but a tiny one. >> You going on a business trip and you have a >> Yeah. Did it have an extended handle on it? >> Not have one. >> Got you. Okay. So you confront him with that. What happens now? >> We just started arguing. >> And where were you in this heaven? >> The arguing part. >> In the room. >> Which room? >> I'm sorry. >> In the room. >> Which room? >> In the room. >> Which is his room or your room? >> Yeah, his room. >> Okay. That's legit. >> Well, did you bring the gun in with you or did you have to go get it? >> I went and got it. >> He went and got it. >> Where was it? >> There your bedroom. >> The detective asked why the gun was kept loaded and why Denise went back to the room. Denise spoke of feeling betrayed. But there was one more moment from that night that still needed to be accounted for. >> You mind telling me what made you go get it? I just felt betrayed cuz last night we were talking happy and the whole family thing and he always does that. He always make it seem like we're working on our relationship and then he just sideswipe it with some BS. >> How long has this been going on? Like >> 2 years. almost 3 years. >> So you uh did I mean did he specify anything today that like he said he was going to go with his friends and like at what point did you get mad? maybe an hour before everything happened cuz I said we were just plugging the barbecue and everything and then obviously he had this planned it out all all along. So the whole barbecue was a lie. He just made it seem like his friends just call and they're planning some road trip out of town and he's just going to go for a day or two. What are you talking about? Why you got to sleep and all that stuff? So, we just got married. >> That was about an hour before you got your gun. Well, that's when he mentioned the trip that he's going to go. So, we just started arguing from then, but it didn't get heated until like a hour later when I realized he was serious. I thought he just thought he was serious. He was going. >> The detective asked about the final shot, the one officers heard after they arrived. Denise's answer wasn't what anyone expected, and what she said next revealed a truth even darker than what had already come out. >> She realized he was serious. And that's when you walked out and went to your bedroom and got the gun. So tell me what happens when you walked back in. >> Nothing. >> What? >> I just pull the trigger. >> How many times? >> I don't know. Felt like a lot. >> More than two. >> Yes. When the cops showed up and started giving you commands, they heard one more pop, one more loud bang. What was that? But why the last was he did he say something to you that really pissed you off at the last time? Where'd you go? It's okay. You can tell us. Where' she? Was it in the back of the head? >> I'm sorry I couldn't hear you. >> I guess so. >> Denise admitted where the last shot was aimed and who it was originally meant for. The detective kept talking to her and as the details of that final moment came out, the picture of what happened inside that bedroom became impossible to look away from. >> Was he on the ground when you him the last time? >> He was on the >> Was he on his stomach or on his back? >> Um, it was on his um back. >> Okay. And when you on that last time, >> can you answer this for me, Denise? Were you outside the room or inside the room when you [snorts] >> just did you ever go full Did you ever go into the room? >> Go in and close the door behind me. >> Okay. So, I understand that there's shell casings on the outside of the bedroom and then there are shell casings on the inside. >> Yeah. I got the doorway and I stepped in and closed the door. >> Okay. So, how close were you when you the last time? >> Same same distance I guess where you are where I am. >> Okay. Did you shoot him in the head? >> I guess. >> It's not a guess. You You would know. Did he hit you at all? >> No, not at all. >> What about in the past? [music] He is not a music person. He li it's not like a beat up or anything. It would be more like a toss up person, but he has never like come up and beat me. What about tonight? >> No, we're just arguing. >> You live there with your two sons and your husband, correct? >> Yes. >> Does your husband ever like leave and stay long periods of time or go out for 2 days or 3 days and then come back home? >> No, he he'll stay up late sometimes, pretend he has to go to work and pick something at work or his friends call him to do something. >> What does he do for work? I see. >> And where do you think he is when he's out when he's supposed to be working? >> Another woman. >> Do you have any confirmation that that's true or >> I found out about someone which is why we were in separate rooms? >> Denise talked about the other woman, the years of lies, the Labor Day barbecue that was never meant to happen. The detective had heard enough to understand, but before it was over, there was one last question she still had to face. >> So, tonight, did he mention Did you mention anything about infidelity tonight during your argument? >> Yeah. >> And what did he say? >> He said he was just going to go out with his friends. >> And you did you believe that? >> Did you What did you say to him? He >> was lying. And what did he say to you? >> Listen to his story. >> He didn't. You confronted him tonight again about infidelity. What did he Did he deny it? >> I did. >> But you didn't believe him. >> No. >> And then you felt betrayed. >> I did. >> What's your husband's name? Ronnie. >> Bonnie, >> did Ronnie know you had a gun? >> I can't believe me. I didn't show it to him. >> So, when you walked out of the room the first time and went into your room to get your gun, did you tell him you were going to go get it? >> No. >> And then when you appeared with it, did you say anything to him? I just pulled. I've had enough. I said enough. Enough. >> You've had enough. You're tired. >> Denise initially faced a premeditated murder charge [music] and was held without bond. She later pleaded guilty to secondderee murder with a firearm and was sentenced to 21 years behind bars. Her sons were placed with a guardian and Denise was ordered to pay $23,500 in restitution. [music] Next up, we have the case of a wife who swore she had nothing to do with her husband's death. But the damage to her truck and the alcohol in her system were [music] about to tell a very different story. >> Did you run over him? >> No. >> So, what happened then? She's going to be driver, bro. >> I didn't drive it. >> You just told me you drove it from the scene, ma'am. You placed under arrest for homicide by use of a motor vehicle. Okay. And OWI. >> There's no way there was any chance that there was an accident. >> I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. On October 19th, 2023, deputies in Forest County, Wisconsin, received a call about a man lying injured on Highway 8. The caller identified him as Donald Britain Jr., and by the time officers arrived, he was already gone. Standing nearby was his wife, 50-year-old Mary Jane Terry, who had an explanation ready, but what investigators were about to uncover would turn her story inside out. >> Forest County 911. >> Yeah, there's a person that's outside my house um right on Highway 8 in Leona. Okay. >> And they're sitting outside your house. >> Yes. Yes. At uh >> was that right across from Barbs? >> Yeah. Uh just 100 yards up. >> Okay. >> Do you have any idea who it might be, sir? >> Um Donnie. >> Uh Donnie Britain. >> Britain. [music] >> Donnie Britain. >> He's hurt pretty bad. >> He's hurt. >> Yeah. Yeah. He's in the middle of the street. He's all cut up. >> Okay. All right. We'll get an officer headed over that way. Sir, >> if there's somebody that pushed him out, he needs to go after him. >> What do you know? >> He was driving my pick up. >> Okay. >> Okay. And what happened? >> I was watching cuz I'm weird. >> Sure. >> Out the door. >> Yeah. >> You were at Barb's place there or the bar? >> My house. >> You were at your house. credit store. >> Okay. So, what happened? >> I seen it. >> I seen the truck stop. >> A truck stop. Okay. >> My truck. >> Your truck stopped. >> Okay. And then what happened? >> Then I didn't see anything, so I I ran out the house. >> Okay. >> And what happened? >> What happened? >> He was there. He was there. I I got in the He's I got in the pickup and I drove it home. >> Where was he at? >> Right there. >> Okay. So, did you run over him? >> No. >> So, what happened then? Well, how do you get end up where he's at now? >> He was there. >> He was already laying there. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And I was scared so I drove the pickup home. >> Okay. So, he was driving that truck though? >> My truck. >> This male here laying on the ground. What's his name? What's his first name? >> Donnie Britain. >> Downey Britain. He was driving your truck. >> Yes. >> How'd he end? How did he end up outside of your truck? >> I don't know. I wasn't with him. I was at my house. >> So, when you showed up, he was on the ground. >> Yes. >> You took the truck and brought him home? >> Yes. >> You You took the truck home and left him here? >> Yes. >> You didn't Did you see another vehicle in the area? >> No, I didn't even see him laying there. >> Honest God, I didn't see him there. >> Ma'am, >> I turned around. >> Did you Did you run him over, ma'am? >> No, I swear to God, I didn't. I turned around. >> Okay. Where's the vehicle at? I'm gonna walk with I'm gonna walk with you over there. Okay. >> I'll stay here, Mary. Right next to the bar. >> Please. >> I'm right here, Mary. Just go with him. I'll be right here. >> I'm scared. Oh my god. I just brought him over. >> The front end damage on that truck was impossible to miss. And one deputy who had known Mary for over 20 years pulled her aside. He told her plainly what the evidence was pointing to, and her reaction was about to make things even more complicated. >> Was there anyone else outside that may have seen this, ma'am? Is there anyone else here that may have seen what happened? >> No. >> What's your first name, ma'am? >> Mary. >> I'm his wife. >> Okay. When you turned around, ma'am, did you notice that you went over anything at all? >> I didn't die. He just turned around >> and drove over here. >> I can't I don't even have the fob. He has the fob. >> He has the fob on him. >> Yes. >> Okay. What's your first name, ma'am? Mary. >> Mary what? >> Mary. >> Terry. >> Mary Terry. >> Yep. >> Is that your name? >> Yeah. >> Who's the vehicle register, too? >> Mary Terry. >> Mary Terry. Hey, Bill. Is there anything on that truck? Hold on, ma'am. All right. She's going to be driver, bro. >> I didn't drive it. >> You just told me you drove it from the scene. Ma'am, you drove it from over there in the middle. turned around and I came back. >> You walked over here or you you just told me you drove >> I walked from the house >> over there? >> Yes. >> And had the truck get back here. >> I drove it. >> That's what I'm saying. You drove the truck from the scene over here. That's what I'm saying. >> Hold on a second. No, I don't think you should go over there. I don't think you should go over there. Let's hang out here. Okay. >> It wasn't me. I was home. >> You know who who might have been driving it. >> I don't He was driving it. >> Hold on. Hold on a second. Mary, >> he's got the Bob. She just told me that he drove the truck from the bar here or from the house here up over there where he's at. She went over there. She didn't see him there. She got in the truck and drove turned around and drove the truck back. >> I don't have the fog, Billy. >> Mary had admitted she drove the truck home, which meant the deputies had a reason to test her. As they started the field sobriety exercises, it became clear that Mary's version of events wasn't the only thing about to be called into question. >> Oh, my husband's two weeks, please. >> He's in the best hands that he can be in, ma'am. He's with He's with the ambulance crew and there's another law enforcement officer there and that's all we can do right now. Okay. >> Okay. But there's some tests I need you to do cuz you told me driving. Okay. >> I wasn't driving. >> Oh, I drove from there to there. >> Yes, ma'am. So, you drove? Okay. >> Okay. And I believe that you're intoxicated. Okay. >> All right. >> So, we're going to I need to put you through some tests. >> All right. >> Okay. Yep. >> Um, let's hold right here. Won't we do it right here? >> Mhm. >> Are you looking at the tip of my finger? >> I am. You're not looking at tip my finger. Mary, we're going to do what's go. >> I'm serious. >> You are looking at it. Yes. Doesn't look like it to me from where I'm looking at it. Right here. Tip my finger. Can you see it? >> There you go. Okay. There you go. That's what I want you to do. Okay. Let's go back. We're going to go over here one more time. Okay. Let me go back. Okay. I understand that my husband is staying here. >> I know he's in the best hands he can be in. No, Mary. Okay, now we're going to go up. Same thing. Don't move your head. >> Billy, is he still alive? >> Do you want me to be honest with you? >> No. No. >> No. He is deceased and you're going to be charged with reckless homicide by a motor vehicle. at this point. Just being honest with you. >> I mean, I've known you a long time, Mary, but that's what's going to happen here. >> I wasn't driving. >> I got to Okay, you ready? >> Yep. >> You can begin. >> Nope. Mary, you're going to do nine. You're going to do nine steps. I did three. You're going to do nine. >> You told me to do three. >> I said do nine. I did three to demonstrate. You're going to do nine. So, let's do it again. >> Nine all the way out. >> Yep. >> Okay. You ready, Mary? >> Yep. Okay, you can begin. >> Now what? >> You got to keep going. I the way I explained to you, Mary. >> The breathalyzer result left little room for argument, and the decision that followed was not the one Mary had been expecting. >> You got PBT? Definitely. >> All right, Mary. >> I'm going to have you do a PPT for me. Okay. Blow into that little machine so I can see where you're at. All right. Have you ever been arrested before for OWI? Never. >> Okay. Have you ever done a PPT before? >> No. >> Blow into the machine? >> No. >> Okay. Well, hold on a second. >> I was going to call my husband. >> All right. Right after Right after we're done here, we'll go over there. >> Please, would you please tell me? >> Uh, I guess what? I I'm not the the investigating officer or anything like that. I'm just here assisting. Are you okay or anything like that? You're not injured or anything like that? >> Okay. No, like >> Oh, I was home. >> Sorry. You see this is a brand new straw? >> Yep. >> All right. I'm going to take it out of here. >> I know. I know you don't want to go through this room. >> No. >> Okay. Hold on. >> So, what it's going to do is going to show you. Nope. I I'll be touching it. You can put your hand down. It's going to take a blank test. Show there's no alcohol near. Show that it's calibrated. All right. Zeros. Yep. I'm going to have you take a deep breath in them. Put the straw in your mouth. Pass your teeth. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Blow. Oh, nope. You got to blow long and steady. You're blowing too fast. So, like I'm blowing up a balloon. All right. You ready? >> Yep. >> Hold on. All right. Blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow. Stop. Okay, you're good. Once you hear that little click, you're good. Do you know what the legal limit in Wisconsin is? >> Yep, you're 100% correct. >> Well, I own the bar, so >> Okay. [snorts] 298 298. >> Are you telling me my husband is alive? >> Huh? >> Here. >> All right, ma'am. I'm just going to put this in here for now. I'm going to have you turn around. Place your hands behind your back. >> Would you please tell me? >> Actually, you can put them in front. Just put them in front. All right. >> Would you please tell me? >> Ma'am, you already they already told you what the deal is. Um, when Billy when you talked to Billy, I don't know any information beyond what Billy told you. Billy told you what happened already, right? He was very direct with what he told you. I don't think you need me to specify that any more than he told you. Remember when you talked to Billy? Called Billy, right? What did Billy tell you? What's going on? >> He says I did it, but I didn't. >> He said you're going to be charged with that. Okay, so that's what's going on. You're being placed under arrest for homicide by intoxicity use of a motor vehicle. Okay. And OWI. As Mary was being taken into custody, a neighbor stepped forward. She had been watching from her window that night, and what she told deputies next added an entirely new layer to the story. >> Right here. >> Oh, you live right here. >> This is my house. And to begin with, I was just inside. I had my television on everything else. And I started hearing like >> yelling. I'm like, is that looked out the window? I seen Mary walk literally past my window like on my side. Like this all is my property here. She's there. >> Okay. >> So, she walked past and I'm like, "What the hell is she doing?" So, then I went to the front door and walked outside and I didn't see her at all. And then I seen the truck was here. The lights were on. So, I'm like, "Oh, and Donnie must have just got back home." >> Yeah. >> So, then I was trying to put my kid to sleep. We went walking upstairs and I started hearing yelling again. >> Uhhuh. >> And I looked out the window and I seen her up there and I didn't see Donnie. I seen nothing in the road. I just seen Mary. And I thought, "Oh, she's I'm drunk." You know? So then she's screaming drastically and then I seen somebody pull over. So then I come out but my daughter stay there and I ran to I'm sorry ran to the house and I'm banging on the door looking for Donnie to say hey Mary's up the road. >> Nothing. And then I went to the bar and Shel the bartender and some other people were there and I'm like where the hell's Donnie at? And they're like he's up there. And I'm like no that's Mary. [music] Where's Donnie at? They're like he's up there. I'm like that's not Donnie that's Mary. >> Uhhuh. So then I went going and I got halfway and then I seen there was a body in the road and then when I showed up Billy Stanley was up there he was doing CPR and I'm like I can take I remember at that time she was she was standing over him. >> What' she say? Did she say anything? >> Nothing. She was just freaking frantic and I didn't ask nothing and I just like I said I'm like Billy I can take over for you. >> So then he let me take over. So I was doing that and then he did his calls or whatever and then Mary was again frantically yelling [music] at her to get back >> at the sheriff's office. Detectives sat Mary down to walk through the entire day. The ride, the argument, the beers. But the longer she talked, the more the conversation was heading towards something she wasn't ready to face. >> I guess tell us what you know about last night. >> What part started at the beginning or if it something started earlier than last night or yesterday or day before? No, >> everything was fine. >> Oh, okay. >> We went for a ride. And we got in argument and he stopped dropped me off at home and that big window that's in my house. I see him stopping in the middle of the road. So I went to an on air to see what's wrong and he was laying there. So I got in the truck and I pulled it out and I called I was going to call 911 but the guy next door across the road called that's what I remember. >> He said we and you say he. Who are we talking about? >> Daddy and I. >> Okay. Um, so yesterday everything's going good. >> Yeah. And >> you guys are at home. You said you went for a ride. >> We did. >> Okay. What What did you Where'd you go when you went for a ride? >> Um, we always take go through Blackwell and then take around Trump Lake and back home. >> Is it like a back road hunt? Back road. >> Yeah. Go around looking for deer. >> Gravel Road, Black Top. >> Black Top. >> Okay. So, you stay on like County H that area? >> Yeah. just around the front late. >> Oh, okay. I got you. Um, anything happened on that ride? >> No. >> Okay. Who was who was driving when you went for the ride? >> I was. >> Um, did you have a driver's license? Right. >> Does Donnie have a driver's license? >> No. >> Okay. Does he drive sometimes? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, >> so you go for your ride, nothing happens, though? >> No. >> Okay. Um, what happens after the ride? >> He dropped me off at home. >> Okay. And when that's another thing, we have venison laying out all over my cupboard. We were going to cook out. >> Okay. >> And he left. >> You You mentioned there was an argument or something. >> Yeah. We just >> What was that? What was that about? >> Our same stuff that we do every time. >> I got What is I don't know what the same stuff is. >> Oh, I don't know. The stupid stuff. he'll say something about me working or whatever and then we get into argument. >> The detectives stopped circling and told Mary what they believed had really happened. What they said next forced her to face something she had been denying all night >> from your big window and you could see everything. You you would see most of this damage from inside your house. I mean it it's obvious damage. >> I don't know. >> It's like take it to the take it to the auto repair shop damage. It's not just damage. >> I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS ARE TALKING ABOUT. HONEST TO GOD, I DON'T KNOW. I DID NOT HURT HIM. I SWEAR TO I DIDN'T HURT HIM. No way. I did hurt him. And there's no way there was any chance that there was an accident. >> I I don't KNOW. I DON'T KNOW. I DON'T KNOW. I know I didn't hurt him. And that's I mean, I just want you to know that I think that that's a possibility. Mary, I know you I know you know your way around a beer bottle and you're a good drinker. And if you say you're drunk, that means you that means you're drunk. >> And if if you don't know certain things and you don't remember certain things, >> I did. >> It just it just it just makes me believe that much more that an accident happened. You're not a bad person, Mary. >> I didn't do it. That >> Oh my god. [laughter] >> But I think there's an explanation for what happened. And I think an accident is the best way to put this. You went to go get your phone, but you never got your phone. I don't know why. I don't know why. Did you go down to the storage units to talk to him and the argument got worse or what? What happened? >> I don't know what happened. I think he went to just go get in your truck and go home and he came after you. Not to hurt you or anything necessarily. Maybe it was, but I think he ran out and I think an accident happened. Mary was charged with first-degree intentional homicide and homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. She later accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 10 years behind bars plus 10 years of extended supervision. Moving on to the case of a wife who spent nearly 5 years thinking she had gotten away with it until a knock on her door from officers proved otherwise. >> Exactly what happened? >> Um I came into my room and my husband I think she I think he's on the floor. I mean I know he's on the floor. I think he's dead. Come on honey, wake up. He's cold. He's cold. >> Okay. >> Come on, Robert. Wake up, babe. >> Wake up. >> No, not at all. >> Is he breathing? >> No. No. Come on. Come on, babe. Wake up. >> If you want, ma'am. >> Yes. >> If you want to try, I can give you CPR instructions. No. >> But if you think he's beyond any help, >> come from send somebody now. They're They're on their way. What What is your name? >> Heather. Heather Hoer. >> Heather, they are headed that way and I'm going to stay on the line with you until they get there. Okay. >> Okay. >> Has he been sick? >> Well, he kind of he injured himself. >> When was this? >> This evening. >> How did he injure himself? >> He got mad. >> During the 911 call, it was clear that Heather was forcing herself to sob and act as if she had just walked in on her deceased husband. She claimed it was a self-inflicted death, but when officers arrived at the scene, it didn't take long before things started pointing in a very different direction. >> Where is he, ma'am? Get the door open. Officer come here. Mhm. >> [clears throat] >> ma'am. Did you see what happened? [laughter] >> 24.97. >> Where's the boy coming from? I am on his chest. Then I fell asleep on the couch and I came in here and he was on the floor. He was on the floor. >> Ma'am, can you watch out? I need to check his pulse. >> He's cold. >> He's cold. >> He's cold. >> When did you last see him? >> About 3. And I can't get this now. And I guess he'd gotten his razor out. I don't KNOW WHAT HE DID. I don't know. >> Upon discovering Robert lying on the ground, officers quickly noticed blood coming from his chest. Something highly unusual if this had truly been self-inflicted. But coming up, Heather gave a statement suggesting they had been together when it happened and that she'd seen him pass away. This completely contradicted what she told the dispatcher where she claimed he was already cold to the touch when she found him. >> He got out early. We were hanging out in his computer room and was he wanted to hide and I made him high and and and then I brought him to bed and he's like, "It hurts. It hurts his chest." And I take his shirt off and I don't know where I took his I took it off and I tried to go in have a seat for me >> and then do you know what he cut himself with? >> He said one of the steak knives but I couldn't. >> Hey, let's not go reach around. I just don't want you to get caught ma'am in case it's sitting around here. >> Say again. >> I don't want you reaching around just in case you get cut. Okay. Was he suicidal? >> Not that I know of. >> Was he laying here in bed and you moved over off the ground? >> And when I got up, [laughter] [screaming] back here, Serge. >> Oh my. No, no. >> We're not sure. He said he cut himself earlier the night. >> Um had been in bed in here and then she came over, put a pull him off the bed, took a shirt off. Now the last I'm seeing are deep enough and have a lot of blood protruding. But >> that's the thing that's not even deep. They're not deep enough to kill them. >> What medication does he take me on? At this point, the officers were trying to piece together what had happened, but they were soon about to make an alarming discovery. >> Actually, that one is pretty decent. >> Yeah, two punctures. That's a puncture. That's a puncture. That's a puncture. >> Oh, man. We might have to check this real quick. >> Yeah, >> I know he's big. He's going to need your help. It's going in. >> Okay. >> We might have to call detectives. >> Yeah, I will. Deep puncture. Deep puncture. Deep puncture. I didn't see it. They look superficial cuz there's no blood coming out. But after we moved them, we saw that. We're just going to secure this in the detectives and they're going to get some information from you. Okay. >> What's that? >> Okay. >> Yeah. And that one. >> Yeah. >> Close the door. >> They look equal. We're going to find out. Okay. >> Changes. >> You guys can get some information from her. >> Okay. While trying to move the body to a more accessible spot for investigation, officers noticed three deep puncture wounds, something Robert definitely wouldn't have been able to inflict on himself. As they waited for detectives to arrive on scene, they headed to another room in the house where Heather claimed they had been hanging out in the hours leading up to the incident. [snorts] >> And do you know if it was in here where he ended up possibly hurting himself or what happened exactly, Heather? >> Yeah. Well, he went I was we were going to bed and he was like, "It hurts. It hurts. And I just, you know, I put him in bed and, you know, and is there any marks on him at that time? >> I didn't notice any at that time. And then I went a little later and there was He's like, "It hurts. I was there." I was like, "Of course I said dirty words." What the did you do? Did this happen whenever you were moving him on your shirt? You had some blood. I'm sure it happened when I moved here. Oh, when I took his and I took it off of him and I cleaned it up. >> He had He was wearing a shirt >> again. I now I can't find it. He was wearing a shirt and a jacket. >> So, with all that said, and I'm just going to kind of warn you ahead of time. They're going to probably collect your shirt and take pictures of you and your hands. Um, just because I didn't do anything >> and I just wanted to warn you ahead of time just they're going to get your be surprised by anything that happens, okay? Their investigation is going to be very thorough and they're going to ask you questions and just kind of try and get a timeline to get there. >> At this point, the officers were beginning to grow increasingly suspicious of Heather. What's catching me out is that she said that she took his shirt and jacket off and now she can't find it anywhere. I call that 11 before the pie. >> Mhm. >> Before after. >> So he wanted pie. >> Yeah. Who doesn't want pie? >> Well, I I love So, um, you warmed up some pie, >> right? >> Okay. And then he ate the pie. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then you went to bed about 11:00 or midnight. That's about as far as you and I got earlier. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, then what happened after that? >> And then he said, you know, that's when he was like, "It hurts. It hurts." I was like, "What are you talking about? It hurts." And I saw him and I took his shirt off, cleaned it up. And you came to check on him, Heather, cuz could you hear him in there or were you in there with him saying, "It hurts. It hurts." >> I was in there. >> Had you been asleep prior to saying anything or was he kind of awake still? >> He was awake. >> And I cleaned it up. I didn't think it was that I really didn't think it was that bad. You know, it's the steak knife. You really can't I didn't You know, they're not even like and I didn't notice any of them listening or any of that. So I was like I woke up at 3:00 and um checked on him and then I woke up a minute ago and he was on the floor cuz I was asleep on the couch. So, you had been in bed with him when he was saying, "It hurts. It hurts." >> No, no, no. I I mean, I was kind kind of, but I wasn't going to bed yet. It was >> Right. Were you laying down in bed with him, though? >> No, >> no, >> no. >> Detectives arrived on scene and began their investigation. Meanwhile, Heather was brought to the station for a formal interview where detectives aimed to clear up some of the discrepancies in her story. >> Some concerns. All right. Um, one you guys are saying that he had he he had there was no this is out of the blue. This is coming out of left field, right? Or right coming out of right field. >> Coming out of crazy. >> And um there was no indicators prior to this. >> No. >> Okay. Um you said you're a school teacher for about 7 years. >> Yes. >> Um do they make you um do they make you take like first aid and stuff like that as a teacher? >> Yes. CPR and first aid and stuff like that. Okay. Um, how often have you had to take that? >> Oh, it's been a little while since I've had to take it. >> They usually do it like every couple years though, like when it expires, they have you renew it and stuff like that. >> Okay. [snorts] So, I mean, if you had to do it every two years, you probably had you probably done it at least maybe been through that course at least three times since you've been a teacher, right? Okay. Um, do you remember anything about what they teach about like lacerations and and wounds and stuff like that and wound care and everything like that? Not Not really. >> Well, you know, when you're in debt, you I just >> It all gets lost. >> Yeah. Okay. It'll all just come. >> Okay. So, I'm a little concerned as well with why um you first see his injuries and then don't don't do anything. >> I didn't think they were that bad. I really don't. They didn't look deep. >> Okay. But he's complain but he's complaining that he's hurting >> prior to bed. >> Um >> I didn't see him when I when he went to bed. That's the thing. >> And you Okay. But >> you know what I mean? I did not see him. You didn't see the injuries before bed, but you hear him >> or anything. >> Yeah, but you heard him complain. He said he was hurt, his chest hurt. >> Yeah. >> Um >> but he gets like that when he gets his migraines. >> So that's un that's understood. But then when you went in the next time, um and you find out that he had stabbed himself or according to him, he said he stabbed himself. >> I But I thought it was just, you know, like like a cut. >> Uhhuh. cuz I think he was I think in his past he was a cutter. >> Heather continued to put the blame on her husband, but the detective wasn't exactly buying her story. >> When he went to bed, how come you didn't just go to bed with him and lay down and like look at your do your social media and Facebook there in the bed? How come how come you didn't go to bed with him? Well, because I have rode many pairs of glasses laying down >> on my phone or reading a book and these are I just got this. >> Okay. >> I really wasn't ready to go to bed. >> Uhhuh. >> How's that for an answer? >> Those are that's some of the biggest concerns is that he's been his his body's been manipulated in some in some form of way. The weapon that was used in this has been manipulated in some sort of way. Um, I don't think I don't think you're a bad person. Okay. >> I can tell in your eyes that you're >> But you think I did this. >> You're a good person, but things are not adding up. I think you're not I think you have more to tell me, right? >> I don't have anything else to say. I have nothing left. I told you all I have. >> Mhm. >> I have nothing left. Nothing. >> Okay. Um, one of the things, um, we have a responsibility not just to you and to, um, to your husband to make sure that we do this correctly, but we have an obligation to his family, too. Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Um, and honestly, I just I just want to know I want to know what happened to him. >> I do, too. I I think I think you do know. Honestly, I think you know what happened. >> I didn't do this. >> Um and if you if you do know what happened, let's just hear me out. I think you know what happened. And um >> I did not do this. I did not see this happen. I did not do this. I'm not a bad person. I'm not >> I mean it doesn't make sense. >> He's 6' three. >> Mhm. >> How would I be able to hurt him like that? >> I don't know. But that's that's what I'm trying to figure out. Um, everything I've seen it it's from what I'm seeing, I don't think this is self-inflicted. >> You think I did this? >> I have not have I I haven't come out and said that to you. >> Okay. >> But if he didn't do it to himself, somebody did. Surprisingly, it took officers 4 and 1/2 years to wrap up their investigation and determine who they believed was responsible for the crime. And all the evidence pointed back to Heather. >> So, I'm going to grab your stuff from you. Okay. >> Put your hands right back to Heather. >> What do I have a warrant for? >> For me, you have the right to remain silent. Any statements made by you may be used against you in court. You have the right to an attorney. Cannot afford an attorney. One will be appointed to represent you free of charge. You have the right to consult an attorney. >> Can I call my mom real quick? >> Yeah. Hold on. You have the right to consult. We're going to hit up the police department right now and I'm sure we can let you make some phone calls when you get up there. Okay. >> Um do you guys have a key to lock these up? Hold on. Um, we're going to have a marksman car. Is that what we're doing? >> You just have Now you just have animals in the house. >> You guys really had to risk me right in front of the kids I work with. Well, come on. >> We waited until the school got out there. >> You know, but I still have kids in the cafeteria. >> Heather [clears throat] seemed completely shocked that she was now about to be held accountable for the crime she had nearly gotten away with. >> Please don't let them plaster my face on um Facebook. Please. >> You know what I mean? >> No, unfortunately. I know exactly what you mean. >> And I wish they would stop doing that. I really do. >> Well, mine is because of my profession, you know. That's why I couldn't believe they grabbed me right here in front of my job. >> Unfortunately for Heather, her request didn't stop the police department from publicly announcing the arrest. When she arrived at the station, she was brought into an interview room. And unlike 4 and 1/2 years ago, this time she had much less to say. >> So, Miss Frantic, you've been advised of your rights. >> Correct. >> Um, do you know why you're here? >> Just No. >> Okay. So, the last time you and I talked was back in 2020. This has to do with your husband, Robert. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, we've completed our investigation. It took some time cuz we had a lot to process. >> Um but um our investigation from what we have, we we know what happened, okay? And this is your opportunity to tell us the truth about what happened. Okay? because what you told me last time, none of the evidence that we that we processed um matches with what you're telling us. So, I I know what happened to Robert. I just don't know why it happened to him. This is your time to tell me why. >> I'm going to need an attorney. >> Okay. All right. Um we'll get you up to the jail then. >> Heather abruptly ended the interview by stating that she wanted a lawyer. In the end, Heather Hoer was charged with seconddegree murder and tampering with evidence. Next up, we have the case of a woman who played the abandoned wife for months until a confession from her own daughter led detectives straight to where she had been hiding the truth. >> By chance, have you seen your neighbors over at 97, Heather? >> No sir, I had. I've been really worried about him. >> Seeing anything different? >> No, it looks exactly the same. >> Doesn't look like anyone's been here. She specifically told you that she shot him. >> Yeah, that's what she said. SHERIFF NATIONAL SEARCH. >> ON May 12th, 2025, deputies in Cloudcraftoft, New Mexico were asked to check on 60-year-old Craig Thatford after his family and business partner hadn't heard from him in nearly 4 months. But what detectives were about to hear from the people closest to Craig would slowly paint a picture that no one wanted to believe. >> Communications on a recorded line. How can I help you? >> Who would I talk to to have a wellness check done on an individual? >> That would be me. What's going on? >> His name is Craig Fford. Everybody here in Texas has been trying to get a hold of Craig for nearly two months. We We can't get a hold of his wife. We're really concerned about him because this is not like him. He always answers his phone or calls back. Nobody can get a hold of him. >> Sheriff's office. Sheriff's office. Doesn't look like there's anyone in there. Um, no lights on, nothing like that. Deputy Vince with the sheriff's office. By chance, have you seen your your neighbors over at 97, Heather? >> No, sir. I had I I've been really worried about him. >> Okay. >> Since January. >> Since January. >> Yeah. So, is it like do they h do they live here like part-time or is it like uh full-time kind of thing? Do do you know? >> Well, he moved up here full they moved up here full time. >> Okay. >> Oh, this was back about 2 years ago and we were real good friends and everything. >> Okay. >> And we were both on the James County Fire Department. >> Mhm. >> And then come January, it was just no contact. >> We were looking for Craig Setford. >> Yeah. We haven't heard from Craig. >> Okay. How long has it been since you have spoken to him or seen him? >> It has been since January. >> Since about January. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> His wife Dena is my friend. Um she's in and out from the house down there. >> Okay. >> But she hasn't really talked to him either, which is weird. >> And when was the last time you saw Dena here in the in the area? >> Um it's probably been about 3 weeks now. >> About 3 weeks? >> Yeah. >> Gotcha. Craig's grandson called the sheriff's office with the same fear. Craig's grandson didn't believe his grandfather would vanish without a word, and he pointed to the one person who claimed to still be in contact with him, his wife, Dena. When detectives finally reached her, her answers only raised more questions than they settled. >> Communications on a recorded line. How can I help you? >> Okay, this is going to seem really, really strange. About 4 months ago, my grandpa had went off the like face of the of the world, and he's a volunteer firefighter up there. He loved to do it. He talked to me about it all the time. And so I'd like to place a wellness check, but the only person that said she's talked to him in four months is his wife. And apparently now they're getting a divorce. He's doing a whole bunch of stuff, but I don't I don't believe it. It's not my grandpa. It's just really strange. >> What's his name? >> Greg Bford >> calling from the U County Sheriff's Office. Is this >> Yes, sir. It sure is. >> Yes, sir. So, I was calling in regards to I believe your your grandfather. >> Grandpa? Yes, sir. >> Can you tell me what's going on? Okay. So, I mean this he he went like completely ghost from the family for I mean this started January. I mean he last talked to my grandma when she was in the hospital. And so I mean I I wasn't really worried about it cuz I mean if he went like a month or two months without texting us or contacting anybody then I mean it just that's that. But whenever Mother's Day came along that's when we really started getting worried cuz he didn't call his mother. Mhm. >> And so it's like, like I said, it's been about 4 months since like he hasn't texted nobody, but he just randomly went missing. And his wife is the only one that has had contact with him. >> Have you guys had any contact with his wife? >> Yeah, she came over to my grandma's today >> saying he's apparently gone awall and is going talking to other girls and that he's working in a Nether. But I don't I don't believe that. He wouldn't ghost his family. >> I was calling in in reference to your husband, Craig. >> Yes. >> So, we we got some calls. There were some concerns. Um it seems that uh he hasn't been in contact with a lot of his family and some of his friends, >> right? Yeah. We we're we have been separated and I recently filed for divorce. Um he's kind of went uh he's involved with someone else and so uh currently he's in Mexico. >> In Mexico. Okay. >> Yeah. El Salto. >> Um would you happen to have an address for him or anything like that? >> Well, I don't. All I know is by credit card charges and um I don't I'm I came to Texas for Mother's Day and I haven't gotten back there yet. >> That's all right. When was the last time you saw him in person? >> Before he left. >> Okay. Would you have an estimate like you know was it like 1 week, 2 weeks? >> I wish I had a calendar. Um this is the 12th. Um the first of the first of the month. first of the month >> and that that is definitely [music] an estimate. >> Okay. And you saw him in person, correct? >> Yes. Yes, he was packing. Yes. >> Where was this at? Was this at your residence on Heatherwood? >> Yes. >> Yes, he Yes, he he uh has moved out essentially. >> The phone call with Dena dropped and she stopped answering. So, detectives went to the Dena's house. >> Hi. Good morning, Dena. >> Yes. >> Hi. Good morning. Good morning. mess with you. >> Hey, I'm doing some I'm Roger. I'm sorry. Roger. >> I think we met at a B uh football game. >> Probably did. I'm trying to do some followup on uh Craig and I thought maybe I can meet with you and maybe you could try to kind of help me and give me some information and >> Sure. >> Can we sit somewhere? >> Come over here. >> All right. Okay. Well, obviously we got some calls because people haven't been hearing from or anything. So, you being the wife, you might be able to help me. >> Well, it's his mom. I talked to his mom. >> His mom. >> I had gone [clears throat] to visit her Monday, I guess. >> This last Monday? >> Yes. Okay. And then I guess she called y'all to see if y'all could catch him up here. He only usually shows up when I leave. >> Oh, really? So, you guys aren't? >> No, we have been having some issues. Um, >> okay. >> I guess you would say we're separated. How long's that been going on? >> Um, well, nothing's legal yet. Um, we haven't been really spending much time together since probably February. >> February. Early February. Late February. >> February. Or midFebruary. >> Since midFebruary. >> Okay. And then, so things weren't working out. So you left. He left. How did that >> He left. He he told me well he first went to Texas cuz he was said he needed to go help his mom. >> So he left here to go help his mom. >> That's that was what he said. Yes. >> When was that? >> That was uh like probably maybe the second week or of February that he [clears throat] left the first time. >> So and that was like the second week of February. you you'll have to bear with me because I don't keep track of time >> at all. But yeah, I it was February and supposedly he would stay there a week and then come back on the weekend. >> And you thinking this is maybe the Sakuro Fire Academy or the Albuquerque Park? >> Um well, all he ever really told me was um Albuquerque. >> Okay. >> But then, you know, and and it just and I just you know, whatever. And uh sometime in February, you know, I kind of started getting feeling resentful and I asked him to start spending more time with me. >> Mhm. >> And doing things and he just he just put this above everything and my this is now this is my side and that's how I feel. >> Mhm. >> That was in February, too. um February, maybe March, 1st of March or Yeah. No, it it was the end of February because it was my mom's birthday. >> My mom's birthday is the 27th. >> As the questioning began, Dena explained how Craig had been coming and going for months, leaving notes on a whiteboard instead of speaking to her directly. A detail that struck the detective as deeply strange. >> Was he calling you or y'all were texting each other? >> He stopped talking to me at at the fight. when we had the fight, he stopped talking to me. >> So that was all back in late February, right? Mid late February in that time frame. So >> February, >> early March. >> Yeah. You know, did start staying away. >> Mhm. >> Um [clears throat] and uh but when I would come home, I mean, he's been here. Um, uh, it got to the point where he would just leave me a note like that one over there. >> Can you grab it for me? >> Yeah. Excuse me. >> Waiting to get cataract surgery done on my eyes. They're not working too great. So, >> I've gotten to where I have to wear my glasses all the time. Now, this there's been several. This is this is our communication right here for the last two months. >> Okay. >> And there's been several, but this is the now this one is from not like 2 weeks ago. >> Dena claimed everything was fine, but she was too calm for someone whose husband had vanished. Then without realizing it, Dena made a mistake that the detective caught immediately and the timeline she had built began to crack. >> All this time's gone by. I mean, he he he just he quit coming home. >> Mhm. Um he'll he would come in like at in the well I say the middle of the night. Um I I go to bed early, but he'd come in, he'd do laundry, and he'd be gone again. Um he's he's packed up. All his clothes I got back yesterday. >> Mhm. >> Now all his clothes are gone. His home computer's gone. >> So how are the bills getting paid if he's not here? >> U he they're all set up on credit cards. So he he >> Do you have access to his credit card accounts and all that? >> I had to uh I have I have two that he gave me and then um he showed me how to uh go up to the computer and make the payment cuz he does that manually each time. >> Mhm. >> But I mean nothing's cut off. I have an important fact, but I I'm hesitant to [clears throat] >> Can I say something off the record? >> Sure. >> Um Craig keeps all our money in cash. >> Okay. >> So, and it's I can't get in the safe, so I can't tell you if he took it or if it's there. >> Oh, the money. >> Mhm. >> You Why can't you get into the safe? I don't have the combinations. >> Could you show me where that safe is? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> This one and this one. >> Oh, there's two of them. >> Yeah. >> Well, obviously he was a firearm guy like me. Yes. But I don't have safes like this. [music] >> So, what what's that white stuff? >> Uh, it's I think it's from when he moved [music] it. I think it's >> Oh, it just got scratched. Okay. >> So, you don't have the combination for either. Say >> no. >> No. I just >> You didn't keep it written down anywhere and you don't know. >> Okay. Let me ask you again. I for I'm sorry I didn't write down. When did he leave that whiteboard message for you? >> Um it was on Well, I went to the I went to town on the 28th >> of this month >> of or April. >> April. First, Dena said Craig left that whiteboard message in March. Then she changed it to April. The timeline kept slipping. Meanwhile, detectives learned Dena had recently bought a brand new Mustang and a house in Texas. When they called the real estate agent to confirm, what they heard made those purchases look even more suspicious. >> I was wondering if maybe you could help me out with answering some questions on a property that you had sold in February, if you have a second. >> Yes. Um, which which house is it? >> Um, 500 North River Street in Seymour. >> Yes. Yes. [snorts] >> You had sold it to um a single buyer. >> Yes. >> Can you verify the name for me? Do you >> Dina? >> Yes. Okay. She didn't have another person in the transaction with her? >> No, ma'am. >> Okay. Do you remember when it was that she was inquiring to purchase the property? [laughter] >> Um, I know she closed the first week of February. I want to say she closed like the 4th. And I think it all happened within like a week. >> [clears throat] >> Was there any talk about why it was so quick? >> Um, she was moving down here to be closer to her mom is all I knew. >> Was there a mortgage or was that a cash sale? [gasps] >> Um, it was it was all I think it was just cash sale. I don't She didn't have a loan. >> All right. Um, is there anything else? Did she mention um husband or him moving with her or >> No, I thought that they had got divorced kind of just what I heard, but I don't know for sure. >> Uh but she just said that they weren't together anymore. I I just kind of figured that they split up. It happens that I didn't pry. >> Sure. >> As the investigation continued, Craig's neighbor said Craig once told him Dena had the safe combinations, the same safes [music] she now claimed she couldn't open. 4 days later, detectives returned to the property and noticed something in the backyard that hadn't been there before. >> We was on our way back home and Craig said, "If anything ever happens to me, I don't want one of these calls. Dana has uh uh has a combination to the safe and I keep a I keep a an envelope full of money in it and that way she can take care of anything." >> She told me during that videotape interview that uh she didn't she's never had the combination to the safe. So it's a it's a contradiction of what um Greg Thatford told me and obviously what Diana Thatford told me yesterday on the 15th of May 202. Good morning. >> Come on in. >> How are you? >> Good. How are you? >> Good. Good. >> I was about to make some coffee. >> I'll take some coffee. What are you putting in the ground? >> I'm not putting in the ground. I was trying to flatten it. I'm going to roll those rocks back in there. >> Oh, I saw that metal thing. I thought maybe it was some kind of a holding thing. It's an above ground gardening. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Is there anywhere else you think he could have gone? I mean, I don't see where he's traveling out of the United States yet. I haven't seen anything. >> You haven't? >> No. >> Um, >> I was hoping the financial records would help us track him and see what what's going on in his head. That's I guess the reason why I keep bugging you about the credit card stuff is how is he financing anything unless he just took all the money, you know? I wish I knew how we could get into those two saves, but without destroying them. I don't know anything about those big saves, but I know it's an act of God to get one of those things cut open. >> I I I couldn't even begin to guess what a password would be or >> That's all right. >> Um I mean, can they be gotten into? I guess you can saw them. >> Yeah, I guess. >> Detectives tracked down Dena's ex-husband and what he told them painted a terrifying picture. He described her as violent and said she had tried to end his life twice. The ex-husband revealed that years ago, Dena had looked him dead in the eye and said, "If I could kill Craig and get away with it, I'd do it." But detectives still needed hard proof. Then on June 17th, 2025, it came from the last source anyone expected. >> Hi, how are you this morning? >> Oh, you know. All right, I guess. >> Hanging in there. >> Yeah. >> Well, good. I got a couple questions for you this morning. And I have uh EJ in the office with me also that may have a couple questions for you also. Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. Did you ever uh remember the day that your mother [music] come to see you? >> She called me and she was like, "I'm in town. I got this hotel. Do you want to come over and I'll I'll take you out to dinner?" So, we went to Joe's Crab Shack and then she told me at Joe's Crab Shack. >> She told you the Crab Shack what she what had happened? >> Yeah. Well, like briefly. And then she came over in my apartment later, like the next day or something, and like I asked her questions and then that's when she told me more. [clears throat] But she said that they were fighting and that Craig pushed her down the stairs and laughed about it [music] or laughed at her or something and then she just flew into a rage and was blinded by rage and just him like pow pow pow. She specifically told you that she him. >> Yeah, that's what she said. >> And she described it how? >> Like pow pow pow. That's what she literally said. And then I was trying to ask her like, "So you went to go grab the gun?" Like I I was going to ask her where the gun was, [music] but then she started like her story wasn't really like all together. So then I was like, "Okay." Okay. So then I moved on to, well, were you looking at him? Like did you see him when when like were you facing him? Like did you see his eyes or whatever? And she [music] she nodded her head yes like that she was facing him or looking at him or something like that or saw him. So then I was like, "Okay." And then I asked her like why she the gun so many times cuz I was like, "Well, did he not go down after the first one or whatever?" And she was like, "I don't know. I just like really fast." And I was like, "Okay." And then she said he fell down into the pole room. >> Okay. >> Dena's daughter said her mother had confessed everything over dinner. She described in chilling detail what Dena had done. And suddenly the hole in the backyard and the new purchases all made terrible sense. >> So from the pool room, how would someone get his body outside? >> I think I asked her that and she said that she couldn't move him cuz he's so heavy. So she let left left him there. like he laid there for like a day and a half or two days and a half and then she wrapped him up in a rug. She said there was a rug there, which I don't remember there being a rug there, but maybe there was. I don't know. Um, she wrapped him in a rug. She wrapped him in like some plastic. She said she would do a little bit and then she would have to stop and like go back in the house and then she would do a little bit and then have to go back in the house. And she was like explaining that to me. And then she said that she tied something around the rug and dragged it out with a tractor. Um, dragged him out and then she told me that his body's in the carport. Oh, she told me that I asked her how long that this happened. Like how long ago like how long has he been there basically? And she said that this happened in like January or February or something. So, it's been like a while. >> Did she say she dug a hole and put him in there? >> She did not say. And I didn't even think to to ask any more questions cuz I'm kind of like still can't believe like this is happened. >> Oh, I I get it. Yes, >> I understand. Okay. Did Did he keep money in the house, >> Craig? Yes. >> Yeah. Um I think the majority of his money was cash. So my mom said that he had like duffel bags full of cash at the house somewhere. >> Okay. And did did she tell you that? >> She took it. >> With a search warrant in hand, officers returned to Craig's house on July 8th, 2025. [music] In the carport, beneath piles of cardboard, blankets, and mothballs, they made a discovery that confirmed [music] every suspicion they had been building for months. Good job. >> Police department SHERIFF'S OFFICE SEARCH WARRANT. >> IS SHE inside the house? >> No. >> What? >> She's not here. She's in Witchto Falls. >> What's she doing in Witchaw Falls? Dena was arrested in Texas and charged with firstdegree unlawful killing and tampering [music] with evidence. She later appeared in court and entered guilty p and was immediately sentenced to 18 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections.