Back of the head wound. He's wrapped up under there. Nonresponsive. >> I don't know what happened. I don't even know how I got underneath my car. >> I heard I heard his right leg. >> September 2nd, 2024. A deputy from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office got a call from someone at the Illinois Dollar General parking lot. At first, the reason for the emergency sounded like a prank, but everything changed when the officer pulled into the lot himself. >> Hello, sir. Can you hear me? >> 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. Anybody know who this is? >> That's my husband, Jeff. >> It's your husband, Jeff. Okay. Okay. What happened? It's okay. All right. Get off me for just a second. >> There under a parked car lay 49-year-old Jeffrey House. He looked completely lifeless, but the deputy refused to give up. >> You want me to jack his vehicle off of him? >> Back of the head wound. He's wrapped up under there. Nonresponsive. large pool of bud. >> Yeah, but let's start trying to get off more foot. >> All right, we're going. >> You're going to go right there. Okay. Make sure I don't bump him. >> Yep. You're good on this side, too. >> Okay. Going up. >> Tell me if anything starts creaking or weird. >> But I'm not going to be able to see, so I'm trusting you guys. off the ground. >> Off the ground. Am I off of him? >> Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. I'm in the bump. >> Jeffrey wasn't mowed over by any other car but his own. And the suspect, Jeffy's 54year-old wife, Melissa House. >> She was driving. She says, "That's your husband." Okay. >> Hysterical that she's >> I think this is the same tape me was looking for. One of the PD guys said that they gave that flight. >> Okay. Di fatal she needs to get >> we're going to have to get blood and urine. Um >> was she in the vehicle? And this is >> both Jeffrey and Melissa were wasted beyond reason. In fact, officers had already been on the lookout for the pair that night, chasing down reports of suspected DUI. However, by the time they were found, the worst had already happened. >> He's helping. >> So, you were in the vehicle and this is your husband, >> I guess. >> How did this How did this happen? >> I don't know. I got him in my car. >> Okay, ma'am. >> Whatever you can recall, I need you to recall. >> I don't know what happened out in my car. Okay. How were you guys in the store? What What was the buildup here? What was the leadup to this? >> Well, I know I was with a friend from work. >> I don't really like. >> 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. Melissa was so drunk she didn't even bother denying it. But as the officer stood over the wreckage, they knew there was more to this than met the eye. It felt darker, more intentional. >> 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 Tab. Okay. About how much did you have to drink at both of those? >> Well, I don't know exactly, sir. But >> I do know. 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? >> 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? >> Please let me know. My husband's over. >> They're working on them right now still. I can't give you a status cuz I don't know a status. They're working on them right now. Okay. >> I know, but I was so scared. >> Melissa couldn't hold a thought between more than two sentences. Was it real grief or just a welltimed deflection to dodge the hard questions? Nobody could tell. >> This is This is a rough circumstance. That's why I'm trying to put together the accounts that happened. >> I know. I don't want to work with you and I don't understand. And I understand you've told me that you've had too much to drink. I understand that. But we still need to piece together this dr. >> Okay. What were you drinking? What types of things were you drinking? >> I was drinking lemon drop martinis. >> Okay. And approximately how many of those? >> I don't really know, sir. I just >> Are we talking three or we talking 12? >> No. It's like everybody gets caught up in the moment and they want you Oh, please. Okay. They're working on them right now. They've got him. All right, ma'am. I can't have you grabbing on me right now. Okay. I'm sorry. >> I've got We've got this whole situation. We've got to watch over. >> Okay. >> Please, I love him so much. >> Investigators would later uncover Melissa and Jeffrey had been out drinking together. But things soon got out of hand. However, Melissa's story made no sense, and nothing she said could be trusted. >> 2033. >> Where's my husband? >> 33. Yes. [Music] >> All right. >> I'm about to I feel really sick. Where's my husband? >> Okay. >> Pull you. Hold on. All right. 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. >> No. >> So, you're not okay to drive? No. >> Okay. Are you going to consent to some testing for me? Yeah, >> with some standardized field sobriety testing. >> My husband was driving. >> Okay. I'm going to have you hang tight. We're going to get this going and then I'll be right back with you. Okay. All right. We'll let you see this and then we're going to have to get going on our testing. Okay. >> I'm so scared. >> They're doing everything in their power they can right now. But before the DUI test could begin, investigators found a witness. Someone who saw it all unfold from the very start. And what he revealed was far more disturbing than anyone expected. Sitting there, he pulled up. Little white car pulled pulled up. >> See, they got in all the TC arguing back and forth. >> These two are. >> Yeah. Okay. That dude there. The guy was doing all the calling and yelling and 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. >> The white car. Well, they finally got they calmed down. The white car backed up leaving and I didn't I wasn't looking. in and I heard a thump and when I look back over he's laying spread eagle on the ground. >> Okay. The witness claimed it all started with an argument. Detectives later tracked down occupants of another car who explained they had offered to drive Melissa and Jeff home. But moments later everything spiraled out of control. She goes and gets in the car, fires the car up, backs up, turns the fog lights on, and then turn the left one on and turn the right one on and start pulling forward. There's a dude standing in the door. He's hollering her stop. I'll holler and stop. When she finally stopped, she was sitting up on him. He literally rolled over. >> Okay. Um he was laying flat. >> So when you hear first, how is male position? Flat on his back. back. >> Was there any blood that you noticed at that point? Okay. Um, >> start bleeding till she run over. >> Okay. >> Okay. Good. >> Rolled up on you. I heard I heard his right leg popped. >> Yeah. Okay. >> He's still hollering and she finally stopped. He was sitting up on his left leg, >> right? >> And it already rolled him halfway over. >> Okay. >> He was under the other car. Turns out Jeff, drunk and agitated, accused the helpful driver of having an affair with Melissa, and that's when it got physical. The driver first got out frustrated and walked away, leaving the couple behind. But even with all the pieces in place, one question still lingered. Was it really an accident? >> 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 weren't with. >> Okay, >> that's all I can I >> Do you know his last name? >> Where are you at? >> I'm trying to stay. I'm sorry. >> No, no, no. It's all right. We just >> Every time Melissa was hit with a hard question, she slipped right into the damsel in distress act. But officers had seen enough. It was time to run the DUI test. that much. >> 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 look your eyes. Not with your head. >> I didn't move my head. >> Follow the tip of my finger. Look at your eyes. You're all right. Okay. >> Melissa couldn't even see straight, her eyes glazed, unfocused, barely tracking the officer in front of her. Given her condition, how did she manage to get behind the wheel? How did she remember enough to argue to drive to react? >> Were you drinking here? Were you drinking somewhere else? >> Yeah, I was drinking somewhere else. And whenever you 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 and nothing. I'm in my car. He's a roof. >> Your husband drove here and then So, you got in the car here going, but you never left the parking lot. >> No, I cried too much. I I follow with your eyes open and go one more time. Okay. >> There's no way I drive right now. Take a break for just a second. >> Investigators would later uncover surveillance footage from a nearby apartment complex. It allegedly showed Melissa shoving Jeff to the ground, then backing the car over him, only to pull forward again. But at that moment, Melissa claimed innocence. Do >> you have any physical problems or disabilities that prevent you from walking in a straight line? >> No, except for I drink too much. Okay, I understand that. All right, so we're going to scoot back just slightly. Just stand right here for me. Okay, just stand. >> I don't normally do this, you guys. I really >> just stand right here for me. Okay, >> can you can you do me a favor and stand right here facing this deputy right where I'm at? >> Yeah. >> Okay. All you're doing right now is placing your left foot on the line and you're going to place your right foot touching. >> I can't because I've been drinking too much. >> Okay. I'll have you go back to the starting position. Place your left foot on the line. Okay. Now, place your right foot in front of your left foot. >> Yeah. Your right foot in front of your left foot touching heel to toe. >> Oh gosh. I can't. >> Okay. This moment strips away the last bit of composure Melissa had left. She did not even want to try with little to no provocation she surrendered even before the test began. >> Did you say you couldn't do that? How come you can't do it? >> Well, gets me off balance. >> How come you're off balance? >> Because I drive too much. >> Move on. >> I didn't bring you didn't drive. I didn't drive here. >> Okay. >> I My husband did. I don't know how to drive my car. >> Okay. We're going to move on to the one leg stand instead. Okay. >> Okay. >> So, I'm going to have you place your feet together. >> Okay. Do you have any physical disabilities that would prevent you from standing on one leg? >> Okay. >> I'm going to have you place your feet together. >> Get to my dog, Bella. Even through her drunken haze, Melissa had one thing on her mind. Dodging blame. She claimed Jeff was the one driving and the one beneath the very same car. It didn't add up. Not even close. >> 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. [Music] >> Okay. Ma'am, would you would you submit to a breath test? >> I have a >> No. Okay. >> 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 blood and urine from you, and they'll have to submit that. Do you have any injuries? >> I I refuse. >> Okay. You refuse? >> Okay. >> Refusing tests, dodging blame, and hiding behind worry, Melissa gave the officers nothing. With no cooperation and no clarity, they had no choice but to take her into custody. >> Place your hands behind your back, please. >> I like 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. 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, but 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. Okay. >> Jeffrey was airlifted to another facility, his condition critical, before tragically succumbing to his injuries. Meanwhile, Melissa was transferred to another hospital where her attitude took a sharp shift. >> Actually, earlier today, I might have a pain pill cuz I had it from my teeth being had a pain and I took her to room 9. I'll meet you in there in just a minute. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Room. Okay. >> Yeah. You want to take her to 9? >> Yeah. >> Okay. We're going to head all the way down on the right. >> Get in there. >> She's just driving. Where am I going? >> All right. I'll have you have a seat on the bed for me. >> Piggy, >> not yet. No, >> you will be able to in just a moment. >> See if I can get someone to >> Please. I got to go. Really bad. >> Melissa was suddenly calm, chatty, even giggling. For a moment, it felt like none of it had happened, but then a flicker of realization. >> 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 alive whenever he left. He's headed to the hospital. >> I cannot believe this happened, sir. I mean, I'm I don't even know how he got here. I really don't >> How we got where? >> To where? He's underneath my car. >> All right, I see what you mean. Okay, if you um if you want to put up one of those rails and take your cuffs off or she just kind of loos. >> I love my husband hard. I >> understand. >> Okay, ma'am. I do. Let me see your handcuffs. Actually, >> finally, her worry felt less about him and more about herself. Desperately trying to paint this as a tragic accident, but with every word, her innocence looked more and more rehearsed. >> 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. It might be when you get to uh jail. Um I 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. >> I need to call my husband's mom. Okay. Please. >> Yeah, they will. I like I said, this is out of my hands now. I have to go off of state. Okay. But >> well, I know you were being professional, but in the same token, I've got feelings. You understand? >> No, I understand that. But >> Okay. >> But we've got my husband. >> Yes. We've got >> I've never I don't even know how we got here. Sorry. >> Right. No. And I understand that, but I do have to run off of their standards. Well, my husband would have never How did he I don't even know how he got passed out. He had to pass out at some point, right? >> I'm I'm not I'm still fuzzy on all of the circumstances. >> My husband is not like that. He's a strong individual. Trust me, sir. I've been with you for 20 plus years. >> Mhm. >> She claimed that Jeff had just passed out. The truth was already put in the open. However, that didn't stop her from repainting herself as the victim. >> I'm sorry, ma'am. I know. I don't know anything. I'm just here to collect specimens. I'm so sorry. My husband is a strong individual. I don't even know how this all occurred. >> They just did that. Okay. I was looking through the window. >> All right. >> I thought he went inside the store and he said he's my car. >> What happened? >> Never in my life would hurt anybody. >> I understand accidents happen. >> No, >> it's not. 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. >> Okay. I wish I had more information for you, but they don't. >> You got to talk to somebody who's more sick than you. >> 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? >> Melissa was now grasping for any sentence that sounded harmless enough to hold on to. >> So, >> I don't know why it's so bad. >> Well, he had a very weak pulse is why we sent him. >> Oh, God. I love >> this girl. Hey Melissa, 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. [Music] >> Oh god. >> Okay. Uh there's something else that makes >> How do we get God? >> Lisa, 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. >> No, 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. Okay. >> I'm going to try to be arrested for something that >> she cried like she was unraveling, desperate, and dramatic. But the second she realized no one was buying it, her entire act collapsed. >> They're going to do their thing and then they will let me know when they're done. >> You guys keep denying me my phone call. So, I'm going to let my attorney know that. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. You've been doing what you want to do so far. >> I just met you. >> Let me see inside your mouth. >> I haven't wanted to hurt anybody. >> No, you've been very compliant with me and I appreciate that. >> And I don't have any record of ever want to hurt anybody. >> Yeah. No, you've been very compliant with me and I appreciate your >> I love my husband. >> Yeah, I know. And just a bad circumstance is why we're here. >> Very bad. him. >> I don't even understand it myself that I think they will ever go out again. [Music] Never will I go out again. Melissa's shifting stories, erratic behavior, and well-timed tears couldn't cover up the trail of evidence. From witness accounts to surveillance footage, the truth became impossible to hide. Melissa had crossed a line that night, one fueled by rage, alcohol, and choices she couldn't undo. Melissa was booked for aggravated DUI and first-degree murder. She later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years behind bars. And that's a wrap on the Melissa House case. If this one gripped you, hit like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts below because the next case, it's even darker. [Music] [Music]