What happened? A car crash perhaps? >> No. >> Sure? >> Yeah. >> Do you know how he got his arm injured? >> I have no idea. >> I literally just told him he could be going to jail for the rest of his life just by being in that car. Do you understand me? >> Most parents think they know everything about their kids, but what happens when the child they thought they knew has been hiding something so disturbing it shakes them to their core for years to come. >> You guys hand in me. No, I'm not going to sit. This is ridiculous. >> Are you going to come over here and obstruct what I'm doing? >> I'm asking you to not arrest my son. >> These were the moments when parents didn't realize [music] their kids disturbing secret. We begin with the case of a mother who thought her son had broken his hand punching a wall until officers showed up at her door with a very different version of that night. >> We need to move you away from the car. We need to move you away from the car. I can't move. >> At like about 2:00 in the morning he came running in my room saying he punched the wall. >> So you're telling me they were going 104 miles an hour? >> Mhm. >> He was in the front seat of the car >> seat, yep. >> with no seatbelt on >> Yep. >> and he is standing here. You have no idea. Okay, I am so upset right now. >> On July 12th, 2024, [music] officers responded to reports of a stolen vehicle in the area. When they attempted to pull it over, the 16-year-old driver didn't stop. He ran. The chase tore through multiple streets before it ended in a collision. Officers rushed to the scene and found one passenger still inside, a 14-year-old girl with a broken leg, unable to move. The driver had already fled on foot. With the car still burning, officers had seconds to figure out who else might still be inside. >> Hey, hands up. Hands up. You, can you stand up? Hey, come on. >> I can't move. >> Okay. >> No, I can't. My leg hurts. >> We need to move you away from the car. We need to move you away from the car. >> I can't move. >> Is that it? Is that it? >> [music] >> Oh my gosh, please my phone's in there. I need it. >> Leave it fire alarm. Uh let's get behind this wall, guys. >> I know it's broken. I can't walk on it. Oh. >> Was anybody else in your car? >> No. >> What do you mean you don't know? >> I can't think. My Oh, please, please, please. >> Is she checking your phone? Was anyone else in the car? >> I can't remember. >> Our suspect occupant doesn't know if anybody else was in the vehicle. >> Give me my phone. >> Your phone's not important right now. >> Can you get your leg out straight? >> Oh, I can't I can't I can't I can't I can't. >> Get up. >> Oh, no. Please, please. >> Do you have any ammunition in that car? >> What does that mean? >> have any bullets in that car? >> No. Oh. Ow. Ow. Please, my leg is broken. I I literally cannot stand up. >> [snorts] >> Yeah. >> Are you bleeding from anywhere or is it just your leg? >> It's my leg. I can't walk. >> How old are you? >> 14. >> What are you doing driving around someone's car at 14? >> me. >> If you weren't driving, who was? >> Is there another person in the car? >> think. >> Were you Were you in the car by yourself? Who else was in the car? >> Someone was driving. >> I need to know if they're in the car burning alive right right >> think they are. >> We We don't know. We need you to tell us if someone else is driving. >> Freaking police officers. According to the suspect we detained over here, someone else may have been driving and may have been in the car. >> The owner of the stolen vehicle had followed it and watched the whole thing happen. What she told officers started to fill in the picture, how many people had been in that car and where they went when it stopped moving. >> Folks, what's what happened? >> Well, they stole my car yesterday and I did that. >> All right, you were the folks? Okay. Out of Kent? Oh, okay, this is your car, ma'am? >> Yeah, that's my car. The one over there. >> Okay. Did you happen to see how many people were in the car? >> Uh when I saw it was three persons. >> You saw three people? >> Yeah, I saw three people. It was a I think it was a The apartments where they parked one get off there. >> Okay, but when when you were following us that were when one of my partners was following you, were flying, were there still three in the car? >> three in the car and then one get off on those apartments. >> about now. Like >> two. >> Two? >> Two. >> Right before this crash, did you say >> Yes, it was two. Yeah, I think the one who was driving it was like a African-American. >> Okay. So, you did you have did So, you were confident 100% sure you saw two people in that car before this incident? Like >> Mhm. >> I'm not talking about he dropped off two people. He dropped off one. >> off one. >> Okay, and then two. >> one in behind and it was two in front. >> What do you mean two in front? >> And one behind. >> So, supposedly what around now right now is two people over there. >> No. So, where did you You called saying you saw them in your car. Where were you at when you called? >> I was in my house. There was someone in my car. >> We got one. We got one. We didn't we weren't able to see the >> But is the driver racist or something, you know? >> I don't know. Right now we're investigating that, ma'am. We're also caring for this guy who was >> I know. >> That I understand about your car. That sucks that what that's what happened, but the >> The priority is right now on him now. >> Yeah, I understand that. And I feel bad. that Did that guy Did that guy have life? >> I don't know. I don't know, ma'am. Right now we're investigating all this, okay? Don't worry about it. I want to hear what happened to your side of the story and like see what was happening. Okay, for the three people, can you describe who was the driver? >> I think I think what I see it the driver it looks like African-American. >> Okay. >> And I didn't see the other two >> African-American and male or female? >> Male. It was a male. Yeah. >> Okay, can you describe more about him? Like did he like his hair is Did you see Did you see any piercings? Did you see any like facial hair? Anything? >> I don't understand that. You know, I was focused on my car. >> You were focused on the car? You saw him? >> And I was looking on the plates of my car to make sure it was my car. >> What was he wearing? >> Black sweater, white shirt. >> Black sweater, white shirt? >> Yes. Okay. That's what Bale said. I would check with Bale. >> He went Where did he go? >> know. I wasn't looking. I was trying to get out of the car and I fell in the water. >> What? >> I fell in the water. >> When you saw him get out of the car? >> I didn't see him get out of the car. >> The only one that may have seen it was Lion, but there was so much dirt debris kicked up around this car, there was no way to see. Lion is uh uh set aside. >> Yeah, man. >> Okay. >> Would he be able to get a start smelling without fire department? >> We're just going to check on the other side. >> Okay. I'll make sure of that. >> Okay. Then fly over. We'll go check that way. Behind the bushes, Target area. Do you want to do a track? >> Can you with the >> That's the thing is I don't have a start point really cuz the car's all burnt up. We don't know which way he went. >> Officers swept the area, but the driver was already gone. The man they hit didn't survive. He was rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced brain dead shortly after arriving. His family decided to remove him from life support. The investigations revealed that four people had been in that stolen car. Three of them ran. Only the girl with the broken leg stayed. By the time all four were identified, the driver was already back in custody for stealing another car. Officers began visiting the remaining passengers, and at one door, a boy answered with no idea why police were there. That's when the real conversation started. >> Buddy, buddy. >> Sorry. Sorry about that. >> It's okay. >> Yeah. I I'm good. >> I'm Officer Raven of Kent Police. >> Yeah. Hi. How are you doing? >> Um I am. What's up? >> Hi. I'm Officer Raven of Kent Police. Just so you know, my body camera's on. So >> Okay. >> I'm here to talk It probably has to do with >> his injury. >> Potentially, but a little incident he was involved in in July. >> What happened? >> In a car crash, perhaps? >> No. >> Sure? >> Yeah. Can you go Can you go in the house, please? >> What? >> Okay. >> Sorry. Do you know how he got his arm injured? >> I have no idea how he got his arm injured. >> Okay. So, on July 12th, >> Okay. >> Okay. There was a crash. You may have seen it on the news. One of his friends was driving, and they somebody. There were four other people in the car. His wallet is in that car, and they >> Close the door, please. >> I'm confused. I want to listen. >> No. I I want you to close the door. >> Okay. Sorry. >> It's good. Um His wallet was in the car. >> Okay. >> It was a stolen car. So Just so we're straight up, 100%. Nothing for you to stress and worry about it. I'm not looking at him as a suspect in any way, shape, or form. Strictly just a witness. It's the same thing we're talking with to all the other kids that were in the car. >> Okay. >> The officer kept it calm, told the mother that her son wasn't a suspect, just a witness. [music] But as he walked her through what had actually happened that night, something shifted. Do you know who Treyu, or Trey, his friend, >> I have no idea. >> Okay. But he He's a guy who's chronically even stealing cars and his parents were trying to control him. As soon as he would get off juvenile detention, he would immediately go stealing. This case he just took off from the police going like 100 miles an hour and another guy already took off and ran except for one guy whose leg was broken in the car. It was one of their friends as well. So, the person we're we charged and he is in custody is Detrayus and we're just talking to the other kids just to make sure all the stories are matching up and they're strictly just witnesses. That's the only reason I wanted So, I have his wallet and I have the other people saying car and I have in the car. >> Okay. Close the door. >> Please let me listen. I don't know what happened. I want to listen. >> I am your mother and I am not allowing you to speak to him until I am done speaking to him and that is it. DON'T OPEN THIS DOOR AGAIN. >> IF YOU STEP away it will that will make you more comfortable. >> Yes, please. >> Okay. Um So, >> I'm not going to allow him >> Okay. >> to speak to you >> All right. >> unless I know for sure that he's not in trouble. >> So, >> If I if he is in trouble at all whatsoever and being questioned First of all, I'm a legal assistant so I'm not >> being questioned to be possibly charged with a crime, he is not going to be spoken to without an attorney present. >> Correct. So, just so we're clear. >> I want this recorded. >> It's the camera's on. It's recording. I told you straight up he's just a witness. It's the same thing as all the other ones. By law as a juvenile, if I was looking at him to be interviewed as a subject, he would have to have an attorney before he could ever even talk to me. Even with your even if you said nope, you he has to talk to you with mom and dad's permission, it wouldn't matter. By law, he'd have to have an attorney. >> Okay, this is good for me to know because I will tell you that his hand was broken on July 13th. >> One thing was clear. Whatever her son had put her through, this mother was not about to let him dig himself any deeper. The moment she understood why officers were at her door, she drew [music] a line. If her son were being considered a suspect in any way, she wouldn't allow the conversation to proceed without an attorney present. >> So, the the crash happened early morning, just after midnight, I believe. >> And at like about 2:00 in the morning, he came running in my room saying he punched the wall. >> Yeah, I know. >> I did not believe him. >> So, he's very, very lucky that it's just that because I've already downloaded the the car and everything. They were doing 104 miles an hour when they hit the guy. >> You have no idea. Okay, I am so upset right now because you have no clue how many times I have spoken to my children about how stupid, dumb decisions like this >> Right, and >> could ruin and affect >> Dude, you're going to get in so much trouble if you don't stay inside till Mom's ready for you. >> Okay. >> the rest of their lives. >> Yeah, it's >> And this could literally be a charge. >> Well, actually, just again, so we're all on the same page. It was filed as vehicular homicide, two counts of vehicular assault, potentially three because he's injured from that collision. The other two are victims as well, so he's potentially another victim. Um So, this would be potentially three counts of vehicular assault, the eluding, but the prosecutor's actually upgraded it to two. And and they have charging him as an adult. So, everybody else has already talked, and and again, strictly witness, it's all on camera. If I was going to be charging him, he would have to have an attorney present. I'm I'm just looking for a you know, it's a witness and potential victim is what I was just trying to get. >> And you want to speak to him right now? >> If that's okay, yeah. >> Okay, can I go talk to him first? >> Sure. >> When the officer finally sat down with the son, he didn't try to hide much. He told the officer that his friend Trey had picked him up that night, and that he had no idea what was about to happen. When police got behind them, and Trey refused to stop, [music] there was nothing he could do but hold on. The car crashed, and like everyone else, he ran. [music] He made it home with a broken hand, and told his mother he had gotten it from punching a wall, a story she never fully believed, but had no way to disprove until now. >> Um so, were you in the car, the stolen car? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Where did you get picked up? >> Um over there. Over there. Right down the road. >> By the camera apartments or >> No, no, no, right down the road. Literally right down at the entrance of the >> So, like 101 and 224? >> no, at the entrance of this neighborhood. >> Right, that's 101 and 224. >> yeah. Okay. >> Um what kind of car were you picked up in? >> Uh I don't know the car. Like I don't >> Describe it for me. >> Gray. >> Okay. Like a sedan? >> Uh >> Like a four-door? Okay. Um you don't know what brand or anything like that? >> No, sir. >> Do you know what day this was? >> Uh what day did you say? >> Well, the crash happened on the early morning of the 13th of July. >> July 13th? >> So, I would imagine you probably got picked up in the afternoon or evening of the July 12th if we're talking about the same time. >> Uh no, July 13th is when I did. >> So, it was >> in the morning that the accident happened, like 12 >> Yeah, it happened just after just after just after midnight, which is the 13th, so on the 12th evening of the 12th is when most people say they got picked up. But, if you got picked up right before the clicking, then so be it. I don't >> I don't know the time. I don't know >> Was it late at night? Was it still evening, early? >> late. >> Okay. Um who all was in the car? First of all, who was driving the car? >> Trey. >> And what >> I don't know the other people. >> What's Trey's full name? >> I don't know his full name. I know his Is it Treyvon that or Trey? I just I don't know his last name. >> How do you know him? >> Uh friends from school. >> Which school? >> Uh Kentwood. >> Okay. And he's in your class? >> Uh no, just a friend that walks around in the hallways. I see him. >> Okay. So, who You don't know who else was in the car? Any ideas? >> Uh not that not their names, no. >> Okay. Boys, girls? >> Uh I think it was all boys. >> Not sure, though. >> No. I I literally don't know them. I just know Trey. That's it. >> All right. So, you get picked up by Trey and what happens? >> We just were driving and he got in the crash. Like, that's what happened. >> Not you were just driving, but what were you just doing? >> So, again, I'm asking questions I know answers to, okay? So, we're just driving at some point, but at some point did you guys notice the police behind you? >> Yeah. >> Okay. How did you know they were police? >> The sirens. And the lights. >> Yeah. So, what happened when Trey saw the lights and siren? He took off. >> Okay. How fast do you guys think you were going? >> I don't know. Fast. >> The officer didn't waste any time getting to the point. He told the boy that the driver of the car they had hit had not survived. He also explained that Trey had already been charged as an adult with and that the charge was serious enough to put him away for the rest of his life. Just being in that car, even as a passenger, was enough to have serious legal consequences that could follow him for years to come. >> What happened? >> He crashed. That's all I know. >> Do you know what he crashed into? >> No. I didn't know anything else. >> Okay. You didn't see what he >> Nope. I literally don't know. >> So, what happened after the crash? >> We just I don't know. >> No, don't lie. >> I don't know what happened. >> Okay. So, the car crashes, it comes to a stop, it starts to catch on fire. >> Yes, sir. >> You obviously didn't stick around and sit in the car. Where did you go? >> Uh I don't know where I went. I have no clue where I went. >> stay at the scene or did you leave? >> No, sir. >> So, you ran away. >> Uh yeah. >> Okay. That's where we're getting at, okay? And then at one point you got picked up by somebody or did you walk home or >> I walked home. >> Again, I'm asking questions I know answers to, so expect >> Oh, no. I got picked up by his dad. His dad, yeah. >> By whose dad? >> Trey's dad. >> And how did you guys call Trey's dad? >> My phone. >> Correct answer. Okay. So, you got picked up and then where did you go after that? Where did he take you? >> Straight to here. >> Yep. >> Okay. I see you have a cast on your right arm. How did that happen? >> The crash. >> And is it broken or just sprained? >> Broken in the hand. Like, split in half. >> Okay. So, you're really, really lucky cuz you You sitting in front and you guys got out of the car pretty much at the scene. And I already know from downloading the car, you guys were doing 104 miles an hour when you hit that car. And I don't know if mom told you, but that driver that you guys Okay, and Trey has now been charged as an adult with >> I literally just told him he could be going to jail for the rest of his life just by being in that car. Do you understand me? Do you understand me? >> And even if that part doesn't stick, you could be >> Yeah, I know. I don't Honestly, I got out of that car and I didn't know how I only broke a hand. I I thought I was literally I thought I was going to I thought I was >> Unfortunately, the person who had nothing to do with any of this did. >> What came next wasn't for the report. It was for the 15-year-old sitting in front of him. No seatbelt, [music] broken hand, somehow still breathing after 104 miles per hour. An innocent man had lost his life, and from everything investigators could see, Trey showed no signs of remorse. Six days after the crash, he stole another car and ran from police again as if nothing had happened. The officer wanted this boy [music] to understand that he was standing at a crossroads right now, and the direction he chose from this point forward would determine whether his life ended up looking anything like his friends. >> So, you're being honest, I appreciate that. Were you wearing your seatbelt at least? >> Uh I don't remember. I literally don't. >> Do you have any injuries like that around up near your neck or >> It was literally only my hand, and I don't know how. I really don't. >> Yeah, I honestly don't either because >> Yeah. >> front passenger seatbelt is for actually not being worn. >> Yeah, I don't know how. I don't know how. Yeah. >> I don't know how you didn't go through the >> Yeah. >> All right, let me go >> So, you're telling me they were going 104 miles an hour. >> Mhm. >> He was in the front seat of the car. >> seat, yep. >> With no seatbelt on. >> Yep. >> And he is standing here. >> With a broken hand, yeah. >> Alive. >> So, >> I don't know how. >> Yeah, it's a complete miracle because just the way that car spun afterwards was enough to maybe keep him in the car. I I can't explain it. >> The other guy lost his life. >> Mhm. Yeah, then we have another guy who's got a broken shoulder, one of your passengers, and then there's a there was a female that was in the back with the boys, and she has a broken leg in two places. But, you guys got off pretty easy. >> Yeah. >> So. All right, let me go see if I have that medical release and we'll >> Do I have to get it like released and keep it off? >> No, no, no. No, no, no, I'm not taking that. >> Signing a medical release to have your medical records turned over so they can use them as evidence in the trial against your friend. >> I know at this age, how old are you now? >> Yeah, I'm 15. Going to be 16 next month. >> I know it's hard to see this stuff cuz you guys if psychologically your frontal lobe isn't completely developed, then it's hard for you to understand the consequences of some of this stuff, and it's all just seems like fun and games. >> Yes, sir. >> But, this is unfortunately the result of that, right? >> Yes, sir. >> And do you really want to stand in front of that guy's family and say, "We were just It was just a stolen car, and it was just for fun." to a family who's now lost, who's, you know, >> Yeah. >> his kids are without a dad, his wife is without a husband. >> Yeah. >> And it's all because you guys just wanted to have fun. >> Yeah, I know. >> And nothing you can do, no apology you guys can do can ever take that back. >> Yes, sir. >> And as far as we can tell, the driver doesn't seem to really care. >> Yes, sir. >> Um after this happened, did you know he stole another car? >> No, I didn't. I thought he I thought he went home. >> He did. No, he did. >> Yeah. >> But, like 6 days later, he stole another car and ran from the police again, even knowing from what everybody says that everybody talked to him. >> I I learned from that night. I'll never do it again. I I learned that it's terrible. Never should do something like that. I have no doubt you're probably a good kid, >> Yeah. >> good people can make bad choices and hang out with the wrong people. >> Yes, sir. >> Have you ever stolen a car yourself? >> No, that was my first ever time just being there. I was just there, and I didn't know what to do. I don't know. >> It's pretty obvious the car was stolen, though, right? >> Yeah. >> How did you know it was stolen? >> Um he was I mean, he ran from the cops. >> Right, but did you notice he didn't have a key, and the wires were all hanging out? >> Yeah, I didn't notice that. Yes, sir. So. >> And yes, your mom's upset with you, but why do you think the main reason she's upset? >> Uh because I don't >> Well, it's because you obviously your actions took someone else's life. More More importantly to her, >> Yeah. >> she potentially could have lost you forever. >> Yeah, forever. Yeah, I know. >> So. >> Yeah, I don't I don't know how else to make it abundantly clear to you guys that >> Yeah. >> this stuff needs to change and that this is hopefully a wake-up call for you guys. >> This is a wake-up call for me. >> In the end, Tray was charged as an adult with second-degree vehicular homicide, felony hit-and-run, [music] two counts of vehicular assault, attempting to elude a police vehicle, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Next, a 16-year-old dishwasher was found deceased in an alley. And while the investigation pointed at one suspect from the very beginning, the real secret had been sitting inside a family home the whole time, protected by a mother who never once let it show. >> Cuz again, I'm telling you based on your demeanor, [music] I think you know what happened. Did you shoot >> No. No, I didn't. >> He's a kid. He's a baby. >> You said you wanted to play video games. I didn't know why you were doing that though. >> On March 4th, 2022, the Albuquerque 911 center started flooding with emergency calls one after another reporting that a young man had been shot in an alley in the downtown entertainment district. Acoustic sensors had already picked up the sound of the shot and pinpointed the location to an alley before the first caller had even finished their sentence. [music] As units raced toward the scene, 911 operators kept witnesses on the line pushing for useful details. >> 911 emergency. >> I I I just heard a gunshot from between Gold and Central. There's some a guy laying on the floor. >> Central and Gold? >> Yeah. >> Hello. >> Hi. Yeah, hi. I was just I was just getting out the car to come to come in my school and then I witnessed some guy get shot right behind the street. >> See a guy that's right here? >> Yeah, well, there's two people and one I heard a gunshot and I looked and there was a girl running away and then she took off in a car. >> You see a girl running away or what? How many minutes ago? >> jumped Um, maybe like 5 minutes or less. Like 3 minutes. >> 3 minutes and you heard one gunshot? >> Yeah. One gunshot. I saw a guy falling on the floor and somebody took off running. And then a car took off after that. >> A female? >> Yeah, that was a female. She had a mask on so I couldn't >> Got into a vehicle? >> Yeah, it was it looked like a Malibu, the older one. >> What color? >> 4-door, um, like maroon. It had like a >> Did he It was coming or you don't know? >> He is He's still there on the floor. I I don't think he ever got up. >> Okay, so the female, what race and height was she? >> Um, I don't know how she was. She looked Hispanic with black hair. >> And her age, more or less? >> Um, she looked young, like early 20s, maybe late 30s. >> Is she the one that shot him or you don't know? >> I think so cuz he was next to that guy and she left. She started running towards the corner. >> Witnesses were everywhere, but their accounts couldn't have been more different. The victim was 16-year-old Jose Ruiz, known as Jay. He had been working a shift as a dishwasher at Lindy's Diner that morning. Investigators worked with what little physical evidence the scene had to offer, a single spent bullet found near the body. Jay's employer told investigators his personal life was complicated. A contentious relationship with his pregnant girlfriend had put him at odds with her family. Investigators went looking for Jay's girlfriend. Instead, they found her mother, Elizabeth Ortiz Chavez. >> So, what I'm getting at is that what are the odds that your son and his friends have a problem with Jay. And Jay is now And people are telling me it's your car I'm seeing. So, talking to your daughter, talking to mom, >> Okay. >> nobody has a problem with Jay other than >> But my son said he went in and then he went to the laundry mat and I was with him today. >> Okay. So, you were with them all day. >> Yes. >> They went to the laundry mat with you. >> They did not go to the laundry mat with me. During the time I they were all at home. >> But you wouldn't know because you weren't home. Correct? >> Between the hours of 1:57 and 2:20 I was gone at the laundry mat alone. I got dropped off from Big Lots and Lots. My children, all the boys, they were all still at home. None of them left. >> Okay. >> They're not allowed to leave the house unless they have permission because I need to know where they're going. >> Okay. So, then if they were home cuz you said you were you were on your way over here, right? When your car broke down. That was what you told me. >> Yes, between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning. >> You were on your way over here. >> Mhm. >> By yourself. >> I'm by myself, yes. >> Okay. >> And they were still at the house. >> Okay. So, then when I find video surveillance from the from the incident, >> Okay. But you have to give me a moment. >> Okay. >> My son had an interview at 9:00. And we were out about the water park over there at Cottonwood or whatever. So, it had to been after 10:00. Between 10:00 and 10:30 perhaps. I left the house shortly after I had called and spoke to Elizabeth. >> The description of the getaway car matched her vehicle and the more she talked, the more her timeline shifted. >> If I didn't believe that your car that there's a huge possibility of your car being involved, I wouldn't have Mirandized you. Hence why I didn't Mirandize dice you up until now, okay? Um because you're saying I it broke down, I left my car there. We've >> I don't understand >> up and down just up and down. I know. We've been driving up and down trying to find your car. We've called in to check to see if it was stolen. It has not been told. Um and again >> So then where's my daughter? >> That's what I'm trying to tell you. >> Okay. >> Okay? So did you >> No. No, I didn't. No. He's a kid. He's a baby. >> I know, but somebody did. But I >> No. I have no reason to do anything >> Okay. So then you leave your car, right? You leave your car. You walk back home. And then at 1:37 >> [music] >> Sabrina takes you to the laundromat. At 2:20 you come back. And then obviously all this is going, right? >> That's why I just completely zoned out on everything. >> So and again I am recording. I am going to remind you that there is video surveillance. [music] >> What is the name of the alley? I don't know. >> I'm going to find out. I'm just waiting for and I mean it might be ready. I don't know cuz I've been here interviewing everybody, but I do have officers there trying to pull the video surveillance. So I am going to find out what happened. Being that you bring up your car and it matches the description that I was given. >> The detective pressed harder bringing forward everything investigators had gathered. And with each new piece of evidence, Elizabeth had a new explanation ready. >> What do you mean? There was witnesses. >> Okay, there's witnesses in the area. There's Um okay, there's a school there? >> I was not there. >> Okay, but I'm telling you your car was. >> That bothers me. >> And I bet, but I also feel like you know more than you're telling me. >> I don't know. >> Okay, well again, this is just what I'm telling you. >> Um 9:50. >> 9:58. So at 9:58 you the phone call goes in and you're probably around that time. Okay. >> So between 10:00 and 10:30 is the time frame that I left the house. >> Okay. Um and then again, you say you go back. Um you walked home and then you go to the laundromat. And then that's your day, right? >> Yeah, and then I went to sleep. Please don't lie to me. Don't tell me that that was my car. >> I'm not lying to you, and I can't 100% say it's your car, but I can tell you it's the same color. It's the same description you're giving me. It doesn't have a license plate like you've described. Um I also know Angelo wanted to fight Jay. So what am I supposed to think? And based on your demeanor, I think you know what happened. So again, right now, because you're telling me you left the house around this time, and between 9:58 that phone call until 1:37, hear me out, between >> I was home though. >> Okay, tell me that. I was home by 10:30. I had made it home. I walked home. >> Okay, again. I can't confirm that yet. >> This is crazy. >> With Elizabeth's story still shaky, investigators tracked down her son, Angelo, Jay's girlfriend's brother, the same Angelo who had been set to fight Jay that morning. >> I think he was actually somebody that you knew because he was dating your sister. >> Which sister? I don't like four sisters. >> Okay. But all of your other sisters aren't dating anybody. You have a little sister. I just got to talk to you. >> Yeah, I have a little sister. But yeah, my older sister is the one who she got a new residence too. >> Um What Jay? Something with Jay? Is she alive? >> No, he's not. Um so I just wanted to find out from you just a little bit. >> tell us girl? You talked to Jay, right? You said everything's all right. >> Okay, yeah, for sure. So from my understanding you guys have known each other for a while. You kind of have like a kind of relationship. >> We was cool. We was good. Like we are We are like this. This is like What's up with your sister or something? >> He your sister? >> Yeah, we was cool until like your little sister was like you want to fight me. >> Yeah. >> But then we was cool after that. >> Okay. Okay. Um So we talked to your mom this afternoon and she said that you guys have her new car, the one that she had just bought. The Toyota that you guys had it this afternoon. Where is that car? So explain to me what this whole like your mom and your sister explained like this like beef between you and Jay. So explain that. Like you guys had a problem with each other. You and Jay. >> We had a problem with your little sister. >> Which you also had a problem with. >> Yeah, that's that was the your little sister. >> Cuz he was your sister >> Like I said, we had a disagreement. That was the fight. And then we didn't really like talk after that I said the reason >> Yeah. When did you guys fight? So, and basically and let me kind of explain to all we're trying to do is just kind of trying to get an idea who might this kid have been around or do you know what I mean? Like did he cause problems? >> Yeah, I didn't really know him that well. That's how I really know I don't know my sister came home Yeah, we were at the restaurant We bought some tacos. >> Yeah. >> Told her about it. >> Okay. >> Yeah. We didn't really talk to each other. We just like Most we said was Come help me. >> Right. Um like I said, all we're trying to do is just talk to everybody >> my sister okay though? >> She is. Yes, she's okay. She wasn't I mean, she's upset. >> She's been saying what >> I mean, she's Yeah. No, she's I mean, she's pretty devastated. I will tell you that. She's like super super super upset. >> I mean, you care for him? >> Yeah. >> What? My sister liked him a lot. That's why I was >> Got you. >> Is she okay? >> So, she's Yeah, she's not hurt. She's fine. She wasn't with him. Okay, she was at the apartment. She's devastated. She's very very sad. She's extremely hurt. She's super angry at whoever did this. >> Angelo's answers were vague. He admitted there had been issues between him and Jay, but he kept pulling back from the specifics. His alibis weren't solid and the friends who were supposed to back him up couldn't fully do it. >> Cuz I talked about fighting. >> I didn't say anything about fighting either. I didn't know why we were fighting for any reason. he was there I think he just looked for the reason were you guys supposed to fight yesterday today or any yesterday he told me this morning I was supposed to fight him all this morning then they told you your sister well not my sister I just met your sister you had an interview today yeah where at what gutter breaker at what time so your sister tells your mom your mom tells you that Jay wants to fight so when did you guys plan to meet to fight I didn't plan to meet him he assumed that I was going to fight him we did we had our we had our dispute that's why we did okay so was there I mean was there a time set up he said 1 to 8 o'clock today yes and she you mean your mom said he told me that Jay told me so that's what Jay told to tell my sister to tell me but so on and so forth that's what I told her that's what I that you're supposed supposed to meet where were you guys supposed to meet he just said he wanted to fight me at 8 o'clock in the morning so I said I'll come knock here on my door >> That was when Elizabeth walked in and the first thing she did was make sure nobody said another word to her son. For a woman who claimed to know nothing, she was moving very fast to make sure nothing slipped out. >> He's not even a day older. >> Because he's not even talking, so he doesn't he doesn't have to be 18 to talk to. And I know that you were really really helpful with us, but that's probably why we have to talk to him so that way we can get the information that he has in reference to just what was going on with you and your daughter, which was very helpful for you. >> Steve's here. >> He's waiting too? >> Huh? >> He's waiting too? Um they called me on the eighth, so I'm just going to see if I can leave. >> Yeah. >> And like I said, he was just being very helpful. He's just giving us information in reference to Jay and kind of what was going on with him. You're more than welcome to hang out while we talk to him. >> I'm going to stay with you. I don't want to leave. >> I mean it it's up to him. If he doesn't want you here, he doesn't have to have you here. >> Yeah, this is scary and boring. I had >> Can I go? Talk to my sister. >> Oh, to Elizabeth? >> Yes. >> You're I I'm Like I said, you're really willing to talk to us. If you want to go talk to your sister. >> So there is one thing that we are going to need to secure your So we're going to secure it. We're going to do a warrant on it. No. We're going to secure it. We're going to do a warrant on it. No. We're going to secure it. We're going to do a warrant on it. No. We're going to secure it. can come on, but we are going to take your phone. >> I don't have a phone. >> Okay. And but your your daughter's phone. >> I'm conducting an investigation like I explained to you earlier, Elizabeth. I'm taking your phone. You're not getting it back until I'm done with it. But as soon as I'm done with it, I will give it back to you. I know. I'm so sorry. >> Yeah, it only takes a couple days. >> No arrest was made that day, but days later investigators executed a search warrant on the family home. When they looked around behind the heater, they found a .45 caliber Glock with an extended magazine loaded with 26 rounds. That's when Angela was taken into custody on a homicide warrant. His mother was the only person he wanted to be there, but she didn't show up. >> Hey, Angela. >> I'm still at church. Sorry. >> I'm sorry, Angela. I don't know if they told you the address or not. >> Yeah, they didn't tell me the address. They didn't tell me my baby was dead. That's what they didn't say. >> Oh, well, I mean, we searched the house. Um but we didn't break anything. The what? Oh, yeah, he was running errands. But Absolutely. Let me get you that. >> Is my mom going to be here sometime? >> Is your mom going to be here? Was she driving? I don't Was she driving down here? >> No, she was talking to the people that was out there. >> Oh, at the house? I was at the office. Sorry, I was no longer at the house. Um do you know who she was talking to? >> No, I just I don't know who I was talking to. Well, when I went to go get my mom, she said she wasn't at home. I was getting dressed for work and I already knew the doors was closed, so I didn't know who my mom was talking to. I'm pretty sure she said [music] she was going to She was coming home to cook or something like that, so So, she should be coming. >> So, she should be coming. Okay. >> And if not, I'll be calling you. >> Yeah, Angela said that she should be coming. She should? Okay. Um so, my sergeant just got back. Your mom was not at the house. At this time, you are going to get booked for your warrant. Okay? >> What exactly is the warrant anyway? >> It's a homicide warrant. >> But why? I didn't do anything. >> Okay. Um again, you know, because you said that you wanted to speak to me with your mom, I can't ask you questions. Um at this point, I am booking you for the homicide warrant. Um and that's all I can do. Okay? >> Appreciate you being so respectful with us today. >> You're welcome, sir. >> Yeah, if you send an officer you still stay with the girl? >> Mhm, absolutely. >> For nearly a year, Angelo sat in juvenile detention waiting for trial. Then, investigators got a phone call. Someone had been messaging Angelo's half-brother, Gilbert, on Facebook using a fake account. And what Gilbert said in those messages unraveled everything. According to Gilbert, it wasn't Angelo who pulled the trigger. It was their mother, Elizabeth. >> I'm going to take your cuffs off. Um obviously, I know you were visiting Angelo. I I know you were visiting Angelo. How's he doing? He's okay? >> Yeah. >> Okay. How are you doing? >> He's okay. He didn't do anything wrong. He didn't do anything wrong. >> And I mean just in general with life. Okay. So, just because you already know why you're here, you've been in handcuffs, you've been in the back of the cop car just now. Yeah. So, I'm going to read you your rights, okay? Do you have any questions? Okay, fair enough. Um with that being said, what's going to happen now is I'm going to stop this interview. You're going to jail on two warrants. Okay, you do have an open count warrant and you do have And I have to look at that one the the to read you the exact slide if the child warrant, okay? And that's not mine. It's not for me to discuss, but that's what one of the warrants is for. Okay? And give me a minute and I actually can tell you right away cuz I do have a copy in here. I don't do child >> In the end, Elizabeth Ortiz Chavez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of [music] Jay Ruiz, a 16-year-old father-to-be and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Angelo, [music] who had spent nearly a year in juvenile custody protecting her, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and assault with [music] intent to commit a felony. Next, a 14-year-old girl sent her mother a text that no parent is ever prepared to receive. And when investigators started digging, what began as one accusation slowly revealed years of harm and more victims than anyone had imagined. >> [music] >> Yes, and then he got on top of her. >> That is ridiculous, honey. That is ridiculous. I'm upset, sir. >> I understand you're upset, but I'm trying to save you. >> why I'm upset? That's ridiculous. >> On December 10th, 2022, a 14-year-old girl sent her mother a message that no parent ever wants to receive. She had been staying at her mother's ex-boyfriend's house for the weekend, the same house she had been going to every weekend for years, and something had happened the night before that she could no longer keep to herself. The moment her mother understood what her daughter was telling her, she picked up the phone and called the police. >> He messed up. I'm at right now. >> I've been there with the we just got the girls back. >> I see. So, you guys all work together here? >> Yes, we own this place and she's our employee. >> I see. >> And um the teenage girl called They This little girl and the girl it happened to, this little >> I'm going to get him or I'm going to get him. >> We'll take care [music] of it. >> We just need to get all the facts before we head over there. >> Apparently it happened last night. She just told me exactly what happened. >> Ma'am, do you want to sit down and tell me before I go talk to her cuz we're only allowed so many interviews. >> I want to say what just came straight from her. I have text messages. Phone was dead when I called him >> So who is over there? >> That [music] would be my little one here, the father. My ex, so >> Your ex? Is he your husband, ex-husband? >> ex-husband, just ex-boyfriend. We had a child together. Families are still real close. This is This is shocking everybody. >> All right. How long How long have you all been separated? >> Uh at least 4 years. >> Got you. Okay. >> every weekend, you know what I mean? My kids go over there all the time. My you know, we Sure. She said anyway, she text me "You can't get me. I can't stay here. I have all this." I'll show you guys. >> Sure. >> I said "What's going on?" I'm at work. She's like "He raped me." >> I'm going to leave >> She said Last night he asked her to come watch a movie with him. >> Okay. >> Went in the room and he stuck his hand in her pants and then got on top of her and physically raped her. And then wouldn't let her leave the room for a while. So everybody else was asleep, [music] I guess. And >> And I got I got to ask you this, did he Did he ejaculate or anything like that? >> No, it didn't get that far. Just She just got her >> Cuz if that's the case, we need to get her >> She has the panties and stuff that she wore. She said she felt gross and she has those clothes that haven't been touched. >> Excellent. Okay. Okay. I'm so sorry. Okay. >> Hey Mike, what do we have? >> A legit 37 They've been staying with uh >> This is like they do They do this every weekend on Fridays. The grandma comes and picks them up. And um they go out there and some days get them back. >> text you last night and said >> No, she text me I will show you right here, guys. With her phone she said this happened last night. This is morning. She tried calling me. >> [music] >> Please come get me. It's an emergency. I cannot stay here no more. Please come get me. Please. I said I'm at work. I tried calling her. Couldn't hear her. I said "What's going on? What's going on? Please. I can't find a parking spot. I can't" She tried calling me. It's not working. Tell me what's wrong. Don't call the house phone. Here's house phone. I said if you don't tell me what's going on, I am. Please, you can't break me. Like >> [music] >> please, can't be. Please, please, please. I said I'm sending cops. Don't And then we just got to Grandma's coming to get you. Answer my anxiety is bad and I Thank you. That's the family calling me cuz they didn't realize they were gone for just now 2 hours. They're just realizing these girls are gone. >> You know I'm part of the family. >> The mother met officers outside the house and walked them through everything her daughter had told her word for word. As officers worked through the initial details, a critical problem emerged. >> So did she mention cuz you said something about putting a hand down there? Was was there physical >> Sexual contact like with >> Yes, and then he got on top of her and physically >> Okay. >> raped her. >> So it happened. >> Yes, it did happen. >> This is >> And you say that the clothing Do you have it in a bag somewhere? >> Okay. >> Where is the Can you get that bag? Can you grab that for us? >> Um >> I'll put it in a brown bag right away. >> Yep. Give me Comstar's any time we have. Say sorry to Sergeant Gonzalez. Hey, you are Northeast Sergeant? >> I am. What you got going on? >> So it looks like it's going to be a legit 737. Last night they were watching a movie and he uh hit her and then got on top of her and then did her. >> Oh. >> So here's the house. Hey, we don't have clothing. >> So what am I going to do? Take her to the >> We're going to We're on the phone with our sergeant. This is kind of going above us. Uh usually goes to major crimes, but we'll get there. We just are only allowed so many interviews with her, so we're trying. So what are the clothes that she has on? She wasn't wearing those during the incident. >> These are extra ones. Like they packed for a weekend over there. >> Did she shower or anything like that? >> I don't think so. Her hair is still matted. I haven't asked her like you guys got here right as she did. >> Okay. Well, hey, we try to get here as quickly as we can. >> I know you did. >> Um >> Cuz they came all the way from South Springs way out. >> Just real quick, while we have him on the phone, can you ask her if she's showered since it happened? >> The victim had already showered. The clothes she had been wearing, bagged up and put in the trash, were gone. Investigators had a victim, a suspect, and almost no physical evidence. >> So, what's the living arrangement? Does step- Does stepdad live with her and you? >> No. This is a whole 'nother house. Like, I I live out here. This is his He lives with his mom. This is his >> What is he for her? >> Stepdad. No. >> Did he force her to do that, or you don't know? >> No, I don't know. Hold this stuff. You know what >> I get it. So, we just We have to ask these questions, right? >> I know. I know. >> So, she spent the night with Okay, she was staying there stepdad was at >> Yeah. And grandma and the grandmas, this happens every weekend. This is not the first time this has been happening for years, guys. >> Yeah, it's been every weekend that they go over there and they hang out >> Never, ever. And I talked to my youngest one to see if maybe something happened. No. And as sick as it sounds, with my boss there >> She has. >> She has showered? >> And the clothing she had on is at the house. >> In the trash, gone. >> All right, so she has showered and the clothing that she had on >> is at the house. The little girl looks exactly like her. You'll see. Is he at the house? >> He's at the house. Oh, he's at the house. >> He doesn't know any I know anything, you guys. Like, I didn't call to start a war or anything. >> Yeah, because >> I called Detective Rodriguez. He told me exactly what to do. >> Detective Rodriguez was >> He told me get the grandma, have the kids come out to the road, and they hid in the bushes. >> Who's Who's there right now at the house? >> The grandma, him. >> Can we have grandma collect the clothes? >> Oh, she's She's going to flip when she finds this out. >> She doesn't know anything They don't know anything about it. >> Listen, do you want to go over there, or do you want me to We need to go over there and collect that clothes. >> See, this is what happened. >> Wait one second. We need to go over there and collect that clothes. And on top of that, we need to make sure he doesn't go anywhere. >> Yeah. I must they if they even allow us to go in house. >> Do we have a car that can take her? >> I get that, but if they refuse what do we do with her? >> I got it. >> So, her daughter called her and told her what happened. I called Detective Rodriguez and he told me exactly what to do. He said get the girls out of the house, so we sent grandma to pick them up. The one it happened to told grandma and her little sister to hide [music] in the bushes till grandma got there and they came out on 19. And so, he said don't say anything until we had them, you know, in custody with us. [music] And then to call you guys and then I called you. They keep burning up all of our phones. I said she was down at our other shop working [music] and our phone wasn't working there. So, they don't know anything about it. >> While officers coordinated next steps, more information started surfacing. Another child in the family had told her mother months earlier that the same thing had happened to her. That detail landed heavily on everyone. >> I asked her questions. I said has daddy ever touched you on the blood or any of your private parts? She said >> Yeah, cuz that kind of had me a little little nervous. Oh, man. Cuz I saw it when you saw it. And you said the question I'm like >> Just so you know, a couple months ago, the other one, the other sister >> The one with the white shirt right now? >> Yeah. >> Okay, she told you >> Mom that it happened to her. Well, after she I mean we asked her, but she's not speaking and she said she don't want to talk to you guys either. So. >> What she told you guys a couple months ago that this happened? >> She told but mom was like, "No." >> Didn't call us or anything? >> She didn't, you know, believe me, you know, her thing. So, I mean all of us, I've known Lee, you know, from the kids, you know, a few years. I mean, you never know when something's going to happen, but he never seemed like he'd be that kind of He's always been a loving dad, you know. >> Hey, hey Gonzalez. You got victim 43? >> Yes. >> I'll let I'll let you talk to Jose. >> He said 43 >> She's speaking 43. I got her in the room. >> Okay. >> Says saying a month or so ago, the same thing happened to her, but she doesn't want to talk to us about it. >> Investigators then turned their focus to the victim. It was time to sit down with her directly, and what she said in that interview would determine just how much her mother was speaking. >> This is Graham on the picture. >> Hey. >> How are you? >> Good. You did the right thing. Thank you for bringing them over here. >> Yeah, well, I mean, you know, I love them. And then I got stuck. >> Our detective is asking if you will be okay to be interviewed. Mom says it's okay. >> You'll be interviewed. We're just going to ask you questions. Just be honest with them, okay? >> Is she okay with that? All right. >> [music] >> Party again, she says she's set forward to be interviewed. And then the other question is, would you be okay getting the rape kit exam? >> Yes, I said we already said we'd do that. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah, they're both on on board with it. She says she's okay with it, yes. >> Okay. So then what I'll do is I'm going to call Kimberly, and then once that's set up, I'll text you the address. Um just confirming all the evidence is either going to be in that trash bag or at the suspect's house, correct? Is that correct? >> If I can I'll go there now. Um >> Mom says she's explaining I'm going to explain to her how to get there as best as she can. >> I can't borrow her? >> No, she needs to stay here. >> Okay. Are you done with this? >> No, I'm working on it. >> You're working on it? >> Almost. >> Can we get someone to go to your house to get your >> Perfect. Yeah. While you finish that, however, you know, the whole thing, you know, underwear and everything. >> While investigators were still working the scene, the suspect drove straight into the parking lot, walking directly into the middle of an investigation that was already building a case against him. >> Who is it? >> No, no, no. >> Hey. Hey. >> Hey, wait. No, no, no, no, no. >> What? >> Sir. Can you step out real quick? >> Are you [ __ ] kidding me? No, that is no [ __ ] way. >> No, don't blame Have a seat. >> I didn't even want to go back there. >> Hey. Grandma. >> You're kidding me. >> Go sit down. >> No, I'm not going to sit. This is ridiculous. >> We're not going to have >> my business, so please have respect for me. >> Okay, listen. >> That is ridiculous, honey. That is ridiculous. >> Grandma, just go over here, please. >> No, I'm going over here. I'm going >> Sit right there. Come on over here, buddy. Come over to my car. You have anything in your pockets? >> Yeah, I got my >> We're dude, we're coming on the back end of this whole thing, so you have to bear with me. Come on over here real quick. I'll I'll I'll get all your stuff. I'll tell you. Uh just put your hands up here real quick. I'm just going to pat you down. You have any weapons on you, sir? I'll explain everything happening to you in just a minute. You're not under arrest, you're just being detained. >> I just want to understand, man. >> Do you have an ID in here? All right. Pull it out for me. You're being cooperative, so there's no reason to be rough. >> Yeah, just I'm just so worried about them. Now, this is like the hell, man. >> All right, come on over to my car real quick. >> I honestly thought I'd be coming here for those something like that, man. >> All right. Hey, there are allegations made. Listen, I'm not even going to question you until I Mirandize you. All right, we got a detective that's involved in this case. We just got here. All right? Listen, just I can't even talk to you right at this point. Just give me a minute. You're just detained. I'm going to turn the air way up and cool things down for you, okay? I see you're shaking a little bit. >> Yeah. >> This This is some serious accusations. >> Oh, and they're down, man. >> But that's that's what That's what the allegations are. That's all we have at this point. Let me turn the air up, it'll be a minute, okay? >> Okay. Appreciate it. >> Officers detained him on the spot. His family erupted, his mother refusing to stand down, demanding answers, insisting her son had done nothing wrong. >> All right, hear me out for a second, okay? You are at a public place at a business. Hear me Hear me for a second. >> I'm I'm just staying here. >> She is the owner of this >> I understand her. I I'm not causing any problems. >> If you cause problems >> I'm not. >> we'll get you trespassed. And then if you don't And if you don't leave, then we'll get you arrested. >> Oh, I need to leave now? >> No, no, no, no, no. >> Okay. >> Hey, Sarge, give me a second. If you >> I am. I'm not I'm I am. I'm upset, Sarge. >> I understand you're upset, but I'm trying to explain to you >> why I'm upset? That's ridiculous. >> Okay. Understand what I'm trying to tell you, okay? >> I understand. >> She She showed up here where we were at. >> You're going to arrest my son? >> No, we're not at the house. We're at a business, at a friend's business. >> Hey, what did I just tell you? >> Are you going to come over here and obstruct what I'm doing? >> No, I'm asking you a question. >> over there. >> Are you arresting my son? >> He is detained. He's not under arrest. Do you see handcuffs? We We had allegations. >> You both sit down, too. Take a breath, take it easy. >> We had allegations. We're going to We're going to hold on to what we got. I get it, it's a lot to process. There's a lot going on here. We're not here We're not here to mess with him, but he's here. He's detained. That's all this is. Just try to remain calm. >> Okay. >> I assure you I assure you everything's being Everything's being done by the book. I assure you. >> All right. >> Officers held the line while the suspect sat in the back of the patrol car, calm on the surface, but doing everything he could to explain his way out of a situation that was quickly closing in around him. >> Well, what what I mean, you can't say nothing. Tell me what was this person doing? >> I can't officially ask you what's going on um or ask any questions about it, but there were allegations made that there was a a of that took place. So, don't want to talk with you about the case at this point until the detective gets here. >> I mean, can I at least tell you something? >> If I'm not officially asking you any questions. >> I just want to tell I just want to talk to somebody. See, last last night, the only thing we uh we were watching TV and fell asleep. Woke up the next morning. That's all I know. Huh. I don't understand what she's talking about. Maybe she dreamed something or something. I wish I could have told her. >> These are the only people in the neighborhood right now. >> No, 41. >> Wait, I'm a phone Sure. >> Harrigan 51. >> Not yet. She said a follow-up call. The sergeant is 51. >> Are you going to go with grandma? >> Yeah, she's got to get clothes for her. I don't know. I can't tell their sizes apart. They know. >> Please don't let them out of the room, Dan. >> But we will be back. >> Okay. >> Thank you so much. >> Investigators obtained a search warrant for the home. While they waited for the detective to arrive and execute it, the suspect's family kept pushing, wanting answers, wanting access. Officers held the scene and waited. >> So, I'm taking her there >> Taking her there to do the examination. >> Okay, and then from there and after that she'll let you know what's up. >> Okay, what's going on with this? Do we know yet? >> What do you think? >> Like I'm going to have chaos with this family. >> No, no. They're all leaving already? >> I know. He's going to be taken to the to the sheriff's office. >> All right. >> To get interviewed after she's done with you guys, detective is done with you guys. >> Okay. >> She'll drive over there to the to our main building and then interview him. >> Okay. Sounds good. >> They'll be on it. Everybody should be out of here now. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> You want to get this guy in my car and then I'll go to get the He's being cooperative? >> Yes. >> So, if he's being cooperative, let's make that swap real quick. And then actually you need to go to the store. Go to the store first. We'll take him there. >> Hey, fellas. Hey, so I just got off the phone with Detective Harrigan. She's advised me no one is to go into the home. It's going to It's going to be It's going to be a crime scene. >> All right. Let me get my stuff. >> So, what did they do in the test? And the test results >> No, no. They haven't done the test yet, but this is to be a crime scene until >> on. Can I >> until can search the house. >> about to pee my pants. >> All I do is go use the bathroom come right back out, I promise. >> So, [music] unless the detective tells us we don't know what we have yet, >> [music] >> so it >> He just told me to lock it down as a crime scene. >> Yeah, it it >> Walk in there with me if you want to. I just have to go in there use >> We have to wait until the detective does her interview and then >> I did text her. >> Okay, and we'll wait for her to get back with us. Do you know if the little girl threw out some clothes today? Allegedly. >> All I know All I know is we've looked for her and looked for her and he followed her foot tracks and if she went to our dump, she was going the wrong way. >> Okay. >> Cuz her footprints go to the left, not the right. >> Got you. >> We were They were on foot and we were in car. We were desperately trying to find these girls cuz we didn't know what was going on. >> And we saw like I saw the footprints leading from there and I saw her following. And then they [music] went that way onto the main road. And the way to go to the dump is in the right. >> Would you like to run the kitchen trash? >> Yeah, kids are yeah. >> Do you remember seeing like a Dollar General bag in there this morning? I know it's something you probably don't even think of. >> Dollar General bag with [ __ ] in it. >> Yeah, [music] like clothes? >> No. There was only when that whenever we took the trash out, there was only that one bag that you got from the backyard. Yeah, cuz he collected poop one day and just sit it in the backyard so I made him sit it in the bag and that's the only one that was in there, right? >> Well, there was one open with like random pieces of paper. >> All I know that was >> But you didn't remember seeing any clothes in there? >> Like this here. >> Everything was all packed up from last [music] night. The only thing that was sitting out there was a couple of recyclables. I had a box sitting there and I had a yellow I even got after him cuz he tried to put another [music] trash bag in my trash can. I said, "No, wait till you do that to >> Did you ever see her last night? >> Yeah, I was in the >> she wearing, do you recall? >> That's why I'm going to look at my camera. >> After hearing about the arrest, a third victim came forward. During interviews with detectives, the child described incidents that had started when they were just 4 years old. >> You'll have your day in court. Talk to the judge. Put on your case. >> In the end, the case went before a Marion County jury. Over several days, prosecutors laid out the evidence and testimony from multiple victims. The jury came back with their verdict. Howard Lee Witted was found guilty on all counts, including multiple counts of battery, unlawful conduct, and false imprisonment. He was sentenced to 11 consecutive life sentences. Next, [music] two teenage boys were reported missing. And when investigators finally found them, what had been done to them was so disturbing it would take prosecutors 5 years to build a case strong enough to bring everyone responsible to justice. >> And that's when they told me to hit him and then we took off. >> hit? >> Calypso. >> Okay. >> I'm like and I look up and then they're laying down. >> [music] >> Like I just look away and then I hear and then they made me get out the car and help them put it in the trunk. >> He's when we were talking the other day, he's like, I regret it so much. I'm like, dude, I told you not to go. He tried to take me with He wanted me to go. I said, hell no. >> On December 13th, 2018, 14-year-old Ahmed Lateef and 15-year-old Collin Romero were reported missing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Two weeks later, both boys were found buried in a shallow grave in the desert, brutally beaten. Ahmed 19 times and Collin nine. Then a Snapchat video surfaced and suddenly investigators had everything they needed. >> So, just kind of kind of run me through the whole thing and I know you already kind of told him the whole thing. >> Okay. >> But, from the time that y'all first hooked up with Collin and Ahmed, kind of just run me through it. >> Like Like, what do you mean, though? >> Well, from the first time that when y'all went over there to pick up the ounce or half ounce, >> Yeah. >> just kind of forward. >> Uh >> Just kind of hash out everything we talked about last night. >> Oh, so we he in and we were he was we were weighing it. It wasn't full. It wasn't a full uh >> It wasn't a full uh >> ounce. It wasn't a full yeah. >> Was it supposed to be an ounce or half ounce? >> I don't know. It was whatever they were getting. >> So, they didn't think it was a >> It wasn't full. It wasn't. And then he's like, "Where's the other half?" And then that's when he started acting all weird. Um Um >> Amed? >> Yeah. That's who he acted all weird. And then that's when they they're like, "What they They're like, that's weird. Like, why wouldn't you bring it all?" And that's when they told me to him and then we take him out. >> to hit him? >> Calypso. >> Okay. >> And then that's when we drove off and then we started driving and smoked. Uh then they were like Flex would reach over and hit them. And then >> How would he hit them? >> Just like like just reach back >> With his fists or something? >> His fists or his pistol or something. >> Let's Let's Let's stop for a second. Let me just ask you a quick question. Run me through where everybody was sitting in the in the vehicle. >> there. >> So, you're in the right rear. >> Yeah, they're right there. >> Okay, so they're in the back seat. Who's sitting closest to the door? >> Um Colin. >> Colin is closest to the door. Amed's in the center. >> Uh huh. >> [laughter] >> Okay. And who's sitting here in the front? >> Flex. >> Flex and then Calypso was driving. Okay. I'm sorry. I just want to get my my picture. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Three individuals were identified. 19-year-old Steven Goldman, known as Calypso. 22-year-old Jimmy Atkins, known as Flex. And 15-year-old Julio Almano, known as Fafa. The youngest, Julio, was the first taken into custody and you've already heard what he told detectives when they walked him back through that night, revealing how quickly a casual deal had gone wrong. >> We kept driving and driving. That's where like probably We're I know we're still like in city. We're probably like I don't know where exact spot is. Like we're driving up Loomis, I think or something. And then that's when I I punched them again cuz they told me to and then that's when we we're just driving and I started smoking I started smoking my blunt and then that's when I told them to hit it. I told them to hit it and that's when they're like cooling down. So when everything cooled down that's when everything cooled down when we started smoking. I let them smoke with me and then they ended up driving like farther and farther out and I was like where are we going? Where are we going? Where are we going? And then they're just like they just kept going time >> Julio claimed he was high. The music was loud and he wasn't fully registering what was happening under the influence of until the car stopped and he heard gunshots. When he looked up both boys were on the ground and then Calypso and Flex turned to him. >> They kept talking like like this but we have music loud and stuff but they're you know when you're in the front seat you could hear from what your conversation is and you couldn't hear them? No. And I'm they're like they won't tell me where we're going, you know, so it's making me sus but I'm high. No, I'm I'm I'm my head's all [ __ ] up. I'm all just chill. I'm slumped. I'm just You know and then they were just like going and then they're that's when they're like where are we? I don't know where I'm at. I don't know where I'm at. And I was looking at them like I don't even know where I'm at, dude, like and then that's when they they took a road off and then we came and then that's when they got out and then they pulled them out and they went like behind me. >> Who pulled Who pulled you out? Pulled them out? >> They pulled them out. Flex and Calypso. >> Okay. I stayed in the car. >> All right. And then >> Did they just say get out or >> They just said get out. >> Okay. >> And then they got out and then they went behind me and then I was just like looking and I kept on like that and like going like that and then after I was just I just put I was like damn. What the like all right. I feel I already feel I already feel what's probably going to happen. But they didn't tell me this. You feel me? And then that's when I was like okay. So I just like I'm looking down and I'm just I'm like I'm thinking but I don't know and then I I hear the gun and I'm like and I look up and then they're laying down. and like I just look away and then I hear gunshots. And then they made me get out the car and help them put it in the trunk. >> What Julio had told them the first time didn't fully add up and detectives knew it. A year later in April 2019, they sat down with him again. This time they came armed with a closer look at that Snapchat video and one thing was becoming increasingly clear. No casual deal gone wrong ends with two teenagers got 19 and nine times in a remote desert. The moment detectives laid everything out in front of him, the whole picture began to shift into something far more disturbing. >> So, you know I've got the the videos, right? Okay. So, you kind of minimized and I figured you did a little bit of what you told us the first time. Right? Okay. What I understand is >> [music] >> Goldman was setting up the deal. >> Uh-huh. >> Okay. Who was he setting it up with? >> I don't >> Colin or Latif? >> I think it was Latif. >> Okay. So, and they were wanting to buy a gun. >> They were wanting to buy a gun? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And what I understand Goldman says, "Yeah, why do you want a gun?" And whoever he was setting it up with, Colin or or Ahmed said, "This dude robbed me." >> And he was trying to get back at them? >> And he was going to get the gun to take revenge on the robber. >> that too. I heard that too. >> Okay. Do you know who robbed him? >> No. Those those kids? >> Uh-huh. >> No, I don't know that. No. >> Because that's what got him killed, I believe. Because he [music] told Goldman that some dude by the name of Flex did it. >> That Okay, yeah. I So, there's two Flexes. There's two Flexes out here. >> Okay. >> This other guy, Flex, he's he's like he looks he looks exactly like this Flex. >> Really? >> Yeah. And I think that's who did it, too. >> What? >> That robbed him, yeah. >> So, there's two two different Flexes. >> Okay. Really? >> Like remember remember in the beginning when this all happened, they were posting this that other Flex, they were posting him all over Facebook. >> Oh, really? >> Rico something. >> Oh, yeah. >> That's him. >> That's Flex. >> That's So, he goes by Flex, also. >> And the other one looks like him. >> Ah, okay. >> got it mixed up back in the beginning. That's who they were thinking Flex was, but that is Flex, but there's another Flex. >> So, it's a different Flex. >> Yeah. And I'm pretty I think >> that's what I'm thinking that kind of caused this because of course Calypso was friends with Flex. >> Yeah. >> He's think No, this Flex. >> Yeah. >> Thinking that >> friends with the other Flex, too. >> Uh they are >> Are they? >> They're friends together. >> So, what it sounds like to me is that [music] y'all them first before they get Flex. >> Uh >> Oh, like revenge. >> Like if like if like if we were doing it for for the >> For the other Flex. >> For whoever, whichever Flex. >> Yeah. >> You know what I mean? >> Yeah. Okay, I see. >> You see what I'm saying? >> Yeah. >> Okay. I want you to tell me, but I'm just kind of paraphrasing >> Okay. >> what I remember that you've told me in the past. >> Okay. >> So, the day of the incident, you, Flex, and Calypso were in what vehicle? >> A white white Buick. >> Okay. All right, so whose car was that? >> Uh Okay, so >> Just tell >> So, you, Calypso and Flex and Calypso's driving. Okay. Y'all go over to the location that y'all met up with Ahmed and Colin. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Kind of run me through just briefly how that how that section came about, you know, when Colin and Ahmed came out to the vehicle. Tell me how that went. >> He shook his head and he was like, "Just hop in the back." and then >> Okay, so which door did he get in? >> This side. >> The passenger or the the driver side? >> Driver back. >> Okay. >> And he got in and then we're just chilling and then out of nowhere Calypso just points his gun at him and then >> Calypso does what? >> Oh, no, actually cuz the the he was we're picking up some and then he had one he had some and Calypso was just like, "Where's the rest?" and then he was like, "This is what you wanted." Then he was like, "Well, where's the rest?" and he was like, "How much more do you need?" And that's when Calypso pulled out the gun on him. >> Julio made one thing clear when officers pressed him on what happened inside that car. Nobody was shot in the vehicle, not because he had any concern for Ahmed and Colin, but because as he put it, it wasn't their car. >> So, he pulled it out. Where where did he have it? >> On on [snorts] the floor. >> On the floor in front of him? Okay. All right, so he pulled it out and did what? >> He just pulled it out and he was like >> at Latif right Ahmed. Okay. >> He was like, "Just give me everything." and then started passing out of him and I'm I'm just like, "Whoa, what do I do?" So, so then he's like, "Take it Get his Run his pockets." So, then I took I took out his pocket I took out his wallet and I I took I put it in the middle like >> Okay, he he So, you took out He told you to get >> He told me to drop all of it, yeah. >> Okay. he said Does he have money? >> I don't know. So, I looked in his pocket and he had a wallet. I put it in the middle and then I took the >> [snorts] >> from him and I put it in the middle and then and then I lifted up his shirt and he had a gun. And then I I took out the gun. Flex took it from me and then that's when he got out the car. Got out the car. >> Who is he? >> Calypso. >> Okay. >> He got out of the car. He threw him in the lake and then and then he's like he's looking at me in my eyes like like he wants to do it and then I started pushing the gun away and then and then he's like he's like "Oh." He starts He just keep He keeps saying it and then I'm like this is not our car. This is not our car. We can't And then he's like >> [snorts] >> and he starts driving again. But no no no one got out on the way over there. >> So, nobody got out in the vehicle as you were traveling. >> No. >> Okay. When Calypso and Flex Colin and Ahmed Who was it that told you to get out? >> Calypso. >> Calypso told you to get out. Okay. So, when you get out you help who pick up the boys? >> I helped Calypso carry one and Flex just picks up one. >> He Okay. >> Flex just picks up one by himself. >> One by himself? Pretty good size. So, do you know which one that you helped put in? >> Uh Ahmed. >> Okay. Okay. >> Yeah. >> So to your best knowledge were they dead when or were they alive? >> They were making noises, but I I I couldn't I I don't I couldn't really say. But I'm pretty sure he he I feel like he was, but not for like not that long. Like >> Okay. so >> No. I'm going to say no. >> Okay. feel like no. >> Okay. The cover-up began before the bodies were even buried. Calypso was already on the phone, and the people who answered that call made decisions that would eventually cost them everything. Julio's uncle, Anthony, agreed to meet without hesitation. And Calypso's own father, rather than turning his son in, took the guns, wiped them down, and stored them away as if none of it had ever happened. >> So, from there >> [snorts] >> once you put uh the kids back in the in the trunk you go where? >> Ooh, we start driving. Then he's like he starts flipping out. He's like, "What do [snorts] I do? No, no, no." And then he's like he's like, "Who will help me? Who will help me?" And then he's just like he's like "Where's your uncle?" And I was like, "Uh he's probably sleeping or whatever." Cuz it was like 6:00 or it was like 8:00. Call him up and he's like, "Hey, what are you doing?" He's just like, "Just driving around." He's like, "Meet me ASAP. I got two." And then he's My uncle's like, "What?" He's like, And then we pull up to Calypso's house. We pull up like down the road from his house. Calypso's house, and then he's like he's like "Uh start cleaning out the car." And I was like, "What What like what do you want me to clean?" And he's like, "Just take out just take out uh like all their clothes. Just Just put it in a bag." And I was like, "All right." So, I put it in a bag, and then he he he takes it from me and gives it to he gives it to Flex. And then he gives it to >> So, then you all go back to Calypso's house? >> Yeah, but down the road. And we park right behind each other. >> Okay. >> And then we he's just we're just uh We're just sitting there in the car. And then he's like they're just talk They're like that this is right here. They're just like parking. They park next to each other after I cleaned out the backseat or whatever. >> Mhm. >> And then he's like he's even he puts he puts the guns in the trunk. And >> Of which car? >> My uncle's My uncle's rental. >> Okay. >> He puts them in the trunk. And then and then we [clears throat] me Calypso get into his car. >> Into >> My uncle's. >> Uncle's. >> And my uncle gets into the Buick. >> To the Buick. Okay. >> And then Flexing him they drive off and then >> Was his dad around at that point? >> Yeah. >> Was he telling his dad anything? >> He him and his dad went into his dad's room, start talking. And not clean till the part not clean till he has like Like a case like a case that he put it in. >> Oh. >> Like a tool bag like for a gun. >> Okay. >> And he just put like for like a kind of a lot of guns in there. >> Okay. >> He puts he puts them in there and he starts he starts wiping them down and he's And he's like um what are you Um What are you about to do with these dad? And he's like he's like Uh I don't know. I'm actually going to take them off of you. I'm taking them from you and then >> Goldman's dad took those guns to get rid of them. >> Yeah, I don't know if to get rid of them but like save them for him and whatever. >> So he had them. >> Yeah, he had them. >> Okay. After he knew that >> He knew he knew he knew the he knew the situation so he helped the situation to put them away from >> And and that's you're saying that because Calypso told his dad what had happened. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. I just I just got to make sure I understand everything. >> When news broke that Ahmad and Colin were missing the group panicked. They pooled whatever cash they had and ran but investigators were already closing in. >> Then he was like he woke me up from my sleep like get up get up get up and I was like what's going on? Dude. And he's like We should We got to go and I was like what do you mean? Let's go we got to go. And I was like I was like okay so I'm waking up I'm waking up I'm I'm putting my sweats on and then I'm barely getting up. He's like I'm like what's happening bro? He shows me the phone and then it has both of their faces on it on the crime watch or whatever and [clears throat] I was like I was like Yeah. Uh what is it saying or whatever and he's just like Yeah that they're missing and that the last person they were with was me and I need I need to leave. So, I was like, "All right." >> Calypso? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, I was like, "All right, dude. Where are you Where do we Where are we going?" He was just like, "Uh let's just He's like, "We need to find Flex. We need to find Flex." And then we found Flex we pick up Flex from uh over there. I don't know where he was. Yeah, I think he was at one of his homie's house or something. Picked him up. He's like, "We got to go. How much money you got on you?" He's like, "I had like 200." I had like 500. He had like He had like 800 or something. And Calypso was like, he's like, "All right, bet. We're going to say we're going to take a trip." >> piled into Anthony's rental car and disappeared, sleeping in it for days, lying low, hoping the whole thing would quietly fade away. However, it didn't. >> We ended up coming back to the house. >> Mhm. >> We just [clears throat] ended up staying at the house again and then and then we hear phone phone phone phone and then he's he thought it was the cops. I I wasn't even awake and then he he was awake and then his sister answers the door. He's like he's like she's like, "Hello, who are you?" And then he's like he's he's he's like, "Uh my nephew here from y'all?" He's like, "I need my car now." And then she was like, "I don't even know you. You can't be coming over here like that." He's like He's like, "I need to talk to your brother and Fafa now." And then he and she like, "Okay." So, then she woke up she woke up me and she like, "Your uncle's outside and he can't be banging on my door like that." I like I was just like, "What the I was like, what?" I get up I go out there and talk to him and he's like, "Where the He was mad. He's like, "Where you guys been?" It was been like 3 days and then he's like he's like, "I've been looking for y'all." And it's actually been like 2 days or a day. >> That's fine. That's fine. I'm not holding you to that. >> Oh, yeah. And then he was like, um He's like, uh "I need my car back and I need all that I need to clean it out cuz that's a rental and I can't get charged for it or something." I was like, "All right." So, I'm about to clean Calypso's sleeping. I have to do it by myself. So, I start cleaning out the rental. >> Did your uncle tell you, Calypso, or Flex that you're aware of? Did he tell them that they needed to get rid of that vehicle? >> Yeah. >> What did What did he say? >> He said that uh he he tried to clean it out. So, he started cleaning it out and then he's like, "I can't clean it. I was like, I can't clean it, so you guys need to get rid of that car." >> Did he tell them how they need to get rid of it? >> No, he just [clears throat] said, "You guys need to get rid of it." >> Later that day, the group slipped out looking for food, trying to act as if nothing had happened. But, while they were sitting there, Calypso quietly got up, left, and never came back to the table. A little while later, Julio's phone rang. It was Calypso calling from his sister's number. What he said on that call told Julio everything he needed to know about where this was all heading. >> We're just chilling, talking, smoking, whatever, and then he's like I get a call from I get a call from Calypso. He's like he's like >> You did. >> Yeah, from his sister's phone. I don't know. Not my Not my phone, cuz I I never I didn't have a phone at the time. He called He called Emilio or something off of his sister's phone. He's like He's like, "Tell Baba that that the keys are in the backseat. I left them with him. I just talked to my dad. You need to give him the keys now." >> Okay. So, let me make sure I understand what you're saying. >> Yeah. >> You finish up with the the eating at the at Deion's. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And >> We're still at Deion's. >> You're at still at Deion's. >> we're still at Deion's. >> It's okay, but Calypso and his sister had already left. >> Yep. >> He tells you that he left the keys >> Left the keys in >> in the car in the back of the car. >> Yeah, not in the vehicle, in in Emilio's car. >> Oh, in Emilio's car. >> Yeah, in Emilio's car. >> And that you need to give the keys to who? >> his dad. >> To his dad. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And then he he sent me the number of his dad. >> Okay. >> And then I called him. I was like, "I'm at the Deion's, whatever." He's like, "Okay, I'll call you when I'm there." And then he calls me and he's like, "Walk to the end of the street by these by these apartments and I'm right there. You'll see me." I'm like, "All right." >> Walk. He's off. Come by yourself. >> Okay, so he takes the >> Takes the Buick at that point. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> It's in his custody. >> All right. >> Okay. [snorts] >> On May 1st, 2023, after 5 years of building the case, verdicts were delivered. Steven Goldman Jr., Jimmy Atkins, and Julio Almano were each convicted of kidnapping, armed robbery, and tampering with evidence, receiving two consecutive life terms. Anthony Aragon was convicted of tampering with evidence and conspiracy. Steven Goldman Sr. pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence.