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[narrator] Halloween.
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00:00:11,378 --> 00:00:14,346
On the night los angeles
celebrates its dark side,
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One man's revelry turns into
a nightmare.
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This person, wearing this
costume and this hooded robe
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Coming out of the rose bushes.
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I mean, you would've thought
it came out of a scary movie,
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But this was real life.
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[narrator] did a passion for
fringe interests
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Lead to murder?
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He got into alien cultures,
ancient cultures,
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00:00:36,737 --> 00:00:38,203
Ancient civilizations.
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00:00:39,072 --> 00:00:41,206
And he had this business where
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He sold spirit animal furs
to adults.
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One of his favorite venues,
it's a gothic s&m club.
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[narrator] police eventually
discover
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The truth is even more
frightening
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Than alien ancestors or s&m.
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Halloween did provide
a great setting for the shooter,
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In this case,
to disguise his appearance.
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[john] all murders are bad.
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Some are more heinous
than others,
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And this was about as bad
as it gets.
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You think you've realized where
the bottom of society is,
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And then you realize that
whatever that bar was was lower.
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[narrator] it's a mystery that
proves on Halloween,
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Some monsters are real.
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[theme music]
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In los angeles,
Halloween is crazy.
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Most people are dressed in
Halloween costumes.
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People are all in masks.
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[john] west hollywood is really
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The epicenter of partying
on Halloween
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In southern california.
34
00:02:03,657 --> 00:02:06,725
Hollywood's been a Halloween
party night for, for decades.
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00:02:07,961 --> 00:02:09,628
[francesca] it's a fun time,
but it's also a scary time.
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You your ghosts,
you have your goblins,
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You have your devils.
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No one's thinking that the ghost
or goblin;
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The have person dressed up in
those costumes,
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Would ever think to actually
commit a crime...
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Until it happens.
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[narrator] November 1st, 2012.
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It's the morning after
another wild Halloween in la.
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For one angeleno,
the party is coming to an end.
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All morning, she's been trying
to reach
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00:02:46,367 --> 00:02:51,035
Her friend and coworker,
42-year-old erik poltorak.
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[francesca] she had called him
multiple times that morning,
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But he wasn't picking up.
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[narrator] just after 11 a.M.,
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His worried coworker decides to
head to erik's residence
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00:03:02,115 --> 00:03:04,116
In the fairfax district.
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[narrator] when officers rush
to the scene,
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They confirm her fears.
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[bobby] the injury to erik's
head was very clearly
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A high-powered firearm.
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00:03:34,848 --> 00:03:37,415
It was clear that where
the injury was,
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To the back of the head,
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Is not something that he
could've survived.
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The body is exhibiting that
it's been dead for some time.
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It did not occur recently.
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Probably ten plus hours since
he was assaulted.
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[narrator] this is
a brutal crime
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Even for seasoned la cops,
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But the fact that it seems to
have taken place on Halloween
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Is even more concerning.
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00:04:04,945 --> 00:04:08,613
Halloween could provide
a great setting for the shooter,
67
00:04:08,682 --> 00:04:10,782
In this case, to disguise
his appearance
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00:04:11,318 --> 00:04:15,187
And to be able to get close to
erik's doorstep
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00:04:15,255 --> 00:04:17,489
And erik's home without
much suspicion.
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Everyone spoke very, very well
of him,
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00:04:21,127 --> 00:04:25,297
And that he would really give
them the shirt off his back.
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What happened?
Who would go after erik?
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00:04:34,307 --> 00:04:38,376
[narrator] erik poltorak was
born in los angeles in 1970,
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One of two sons raised by henry
and delia poltorak.
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I was the older brother,
he was the younger brother,
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00:04:46,186 --> 00:04:47,319
And there were just
the two of us.
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And erik was maybe a little bit
of the darling of the family.
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After high school,
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He started doing a number of
different jobs.
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00:05:00,501 --> 00:05:04,236
He was an entrepreneur; he was
doing some unique sales.
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00:05:04,304 --> 00:05:06,571
He was selling costume jewelry,
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And he was selling clothing
and fashion stuff,
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High-end stuff.
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He was also doing
some financial planning
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And insurance sales.
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And he was very successful
with that.
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[narrator] as erik's business
ventures grew,
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So did his circle of friends
and business partners.
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[music]
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[anonymous] we were
best friends.
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He was such a good listener.
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He was very bright.
He was very accomplished.
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He worked hard.
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He was very
accepting of everybody.
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He took people as they are.
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00:05:48,682 --> 00:05:50,749
[francesca] he kind of led
an alternate lifestyle,
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In a certain way.
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I mean yes, he had
the jewelry business,
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00:05:53,520 --> 00:05:55,287
But he was also the executive in
100
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A very popular fashion business,
as well,
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Called roleplay fashion.
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[bobby] erik had this business
where
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00:06:01,761 --> 00:06:04,896
He sold spirit animal furs
to adults.
104
00:06:07,333 --> 00:06:08,766
[narrator] in addition to
outfitting
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00:06:08,835 --> 00:06:09,901
The alternative community,
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He also catered to the crowd
at clubs and edm venues.
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00:06:15,776 --> 00:06:17,109
[anonymous] there was
a lingerie business
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Where they were
sellin' lingerie, too.
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There were bras everywhere.
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[barry] I was surprised to
find out
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One of his favorite venues to
sell at
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Was an old bar up in hollywood,
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A gothic s&m club.
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And he was a regular selling
his wares,
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00:06:35,462 --> 00:06:39,498
Selling his jewelry,
selling his lingerie stuff.
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That was fun for him because
he was a people person.
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[narrator] as erik entered
his 30s,
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His business ventures were
going strong,
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And he was ready to settle down
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[barry] erik met a girl named
nikki through her mother.
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She introduced him to nikki,
her daughter,
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00:07:01,655 --> 00:07:03,755
And eventually,
they got married.
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[narrator] in 2003, erik and
nikki had a daughter together,
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00:07:08,895 --> 00:07:12,364
And as she grew up,
erik was a dedicated parent.
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Erik became a father,
and he loved it.
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He doted over his daughter,
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And he was spending every minute
he could with her.
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[anonymous] he wanted to teach
her about
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00:07:24,211 --> 00:07:25,477
All the stuff he knew about
history.
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00:07:26,212 --> 00:07:28,913
You know, he was excited to pass
on his knowledge
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When she was ready.
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[narrator] the bond between erik
and his daughter was strong.
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But in 2008,
after six years of marriage,
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He realized he and his wife,
nikki,
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Were on different paths.
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[barry] nikki got very involved
with scientology
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00:07:48,935 --> 00:07:53,138
And was pushing erik to also get
involved with scientology.
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Erik did not believe that.
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00:07:56,609 --> 00:07:59,611
And that caused a big rift
between them.
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00:08:00,146 --> 00:08:02,681
And eventually they,
they ended up separating.
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00:08:05,852 --> 00:08:09,120
[narrator] the divorce gave erik
a chance to start over.
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He moved into a nearby house
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He inherited from his
grandmother,
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00:08:13,826 --> 00:08:16,695
And stayed involved as
his daughter grew up.
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[barry] they were amicable in
the divorce,
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00:08:19,866 --> 00:08:22,400
As far as their daughter was
concerned.
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They split custody.
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Erik had her very often,
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00:08:25,906 --> 00:08:28,873
And they were always doin'
somethin' together.
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00:08:28,875 --> 00:08:31,976
They loved amusement parks.
They loved star wars .
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00:08:32,045 --> 00:08:35,547
They loved space, science,
you name it.
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[narrator] when he wasn't
spending time with his daughter
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Erik threw himself into his wor
and his friendships.
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[barry] erik's house was
always open.
155
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He was always having people over
and coming and going.
156
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He was doing his business out of
the house.
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He was selling his wares,
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And preparing and doing
photoshoots and whatever.
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00:08:59,205 --> 00:09:00,805
[anonymous] everybody always
liked to hang out there.
160
00:09:00,807 --> 00:09:02,741
They just loved goin' over
there.
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00:09:08,882 --> 00:09:11,415
[narrator] but on November 1st,
2012,
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00:09:11,417 --> 00:09:16,021
Erik's coworker has discovered
him murdered on his doorstep.
163
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Officers check
the surrounding area
164
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To make sure there are
no other victims.
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00:09:23,830 --> 00:09:26,097
[bobby] when the police looked
inside erik's house,
166
00:09:26,166 --> 00:09:29,634
They did not find anything to
suggest any kind of crime
167
00:09:29,702 --> 00:09:31,736
Or anything happened inside
the house.
168
00:09:34,974 --> 00:09:36,807
[narrator] after clearing
the scene,
169
00:09:36,877 --> 00:09:39,144
Homicide detectives respond.
170
00:09:40,280 --> 00:09:41,779
[john] when we arrived,
171
00:09:41,781 --> 00:09:43,481
I met with the police officers
that were at the scene,
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00:09:43,550 --> 00:09:45,483
Who told us what they knew at
that point.
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The victim was wearing a costume
at the time.
174
00:09:50,157 --> 00:09:51,923
A Halloween-type costume.
175
00:09:52,726 --> 00:09:56,894
It was kind of like a 1920's
gangster kind of thing.
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00:09:57,497 --> 00:09:59,964
[john] so, we didn't know if he
had just got home from partyin',
177
00:10:00,032 --> 00:10:02,133
We didn't know if it was
a random act of violence.
178
00:10:03,203 --> 00:10:06,771
He had a shotgun blast to
the back of the head,
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00:10:06,840 --> 00:10:10,074
And he had a graze wound to
his face.
180
00:10:10,810 --> 00:10:13,712
It was clear that there
were two shots fired.
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00:10:15,381 --> 00:10:16,748
To an experienced investigator,
182
00:10:16,816 --> 00:10:20,352
It would look as if it was
fired at close range,
183
00:10:20,420 --> 00:10:23,221
Because there were other
indicators
184
00:10:23,757 --> 00:10:25,589
Like soot and stippling.
185
00:10:26,059 --> 00:10:28,159
There were no casings
left behind.
186
00:10:29,896 --> 00:10:32,396
There were no items taken from
his person.
187
00:10:32,832 --> 00:10:35,800
If it's not a robbery,
then clearly the,
188
00:10:35,868 --> 00:10:39,303
The only crime that was sought
to be committed that day
189
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Was to murder erik.
190
00:10:41,908 --> 00:10:43,775
Why would they wanna murder him
in this way,
191
00:10:43,843 --> 00:10:46,311
At this location on this date?
192
00:10:47,847 --> 00:10:49,614
[anonymous] everything happened
really quickly.
193
00:10:49,682 --> 00:10:52,684
We were just trying to
figure out what happened.
194
00:10:53,620 --> 00:10:55,086
He never hurt a soul.
195
00:10:55,822 --> 00:10:57,789
There was so many
unanswered questions.
196
00:10:58,725 --> 00:11:01,259
I just wanted to know
who did it.
197
00:11:01,461 --> 00:11:03,261
Who would do such a thing?
198
00:11:06,966 --> 00:11:08,566
[narrator] coming up.
199
00:11:08,568 --> 00:11:11,535
Investigators discover this
isn't the first time
200
00:11:11,537 --> 00:11:12,971
Erik's been attacked...
201
00:11:17,210 --> 00:11:21,545
[narrator] and they zero in on
a real-life monster.
202
00:11:21,948 --> 00:11:25,016
It was as if he feared nothing
and nobody.
203
00:11:29,656 --> 00:11:33,792
[music]
204
00:11:38,130 --> 00:11:40,098
[music]
205
00:11:42,302 --> 00:11:45,637
[narrator] the morning after
Halloween 2012,
206
00:11:46,139 --> 00:11:49,641
Los angeles detectives are
piecing together what happened
207
00:11:49,709 --> 00:11:52,476
Before 42-year-old erik poltora
208
00:11:52,478 --> 00:11:55,246
Was gunned down
in front of his home.
209
00:11:56,950 --> 00:11:59,250
[john] responding to
a crime scene like that,
210
00:11:59,319 --> 00:12:00,918
En route, you're tryin' to
think of
211
00:12:00,987 --> 00:12:01,953
Any knowledge of
the neighborhood
212
00:12:02,021 --> 00:12:03,254
That had a previous problem.
213
00:12:03,323 --> 00:12:05,723
Is there a crime problem going
on there?
214
00:12:05,791 --> 00:12:06,858
Is there a gang problem?
215
00:12:08,161 --> 00:12:10,061
Is there a violent crime,
assault problem in that area?
216
00:12:13,433 --> 00:12:15,800
[narrator] if the crime occurred
the night before,
217
00:12:15,869 --> 00:12:18,336
When the streets were filled
with revelers,
218
00:12:18,404 --> 00:12:22,340
Detectives hope to find someone
who witnessed the horror.
219
00:12:23,976 --> 00:12:25,643
[john] erik did have
a nice network
220
00:12:25,711 --> 00:12:27,278
Of neighbors that he knew.
221
00:12:27,813 --> 00:12:29,780
But where he was positioned in
the house,
222
00:12:30,316 --> 00:12:33,151
Unless you came up to his door,
you would not see him.
223
00:12:34,854 --> 00:12:36,354
But some neighbors told them
224
00:12:36,422 --> 00:12:39,023
That they did hear something
could have been gunshots,
225
00:12:39,025 --> 00:12:40,859
But I mean, keep in mind
it's Halloween.
226
00:12:40,861 --> 00:12:42,126
This could've been anything.
227
00:12:42,195 --> 00:12:44,462
So, no one thought enough to
call police.
228
00:12:47,701 --> 00:12:51,302
[narrator] investigators do spot
an important detail.
229
00:12:52,605 --> 00:12:55,239
[bobby] there were
surveillance cameras set up,
230
00:12:55,308 --> 00:12:58,476
And one was pointed directly in
the area of
231
00:12:58,544 --> 00:13:02,413
Where erik poltorak was shot and
later located.
232
00:13:03,549 --> 00:13:04,682
[john] when we saw the cameras,
233
00:13:05,251 --> 00:13:08,019
We were hopeful that we were
gonna get
234
00:13:08,087 --> 00:13:10,754
Footage of the actual crime.
235
00:13:11,257 --> 00:13:13,190
But you don't know if
they're being recorded,
236
00:13:13,259 --> 00:13:14,525
If they're dummy cameras,
237
00:13:14,594 --> 00:13:16,461
You don't know what the,
the value's gonna be.
238
00:13:17,663 --> 00:13:21,966
Something caused him enough fear
to have him go then
239
00:13:22,035 --> 00:13:25,170
Install cameras to
different parts of the house.
240
00:13:29,108 --> 00:13:31,609
[narrator] as police continue
their investigation,
241
00:13:31,677 --> 00:13:34,212
They learn they have
a difficult notification
242
00:13:34,280 --> 00:13:36,347
To make to one of their own.
243
00:13:37,417 --> 00:13:39,150
[barry] at the time, I was
working for
244
00:13:39,218 --> 00:13:41,052
The los angeles
county sheriff's department
245
00:13:41,120 --> 00:13:42,654
As a deputy sheriff.
246
00:13:43,456 --> 00:13:46,457
We were doing some training for
the homicide bureau.
247
00:13:46,526 --> 00:13:49,827
And we did our training,
we finished it up,
248
00:13:49,829 --> 00:13:51,229
We wrapped up.
249
00:13:51,297 --> 00:13:55,266
And my sergeant got
a phone call, and he says,
250
00:13:55,335 --> 00:14:01,239
"I have some bad news.
Your brother was killed."
251
00:14:05,045 --> 00:14:08,680
Disbelief went through my mind,
252
00:14:09,149 --> 00:14:12,584
Because I hadn't put
it together yet.
253
00:14:14,020 --> 00:14:16,354
I definitely disassociated
a little bit,
254
00:14:16,990 --> 00:14:22,526
And went into that
unemotional cop mode where,
255
00:14:22,528 --> 00:14:24,262
Just get the facts.
256
00:14:25,431 --> 00:14:28,366
Take emotion out of it,
get the job done.
257
00:14:29,702 --> 00:14:32,136
I met with the la police
department detectives,
258
00:14:33,072 --> 00:14:34,872
And they started filling me
in on,
259
00:14:34,940 --> 00:14:36,975
On the story of what happened.
260
00:14:38,678 --> 00:14:40,310
They take me into the house
261
00:14:40,312 --> 00:14:43,514
And they show me the scene and
the, the patio.
262
00:14:45,651 --> 00:14:47,452
And then it starts to sink in.
263
00:14:48,954 --> 00:14:51,456
Because the house was very...
264
00:14:52,859 --> 00:14:54,225
Quiet...
265
00:14:55,829 --> 00:14:57,761
In a weird kind of way,
266
00:14:58,130 --> 00:15:01,032
And the house felt very empty.
267
00:15:01,967 --> 00:15:03,401
That's where...
268
00:15:05,104 --> 00:15:07,238
It happened.
That's where he was killed.
269
00:15:10,777 --> 00:15:13,778
[narrator] to find out if
their victim had enemies,
270
00:15:13,846 --> 00:15:17,482
Detectives talk to erik's
coworker and his brother.
271
00:15:19,285 --> 00:15:21,519
[john] we talked to
the 911 caller
272
00:15:21,587 --> 00:15:24,154
That called in what they had
discovered,
273
00:15:24,156 --> 00:15:25,823
Debrief them the best we could.
274
00:15:25,891 --> 00:15:28,158
She was very upset about her
friend and,
275
00:15:28,160 --> 00:15:29,427
And business partner,
276
00:15:29,495 --> 00:15:32,163
But in control and able to
really share
277
00:15:32,165 --> 00:15:33,364
The information that she had
278
00:15:33,433 --> 00:15:35,300
About what may have happened
to him.
279
00:15:38,003 --> 00:15:40,804
[narrator] while some of erik's
entrepreneurial endeavors
280
00:15:40,874 --> 00:15:42,607
Were a little unconventional,
281
00:15:43,809 --> 00:15:46,844
His personal beliefs were
even more unique.
282
00:15:47,847 --> 00:15:51,849
He was heavily interested in
the exploration of humanity
283
00:15:51,917 --> 00:15:53,584
And the origins of humanity.
284
00:15:54,854 --> 00:15:58,422
[narrator] erik was a devotee of
zecharia sitchin,
285
00:15:58,424 --> 00:16:00,591
An author who argued humans
286
00:16:00,660 --> 00:16:03,628
Were descended from
extraterrestrials.
287
00:16:04,430 --> 00:16:05,897
[barry] zecharia was his mentor
288
00:16:05,965 --> 00:16:09,867
And kind of his teacher in
a lot of these ancient cultures,
289
00:16:09,936 --> 00:16:11,168
Ancient civilizations.
290
00:16:11,237 --> 00:16:14,272
And erik also became
his webmaster
291
00:16:14,340 --> 00:16:18,343
And started managing
his knowledge portfolio.
292
00:16:21,347 --> 00:16:26,383
Erik would travel to mexico,
the yucatan peninsula,
293
00:16:26,452 --> 00:16:31,122
Study the mayans and, and those
even more ancient cultures.
294
00:16:31,190 --> 00:16:33,124
He traveled to egypt several
times.
295
00:16:34,160 --> 00:16:35,726
I thought it was a little
farfetched,
296
00:16:35,995 --> 00:16:37,394
But when erik would bring up
297
00:16:37,463 --> 00:16:39,263
Different bits and pieces of
evidence,
298
00:16:39,332 --> 00:16:43,067
He was very passionate about it
and very emotional about it,
299
00:16:43,669 --> 00:16:45,436
And very convincing.
300
00:16:45,505 --> 00:16:46,403
It was fun.
301
00:16:46,472 --> 00:16:48,606
I mean, it was fun
debating the theories.
302
00:16:50,042 --> 00:16:52,643
[anonymous] it was kinda weird,
but he was really into it.
303
00:16:52,712 --> 00:16:56,280
He was doing all the research
with professor zecharia.
304
00:16:56,349 --> 00:16:58,750
They were learning about
sumerians.
305
00:16:59,752 --> 00:17:01,385
It made him happy.
306
00:17:01,987 --> 00:17:03,887
[bobby] a thorough
investigation,
307
00:17:03,957 --> 00:17:05,656
Like the one that happened here,
308
00:17:05,725 --> 00:17:07,025
Would look at those things
309
00:17:07,093 --> 00:17:10,561
And then look at
everything they can about erik.
310
00:17:10,630 --> 00:17:12,930
But they looked at
who the victim was,
311
00:17:12,998 --> 00:17:15,366
And they investigated
his background,
312
00:17:15,801 --> 00:17:20,371
And there was nothing there to
suggest that he had any enemies.
313
00:17:26,612 --> 00:17:28,912
[narrator] but barry tells
investigators
314
00:17:28,914 --> 00:17:30,914
Erik did have enemies...
315
00:17:31,450 --> 00:17:34,718
Just not from his businesses
or his beliefs.
316
00:17:35,120 --> 00:17:37,321
Barry thinks the shooting is
related to
317
00:17:37,390 --> 00:17:40,691
A scary experience erik had
the year before.
318
00:17:43,997 --> 00:17:46,864
[music]
319
00:17:46,932 --> 00:17:50,301
[barry] I knew that he had
a home invasion robbery,
320
00:17:50,369 --> 00:17:52,303
But he was very hush-hush
about it.
321
00:17:53,372 --> 00:17:57,809
[bobby] in fall of 2011,
erik was at his home
322
00:17:57,877 --> 00:17:59,410
And he got a knock on his door,
323
00:17:59,479 --> 00:18:01,178
And there were two men outside:
324
00:18:01,247 --> 00:18:04,081
One african american male and
another white male.
325
00:18:04,149 --> 00:18:06,550
They said they had a document
from court
326
00:18:06,619 --> 00:18:08,552
That they needed to serve
erik with.
327
00:18:09,022 --> 00:18:12,623
So, he said, "the guys' got some
papers to serve, whatever."
328
00:18:12,692 --> 00:18:14,058
And he let them in.
329
00:18:17,062 --> 00:18:20,297
[bobby] once the two suspects
entered erik's apartment,
330
00:18:20,966 --> 00:18:24,001
The african american suspect
produced a firearm,
331
00:18:24,069 --> 00:18:26,237
Pointed it at erik,
and told him,
332
00:18:26,305 --> 00:18:28,572
"where's all the money?
Give us all the money."
333
00:18:28,574 --> 00:18:30,474
And when erik said,
"there is no money,"
334
00:18:30,476 --> 00:18:32,043
The african american suspect
335
00:18:32,111 --> 00:18:34,579
Hit erik on the head with
the firearm.
336
00:18:35,681 --> 00:18:38,382
Erik was pistol-whipped,
tied up,
337
00:18:38,717 --> 00:18:41,185
And then the house
was ransacked and robbed.
338
00:18:45,325 --> 00:18:47,591
[narrator] the assailants fled
with the computer,
339
00:18:47,593 --> 00:18:52,130
Two phones, a camera,
and $600 in cash.
340
00:18:55,568 --> 00:18:58,469
[bobby] once erik realized that
the suspects had left,
341
00:18:58,537 --> 00:19:02,306
He was able to loosen himself
from the electrical cord
342
00:19:02,308 --> 00:19:04,342
And he was able to call 911.
343
00:19:25,631 --> 00:19:29,100
[narrator] responding officers
realized erik's attackers left
344
00:19:29,168 --> 00:19:31,569
A crucial piece of evidence
behind.
345
00:19:32,938 --> 00:19:34,371
[bobby] the police arrived.
346
00:19:34,440 --> 00:19:37,108
They confiscated the supposed
court document,
347
00:19:37,443 --> 00:19:39,610
And they took
that into evidence.
348
00:19:40,446 --> 00:19:43,180
Our lab personnel were able to
get fingerprints
349
00:19:43,182 --> 00:19:44,948
From that paperwork.
350
00:19:45,651 --> 00:19:48,819
They were lifted by technicians
from our lapd lab.
351
00:19:48,821 --> 00:19:51,588
Those fingerprint cards were
entered into
352
00:19:51,657 --> 00:19:52,990
The fingerprint database,
353
00:19:53,592 --> 00:19:55,226
And we got a hit.
354
00:19:58,063 --> 00:20:01,432
[music]
355
00:20:05,937 --> 00:20:07,738
[music]
356
00:20:10,143 --> 00:20:11,742
[narrator] detectives
investigating
357
00:20:11,811 --> 00:20:14,778
The Halloween murder
of erik poltorak
358
00:20:14,847 --> 00:20:17,215
Learn about a previous
home invasion,
359
00:20:17,650 --> 00:20:20,718
And analyze the evidence
to determine if
360
00:20:20,786 --> 00:20:24,255
It could be related to
his murder a year later.
361
00:20:24,457 --> 00:20:25,556
[john] two suspects in that
case,
362
00:20:25,625 --> 00:20:29,260
One of 'em left fingerprints
behind on some documents.
363
00:20:29,328 --> 00:20:31,829
The lifts came back to
a michael thomas.
364
00:20:34,466 --> 00:20:38,235
He was a crook.
The bad guy with a rap sheet.
365
00:20:38,704 --> 00:20:40,570
[bobby] michael thomas is
familiar with
366
00:20:40,640 --> 00:20:42,340
The criminal justice system.
367
00:20:42,408 --> 00:20:46,344
He was on felony probation at
the time
368
00:20:46,412 --> 00:20:49,280
That the home invasion robbery
had occurred.
369
00:20:50,082 --> 00:20:52,215
He's had prior convictions.
370
00:20:52,217 --> 00:20:55,486
He's had cases of evading
police.
371
00:20:56,122 --> 00:20:59,423
He's had drug possession
convictions.
372
00:21:00,726 --> 00:21:04,428
After his fingerprints matched
those false documents,
373
00:21:04,497 --> 00:21:07,031
They showed erik poltorak
a lineup of men
374
00:21:07,099 --> 00:21:10,835
And erik was easily able to
identify michael thomas.
375
00:21:12,604 --> 00:21:14,671
[barry] and my understanding is
376
00:21:14,740 --> 00:21:17,741
That they had targeted him
thinking that this jewelry,
377
00:21:17,810 --> 00:21:20,544
This costume jewelry, was real.
378
00:21:20,613 --> 00:21:24,882
And that someone had targeted
him from his online store.
379
00:21:25,751 --> 00:21:30,187
But law enforcement was unable
to identify this other suspect
380
00:21:30,256 --> 00:21:31,956
Who did the home invasion.
381
00:21:35,061 --> 00:21:37,961
[narrator] thomas was arrested
and charged with robbery
382
00:21:38,030 --> 00:21:40,231
On August 30th, 2012,
383
00:21:41,033 --> 00:21:44,568
Almost exactly one year after
the home invasion.
384
00:21:46,406 --> 00:21:49,440
Erik agreed to testify in court
385
00:21:50,576 --> 00:21:52,943
[anonymous] I was 100% against
him testifying.
386
00:21:53,146 --> 00:21:55,979
I said, "it's a revolving door.
Don't get involved.
387
00:21:56,048 --> 00:21:57,647
Forget it.
388
00:21:57,717 --> 00:21:59,917
He knows where you live.
What are you doing?"
389
00:22:00,653 --> 00:22:05,256
He was very paranoid about being
robbed again.
390
00:22:06,192 --> 00:22:08,426
On the Sunday before he died,
391
00:22:08,494 --> 00:22:12,063
Erik was talking to me
about testifying in open court,
392
00:22:12,131 --> 00:22:16,100
And would the defendant know who
was testifying against him,
393
00:22:16,168 --> 00:22:17,368
Where he lived,
394
00:22:17,436 --> 00:22:20,070
And if he was entitled to
witness protection,
395
00:22:20,139 --> 00:22:21,372
And all of that.
396
00:22:23,276 --> 00:22:24,808
[narrator] the pretrial hearing
397
00:22:24,877 --> 00:22:27,978
Was scheduled to take place
after Halloween,
398
00:22:28,047 --> 00:22:29,547
On December 2nd.
399
00:22:30,616 --> 00:22:33,651
But erik was murdered before
it could happen.
400
00:22:37,756 --> 00:22:39,356
Barry tells investigators
401
00:22:39,425 --> 00:22:41,592
The experience convinced his
brother
402
00:22:41,660 --> 00:22:43,761
To up his home security.
403
00:22:44,964 --> 00:22:46,864
He was also afraid that
they would come back again
404
00:22:46,932 --> 00:22:48,565
And do another home invasion,
405
00:22:48,634 --> 00:22:50,334
Because now they
know what he's got.
406
00:22:55,341 --> 00:22:56,607
[narrator] that afternoon,
407
00:22:56,675 --> 00:22:59,476
Investigators finally get
access to
408
00:22:59,478 --> 00:23:01,879
The password-protected
security system.
409
00:23:03,015 --> 00:23:05,115
[john] so, when we found
the hard drive
410
00:23:05,184 --> 00:23:06,183
For the security system
411
00:23:06,251 --> 00:23:07,518
And got into it,
412
00:23:07,586 --> 00:23:09,753
The footage we pulled up
occurred just after
413
00:23:09,755 --> 00:23:10,988
About two in the morning.
414
00:23:14,894 --> 00:23:16,627
[narrator] as investigators
watch,
415
00:23:16,695 --> 00:23:19,864
A nightmarish scenario unfolds.
416
00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:23,200
[francesca] the video that
police witnessed,
417
00:23:23,269 --> 00:23:26,203
I mean, you would have thought
it came out of a scary movie,
418
00:23:26,271 --> 00:23:27,604
But this was real life.
419
00:23:28,107 --> 00:23:30,541
[barry] I knew he was out in
west hollywood
420
00:23:30,609 --> 00:23:33,511
At the Halloween carnival with
a couple of his friends.
421
00:23:33,513 --> 00:23:36,613
They had come back to the house,
said their goodbyes.
422
00:23:37,650 --> 00:23:41,885
So, erik had walked his
girlfriends out to their car.
423
00:23:41,887 --> 00:23:44,287
Got them safely into their car,
said good night,
424
00:23:44,357 --> 00:23:46,924
And he was coming back into
his house.
425
00:23:47,927 --> 00:23:51,261
And once he gets to
the front door,
426
00:23:51,730 --> 00:23:55,099
At that same time,
the shooter comes up.
427
00:23:56,168 --> 00:23:59,169
This person, wearing this
costume and this hooded robe
428
00:23:59,238 --> 00:24:02,106
Coming out of the rose bushes,
they fired twice.
429
00:24:07,813 --> 00:24:09,312
And you could see the blast,
430
00:24:09,382 --> 00:24:10,981
But you just couldn't see
the impact.
431
00:24:12,217 --> 00:24:16,119
But what police could see was
erik feeling that impact
432
00:24:16,389 --> 00:24:17,721
And falling to the ground.
433
00:24:21,627 --> 00:24:23,093
[john] all murders are bad.
434
00:24:23,562 --> 00:24:24,962
Some are more heinous
than others,
435
00:24:25,030 --> 00:24:27,064
And this was about as bad
as it gets.
436
00:24:28,401 --> 00:24:31,969
Knowing that erik poltorak was
supposed to be the key witness
437
00:24:32,037 --> 00:24:34,271
In this pretrial hearing for
michael thomas,
438
00:24:34,340 --> 00:24:35,473
Police now have a suspect,
right?
439
00:24:35,541 --> 00:24:38,609
Because that would've been
the motive to get rid of him.
440
00:24:42,447 --> 00:24:45,315
[narrator] however, there are
two major problems
441
00:24:45,384 --> 00:24:46,450
With the theory.
442
00:24:47,953 --> 00:24:50,553
For one, michael thomas does no
seem to fit the description
443
00:24:50,555 --> 00:24:53,457
Of the very large man
who killed erik.
444
00:24:53,926 --> 00:24:57,094
And he's in no position
to shoot anyone.
445
00:24:58,230 --> 00:25:00,397
Michael thomas was in custody at
the time that
446
00:25:00,465 --> 00:25:01,565
The murder was committed.
447
00:25:01,633 --> 00:25:03,567
So, he was not the shooter.
448
00:25:07,172 --> 00:25:09,707
[narrator] even if michael
wasn't the shooter,
449
00:25:10,075 --> 00:25:13,476
His behavior proves that
he is still dangerous,
450
00:25:13,713 --> 00:25:15,145
Even behind bars.
451
00:25:17,516 --> 00:25:18,915
[francesca] when it came to
michael thomas,
452
00:25:18,984 --> 00:25:21,852
It was as if he
feared nothing and nobody.
453
00:25:21,921 --> 00:25:23,654
I mean, he would
threaten police officers,
454
00:25:24,056 --> 00:25:27,658
And while he was in jail,
he stabbed someone with a shank.
455
00:25:28,560 --> 00:25:31,661
[john] at the la county jail
inmates can use a payphone,
456
00:25:31,731 --> 00:25:34,231
And all of those phone calls
are recorded.
457
00:25:34,767 --> 00:25:36,599
In this particular
investigation,
458
00:25:37,136 --> 00:25:39,002
We worked with
the sheriff's department
459
00:25:39,271 --> 00:25:43,807
To pull all phone calls related
to michael thomas.
460
00:25:48,680 --> 00:25:50,013
[narrator] detectives sift
through
461
00:25:50,082 --> 00:25:52,149
Hundreds of recorded calls...
462
00:25:52,751 --> 00:25:56,053
And find one that's
very suspicious.
463
00:26:12,237 --> 00:26:14,237
[john] they were communicating
in code,
464
00:26:14,239 --> 00:26:17,041
Trying to leave
out key words and phrases.
465
00:26:18,443 --> 00:26:22,345
The motive behind this crime
could be to prevent a witness,
466
00:26:22,414 --> 00:26:25,783
The victim in this case, erik,
from appearing in court
467
00:26:25,785 --> 00:26:28,118
And testifying against
michael thomas.
468
00:26:40,700 --> 00:26:42,833
[narrator] detectives use
visitor logs
469
00:26:42,901 --> 00:26:46,603
To determine the man on
the recording is allen william,
470
00:26:46,739 --> 00:26:48,271
Michael's friend,
471
00:26:48,273 --> 00:26:50,473
And the man dating michael's
niece, jessicha.
472
00:26:51,677 --> 00:26:56,046
On another suspicious recording
five days before erik's murder,
473
00:26:56,115 --> 00:26:59,883
Thomas seems to coach
his girlfriend, yvonne keith,
474
00:26:59,885 --> 00:27:03,654
On what to say if police show u
asking questions.
475
00:27:24,343 --> 00:27:26,843
[narrator] and on the morning
after Halloween,
476
00:27:26,912 --> 00:27:31,115
There is a final call that is
chillingly celebratory.
477
00:27:52,704 --> 00:27:53,671
[narrator] coming up.
478
00:27:55,006 --> 00:27:58,776
A mastermind reveals
the true source of his power.
479
00:28:07,786 --> 00:28:11,755
[music]
480
00:28:15,994 --> 00:28:18,228
[music]
481
00:28:20,832 --> 00:28:22,765
[narrator] recorded
prison phone calls
482
00:28:22,767 --> 00:28:27,137
Have given detectives reason to
believe inmate michael thomas
483
00:28:27,206 --> 00:28:29,606
Orchestrated
the Halloween murder
484
00:28:29,674 --> 00:28:32,676
Of erik poltorak
from behind bars.
485
00:28:33,912 --> 00:28:36,012
Those same calls also reveal
486
00:28:36,081 --> 00:28:39,850
An upcoming visit from
his possible co-conspirators.
487
00:28:41,153 --> 00:28:44,354
The three individuals that came
to visit michael thomas
488
00:28:44,423 --> 00:28:47,858
Were identified as yvonne keith,
jessicha thomas,
489
00:28:47,926 --> 00:28:49,392
And allen williams.
490
00:28:49,394 --> 00:28:52,595
Yvonne keith was michael thomas'
girlfriend.
491
00:28:52,998 --> 00:28:56,599
Jessicha thomas was
michael thomas' niece
492
00:28:57,002 --> 00:29:00,070
That michael thomas let live
with him.
493
00:29:01,573 --> 00:29:05,676
Allen williams was the boyfriend
494
00:29:05,744 --> 00:29:08,212
Of jessicha thomas.
495
00:29:11,383 --> 00:29:14,584
[narrator] when they arrive
three days after the killing,
496
00:29:14,586 --> 00:29:16,420
Police are listening in.
497
00:29:19,958 --> 00:29:22,492
From the image on
erik's security cameras,
498
00:29:22,561 --> 00:29:26,730
Investigators know
his killer was a giant of a ma.
499
00:29:27,967 --> 00:29:31,268
And thomas' first visitor fits
the description:
500
00:29:31,736 --> 00:29:36,774
Allen williams, a 300-pound man
nicknamed "the beast".
501
00:29:39,144 --> 00:29:43,480
They start talking and
the conversation begins
502
00:29:43,548 --> 00:29:48,051
Like michael thomas asking him,
"you good, you alright?"
503
00:29:58,397 --> 00:30:01,999
Throughout the conversation,
they're both laughing.
504
00:30:04,269 --> 00:30:08,005
It was a very kind of cold and
callous response
505
00:30:08,007 --> 00:30:09,273
To what had occurred.
506
00:30:14,313 --> 00:30:16,313
[narrator] michael's
conversation with his niece,
507
00:30:16,381 --> 00:30:19,449
Jessicha thomas,
is equally damning.
508
00:30:30,763 --> 00:30:35,298
[bobby] michael thomas kind of
adopted her as his daughter,
509
00:30:35,367 --> 00:30:37,300
And would refer to her as such.
510
00:30:37,836 --> 00:30:40,070
He said, "well, now
that this is done,
511
00:30:40,138 --> 00:30:42,806
You know, we'll, we'll go to
vegas for your birthday."
512
00:30:49,014 --> 00:30:50,881
[narrator] michael's
final visitor
513
00:30:50,949 --> 00:30:53,150
Is his girlfriend, yvonne keit.
514
00:31:14,339 --> 00:31:17,140
[narrator] but detectives are
just as interested in
515
00:31:17,142 --> 00:31:19,710
The moments where no one is
talking.
516
00:31:20,545 --> 00:31:23,280
As they're speaking,
there are different pauses.
517
00:31:23,348 --> 00:31:25,715
You can hear silences
throughout.
518
00:31:26,418 --> 00:31:30,086
And it's at that time that
we suspect he was putting up
519
00:31:30,155 --> 00:31:32,689
Written notes on
the glass partition
520
00:31:32,757 --> 00:31:34,124
That could be read,
521
00:31:34,526 --> 00:31:37,361
And that way
he didn't have to say them.
522
00:31:38,696 --> 00:31:41,564
[john] very conscientious
sheriff's deputies
523
00:31:42,034 --> 00:31:44,100
Monitored the visitation.
524
00:31:44,169 --> 00:31:46,169
They saw where they ripped up
525
00:31:46,171 --> 00:31:48,605
And threw away some documents in
the trash.
526
00:31:48,673 --> 00:31:50,173
When his visitors left,
527
00:31:51,142 --> 00:31:53,310
The deputies recovered those
documents.
528
00:31:54,446 --> 00:31:56,513
[narrator] one note,
written by yvonne,
529
00:31:56,581 --> 00:32:00,384
Informed michael that erik's
murder was on the news.
530
00:32:01,619 --> 00:32:05,289
Another is written by
michael thomas himself.
531
00:32:06,591 --> 00:32:08,525
[bobby] "if anyone asks you
questions,
532
00:32:08,593 --> 00:32:11,127
Say that you're not
talking without a lawyer.
533
00:32:11,196 --> 00:32:13,496
And that you were, on that day,
534
00:32:13,498 --> 00:32:17,367
Playing zombies, which is
a video game, all night."
535
00:32:21,706 --> 00:32:23,473
[narrator] the day after
their visit,
536
00:32:23,542 --> 00:32:27,411
Investigators arrest all three
of michael's accomplices.
537
00:32:29,514 --> 00:32:31,982
A search of the home
they shared with michael
538
00:32:32,050 --> 00:32:36,219
Reveals a visitor's pass dated
two weeks before Halloween,
539
00:32:36,221 --> 00:32:38,855
And a notebook containing
the instructions
540
00:32:38,923 --> 00:32:40,924
Michael dictated over the phone
541
00:32:42,227 --> 00:32:46,429
[bobby] it included writing
related to double-alt buck,
542
00:32:46,498 --> 00:32:49,366
Which is the size of
the buckshot
543
00:32:49,434 --> 00:32:53,270
That was ultimately
used to murder erik poltorak.
544
00:32:55,774 --> 00:32:57,240
[narrator] it doesn't take long
545
00:32:57,308 --> 00:32:59,275
For police to get
thomas' henchmen
546
00:32:59,344 --> 00:33:02,946
To do the one thing
he warned them not to do:
547
00:33:03,548 --> 00:33:04,414
Talk.
548
00:33:06,385 --> 00:33:07,951
[john] tactically, we
interviewed
549
00:33:08,019 --> 00:33:10,520
Michael's niece, jessicha,
first.
550
00:33:10,589 --> 00:33:14,024
Always trying to interview
the weakest link first
551
00:33:14,092 --> 00:33:16,727
To obtain the most information
we can.
552
00:33:17,096 --> 00:33:18,495
She essentially broke
553
00:33:18,563 --> 00:33:20,797
And laid out all
the circumstances
554
00:33:20,865 --> 00:33:23,533
Of what occurred with erik being
killed.
555
00:33:32,244 --> 00:33:34,811
She laid out herself as being
a lookout
556
00:33:34,879 --> 00:33:36,380
While they were at the location.
557
00:33:37,516 --> 00:33:41,084
She had described that allen was
the person who shot erik
558
00:33:41,153 --> 00:33:42,319
And killed him.
559
00:33:47,559 --> 00:33:50,493
And essentially spelled
everything out to us
560
00:33:50,495 --> 00:33:52,062
Of what happened to erik.
561
00:33:53,465 --> 00:33:54,731
They mention the fact that
562
00:33:54,799 --> 00:33:58,935
Halloween is a busy night in
los angeles on the west side.
563
00:33:59,003 --> 00:34:03,373
They would fit in if they were
wearing masks and disguises.
564
00:34:03,908 --> 00:34:07,511
And that was a perfect night to
have a, a mask or a disguise.
565
00:34:08,780 --> 00:34:12,282
She told police that michael had
them case the house.
566
00:34:12,350 --> 00:34:13,816
She told them how they got
the shotgun,
567
00:34:13,818 --> 00:34:16,319
And how they threw it
in the ocean after the crime.
568
00:34:19,658 --> 00:34:22,258
[narrator] allen later confirms
the story
569
00:34:22,327 --> 00:34:25,661
When he confides in
a jailhouse informant.
570
00:34:26,698 --> 00:34:28,899
[bobby] first, he told him that
he was arrested
571
00:34:28,967 --> 00:34:32,302
Because had conducted a hit for
the homie, michael.
572
00:34:33,071 --> 00:34:35,137
Allen williams went on to say
573
00:34:35,139 --> 00:34:37,540
That the shooting happened
on Halloween,
574
00:34:37,942 --> 00:34:41,277
The general location of where
the shooting was,
575
00:34:41,813 --> 00:34:44,881
The fact that they ditched
the gun at the beach,
576
00:34:44,949 --> 00:34:48,751
And that the reason for
the murder
577
00:34:48,753 --> 00:34:52,121
Was because the witness,
erik poltorak,
578
00:34:52,191 --> 00:34:55,725
Was going to
testify against michael thomas.
579
00:35:02,134 --> 00:35:04,901
After the arrest, jessicha and
yvonne keith
580
00:35:04,969 --> 00:35:07,303
Were put in a cell together,
581
00:35:07,372 --> 00:35:09,706
And that cell was recorded so
582
00:35:09,774 --> 00:35:11,708
They could capture
their conversation.
583
00:35:12,711 --> 00:35:14,377
In that recording,
584
00:35:14,379 --> 00:35:17,747
You can hear jessicha repeatedly
getting emotional.
585
00:35:33,832 --> 00:35:36,532
[narrator] listening to
thomas's conspirators,
586
00:35:36,601 --> 00:35:39,769
It's clear that thomas had
a hold over them.
587
00:36:09,634 --> 00:36:12,502
[jetta] I feel like she was
manipulated into something
588
00:36:12,571 --> 00:36:14,104
That is not her character.
589
00:36:14,372 --> 00:36:15,772
I was thinking,
590
00:36:15,840 --> 00:36:18,841
"my niece is not in jail for
nothing serious,"
591
00:36:18,910 --> 00:36:22,479
'cause she, she's not capable of
really doing too much.
592
00:36:23,615 --> 00:36:25,415
[bobby] from my perspective,
593
00:36:25,483 --> 00:36:28,184
Michael thomas is
an evil human being
594
00:36:28,787 --> 00:36:31,621
That took advantage of
individuals
595
00:36:31,690 --> 00:36:33,657
That he knew he
could manipulate.
596
00:36:36,327 --> 00:36:37,527
[narrator] coming up.
597
00:36:37,863 --> 00:36:40,630
A chilling courtroom
reenactment.
598
00:36:41,400 --> 00:36:43,032
'til this day, like,
when I come to my door,
599
00:36:43,101 --> 00:36:44,100
I still think about it.
600
00:36:44,169 --> 00:36:47,870
[narrator] and dr. Frankenstein
is betrayed by
601
00:36:47,939 --> 00:36:50,039
One of his own creations.
602
00:36:51,109 --> 00:36:56,713
She was a respectful person,
and her uncle manipulated her.
603
00:36:57,081 --> 00:37:02,686
[music]
604
00:37:06,991 --> 00:37:09,226
[music]
605
00:37:11,095 --> 00:37:14,430
[narrator] less than a week
after erik poltorak was killed
606
00:37:14,499 --> 00:37:16,466
At his los angeles home,
607
00:37:16,534 --> 00:37:18,768
Prosecutors charge
michael thomas
608
00:37:18,837 --> 00:37:21,404
And three others for
conspiring in
609
00:37:21,473 --> 00:37:23,940
A fiendish Halloween
murder plot.
610
00:37:24,943 --> 00:37:28,345
[bobby] erik's final moments
were clearly moments of fear.
611
00:37:28,980 --> 00:37:32,982
And to have it happen in front
of his own house probably was,
612
00:37:32,984 --> 00:37:37,354
I'm sure, more terrifying,
because that's your safe place.
613
00:37:42,227 --> 00:37:44,027
And if you're not safe in
your safe place,
614
00:37:44,095 --> 00:37:45,729
Then where are you safe?
615
00:37:48,633 --> 00:37:50,666
[narrator] it takes nearly
two years
616
00:37:50,735 --> 00:37:52,736
For the case to make it to
court.
617
00:37:53,738 --> 00:37:56,172
The alleged gunman,
allen williams,
618
00:37:56,240 --> 00:37:58,841
And thomas' girlfriend,
yvonne keith,
619
00:37:58,843 --> 00:38:02,078
Plead not guilty and are
the first to stand trial
620
00:38:02,480 --> 00:38:04,814
In September 2015.
621
00:38:06,618 --> 00:38:08,384
[bobby] allen williams,
in my eyes,
622
00:38:08,453 --> 00:38:10,487
Would be the second
most culpable person
623
00:38:10,489 --> 00:38:11,721
'cause he's the shooter.
624
00:38:12,590 --> 00:38:14,690
Right before you squeeze that
trigger,
625
00:38:15,093 --> 00:38:17,927
You have to really think about
what you're doin'
626
00:38:17,996 --> 00:38:19,562
And if it's the right decision.
627
00:38:19,564 --> 00:38:21,731
You need to be determined to
do it.
628
00:38:21,800 --> 00:38:22,766
And he was.
629
00:38:28,506 --> 00:38:31,341
Yvonne keith is a very close
third,
630
00:38:31,810 --> 00:38:35,211
Because none of this would not
happen without her.
631
00:38:35,514 --> 00:38:38,548
She organized everything.
She planned.
632
00:38:38,616 --> 00:38:41,517
She helped carry out exactly
what
633
00:38:41,586 --> 00:38:43,586
Michael thomas told her to do.
634
00:38:48,360 --> 00:38:54,431
[narrator] in October 2015,
the jury finds them both guilty
635
00:38:55,834 --> 00:38:59,269
[bobby] yvonne keith was
convicted of murder,
636
00:38:59,671 --> 00:39:02,572
And that sentence gave
yvonne keith
637
00:39:02,640 --> 00:39:04,407
Life without the possibility of
parole.
638
00:39:05,043 --> 00:39:07,777
The same was found true
for allen williams.
639
00:39:10,449 --> 00:39:14,450
[narrator] almost a year later,
in August 2016,
640
00:39:14,519 --> 00:39:17,153
Michael thomas' trial begins.
641
00:39:18,090 --> 00:39:23,426
As the alleged mastermind,
he faces the death penalty.
642
00:39:24,596 --> 00:39:28,531
My viewpoint is that
michael thomas is the worst,
643
00:39:28,600 --> 00:39:30,166
And the worst of the worst.
644
00:39:30,702 --> 00:39:33,836
You think you've realized where
the bottom of society is,
645
00:39:34,106 --> 00:39:36,839
And then you see the
michael thomases of the world,
646
00:39:36,841 --> 00:39:39,609
And realize that whatever that
bar was was lower.
647
00:39:40,512 --> 00:39:43,313
He never showed any kind of
remorse.
648
00:39:47,385 --> 00:39:49,852
[narrator] the prosecution's
star witness is
649
00:39:49,921 --> 00:39:54,858
The last of the conspirators,
24-year-old jessicha thomas.
650
00:39:56,694 --> 00:40:00,763
[bobby] jessicha said that she
wanted to help michael
651
00:40:00,832 --> 00:40:03,499
Because she thought that doing
that was the right thing.
652
00:40:04,402 --> 00:40:07,203
Jessicha was offered
a leniency agreement
653
00:40:07,272 --> 00:40:10,873
Where she essentially pled to
a second-degree murder.
654
00:40:10,875 --> 00:40:13,475
So, that sentence gave jessicha
655
00:40:13,477 --> 00:40:15,678
Life with the possibility
of parole.
656
00:40:17,281 --> 00:40:19,081
[jetta] after her mother
passed away,
657
00:40:19,150 --> 00:40:20,350
She moved to los angeles.
658
00:40:20,952 --> 00:40:22,118
It was pretty sad when
she moved away,
659
00:40:22,187 --> 00:40:25,622
Because it was like that side of
the family was almost gone.
660
00:40:26,391 --> 00:40:28,124
She was a respectful person,
661
00:40:28,192 --> 00:40:33,029
And her uncle manipulated her to
doing a crime.
662
00:40:34,232 --> 00:40:38,968
He was the one to put up such
young people to such things.
663
00:40:39,037 --> 00:40:43,606
[music]
664
00:40:43,675 --> 00:40:47,209
[narrator] to emphasize the
terrifying nature of the crime,
665
00:40:47,279 --> 00:40:49,111
Prosecutors show jurors
666
00:40:49,113 --> 00:40:51,848
Footage from erik's
security camera.
667
00:40:56,721 --> 00:40:58,654
'til this day, like,
when I come to my door,
668
00:40:58,723 --> 00:41:00,089
I still think about it.
669
00:41:00,358 --> 00:41:01,991
'cause he was trying to open
his door,
670
00:41:02,060 --> 00:41:04,427
And I think how frightened
he must have been.
671
00:41:07,632 --> 00:41:09,132
It's like a bad nightmare.
672
00:41:11,536 --> 00:41:14,136
[bobby] the evidence showed that
michael thomas
673
00:41:14,205 --> 00:41:17,874
Was involved in every detail
related to this murder,
674
00:41:17,942 --> 00:41:20,543
Including when it was to happen,
675
00:41:21,646 --> 00:41:23,646
The type of costumes to buy,
676
00:41:24,448 --> 00:41:29,018
What type of firearms to use,
what kind of ammunition to use,
677
00:41:29,087 --> 00:41:33,389
What to say to the police
after the murder was committed.
678
00:41:34,192 --> 00:41:39,596
Michael thomas was the architect
of every part of it.
679
00:41:43,368 --> 00:41:46,169
[narrator] on September 8th,
2016,
680
00:41:46,505 --> 00:41:49,506
The jury finds thomas guilty.
681
00:41:50,709 --> 00:41:53,943
[bobby] michael thomas was found
by a jury that
682
00:41:54,012 --> 00:41:57,080
His appropriate sentence was
the death penalty.
683
00:42:03,287 --> 00:42:06,222
[narrator] while erik's killers
were brought to justice,
684
00:42:06,625 --> 00:42:09,692
His loved ones still
struggle with the loss.
685
00:42:10,795 --> 00:42:12,194
[barry] I think about him
all the time,
686
00:42:12,530 --> 00:42:15,031
And his daughter and
his ex-wife.
687
00:42:15,867 --> 00:42:16,833
And...
688
00:42:19,270 --> 00:42:20,670
It's kinda sad that, you know,
689
00:42:20,738 --> 00:42:22,538
He's, he's missing his
daughter growing up,
690
00:42:22,607 --> 00:42:24,874
And, you know, going to
high school
691
00:42:24,942 --> 00:42:28,778
And graduating and
college and the whole thing.
692
00:42:30,214 --> 00:42:33,850
I felt like something was stolen
from me.
693
00:42:35,419 --> 00:42:36,753
I still do.
694
00:42:43,294 --> 00:42:45,561
[narrator] what was once
a fun holiday,
695
00:42:46,230 --> 00:42:50,232
Halloween will never be the sam
for erik's community.
696
00:42:50,802 --> 00:42:53,035
[bobby] every Halloween
I look around,
697
00:42:53,037 --> 00:42:56,338
And I see kids in
costumes and parents, and think,
698
00:42:57,241 --> 00:43:01,277
"on this day back in 2012,
this happened to erik poltorak."
699
00:43:01,345 --> 00:43:02,278
You can't not remember it.
700
00:43:03,581 --> 00:43:06,015
[anonymous] I don't really
celebrate Halloween anymore.
701
00:43:07,451 --> 00:43:08,952
And I don't decorate my house.
702
00:43:09,653 --> 00:43:10,520
It's hard.
703
00:43:11,455 --> 00:43:13,556
Takes a lot of fun
out of it, you know?
704
00:43:14,793 --> 00:43:17,126
[barry] Halloween is definitely
a reminder of erik
705
00:43:17,195 --> 00:43:19,962
And fun times that he had with
all of his friends,
706
00:43:20,031 --> 00:43:22,231
Even up to the last night he was
alive.
707
00:43:23,968 --> 00:43:28,137
He said goodbye,
and that was it.
708
00:43:28,206 --> 00:43:31,107
[music]
709
00:43:32,644 --> 00:43:38,715
[music]