1 00:00:12,245 --> 00:00:15,414 ♪ I'm starting over ♪ 2 00:00:23,691 --> 00:00:25,591 ♪ been asleep through my shadow ♪ 3 00:00:28,062 --> 00:00:30,896 ♪♪♪ 4 00:00:33,868 --> 00:00:35,600 - Welcome to south carolina. - Thank you. 5 00:00:35,802 --> 00:00:37,335 Have you ever been here before? 6 00:00:37,370 --> 00:00:39,471 - It's my first time. - Well, you know what? 7 00:00:39,473 --> 00:00:43,007 I'm excited that you're here, 'cause to be lapd, 8 00:00:43,143 --> 00:00:44,843 Your experience, your world, 9 00:00:44,979 --> 00:00:46,912 Where you're from, you got it going on. 10 00:00:47,114 --> 00:00:48,647 So I'm happy we have you on this case. 11 00:00:48,783 --> 00:00:50,415 I'm happy to be here. 12 00:00:50,617 --> 00:00:53,218 I'm thrilled to welcome the newest member of our team, 13 00:00:53,220 --> 00:00:55,888 Bertha durazo, or as we call her, "b". 14 00:00:56,022 --> 00:00:59,457 She just recently retired from the l.A. Police department 15 00:00:59,593 --> 00:01:01,193 After spending decades there, 16 00:01:01,461 --> 00:01:04,296 And her last stint was with the cold-case unit. 17 00:01:04,464 --> 00:01:07,232 Of all the people that I've worked with on "cold justice," 18 00:01:07,367 --> 00:01:10,535 "b" is the only person who comes to us 19 00:01:10,671 --> 00:01:12,837 Straight from work in cold cases. 20 00:01:13,039 --> 00:01:16,341 And now she's available to bring her extensive experience 21 00:01:16,476 --> 00:01:18,910 And meticulous process to our investigations. 22 00:01:19,046 --> 00:01:20,913 Siegler: What made you go into cold cases? 23 00:01:21,115 --> 00:01:24,083 Durazo: I felt that cold cases needed detectives 24 00:01:24,285 --> 00:01:27,519 Who were willing to dig and just be persistent. 25 00:01:27,554 --> 00:01:30,755 Cold cases also benefit from people that are nerdy. 26 00:01:30,924 --> 00:01:32,491 I admit I'm a nerd. How about you? 27 00:01:32,826 --> 00:01:34,993 - Appreciating the details. - I'm a detail gal. 28 00:01:35,162 --> 00:01:36,995 I need to look at everything, 29 00:01:37,164 --> 00:01:39,764 Because sometimes it's those fine little details 30 00:01:39,766 --> 00:01:42,267 That are hidden on the fifth page of someone's statement 31 00:01:42,402 --> 00:01:44,103 That really make the difference. 32 00:01:44,305 --> 00:01:47,939 I've always felt that "cold justice" and her mission 33 00:01:48,075 --> 00:01:50,375 Was trying to help families find justice. 34 00:01:50,411 --> 00:01:52,444 This is really important to me 35 00:01:52,613 --> 00:01:55,446 Because I worked cold cases for a long time. 36 00:01:55,448 --> 00:01:57,982 I'm hoping to help bring a successful resolution 37 00:01:57,984 --> 00:02:00,452 To the brutal, unsolved murder 38 00:02:00,521 --> 00:02:04,389 Of 56-year-old devoted father william michael mccuen. 39 00:02:04,425 --> 00:02:08,326 The victim, william michael mccuen, was retired. 40 00:02:08,462 --> 00:02:10,695 Lost his wife not that much earlier. 41 00:02:10,864 --> 00:02:13,798 It's the day of his son's college graduation. 42 00:02:13,800 --> 00:02:16,935 Durazo: Of all days to come have breakfast with his dad, 43 00:02:16,937 --> 00:02:21,640 And he found dad deceased on the side of the house. 44 00:02:21,775 --> 00:02:24,643 Looked like he was asleep in his bed. 45 00:02:24,845 --> 00:02:28,947 And that's where he was attacked and stabbed multiple times. 46 00:02:29,083 --> 00:02:31,750 And it seemed like he tried to come to 47 00:02:31,752 --> 00:02:34,119 Because he clearly left his bedroom down the hall, 48 00:02:34,321 --> 00:02:35,453 Out the door. 49 00:02:35,622 --> 00:02:36,989 You think he started stabbing him, 50 00:02:37,157 --> 00:02:39,524 Whoever did it, when mike was asleep? 51 00:02:39,726 --> 00:02:41,326 - I think so. - So never knew it was coming. 52 00:02:41,494 --> 00:02:42,995 Yeah. 53 00:02:43,197 --> 00:02:46,698 Thinking back on samantha and kelsey's graduation days, 54 00:02:46,833 --> 00:02:48,667 Those are some of the happiest memories 55 00:02:48,669 --> 00:02:49,601 That a parent could ever have. 56 00:02:49,803 --> 00:02:51,904 So I can imagine the excitement 57 00:02:52,238 --> 00:02:53,972 That mike mccuen felt that day 58 00:02:54,108 --> 00:02:55,507 'cause he had been dreaming about it 59 00:02:55,576 --> 00:02:57,309 And looking forward to it for so long, 60 00:02:57,311 --> 00:03:00,145 And instead, it turned into a nightmare. 61 00:03:00,147 --> 00:03:03,581 After 24 years, mike and his family deserve justice. 62 00:03:03,717 --> 00:03:07,385 I was trying to look at mike's life 63 00:03:07,587 --> 00:03:10,321 And all the people in it and who he may have had 64 00:03:10,524 --> 00:03:11,856 Any conflicts with. 65 00:03:11,992 --> 00:03:14,392 - It didn't seem like... - He had any enemies. 66 00:03:14,528 --> 00:03:16,695 I'm excited to figure this out. 67 00:03:18,899 --> 00:03:20,999 [geese honking] 68 00:03:21,001 --> 00:03:23,368 - You hear those geese? - I hear them. 69 00:03:27,908 --> 00:03:29,541 - Hello, hello. - How you doing, sheriff? 70 00:03:29,710 --> 00:03:31,109 - Good. - Andy tribble. 71 00:03:31,278 --> 00:03:32,644 - Nice to meet you. - Michael branyon. 72 00:03:32,713 --> 00:03:33,445 Michael, nice to meet you. 73 00:03:33,814 --> 00:03:34,846 Kendall cash. Nice to meet you. 74 00:03:35,048 --> 00:03:36,248 Nice to meet you. 75 00:03:36,450 --> 00:03:37,882 - Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you. 76 00:03:37,884 --> 00:03:40,151 We're definitely excited to get y'all's perspective 77 00:03:40,353 --> 00:03:41,619 And assistance on this next case. 78 00:03:41,788 --> 00:03:43,222 This is one that rocked the community. 79 00:03:43,424 --> 00:03:45,590 A lot of people would like to get justice for mr. Mccuen. 80 00:03:45,792 --> 00:03:47,059 Yeah? You wanna go get started? 81 00:03:47,261 --> 00:03:48,693 Absolutely. 82 00:03:48,829 --> 00:03:49,894 In anderson county, just very country. 83 00:03:50,164 --> 00:03:51,930 I would describe it as that. Very wholesome. 84 00:03:52,132 --> 00:03:53,498 You have a case like this 85 00:03:53,634 --> 00:03:57,068 With somebody that would be a low-risk victim like-- 86 00:03:57,070 --> 00:03:58,970 Michael mccuen was taken from his family. 87 00:03:59,172 --> 00:04:01,406 It's just extremely important for us that the person 88 00:04:01,408 --> 00:04:03,942 Who is responsible for this is brought to justice. 89 00:04:04,144 --> 00:04:09,347 Okay, let's start off by putting some pictures up of mike. 90 00:04:09,483 --> 00:04:10,582 But his real name is... 91 00:04:10,784 --> 00:04:12,784 - William michael. - William michael? 92 00:04:12,986 --> 00:04:14,653 Siegler: Talk about mike? What was his life like? 93 00:04:14,855 --> 00:04:16,321 Branyon: He was a community man. 94 00:04:16,490 --> 00:04:18,323 He was a member of the west pelzer baptist church. 95 00:04:18,525 --> 00:04:20,725 He was the deacon. He was the Sunday school director. 96 00:04:20,928 --> 00:04:22,594 He had one son, matthew. 97 00:04:22,729 --> 00:04:26,064 In this picture right here. So we have mike. 98 00:04:26,099 --> 00:04:27,999 - And then this is... - His wife, bobbie. 99 00:04:28,135 --> 00:04:31,269 - Bobbie. And this is matt? - Matthew. Yeah. Matt. 100 00:04:31,304 --> 00:04:33,905 Mike's wife, bobbie, had died due to breast cancer 101 00:04:33,973 --> 00:04:36,208 A year and a half or so prior to his death. 102 00:04:36,210 --> 00:04:38,476 Mike was recently retired. 103 00:04:38,612 --> 00:04:40,312 He was a successful man. He worked for the state. 104 00:04:40,514 --> 00:04:42,281 He was a furman graduate and a football player, 105 00:04:42,483 --> 00:04:44,383 And he was well regarded in the community. 106 00:04:44,451 --> 00:04:46,484 Tell us about how all this case started. 107 00:04:46,686 --> 00:04:49,888 On may 27th of 2000, his son matthew 108 00:04:50,223 --> 00:04:51,756 Was to graduate from furman university. 109 00:04:51,892 --> 00:04:54,859 So about 6:30 a.M., law enforcement got a call. 110 00:04:55,061 --> 00:04:57,629 Matthew mccuen had come home from furman. 111 00:04:57,831 --> 00:04:59,697 He stated that he was going to surprise his dad 112 00:04:59,866 --> 00:05:01,199 For breakfast that morning 113 00:05:01,401 --> 00:05:04,903 And found his father outside, who had been stabbed. 114 00:05:05,072 --> 00:05:07,306 He was found in a seated position 115 00:05:07,508 --> 00:05:09,974 But slumped against the backside of the house. 116 00:05:10,143 --> 00:05:11,343 He had bled to death. Between his feet, 117 00:05:11,545 --> 00:05:14,979 There were a phone and a handgun that was found. 118 00:05:14,981 --> 00:05:17,415 The telephone had not been used to dial 911. 119 00:05:17,551 --> 00:05:19,518 The firearm had not been fired. 120 00:05:19,719 --> 00:05:21,519 The glass was knocked out of a window 121 00:05:21,721 --> 00:05:23,187 That was close to the door. 122 00:05:23,189 --> 00:05:24,589 Initially appeared to be the point of entry. 123 00:05:24,625 --> 00:05:26,157 It was determined 124 00:05:26,159 --> 00:05:28,693 That he was most likely stabbed in his bed. 125 00:05:28,895 --> 00:05:31,330 Was stabbed 17 times, once in the heart, 126 00:05:31,532 --> 00:05:33,231 Which was probably the fatal wound. 127 00:05:33,300 --> 00:05:36,735 There's a blood trail from the bedroom, from the bed, 128 00:05:37,070 --> 00:05:38,670 Down the hallway into the exterior door 129 00:05:38,805 --> 00:05:41,005 That he walked out of. 130 00:05:41,007 --> 00:05:44,008 The scene revealed that nothing was taken from the house. 131 00:05:44,010 --> 00:05:47,778 Whoever killed mr. Mccuen left behind the murder weapon. 132 00:05:47,914 --> 00:05:50,549 The knife was found by the bed. It was a large kitchen knife 133 00:05:50,750 --> 00:05:52,884 That was taken from the kitchen of the home. 134 00:05:53,086 --> 00:05:55,419 Siegler: And y'all tested it for dna back then, right, 135 00:05:55,555 --> 00:05:57,622 - And got nothing? - That's right. No. 136 00:05:57,757 --> 00:06:00,592 Durazo: Based on the level of rigor mortis on mike's body, 137 00:06:00,927 --> 00:06:04,329 The medical examiner estimated the likely time of death 138 00:06:04,531 --> 00:06:07,432 Was between 3 a.M. And 6 a.M. 139 00:06:07,501 --> 00:06:09,133 Since nothing was stolen, 140 00:06:09,269 --> 00:06:12,370 Is it possible that this was a burglary gone wrong 141 00:06:12,372 --> 00:06:15,507 Or a vengeful act of an unknown enemy of mike's? 142 00:06:15,575 --> 00:06:18,376 Okay, so if we have "unknown suspect" up here, 143 00:06:18,411 --> 00:06:19,444 What would you start with? 144 00:06:19,646 --> 00:06:21,213 The broken window. 145 00:06:21,347 --> 00:06:22,447 So this would suggest that it was 146 00:06:22,516 --> 00:06:25,683 A random break-in, resulting in a murder. 147 00:06:25,685 --> 00:06:28,920 Mike had just recently moved into this house. 148 00:06:29,122 --> 00:06:32,123 He had some contractors in there because he was remodeling. 149 00:06:32,325 --> 00:06:34,458 House being remodeled. That's a good one. 150 00:06:34,594 --> 00:06:36,728 He was actually dating two women at the time. 151 00:06:36,863 --> 00:06:38,830 In any homicide investigation, 152 00:06:39,032 --> 00:06:40,698 You have to always consider the person 153 00:06:40,700 --> 00:06:44,068 Who's closest to your victim and the one who found the body. 154 00:06:44,070 --> 00:06:46,338 The two women he was dating at the time 155 00:06:46,673 --> 00:06:49,674 As well as one of their estranged husbands 156 00:06:49,809 --> 00:06:51,976 Were clearly suspects back then. 157 00:06:52,012 --> 00:06:55,714 But mike's son, matthew, checks both of those boxes. 158 00:06:55,749 --> 00:07:00,418 - Matt's full name is... - William matthew mccuen. 159 00:07:00,420 --> 00:07:01,753 As far as prior criminal history, 160 00:07:01,955 --> 00:07:03,355 He's got nothing, right? 161 00:07:03,690 --> 00:07:05,123 - He had nothing. - Hadn't been arrested before. 162 00:07:05,325 --> 00:07:07,292 Hasn't been arrested for anything at all since. 163 00:07:07,494 --> 00:07:08,826 Nothing. 164 00:07:08,995 --> 00:07:10,395 What kind of personality are we talking about? 165 00:07:10,597 --> 00:07:12,830 He was described a highly intelligent. 166 00:07:12,999 --> 00:07:15,199 He was valedictorian of his high school. 167 00:07:15,335 --> 00:07:16,801 Valedictorian of his high school class. 168 00:07:17,003 --> 00:07:19,137 He was described as a nice guy by many of the people 169 00:07:19,273 --> 00:07:21,005 That investigators had talked to. 170 00:07:21,207 --> 00:07:23,908 And I think his dad had very high expectations of him. 171 00:07:24,044 --> 00:07:26,310 By most accounts, matt had a good relationship 172 00:07:26,312 --> 00:07:28,646 With his father, and he had a key to the house, 173 00:07:28,782 --> 00:07:31,015 So he wouldn't need to break the window to get in. 174 00:07:31,151 --> 00:07:34,052 But not everything about his story made sense. 175 00:07:34,087 --> 00:07:37,355 He told investigators varying accounts. 176 00:07:37,690 --> 00:07:39,924 He told a service member that he'd given mouth-to-mouth. 177 00:07:40,060 --> 00:07:41,593 He told investigators one time 178 00:07:41,761 --> 00:07:44,128 That he had cradled his dad by one account. 179 00:07:44,264 --> 00:07:46,597 Later on, he said he's staunching the wounds, 180 00:07:46,800 --> 00:07:48,866 As he put it, yet there was no blood on his arms. 181 00:07:49,002 --> 00:07:50,435 There's no blood on his shirt. 182 00:07:50,437 --> 00:07:52,370 You would expect there to be a lot more blood 183 00:07:52,572 --> 00:07:54,038 Because his father was covered in blood. 184 00:07:54,240 --> 00:07:57,008 Matt initially said that he was going to surprise his dad 185 00:07:57,143 --> 00:07:59,043 For breakfast before graduation on that day. 186 00:07:59,245 --> 00:08:01,012 But later in interviews, 187 00:08:01,214 --> 00:08:03,348 He admitted that he wasn't going to graduate. 188 00:08:03,550 --> 00:08:06,284 Matt's t-shirt was recovered from the scene, 189 00:08:06,419 --> 00:08:10,055 And the lack of blood transfer was inconsistent with his story. 190 00:08:10,257 --> 00:08:12,491 Plus, he lied about graduating that day. 191 00:08:12,693 --> 00:08:15,627 This makes me wonder, what else has matt lied about? 192 00:08:15,629 --> 00:08:17,895 Siegler: Okay, let's talk about the motives. 193 00:08:18,031 --> 00:08:19,764 Branyon: His dad owned two houses at the time. 194 00:08:19,899 --> 00:08:22,634 In addition to that, he had around $42,000 195 00:08:22,636 --> 00:08:24,236 Across two bank accounts. 196 00:08:24,570 --> 00:08:25,837 Had recently retired, and I think got 197 00:08:25,939 --> 00:08:27,605 A lump sum in retirement 198 00:08:27,741 --> 00:08:29,774 That would have been pretty substantial for the time. 199 00:08:29,810 --> 00:08:31,676 If his dad would have gotten married, though, 200 00:08:31,678 --> 00:08:33,711 Tell me how south carolina law works. 201 00:08:33,913 --> 00:08:36,414 But in texas, that new wife would have been entitled 202 00:08:36,550 --> 00:08:39,317 To a life estate in the house even if it wasn't in the will. 203 00:08:39,352 --> 00:08:41,452 They could have lived there until they died. 204 00:08:41,488 --> 00:08:45,589 Matt inherited his share of all the financial assets, 205 00:08:45,725 --> 00:08:48,726 Including the house, which he still lives in today. 206 00:08:48,928 --> 00:08:51,296 So the financial motive is there, 207 00:08:51,298 --> 00:08:54,432 But the question remains, would that have been enough 208 00:08:54,634 --> 00:08:57,936 For matt to brutally kill his own biological father? 209 00:09:02,608 --> 00:09:05,009 ♪ when I get home ♪ 210 00:09:05,178 --> 00:09:07,979 ♪ I'm tired and tethered ♪ 211 00:09:08,148 --> 00:09:11,249 ♪ caught in circles ♪ 212 00:09:11,318 --> 00:09:13,217 ♪ where I have been before ♪ 213 00:09:13,219 --> 00:09:15,853 Siegler: We're going to meet mike's sister barbara. 214 00:09:16,022 --> 00:09:17,788 - Hey, miss durham. - Hey. 215 00:09:17,990 --> 00:09:19,857 For 24 years, she's had 216 00:09:19,993 --> 00:09:21,693 To deal with the pain of losing her brother. 217 00:09:21,695 --> 00:09:24,929 She's also been dealing with the uncertainty of whether 218 00:09:25,065 --> 00:09:27,399 Or not her own nephew had anything to do with this. 219 00:09:27,567 --> 00:09:29,367 How are you, miss barbara? I'm kelly. 220 00:09:29,503 --> 00:09:31,435 - Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you. 221 00:09:31,437 --> 00:09:32,504 We wanna bring her the answers 222 00:09:32,839 --> 00:09:34,906 She's been desperately waiting for. 223 00:09:35,075 --> 00:09:36,874 Can you just tell us about mike 224 00:09:36,876 --> 00:09:39,977 And kind of how mike was closer to the time of his death? 225 00:09:40,146 --> 00:09:43,081 He worked at that unemployment bureau in anderson. 226 00:09:43,283 --> 00:09:44,983 Not too soon before he ended up being murdered, 227 00:09:45,318 --> 00:09:46,851 He retired, right? 228 00:09:47,053 --> 00:09:47,919 He hadn't been retired that long, had he? 229 00:09:48,121 --> 00:09:49,321 No. No. 230 00:09:49,655 --> 00:09:51,723 Mike, he was real easy to get along with. 231 00:09:51,924 --> 00:09:56,127 He was a real kind person, but he had no sense of balance. 232 00:09:56,262 --> 00:09:58,062 I tried to teach him how to ride the pony, 233 00:09:58,198 --> 00:09:59,998 And he'd just go off to the side. 234 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:01,999 So I had a hard time with that. 235 00:10:02,135 --> 00:10:04,969 And finally we just gave that up. [chuckles] 236 00:10:05,171 --> 00:10:09,274 He was a good dad. He tried to be good to matthew. 237 00:10:09,409 --> 00:10:11,342 And if matthew wanted to play football 238 00:10:11,478 --> 00:10:14,679 Or whatever he wanted to do, then mike, he would go and try 239 00:10:14,881 --> 00:10:17,882 To help him along or do whatever he had to do. 240 00:10:18,084 --> 00:10:21,619 He wanted him to be a good athlete. Matthew couldn't do it. 241 00:10:21,654 --> 00:10:24,555 I know when he was trying to learn how to ride a bicycle, 242 00:10:24,757 --> 00:10:27,325 Mike was trying to hold him on the bicycle. 243 00:10:27,527 --> 00:10:29,661 Both of 'em run into a tree. 244 00:10:29,863 --> 00:10:32,130 - He just wasn't coordinated. - Yeah. 245 00:10:32,332 --> 00:10:34,232 Was mike demanding of matt? 246 00:10:34,567 --> 00:10:37,135 No, but he was having trouble with matthew. 247 00:10:37,137 --> 00:10:38,836 What do you mean by that? 248 00:10:39,038 --> 00:10:41,305 Well, one time when I went up to their house, 249 00:10:41,441 --> 00:10:44,308 I asked mike what was that bruise on his face. 250 00:10:44,444 --> 00:10:46,043 And he said he was mowing the lawn. 251 00:10:46,212 --> 00:10:48,413 And matthew came out there 252 00:10:48,548 --> 00:10:51,583 And jumped on mike while mike was mowing. 253 00:10:51,918 --> 00:10:54,218 And I said, "why?" and he said 254 00:10:54,354 --> 00:10:56,655 Because he had already got him a girlfriend 255 00:10:56,857 --> 00:10:58,656 And he was gonna move her in the house. 256 00:10:58,691 --> 00:11:00,492 Well, matthew wasn't gonna have that. 257 00:11:00,626 --> 00:11:02,226 He didn't want her in the house. 258 00:11:02,362 --> 00:11:04,362 Why didn't matt want his daddy to be happy? 259 00:11:04,564 --> 00:11:05,896 I do not know. 260 00:11:06,098 --> 00:11:08,500 So their relationship at that time 261 00:11:08,668 --> 00:11:10,168 - Prior to mike's death... - Was bad. 262 00:11:10,370 --> 00:11:13,337 Did he act like he was sad that his dad had been killed 263 00:11:13,339 --> 00:11:15,206 And they hadn't found who killed him? 264 00:11:15,341 --> 00:11:18,376 No. He--I never seen him cry. 265 00:11:18,511 --> 00:11:22,614 I think matthew is-- something ain't right there. 266 00:11:22,616 --> 00:11:25,517 Siegler: Barbara is definitely a no-nonsense kind of lady. 267 00:11:25,685 --> 00:11:28,453 She's a very strong lady who loved mike, 268 00:11:28,588 --> 00:11:30,188 Who cared about mike, 269 00:11:30,190 --> 00:11:32,756 And she wants justice for what happened to him, 270 00:11:32,892 --> 00:11:35,226 But who also may or may not be wondering 271 00:11:35,361 --> 00:11:37,028 If matt had anything to do with it. 272 00:11:37,230 --> 00:11:40,364 When you have a suspect also being a family member, 273 00:11:40,500 --> 00:11:43,100 Especially as close as this is to the victim, 274 00:11:43,269 --> 00:11:45,870 It doesn't get any more complicated 275 00:11:45,872 --> 00:11:48,606 And difficult to maneuver than this situation. 276 00:11:48,808 --> 00:11:52,810 Have you ever confronted matthew and said anything to him about, 277 00:11:52,946 --> 00:11:55,647 "we think you did it" or "we know you did it" or anything? 278 00:11:55,982 --> 00:11:59,584 No. But if he didn't do it, who did it? 279 00:12:01,386 --> 00:12:14,099 Okay, so now we have a whole bunch of phone calls to make. 280 00:12:15,101 --> 00:12:15,767 We'll just start going down the list, 281 00:12:16,936 --> 00:12:18,436 And then hopefully everybody's home and have good luck. 282 00:12:18,771 --> 00:12:20,504 We've got two possible suspects 283 00:12:20,506 --> 00:12:24,041 In the fatal stabbing of 56-year-old mike mccuen, 284 00:12:24,210 --> 00:12:26,711 An unknown assailant, and his son matt. 285 00:12:26,780 --> 00:12:29,747 While we have financial motive in play here, 286 00:12:29,883 --> 00:12:31,883 We wanna see if there's anything else going on 287 00:12:31,984 --> 00:12:33,784 In the history of the family dynamic 288 00:12:33,986 --> 00:12:37,121 Between matt and mike and matt's mom, bobbie, 289 00:12:37,323 --> 00:12:40,324 Who passed away just 18 months before this murder happened, 290 00:12:40,460 --> 00:12:43,928 Or if mike was having issues with anyone else. 291 00:12:44,130 --> 00:12:45,864 What kind of person was mike? 292 00:12:58,478 --> 00:13:00,745 Did he ever have problems with anybody they worked with? 293 00:13:03,283 --> 00:13:05,750 Do you know anybody that would want to do this to mike? 294 00:13:14,060 --> 00:13:16,194 Durazo: So far, we haven't identified anyone 295 00:13:16,196 --> 00:13:19,263 Who had a motive to kill mike. But what about his son? 296 00:13:19,399 --> 00:13:21,633 What did you know about matthew? How was he in high school? 297 00:13:45,525 --> 00:13:47,358 What exactly did he do? 298 00:14:02,908 --> 00:14:03,708 Yeah. 299 00:14:10,282 --> 00:14:13,918 It sounds like matt's intense behavior comes because 300 00:14:14,053 --> 00:14:17,054 He has been told to be the best, and he wants to be the best. 301 00:14:17,223 --> 00:14:19,256 Ambition's not a bad thing, 302 00:14:19,259 --> 00:14:21,693 But sometimes too much pressure can be destructive. 303 00:14:50,790 --> 00:14:51,589 Yeah. 304 00:15:06,840 --> 00:15:08,205 Durazo: Initially, it appeared 305 00:15:08,408 --> 00:15:11,508 That the mccuen family was pretty tight-knit, 306 00:15:11,611 --> 00:15:13,177 And through our interviews, 307 00:15:13,313 --> 00:15:15,079 We discovered that actually wasn't the case. 308 00:15:15,281 --> 00:15:17,248 There was a lot of stress and a lot of pressure 309 00:15:17,583 --> 00:15:21,052 Placed on matt academically and even athletically. 310 00:15:21,254 --> 00:15:24,555 And it appears that there was a lot more to this story. 311 00:16:34,861 --> 00:16:36,193 It didn't seem like he had any idea 312 00:16:36,329 --> 00:16:37,929 That he wasn't graduating either. 313 00:16:39,999 --> 00:16:41,499 If he had known, 314 00:16:41,634 --> 00:16:43,601 What do you think his reaction would have been? 315 00:16:48,574 --> 00:16:51,408 What about bobbie? Well, if she had been alive, 316 00:16:51,411 --> 00:16:53,378 What do you think she would have thought? 317 00:16:55,815 --> 00:16:58,549 Siegler: We're hearing about all this pressure 318 00:16:58,551 --> 00:17:01,152 That matt's parents put on him since he was a little boy. 319 00:17:01,221 --> 00:17:02,887 And I think about my daughters 320 00:17:03,023 --> 00:17:05,022 And the realization that as a parent, 321 00:17:05,224 --> 00:17:07,291 You wanna push your children, 322 00:17:07,427 --> 00:17:09,460 But you don't wanna push 'em too much. 323 00:17:09,595 --> 00:17:12,864 It sounds like all the pressure that matt was undergoing might 324 00:17:13,033 --> 00:17:16,501 Have contributed to that being a potential motive in this case. 325 00:17:23,910 --> 00:17:26,777 Durazo: It's possible that this was an unknown enemy of mike's, 326 00:17:26,913 --> 00:17:28,746 But we've learned that there was a possible 327 00:17:29,081 --> 00:17:30,814 Emotional motive for his son. 328 00:17:30,816 --> 00:17:32,583 So now we're hoping to dig a little deeper 329 00:17:32,718 --> 00:17:34,218 Into the financial motive. 330 00:17:34,420 --> 00:17:36,587 Looks like we're here. 331 00:17:36,789 --> 00:17:39,456 Mike's girlfriend at the time, patsy underwood, 332 00:17:39,459 --> 00:17:42,960 Was added as a co-beneficiary on his retirement account 333 00:17:42,962 --> 00:17:44,262 Shortly before the murder. 334 00:17:44,597 --> 00:17:46,630 We wanna see what information she can provide. 335 00:17:46,766 --> 00:17:49,833 You know, this is really surprising. 336 00:17:49,836 --> 00:17:52,670 But I was thinking about this the other day. 337 00:17:52,805 --> 00:17:56,440 I was just lying there on my bed. 338 00:17:56,576 --> 00:18:00,344 And I said, "somebody got away with that." 339 00:18:00,346 --> 00:18:02,146 Well, if there's anything we can do 340 00:18:02,281 --> 00:18:04,115 To prevent that, that's what we're here for. 341 00:18:04,283 --> 00:18:06,250 Can you just tell me about mike? 342 00:18:06,386 --> 00:18:08,319 He's a great guy. 343 00:18:08,321 --> 00:18:09,853 We work together. 344 00:18:09,856 --> 00:18:12,189 I just--I thought a lot of him. 345 00:18:12,191 --> 00:18:14,358 Okay. You were really close to mike at the time 346 00:18:14,527 --> 00:18:15,993 Of his death, but you were named 347 00:18:15,995 --> 00:18:18,196 As a co-beneficiary on his retirement account. 348 00:18:18,398 --> 00:18:19,730 You remember that? 349 00:18:19,933 --> 00:18:23,267 I got--I think it was $20,000. 350 00:18:23,469 --> 00:18:25,903 - Okay. - I don't know how or where, 351 00:18:26,039 --> 00:18:27,805 When, how that $20,000... 352 00:18:28,140 --> 00:18:29,406 Do you remember if it was an insurance? 353 00:18:29,542 --> 00:18:31,942 No, I didn't have it. He-- 354 00:18:32,144 --> 00:18:35,679 - He had all that went to matt. - Matt. Okay. 355 00:18:35,815 --> 00:18:37,448 I got the check for $20,000, 356 00:18:37,783 --> 00:18:39,416 And I don't know how much he got, 357 00:18:39,485 --> 00:18:42,019 But I'm assuming that he got everything. 358 00:18:42,021 --> 00:18:44,421 - Okay. - 'cause he was an only child. 359 00:18:44,590 --> 00:18:47,524 Mike worshiped that boy. He really did. 360 00:18:47,560 --> 00:18:49,159 I thought he was really-- 361 00:18:49,162 --> 00:18:51,362 I thought he was gonna make something of himself. 362 00:18:51,397 --> 00:18:56,867 Do you ever remember mike and matt arguing with each other? 363 00:18:56,870 --> 00:19:00,204 I know that mike would get real aggravated with him, 364 00:19:00,339 --> 00:19:02,873 But I don't know that they ever had 365 00:19:02,876 --> 00:19:06,644 Any knockout, drag-out fights, you know. 366 00:19:06,979 --> 00:19:08,545 From what we know, 367 00:19:08,581 --> 00:19:11,515 Mike had no intention of cutting matt out of his inheritance. 368 00:19:11,651 --> 00:19:15,486 But if matt feared he was losing it to his dad's new girlfriend, 369 00:19:15,821 --> 00:19:19,690 Imagine his anxiety, knowing the impending disappointment 370 00:19:19,692 --> 00:19:22,760 About his not graduating was about to be out in the open. 371 00:19:22,962 --> 00:19:25,129 See, mike had big plans for that boy. 372 00:19:25,265 --> 00:19:27,364 That was the only child he had. 373 00:19:27,533 --> 00:19:29,867 He had big plans for that child. 374 00:19:43,916 --> 00:19:46,317 So, we can't go to the house 375 00:19:47,720 --> 00:19:50,621 Because that's where matt mccuen and his family live even today. 376 00:19:50,756 --> 00:19:53,724 The guys did a build-out in a warehouse 377 00:19:54,059 --> 00:19:55,859 Where we can go in there and talk about everything 378 00:19:55,995 --> 00:19:57,495 And talk through the blood trail. 379 00:19:57,697 --> 00:20:01,598 It would be interesting to see in the bedroom itself 380 00:20:01,601 --> 00:20:04,201 An example of what may have been going on in there. 381 00:20:04,370 --> 00:20:06,169 I've worked hundreds of investigations 382 00:20:06,171 --> 00:20:07,938 And dozens of cold cases. 383 00:20:07,974 --> 00:20:11,975 In my experience, it's crucial in an investigation 384 00:20:12,111 --> 00:20:15,045 To reexamine the crime scene, especially since it's possible 385 00:20:15,181 --> 00:20:17,814 That this was a burglary gone wrong. 386 00:20:17,983 --> 00:20:19,917 You got it nice and set up already. 387 00:20:20,252 --> 00:20:21,585 - Yeah. - We tried. 388 00:20:21,787 --> 00:20:24,087 Durazo: The little details you read in the report, 389 00:20:24,289 --> 00:20:27,191 When recreated, can reveal important clues 390 00:20:27,327 --> 00:20:28,859 As to who may have committed the crime. 391 00:20:28,994 --> 00:20:30,894 Okay, michael, orient us. What you thinking? 392 00:20:30,930 --> 00:20:32,730 Obviously, this is the parking area, 393 00:20:32,898 --> 00:20:34,231 The main driveway that they use. 394 00:20:34,433 --> 00:20:35,700 This will be the back door 395 00:20:35,901 --> 00:20:37,901 That we believe they used most frequently. 396 00:20:38,103 --> 00:20:39,536 As we get to the back door, 397 00:20:39,739 --> 00:20:42,172 The planters here, obviously, where he was found. 398 00:20:42,174 --> 00:20:44,908 So we're in the back door now. There's a hallway here. 399 00:20:45,044 --> 00:20:46,510 This middle room here would have been the kitchen. 400 00:20:46,512 --> 00:20:48,912 - Okay. - Two drawers that were open. 401 00:20:49,048 --> 00:20:51,148 I believe the knife was kept in the second drawer on the right. 402 00:20:51,150 --> 00:20:53,651 The farthest drawer that was open is the knife drawer. 403 00:20:53,653 --> 00:20:56,187 Right. It tells us the killer didn't bring a weapon with him. 404 00:20:56,322 --> 00:20:58,255 He armed himself while he was in the house. 405 00:20:58,424 --> 00:21:00,924 And the fact that nothing else is disturbed, 406 00:21:01,060 --> 00:21:02,560 It suggests that he was familiar with the house. 407 00:21:02,762 --> 00:21:05,529 - Okay. - This is the cordless phone. 408 00:21:05,665 --> 00:21:07,498 This would be the cradle for the phone 409 00:21:07,500 --> 00:21:09,100 That was found between his feet. 410 00:21:09,269 --> 00:21:12,302 Would have been on his way out to where he ended up collapsing. 411 00:21:12,504 --> 00:21:15,273 So now we're in mike's bedroom, where he was attacked. 412 00:21:15,474 --> 00:21:17,307 Someone said that mike kept a gun in the top drawer 413 00:21:17,376 --> 00:21:19,110 Of the nightstand, which is where we found 414 00:21:19,279 --> 00:21:20,477 The holster for the gun. 415 00:21:20,646 --> 00:21:23,814 The knife was laying in this position 416 00:21:24,149 --> 00:21:26,283 In front of the privacy screen, and we believe it was dropped 417 00:21:26,419 --> 00:21:29,253 By the attacker after he stabbed mr. Mccuen. 418 00:21:29,389 --> 00:21:31,722 There was a significant amount of blood in this area, 419 00:21:31,857 --> 00:21:33,323 Which probably would have been the side 420 00:21:33,326 --> 00:21:34,658 That he got out of the bed on. 421 00:21:34,694 --> 00:21:36,860 And is anything stolen in the whole house? 422 00:21:36,862 --> 00:21:38,762 - No. - We know he slept in the nude. 423 00:21:38,964 --> 00:21:40,431 So the fact he's got no clothes on, 424 00:21:40,566 --> 00:21:41,832 Nobody thinks that's important, right? 425 00:21:42,167 --> 00:21:44,601 - Right. - So if he's still laying down, 426 00:21:44,737 --> 00:21:48,605 This attacker is catching mike completely by surprise. 427 00:21:48,741 --> 00:21:49,707 I think he was asleep when he was first attacked. 428 00:21:49,875 --> 00:21:51,542 Everybody thinks he's dead asleep. 429 00:21:51,577 --> 00:21:53,110 - Yeah. - The blood drops 430 00:21:53,178 --> 00:21:55,445 In the bedroom floor were undisturbed, 431 00:21:55,447 --> 00:21:57,981 Suggesting that mike's killer ambushed him 432 00:21:58,183 --> 00:21:59,716 At his most vulnerable, 433 00:21:59,719 --> 00:22:02,453 But didn't stick around to make sure he was dead. 434 00:22:02,622 --> 00:22:04,788 They stabbed him, and then they fled quickly. 435 00:22:04,990 --> 00:22:06,957 All right, cash, if you don't mind, 436 00:22:07,092 --> 00:22:09,159 Could you play mike in the bed? 437 00:22:09,295 --> 00:22:12,430 Michael, you play the attacker and come creeping in here. 438 00:22:12,632 --> 00:22:14,965 Branyon: So it's very early in the morning. 439 00:22:15,100 --> 00:22:15,933 The window was knocked out. 440 00:22:16,368 --> 00:22:18,135 We've got the glass broken out here. 441 00:22:18,337 --> 00:22:20,271 The killer makes his way into the back door. 442 00:22:20,440 --> 00:22:21,705 Walks down the hallway, 443 00:22:21,708 --> 00:22:24,041 Goes into the kitchen and opens the drawer. 444 00:22:24,177 --> 00:22:26,544 Finds a knife. Comes down the hallway. 445 00:22:26,879 --> 00:22:28,712 Makes his way into the victim's bedroom. 446 00:22:28,848 --> 00:22:30,814 Walks over to the right side of the bed. 447 00:22:31,016 --> 00:22:33,784 Takes a well-aimed shot. Stabs him in the heart. 448 00:22:35,888 --> 00:22:38,756 There's one. Okay, so he's gonna come alive. 449 00:22:38,791 --> 00:22:41,392 Stab him several times in the upper chest, the arms, 450 00:22:41,560 --> 00:22:43,093 As he's in the defensive posture. 451 00:22:43,096 --> 00:22:44,495 Right leg, right knee. 452 00:22:44,630 --> 00:22:48,031 Drops the knife. Runs out of the house. 453 00:22:48,167 --> 00:22:49,900 Siegler: How long did all that take? 454 00:22:50,069 --> 00:22:51,168 I'd say about a minute and a half. 455 00:22:51,370 --> 00:22:52,569 - Wow. - Yeah. 456 00:22:52,738 --> 00:22:55,239 Okay, now you think, how does he get up? 457 00:22:56,842 --> 00:22:58,209 So he's got the gun. 458 00:22:59,745 --> 00:23:01,212 We follow the blood trail. 459 00:23:01,381 --> 00:23:03,414 He's probably grabbing the phone. It's still dark. 460 00:23:03,749 --> 00:23:05,115 I think he's starting to look for his attacker. 461 00:23:05,251 --> 00:23:07,951 Opens the door with his right hand. 462 00:23:07,986 --> 00:23:09,987 Arterial spurt on the side of the door 463 00:23:09,989 --> 00:23:11,388 And then he comes outside. 464 00:23:11,424 --> 00:23:14,257 Durazo: The stab wound to mike's right hand 465 00:23:14,393 --> 00:23:18,028 Disabled his thumb and his index finger, hindering his ability 466 00:23:18,163 --> 00:23:21,264 To turn the doorknob and fire his handgun. 467 00:23:21,300 --> 00:23:24,401 I think he sits down like this. 468 00:23:24,603 --> 00:23:27,037 Drops both the things. 469 00:23:27,172 --> 00:23:29,940 - Siegler: And dies right there. - Dies right there. 470 00:23:29,975 --> 00:23:33,810 For mike to have been stabbed 17 times 471 00:23:33,813 --> 00:23:37,114 Indicates that it was personal and the killer was full of rage. 472 00:23:37,116 --> 00:23:39,516 And when you consider that they knew 473 00:23:39,551 --> 00:23:42,219 Where to find the knife and didn't steal anything, 474 00:23:42,355 --> 00:23:44,988 It suggests that this was not a random break-in. 475 00:23:45,023 --> 00:23:47,624 Plus, if mike was sleeping before the attack, 476 00:23:47,760 --> 00:23:50,728 Why didn't he wake up to the sound of shattering glass? 477 00:23:50,930 --> 00:23:53,430 So here's the door that the attacker came in. 478 00:23:53,566 --> 00:23:55,298 There's a big window with smaller panes in it, 479 00:23:55,434 --> 00:23:58,034 And it's the bottom right glass was knocked out. 480 00:23:58,203 --> 00:24:01,605 If someone were to knock the glass out and reach around 481 00:24:01,807 --> 00:24:04,174 And open the door, which is what it looks like the intent was, 482 00:24:04,177 --> 00:24:06,877 They would have to reach around a column as well. 483 00:24:07,012 --> 00:24:09,246 And there's jagged glass still here 484 00:24:09,381 --> 00:24:10,381 'cause the whole window did not break out. 485 00:24:10,716 --> 00:24:13,416 Which suggests that if that's not the way they got in, 486 00:24:13,418 --> 00:24:14,852 Then they got in with the key. 487 00:24:14,987 --> 00:24:16,453 But in addition to that, glass is on top of the blood. 488 00:24:16,622 --> 00:24:19,389 So it suggests that the window is knocked out 489 00:24:19,391 --> 00:24:21,024 After he's coming through, bleeding. 490 00:24:21,026 --> 00:24:23,260 So if that's the case, you gotta ask yourself why. 491 00:24:23,462 --> 00:24:24,995 Who would stage a crime scene? 492 00:24:25,030 --> 00:24:26,763 If matt is the prime suspect here, 493 00:24:26,966 --> 00:24:28,932 He could have entered the residence with a key 494 00:24:28,934 --> 00:24:30,867 And then obviously staged the burglary afterwards. 495 00:24:30,903 --> 00:24:32,936 Obviously, he would have known where the knife was. 496 00:24:33,138 --> 00:24:35,639 In addition to that, he's able to accurately describe the knife 497 00:24:35,841 --> 00:24:38,008 As a black handle knife with three rivets, 498 00:24:38,177 --> 00:24:39,510 Or he first called it three circles 499 00:24:39,545 --> 00:24:41,211 Or three dots on the handle. 500 00:24:41,214 --> 00:24:45,416 What struck me was in this area, there was a lot of blood pooled. 501 00:24:45,618 --> 00:24:49,052 And yet when matt says he came through the room 502 00:24:49,087 --> 00:24:53,390 And got close enough to where the knife was, 503 00:24:53,392 --> 00:24:55,993 There wasn't a lot of footprints there. 504 00:24:56,062 --> 00:24:58,562 So I'm trying to figure out 505 00:24:58,697 --> 00:25:02,433 How he would have been able to describe it the way that he did. 506 00:25:02,602 --> 00:25:04,568 Siegler: According to the reports, 507 00:25:04,570 --> 00:25:08,105 A witness at matt's college saw him around 6 a.M. 508 00:25:08,107 --> 00:25:11,908 So if he was the killer, he had to have done that 509 00:25:11,911 --> 00:25:13,777 In the early morning hours 510 00:25:13,779 --> 00:25:16,112 And driven 30 minutes back to campus 511 00:25:16,114 --> 00:25:17,781 To be seen by that witness 512 00:25:17,950 --> 00:25:20,183 And then gone back to his dad's house, 513 00:25:20,385 --> 00:25:23,220 Where he made the call to 911 at 6:30 in the morning. 514 00:25:23,555 --> 00:25:26,189 This would have given him time to clean up 515 00:25:26,325 --> 00:25:28,358 And possibly stage the scene, 516 00:25:28,560 --> 00:25:31,394 All while seemingly having an alibi. 517 00:25:31,530 --> 00:25:34,465 The goal wasn't to steal money or jewelry or anything else. 518 00:25:34,600 --> 00:25:36,400 The goal was to kill mr. Mccuen. 519 00:25:47,044 --> 00:25:49,847 Siegler: Now, this is how I did the frat brothers. 520 00:25:51,083 --> 00:25:52,483 I just kind of went through the offense report vaguely 521 00:25:53,619 --> 00:25:54,585 From knowing a little more to knowing the least. 522 00:25:55,921 --> 00:25:57,488 They're all easily phone calls. Let's just start with these 523 00:25:57,690 --> 00:25:58,755 And start at the bottom and work our way up. 524 00:25:58,924 --> 00:26:00,123 Okay, let's do it. 525 00:26:00,259 --> 00:26:03,827 On may 27, 2000, hours before he was set 526 00:26:03,829 --> 00:26:06,162 To see his son graduate from college, 527 00:26:06,331 --> 00:26:08,732 Mike mccuen was senselessly murdered. 528 00:26:08,801 --> 00:26:12,202 Our examination of the crime scene suggested it was likely 529 00:26:12,405 --> 00:26:16,106 Someone that mike knew and who had access to the house. 530 00:26:16,275 --> 00:26:18,876 Matt mccuen had a financial motive, 531 00:26:19,011 --> 00:26:21,211 But if we can find a witness he confided in 532 00:26:21,413 --> 00:26:25,115 About not graduating or problems with his dad, 533 00:26:25,184 --> 00:26:27,851 That could strengthen any potential emotional motive. 534 00:26:28,020 --> 00:26:29,352 Man: Hello? 535 00:26:29,488 --> 00:26:30,754 Hey, I'm sergeant kendall cash. I work for 536 00:26:31,156 --> 00:26:33,056 The anderson county sheriff's office up in south carolina. 537 00:26:33,258 --> 00:26:34,391 Siegler: Matt was very close 538 00:26:34,593 --> 00:26:36,226 With his fraternity brothers back then, 539 00:26:36,295 --> 00:26:38,095 So if he opened up to anybody, 540 00:26:38,430 --> 00:26:39,863 It probably would have been one of them. 541 00:26:50,242 --> 00:26:53,310 You said matt was pretty intense. What made you say that? 542 00:27:14,866 --> 00:27:17,301 What did you think about matthew mccuen back then? 543 00:27:26,645 --> 00:27:28,378 Talking about the graduation, 544 00:27:28,381 --> 00:27:30,347 Did you know that matthew would not graduate? 545 00:27:40,292 --> 00:27:43,093 Would it surprise you if I told you he didn't graduate at all? 546 00:27:51,303 --> 00:27:52,736 So y'all didn't have any idea 547 00:27:52,871 --> 00:27:55,105 That he wasn't ready to graduate or wasn't on track? 548 00:28:13,892 --> 00:28:15,392 He cut himself? 549 00:28:17,496 --> 00:28:20,130 On purpose? Wow. 550 00:28:24,770 --> 00:28:27,036 Yeah. Yeah, that's odd. 551 00:28:27,239 --> 00:28:28,905 Siegler: Matt's fraternity brothers 552 00:28:29,074 --> 00:28:31,641 Recall his extreme personality. 553 00:28:31,810 --> 00:28:34,277 But just like everybody else, they were very much 554 00:28:34,413 --> 00:28:36,647 In the dark about him not graduating. 555 00:28:36,849 --> 00:28:38,915 According to the police reports, 556 00:28:39,051 --> 00:28:42,419 Matt stopped by one of those fraternity brother's apartments 557 00:28:42,421 --> 00:28:45,322 That morning around 2:00, shortly before the time 558 00:28:45,524 --> 00:28:47,624 We believe that his dad was murdered. 559 00:28:47,626 --> 00:28:51,795 So this witness may have crucial information to matt's mindset. 560 00:28:51,930 --> 00:28:53,997 You knew matt for four years, 561 00:28:53,999 --> 00:28:55,165 And you're in the same fraternity. 562 00:28:55,300 --> 00:28:57,033 You gave a statement to law enforcement 563 00:28:57,236 --> 00:28:58,735 Back when this happened. 564 00:28:58,871 --> 00:29:02,305 You had said on the 27th of may 2000 565 00:29:02,441 --> 00:29:06,009 Matt came to your room around 2 a.M. And you were asleep. 566 00:29:06,212 --> 00:29:10,113 Matt yelled at you, but you didn't get up. 567 00:29:10,249 --> 00:29:11,949 But you knew that it was matt. 568 00:29:12,017 --> 00:29:13,417 And then you don't know when matt left. 569 00:29:22,627 --> 00:29:24,227 Would there have been any reason 570 00:29:24,229 --> 00:29:29,266 For him to be at your apartment at that time, for any reason? 571 00:29:29,468 --> 00:29:32,202 Was it a normal occurrence for him to be drinking at 2 a.M. 572 00:29:32,404 --> 00:29:35,372 And come by your apartment? 573 00:29:35,374 --> 00:29:37,640 Was it normal, like-- take 2 a.M. Out of it. 574 00:29:37,842 --> 00:29:39,208 Was he somebody 575 00:29:39,211 --> 00:29:41,578 That would frequently come to your apartment? 576 00:29:46,785 --> 00:29:49,987 Did you ever ask him why he did that night or that morning? 577 00:29:53,992 --> 00:29:56,760 Did he ever-- did he ever tell you why? 578 00:29:58,898 --> 00:30:00,631 Well, listen, man, I really appreciate you taking 579 00:30:00,966 --> 00:30:02,232 The time to talk to me. 580 00:30:02,367 --> 00:30:03,500 - All right. Take care. - All right. You, too. 581 00:30:03,835 --> 00:30:06,270 - Okay. Bye. - Bye-bye. 582 00:30:06,472 --> 00:30:08,071 So why did he go over there? 583 00:30:08,073 --> 00:30:09,372 According to the person 584 00:30:09,374 --> 00:30:12,008 Who rents this apartment, he doesn't know 585 00:30:12,144 --> 00:30:14,244 And there would be no reason for him to be there. 586 00:30:14,379 --> 00:30:16,713 He has not established a pattern of doing this. 587 00:30:16,748 --> 00:30:18,115 Siegler: Maybe matt had something 588 00:30:18,317 --> 00:30:20,783 To get off of his chest and needed advice. 589 00:30:20,785 --> 00:30:22,953 Maybe he was establishing an alibi. 590 00:30:23,088 --> 00:30:25,088 Or maybe it was just simply the actions 591 00:30:25,090 --> 00:30:27,624 Of a partying college student that night. 592 00:30:27,793 --> 00:30:31,962 But the odd timing and the unusual behavior 593 00:30:32,164 --> 00:30:35,198 Make this a beautiful piece of circumstantial evidence. 594 00:30:35,201 --> 00:30:38,101 Never did that before. Never did it since. 595 00:30:38,270 --> 00:30:40,470 If there is a witness that matt opened up to, 596 00:30:40,673 --> 00:30:41,971 We still need to find him. 597 00:30:41,973 --> 00:30:44,274 - That's a good call. - Yeah. 598 00:30:58,856 --> 00:31:01,458 Somebody's holding lights on in the house. 599 00:31:01,994 --> 00:31:03,694 On may 27, 2000, 600 00:31:03,863 --> 00:31:07,864 56-year-old mike mccuen was brutally murdered on the day 601 00:31:08,066 --> 00:31:11,768 Of his son matt's supposed graduation from college. 602 00:31:11,937 --> 00:31:15,305 According to the report, the afternoon before 603 00:31:15,440 --> 00:31:18,741 Matt's graduation, he stopped by a friend's house. 604 00:31:18,943 --> 00:31:20,944 So our hope is that if he had something 605 00:31:21,079 --> 00:31:24,014 To get off of his chest, hopefully he told her that. 606 00:31:24,149 --> 00:31:25,482 Cash: So, we were reading through our statements 607 00:31:25,484 --> 00:31:27,417 When we ran across your name 608 00:31:27,419 --> 00:31:29,552 That he might have possibly come and seen you 609 00:31:29,688 --> 00:31:31,855 The day before, maybe mid-afternoon. 610 00:31:38,963 --> 00:31:41,064 Siegler: What kind of mood was he in? What was he-- 611 00:31:48,507 --> 00:31:50,841 Did he say he was having troubles with his dad? 612 00:31:54,246 --> 00:31:55,178 Had troubles. 613 00:32:01,486 --> 00:32:04,187 It didn't come up, huh? 614 00:32:04,189 --> 00:32:05,756 Nothing about, "I'm not doing so great 615 00:32:05,925 --> 00:32:08,125 In college, and I'm worried." nothing. 616 00:32:09,795 --> 00:32:10,928 Cash: Yeah. 617 00:32:14,499 --> 00:32:18,368 Siegler: How do you think that affected matt? 618 00:32:23,575 --> 00:32:26,944 Well, thank you very much. We appreciate your help. 619 00:32:28,447 --> 00:32:31,981 This is yet another witness that matt did not open up to. 620 00:32:31,984 --> 00:32:35,552 But in this case, what wasn't said speaks volumes. 621 00:32:35,754 --> 00:32:38,422 Knowing that his world's about to come crumbling down, 622 00:32:38,624 --> 00:32:40,190 And mr. Perfect, 623 00:32:40,225 --> 00:32:42,892 Now everybody's gonna know he's busted. 624 00:32:43,061 --> 00:32:44,827 Not just his daddy, everybody. 625 00:32:45,029 --> 00:32:47,964 Matt was lying to everybody for months 626 00:32:48,100 --> 00:32:51,101 And going to great lengths to hide his secret. 627 00:32:51,303 --> 00:32:52,735 But time was running out. 628 00:32:52,871 --> 00:32:56,806 In that last 24 hours before mike was fatally stabbed, 629 00:32:56,842 --> 00:32:59,642 It seemed like matt was desperate 630 00:32:59,711 --> 00:33:01,644 For somebody to talk to. 631 00:33:01,846 --> 00:33:06,016 He was angry, worried about his dad's disapproval, 632 00:33:06,051 --> 00:33:08,085 Worried about losing his inheritance, 633 00:33:08,287 --> 00:33:10,520 Worried about his image being tarnished. 634 00:33:10,722 --> 00:33:13,456 His whole world was crashing down on him. 635 00:33:13,458 --> 00:33:14,524 And it's sad to think 636 00:33:14,859 --> 00:33:16,259 That a day that was supposed to be 637 00:33:16,261 --> 00:33:19,162 Such a big celebration for matt and for mike 638 00:33:19,364 --> 00:33:21,932 Ended in such a horrible tragedy. 639 00:33:24,335 --> 00:33:26,770 He's described as a nice guy by a lot of people 640 00:33:26,905 --> 00:33:29,806 That don't know him, you know, maybe from that incident, 641 00:33:30,008 --> 00:33:31,875 But even a couple deputies that have had interactions with him 642 00:33:32,044 --> 00:33:33,310 Say he's a nice guy. 643 00:33:33,512 --> 00:33:36,213 Now that we feel like we have our full picture, 644 00:33:36,281 --> 00:33:39,549 It's time to confront our suspect, matt mccuen. 645 00:33:39,551 --> 00:33:42,619 So I think as long as we establish 646 00:33:42,821 --> 00:33:45,522 That early on and we treat him with that kind of respect, 647 00:33:45,690 --> 00:33:47,557 I think there's a chance that he'll talk to us. 648 00:33:47,559 --> 00:33:49,993 Build that rapport. That can go a long way. 649 00:33:50,062 --> 00:33:52,996 I think that because he's so smart, 650 00:33:53,198 --> 00:33:56,399 He's gonna wanna know what you know, 651 00:33:56,535 --> 00:34:00,236 And I think that's just part of what his personality is. 652 00:34:00,405 --> 00:34:02,171 Matt still lives in the same house 653 00:34:02,173 --> 00:34:05,041 That his father was murdered in 24 years ago. 654 00:34:05,243 --> 00:34:08,845 So the plan is to catch him off guard and to play it friendly. 655 00:34:11,716 --> 00:34:14,617 If we can get him to talk, any more inconsistencies 656 00:34:14,753 --> 00:34:17,020 That he gives us will make our case stronger. 657 00:34:18,590 --> 00:34:21,091 [knocking] 658 00:34:26,231 --> 00:34:28,998 - He's not home. - [dog barking] 659 00:34:29,134 --> 00:34:30,901 Not looking too promising. 660 00:34:33,638 --> 00:34:36,038 Automated voice: Please leave your message for... 661 00:34:36,040 --> 00:34:37,340 Man's voice: Matt mccuen. 662 00:34:39,043 --> 00:34:40,477 Hey, matt, this is sergeant branyon 663 00:34:40,612 --> 00:34:42,945 With anderson county sheriff's office. 664 00:34:43,081 --> 00:34:44,814 I'd like to talk to you if you have a minute. 665 00:34:44,817 --> 00:34:47,117 If you would, just give me a call back. Thank you. 666 00:34:48,553 --> 00:34:50,253 - [phone ringing] - he's calling me. 667 00:34:50,455 --> 00:34:51,855 Hello. Is this matt? 668 00:34:56,461 --> 00:35:00,296 Okay. So, I take it you're at work today. 669 00:35:00,432 --> 00:35:02,499 Okay. So, the reason for my call 670 00:35:02,634 --> 00:35:05,368 Is we're looking into some older cold cases, 671 00:35:05,504 --> 00:35:07,370 And your father's case is one that came up, 672 00:35:07,506 --> 00:35:09,372 So we're gonna be looking into that. 673 00:35:09,508 --> 00:35:11,374 And I just wanted to maybe sit down 674 00:35:11,510 --> 00:35:14,444 And talk with you and get an idea of, you know, 675 00:35:14,779 --> 00:35:16,779 About your dad and about his life and that kind of stuff, 676 00:35:16,815 --> 00:35:18,148 Because, number one, 677 00:35:18,483 --> 00:35:20,316 You're the closest living relative to him, 678 00:35:20,452 --> 00:35:22,219 And I'm sure you want some justice. 679 00:35:26,991 --> 00:35:28,458 Okay. Okay. 680 00:35:28,793 --> 00:35:31,061 Thank you. Y'all have a good day. 681 00:35:31,263 --> 00:35:32,595 - Okay, you, too. Bye. - Bye. 682 00:35:32,597 --> 00:35:34,864 [line ringing] 683 00:35:35,000 --> 00:35:36,766 - Hey, michael. - Hey. 684 00:35:36,768 --> 00:35:37,967 I just wanna call and give you a quick update. 685 00:35:38,169 --> 00:35:39,602 Matt called me back. 686 00:35:39,804 --> 00:35:42,639 Pretty much replied that, "okay, yeah, that sounds good. 687 00:35:42,774 --> 00:35:45,708 Let me talk to my lawyer and I'll get back with you." 688 00:35:45,844 --> 00:35:47,978 That makes me think he's not gonna call you back. 689 00:35:48,147 --> 00:35:49,412 You think he might? 690 00:35:49,548 --> 00:35:51,714 No, I don't think he's gonna call me back. 691 00:35:51,716 --> 00:35:54,684 Okay. So do you think we've checked the box with him? 692 00:35:55,019 --> 00:35:56,552 There's nothing more we're gonna get from him? 693 00:35:56,588 --> 00:35:57,287 Yeah, I don't think there's anything 694 00:35:58,056 --> 00:35:58,755 We're gonna get out of him. 695 00:35:59,658 --> 00:36:00,157 - All right, thank you. - Thanks. 696 00:36:00,759 --> 00:36:02,425 - Bye. - Bye. 697 00:36:02,427 --> 00:36:04,094 Siegler: I think we're all pretty surprised 698 00:36:04,296 --> 00:36:06,663 At the fact that matt mccuen is not curious. 699 00:36:06,798 --> 00:36:09,832 He had no questions. He didn't seem excited 700 00:36:10,034 --> 00:36:11,901 To hear about the investigation moving forward. 701 00:36:11,904 --> 00:36:14,270 And no one can read into that automatically 702 00:36:14,305 --> 00:36:15,771 That it means you're guilty 703 00:36:15,940 --> 00:36:17,474 But I think that the commonsense appreciation 704 00:36:17,676 --> 00:36:18,941 By someone would be. 705 00:36:18,943 --> 00:36:20,710 I'm not sure that's how I would act 706 00:36:20,712 --> 00:36:22,912 If you were gonna finally open up again 707 00:36:22,915 --> 00:36:25,548 My loved one's murder from 24 years ago. 708 00:36:25,684 --> 00:36:29,185 This is one of those cases where you got what you have. 709 00:36:29,321 --> 00:36:30,720 - I agree. - And we need to move forward 710 00:36:31,055 --> 00:36:32,189 - On what we have. - Okay. 711 00:36:45,937 --> 00:36:47,237 - Good morning, guys. - Good morning. 712 00:36:47,606 --> 00:36:48,872 Last day. 713 00:36:49,975 --> 00:36:51,540 While we weren't able to do a thorough interview 714 00:36:51,610 --> 00:36:54,043 Of our primary suspect, matt mccuen, 715 00:36:54,245 --> 00:36:57,580 We did have success compiling circumstantial evidence. 716 00:36:57,716 --> 00:36:59,582 And it's time to determine whether or not 717 00:36:59,784 --> 00:37:02,685 We believe mike's own son or an unknown suspect 718 00:37:02,687 --> 00:37:04,687 Is responsible for murdering mike mccuen. 719 00:37:04,889 --> 00:37:09,592 How do you feel about could this be a random, unknown intruder? 720 00:37:09,728 --> 00:37:11,294 I think based on what we've seen, 721 00:37:11,462 --> 00:37:13,129 All the people we've talked to, 722 00:37:13,131 --> 00:37:14,764 I really don't think it would be an unknown suspect. 723 00:37:15,099 --> 00:37:17,100 Nothing was taken. Nothing was in disarray. 724 00:37:17,236 --> 00:37:21,704 The person who went in had familiarity with the location 725 00:37:21,906 --> 00:37:25,108 Because one drawer that was open was the kitchen drawer 726 00:37:25,244 --> 00:37:26,976 That contained the knife. 727 00:37:27,012 --> 00:37:29,479 And the crime scene itself? 728 00:37:29,481 --> 00:37:32,782 We see a broken-out window, which is, at least initially, 729 00:37:33,117 --> 00:37:34,751 Supposed to be the point of entry. 730 00:37:35,086 --> 00:37:36,786 There was glass that was found on top of the blood, 731 00:37:36,855 --> 00:37:39,556 Which indicates that it was obviously broken 732 00:37:39,725 --> 00:37:41,624 After the homicide occurred. 733 00:37:41,760 --> 00:37:43,526 So it was obviously a staged burglary. 734 00:37:43,528 --> 00:37:45,395 And if you were a real burglar with that broken glass, 735 00:37:45,597 --> 00:37:47,230 How you getting in? 736 00:37:47,366 --> 00:37:49,966 I'm gonna stick my hand through the door and unlock it, 737 00:37:49,968 --> 00:37:52,168 Which we went through in our crime-scene reconstruction. 738 00:37:52,170 --> 00:37:55,138 It would be extremely hard if not impossible. 739 00:37:55,206 --> 00:37:57,874 They would have to reach around a column as well. 740 00:37:58,076 --> 00:37:59,942 And there's jagged glass still here 741 00:38:00,011 --> 00:38:01,711 'cause the whole window did not break out. 742 00:38:01,846 --> 00:38:04,247 The motive for this crime was not burglary. 743 00:38:04,382 --> 00:38:05,648 The motive for this crime was murder, 744 00:38:05,784 --> 00:38:07,583 And he was specifically targeted. 745 00:38:07,786 --> 00:38:11,053 So with all that being said, are you good with crossing 746 00:38:11,189 --> 00:38:12,755 "unknown suspect" off the board? 747 00:38:12,757 --> 00:38:13,990 I am, kelly. 748 00:38:13,992 --> 00:38:15,725 - How about you, cash? "b"? - Yes. 749 00:38:15,927 --> 00:38:18,261 All right, so this is gone. 750 00:38:20,498 --> 00:38:22,699 The real question is, 751 00:38:22,767 --> 00:38:26,068 How do you feel about the case 24 years later 752 00:38:26,237 --> 00:38:29,939 That you have put together against matt mccuen? 753 00:38:29,941 --> 00:38:33,542 "b", set the framework for the dynamics in this family. 754 00:38:33,678 --> 00:38:35,512 The appearance they gave everyone 755 00:38:35,514 --> 00:38:37,513 Was that everything was fine, but the reality of it 756 00:38:37,649 --> 00:38:40,016 Was there was a lot more friction 757 00:38:40,152 --> 00:38:42,685 Going on in the house that not everyone knew about. 758 00:38:42,721 --> 00:38:45,788 When matt was younger, his mother, who was a teacher, 759 00:38:45,790 --> 00:38:48,158 Was very strict with him. 760 00:38:56,334 --> 00:38:59,001 The stress caused by their expectations 761 00:38:59,137 --> 00:39:01,170 Was definitely visible. 762 00:39:01,372 --> 00:39:03,239 When talking to barbara, she kind of shed some light 763 00:39:03,375 --> 00:39:04,774 On altercations that took place 764 00:39:04,909 --> 00:39:06,175 That they hid from everybody else. 765 00:39:06,244 --> 00:39:09,412 I asked mike what was that bruise on his face. 766 00:39:09,547 --> 00:39:11,180 And he said he was mowing the lawn. 767 00:39:11,249 --> 00:39:14,316 And matthew came out there and jumped on mike 768 00:39:14,318 --> 00:39:15,652 While mike was mowing. 769 00:39:15,854 --> 00:39:18,287 What about temper and volatility? 770 00:39:18,289 --> 00:39:21,491 A situation at school where matt was so intense 771 00:39:21,693 --> 00:39:23,960 That he would end up putting blood on his face 772 00:39:23,962 --> 00:39:25,662 Before going out to play football. 773 00:39:34,806 --> 00:39:37,473 He had an incident with his birthday at the lake, 774 00:39:37,475 --> 00:39:40,242 Where somebody pushed him into the lake, and he actually 775 00:39:40,378 --> 00:39:41,678 Took out some type of knife and cut himself. 776 00:39:44,048 --> 00:39:45,382 He cut himself? 777 00:39:51,356 --> 00:39:55,257 Let's back up now to the odd movements on Friday. 778 00:39:55,293 --> 00:39:59,863 He went to ... Apartment. They said he never did that. 779 00:40:00,065 --> 00:40:03,165 Was it a normal occurrence for him to be drinking at 2 a.M. 780 00:40:03,167 --> 00:40:05,067 And come by your apartment? 781 00:40:05,203 --> 00:40:06,769 Of all the times to have done that, 782 00:40:06,905 --> 00:40:09,872 The one time you do is the day your dad's found murdered. 783 00:40:10,074 --> 00:40:12,509 Talking about motive, financial and personal. 784 00:40:12,710 --> 00:40:14,310 Remember, for financial, 785 00:40:14,312 --> 00:40:16,278 Matt was not pleased daddy was dating. 786 00:40:16,414 --> 00:40:17,514 - Right. - Matt wasn't pleased 787 00:40:17,716 --> 00:40:19,181 That there was a new co-beneficiary 788 00:40:19,184 --> 00:40:20,817 On the insurance policy that recently happened 789 00:40:20,819 --> 00:40:23,118 Because he's supposed to be the sole heir. 790 00:40:23,188 --> 00:40:27,323 I got--I think it was $20,000. 791 00:40:27,325 --> 00:40:29,459 All right, so for those people that wanna say, 792 00:40:29,461 --> 00:40:31,694 "oh, matt mccuen would never do that," 793 00:40:31,696 --> 00:40:34,730 The matt mccuen that we know is the same matt mccuen 794 00:40:34,866 --> 00:40:37,500 That started lying about his life 795 00:40:37,635 --> 00:40:39,635 And his grades and his education. 796 00:40:39,804 --> 00:40:41,904 He would have known in the fall of '99 797 00:40:42,106 --> 00:40:43,439 That he wasn't graduating. 798 00:40:43,575 --> 00:40:46,242 His father didn't know. His friends didn't know. 799 00:40:46,444 --> 00:40:47,710 His fraternity brothers didn't know. 800 00:40:47,846 --> 00:40:48,711 His roommates didn't know. 801 00:40:48,913 --> 00:40:51,047 So he hid that fact from everyone. 802 00:40:51,216 --> 00:40:53,315 In this perfect mccuen family facade 803 00:40:53,451 --> 00:40:56,318 That everybody in pelzer thinks exist, 804 00:40:56,520 --> 00:40:58,387 Who's about to blow it up? 805 00:40:58,389 --> 00:41:02,659 Why may 27, 2000? You can make that very clear. 806 00:41:02,727 --> 00:41:05,494 'cause graduation was like the ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, 807 00:41:05,563 --> 00:41:07,764 And the world falls apart, and he knew it. 808 00:41:07,966 --> 00:41:10,366 So with all that in the pot, 809 00:41:10,535 --> 00:41:12,368 What's your plan right now, michael? 810 00:41:12,370 --> 00:41:13,970 To present it to a prosecutor 811 00:41:14,138 --> 00:41:15,605 And talk about filing possible charges 812 00:41:15,807 --> 00:41:17,473 For murder for matt mccuen. 813 00:41:17,675 --> 00:41:18,908 This is a good case, 814 00:41:19,043 --> 00:41:21,844 And y'all deserve to get the answer you want, 815 00:41:21,980 --> 00:41:24,113 And I can't wait to hear back from you. 816 00:41:32,690 --> 00:41:35,024 This family's been wanting justice for a long time. 817 00:41:35,193 --> 00:41:36,892 Hopefully, she takes this as good news 818 00:41:36,895 --> 00:41:38,527 And knows that we're doing everything we can 819 00:41:38,530 --> 00:41:40,262 To try to move forward with this case. 820 00:41:40,398 --> 00:41:41,631 Siegler: Yeah. 821 00:41:41,766 --> 00:41:43,165 We believe that we have compiled 822 00:41:43,367 --> 00:41:46,202 A circumstantial evidence case against matt mccuen 823 00:41:46,371 --> 00:41:48,137 For the murder of his father, mike mccuen. 824 00:41:48,139 --> 00:41:50,439 - Good to see you again. - Good to see you. 825 00:41:50,575 --> 00:41:51,774 - Miss barbara. - How you doing? 826 00:41:51,910 --> 00:41:53,409 Good. How are you? 827 00:41:53,411 --> 00:41:56,378 And now it's time to update mike's sister barbara 828 00:41:56,514 --> 00:41:57,013 On our progress. 829 00:41:57,548 --> 00:41:59,916 We've talked to a lot of people, 830 00:41:59,918 --> 00:42:02,218 And I'm happy with the way the investigation is going. 831 00:42:02,553 --> 00:42:04,654 I'm just here to tell you that at this point, 832 00:42:04,856 --> 00:42:07,423 We're going to go forward and talk to the solicitor's office, 833 00:42:07,425 --> 00:42:09,258 And I've got a meeting with them tomorrow 834 00:42:09,294 --> 00:42:11,293 To talk to them about the case 835 00:42:11,295 --> 00:42:14,597 And the possibility of bringing charges against matt mccuen 836 00:42:14,732 --> 00:42:16,799 For the death of mike mccuen. 837 00:42:19,137 --> 00:42:21,337 I'm glad. 838 00:42:21,506 --> 00:42:23,172 The evidence and the facts of this case 839 00:42:23,375 --> 00:42:28,110 Points to nobody else but matthew mccuen. 840 00:42:28,246 --> 00:42:30,579 It was very unnecessary. 841 00:42:30,648 --> 00:42:32,915 That could have been settled another way. 842 00:42:33,051 --> 00:42:35,051 That didn't have to happen. 843 00:42:35,253 --> 00:42:36,386 That's right. Yeah. 844 00:42:36,555 --> 00:42:38,988 I'm sad. 845 00:42:39,190 --> 00:42:41,491 But in the long run, I think it's the best thing 846 00:42:41,693 --> 00:42:43,493 For everybody to find out. 847 00:42:43,662 --> 00:42:47,296 I'm glad there's still people out there that care 848 00:42:47,299 --> 00:42:49,999 And wanna do the right thing by everybody. 849 00:42:50,134 --> 00:42:52,535 That's really something to be thankful for. 850 00:42:52,737 --> 00:42:55,104 Cash: We wanna bring it to a resolution 851 00:42:55,106 --> 00:42:57,005 And put somebody in jail 852 00:42:57,008 --> 00:42:59,208 And put 'em eventually in prison for what they did. 853 00:42:59,411 --> 00:43:01,377 These two guys are invested in your case. 854 00:43:01,579 --> 00:43:03,312 You should see how committed they are, 855 00:43:03,315 --> 00:43:05,748 Talking to all the witnesses, and they were all very helpful. 856 00:43:05,950 --> 00:43:08,217 Everybody was cooperative. Okay? 857 00:43:08,420 --> 00:43:10,953 So that should make you feel good that people care that much 858 00:43:11,155 --> 00:43:12,388 24 years later. 859 00:43:12,590 --> 00:43:14,623 Everybody believes that mike deserves justice. 860 00:43:14,692 --> 00:43:17,193 But let's just hope a little bit longer, okay? 861 00:43:17,195 --> 00:43:19,261 Okay. [chuckles] 862 00:43:19,463 --> 00:43:23,700 Barbara has waited 24 years to hear someone tell her 863 00:43:23,901 --> 00:43:25,501 What law enforcement believes happened to her brother. 864 00:43:25,503 --> 00:43:27,036 And our hope 865 00:43:27,238 --> 00:43:28,871 Is that the 10th judicial circuit solicitor's office 866 00:43:29,040 --> 00:43:30,840 Would move forward with this case. 867 00:43:30,842 --> 00:43:32,708 Until then, our hope 868 00:43:32,877 --> 00:43:35,745 Is that we brought her some kind of peace. 869 00:43:35,914 --> 00:43:40,049 [woman vocalizing]