1 00:00:12,778 --> 00:00:14,846 Kelly: Previously on "cold justice," 2 00:00:14,848 --> 00:00:17,015 Steve and I arrived in north dakota 3 00:00:17,017 --> 00:00:18,917 To help the minot police department 4 00:00:18,919 --> 00:00:20,385 Investigate the 2007 murder 5 00:00:20,387 --> 00:00:24,056 Of 18-year-old college student anita knutson. 6 00:00:24,058 --> 00:00:25,924 I don't think she was struggling. 7 00:00:25,926 --> 00:00:28,026 This is two quick stabs. 8 00:00:28,028 --> 00:00:32,997 Anita was a smart, kind, beautiful young woman, 9 00:00:32,999 --> 00:00:35,834 And her murder shook this small town, 10 00:00:35,836 --> 00:00:39,338 Drew national attention from true crime podcasts, 11 00:00:39,340 --> 00:00:41,707 And may have played a role in her brother's tragic suicide 12 00:00:41,709 --> 00:00:43,909 Just a few years later. 13 00:00:43,911 --> 00:00:46,044 -Were you in love with anita? -Yes. 14 00:00:46,046 --> 00:00:47,879 You would never do anything like that, though? 15 00:00:47,881 --> 00:00:49,747 -Not me, no. -We determined that her friend 16 00:00:49,749 --> 00:00:53,152 Tyler schmaltz's crush on her was harmless, 17 00:00:53,154 --> 00:00:55,253 And we have eliminated him as a suspect, 18 00:00:55,255 --> 00:00:56,888 Which leaves us with three-- 19 00:00:56,890 --> 00:01:00,025 The last person to text with her, michael vann, 20 00:01:00,027 --> 00:01:02,561 The maintenance man who discovered her slashed window, 21 00:01:02,563 --> 00:01:04,162 Marty annell, 22 00:01:04,164 --> 00:01:06,965 And nichole thomas, her allegedly jealous roommate 23 00:01:06,967 --> 00:01:09,434 Who argued with her just a few weeks before. 24 00:01:13,341 --> 00:01:15,641 And while we struck out with our dna testing, 25 00:01:15,643 --> 00:01:17,710 We did get a promising new lead 26 00:01:17,712 --> 00:01:19,812 And a clue that we're on the right track. 27 00:01:19,814 --> 00:01:21,379 There were some people that went to a party with her. 28 00:01:21,381 --> 00:01:23,882 She was drunk. She just all of a sudden out of nowhere, 29 00:01:23,884 --> 00:01:25,784 "oh, yeah, I [bleep] did it." 30 00:01:25,786 --> 00:01:27,587 We'll have to do some research and see if we can find 31 00:01:27,589 --> 00:01:29,988 The names of the couple of people that were there. 32 00:01:29,990 --> 00:01:32,525 These people talk about her being the same kind of drunk 33 00:01:32,527 --> 00:01:34,225 And saying the same thing, and they're credible, 34 00:01:34,227 --> 00:01:36,428 Golly, that'd be nice. 35 00:01:39,133 --> 00:01:45,003 ♪♪♪ 36 00:01:45,005 --> 00:01:50,108 ♪ catch you, you best believe ♪ 37 00:01:50,110 --> 00:01:56,481 [vocalizing] 38 00:01:56,483 --> 00:01:59,084 You and abby always want these cases that are, like, 39 00:01:59,086 --> 00:02:01,753 More investigative instead of these circumstantial 40 00:02:01,755 --> 00:02:03,155 Husband-wife, boyfriend-girlfriend cases 41 00:02:03,157 --> 00:02:06,691 That I like, so you got your-- you got your choice. 42 00:02:06,693 --> 00:02:08,493 It's just sad, you know? And this is a true victim. 43 00:02:08,495 --> 00:02:12,097 This is one of those things that you are gonna lay in bed for 44 00:02:12,099 --> 00:02:13,865 For years and remember her, you know? 45 00:02:13,867 --> 00:02:17,502 Just someone so young and so kind of alive. 46 00:02:17,504 --> 00:02:19,906 -She was a nice girl. I mean... -Yeah. 47 00:02:19,908 --> 00:02:21,506 -Great future. -Didn't do anything wrong. 48 00:02:21,508 --> 00:02:24,442 Right. Kind of how you want your kids to turn out. 49 00:02:24,444 --> 00:02:26,511 I know. It's crazy. 50 00:02:26,513 --> 00:02:28,380 There are still so many unanswered questions. 51 00:02:28,382 --> 00:02:30,348 But anita's family has gone on 52 00:02:30,350 --> 00:02:33,985 Too long without answers and justice. 53 00:02:33,987 --> 00:02:37,522 We're gonna do everything we can to fix that. 54 00:02:37,524 --> 00:02:42,594 She was...Joy, beautiful and fun, 55 00:02:42,596 --> 00:02:44,796 And everybody loved her. 56 00:02:44,798 --> 00:02:46,932 Smart, artistic. 57 00:02:46,934 --> 00:02:52,804 She took up violin, piano, ballet, writing. 58 00:02:52,806 --> 00:02:57,142 Independent. She was a person that always looked out 59 00:02:57,144 --> 00:03:00,746 For the ones that are being bullied. 60 00:03:00,748 --> 00:03:04,283 There's nothing bad you could say about her ever. 61 00:03:04,285 --> 00:03:09,221 The moment we lost her, everything changed. 62 00:03:09,223 --> 00:03:13,291 I want that person that did it to realize what they did 63 00:03:13,293 --> 00:03:16,361 And to who they did it to. 64 00:03:16,363 --> 00:03:18,363 Hoping things move quicker than I know that they will. 65 00:03:18,365 --> 00:03:24,036 I mean...It's kind of all there is, is hope, right? 66 00:03:29,176 --> 00:03:31,310 Man: According to the family, anita expressed concern 67 00:03:31,312 --> 00:03:35,180 And even fear about her roommate who she alleged had been 68 00:03:35,182 --> 00:03:37,382 Sending her threatening text messages. 69 00:03:37,384 --> 00:03:40,986 The messages themselves were apparently never seen, 70 00:03:40,988 --> 00:03:43,121 At least not by anyone other than anita. 71 00:03:43,123 --> 00:03:45,424 But it was enough for her mother sharon to acknowledge 72 00:03:45,426 --> 00:03:48,727 That anita may have been in fear for her life. 73 00:03:48,729 --> 00:03:50,695 How are you all? Eric devlin. Nice to meet you. 74 00:03:50,697 --> 00:03:51,997 -Mikki. Nice to meet you. -Carmen. 75 00:03:51,999 --> 00:03:53,532 Eric devlin. Nice to meet you. 76 00:03:53,534 --> 00:03:56,735 While we work on tracking down the party witnesses 77 00:03:56,737 --> 00:04:00,339 Who may have heard our suspect nichole thomas confess, 78 00:04:00,341 --> 00:04:02,741 We wanna review anita's text messages. 79 00:04:02,743 --> 00:04:05,144 -Ready to get going? -Yes, sir. 80 00:04:05,146 --> 00:04:07,879 We know that anita texted with michael vann, 81 00:04:07,881 --> 00:04:09,215 Also known as "money mike" 82 00:04:09,217 --> 00:04:12,418 In the early morning hours before she was murdered 83 00:04:12,420 --> 00:04:14,886 And that she allegedly had 84 00:04:14,888 --> 00:04:18,957 A heated exchange in the past with her roommate nichole. 85 00:04:18,959 --> 00:04:22,695 Our digital forensics expert is here to help us lay it all out. 86 00:04:22,697 --> 00:04:25,631 First thing we got is anita's cellphone that was found 87 00:04:25,633 --> 00:04:26,898 Inside of her apartment. 88 00:04:26,900 --> 00:04:29,235 It is an old-fashioned motorola phone. 89 00:04:29,237 --> 00:04:32,837 We recovered 161 calls, 101 photographs, 90 00:04:32,839 --> 00:04:35,174 Uh, 48 different text messages. 91 00:04:35,176 --> 00:04:37,976 The question is since anita's physical wounds 92 00:04:37,978 --> 00:04:41,112 Didn't suggest a crime of passion, 93 00:04:41,114 --> 00:04:44,984 Are there digital clues into her killer's motive? 94 00:04:44,986 --> 00:04:47,986 The last time that we think that she was communicating, 95 00:04:47,988 --> 00:04:50,856 There's an outgoing message from anita's phone 96 00:04:50,858 --> 00:04:53,591 We've identified with a contact as "money mike." 97 00:04:53,593 --> 00:04:56,661 "how do you move on after being engaged twice? 98 00:04:56,663 --> 00:04:58,598 That's a huge life-altering thing." 99 00:04:58,600 --> 00:05:01,599 Next message for that number associated with "money mike"-- 100 00:05:01,601 --> 00:05:03,635 "you never move. You just become jaded. 101 00:05:03,637 --> 00:05:07,139 Hope that you find someone who will love you for you." 102 00:05:07,141 --> 00:05:10,308 She responds, "good night." 103 00:05:10,310 --> 00:05:14,646 4:39:53, mike responds, "oh, good night." 104 00:05:14,648 --> 00:05:16,815 -Okay. -Then he sends another message 105 00:05:16,817 --> 00:05:19,217 At 4:43:53 a.M.-- 106 00:05:19,219 --> 00:05:22,387 "nice. I thought you were gonna reply to last text," 107 00:05:22,389 --> 00:05:27,926 To which she replies, "I didn't know what to say to it." 108 00:05:27,928 --> 00:05:31,063 Reply incoming message, uh-- "you don't say anything." 109 00:05:31,065 --> 00:05:34,233 That one shows "received." it does not show "read." 110 00:05:34,235 --> 00:05:36,502 She never read. Okay. 111 00:05:36,504 --> 00:05:39,037 From the looks of it, on the morning of her murder, 112 00:05:39,039 --> 00:05:41,973 Anita was getting advice from michael vann 113 00:05:41,975 --> 00:05:44,509 About having a broken heart. 114 00:05:44,511 --> 00:05:45,710 We know that she had an ex-boyfriend 115 00:05:45,712 --> 00:05:48,313 She was still talking to out in california. 116 00:05:48,315 --> 00:05:50,648 Maybe that's what that was all about. 117 00:05:50,650 --> 00:05:53,051 There doesn't seem to be anything to indicate 118 00:05:53,053 --> 00:05:57,188 Any animosity between anita and michael, 119 00:05:57,190 --> 00:05:59,324 But what about her roommate nichole? 120 00:05:59,326 --> 00:06:01,760 The next one I was asked about-- text message with nichole. 121 00:06:01,762 --> 00:06:06,397 So 4/21/2007, there was a message 7:49:15 a.M. 122 00:06:06,399 --> 00:06:07,665 It was an incoming message. 123 00:06:07,667 --> 00:06:09,567 "k, so next time you leave and don't plan 124 00:06:09,569 --> 00:06:12,037 On coming back in the morning and lock your door, 125 00:06:12,039 --> 00:06:15,206 'cause god knows I'm dying to get in there, 126 00:06:15,208 --> 00:06:16,875 Shut the [bleep] alarm on 127 00:06:16,877 --> 00:06:19,210 So I don't have to listen to it all morning 128 00:06:19,212 --> 00:06:20,745 When I can be sleeping." 129 00:06:20,747 --> 00:06:23,082 -Six weeks before. -Correct. 130 00:06:23,084 --> 00:06:27,086 Next message-- 4/21/2007 from nichole. 131 00:06:27,088 --> 00:06:31,356 "and just for the heads up, my dad and I are going to talk 132 00:06:31,358 --> 00:06:34,292 To the landlord asap and see what we can do 133 00:06:34,294 --> 00:06:36,961 'cause honestly I have no idea what I did to you 134 00:06:36,963 --> 00:06:39,965 To make you all of a sudden be all weird on me, 135 00:06:39,967 --> 00:06:42,100 But I'm gonna tell you right now I sure as hell 136 00:06:42,102 --> 00:06:45,303 Ain't gonna put up with it until December. 137 00:06:45,305 --> 00:06:47,439 This sucks! And I may sound like a bitch, 138 00:06:47,441 --> 00:06:50,708 But what goes around comes around." 139 00:06:50,710 --> 00:06:52,243 I think that sums up their relationship right there. 140 00:06:52,245 --> 00:06:53,311 -Mm-hmm. -Yeah. 141 00:06:53,313 --> 00:06:55,514 At 8:21:36 a.M., incoming message, 142 00:06:55,516 --> 00:06:57,115 Again from nichole. 143 00:06:57,117 --> 00:06:59,451 "things shouldn't have gotten like this in the first place. 144 00:06:59,453 --> 00:07:01,186 I didn't do [bleep] to deserve it. 145 00:07:01,188 --> 00:07:04,590 But whatev. I am done discussing this. 146 00:07:04,592 --> 00:07:06,257 Oh, and by the way, I really don't feel like 147 00:07:06,259 --> 00:07:08,126 Talking on the phone, 148 00:07:08,128 --> 00:07:10,061 So I guess we're both [bleep] out of luck, aren't we?" 149 00:07:10,063 --> 00:07:12,363 We don't have any reply, so we don't know what she-- 150 00:07:12,365 --> 00:07:13,665 What she replied to, what she said. 151 00:07:13,667 --> 00:07:15,467 We don't know if she replied at all. 152 00:07:15,469 --> 00:07:20,740 1:31:10 p.M. At 4/22/2007, from the phone number from nichole, 153 00:07:20,742 --> 00:07:22,674 "are you gonna move out or am I, 154 00:07:22,676 --> 00:07:26,010 If we can get out of this lease if one of us leaves?" 155 00:07:26,012 --> 00:07:29,280 -Hmm. -Message, 4/22/2007-- 156 00:07:29,282 --> 00:07:30,748 Incoming message from nichole. 157 00:07:30,750 --> 00:07:32,484 "this is causing me problems with my family 158 00:07:32,486 --> 00:07:36,354 Because my stress level is very high on this subject. 159 00:07:36,356 --> 00:07:39,958 Seriously, what did I do to you? I ain't ever home. 160 00:07:39,960 --> 00:07:42,293 You pretty much have the effin' place to yourself, 161 00:07:42,295 --> 00:07:44,363 For christ sake." 162 00:07:44,365 --> 00:07:46,164 And this is the one last message. 163 00:07:46,166 --> 00:07:50,636 This message is sent 6/4/2007, 5:34:16 p.M. 164 00:07:50,638 --> 00:07:53,438 "what does your mom want my phone number for?" 165 00:07:53,440 --> 00:07:55,373 The notation on this one is this message 166 00:07:55,375 --> 00:07:56,908 Was never actually read. 167 00:07:56,910 --> 00:07:58,511 That is Monday. I believe her body was found 168 00:07:58,513 --> 00:08:00,513 About--almost right about this time, right? 169 00:08:00,515 --> 00:08:05,183 Yeah, okay. These messages paint a pretty clear picture 170 00:08:05,185 --> 00:08:08,587 Of escalating tension between anita and nichole. 171 00:08:08,589 --> 00:08:12,258 What's most surprising is that initially, 172 00:08:12,260 --> 00:08:15,594 Nichole told the investigators that she and anita 173 00:08:15,596 --> 00:08:18,463 Did not have any serious issues. 174 00:08:18,465 --> 00:08:21,199 Nichole's text messages seem pretty damning, 175 00:08:21,201 --> 00:08:22,333 Except for the last one 176 00:08:22,335 --> 00:08:26,070 She sent a few hours after the murder. 177 00:08:26,072 --> 00:08:29,407 Was nichole really unaware anita was dead, 178 00:08:29,409 --> 00:08:31,943 Or was she just trying to appear like she was? 179 00:08:31,945 --> 00:08:33,411 Well, thank you very much, eric. 180 00:08:33,413 --> 00:08:34,479 Good luck. 181 00:08:34,481 --> 00:08:34,545 ♪♪♪ 182 00:08:34,714 --> 00:08:44,555 Man: There are a number of things 183 00:08:44,557 --> 00:08:46,157 That could break this case. 184 00:08:46,159 --> 00:08:47,692 It might be somebody that hears a story 185 00:08:47,694 --> 00:08:51,896 Or a friend that confides in them. 186 00:08:51,898 --> 00:08:55,501 -Okay, so I did look these up... -Okay. 187 00:08:55,503 --> 00:08:58,770 ...On our gis map. This one looks like a good address. 188 00:08:58,772 --> 00:09:01,573 According to a rumor from one of our witnesses, 189 00:09:01,575 --> 00:09:03,342 Anita's roommate, nichole thomas, 190 00:09:03,344 --> 00:09:04,977 Sometime after anita knutson's murder, 191 00:09:04,979 --> 00:09:09,180 Actually got drunk at a party and confessed to killing her. 192 00:09:09,182 --> 00:09:10,982 She was supposed to be at that party as well? 193 00:09:10,984 --> 00:09:12,517 Yeah. 194 00:09:12,519 --> 00:09:14,053 We got leads on three people who may have been there 195 00:09:14,055 --> 00:09:15,653 And heard her say it. 196 00:09:15,655 --> 00:09:19,524 If so, that would be a big piece of circumstantial evidence 197 00:09:19,526 --> 00:09:21,659 And would give us something to confront nichole with 198 00:09:21,661 --> 00:09:23,595 When she comes to talk to us. 199 00:09:23,597 --> 00:09:27,332 I am working a case back from around 15 years ago. 200 00:09:27,334 --> 00:09:30,068 Anita knutson. Do you know who that is? 201 00:09:30,070 --> 00:09:31,469 Oh, I've heard about her. Like I've seen-- 202 00:09:31,471 --> 00:09:34,872 Okay, so your name was brought up for being at a party, 203 00:09:34,874 --> 00:09:39,878 And there was mention of nichole thomas being there. 204 00:09:39,880 --> 00:09:41,814 Yeah, that name sounds familiar. 205 00:09:41,816 --> 00:09:42,747 [baby crying] 206 00:09:42,749 --> 00:09:44,549 What? You want help? 207 00:09:44,551 --> 00:09:47,218 So you don't know any parties or statements were made 208 00:09:47,220 --> 00:09:48,886 That might have been concerning or... 209 00:09:48,888 --> 00:09:52,623 -Mnh-mnh. -Thank you. I appreciate it. 210 00:09:52,625 --> 00:09:56,028 -That was a huge bust. -I still think all killers talk. 211 00:09:56,030 --> 00:09:58,363 It's just a matter of who they talk to. 212 00:09:58,365 --> 00:09:59,965 I mean, you can't hold it in for 15 years... 213 00:09:59,967 --> 00:10:02,300 -Nah. -...Without a shred of guilt. 214 00:10:02,302 --> 00:10:04,436 [line rings] 215 00:10:05,772 --> 00:10:07,973 Do you remember the anita knutson homicide? 216 00:10:07,975 --> 00:10:10,308 Did you know her? 217 00:10:10,310 --> 00:10:13,512 Nichole thomas-- do you remember her? 218 00:10:16,784 --> 00:10:18,183 Okay. 219 00:10:21,889 --> 00:10:23,721 Okay. You have a good day. 220 00:10:23,723 --> 00:10:26,157 -All right. -Okay. 221 00:10:26,159 --> 00:10:28,560 Hello. 222 00:10:28,562 --> 00:10:31,396 -Y'all have any luck? -Not really. 223 00:10:31,398 --> 00:10:34,999 He didn't even remember nichole at all. 224 00:10:35,001 --> 00:10:37,268 See, and that's the same. She couldn't remember nichole. 225 00:10:37,270 --> 00:10:41,706 Okay. We are 0 for 2 in finding someone at this party 226 00:10:41,708 --> 00:10:44,009 Who might have heard nichole confess. 227 00:10:44,011 --> 00:10:46,144 Is it just because it's a rumor, 228 00:10:46,146 --> 00:10:48,414 Or will we have better luck with the third person? 229 00:10:48,416 --> 00:10:49,947 I don't remember nichole. 230 00:10:49,949 --> 00:10:51,883 Maybe she was at a party I was at, 231 00:10:51,885 --> 00:10:53,352 But I couldn't put a face to her or anything, so... 232 00:10:53,354 --> 00:10:55,019 Okay. 233 00:10:55,021 --> 00:10:57,222 It sounds like there's nothing to this party rumor after all. 234 00:10:57,224 --> 00:10:58,057 -Thanks a lot, sir. -Yeah. 235 00:10:58,059 --> 00:10:59,624 -Take care. -Okay. 236 00:10:59,626 --> 00:11:02,627 If nichole actually did confess, we have no way of proving it. 237 00:11:02,629 --> 00:11:04,396 ♪♪♪ 238 00:11:04,398 --> 00:11:08,032 ♪ look me in the eye ♪ 239 00:11:08,034 --> 00:11:11,302 ♪ tell me what you see ♪ 240 00:11:11,304 --> 00:11:13,171 ♪ is it do or say die? ♪ 241 00:11:13,173 --> 00:11:15,707 Dr. Pinneri's over here waiting for us to get there 242 00:11:15,709 --> 00:11:18,844 Along with carmen and mikki 243 00:11:18,846 --> 00:11:20,845 So y'all can talk through everything. 244 00:11:20,847 --> 00:11:24,115 Today we are re-examining the actual apartment 245 00:11:24,117 --> 00:11:26,784 Where anita was killed back in 2007. 246 00:11:26,786 --> 00:11:29,721 We hope that recreating the killer's actions 247 00:11:29,723 --> 00:11:31,589 Will shed light on the likelihood 248 00:11:31,591 --> 00:11:34,193 That they entered and exited through the cut window screen. 249 00:11:34,195 --> 00:11:40,199 ♪♪♪ 250 00:11:40,201 --> 00:11:41,699 -This was their living room? -Yep. 251 00:11:41,701 --> 00:11:43,401 -Mm-hmm. -So straight ahead, that's 252 00:11:43,403 --> 00:11:46,771 Gonna be anita's bedroom. Okay. -Anita's, yeah. 253 00:11:46,773 --> 00:11:48,940 -Well, it's tiny. -Yeah. 254 00:11:48,942 --> 00:11:50,274 Wow. 255 00:11:50,276 --> 00:11:52,077 That's exactly where her bed was, just like this? 256 00:11:52,079 --> 00:11:53,077 Yep, bed was up against the wall over here. 257 00:11:53,079 --> 00:11:56,147 She had a dresser next to the bed. 258 00:11:56,149 --> 00:11:58,349 The way her body ends up-- can you be her? 259 00:11:58,351 --> 00:11:59,617 -Absolutely. -And then we'll talk about how 260 00:11:59,619 --> 00:12:01,819 She got there, but start with where she ends up. 261 00:12:01,821 --> 00:12:04,422 The left leg is bent up like this. 262 00:12:04,424 --> 00:12:09,460 This leg is down like this. And she's just... 263 00:12:09,462 --> 00:12:10,763 And where's the knife? 264 00:12:10,765 --> 00:12:13,364 The knife was here at the corner foot of the bed. 265 00:12:13,366 --> 00:12:14,699 It was kind of under the blanket. 266 00:12:14,701 --> 00:12:19,503 Okay. Now, carmen, if you're marty, 267 00:12:19,505 --> 00:12:21,773 I can kinda see now why he didn't see her, right? 268 00:12:21,775 --> 00:12:24,909 Well, especially when the lights are off in here, 269 00:12:24,911 --> 00:12:27,111 And you stand outside and look in, 270 00:12:27,113 --> 00:12:28,781 It's very dark in this room. 271 00:12:28,783 --> 00:12:29,982 There's no lights in here that were on 272 00:12:29,984 --> 00:12:31,582 'cause gordon turned them on. 273 00:12:31,584 --> 00:12:33,384 And there's a big blanket right here. 274 00:12:33,386 --> 00:12:37,789 Yeah. So I can absolutely see why he didn't see her. 275 00:12:37,791 --> 00:12:38,990 Maybe marty was telling the truth 276 00:12:38,992 --> 00:12:40,458 About not being able to see anita's body 277 00:12:40,460 --> 00:12:42,127 Through the open window. 278 00:12:42,129 --> 00:12:47,732 Okay, now do your thoughts on how she ends up that way. 279 00:12:47,734 --> 00:12:50,369 So she's laying here propped up. 280 00:12:50,371 --> 00:12:52,870 Got a bathrobe on, no panties, no bra. 281 00:12:52,872 --> 00:12:56,407 Texting. Her phone's kind of right here. 282 00:12:56,409 --> 00:12:58,876 Whether she's texting or asleep, the killer entered the room. 283 00:12:58,878 --> 00:13:01,612 She's kind of propped up just like dr. Pinneri is. 284 00:13:01,614 --> 00:13:04,316 And he's gonna do one...Here. 285 00:13:06,452 --> 00:13:09,921 Comes across and fatally right in between the breasts. 286 00:13:11,491 --> 00:13:15,828 She sits up and then just collapses forward. 287 00:13:15,830 --> 00:13:18,496 So that's a fast collapse, huh? 288 00:13:18,498 --> 00:13:21,432 Pretty fast. Her heart is...Cut. 289 00:13:21,434 --> 00:13:23,768 So the muscle can't contract at all. 290 00:13:23,770 --> 00:13:25,637 See, I always thought that 291 00:13:25,639 --> 00:13:29,640 Anita hops up, and there's more of a struggle. 292 00:13:29,642 --> 00:13:31,309 And then she falls like this. 293 00:13:31,311 --> 00:13:34,245 But there's nothing in this room that's tipped upside down. 294 00:13:34,247 --> 00:13:36,380 On her dresser was a lot of delicate stuff. 295 00:13:36,382 --> 00:13:38,649 I mean, that stuff would all-- look at how small this room is. 296 00:13:38,651 --> 00:13:40,052 Yeah. 297 00:13:40,054 --> 00:13:41,919 She didn't have a chance to scream or defend herself. 298 00:13:41,921 --> 00:13:43,187 You would think that if the killer 299 00:13:43,189 --> 00:13:44,922 Actually crawled through anita's bedroom window, 300 00:13:44,924 --> 00:13:46,558 She would have been alerted. 301 00:13:46,560 --> 00:13:48,659 There was a lot of stuff that she had 302 00:13:48,661 --> 00:13:50,861 Just piled on the floor underneath the window. 303 00:13:50,863 --> 00:13:53,531 It would've been just disheveled. 304 00:13:53,533 --> 00:13:56,267 -Okay, and it wasn't messed up? -Didn't look to be. 305 00:13:56,269 --> 00:14:00,271 Marty admits with the screen, he removed it. 306 00:14:00,273 --> 00:14:02,473 You're gonna go out, this screen, 307 00:14:02,475 --> 00:14:03,674 I can tell ya, from the pressure, 308 00:14:03,676 --> 00:14:05,076 It's gonna pop. -That's gonna pop out. 309 00:14:05,078 --> 00:14:07,412 It's gonna pop, and there's gonna be bends in it. 310 00:14:07,414 --> 00:14:09,146 -I mean... -For the metal itself. 311 00:14:09,148 --> 00:14:10,381 -Yeah. -And what's gonna happen 312 00:14:10,383 --> 00:14:12,149 To your cut "l" when you go out? 313 00:14:12,151 --> 00:14:14,319 -Well, it's gonna rip. -Okay. 314 00:14:14,321 --> 00:14:15,820 Show us the cut. 315 00:14:15,822 --> 00:14:17,755 -[squeaking] -oh, my god. 316 00:14:17,757 --> 00:14:20,591 -That goes through so easy. -And that makes a lot of noise. 317 00:14:20,593 --> 00:14:22,895 She's laying back just texting her friends... 318 00:14:22,897 --> 00:14:25,496 I'm gonna see it. I'm gonna hear it. 319 00:14:25,498 --> 00:14:26,965 If you're hearing somebody, 320 00:14:26,967 --> 00:14:29,033 And you have that much time to prepare, 321 00:14:29,035 --> 00:14:33,237 You either run, you call 9-1-1. 322 00:14:33,239 --> 00:14:34,305 You don't just lay here casually with your feet. 323 00:14:34,307 --> 00:14:35,640 You'd have defensive wounds, too. 324 00:14:35,642 --> 00:14:36,775 -Absolutely. -You'd have some sort of 325 00:14:36,777 --> 00:14:38,576 Broken fingernails, something. -Yeah. 326 00:14:38,578 --> 00:14:40,879 -Try to go out it, steve. -[squeaking] 327 00:14:40,881 --> 00:14:43,748 Oh, sh--. No, I ain't going out here. 328 00:14:43,750 --> 00:14:46,384 What else do we need to appreciate about the window? 329 00:14:46,386 --> 00:14:48,052 There's gonna be marks again on the wall from-- 330 00:14:48,054 --> 00:14:50,621 From when you grab here, you can see the dust. 331 00:14:50,623 --> 00:14:54,258 We have that...Picture. Like, you can see all the... 332 00:14:54,260 --> 00:14:56,594 I mean, look at that. So nobody went out that way. 333 00:14:56,596 --> 00:14:57,995 Not messed up. 334 00:14:57,997 --> 00:14:59,397 Her blood was--was on it. 335 00:14:59,399 --> 00:15:02,066 Her blood's on the string for the night. Okay. 336 00:15:02,068 --> 00:15:03,801 The evidence suggests that anita's killer 337 00:15:03,803 --> 00:15:05,403 Never entered through this bedroom window. 338 00:15:05,405 --> 00:15:08,040 Plus anita's blood was found near the cut in the screen, 339 00:15:08,042 --> 00:15:09,807 Suggesting that the screen was cut 340 00:15:09,809 --> 00:15:13,277 With the knife after it was used to stab anita. 341 00:15:13,279 --> 00:15:15,279 I've seen a lot of crime scenes in my day, 342 00:15:15,281 --> 00:15:18,049 And this was clearly staged, but more importantly, 343 00:15:18,051 --> 00:15:20,751 If anita's killer didn't enter through the bedroom window, 344 00:15:20,753 --> 00:15:22,620 They must have come through the front door. 345 00:15:22,622 --> 00:15:24,755 And when her body was discovered, 346 00:15:24,757 --> 00:15:26,091 That door was actually locked. 347 00:15:26,093 --> 00:15:28,826 What if anita let our killer in? 348 00:15:28,828 --> 00:15:30,828 -Mm-hmm. -Okay? So the murder happens. 349 00:15:30,830 --> 00:15:32,630 And I'm the killer, and the door's unlocked, 350 00:15:32,632 --> 00:15:35,033 'cause anita let me in 'cause she knows me, 351 00:15:35,035 --> 00:15:37,636 And now I can lock this door by turning the knob, 352 00:15:37,638 --> 00:15:41,439 And I can pull it, too, and it's gonna lock you. 353 00:15:41,441 --> 00:15:43,574 -But you...Open it. -Does that make sense? 354 00:15:43,576 --> 00:15:46,043 You can get right back in. This is not a push-to-turn lock. 355 00:15:46,045 --> 00:15:47,578 -Right. -And you would have to use 356 00:15:47,580 --> 00:15:48,913 A key to unlock that deadbolt. -Yes. 357 00:15:48,915 --> 00:15:50,382 -Yes. -Okay. 358 00:15:50,384 --> 00:15:54,385 This door and lock are exactly the same as it was back in 2007, 359 00:15:54,387 --> 00:15:58,389 And the door can only be locked or unlocked with the key. 360 00:15:58,391 --> 00:16:00,258 So if it was locked after the killer left, 361 00:16:00,260 --> 00:16:01,993 They had to have a key. 362 00:16:01,995 --> 00:16:05,129 So if the killer locked the door when they left, 363 00:16:05,131 --> 00:16:07,598 In the whole wide world, who has a key? 364 00:16:07,600 --> 00:16:11,602 Anita, her roommate, and the maintenance man. 365 00:16:11,604 --> 00:16:15,406 This is a huge piece of evidence and a big deal. 366 00:16:15,408 --> 00:16:17,208 That was very, very helpful. Thank you. 367 00:16:17,210 --> 00:16:19,278 We already cleared tyler schmaltz as a suspect, 368 00:16:19,280 --> 00:16:22,381 But it looks like there's no way or he or michael vann 369 00:16:22,383 --> 00:16:25,082 Could have possibly killed anita, 370 00:16:25,084 --> 00:16:27,351 Which leaves us with marty and nichole. 371 00:16:27,486 --> 00:16:32,790 ♪♪♪ 372 00:16:32,791 --> 00:16:38,095 ♪♪♪ 373 00:16:38,097 --> 00:16:41,232 Based on our examination of anita knutson's apartment, 374 00:16:41,234 --> 00:16:44,969 We have all but eliminated michael vann as a suspect 375 00:16:44,971 --> 00:16:47,204 Because he did not have a key. 376 00:16:47,206 --> 00:16:50,775 That leaves her roommate, nichole thomas, 377 00:16:50,777 --> 00:16:53,444 And the maintenance man, marty annell. 378 00:16:53,446 --> 00:16:54,878 Woman: The property's maintenance man-- 379 00:16:54,880 --> 00:17:00,252 Many suspect him because he did commit suicide. 380 00:17:00,254 --> 00:17:02,720 Man: The problem here seems to be that 381 00:17:02,722 --> 00:17:04,188 We don't know his history, 382 00:17:04,190 --> 00:17:05,856 We don't know his mental health situation, 383 00:17:05,858 --> 00:17:08,125 And we don't know the unfortunate series of events 384 00:17:08,127 --> 00:17:09,594 Which led to his death. 385 00:17:09,596 --> 00:17:11,796 [line rings] 386 00:17:11,798 --> 00:17:13,330 -Hi. Is this connie? -Yes, it is. 387 00:17:13,332 --> 00:17:14,800 This is detective asham. 388 00:17:14,802 --> 00:17:16,667 I'm calling from the minot police department. 389 00:17:16,669 --> 00:17:20,204 We are looking into an old cold case, 390 00:17:20,206 --> 00:17:25,109 And it kind of relates back to your brother marty. 391 00:17:25,111 --> 00:17:28,412 Since marty's deceased, we're reaching out to his sister. 392 00:17:28,414 --> 00:17:31,383 The question is, what was going on in marty's world 393 00:17:31,385 --> 00:17:33,684 Where he decided to end his life? 394 00:17:33,686 --> 00:17:36,822 And was it possibly guilt over killing anita? 395 00:17:36,824 --> 00:17:38,556 I don't know if you remember there was a homicide 396 00:17:38,558 --> 00:17:41,025 Here in minot back in 2007. 397 00:17:41,027 --> 00:17:41,959 And it was in that apartment complex... 398 00:17:41,961 --> 00:17:45,530 Yeah, where marty worked. 399 00:17:49,368 --> 00:17:51,169 Yeah, so do you remember him 400 00:17:51,171 --> 00:17:53,137 Talking about that happening at all? 401 00:17:54,807 --> 00:17:56,207 Okay. 402 00:17:58,778 --> 00:18:02,280 Right. Yeah. We just kinda wanted to get 403 00:18:02,282 --> 00:18:04,715 A little background on what else was going on in his life 404 00:18:04,717 --> 00:18:06,918 At that time that may have led to his suicide. 405 00:18:17,196 --> 00:18:20,065 Do you remember how long they were in a relationship for? 406 00:18:23,170 --> 00:18:26,270 When you found out what happened with marty, 407 00:18:26,272 --> 00:18:28,406 Was that a shock to you? 408 00:18:30,409 --> 00:18:31,810 Okay. 409 00:18:56,235 --> 00:18:59,170 And just to confirm, like, you don't remember marty 410 00:18:59,172 --> 00:19:03,741 Ever mentioning anita's murder to you at all? 411 00:19:09,850 --> 00:19:11,583 -Okay. -With marty being dead, 412 00:19:11,585 --> 00:19:15,119 Connie doesn't have a big motivation to lie for him, 413 00:19:15,121 --> 00:19:16,921 And according to her, 414 00:19:16,923 --> 00:19:19,289 He was losing his long-term relationship, 415 00:19:19,291 --> 00:19:22,727 His job, and his place to live. 416 00:19:22,729 --> 00:19:24,528 We talked for six hours. 417 00:19:24,530 --> 00:19:27,065 He said that something was wrong. 418 00:19:27,067 --> 00:19:29,466 On top of that, it was new year's day, 419 00:19:29,468 --> 00:19:33,872 So maybe he was just reflecting on his own life and not anita's. 420 00:19:33,874 --> 00:19:36,140 -Thank you, connie. -Bye-bye. 421 00:19:36,142 --> 00:19:39,511 -Nice! Nice. -Ahh. 422 00:19:39,513 --> 00:19:41,545 Ooh, that makes me feel so much better. 423 00:19:41,547 --> 00:19:45,549 ♪♪♪ 424 00:19:45,551 --> 00:19:48,285 With marty looking more and more like he's not our killer, 425 00:19:48,287 --> 00:19:50,221 It's time to refocus our attention back 426 00:19:50,223 --> 00:19:52,424 On nichole thomas. 427 00:19:52,426 --> 00:19:55,826 So let's see if we can try to find donna bjelland. 428 00:19:55,828 --> 00:19:59,231 Now she was the boss at etelecare of nichole. 429 00:19:59,233 --> 00:20:03,235 I think nichole even talked to her about the murder itself. 430 00:20:03,237 --> 00:20:06,337 Nichole's former co-worker has spoken to police in the past 431 00:20:06,339 --> 00:20:08,372 About nichole's temper. 432 00:20:08,374 --> 00:20:10,874 We wanna learn more about that, and if it was so bad, 433 00:20:10,876 --> 00:20:12,376 It could have led to this murder. 434 00:20:12,378 --> 00:20:13,444 -Hi. How can I help you? -Donna? 435 00:20:13,446 --> 00:20:14,846 -Yeah. -Hi, donna. 436 00:20:14,848 --> 00:20:16,848 I'm detective talbott with the minot police department. 437 00:20:16,850 --> 00:20:18,182 -Oh, hello. -Hi! 438 00:20:18,184 --> 00:20:20,185 -I'm steve. How are you? -Nice to meet you, steve. 439 00:20:20,187 --> 00:20:22,052 -Mikki. -Mikki. Nice to meet you. 440 00:20:22,054 --> 00:20:23,654 Nice to meet you. 441 00:20:23,656 --> 00:20:25,189 We're kind of looking into anita knutson's case 442 00:20:25,191 --> 00:20:27,925 Back in 2007. -Oh, yeah, I'm glad to tell you 443 00:20:27,927 --> 00:20:29,294 Anything about her. -Okay, yes. 444 00:20:29,296 --> 00:20:30,795 -She sat next to me. -Nikki did? 445 00:20:30,797 --> 00:20:35,000 And I heard her, uh, the girl whose roommate was killed 446 00:20:35,002 --> 00:20:38,669 Sat next to me, and I heard her bitching about that roommate 447 00:20:38,671 --> 00:20:40,938 For months to the point where I told her-- 448 00:20:40,940 --> 00:20:43,741 I said, "you guys gotta-- you can't live together." 449 00:20:43,743 --> 00:20:45,676 Did she ever talk about if it got physical? 450 00:20:45,678 --> 00:20:49,346 No. All I know is it was a very volatile situation, 451 00:20:49,348 --> 00:20:51,682 One that I thought was gonna explode. 452 00:20:51,684 --> 00:20:54,285 Because what happened toward the end there 453 00:20:54,287 --> 00:20:57,554 Is she had actually, um, her roommate and her 454 00:20:57,556 --> 00:21:00,157 Were arguing about her aquarium running. 455 00:21:00,159 --> 00:21:02,760 Anita didn't like the sound of the aquarium, 456 00:21:02,762 --> 00:21:05,629 And so she kept turning it off. 457 00:21:05,631 --> 00:21:06,964 And then she came back from a weekend, 458 00:21:06,966 --> 00:21:08,766 And the girl had turned it off completely, 459 00:21:08,768 --> 00:21:10,368 And all her fish were dead. 460 00:21:10,370 --> 00:21:14,239 And she just went completely bananas over it. 461 00:21:14,241 --> 00:21:17,441 And, uh, it was like that following Monday or something, 462 00:21:17,443 --> 00:21:20,110 It was right after that that she comes in 463 00:21:20,112 --> 00:21:22,847 And said that her roommate was killed. 464 00:21:22,849 --> 00:21:25,050 She came after the homicide and was telling me 465 00:21:25,052 --> 00:21:27,052 And just wasn't--she said, 466 00:21:27,054 --> 00:21:29,453 "as long as I keep my mouth shut, I'll be fine." 467 00:21:29,455 --> 00:21:32,389 We knew about nichole and anita's strained relationship, 468 00:21:32,391 --> 00:21:33,858 But this is the first time we've heard 469 00:21:33,860 --> 00:21:36,094 That anita killed nichole's pet fish. 470 00:21:36,096 --> 00:21:37,995 As silly as that sounds, you have to wonder 471 00:21:37,997 --> 00:21:39,930 If that may have been the tipping point 472 00:21:39,932 --> 00:21:41,465 In their relationship. 473 00:21:41,467 --> 00:21:43,734 Do you think she was sorry about what happened to anita? 474 00:21:43,736 --> 00:21:45,036 -[bleep] no. -You didn't--she never-- 475 00:21:45,038 --> 00:21:47,271 "that girl got what she deserved after the way she acted." 476 00:21:47,273 --> 00:21:49,940 That's not who--that's not-- those are her words. 477 00:21:49,942 --> 00:21:53,010 She's capable of murder. That's what I think. 478 00:21:53,144 --> 00:21:58,115 ♪♪♪ 479 00:21:58,116 --> 00:22:03,087 ♪♪♪ 480 00:22:03,090 --> 00:22:04,755 Man: Anyone who's ever had a roommate knows 481 00:22:04,757 --> 00:22:08,560 It isn't exactly uncommon to get on one another's nerves. 482 00:22:08,562 --> 00:22:11,028 But this situation seemed to be becoming more volatile 483 00:22:11,030 --> 00:22:13,097 And even threatening. 484 00:22:13,099 --> 00:22:14,898 At this point, we've heard from witnesses 485 00:22:14,900 --> 00:22:17,000 That nichole thomas had a temper, 486 00:22:17,002 --> 00:22:19,103 Was jealous of anita, and became enraged with anita 487 00:22:19,105 --> 00:22:21,239 Just days before the murder. 488 00:22:21,241 --> 00:22:24,508 [line rings] 489 00:22:24,510 --> 00:22:25,976 Hi. Is this willy? 490 00:22:25,978 --> 00:22:29,246 Hey, willy, it's detective asham calling from minot p.D. 491 00:22:29,248 --> 00:22:31,982 We tracked down nichole's ex-boyfriend willy may, 492 00:22:31,984 --> 00:22:33,584 Who dated her after the murder. 493 00:22:33,586 --> 00:22:35,319 We're wondering what she may have told him 494 00:22:35,321 --> 00:22:37,855 About the death of her old roommate. 495 00:22:37,857 --> 00:22:39,189 So we're kind of trying to relook 496 00:22:39,191 --> 00:22:43,327 At the anita knutson murder from back in 2007, 497 00:22:43,329 --> 00:22:45,462 And it's my understanding that at some point after that, 498 00:22:45,464 --> 00:22:50,201 You had dated nichole thomas for a while. Is that right? 499 00:22:50,203 --> 00:22:51,502 Okay. 500 00:22:57,277 --> 00:22:59,844 Do you remember when that was you dated? 501 00:23:05,351 --> 00:23:09,053 So not long after anita knutson was murdered? 502 00:23:14,360 --> 00:23:15,694 Right. 503 00:23:21,367 --> 00:23:23,334 Mm. 504 00:23:29,875 --> 00:23:32,777 She told you that she killed anita? 505 00:23:39,118 --> 00:23:43,854 Did she say how she did it or any specifics? 506 00:23:43,856 --> 00:23:45,389 Okay. 507 00:23:52,398 --> 00:23:54,698 Yeah. 508 00:23:58,003 --> 00:23:59,036 Sure. 509 00:24:02,074 --> 00:24:04,075 Do you still have any contact with her? 510 00:24:06,012 --> 00:24:07,611 Nothing? 511 00:24:07,613 --> 00:24:09,614 We've heard about rumors where nichole attended a party 512 00:24:09,616 --> 00:24:12,015 And actually confessed to stabbing anita. 513 00:24:12,017 --> 00:24:14,551 And now we found her ex-boyfriend, willy may, 514 00:24:14,553 --> 00:24:16,421 Who was actually at the party 515 00:24:16,423 --> 00:24:18,489 And heard her make those statements. 516 00:24:18,491 --> 00:24:20,224 That's our best piece of evidence yet. 517 00:24:20,226 --> 00:24:24,361 He said that nichole was belligerently drunk, 518 00:24:24,363 --> 00:24:27,030 And she straight out told them that she did it. 519 00:24:27,032 --> 00:24:28,632 He said he tried to get her 520 00:24:28,634 --> 00:24:30,334 To say it again when she was sober after that, 521 00:24:30,336 --> 00:24:31,835 But she wouldn't. 522 00:24:31,837 --> 00:24:32,970 But how did she say it? 523 00:24:32,972 --> 00:24:34,571 Smart-ass and facetious, 524 00:24:34,573 --> 00:24:35,973 Or slipping up 'cause she's drunk? 525 00:24:35,975 --> 00:24:38,442 No, I think it was more of a slipping up 526 00:24:38,444 --> 00:24:40,644 'cause she was drunk is how I-- the impression I got from him. 527 00:24:40,646 --> 00:24:42,180 Really? And he's a credible guy. 528 00:24:42,182 --> 00:24:43,981 He seems like a very credible guy. 529 00:24:43,983 --> 00:24:46,050 -Damn. -Yeah. 530 00:24:46,052 --> 00:24:47,784 Obviously, when people get drunk, 531 00:24:47,786 --> 00:24:49,186 It influences what they say and do. 532 00:24:49,188 --> 00:24:51,255 But there's not enough alcohol in the world 533 00:24:51,257 --> 00:24:53,457 That would make me confess to a murder I didn't commit. 534 00:24:53,459 --> 00:24:56,861 Wow. Okay, that's why you're acting so smug. 535 00:24:56,863 --> 00:24:58,262 -Me? -Yeah. 536 00:24:58,264 --> 00:25:00,598 Wow. Wow. 537 00:25:00,600 --> 00:25:06,803 ♪♪♪ 538 00:25:06,805 --> 00:25:09,873 When nikki shows up, somebody can text that she's here, 539 00:25:09,875 --> 00:25:12,877 And we'll wait until you have her, 540 00:25:12,879 --> 00:25:14,611 And then we'll go knocking on the parents' door. 541 00:25:14,613 --> 00:25:17,414 Hope you all visit for two hours or longer. 542 00:25:17,416 --> 00:25:20,818 They'll probably try to rush it, stop couldn't be done by 10. 543 00:25:20,820 --> 00:25:22,619 I still feel she has to show up. 544 00:25:22,621 --> 00:25:23,955 -Not if her dad told her not to. -Well... 545 00:25:23,957 --> 00:25:26,223 If she called her dad. What are you thinking about 546 00:25:26,225 --> 00:25:28,625 When mom--mom or dad answers the door out there in velva? 547 00:25:28,627 --> 00:25:30,093 What are you gonna say? 548 00:25:30,095 --> 00:25:33,030 Well, I don't think they'll talk to us, but maybe just-- 549 00:25:33,032 --> 00:25:34,431 They're not gonna invite us in, huh? 550 00:25:34,433 --> 00:25:36,334 -I doubt it. [laughs] -maybe over all these years, 551 00:25:36,336 --> 00:25:39,103 They've talked about it so much, they forget what they told you. 552 00:25:39,105 --> 00:25:40,837 They don't have the benefit of all this. 553 00:25:40,839 --> 00:25:43,106 -And no one's ever asked gae... -Mnh-mnh. 554 00:25:43,108 --> 00:25:46,376 ..."where was nichole early Sunday morning?" 555 00:25:46,378 --> 00:25:48,746 Nikki has agreed to come in and talk. 556 00:25:48,748 --> 00:25:52,250 Our plan is while carmen and steve handle that, 557 00:25:52,252 --> 00:25:54,919 Mikki and I are gonna try and approach her parents, 558 00:25:54,921 --> 00:25:56,987 Kevin and gae, at their house. 559 00:25:56,989 --> 00:25:59,591 They are her alibi for that weekend. 560 00:25:59,593 --> 00:26:02,659 The hope is that if we get them being questioned 561 00:26:02,661 --> 00:26:05,162 At the same time, we can better compare their stories 562 00:26:05,164 --> 00:26:07,497 To see if there are any inconsistencies. 563 00:26:07,499 --> 00:26:09,067 Maybe you'll have good luck. 564 00:26:09,069 --> 00:26:11,134 According to her ex-boyfriend, 565 00:26:11,136 --> 00:26:13,570 Nichole has slipped up in the past. 566 00:26:13,572 --> 00:26:15,673 We're waiting to see if she does that again today. 567 00:26:15,675 --> 00:26:19,943 I'd be kind of surprised if she actually did show up. 568 00:26:19,945 --> 00:26:22,746 If I was her, I don't care. I wouldn't show up. 569 00:26:22,748 --> 00:26:22,813 ♪♪♪ 570 00:26:23,014 --> 00:26:33,491 Woman: As for an alibi, 571 00:26:33,493 --> 00:26:36,493 Anita's roommate said that she'd been home all weekend, 572 00:26:36,495 --> 00:26:39,896 A detail that her parents corroborated. 573 00:26:39,898 --> 00:26:41,965 Man: A lot of people feel the alibi isn't strong, 574 00:26:41,967 --> 00:26:44,568 As most people would expect someone's parents 575 00:26:44,570 --> 00:26:46,570 Would be willing to cover for them. 576 00:26:46,572 --> 00:26:49,239 But no one in the media has ever been able to obtain 577 00:26:49,241 --> 00:26:53,677 An interview or even a statement from the roommate or her family. 578 00:26:55,614 --> 00:26:58,249 -She did show up? -No, she didn't. 579 00:27:00,186 --> 00:27:01,653 -Wow, she showed up. -Wow. 580 00:27:01,655 --> 00:27:03,954 Is she all by herself, or did her husband come? 581 00:27:05,991 --> 00:27:09,193 She brought her dad. Wow. We'll go get gae. 582 00:27:09,195 --> 00:27:12,864 Our prime suspect showed up at the police department, 583 00:27:12,866 --> 00:27:15,533 And it looks like her dad kevin gave her a ride. 584 00:27:15,535 --> 00:27:17,635 That's your dad, right, I'm assuming? 585 00:27:17,637 --> 00:27:19,736 My dad is very close with me, so, yeah. 586 00:27:19,738 --> 00:27:23,073 That means that her mother gae is home alone, 587 00:27:23,075 --> 00:27:26,143 And we have the perfect opportunity to talk to her. 588 00:27:26,145 --> 00:27:29,280 She has never been interviewed by the police before. 589 00:27:29,282 --> 00:27:32,616 This is playing nicely into our plan to divide and conquer 590 00:27:32,618 --> 00:27:34,218 Before nichole and her parents can get together 591 00:27:34,220 --> 00:27:37,087 And compare notes. 592 00:27:37,089 --> 00:27:40,357 Okay, tell me a little bit about how you guys meet 593 00:27:40,359 --> 00:27:41,825 And how was school like. 594 00:27:41,827 --> 00:27:44,629 So we didn't hang out a lot in high school 595 00:27:44,631 --> 00:27:47,364 Anymore after, like, ninth, 10th grade. 596 00:27:47,366 --> 00:27:50,300 Um...I mean, we--we didn't not-- not like each other, 597 00:27:50,302 --> 00:27:53,370 But we just-- we had different friends. 598 00:27:53,372 --> 00:27:54,972 We both went to the same college. 599 00:27:54,974 --> 00:27:56,707 Neither of my roommates ended up working out, 600 00:27:56,709 --> 00:27:59,543 And then we decided that we were gonna move in together. 601 00:27:59,545 --> 00:28:02,446 We were, like, inseparable. We were together all the time. 602 00:28:02,448 --> 00:28:04,314 I went from college 'cause I didn't really know 603 00:28:04,316 --> 00:28:06,850 What I wanted to do, so I just got a job, 604 00:28:06,852 --> 00:28:08,785 And then my job schedule 605 00:28:08,787 --> 00:28:11,788 And her school and work schedule--it just clashed. 606 00:28:11,790 --> 00:28:14,325 I was coming when she was going. She was going when I was coming. 607 00:28:14,327 --> 00:28:16,327 We just didn't talk much. 608 00:28:16,329 --> 00:28:17,895 How would that make the living arrangements? 609 00:28:17,897 --> 00:28:21,264 Was there any problems between the two of you? 610 00:28:21,266 --> 00:28:22,599 The only problem I really had, 611 00:28:22,601 --> 00:28:24,134 And I know there's so many stories. 612 00:28:24,136 --> 00:28:26,336 There's so many stories, but we had a disagreement 613 00:28:26,338 --> 00:28:27,938 Over her alarm clock. 614 00:28:27,940 --> 00:28:30,540 Her alarm clock was going off at 5 a.M. For, like, an hour, 615 00:28:30,542 --> 00:28:32,008 And I'm trying to sleep because of-- 616 00:28:32,010 --> 00:28:33,478 So I texted her, and I was like, 617 00:28:33,480 --> 00:28:35,145 "dude, I'm gonna smash your door down." 618 00:28:35,147 --> 00:28:37,013 I was like, "dude, next time you need to make sure you shut 619 00:28:37,015 --> 00:28:39,282 Your alarm clock off, 'cause, like, that's respectful." 620 00:28:39,284 --> 00:28:42,420 Tell me about the--the incident with your fish tank, 621 00:28:42,422 --> 00:28:45,622 'cause we had heard that anita had unplugged 622 00:28:45,624 --> 00:28:47,090 Your fish tank at one point, and that killed your fish. 623 00:28:47,092 --> 00:28:49,960 'cause she didn't like the noise. It made too much noise. 624 00:28:49,962 --> 00:28:51,995 No, I know all my fish died because my friend poured beer 625 00:28:51,997 --> 00:28:53,530 In the fish tank. 626 00:28:53,532 --> 00:28:55,766 -I don't remember anything else. -So that didn't happen? 627 00:28:55,768 --> 00:28:58,301 No. I...No. 628 00:28:58,303 --> 00:29:00,571 Nichole was downplaying her arguments with anita 629 00:29:00,573 --> 00:29:02,573 And denying that anita killed her pet fish. 630 00:29:02,575 --> 00:29:04,641 She's answering our questions 631 00:29:04,643 --> 00:29:07,512 But is clearly trying to paint a picture of her own innocence. 632 00:29:07,514 --> 00:29:10,847 Let's go down to that weekend as much as you can remember. 633 00:29:10,849 --> 00:29:12,617 You went to your parents' farm that Friday night? 634 00:29:12,619 --> 00:29:14,919 I think I went Saturday morning, actually, 635 00:29:14,921 --> 00:29:16,454 Because my cousin was leaving 636 00:29:16,456 --> 00:29:19,657 For, like, basic training for iraq or something. 637 00:29:19,659 --> 00:29:21,458 We were having a party for him in sykeston. 638 00:29:21,460 --> 00:29:23,460 I think I picked up my cousin, and she rode with me. 639 00:29:23,462 --> 00:29:26,997 I think we came back from the party, like, 5 or 6. 640 00:29:26,999 --> 00:29:30,267 She owned a... A bar in ruthville. 641 00:29:30,269 --> 00:29:34,671 Her husband did, and that's-- we came back and stayed there, 642 00:29:34,673 --> 00:29:37,675 And I helped her serve, like, food. 643 00:29:37,677 --> 00:29:40,811 And we--I stayed at that-- at ruthville for-- 644 00:29:40,813 --> 00:29:42,346 Till probably 11 or 12. 645 00:29:42,348 --> 00:29:44,014 And then what did you do then? 646 00:29:44,016 --> 00:29:46,950 Went back to my parents' house and went to bed on the couch. 647 00:29:46,952 --> 00:29:48,552 So you got back to the farm... 648 00:29:48,554 --> 00:29:50,887 About 11:30, midnight, somewhere around there. 649 00:29:50,889 --> 00:29:53,223 Okay. Do you remember what time you got up on Sunday? 650 00:29:53,225 --> 00:29:54,424 Usually so when I sleep on the couch, 651 00:29:54,426 --> 00:29:56,860 My dad's up at 5 a.M., making breakfast. 652 00:29:56,862 --> 00:29:58,562 You know, he's watching tv. 653 00:29:58,564 --> 00:30:00,030 You spend the whole day at the farm, 654 00:30:00,032 --> 00:30:01,698 Or did you go anywhere else? -Yeah, I stayed there again. 655 00:30:01,700 --> 00:30:03,301 I stayed that night again, um, 656 00:30:03,303 --> 00:30:05,169 And then I went straight to work, 657 00:30:05,171 --> 00:30:07,704 So I didn't even stop at home. I just went straight to work. 658 00:30:07,706 --> 00:30:09,773 Nichole's entire story about that weekend 659 00:30:09,775 --> 00:30:13,578 Has been inconsistent, and it's even more inconsistent today. 660 00:30:13,580 --> 00:30:14,912 We've heard stories that she was at home 661 00:30:14,914 --> 00:30:16,981 With her mother and her sister watching a movie. 662 00:30:16,983 --> 00:30:19,216 Then we hear that it's actually with her aunt and her cousin. 663 00:30:19,218 --> 00:30:22,253 But today there's no mention of a movie at all. 664 00:30:22,255 --> 00:30:24,054 It's like she isn't keeping tracking of the alibi witnesses 665 00:30:24,056 --> 00:30:25,455 She's coming up with. 666 00:30:25,457 --> 00:30:27,123 It's a good thing we are. 667 00:30:27,125 --> 00:30:29,326 Do you remember what they told you? 668 00:30:29,328 --> 00:30:31,195 [voice breaking] um...They just had told me-- 669 00:30:31,197 --> 00:30:36,333 They said that anita was dead and that she had been murdered. 670 00:30:36,335 --> 00:30:38,402 I was just like--I guess I just was in shock 671 00:30:38,404 --> 00:30:41,805 'cause, like, I grew up here. This is my home, 672 00:30:41,807 --> 00:30:44,809 And--and I never heard of stuff like this. 673 00:30:44,811 --> 00:30:46,743 I felt like I should've stayed home 674 00:30:46,745 --> 00:30:48,345 And I should've been there, 675 00:30:48,347 --> 00:30:50,347 And what if I would've been there? 676 00:30:50,349 --> 00:30:52,082 So I live with a lot of regret. 677 00:30:52,084 --> 00:30:54,819 In all reality, you weren't that close to anita. 678 00:30:54,821 --> 00:30:57,020 In fact, you were planning on moving out at some point 679 00:30:57,022 --> 00:30:58,422 At the end of the year? 680 00:30:58,424 --> 00:31:00,090 Yeah, we thought about getting just-- 681 00:31:00,092 --> 00:31:01,892 You know, 'cause with our different schedules and stuff, 682 00:31:01,894 --> 00:31:03,761 It just--it was hard. 683 00:31:03,763 --> 00:31:05,362 People said you called anita a bitch and a whore 684 00:31:05,364 --> 00:31:06,696 And a [bleep]. -Oh, my gosh. 685 00:31:06,698 --> 00:31:08,899 People can say that. I would never do that. 686 00:31:08,901 --> 00:31:10,301 I have nothing against her. 687 00:31:10,303 --> 00:31:13,905 People, like, are making up stories about me, 688 00:31:13,907 --> 00:31:15,805 And that's hard. That's not fair. 689 00:31:15,807 --> 00:31:20,644 That weekend, you never came back into minot at all? 690 00:31:20,646 --> 00:31:22,946 So you never told your aunt that you came back to minot 691 00:31:22,948 --> 00:31:25,315 On Saturday to get clothes? -No. 692 00:31:25,317 --> 00:31:28,319 So if she told us that, she would be a liar? 693 00:31:28,321 --> 00:31:30,253 Well, I would assume she's confused 694 00:31:30,255 --> 00:31:33,190 Because I never came back to minot to get clothes. 695 00:31:33,192 --> 00:31:36,593 Didn't go watch a movie at alyssa's house or joyce's house? 696 00:31:36,595 --> 00:31:39,062 No, 'cause I was with alyssa at the farm. 697 00:31:39,064 --> 00:31:41,565 Do you know a william may? 698 00:31:41,567 --> 00:31:42,867 Yeah. 699 00:31:42,869 --> 00:31:44,801 If someone told us you were at a party with william, 700 00:31:44,803 --> 00:31:47,004 And you said you killed anita, would that--they be lying, 701 00:31:47,006 --> 00:31:49,539 Or would that be true? -They would definitely be lying. 702 00:31:49,541 --> 00:31:54,212 You guys, listen, this has, like, rocked my whole life. 703 00:31:54,214 --> 00:31:56,347 Like, I want the person found, too, 704 00:31:56,349 --> 00:31:59,249 'cause I want my life back. 705 00:31:59,251 --> 00:32:00,617 I mean, all these people have no reason 706 00:32:00,619 --> 00:32:03,954 To say horrible things about you. 707 00:32:03,956 --> 00:32:05,055 I don't know why they are. 708 00:32:05,057 --> 00:32:06,957 You guys, I didn't say any of this stuff. 709 00:32:06,959 --> 00:32:08,758 There's so many stories out there. 710 00:32:08,760 --> 00:32:10,961 -All of these people are liars? -Okay. [sighs] 711 00:32:10,963 --> 00:32:12,763 -I wanna, like, get a lawyer. -We're not attacking you. 712 00:32:12,765 --> 00:32:14,698 -I want to get a lawyer. -Not trying to attack you. 713 00:32:14,700 --> 00:32:16,366 -I don't wanna talk anymore. -That's fine. 714 00:32:16,368 --> 00:32:18,234 -Then we're done. -I didn't do anything. 715 00:32:18,236 --> 00:32:21,571 [crying] 716 00:32:21,573 --> 00:32:23,573 Nichole is denying everything, and now guess what. 717 00:32:23,575 --> 00:32:25,977 She's the victim in this case, not anita, 718 00:32:25,979 --> 00:32:28,845 Wrongly accused by everyone around her. 719 00:32:28,847 --> 00:32:32,015 She's not crying for anita. She's crying for herself. 720 00:32:37,389 --> 00:32:41,291 [continues knocking] 721 00:32:41,293 --> 00:32:43,259 The lights are all off. 722 00:32:43,261 --> 00:32:46,530 It seems like nobody is at nichole's parents' house. 723 00:32:46,532 --> 00:32:48,465 We're thinking that maybe that's because 724 00:32:48,467 --> 00:32:51,601 Her mom went to nichole's house to watch nichole's kid 725 00:32:51,603 --> 00:32:54,003 While nichole went down to the station. 726 00:32:54,005 --> 00:32:57,741 Let's go to nichole's house to see if gae's there. 727 00:32:57,743 --> 00:32:58,943 As long as we get there before they get back, 728 00:32:58,945 --> 00:33:01,144 We can knock on the door and see what happens. 729 00:33:01,146 --> 00:33:04,481 To talk to gae alone, we need to get to nichole's house 730 00:33:04,483 --> 00:33:07,684 Before nichole and her dad get back from the station. 731 00:33:07,686 --> 00:33:09,552 Is that kevin's truck? 732 00:33:09,554 --> 00:33:11,688 Oh. 733 00:33:11,690 --> 00:33:13,423 Well, he's on the phone. You think that's-- 734 00:33:13,425 --> 00:33:15,558 That's kevin right there? -I know it is. 735 00:33:15,560 --> 00:33:19,763 We pull up to nichole's house right next to her dad kevin. 736 00:33:19,765 --> 00:33:21,766 This is about to get interesting. 737 00:33:21,768 --> 00:33:24,768 Here he comes. 738 00:33:24,770 --> 00:33:26,503 Howdy. 739 00:33:26,505 --> 00:33:28,171 -Hi. -Hi! 740 00:33:28,173 --> 00:33:30,841 I know who you are. I've seen you on tv. 741 00:33:30,843 --> 00:33:33,043 Well, we're here to try and talk to gae. 742 00:33:33,045 --> 00:33:35,178 -Gae? -Uh-huh. 743 00:33:35,180 --> 00:33:36,646 -Gae's my wife. -I know. 744 00:33:36,648 --> 00:33:39,583 -Well, we live in velva. -Yeah, she's not home. 745 00:33:39,585 --> 00:33:41,785 -She's home. -Well, she didn't answer. 746 00:33:41,787 --> 00:33:43,921 Well, why should she? She's hysterical. 747 00:33:43,923 --> 00:33:46,991 -She should be. -Well, yeah. 748 00:33:46,993 --> 00:33:49,927 Our daughter's being charged for something she didn't do. 749 00:33:49,929 --> 00:33:51,661 My daughter was on the farm the whole time with me. 750 00:33:51,663 --> 00:33:54,531 -No, she wasn't. -I'm no goddamn liar. 751 00:33:54,533 --> 00:33:56,299 I'm not saying that you're a liar or anything, 752 00:33:56,301 --> 00:33:57,667 But we know that she was in sykeston that day, too. 753 00:33:57,669 --> 00:33:59,136 -Yes. -Okay, and then we-- 754 00:33:59,138 --> 00:34:01,138 -She rode down with me. -No, that's not the statement 755 00:34:01,140 --> 00:34:04,941 We have either, but we know that she also went to the bar, 756 00:34:04,943 --> 00:34:06,143 So we wasn't with you the entire time. 757 00:34:06,145 --> 00:34:07,345 No. No. 758 00:34:07,347 --> 00:34:08,878 I swear I'm not calling you a liar. 759 00:34:08,880 --> 00:34:10,613 -The [bleep] you ain't. -No, I'm not. 760 00:34:10,615 --> 00:34:12,415 -Yes, you are. -Kevin, you're a dad 761 00:34:12,417 --> 00:34:14,217 That loves your daughter. We understand that. 762 00:34:14,219 --> 00:34:15,653 -Yeah. -The only person 763 00:34:15,655 --> 00:34:18,621 Who could've killed anita had a key. 764 00:34:18,623 --> 00:34:20,023 The killer had a key. 765 00:34:20,025 --> 00:34:23,294 The window on her bedroom was pushed out. 766 00:34:23,296 --> 00:34:24,895 -If she's got the key... -'cause the person faked it. 767 00:34:24,897 --> 00:34:26,830 ...Why she'd go out the first door--around the front door? 768 00:34:26,832 --> 00:34:29,165 They did go out the front door, and then they locked it. 769 00:34:29,167 --> 00:34:33,369 -The door was locked. -I don't know. 770 00:34:33,371 --> 00:34:35,705 All right, I'm gonna... 771 00:34:35,707 --> 00:34:36,974 -Yeah, we will. -I got it. 772 00:34:36,976 --> 00:34:38,908 No, we will, we will. 773 00:34:38,910 --> 00:34:41,378 Nichole's husband came outside and asked us to leave. 774 00:34:43,049 --> 00:34:46,449 Nichole and her dad are probably panicking now. 775 00:34:46,451 --> 00:34:48,585 Well, he was talking to gae on the phone when we pulled up, 776 00:34:48,587 --> 00:34:50,053 And then when he saw you, 777 00:34:50,055 --> 00:34:51,921 He jumped out of the car to stop us, 778 00:34:51,923 --> 00:34:54,792 So gae's useless now. 779 00:34:54,794 --> 00:34:56,660 Fortunately, I think we've heard enough. 780 00:34:56,662 --> 00:35:00,398 He messed up when he said nikki rode with him to the barbecue. 781 00:35:00,400 --> 00:35:01,664 'cause that's not even nikki's statement, 782 00:35:01,666 --> 00:35:03,067 Is that right? -Oh, his either. 783 00:35:03,069 --> 00:35:05,802 She took her own car. That's everywhere. 784 00:35:05,804 --> 00:35:08,139 She took her own car. Now she's riding back with her cousin. 785 00:35:08,141 --> 00:35:08,204 ♪♪♪ 786 00:35:08,405 --> 00:35:18,481 ♪♪♪ 787 00:35:18,483 --> 00:35:20,818 Woman: Chief klug told the "minot daily news" 788 00:35:20,820 --> 00:35:24,754 "ultimately, we asked what can be done to solve this case, 789 00:35:24,756 --> 00:35:27,290 Not just for us, but for the family? 790 00:35:27,292 --> 00:35:31,828 We don't care who solves it. We just want it solved." 791 00:35:31,830 --> 00:35:35,431 Good morning, girls. Last day. 792 00:35:35,433 --> 00:35:37,134 I know y'all are excited about that. 793 00:35:37,136 --> 00:35:38,768 [laughter] 794 00:35:38,770 --> 00:35:40,838 We started this case with four suspects 795 00:35:40,840 --> 00:35:43,440 With various potential motives 796 00:35:43,442 --> 00:35:45,241 And a slew of unanswered questions, 797 00:35:45,243 --> 00:35:47,010 The biggest one being 798 00:35:47,012 --> 00:35:50,581 Who would murder such a vibrant and beloved young girl? 799 00:35:50,583 --> 00:35:53,183 First, michael vann. 800 00:35:53,185 --> 00:35:55,652 He was the very last person to be talking to anita. 801 00:35:55,654 --> 00:35:58,521 We can't talk to him because he passed away in 2009. 802 00:35:58,523 --> 00:36:01,257 Now sitting here today, what all do we know about michael vann? 803 00:36:01,259 --> 00:36:03,326 It just sounds like they were really good friends. 804 00:36:03,328 --> 00:36:06,230 They communicated quite often via text and phone call. 805 00:36:06,232 --> 00:36:09,366 She responds to her buddy mike, "good night." 806 00:36:09,368 --> 00:36:11,201 He's got no violent crime history at all. 807 00:36:11,203 --> 00:36:13,736 Michael vann may have had a crush on anita, 808 00:36:13,738 --> 00:36:18,274 But his text messages show no evidence of a motive. 809 00:36:18,276 --> 00:36:21,878 As far as we know, he did not know where she lived, 810 00:36:21,880 --> 00:36:23,279 And he did not have a key. 811 00:36:23,281 --> 00:36:25,416 Which is how the evidence showed 812 00:36:25,418 --> 00:36:27,117 Anita's killer entered the apartment. 813 00:36:27,119 --> 00:36:29,520 That takes care of "money mike." 814 00:36:29,522 --> 00:36:31,421 Let's talk about 815 00:36:31,423 --> 00:36:33,490 The maintenance man, marty annell. 816 00:36:33,492 --> 00:36:37,927 The main point for marty is he has a key. 817 00:36:37,929 --> 00:36:39,930 Takes the screen off and doesn't see anita, 818 00:36:39,932 --> 00:36:43,032 It was awfully difficult to see inside of that room. 819 00:36:43,034 --> 00:36:46,036 Absolutely plausible that he didn't notice her. 820 00:36:46,038 --> 00:36:46,903 There's no lights in here that were on 821 00:36:46,905 --> 00:36:48,504 'cause gordon turned them on. 822 00:36:48,506 --> 00:36:50,306 And there's a big blanket right here. 823 00:36:50,308 --> 00:36:53,576 I can absolutely see why he didn't see her. 824 00:36:53,578 --> 00:36:57,980 We circled up here, "why did he commit suicide?" 825 00:36:57,982 --> 00:36:59,716 And then when we found marty's sister... 826 00:37:08,860 --> 00:37:10,259 They lived together, 827 00:37:10,261 --> 00:37:12,796 So marty was gonna have to find a new place to live. 828 00:37:12,798 --> 00:37:14,297 He would also lose his job. 829 00:37:14,299 --> 00:37:16,099 He would probably have to move in with his mother 830 00:37:16,101 --> 00:37:17,533 Because he had nowhere else to go. 831 00:37:17,535 --> 00:37:20,337 People commit suicide for any one of these reasons, 832 00:37:20,339 --> 00:37:22,239 And he had all of 'em. 833 00:37:22,241 --> 00:37:24,807 I mean, the only evidence you have about marty 834 00:37:24,809 --> 00:37:27,543 Is that he happened to commit suicide a year and a half later, 835 00:37:27,545 --> 00:37:29,279 And now you know why. 836 00:37:29,281 --> 00:37:31,014 Marty annell may have had a key, 837 00:37:31,016 --> 00:37:34,117 But we have found no evidence that he was involved 838 00:37:34,119 --> 00:37:38,121 Or even knew who anita was before she was murdered. 839 00:37:38,123 --> 00:37:40,156 He had no known history of violence 840 00:37:40,158 --> 00:37:43,026 And no reason in the world to kill her. 841 00:37:43,028 --> 00:37:45,495 So marty annell once and for all is off the suspect board. 842 00:37:45,497 --> 00:37:47,363 Everybody's in agreement. 843 00:37:47,365 --> 00:37:51,468 And that leaves one suspect on our board 844 00:37:51,470 --> 00:37:54,204 With motive and a key. 845 00:38:04,850 --> 00:38:07,517 Nichole over the years has been the only one 846 00:38:07,519 --> 00:38:10,321 Who's consistently inconsistent about what happened. 847 00:38:10,323 --> 00:38:11,922 The first version it was, "I went home and watched a movie 848 00:38:11,924 --> 00:38:14,524 With my mom and my sister." then it was "I went to the bar." 849 00:38:14,526 --> 00:38:15,926 Then it was, "I went to the bar, and then I left the bar 850 00:38:15,928 --> 00:38:18,062 And went and watched a movie with my cousin and my aunt." 851 00:38:18,064 --> 00:38:19,529 So it's changed. 852 00:38:19,531 --> 00:38:20,731 "and then I went back to the farm." 853 00:38:20,733 --> 00:38:22,199 One incident, she had mentioned 854 00:38:22,201 --> 00:38:25,401 That she had actually left the bar 855 00:38:25,403 --> 00:38:26,869 And come back to minot and went to her apartment 856 00:38:26,871 --> 00:38:29,540 That Saturday night to get clothes. 857 00:38:29,542 --> 00:38:31,008 What a slip-up, right? 858 00:38:31,010 --> 00:38:33,076 It's completely different from anything else she said. 859 00:38:33,078 --> 00:38:35,545 She's got this strained relationship with anita. 860 00:38:35,547 --> 00:38:36,946 She wants her out of the apartment. 861 00:38:36,948 --> 00:38:38,414 We've got text messages. 862 00:38:38,416 --> 00:38:41,351 "my dad and I are going to talk to the landlord asap, 863 00:38:41,353 --> 00:38:42,952 And I may sound like a bitch, 864 00:38:42,954 --> 00:38:45,155 But what goes around comes around." 865 00:38:45,157 --> 00:38:48,758 She was completely bananas about the fact that anita 866 00:38:48,760 --> 00:38:50,760 Unplugged the fish tank and killed her fish. 867 00:38:50,762 --> 00:38:53,696 She just went completely bananas over it, 868 00:38:53,698 --> 00:38:57,900 And, uh, it was like that following Monday or something. 869 00:38:57,902 --> 00:39:00,237 It was right after that that she comes in 870 00:39:00,239 --> 00:39:02,638 And said that her roommate was killed. 871 00:39:02,640 --> 00:39:06,309 And then you found willy may. What did she say to willy may? 872 00:39:06,311 --> 00:39:07,945 She said to him, "I did it." 873 00:39:12,283 --> 00:39:14,717 Brand-new witness. Never had that before. 874 00:39:14,719 --> 00:39:16,619 Heard nichole admit it. 875 00:39:16,621 --> 00:39:17,721 I've said it before, and I'll say it again. 876 00:39:17,723 --> 00:39:22,259 The truth never changes, but nichole's story has. 877 00:39:22,261 --> 00:39:25,194 And the key to this case is that key. 878 00:39:25,196 --> 00:39:26,963 We know that the deadbolt was locked. 879 00:39:26,965 --> 00:39:29,198 You needed a key to open that door. 880 00:39:29,200 --> 00:39:30,968 This is not a push-to-turn lock. 881 00:39:30,970 --> 00:39:32,468 -Right. -So if the killer 882 00:39:32,470 --> 00:39:34,738 Locked the door when they left, 883 00:39:34,740 --> 00:39:36,807 In the whole wide world, who has a key? 884 00:39:36,809 --> 00:39:38,341 If you have a staged crime scene, 885 00:39:38,343 --> 00:39:40,277 The only person who needs to stage something 886 00:39:40,279 --> 00:39:42,211 Is the one that everything is gonna be pointing at 887 00:39:42,213 --> 00:39:45,682 Unless they stage something, and that's nichole. 888 00:39:45,684 --> 00:39:49,018 -Everything points to her. -It all points back to her. 889 00:39:49,020 --> 00:39:51,554 By all accounts, the only person in the whole world 890 00:39:51,556 --> 00:39:54,425 That didn't like anita was nichole. 891 00:39:54,427 --> 00:39:56,359 And we've uncovered enough circumstantial evidence 892 00:39:56,361 --> 00:39:59,362 In this case to present it to the prosecutor 893 00:39:59,364 --> 00:40:01,565 That nichole killed anita. 894 00:40:04,169 --> 00:40:07,437 ♪ what lies ahead? There's no way of ever knowin' ♪ 895 00:40:07,439 --> 00:40:09,972 ♪♪♪ 896 00:40:09,974 --> 00:40:13,576 ♪ inside's a beauty that's not showin' ♪ 897 00:40:13,578 --> 00:40:15,779 ♪♪♪ 898 00:40:15,781 --> 00:40:18,481 ♪ and all those things you said you couldn't do ♪ 899 00:40:18,483 --> 00:40:20,851 I think anita's whole family will be there again-- 900 00:40:20,853 --> 00:40:23,654 Her mom, her dad, her aunt, and her sister. 901 00:40:23,656 --> 00:40:25,289 And they're gonna see you pulling up 902 00:40:25,291 --> 00:40:27,090 Along with your captain and your chief. 903 00:40:27,092 --> 00:40:29,793 I mean, I just want them to be able to--I don't know-- 904 00:40:29,795 --> 00:40:32,529 Get peace of mind. -Yep. 905 00:40:32,531 --> 00:40:34,363 Carmen and mikki met with our prosecutor. 906 00:40:34,365 --> 00:40:37,300 Oh, they're gonna be so excited to see y'all. 907 00:40:37,302 --> 00:40:39,202 And now we're on the way to meet with anita's family 908 00:40:39,204 --> 00:40:41,070 To give them some good news. 909 00:40:41,072 --> 00:40:42,271 Hello, anna. 910 00:40:42,273 --> 00:40:43,439 -Hi. Morning. -Good morning. 911 00:40:43,441 --> 00:40:44,607 The chief and the captain wanted 912 00:40:44,609 --> 00:40:46,809 To meet with anita's family, too. 913 00:40:46,811 --> 00:40:48,479 These are the kind of conversations 914 00:40:48,481 --> 00:40:50,881 Cold case investigators live for. 915 00:40:50,883 --> 00:40:53,616 -Okay. -So... 916 00:40:53,618 --> 00:40:54,817 [voice breaking] I'm sorry. I'm gonna get worked up 917 00:40:54,819 --> 00:40:57,421 For you guys, but, um... -Okay, all right. 918 00:40:57,423 --> 00:41:00,357 -I don't know if I can do this. -[laughs] 919 00:41:00,359 --> 00:41:04,093 So we were able to, um, speak to our d.A., 920 00:41:04,095 --> 00:41:06,429 And we are on board with... [sobs] moving forward 921 00:41:06,431 --> 00:41:09,765 With criminal charges for nichole thomas. 922 00:41:09,767 --> 00:41:12,236 -My word. -She's gonna be arrested. 923 00:41:12,238 --> 00:41:13,704 Okay. 924 00:41:13,706 --> 00:41:16,240 Everywhere we went, your whole community 925 00:41:16,242 --> 00:41:17,708 Was so excited. 926 00:41:17,710 --> 00:41:20,776 Everybody was cooperative, and I think it's wonderful 927 00:41:20,778 --> 00:41:24,047 To see a world that is so appreciative 928 00:41:24,049 --> 00:41:25,982 Of what a special, special person anita was. 929 00:41:25,984 --> 00:41:28,851 Well, we know that. 930 00:41:28,853 --> 00:41:31,921 I can't believe you're doing this. It's great. 931 00:41:31,923 --> 00:41:34,190 'cause we didn't seem like we were just ever, ever 932 00:41:34,192 --> 00:41:37,660 Gonna get to any-- any point of anything. 933 00:41:37,662 --> 00:41:41,130 Having the resources come in to support us 934 00:41:41,132 --> 00:41:43,332 And to get us over that threshold 935 00:41:43,334 --> 00:41:45,334 So we could get to this point, 936 00:41:45,336 --> 00:41:47,937 It's a load off of all of our shoulders. 937 00:41:47,939 --> 00:41:49,338 We'd always hoped to get to this day, and... 938 00:41:49,340 --> 00:41:50,673 -Yeah, great. -Yeah. 939 00:41:50,675 --> 00:41:53,476 -...We're finally there. -It's unbelievable, yeah. 940 00:41:53,478 --> 00:41:55,545 Because anita was such a special person, 941 00:41:55,547 --> 00:41:58,949 The people in ward county and minot and velva, 942 00:41:58,951 --> 00:42:01,752 Them wanting to make this case be solved along with your 943 00:42:01,754 --> 00:42:04,620 Police department's investment, that is what made it work, 944 00:42:04,622 --> 00:42:06,756 And I wish it happened everywhere we go. 945 00:42:06,758 --> 00:42:09,692 But it does not, and that's what did it. 946 00:42:09,694 --> 00:42:11,160 Very thankful for you guys, all of you. 947 00:42:11,162 --> 00:42:12,628 Yes, thank you. 948 00:42:12,630 --> 00:42:17,433 It's been 15 years, and there's such a relief right now 949 00:42:17,435 --> 00:42:23,439 In my feelings to think that we can proceed. 950 00:42:23,441 --> 00:42:27,911 I am absolutely overwhelmed today. 951 00:42:27,913 --> 00:42:31,147 I am so grateful. 952 00:42:31,149 --> 00:42:34,051 [voice breaking] very grateful. 953 00:42:36,989 --> 00:42:39,288 [sniffles] 954 00:42:39,290 --> 00:42:41,391 Thank you very, very, very much. 955 00:42:41,393 --> 00:42:42,993 ♪ hold on to hope ♪ 956 00:42:42,995 --> 00:42:47,464 ♪ you know that you got me in your corner ♪ 957 00:42:47,466 --> 00:42:51,935 ♪ 'cause I will fight for you ♪ 958 00:42:51,937 --> 00:42:57,807 ♪ oh, I will fight for you ♪ 959 00:42:59,811 --> 00:43:03,079 ♪♪♪ 960 00:43:03,081 --> 00:43:05,281 Chief klug: A young girl with a great future 961 00:43:05,283 --> 00:43:08,485 Was taken away from her family way too soon. 962 00:43:08,487 --> 00:43:11,021 We tried to actively investigate anita's case 963 00:43:11,023 --> 00:43:12,621 For the past few years, 964 00:43:12,623 --> 00:43:14,391 And finally with the help of "cold justice," 965 00:43:14,393 --> 00:43:16,659 We were able to move forward. 966 00:43:16,661 --> 00:43:18,961 At about 3:25 p.M., 34-year-old nichole rice 967 00:43:18,963 --> 00:43:23,499 Was arrested for murder and taken to ward county jail. 968 00:43:23,501 --> 00:43:25,501 My heart goes out to the family. 969 00:43:25,503 --> 00:43:26,969 I wish we could have solved this sooner, 970 00:43:26,971 --> 00:43:30,173 But at the same time, I'm glad to say that we have 971 00:43:30,175 --> 00:43:32,041 The person responsible for the murder 972 00:43:32,043 --> 00:43:35,111 Of anita knutson in custody. 973 00:43:35,113 --> 00:43:43,553 ♪♪♪