1 00:00:07,140 --> 00:00:08,473 - I'm craig melvin, 2 00:00:08,475 --> 00:00:12,611 And this is dateline: Secrets uncovered. 3 00:00:12,813 --> 00:00:15,446 - Ann's dad called me and told me ann was dead. 4 00:00:15,449 --> 00:00:17,749 - I looked down the basement, could clearly see 5 00:00:17,751 --> 00:00:19,017 Somebody's legs. 6 00:00:19,052 --> 00:00:22,220 - Cara says, I don't know, maybe she fell down the stairs. 7 00:00:22,422 --> 00:00:24,756 - I had nightmares for months. 8 00:00:24,792 --> 00:00:27,125 - There was paint all over the place. 9 00:00:27,127 --> 00:00:30,061 One of the most odd scenarios I could have ever dreamed of. 10 00:00:30,063 --> 00:00:31,830 - What do you make of the paint? - To cover up. 11 00:00:31,832 --> 00:00:32,897 It's simple as that. 12 00:00:32,899 --> 00:00:34,899 - Things were moved before we got here. 13 00:00:34,901 --> 00:00:37,736 This isn't what it's made out to be. 14 00:00:37,938 --> 00:00:39,404 - I know they had their problems. 15 00:00:39,406 --> 00:00:40,872 I think every relationship struggles. 16 00:00:41,074 --> 00:00:43,675 - Annamarie was a big spender. She owed other people money. 17 00:00:43,677 --> 00:00:45,910 - It was a relationship of extremes. 18 00:00:45,946 --> 00:00:48,647 Hot, cold. Wild, calm. 19 00:00:48,649 --> 00:00:50,815 - There's a guy named mark. - He was a married man. 20 00:00:51,017 --> 00:00:52,717 Clearly, there was an emotional affair 21 00:00:52,719 --> 00:00:55,387 Between mark and ann, at a minimum. 22 00:00:55,389 --> 00:00:57,455 - When buttons are pushed, people get angry. 23 00:00:57,458 --> 00:00:58,657 People get upset. 24 00:00:58,859 --> 00:01:00,625 - A history making case. 25 00:01:00,827 --> 00:01:04,429 And after four trials, a surprising verdict. 26 00:01:04,631 --> 00:01:07,666 - Ladies and gentlemen, this whole investigation 27 00:01:07,868 --> 00:01:10,235 Started with a lie. - It was a blow. 28 00:01:10,437 --> 00:01:11,970 It was a real a gut punch. 29 00:01:12,039 --> 00:01:14,205 - You know, love is crazy. 30 00:01:14,307 --> 00:01:22,514 ♪ 31 00:01:22,516 --> 00:01:26,150 - Hello, and welcome to dateline: Secrets uncovered. 32 00:01:26,153 --> 00:01:29,087 Ann and cara rintala were trailblazers, 33 00:01:29,289 --> 00:01:32,691 Among the first same sex couples in the u.S. To marry. 34 00:01:32,693 --> 00:01:34,226 They appeared to have it all, 35 00:01:34,428 --> 00:01:36,695 Juggling demanding jobs as paramedics 36 00:01:36,697 --> 00:01:38,697 With raising a young daughter. 37 00:01:38,899 --> 00:01:41,299 But when ann was found dead, 38 00:01:41,501 --> 00:01:43,635 A series of ugly secrets emerged, 39 00:01:43,837 --> 00:01:47,439 Handing detectives a complicated mystery. 40 00:01:47,641 --> 00:01:51,143 Here's dennis murphy with down the basement stairs. 41 00:01:52,212 --> 00:01:54,913 - March 29th, 2010 42 00:01:54,915 --> 00:01:58,050 A dank, rainy day in granby, massachusetts. 43 00:01:58,252 --> 00:02:00,452 Cara rintala, a 30-something mom, 44 00:02:00,454 --> 00:02:03,488 Was out running errands with her two year old daughter. 45 00:02:03,690 --> 00:02:05,624 When they got home around 7:00 p.M., 46 00:02:05,826 --> 00:02:07,960 They found something truly shocking. 47 00:02:07,962 --> 00:02:11,562 Cara's wife lying at the bottom of the basement stairs. 48 00:02:11,565 --> 00:02:14,065 Cara grabbed their daughter and raced to her neighbor's, 49 00:02:14,067 --> 00:02:17,636 Then home again, this time alone. 50 00:02:22,542 --> 00:02:23,675 She was. 51 00:02:23,677 --> 00:02:26,278 When sergeant gary poller of the granby police department 52 00:02:26,480 --> 00:02:29,380 Arrived at the rintala house about 7:20, 53 00:02:29,582 --> 00:02:31,883 He heard cara before he saw her. 54 00:02:31,885 --> 00:02:34,819 - It was, "she's dead. I can't believe she's dead." 55 00:02:34,821 --> 00:02:37,723 Crying, uh, lots of crying. 56 00:02:37,925 --> 00:02:40,825 - Nothing prepared sergeant poller for what he saw 57 00:02:40,827 --> 00:02:43,695 When he went down those basement stairs. 58 00:02:43,897 --> 00:02:47,065 There was cara rintala sitting on the floor 59 00:02:47,267 --> 00:02:48,900 With a female-- look like a female party 60 00:02:48,903 --> 00:02:50,168 Across her lap. 61 00:02:50,370 --> 00:02:51,769 Later found out it was annamarie. 62 00:02:51,971 --> 00:02:56,374 She had her eyes open. Her arms were out, um, 63 00:02:56,576 --> 00:02:58,110 Extended like this. 64 00:02:58,312 --> 00:03:01,179 - There was blood smeared and streaked 65 00:03:01,181 --> 00:03:03,582 And something truly weird. 66 00:03:03,784 --> 00:03:06,084 - Paint all over the place. 67 00:03:06,086 --> 00:03:09,187 All over this female that she had across her lap. 68 00:03:09,389 --> 00:03:11,957 - Within minutes, more first responders arrived. 69 00:03:12,025 --> 00:03:13,692 A surreal scene because both cara 70 00:03:13,760 --> 00:03:15,460 And her wife were paramedics, 71 00:03:15,663 --> 00:03:18,196 Had worked with some of the same responders, 72 00:03:18,199 --> 00:03:20,932 Now helping an hysterical cara out from beneath 73 00:03:20,935 --> 00:03:22,200 Her wife's body. 74 00:03:22,202 --> 00:03:25,336 - I said, oh my god, you know, you got to be kidding me. 75 00:03:25,538 --> 00:03:27,605 The phone calls to family and friends started 76 00:03:27,608 --> 00:03:30,709 Later that night, a shattered cara on the line. 77 00:03:30,911 --> 00:03:34,078 The news heartbreaking, incomprehensible. 78 00:03:34,280 --> 00:03:37,015 - It was devastating. 79 00:03:37,017 --> 00:03:39,884 - 37 year old annamarie cochrane rintala 80 00:03:39,886 --> 00:03:40,819 Was dead. 81 00:03:41,021 --> 00:03:42,020 - Ah, it couldn't be-- it couldn't be true. 82 00:03:42,222 --> 00:03:43,688 It's just wrong. 83 00:03:43,890 --> 00:03:45,490 - As police videoed the basement, 84 00:03:45,492 --> 00:03:47,826 Massachusetts state trooper jamie magarian, 85 00:03:47,828 --> 00:03:50,528 The lead investigator arrived at the scene, 86 00:03:50,530 --> 00:03:52,630 Studied it, let it talk to him. 87 00:03:52,633 --> 00:03:54,199 Any obvious injuries to the victim here? 88 00:03:54,268 --> 00:03:56,167 Are we talking about stab wounds, 89 00:03:56,169 --> 00:03:57,836 Bullet hole, lacerations, abrasions? 90 00:03:57,838 --> 00:03:59,371 - The things t-that strike me, you know, 91 00:03:59,573 --> 00:04:00,639 There's a large amount of blood 92 00:04:00,841 --> 00:04:04,376 And there's several lacerations to the head. 93 00:04:04,378 --> 00:04:07,045 - It seemed as though the body had been there for a while. 94 00:04:07,047 --> 00:04:09,314 - When I touched the deceased for the first time 95 00:04:09,516 --> 00:04:11,315 With the rigor mortis setting in, 96 00:04:11,318 --> 00:04:14,486 I thought how long that body had been on that floor. 97 00:04:14,488 --> 00:04:17,121 - There was an open paint bucket at the scene 98 00:04:17,123 --> 00:04:20,058 And paint, light colored paint everywhere. 99 00:04:20,260 --> 00:04:22,126 - The paint, to me, is fresh paint. 100 00:04:22,162 --> 00:04:23,328 It's wet. 101 00:04:23,330 --> 00:04:25,597 There was a thin layer of paint on the deceased 102 00:04:25,799 --> 00:04:27,332 That appeared to be dry in some spots, 103 00:04:27,534 --> 00:04:29,233 But then there was other paint on the deceased 104 00:04:29,436 --> 00:04:30,402 That was still wet, 105 00:04:30,604 --> 00:04:32,804 And a large amount of paint on the floor that was wet. 106 00:04:33,006 --> 00:04:36,074 - Did this look like the case of somebody who had 107 00:04:36,109 --> 00:04:38,610 Taken a bad fall, and somehow ends up 108 00:04:38,612 --> 00:04:39,744 Knocking into the paint cans 109 00:04:39,946 --> 00:04:41,279 And causing the paint to spill over them? 110 00:04:41,281 --> 00:04:42,747 - No, because in the configuration 111 00:04:42,749 --> 00:04:45,550 Of where the deceased was in relation to the stairs 112 00:04:45,752 --> 00:04:48,020 And where the paint bucket was, you couldn't fall 113 00:04:48,222 --> 00:04:50,989 Directly down those stairs and tip that paint over. 114 00:04:50,991 --> 00:04:52,824 - Other things spoke to the trooper-- 115 00:04:52,826 --> 00:04:55,693 Items on the basement floor with blood under them 116 00:04:55,696 --> 00:04:58,096 Like a laundry basket. What's that tell you? 117 00:04:58,298 --> 00:05:00,498 - It tells me that, you know, things in this crime scene 118 00:05:00,700 --> 00:05:03,067 Were moved before we got here. 119 00:05:03,070 --> 00:05:04,402 - Late that night, cara went to 120 00:05:04,604 --> 00:05:07,205 The granby police department for an interview. 121 00:05:07,408 --> 00:05:08,606 It was almost midnight 122 00:05:08,608 --> 00:05:11,676 When detective lieutenant robin whitney hit record. 123 00:05:11,878 --> 00:05:14,646 Turning the clock back to 8:30 that same morning, 124 00:05:14,648 --> 00:05:17,883 When ann got home from her overnight shift. 125 00:05:21,721 --> 00:05:24,055 Playtime with the couple's daughter, brianna, followed. 126 00:05:24,058 --> 00:05:26,258 There was lunch and then a request from ann, 127 00:05:26,460 --> 00:05:29,361 Who was trying to nap before another overnight shift. 128 00:05:34,835 --> 00:05:37,169 And that's why, cara said, she and brianna ended up 129 00:05:37,371 --> 00:05:39,304 On that afternoon of errands. 130 00:05:39,306 --> 00:05:41,105 They left the house about 3 p.M., 131 00:05:41,107 --> 00:05:43,207 She told detective lieutenant whitney, 132 00:05:43,209 --> 00:05:45,510 The goodbye to ann just matter of fact. 133 00:05:55,055 --> 00:05:56,988 Mother and daughter shopped at the mall, 134 00:05:57,191 --> 00:06:00,625 Going to mcdonald's to grab food and then-- change of heart-- 135 00:06:00,827 --> 00:06:03,261 Going to a burger king instead for mac and cheese. 136 00:06:07,501 --> 00:06:11,436 Then home, brianna spotted ann's body first. 137 00:06:24,017 --> 00:06:25,884 After she left brianna at the neighbors', 138 00:06:25,886 --> 00:06:27,552 Cara went downstairs to ann. 139 00:06:44,404 --> 00:06:45,670 And then, she said, 140 00:06:45,872 --> 00:06:48,573 She sat with her arms around her wife's body. 141 00:07:00,420 --> 00:07:02,420 It was a poignant picture, to be sure. 142 00:07:02,622 --> 00:07:05,123 A dead wife, a devastated spouse, 143 00:07:05,325 --> 00:07:07,559 A little girl who lost a mother. 144 00:07:07,561 --> 00:07:12,330 But what had really happened at the bottom of those stairs? 145 00:07:24,577 --> 00:07:27,045 ♪ the news of ann cochrane rintala's death 146 00:07:27,247 --> 00:07:30,815 Reverberated among her friends and family for days. 147 00:07:30,817 --> 00:07:33,185 A young mother, her daughter, still a toddler, 148 00:07:33,387 --> 00:07:35,353 Was dead on the basement floor. 149 00:07:35,555 --> 00:07:37,589 How did you find out something awful had happened? 150 00:07:37,591 --> 00:07:40,659 - I was at my desk at work, and my wife at the time 151 00:07:40,727 --> 00:07:43,327 Called me and said, "sit down." 152 00:07:43,529 --> 00:07:46,164 - I heard there was an accident. That's what I heard. 153 00:07:46,166 --> 00:07:47,365 - A huge loss. 154 00:07:47,567 --> 00:07:49,067 Because if ever there was a woman 155 00:07:49,069 --> 00:07:52,136 Who took life in big gulps, it was ann. 156 00:07:52,338 --> 00:07:56,540 She loved laughing, singing and parades on the 4th of July. 157 00:07:56,543 --> 00:08:00,011 - The parade and the music and the fireworks. 158 00:08:00,013 --> 00:08:02,814 And it was just, like, a huge celebration. 159 00:08:03,016 --> 00:08:04,015 Like, that was ann. 160 00:08:04,017 --> 00:08:05,850 Like, if she could have celebrated every day, 161 00:08:06,052 --> 00:08:07,919 She would celebrate every day. 162 00:08:07,954 --> 00:08:10,688 - Jen cochrane, ann's former sister in law. 163 00:08:10,723 --> 00:08:12,790 - I remember my 30th birthday party. 164 00:08:12,792 --> 00:08:15,627 She was there and she would be the emcee 165 00:08:15,829 --> 00:08:17,095 And that was her. 166 00:08:17,097 --> 00:08:19,898 I can't even explain what she would do. 167 00:08:20,100 --> 00:08:23,835 And you would laugh to the point where your stomach would hurt, 168 00:08:23,837 --> 00:08:25,570 But that was her. 169 00:08:25,772 --> 00:08:26,704 - Even as a little girl 170 00:08:26,706 --> 00:08:28,840 Growing up in a big irish-italian family 171 00:08:29,042 --> 00:08:32,510 In springfield, mass, ann loved the limelight. 172 00:08:32,712 --> 00:08:34,378 Her uncle pasquale martin. 173 00:08:34,380 --> 00:08:37,181 The first time I had seen her take the stage 174 00:08:37,383 --> 00:08:40,051 And sing mambo italiano, it just knocked me out. 175 00:08:40,253 --> 00:08:43,321 - Not afraid of the spotlight? - Nah, she loved it. 176 00:08:43,523 --> 00:08:45,523 - She could belt it out to the rafters, 177 00:08:45,525 --> 00:08:47,591 But was she any good? 178 00:08:47,594 --> 00:08:49,761 Her friends, tj donahue and mary patron 179 00:08:49,963 --> 00:08:52,464 Aren't diplomatic. - She thought so. 180 00:08:52,466 --> 00:08:54,966 - She was bra-- oh! - No, she-- she had-- 181 00:08:54,968 --> 00:08:56,534 She could carry a tune, but she thought 182 00:08:56,537 --> 00:08:58,336 She was much better than she actually was. 183 00:08:58,338 --> 00:08:59,604 - It didn't really matter. - It didn't. 184 00:08:59,806 --> 00:09:03,074 - Because she had the charisma to kind of pull off anything. 185 00:09:03,276 --> 00:09:04,709 - When she settled into a career, 186 00:09:04,911 --> 00:09:08,113 The bright lights she went for were atop an ambulance. 187 00:09:08,181 --> 00:09:10,715 That's how she came to be a paramedic. 188 00:09:10,784 --> 00:09:12,483 That was another thing about ann, 189 00:09:12,685 --> 00:09:14,886 She wasn't all, "look at me in the spotlight." 190 00:09:15,088 --> 00:09:17,822 She wanted to serve, too. - She liked helping people. 191 00:09:18,024 --> 00:09:20,258 So I'm not surprised that she ended up working with people. 192 00:09:20,460 --> 00:09:22,327 - Did she like the adrenaline of it? 193 00:09:22,529 --> 00:09:24,162 Running hot with the blue lights going? 194 00:09:24,164 --> 00:09:26,030 - I would say yes. - I would say yes, 100%. 195 00:09:26,232 --> 00:09:27,098 - You can see that in her character? 196 00:09:27,300 --> 00:09:29,233 - Definitely. - Yeah, t-that's who she was. 197 00:09:29,235 --> 00:09:32,436 - It was under those flashing lights back in 2002, 198 00:09:32,638 --> 00:09:35,907 That and met another paramedic named cara rintala 199 00:09:35,909 --> 00:09:37,375 And fell for her. 200 00:09:37,377 --> 00:09:39,577 Like ann, cara was compassionate. 201 00:09:39,779 --> 00:09:42,413 But, in other ways, she was ann's opposite. 202 00:09:42,415 --> 00:09:45,183 If everything about ann was larger than life, 203 00:09:45,185 --> 00:09:48,853 Everything about cara was contained, even cautious. 204 00:09:49,055 --> 00:09:51,122 Sandy montana is cara's mom. 205 00:09:51,324 --> 00:09:53,357 Carl montana, her stepdad. 206 00:09:53,559 --> 00:09:55,459 - She had a plan. Always had a plan. 207 00:09:55,461 --> 00:10:01,265 Was very, uh, conscious of where she was headed in life. 208 00:10:01,267 --> 00:10:02,934 - After a couple of years together 209 00:10:02,936 --> 00:10:06,871 Ann moved into cara's house in the western mass town of granby, 210 00:10:06,873 --> 00:10:09,340 And they decided to adopt. 211 00:10:09,343 --> 00:10:12,110 This is a real step, sandy. I mean, this is a commitment. 212 00:10:12,112 --> 00:10:15,213 - Yeah. And so I don't think it was looked upon lightly. 213 00:10:15,215 --> 00:10:18,149 I remember that cara wanted a 2 or 3 year old boy, 214 00:10:18,351 --> 00:10:22,621 And they ended up with a six day old girl. 215 00:10:22,823 --> 00:10:25,156 Weeks after brianna came into their lives, 216 00:10:25,358 --> 00:10:29,493 Ann and cara quietly went to the courthouse and got hitched. 217 00:10:29,495 --> 00:10:31,763 She and anna are defining their relationship 218 00:10:31,765 --> 00:10:35,934 At a very prominent time in american sexual politics. 219 00:10:35,936 --> 00:10:37,001 - Oh, yeah. 220 00:10:37,203 --> 00:10:38,136 - And especially in the state of massachusetts, 221 00:10:38,338 --> 00:10:40,504 Which was taking the lead on same sex relationships 222 00:10:40,706 --> 00:10:42,506 And courts and all of a sudden, 223 00:10:42,508 --> 00:10:44,242 Couples are getting married in the courthouse. 224 00:10:44,444 --> 00:10:48,045 - Well, um, I don't think that cara would have gotten married, 225 00:10:48,048 --> 00:10:52,951 But ann really wanted to have the same last name as brianna. 226 00:10:54,086 --> 00:10:54,886 - In the years that followed, 227 00:10:55,088 --> 00:10:56,988 There were happy times with brianna, 228 00:10:57,190 --> 00:11:00,057 The little girl who meant the world to them. 229 00:11:00,060 --> 00:11:03,194 A day before ann died, they attended service 230 00:11:03,196 --> 00:11:05,797 At the reverend laurie souter serene church, 231 00:11:05,799 --> 00:11:07,865 And everyone seemed so contented, 232 00:11:08,067 --> 00:11:09,667 Fresh from a vacation. 233 00:11:09,669 --> 00:11:13,037 - When I stand at the pulpit and I look around 234 00:11:13,239 --> 00:11:16,340 And it's like they're here. They've returned. 235 00:11:16,542 --> 00:11:21,479 I knew they were away in florida and they were full of light. 236 00:11:21,481 --> 00:11:23,481 - When suzanne cordes, a friend from church, 237 00:11:23,483 --> 00:11:25,349 Saw them after the service, 238 00:11:25,551 --> 00:11:28,419 They struck her as a couple who had it all together. 239 00:11:28,422 --> 00:11:31,956 - They were showing me pictures of a trip they had gone on, 240 00:11:31,958 --> 00:11:35,794 And they seemed, like, perfectly happy. 241 00:11:35,796 --> 00:11:38,896 - So how to explain that horror at the bottom of the stairs? 242 00:11:39,098 --> 00:11:41,065 The investigators focused on that paint 243 00:11:41,067 --> 00:11:44,936 All over the place, on the body and beside it. 244 00:11:44,938 --> 00:11:46,304 They asked cara to explain. 245 00:11:53,412 --> 00:11:55,980 It looked as though ann fell down those stairs. 246 00:11:55,982 --> 00:12:00,785 But was it really an accident or something more sinister? 247 00:12:00,987 --> 00:12:02,553 - I seriously... - You couldn't rule that out 248 00:12:02,755 --> 00:12:03,221 At that point. - You can't-- 249 00:12:03,423 --> 00:12:05,189 You can't rule anything out. 250 00:12:05,391 --> 00:12:08,359 - Trooper magarian was determined to find out. 251 00:12:08,361 --> 00:12:12,330 Little did he know how long it would take. 252 00:12:24,711 --> 00:12:26,811 ♪ over time, investigators became convinced 253 00:12:26,880 --> 00:12:28,646 That something sinister had happened 254 00:12:28,849 --> 00:12:30,381 In the rintala basement. 255 00:12:30,584 --> 00:12:32,950 Lead investigator jamie magarian. 256 00:12:32,952 --> 00:12:34,285 - We have wet paint. 257 00:12:34,287 --> 00:12:36,554 We know items are moved in the basement. 258 00:12:36,556 --> 00:12:38,756 Those are all flags that come up. 259 00:12:38,791 --> 00:12:41,559 - The medical examiner confirmed those suspicions. 260 00:12:41,561 --> 00:12:46,698 Cause of death, strangulation. Ann was a homicide victim. 261 00:12:46,900 --> 00:12:48,399 Her uncle, pasquale martin. 262 00:12:48,601 --> 00:12:49,667 - Uh, t-that was tough. 263 00:12:49,869 --> 00:12:51,569 - An accidental death would have been easier, wouldn't it? 264 00:12:51,771 --> 00:12:53,605 - Of course it would. But to have somebody 265 00:12:53,607 --> 00:12:58,175 Rob somebody from you-- steal, take, murder. 266 00:12:58,178 --> 00:13:01,112 Just rip 'em from the world, I-I-- you know? 267 00:13:01,314 --> 00:13:02,780 Hard to fathom, hard to swallow. 268 00:13:02,982 --> 00:13:04,848 An accidental death, no one likes it. 269 00:13:04,851 --> 00:13:07,018 But we're human. W-we deal with these things. 270 00:13:07,020 --> 00:13:10,121 But this was far and beyond. Very hard to-- 271 00:13:10,123 --> 00:13:12,290 It's still hard to accept. 272 00:13:12,292 --> 00:13:14,993 - Now, investigators were looking into a murder. 273 00:13:15,061 --> 00:13:18,262 They began a deep dive into ann's life. 274 00:13:18,264 --> 00:13:20,464 Prosecutor steve gagne and jenn suhl of 275 00:13:20,666 --> 00:13:23,735 The district attorney's office joined the team. 276 00:13:23,937 --> 00:13:27,138 They learned that while cara and ann both had male friends, 277 00:13:27,340 --> 00:13:30,308 Ann's relationships could be complicated. 278 00:13:30,510 --> 00:13:31,709 Take the things she had going 279 00:13:31,911 --> 00:13:34,878 With a fellow paramedic named mark oleksak 280 00:13:34,881 --> 00:13:37,849 - Mark oleksak was a very close friend of annamarie. 281 00:13:38,051 --> 00:13:39,017 They started as coworkers, 282 00:13:39,085 --> 00:13:41,352 Then became very, very close friends. 283 00:13:41,554 --> 00:13:43,955 - The two were on intimate texting terms. 284 00:13:43,957 --> 00:13:45,757 That last morning, ann texted mark, 285 00:13:45,959 --> 00:13:48,393 Asking him to go to best buy for her. 286 00:13:55,301 --> 00:13:56,534 Mark, at the time, is a married man. 287 00:13:56,536 --> 00:13:58,402 - He was a married man, two children. 288 00:13:58,404 --> 00:13:59,437 I think very clearly 289 00:13:59,439 --> 00:14:01,138 There was an emotional affair, at a minimum, 290 00:14:01,341 --> 00:14:04,142 That happened between mark and ann. 291 00:14:04,144 --> 00:14:06,010 - Investigators didn't think the two had 292 00:14:06,012 --> 00:14:07,779 A sexual relationship, 293 00:14:07,781 --> 00:14:10,848 But it was clear they had a financial thing going. 294 00:14:10,850 --> 00:14:13,584 Mark opened his line of credit to ann. 295 00:14:13,587 --> 00:14:15,753 No small thing where ann was concerned, 296 00:14:15,956 --> 00:14:18,556 Because her big passion was shopping. 297 00:14:18,758 --> 00:14:21,525 - Ann's friends, tj donohue and mary patron. 298 00:14:21,527 --> 00:14:24,495 - I do know that ann loves, um, jewelry. 299 00:14:24,497 --> 00:14:26,964 She loves nice things-- - gadgets, right? 300 00:14:27,166 --> 00:14:30,168 - Yes, gadgets, cameras. I mean she loved to spend money. 301 00:14:30,170 --> 00:14:32,970 - And sometimes the spending got ahead of her. 302 00:14:33,005 --> 00:14:35,306 Mark learned that. - He cosigned, I think it was, 303 00:14:35,308 --> 00:14:36,574 Three total credit cards with her, 304 00:14:36,776 --> 00:14:41,379 One of which had racked up about a $7,000 balance at one point. 305 00:14:41,581 --> 00:14:44,048 - Another thing, when investigators asked mark 306 00:14:44,050 --> 00:14:45,916 What he was doing the day of the murder, 307 00:14:46,118 --> 00:14:47,719 He wasn't straight with the facts. 308 00:14:47,921 --> 00:14:49,654 He told them he was at home. 309 00:14:49,856 --> 00:14:53,157 Then he said he'd actually gone shopping and dined out. 310 00:14:53,359 --> 00:14:54,392 That must make your nose twitch 311 00:14:54,394 --> 00:14:56,193 When a guy doesn't give you the straight out story. 312 00:14:56,195 --> 00:15:00,398 - I agree it's going to raise the suspicions a little bit. 313 00:15:00,600 --> 00:15:03,367 - But mark had receipts for his purchases that day, 314 00:15:03,369 --> 00:15:06,136 And his final text with ann were affectionate. 315 00:15:06,138 --> 00:15:07,471 - Even the morning of the murder, 316 00:15:07,473 --> 00:15:09,440 They were very lovey dovey on text messages 317 00:15:09,442 --> 00:15:10,574 That particular morning. 318 00:15:10,576 --> 00:15:11,475 - And you don't think the financial-- 319 00:15:11,511 --> 00:15:13,244 The outstanding debt gets you there? 320 00:15:13,446 --> 00:15:15,679 - No, there was nothing to suggest that 321 00:15:15,681 --> 00:15:18,115 Mark was upset about that outstanding debt. 322 00:15:18,117 --> 00:15:21,318 She was paying him back for that debt. 323 00:15:21,321 --> 00:15:24,188 - He seemed to be in the clear. Investigators, meanwhile, 324 00:15:24,190 --> 00:15:26,156 Were looking at another possible, 325 00:15:26,158 --> 00:15:29,060 A police officer named carla daniele. 326 00:15:29,262 --> 00:15:31,395 Ann dated her before she met cara. 327 00:15:31,597 --> 00:15:34,498 And perhaps more importantly, they had another fling 328 00:15:34,700 --> 00:15:36,300 The year before ann's death, 329 00:15:36,502 --> 00:15:38,469 When she and cara briefly separated. 330 00:15:38,471 --> 00:15:41,739 - And from carla's perspective, perhaps the love of her life 331 00:15:41,941 --> 00:15:43,074 Was coming back to her. 332 00:15:43,076 --> 00:15:45,042 - And some more credit cards and more spending here, huh? 333 00:15:45,244 --> 00:15:47,745 - Yes, and as with, uh, ann's friend mark, 334 00:15:47,947 --> 00:15:51,615 Ann started to, uh, rack up a little bit of debt 335 00:15:51,617 --> 00:15:53,351 On carla's behalf. 336 00:15:53,553 --> 00:15:56,754 - Racked up about $10,000 on carla's card. 337 00:15:56,956 --> 00:16:00,825 But then in late 2009, ann returned to her wife, 338 00:16:00,827 --> 00:16:01,726 Left carla. 339 00:16:01,928 --> 00:16:03,361 She was dumped, huh? - She was blindsided. 340 00:16:03,563 --> 00:16:05,196 Carla said she was devastated. 341 00:16:05,198 --> 00:16:07,364 She took it very hard. 342 00:16:07,367 --> 00:16:10,568 - So was carla in the basement that March day? 343 00:16:10,770 --> 00:16:13,204 Here's a person who was romantically involved, 344 00:16:13,206 --> 00:16:15,506 Emotionally tied to her is dumped, 345 00:16:15,708 --> 00:16:17,141 And there are money issues between them. 346 00:16:17,343 --> 00:16:20,912 - She was on the short list of persons of interest or suspects, 347 00:16:20,914 --> 00:16:22,813 Call them what you will. 348 00:16:22,815 --> 00:16:25,516 - But carla told investigators she was at her gym, 349 00:16:25,518 --> 00:16:27,518 A half hour drive from the rintala house 350 00:16:27,720 --> 00:16:29,386 The afternoon of the murder. 351 00:16:29,455 --> 00:16:31,622 She said she went out for a long run. 352 00:16:31,824 --> 00:16:34,158 Security images supported her account. 353 00:16:34,160 --> 00:16:38,061 Is carla's alibi rock solid, or does it have a window 354 00:16:38,064 --> 00:16:38,930 For foul play? 355 00:16:38,932 --> 00:16:41,665 - I would say it's pretty rock solid. 356 00:16:41,867 --> 00:16:44,168 Unless she had access to a helicopter. 357 00:16:44,170 --> 00:16:47,204 - So while carla might hypothetically fit in 358 00:16:47,406 --> 00:16:50,674 To a motive for this crime, the facts of it dismiss her. 359 00:16:50,676 --> 00:16:52,343 - Absolutely. - She's not there. 360 00:16:52,345 --> 00:16:54,512 - Most importantly, too, she, much like mark, 361 00:16:54,514 --> 00:16:57,548 Would have no idea, no way of knowing 362 00:16:57,750 --> 00:16:59,951 That ann would be home alone at that time. 363 00:16:59,953 --> 00:17:01,819 - That left investigators with a suspect 364 00:17:02,021 --> 00:17:04,288 Who topped their list since the murder. 365 00:17:04,290 --> 00:17:07,091 The person who knew ann best, who loved her 366 00:17:07,293 --> 00:17:10,828 And who could get into it with her behind closed doors. 367 00:17:10,896 --> 00:17:12,864 As cara admitted in her police interview... 368 00:17:21,707 --> 00:17:24,842 Investigators learned their troubles were well-documented. 369 00:17:25,044 --> 00:17:28,312 In 2008, ann had cara arrested for assault. 370 00:17:28,514 --> 00:17:30,047 She dropped the charges. 371 00:17:30,082 --> 00:17:32,083 A year later, the couple not only separated, 372 00:17:32,285 --> 00:17:36,420 Each woman filed for divorce with ann asking for sole custody 373 00:17:36,422 --> 00:17:37,655 Of brianna. 374 00:17:37,657 --> 00:17:39,690 Each woman also applied for a restraining order 375 00:17:39,893 --> 00:17:43,261 Against the other, brianna caught in the middle. 376 00:17:43,329 --> 00:17:46,497 - When the other would try to pull brianna away, 377 00:17:46,499 --> 00:17:47,999 That was problematic. 378 00:17:48,201 --> 00:17:50,234 - So the child was the glue that held them together, 379 00:17:50,436 --> 00:17:53,370 But it was also the source of a lot of this friction, huh? 380 00:17:53,372 --> 00:17:54,505 - Correct. 381 00:17:54,707 --> 00:17:58,409 - Money was an issue, too, as it so often was, with ann. 382 00:17:58,411 --> 00:18:01,645 - Their finances were now starting to become co-mingled, 383 00:18:01,647 --> 00:18:04,415 And ann's debt and ann's spending problems were part-- 384 00:18:04,617 --> 00:18:06,684 Starting to become a problem for cara, too. 385 00:18:06,686 --> 00:18:08,886 - But in early 2010, they appeared to be 386 00:18:09,088 --> 00:18:10,621 Working on their marriage. 387 00:18:10,623 --> 00:18:14,058 In February, they went on that trip. 388 00:18:14,260 --> 00:18:17,995 Then came March 29th, the bottom of the stairs. 389 00:18:18,198 --> 00:18:20,798 And only one person investigators believed 390 00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:24,902 Had the opportunity and motive to kill that day. 391 00:18:24,904 --> 00:18:26,604 - All the evidence kept leading us 392 00:18:26,806 --> 00:18:29,107 Right back to barton street, where that homicide occurred. 393 00:18:29,309 --> 00:18:33,044 A stiff body and wet paint and cara's not working that day. 394 00:18:33,046 --> 00:18:35,479 Whoever is in that house disturbing that scene, 395 00:18:35,681 --> 00:18:38,115 Creating that break in, is very comfortable 396 00:18:38,317 --> 00:18:40,183 That nobody else is coming home. 397 00:18:40,186 --> 00:18:42,319 No one else has that comfort. 398 00:18:42,354 --> 00:18:44,755 - But they knew they had a circumstantial case. 399 00:18:44,757 --> 00:18:47,458 - If there was a weak spot, it was that there was 400 00:18:47,460 --> 00:18:49,260 No single piece of evidence 401 00:18:49,262 --> 00:18:52,663 Which conclusively said cara rintala killed her wife. 402 00:18:52,865 --> 00:18:54,998 There were a lot of dots, a lot of puzzle pieces that 403 00:18:55,200 --> 00:18:56,800 Needed to be connected here. 404 00:18:56,802 --> 00:18:59,270 For a crime like murder, jurors nowadays, 405 00:18:59,472 --> 00:19:01,739 More than ever, want something concrete. 406 00:19:01,941 --> 00:19:04,608 They want forensic evidence. - Csi stuff, 407 00:19:04,610 --> 00:19:06,844 They wanna see science. - Dna, fingerprint. Exactly. 408 00:19:06,846 --> 00:19:10,380 - Didn't have it here. - Didn't have it in this case. 409 00:19:10,382 --> 00:19:13,017 - Even so, 18 months after ann's death 410 00:19:13,219 --> 00:19:15,218 In October 2011, 411 00:19:15,221 --> 00:19:18,589 Cara rintala was arrested and charged with murder. 412 00:19:18,791 --> 00:19:21,159 Cara's mom got a call to pick up brianna. 413 00:19:21,361 --> 00:19:22,927 - And brianna, when I got there, 414 00:19:23,129 --> 00:19:25,029 She said, why was mommy crying? 415 00:19:25,031 --> 00:19:26,430 I had to think fast. 416 00:19:26,432 --> 00:19:28,499 I said, "because she's a great paramedic 417 00:19:28,701 --> 00:19:30,868 And they needed her for an important job. 418 00:19:30,870 --> 00:19:33,904 And so they took her. And that's why she's crying. 419 00:19:33,907 --> 00:19:37,074 Because she's not going to get to see you right away." 420 00:19:37,076 --> 00:19:40,644 - Cara rintala became the first woman in massachusetts history 421 00:19:40,646 --> 00:19:44,214 To be charged with the murder of her lawfully wedded wife. 422 00:19:44,416 --> 00:19:45,683 An extraordinary journey 423 00:19:45,685 --> 00:19:47,385 Through the criminal justice system 424 00:19:47,453 --> 00:19:49,387 Was just beginning. 425 00:20:00,165 --> 00:20:02,800 ♪ - welcome back to dateline: Secrets uncovered. 426 00:20:02,802 --> 00:20:04,001 I'm craig melvin. 427 00:20:04,003 --> 00:20:05,869 Cara rintala was heading to trial 428 00:20:05,871 --> 00:20:08,071 For the murder of her wife, ann. 429 00:20:08,073 --> 00:20:10,674 Prosecutors believed cara strangled ann, 430 00:20:10,676 --> 00:20:14,077 Then secretly staged the scene to look like an accident. 431 00:20:14,079 --> 00:20:16,880 But without forensic evidence to back it up, 432 00:20:16,882 --> 00:20:19,883 Would a jury believe the devoted mom 433 00:20:19,885 --> 00:20:23,554 Was also a cold blooded killer? 434 00:20:23,756 --> 00:20:27,792 Back to denis murphy with down the basement stairs. 435 00:20:29,128 --> 00:20:31,128 - Prosecutors knew when cara rintala was arrested 436 00:20:31,330 --> 00:20:33,630 In late 2011 for murder, 437 00:20:33,633 --> 00:20:36,334 They had a mighty challenge on their hands. 438 00:20:36,536 --> 00:20:38,402 And so it proved. 439 00:20:38,604 --> 00:20:41,271 The trial opened in early 2013, 440 00:20:41,340 --> 00:20:44,575 And it ended three weeks later with a hung jury. 441 00:20:44,777 --> 00:20:46,243 - Breaking news... A northampton jury 442 00:20:46,445 --> 00:20:48,846 Has failed to come to a unanimous verdict. 443 00:20:49,048 --> 00:20:52,583 - A year later, in 2014, trial number two. 444 00:20:52,585 --> 00:20:53,817 Same thing happened. 445 00:20:54,019 --> 00:20:57,454 Incredible as it seems, another hung jury. 446 00:20:57,656 --> 00:21:00,157 Ann's family, convinced that cara was the killer, 447 00:21:00,359 --> 00:21:01,325 Was frustrated, 448 00:21:01,394 --> 00:21:03,794 Wondering why a jury couldn't get there. 449 00:21:03,996 --> 00:21:08,566 - I trusted her with my niece's life and she took it. 450 00:21:08,568 --> 00:21:11,435 - Soon after, cara was bonded out of jail, 451 00:21:11,471 --> 00:21:14,504 Free to spend precious time with brianna. 452 00:21:14,540 --> 00:21:17,174 Meantime, prosecutors wrestled with the facts. 453 00:21:17,377 --> 00:21:19,610 They had a circumstantial case. 454 00:21:19,612 --> 00:21:22,713 No smoking gun, no eyewitnesses. 455 00:21:22,915 --> 00:21:24,147 Would they go again? 456 00:21:24,149 --> 00:21:25,582 You really do have to step back and say, 457 00:21:25,584 --> 00:21:26,917 "are we going to do this a third time?" 458 00:21:26,919 --> 00:21:28,252 - We did. The first thing we did was 459 00:21:28,254 --> 00:21:31,121 We consulted with ann's family. They were on board. 460 00:21:31,323 --> 00:21:33,190 And that, I think, gave us the strength 461 00:21:33,192 --> 00:21:35,826 And the courage to step up again. 462 00:21:36,028 --> 00:21:37,228 - So it was set. 463 00:21:37,230 --> 00:21:39,630 Cara rintala would be tried a third time 464 00:21:39,632 --> 00:21:41,932 For the murder of her wife, ann. 465 00:21:42,000 --> 00:21:45,236 But first, cara had a heart to heart talk with brianna, 466 00:21:45,238 --> 00:21:46,570 Now nine years old. 467 00:21:46,772 --> 00:21:49,973 - She says some people think I did something bad, 468 00:21:49,975 --> 00:21:51,041 Something terrible. 469 00:21:51,044 --> 00:21:53,811 But I just want you to know that it's not true. 470 00:21:53,813 --> 00:21:58,348 - In September 2016, trial number three opened here, 471 00:21:58,350 --> 00:22:01,985 At hampshire superior court in northampton, mass. 472 00:22:02,020 --> 00:22:05,122 Prosecutor steve gagne and jen suhl returned 473 00:22:05,124 --> 00:22:07,124 With a streamlined argument. 474 00:22:07,126 --> 00:22:08,392 - We were caught sort of in this trap 475 00:22:08,594 --> 00:22:10,293 Of being responsive to the defense, 476 00:22:10,295 --> 00:22:12,195 And we decided, let's play offense. 477 00:22:12,231 --> 00:22:13,363 - In trial number two, 478 00:22:13,432 --> 00:22:15,332 They put the possibles on the stand 479 00:22:15,335 --> 00:22:18,502 Only to knock them down as viable suspects. 480 00:22:18,504 --> 00:22:20,604 And that might have been confusing. 481 00:22:20,606 --> 00:22:23,073 So this time, they were gone. 482 00:22:23,076 --> 00:22:25,843 Now they focused on cara and the helpless victim 483 00:22:26,045 --> 00:22:28,079 At the bottom of the basement stairs. 484 00:22:28,281 --> 00:22:30,047 The wife who was strangled, they said 485 00:22:30,049 --> 00:22:32,883 For as long as four minutes until she died. 486 00:22:32,885 --> 00:22:36,587 - Her last precious breaths that she took on this earth 487 00:22:36,589 --> 00:22:38,588 Were taken with the defendant's hands 488 00:22:38,590 --> 00:22:40,391 Around her neck, 489 00:22:40,393 --> 00:22:44,928 Squeezing, squeezing, squeezing and squeezing more 490 00:22:44,930 --> 00:22:47,564 Until every last breath of her was gone. 491 00:22:47,566 --> 00:22:49,600 - Prosecutors laid out a timeline for murder 492 00:22:49,602 --> 00:22:51,835 That began with a nasty fight by text 493 00:22:51,837 --> 00:22:53,403 The night before, 494 00:22:53,405 --> 00:22:55,105 And working the overnight, 495 00:22:55,107 --> 00:22:57,174 Angry when she learned cara had a male friend 496 00:22:57,176 --> 00:22:58,809 Over to the house. 497 00:22:58,844 --> 00:23:00,777 - "I hate the relationship we have. 498 00:23:00,780 --> 00:23:03,114 "no one does that. No respect." 499 00:23:03,316 --> 00:23:07,050 - Cara's response, "okay, you're being over-the-top and crazy." 500 00:23:07,252 --> 00:23:10,020 - It really is, in our mind, a fuze being lit. 501 00:23:10,022 --> 00:23:11,789 Something that continues to the next day. 502 00:23:13,125 --> 00:23:14,992 - The next morning, the last of her life 503 00:23:14,994 --> 00:23:17,528 Ann, a phone-aholic, called or texted 504 00:23:17,730 --> 00:23:21,264 Friends and family members 58 times. 505 00:23:21,266 --> 00:23:23,967 - I want to show you just one final entry here. 506 00:23:23,969 --> 00:23:26,337 - The final call to her beloved aunt nancy 507 00:23:26,339 --> 00:23:28,405 Was placed at 12:21, 508 00:23:28,407 --> 00:23:31,342 Then, uncharacteristically, ann went silent. 509 00:23:35,214 --> 00:23:36,480 - No, ma'am. 510 00:23:39,618 --> 00:23:40,751 - No, I didn't. 511 00:23:40,953 --> 00:23:43,020 - The timing of that last call was important, 512 00:23:43,022 --> 00:23:45,422 Prosecutors argued, because they theorized 513 00:23:45,424 --> 00:23:47,958 That karen murdered her wife soon after, 514 00:23:48,160 --> 00:23:50,794 Then spent hours cleaning and covering up. 515 00:23:50,796 --> 00:23:53,631 Remember that afternoon of errands? 516 00:23:53,699 --> 00:23:55,533 Prosecutors showed security video 517 00:23:55,601 --> 00:23:57,767 Of cara and brianna shopping 518 00:23:57,769 --> 00:24:00,237 And argued it was part of the cover up. 519 00:24:00,439 --> 00:24:02,306 - She leaves the house around 3:00, according to her, 520 00:24:02,308 --> 00:24:04,041 But she doesn't pop up on surveillance video 521 00:24:04,243 --> 00:24:05,642 Until 5:00 or so pm that evening 522 00:24:05,644 --> 00:24:06,944 At the holyoke mall. 523 00:24:06,946 --> 00:24:08,612 - Suddenly starts using her debit card 524 00:24:08,614 --> 00:24:10,748 Left and right to make minuscule little purchases. 525 00:24:10,950 --> 00:24:12,316 - So what was going on, do you think? 526 00:24:12,518 --> 00:24:14,185 - She was trying to be seen. 527 00:24:14,387 --> 00:24:15,719 She was trying to be elsewhere. 528 00:24:15,921 --> 00:24:18,923 In short, she was creating a digital alibi for herself. 529 00:24:22,628 --> 00:24:24,495 - An audio alibi, too. 530 00:24:24,697 --> 00:24:27,965 Prosecutors played voicemails, all play acting, they said. 531 00:24:33,206 --> 00:24:34,271 - The whole reason she's out 532 00:24:34,473 --> 00:24:35,973 Is to try to let her get some sleep. 533 00:24:36,175 --> 00:24:37,541 That just didn't add up. 534 00:24:37,743 --> 00:24:40,811 - And now a pretty big deal, these cleaning rags. 535 00:24:41,013 --> 00:24:42,913 - Can you just hold that up for the jury to see? 536 00:24:43,115 --> 00:24:45,883 - Prosecutors said cara used them to mop up. 537 00:24:46,085 --> 00:24:48,285 One contained a woman's dna, 538 00:24:48,287 --> 00:24:50,153 Which the prosecution's expert said 539 00:24:50,355 --> 00:24:51,755 Could have been ann's. 540 00:24:51,957 --> 00:24:53,524 But it was what cara did with the rags 541 00:24:53,726 --> 00:24:56,093 That prosecutors wanted to talk about. 542 00:24:56,295 --> 00:24:58,161 That's her vehicle on surveillance video 543 00:24:58,163 --> 00:25:00,363 Leaving mcdonald's. 544 00:25:00,365 --> 00:25:02,966 - She decides to get out of her truck 545 00:25:03,168 --> 00:25:04,935 In a pouring rain storm, 546 00:25:04,937 --> 00:25:07,938 Walk over to the farthest most trash receptacle 547 00:25:07,940 --> 00:25:11,541 In mcdonald's, dispose of three cleaning rags, 548 00:25:11,543 --> 00:25:12,876 And drive away. 549 00:25:12,945 --> 00:25:15,913 - Prosecutors also highlighted cara's odd behavior 550 00:25:16,115 --> 00:25:19,182 After she saw ann's feet at the bottom of the stairs. 551 00:25:19,184 --> 00:25:22,253 - Cara's a paramedic. This is her wife. 552 00:25:22,455 --> 00:25:23,920 What does she do? Does she rushed down there? 553 00:25:23,923 --> 00:25:26,857 Oh, my god, ann, are you okay? No. 554 00:25:26,859 --> 00:25:29,660 - She raced to the neighbor's, prosecutors told jurors, 555 00:25:29,862 --> 00:25:33,230 Then ran back home with one more job to do. 556 00:25:33,232 --> 00:25:35,899 - Before the paramedics and the police arrive, 557 00:25:36,101 --> 00:25:39,202 She makes one final desperate attempt 558 00:25:39,204 --> 00:25:40,403 At covering up. 559 00:25:40,605 --> 00:25:42,339 She picks up that container of paint. 560 00:25:42,541 --> 00:25:44,241 She pours that paint. 561 00:25:44,443 --> 00:25:46,343 - But instead of masking the evidence, 562 00:25:46,345 --> 00:25:47,744 The prosecutor said, 563 00:25:47,946 --> 00:25:51,014 That paint pointed to cara's guilt. 564 00:25:51,016 --> 00:25:52,782 - The stiff body was clearly not something 565 00:25:52,784 --> 00:25:53,850 That had just happened. 566 00:25:53,852 --> 00:25:55,252 The paint being on the floor 567 00:25:55,254 --> 00:25:57,554 Was something that had just happened. 568 00:25:57,589 --> 00:25:59,957 - And now prosecutors played their ace. 569 00:26:00,159 --> 00:26:02,759 They called a new witness to bolster their case. 570 00:26:02,961 --> 00:26:04,962 Someone not heard from in previous trials. 571 00:26:06,499 --> 00:26:08,765 Engineer, david giulianelli. 572 00:26:08,767 --> 00:26:10,967 He really did watch paint dry, 573 00:26:10,970 --> 00:26:13,303 Conducting dozens of lab experiments. 574 00:26:13,306 --> 00:26:14,838 - Were you able to form an opinion 575 00:26:14,840 --> 00:26:17,140 As to the time frame within which that paint 576 00:26:17,142 --> 00:26:18,809 Applied to the floor? - Yes. 577 00:26:18,811 --> 00:26:20,377 - And what is your opinion? 578 00:26:20,579 --> 00:26:22,579 - Within approximately 30 minutes of the time 579 00:26:22,581 --> 00:26:24,882 The first responders arrived? 580 00:26:25,084 --> 00:26:26,816 - That would be many hours after prosecutors 581 00:26:27,018 --> 00:26:28,551 Said ann died, 582 00:26:28,553 --> 00:26:31,855 The final coat of a slapdash cover up. 583 00:26:31,857 --> 00:26:33,256 But motivation. 584 00:26:33,258 --> 00:26:34,891 Why did the more sensible one of the two, 585 00:26:35,093 --> 00:26:38,561 By most accounts, turn on her fiery partner? 586 00:26:38,563 --> 00:26:40,197 Prosecutors said the seeds were planted 587 00:26:40,399 --> 00:26:42,232 Some ten months earlier, 588 00:26:42,434 --> 00:26:43,701 And they played an audiotape from 589 00:26:43,769 --> 00:26:45,536 A contentious court hearing to prove it. 590 00:26:48,507 --> 00:26:50,240 - It was may 2009. 591 00:26:50,275 --> 00:26:52,876 Ann and cara had each filed those restraining orders 592 00:26:52,878 --> 00:26:54,311 Against the other. 593 00:26:54,313 --> 00:26:55,713 A district court judge heard them 594 00:26:55,781 --> 00:26:57,881 Sniping at each other and erupted, 595 00:26:58,083 --> 00:26:59,750 Threatening to have dcf, 596 00:26:59,952 --> 00:27:01,785 The department of children and families, 597 00:27:01,987 --> 00:27:03,520 Take custody of briana. 598 00:27:14,400 --> 00:27:15,866 - It was a turning point. 599 00:27:16,068 --> 00:27:17,835 Because of the judge's warning, 600 00:27:17,903 --> 00:27:20,503 Each woman now knew that one wrong move 601 00:27:20,505 --> 00:27:23,306 Could cost them custody of the daughter they adored. 602 00:27:24,143 --> 00:27:28,044 So the prosecutor's theory of what happened on March 29th, 603 00:27:28,047 --> 00:27:32,182 There was a violent fight and ann went down those stairs. 604 00:27:32,251 --> 00:27:34,985 Whether she was pushed or not, they couldn't say. 605 00:27:34,987 --> 00:27:36,653 What mattered, they told jurors, 606 00:27:36,855 --> 00:27:39,289 Was what happened at the bottom of the stairs. 607 00:27:39,358 --> 00:27:41,258 - The defendant had to make a choice 608 00:27:41,460 --> 00:27:43,226 Call for help, 609 00:27:43,428 --> 00:27:45,762 Likely face criminal charges, 610 00:27:45,964 --> 00:27:49,065 Lose her home, lose her daughter, 611 00:27:49,068 --> 00:27:51,001 Lose her livelihood. 612 00:27:51,036 --> 00:27:53,704 Or, on the other hand, 613 00:27:53,739 --> 00:27:56,539 Make ann go away. 614 00:27:56,541 --> 00:27:58,341 And she made her choice. 615 00:27:58,543 --> 00:28:00,944 - Now it was over to cara's defense team. 616 00:28:01,146 --> 00:28:03,781 They'd managed to avoid conviction twice. 617 00:28:03,849 --> 00:28:05,683 Could they do it a third time? 618 00:28:17,262 --> 00:28:19,062 - Down, kick, down, kick. 619 00:28:19,264 --> 00:28:21,064 Cara rintala's family and friends agree 620 00:28:21,266 --> 00:28:22,732 On a couple of things. 621 00:28:22,734 --> 00:28:26,169 First, that cara is a great mom. 622 00:28:26,171 --> 00:28:28,004 And if she has to sing herself silly 623 00:28:28,006 --> 00:28:30,307 To entertain her daughter, well, she's in. 624 00:28:36,048 --> 00:28:38,248 The second thing friends say is this. 625 00:28:38,250 --> 00:28:42,385 Cara did not murder her wife, not in a million years. 626 00:28:42,421 --> 00:28:44,020 Suzanne cordes. 627 00:28:44,022 --> 00:28:45,422 - Cara would never do that. 628 00:28:45,624 --> 00:28:46,824 The woman that I know, 629 00:28:46,826 --> 00:28:49,826 The devoted, faithful mother that I know 630 00:28:49,861 --> 00:28:52,763 Would never, ever do that to her wife. 631 00:28:54,032 --> 00:28:55,632 - When the third trial commenced, 632 00:28:55,634 --> 00:28:58,401 Friends and family sat behind cara in court, 633 00:28:58,403 --> 00:29:00,237 Practically willing a victory. 634 00:29:00,439 --> 00:29:02,339 Attorney david hoose opened as he had 635 00:29:02,541 --> 00:29:05,174 In trials one and two for the defense. 636 00:29:05,177 --> 00:29:07,177 - This case, ladies and gentlemen, 637 00:29:07,179 --> 00:29:10,347 Is about unconscious bias, 638 00:29:10,549 --> 00:29:14,484 A mindset that caused the investigators 639 00:29:14,487 --> 00:29:17,454 And the experts to focus 640 00:29:17,456 --> 00:29:20,891 On one theory, one person, 641 00:29:20,893 --> 00:29:24,494 And to ignore everything that didn't fit. 642 00:29:24,497 --> 00:29:26,329 - That one theory was, of course, 643 00:29:26,531 --> 00:29:27,831 That cara murdered her wife 644 00:29:27,900 --> 00:29:31,034 In the course of one final, terrible fight. 645 00:29:31,070 --> 00:29:32,869 The mindset, attorney hoose said, 646 00:29:32,871 --> 00:29:34,637 Was there from the very beginning 647 00:29:34,839 --> 00:29:36,773 In the neighbor's 911 call. 648 00:29:36,842 --> 00:29:38,876 Listen to the dispatcher's words. 649 00:29:44,683 --> 00:29:46,717 - And attorney hoose said, remember this question 650 00:29:46,719 --> 00:29:48,585 From detective lieutenant whitney 651 00:29:48,587 --> 00:29:51,388 A scant seven minutes into the lengthy police interview 652 00:29:51,590 --> 00:29:52,756 On the night ann died. 653 00:29:58,531 --> 00:30:00,430 - Even that powerful voice from court. 654 00:30:03,736 --> 00:30:06,202 - Cara's side insisted that noisy scolding 655 00:30:06,205 --> 00:30:07,104 From the judge 656 00:30:07,306 --> 00:30:09,572 Was anything but the trigger for murder. 657 00:30:09,774 --> 00:30:11,074 Did that scare them? - Yeah, absolutely. 658 00:30:11,076 --> 00:30:13,877 That was when they did a turnaround, 659 00:30:14,079 --> 00:30:16,346 And they decided they had to, you know, grow up. 660 00:30:16,348 --> 00:30:17,447 - Straighten up for the daughter. 661 00:30:17,449 --> 00:30:19,182 - Yeah, pretty much. 662 00:30:19,184 --> 00:30:20,951 - And by March 2010, 663 00:30:20,953 --> 00:30:23,153 Although prosecutors hadn't acknowledged it, 664 00:30:23,155 --> 00:30:25,422 The defense told jurors the couple had put 665 00:30:25,424 --> 00:30:27,090 Their troubles behind them. 666 00:30:27,292 --> 00:30:31,161 - They focus on a nine month period, 667 00:30:31,163 --> 00:30:34,497 Which was undeniably a rocky patch 668 00:30:34,499 --> 00:30:36,366 In this relationship. 669 00:30:36,568 --> 00:30:41,205 A nine month period out of a nine year relationship. 670 00:30:42,207 --> 00:30:43,873 - But what about that angry volley 671 00:30:43,875 --> 00:30:46,643 Of text messages the night before the murder? 672 00:30:46,645 --> 00:30:49,246 The fuss over cara's male friend's visit? 673 00:30:49,448 --> 00:30:51,414 Attorney hoose hit that hard. 674 00:30:51,416 --> 00:30:53,516 - The commonwealth wants you to believe 675 00:30:53,518 --> 00:30:56,053 That this was the battle of all battles 676 00:30:56,121 --> 00:30:58,121 And the fight that ended everything. 677 00:30:58,123 --> 00:31:01,758 Well, you know, you've gotta have some proof of that. 678 00:31:01,960 --> 00:31:03,726 And they don't. 679 00:31:03,728 --> 00:31:06,329 And I'll tell you why. 680 00:31:06,331 --> 00:31:09,332 You can look at these texts, and once again, 681 00:31:09,334 --> 00:31:10,867 Cara is the calm one. 682 00:31:11,069 --> 00:31:13,403 Ann is the one who goes from 0 to 60 683 00:31:13,405 --> 00:31:15,305 In about three seconds. 684 00:31:15,507 --> 00:31:17,840 - And by the next morning, the defense attorney said, 685 00:31:17,877 --> 00:31:20,143 Ann was going her breezy way, 686 00:31:20,345 --> 00:31:23,380 Promising her buddy mark that big kiss in a text. 687 00:31:23,382 --> 00:31:27,217 - Not a word about fighting with cara. 688 00:31:27,419 --> 00:31:29,752 Not-not a word, even like, uh, 689 00:31:29,954 --> 00:31:32,689 Gee, things aren't too good around here right now. 690 00:31:32,691 --> 00:31:34,357 Cara and I had a big fight. 691 00:31:34,359 --> 00:31:36,493 Nothing like that. 692 00:31:36,695 --> 00:31:38,628 - Then to that afternoon of errands 693 00:31:38,830 --> 00:31:41,130 And from cara's side, an explanation 694 00:31:41,132 --> 00:31:43,800 For the trip to that trash can at mcdonald's. 695 00:31:44,003 --> 00:31:45,102 - Because that's what they did. - Pay. 696 00:31:45,304 --> 00:31:47,704 - They had to pay for their trash bags in granby. 697 00:31:47,706 --> 00:31:49,172 So they were dumping their trash 698 00:31:49,174 --> 00:31:51,041 Wherever and whenever they could. 699 00:31:51,243 --> 00:31:52,409 - Very low levels. 700 00:31:52,611 --> 00:31:54,043 - The defense brought in its own expert 701 00:31:54,112 --> 00:31:56,179 To knock down the prosecutor's argument 702 00:31:56,181 --> 00:31:59,382 That one of the rags contained ann's dna. 703 00:31:59,384 --> 00:32:00,683 - I have no idea who-- 704 00:32:00,685 --> 00:32:03,453 What the source of the dna on that rag is. 705 00:32:03,455 --> 00:32:04,887 - It's-it's a solid paint-- 706 00:32:05,090 --> 00:32:07,690 - But perhaps the most damaging evidence against cara 707 00:32:07,693 --> 00:32:09,225 Was the paint. 708 00:32:09,227 --> 00:32:11,728 Attorney hoose went after the prosecution's paint guy 709 00:32:11,930 --> 00:32:13,096 On cross. 710 00:32:13,098 --> 00:32:15,365 His weapon of choice? Sarcasm. 711 00:32:15,567 --> 00:32:17,868 - You are the first guy, far as you know, 712 00:32:17,870 --> 00:32:20,070 Who's ever testified about reading wrinkles 713 00:32:20,072 --> 00:32:23,540 And cracks in paint. Is that correct? 714 00:32:23,542 --> 00:32:25,876 - That I'm aware of. - Yeah. 715 00:32:25,878 --> 00:32:27,544 Congratulations, you're the first, as far as we know. 716 00:32:27,746 --> 00:32:30,080 - Your honor, can we please change the tone here. 717 00:32:30,082 --> 00:32:32,115 - The defense attorney had to persuade jurors 718 00:32:32,317 --> 00:32:34,551 That cara hadn't poured the paint. 719 00:32:34,586 --> 00:32:36,486 He accused the paint expert of buying into 720 00:32:36,688 --> 00:32:38,555 The first responders' observation 721 00:32:38,557 --> 00:32:40,156 That the paint was wet. 722 00:32:40,358 --> 00:32:43,059 - And your first responders' responses are-- 723 00:32:43,261 --> 00:32:45,696 Uh, these are people you've never met, correct? 724 00:32:45,898 --> 00:32:47,497 - Correct. - You don't know 725 00:32:47,499 --> 00:32:48,899 How much training they have, 726 00:32:48,901 --> 00:32:51,068 If they've ever even seen a bucket of paint before. 727 00:32:51,070 --> 00:32:52,402 Correct? - Correct. 728 00:32:52,604 --> 00:32:56,506 - Yet you're willing to credit their subjective impression 729 00:32:56,708 --> 00:33:00,043 That the paint was either wet or shiny, correct? 730 00:33:00,245 --> 00:33:01,377 - Correct. 731 00:33:01,413 --> 00:33:03,546 - Finally, the defense called of all people, 732 00:33:03,748 --> 00:33:05,782 State trooper jamie magarian. 733 00:33:05,984 --> 00:33:07,984 In the first two trials, the lead investigator 734 00:33:08,186 --> 00:33:11,854 Had been a heavyweight witness for the prosecution. 735 00:33:11,856 --> 00:33:12,855 Not this time. 736 00:33:13,057 --> 00:33:14,791 The trooper was vital to the defense theory 737 00:33:14,793 --> 00:33:17,394 Of a keystone cops investigation. 738 00:33:17,596 --> 00:33:20,663 And the defense attorney had pressing questions for him. 739 00:33:20,865 --> 00:33:21,731 - Is he going to say, 740 00:33:21,734 --> 00:33:23,432 Investigator, you ran a shabby case here, 741 00:33:23,435 --> 00:33:25,301 You didn't secure the scene? - Yeah, certainly. 742 00:33:25,504 --> 00:33:26,403 - There were tests you didn't run. 743 00:33:26,605 --> 00:33:28,204 There were things to be known. 744 00:33:28,206 --> 00:33:29,439 You're relying on this junk science 745 00:33:29,641 --> 00:33:32,141 Of how paint dries. - Yes, that's his job. 746 00:33:32,210 --> 00:33:34,611 He just needs one nugget of doubt. 747 00:33:34,813 --> 00:33:36,479 - In pursuit of that nugget, 748 00:33:36,681 --> 00:33:38,414 The defense attorney grilled the investigator 749 00:33:38,417 --> 00:33:40,550 About the two people of interest. 750 00:33:40,552 --> 00:33:42,352 First, mark oleksak. 751 00:33:42,354 --> 00:33:44,621 Remember, he changed his alibi. 752 00:33:44,623 --> 00:33:47,324 But what motive could he have for murder? 753 00:33:47,326 --> 00:33:48,992 Well, maybe this. 754 00:33:49,194 --> 00:33:51,061 Ann the drama queen had angered him 755 00:33:51,263 --> 00:33:54,230 When she left her wife for her old girlfriend. 756 00:33:54,232 --> 00:33:57,834 - He described that he had a big fall out 757 00:33:58,036 --> 00:34:00,971 With, uh, ann, is that correct? 758 00:34:01,173 --> 00:34:02,772 - Yes. - And the fallout was 759 00:34:02,775 --> 00:34:06,108 When he became aware that ann 760 00:34:06,111 --> 00:34:08,778 Was seeing an old girlfriend, correct? 761 00:34:08,781 --> 00:34:09,846 - Yes. 762 00:34:10,048 --> 00:34:12,582 - An old girlfriend named carla daniele, correct? 763 00:34:12,784 --> 00:34:13,783 - Correct. 764 00:34:13,786 --> 00:34:15,085 - A wisp of doubt, perhaps, 765 00:34:15,287 --> 00:34:17,587 Dating back to ann and cara's separation. 766 00:34:17,789 --> 00:34:19,422 And what about carla? 767 00:34:19,624 --> 00:34:22,259 Remember, she said she'd been miles away at the gym 768 00:34:22,327 --> 00:34:24,995 And out running on the day of the murder. 769 00:34:25,030 --> 00:34:27,997 Security images seem to support that account. 770 00:34:27,999 --> 00:34:29,766 But the defense produced a bank record 771 00:34:29,835 --> 00:34:32,202 Dated the day of ann's death from an atm 772 00:34:32,204 --> 00:34:34,871 Closer to the crime scene than the gym. 773 00:34:34,873 --> 00:34:36,873 - Did you ever ask her about how that could have happened 774 00:34:37,075 --> 00:34:39,409 If she was running in east longmeadow? 775 00:34:39,411 --> 00:34:42,345 - I don't know that-- 776 00:34:42,347 --> 00:34:43,880 I never asked her that. 777 00:34:43,915 --> 00:34:46,216 - The name of the game for criminal defense lawyers 778 00:34:46,418 --> 00:34:48,484 Is creating reasonable doubt. 779 00:34:48,487 --> 00:34:50,620 Had hoose managed to do that? 780 00:34:50,822 --> 00:34:53,356 We've got the answer next, and more. 781 00:34:53,558 --> 00:34:55,157 We'll tell you why this case was still 782 00:34:55,160 --> 00:34:57,160 Making headlines years later. 783 00:34:57,362 --> 00:35:02,432 - This is the most unusual procedurally, uh, unique case 784 00:35:02,434 --> 00:35:04,835 That I've worked on in my 20 some odd years 785 00:35:05,037 --> 00:35:06,636 Of being a prosecutor. 786 00:35:12,376 --> 00:35:17,447 ♪ 787 00:35:17,449 --> 00:35:18,515 - Welcome back. 788 00:35:18,717 --> 00:35:21,184 In trial number three, cara rintala's attorneys 789 00:35:21,386 --> 00:35:25,455 Were determined to prove she did not kill her wife, ann. 790 00:35:25,657 --> 00:35:28,191 They argued at least two others close to ann 791 00:35:28,393 --> 00:35:29,592 Had motive for murder. 792 00:35:29,794 --> 00:35:32,262 But could they convince the jury? 793 00:35:32,464 --> 00:35:34,397 It was about to weigh in? 794 00:35:34,399 --> 00:35:38,535 And in a story full of twists, there were more to come. 795 00:35:38,737 --> 00:35:40,470 Here's denis murphy with the conclusion 796 00:35:40,672 --> 00:35:42,939 Of down the basement stairs. 797 00:35:45,376 --> 00:35:47,377 - The jury deliberated for one day, 798 00:35:47,379 --> 00:35:49,712 Two days, three days. 799 00:35:49,714 --> 00:35:51,982 Would it be another hung jury? 800 00:35:52,184 --> 00:35:53,316 That was the question. 801 00:35:53,318 --> 00:35:54,985 - If the defendant would please rise. 802 00:35:54,987 --> 00:35:56,285 - It would not. 803 00:35:56,287 --> 00:35:58,621 On day four, a verdict. 804 00:35:58,823 --> 00:36:01,291 - She's guilty of murder in the first degree. 805 00:36:01,293 --> 00:36:02,959 - What!? - What!? 806 00:36:02,961 --> 00:36:05,094 - Guilty of murder one. 807 00:36:05,164 --> 00:36:07,530 The most severe charge. 808 00:36:07,532 --> 00:36:08,831 - You are so wrong. 809 00:36:08,833 --> 00:36:11,701 - After two hung juries, it was a stunner, all right. 810 00:36:11,903 --> 00:36:13,370 And the sentence was mandated. 811 00:36:13,372 --> 00:36:15,705 - My daughter-- - life without parole. 812 00:36:15,907 --> 00:36:17,574 - This sucks. 813 00:36:17,776 --> 00:36:19,442 - It's like you can't believe it. 814 00:36:19,644 --> 00:36:22,345 There's nothing, nothing, to point to cara. 815 00:36:22,547 --> 00:36:24,280 How could this possibly be 816 00:36:24,315 --> 00:36:27,350 The worst possible outcome? How? 817 00:36:29,187 --> 00:36:31,854 - Team cara struggled to accept the verdict. 818 00:36:32,056 --> 00:36:34,157 In prison, cara struggled, too, 819 00:36:34,226 --> 00:36:35,458 Figuring out how to be 820 00:36:35,460 --> 00:36:37,493 A long distance mother to brianna, 821 00:36:37,495 --> 00:36:39,629 Who went to live with carl and sandy. 822 00:36:39,831 --> 00:36:42,999 Everybody holding onto hope for a successful appeal. 823 00:36:43,201 --> 00:36:44,934 That took years. 824 00:36:45,136 --> 00:36:47,436 Attorney chauncey wood argued the case. 825 00:36:47,438 --> 00:36:49,505 The core of our argument was that 826 00:36:49,708 --> 00:36:53,009 The commonwealth introduced an opinion 827 00:36:53,211 --> 00:36:55,878 From a fellow who claimed to be 828 00:36:56,081 --> 00:36:58,815 An expert on paint. 829 00:36:58,817 --> 00:37:01,250 And in fact, the opinion he delivered 830 00:37:01,252 --> 00:37:02,985 Was not reliable. 831 00:37:03,021 --> 00:37:05,121 - Five years after cara was convicted, 832 00:37:05,323 --> 00:37:07,057 Wood's argument carried the day. 833 00:37:07,259 --> 00:37:08,891 - The state's highest court has overturned 834 00:37:08,893 --> 00:37:12,829 The 2016 murder conviction against cara rintala. 835 00:37:12,831 --> 00:37:15,398 - It was a blow. It was a real, uh, gut punch. 836 00:37:15,600 --> 00:37:17,433 - Prosecutor steve gagne prepared to have 837 00:37:17,635 --> 00:37:20,637 Yet another difficult talk with ann's family. 838 00:37:20,839 --> 00:37:23,573 Ann's father bill had passed by that point. 839 00:37:23,775 --> 00:37:25,675 Our concern was, can the family 840 00:37:25,877 --> 00:37:28,244 Even get through another trial? 841 00:37:28,446 --> 00:37:30,813 But after some thought and after some deliberation, 842 00:37:30,815 --> 00:37:33,583 They said, we're willing if you're willing. 843 00:37:33,585 --> 00:37:36,386 And, uh, and we decided to go again. 844 00:37:36,588 --> 00:37:38,054 - Good morning. Now before the court, 845 00:37:38,056 --> 00:37:39,389 Is hampton county indictment-- 846 00:37:39,391 --> 00:37:40,957 - It's rare that someone stands trial 847 00:37:40,959 --> 00:37:42,592 Four times for murder. 848 00:37:42,794 --> 00:37:44,194 But that's what happened here. 849 00:37:44,396 --> 00:37:48,198 Cara rintala's fourth trial opened in September 2023. 850 00:37:48,400 --> 00:37:51,201 The prosecution pare down its witness list again. 851 00:37:51,403 --> 00:37:53,670 This time, there would be no paint expert. 852 00:37:53,872 --> 00:37:55,105 Instead, they stuck to what they thought 853 00:37:55,307 --> 00:37:57,540 Was their strong suit. 854 00:37:57,542 --> 00:37:59,275 - I would say the strongest part of our case, 855 00:37:59,477 --> 00:38:02,144 In my opinion, was the time of death. 856 00:38:02,346 --> 00:38:05,014 - The prosecution called a former chief medical examiner 857 00:38:05,017 --> 00:38:06,482 To the stand. 858 00:38:06,484 --> 00:38:08,218 - Did you in fact form an opinion 859 00:38:08,220 --> 00:38:11,621 As to annamarie rintala's estimated time of death. 860 00:38:11,623 --> 00:38:14,657 - My review of the evidence suggests that 861 00:38:14,659 --> 00:38:18,294 Annamarie rintala died in a window of time 862 00:38:18,296 --> 00:38:21,431 Between mid-to-late morning and early afternoon. 863 00:38:21,633 --> 00:38:24,166 I think the evidence does not support 864 00:38:24,368 --> 00:38:26,036 Death having occurred 865 00:38:26,238 --> 00:38:28,771 Any later than 1:00 or so. 866 00:38:28,773 --> 00:38:30,206 - And cara, by her own admission, 867 00:38:30,208 --> 00:38:32,842 Was in the house until about 3:00 pm. 868 00:38:33,044 --> 00:38:34,777 So that was, I think, our bedrock 869 00:38:34,979 --> 00:38:36,346 Throughout this case. 870 00:38:36,548 --> 00:38:38,848 - The prosecution had merely tweaked its case. 871 00:38:39,050 --> 00:38:40,417 But the defense... 872 00:38:40,485 --> 00:38:42,284 - Ladies and gentlemen, 873 00:38:42,286 --> 00:38:47,056 This whole investigation started with a lie. 874 00:38:47,092 --> 00:38:49,559 - There was a brand new team for trial four, 875 00:38:49,761 --> 00:38:53,796 Led by a brash boston attorney named rosemary scapicchio. 876 00:38:53,998 --> 00:38:56,766 - We put our heart and soul into her defense 877 00:38:56,968 --> 00:38:59,869 Because we believe in her and we believe in her innocence. 878 00:38:59,871 --> 00:39:01,137 - In this case... 879 00:39:01,139 --> 00:39:02,805 - Scapicchio pounded home the message 880 00:39:03,007 --> 00:39:04,874 That the investigators wore blinders 881 00:39:05,076 --> 00:39:07,677 And never looked seriously at other suspects. 882 00:39:07,679 --> 00:39:11,213 - They were only looking at cara rintala, 883 00:39:11,415 --> 00:39:13,349 And they were working really hard 884 00:39:13,551 --> 00:39:15,618 To make the pieces fit. 885 00:39:15,620 --> 00:39:17,319 And if you don't look anywhere else, 886 00:39:17,321 --> 00:39:19,588 If you keep those blinders on, 887 00:39:19,590 --> 00:39:22,458 Then you don't have to do the rest of the investigation. 888 00:39:22,493 --> 00:39:25,427 - Time of death was key to the defense case, too. 889 00:39:25,430 --> 00:39:27,664 Scapicchio went after the prosecution's argument 890 00:39:27,866 --> 00:39:31,567 That ann died before cara left the house at 3:00 pm. 891 00:39:31,602 --> 00:39:33,736 She put her own medical expert on the stand 892 00:39:33,938 --> 00:39:36,172 To cast doubt on the prosecutor's timeline. 893 00:39:36,374 --> 00:39:37,840 - Give an opinion as to whether or not you could 894 00:39:38,042 --> 00:39:41,644 Rule out annamarie rintala dying after 3:00. 895 00:39:41,646 --> 00:39:43,446 - I cannot rule that out. 896 00:39:43,515 --> 00:39:46,516 - Ladies and gentlemen, when you take the blinders off 897 00:39:46,518 --> 00:39:48,918 When you look at the information regarding time of death, 898 00:39:49,120 --> 00:39:50,787 Without blinders, 899 00:39:50,789 --> 00:39:53,122 You'll come to one conclusion. 900 00:39:53,125 --> 00:39:55,124 And that's the commonwealth has failed 901 00:39:55,127 --> 00:39:57,527 To prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. 902 00:39:57,729 --> 00:40:00,430 Because cara rintala didn't kill her wife. 903 00:40:02,033 --> 00:40:04,667 - With that, a fourth jury got the case. 904 00:40:04,869 --> 00:40:06,569 - You know, you can't predict what a jury's doing. 905 00:40:06,771 --> 00:40:08,204 You always have hope that 906 00:40:08,206 --> 00:40:09,939 Your client's going to walk out the door with you. 907 00:40:10,141 --> 00:40:11,307 - What say you, madame foreperson? 908 00:40:11,509 --> 00:40:12,508 - Not this time. 909 00:40:12,543 --> 00:40:14,610 - We, the jury, unanimously find the defendant 910 00:40:14,612 --> 00:40:17,279 Guilty of voluntary manslaughter. 911 00:40:17,281 --> 00:40:19,682 - Not murder one, the verdict of her last trial, 912 00:40:19,684 --> 00:40:21,417 Not even murder two. 913 00:40:21,452 --> 00:40:23,453 This time, the jury found cara rintala 914 00:40:23,655 --> 00:40:27,289 Guilty of a lesser charge that carried a lesser sentence. 915 00:40:27,325 --> 00:40:29,792 But still, a loss for the defense. 916 00:40:29,994 --> 00:40:34,030 - Devastating, to have your client stand next to you 917 00:40:34,232 --> 00:40:38,100 And have a jury come back and-and say that she's guilty, 918 00:40:38,102 --> 00:40:39,902 Uh, and understand, then, that she's probably 919 00:40:40,104 --> 00:40:42,304 Going to go back to jail is just devastating. 920 00:40:42,506 --> 00:40:44,040 - Two weeks after the trial ended, 921 00:40:44,242 --> 00:40:46,509 Everyone was back in court for sentencing. 922 00:40:46,711 --> 00:40:50,079 Cara in handcuffs, her daughter brianna, now 16, 923 00:40:50,081 --> 00:40:52,382 In tears as she appealed to the judge 924 00:40:52,384 --> 00:40:54,584 For her mom's release. 925 00:40:54,586 --> 00:40:56,452 - I need my mom. 926 00:40:56,654 --> 00:40:58,988 This case started when I was very young. 927 00:40:59,190 --> 00:41:02,458 I do not remember my mother ann at all. 928 00:41:02,660 --> 00:41:06,262 The only mother I have ever remembered is cara. 929 00:41:06,264 --> 00:41:08,531 - There is not enough words in the dictionary 930 00:41:08,733 --> 00:41:12,334 For me to explain my hurt, my pain. 931 00:41:12,536 --> 00:41:14,971 - I'm asking you to release my mom right away-- 932 00:41:15,173 --> 00:41:18,007 - Ann's former sister-in-law jen cochrane was in court 933 00:41:18,009 --> 00:41:19,409 For the sentencing. 934 00:41:19,611 --> 00:41:22,344 She found brianna's statement hard to sit through. 935 00:41:22,346 --> 00:41:24,914 - The fact that I was witness 936 00:41:25,116 --> 00:41:27,383 To brianna sitting in that courtroom 937 00:41:27,385 --> 00:41:29,885 And didn't even call her mom. 938 00:41:29,888 --> 00:41:31,353 Called her ann cochrane. 939 00:41:31,355 --> 00:41:33,689 She did not know who she was. 940 00:41:33,691 --> 00:41:35,792 And there's one person to blame for that. 941 00:41:37,862 --> 00:41:40,362 - Cara was sentenced to no less than 12 years 942 00:41:40,364 --> 00:41:42,098 And no more than 14, 943 00:41:42,300 --> 00:41:44,033 With credit for the more than seven years 944 00:41:44,035 --> 00:41:45,668 She'd already served. 945 00:41:45,670 --> 00:41:47,604 Another appeal is in the works. 946 00:41:51,909 --> 00:41:54,511 It had been more than a dozen years since ann died. 947 00:41:56,114 --> 00:41:57,313 Jen, for her part, 948 00:41:57,315 --> 00:41:59,915 Said she still missed that exuberant spirit. 949 00:41:59,918 --> 00:42:03,419 - I don't want people to remember 950 00:42:03,421 --> 00:42:06,588 That she was lying on the basement floor, 951 00:42:06,591 --> 00:42:08,124 Covered in paint. 952 00:42:08,126 --> 00:42:11,927 I want them to remember her 953 00:42:11,930 --> 00:42:14,664 The way that I do, which is her infectious smile. 954 00:42:16,834 --> 00:42:19,802 And I want that memory. 955 00:42:20,004 --> 00:42:22,038 I don't want the bad memory. 956 00:42:23,975 --> 00:42:26,442 - Annamarie cochrane-rintala, 957 00:42:26,444 --> 00:42:28,744 A woman who took life in big gulps, 958 00:42:28,946 --> 00:42:31,447 A joyous soul with a huge smile 959 00:42:31,649 --> 00:42:33,182 And a heart to match. 960 00:42:40,492 --> 00:42:41,757 - And that's all for this edition 961 00:42:41,759 --> 00:42:43,960 Of "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 962 00:42:44,162 --> 00:42:46,563 I'm craig melvin. Thank you for watching.