1 00:00:12,946 --> 00:00:14,213 - I'm kate snow, 2 00:00:14,215 --> 00:00:17,049 And this is "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 3 00:00:17,051 --> 00:00:19,885 - Michael george fell prey to the two issues 4 00:00:19,887 --> 00:00:24,556 Most known to common man, sex and money. 5 00:00:24,558 --> 00:00:26,925 - Fun place, a comic book store, 6 00:00:26,927 --> 00:00:28,694 But not that night. 7 00:00:28,696 --> 00:00:30,295 - They said, "you can't go through. 8 00:00:30,297 --> 00:00:31,596 "somebody was killed." 9 00:00:31,598 --> 00:00:33,165 - She was a young wife and mother 10 00:00:33,167 --> 00:00:35,767 Minding the store for her husband. 11 00:00:35,769 --> 00:00:38,837 Was it robbery, revenge, or something else? 12 00:00:38,839 --> 00:00:41,373 - We might wanna look at his relationship 13 00:00:41,375 --> 00:00:42,908 With his employee named renee. 14 00:00:42,910 --> 00:00:43,708 - They're a little cozy. Check it out. 15 00:00:43,710 --> 00:00:45,043 - Uh, yes. 16 00:00:45,045 --> 00:00:47,312 - Years passed without an arrest, 17 00:00:47,314 --> 00:00:51,983 But for one prosecutor, this cold case was personal. 18 00:00:51,985 --> 00:00:54,419 - That was the case that was unsolved for my old man, 19 00:00:54,421 --> 00:00:55,353 For my dad. 20 00:00:55,355 --> 00:00:57,489 - The clues-- that lover's triangle, 21 00:00:57,491 --> 00:00:59,758 Cash, and a bearded lady. 22 00:00:59,760 --> 00:01:01,793 - And he said, "it looked like a woman in a fake beard, 23 00:01:01,795 --> 00:01:02,994 "a really thin guy." 24 00:01:02,996 --> 00:01:06,665 - It's a mystery with so many head-snapping turns... 25 00:01:06,667 --> 00:01:07,800 [sobbing] 26 00:01:07,802 --> 00:01:09,468 ...It took two trials. 27 00:01:09,470 --> 00:01:12,070 - You wait 18 years for justice 28 00:01:12,072 --> 00:01:13,605 Only to have the carpet pulled out from under ya. 29 00:01:13,607 --> 00:01:15,874 - To uncover the truth. 30 00:01:15,876 --> 00:01:16,808 - We have a verdict. 31 00:01:16,810 --> 00:01:18,577 - But was it the truth? 32 00:01:18,579 --> 00:01:21,680 - An adulterer is a person who's done evil things, 33 00:01:21,682 --> 00:01:23,815 But that does not make him a murderer. 34 00:01:23,817 --> 00:01:31,890 ♪♪ 35 00:01:31,892 --> 00:01:34,759 - Hello, and welcome to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 36 00:01:34,761 --> 00:01:37,095 Michael george and his wife, barbara, 37 00:01:37,097 --> 00:01:38,463 Owned a comic book store 38 00:01:38,465 --> 00:01:40,866 Where the shelves were filled with epic tales 39 00:01:40,868 --> 00:01:43,235 Of superheroes battling villains. 40 00:01:43,237 --> 00:01:45,837 Then barbara was shot dead at work, 41 00:01:45,839 --> 00:01:48,173 And while police searched for answers, 42 00:01:48,175 --> 00:01:51,109 A dark secret managed to remain hidden. 43 00:01:51,111 --> 00:01:54,713 It would be years before a team of real life good guys 44 00:01:54,715 --> 00:01:57,816 Swooped in to unearth a telling clue, 45 00:01:57,818 --> 00:02:01,520 But would it be enough to unmask a killer? 46 00:02:01,522 --> 00:02:05,123 Here's dennis murphy with "the comic book murder." 47 00:02:05,125 --> 00:02:06,324 - I looked at him. 48 00:02:06,326 --> 00:02:07,326 I said, "hey, let's go down to the comic book store 49 00:02:07,328 --> 00:02:09,427 "and help barb with the party." 50 00:02:09,429 --> 00:02:11,396 [sirens wailing] we pulled up at the party. 51 00:02:11,398 --> 00:02:13,565 The police stopped us. I knew immediately. 52 00:02:13,567 --> 00:02:15,200 All the crime scene tape was there, 53 00:02:15,202 --> 00:02:17,069 And they said, "you can't go through. 54 00:02:17,071 --> 00:02:19,471 "we're investigating a homicide. 55 00:02:19,473 --> 00:02:23,608 "we're investigating the comic book store." 56 00:02:23,610 --> 00:02:26,278 - The comic book store was a mom and pop shop 57 00:02:26,280 --> 00:02:28,747 In a strip mall outside detroit. 58 00:02:28,749 --> 00:02:29,881 Out front by the register, 59 00:02:29,883 --> 00:02:31,750 Bins of the fantasy big guys, 60 00:02:31,752 --> 00:02:33,985 Spidey, hulk, x-men, 61 00:02:33,987 --> 00:02:36,154 But in the storage space in back 62 00:02:36,156 --> 00:02:37,556 Was an ugly reality. 63 00:02:37,558 --> 00:02:40,492 One of the shop owners, the woman, was on the floor 64 00:02:40,494 --> 00:02:42,294 With the life draining out of her. 65 00:02:42,296 --> 00:02:43,595 Customers had found her. 66 00:02:43,597 --> 00:02:46,131 - Most of the time, we were there on Friday nights. 67 00:02:46,133 --> 00:02:49,901 - It was July of 1990, a Friday the 13th, 68 00:02:49,903 --> 00:02:52,804 When tom and lenora ward stopped by the comic book shop 69 00:02:52,806 --> 00:02:54,439 Before going out to dinner. 70 00:02:54,441 --> 00:02:57,309 They liked buying from the woman there, barb. 71 00:02:57,311 --> 00:02:58,243 - She knew our names. 72 00:02:58,245 --> 00:02:59,878 Immediately, when we would walk in, 73 00:02:59,880 --> 00:03:02,380 She would light up with a smile. 74 00:03:02,382 --> 00:03:04,182 Um, many times, she would actually come around 75 00:03:04,184 --> 00:03:06,518 The counter to greet us. 76 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:09,254 - But not on this summer evening. 77 00:03:09,256 --> 00:03:11,256 It was just after 6 o'clock. 78 00:03:11,258 --> 00:03:13,525 Tom and lenora had picked out a comic, 79 00:03:13,527 --> 00:03:15,227 But there was no one behind the counter 80 00:03:15,229 --> 00:03:16,195 To take their money, 81 00:03:16,197 --> 00:03:18,863 Not barb or her husband, michael, the co-owner. 82 00:03:18,865 --> 00:03:20,065 - It wasn't uncommon 83 00:03:20,067 --> 00:03:22,334 That someone wouldn't be at the cash register, 84 00:03:22,336 --> 00:03:24,469 But this was a longer than normal time, 85 00:03:24,471 --> 00:03:26,972 So we thought we would, uh, stick around 86 00:03:26,974 --> 00:03:28,073 Just to make sure, 87 00:03:28,075 --> 00:03:30,041 You know, because we liked her. 88 00:03:30,043 --> 00:03:32,844 - Some teenager customers were also in the shop browsing, 89 00:03:32,846 --> 00:03:35,480 And they, too, were itchy to pay and go. 90 00:03:35,482 --> 00:03:38,049 They were the first ones to peek into the back room 91 00:03:38,051 --> 00:03:40,085 And see barb sprawled. 92 00:03:40,087 --> 00:03:42,320 - Cried out, "there's somebody back here!" 93 00:03:42,322 --> 00:03:44,155 And at that time, 94 00:03:44,157 --> 00:03:47,292 Tom and I rushed to the back storage area 95 00:03:47,294 --> 00:03:50,095 And found barb, um, on the floor. 96 00:03:50,097 --> 00:03:52,631 - We thought she perhaps had fallen backwards 97 00:03:52,633 --> 00:03:53,898 And hit her head. 98 00:03:53,900 --> 00:03:57,035 - I noticed that she was blue around her mouth, 99 00:03:57,037 --> 00:04:01,139 Um, her pupils were dilated and big, 100 00:04:01,141 --> 00:04:03,575 And, um, I could not find a pulse. 101 00:04:03,577 --> 00:04:04,509 - Lenora, the customer, 102 00:04:04,511 --> 00:04:07,012 Happened to be a nurse and took charge. 103 00:04:07,014 --> 00:04:09,180 She noticed only a small amount of blood 104 00:04:09,182 --> 00:04:11,516 And concluded that barb had suffered a heart attack 105 00:04:11,518 --> 00:04:12,917 Or a seizure. 106 00:04:12,919 --> 00:04:14,920 She told her husband to call 911 107 00:04:14,922 --> 00:04:17,589 While she began administering cpr. 108 00:04:17,591 --> 00:04:19,991 - I had never done cpr on someone 109 00:04:19,993 --> 00:04:21,793 That I knew and loved. 110 00:04:21,795 --> 00:04:25,463 It was please, god, let this be okay. 111 00:04:25,465 --> 00:04:26,998 She's a mother. 112 00:04:27,000 --> 00:04:29,601 - As the ambulance rushed barb to the hospital, 113 00:04:29,603 --> 00:04:32,671 Lenora ward felt she'd done her professional best, 114 00:04:32,673 --> 00:04:34,472 But she wasn't at all sure 115 00:04:34,474 --> 00:04:36,341 Her prayers would be answered. 116 00:04:36,343 --> 00:04:39,678 - I knew that she was medically in-in dire straits. 117 00:04:39,680 --> 00:04:42,280 - The woman rushed into the emergency room that evening 118 00:04:42,282 --> 00:04:44,482 Was 32-year-old barbara george. 119 00:04:44,484 --> 00:04:46,818 She was a little heavy but physically fit, 120 00:04:46,820 --> 00:04:49,988 An enthusiastic softball and volleyball player. 121 00:04:49,990 --> 00:04:53,892 Doctors and nurses began working feverishly to get a pulse, 122 00:04:53,894 --> 00:04:56,528 Thumping the woman's chest in rapid bursts. 123 00:04:56,530 --> 00:04:58,630 One e.R. Nurse was kris kehoe. 124 00:04:58,632 --> 00:05:01,833 - If you can give 100 compressions per minute 125 00:05:01,835 --> 00:05:02,967 To that patient, 126 00:05:02,969 --> 00:05:05,437 The better the chance of reviving the heart. 127 00:05:05,439 --> 00:05:08,173 - But after 15 minutes, it was all over. 128 00:05:08,175 --> 00:05:10,175 A doctor pronounced barb george, 129 00:05:10,177 --> 00:05:12,311 The mother of two, dead. 130 00:05:12,313 --> 00:05:14,946 It fell to nurse kehoe to clean up the body 131 00:05:14,948 --> 00:05:18,283 For the family to view. That's when she saw it. 132 00:05:18,285 --> 00:05:20,652 - When we were straightening up her hair, 133 00:05:20,654 --> 00:05:23,755 Uh, we noticed some blood on the top of her head. 134 00:05:23,757 --> 00:05:26,124 I noticed that there was a small hole. 135 00:05:26,126 --> 00:05:27,492 My first thought as a nurse 136 00:05:27,494 --> 00:05:31,329 Was that it had to be a bullet hole there. 137 00:05:31,331 --> 00:05:32,931 - Imagine that. Barbara george, 138 00:05:32,933 --> 00:05:34,432 The nice lady behind the counter, 139 00:05:34,434 --> 00:05:35,767 Shot to death. 140 00:05:35,769 --> 00:05:37,669 - We were shocked. Shot in the head? 141 00:05:37,671 --> 00:05:39,604 It didn't seem like it could happen 142 00:05:39,606 --> 00:05:41,473 To such a good person. 143 00:05:41,475 --> 00:05:42,941 - Back at the comic book shop, 144 00:05:42,943 --> 00:05:44,709 Friends and family continued to arrive 145 00:05:44,711 --> 00:05:47,679 For what was supposed to be a surprise birthday party 146 00:05:47,681 --> 00:05:50,582 That night for michael george, barb's husband. 147 00:05:50,584 --> 00:05:52,484 What a pleasant night it should have been 148 00:05:52,486 --> 00:05:55,220 With toasts, the singing of "happy birthday," 149 00:05:55,222 --> 00:05:57,822 And all the superheroes from his beloved marvel 150 00:05:57,824 --> 00:05:59,558 And action comics looking on. 151 00:05:59,560 --> 00:06:01,827 All those guests now stunned 152 00:06:01,829 --> 00:06:04,028 To find the party turned into a crime scene 153 00:06:04,030 --> 00:06:08,366 And barb, the hostess, dead. 154 00:06:08,368 --> 00:06:10,568 - The investigation kicks into high gear 155 00:06:10,570 --> 00:06:13,838 As witnesses give police what could be two key clues 156 00:06:13,840 --> 00:06:15,974 To solving the mystery. 157 00:06:17,644 --> 00:06:21,579 Right after the murder, reports of a speeding car. 158 00:06:21,581 --> 00:06:24,182 - And we both thought to ourselves 159 00:06:24,184 --> 00:06:25,784 And then said it to each other, 160 00:06:25,786 --> 00:06:27,719 "boy, that car is going too fast." 161 00:06:27,721 --> 00:06:31,256 - And a man waiting outside the comic book shop. 162 00:06:31,258 --> 00:06:33,024 - He had on kind of a dark outfit 163 00:06:33,026 --> 00:06:34,325 For that time of the year. 164 00:06:34,327 --> 00:06:36,928 A greek fisherman's cap is how I would describe it. 165 00:06:36,930 --> 00:06:39,898 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 166 00:06:43,736 --> 00:06:48,907 ♪♪ 167 00:06:48,909 --> 00:06:50,742 - Their hole in the wall shop, 168 00:06:50,744 --> 00:06:52,744 Comic's world, had been barb and michael george's 169 00:06:52,746 --> 00:06:54,946 Just-go-for-it passion. 170 00:06:54,948 --> 00:06:57,349 He'd collected thousands of comics over the years, 171 00:06:57,351 --> 00:06:59,684 And he liked superheroes adventures 172 00:06:59,686 --> 00:07:01,887 Way more than he liked selling insurance. 173 00:07:01,889 --> 00:07:04,022 So, with some help from barb's parents, 174 00:07:04,024 --> 00:07:06,257 They took the jump and opened their little shop 175 00:07:06,259 --> 00:07:08,560 In a clinton township, michigan strip mall 176 00:07:08,562 --> 00:07:11,129 In the winter of 1988. 177 00:07:12,299 --> 00:07:14,365 Joe kowynia is barb's brother. 178 00:07:14,367 --> 00:07:15,633 When we met joe, 179 00:07:15,635 --> 00:07:18,436 He earned a living by removing dents and dings from cars, 180 00:07:18,438 --> 00:07:20,138 But back in 1990, 181 00:07:20,140 --> 00:07:22,807 He was the kid brother who looked up to his sister, 182 00:07:22,809 --> 00:07:24,576 Admired her on the softball field 183 00:07:24,578 --> 00:07:26,311 Where she was a standout. 184 00:07:26,313 --> 00:07:27,512 - I used to go to her games. 185 00:07:27,514 --> 00:07:31,516 I remember goin' to the tournaments with the family. 186 00:07:31,518 --> 00:07:33,651 You know, she was your typical older sister. 187 00:07:33,653 --> 00:07:35,620 She was always there to help ya. 188 00:07:35,622 --> 00:07:37,255 - Barb had been brought up in a traditional 189 00:07:37,257 --> 00:07:38,823 Polish catholic family, 190 00:07:38,825 --> 00:07:41,259 And when she found her man, michael george, 191 00:07:41,261 --> 00:07:44,929 Marriage became the organizing principal of her life. 192 00:07:44,931 --> 00:07:47,799 Was she a happy bride? - Very happy, yeah. 193 00:07:47,801 --> 00:07:50,201 She couldn't, uh, she couldn't wait. 194 00:07:50,203 --> 00:07:52,604 - And when children came along, two girls, 195 00:07:52,606 --> 00:07:54,606 Barbara george seemed complete. 196 00:07:54,608 --> 00:07:56,074 - Her kids were her pride and joy, 197 00:07:56,076 --> 00:07:58,076 And I think that was everything to her. 198 00:07:58,078 --> 00:08:00,478 - The night of Friday the 13th, 199 00:08:00,480 --> 00:08:02,614 Brother, joe, and his then girlfriend, 200 00:08:02,616 --> 00:08:05,416 Now mary shamo, drove over to the comic shop 201 00:08:05,418 --> 00:08:07,285 For what was to be a celebration, 202 00:08:07,287 --> 00:08:09,421 Barb's surprise birthday party 203 00:08:09,423 --> 00:08:12,357 In the store for michael. He was turning 30. 204 00:08:12,359 --> 00:08:14,993 Michael's mother was going to keep the two kids 205 00:08:14,995 --> 00:08:16,427 At her house for the weekend 206 00:08:16,429 --> 00:08:18,763 While barb and michael took off after the party 207 00:08:18,765 --> 00:08:21,499 For a cozy couple of days at a lodge. 208 00:08:21,501 --> 00:08:23,101 So, that would've been a Friday night, 209 00:08:23,103 --> 00:08:24,769 And it was gonna be a romantic weekend. 210 00:08:24,771 --> 00:08:25,904 - Right. [sirens wailing] 211 00:08:25,906 --> 00:08:27,138 - A weekend not meant to be 212 00:08:27,140 --> 00:08:29,174 Because by the time joe and mary 213 00:08:29,176 --> 00:08:31,843 Got to the comic book store just before 9 o'clock, 214 00:08:31,845 --> 00:08:34,178 There was confusion, cop cars. 215 00:08:34,180 --> 00:08:35,113 - We pulled up, 216 00:08:35,115 --> 00:08:37,582 And-and-and joe rolled down the window. 217 00:08:37,584 --> 00:08:38,783 The police stopped us, 218 00:08:38,785 --> 00:08:40,718 And they said, "you can't go through. 219 00:08:40,720 --> 00:08:42,487 "we're investigating a homicide. 220 00:08:42,489 --> 00:08:43,955 "somebody was killed." 221 00:08:43,957 --> 00:08:45,156 - I immediately thought mike 222 00:08:45,158 --> 00:08:47,025 'cause I thought no one hated my sister, 223 00:08:47,027 --> 00:08:48,860 Absolutely nobody. 224 00:08:48,862 --> 00:08:51,196 [sirens wailing] - but the victim wasn't mike. 225 00:08:51,198 --> 00:08:52,764 It was joe's sister, 226 00:08:52,766 --> 00:08:55,533 And it was up to detective sergeant donald steckman 227 00:08:55,535 --> 00:08:57,135 To make sense of the senseless. 228 00:08:57,137 --> 00:08:59,170 He'd been the investigator on duty 229 00:08:59,172 --> 00:09:01,472 When the hospital called that they'd had a woman come in 230 00:09:01,474 --> 00:09:03,441 With a single gunshot to the head. 231 00:09:03,443 --> 00:09:05,610 - So, now we had a full-blown homicide. 232 00:09:05,612 --> 00:09:06,778 - You know it's gonna be a long night. 233 00:09:06,780 --> 00:09:08,012 - Yes. 234 00:09:08,014 --> 00:09:10,949 - As the detective's team scoured the strip mall dumpsters 235 00:09:10,951 --> 00:09:13,451 For maybe a tossed weapon, clothing, something, 236 00:09:13,453 --> 00:09:16,421 He turned over the few facts he had, so far. 237 00:09:16,423 --> 00:09:19,324 A woman with children gunned down execution style 238 00:09:19,326 --> 00:09:22,126 In the back of a little comic book store. 239 00:09:22,128 --> 00:09:25,029 Police interviewed merchants and customers at the mall. 240 00:09:25,031 --> 00:09:27,899 Had anyone seen anything out of the ordinary? 241 00:09:27,901 --> 00:09:30,969 It turned out tom and lenora ward did. 242 00:09:30,971 --> 00:09:33,338 The couple who'd given barb first aid 243 00:09:33,340 --> 00:09:34,772 Had picked up on something 244 00:09:34,774 --> 00:09:36,307 When they first arrived that evening, 245 00:09:36,309 --> 00:09:39,077 A speeding car in front of the comic book shop. 246 00:09:39,079 --> 00:09:41,980 - And we both thought to ourselves 247 00:09:41,982 --> 00:09:43,615 And then said it to each other, 248 00:09:43,617 --> 00:09:45,750 "boy, that car is going too fast." 249 00:09:45,752 --> 00:09:48,320 - Later, they'd wonder if that was the getaway car, 250 00:09:48,322 --> 00:09:50,822 But another observation tugged at them. 251 00:09:50,824 --> 00:09:54,192 Who was that guy lurking outside the comic book shop? 252 00:09:54,194 --> 00:09:55,994 - He had on kind of a dark outfit 253 00:09:55,996 --> 00:09:57,395 For that time of the year. 254 00:09:57,397 --> 00:10:00,398 A greek fisherman's cap is how I would describe it. 255 00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:02,334 - Another man visiting the strip mall would say 256 00:10:02,336 --> 00:10:05,003 He saw a different suspicious character, 257 00:10:05,005 --> 00:10:08,272 Someone wearing what appeared to be a fake beard, 258 00:10:08,274 --> 00:10:10,575 Possibly a bearded lady. 259 00:10:10,577 --> 00:10:13,811 The shop was small, deeper than it was wide, 260 00:10:13,813 --> 00:10:16,614 Aisles of bins filled with comic books out front 261 00:10:16,616 --> 00:10:20,585 By the register, and a door to the back storage room. 262 00:10:20,587 --> 00:10:22,587 Barbara george had been found just inside 263 00:10:22,589 --> 00:10:24,288 The back room. 264 00:10:24,290 --> 00:10:26,057 On the far wall, was a locked door 265 00:10:26,059 --> 00:10:28,159 That led to the alley in the rear. 266 00:10:28,161 --> 00:10:30,762 - Now inside the comic's corner. 267 00:10:30,764 --> 00:10:33,965 - Crime scene techs began videotaping the crime scene. 268 00:10:33,967 --> 00:10:35,166 - So, the cash register. 269 00:10:35,168 --> 00:10:39,270 - There was $750 still in the cash register untouched. 270 00:10:39,272 --> 00:10:41,906 In a glass case just behind the till, 271 00:10:41,908 --> 00:10:44,509 A wall of collectible vintage comics, 272 00:10:44,511 --> 00:10:47,445 The good stuff. They hadn't been ransacked. 273 00:10:47,447 --> 00:10:48,780 In the storage area, 274 00:10:48,782 --> 00:10:50,615 Some bins had been toppled over, 275 00:10:50,617 --> 00:10:53,584 But the emts might have done that as they rushed in 276 00:10:53,586 --> 00:10:56,454 To assist barb george as she lay on the floor. 277 00:10:56,456 --> 00:10:59,591 More than $400 would be found in her pockets. 278 00:10:59,593 --> 00:11:02,193 The good jewelry she was wearing wasn't taken. 279 00:11:02,195 --> 00:11:04,262 Later, the medical examiner determined 280 00:11:04,264 --> 00:11:07,165 That the shop owner had been shot from above. 281 00:11:07,167 --> 00:11:10,635 The bullet entering almost the very top of the skull, 282 00:11:10,637 --> 00:11:12,770 Indicating she'd been crouching. 283 00:11:12,772 --> 00:11:15,740 Another bullet had been fired first, police believed. 284 00:11:15,742 --> 00:11:16,874 It missed 285 00:11:16,876 --> 00:11:19,077 And went through a swimsuit calendar on the wall 286 00:11:19,079 --> 00:11:20,511 And into the empty shop 287 00:11:20,513 --> 00:11:22,547 On the other side of the sheetrock. 288 00:11:22,549 --> 00:11:24,916 If it was a robbery at the comic book store, 289 00:11:24,918 --> 00:11:26,651 It was an unusual one. 290 00:11:26,653 --> 00:11:29,754 Just after 8 o'clock, detective steckman was told 291 00:11:29,756 --> 00:11:32,256 That the husband of the victim had just arrived. 292 00:11:32,258 --> 00:11:33,224 - He identified himself, 293 00:11:33,226 --> 00:11:35,593 And he said, "what's going on?" 294 00:11:35,595 --> 00:11:37,495 We said, "well, there's been an incident here, 295 00:11:37,497 --> 00:11:39,363 "and we're sorry to tell ya, 296 00:11:39,365 --> 00:11:41,065 "but your wife has been injured," and I told-- 297 00:11:41,067 --> 00:11:43,101 - Injured not dead. - Yes. 298 00:11:43,103 --> 00:11:44,836 We never told him what-- 299 00:11:44,838 --> 00:11:46,171 Never told him what happened to her. 300 00:11:46,173 --> 00:11:47,705 - He doesn't know what has happened to his wife. 301 00:11:47,707 --> 00:11:49,073 - He had no-- to our knowledge, 302 00:11:49,075 --> 00:11:50,241 He had no idea what was going on. 303 00:11:50,243 --> 00:11:51,476 And I said, "well, you need to go over to the hospital 304 00:11:51,478 --> 00:11:54,112 "'cause your wife is really-- is seriously injured." 305 00:11:54,114 --> 00:11:56,581 - At the hospital, michael george was informed 306 00:11:56,583 --> 00:11:59,917 That his wife had died of a gunshot wound to the head. 307 00:11:59,919 --> 00:12:01,252 A few minutes later, 308 00:12:01,254 --> 00:12:04,455 Mary and his brother-in-law joe came rushing in. 309 00:12:04,457 --> 00:12:07,625 The girlfriend was undone by the awful news. 310 00:12:07,627 --> 00:12:09,127 - I'm blown away. I'm shocked. 311 00:12:09,129 --> 00:12:11,996 I wasn't even related to her, and I was devastated, 312 00:12:11,998 --> 00:12:13,765 And I was crying, and I was upset. 313 00:12:13,767 --> 00:12:15,633 - But there was someone 314 00:12:15,635 --> 00:12:17,935 Who didn't seem as upset as mary was, 315 00:12:17,937 --> 00:12:20,071 The new widower, michael george. 316 00:12:20,073 --> 00:12:24,742 Why was she so suspicious of the comic book man? 317 00:12:24,744 --> 00:12:26,211 - Coming up... 318 00:12:26,213 --> 00:12:29,914 An untroubled husband with a very troubled marriage. 319 00:12:29,916 --> 00:12:31,682 - We started receiving phone calls. 320 00:12:31,684 --> 00:12:34,219 We might wanna look at his relationship 321 00:12:34,221 --> 00:12:35,887 With his employee named renee. 322 00:12:35,889 --> 00:12:36,954 - They're a little cozy. Check it out, huh? 323 00:12:36,956 --> 00:12:38,055 - Uh, yes. 324 00:12:38,057 --> 00:12:40,692 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 325 00:12:44,830 --> 00:12:51,169 ♪♪ 326 00:12:51,171 --> 00:12:53,004 - Barbra george had been shot to death 327 00:12:53,006 --> 00:12:54,839 In the storage room of the comic book shop 328 00:12:54,841 --> 00:12:56,874 She owned with her husband, michael. 329 00:12:56,876 --> 00:12:58,643 Six hours after her murder, 330 00:12:58,645 --> 00:13:00,711 Michael george had returned from the hospital 331 00:13:00,713 --> 00:13:02,880 To show the chief detective, sergeant steckman, 332 00:13:02,882 --> 00:13:05,316 Around what was now a crime scene. 333 00:13:05,318 --> 00:13:07,051 The back room where barb was shot 334 00:13:07,053 --> 00:13:08,253 Was also where michael said 335 00:13:08,255 --> 00:13:09,854 A robbery must have happened. 336 00:13:09,856 --> 00:13:13,457 He noticed two important white boxes were gone. 337 00:13:13,459 --> 00:13:14,892 - Soon as he walked in the back room, 338 00:13:14,894 --> 00:13:17,562 He looked and said there were two cardboard boxes 339 00:13:17,564 --> 00:13:20,799 Full of very expensive comic books missing. 340 00:13:20,801 --> 00:13:21,833 - So, he's sayin', 341 00:13:21,835 --> 00:13:23,000 "I had some expensive stuff back here." 342 00:13:23,002 --> 00:13:24,135 - Two boxes of comic books. 343 00:13:24,137 --> 00:13:25,703 - And it's gone. - And they're gone. 344 00:13:25,705 --> 00:13:26,938 - Michael george made a written list 345 00:13:26,940 --> 00:13:29,207 Of stolen comics from the white boxes 346 00:13:29,209 --> 00:13:32,410 And estimated their value at $12,600. 347 00:13:32,412 --> 00:13:34,679 He'd later file an insurance claim 348 00:13:34,681 --> 00:13:36,547 For vintage editions of spider-man, 349 00:13:36,549 --> 00:13:39,884 Green lantern, and iron man to name just a few. 350 00:13:39,886 --> 00:13:41,352 So, he's talkin' about robbery, 351 00:13:41,354 --> 00:13:42,487 Is his likely scenario. 352 00:13:42,489 --> 00:13:44,822 - His-his whole scenario was it had to be robbery. 353 00:13:44,824 --> 00:13:46,657 - At the comic book shop, 354 00:13:46,659 --> 00:13:48,026 Michael george told the detective 355 00:13:48,028 --> 00:13:50,394 He had no idea what had happened to his wife. 356 00:13:50,396 --> 00:13:52,964 He said he'd last seen her a little after 4 o'clock 357 00:13:52,966 --> 00:13:55,099 When she'd relieved him behind the counter. 358 00:13:55,101 --> 00:13:57,235 He said he took their two kids over to his mom's 359 00:13:57,237 --> 00:13:59,637 And remained there napping on her couch 360 00:13:59,639 --> 00:14:01,572 Until a little before 8 o'clock 361 00:14:01,574 --> 00:14:03,507 When he returned to the comic book store. 362 00:14:03,509 --> 00:14:05,343 Detective steckman asked michael george 363 00:14:05,345 --> 00:14:06,978 The questions that a cop would 364 00:14:06,980 --> 00:14:08,847 When the wife has just been murdered. 365 00:14:08,849 --> 00:14:10,047 - "let's get all this up straight. 366 00:14:10,049 --> 00:14:11,849 "were there any-any girlfriends?" 367 00:14:11,851 --> 00:14:12,650 "no." 368 00:14:12,652 --> 00:14:13,518 "were you having any affairs?" 369 00:14:13,520 --> 00:14:14,452 "no." 370 00:14:14,454 --> 00:14:15,653 "any-any problems with your marriage?" 371 00:14:15,655 --> 00:14:17,121 "no, everything was fine." 372 00:14:17,123 --> 00:14:19,791 - At the funeral, days later, mary shamo, 373 00:14:19,793 --> 00:14:21,359 The girlfriend of barb's brother, 374 00:14:21,361 --> 00:14:23,361 Couldn't make out what he was feeling 375 00:14:23,363 --> 00:14:24,996 Because his eyes were concealed 376 00:14:24,998 --> 00:14:27,531 Behind dark, dark sunglasses. 377 00:14:27,533 --> 00:14:30,067 - Like something that, uh, a blind person would wear, 378 00:14:30,069 --> 00:14:31,736 Something you see stevie wonder wear. 379 00:14:31,738 --> 00:14:32,703 - And mary's sense 380 00:14:32,705 --> 00:14:34,538 That michael was acting strange, 381 00:14:34,540 --> 00:14:36,540 Even goofy, only increased 382 00:14:36,542 --> 00:14:38,442 After a visit to the trailer park home 383 00:14:38,444 --> 00:14:41,245 Where michael george and barbara had lived. 384 00:14:41,247 --> 00:14:42,880 She and joe, barb's brother, 385 00:14:42,882 --> 00:14:44,849 Had gone over to give michael some support 386 00:14:44,851 --> 00:14:46,317 During tough days. 387 00:14:46,319 --> 00:14:48,353 - He comes in, and-and her vacuum is sitting there, 388 00:14:48,355 --> 00:14:50,488 And he grabs the vacuum, and he embraces the vacuum, 389 00:14:50,490 --> 00:14:52,757 And he's just, like, like... 390 00:14:52,759 --> 00:14:54,959 He showed more emotion with this vacuum 391 00:14:54,961 --> 00:14:56,160 Than he did the whole time. 392 00:14:56,162 --> 00:14:57,395 - What's he saying to the vacuum? 393 00:14:57,397 --> 00:14:59,397 - And he's just saying, "oh, this was barb's vacuum," 394 00:14:59,399 --> 00:15:00,431 And, "oh, my god, 395 00:15:00,433 --> 00:15:01,966 She's never gonna use this vacuum again," 396 00:15:01,968 --> 00:15:03,501 And-and-and then he would-- 397 00:15:03,503 --> 00:15:04,969 He would go to, like, a blender, and he's like, 398 00:15:04,971 --> 00:15:06,570 "she's never gonna be in this kitchen again." 399 00:15:06,572 --> 00:15:08,506 - Are you thinkin', "what's up with this guy?" 400 00:15:08,508 --> 00:15:10,207 - And I'm looking at him like he was a screwball. 401 00:15:10,209 --> 00:15:11,542 Here you are grieving over a vacuum 402 00:15:11,544 --> 00:15:13,010 And all these appliances, 403 00:15:13,012 --> 00:15:14,646 And there wasn't one tear in his eyes. 404 00:15:14,648 --> 00:15:17,515 There was no swell-- swelling going on in his eyes. 405 00:15:17,517 --> 00:15:19,550 He just-- he had-- he had nothing going on. 406 00:15:19,552 --> 00:15:20,985 It was all an act. 407 00:15:20,987 --> 00:15:23,587 - The police, meanwhile, were chasing down bank records, 408 00:15:23,589 --> 00:15:24,989 Insurance policies, 409 00:15:24,991 --> 00:15:27,592 Looking for leads on the speeding car, 410 00:15:27,594 --> 00:15:29,460 The man in the greek fisherman's cap, 411 00:15:29,462 --> 00:15:31,462 The so-called bearded lady, 412 00:15:31,464 --> 00:15:32,930 And whether this could have been 413 00:15:32,932 --> 00:15:34,732 A botched robbery after all. 414 00:15:34,734 --> 00:15:36,767 They were also getting a crash course 415 00:15:36,769 --> 00:15:39,170 On the value of vintage comics. 416 00:15:39,172 --> 00:15:40,771 Unhappily for them, 417 00:15:40,773 --> 00:15:42,873 The case detectives hadn't found the gun, 418 00:15:42,875 --> 00:15:45,943 And hoped for forensics like a bloody print 419 00:15:45,945 --> 00:15:47,712 Just weren't there, 420 00:15:47,714 --> 00:15:50,548 But the investigators were getting calls on the q.T. 421 00:15:50,550 --> 00:15:53,618 About michael george maybe having a girlfriend. 422 00:15:53,620 --> 00:15:56,087 When did you learn about a shop assistant named renee, 423 00:15:56,089 --> 00:15:57,221 A friend of both him and her? 424 00:15:57,223 --> 00:15:58,690 - That was two days late-- two days later. 425 00:15:58,692 --> 00:16:01,692 We started receiving phone calls, um, from people 426 00:16:01,694 --> 00:16:05,429 Advising us that, uh, we might wanna look at 427 00:16:05,431 --> 00:16:08,499 His relationship with his employee named renee. 428 00:16:08,501 --> 00:16:09,634 - They're a little cozy. Check it out, huh? 429 00:16:09,636 --> 00:16:10,969 - Uh, yes. 430 00:16:10,971 --> 00:16:12,436 - It was barb george 431 00:16:12,438 --> 00:16:14,438 Who'd met and befriended renee, 432 00:16:14,440 --> 00:16:16,807 Renee kotula, at their children's school, 433 00:16:16,809 --> 00:16:19,477 And brought her to work at the comic book store. 434 00:16:19,479 --> 00:16:22,246 Renee had five children and needed the money. 435 00:16:22,248 --> 00:16:25,049 Her floundering marriage had ended in divorce 436 00:16:25,051 --> 00:16:27,518 Just three weeks before barb's murder. 437 00:16:27,520 --> 00:16:29,920 Not long after they buried barbara, 438 00:16:29,922 --> 00:16:32,323 Mary shamo remembers dropping in unexpectedly 439 00:16:32,325 --> 00:16:33,925 At the comic book shop 440 00:16:33,927 --> 00:16:35,893 Along with her boyfriend, joe, 441 00:16:35,895 --> 00:16:38,195 And the pair got a shockaroo. 442 00:16:38,197 --> 00:16:41,665 They saw michael and renee, the shop assistant, canoodling. 443 00:16:41,667 --> 00:16:43,534 - They didn't see us pull up. They were really close, 444 00:16:43,536 --> 00:16:44,702 And they were giggling together, 445 00:16:44,704 --> 00:16:45,903 And their arms were crossed over to each other. 446 00:16:45,905 --> 00:16:47,471 And when you lose somebody in your life, 447 00:16:47,473 --> 00:16:49,407 You kinda look around at the world like, 448 00:16:49,409 --> 00:16:50,307 What's going on? Why is the-- 449 00:16:50,309 --> 00:16:51,609 Why does the world keep moving 450 00:16:51,611 --> 00:16:53,644 When I've just lost somebody so important? 451 00:16:53,646 --> 00:16:55,913 And here this man is, is just-- 452 00:16:55,915 --> 00:16:57,114 He's as happy as a clam. 453 00:16:57,116 --> 00:16:59,383 You wouldn't think that he had any care in the world 454 00:16:59,385 --> 00:17:00,851 The way he was carrying on with her. 455 00:17:00,853 --> 00:17:03,154 - Michael and renee would set up a new home together 456 00:17:03,156 --> 00:17:06,090 With the help of a $130,000 life insurance 457 00:17:06,092 --> 00:17:07,792 Payout on barb that he'd received 458 00:17:07,794 --> 00:17:09,293 As beneficiary. 459 00:17:09,295 --> 00:17:11,295 Is he becoming what cops call a person of interest? 460 00:17:11,297 --> 00:17:13,764 - Yes. At that point, he was. 461 00:17:13,766 --> 00:17:15,566 At that point, he had to be. 462 00:17:15,568 --> 00:17:17,035 - He'd talked to the police casually 463 00:17:17,037 --> 00:17:18,569 At the store that night, 464 00:17:18,571 --> 00:17:20,071 Then in a more formal interview 465 00:17:20,073 --> 00:17:21,939 At the police station six days later, 466 00:17:21,941 --> 00:17:23,574 But there would be no follow-ups. 467 00:17:23,576 --> 00:17:25,977 According to detective steckman, 468 00:17:25,979 --> 00:17:27,978 Michael george said he would hire an attorney, 469 00:17:27,980 --> 00:17:29,313 Lawyer up. 470 00:17:29,315 --> 00:17:31,048 They'd stop talking. - Exactly. 471 00:17:31,050 --> 00:17:33,284 - So, this is a-- this is a big unsolved case. 472 00:17:33,286 --> 00:17:34,786 - Yes, yes. 473 00:17:34,788 --> 00:17:37,321 - How much frustration is building within the family? 474 00:17:37,323 --> 00:17:39,991 - What can ya do? 475 00:17:39,993 --> 00:17:41,192 You can't take-- 476 00:17:41,194 --> 00:17:43,327 I mean, you can take the law into your own-own hands, 477 00:17:43,329 --> 00:17:44,495 But what's gonna happen with that? 478 00:17:44,497 --> 00:17:45,396 - Did you ever talk about it? 479 00:17:45,398 --> 00:17:46,597 - I felt it. 480 00:17:46,599 --> 00:17:50,067 There was times, um, I felt, you know, 481 00:17:50,069 --> 00:17:51,402 That I should do somethin', 482 00:17:51,404 --> 00:17:56,373 But, you know, I-I-- I'm a catholic. 483 00:17:56,375 --> 00:17:59,310 I-I couldn't live with it. 484 00:17:59,312 --> 00:18:02,346 - In the comics, superheroes are ageless, 485 00:18:02,348 --> 00:18:03,614 But the comic book shop 486 00:18:03,616 --> 00:18:06,284 In the clinton township strip mall wasn't. 487 00:18:06,286 --> 00:18:09,153 It closed its doors in 1992. 488 00:18:09,155 --> 00:18:10,955 Michael george, the shop owner, 489 00:18:10,957 --> 00:18:13,691 And his new wife, renee, had moved from town. 490 00:18:13,693 --> 00:18:17,428 They'd settled some 375 miles southeast of detroit 491 00:18:17,430 --> 00:18:20,564 In windber, p.A., population 4,000, 492 00:18:20,566 --> 00:18:22,967 An old coal mining town. 493 00:18:22,969 --> 00:18:24,235 On the main drag there, 494 00:18:24,237 --> 00:18:26,003 The georges had opened their new shop, 495 00:18:26,005 --> 00:18:27,037 Comics world. 496 00:18:27,039 --> 00:18:29,640 With his two kids and renee's five 497 00:18:29,642 --> 00:18:32,176 Being raised together in their spacious new home, 498 00:18:32,178 --> 00:18:33,644 They found friends in windber 499 00:18:33,646 --> 00:18:35,246 Among the other parents involved 500 00:18:35,248 --> 00:18:37,181 In their kids' sports teams. 501 00:18:37,183 --> 00:18:39,517 Michael coached pastor brad westover's daughter 502 00:18:39,519 --> 00:18:42,453 In basketball. He never missed a game. 503 00:18:42,455 --> 00:18:44,321 - Tremendous family man, 504 00:18:44,323 --> 00:18:48,926 Um, respected businessperson in the community. 505 00:18:48,928 --> 00:18:49,927 - Okay, great. 506 00:18:49,929 --> 00:18:51,395 - Jeff lively had the electrical supply shop 507 00:18:51,397 --> 00:18:53,531 Three blocks down from comics world. 508 00:18:53,533 --> 00:18:55,666 - His life was for the kids, 509 00:18:55,668 --> 00:18:58,669 And I'd have to say his life was for renee. 510 00:18:58,671 --> 00:18:59,937 He treated her like gold. 511 00:18:59,939 --> 00:19:02,973 - The georges endeared themselves to a town 512 00:19:02,975 --> 00:19:04,441 Where families went back generations 513 00:19:04,443 --> 00:19:07,144 By raising money for the make a wish charity 514 00:19:07,146 --> 00:19:09,246 And giving comics to the public library. 515 00:19:09,248 --> 00:19:10,714 Besides his good works, 516 00:19:10,716 --> 00:19:13,217 His friends said he was just plain fun. 517 00:19:13,219 --> 00:19:15,653 - The guy always had a smile on his face, 518 00:19:15,655 --> 00:19:16,687 Always jokin'. 519 00:19:16,689 --> 00:19:18,222 Everybody enjoyed bein' around him. 520 00:19:18,224 --> 00:19:20,358 - Michael george had all but severed ties 521 00:19:20,360 --> 00:19:22,226 With his murdered wife's family. 522 00:19:22,228 --> 00:19:25,496 Uncles and an aunt back in clinton township, michigan 523 00:19:25,498 --> 00:19:28,499 Rarely saw barbara's two girls. 524 00:19:28,501 --> 00:19:30,768 Come the year 2000, 525 00:19:30,770 --> 00:19:32,436 Was michael george even aware 526 00:19:32,438 --> 00:19:34,638 That the longtime chief of police 527 00:19:34,640 --> 00:19:36,907 In his former town had passed away? 528 00:19:36,909 --> 00:19:39,443 Chief robert smith had died 529 00:19:39,445 --> 00:19:41,178 Without solving the nagging case 530 00:19:41,180 --> 00:19:42,846 Of the comic book murder. 531 00:19:42,848 --> 00:19:44,915 - Everyone in this town was aware of that crime, 532 00:19:44,917 --> 00:19:47,718 Um, and probably myself more so 533 00:19:47,720 --> 00:19:49,253 Because my dad was the chief of police 534 00:19:49,255 --> 00:19:50,454 At that time. 535 00:19:50,456 --> 00:19:52,657 - Chief smith's son, eric smith. 536 00:19:52,659 --> 00:19:55,292 - I'd driven by that store 1,000 times with my old man. 537 00:19:55,294 --> 00:19:57,328 Just about every time we drove by there, 538 00:19:57,330 --> 00:20:00,931 There was, um, there was somethin' he said. 539 00:20:00,933 --> 00:20:01,865 - Was still gnawing at him. 540 00:20:01,867 --> 00:20:03,801 - There's no question about it. 541 00:20:03,803 --> 00:20:05,703 - Four years after his father's death, 542 00:20:05,705 --> 00:20:07,972 Eric smith was elected chief prosecutor 543 00:20:07,974 --> 00:20:09,874 In macomb county, michigan. 544 00:20:09,876 --> 00:20:12,376 He became responsible for all the criminal cases 545 00:20:12,378 --> 00:20:14,612 In clinton township and beyond. 546 00:20:14,614 --> 00:20:15,980 - And I can't tell ya how many people came up to me 547 00:20:15,982 --> 00:20:18,415 And said that a family member of theirs 548 00:20:18,417 --> 00:20:21,752 Had been murdered or, um, had been killed, 549 00:20:21,754 --> 00:20:23,420 And nothing had been done, 550 00:20:23,422 --> 00:20:25,055 And you could see the desperation on their face, 551 00:20:25,057 --> 00:20:26,223 And they really thought 552 00:20:26,225 --> 00:20:29,026 That the system had passed 'em by, 553 00:20:29,028 --> 00:20:30,527 And if I'm gonna be the chief 554 00:20:30,529 --> 00:20:31,562 Law enforcement officer of this county, 555 00:20:31,564 --> 00:20:33,497 Uh, I-I-I can't let people out there think 556 00:20:33,499 --> 00:20:35,466 That-that we don't care. 557 00:20:35,468 --> 00:20:36,834 So, we started a cold case unit, 558 00:20:36,836 --> 00:20:38,669 Uh, very soon after I came in. 559 00:20:38,671 --> 00:20:41,839 - One of prosecutor smith's first acts in office 560 00:20:41,841 --> 00:20:44,041 Was to send out a letter to all the police departments 561 00:20:44,043 --> 00:20:46,444 In his county asking police chiefs 562 00:20:46,446 --> 00:20:48,980 And detectives to look at their old unsolveds 563 00:20:48,982 --> 00:20:50,948 With fresh eyes. 564 00:20:50,950 --> 00:20:52,717 - I did it with michael george in mind. 565 00:20:52,719 --> 00:20:54,451 There's no question in my mind that, at the time, 566 00:20:54,453 --> 00:20:56,787 While I was hoping that we'd get a lotta cases, 567 00:20:56,789 --> 00:20:57,921 I was hoping that clinton township 568 00:20:57,923 --> 00:20:59,490 Would pick this case up, which really-- 569 00:20:59,492 --> 00:21:01,058 - And maybe resolve one for the old man. 570 00:21:01,060 --> 00:21:02,326 - That's it. That's it. 571 00:21:02,328 --> 00:21:04,161 That was the case that was unsolved 572 00:21:04,163 --> 00:21:06,797 For my old man, for my dad. 573 00:21:06,799 --> 00:21:09,266 - Just as he'd hoped, the clinton township p.D. 574 00:21:09,268 --> 00:21:12,136 Reopened the dusty comic book murder case 575 00:21:12,138 --> 00:21:15,105 And what a surprise the detectives found there. 576 00:21:15,107 --> 00:21:17,608 Someone did have a vital piece of information 577 00:21:17,610 --> 00:21:19,410 About the night of the murder, 578 00:21:19,412 --> 00:21:22,346 But his story had slipped through the cracks. 579 00:21:22,348 --> 00:21:25,049 How could police have missed it all those years? 580 00:21:28,354 --> 00:21:30,221 - A phone call to the comic book shop 581 00:21:30,223 --> 00:21:33,824 That seemed to come at a very bad time. 582 00:21:33,826 --> 00:21:34,892 - He sounded like he was busy. 583 00:21:34,894 --> 00:21:36,360 He was in a hurry to get off the phone. 584 00:21:36,362 --> 00:21:38,996 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 585 00:21:43,835 --> 00:21:48,238 ♪♪ 586 00:21:48,240 --> 00:21:50,607 - Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 587 00:21:50,609 --> 00:21:52,076 I'm kate snow. 588 00:21:52,078 --> 00:21:54,311 In the wake of his wife, barbara's, murder, 589 00:21:54,313 --> 00:21:57,181 Michael george quickly moved on with his life. 590 00:21:57,183 --> 00:21:59,583 He got remarried, settled in a new town, 591 00:21:59,585 --> 00:22:02,119 And opened another comic book store, 592 00:22:02,121 --> 00:22:03,954 But some of barbara's loved ones 593 00:22:03,956 --> 00:22:05,556 Had a nagging suspicion 594 00:22:05,558 --> 00:22:08,492 Michael was hiding a deadly secret. 595 00:22:08,494 --> 00:22:11,528 Now, a team of detectives was about to take a new look 596 00:22:11,530 --> 00:22:13,197 At an old lead, 597 00:22:13,199 --> 00:22:16,534 And it would send this case into overdrive. 598 00:22:16,536 --> 00:22:17,968 Here, again, is dennis murphy 599 00:22:17,970 --> 00:22:20,204 With "the comic book murder." 600 00:22:22,608 --> 00:22:24,908 - The comic book murder files came out of the archives, 601 00:22:24,910 --> 00:22:27,478 And the lead detective blowing off the dust 602 00:22:27,480 --> 00:22:29,446 Was lieutenant greg keith. 603 00:22:29,448 --> 00:22:31,281 He'd been on the clinton township force 604 00:22:31,283 --> 00:22:33,751 Long enough to remember the killing at the strip mall, 605 00:22:33,753 --> 00:22:36,387 And he took it personally that someone out there 606 00:22:36,389 --> 00:22:38,088 Had gotten away with murder. 607 00:22:38,090 --> 00:22:40,691 The lieutenant had identified with the victim. 608 00:22:40,693 --> 00:22:42,259 - I was approximately the same age 609 00:22:42,261 --> 00:22:44,094 And had children the same age, 610 00:22:44,096 --> 00:22:45,829 And maybe that was something 611 00:22:45,831 --> 00:22:47,030 That just stuck with me. 612 00:22:47,032 --> 00:22:48,766 - This is a tough one to pick off the stack. 613 00:22:48,768 --> 00:22:50,134 - Yes. I knew that goin' in, 614 00:22:50,136 --> 00:22:52,703 But I always operate under the theory, 615 00:22:52,705 --> 00:22:54,271 You don't shoot, you don't score, 616 00:22:54,273 --> 00:22:57,474 And I thought I owed it, a, to myself 617 00:22:57,476 --> 00:22:58,842 'cause it was something I had told myself, 618 00:22:58,844 --> 00:23:01,111 But then I owed it to barb, too. 619 00:23:01,113 --> 00:23:03,180 - The detective needed help, 620 00:23:03,182 --> 00:23:05,249 Good old fashioned shoe leather cops 621 00:23:05,251 --> 00:23:07,384 To make the calls, knock on the doors. 622 00:23:07,386 --> 00:23:10,454 So he recruited veteran detectives jimmy hall 623 00:23:10,456 --> 00:23:12,189 And lenny hrecho. 624 00:23:12,191 --> 00:23:14,158 The three of them went into the old box 625 00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:17,761 Reading and rereading yellowing police reports, 626 00:23:17,763 --> 00:23:20,998 But there's a reason crimes go into the cold case file 627 00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:22,600 And stay unsolved, 628 00:23:22,602 --> 00:23:24,335 A lack of evidence. 629 00:23:24,337 --> 00:23:26,737 The three wondered if they had one of those here. 630 00:23:26,739 --> 00:23:27,871 - Is this even doable? 631 00:23:27,873 --> 00:23:30,707 And, uh, finally, when we came to the conclusion 632 00:23:30,709 --> 00:23:34,044 That it's doable, we need to notify the family, 633 00:23:34,046 --> 00:23:35,679 That's when we finally contacted them. 634 00:23:35,681 --> 00:23:38,982 - The cold case detectives were painfully aware 635 00:23:38,984 --> 00:23:41,385 Of giving barb george's family false hopes 636 00:23:41,387 --> 00:23:42,953 After 17 years, 637 00:23:42,955 --> 00:23:45,656 But, in early 2007, 638 00:23:45,658 --> 00:23:47,291 The detectives laid out what they'd found, 639 00:23:47,293 --> 00:23:49,393 Warts and all, for barbara's brother, joe, 640 00:23:49,395 --> 00:23:51,094 And other family members. 641 00:23:51,096 --> 00:23:52,696 - And we were honest with them. 642 00:23:52,698 --> 00:23:56,233 We don't know how successful we're gonna be here. 643 00:23:56,235 --> 00:23:58,635 - Still, after that meeting with the detectives, 644 00:23:58,637 --> 00:24:00,905 Barb's family and friends allowed themselves 645 00:24:00,907 --> 00:24:02,373 To be optimistic. 646 00:24:02,375 --> 00:24:03,574 - I told my sister 647 00:24:03,576 --> 00:24:05,008 When we walked out of that police station, 648 00:24:05,010 --> 00:24:07,544 I said, "something will come out of this." 649 00:24:07,546 --> 00:24:10,514 - Joe and mary, his girlfriend back then, 650 00:24:10,516 --> 00:24:12,516 Had broken up after barbara's murder, 651 00:24:12,518 --> 00:24:14,518 But they remained close over the years. 652 00:24:14,520 --> 00:24:15,853 - My dad was in the hospital at the time, 653 00:24:15,855 --> 00:24:16,921 He was dying of cancer, 654 00:24:16,923 --> 00:24:18,923 And I told my dad what was going on, 655 00:24:18,925 --> 00:24:21,325 And my dad was just-- and-and, again, 656 00:24:21,327 --> 00:24:23,026 He-he could barely even talk, 657 00:24:23,028 --> 00:24:24,662 And he lit right up, 658 00:24:24,664 --> 00:24:27,698 And he said, "good, good. 659 00:24:27,700 --> 00:24:28,933 "god's gonna get him." 660 00:24:28,935 --> 00:24:30,067 [sirens wailing] 661 00:24:30,069 --> 00:24:32,002 - The detectives started their investigation 662 00:24:32,004 --> 00:24:34,605 As though it were July 13, 1990, 663 00:24:34,607 --> 00:24:37,074 And the 911 call had just come in. 664 00:24:37,076 --> 00:24:38,876 All three of them knew 665 00:24:38,878 --> 00:24:41,178 This wasn't going to be an episode of "csi," 666 00:24:41,180 --> 00:24:43,614 Forensic science saving the day. 667 00:24:43,616 --> 00:24:46,283 No weapon, no blood smears, no hair fibers, 668 00:24:46,285 --> 00:24:47,485 None of that. - Nothing. 669 00:24:47,487 --> 00:24:49,220 - In terms of what people are used to seein' nowadays, 670 00:24:49,222 --> 00:24:51,555 Uh, with dna and things like that, 671 00:24:51,557 --> 00:24:52,823 We didn't have it. 672 00:24:52,825 --> 00:24:54,424 We just had to do detective work. 673 00:24:54,426 --> 00:24:55,959 - Which means? 674 00:24:55,961 --> 00:24:57,495 - Get out there and interview people. 675 00:24:57,497 --> 00:24:59,863 - They say, without preconceived theories, 676 00:24:59,865 --> 00:25:02,533 They chased down the old leads, again, 677 00:25:02,535 --> 00:25:04,034 The speeding car, 678 00:25:04,036 --> 00:25:05,903 The man in the greek fisherman's cap, 679 00:25:05,905 --> 00:25:07,371 The bearded lady, 680 00:25:07,373 --> 00:25:10,140 And reexamined the old motive. 681 00:25:10,142 --> 00:25:12,576 Was it possible that barbara had been shot to death 682 00:25:12,578 --> 00:25:15,245 Over a pricy collectable comic book? 683 00:25:15,247 --> 00:25:16,447 - Thank you, sir. 684 00:25:16,449 --> 00:25:21,118 - The cold case detectives interviewed over 100 people, 685 00:25:21,120 --> 00:25:23,654 And of all those fresh 2007 interviews, 686 00:25:23,656 --> 00:25:25,455 The one they did with this man 687 00:25:25,457 --> 00:25:27,525 Turned out to be the gamechanger. 688 00:25:27,527 --> 00:25:30,928 His name, mike renaud, a girls softball coach 689 00:25:30,930 --> 00:25:32,329 Who was confined to a wheelchair 690 00:25:32,331 --> 00:25:35,666 After a swimming pool accident in 2003. 691 00:25:35,668 --> 00:25:39,537 Back in 1990, renaud was a college senior 692 00:25:39,539 --> 00:25:41,338 And a spider-man fanatic. 693 00:25:41,340 --> 00:25:44,007 On July 13th, the night of the murder, 694 00:25:44,009 --> 00:25:45,242 The detectives learned, 695 00:25:45,244 --> 00:25:48,345 Renaud had placed a call to the comics world store. 696 00:25:48,347 --> 00:25:51,381 He thought it had been about 5:30 or so, 697 00:25:51,383 --> 00:25:53,517 About 30 minutes before the murder. 698 00:25:53,519 --> 00:25:55,286 The avid collector wanted to know 699 00:25:55,288 --> 00:25:58,355 Why one of his comic books had zoomed in value. 700 00:25:58,357 --> 00:26:01,224 A voice he knew very well answered the phone. 701 00:26:01,226 --> 00:26:03,560 It was michael george, the shop owner. 702 00:26:03,562 --> 00:26:04,628 - He sounded like he was busy. 703 00:26:04,630 --> 00:26:05,762 He was in a hurry to get off the phone. 704 00:26:05,764 --> 00:26:07,698 - Did he say, "you know, I'm busy? 705 00:26:07,700 --> 00:26:08,732 "there are people in the shop. 706 00:26:08,734 --> 00:26:09,666 "I gotta go." 707 00:26:09,668 --> 00:26:10,901 - No, no, just it was just a short-- 708 00:26:10,903 --> 00:26:12,503 - Just something you could hear in his voice 709 00:26:12,505 --> 00:26:15,005 Or the way he-- - we would b.S. A little bit, 710 00:26:15,007 --> 00:26:18,642 And he just-- there was no time for b.S. 711 00:26:18,644 --> 00:26:21,378 - The cold case cops had struck gold. 712 00:26:21,380 --> 00:26:24,047 Mike renaud's story was the missing puzzle piece 713 00:26:24,049 --> 00:26:26,450 The detectives had been looking for, for years. 714 00:26:26,452 --> 00:26:28,118 If renaud's account is true, 715 00:26:28,120 --> 00:26:29,786 It does nothing less than demolish 716 00:26:29,788 --> 00:26:32,089 Michael george's alibi that he was napping 717 00:26:32,091 --> 00:26:33,857 At his mother's house when barb was murdered 718 00:26:33,859 --> 00:26:35,726 Around 6 o'clock. 719 00:26:35,728 --> 00:26:38,328 Renaud's phone call story meant that george was lying, 720 00:26:38,330 --> 00:26:40,798 And renaud was certain that he'd talked to 721 00:26:40,800 --> 00:26:42,199 The comic store owner at his shop 722 00:26:42,201 --> 00:26:44,268 And that that brief conversation 723 00:26:44,270 --> 00:26:45,603 Must have taken place 724 00:26:45,605 --> 00:26:47,938 Just a few minutes before barb was killed. 725 00:26:47,940 --> 00:26:51,274 The embarrassing thing about this nugget of a clue 726 00:26:51,276 --> 00:26:54,411 Was that mike renaud had told the very same story 727 00:26:54,413 --> 00:26:57,881 To the police back in 1990, the day after the murder. 728 00:26:57,883 --> 00:27:01,284 What looked like a case breaker in 2007 729 00:27:01,286 --> 00:27:04,288 Had simply slipped through the cracks back when. 730 00:27:04,290 --> 00:27:07,224 They'd had it in the case file all along. 731 00:27:07,226 --> 00:27:09,360 In clear handwriting, there it was, 732 00:27:09,362 --> 00:27:12,129 A record of renaud's July 14th phone call 733 00:27:12,131 --> 00:27:13,630 To the police. 734 00:27:13,632 --> 00:27:17,635 "mr. Renaud stated that he called comic world around 5:30 735 00:27:17,637 --> 00:27:20,437 "and talked with the owner, michael george." 736 00:27:20,439 --> 00:27:21,905 - Well, that's the one piece that was missing. 737 00:27:21,907 --> 00:27:24,174 - Even so, it was a piece 738 00:27:24,176 --> 00:27:26,109 That still had flaws as evidence. 739 00:27:26,111 --> 00:27:27,878 There were no existing phone logs 740 00:27:27,880 --> 00:27:29,513 To corroborate renaud's story 741 00:27:29,515 --> 00:27:31,448 Or to pin down the exact time 742 00:27:31,450 --> 00:27:32,949 He said he placed the call. 743 00:27:32,951 --> 00:27:35,386 To this day, former detective donald steckman 744 00:27:35,388 --> 00:27:38,021 Doesn't know how that note from renaud went astray, 745 00:27:38,023 --> 00:27:39,723 But he says he was unaware 746 00:27:39,725 --> 00:27:41,525 Of the comic book collector's story 747 00:27:41,527 --> 00:27:43,126 Of talking to the husband in the shop 748 00:27:43,128 --> 00:27:44,561 Minutes before the murder. 749 00:27:44,563 --> 00:27:45,663 - How did you not see it? 750 00:27:45,665 --> 00:27:47,998 Well, I never saw it. 751 00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:49,599 If we'd a seen it, 752 00:27:49,601 --> 00:27:51,334 We would not be sitting here today. 753 00:27:51,336 --> 00:27:52,469 - You would have gone for an arrest and indictment. 754 00:27:52,471 --> 00:27:53,670 - Yes, no doubt. 755 00:27:53,672 --> 00:27:55,005 - And gone to trial in 1991. - No-no doubt about it. 756 00:27:55,007 --> 00:27:56,340 Yes, no doubt about it. 757 00:27:56,342 --> 00:27:59,142 - And now the investigative leads 758 00:27:59,144 --> 00:28:01,878 Pointed just one way, toward the husband. 759 00:28:01,880 --> 00:28:03,280 - It just kept coming back to mike, 760 00:28:03,282 --> 00:28:04,748 And it was like a funnel effect. 761 00:28:04,750 --> 00:28:07,017 We started off looking at a lot of things 762 00:28:07,019 --> 00:28:08,218 And a lot of people, 763 00:28:08,220 --> 00:28:12,756 And it just narrowed down, um, just like a funnel. 764 00:28:12,758 --> 00:28:14,758 - It was time for the cold case detectives 765 00:28:14,760 --> 00:28:17,561 To take a road trip to pennsylvania, 766 00:28:17,563 --> 00:28:20,330 A trip across miles and time. 767 00:28:20,332 --> 00:28:22,432 They were going to make a surprise visit 768 00:28:22,434 --> 00:28:24,902 To michael george at comics world. 769 00:28:24,904 --> 00:28:28,439 Was the one-time husband finally collectible? 770 00:28:31,711 --> 00:28:34,044 - After 17 years, a conversation 771 00:28:34,046 --> 00:28:36,447 A suspected killer never expected. 772 00:28:41,320 --> 00:28:44,121 When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 773 00:28:48,726 --> 00:28:53,864 ♪♪ 774 00:28:53,866 --> 00:28:55,599 - Two of the cold case detectives, 775 00:28:55,601 --> 00:28:58,001 Hrecho and hall, punched up a mapquest address 776 00:28:58,003 --> 00:28:59,936 For comics world in windber, pennsylvania 777 00:28:59,938 --> 00:29:01,972 And motored southeast. 778 00:29:01,974 --> 00:29:03,874 It was 2007, 779 00:29:03,876 --> 00:29:05,809 17 years after the murder, 780 00:29:05,811 --> 00:29:08,478 And, like commandos synchronizing their watches, 781 00:29:08,480 --> 00:29:10,881 The detectives had decided to execute 782 00:29:10,883 --> 00:29:12,649 Simultaneous surprise interviews 783 00:29:12,651 --> 00:29:14,618 On michael george's turf. 784 00:29:14,620 --> 00:29:15,819 - We had teams of detectives 785 00:29:15,821 --> 00:29:18,488 Go to all three locations at exactly the same time. 786 00:29:18,490 --> 00:29:20,390 - Michael at the store, 787 00:29:20,392 --> 00:29:22,392 His wife, renee, at the house, 788 00:29:22,394 --> 00:29:23,860 And michael's mother at her home 789 00:29:23,862 --> 00:29:25,495 Back in hazel park, michigan. 790 00:29:25,497 --> 00:29:27,330 Unannounced. - Unannounced. 791 00:29:27,332 --> 00:29:29,500 - When they found comics world, 792 00:29:29,502 --> 00:29:32,002 The two detectives waited for some customers to leave, 793 00:29:32,004 --> 00:29:34,671 Checked their watches, then sauntered in. 794 00:29:34,673 --> 00:29:36,239 - We were probably about a minute behind 795 00:29:36,241 --> 00:29:37,440 The other detectives. 796 00:29:37,442 --> 00:29:39,643 So, when we walked in, mike george was on the phone, 797 00:29:39,645 --> 00:29:42,145 And we assume he was talkin' to renee, his wife, 798 00:29:42,147 --> 00:29:45,115 And he says, "no, there's nobody here," 799 00:29:45,117 --> 00:29:46,183 And he had his back to us 800 00:29:46,185 --> 00:29:47,484 As we walked through the door. 801 00:29:47,486 --> 00:29:49,386 He turned around, and he goes, "they're here," 802 00:29:49,388 --> 00:29:51,521 And he got off the phone, 803 00:29:51,523 --> 00:29:53,924 And he just looked pretty sick, at that point. 804 00:29:53,926 --> 00:29:56,860 - Detective hall switched on the tape recorder 805 00:29:56,862 --> 00:29:58,729 He'd concealed in his jacket. 806 00:29:58,731 --> 00:30:00,263 - Introduce ourselves. 807 00:30:00,265 --> 00:30:02,332 Mike was pretty much unemotional. 808 00:30:02,334 --> 00:30:04,167 He said, "hey, come on in. 809 00:30:04,169 --> 00:30:06,736 "have a seat." started talkin' to him. 810 00:30:06,738 --> 00:30:08,672 - This is some of that conversation. 811 00:30:28,293 --> 00:30:30,060 - He didn't say much at the beginning. 812 00:30:30,062 --> 00:30:31,695 - Does he say, "this is great news?" 813 00:30:31,697 --> 00:30:32,763 - No. - Very unemotional. 814 00:30:32,765 --> 00:30:33,697 - "I've wondered for 17 years what's happened." 815 00:30:33,699 --> 00:30:34,598 - No, he-- no, he doesn't give the-- 816 00:30:34,600 --> 00:30:35,665 - "I've been waiting for you guys 817 00:30:35,667 --> 00:30:36,633 To come in and tell me you-you've solved it." 818 00:30:36,635 --> 00:30:37,567 - No. 819 00:30:37,569 --> 00:30:38,735 - Does not give the typical response 820 00:30:38,737 --> 00:30:41,572 Like, "you found somebody," or, "well, that's good," 821 00:30:41,574 --> 00:30:42,505 You know, like you say. No. 822 00:30:42,507 --> 00:30:43,840 - "what do you have?" - nothing. 823 00:30:43,842 --> 00:30:45,375 He just started staring. - Nothin' at all. 824 00:30:45,377 --> 00:30:48,712 - 17 years on, michael george claimed 825 00:30:48,714 --> 00:30:50,647 A flickering memory for events. 826 00:30:58,724 --> 00:31:00,357 Is he gettin' sweaty, twitchy, anything? 827 00:31:00,359 --> 00:31:01,291 Is this-- - oh, he was very nervous. 828 00:31:01,293 --> 00:31:03,059 - He was very pale. - Very nervous. 829 00:31:03,061 --> 00:31:04,661 - Didn't make eye contact. 830 00:31:04,663 --> 00:31:07,064 Most of the interview, his head was looking down 831 00:31:07,066 --> 00:31:08,765 Towards the table. 832 00:31:08,767 --> 00:31:11,001 - In 1990, in his late night conversation 833 00:31:11,003 --> 00:31:12,602 With the lead detective at the store 834 00:31:12,604 --> 00:31:14,404 After the murder, 835 00:31:14,406 --> 00:31:15,572 Michael george had speculated 836 00:31:15,574 --> 00:31:17,741 That barb was killed in a botched robbery, 837 00:31:17,743 --> 00:31:20,277 Someone after valuable vintage comic books. 838 00:31:34,526 --> 00:31:36,760 - He couldn't remember exactly how many comics were taken, 839 00:31:36,762 --> 00:31:37,894 Or the amount. 840 00:31:37,896 --> 00:31:40,030 - Although he was sketchy on those details, 841 00:31:40,032 --> 00:31:43,099 He had no trouble coming up with a totally new answer 842 00:31:43,101 --> 00:31:45,869 When the cops asked him to speculate on why barbara, 843 00:31:45,871 --> 00:31:47,905 Of all people, had been murdered. 844 00:31:47,907 --> 00:31:50,707 Listen as michael's theory switches from robbery 845 00:31:50,709 --> 00:31:52,309 To revenge. 846 00:32:09,227 --> 00:32:10,460 This was a vendetta, and that what, 847 00:32:10,462 --> 00:32:12,162 Barbara took the bullet that was meant for him. 848 00:32:12,164 --> 00:32:14,598 - Exactly, and that was something entirely different 849 00:32:14,600 --> 00:32:16,600 From what he told the police back in 1990. 850 00:32:16,602 --> 00:32:18,301 - Is that as interesting as anything else you heard 851 00:32:18,303 --> 00:32:19,402 That day? - Oh, absolutely. 852 00:32:19,404 --> 00:32:20,570 - Well, very interesting. 853 00:32:20,572 --> 00:32:22,305 He'd come up with a new motive. 854 00:32:22,307 --> 00:32:24,874 - Meanwhile, the prosecutor back in michigan, 855 00:32:24,876 --> 00:32:26,743 The son of the one-time police chief, 856 00:32:26,745 --> 00:32:28,144 Was deeply curious 857 00:32:28,146 --> 00:32:30,613 About how the swoop down interview was going. 858 00:32:30,615 --> 00:32:33,883 Were you surprised to hear that he talked to them, 859 00:32:33,885 --> 00:32:35,919 That he hadn't lawyered up or said, 860 00:32:35,921 --> 00:32:38,054 "I'm getting on the phone to my attorney, right now?" 861 00:32:38,056 --> 00:32:39,423 - Very surprised but-- 862 00:32:39,425 --> 00:32:41,091 And I really think that he was so shocked 863 00:32:41,093 --> 00:32:43,694 By the fact that we're still lookin' at him, 864 00:32:43,696 --> 00:32:46,096 So shocked that he didn't know what to do, 865 00:32:46,098 --> 00:32:47,297 And that's why we didn't call him. 866 00:32:47,299 --> 00:32:48,832 That's why we didn't give him a heads up. 867 00:32:48,834 --> 00:32:50,900 - As the interview continued, 868 00:32:50,902 --> 00:32:53,303 Michael george, as he hadn't in 1990, 869 00:32:53,305 --> 00:32:55,339 Now owned up to his philandering. 870 00:33:22,134 --> 00:33:23,666 Late in the 90-minute interview, 871 00:33:23,668 --> 00:33:27,170 The conversation circled back to that earler theme, robbery, 872 00:33:27,172 --> 00:33:29,339 The supposed theft of valuable comics. 873 00:33:29,341 --> 00:33:31,475 The detectives asked if anyone knew 874 00:33:31,477 --> 00:33:34,010 That he kept the good stuff in the back storage room. 875 00:33:34,012 --> 00:33:36,279 That's when things got testy 876 00:33:36,281 --> 00:33:39,215 And listen as george's previously passive tone 877 00:33:39,217 --> 00:33:41,718 Becomes more direct and confrontational. 878 00:34:24,129 --> 00:34:25,662 The next day, in fact, he would need a lawyer, 879 00:34:25,664 --> 00:34:28,198 A criminal defense lawyer. 880 00:34:28,200 --> 00:34:29,766 The michigan detectives 881 00:34:29,768 --> 00:34:31,334 And the pennsylvania state police 882 00:34:31,336 --> 00:34:33,503 Arrested him at his workplace, 883 00:34:33,505 --> 00:34:35,405 The comic book store. 884 00:34:35,407 --> 00:34:38,608 As he was led away after a later court appearance, 885 00:34:38,610 --> 00:34:40,210 He loudly proclaimed 886 00:34:40,212 --> 00:34:42,979 That police had nabbed the wrong man. 887 00:34:42,981 --> 00:34:45,081 - They know I didn't do it. 888 00:34:45,083 --> 00:34:46,683 I was with my daughters and my mom. 889 00:34:46,685 --> 00:34:48,618 They know. 890 00:34:48,620 --> 00:34:51,020 They know I didn't do this. 891 00:34:51,022 --> 00:34:54,090 - The cold case had turned red hot. 892 00:34:54,092 --> 00:34:55,959 Michael george was returning to michigan 893 00:34:55,961 --> 00:34:58,361 And would stand trial for the first degree murder 894 00:34:58,363 --> 00:34:59,562 Of his wife, 895 00:34:59,564 --> 00:35:02,165 A case prosecutors knew would be hard to prove 896 00:35:02,167 --> 00:35:06,035 In the age of csi and show me forensic evidence. 897 00:35:06,037 --> 00:35:07,571 That's because there was none. 898 00:35:07,573 --> 00:35:09,706 So, it would come down to a single witness 899 00:35:09,708 --> 00:35:12,909 And his recollection of a solitary phone call 900 00:35:12,911 --> 00:35:17,214 He said he made on a Friday the 13th, 1990. 901 00:35:19,251 --> 00:35:21,852 - A twist in court few would have predicted. 902 00:35:21,854 --> 00:35:24,121 - Did you expect it was possible he was gonna come out 903 00:35:24,123 --> 00:35:26,055 And say, "this case is dismissed? 904 00:35:26,057 --> 00:35:28,224 "jurors, you're released. We don't have a case here." 905 00:35:28,226 --> 00:35:30,493 - Initially, never crossed my mind. 906 00:35:30,495 --> 00:35:32,462 After five hours, you start to worry. 907 00:35:32,464 --> 00:35:33,396 [sighs] 908 00:35:33,398 --> 00:35:34,397 - That's probably the toughest moment 909 00:35:34,399 --> 00:35:36,132 I ever had as a lawyer. 910 00:35:36,134 --> 00:35:39,102 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 911 00:35:42,673 --> 00:35:47,277 ♪♪ 912 00:35:47,279 --> 00:35:48,211 - Welcome back. 913 00:35:48,213 --> 00:35:50,680 After 17 years, detectives believed 914 00:35:50,682 --> 00:35:53,283 They had michael george on the ropes. 915 00:35:53,285 --> 00:35:56,486 He had just confessed a long suspected secret, 916 00:35:56,488 --> 00:35:59,022 That he cheated on his first wife, barbra. 917 00:35:59,024 --> 00:36:01,892 The philandering husband also changed his story 918 00:36:01,894 --> 00:36:04,294 About why he thought she was murdered, 919 00:36:04,296 --> 00:36:06,796 Saying it wasn't a botched robbery 920 00:36:06,798 --> 00:36:08,765 But a bungled revenge killing. 921 00:36:08,767 --> 00:36:11,501 Comic books are filled with tales of justice. 922 00:36:11,503 --> 00:36:14,171 Was barbara's family about to get theirs, 923 00:36:14,173 --> 00:36:17,774 Or did this story have another twist in store? 924 00:36:17,776 --> 00:36:19,776 Once again, here's dennis murphy 925 00:36:19,778 --> 00:36:22,179 With "the comic book murder." 926 00:36:22,181 --> 00:36:23,446 - All rise. 927 00:36:23,448 --> 00:36:24,647 - In a michigan courtroom 928 00:36:24,649 --> 00:36:26,983 Not far from his old comic book store, 929 00:36:26,985 --> 00:36:29,118 Michael george was standing trial, 930 00:36:29,120 --> 00:36:30,987 Charged with the first degree murder 931 00:36:30,989 --> 00:36:32,855 Of his then wife, barbara. 932 00:36:32,857 --> 00:36:34,824 - He was the husband from hell. 933 00:36:34,826 --> 00:36:36,193 - In early 2008, 934 00:36:36,195 --> 00:36:38,061 The man who intended to put george away 935 00:36:38,063 --> 00:36:39,329 Was steve kaplan, 936 00:36:39,331 --> 00:36:42,599 Then the trial prosecutor for the county's cold case unit. 937 00:36:42,601 --> 00:36:44,801 - It's true we didn't have forensic evidence 938 00:36:44,803 --> 00:36:46,002 Supporting our case. 939 00:36:46,004 --> 00:36:47,670 - He knew getting the comic book man 940 00:36:47,672 --> 00:36:49,939 With nothing but circumstantial evidence, 941 00:36:49,941 --> 00:36:52,442 No weapon, no witness, no dna, 942 00:36:52,444 --> 00:36:55,011 Made this case a tough one to win, 943 00:36:55,013 --> 00:36:57,647 Something he'd never led on to the jury, of course, 944 00:36:57,649 --> 00:36:59,649 - We will prove to you that it is a murder, 945 00:36:59,651 --> 00:37:00,883 And if it's a murder, 946 00:37:00,885 --> 00:37:03,286 There's only one person in this world 947 00:37:03,288 --> 00:37:05,955 Who had a reason to kill this wonderful person, 948 00:37:05,957 --> 00:37:07,657 And that's michael george. 949 00:37:07,659 --> 00:37:09,826 - For kaplan, proving it all boiled down 950 00:37:09,828 --> 00:37:11,961 To a case of who do you trust. 951 00:37:11,963 --> 00:37:13,796 Would the jury believe janet george, 952 00:37:13,798 --> 00:37:14,831 Michael's mother? 953 00:37:14,833 --> 00:37:16,833 She said her son was sleeping on her couch 954 00:37:16,835 --> 00:37:18,235 At the time of the murder. 955 00:37:18,237 --> 00:37:20,103 Or would the jury accept the word 956 00:37:20,105 --> 00:37:22,605 Of the comic book collector, mike renaud? 957 00:37:22,607 --> 00:37:24,574 He said the defendant was in the store 958 00:37:24,576 --> 00:37:27,143 Around that time answering his phone call. 959 00:37:27,145 --> 00:37:28,645 - Who answered the phone? 960 00:37:28,647 --> 00:37:29,779 - Michael george. 961 00:37:29,781 --> 00:37:31,314 - How long did you talk to the defendant, 962 00:37:31,316 --> 00:37:32,115 At that time? 963 00:37:32,117 --> 00:37:34,217 - Less than five minutes. 964 00:37:34,219 --> 00:37:36,352 - What time did you call the defendant? 965 00:37:36,354 --> 00:37:38,988 - Anywhere between 5:15 and 5:45. 966 00:37:38,990 --> 00:37:41,258 - Do you remember how he seemed to you? 967 00:37:43,395 --> 00:37:45,128 - He seemed like he was in a hurry. 968 00:37:45,130 --> 00:37:46,529 - How important is he to your case? 969 00:37:46,531 --> 00:37:49,466 - Without michael renaud, we cannot win this case 970 00:37:49,468 --> 00:37:51,668 Because without michael renaud, we cannot place 971 00:37:51,670 --> 00:37:55,138 The defendant physically in that store 972 00:37:55,140 --> 00:37:57,107 Close to the time of barbara's shooting. 973 00:38:01,313 --> 00:38:03,046 - And then came a routine moment 974 00:38:03,048 --> 00:38:06,082 That we've all seen in courtroom dramas on tv. 975 00:38:06,084 --> 00:38:08,284 The prosecutor, in this case, steve kaplan, 976 00:38:08,286 --> 00:38:10,153 Rose and told the judge... 977 00:38:10,155 --> 00:38:11,487 - Your honor, the people rest. 978 00:38:11,489 --> 00:38:13,890 - And the defense response in this michigan courtroom 979 00:38:13,892 --> 00:38:15,225 Just as predictably 980 00:38:15,227 --> 00:38:17,494 Was to try to get the case thrown out. 981 00:38:17,496 --> 00:38:18,428 Not enough evidence, 982 00:38:18,430 --> 00:38:20,297 The state hadn't met its burden, 983 00:38:20,299 --> 00:38:22,565 Argued defense attorney carol marlinga 984 00:38:22,567 --> 00:38:24,567 And asking the judge for what's called 985 00:38:24,569 --> 00:38:26,002 A directed verdict. 986 00:38:26,004 --> 00:38:29,739 - When you just don't know, you have to-- 987 00:38:29,741 --> 00:38:31,040 You have to pull the plug. 988 00:38:31,042 --> 00:38:32,575 You have to say, "that's it." 989 00:38:32,577 --> 00:38:35,345 - And then it got really strange. 990 00:38:35,347 --> 00:38:36,846 And you say, 991 00:38:36,848 --> 00:38:39,315 "your honor, the state has not proved its case. 992 00:38:39,317 --> 00:38:41,117 "we ask that you dismiss it, right now, 993 00:38:41,119 --> 00:38:42,385 "that it not go to the jury." 994 00:38:42,387 --> 00:38:43,786 - Right. - Happens all the time. 995 00:38:43,788 --> 00:38:45,722 - Right, and we did. 996 00:38:45,724 --> 00:38:48,591 - And almost always, you're rebuffed. 997 00:38:48,593 --> 00:38:50,293 - That's right, and-and you're-- almost always, 998 00:38:50,295 --> 00:38:53,263 You're rebuffed within about ten to fifteen seconds. 999 00:38:53,265 --> 00:38:55,898 - That didn't happen here. - No. 1000 00:38:55,900 --> 00:38:58,034 - This time, the judge, james m. Biernat, 1001 00:38:58,036 --> 00:39:00,069 Listened intently for 20 minutes 1002 00:39:00,071 --> 00:39:02,305 As michael george's defense lawyer argued 1003 00:39:02,307 --> 00:39:04,540 That there was no way the prosecution had proven 1004 00:39:04,542 --> 00:39:06,142 Beyond a reasonable doubt 1005 00:39:06,144 --> 00:39:08,345 That the defendant was in the comic book shop 1006 00:39:08,347 --> 00:39:09,813 With a gun in his hand. 1007 00:39:09,815 --> 00:39:12,882 - A trial judge is obligated to make a call 1008 00:39:12,884 --> 00:39:16,018 To say whether or not there is sufficient evidence 1009 00:39:16,020 --> 00:39:17,920 To justify this. 1010 00:39:17,922 --> 00:39:19,956 - Prosecutor kaplan knew that by law 1011 00:39:19,958 --> 00:39:22,091 The judge has to regard all evidence 1012 00:39:22,093 --> 00:39:25,294 In a light most favorable to the prosecution. 1013 00:39:25,296 --> 00:39:26,763 He took just 30 seconds 1014 00:39:26,765 --> 00:39:29,432 And parried with a brief citation of case law 1015 00:39:29,434 --> 00:39:32,168 Arguing why the case should go to the jury. 1016 00:39:32,170 --> 00:39:34,203 - The evidence presented to this court 1017 00:39:34,205 --> 00:39:36,239 Creates a question of fact for the jury 1018 00:39:36,241 --> 00:39:37,974 Whether michael george is the murderer, 1019 00:39:37,976 --> 00:39:39,709 And the motion should be denied. 1020 00:39:41,513 --> 00:39:43,846 - And then the judge retired to his chambers 1021 00:39:43,848 --> 00:39:46,449 To ponder this motion to dismiss, 1022 00:39:46,451 --> 00:39:50,052 And ponder he did, staying out for hours. 1023 00:39:50,054 --> 00:39:52,655 Eric smith was the county's chief prosecutor. 1024 00:39:52,657 --> 00:39:54,124 What was going on? 1025 00:39:54,126 --> 00:39:55,825 - Well, I... [chuckles] 1026 00:39:55,827 --> 00:39:56,793 I can tell you what was going on 1027 00:39:56,795 --> 00:39:57,994 In the prosecution's end. 1028 00:39:57,996 --> 00:40:00,096 We were, uh, fit to be tied. 1029 00:40:00,098 --> 00:40:02,532 We've all tried hundreds of cases, 1030 00:40:02,534 --> 00:40:04,467 And these motions for directed verdicts 1031 00:40:04,469 --> 00:40:06,269 Are dismissed almost immediately. 1032 00:40:06,271 --> 00:40:07,670 - Did you expect it was possible 1033 00:40:07,672 --> 00:40:09,338 He was gonna come out and say, 1034 00:40:09,340 --> 00:40:10,907 "this case is dismissed? Jurors you're released. 1035 00:40:10,909 --> 00:40:12,809 "we don't have a case here." 1036 00:40:12,811 --> 00:40:16,245 - Well, initially, never crossed my mind. 1037 00:40:16,247 --> 00:40:17,213 After a couple hours, 1038 00:40:17,215 --> 00:40:18,648 It still hadn't crossed my mind. 1039 00:40:18,650 --> 00:40:20,817 After five hours, you start to worry. 1040 00:40:20,819 --> 00:40:21,885 - For the defense, 1041 00:40:21,887 --> 00:40:24,421 Carl marlinga was feeling better by the hour. 1042 00:40:24,423 --> 00:40:26,789 - I remember walking outside with-with my client 1043 00:40:26,791 --> 00:40:30,026 And saying, "this is obviously good news. 1044 00:40:30,028 --> 00:40:31,561 "I cannot lie to you. 1045 00:40:31,563 --> 00:40:35,632 "judges don't take this long to decide these motions." 1046 00:40:35,634 --> 00:40:38,701 - After hours of watching the clock go 'round, 1047 00:40:38,703 --> 00:40:41,204 The defendant, out on a million dollar bond, 1048 00:40:41,206 --> 00:40:43,239 Praying with his circle of friends and family 1049 00:40:43,241 --> 00:40:44,707 In the hallway, 1050 00:40:44,709 --> 00:40:47,043 The judge at last returned to the bench. 1051 00:40:47,045 --> 00:40:50,447 - The court has been reviewing this matter 1052 00:40:50,449 --> 00:40:54,050 For approximately five hours, 1053 00:40:54,052 --> 00:40:58,287 I think an extraordinary length of time 1054 00:40:58,289 --> 00:41:02,058 To review any motion for directed verdict. 1055 00:41:02,060 --> 00:41:03,259 - He started. 1056 00:41:03,261 --> 00:41:05,394 There was a case to be made for the defense's position. 1057 00:41:05,396 --> 00:41:06,562 - Albeit, it could be argued 1058 00:41:06,564 --> 00:41:09,098 That this evidence is marginal. 1059 00:41:09,100 --> 00:41:10,867 - Then, he seemed to point out the merits 1060 00:41:10,869 --> 00:41:12,435 Of the prosecution's argument. 1061 00:41:12,437 --> 00:41:15,939 - This is, in many ways, a classic murder case. 1062 00:41:15,941 --> 00:41:19,509 If the evidence is believed by the jury, 1063 00:41:19,511 --> 00:41:24,013 Then the, uh, jury could reach a finding of guilt. 1064 00:41:24,015 --> 00:41:26,282 - On the one hand and the other, 1065 00:41:26,284 --> 00:41:28,084 Where was the judge going? 1066 00:41:28,086 --> 00:41:30,052 - So, the court, at this point, 1067 00:41:30,054 --> 00:41:32,088 Cannot substitute its judgment 1068 00:41:32,090 --> 00:41:33,656 For that of the jury. 1069 00:41:33,658 --> 00:41:35,758 - He decided for the prosecution. 1070 00:41:35,760 --> 00:41:38,294 There was enough evidence to go forward. 1071 00:41:38,296 --> 00:41:40,596 - Your directed verdict is denied. 1072 00:41:40,598 --> 00:41:43,032 - The defense had lost a five hour long 1073 00:41:43,034 --> 00:41:44,501 High stakes game 1074 00:41:44,503 --> 00:41:47,036 And apparently by the closest of margins. 1075 00:41:47,038 --> 00:41:48,771 [sighs] 1076 00:41:48,773 --> 00:41:50,373 - That's probably the toughest moment 1077 00:41:50,375 --> 00:41:52,074 I ever had as a lawyer. 1078 00:41:52,076 --> 00:41:53,142 - You thought you might have had it. 1079 00:41:53,144 --> 00:41:55,044 - I thought I might have delivered this guy 1080 00:41:55,046 --> 00:41:57,947 From this horrible, horrible experience 1081 00:41:57,949 --> 00:41:59,649 Of not only having lost his wife 1082 00:41:59,651 --> 00:42:01,450 But then being falsely blamed for it 1083 00:42:01,452 --> 00:42:02,852 After all of these years. 1084 00:42:02,854 --> 00:42:05,588 I thought-- I thought the ordeal was almost over. 1085 00:42:05,590 --> 00:42:06,856 - All rise for the jury, please. 1086 00:42:06,858 --> 00:42:09,325 - The jurors filed back in for the defense case, 1087 00:42:09,327 --> 00:42:11,294 Unaware of how close they'd come 1088 00:42:11,296 --> 00:42:12,929 To being thanked and sent home 1089 00:42:12,931 --> 00:42:15,565 Without ever hearing any more evidence. 1090 00:42:15,567 --> 00:42:16,933 Fired up by the knowledge 1091 00:42:16,935 --> 00:42:19,435 That the judge had almost tossed out the case, 1092 00:42:19,437 --> 00:42:21,037 The defense set out to counter 1093 00:42:21,039 --> 00:42:23,206 The prosecution's crucial phone call 1094 00:42:23,208 --> 00:42:26,009 That seemed to place the defendant at the scene. 1095 00:42:26,011 --> 00:42:27,710 - Michael could not have been at the store 1096 00:42:27,712 --> 00:42:28,945 Committing this murder. 1097 00:42:28,947 --> 00:42:30,780 - Lead defense attorney carl marlinga 1098 00:42:30,782 --> 00:42:33,883 Said it was impossible to be in two places at once, 1099 00:42:33,885 --> 00:42:35,818 And so he called michael george's mother 1100 00:42:35,820 --> 00:42:37,486 As his alibi witness 1101 00:42:37,488 --> 00:42:39,989 To tell the jury that michael arrived at her house 1102 00:42:39,991 --> 00:42:43,993 Sometime after 5 p.M. On that Friday the 13th. 1103 00:42:43,995 --> 00:42:45,228 - He said he was tired, 1104 00:42:45,230 --> 00:42:46,128 And I told him to lay down 1105 00:42:46,130 --> 00:42:47,463 And take a nap for a while. 1106 00:42:47,465 --> 00:42:48,965 - Mrs. George then testified 1107 00:42:48,967 --> 00:42:50,399 She took her two granddaughters 1108 00:42:50,401 --> 00:42:51,767 To the school playground. 1109 00:42:51,769 --> 00:42:53,102 - Now, when you got back, 1110 00:42:53,104 --> 00:42:56,305 Did you observe michael at all? 1111 00:42:56,307 --> 00:42:57,640 - Yeah, I went in. 1112 00:42:57,642 --> 00:42:58,674 - Where was he? 1113 00:42:58,676 --> 00:43:00,376 - He's on the couch sleepin'. 1114 00:43:00,378 --> 00:43:02,178 - Now, it would be up to the jurors 1115 00:43:02,180 --> 00:43:05,114 To decide whether they believed michael george's mother 1116 00:43:05,116 --> 00:43:06,182 Or the witness who said 1117 00:43:06,184 --> 00:43:09,118 Michael george answered his phone call. 1118 00:43:09,120 --> 00:43:12,955 Decision day, March 17, 2008-- 1119 00:43:12,957 --> 00:43:16,192 Michael george prayed quietly to himself. 1120 00:43:16,194 --> 00:43:18,661 His freedom, his family, the life he'd enjoyed 1121 00:43:18,663 --> 00:43:21,798 In pennsylvania were at risk forever. 1122 00:43:21,800 --> 00:43:24,400 A murder conviction meant mandatory life, 1123 00:43:24,402 --> 00:43:26,469 No possibility of parole. 1124 00:43:26,471 --> 00:43:28,471 - All rise for the jury, please. 1125 00:43:28,473 --> 00:43:30,573 - The jury of eight women and four men 1126 00:43:30,575 --> 00:43:33,776 Filed in nervously, as one juror explained. 1127 00:43:33,778 --> 00:43:35,244 - My hands were sweating, 1128 00:43:35,246 --> 00:43:37,279 And I took a look at michael george, 1129 00:43:37,281 --> 00:43:40,082 And I saw his family, and I was numb 1130 00:43:40,084 --> 00:43:41,684 And scared at the same time. 1131 00:43:41,686 --> 00:43:42,551 - My brother turns to me. 1132 00:43:42,553 --> 00:43:44,087 He says, "is your heart beating fast?" 1133 00:43:44,089 --> 00:43:46,856 And I said, "yeah, it is. I mean, this is it." 1134 00:43:46,858 --> 00:43:49,091 - Coming up, the verdict. 1135 00:43:49,093 --> 00:43:51,027 - Count number one, first degree murder, 1136 00:43:51,029 --> 00:43:52,495 We find the defendant... 1137 00:43:52,497 --> 00:43:55,398 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1138 00:43:58,636 --> 00:44:03,172 ♪♪ 1139 00:44:03,174 --> 00:44:05,775 - Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 1140 00:44:05,777 --> 00:44:07,176 I'm kate snow. 1141 00:44:07,178 --> 00:44:08,778 The michael george murder trial 1142 00:44:08,780 --> 00:44:11,581 Came down to a case of he said, she said. 1143 00:44:11,583 --> 00:44:14,784 The he was prosecution witness mike renaud 1144 00:44:14,786 --> 00:44:16,786 Whose testimony put michael george 1145 00:44:16,788 --> 00:44:18,388 At the scene of the crime. 1146 00:44:18,390 --> 00:44:20,923 The she was michael's mother, janet, 1147 00:44:20,925 --> 00:44:23,593 Who insisted her son was at her house 1148 00:44:23,595 --> 00:44:25,728 When barbara george was killed. 1149 00:44:25,730 --> 00:44:27,864 Now, the jury was about to speak, 1150 00:44:27,866 --> 00:44:31,701 But even it wouldn't have the last word in this story. 1151 00:44:31,703 --> 00:44:33,335 Here, again, dennis murphy 1152 00:44:33,337 --> 00:44:36,505 With "the comic book murder." 1153 00:44:36,507 --> 00:44:39,141 - Michael george was on trial for gunning down his wife 1154 00:44:39,143 --> 00:44:42,278 In the back room of their comic book shop. 1155 00:44:42,280 --> 00:44:45,214 His future was about to be decided. 1156 00:44:45,216 --> 00:44:47,350 The foreman read the verdict. 1157 00:44:47,352 --> 00:44:50,086 - Count number one, first degree murder, 1158 00:44:50,088 --> 00:44:52,354 We find the defendant guilty. 1159 00:44:52,356 --> 00:44:54,924 - Guilty of first degree murder. 1160 00:44:54,926 --> 00:44:56,959 Michael george slumped and sobbed 1161 00:44:56,961 --> 00:44:59,462 In his attorney's arms. 1162 00:44:59,464 --> 00:45:00,697 [sobbing] 1163 00:45:00,699 --> 00:45:02,364 - Please be seated. 1164 00:45:02,366 --> 00:45:04,300 - Barb's sister and two brothers 1165 00:45:04,302 --> 00:45:06,836 Seemed to share a gasp of relief. 1166 00:45:06,838 --> 00:45:08,938 - He took away my oldest sister. 1167 00:45:08,940 --> 00:45:12,141 She didn't get to see me get married. 1168 00:45:12,143 --> 00:45:14,577 She didn't get to see my son bein' born. 1169 00:45:14,579 --> 00:45:18,247 She will never get to see him do anything. 1170 00:45:18,249 --> 00:45:20,816 I mean, he took a part of me away. 1171 00:45:20,818 --> 00:45:22,852 - Across the room, the convicted man's 1172 00:45:22,854 --> 00:45:25,354 Younger daughter, one of barb's two children, 1173 00:45:25,356 --> 00:45:27,890 Collapsed into her stepmother, renee. 1174 00:45:30,061 --> 00:45:32,061 Michael george would go on weeping 1175 00:45:32,063 --> 00:45:33,796 For a full two minutes. 1176 00:45:33,798 --> 00:45:38,735 [sobbing] 1177 00:45:38,737 --> 00:45:40,836 - I didn't do this. 1178 00:45:40,838 --> 00:45:42,404 - But lieutenant craig keith, 1179 00:45:42,406 --> 00:45:44,607 The cold case detective who rediscovered 1180 00:45:44,609 --> 00:45:46,075 The crucial evidence, 1181 00:45:46,077 --> 00:45:48,811 Was unmoved by george's tears. 1182 00:45:48,813 --> 00:45:51,147 - Mike showed no emotion back in 1990, 1183 00:45:51,149 --> 00:45:54,049 And now he cries, and my impression of that 1184 00:45:54,051 --> 00:45:55,785 Is, mike is crying for himself. 1185 00:45:55,787 --> 00:45:59,822 - It was devastating. It was just devastating. 1186 00:45:59,824 --> 00:46:01,390 - Barely able to stand, 1187 00:46:01,392 --> 00:46:02,759 George was helped to the podium 1188 00:46:02,761 --> 00:46:04,460 To face the judge, 1189 00:46:04,462 --> 00:46:06,095 The same judge who had apparently 1190 00:46:06,097 --> 00:46:07,296 Been a heartbeat away 1191 00:46:07,298 --> 00:46:10,166 From dismissing the case altogether. 1192 00:46:10,168 --> 00:46:13,536 - The, uh, jury has found you guilty of all charges. 1193 00:46:13,538 --> 00:46:15,104 At this time, I'm remanding you 1194 00:46:15,106 --> 00:46:17,006 To the custody of the macomb county 1195 00:46:17,008 --> 00:46:19,008 Sheriff's department. - Oh, my god. 1196 00:46:19,010 --> 00:46:21,710 - The comic book man was now a convict. 1197 00:46:21,712 --> 00:46:26,849 [sobbing] 1198 00:46:26,851 --> 00:46:28,184 - Okay. 1199 00:46:28,186 --> 00:46:30,119 Put your hands behind your back. 1200 00:46:30,121 --> 00:46:34,256 [sobbing] - oh, my god. 1201 00:46:34,258 --> 00:46:38,528 I didn't do this. 1202 00:46:38,530 --> 00:46:39,862 - His hands were cuffed, 1203 00:46:39,864 --> 00:46:41,997 And deputies led him away. 1204 00:46:41,999 --> 00:46:43,933 - I had no doubt that the verdict 1205 00:46:43,935 --> 00:46:46,769 That we came to was the correct one. 1206 00:46:46,771 --> 00:46:49,872 - The jurors had returned to their deliberation room. 1207 00:46:49,874 --> 00:46:51,941 They said they could hear george sobbing, 1208 00:46:51,943 --> 00:46:53,609 But that didn't shake their confidence 1209 00:46:53,611 --> 00:46:54,910 In their verdict. 1210 00:46:54,912 --> 00:46:56,946 They said it had come down to the testimony 1211 00:46:56,948 --> 00:47:00,249 Of the man who said he called about a spider-man comic. 1212 00:47:00,251 --> 00:47:01,884 I think I hear you all saying he was tripped up 1213 00:47:01,886 --> 00:47:04,554 By answering that phone call from michael renaud. 1214 00:47:04,556 --> 00:47:06,155 [all] - yes. - Yes. 1215 00:47:06,157 --> 00:47:08,257 - He should not have been there 1216 00:47:08,259 --> 00:47:10,392 When, uh, mike renaud called. 1217 00:47:10,394 --> 00:47:13,362 - The cold case unit started by prosecutor eric smith 1218 00:47:13,364 --> 00:47:16,432 With this case in mind had won a conviction. 1219 00:47:16,434 --> 00:47:18,701 - I really thought he was finally gonna face, 1220 00:47:18,703 --> 00:47:20,769 Uh, the just punishment he deserves. 1221 00:47:20,771 --> 00:47:22,972 - And smith had notched one up for his dad, 1222 00:47:22,974 --> 00:47:26,042 The late police chief, or so he believed. 1223 00:47:26,044 --> 00:47:28,110 - Uh, my next thoughts went right to my old man. 1224 00:47:28,112 --> 00:47:30,913 I thought, huh, I wish he was here to- 1225 00:47:30,915 --> 00:47:33,249 To share this with, but I know he's smilin'. 1226 00:47:33,251 --> 00:47:36,051 - The losing defense lawyer voiced the kinds of comments 1227 00:47:36,053 --> 00:47:37,186 You'd expect to hear. 1228 00:47:37,188 --> 00:47:38,954 - I think that the jury got it wrong. 1229 00:47:38,956 --> 00:47:41,523 I believe that we have a strong shot with this judge 1230 00:47:41,525 --> 00:47:43,592 To be able to get either an out right reversal 1231 00:47:43,594 --> 00:47:44,960 Or a new trial. 1232 00:47:44,962 --> 00:47:46,996 - But that wasn't brave bluster. 1233 00:47:46,998 --> 00:47:49,632 In this case, michael george's defense attorney 1234 00:47:49,634 --> 00:47:51,667 Was being prophetic. 1235 00:47:51,669 --> 00:47:54,169 Six months later, the defense tried again, 1236 00:47:54,171 --> 00:47:57,940 A motion for a new trial before the same judge. 1237 00:47:57,942 --> 00:47:59,375 One of the grounds for the appeal 1238 00:47:59,377 --> 00:48:01,744 Was prosecutorial misconduct. 1239 00:48:01,746 --> 00:48:05,147 - This is not a robbery. It's not a robbery. 1240 00:48:05,149 --> 00:48:06,348 It's a murder. 1241 00:48:06,350 --> 00:48:08,284 - What happened was, in his closing argument, 1242 00:48:08,286 --> 00:48:10,719 The prosecutor had a display for the jury. 1243 00:48:10,721 --> 00:48:12,221 - This timetable is-- 1244 00:48:12,223 --> 00:48:13,956 - And out of the judge's eyeshot 1245 00:48:13,958 --> 00:48:17,927 Began assembling pieces of a photo like a jigsaw puzzle. 1246 00:48:17,929 --> 00:48:20,462 The punchline when you put the picture together, 1247 00:48:20,464 --> 00:48:23,132 Voila, jurors, there's your killer. 1248 00:48:23,134 --> 00:48:24,833 - It's michael george. 1249 00:48:24,835 --> 00:48:27,169 - Maybe clever or maybe cornball, 1250 00:48:27,171 --> 00:48:28,337 But, either way, 1251 00:48:28,339 --> 00:48:31,173 The prosecutor may have overstepped his bounds. 1252 00:48:31,175 --> 00:48:32,975 The image of the finished puzzle 1253 00:48:32,977 --> 00:48:34,610 Was a mugshot of michael george 1254 00:48:34,612 --> 00:48:36,979 That was never introduced into evidence 1255 00:48:36,981 --> 00:48:38,647 And, according to defense lawyers, 1256 00:48:38,649 --> 00:48:41,116 Showed him in a bad light. 1257 00:48:41,118 --> 00:48:43,285 Prejudicial error the defense argued, 1258 00:48:43,287 --> 00:48:44,787 Strike one. 1259 00:48:44,789 --> 00:48:46,922 Strike two was newly discovered evidence 1260 00:48:46,924 --> 00:48:48,390 In the police case files 1261 00:48:48,392 --> 00:48:51,193 Possibly favorable to the defense. 1262 00:48:51,195 --> 00:48:53,596 Judge biernat had had enough. 1263 00:48:53,598 --> 00:48:56,231 - A judged ruled michael george should get a new trial 1264 00:48:56,233 --> 00:48:59,001 In the 1990 comic book store murder case. 1265 00:48:59,003 --> 00:49:01,437 - Biernat threw out the jury's guilty verdict 1266 00:49:01,439 --> 00:49:04,139 And was now giving once convicted michael george 1267 00:49:04,141 --> 00:49:06,408 Another chance to win his freedom. 1268 00:49:06,410 --> 00:49:07,810 - It was just elation. 1269 00:49:07,812 --> 00:49:10,746 It's like, okay, the greatest injustice 1270 00:49:10,748 --> 00:49:12,915 That I had ever been associated with 1271 00:49:12,917 --> 00:49:15,084 As a lawyer had just been corrected. 1272 00:49:15,086 --> 00:49:16,819 We are going to get a new trial. 1273 00:49:16,821 --> 00:49:19,855 - Defense attorneys carl marlinga and joe kosmala 1274 00:49:19,857 --> 00:49:22,391 Always believed in their client's innocence, 1275 00:49:22,393 --> 00:49:24,793 And now they'd won another chance to prove it. 1276 00:49:24,795 --> 00:49:26,528 [sobbing] 1277 00:49:26,530 --> 00:49:28,965 - Michael was, uh, devasted by the verdict. 1278 00:49:28,967 --> 00:49:31,633 [sobbing] - I didn't do this. 1279 00:49:31,635 --> 00:49:33,502 - And suddenly, he's got new life. 1280 00:49:33,504 --> 00:49:35,738 Suddenly, he has faith again in the system. 1281 00:49:35,740 --> 00:49:37,106 - I think you had two things working. 1282 00:49:37,108 --> 00:49:38,307 You had new evidence. 1283 00:49:38,309 --> 00:49:41,343 You had some unfairness in the closing argument 1284 00:49:41,345 --> 00:49:43,979 On top of this real heartfelt feeling 1285 00:49:43,981 --> 00:49:45,981 By-by judge biernat that an innocent man 1286 00:49:45,983 --> 00:49:47,249 Had been convicted. 1287 00:49:47,251 --> 00:49:49,118 - The county prosecutor, eric smith, 1288 00:49:49,120 --> 00:49:50,720 Wasn't buying any of it. 1289 00:49:50,722 --> 00:49:52,287 The judge seems to have directed 1290 00:49:52,289 --> 00:49:53,656 That there be a new trial 1291 00:49:53,658 --> 00:49:56,325 Because of prosecutorial misconduct. 1292 00:49:56,327 --> 00:49:57,793 - He hung his hat on a lotta things, 1293 00:49:57,795 --> 00:49:59,061 And that was clearly one of 'em. 1294 00:49:59,063 --> 00:50:00,462 Since this case began, 1295 00:50:00,464 --> 00:50:02,131 It appears that he has not been comfortable 1296 00:50:02,133 --> 00:50:03,265 With this case, 1297 00:50:03,267 --> 00:50:05,134 And what he did was set aside a murder conviction, 1298 00:50:05,136 --> 00:50:06,935 Which is unheard of. 1299 00:50:06,937 --> 00:50:08,971 - Smith was beside himself 1300 00:50:08,973 --> 00:50:11,240 Even though the judge's controversial decision 1301 00:50:11,242 --> 00:50:14,076 Was eventually backed by michigan's highest courts. 1302 00:50:14,078 --> 00:50:18,347 - You wait 18 years for justice, 1303 00:50:18,349 --> 00:50:20,749 And you finally get justice 1304 00:50:20,751 --> 00:50:23,118 Only to have it-- 1305 00:50:23,120 --> 00:50:24,853 The carpet pulled out from under ya. 1306 00:50:24,855 --> 00:50:27,156 - After the 2008 guilty verdict, 1307 00:50:27,158 --> 00:50:29,291 Barb's brother had gone to her gravesite 1308 00:50:29,293 --> 00:50:31,226 To share the good news. 1309 00:50:31,228 --> 00:50:32,995 - We finally got him, you know? 1310 00:50:32,997 --> 00:50:36,298 Um, he didn't get away with it, 1311 00:50:36,300 --> 00:50:38,567 And, you know, you can rest now. 1312 00:50:38,569 --> 00:50:41,904 - But now there was the judge's blockbuster decision. 1313 00:50:41,906 --> 00:50:43,405 - It tore a hole in our hearts. 1314 00:50:43,407 --> 00:50:44,640 It's somethin' that, you know, 1315 00:50:44,642 --> 00:50:46,375 Here we thought it was over. 1316 00:50:46,377 --> 00:50:47,976 - Barb's family would have to go through 1317 00:50:47,978 --> 00:50:50,712 Its painful ordeal all over again 1318 00:50:50,714 --> 00:50:53,782 And with even more uncertainties this time around. 1319 00:50:53,784 --> 00:50:56,318 Though the jury had found michael george guilty, 1320 00:50:56,320 --> 00:50:59,288 The judge clearly had serious doubts. 1321 00:50:59,290 --> 00:51:01,657 A new jury could go either way, 1322 00:51:01,659 --> 00:51:04,660 Especially since the defense now had new evidence, 1323 00:51:04,662 --> 00:51:06,796 More possible alternate killers, 1324 00:51:06,798 --> 00:51:08,530 And just dug up dirt 1325 00:51:08,532 --> 00:51:12,101 On the prosecution's star witness. 1326 00:51:12,103 --> 00:51:14,069 But two completely new prosecutors 1327 00:51:14,071 --> 00:51:16,538 Were revved up for the coming courtroom battle. 1328 00:51:16,540 --> 00:51:20,943 Steve fox and bill cataldo 1329 00:51:20,945 --> 00:51:22,644 Teaming up to make michael george 1330 00:51:22,646 --> 00:51:25,347 Face the music one more time. 1331 00:51:25,349 --> 00:51:27,049 The trial of the comic book murder 1332 00:51:27,051 --> 00:51:29,919 Volume two was now at hand. 1333 00:51:30,955 --> 00:51:32,387 - Coming up... 1334 00:51:32,389 --> 00:51:35,357 A different jury, different prosecutors... 1335 00:51:35,359 --> 00:51:39,061 - Michael george fell prey to the two issues 1336 00:51:39,063 --> 00:51:43,098 Most known to common man, sex and money. 1337 00:51:43,100 --> 00:51:45,334 - Will there be a different verdict 1338 00:51:45,336 --> 00:51:48,671 When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1339 00:51:51,575 --> 00:51:57,379 ♪♪ 1340 00:51:57,381 --> 00:51:59,648 - September 2011... 1341 00:51:59,650 --> 00:52:00,949 In the nearly three years 1342 00:52:00,951 --> 00:52:03,185 Since the last comic book murder trial, 1343 00:52:03,187 --> 00:52:06,055 Michael george had been locked up in the county jail 1344 00:52:06,057 --> 00:52:08,056 Where he said inadequate care 1345 00:52:08,058 --> 00:52:11,593 Caused a vitamin b12 deficiency that crippled him. 1346 00:52:11,595 --> 00:52:13,495 He was now confined to a wheelchair 1347 00:52:13,497 --> 00:52:15,531 As his second trial got underway 1348 00:52:15,533 --> 00:52:17,866 Before a new judge, mary chrzanowski. 1349 00:52:17,868 --> 00:52:18,934 - Officially calling the case 1350 00:52:18,936 --> 00:52:21,336 Of people versus george, who is present. 1351 00:52:21,338 --> 00:52:23,139 - But if the defendant's disability 1352 00:52:23,141 --> 00:52:24,473 Made him appear feeble 1353 00:52:24,475 --> 00:52:26,742 And maybe more sympathetic to jurors, 1354 00:52:26,744 --> 00:52:30,212 The new prosecution team of bill cataldo and steve fox 1355 00:52:30,214 --> 00:52:32,615 Would work hard to demonize him. 1356 00:52:32,617 --> 00:52:37,386 - Michael george fell prey to the two issues 1357 00:52:37,388 --> 00:52:41,757 Most known to common man, sex and money. 1358 00:52:41,759 --> 00:52:43,959 - So, bill, what was your theory for the jury? 1359 00:52:43,961 --> 00:52:46,061 - I-I think motive is important, 1360 00:52:46,063 --> 00:52:51,166 And it was easy, $130,000 in insurance proceeds 1361 00:52:51,168 --> 00:52:53,535 And the fact that he really didn't wanna be married. 1362 00:52:53,537 --> 00:52:54,636 He didn't like his wife. 1363 00:52:54,638 --> 00:52:56,371 He found her completely unattractive. 1364 00:52:56,373 --> 00:52:57,639 - He wanted a new life. 1365 00:52:57,641 --> 00:52:59,007 - In his opening argument, 1366 00:52:59,009 --> 00:53:02,378 Prosecutor steve fox told jurors that, in 1990, 1367 00:53:02,380 --> 00:53:04,647 Michael george was having a torrid affair 1368 00:53:04,649 --> 00:53:06,916 With his shop assistant, renee kotula, 1369 00:53:06,918 --> 00:53:08,450 Now his second wife. 1370 00:53:08,452 --> 00:53:12,187 - He wanted to get rid of his overweight wife 1371 00:53:12,189 --> 00:53:14,122 And move on to something better. 1372 00:53:14,124 --> 00:53:15,257 - Before the murder, 1373 00:53:15,259 --> 00:53:17,793 The husband wasn't bothering to hide his disdain 1374 00:53:17,795 --> 00:53:19,061 For his wife, barbara, 1375 00:53:19,063 --> 00:53:21,063 According to this prosecution witness. 1376 00:53:21,065 --> 00:53:22,197 - Raise your right hand. 1377 00:53:22,199 --> 00:53:23,699 - Theresa danieluk testified 1378 00:53:23,701 --> 00:53:25,467 That she and her son went to comics world 1379 00:53:25,469 --> 00:53:27,736 The Saturday before the murder. 1380 00:53:27,738 --> 00:53:28,937 Michael, barbara, 1381 00:53:28,939 --> 00:53:31,006 And their two young daughters were in the store 1382 00:53:31,008 --> 00:53:32,507 When teresa walked in. 1383 00:53:32,509 --> 00:53:33,942 - I had remarked to him 1384 00:53:33,944 --> 00:53:36,278 How beautiful his little girls were. 1385 00:53:36,280 --> 00:53:37,346 - What did he say? 1386 00:53:37,348 --> 00:53:40,148 - That, um, if it wasn't for his daughters, 1387 00:53:40,150 --> 00:53:42,284 That he would not have been with his wife, 1388 00:53:42,286 --> 00:53:46,088 That he found her unattractive and heavy, 1389 00:53:46,090 --> 00:53:47,889 And if it was up to him, 1390 00:53:47,891 --> 00:53:51,159 He would take the girls and move to florida. 1391 00:53:51,161 --> 00:53:53,762 - What was your reaction to that response? 1392 00:53:53,764 --> 00:53:56,164 - I couldn't believe he had something like that 1393 00:53:56,166 --> 00:53:59,101 To me while she was right there in the store. 1394 00:53:59,103 --> 00:54:02,170 - And that same customer was shocked again days later 1395 00:54:02,172 --> 00:54:04,773 When michael made what she thought was a pass at her 1396 00:54:04,775 --> 00:54:06,375 During his own wife's viewing 1397 00:54:06,377 --> 00:54:07,876 At the funeral home. 1398 00:54:07,878 --> 00:54:10,312 - He gave me a very inappropriate hug. 1399 00:54:10,314 --> 00:54:11,480 It would have been a hug 1400 00:54:11,482 --> 00:54:13,649 That I would only have given my husband. 1401 00:54:13,651 --> 00:54:14,449 - Meaning? 1402 00:54:14,451 --> 00:54:15,751 - It's a very intimate hug. 1403 00:54:15,753 --> 00:54:18,120 - A little creepy but the following Saturday, 1404 00:54:18,122 --> 00:54:19,521 As was their custom, 1405 00:54:19,523 --> 00:54:22,725 Teresa and her son stopped by comics world. 1406 00:54:22,727 --> 00:54:24,726 Michael slipped her a note. 1407 00:54:24,728 --> 00:54:27,129 - Would you read that note for the jury? 1408 00:54:27,131 --> 00:54:29,598 - "you look very, very, very pretty today. 1409 00:54:29,600 --> 00:54:32,468 "thanks for coming in. Sincerely, michael." 1410 00:54:32,470 --> 00:54:34,470 - Publicly scornful of his wife, 1411 00:54:34,472 --> 00:54:35,938 Hitting on other women, 1412 00:54:35,940 --> 00:54:38,207 And now a longtime friend of barbara's 1413 00:54:38,209 --> 00:54:40,709 Was testifying that her friends and family 1414 00:54:40,711 --> 00:54:43,412 Were all well aware of capital "t" trouble 1415 00:54:43,414 --> 00:54:44,746 In the marriage. 1416 00:54:44,748 --> 00:54:46,482 Kathy treece got a call from barb 1417 00:54:46,484 --> 00:54:48,050 Weeks before the murder. 1418 00:54:48,052 --> 00:54:51,219 - She was crying, very upset. 1419 00:54:51,221 --> 00:54:53,088 Uh, mike wanted a divorce. 1420 00:54:53,090 --> 00:54:55,090 - And did she convey to you 1421 00:54:55,092 --> 00:54:56,892 Whether she would agree to that? 1422 00:54:56,894 --> 00:54:59,127 - Oh, she did not want a divorce. 1423 00:54:59,129 --> 00:55:00,962 - Prosecutor fox then asked the witness 1424 00:55:00,964 --> 00:55:03,632 About seeing the defendant at barb's funeral. 1425 00:55:03,634 --> 00:55:06,635 - I overheard mike saying to his mother, 1426 00:55:06,637 --> 00:55:07,703 Kinda yelling out, 1427 00:55:07,705 --> 00:55:10,105 "mom, did you call the insurance company?" 1428 00:55:10,107 --> 00:55:12,307 It just didn't sound good 1429 00:55:12,309 --> 00:55:13,709 Because of the phone conversation 1430 00:55:13,711 --> 00:55:18,747 I had with barb and then now her death. 1431 00:55:18,749 --> 00:55:19,781 - Michael george, 1432 00:55:19,783 --> 00:55:21,850 A one-time insurance salesman himself, 1433 00:55:21,852 --> 00:55:24,886 Received $130,000 tax free 1434 00:55:24,888 --> 00:55:27,322 From his wife's life insurance policies, 1435 00:55:27,324 --> 00:55:29,691 Not bad money in 1990. 1436 00:55:29,693 --> 00:55:31,060 A witness who worked with michael 1437 00:55:31,062 --> 00:55:33,996 In the insurance business was asked about the money. 1438 00:55:33,998 --> 00:55:36,631 - What is documented there? 1439 00:55:36,633 --> 00:55:38,500 - Uh, this is a claim statement 1440 00:55:38,502 --> 00:55:40,535 For, um, payment of the proceeds. 1441 00:55:40,537 --> 00:55:42,771 - Who signed the claim? 1442 00:55:42,773 --> 00:55:44,773 - Michael george looks like. 1443 00:55:44,775 --> 00:55:46,141 - On what day? 1444 00:55:46,143 --> 00:55:48,910 - 07-18 of '90. 1445 00:55:48,912 --> 00:55:50,546 - July 18th of 1990? 1446 00:55:50,548 --> 00:55:51,480 - Yes, sir. 1447 00:55:51,482 --> 00:55:52,815 - Are you aware that barbara george 1448 00:55:52,817 --> 00:55:56,151 Had been buried on July 17th of 1990? 1449 00:55:56,153 --> 00:55:57,753 - Yes. 1450 00:55:57,755 --> 00:55:59,621 - Womanizer, scoundrel-- 1451 00:55:59,623 --> 00:56:02,825 The prosecution dissected michael george's character 1452 00:56:02,827 --> 00:56:06,128 And referred to him as the only possible killer. 1453 00:56:06,130 --> 00:56:07,429 - Our concentration was to show 1454 00:56:07,431 --> 00:56:09,097 That he was the only guy, 1455 00:56:09,099 --> 00:56:10,699 That he was the one that had to have done it 1456 00:56:10,701 --> 00:56:12,501 Because no one else on earth would have. 1457 00:56:12,503 --> 00:56:13,335 - Speak loudly. 1458 00:56:13,337 --> 00:56:14,936 Your first name is kim? - Yes. 1459 00:56:14,938 --> 00:56:16,538 - Prosecutors called this witness 1460 00:56:16,540 --> 00:56:19,108 Who'd worked at a nail salon in the same strip mall 1461 00:56:19,110 --> 00:56:20,409 As comics world. 1462 00:56:20,411 --> 00:56:21,710 - I would say that I witnessed 1463 00:56:21,712 --> 00:56:24,045 About 30 to 35 arguments. 1464 00:56:24,047 --> 00:56:26,648 - She testified she heard many heated arguments 1465 00:56:26,650 --> 00:56:29,050 Between michael and barbara that summer, 1466 00:56:29,052 --> 00:56:31,186 But the one she overheard that afternoon, 1467 00:56:31,188 --> 00:56:34,122 Friday the 13th, sounded even uglier. 1468 00:56:34,124 --> 00:56:38,427 - It was much louder. Um, he was much angrier. 1469 00:56:38,429 --> 00:56:40,462 Uh, it seemed much more violent. 1470 00:56:40,464 --> 00:56:43,198 - Than the ones in the past? - Yes. 1471 00:56:43,200 --> 00:56:44,699 - Less than four hours later, 1472 00:56:44,701 --> 00:56:47,235 Barbara george would be discovered by customers 1473 00:56:47,237 --> 00:56:49,938 On the floor in the back of comics world. 1474 00:56:49,940 --> 00:56:52,207 Yet, in this public place of a strip mall, 1475 00:56:52,209 --> 00:56:53,809 Customers coming and going, 1476 00:56:53,811 --> 00:56:56,745 Cars, no witness remembered hearing gunshots 1477 00:56:56,747 --> 00:56:58,680 Though two had been fired, 1478 00:56:58,682 --> 00:57:01,683 And no one remembered seeing anyone leave the store, 1479 00:57:01,685 --> 00:57:03,952 And no witness saw michael george at the store 1480 00:57:03,954 --> 00:57:06,354 From the time he left after 4 o'clock 1481 00:57:06,356 --> 00:57:08,323 Until he drove up at 8 o'clock 1482 00:57:08,325 --> 00:57:10,626 For what was to be his birthday party. 1483 00:57:10,628 --> 00:57:13,161 By then, police were all over the scene. 1484 00:57:13,163 --> 00:57:15,397 - He told us who he was, identified himself, 1485 00:57:15,399 --> 00:57:17,566 And wanted to know what happened at his store. 1486 00:57:17,568 --> 00:57:19,167 - Lead detective donald steckman, 1487 00:57:19,169 --> 00:57:21,170 Then of clinton township p.D., 1488 00:57:21,172 --> 00:57:23,371 Testified that michael said his wife was working 1489 00:57:23,373 --> 00:57:24,639 At comics world. 1490 00:57:24,641 --> 00:57:27,776 - I advised him there had been an incident at the store, 1491 00:57:27,778 --> 00:57:29,811 And his wife had been injured. 1492 00:57:29,813 --> 00:57:32,214 - Did he ask you about her condition? 1493 00:57:32,216 --> 00:57:33,148 - No. 1494 00:57:33,150 --> 00:57:35,984 - Did he ask you about how it happened? 1495 00:57:35,986 --> 00:57:36,918 - No. 1496 00:57:36,920 --> 00:57:38,120 - Steckman told the husband 1497 00:57:38,122 --> 00:57:39,855 That then lieutenant donald brook 1498 00:57:39,857 --> 00:57:41,457 Would be driving him to the hospital 1499 00:57:41,459 --> 00:57:44,125 Where he could find out about his wife. 1500 00:57:44,127 --> 00:57:45,694 The former lieutenant testified 1501 00:57:45,696 --> 00:57:48,396 That michael started chatting without prompting. 1502 00:57:48,398 --> 00:57:50,465 - He made a statement that I thought was, 1503 00:57:50,467 --> 00:57:52,000 Uh, noteworthy. 1504 00:57:52,002 --> 00:57:53,535 - And what was that statement? 1505 00:57:53,537 --> 00:57:55,737 - Uh, "something must have fell or dropped on her 1506 00:57:55,739 --> 00:57:57,038 "in the back room." 1507 00:57:57,040 --> 00:57:59,474 - Why is that statement interesting to you? 1508 00:57:59,476 --> 00:58:01,209 - Uh, because I never told him 1509 00:58:01,211 --> 00:58:04,913 That mrs. George was in the back room of the store. 1510 00:58:04,915 --> 00:58:06,081 - He knows things he shouldn't know. 1511 00:58:06,083 --> 00:58:06,948 - So, he knows evidence 1512 00:58:06,950 --> 00:58:08,917 That only the shooter would know, 1513 00:58:08,919 --> 00:58:12,687 Not realizing how unique that information is. 1514 00:58:12,689 --> 00:58:14,756 - Later that night, according to police, 1515 00:58:14,758 --> 00:58:16,525 Michael george told investigators 1516 00:58:16,527 --> 00:58:19,861 That two white boxes of expensive comics were missing 1517 00:58:19,863 --> 00:58:21,630 And that poor barbara must have stumbled 1518 00:58:21,632 --> 00:58:23,732 Into a robbery gone bad, 1519 00:58:23,734 --> 00:58:25,567 A theory police and prosecutors 1520 00:58:25,569 --> 00:58:27,369 Subsequently rejected. 1521 00:58:27,371 --> 00:58:29,638 - This is why it's not a robbery. 1522 00:58:29,640 --> 00:58:31,039 Diamond ring was on barb's hand, 1523 00:58:31,041 --> 00:58:33,775 And we know that ring was worth at least $2,500. 1524 00:58:33,777 --> 00:58:36,445 There was $720 cash in the registers. 1525 00:58:36,447 --> 00:58:38,847 They were untouched. 1526 00:58:38,849 --> 00:58:41,517 The expensive comics behind the glass 1527 00:58:41,519 --> 00:58:44,319 Were untouched. 1528 00:58:44,321 --> 00:58:47,989 The safe untouched. 1529 00:58:47,991 --> 00:58:49,925 - The safe was in the back storage room 1530 00:58:49,927 --> 00:58:51,660 Where michael claimed the missing boxes 1531 00:58:51,662 --> 00:58:52,995 Of comics had been. 1532 00:58:52,997 --> 00:58:54,796 - And what's unique about that is, 1533 00:58:54,798 --> 00:58:56,831 These two white boxes were unmarked. 1534 00:58:56,833 --> 00:58:59,467 They didn't say expensive comic books here. 1535 00:58:59,469 --> 00:59:01,603 - Missing comics were never found. 1536 00:59:01,605 --> 00:59:04,439 The prosecutors believe they were never stolen either, 1537 00:59:04,441 --> 00:59:05,874 Even though michael recovered 1538 00:59:05,876 --> 00:59:09,110 A $12,600 insurance claim for them. 1539 00:59:09,112 --> 00:59:11,813 - There's 100 unmarked white boxes in that room. 1540 00:59:11,815 --> 00:59:14,215 The only way to know which ones to grab 1541 00:59:14,217 --> 00:59:16,351 Would be is if it's an inside job. 1542 00:59:16,353 --> 00:59:19,555 - But the only inside job, according to the prosecutors, 1543 00:59:19,557 --> 00:59:21,156 Was the murder itself. 1544 00:59:21,158 --> 00:59:24,159 - The reason it's an inside job 1545 00:59:24,161 --> 00:59:28,964 Is because of the accessibility to that door. 1546 00:59:28,966 --> 00:59:31,566 - That door was central to the prosecutors' theory 1547 00:59:31,568 --> 00:59:32,701 Of the murder. 1548 00:59:32,703 --> 00:59:35,236 Michael george, they said, sneaked in the back door 1549 00:59:35,238 --> 00:59:36,504 And concealed himself 1550 00:59:36,506 --> 00:59:38,773 Until his wife was alone in the store. 1551 00:59:38,775 --> 00:59:40,475 When she came into the back room, 1552 00:59:40,477 --> 00:59:43,045 Their belief was he fired two shots. 1553 00:59:43,047 --> 00:59:45,013 The first one hitting a swimsuit calendar 1554 00:59:45,015 --> 00:59:46,181 In the wall, 1555 00:59:46,183 --> 00:59:48,783 And the second striking barb in the top of her head 1556 00:59:48,785 --> 00:59:50,519 As she was ducking away. 1557 00:59:50,521 --> 00:59:51,453 - The murder took place, 1558 00:59:51,455 --> 00:59:53,322 And where he went from there, 1559 00:59:53,324 --> 00:59:55,190 Our theory is out the back door and gone. 1560 00:59:55,192 --> 00:59:57,926 - Slipping into the alley sight unseen 1561 00:59:57,928 --> 01:00:00,262 But not before doing what only he could do, 1562 01:00:00,264 --> 01:00:02,130 Bill cataldo told the jurors. 1563 01:00:02,132 --> 01:00:05,200 - As stealthily as he came in, 1564 01:00:05,202 --> 01:00:08,803 He left through the back door, 1565 01:00:08,805 --> 01:00:13,875 Locking that lock, double-locked. 1566 01:00:13,877 --> 01:00:16,478 - Indeed, the door was locked from the outside 1567 01:00:16,480 --> 01:00:17,746 When police arrived, 1568 01:00:17,748 --> 01:00:19,280 Something prosecutors claimed 1569 01:00:19,282 --> 01:00:21,282 Only michael george could do. 1570 01:00:21,284 --> 01:00:22,784 - You have to have those keys. 1571 01:00:22,786 --> 01:00:25,320 - No one but the defendant had keys to the back door 1572 01:00:25,322 --> 01:00:26,955 Prosecutors maintained, 1573 01:00:26,957 --> 01:00:29,591 And they added any supposed robber 1574 01:00:29,593 --> 01:00:31,726 Would have fled through the busy front door 1575 01:00:31,728 --> 01:00:33,995 And certainly would have been spotted. 1576 01:00:33,997 --> 01:00:35,096 - There were too many witnesses 1577 01:00:35,098 --> 01:00:37,198 That started walking in within a minute 1578 01:00:37,200 --> 01:00:38,933 To two minutes of that gunshot. 1579 01:00:38,935 --> 01:00:41,770 No one saw anyone leaving with boxes of comic books. 1580 01:00:41,772 --> 01:00:44,806 No one saw anyone running out the front door. 1581 01:00:44,808 --> 01:00:45,740 - And what about the people 1582 01:00:45,742 --> 01:00:47,109 Who were spotted by witnesses 1583 01:00:47,111 --> 01:00:48,510 Around the comic book shop 1584 01:00:48,512 --> 01:00:50,945 Minutes before and after the murder, 1585 01:00:50,947 --> 01:00:53,381 The guy in the greek fisherman's cap, 1586 01:00:53,383 --> 01:00:55,116 The suspicious character who seemed 1587 01:00:55,118 --> 01:00:57,052 To be wearing a fake beard, 1588 01:00:57,054 --> 01:00:58,987 The so-called bearded lady? 1589 01:00:58,989 --> 01:01:01,923 Police even made a sketch of the bearded lady, 1590 01:01:01,925 --> 01:01:04,326 But prosecutors said none of the would-be suspects 1591 01:01:04,328 --> 01:01:05,994 Ever amounted to anything 1592 01:01:05,996 --> 01:01:08,330 Except in the case of the bearded lady. 1593 01:01:08,332 --> 01:01:10,965 Prosecutors theorized that this person 1594 01:01:10,967 --> 01:01:13,235 May have been michael george's accomplice. 1595 01:01:15,406 --> 01:01:18,573 Now, the prosecutors would offer up their star witness, 1596 01:01:18,575 --> 01:01:19,808 The sole person 1597 01:01:19,810 --> 01:01:22,410 Who could say the husband was indeed in the store 1598 01:01:22,412 --> 01:01:24,012 As the minutes were counting down 1599 01:01:24,014 --> 01:01:27,916 To murder, comic collector mike renaud, 1600 01:01:27,918 --> 01:01:29,684 But, this time, the defense was ready 1601 01:01:29,686 --> 01:01:31,152 With new evidence to challenge 1602 01:01:31,154 --> 01:01:33,388 Not only renaud's credibility 1603 01:01:33,390 --> 01:01:35,424 But also his memory. 1604 01:01:36,860 --> 01:01:38,093 - Coming up... 1605 01:01:38,095 --> 01:01:41,029 - In 1990, you used marijuana, 1606 01:01:41,031 --> 01:01:43,298 And you drank alcohol on the weekends. 1607 01:01:43,300 --> 01:01:44,365 Did you not? 1608 01:01:44,367 --> 01:01:47,402 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1609 01:01:50,773 --> 01:01:55,844 ♪♪ 1610 01:01:55,846 --> 01:01:57,713 - Once again, michael george's guilt 1611 01:01:57,715 --> 01:02:00,181 Or innocence would likely come down to the man 1612 01:02:00,183 --> 01:02:01,983 Who said he made an innocent phone call 1613 01:02:01,985 --> 01:02:04,185 About a spider-man comic book. 1614 01:02:04,187 --> 01:02:05,920 - People would call mike renaud. 1615 01:02:05,922 --> 01:02:07,989 - In the first trial, the jurors had bought 1616 01:02:07,991 --> 01:02:09,124 Mike renaud's account 1617 01:02:09,126 --> 01:02:11,459 Of speaking to the shop owner over the phone 1618 01:02:11,461 --> 01:02:14,129 Apparently just minutes before the murder. 1619 01:02:14,131 --> 01:02:17,465 The judge, however, had seemed skeptical, 1620 01:02:17,467 --> 01:02:20,802 But now 12 new people would be deciding the case, 1621 01:02:20,804 --> 01:02:22,737 So prosecution and defense lawyers 1622 01:02:22,739 --> 01:02:26,508 Had to start afresh with the all important star witness. 1623 01:02:26,510 --> 01:02:28,543 The stakes couldn't be higher. 1624 01:02:28,545 --> 01:02:30,078 Michael renaud, without him, 1625 01:02:30,080 --> 01:02:31,146 Would you have had a case? 1626 01:02:31,148 --> 01:02:32,280 - No. 1627 01:02:32,282 --> 01:02:34,282 He's the only one who puts defendant at the scene. 1628 01:02:34,284 --> 01:02:36,417 He's the only one that alone 1629 01:02:36,419 --> 01:02:38,219 Can destroy the defendant's alibi. 1630 01:02:38,221 --> 01:02:40,889 - Without him, we don't even issue a warrant. 1631 01:02:40,891 --> 01:02:43,191 - Defense lawyers marlinga and kosmala knew 1632 01:02:43,193 --> 01:02:45,360 Their client's freedom depended both 1633 01:02:45,362 --> 01:02:47,362 On their challenging renaud's story 1634 01:02:47,364 --> 01:02:49,964 And reinforcing the defendant's alibi. 1635 01:02:49,966 --> 01:02:52,567 - It's a one witness case on the prosecution side. 1636 01:02:52,569 --> 01:02:54,436 - So, what we really had to focus on 1637 01:02:54,438 --> 01:02:56,938 And what we hoped to direct the jury to focus on 1638 01:02:56,940 --> 01:02:59,607 Was specifically that alibi. 1639 01:02:59,609 --> 01:03:01,709 - The defendant's 1990 story 1640 01:03:01,711 --> 01:03:03,978 Was that he'd left his clinton township shop 1641 01:03:03,980 --> 01:03:05,747 Sometime after 4 p.M. 1642 01:03:05,749 --> 01:03:07,482 To go to his mother's house. 1643 01:03:07,484 --> 01:03:10,986 She lived in hazel park about a half hour away. 1644 01:03:10,988 --> 01:03:12,454 It's michael george's alibi 1645 01:03:12,456 --> 01:03:14,055 That he was at his mother's house 1646 01:03:14,057 --> 01:03:16,725 From about 4:30 to 7:30. 1647 01:03:16,727 --> 01:03:18,159 A little after he arrived, 1648 01:03:18,161 --> 01:03:20,028 His mother said she took her grandchildren 1649 01:03:20,030 --> 01:03:20,929 To the park, 1650 01:03:20,931 --> 01:03:22,330 And he was sleeping on the couch 1651 01:03:22,332 --> 01:03:25,633 When they got back sometime after 6 o'clock. 1652 01:03:25,635 --> 01:03:28,603 Barb was murdered a little after 6 o'clock. 1653 01:03:28,605 --> 01:03:30,739 If michael george's account is true, 1654 01:03:30,741 --> 01:03:32,740 He was at his mother's at that time 1655 01:03:32,742 --> 01:03:35,677 And, therefore, could not be the killer. 1656 01:03:35,679 --> 01:03:37,212 But, according to prosecutors, 1657 01:03:37,214 --> 01:03:39,948 Michael george wasn't napping on the couch at all. 1658 01:03:39,950 --> 01:03:42,450 They contended he'd returned to comics world 1659 01:03:42,452 --> 01:03:44,619 And sneaked into the storage room with a gun 1660 01:03:44,621 --> 01:03:47,956 When barb left to order pizza for his birthday party. 1661 01:03:47,958 --> 01:03:50,091 And about what time was that? 1662 01:03:50,093 --> 01:03:51,893 - Between 5 and 5:30. 1663 01:03:51,895 --> 01:03:53,795 - That's the timeframe when this witness, 1664 01:03:53,797 --> 01:03:56,064 A friend of barb's, came to the store. 1665 01:03:56,066 --> 01:03:57,632 It was locked, and she had to wait 1666 01:03:57,634 --> 01:04:00,235 For barb to return from the pizza place. 1667 01:04:00,237 --> 01:04:01,669 - If she's not in the store at 5:30, 1668 01:04:01,671 --> 01:04:03,638 She couldn't possibly answer the phone at 5:30. 1669 01:04:03,640 --> 01:04:05,273 Correct? - Correct. 1670 01:04:05,275 --> 01:04:06,975 - So, if somebody answered the phone at 5:30, 1671 01:04:06,977 --> 01:04:09,244 It'd have to be someone other than her. 1672 01:04:09,246 --> 01:04:10,378 - Correct. 1673 01:04:10,380 --> 01:04:12,647 - Now, prosecutors questioned the one witness 1674 01:04:12,649 --> 01:04:15,416 They said who could identify who answered the phone. 1675 01:04:15,418 --> 01:04:16,918 - Again, it's michael renaud? 1676 01:04:16,920 --> 01:04:19,187 - Yes, sir. - Mike renaud. 1677 01:04:19,189 --> 01:04:22,757 In 1990, a decade before his disabling accident, 1678 01:04:22,759 --> 01:04:24,893 Renaud was married, had a young daughter, 1679 01:04:24,895 --> 01:04:26,928 And was holding down two jobs. 1680 01:04:26,930 --> 01:04:28,997 - Were you also attending school? 1681 01:04:28,999 --> 01:04:30,865 - Yes, I was going to wayne state. 1682 01:04:30,867 --> 01:04:32,767 - And how well did you do at wayne state? 1683 01:04:32,769 --> 01:04:34,535 - Uh, I graduated cum laude. 1684 01:04:34,537 --> 01:04:37,538 - The prosecution wanted the jury to regard renaud 1685 01:04:37,540 --> 01:04:39,074 As both a serious person 1686 01:04:39,076 --> 01:04:41,342 And a knowledgeable comic book collector. 1687 01:04:41,344 --> 01:04:43,478 - And before July 13, 1990, 1688 01:04:43,480 --> 01:04:45,213 How frequently would you go to the store? 1689 01:04:45,215 --> 01:04:47,448 - Uh, at least once a week. 1690 01:04:47,450 --> 01:04:49,183 - The day of the murder, he testified, 1691 01:04:49,185 --> 01:04:52,220 He actually stopped by comics world before work, 1692 01:04:52,222 --> 01:04:54,556 But renaud's critical story for the jury 1693 01:04:54,558 --> 01:04:57,225 Had to do with a phone call he made later in the day 1694 01:04:57,227 --> 01:04:58,426 To the shop. 1695 01:04:58,428 --> 01:04:59,895 He had a collector's question 1696 01:04:59,897 --> 01:05:02,263 About a spider-man comic he owned. 1697 01:05:02,265 --> 01:05:04,232 - He called because he was excited that some book 1698 01:05:04,234 --> 01:05:06,935 Had jumped from $8 to $40. 1699 01:05:06,937 --> 01:05:09,771 - Did you contact anyone to discuss the reasons 1700 01:05:09,773 --> 01:05:11,105 For it going up in value? 1701 01:05:11,107 --> 01:05:12,307 - Yeah, I called mike. 1702 01:05:12,309 --> 01:05:13,508 - He knew the voice. 1703 01:05:13,510 --> 01:05:16,044 He knew the time that he would be there, 1704 01:05:16,046 --> 01:05:17,779 And that's-that's the whole case. 1705 01:05:17,781 --> 01:05:19,480 - Tell me about the demeanor 1706 01:05:19,482 --> 01:05:21,249 Of michael george in that phone call. 1707 01:05:21,251 --> 01:05:23,785 - The answers were very short, 1708 01:05:23,787 --> 01:05:27,088 And he seemed to kinda be in a hurry 1709 01:05:27,090 --> 01:05:28,289 To get off the phone. 1710 01:05:28,291 --> 01:05:30,792 - So, you might wonder, as so many people did, 1711 01:05:30,794 --> 01:05:32,594 If michael george was lying in wait 1712 01:05:32,596 --> 01:05:34,729 To murder his wife in just moments, 1713 01:05:34,731 --> 01:05:36,331 Why would he be so dumb 1714 01:05:36,333 --> 01:05:38,833 As to pick up a ringing phone in the store? 1715 01:05:38,835 --> 01:05:40,868 - He picks it up for one of two reasons. 1716 01:05:40,870 --> 01:05:44,272 Either as a businessman, it's a call, 1717 01:05:44,274 --> 01:05:46,975 And he doesn't wanna lose business, 1718 01:05:46,977 --> 01:05:48,609 Or, number two, 1719 01:05:48,611 --> 01:05:51,012 It's his accomplice from the outside 1720 01:05:51,014 --> 01:05:52,614 Letting him know what's going on. 1721 01:05:52,616 --> 01:05:54,949 - Couldn't investigators simply pull the phone logs 1722 01:05:54,951 --> 01:05:56,718 And verify renaud's story 1723 01:05:56,720 --> 01:05:58,553 By seeing what time the records showed 1724 01:05:58,555 --> 01:05:59,921 The call coming in? 1725 01:05:59,923 --> 01:06:01,423 Not in 1990. 1726 01:06:01,425 --> 01:06:03,925 The phone company didn't keep those kinds of logs 1727 01:06:03,927 --> 01:06:05,827 On local calls. 1728 01:06:05,829 --> 01:06:07,628 But remember, renaud's story 1729 01:06:07,630 --> 01:06:10,765 Had fallen through the investigative cracks altogether 1730 01:06:10,767 --> 01:06:13,001 Until a cold case cop, craig keith, 1731 01:06:13,003 --> 01:06:15,570 Came upon it in 2007, 1732 01:06:15,572 --> 01:06:17,538 And in that rediscovered file 1733 01:06:17,540 --> 01:06:20,174 Was a statement saying that a guy named renaud 1734 01:06:20,176 --> 01:06:21,542 Had called the police department 1735 01:06:21,544 --> 01:06:23,378 The day after the murder. 1736 01:06:23,380 --> 01:06:25,646 He wanted the detectives to know that he'd spoken 1737 01:06:25,648 --> 01:06:28,583 With michael george in the comic shop at 6 p.M. 1738 01:06:28,585 --> 01:06:30,084 On the fateful day. 1739 01:06:30,086 --> 01:06:32,787 - After you hung up the phone with the department, 1740 01:06:32,789 --> 01:06:34,489 Did you think about it further? 1741 01:06:34,491 --> 01:06:36,457 - Yes. - Okay. Why? 1742 01:06:36,459 --> 01:06:40,395 - I did not wanna get mike in trouble if, uh, 1743 01:06:40,397 --> 01:06:42,397 I was wrong on my time. 1744 01:06:42,399 --> 01:06:45,333 And according to those newly discovered police records, 1745 01:06:45,335 --> 01:06:47,001 Renaud had called the police back 1746 01:06:47,003 --> 01:06:49,337 Almost immediately to amend the time 1747 01:06:49,339 --> 01:06:51,339 He'd spoken to michael george. 1748 01:06:51,341 --> 01:06:53,608 - And what did you advise police this time 1749 01:06:53,610 --> 01:06:54,809 When you called back? 1750 01:06:54,811 --> 01:06:57,445 - It was closer to 5:30 instead of 6. 1751 01:06:57,447 --> 01:06:58,813 - There were multiple calls to police. 1752 01:06:58,815 --> 01:07:00,281 We actually saw that as a strength 1753 01:07:00,283 --> 01:07:01,716 Rather than a weakness. 1754 01:07:01,718 --> 01:07:03,684 He's actually trying to help michael george. 1755 01:07:03,686 --> 01:07:05,286 He's trying to tell the police 1756 01:07:05,288 --> 01:07:07,222 Don't get him in trouble because of me. 1757 01:07:07,224 --> 01:07:09,090 It's establishing that he's not in this 1758 01:07:09,092 --> 01:07:12,027 Because he has some ill will against the defendant, 1759 01:07:12,029 --> 01:07:13,094 Or he's just making it up 1760 01:07:13,096 --> 01:07:15,230 For-for 15 minutes of fame. 1761 01:07:15,232 --> 01:07:17,865 - That's not how the defense team saw renaud. 1762 01:07:17,867 --> 01:07:19,867 They thought he was basking in the limelight 1763 01:07:19,869 --> 01:07:21,469 Of a big murder trial. 1764 01:07:21,471 --> 01:07:22,904 - We think he's just kind of, like, 1765 01:07:22,906 --> 01:07:25,240 Exaggerating his own importance in his mind. 1766 01:07:25,242 --> 01:07:27,041 He saw a way to become important 1767 01:07:27,043 --> 01:07:28,709 In a homicide investigation. 1768 01:07:28,711 --> 01:07:30,545 - When the defense had its crack at renaud 1769 01:07:30,547 --> 01:07:32,981 On cross-examination, it wanted the jury 1770 01:07:32,983 --> 01:07:36,584 To question his motives, memory, and credibility. 1771 01:07:36,586 --> 01:07:38,653 - First of all, this guy, mike renaud, makes himself 1772 01:07:38,655 --> 01:07:40,521 Sound like he's a really good buddy of michael george. 1773 01:07:40,523 --> 01:07:41,523 He talks to him all the time. 1774 01:07:41,525 --> 01:07:43,258 Michael george doesn't remember him at all. 1775 01:07:43,260 --> 01:07:46,160 - As the defense told it, renaud's multiple calls 1776 01:07:46,162 --> 01:07:48,262 To the police changing his times 1777 01:07:48,264 --> 01:07:50,965 Indicated that this witness didn't have a good handle 1778 01:07:50,967 --> 01:07:52,166 On his recollections 1779 01:07:52,168 --> 01:07:54,302 And was, therefore, unreliable. 1780 01:07:54,304 --> 01:07:57,672 - He called back several times being uncertain of the time 1781 01:07:57,674 --> 01:07:59,274 When he was making the call. 1782 01:07:59,276 --> 01:08:01,543 - If the call to michael george happened at all, 1783 01:08:01,545 --> 01:08:03,744 And the defense disputes that it did, 1784 01:08:03,746 --> 01:08:05,480 Defense attorney marlinga believed 1785 01:08:05,482 --> 01:08:07,615 It must have been placed before the shop owner 1786 01:08:07,617 --> 01:08:09,083 Left for his mother's house. 1787 01:08:09,085 --> 01:08:11,419 That was more than an hour before the murder. 1788 01:08:11,421 --> 01:08:13,254 - So, you're saying renaud is not just mistaken 1789 01:08:13,256 --> 01:08:15,656 In his times, that he is-- 1790 01:08:15,658 --> 01:08:16,758 - He's-he's a little bit motivated. 1791 01:08:16,760 --> 01:08:17,826 - He's a person of mischief. 1792 01:08:17,828 --> 01:08:20,595 - We think he wanted to-to-to become a hero. 1793 01:08:20,597 --> 01:08:22,497 - In fact, since the last trial, 1794 01:08:22,499 --> 01:08:24,599 Renaud had tried to bolster his story 1795 01:08:24,601 --> 01:08:27,802 By adding new facts, according to the defense. 1796 01:08:27,804 --> 01:08:29,704 Renaud revealed for the first time 1797 01:08:29,706 --> 01:08:31,372 That he went to the clinton township 1798 01:08:31,374 --> 01:08:33,508 Police department days after the murder 1799 01:08:33,510 --> 01:08:35,776 To make a report in person. 1800 01:08:35,778 --> 01:08:37,712 Marlinga's tough cross-examination 1801 01:08:37,714 --> 01:08:39,180 Brought out that renaud's memory 1802 01:08:39,182 --> 01:08:41,816 Of that police interview was, at best, hazy. 1803 01:08:41,818 --> 01:08:42,884 - The person that you met with 1804 01:08:42,886 --> 01:08:44,786 In the face-to-face conversation, 1805 01:08:44,788 --> 01:08:46,487 Do you know the name of that person? 1806 01:08:46,489 --> 01:08:47,454 - I do not. 1807 01:08:47,456 --> 01:08:49,323 - How about the gender? Male or female? 1808 01:08:49,325 --> 01:08:50,525 - It was a male. 1809 01:08:50,527 --> 01:08:53,394 - Old or young? - I cannot say. 1810 01:08:53,396 --> 01:08:55,530 - Was this person in a uniform, 1811 01:08:55,532 --> 01:08:57,165 Or in a suit, or sport coat, 1812 01:08:57,167 --> 01:09:00,134 Or-or shirt? - I cannot say. 1813 01:09:00,136 --> 01:09:02,003 - Do you remember seeing a badge? 1814 01:09:02,005 --> 01:09:03,471 - I cannot say. 1815 01:09:03,473 --> 01:09:04,772 - Did you ever see a police report 1816 01:09:04,774 --> 01:09:07,141 That was generated as a result of that interview? 1817 01:09:07,143 --> 01:09:08,543 - No, sir. 1818 01:09:08,545 --> 01:09:09,544 - There is, in fact, 1819 01:09:09,546 --> 01:09:12,079 No police report of that interview. 1820 01:09:12,081 --> 01:09:14,782 Was it another example in the defense's theme 1821 01:09:14,784 --> 01:09:16,417 Of inept policework 1822 01:09:16,419 --> 01:09:19,220 Or a figment of renaud's imagination? 1823 01:09:19,222 --> 01:09:20,755 - Either the police department 1824 01:09:20,757 --> 01:09:23,191 Lost a very important police report 1825 01:09:23,193 --> 01:09:25,459 Or-or the lack of police notes is a fact 1826 01:09:25,461 --> 01:09:27,195 Because the interview never happened. 1827 01:09:27,197 --> 01:09:30,298 Isn't it true, sir, that you invented, 1828 01:09:30,300 --> 01:09:33,034 That is you made up, this conversation? 1829 01:09:33,036 --> 01:09:34,569 - I did not do that. 1830 01:09:34,571 --> 01:09:36,704 - But now the defense was moving on, 1831 01:09:36,706 --> 01:09:38,840 Telling the jury there may be a reason why 1832 01:09:38,842 --> 01:09:41,075 Renaud's memory is so hazy. 1833 01:09:41,077 --> 01:09:43,211 Back in those days, the lawyers asserted, 1834 01:09:43,213 --> 01:09:45,780 He was often in a haze of pot smoke. 1835 01:09:45,782 --> 01:09:47,081 - Can you even remember the times 1836 01:09:47,083 --> 01:09:49,317 That you were high? 1837 01:09:49,319 --> 01:09:51,652 - Objection. Relevance. Argumentative. 1838 01:09:51,654 --> 01:09:54,455 - So, the strategy is to go nuclear on mike renaud? 1839 01:09:54,457 --> 01:09:56,190 - Uh, I wouldn't say nuclear. No. 1840 01:09:56,192 --> 01:09:58,960 I mean, we-we regard it as just bring out the facts. 1841 01:09:58,962 --> 01:10:02,597 In 1990, you used marijuana, 1842 01:10:02,599 --> 01:10:05,199 And you drank alcohol on the weekends. 1843 01:10:05,201 --> 01:10:07,001 Did you not? 1844 01:10:07,003 --> 01:10:08,402 - Uh, I was in college, 1845 01:10:08,404 --> 01:10:10,071 And that would not surprise me. 1846 01:10:10,073 --> 01:10:11,139 - Okay. 1847 01:10:11,141 --> 01:10:12,340 The homicide that we're talking about occurred 1848 01:10:12,342 --> 01:10:14,742 On Friday, July 13th. 1849 01:10:14,744 --> 01:10:18,879 Your two initial calls into the clinton township police 1850 01:10:18,881 --> 01:10:24,752 Occurred on Saturday, July 14th of 1990. 1851 01:10:24,754 --> 01:10:28,022 We are agreed that Friday and Saturday 1852 01:10:28,024 --> 01:10:30,625 Are weekend days, correct? 1853 01:10:30,627 --> 01:10:31,693 - Correct. - All right. 1854 01:10:31,695 --> 01:10:33,361 - When questioned whether he got high 1855 01:10:33,363 --> 01:10:36,030 On the only weekend that mattered, July 13th 1856 01:10:36,032 --> 01:10:39,300 And 14th, 1990, renaud had to admit 1857 01:10:39,302 --> 01:10:40,768 He just didn't remember. 1858 01:10:40,770 --> 01:10:41,902 - You could have used it, 1859 01:10:41,904 --> 01:10:43,104 Or you could not have used it. 1860 01:10:43,106 --> 01:10:44,872 You don't remember. - Correct. 1861 01:10:44,874 --> 01:10:46,107 - Again, the defense's goal 1862 01:10:46,109 --> 01:10:48,309 Was to raise reasonable doubt with the jury 1863 01:10:48,311 --> 01:10:50,878 About renaud's recall and credibility. 1864 01:10:50,880 --> 01:10:53,047 - Marijuana can cause a time distortion, 1865 01:10:53,049 --> 01:10:55,583 So we're talking to a person who might not have 1866 01:10:55,585 --> 01:10:57,318 The best handle on time. 1867 01:10:57,320 --> 01:10:58,786 - Now that the defense believed 1868 01:10:58,788 --> 01:11:01,022 It had shredded renaud's story, 1869 01:11:01,024 --> 01:11:02,757 It was ready to tell the jury 1870 01:11:02,759 --> 01:11:05,159 Who really murdered barbara george. 1871 01:11:06,263 --> 01:11:07,862 - Coming up... 1872 01:11:07,864 --> 01:11:09,664 Another possible suspect 1873 01:11:09,666 --> 01:11:12,533 In an impossibly strange disguise. 1874 01:11:12,535 --> 01:11:14,402 - And he said, "it looked like a woman in a fake beard, 1875 01:11:14,404 --> 01:11:15,836 "a really thin guy... 1876 01:11:15,838 --> 01:11:17,705 "with, like, womanly hips or somethin'." 1877 01:11:17,707 --> 01:11:21,509 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1878 01:11:24,613 --> 01:11:29,684 ♪♪ 1879 01:11:29,686 --> 01:11:30,551 - Welcome back. 1880 01:11:30,553 --> 01:11:32,420 Michael george was back in court, 1881 01:11:32,422 --> 01:11:33,688 Charged, once again, 1882 01:11:33,690 --> 01:11:36,424 With the murder of his first wife, barbara. 1883 01:11:36,426 --> 01:11:38,626 His attorneys fought hard to discredit 1884 01:11:38,628 --> 01:11:40,561 The prosecution's star witness, 1885 01:11:40,563 --> 01:11:43,197 Who said michael answered the phone at the store 1886 01:11:43,199 --> 01:11:45,333 Shortly before barb was shot. 1887 01:11:45,335 --> 01:11:48,636 Soon, they would turn their focus to michael's alibi, 1888 01:11:48,638 --> 01:11:51,439 His mother's insistance that he was at her house 1889 01:11:51,441 --> 01:11:53,641 During the murder, and this time 1890 01:11:53,643 --> 01:11:56,410 They had a secret weapon to help prove it. 1891 01:11:56,412 --> 01:11:58,112 Here again is dennis murphy 1892 01:11:58,114 --> 01:12:01,615 With "the comic book murder." 1893 01:12:01,617 --> 01:12:04,418 - Michael george had been married to his second wife, renee, 1894 01:12:04,420 --> 01:12:06,420 For almost 20 years. 1895 01:12:06,422 --> 01:12:07,621 Through thick and thin, 1896 01:12:07,623 --> 01:12:09,657 They still seemed very much in love. 1897 01:12:09,659 --> 01:12:13,461 - This case will show you-- - but, at his 2011 trial, 1898 01:12:13,463 --> 01:12:15,396 The defense acknowledged right up front 1899 01:12:15,398 --> 01:12:17,098 That during his first marriage, 1900 01:12:17,100 --> 01:12:18,933 Michael would never have won an award 1901 01:12:18,935 --> 01:12:20,735 For husband of the year. 1902 01:12:20,737 --> 01:12:24,339 - This is not a matter of suspicion, inuendo, 1903 01:12:24,341 --> 01:12:26,941 Disgust with a person for having affairs. 1904 01:12:26,943 --> 01:12:28,609 This is a matter of evidence. 1905 01:12:28,611 --> 01:12:31,545 - So, lead defense attorney carl marlinga reminded jurors 1906 01:12:31,547 --> 01:12:34,215 The defendant was on trial for murder. 1907 01:12:34,217 --> 01:12:37,785 - An adulterer is a person who has done evil things, 1908 01:12:37,787 --> 01:12:39,920 Uh, but that-that does not necessarily 1909 01:12:39,922 --> 01:12:41,522 Make him a murderer. 1910 01:12:41,524 --> 01:12:43,491 - The victim's shoe can be seen. 1911 01:12:43,493 --> 01:12:44,892 - As for any hard evidence 1912 01:12:44,894 --> 01:12:47,428 That michael george killed his wife in cold blood, 1913 01:12:47,430 --> 01:12:50,731 The defense maintained it just didn't exist. 1914 01:12:50,733 --> 01:12:52,767 And you have no weapon. 1915 01:12:52,769 --> 01:12:53,501 - Exactly. 1916 01:12:53,503 --> 01:12:54,635 - No witnesses. - No. 1917 01:12:54,637 --> 01:12:56,371 - No forensics. - Nothing. 1918 01:12:56,373 --> 01:12:57,538 - There's nothing to tie your guy to the crime. 1919 01:12:57,540 --> 01:13:01,709 - Zero, zilch, nada that ties him to the crime. 1920 01:13:01,711 --> 01:13:03,644 - The jury, your honor, the people are happy to say 1921 01:13:03,646 --> 01:13:04,979 That we rest. 1922 01:13:04,981 --> 01:13:06,781 - And then, just as in the first trial, 1923 01:13:06,783 --> 01:13:09,317 Came that moment when the prosecution rested, 1924 01:13:09,319 --> 01:13:11,318 And the defense filed a motion saying, 1925 01:13:11,320 --> 01:13:13,654 "your honor, they haven't proved their case." 1926 01:13:13,656 --> 01:13:15,055 - There is no physical evidence 1927 01:13:15,057 --> 01:13:17,191 Which links michael george to the crime. 1928 01:13:17,193 --> 01:13:19,527 - But, this time, there was no five hour retreat 1929 01:13:19,529 --> 01:13:21,863 To chambers for the judge to think about it. 1930 01:13:21,865 --> 01:13:23,998 Her ruling came in seconds. 1931 01:13:24,000 --> 01:13:25,666 - The court is finding that the prosecution 1932 01:13:25,668 --> 01:13:28,269 Has presented substantial evidence. 1933 01:13:28,271 --> 01:13:29,937 - The defendant teared up. 1934 01:13:29,939 --> 01:13:32,006 There was enough evidence, the judge declared, 1935 01:13:32,008 --> 01:13:33,207 To go forward. 1936 01:13:33,209 --> 01:13:34,642 - The basic conclusion, gentlemen, 1937 01:13:34,644 --> 01:13:36,644 Is that the motion is denied. 1938 01:13:36,646 --> 01:13:39,046 - So, with that setback, not unexpected, 1939 01:13:39,048 --> 01:13:41,182 The defense began its three pronged line 1940 01:13:41,184 --> 01:13:42,683 Of attack, 1941 01:13:42,685 --> 01:13:45,753 That the original policework was inept, 1942 01:13:45,755 --> 01:13:47,621 That there was evidence, some of it new, 1943 01:13:47,623 --> 01:13:50,391 That someone else committed the murder, 1944 01:13:50,393 --> 01:13:51,358 And, thirdly, 1945 01:13:51,360 --> 01:13:53,894 That michael george had a strong alibi. 1946 01:13:53,896 --> 01:13:57,231 - We decided that our strongest evidence 1947 01:13:57,233 --> 01:13:58,365 Was the alibi, 1948 01:13:58,367 --> 01:14:01,469 And that would normally be sufficient to-to win, 1949 01:14:01,471 --> 01:14:04,004 But knowing that we are dealing with, uh, 1950 01:14:04,006 --> 01:14:06,240 Michael's history and the affairs 1951 01:14:06,242 --> 01:14:08,809 That could make him an unlikeable character, 1952 01:14:08,811 --> 01:14:11,045 Joe and I realized that we really almost 1953 01:14:11,047 --> 01:14:14,048 Had to prove innocence. 1954 01:14:14,050 --> 01:14:15,483 - Michael george told police 1955 01:14:15,485 --> 01:14:17,251 That he'd left the store with his daughters 1956 01:14:17,253 --> 01:14:20,120 A little after 4 p.M. That Friday. 1957 01:14:20,122 --> 01:14:21,722 They went to his mother janet's house 1958 01:14:21,724 --> 01:14:23,658 About 30 minutes away. 1959 01:14:23,660 --> 01:14:25,993 He said he was asleep on his mother's couch 1960 01:14:25,995 --> 01:14:28,463 When tragically his wife was shot. 1961 01:14:28,465 --> 01:14:29,797 Janet george, the mother, 1962 01:14:29,799 --> 01:14:31,365 Had testified in the first trial 1963 01:14:31,367 --> 01:14:34,268 And backed up her son's asleep on a couch story. 1964 01:14:34,270 --> 01:14:35,736 - He's on the couch. 1965 01:14:35,738 --> 01:14:37,938 - But defense attorneys altered their strategy 1966 01:14:37,940 --> 01:14:40,074 For trial number two. 1967 01:14:40,076 --> 01:14:41,108 - And, ma'am, do you swear, 1968 01:14:41,110 --> 01:14:42,576 Affirm that you're gonna read word for word 1969 01:14:42,578 --> 01:14:44,212 Everything that's in that transcript? 1970 01:14:44,214 --> 01:14:45,379 - I do. 1971 01:14:45,381 --> 01:14:48,216 - Mom didn't testify in-person this time around. 1972 01:14:48,218 --> 01:14:50,485 The defense had a stand-in read janet george's 1973 01:14:50,487 --> 01:14:53,387 2008 testimony into the record, 1974 01:14:53,389 --> 01:14:55,656 An account in which michael arrived at her house 1975 01:14:55,658 --> 01:14:57,958 A little after 5 p.M. That day. 1976 01:14:57,960 --> 01:15:00,427 She said he was tired, so he took a nap 1977 01:15:00,429 --> 01:15:01,696 While she took her granddaughter's 1978 01:15:01,698 --> 01:15:03,364 To a nearby playground. 1979 01:15:03,366 --> 01:15:05,299 - Now, when you got back, 1980 01:15:05,301 --> 01:15:06,901 Did you observe michael at all? 1981 01:15:06,903 --> 01:15:09,170 - Yeah. - Where was he? 1982 01:15:09,172 --> 01:15:11,238 - He was on the couch sleeping. 1983 01:15:11,240 --> 01:15:12,773 - If the jurors believed the story 1984 01:15:12,775 --> 01:15:14,241 Being recited to them, 1985 01:15:14,243 --> 01:15:15,643 Michael george couldn't possibly 1986 01:15:15,645 --> 01:15:17,578 Have been at his shop around 5:30 1987 01:15:17,580 --> 01:15:18,746 Answering the phone. 1988 01:15:18,748 --> 01:15:20,581 That's when the star prosecution witness, 1989 01:15:20,583 --> 01:15:22,616 Mike renaud, said he talked to him. 1990 01:15:22,618 --> 01:15:23,784 - Janet george, his mother, 1991 01:15:23,786 --> 01:15:25,719 Is the heart of his alibi. 1992 01:15:25,721 --> 01:15:26,654 She's still alive. 1993 01:15:26,656 --> 01:15:28,389 Why didn't you put her on the stand? 1994 01:15:28,391 --> 01:15:30,457 [both sigh, chuckles] - tough-tough call-- 1995 01:15:30,459 --> 01:15:31,859 We agonized about it. 1996 01:15:31,861 --> 01:15:34,529 The problem with janet george is that 1997 01:15:34,531 --> 01:15:37,798 She loves her son, but she's a wild card. 1998 01:15:37,800 --> 01:15:40,768 Her-her memory is fading. 1999 01:15:40,770 --> 01:15:42,270 - But the lawyers were confident 2000 01:15:42,272 --> 01:15:44,471 About their decision not to call the mother 2001 01:15:44,473 --> 01:15:46,007 Because they had a strong witness 2002 01:15:46,009 --> 01:15:48,409 To substantiate parts of her story. 2003 01:15:48,411 --> 01:15:49,677 - Okay, have a seat right up here. 2004 01:15:49,679 --> 01:15:51,712 - Peggy marintette was janet george's 2005 01:15:51,714 --> 01:15:52,813 Next door neighbor. 2006 01:15:52,815 --> 01:15:55,416 On that Friday the 13th, like most days, 2007 01:15:55,418 --> 01:15:57,284 Peggy said she got home from her job 2008 01:15:57,286 --> 01:16:00,120 Between 5:45 and 6 o'clock. 2009 01:16:00,122 --> 01:16:01,889 - As you got close to your house, 2010 01:16:01,891 --> 01:16:03,190 Did you see anybody? 2011 01:16:03,192 --> 01:16:06,093 - Um, I actually saw janet and the two girls 2012 01:16:06,095 --> 01:16:09,063 In the school playground at the end of our street. 2013 01:16:09,065 --> 01:16:10,264 - When you saw them there, 2014 01:16:10,266 --> 01:16:12,033 What, if anything, did they do? 2015 01:16:12,035 --> 01:16:13,467 - We just waved. - Okay. 2016 01:16:13,469 --> 01:16:17,505 As you pulled into your house, what, if anything, 2017 01:16:17,507 --> 01:16:21,609 Did you see, uh, in front of, uh, janet's house? 2018 01:16:21,611 --> 01:16:24,278 - There was a-a van parked in front of the house. 2019 01:16:24,280 --> 01:16:26,780 - Okay, and did you recognize whose van it was? 2020 01:16:26,782 --> 01:16:30,951 - I assumed it was one of, uh, michael's vans. Yes. 2021 01:16:30,953 --> 01:16:33,487 - In the prosecution's theory of the timeline, 2022 01:16:33,489 --> 01:16:35,923 There was a missing link of logistics. 2023 01:16:35,925 --> 01:16:37,858 How did michael get from his mother's place 2024 01:16:37,860 --> 01:16:40,794 And back to the store in time to kill barbara? 2025 01:16:40,796 --> 01:16:43,330 The neighbor's sighting of his van outside his mom's 2026 01:16:43,332 --> 01:16:46,334 Could plant the seed of reasonable doubt. 2027 01:16:46,336 --> 01:16:49,003 - She has no dog in the-- in the fight. 2028 01:16:49,005 --> 01:16:51,739 She's not a close, close bosom buddy 2029 01:16:51,741 --> 01:16:54,074 Or lifelong personal friend of janet or michael's. 2030 01:16:54,076 --> 01:16:54,942 She's a neighbor. 2031 01:16:54,944 --> 01:16:56,543 Why wouldn't you believe her? 2032 01:16:56,545 --> 01:17:00,014 - When you take the combined testimony 2033 01:17:00,016 --> 01:17:03,784 Of janet george and peggy marintette, 2034 01:17:03,786 --> 01:17:07,021 You have solid evidence 2035 01:17:07,023 --> 01:17:09,757 That he was at someplace else. 2036 01:17:09,759 --> 01:17:11,225 - And that neighbor was a person 2037 01:17:11,227 --> 01:17:13,761 The defense team had found on its own. 2038 01:17:13,763 --> 01:17:15,529 The police had never knocked on doors 2039 01:17:15,531 --> 01:17:17,498 To corroborate michael's alibi 2040 01:17:17,500 --> 01:17:19,033 Of being at his mother's, 2041 01:17:19,035 --> 01:17:21,168 Evidence in itself, the defense argued, 2042 01:17:21,170 --> 01:17:23,504 Of shoddy policework. 2043 01:17:23,506 --> 01:17:25,239 Even the former police lieutenant 2044 01:17:25,241 --> 01:17:27,174 Admitted on cross-examination 2045 01:17:27,176 --> 01:17:29,176 That aspect of the investigation 2046 01:17:29,178 --> 01:17:30,210 Could have been better. 2047 01:17:30,212 --> 01:17:31,178 - If you were the officer 2048 01:17:31,180 --> 01:17:32,646 In charge of this case, 2049 01:17:32,648 --> 01:17:34,382 Would you have conducted a canvas 2050 01:17:34,384 --> 01:17:35,449 Of his mother's neighborhood 2051 01:17:35,451 --> 01:17:37,718 To see if people could have placed him there 2052 01:17:37,720 --> 01:17:39,520 At or about the time of the homicide? 2053 01:17:39,522 --> 01:17:40,587 - Yes, sir. 2054 01:17:40,589 --> 01:17:43,057 - Inept policework was a defense theme. 2055 01:17:44,260 --> 01:17:46,727 For instance, the police never tested michael george 2056 01:17:46,729 --> 01:17:49,430 For gunshot residue the night of the murder. 2057 01:17:49,432 --> 01:17:51,165 - And the rear entry door. 2058 01:17:51,167 --> 01:17:53,467 - And also failed to dust the prosecution's 2059 01:17:53,469 --> 01:17:56,137 Critical back door for fingerprints. 2060 01:17:56,139 --> 01:17:59,039 - If the bad guy reached for the handle to try 2061 01:17:59,041 --> 01:18:01,975 To get out that way, um, 2062 01:18:01,977 --> 01:18:03,711 He would have left some prints, 2063 01:18:03,713 --> 01:18:04,812 But we'll never know that 2064 01:18:04,814 --> 01:18:06,681 Because the police didn't dust that. 2065 01:18:06,683 --> 01:18:09,283 - And there are some plastic storage bins. 2066 01:18:09,285 --> 01:18:12,119 - And police photos inside the comic shop storeroom 2067 01:18:12,121 --> 01:18:13,420 Where barbara was found 2068 01:18:13,422 --> 01:18:15,055 Seemed to show a lot of clutter 2069 01:18:15,057 --> 01:18:16,757 Blocking that back door. 2070 01:18:16,759 --> 01:18:19,059 How could michael george have gotten in or out 2071 01:18:19,061 --> 01:18:20,394 Past all of that? 2072 01:18:20,396 --> 01:18:21,428 - Does that look like the room 2073 01:18:21,430 --> 01:18:22,697 When you saw it in the back? 2074 01:18:22,699 --> 01:18:24,665 - Shown a photo, the former lead detective 2075 01:18:24,667 --> 01:18:26,300 Didn't know how to read that junk 2076 01:18:26,302 --> 01:18:27,634 Apparently in the way. 2077 01:18:27,636 --> 01:18:30,270 - Now is that actually leaning up against the door? 2078 01:18:30,272 --> 01:18:31,905 - I really can't tell the perspective here. 2079 01:18:31,907 --> 01:18:33,907 I-I-- it's hard to tell. 2080 01:18:33,909 --> 01:18:35,743 - The defense felt it had already raised 2081 01:18:35,745 --> 01:18:39,513 Enough reasonable doubt to secure a not guilty verdict, 2082 01:18:39,515 --> 01:18:41,649 And even though they in no way had to, 2083 01:18:41,651 --> 01:18:43,450 The lawyers wanted to offer the jury 2084 01:18:43,452 --> 01:18:45,920 Other possible murder suspects to consider 2085 01:18:45,922 --> 01:18:48,589 In a scenario of a robbery gone bad. 2086 01:18:48,591 --> 01:18:51,358 - The defense calls mr. Thomas quinton hicks. 2087 01:18:51,360 --> 01:18:53,627 - The defense put on a witness who told a story 2088 01:18:53,629 --> 01:18:55,262 About being with two friends 2089 01:18:55,264 --> 01:18:57,898 Outside a comic book shop in flint, michigan 2090 01:18:57,900 --> 01:19:00,968 Some 50 miles away from michael george's shop. 2091 01:19:00,970 --> 01:19:02,669 A sinister looking guy, he said, 2092 01:19:02,671 --> 01:19:05,339 Was peddling what appeared to be hot comics. 2093 01:19:05,341 --> 01:19:07,908 - A man approached us in the parking lot 2094 01:19:07,910 --> 01:19:10,077 And asked us to take a look at some, uh, 2095 01:19:10,079 --> 01:19:12,279 Old comics that he wanted to sell. 2096 01:19:12,281 --> 01:19:14,681 - This new defense witness said he came forward 2097 01:19:14,683 --> 01:19:17,151 Only after watching the first comic book murder case 2098 01:19:17,153 --> 01:19:18,486 On "dateline." 2099 01:19:18,488 --> 01:19:20,454 He testified that the then teenagers 2100 01:19:20,456 --> 01:19:24,091 Didn't trust the seller and bought nothing from him. 2101 01:19:24,093 --> 01:19:26,093 - The vibe that the gentleman was giving us, 2102 01:19:26,095 --> 01:19:28,562 Uh, told us, uh, no way. 2103 01:19:28,564 --> 01:19:30,498 - The witness said that encounter took place 2104 01:19:30,500 --> 01:19:32,733 July 14, 1990, 2105 01:19:32,735 --> 01:19:33,834 Significantly, 2106 01:19:33,836 --> 01:19:36,303 The day after barbara george's murder, 2107 01:19:36,305 --> 01:19:38,506 But his friends called by the prosecution 2108 01:19:38,508 --> 01:19:39,707 Contradicted him 2109 01:19:39,709 --> 01:19:42,376 And said it actually happened weeks earlier. 2110 01:19:42,378 --> 01:19:44,645 - And we were walking towards the building. 2111 01:19:44,647 --> 01:19:47,648 - But the defense wasn't out of alternative suspects. 2112 01:19:47,650 --> 01:19:48,916 One of the store customers 2113 01:19:48,918 --> 01:19:51,051 Who'd initially come upon barbara george, 2114 01:19:51,053 --> 01:19:54,621 Thomas ward, recounted seeing a suspicious man 2115 01:19:54,623 --> 01:19:56,990 Lurking about when he got to comics world 2116 01:19:56,992 --> 01:19:58,926 A little after 6 p.M. 2117 01:19:58,928 --> 01:20:01,461 - It appeared that this individual was looking, 2118 01:20:01,463 --> 01:20:03,464 Trying to gaze into the store, 2119 01:20:03,466 --> 01:20:07,167 Quite, uh, focused, in a quite focused fashion. 2120 01:20:07,169 --> 01:20:08,669 - Ward said he remembered the man 2121 01:20:08,671 --> 01:20:10,737 Because of his distinctive hat. 2122 01:20:10,739 --> 01:20:12,773 - Had on a greek fisherman's cap, 2123 01:20:12,775 --> 01:20:14,141 Black cap. 2124 01:20:14,143 --> 01:20:15,976 - A cap like this. 2125 01:20:15,978 --> 01:20:18,212 - I'm gonna show ya defense exhibit 105. 2126 01:20:18,214 --> 01:20:19,880 - It was real-- pretty similar to that. Yeah. 2127 01:20:19,882 --> 01:20:21,949 - And still, another new witness testified 2128 01:20:21,951 --> 01:20:24,618 That, in 1990, she'd briefly dated a guy 2129 01:20:24,620 --> 01:20:27,154 Who wore a short-brimmed hat like that, 2130 01:20:27,156 --> 01:20:29,590 A guy who carried a gun and was up to no good 2131 01:20:29,592 --> 01:20:31,191 When it came to the comic book stores 2132 01:20:31,193 --> 01:20:32,359 They frequented. 2133 01:20:32,361 --> 01:20:35,562 - I realized after we left these comic book stores 2134 01:20:35,564 --> 01:20:38,098 That he was stealing these comic books. 2135 01:20:38,100 --> 01:20:41,368 - These were all possible suspects the defense claimed, 2136 01:20:41,370 --> 01:20:44,137 But on the top of its list of curiosities 2137 01:20:44,139 --> 01:20:47,107 Was someone who became known as the bearded lady. 2138 01:20:47,109 --> 01:20:48,709 - We were comin' around here. 2139 01:20:48,711 --> 01:20:50,444 - Witness joe gray, a friend of the georges, 2140 01:20:50,446 --> 01:20:53,380 Came to the store before 6 o'clock to drop off supplies 2141 01:20:53,382 --> 01:20:55,749 For michael's birthday party. 2142 01:20:55,751 --> 01:20:56,717 Gray was with a friend 2143 01:20:56,719 --> 01:20:59,520 Who'd gotten a gander of something strange. 2144 01:20:59,522 --> 01:21:00,787 - And he said, "it looked like a woman 2145 01:21:00,789 --> 01:21:02,956 "in a fake beard, a really thin guy 2146 01:21:02,958 --> 01:21:04,592 "with, like, womanly hips or somethin'." 2147 01:21:04,594 --> 01:21:06,260 - Gray and his friend were so concerned 2148 01:21:06,262 --> 01:21:08,596 About this weird bearded lady out front 2149 01:21:08,598 --> 01:21:10,063 They even warned barbara george 2150 01:21:10,065 --> 01:21:11,531 To be on the lookout. 2151 01:21:11,533 --> 01:21:13,066 It didn't feel right. 2152 01:21:13,068 --> 01:21:14,468 - Why would somebody be wearing a fake beard? 2153 01:21:14,470 --> 01:21:16,703 I think maybe somebody was comin' to the party 2154 01:21:16,705 --> 01:21:17,671 As a joke 2155 01:21:17,673 --> 01:21:20,741 Or maybe they were trying to rob the place. 2156 01:21:20,743 --> 01:21:22,610 - It was joe gray's friend who'd helped police 2157 01:21:22,612 --> 01:21:25,746 Make a sketch of the so-called bearded lady. 2158 01:21:25,748 --> 01:21:27,414 - I believe that the person with the fake beard 2159 01:21:27,416 --> 01:21:28,982 And mustache is the killer. 2160 01:21:28,984 --> 01:21:30,083 - That's your solution to this. 2161 01:21:30,085 --> 01:21:31,118 - That's right. 2162 01:21:31,120 --> 01:21:33,020 It's a fake beard and mustache on a July day 2163 01:21:33,022 --> 01:21:35,889 With no little theater productions 2164 01:21:35,891 --> 01:21:38,292 Or Halloween parties. 2165 01:21:38,294 --> 01:21:39,827 This is just too suspicious 2166 01:21:39,829 --> 01:21:42,362 In these circumstances. That person is the killer. 2167 01:21:42,364 --> 01:21:45,566 - What would 12 fresh jurors believe this time? 2168 01:21:45,568 --> 01:21:48,335 The comic book murder case: Volume two 2169 01:21:48,337 --> 01:21:50,304 Had one final chapter left. 2170 01:21:51,840 --> 01:21:53,040 - Coming up... 2171 01:21:53,042 --> 01:21:54,975 - All right, gentlemen. We have a verdict. 2172 01:21:54,977 --> 01:21:56,376 - All rise for a jury. 2173 01:21:56,378 --> 01:21:59,413 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 2174 01:22:02,717 --> 01:22:11,024 ♪♪ 2175 01:22:11,026 --> 01:22:13,393 - The comic book murder was a grueling case 2176 01:22:13,395 --> 01:22:15,262 In search of an ending. 2177 01:22:15,264 --> 01:22:18,231 Barbara george had been shot to death in 1990. 2178 01:22:18,233 --> 01:22:20,801 Her husband was arrested in 2007. 2179 01:22:20,803 --> 01:22:22,069 [sobbing] 2180 01:22:22,071 --> 01:22:23,871 His first trial ended in a guilty verdict 2181 01:22:23,873 --> 01:22:26,073 That was later overturned. 2182 01:22:26,075 --> 01:22:29,710 And now, after a six week retrial in 2011, 2183 01:22:29,712 --> 01:22:33,180 A second jury was behind closed doors deliberating. 2184 01:22:33,182 --> 01:22:35,215 Twenty-one years in all, 2185 01:22:35,217 --> 01:22:36,083 And, once again, 2186 01:22:36,085 --> 01:22:37,684 Michael george hadn't testified, 2187 01:22:37,686 --> 01:22:39,753 As was his right. 2188 01:22:39,755 --> 01:22:41,555 His lawyers had put him through a mock 2189 01:22:41,557 --> 01:22:44,391 Cross-examination that sprang leaks. 2190 01:22:44,393 --> 01:22:45,892 They said his memory was faulty 2191 01:22:45,894 --> 01:22:47,494 After all that time. 2192 01:22:47,496 --> 01:22:50,297 - I put together a pattern of cross-examination questions 2193 01:22:50,299 --> 01:22:51,865 Where he had to say, "I don't remember," 2194 01:22:51,867 --> 01:22:53,200 About 20 times in a row, 2195 01:22:53,202 --> 01:22:55,736 And we have two solid alibi witnesses. 2196 01:22:55,738 --> 01:22:58,271 It's almost malpractice to put him on the stand. 2197 01:22:58,273 --> 01:23:01,375 - But the prosecutors believe his reluctance to testify 2198 01:23:01,377 --> 01:23:03,110 Was more about him not being able 2199 01:23:03,112 --> 01:23:05,212 To stand up to the grilling he would have faced 2200 01:23:05,214 --> 01:23:06,947 In a real cross-examination. 2201 01:23:06,949 --> 01:23:08,449 - My wife was murdered. 2202 01:23:08,451 --> 01:23:10,250 That's the most important day of my life, 2203 01:23:10,252 --> 01:23:12,285 And I forgot what happened that day. 2204 01:23:12,287 --> 01:23:15,055 It's because maybe I talked myself 2205 01:23:15,057 --> 01:23:17,491 Out of wanting to remember. 2206 01:23:17,493 --> 01:23:19,359 - I wanted to hear what he had to say. 2207 01:23:19,361 --> 01:23:21,128 - These jurors said the entire panel 2208 01:23:21,130 --> 01:23:23,330 Was disappointed that it didn't hear the story 2209 01:23:23,332 --> 01:23:25,399 From michael george's own mouth. 2210 01:23:25,401 --> 01:23:28,135 - I think you can see a lot about a person 2211 01:23:28,137 --> 01:23:30,404 When-when they talk about themselves. 2212 01:23:30,406 --> 01:23:32,973 - "dateline" talked to ten of the twelve jurors, 2213 01:23:32,975 --> 01:23:34,975 And they told us their first draw vote 2214 01:23:34,977 --> 01:23:38,812 Revealed a split, seven guilties, five not. 2215 01:23:38,814 --> 01:23:40,147 And your not guilties what, 2216 01:23:40,149 --> 01:23:42,816 Needed to be persuaded, or-- - it was the robbery. 2217 01:23:42,818 --> 01:23:43,817 - Not so much persuasion-- just clarification. 2218 01:23:43,819 --> 01:23:45,018 - Yeah, it was-- - right. 2219 01:23:45,020 --> 01:23:47,654 - It was clarification and-and a couple really had 2220 01:23:47,656 --> 01:23:50,223 An idea that maybe the robbery did happen. 2221 01:23:50,225 --> 01:23:52,159 - The central question for each juror was 2222 01:23:52,161 --> 01:23:54,061 Which story to believe, 2223 01:23:54,063 --> 01:23:55,295 The comic book collector 2224 01:23:55,297 --> 01:23:57,264 Who said he talked on the phone to michael george 2225 01:23:57,266 --> 01:23:59,566 In the shop just before the murder 2226 01:23:59,568 --> 01:24:02,102 Or the defendant's mother, his alibi witness, 2227 01:24:02,104 --> 01:24:04,438 That he was napping on her couch across town 2228 01:24:04,440 --> 01:24:05,939 At the same hour? 2229 01:24:05,941 --> 01:24:07,674 - To me, ultimately, 2230 01:24:07,676 --> 01:24:10,110 It came down to michael renaud's testimony, 2231 01:24:10,112 --> 01:24:11,711 Um, and the phone call that he made 2232 01:24:11,713 --> 01:24:15,182 That placed michael george at the scene of the crime. 2233 01:24:15,184 --> 01:24:18,519 - So, did the defense damage mike renaud's credibility 2234 01:24:18,521 --> 01:24:20,620 By attacking him as a marijuana smoking, 2235 01:24:20,622 --> 01:24:23,690 Beer guzzling college kid? Not to this juror. 2236 01:24:23,692 --> 01:24:25,792 - I think they were just trying to personally attack him 2237 01:24:25,794 --> 01:24:27,594 To get us to all believe that, of course, 2238 01:24:27,596 --> 01:24:28,762 He couldn't remember anything 2239 01:24:28,764 --> 01:24:30,497 Because he was a drug abuser. 2240 01:24:30,499 --> 01:24:32,132 - And several jurors questioned 2241 01:24:32,134 --> 01:24:34,401 The mother's recollection of events. 2242 01:24:34,403 --> 01:24:36,503 - I'm not saying she would lie for him, 2243 01:24:36,505 --> 01:24:41,741 But, I mean, would you stick up for your kids? 2244 01:24:41,743 --> 01:24:44,278 - The jurors talked it through for three days 2245 01:24:44,280 --> 01:24:46,280 And finally took a vote. 2246 01:24:46,282 --> 01:24:48,014 - All right, gentlemen. We have a verdict. 2247 01:24:48,016 --> 01:24:50,383 - Their job was done. - All rise for a jury. 2248 01:24:50,385 --> 01:24:52,419 - Michael george cried quietly. 2249 01:24:52,421 --> 01:24:54,888 His wife, renee, remained stoic. 2250 01:24:54,890 --> 01:24:56,490 On the benches across the court, 2251 01:24:56,492 --> 01:24:59,760 Barb's brother hoped for justice from a second jury. 2252 01:24:59,762 --> 01:25:00,827 - It's 12 people. 2253 01:25:00,829 --> 01:25:02,362 You don't know what they're thinkin'. 2254 01:25:02,364 --> 01:25:04,664 - The foreperson read the verdict. 2255 01:25:04,666 --> 01:25:06,299 - First degree premeditated murder 2256 01:25:06,301 --> 01:25:07,367 Of barbara george, 2257 01:25:07,369 --> 01:25:10,270 Guilty of first degree premeditated murder. 2258 01:25:10,272 --> 01:25:12,772 - Guilty, murder in the first degree 2259 01:25:12,774 --> 01:25:15,041 And guilty on the other counts, as well, 2260 01:25:15,043 --> 01:25:17,911 Felony firearm and insurance fraud. 2261 01:25:17,913 --> 01:25:18,945 - Guilty of insurance fraud. 2262 01:25:18,947 --> 01:25:20,814 - Michael george didn't break down this time. 2263 01:25:20,816 --> 01:25:23,783 He closed his eyes and seemed to talk to himself. 2264 01:25:23,785 --> 01:25:27,121 - Behind him, his wife, renee, buried her head. 2265 01:25:27,123 --> 01:25:29,990 Barb's brother contained his joy out of respect 2266 01:25:29,992 --> 01:25:31,091 For his nieces, 2267 01:25:31,093 --> 01:25:33,260 Who'd lost their mother and now their father. 2268 01:25:33,262 --> 01:25:34,561 - It's a little bit bittersweet. 2269 01:25:34,563 --> 01:25:36,963 I mean, they still have to come to the realization 2270 01:25:36,965 --> 01:25:38,965 That their father's a murderer. 2271 01:25:38,967 --> 01:25:41,535 - The prosecutors quietly congratulated each other 2272 01:25:41,537 --> 01:25:42,802 On the conviction. 2273 01:25:42,804 --> 01:25:45,005 - It was a huge relief to know that finally 2274 01:25:45,007 --> 01:25:47,141 The family is getting what they deserve. 2275 01:25:47,143 --> 01:25:48,808 They're getting the justice they deserve. 2276 01:25:48,810 --> 01:25:51,144 Michael george was led out of the courtroom 2277 01:25:51,146 --> 01:25:53,346 To begin the rest of his life in prison, 2278 01:25:53,348 --> 01:25:55,515 No possibility of parole, 2279 01:25:55,517 --> 01:25:56,983 A terrible injustice 2280 01:25:56,985 --> 01:25:59,085 As his staunch defense attorney saw it. 2281 01:25:59,087 --> 01:26:01,154 - I've lived with this case for four years, 2282 01:26:01,156 --> 01:26:03,657 And I just don't see any evidence that he was there 2283 01:26:03,659 --> 01:26:05,025 Committing the crime, 2284 01:26:05,027 --> 01:26:08,094 And I've prosecuted killers, and I've defended killers. 2285 01:26:08,096 --> 01:26:09,563 This man is not a killer. 2286 01:26:09,565 --> 01:26:13,433 - I don't know why god has put us through this, 2287 01:26:13,435 --> 01:26:15,268 But I do know he loves us. 2288 01:26:15,270 --> 01:26:16,970 - Six weeks after the verdict, 2289 01:26:16,972 --> 01:26:19,173 Michael george did finally speak out 2290 01:26:19,175 --> 01:26:20,908 But as a convicted murderer 2291 01:26:20,910 --> 01:26:23,009 At his pro forma sentencing hearing. 2292 01:26:23,011 --> 01:26:25,378 - The catastrophe of putting people away 2293 01:26:25,380 --> 01:26:29,316 That are innocent has not started with me 2294 01:26:29,318 --> 01:26:30,850 And will not end with me. 2295 01:26:30,852 --> 01:26:33,453 Before this, I've never been accused of any crime, 2296 01:26:33,455 --> 01:26:34,788 No domestic violence. 2297 01:26:34,790 --> 01:26:35,989 I have no police record, 2298 01:26:35,991 --> 01:26:38,758 No problems with drinking or drugs. 2299 01:26:38,760 --> 01:26:40,193 I can only hope and pray 2300 01:26:40,195 --> 01:26:42,128 That the lives that are destroyed 2301 01:26:42,130 --> 01:26:44,731 By people being overzealous in the police community 2302 01:26:44,733 --> 01:26:46,766 Will find mercy in god above. 2303 01:26:46,768 --> 01:26:49,035 - Barb's brother, joe, expected nothing 2304 01:26:49,037 --> 01:26:50,270 And said he got it. 2305 01:26:50,272 --> 01:26:51,872 - Once again, no apology. 2306 01:26:51,874 --> 01:26:53,940 He thinks he's better than everybody else, 2307 01:26:53,942 --> 01:26:56,910 And he thought he was gonna get away with it. 2308 01:26:56,912 --> 01:26:59,546 - And as barb's family saw it, since 1990, 2309 01:26:59,548 --> 01:27:01,348 He did get away with murder 2310 01:27:01,350 --> 01:27:04,418 Until county attorney eric smith's cold case unit 2311 01:27:04,420 --> 01:27:07,988 Finally made him pay. 2312 01:27:07,990 --> 01:27:09,556 - Do you still talk to barbara? 2313 01:27:09,558 --> 01:27:10,657 - Yes. 2314 01:27:10,659 --> 01:27:12,025 - Did you talk to her in the courtroom that day? 2315 01:27:12,027 --> 01:27:13,360 - Yes. - What'd you say? 2316 01:27:13,362 --> 01:27:15,629 - That I love her, you know, that we miss her, 2317 01:27:15,631 --> 01:27:17,063 And that we finally got him, 2318 01:27:17,065 --> 01:27:18,632 And, hopefully, you can rest in peace, 2319 01:27:18,634 --> 01:27:21,868 And, you know, we can move on. 2320 01:27:21,870 --> 01:27:23,103 - That's all for this edition 2321 01:27:23,105 --> 01:27:25,305 Of "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 2322 01:27:25,307 --> 01:27:27,908 I'm kate snow. Thank you for watching.