1 00:00:13,012 --> 00:00:14,146 - I'm craig melvin, 2 00:00:14,148 --> 00:00:18,650 And this is "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 3 00:00:18,652 --> 00:00:21,820 - I know my sister would have fought. 4 00:00:21,822 --> 00:00:22,821 We used to tell each other 5 00:00:22,823 --> 00:00:24,756 That if somebody ever tried to hurt us, 6 00:00:24,758 --> 00:00:26,825 That we would do everything we can 7 00:00:26,827 --> 00:00:28,393 To leave something behind, 8 00:00:28,395 --> 00:00:33,298 So the other one can figure it out. 9 00:00:33,300 --> 00:00:36,268 I believe that she was murdered. 10 00:00:36,270 --> 00:00:38,804 - This is a very bizarre death. 11 00:00:38,806 --> 00:00:41,507 - It was baffling from the start-- 12 00:00:41,509 --> 00:00:42,974 A young woman dead 13 00:00:42,976 --> 00:00:44,777 At her millionaire boyfriend's mansion. 14 00:00:48,382 --> 00:00:49,915 - My heart started racing. 15 00:00:49,917 --> 00:00:51,383 - You found her hanging. - I did. 16 00:00:51,385 --> 00:00:55,254 - Detectives ruled it a suicide, but was it? 17 00:00:55,256 --> 00:00:59,524 At the scene, knives, ropes, a cryptic phrase. 18 00:00:59,526 --> 00:01:01,093 - Her hands were tied. Her feet were tied. 19 00:01:01,095 --> 00:01:03,796 She was naked. - This was sending a message. 20 00:01:03,798 --> 00:01:06,832 - That wasn't the only suspicious death here. 21 00:01:06,834 --> 00:01:09,134 - No mom wants to hear that 22 00:01:09,136 --> 00:01:11,103 Her son was a victim of a homicide. 23 00:01:11,105 --> 00:01:13,538 Something happened at the top of the stairs. 24 00:01:13,540 --> 00:01:16,875 - What really went on in that mansion? 25 00:01:16,877 --> 00:01:18,443 Hear from the man at the center 26 00:01:18,445 --> 00:01:20,946 In his first television interview. 27 00:01:20,948 --> 00:01:22,347 - You thought you had nothin' to hide. 28 00:01:22,349 --> 00:01:24,950 - I knew I had nothing to hide. 29 00:01:24,952 --> 00:01:29,121 - The worst shock in probably my entire life. 30 00:01:30,157 --> 00:01:37,162 ♪♪ 31 00:01:37,164 --> 00:01:40,632 - Hello and welcome to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 32 00:01:40,634 --> 00:01:45,571 The story you are about to see is a tale of tangled tragedies 33 00:01:45,573 --> 00:01:48,106 And lingering suspicions. 34 00:01:48,108 --> 00:01:51,176 It starts with two mysterious deaths 35 00:01:51,178 --> 00:01:53,712 At the same [indistinct] address. 36 00:01:53,714 --> 00:01:56,715 Two grieving families became locked in battle 37 00:01:56,717 --> 00:01:59,117 As they tried to unravel the secrets 38 00:01:59,119 --> 00:02:01,653 Of this seaside estate, 39 00:02:01,655 --> 00:02:04,089 But their quest would leave them 40 00:02:04,091 --> 00:02:06,858 With more questions than answers. 41 00:02:06,860 --> 00:02:07,993 Here's josh mankiewicz 42 00:02:07,995 --> 00:02:11,330 With "the mansion on ocean boulevard." 43 00:02:11,332 --> 00:02:14,599 ♪♪ 44 00:02:14,601 --> 00:02:19,471 - Some places feel secluded, insulated, secure. 45 00:02:19,473 --> 00:02:21,673 - And I can remember saying that, 46 00:02:21,675 --> 00:02:22,808 And feeling that, 47 00:02:22,810 --> 00:02:26,778 And saying nothing bad could ever happen here. 48 00:02:26,780 --> 00:02:29,581 - Here is coronado, california, 49 00:02:29,583 --> 00:02:32,517 Just over a bridge from san diego, 50 00:02:32,519 --> 00:02:35,620 A town of beautiful beaches, people, 51 00:02:35,622 --> 00:02:40,125 And homes like this one on ocean boulevard, 52 00:02:40,127 --> 00:02:43,295 Except that in the summer of 2011, 53 00:02:43,297 --> 00:02:47,199 This mansion became ground zero for a mystery. 54 00:02:47,201 --> 00:02:49,301 - This is a very bizarre death. 55 00:02:49,303 --> 00:02:50,635 There's no doubt about it. 56 00:02:50,637 --> 00:02:53,104 - Well, actually, there's been plenty of doubt 57 00:02:53,106 --> 00:02:55,040 And plenty of theories. 58 00:02:55,042 --> 00:02:56,575 - My sister was dead, 59 00:02:56,577 --> 00:02:58,577 And did a lot of thing go through my mind? 60 00:02:58,579 --> 00:02:59,578 Yes. 61 00:02:59,580 --> 00:03:03,481 - Secrets both suspected and imagined. 62 00:03:03,483 --> 00:03:04,649 - Is it possible that other people 63 00:03:04,651 --> 00:03:06,284 Know more than they're saying? 64 00:03:06,286 --> 00:03:09,187 Yes. - It's certainly possible. 65 00:03:09,189 --> 00:03:12,290 Beyond that, it's hard to say for sure, 66 00:03:12,292 --> 00:03:16,061 Especially when it seems everyone has a story to tell, 67 00:03:16,063 --> 00:03:18,830 And those stories lead to accusations, 68 00:03:18,832 --> 00:03:21,199 Often with zero proof. 69 00:03:21,201 --> 00:03:24,069 - People are gonna believe what they wanna believe 70 00:03:24,071 --> 00:03:25,804 With no evidence. 71 00:03:25,806 --> 00:03:27,539 ♪♪ 72 00:03:27,541 --> 00:03:29,274 - Paradise valley, arizona 73 00:03:29,276 --> 00:03:31,810 Was home for the shacknai family, 74 00:03:31,812 --> 00:03:35,147 But the summers they spent in coronado were special 75 00:03:35,149 --> 00:03:37,782 For dina and her son, max. 76 00:03:37,784 --> 00:03:38,984 - Max loved the beach. 77 00:03:38,986 --> 00:03:41,820 He loved the water, and he used to tell me 78 00:03:41,822 --> 00:03:44,623 On the way to coronado, "mommy, this is our place." 79 00:03:44,625 --> 00:03:48,593 - She and max's dad, jonah, met in 1997. 80 00:03:48,595 --> 00:03:51,029 - We had a instant connection. 81 00:03:51,031 --> 00:03:53,432 Um, it's very rare you meet someone like that. 82 00:03:53,434 --> 00:03:57,235 - They married in 2001, a second marriage for jonah, 83 00:03:57,237 --> 00:03:59,804 Who was already the father of two. 84 00:03:59,806 --> 00:04:02,107 He'd gotten rich owning a pharmaceutical company 85 00:04:02,109 --> 00:04:03,575 Called medicis. 86 00:04:03,577 --> 00:04:05,577 She went back to school to get a phd 87 00:04:05,579 --> 00:04:07,446 In developmental psychology. 88 00:04:07,448 --> 00:04:10,448 And then along came max. - And then along came maxie. 89 00:04:10,450 --> 00:04:15,587 He's almost to the edge. Oh, my, he did it! 90 00:04:15,589 --> 00:04:17,122 [gasps] 91 00:04:17,124 --> 00:04:20,792 How do you feel, max shacknai? 92 00:04:20,794 --> 00:04:22,928 - He was an active kid who loved sports 93 00:04:22,930 --> 00:04:27,132 And performing for his mother and her camera. 94 00:04:27,134 --> 00:04:29,067 - Mom, this is my song, right? 95 00:04:29,069 --> 00:04:30,269 - It is. Yeah. 96 00:04:30,271 --> 00:04:34,506 ♪♪ 97 00:04:34,508 --> 00:04:36,942 - During one of those summers in coronado, 98 00:04:36,944 --> 00:04:40,011 The mansion on ocean boulevard was on the market. 99 00:04:40,013 --> 00:04:42,814 - And I said, "well, let's just go by and look." 100 00:04:42,816 --> 00:04:45,450 - They bought it in 2007, 101 00:04:45,452 --> 00:04:47,819 But soon there was trouble in paradise 102 00:04:47,821 --> 00:04:52,291 And a bitter divorce in 2009 when max was four. 103 00:04:52,293 --> 00:04:55,360 They shared custody and worked to be civil, 104 00:04:55,362 --> 00:04:58,830 And it wasn't long before jonah met someone new. 105 00:04:58,832 --> 00:05:00,832 - Maxie told me about it, and I said, 106 00:05:00,834 --> 00:05:02,634 "well-well, maybe I should meet her," 107 00:05:02,636 --> 00:05:05,103 And he said, "that would be great, mommy." 108 00:05:05,105 --> 00:05:08,773 - Rebecca zahau was 32, born in myanmar. 109 00:05:08,775 --> 00:05:11,376 She'd moved to the u.S. In her 20s. 110 00:05:11,378 --> 00:05:13,611 You were okay with her spending time with max. 111 00:05:13,613 --> 00:05:17,315 - Well, max said he had-- he-he had feelings for her. 112 00:05:17,317 --> 00:05:18,149 He liked her. 113 00:05:18,151 --> 00:05:19,517 At that time, I had no concerns 114 00:05:19,519 --> 00:05:23,121 Because I trusted that jonah -- based on our history, 115 00:05:23,123 --> 00:05:24,990 Max would be safe there. 116 00:05:24,992 --> 00:05:27,258 - And safe in coronado 117 00:05:27,260 --> 00:05:29,227 Where nothing bad is supposed to happen. 118 00:05:32,432 --> 00:05:37,869 July 11, 2011, max was staying with his dad and rebecca. 119 00:05:37,871 --> 00:05:41,406 Dina was in coronado, too, at a home just down the street. 120 00:05:41,408 --> 00:05:43,074 That's when jonah called her. 121 00:05:43,076 --> 00:05:45,810 - And he said, "dina, you've gotta get here right away." 122 00:05:45,812 --> 00:05:47,812 - As rebecca explained it to police, 123 00:05:47,814 --> 00:05:49,814 Jonah had been at the gym. 124 00:05:49,816 --> 00:05:52,951 Six-year-old max was home with her. 125 00:05:52,953 --> 00:05:56,488 Rebecca said she heard a crash and found max on the floor 126 00:05:56,490 --> 00:05:58,357 Near the staircase. 127 00:05:58,359 --> 00:06:01,659 The mansion's heavy chandelier had fallen to the floor 128 00:06:01,661 --> 00:06:03,428 Next to him. 129 00:06:03,430 --> 00:06:05,630 Rebecca said max wasn't breathing, 130 00:06:05,632 --> 00:06:08,099 And she started cpr. 131 00:06:08,101 --> 00:06:10,102 Rebecca's 13-year-old sister, xena, 132 00:06:10,104 --> 00:06:12,270 Who was visiting, called 911. 133 00:06:18,345 --> 00:06:21,112 Police and paramedics arrived within minutes. 134 00:06:21,114 --> 00:06:23,448 Jonah called dina from the hospital. 135 00:06:23,450 --> 00:06:24,582 - And he tells me, 136 00:06:24,584 --> 00:06:26,885 "thank god that she was able to give him cpr." 137 00:06:26,887 --> 00:06:29,187 I think to myself, "oh, my god, like, thank you. 138 00:06:29,189 --> 00:06:30,321 "thank god." 139 00:06:30,323 --> 00:06:32,124 - He's gonna be okay. - He's-he's gonna be okay. 140 00:06:32,126 --> 00:06:34,592 - Max was unconscious. 141 00:06:34,594 --> 00:06:37,863 Dina and jonah took up a vigil at the hospital. 142 00:06:37,865 --> 00:06:39,030 Jonah's brother, adam, 143 00:06:39,032 --> 00:06:41,966 Flew in from his home in tennessee. 144 00:06:41,968 --> 00:06:44,403 You came out to support jonah. - Correct. 145 00:06:44,405 --> 00:06:49,174 - How well had you known max? - I knew max well. 146 00:06:50,811 --> 00:06:54,679 He was a really wonderful kid. 147 00:06:54,681 --> 00:06:57,849 - At max's bedside, jonah asked one of the doctors 148 00:06:57,851 --> 00:06:59,617 For his prognosis. 149 00:06:59,619 --> 00:07:00,819 - Dr. Peterson looked at him and said, 150 00:07:00,821 --> 00:07:02,520 "well, I don't know. I don't know. 151 00:07:02,522 --> 00:07:04,489 "I'm not sure if he's gonna walk or talk." 152 00:07:04,491 --> 00:07:06,257 - That sounds like about the worst news you can get. 153 00:07:06,259 --> 00:07:09,227 - But it wasn't real. I would've bet my life on it, 154 00:07:09,229 --> 00:07:11,696 At that time, that max was gonna be okay. 155 00:07:11,698 --> 00:07:14,766 - There was more bad news on the way. 156 00:07:23,777 --> 00:07:25,109 - Coming up... 157 00:07:25,111 --> 00:07:27,512 What had happened in that house? 158 00:07:27,514 --> 00:07:31,383 Police uncover some disturbing clues. 159 00:07:31,385 --> 00:07:33,251 - They located a female on the property. 160 00:07:33,253 --> 00:07:35,453 The victim's hands and feet were bound. 161 00:07:35,455 --> 00:07:37,755 - I guarantee ya my heart started racing. 162 00:07:37,757 --> 00:07:39,391 - Who was this victim? 163 00:07:47,000 --> 00:07:49,334 Soon, detectives would be investigating 164 00:07:49,336 --> 00:07:53,137 Not just one puzzling death here but two. 165 00:07:53,139 --> 00:07:58,877 - It was the worst shock in probably my entire life. 166 00:07:58,879 --> 00:08:02,280 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 167 00:08:05,685 --> 00:08:11,623 ♪♪ 168 00:08:11,625 --> 00:08:15,793 - The early morning hours of July 13, 2011, 169 00:08:15,795 --> 00:08:18,696 As family members kept a vigil by the hospital bed 170 00:08:18,698 --> 00:08:23,635 Of six-year-old max shacknai, a breathless man called 911. 171 00:08:31,378 --> 00:08:33,811 Once again, police raced through the streets 172 00:08:33,813 --> 00:08:36,848 Of quiet coronado island, and, once again, 173 00:08:36,850 --> 00:08:40,652 Their destination was the mansion on ocean boulevard. 174 00:08:40,654 --> 00:08:43,288 Jonah's girlfriend, rebecca, was staying there. 175 00:08:43,290 --> 00:08:44,722 Jonah's brother, adam, 176 00:08:44,724 --> 00:08:46,925 Had spent the night in the guest house. 177 00:08:46,927 --> 00:08:49,260 You wake up. You walk out. 178 00:08:49,262 --> 00:08:54,599 Tell me what you see. - Uh, a woman hanging. 179 00:08:54,601 --> 00:08:59,137 Um, at the time, I didn't necessarily, uh, 180 00:08:59,139 --> 00:09:00,138 Think to myself, 181 00:09:00,140 --> 00:09:02,674 "oh, my goodness, she's bound or whatever." 182 00:09:02,676 --> 00:09:06,644 But just rebecca is hangin'. 183 00:09:06,646 --> 00:09:09,214 - Naked, bound hand and foot, 184 00:09:09,216 --> 00:09:11,616 Rebecca zahau was hanging by the neck 185 00:09:11,618 --> 00:09:13,284 From a second floor balcony. 186 00:09:13,286 --> 00:09:16,154 - I said, "I guarantee ya my heart started racing." 187 00:09:16,156 --> 00:09:17,756 This is actually happening. 188 00:09:26,166 --> 00:09:28,166 - Even as he called 911, 189 00:09:28,168 --> 00:09:30,702 Adam says he thought she was dead. 190 00:09:30,704 --> 00:09:32,170 But you tried to do something. 191 00:09:32,172 --> 00:09:33,638 - I tried to do something, absolutely, 192 00:09:33,640 --> 00:09:36,374 And it was not-- never even occurred to me 193 00:09:36,376 --> 00:09:38,310 That somebody would look at this as, like, 194 00:09:38,312 --> 00:09:40,178 A, you know, crime scene or somethin' like that. 195 00:09:40,180 --> 00:09:42,714 I mean, that was the-the furthest thing from my mind. 196 00:09:42,716 --> 00:09:45,216 - So, you-you-you cut her body down? 197 00:09:45,218 --> 00:09:48,453 - Yeah. - And? 198 00:09:48,455 --> 00:09:52,790 - Um, started, uh, cpr. 199 00:09:52,792 --> 00:09:55,526 - To no avail. - To no avail. 200 00:09:55,528 --> 00:09:57,662 - When the coronado units arrived at the scene, they, uh, 201 00:09:57,664 --> 00:10:00,999 Located a female on the property who appeared to be deceased. 202 00:10:01,001 --> 00:10:03,334 - Rebecca's sister, mary zahau-loehner, 203 00:10:03,336 --> 00:10:05,870 Was hundreds of miles away in missouri 204 00:10:05,872 --> 00:10:08,439 When her husband, doug, came to her work 205 00:10:08,441 --> 00:10:10,808 To bring her the awful news. 206 00:10:10,810 --> 00:10:15,814 - I remember him saying, "rebecca is gone," 207 00:10:15,816 --> 00:10:19,283 And-and I said, "what do you mean? 208 00:10:19,285 --> 00:10:22,087 "I just talked to her last night." 209 00:10:22,089 --> 00:10:24,689 - In that phone call, rebecca told her sister 210 00:10:24,691 --> 00:10:27,025 About what happened to max. 211 00:10:27,027 --> 00:10:29,794 It was the same story she told police. 212 00:10:29,796 --> 00:10:31,029 - She said she was in the bathroom, 213 00:10:31,031 --> 00:10:34,432 And she heard a loud noise, a loud crash, 214 00:10:34,434 --> 00:10:36,901 And when she came out, max was there on the floor, 215 00:10:36,903 --> 00:10:38,970 And the chandelier was close to him, 216 00:10:38,972 --> 00:10:40,505 And he was unconscious. 217 00:10:40,507 --> 00:10:42,573 - How'd she describe jonah during those days? 218 00:10:42,575 --> 00:10:44,308 - That he was upset, 219 00:10:44,310 --> 00:10:47,545 And it broke her heart to see him upset. 220 00:10:47,547 --> 00:10:50,448 - They'd met when rebecca worked for an eye doctor, 221 00:10:50,450 --> 00:10:52,250 And jonah was a patient. 222 00:10:52,252 --> 00:10:54,218 He came in for an appointment, and they started talking. 223 00:10:54,220 --> 00:10:55,253 - That's correct. 224 00:10:55,255 --> 00:10:56,121 - And next thing ya know, they're goin' out. 225 00:10:56,123 --> 00:10:59,190 - Apparently, yes, um-- 226 00:10:59,192 --> 00:11:02,593 - You are making an expression that makes me think that 227 00:11:02,595 --> 00:11:05,463 You thought that wasn't a particularly good idea. 228 00:11:05,465 --> 00:11:07,165 - I never approved of the relationship, 229 00:11:07,167 --> 00:11:08,232 If that's what you're asking me. 230 00:11:08,234 --> 00:11:09,200 - Because? 231 00:11:09,202 --> 00:11:11,736 - First of all, he is almost twice her age. 232 00:11:11,738 --> 00:11:13,071 - This would have been one of those bad choices 233 00:11:13,073 --> 00:11:15,073 That your parents tried to push you away from? 234 00:11:15,075 --> 00:11:17,475 - Potentially. It's just one of those things. 235 00:11:17,477 --> 00:11:19,677 As an older sister, I was a, you know, 236 00:11:19,679 --> 00:11:21,212 A little cautious about it, and I said, 237 00:11:21,214 --> 00:11:25,550 "okay, the guy is, you know, a lot older than you." 238 00:11:25,552 --> 00:11:26,818 Um-- - and married before and-- 239 00:11:26,820 --> 00:11:28,553 - And married before and just gotten a divorce. 240 00:11:28,555 --> 00:11:29,888 - And has a whole other family. 241 00:11:29,890 --> 00:11:33,758 - And he's a ceo, and I said, "he's way out of our league." 242 00:11:33,760 --> 00:11:37,762 - Her free-spirited sister fell for jonah anyway. 243 00:11:37,764 --> 00:11:39,897 Did they seem happy? They seem in love? 244 00:11:39,899 --> 00:11:44,502 - I think my sister loved him in her way. 245 00:11:44,504 --> 00:11:46,971 To her, it-- she was somewhat in awe of him, 246 00:11:46,973 --> 00:11:48,840 I think, to a certain extent. 247 00:11:48,842 --> 00:11:52,276 - Mary says that while rebecca and max were close, 248 00:11:52,278 --> 00:11:53,578 Rebecca gave the impression 249 00:11:53,580 --> 00:11:57,248 She didn't get along well with max's mom, 250 00:11:57,250 --> 00:11:59,917 And when max had his fall, mary said, 251 00:11:59,919 --> 00:12:02,820 Rebecca worried how dina would react. 252 00:12:02,822 --> 00:12:05,523 - She was upset about it, um, and she said, 253 00:12:05,525 --> 00:12:06,724 "dina is going to kill me." 254 00:12:06,726 --> 00:12:08,326 - She said, "dina is gonna kill me." 255 00:12:08,328 --> 00:12:09,594 - That's correct. 256 00:12:09,596 --> 00:12:12,330 - Rebecca seem upset? Stressed? 257 00:12:12,332 --> 00:12:14,298 You get any sense that she blamed herself 258 00:12:14,300 --> 00:12:15,867 For what had happened? 259 00:12:15,869 --> 00:12:20,738 - She seemed stressed but not inappropriately so. 260 00:12:20,740 --> 00:12:22,073 - 'cause everybody was stressed. 261 00:12:22,075 --> 00:12:23,541 - Everybody was stressed, 262 00:12:23,543 --> 00:12:25,143 And I actually sympathized with her, 263 00:12:25,145 --> 00:12:28,579 And-and maybe mentioned that of just it's gotta be, 264 00:12:28,581 --> 00:12:32,350 You know, tough on you. Um, how terrible. 265 00:12:32,352 --> 00:12:35,553 - Soon, rebecca's death became national news 266 00:12:35,555 --> 00:12:38,055 In large part because of details revealed 267 00:12:38,057 --> 00:12:40,191 By sheriff's investigators. 268 00:12:40,193 --> 00:12:43,828 - The victim's hands and feet were bound, 269 00:12:43,830 --> 00:12:45,763 And she was completely nude. 270 00:12:45,765 --> 00:12:47,298 It has yet to be determined if this will become 271 00:12:47,300 --> 00:12:48,900 A criminal matter 272 00:12:48,902 --> 00:12:51,436 Or will remain as a death investigation. 273 00:12:51,438 --> 00:12:54,906 - In other words, did rebecca hang herself, 274 00:12:54,908 --> 00:12:57,308 Or was someone else involved? 275 00:12:57,310 --> 00:13:00,845 A neighbor reported hearing screams the night before. 276 00:13:00,847 --> 00:13:02,247 Was that rebecca? 277 00:13:02,249 --> 00:13:04,649 There was a scream that somebody heard. 278 00:13:04,651 --> 00:13:05,983 You hear that? 279 00:13:05,985 --> 00:13:08,520 - Well, my windows were closed. 280 00:13:08,522 --> 00:13:09,954 I did not hear a scream. 281 00:13:09,956 --> 00:13:11,189 - Meanwhile, at the hospital, 282 00:13:11,191 --> 00:13:14,725 Dina says she was only focused on max. 283 00:13:14,727 --> 00:13:19,530 She kept watch by his bedside, willing him to open his eyes. 284 00:13:19,532 --> 00:13:25,203 It was Saturday, July 16, 2011, five days after max's fall. 285 00:13:25,205 --> 00:13:28,273 - And I noticed that his eeg was just flat, 286 00:13:28,275 --> 00:13:32,277 And I thought-I thought the machine was broken, 287 00:13:32,279 --> 00:13:34,512 And I'm shaking the machine, and I'm thinking, 288 00:13:34,514 --> 00:13:36,347 "it's not working. It's malfunctioning." 289 00:13:36,349 --> 00:13:38,549 I'm shaking, and then I'm saying, you know, 290 00:13:38,551 --> 00:13:40,418 "um, the eeg machine is not working. 291 00:13:40,420 --> 00:13:42,220 "the eeg is not working." 292 00:13:42,222 --> 00:13:43,821 - But it was working. 293 00:13:43,823 --> 00:13:48,092 Six-year-old max was gone, and dina was devastated. 294 00:13:49,095 --> 00:13:56,634 - I mean, it was the worst shock in probably my entire life. 295 00:13:57,837 --> 00:14:00,905 - A mother in shock and in mourning 296 00:14:00,907 --> 00:14:02,840 But also questioning. 297 00:14:02,842 --> 00:14:06,410 How exactly had max's fatal fall happened? 298 00:14:06,412 --> 00:14:10,147 Others asked what led to rebecca's hanging. 299 00:14:10,149 --> 00:14:15,052 The mystery at this mansion was only getting deeper. 300 00:14:15,054 --> 00:14:17,622 - The evidence inside that oceanfront estate 301 00:14:17,624 --> 00:14:22,960 Is about to tell a story, and it is a stunner. 302 00:14:22,962 --> 00:14:24,595 Coming up... 303 00:14:24,597 --> 00:14:28,733 Ropes, knives, a curious phrase at the scene. 304 00:14:28,735 --> 00:14:30,668 - There as a message painted in black paint 305 00:14:30,670 --> 00:14:32,136 On the door leading to the room. 306 00:14:32,138 --> 00:14:35,072 - But to some, the most curious thing of all, 307 00:14:35,074 --> 00:14:38,175 The police theory of what really happened. 308 00:14:38,177 --> 00:14:40,177 - This is a very unusual circumstance. 309 00:14:40,179 --> 00:14:43,681 - We conducted an experiment to determine if it is possible 310 00:14:43,683 --> 00:14:46,484 For a person to secure their hands behind their back 311 00:14:46,486 --> 00:14:48,486 In the fashion we found. 312 00:14:48,488 --> 00:14:51,623 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 313 00:14:54,960 --> 00:14:59,931 ♪♪ 314 00:14:59,933 --> 00:15:03,434 - In July 2011, a private funeral was held 315 00:15:03,436 --> 00:15:07,438 For six-year-old max shacknai in arizona. 316 00:15:07,440 --> 00:15:08,506 Just a few days later, 317 00:15:08,508 --> 00:15:12,510 Rebecca zahau was laid to rest in missouri. 318 00:15:12,512 --> 00:15:15,980 Back in coronado, the mansion on ocean boulevard 319 00:15:15,982 --> 00:15:18,482 Was the focus of overflowing numbers 320 00:15:18,484 --> 00:15:21,052 Of both questions and rumors. 321 00:15:21,054 --> 00:15:23,721 - There's roughly 200 years of experience 322 00:15:23,723 --> 00:15:25,823 In the sheriff's homicide unit. 323 00:15:25,825 --> 00:15:26,757 They all agree. 324 00:15:26,759 --> 00:15:28,492 This is a very unusual circumstance. 325 00:15:28,494 --> 00:15:33,664 - Rebecca was found hanging, naked, bound hand and foot. 326 00:15:33,666 --> 00:15:34,765 If it was suicide, 327 00:15:34,767 --> 00:15:38,135 It looked like a highly unusual one. 328 00:15:38,137 --> 00:15:40,371 And remember, rebecca was in the house 329 00:15:40,373 --> 00:15:42,773 When max shacknai fell. 330 00:15:42,775 --> 00:15:44,875 - Right now, we don't see any connection be-- 331 00:15:44,877 --> 00:15:46,377 Between the two incidents. 332 00:15:46,379 --> 00:15:49,947 - The sheriff's department investigated for two months. 333 00:15:49,949 --> 00:15:51,983 Coronado held its breath. 334 00:15:51,985 --> 00:15:54,819 Then, at a news conference, sheriff bill gore 335 00:15:54,821 --> 00:15:58,556 Laid out the facts as his investigators saw them. 336 00:15:58,558 --> 00:16:03,194 - Was max's death a homicide? The answer is no. 337 00:16:03,196 --> 00:16:05,830 It was a tragic accident. 338 00:16:05,832 --> 00:16:09,233 Was rebecca's death a homicide? 339 00:16:09,235 --> 00:16:13,070 Again, the answer is no. It was a suicide. 340 00:16:13,072 --> 00:16:17,775 - Sergeant dave nemeth said the evidence told a sad tale 341 00:16:17,777 --> 00:16:21,445 In which one tragedy led to another. 342 00:16:21,447 --> 00:16:23,247 When rebecca checked her voicemail 343 00:16:23,249 --> 00:16:26,517 Just before 1 a.M., sergeant nemeth said 344 00:16:26,519 --> 00:16:30,021 She heard a grim message from her boyfriend, 345 00:16:30,023 --> 00:16:32,189 Max's dad, jonah. 346 00:16:32,191 --> 00:16:36,060 - That message that was left on her phone 347 00:16:36,062 --> 00:16:39,196 Was to inform rebecca of maxie's grave condition 348 00:16:39,198 --> 00:16:41,098 And imminent death. 349 00:16:41,100 --> 00:16:46,070 - Did rebecca blame herself for the child's severe injuries 350 00:16:46,072 --> 00:16:49,073 And then take her own life? 351 00:16:49,075 --> 00:16:51,642 The sergeant showed photos from inside the bedroom 352 00:16:51,644 --> 00:16:54,746 Where rebecca spent her final moments. 353 00:16:54,748 --> 00:16:57,114 There was a rope tied to the bed. 354 00:16:57,116 --> 00:16:59,950 The other end had been looped around rebecca's neck. 355 00:16:59,952 --> 00:17:02,453 There were also two knives in the bedroom 356 00:17:02,455 --> 00:17:04,755 Apparently used to cut the rope. 357 00:17:04,757 --> 00:17:07,391 Everything was swabbed for dna. 358 00:17:07,393 --> 00:17:10,061 - Dna profiles were only from rebecca. 359 00:17:10,063 --> 00:17:13,564 - So, what about rebecca's hands and feet being tied? 360 00:17:13,566 --> 00:17:16,768 Didn't that show another person was involved? 361 00:17:16,770 --> 00:17:19,370 Sergeant nemeth said it did not. 362 00:17:19,372 --> 00:17:23,641 - We conducted an experiment to determine if it is possible 363 00:17:23,643 --> 00:17:26,477 For a person to secure their hands behind their back 364 00:17:26,479 --> 00:17:28,779 In the fashion we found. 365 00:17:28,781 --> 00:17:31,549 - They even showed a video demonstration, 366 00:17:31,551 --> 00:17:35,720 And while tying one's hands in a suicide is uncommon, 367 00:17:35,722 --> 00:17:38,756 The medical examiner said it's not unheard of. 368 00:17:38,758 --> 00:17:39,724 - People do it. 369 00:17:39,726 --> 00:17:41,559 The thinking is that they bind themselves 370 00:17:41,561 --> 00:17:43,260 So that they won't change their mind 371 00:17:43,262 --> 00:17:44,462 Midway through. 372 00:17:44,464 --> 00:17:47,465 It's unusual at first glance, but it-it does happen. 373 00:17:47,467 --> 00:17:50,267 - The location of the apparent suicide note 374 00:17:50,269 --> 00:17:52,003 Was also uncommon. 375 00:17:52,005 --> 00:17:53,938 - There was a message painted in black paint 376 00:17:53,940 --> 00:17:55,473 On the door leading to the room. 377 00:17:55,475 --> 00:17:57,141 I am going to show you a picture of the door. 378 00:17:57,143 --> 00:18:00,144 We will not be revealing what the message said. 379 00:18:00,146 --> 00:18:03,848 - The investigation left some people unsatisfied, 380 00:18:03,850 --> 00:18:06,284 None more so than rebecca's family. 381 00:18:06,286 --> 00:18:09,153 - I know, in my heart, she did not commit suicide. 382 00:18:09,155 --> 00:18:12,690 - Also unsatisfied, dina shacknai. 383 00:18:12,692 --> 00:18:15,359 Sheriff's investigators illustrated their findings 384 00:18:15,361 --> 00:18:17,095 With this graphic. 385 00:18:17,097 --> 00:18:19,230 They said max was riding his scooter 386 00:18:19,232 --> 00:18:23,434 On the second floor landing, somehow fell over the railing, 387 00:18:23,436 --> 00:18:25,970 Then hit or grabbed the chandelier 388 00:18:25,972 --> 00:18:27,705 And took it down with him. 389 00:18:27,707 --> 00:18:30,374 - That sounds to me like, is max some sort of, you know, 390 00:18:30,376 --> 00:18:32,577 A stuntman bruce lee? That's ridiculous. 391 00:18:32,579 --> 00:18:34,945 - Why is it ridiculous? He's six years old. 392 00:18:34,947 --> 00:18:38,149 Kids that age do crazy things. When I was seven years old, 393 00:18:38,151 --> 00:18:39,917 I jumped off the roof of the garage 394 00:18:39,919 --> 00:18:41,786 Holding an umbrella as a parachute. 395 00:18:41,788 --> 00:18:44,455 - No, no. I'm absolutely positive. 396 00:18:44,457 --> 00:18:45,856 He was a very smart six-year-old. 397 00:18:45,858 --> 00:18:47,091 He was very athletic. 398 00:18:47,093 --> 00:18:48,860 He was very coordinated, 399 00:18:48,862 --> 00:18:50,528 And he was a very careful person, 400 00:18:50,530 --> 00:18:52,463 A-a thoughtful person. 401 00:18:52,465 --> 00:18:56,133 - Dina didn't just insist something wasn't right. 402 00:18:56,135 --> 00:18:59,804 She opened her checkbook and hired her own experts, 403 00:18:59,806 --> 00:19:02,540 Including dr. Judy melinek, 404 00:19:02,542 --> 00:19:05,276 A respected forensic pathologist, 405 00:19:05,278 --> 00:19:08,479 Who reviewed the autopsy report and photos 406 00:19:08,481 --> 00:19:12,216 And who also disagreed with the official conclusion. 407 00:19:12,218 --> 00:19:14,585 - Max had too many injuries to be explained with 408 00:19:14,587 --> 00:19:17,354 A simple accidental fall. 409 00:19:17,356 --> 00:19:19,423 - Dr. Melinek thought max's injuries 410 00:19:19,425 --> 00:19:23,694 Indicated he'd been assaulted before he fell. 411 00:19:23,696 --> 00:19:26,096 What's more, she questioned whether the fall itself 412 00:19:26,098 --> 00:19:27,498 Could've happened 413 00:19:27,500 --> 00:19:29,967 As the sheriff's department described it. 414 00:19:29,969 --> 00:19:33,437 Measurements showed the railing was 32 inches high. 415 00:19:33,439 --> 00:19:36,641 Six-year-old max was only 45 inches tall. 416 00:19:36,643 --> 00:19:39,410 - His center of gravity was too low. 417 00:19:39,412 --> 00:19:40,645 Even on the razor scooter, 418 00:19:40,647 --> 00:19:43,714 His center of gravity is too low to go over that banister. 419 00:19:43,716 --> 00:19:47,518 - It all pointed to a chilling alternate scenario. 420 00:19:47,520 --> 00:19:51,155 According to dr. Melinek, someone assaulted max, 421 00:19:51,157 --> 00:19:53,858 And then he somehow went over the banister. 422 00:19:53,860 --> 00:19:56,794 In other words, this was a homicide. 423 00:19:56,796 --> 00:19:58,529 - I would much rather have them say, "you know what? 424 00:19:58,531 --> 00:20:00,397 "this was an accident, and here is why." 425 00:20:00,399 --> 00:20:02,800 No mom wants to hear that 426 00:20:02,802 --> 00:20:04,768 Her son was as victim of a homicide. 427 00:20:04,770 --> 00:20:06,604 That's not something that somebody wants to hear 428 00:20:06,606 --> 00:20:08,639 Because then you have to actually deal with the fact 429 00:20:08,641 --> 00:20:12,143 That your son or daughter's last minutes were-- 430 00:20:12,145 --> 00:20:13,844 That he was in fear, he was scared, 431 00:20:13,846 --> 00:20:17,481 He was hurt, and that is horrible. 432 00:20:17,483 --> 00:20:20,784 - And if someone killed max, dr. Melinek's theory 433 00:20:20,786 --> 00:20:23,354 Focused on one person. 434 00:20:23,356 --> 00:20:25,856 - I think rebecca was somehow involved, 435 00:20:25,858 --> 00:20:28,359 But how much she was involved and to what degree, 436 00:20:28,361 --> 00:20:30,527 She took that to the grave. 437 00:20:30,529 --> 00:20:34,031 - That alarming suspicion was only the beginning 438 00:20:34,033 --> 00:20:37,101 Because it wasn't just dina who was investigating. 439 00:20:37,103 --> 00:20:40,004 Rebecca's sister, mary, was equally convinced 440 00:20:40,006 --> 00:20:45,209 Rebecca would never hurt max or kill herself out of guilt. 441 00:20:45,211 --> 00:20:48,446 Two women coping with terrible tragedies. 442 00:20:48,448 --> 00:20:49,913 Neither willing to accept 443 00:20:49,915 --> 00:20:52,783 The sheriff department's conclusions. 444 00:20:52,785 --> 00:20:56,587 Mary was about to make some incredible accusations, 445 00:20:56,589 --> 00:21:00,291 And she wouldn't back down. 446 00:21:00,293 --> 00:21:04,195 - And mary was prepared to back up her allegations 447 00:21:04,197 --> 00:21:07,498 With stunning new evidence. 448 00:21:07,500 --> 00:21:08,599 Coming up... 449 00:21:08,601 --> 00:21:10,934 Could rebecca have been killed? 450 00:21:10,936 --> 00:21:14,471 A second autopsy magnifies the mystery. 451 00:21:14,473 --> 00:21:16,874 - Some deep bruising and, uh, internal bleeding, 452 00:21:16,876 --> 00:21:20,210 Which couldn't be explained by the hanging. 453 00:21:20,212 --> 00:21:21,946 - But could be explained by what? 454 00:21:21,948 --> 00:21:23,681 - By somebody knocking her down from behind 455 00:21:23,683 --> 00:21:25,683 And hogtying her, something along those lines, 456 00:21:25,685 --> 00:21:27,151 A struggle. 457 00:21:27,153 --> 00:21:28,752 - A twist was coming. 458 00:21:28,754 --> 00:21:30,888 - Did you have anything to do with rebecca's death? 459 00:21:30,890 --> 00:21:32,222 - Absolutely not. 460 00:21:32,224 --> 00:21:33,891 - You thought you had nothin' to hide. 461 00:21:33,893 --> 00:21:36,093 - I knew I had nothing to hide. 462 00:21:36,095 --> 00:21:39,163 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 463 00:21:42,834 --> 00:21:49,573 ♪♪ 464 00:21:49,575 --> 00:21:52,376 - The official investigation was over. 465 00:21:52,378 --> 00:21:56,613 The crime scene tape and evidence markers long gone. 466 00:21:56,615 --> 00:21:59,317 That said, an unofficial search for clues 467 00:21:59,319 --> 00:22:00,884 Was just beginning. 468 00:22:00,886 --> 00:22:03,721 Online message boards buzzed with theories 469 00:22:03,723 --> 00:22:06,857 From the farfetched to the implausible. 470 00:22:06,859 --> 00:22:09,059 Through it all, rebecca's sister, mary, 471 00:22:09,061 --> 00:22:12,730 Didn't buy the official finding of suicide. 472 00:22:12,732 --> 00:22:15,199 Was she fragile? Was she easily upset? 473 00:22:15,201 --> 00:22:17,068 Is she kind of person who would fall apart 474 00:22:17,070 --> 00:22:19,470 After a crisis? 475 00:22:19,472 --> 00:22:20,604 - Not at all. 476 00:22:20,606 --> 00:22:22,873 - So, when detectives said that voicemail, 477 00:22:22,875 --> 00:22:25,676 The one jonah shacknai left for rebecca 478 00:22:25,678 --> 00:22:27,211 With the grim news about max, 479 00:22:27,213 --> 00:22:30,547 May have caused rebecca to hang herself, 480 00:22:30,549 --> 00:22:32,383 Mary wasn't having it. 481 00:22:32,385 --> 00:22:36,253 - I was not about to have my sister's name smeared, 482 00:22:36,255 --> 00:22:40,391 And the world remember her as this crazy woman 483 00:22:40,393 --> 00:22:43,761 Who committed her suicide because of a phone call. 484 00:22:43,763 --> 00:22:47,765 - Was all this just about how rebecca would be remembered? 485 00:22:47,767 --> 00:22:50,568 After her death came some revelations, 486 00:22:50,570 --> 00:22:53,237 Things even mary hadn't known about, 487 00:22:53,239 --> 00:22:56,040 Like in 2005, in california, 488 00:22:56,042 --> 00:22:59,710 When rebecca didn't show up for work and just vanished. 489 00:22:59,712 --> 00:23:01,478 Her boyfriend reported her missing 490 00:23:01,480 --> 00:23:03,380 To the local police department. 491 00:23:03,382 --> 00:23:05,048 Rebecca turned up a few days later 492 00:23:05,050 --> 00:23:08,552 Saying it was just a misunderstanding. 493 00:23:08,554 --> 00:23:09,787 You're persuaded that, 494 00:23:09,789 --> 00:23:12,723 If she did sort of mysteriously disappear 495 00:23:12,725 --> 00:23:14,458 Back then for a day or two, 496 00:23:14,460 --> 00:23:16,960 It was something that she willingly did 497 00:23:16,962 --> 00:23:21,265 And not some sign of mental fragility. 498 00:23:21,267 --> 00:23:23,734 - I-I really don't know what happened at that time. 499 00:23:23,736 --> 00:23:27,938 - Now, she said she needed to know how rebecca died. 500 00:23:27,940 --> 00:23:30,441 She had rebecca's body exhumed, 501 00:23:30,443 --> 00:23:33,210 And media friendly forensic pathologist 502 00:23:33,212 --> 00:23:37,481 Dr. Cyril wecht performed a second autopsy. 503 00:23:37,483 --> 00:23:40,184 His conclusion? Homicide. 504 00:23:40,186 --> 00:23:42,619 Was rebecca murdered? 505 00:23:42,621 --> 00:23:44,621 Her family thought so, and, eventually, 506 00:23:44,623 --> 00:23:47,691 The case found its way to this man. 507 00:23:47,693 --> 00:23:49,693 - It was intriguing from the beginning. 508 00:23:49,695 --> 00:23:51,962 - San diego attorney keith greer. 509 00:23:51,964 --> 00:23:54,632 - Dr. Wecht did identify some deep bruising 510 00:23:54,634 --> 00:23:57,801 And, uh, internal bleeding, which couldn't be explained 511 00:23:57,803 --> 00:23:59,570 By the hanging. - Wait one sec. 512 00:23:59,572 --> 00:24:01,305 It couldn't be explained by the hanging 513 00:24:01,307 --> 00:24:03,441 But could be explained by what? 514 00:24:03,443 --> 00:24:05,042 - By somebody knocking her down from behind 515 00:24:05,044 --> 00:24:07,177 And hogtying her, something along those lines. 516 00:24:07,179 --> 00:24:08,745 A struggle. A struggle. 517 00:24:08,747 --> 00:24:12,216 - Plus, greer says, the force of falling nine feet 518 00:24:12,218 --> 00:24:15,586 From the balcony should have caused more severe injuries 519 00:24:15,588 --> 00:24:17,454 To rebecca's neck. 520 00:24:17,456 --> 00:24:20,757 Greer, like dr. Wecht, believed someone killed rebecca 521 00:24:20,759 --> 00:24:24,061 And then placed her body at the end of the rope, 522 00:24:24,063 --> 00:24:27,598 And he began to develop a theory as to who. 523 00:24:27,600 --> 00:24:29,666 - The writing on the door is the key to the case. 524 00:24:29,668 --> 00:24:32,336 - Remember the message painted on the bedroom door? 525 00:24:32,338 --> 00:24:34,738 Sheriff's investigators initially declined 526 00:24:34,740 --> 00:24:36,407 To reveal what it said. 527 00:24:36,409 --> 00:24:39,209 Greer eventually found out. 528 00:24:39,211 --> 00:24:43,480 The message scrawled in black acrylic paint read, 529 00:24:43,482 --> 00:24:45,048 "she saved him. 530 00:24:45,050 --> 00:24:47,217 Can you save her?" 531 00:24:47,219 --> 00:24:50,787 Greer believed the message was not written by rebecca. 532 00:24:50,789 --> 00:24:52,890 It was written about her. 533 00:24:52,892 --> 00:24:54,224 Who'd she save? She didn't save max. 534 00:24:54,226 --> 00:24:55,492 - She saved max. 535 00:24:55,494 --> 00:24:57,495 She did save max, at the time. 536 00:24:57,497 --> 00:24:59,563 You have to look at this in context. 537 00:24:59,565 --> 00:25:03,767 - Remember, rebecca said she did cpr on max 538 00:25:03,769 --> 00:25:05,168 After he fell. 539 00:25:05,170 --> 00:25:06,770 So, at the time those words were written, 540 00:25:06,772 --> 00:25:09,373 Max was still alive. - Max was alive. 541 00:25:09,375 --> 00:25:10,707 - And maybe because of her efforts. 542 00:25:10,709 --> 00:25:12,576 - It wasn't maybe because of her efforts. 543 00:25:12,578 --> 00:25:14,511 It was exactly because of her efforts, 544 00:25:14,513 --> 00:25:16,179 And that's why it's the key to the case 545 00:25:16,181 --> 00:25:18,182 Because I know whoever committed the murder 546 00:25:18,184 --> 00:25:22,186 Knew that rebecca had saved max. 547 00:25:22,188 --> 00:25:26,156 - It was, he said, a small circle, mostly family. 548 00:25:26,158 --> 00:25:30,294 - I had an eyewitness who put dina shacknai 549 00:25:30,296 --> 00:25:33,130 At the scene of the murder that evening. 550 00:25:33,132 --> 00:25:35,332 - Dina, the grief-stricken mom, 551 00:25:35,334 --> 00:25:39,536 Could she have blamed rebecca and then sought revenge? 552 00:25:39,538 --> 00:25:44,074 Remember, mary recalled her sister saying, 553 00:25:44,076 --> 00:25:46,076 "dina is going to kill me." 554 00:25:46,078 --> 00:25:47,778 Where were you when rebecca zahau died? 555 00:25:47,780 --> 00:25:49,146 - Well, I don't know what time rebecca zahau died 556 00:25:49,148 --> 00:25:52,883 During that time, but I was at the hospital all night. 557 00:25:52,885 --> 00:25:58,188 - In 2013, keith greer filed a civil wrongful death lawsuit 558 00:25:58,190 --> 00:26:01,425 On behalf of the zahau family. 559 00:26:01,427 --> 00:26:05,228 Based on his eyewitness, he named dina as a defendant, 560 00:26:05,230 --> 00:26:08,365 Along with her twin sister, nina. 561 00:26:08,367 --> 00:26:10,434 There was also a third defendant, 562 00:26:10,436 --> 00:26:12,970 The man who called 911, 563 00:26:12,972 --> 00:26:15,539 Jonah's brother, adam shacknai. 564 00:26:15,541 --> 00:26:18,041 Did you have anything to do with rebecca's death? 565 00:26:18,043 --> 00:26:20,377 - Absolutely not. 566 00:26:20,379 --> 00:26:21,979 - Greer disagreed. 567 00:26:21,981 --> 00:26:24,481 He pointed to those knots 568 00:26:24,483 --> 00:26:26,717 Tied around rebecca's wrists and ankles. 569 00:26:26,719 --> 00:26:29,019 - Figuring 'em out in the first place is really hard. 570 00:26:29,021 --> 00:26:33,590 Tying them, almost impossible. 571 00:26:33,592 --> 00:26:35,726 - Greer believed whoever tied the knots 572 00:26:35,728 --> 00:26:38,862 Had to be an expert, possibly a sailor, 573 00:26:38,864 --> 00:26:42,733 And adam shacknai worked on the mississippi river 574 00:26:42,735 --> 00:26:45,702 As a tugboat captain. 575 00:26:45,704 --> 00:26:49,306 - When he ties things off, he uses a figure eight 576 00:26:49,308 --> 00:26:53,276 And then closes it with a single hitch or two. 577 00:26:53,278 --> 00:26:56,513 Guess what knots are tied on both her legs 578 00:26:56,515 --> 00:26:58,482 And her hands? 579 00:26:58,484 --> 00:27:02,252 Figure eights tied off with a single hitch or two. 580 00:27:02,254 --> 00:27:05,355 - Sheriff's investigators had questioned adam extensively 581 00:27:05,357 --> 00:27:07,224 After rebecca's death. 582 00:27:07,226 --> 00:27:09,359 You didn't hold anything back from investigators. 583 00:27:09,361 --> 00:27:10,794 - Nothing. 584 00:27:10,796 --> 00:27:12,562 - You helped them to the extent that you could. 585 00:27:12,564 --> 00:27:14,931 - Yeah, exhaustively. 586 00:27:14,933 --> 00:27:16,366 - You thought you had nothin' to hide. 587 00:27:16,368 --> 00:27:19,236 - I knew I had nothing to hide. 588 00:27:19,238 --> 00:27:22,906 - And when investigators determined there was no evidence 589 00:27:22,908 --> 00:27:24,808 Placing adam at the scene-- 590 00:27:24,810 --> 00:27:26,977 They cleared you. - Um, they did. 591 00:27:26,979 --> 00:27:29,112 - Did you think this was over, at that point? 592 00:27:29,114 --> 00:27:32,449 - Yeah, I did. - It wasn't over. 593 00:27:32,451 --> 00:27:36,820 Rebecca's sister was determined to hold someone accountable. 594 00:27:36,822 --> 00:27:38,955 I'm guessing that somebody said to you 595 00:27:38,957 --> 00:27:41,525 That filing a lawsuit, a civil lawsuit, 596 00:27:41,527 --> 00:27:43,460 To find answers in a criminal matter 597 00:27:43,462 --> 00:27:47,798 Is generally an extremely unsatisfying way 598 00:27:47,800 --> 00:27:49,933 Of pursuing justice. - That may be, 599 00:27:49,935 --> 00:27:54,605 But my only recourse was the lawsuit. 600 00:27:54,607 --> 00:27:56,874 - Soon, they would start to get answers, 601 00:27:56,876 --> 00:28:01,679 Just not the ones they expected. 602 00:28:01,681 --> 00:28:03,146 - Coming up... 603 00:28:03,148 --> 00:28:06,216 Where was dina the night of rebecca's death? 604 00:28:06,218 --> 00:28:07,551 - This eyewitness was adamant. 605 00:28:07,553 --> 00:28:10,621 He was very clear, no doubt about it. 606 00:28:10,623 --> 00:28:12,489 - Powerful new video evidence. 607 00:28:12,491 --> 00:28:15,826 And the dna evidence, where was it? 608 00:28:15,828 --> 00:28:19,162 - Adam shacknai admits that, that morning, 609 00:28:19,164 --> 00:28:21,432 He cut rebecca down. 610 00:28:21,434 --> 00:28:24,568 He loosened the ropes on her wrist to check her pulse. 611 00:28:24,570 --> 00:28:27,037 He gave her mouth to mouth resuscitation. 612 00:28:27,039 --> 00:28:29,440 He gave cpr pumps to her chest. 613 00:28:29,442 --> 00:28:31,808 - And there's no dna. - Zero. 614 00:28:31,810 --> 00:28:35,145 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 615 00:28:37,782 --> 00:28:41,651 ♪♪ 616 00:28:41,653 --> 00:28:45,155 - Seven years after the death of her son, max, 617 00:28:45,157 --> 00:28:48,325 Dina shacknai lived alone in the arizona home 618 00:28:48,327 --> 00:28:50,661 She once shared with her family. 619 00:28:50,663 --> 00:28:55,132 How are you even standing upright today? 620 00:28:55,134 --> 00:28:57,934 - Max, my son. 621 00:28:57,936 --> 00:28:59,736 My love for him was so great. 622 00:28:59,738 --> 00:29:02,939 We were a perfect fit. We were lucky. 623 00:29:02,941 --> 00:29:06,209 I still feel lucky. - Even though he's gone. 624 00:29:06,211 --> 00:29:08,545 - Yeah, I told him every day, 625 00:29:08,547 --> 00:29:12,149 "maxie, I love you more than anything in all the universes, 626 00:29:12,151 --> 00:29:14,951 "and I'm the luckiest mommy that ever lived in this world 627 00:29:14,953 --> 00:29:16,687 "because I have you." 628 00:29:16,689 --> 00:29:20,123 He knew that very well, and I can say that today. 629 00:29:20,125 --> 00:29:24,361 Maxie, I am the luckiest that ever lived in this universe 630 00:29:24,363 --> 00:29:26,229 'cause I still have you, 631 00:29:26,231 --> 00:29:28,498 Because love doesn't disappear 632 00:29:28,500 --> 00:29:30,901 Just because the person is not right-- 633 00:29:30,903 --> 00:29:32,302 You can't see them. 634 00:29:32,304 --> 00:29:34,438 - In the years following max's death, 635 00:29:34,440 --> 00:29:36,139 Dina continued to investigate 636 00:29:36,141 --> 00:29:39,109 And hired a woman named tara schneider. 637 00:29:39,111 --> 00:29:41,077 You're convinced that max died 638 00:29:41,079 --> 00:29:43,647 Not as the result of an accident, but a murder. 639 00:29:43,649 --> 00:29:45,382 - Yes, homicide. 640 00:29:45,384 --> 00:29:48,018 - Tara has no law enforcement background. 641 00:29:48,020 --> 00:29:51,354 She calls herself an intelligence analyst. 642 00:29:51,356 --> 00:29:54,591 She and dina have floated several theories over the years. 643 00:29:54,593 --> 00:29:56,126 The current theory? 644 00:29:56,128 --> 00:30:00,130 Whoever killed max, it was not rebecca zahau. 645 00:30:00,132 --> 00:30:02,733 These days, their suspicion is focused on information 646 00:30:02,735 --> 00:30:05,803 From a neighbor that's never been verified, 647 00:30:05,805 --> 00:30:08,872 The story of a wild party at the mansion 648 00:30:08,874 --> 00:30:11,074 The night before max's fall. 649 00:30:11,076 --> 00:30:12,609 - He has not interviewed by the police, 650 00:30:12,611 --> 00:30:14,344 And he has not come forward. 651 00:30:14,346 --> 00:30:17,681 - But what connection it might have to max's death, 652 00:30:17,683 --> 00:30:18,882 You have no idea what that is. 653 00:30:18,884 --> 00:30:21,685 - I don't, but I think it should be explored. 654 00:30:21,687 --> 00:30:25,956 - She said police never spoke with the neighbor, but we did, 655 00:30:25,958 --> 00:30:29,292 And he doesn't remember anything about a party. 656 00:30:29,294 --> 00:30:32,996 And max's dad, jonah shacknai, who was in the house that night, 657 00:30:32,998 --> 00:30:35,432 Told us there was no party. 658 00:30:35,434 --> 00:30:39,169 Jonah says he never doubted the official investigation 659 00:30:39,171 --> 00:30:41,438 But wanted to rebut the theories 660 00:30:41,440 --> 00:30:43,573 Offered by dina and others. 661 00:30:43,575 --> 00:30:45,375 His lawyers hired 662 00:30:45,377 --> 00:30:48,645 The highly regarded investigative firm kroll. 663 00:30:48,647 --> 00:30:51,515 The resulting report says.... 664 00:31:01,860 --> 00:31:03,426 How many people said to you, 665 00:31:03,428 --> 00:31:05,462 "you need to let this go and move on?" 666 00:31:05,464 --> 00:31:07,864 - Many, so many. 667 00:31:07,866 --> 00:31:09,466 - Even if she'd wanted to move on, 668 00:31:09,468 --> 00:31:12,669 It really wasn't possible, because dina, remember, 669 00:31:12,671 --> 00:31:17,073 Was being sued by the family of rebecca zahau 670 00:31:17,075 --> 00:31:20,544 Who blamed dina, in part, for rebecca's death. 671 00:31:20,546 --> 00:31:23,747 Through it all, dina stuck to her story 672 00:31:23,749 --> 00:31:26,650 That she'd been at max's bedside at the hospital 673 00:31:26,652 --> 00:31:28,785 The night rebecca died 674 00:31:28,787 --> 00:31:30,487 Even though the zahau's attorney, 675 00:31:30,489 --> 00:31:33,156 Keith greer, had an eyewitness willing to testify 676 00:31:33,158 --> 00:31:37,227 That he saw dina outside the mansion that night. 677 00:31:37,229 --> 00:31:39,229 - And this eyewitness was adamant. 678 00:31:39,231 --> 00:31:41,331 He was very clear, no doubt about it. 679 00:31:41,333 --> 00:31:42,933 - And turned out to be dead bang wrong. 680 00:31:42,935 --> 00:31:44,401 - And turned out to be wrong. 681 00:31:44,403 --> 00:31:48,271 - In April 2017, after four years of litigation, 682 00:31:48,273 --> 00:31:51,241 This security camera video came to light. 683 00:31:51,243 --> 00:31:54,978 It's from the hospital where max shacknai was being treated 684 00:31:54,980 --> 00:31:57,915 The same night rebecca zahau died. 685 00:31:57,917 --> 00:32:01,118 Clearly visible, dina shacknai. 686 00:32:01,120 --> 00:32:02,452 I mean, at some point, you look at that footage 687 00:32:02,454 --> 00:32:05,188 From the hospital, and you realize I'm wrong. 688 00:32:05,190 --> 00:32:06,923 - Mm-hmm. - And my witness is wrong. 689 00:32:06,925 --> 00:32:07,824 Dina wasn't there. 690 00:32:07,826 --> 00:32:09,793 She was at the hospital, provably. 691 00:32:09,795 --> 00:32:11,461 - Absolutely. I got mad. 692 00:32:11,463 --> 00:32:13,396 I got really mad. 693 00:32:13,398 --> 00:32:14,864 - Greer called a press conference 694 00:32:14,866 --> 00:32:17,233 To publicly eat some crow. 695 00:32:17,235 --> 00:32:19,202 - When these pictures come out, though, 696 00:32:19,204 --> 00:32:20,537 You-you can't refute 'em. 697 00:32:20,539 --> 00:32:22,872 - He removed dina from the lawsuit, 698 00:32:22,874 --> 00:32:25,108 Along with her sister, nina. 699 00:32:25,110 --> 00:32:27,344 And the zahau family attorney apologized to you. 700 00:32:27,346 --> 00:32:28,945 Was that enough? 701 00:32:28,947 --> 00:32:30,146 - He made a public apology, 702 00:32:30,148 --> 00:32:33,350 And I would say that not as many people 703 00:32:33,352 --> 00:32:34,484 Saw the public apology 704 00:32:34,486 --> 00:32:37,754 As who saw continuous accusations against us. 705 00:32:37,756 --> 00:32:41,524 - Greer pushed forward anyway with just one defendant, 706 00:32:41,526 --> 00:32:43,293 Adam shacknai. 707 00:32:43,295 --> 00:32:46,563 That says to me this is some scattershot attempt, 708 00:32:46,565 --> 00:32:50,200 And you are suing everybody that comes into your line of sight, 709 00:32:50,202 --> 00:32:51,901 Lookin' for a sympathetic jury. 710 00:32:51,903 --> 00:32:53,036 - That's it, 711 00:32:53,038 --> 00:32:54,504 And a lot of people looked at it that way. 712 00:32:54,506 --> 00:32:56,339 - Why shouldn't that shatter the credibility 713 00:32:56,341 --> 00:32:57,941 Of the rest of your case? 714 00:32:57,943 --> 00:33:00,377 - I-I think the reality of it is 715 00:33:00,379 --> 00:33:04,114 That we always had adam involved all through the process. 716 00:33:04,116 --> 00:33:07,684 - In the lawsuit, greer outlined quite a detailed 717 00:33:07,686 --> 00:33:11,421 And unsubstantiated narrative. 718 00:33:11,423 --> 00:33:14,057 He argued rebecca was killed not to avenge max 719 00:33:14,059 --> 00:33:18,094 But instead during a sexual assault. 720 00:33:18,096 --> 00:33:20,263 Greer's theory is that it began when rebecca 721 00:33:20,265 --> 00:33:21,732 Stepped out of the shower 722 00:33:21,734 --> 00:33:25,202 And found adam in her bedroom watching her. 723 00:33:25,204 --> 00:33:28,271 - She then gets uncomfortable-- tries to escape. 724 00:33:28,273 --> 00:33:31,208 She screams for help about 11:30 that night. 725 00:33:31,210 --> 00:33:35,845 - Greer says that explains the screams heard by a neighbor. 726 00:33:35,847 --> 00:33:37,481 - Right after that, to silence her, 727 00:33:37,483 --> 00:33:38,815 Adam hits her on the back of the head, 728 00:33:38,817 --> 00:33:40,750 Knocks her at least partially unconscious. 729 00:33:40,752 --> 00:33:43,220 Then he has time to think, and he grabs the black paint, 730 00:33:43,222 --> 00:33:46,156 And he paints this phrase on the door. 731 00:33:46,158 --> 00:33:49,993 - "she saved him. Can you save her?" 732 00:33:49,995 --> 00:33:51,094 If I'm gonna kill somebody 733 00:33:51,096 --> 00:33:53,730 And try to make it look like a suicide, 734 00:33:53,732 --> 00:33:56,566 I'm not gonna write a cryptic phrase behind. 735 00:33:56,568 --> 00:33:59,069 I'm gonna write a phrase that says, "I'm sorry. 736 00:33:59,071 --> 00:34:00,704 "I'm guilty. I did it." 737 00:34:00,706 --> 00:34:02,572 - Yeah, it wasn't staged to be a suicide. 738 00:34:02,574 --> 00:34:05,975 - Even greer says evidence placing adam 739 00:34:05,977 --> 00:34:08,045 At the scene is weak. 740 00:34:08,047 --> 00:34:10,713 Adam shacknai have any marks, or scrapes, or cuts on him 741 00:34:10,715 --> 00:34:12,982 That would suggest he'd been in a struggle with someone? 742 00:34:12,984 --> 00:34:15,051 - None, none. 743 00:34:15,053 --> 00:34:17,120 - Same with adam's dna. 744 00:34:17,122 --> 00:34:18,989 It's pretty hard to get rid of your dna. 745 00:34:18,991 --> 00:34:20,857 - Hard to get rid of dna. All right. 746 00:34:20,859 --> 00:34:23,993 Adam shacknai admits that, 747 00:34:23,995 --> 00:34:26,863 That morning, he cut rebecca down. 748 00:34:26,865 --> 00:34:29,999 He loosened the ropes on her wrist to check her pulse. 749 00:34:30,001 --> 00:34:32,268 He gave her mouth to mouth resuscitation. 750 00:34:32,270 --> 00:34:34,704 He gave cpr pumps to her chest. 751 00:34:34,706 --> 00:34:35,772 - And there's no dna. 752 00:34:35,774 --> 00:34:37,808 - And how much dna and how many fingerprints 753 00:34:37,810 --> 00:34:41,111 Are found on the knife, the rope, her body? 754 00:34:41,113 --> 00:34:42,879 How much? - None. 755 00:34:42,881 --> 00:34:45,415 - Zero, zero. 756 00:34:45,417 --> 00:34:48,085 - Zero of adam's that is. 757 00:34:48,087 --> 00:34:50,286 Rebecca's dna and fingerprints were everywhere. 758 00:34:50,288 --> 00:34:52,155 According to greer, 759 00:34:52,157 --> 00:34:54,891 That means adam, who had no criminal history, 760 00:34:54,893 --> 00:34:58,628 Knew exactly how to wipe down the scene, 761 00:34:58,630 --> 00:35:02,365 Somehow removing his own fingerprints and dna 762 00:35:02,367 --> 00:35:05,668 But leaving just rebecca's. 763 00:35:05,670 --> 00:35:07,003 Of course, it could also mean 764 00:35:07,005 --> 00:35:10,640 That adam simply wasn't there when rebecca died, 765 00:35:10,642 --> 00:35:12,609 Which is exactly what law enforcement 766 00:35:12,611 --> 00:35:14,177 Came to believe. 767 00:35:14,179 --> 00:35:17,113 I'm guessing that if you walked in a court on any case, 768 00:35:17,115 --> 00:35:19,782 And opposing counsel said, 769 00:35:19,784 --> 00:35:23,319 "there is no evidence here, there is no fingerprints, 770 00:35:23,321 --> 00:35:25,788 "and there is no dna, and that is the proof 771 00:35:25,790 --> 00:35:28,057 "of the case that I am bringing," 772 00:35:28,059 --> 00:35:32,095 You would think to yourself, "I got a ground ball here." 773 00:35:32,097 --> 00:35:34,664 - The absence of evidence isn't the evidence of absence. 774 00:35:34,666 --> 00:35:37,467 And so, we know it's murder 'cause it's wiped down. 775 00:35:37,469 --> 00:35:39,469 We know it's not suicide. 776 00:35:39,471 --> 00:35:41,738 - Would a jury agree? 777 00:35:41,740 --> 00:35:44,674 Greer had to prove adam shacknai was somehow responsible 778 00:35:44,676 --> 00:35:46,543 For rebecca's death, 779 00:35:46,545 --> 00:35:49,880 That his own actions made him liable. 780 00:35:49,882 --> 00:35:52,149 In a wrongful death civil case, the standard is, 781 00:35:52,151 --> 00:35:53,884 More likely than not, 782 00:35:53,886 --> 00:35:57,754 A significantly lower bar than beyond a reasonable doubt, 783 00:35:57,756 --> 00:36:00,690 Which is the standard in a criminal case. 784 00:36:00,692 --> 00:36:04,027 It is, however, still a challenge, 785 00:36:04,029 --> 00:36:05,495 And when the case went to trial, 786 00:36:05,497 --> 00:36:09,065 Keith greer would be up against a topnotch defense team. 787 00:36:09,067 --> 00:36:10,967 You feel overmatched? [chuckles] 788 00:36:10,969 --> 00:36:12,402 - Oh, I was so outgunned. It was pathetic. 789 00:36:12,404 --> 00:36:14,170 - Coming up... 790 00:36:14,172 --> 00:36:16,673 Two families connected by tragedy 791 00:36:16,675 --> 00:36:20,009 Prepare to go head to head in a courtroom. 792 00:36:20,011 --> 00:36:21,844 - Did you attack her? - No. 793 00:36:21,846 --> 00:36:23,647 - Did you sexually assault her? - No. 794 00:36:23,649 --> 00:36:25,448 - Did you tie those knots on her body? 795 00:36:25,450 --> 00:36:26,382 - No. 796 00:36:26,384 --> 00:36:28,117 - Would a jury believe him? 797 00:36:28,119 --> 00:36:29,852 - I sat down next to mary. I said, "mary, I'm sorry. 798 00:36:29,854 --> 00:36:31,754 "this is probably not good news." 799 00:36:31,756 --> 00:36:32,989 - The verdict. 800 00:36:32,991 --> 00:36:35,091 - Number one, did adam shacknai 801 00:36:35,093 --> 00:36:37,727 Touch rebecca zahau before rebecca zahau's death 802 00:36:37,729 --> 00:36:40,063 With the intent to harm her? 803 00:36:40,065 --> 00:36:43,600 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 804 00:36:50,808 --> 00:36:52,041 - Welcome back. 805 00:36:52,043 --> 00:36:55,145 What really happened to rebecca zahau? 806 00:36:55,147 --> 00:36:57,814 Police ruled her hanging a suicide, 807 00:36:57,816 --> 00:37:00,483 But her sister, mary, believed evidence uncovered 808 00:37:00,485 --> 00:37:04,320 By her own investigators proved rebecca was murdered 809 00:37:04,322 --> 00:37:06,756 By adam shacknai. 810 00:37:06,758 --> 00:37:10,226 Now, the two were facing off in a civil lawsuit 811 00:37:10,228 --> 00:37:11,695 Where a jury would decide 812 00:37:11,697 --> 00:37:14,831 Who was responsible for rebecca's death, 813 00:37:14,833 --> 00:37:18,601 And the verdict would leave both sides stunned. 814 00:37:18,603 --> 00:37:21,537 Here's josh mankiewicz with the conclusion 815 00:37:21,539 --> 00:37:24,207 Of "the mansion on ocean boulevard." 816 00:37:24,209 --> 00:37:26,909 ♪♪ 817 00:37:26,911 --> 00:37:28,511 - The plaintiff's attorney has got-- 818 00:37:28,513 --> 00:37:30,480 He's got a good imagination. 819 00:37:30,482 --> 00:37:32,982 - Adam shacknai says it's simple. 820 00:37:32,984 --> 00:37:36,753 He had nothing to do with the death of rebecca zahau. 821 00:37:36,755 --> 00:37:39,155 Were you present when rebecca died? 822 00:37:39,157 --> 00:37:40,257 - No. 823 00:37:40,259 --> 00:37:42,325 - Did you attack her? - No. 824 00:37:42,327 --> 00:37:44,227 - Did you sexually assault her? - No. 825 00:37:44,229 --> 00:37:45,862 - Did you tie those knots on her body? 826 00:37:45,864 --> 00:37:46,896 - No. 827 00:37:46,898 --> 00:37:48,231 - Are those kind of knots that only a sailor 828 00:37:48,233 --> 00:37:51,134 Or somebody who worked around boats in the water would know? 829 00:37:51,136 --> 00:37:53,936 - Uh, no, those are common knots. 830 00:37:53,938 --> 00:37:56,806 - Sheriff's investigators found no evidence adam 831 00:37:56,808 --> 00:38:01,044 Was present when rebecca died, and they cleared him. 832 00:38:01,046 --> 00:38:04,281 That didn't stop rebecca's family 833 00:38:04,283 --> 00:38:06,382 From suing in civil court. 834 00:38:06,384 --> 00:38:09,686 The lawsuit, the long string of accusations, 835 00:38:09,688 --> 00:38:11,054 What do you think is goin' on here? 836 00:38:11,056 --> 00:38:13,022 - It's denial. 837 00:38:13,024 --> 00:38:15,892 It's they don't want it to be seen 838 00:38:15,894 --> 00:38:19,095 That their, uh, sister committed suicide. 839 00:38:19,097 --> 00:38:22,231 - We asked rebecca's sister, mary, about that. 840 00:38:22,233 --> 00:38:24,000 A lot of times, 841 00:38:24,002 --> 00:38:26,169 Families do not want to admit 842 00:38:26,171 --> 00:38:27,904 That someone committed suicide 843 00:38:27,906 --> 00:38:30,640 Because they blame themselves 844 00:38:30,642 --> 00:38:32,809 For not maybe having seen the signs. 845 00:38:32,811 --> 00:38:34,277 Is that what you're doin' here? 846 00:38:34,279 --> 00:38:36,412 - Nope, and I have been accused of that 847 00:38:36,414 --> 00:38:38,982 Multiple times, including the sheriff's department. 848 00:38:38,984 --> 00:38:40,717 - Is it possible that rebecca was depressed, 849 00:38:40,719 --> 00:38:43,353 And you missed it? - No. 850 00:38:43,355 --> 00:38:46,723 - In March 2018, the wrongful death lawsuit 851 00:38:46,725 --> 00:38:48,725 Began in san diego. 852 00:38:48,727 --> 00:38:52,562 Defending adam was dan webb, a former u.S. Attorney 853 00:38:52,564 --> 00:38:55,265 And a veteran of many courtrooms. 854 00:38:55,267 --> 00:38:57,800 - There'll be no evidence that shows that adam shacknai 855 00:38:57,802 --> 00:39:02,071 Had anything to do with the death of rebecca zahau. 856 00:39:02,073 --> 00:39:05,241 - In particular, no dna or fingerprints from adam 857 00:39:05,243 --> 00:39:07,277 Were found at the death scene. 858 00:39:07,279 --> 00:39:09,145 Plaintiff's attorney, keith greer, 859 00:39:09,147 --> 00:39:11,280 Called several experts who testified 860 00:39:11,282 --> 00:39:12,749 That the lack of physical evidence 861 00:39:12,751 --> 00:39:16,052 Could show adam had cleaned up after himself. 862 00:39:16,054 --> 00:39:19,422 - There was nothing on the doorknobs whatsoever in-in-- 863 00:39:19,424 --> 00:39:21,657 As far as prints. 864 00:39:21,659 --> 00:39:24,360 - Again, that's consistent with it being wiped down. 865 00:39:24,362 --> 00:39:25,428 - Yes. 866 00:39:25,430 --> 00:39:27,230 - And a handwriting expert 867 00:39:27,232 --> 00:39:29,365 Who looked at that message the door. 868 00:39:29,367 --> 00:39:32,101 - The writing on the door is more to-to-- 869 00:39:32,103 --> 00:39:35,905 More comports with adam than it does with rebecca. 870 00:39:35,907 --> 00:39:38,441 - Greer also claimed rebecca had been sexually assaulted 871 00:39:38,443 --> 00:39:40,710 With a knife prior to her murder. 872 00:39:40,712 --> 00:39:43,713 His expert testified a steak knife 873 00:39:43,715 --> 00:39:47,016 Found in the bedroom had her blood on the handle. 874 00:39:47,018 --> 00:39:48,351 Greer said the sheriff's department 875 00:39:48,353 --> 00:39:50,119 Overlooked that evidence. 876 00:39:50,121 --> 00:39:52,355 - That's nowhere in any of the sheriff's records. 877 00:39:52,357 --> 00:39:54,657 They never considered that. They never analyzed that. 878 00:39:54,659 --> 00:39:57,193 - The defense called a forensic technician, 879 00:39:57,195 --> 00:39:59,962 Who testified she did find the blood on the knife 880 00:39:59,964 --> 00:40:02,932 And with it a simple explanation, 881 00:40:02,934 --> 00:40:05,935 A recent cut on rebecca's right hand. 882 00:40:05,937 --> 00:40:08,938 And when greer asked her if the blood could have come 883 00:40:08,940 --> 00:40:10,640 From a sexual assault... 884 00:40:10,642 --> 00:40:12,409 - I didn't see any evidence of that. 885 00:40:12,411 --> 00:40:17,346 - No evidence, a point the defense hammered home. 886 00:40:17,348 --> 00:40:18,815 - I saw no fingerprint evidence, 887 00:40:18,817 --> 00:40:23,085 Um, that was identified or directed towards adam shacknai. 888 00:40:23,087 --> 00:40:24,754 - Of all the items I tested, 889 00:40:24,756 --> 00:40:26,956 He was excluded on all the items. 890 00:40:26,958 --> 00:40:29,759 - Adam's brother, jonah, took the stand. 891 00:40:29,761 --> 00:40:32,295 He called rebecca's death unfathomable, 892 00:40:32,297 --> 00:40:35,498 But said adam was not responsible. 893 00:40:35,500 --> 00:40:37,867 - Is there anything that adam has ever done in his life 894 00:40:37,869 --> 00:40:41,871 That would cause you to believe that he ever would have done 895 00:40:41,873 --> 00:40:44,240 The acts that he's accused of in this case? 896 00:40:44,242 --> 00:40:47,377 - Uh, never anything. It's inconceivable. 897 00:40:47,379 --> 00:40:50,180 - Adam took the stand, too. 898 00:40:50,182 --> 00:40:51,714 - Did you hit rebecca on the head? 899 00:40:51,716 --> 00:40:54,383 - I never hit rebecca on the head, 900 00:40:54,385 --> 00:40:56,552 Or anywhere else, for that matter. 901 00:40:56,554 --> 00:40:58,321 - And then did you devise this scheme 902 00:40:58,323 --> 00:40:59,489 To try and cover up your wrongdoing 903 00:40:59,491 --> 00:41:01,624 By painting the saying on the door 904 00:41:01,626 --> 00:41:05,795 And making it look like she had been hanged by someone else? 905 00:41:05,797 --> 00:41:08,431 - Absolutely, positively not. 906 00:41:08,433 --> 00:41:11,234 - The case went to the jury. 907 00:41:11,236 --> 00:41:13,069 Do you feel confident as deliberations began? 908 00:41:13,071 --> 00:41:16,439 - Um, we-- I felt we could 909 00:41:16,441 --> 00:41:19,475 Possibly win very convincingly. 910 00:41:19,477 --> 00:41:22,478 - Less than four hours later, a verdict. 911 00:41:22,480 --> 00:41:24,747 - I sat down next to mary. I said, "mary, I'm sorry. 912 00:41:24,749 --> 00:41:26,616 "this is probably not good news." 913 00:41:26,618 --> 00:41:29,118 - This was it, a decision, 914 00:41:29,120 --> 00:41:33,523 And even keith greer would be in for quite a plot twist. 915 00:41:33,525 --> 00:41:35,291 - Number one, did adam shacknai 916 00:41:35,293 --> 00:41:38,694 Touch rebecca zahau before rebecca zahau's death 917 00:41:38,696 --> 00:41:40,763 With the intent to harm her? 918 00:41:40,765 --> 00:41:42,231 The answer is yes. 919 00:41:42,233 --> 00:41:44,634 Number two, did that touching 920 00:41:44,636 --> 00:41:47,403 Cause the death of rebecca zahau? 921 00:41:47,405 --> 00:41:49,705 The answer is yes. 922 00:41:49,707 --> 00:41:53,676 - Yes, meaning that the jury found adam shacknai 923 00:41:53,678 --> 00:41:56,879 Responsible for rebecca zahau's death. 924 00:41:56,881 --> 00:41:59,716 - I just broke down. 925 00:41:59,718 --> 00:42:04,921 I was just like, okay, I'm not crazy. 926 00:42:04,923 --> 00:42:06,789 I'm not the only one who believes 927 00:42:06,791 --> 00:42:09,058 That adam murdered my sister. 928 00:42:09,060 --> 00:42:11,527 - That's not quite what the jury said. 929 00:42:11,529 --> 00:42:13,997 Finding someone liable in a civil case 930 00:42:13,999 --> 00:42:17,433 Is not the same as finding them guilty of murder. 931 00:42:17,435 --> 00:42:19,535 What's more, the verdict in this case 932 00:42:19,537 --> 00:42:22,672 Did not have to be unanimous, and it wasn't. 933 00:42:22,674 --> 00:42:25,474 Nine jurors found adam responsible. 934 00:42:25,476 --> 00:42:27,209 Three did not. 935 00:42:27,211 --> 00:42:31,213 The jury did award the zahau family $5 million. 936 00:42:31,215 --> 00:42:32,748 Courtrooms are supposed to be a place 937 00:42:32,750 --> 00:42:36,018 Where justice is dispensed. 938 00:42:36,020 --> 00:42:38,421 Was this about justice? - No, it wasn't. 939 00:42:38,423 --> 00:42:40,557 - Since this wasn't a criminal case, 940 00:42:40,559 --> 00:42:42,158 Adam didn't go to jail. 941 00:42:42,160 --> 00:42:44,927 He returned home to tennessee and filed a motion 942 00:42:44,929 --> 00:42:46,162 For a new trial, 943 00:42:46,164 --> 00:42:49,766 Which was denied in January 2019. 944 00:42:49,768 --> 00:42:52,301 Then, in February, adam's insurance company 945 00:42:52,303 --> 00:42:57,106 And rebecca's family reached a settlement of $600,000, 946 00:42:57,108 --> 00:42:59,175 And the case was dismissed. 947 00:42:59,177 --> 00:43:01,511 After the civil trial, the sheriff's department 948 00:43:01,513 --> 00:43:04,047 Took a fresh look at rebecca's death. 949 00:43:04,049 --> 00:43:07,516 Eight months later, that review also concluded 950 00:43:07,518 --> 00:43:10,553 That rebecca died by suicide. 951 00:43:10,555 --> 00:43:13,923 Dina shacknai would like to see authorities reinvestigate 952 00:43:13,925 --> 00:43:15,891 Her son's case. 953 00:43:15,893 --> 00:43:18,427 Do you think they will reinvestigate max's death? 954 00:43:18,429 --> 00:43:20,597 - I think it's the right thing to do. 955 00:43:20,599 --> 00:43:22,832 Do I think it will happen? 956 00:43:22,834 --> 00:43:25,401 I really don't know. 957 00:43:25,403 --> 00:43:28,938 - How does a mother ever truly accept the tragic loss 958 00:43:28,940 --> 00:43:30,973 Of a child? 959 00:43:30,975 --> 00:43:34,210 The ripples keep on spreading to this day 960 00:43:34,212 --> 00:43:38,047 In a place where nothing bad was supposed to happen. 961 00:43:42,587 --> 00:43:45,822 - That's all for this edition of "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 962 00:43:45,824 --> 00:43:47,890 I'm craig melvin. 963 00:43:47,892 --> 00:43:49,525 Thank you for watching.