1 00:00:13,079 --> 00:00:14,346 - I'm craig melvin, 2 00:00:14,348 --> 00:00:18,050 And this is "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 3 00:00:19,420 --> 00:00:21,319 - Marie is a very loving person. 4 00:00:21,321 --> 00:00:23,889 She had a heart of gold. 5 00:00:23,891 --> 00:00:25,891 What happened to this woman? 6 00:00:25,893 --> 00:00:29,961 My job is to be a truth teller and seek out the truth. 7 00:00:29,963 --> 00:00:31,563 I wanted to solve it. 8 00:00:31,565 --> 00:00:34,633 - Her case was a mystery for years, 9 00:00:34,635 --> 00:00:38,303 The mom with a tender heart and tough as nails career. 10 00:00:38,305 --> 00:00:40,005 - She was part of the sheriff's department. 11 00:00:40,007 --> 00:00:43,075 Her ultimate goal was to try to get into the fbi. 12 00:00:43,077 --> 00:00:46,311 - She had found a new sense of purpose in the church. 13 00:00:46,313 --> 00:00:49,047 Her pastor and his wife like family. 14 00:00:49,049 --> 00:00:51,250 - They had taken her in. They were helping her out. 15 00:00:51,252 --> 00:00:52,417 - I was like, "I'm proud of you." 16 00:00:52,419 --> 00:00:54,519 I go, "you're finding god." 17 00:00:54,521 --> 00:00:58,557 - Then one baffling text, and she was gone. 18 00:00:58,559 --> 00:00:59,991 - I go, "I know I probably watch 19 00:00:59,993 --> 00:01:01,460 "a lot of 'law and order,' 20 00:01:01,462 --> 00:01:04,262 "but I have this really gut feeling." 21 00:01:04,264 --> 00:01:05,597 - Because I was a mom, 22 00:01:05,599 --> 00:01:07,365 I just knew that she didn't leave on her own. 23 00:01:07,367 --> 00:01:10,135 There was no way she left that baby. 24 00:01:10,137 --> 00:01:12,737 - Two moms at opposite ends of a mystery. 25 00:01:12,739 --> 00:01:15,874 Could one get justice for the other? 26 00:01:15,876 --> 00:01:17,375 - This case, for sure, 27 00:01:17,377 --> 00:01:20,212 Was an investigator's worst nightmare. 28 00:01:20,214 --> 00:01:22,714 - Soon, clues to a hidden life. 29 00:01:22,716 --> 00:01:27,119 - A very amorous, romantic, wild relationship. 30 00:01:27,121 --> 00:01:29,688 - It was lustful. Oh, my goodness. 31 00:01:29,690 --> 00:01:32,357 - There were secrets here, deadly ones. 32 00:01:32,359 --> 00:01:34,893 - It hit me hard. I'm like, "no, no, no, no." 33 00:01:34,895 --> 00:01:38,497 - Come to jesus moment. - It was. Yeah. 34 00:01:38,499 --> 00:01:39,965 I was scared to death. 35 00:01:39,967 --> 00:01:47,772 ♪♪ 36 00:01:47,774 --> 00:01:51,643 - Hello and welcome to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 37 00:01:51,645 --> 00:01:55,313 Marie carlson lived her life with gusto. 38 00:01:55,315 --> 00:02:00,652 Her enthusiasm was contagious, but she also battled demons. 39 00:02:00,654 --> 00:02:03,288 The divorced mom was down on her luck 40 00:02:03,290 --> 00:02:07,826 When a pastor and his wife welcomed her into their lives. 41 00:02:07,828 --> 00:02:11,163 Marie seemed to have found salvation. 42 00:02:11,165 --> 00:02:13,866 Then, suddenly, she vanished. 43 00:02:13,868 --> 00:02:17,169 It would take investigators years to untangle 44 00:02:17,171 --> 00:02:22,607 The unholy secrets at the center of this mystery. 45 00:02:22,609 --> 00:02:26,311 Here's keith morrison with "secrets on the emerald coast." 46 00:02:27,981 --> 00:02:30,015 ♪♪ 47 00:02:30,017 --> 00:02:33,051 - How do you catch a dancing sprite? 48 00:02:33,053 --> 00:02:34,553 Do you put her in a bottle? 49 00:02:34,555 --> 00:02:37,689 Can you package the joy she brings? 50 00:02:37,691 --> 00:02:40,292 Can you keep it when she goes? 51 00:02:40,294 --> 00:02:42,761 - She was like a gravitational pull. 52 00:02:42,763 --> 00:02:46,298 - Her name was marie, marie carlson. 53 00:02:46,300 --> 00:02:48,800 - She was, um, magnetic. 54 00:02:48,802 --> 00:02:49,868 - When she was happy, 55 00:02:49,870 --> 00:02:52,304 She could make the whole world sing. 56 00:02:52,306 --> 00:02:54,573 - Live life to the fullest, is what marie would tell me. 57 00:02:54,575 --> 00:02:57,075 You know, you might not have tomorrow. 58 00:02:57,077 --> 00:03:00,045 - And so, she offered herself, her goodness. 59 00:03:00,047 --> 00:03:05,217 Gave her vulnerable heart and stored her secrets until, 60 00:03:05,219 --> 00:03:07,719 Well, what happened. 61 00:03:07,721 --> 00:03:09,988 But she was always that way, was marie, 62 00:03:09,990 --> 00:03:14,326 From the time of the very first secret in her life. 63 00:03:14,328 --> 00:03:16,862 She was born in the philippines to a single mother. 64 00:03:16,864 --> 00:03:20,799 Then taken in by the family of an american serviceman, 65 00:03:20,801 --> 00:03:22,133 And it was years later 66 00:03:22,135 --> 00:03:24,970 When she learned that kind serviceman 67 00:03:24,972 --> 00:03:28,540 Was actually her father, which meant that esta bridges, 68 00:03:28,542 --> 00:03:30,075 The best friend she grew up with, 69 00:03:30,077 --> 00:03:32,811 Was also her sister. 70 00:03:32,813 --> 00:03:34,079 What was that like to find that out, 71 00:03:34,081 --> 00:03:36,748 That she is actually her sister? - I was happy. 72 00:03:36,750 --> 00:03:39,384 I was really happy because I always thought she was 73 00:03:39,386 --> 00:03:41,419 Since we were little girls. 74 00:03:41,421 --> 00:03:44,422 - When they got older, esta and marie moved to florida 75 00:03:44,424 --> 00:03:47,959 And lived together. The location ideal. 76 00:03:47,961 --> 00:03:50,895 - We chose an apartment that was behind a karaoke club. 77 00:03:50,897 --> 00:03:51,930 - Perfect. 78 00:03:51,932 --> 00:03:52,964 - So that we could just go there all the time 79 00:03:52,966 --> 00:03:55,000 Like we were stars. 80 00:03:55,002 --> 00:03:58,637 - And she wore pink, always pink. 81 00:03:58,639 --> 00:04:01,273 - It was her. It was her personality. 82 00:04:01,275 --> 00:04:02,907 It's-it's full of life. 83 00:04:02,909 --> 00:04:05,043 - And always trying to perk up everyone else 84 00:04:05,045 --> 00:04:07,946 With her favorite word, "beautiful." 85 00:04:07,948 --> 00:04:09,448 - It's like, "oh, she's so beautiful. 86 00:04:09,450 --> 00:04:11,716 "you know, I wanna be like her." 87 00:04:11,718 --> 00:04:14,319 But she always used to tell me, "no, you are beautiful." 88 00:04:14,321 --> 00:04:16,255 - She loved that word. 89 00:04:16,257 --> 00:04:19,057 - Kay barber was like a mother to marie. 90 00:04:19,059 --> 00:04:22,494 Hers the second family to take marie in 91 00:04:22,496 --> 00:04:24,996 When she was 18 and struggling. 92 00:04:24,998 --> 00:04:29,200 - Marie's nickname that I gave her, uh, was rosie 93 00:04:29,202 --> 00:04:33,171 Because she was always just, you know, peachy, 94 00:04:33,173 --> 00:04:34,806 And rosy, and happy. 95 00:04:34,808 --> 00:04:39,711 - Like she was when she met jeff carlson, and he fell hard. 96 00:04:39,713 --> 00:04:42,881 - And it was, like, instant. [snaps] 97 00:04:42,883 --> 00:04:45,751 - So, the married and they had a daughter named paris, 98 00:04:45,753 --> 00:04:48,787 And they thought their life together would be grand. 99 00:04:48,789 --> 00:04:51,423 Marie got a college degree in criminal justice-- 100 00:04:51,425 --> 00:04:53,725 Became a deputy sheriff. 101 00:04:53,727 --> 00:04:57,729 - Her ultimate goal was to try to get into the fbi. 102 00:04:57,731 --> 00:04:59,731 - But then, for all the love between them, 103 00:04:59,733 --> 00:05:01,299 There were issues. 104 00:05:01,301 --> 00:05:03,968 Jeff learned there were more secrets, 105 00:05:03,970 --> 00:05:07,639 That as a girl, marie had been sexually assaulted, 106 00:05:07,641 --> 00:05:10,308 And sometimes her love and joy 107 00:05:10,310 --> 00:05:12,777 Were chased into a darker place. 108 00:05:12,779 --> 00:05:16,147 - The biggest issue was she didn't love herself. 109 00:05:16,149 --> 00:05:19,651 - They tried, but the marriage didn't last. 110 00:05:19,653 --> 00:05:22,387 And after that, marie drifted a little. 111 00:05:22,389 --> 00:05:25,623 Jobs fell through. She had to move frequently. 112 00:05:25,625 --> 00:05:28,060 Jeff suggested paris, then three, 113 00:05:28,062 --> 00:05:30,428 Would have a more stable life with him. 114 00:05:30,430 --> 00:05:32,197 - She fought it initially, but she agreed that 115 00:05:32,199 --> 00:05:36,534 It was probably for the best. Um, so, paris was with me. 116 00:05:36,536 --> 00:05:40,839 - Though she saw paris often and called all the time. 117 00:05:40,841 --> 00:05:44,576 And then marie finally found what her vulnerable, 118 00:05:44,578 --> 00:05:47,245 Loving soul seemed to need. 119 00:05:47,247 --> 00:05:50,749 - I was actually happy for her because she found god. 120 00:05:50,751 --> 00:05:52,817 - Marie had found a spiritual home 121 00:05:52,819 --> 00:05:55,954 At the calvary emerald coast church. 122 00:05:55,956 --> 00:05:57,655 It was hardly a fancy cathedral. 123 00:05:57,657 --> 00:06:01,092 The place was in a strip mall, but fancy wasn't the point. 124 00:06:01,094 --> 00:06:02,894 Salvation was. 125 00:06:02,896 --> 00:06:05,897 Here, finally, marie felt right. 126 00:06:05,899 --> 00:06:07,232 - And jesus is saying, "you know what? 127 00:06:07,234 --> 00:06:08,466 "you're missin' out." 128 00:06:08,468 --> 00:06:11,503 - The pastor was a charismatic man named james flanders, 129 00:06:11,505 --> 00:06:13,572 Who preached the bible four square, 130 00:06:13,574 --> 00:06:15,707 Preached in jeans and sneakers, 131 00:06:15,709 --> 00:06:18,743 Live streamed and youtubed his sermons. 132 00:06:18,745 --> 00:06:20,612 - It was a very happening place. 133 00:06:20,614 --> 00:06:22,914 - Jason anderson was the youth pastor. 134 00:06:22,916 --> 00:06:24,783 - They didn't fall asleep listening to his sermons. 135 00:06:24,785 --> 00:06:26,518 [laughter] 136 00:06:26,520 --> 00:06:28,720 - But more than that, the pastor and his wife, 137 00:06:28,722 --> 00:06:32,357 James and tanya flanders, were known for their big hearts, 138 00:06:32,359 --> 00:06:36,861 Their charity, and that's when, for a third time, 139 00:06:36,863 --> 00:06:39,030 A family took in marie. 140 00:06:39,032 --> 00:06:40,365 - She is saying that she was there 141 00:06:40,367 --> 00:06:42,667 Until she got on her feet. 142 00:06:42,669 --> 00:06:47,472 - But a whole year went by, and then what was coming 143 00:06:47,474 --> 00:06:49,174 Couldn't be hidden. 144 00:06:49,176 --> 00:06:51,075 The story floating around? 145 00:06:51,077 --> 00:06:52,811 There had been an abusive boyfriend 146 00:06:52,813 --> 00:06:56,681 Who abandoned her and left her pregnant. 147 00:06:56,683 --> 00:07:01,286 And in July 2011, marie gave birth to a baby girl 148 00:07:01,288 --> 00:07:03,588 And named her grace. 149 00:07:03,590 --> 00:07:06,825 The pastor and his wife took care of both of them. 150 00:07:06,827 --> 00:07:09,628 - It was explained to me that they were helping her out, 151 00:07:09,630 --> 00:07:12,096 That she was kinda down on her luck. 152 00:07:12,098 --> 00:07:17,435 - She was, by all appearances, saved, spiritually by faith 153 00:07:17,437 --> 00:07:21,373 And practically by the pastor and his wife. 154 00:07:21,375 --> 00:07:23,608 So, imagine the surprise 155 00:07:23,610 --> 00:07:26,377 When a strange group text message popped up 156 00:07:26,379 --> 00:07:29,314 On the phones of her family and friends. 157 00:07:29,316 --> 00:07:32,584 Can you still remember the words of that mass text? 158 00:07:32,586 --> 00:07:36,554 - She said that yesterday she left fort walton beach 159 00:07:36,556 --> 00:07:39,124 To do somethin' that she'd always wanted to do. 160 00:07:39,126 --> 00:07:40,692 She didn't want us to try to stop her. 161 00:07:40,694 --> 00:07:41,626 Her last words was, 162 00:07:41,628 --> 00:07:44,329 "I love and appreciate you all." 163 00:07:44,331 --> 00:07:46,264 - But the biggest surprise? 164 00:07:46,266 --> 00:07:49,267 Marie did not take her three-month-old baby. 165 00:07:49,269 --> 00:07:52,704 She left grace behind with the pastor and his wife, 166 00:07:52,706 --> 00:07:54,439 And, right away, her sister, esta, 167 00:07:54,441 --> 00:07:57,409 Sensed that something wasn't right. 168 00:07:57,411 --> 00:07:58,843 She called her family. 169 00:07:58,845 --> 00:08:00,345 - I go, "I know I probably watch 170 00:08:00,347 --> 00:08:01,813 "a lot of 'law and order,' 171 00:08:01,815 --> 00:08:04,082 "but can you find out what's going on 172 00:08:04,084 --> 00:08:06,618 "because I-I have this really gut feeling?" 173 00:08:06,620 --> 00:08:07,752 And she's like, 174 00:08:07,754 --> 00:08:09,220 "oh, you watch too many of those kinda shows." 175 00:08:09,222 --> 00:08:12,690 I'm like, "no, this is different." 176 00:08:12,692 --> 00:08:15,960 - It was the fall of 2011, the very same time 177 00:08:15,962 --> 00:08:18,363 That a detective named nesli suhi-moore 178 00:08:18,365 --> 00:08:21,966 Became a mother, a fact which, as you will see, 179 00:08:21,968 --> 00:08:24,469 May have made all the difference. 180 00:08:24,471 --> 00:08:26,771 - You get a better understanding of what it's like 181 00:08:26,773 --> 00:08:31,576 To love somebody to the end of the world and back. 182 00:08:31,578 --> 00:08:34,112 - It was almost like fate intended to 183 00:08:34,114 --> 00:08:37,649 Tie these two together in a mystery of love, 184 00:08:37,651 --> 00:08:41,953 And lies, and loss. 185 00:08:41,955 --> 00:08:43,455 - Coming up... 186 00:08:43,457 --> 00:08:46,124 Where had marie carlson gone? 187 00:08:46,126 --> 00:08:48,493 The detective with a new baby at home 188 00:08:48,495 --> 00:08:50,228 Dives into the mystery. 189 00:08:50,230 --> 00:08:52,997 - The investigator said, "we're gonna open a case," 190 00:08:52,999 --> 00:08:54,132 Which surprised me. 191 00:08:54,134 --> 00:08:55,734 - I just knew that she didn't leave on her own. 192 00:08:55,736 --> 00:08:58,870 There was no way she left that baby. 193 00:08:58,872 --> 00:09:02,073 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 194 00:09:04,877 --> 00:09:10,815 ♪♪ 195 00:09:10,817 --> 00:09:13,318 - Marie carlson had notified family and friends 196 00:09:13,320 --> 00:09:15,320 She was leaving fort walton beach, 197 00:09:15,322 --> 00:09:19,190 And nobody could figure out why or where she went, 198 00:09:19,192 --> 00:09:21,359 And this was very strange. 199 00:09:21,361 --> 00:09:23,161 She left her three-month-old baby 200 00:09:23,163 --> 00:09:25,830 In the care of her pastor, james flanders, 201 00:09:25,832 --> 00:09:29,634 And his wife, tanya, and not her family, 202 00:09:29,636 --> 00:09:32,036 Not the woman she looked to as a mother figure, 203 00:09:32,038 --> 00:09:33,605 Kay barber. 204 00:09:33,607 --> 00:09:36,407 - It was heartbreaking. It was heartbreaking. 205 00:09:36,409 --> 00:09:38,977 - Marie's ex-husband, jeff carlson, got the text, too. 206 00:09:38,979 --> 00:09:41,646 Didn't make sense to him that she'd leave without calling 207 00:09:41,648 --> 00:09:43,782 Her seven-year-old daughter, paris. 208 00:09:43,784 --> 00:09:47,252 Kay called jeff and said he should file a report. 209 00:09:47,254 --> 00:09:49,053 - And she said, "I-I don't know what's goin' on, 210 00:09:49,055 --> 00:09:50,722 "but I-I think somethin' happened," 211 00:09:50,724 --> 00:09:52,690 And I said, "yeah, I agree with ya." 212 00:09:52,692 --> 00:09:53,591 - And then jeff called 213 00:09:53,593 --> 00:09:55,393 The okaloosa county sheriff's office 214 00:09:55,395 --> 00:09:57,228 To report marie missing. 215 00:09:57,230 --> 00:09:59,664 - The investigator said, "we're gonna open a case, 216 00:09:59,666 --> 00:10:02,734 An investigation on this," which surprised me 217 00:10:02,736 --> 00:10:06,871 Because she's an adult. She could've just left. 218 00:10:06,873 --> 00:10:11,276 - Because marie was adventurous, she liked to travel, 219 00:10:11,278 --> 00:10:13,911 And when the mood struck her, sometimes she just took off 220 00:10:13,913 --> 00:10:16,214 For a few days on some whim, 221 00:10:16,216 --> 00:10:18,416 But something seemed different this time. 222 00:10:18,418 --> 00:10:23,221 - She would never have left without talkin' to me about it 223 00:10:23,223 --> 00:10:25,123 And talkin' to paris. 224 00:10:25,125 --> 00:10:26,891 - She'd been gone a week when the sheriff asked 225 00:10:26,893 --> 00:10:30,095 Detective keith matz to look into it. 226 00:10:30,097 --> 00:10:34,298 That text message, something off, said her family. 227 00:10:34,300 --> 00:10:36,100 - This doesn't sound like marie. 228 00:10:36,102 --> 00:10:37,969 - Huh. So, when you go that one, 229 00:10:37,971 --> 00:10:40,104 The antenna must have gone up, huh? 230 00:10:40,106 --> 00:10:42,440 - The antennas did go up. 231 00:10:42,442 --> 00:10:45,009 - Detective nesli suhi-moore didn't hear about 232 00:10:45,011 --> 00:10:47,945 The case then because... 233 00:10:47,947 --> 00:10:49,013 - 'cause I was on leave. 234 00:10:49,015 --> 00:10:51,049 - On maternity leave. - Correct. 235 00:10:51,051 --> 00:10:53,051 So-- and I came back, uh, 236 00:10:53,053 --> 00:10:56,254 Two weeks after she was initially reported missing. 237 00:10:56,256 --> 00:10:59,290 - And that's when nesli heard from other detectives 238 00:10:59,292 --> 00:11:02,126 About the case keith was working on. 239 00:11:02,128 --> 00:11:05,029 - Poor keith had no idea that I was gonna come 240 00:11:05,031 --> 00:11:06,398 Bully my way into that investigation. 241 00:11:06,400 --> 00:11:07,332 - Hmm. 242 00:11:07,334 --> 00:11:08,399 And why did you wanna bully your way 243 00:11:08,401 --> 00:11:09,600 Into the investigation? 244 00:11:09,602 --> 00:11:12,136 - I think the connection of just having a child. 245 00:11:12,138 --> 00:11:14,105 I just knew that she didn't leave on her own. 246 00:11:14,107 --> 00:11:17,075 - So, here they were, partners, the young detective, 247 00:11:17,077 --> 00:11:19,344 Who happened to be a brand-new mother, 248 00:11:19,346 --> 00:11:22,246 And the veteran who'd seen just about everything 249 00:11:22,248 --> 00:11:24,416 And who soon learned from friends and family 250 00:11:24,418 --> 00:11:26,551 That marie was deeply attached to 251 00:11:26,553 --> 00:11:28,553 Both her daughters. 252 00:11:28,555 --> 00:11:32,657 - She had a heart of gold and loved her paris 253 00:11:32,659 --> 00:11:34,159 More than anything in the world. 254 00:11:34,161 --> 00:11:35,359 - Mm-hmm. 255 00:11:35,361 --> 00:11:38,930 - Enough to be able to let paris go live with jeff 256 00:11:38,932 --> 00:11:41,699 So that she could have a stable life. 257 00:11:41,701 --> 00:11:42,900 - Sure. 258 00:11:42,902 --> 00:11:45,637 - To me, it was a sacrifice on her end as a mother. 259 00:11:45,639 --> 00:11:47,839 - But what happened in her life, 260 00:11:47,841 --> 00:11:51,042 And how did she end up with another baby? 261 00:11:51,044 --> 00:11:53,111 From esta, the detectives learned about the divorce 262 00:11:53,113 --> 00:11:54,946 And how marie had lost her job 263 00:11:54,948 --> 00:11:58,816 And how the pastor and his wife offered her a place to stay. 264 00:11:58,818 --> 00:12:01,619 But the questions about baby grace? 265 00:12:01,621 --> 00:12:04,655 Esta said her relationship with marie was always supportive 266 00:12:04,657 --> 00:12:05,990 And not judgmental, 267 00:12:05,992 --> 00:12:08,860 And when marie didn't tell her who the father was, 268 00:12:08,862 --> 00:12:10,462 She didn't push the subject. 269 00:12:10,464 --> 00:12:12,063 - I've never questioned her. - Uh-huh. 270 00:12:12,065 --> 00:12:16,468 - Because marie will tell me in her own time 271 00:12:16,470 --> 00:12:17,669 If she wants to tell me. 272 00:12:17,671 --> 00:12:20,739 I've learned, with my sister, I never pry. 273 00:12:20,741 --> 00:12:22,940 - But that was the job of the detectives, 274 00:12:22,942 --> 00:12:27,245 Nesli and keith, to pry and hopefully to find marie. 275 00:12:27,247 --> 00:12:30,481 One of their first calls was on her church pastor, 276 00:12:30,483 --> 00:12:32,950 James flanders, and his wife. 277 00:12:32,952 --> 00:12:35,019 Impressive guy they discovered. 278 00:12:35,021 --> 00:12:38,089 James flanders-- what was he like? 279 00:12:38,091 --> 00:12:40,825 - Very charismatic, um, 280 00:12:40,827 --> 00:12:42,627 I-I would say he was good at his job. 281 00:12:42,629 --> 00:12:45,630 - Wonder what it would be like to listen to him preach. 282 00:12:45,632 --> 00:12:49,300 - You can youtube him. - Yes, you can. 283 00:12:49,302 --> 00:12:53,371 - We all, at times, forget the promises of god's word. 284 00:12:53,373 --> 00:12:56,508 - The pastor grew the calvary emerald coast church 285 00:12:56,510 --> 00:12:59,777 From scratch, spread it through youtube, 286 00:12:59,779 --> 00:13:01,679 And by the time marie began attending, 287 00:13:01,681 --> 00:13:03,715 Every service filled up. 288 00:13:03,717 --> 00:13:06,651 - They were a tight knit family, that church. 289 00:13:06,653 --> 00:13:07,985 - And now, with marie gone, 290 00:13:07,987 --> 00:13:10,254 They were caring for little grace. 291 00:13:10,256 --> 00:13:13,124 So, did the flanders have any idea 292 00:13:13,126 --> 00:13:14,792 What happened to marie? 293 00:13:14,794 --> 00:13:17,996 Perhaps they knew who the father was 294 00:13:17,998 --> 00:13:21,833 And where that abusive boyfriend might be found. 295 00:13:21,835 --> 00:13:26,671 And, oh, yes, there was a story all right. 296 00:13:26,673 --> 00:13:28,606 - Coming up... 297 00:13:28,608 --> 00:13:32,109 Questions mount and leads are running out. 298 00:13:32,111 --> 00:13:34,345 Was time running out, too? 299 00:13:34,347 --> 00:13:37,482 - We searched it, but it was-- there was nothing to search. 300 00:13:37,484 --> 00:13:38,516 It was clean. 301 00:13:38,518 --> 00:13:39,884 This case, for sure, 302 00:13:39,886 --> 00:13:42,386 Was an investigator's worst nightmare. 303 00:13:42,388 --> 00:13:45,757 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 304 00:13:49,027 --> 00:13:54,665 ♪♪ 305 00:13:54,667 --> 00:13:56,167 - The calvary emerald coast church 306 00:13:56,169 --> 00:13:58,502 Of fort walton beach, florida was far more than 307 00:13:58,504 --> 00:14:01,239 Just a place to gather on a Sunday morning. 308 00:14:01,241 --> 00:14:04,308 Led by pastor james flanders and his wife, tanya, 309 00:14:04,310 --> 00:14:07,578 This place was a beacon of charity, too. 310 00:14:07,580 --> 00:14:11,115 The pastor and his church sacrificed their own needs 311 00:14:11,117 --> 00:14:13,985 To send money to the victims of katrina. 312 00:14:13,987 --> 00:14:16,721 And when marie carlson needed help, 313 00:14:16,723 --> 00:14:18,856 They took her in, too. 314 00:14:18,858 --> 00:14:22,460 - It's what pastors do for their congregation. 315 00:14:22,462 --> 00:14:23,728 - But now... 316 00:14:23,730 --> 00:14:25,630 - I'm left with a missing person 317 00:14:25,632 --> 00:14:28,866 Who's just vanished off this earth. 318 00:14:28,868 --> 00:14:30,601 - A week and a half after marie vanished, 319 00:14:30,603 --> 00:14:34,305 Or drove away, or whatever she did, 320 00:14:34,307 --> 00:14:36,807 The detectives went calling on the flanders, 321 00:14:36,809 --> 00:14:41,245 Who said they fully expected marie would return soon. 322 00:14:41,247 --> 00:14:42,347 This wasn't the first time 323 00:14:42,349 --> 00:14:44,548 She took spur of the moment trips, they said. 324 00:14:44,550 --> 00:14:47,018 - Never to the point where she had to be reported 325 00:14:47,020 --> 00:14:49,620 To law enforcement missing, though. 326 00:14:49,622 --> 00:14:50,755 She came back. 327 00:14:50,757 --> 00:14:53,224 - Although, the flanders told detectives 328 00:14:53,226 --> 00:14:56,560 They were quite worried about marie's state of mind. 329 00:14:56,562 --> 00:14:58,896 - They noticed a downward spiral. 330 00:14:58,898 --> 00:15:00,464 - Like she was going into a depression or something. 331 00:15:00,466 --> 00:15:02,634 - She might be going into a depression state. 332 00:15:02,636 --> 00:15:03,668 Yes. 333 00:15:03,670 --> 00:15:06,037 - Thing was, said the pastor and his wife, 334 00:15:06,039 --> 00:15:08,907 Marie could have wild mood swings. 335 00:15:08,909 --> 00:15:11,809 They knew she had a diagnosed mood disorder. 336 00:15:11,811 --> 00:15:13,711 Did they tell you that she was bipolar? 337 00:15:13,713 --> 00:15:15,713 - Yes, told me she was bipolar. 338 00:15:15,715 --> 00:15:17,648 She had been takin' medication 339 00:15:17,650 --> 00:15:19,517 And was off of her medication, 340 00:15:19,519 --> 00:15:23,287 Probably because of her giving birth of the child. 341 00:15:23,289 --> 00:15:26,257 - But there was another prescription bottle, too. 342 00:15:26,259 --> 00:15:29,293 - And then they also showed us a bottle that was empty. 343 00:15:29,295 --> 00:15:31,028 You know, that-- maybe alluding to the fact that 344 00:15:31,030 --> 00:15:34,399 She had taken medication and was gonna use it 345 00:15:34,401 --> 00:15:36,200 To hurt herself. 346 00:15:36,202 --> 00:15:39,203 - The day she left, james told detectives he was so worried 347 00:15:39,205 --> 00:15:41,305 About her state of mind he stayed home from work 348 00:15:41,307 --> 00:15:42,773 To keep an eye on her. 349 00:15:42,775 --> 00:15:44,676 - James says that she was acting up, 350 00:15:44,678 --> 00:15:47,578 And he didn't wanna let marie take the baby. 351 00:15:47,580 --> 00:15:49,313 - He was afraid the baby might be harmed or something. 352 00:15:49,315 --> 00:15:51,582 - Right. 353 00:15:51,584 --> 00:15:54,285 - Then, late that afternoon, said pastor james, 354 00:15:54,287 --> 00:15:58,022 Marie said she was tired, went to lie down. 355 00:15:58,024 --> 00:16:02,026 Tanya took the baby out shopping so marie could rest. 356 00:16:02,028 --> 00:16:04,562 The pastor said he waited around for a bit, 357 00:16:04,564 --> 00:16:06,397 Talked to her briefly when she woke up, 358 00:16:06,399 --> 00:16:09,967 And then went out for a run, and when he returned, 359 00:16:09,969 --> 00:16:13,971 Marie and her white mazda pickup truck were gone. 360 00:16:13,973 --> 00:16:15,907 Strangely, the flanders said, 361 00:16:15,909 --> 00:16:19,643 Marie had packed her bags but didn't take them. 362 00:16:19,645 --> 00:16:23,080 - Why would she take off and not take her bags with her? 363 00:16:23,082 --> 00:16:25,650 - Anyway, said the flanders, when she didn't come back 364 00:16:25,652 --> 00:16:26,951 That day or the next, 365 00:16:26,953 --> 00:16:29,453 They drove around town looking for her. 366 00:16:29,455 --> 00:16:30,588 Went to the airport. 367 00:16:30,590 --> 00:16:34,592 Maybe she'd parked her car there and flown away. 368 00:16:34,594 --> 00:16:36,594 Did they find it? - They did. 369 00:16:36,596 --> 00:16:39,663 James says that he finds it in long term parking. 370 00:16:39,665 --> 00:16:41,999 - At least part of the mystery was solved, 371 00:16:42,001 --> 00:16:43,200 Said the pastor. 372 00:16:43,202 --> 00:16:46,404 She must have flown off to visit someone. 373 00:16:46,406 --> 00:16:48,873 They took her pickup home. 374 00:16:48,875 --> 00:16:52,476 So, the mazda-- what did you do about that car 375 00:16:52,478 --> 00:16:53,811 When you got your hands on it? 376 00:16:53,813 --> 00:16:55,413 - We searched it, but it was-- 377 00:16:55,415 --> 00:16:56,714 You know, there was nothing to search. 378 00:16:56,716 --> 00:16:58,149 It was clean. 379 00:16:58,151 --> 00:16:59,817 - They went to the airport. 380 00:16:59,819 --> 00:17:01,552 - We checked the airlines. 381 00:17:01,554 --> 00:17:04,955 There's nothing. She didn't fly out. 382 00:17:04,957 --> 00:17:07,425 - So, why would marie's car be at the airport 383 00:17:07,427 --> 00:17:10,027 If she hadn't flown out of there? 384 00:17:10,029 --> 00:17:12,563 Of course, she could have been trying to hide her tracks 385 00:17:12,565 --> 00:17:15,299 From snoopy friends and family, 386 00:17:15,301 --> 00:17:19,770 Or what if someone else took the car to the airport, 387 00:17:19,772 --> 00:17:23,307 Someone who wanted to make it look like she'd left town? 388 00:17:23,309 --> 00:17:24,909 Rather fishy. 389 00:17:24,911 --> 00:17:26,911 Then the detectives had an idea. 390 00:17:26,913 --> 00:17:28,780 You know the machine that spits out tickets 391 00:17:28,782 --> 00:17:31,248 When you enter an airport parking lot? 392 00:17:31,250 --> 00:17:35,186 That very ticket goes back to the tollbooth when you leave. 393 00:17:35,188 --> 00:17:37,989 - Keith and I went to the little tollbooth 394 00:17:37,991 --> 00:17:39,991 Where you give their-- your ticket. 395 00:17:39,993 --> 00:17:42,660 - Maybe, thought the detectives, the parking ticket for 396 00:17:42,662 --> 00:17:44,862 Marie's mazda would tell them not just when it 397 00:17:44,864 --> 00:17:48,065 Was dropped off but a more important question. 398 00:17:48,067 --> 00:17:49,867 By whom? 399 00:17:49,869 --> 00:17:52,403 - We were thinking, let's get a-a thumbprint 400 00:17:52,405 --> 00:17:56,073 Or a fingerprint and went through every single one of them 401 00:17:56,075 --> 00:18:00,511 Until we found the one that marie's car had received. 402 00:18:00,513 --> 00:18:03,981 - And, yes, they got a print, but, no, 403 00:18:03,983 --> 00:18:07,585 It wasn't clear enough to tell whose it was. 404 00:18:07,587 --> 00:18:09,954 Then another thought. 405 00:18:09,956 --> 00:18:12,623 - Hey, let's go pull surveillance video and, 406 00:18:12,625 --> 00:18:13,991 Of course... 407 00:18:13,993 --> 00:18:14,925 - You looked at all of it. 408 00:18:14,927 --> 00:18:16,527 - Well, no, the video didn't work. 409 00:18:16,529 --> 00:18:18,262 It wasn't working during the time that we needed. 410 00:18:18,264 --> 00:18:19,763 - Oh. 411 00:18:19,765 --> 00:18:21,565 - This case, for sure, 412 00:18:21,567 --> 00:18:23,634 Was an investigator's worst nightmare. 413 00:18:23,636 --> 00:18:26,170 - Dead ends everywhere. - Yes. 414 00:18:26,172 --> 00:18:30,908 - And weeks went by-- no sign of marie anywhere. 415 00:18:30,910 --> 00:18:33,077 Time to embrace the thought they'd, frankly, 416 00:18:33,079 --> 00:18:37,181 Had all along, and it wasn't a good one. 417 00:18:37,183 --> 00:18:38,415 - Keith and I both no longer believed 418 00:18:38,417 --> 00:18:40,584 We had a missing person. 419 00:18:40,586 --> 00:18:43,921 We believed we were dealing with a homicide investigation. 420 00:18:43,923 --> 00:18:46,157 But what's the hardest homicide investigation 421 00:18:46,159 --> 00:18:48,959 You can be given? One without a body. 422 00:18:48,961 --> 00:18:50,528 - Yeah. - And we didn't have marie. 423 00:18:53,065 --> 00:18:55,399 - No proof yet that marie had been murdered, 424 00:18:55,401 --> 00:18:57,935 But investigators are about to discover 425 00:18:57,937 --> 00:19:01,139 The new mom was living a lie, 426 00:19:01,141 --> 00:19:04,708 And she was not the only one. 427 00:19:04,710 --> 00:19:05,676 Coming up... 428 00:19:05,678 --> 00:19:08,679 The startling secret that marie kept from 429 00:19:08,681 --> 00:19:10,080 Just about everyone. 430 00:19:10,082 --> 00:19:12,083 - I went up, and I put my hand on her stomach, and I said, 431 00:19:12,085 --> 00:19:14,051 "what's-what's goin' on with this?" 432 00:19:14,053 --> 00:19:17,054 - When "dateline secrets uncovered" continues. 433 00:19:20,091 --> 00:19:24,495 ♪♪ 434 00:19:24,497 --> 00:19:27,231 Welcome back to "dateline secrets uncovered." 435 00:19:27,233 --> 00:19:28,632 I'm craig melvin. 436 00:19:28,634 --> 00:19:30,367 Marie carlson had been living with 437 00:19:30,369 --> 00:19:32,736 Her church pastor and his wife. 438 00:19:32,738 --> 00:19:37,107 Then the couple told police marie packed her bags 439 00:19:37,109 --> 00:19:39,009 But left without them. 440 00:19:39,011 --> 00:19:42,313 She left her infant daughter behind, too. 441 00:19:42,315 --> 00:19:44,348 Detectives were short on clues, 442 00:19:44,350 --> 00:19:47,585 But then the church congregation 443 00:19:47,587 --> 00:19:49,853 Started to whisper. 444 00:19:49,855 --> 00:19:51,722 There were secrets, they said, 445 00:19:51,724 --> 00:19:53,858 But were they just rumors, 446 00:19:53,860 --> 00:19:57,862 Or did someone have a confession to make? 447 00:19:57,864 --> 00:19:59,029 Back to keith morrison 448 00:19:59,031 --> 00:20:02,400 With "secrets on the emerald coast." 449 00:20:02,402 --> 00:20:04,669 - What a nest of puzzles. 450 00:20:04,671 --> 00:20:06,404 What happened to marie carlson? 451 00:20:06,406 --> 00:20:09,840 Where did she go, or did she go anywhere? 452 00:20:09,842 --> 00:20:13,477 And what about grace, the baby she'd left behind? 453 00:20:13,479 --> 00:20:16,680 Who, for example, was the father? 454 00:20:16,682 --> 00:20:19,049 Churches tend to be beehives of gossip, 455 00:20:19,051 --> 00:20:21,052 So the detectives asked around. 456 00:20:27,159 --> 00:20:30,127 This is a member of the calvary emerald coast church. 457 00:20:36,703 --> 00:20:39,503 In other words, she was going to have an abortion, 458 00:20:39,505 --> 00:20:41,071 But pastor flanders and his wife 459 00:20:41,073 --> 00:20:42,974 Had strong views about abortion, 460 00:20:42,976 --> 00:20:46,644 And when they discovered her situation, 461 00:20:46,646 --> 00:20:48,713 They offered to help solve her dilemma. 462 00:20:51,117 --> 00:20:52,783 The flanders had an older daughter, 463 00:20:52,785 --> 00:20:54,451 Always wanted another child, 464 00:20:54,453 --> 00:20:58,022 But one miscarriage after another. 465 00:20:58,024 --> 00:21:01,392 And so, as this church elder told the detectives, 466 00:21:01,394 --> 00:21:05,229 The pastor and his wife came to an arrangement with marie. 467 00:21:20,012 --> 00:21:22,313 - A gift? Maybe. 468 00:21:22,315 --> 00:21:25,015 It was just like marie to be generous toward 469 00:21:25,017 --> 00:21:27,952 The couple who'd been so good to her. 470 00:21:27,954 --> 00:21:29,787 But to skeptical detectives, 471 00:21:29,789 --> 00:21:32,056 Especially this brand-new mother, 472 00:21:32,058 --> 00:21:35,626 Something about the story didn't sound quite right. 473 00:21:35,628 --> 00:21:37,795 The father, for example. 474 00:21:37,797 --> 00:21:41,765 In fact, the alleged abusive guy didn't seem to exist, 475 00:21:41,767 --> 00:21:44,735 But then they talked to ex-husband, jeff, 476 00:21:44,737 --> 00:21:48,439 And the story he heard completely different, 477 00:21:48,441 --> 00:21:50,774 And it came directly from marie when she came to 478 00:21:50,776 --> 00:21:53,777 Visit jeff shortly after she got pregnant. 479 00:21:53,779 --> 00:21:55,312 - Put my hand on her stomach and I said, 480 00:21:55,314 --> 00:21:57,381 "what's-what's goin' on with this?" 481 00:21:57,383 --> 00:22:00,050 And she wasn't really showing, and, uh, her story 482 00:22:00,052 --> 00:22:02,486 At that time was, "well, I'm just being a surrogate 483 00:22:02,488 --> 00:22:04,621 "for james and tanya, so we did basically 484 00:22:04,623 --> 00:22:07,524 "a type of artificial insemination." 485 00:22:07,526 --> 00:22:11,595 - Well, well, well, the pastor was the sperm donor. 486 00:22:11,597 --> 00:22:14,665 In this new story, marie's gift was to be 487 00:22:14,667 --> 00:22:18,268 The pastor's artificially inseminated surrogate, 488 00:22:18,270 --> 00:22:20,671 But why the conflicting stories? 489 00:22:20,673 --> 00:22:22,339 To find out, the detectives consulted 490 00:22:22,341 --> 00:22:25,142 Three special church ladies, 491 00:22:25,144 --> 00:22:27,878 Tanya flanders' closest confidantes. 492 00:22:27,880 --> 00:22:29,480 Did you have a name for this group? 493 00:22:29,482 --> 00:22:31,482 - We called then the inner circle. 494 00:22:31,484 --> 00:22:33,951 - And the inner circle said, yes, 495 00:22:33,953 --> 00:22:37,488 Tanya told them, but swore them to secrecy, 496 00:22:37,490 --> 00:22:40,557 But then tanya gave up a little more. 497 00:22:40,559 --> 00:22:43,728 The method was very homemade. 498 00:22:53,606 --> 00:22:55,973 Wait. At that point? 499 00:22:55,975 --> 00:22:58,675 Yes, because tanya couldn't just 500 00:22:58,677 --> 00:23:00,310 Leave it there. 501 00:23:00,312 --> 00:23:03,981 The next time, she admitted something very, very shocking. 502 00:23:09,522 --> 00:23:11,655 James and marie had sex, 503 00:23:11,657 --> 00:23:15,759 Which tanya told the ladies was okay with her. 504 00:23:15,761 --> 00:23:18,061 And as months passed and marie started showing, 505 00:23:18,063 --> 00:23:20,697 There was a baby shower, 506 00:23:20,699 --> 00:23:22,867 But, oh, no, not for marie. 507 00:23:22,869 --> 00:23:26,003 This baby shower was for tanya. 508 00:23:26,005 --> 00:23:27,271 She put a balloon under her shirt 509 00:23:27,273 --> 00:23:28,705 For a funny photo with marie, 510 00:23:28,707 --> 00:23:31,942 But something here didn't seem quite right. 511 00:23:31,944 --> 00:23:34,044 The inner circle had to keep their secret. 512 00:23:34,046 --> 00:23:36,614 If the story got out, it could threaten 513 00:23:36,616 --> 00:23:39,150 Everything she and the pastor had built. 514 00:23:39,152 --> 00:23:42,486 And as it got more, and more, and more 515 00:23:42,488 --> 00:23:44,755 Into weird stuff... [chuckles] 516 00:23:44,757 --> 00:23:47,357 It was just that the stakes got higher. 517 00:23:47,359 --> 00:23:48,559 - Yeah. - That's right. 518 00:23:48,561 --> 00:23:51,295 Imagine the secrecy that, uh, the inner circle that 519 00:23:51,297 --> 00:23:54,498 Tanya actually told the truth to, 520 00:23:54,500 --> 00:23:56,233 That it's james' baby. 521 00:23:56,235 --> 00:24:00,371 - But no room for secrets in an official investigation. 522 00:24:00,373 --> 00:24:02,840 The detectives invited james and tanya to 523 00:24:02,842 --> 00:24:05,676 Voluntarily come in for a chat, 524 00:24:05,678 --> 00:24:08,479 But only tanya showed up, 525 00:24:08,481 --> 00:24:11,448 And here, in this little room at the sheriff's office, 526 00:24:11,450 --> 00:24:14,251 She let it all come out about that night 527 00:24:14,253 --> 00:24:18,155 Of sake and sex when grace was conceived. 528 00:24:19,391 --> 00:24:21,058 - Wait. I mean-- I mean-- 529 00:24:24,763 --> 00:24:26,864 - Yes, in the room. 530 00:24:26,866 --> 00:24:29,333 But, of course, she was, said tanya. 531 00:24:29,335 --> 00:24:32,202 And almost casually, she revealed the heresy that, 532 00:24:32,204 --> 00:24:34,938 Should it ever become public, would surely ruin them. 533 00:24:34,940 --> 00:24:39,209 - Marie was gonna move in and she was gonna be number two. 534 00:24:39,211 --> 00:24:40,811 - A plural wife or whatever you call them. 535 00:24:40,813 --> 00:24:42,946 - Yes, a sister wife. I think. 536 00:24:42,948 --> 00:24:45,616 - Plural marriage. It was, in short, 537 00:24:45,618 --> 00:24:49,353 Polygamy or their homegrown version of it. 538 00:24:49,355 --> 00:24:50,387 Tanya told detectives 539 00:24:50,389 --> 00:24:52,423 She understood the bargain very well. 540 00:25:03,869 --> 00:25:06,637 A very secret bonus, of course, 541 00:25:06,639 --> 00:25:08,973 Kept from almost everyone. 542 00:25:08,975 --> 00:25:11,308 But inside the bubble of their relationship, 543 00:25:11,310 --> 00:25:13,677 Tanya said, they were happy. 544 00:25:28,461 --> 00:25:31,795 But then-then marie gave birth, 545 00:25:31,797 --> 00:25:34,064 And it wasn't cool for marie, 546 00:25:34,066 --> 00:25:37,234 Not anymore, and certainly not adoption. 547 00:25:42,575 --> 00:25:45,809 So, maybe tanya wouldn't get baby grace. 548 00:25:45,811 --> 00:25:49,880 Maybe marie wanted it all, the baby and james, 549 00:25:49,882 --> 00:25:52,082 All for herself. 550 00:25:52,084 --> 00:25:54,752 That's what this member of the inner circle believed. 551 00:26:01,561 --> 00:26:04,194 - Did tanya strike back somehow? 552 00:26:04,196 --> 00:26:07,264 Fight for her marriage by getting rid of marie? 553 00:26:07,266 --> 00:26:10,134 Listen to how church members quoted tanya's words. 554 00:26:23,182 --> 00:26:25,415 So, wouldn't that lead you like a bloodhound 555 00:26:25,417 --> 00:26:27,051 Direct to tanya? 556 00:26:27,053 --> 00:26:28,785 She certainly would have a motive. 557 00:26:28,787 --> 00:26:29,920 - She would. 558 00:26:29,922 --> 00:26:34,658 - Tanya now the only mother figure in grace's life. 559 00:26:34,660 --> 00:26:37,728 Did she know more than she was saying? 560 00:26:37,730 --> 00:26:39,430 Did she do something? 561 00:26:41,467 --> 00:26:42,866 - Coming up... 562 00:26:42,868 --> 00:26:46,136 A confrontation in the congregation. 563 00:26:46,138 --> 00:26:47,738 - This is a, forgive my saying, 564 00:26:47,740 --> 00:26:49,006 Come to jesus moment. 565 00:26:49,008 --> 00:26:50,941 - It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. 566 00:26:50,943 --> 00:26:55,879 - And divine intervention-- a sudden earthshaking tip. 567 00:26:55,881 --> 00:26:59,850 - I can remember getting that tip and thinking, "no way." 568 00:26:59,852 --> 00:27:02,620 - When "dateline secrets uncovered" continues. 569 00:27:05,623 --> 00:27:10,794 ♪♪ 570 00:27:10,796 --> 00:27:11,762 - Jesus is saying you need to learn 571 00:27:11,764 --> 00:27:13,163 To really think different. 572 00:27:13,165 --> 00:27:14,831 - An attentive churchgoer might have noticed 573 00:27:14,833 --> 00:27:18,001 The intrusion of an odd idea in one of the sermons 574 00:27:18,003 --> 00:27:19,637 Of pastor james flanders. 575 00:27:19,639 --> 00:27:21,238 - What do you think we'd experience? 576 00:27:21,240 --> 00:27:23,840 - When he mentioned a couple of verses in the old testament 577 00:27:23,842 --> 00:27:27,611 That seemed to approve somehow of polygamy. 578 00:27:27,613 --> 00:27:31,782 - He wanted to justify his relationship to everybody else 579 00:27:31,784 --> 00:27:33,316 Through a biblical sense. 580 00:27:33,318 --> 00:27:34,785 - So, he went with the old testament 581 00:27:34,787 --> 00:27:38,589 And-and pulled up those few lines that suggest polygamy. 582 00:27:38,591 --> 00:27:39,856 - That's correct. 583 00:27:39,858 --> 00:27:41,358 - A trial balloon? 584 00:27:41,360 --> 00:27:43,393 If it was, it quickly imploded, 585 00:27:43,395 --> 00:27:45,862 And the very practical polygamy in the home 586 00:27:45,864 --> 00:27:48,799 Of the pastor stayed carefully under wraps. 587 00:27:48,801 --> 00:27:51,068 So, if the news got out to the rest of the church, 588 00:27:51,070 --> 00:27:53,370 Did tanya worry about what might happen there? 589 00:27:53,372 --> 00:27:55,939 - That's what she was covering up. 590 00:27:55,941 --> 00:27:58,308 She had to protect james and protect their-- 591 00:27:58,310 --> 00:27:59,943 That was their world. 592 00:27:59,945 --> 00:28:03,680 - Did she do something to marie to protect james? 593 00:28:03,682 --> 00:28:05,782 Two months after marie disappeared, 594 00:28:05,784 --> 00:28:07,284 The detectives got permission to look at 595 00:28:07,286 --> 00:28:10,320 The cell phone records of all three of them. 596 00:28:10,322 --> 00:28:13,424 Would they prove tanya was with marie when she vanished, 597 00:28:13,426 --> 00:28:16,593 And thus, maybe did something to her? 598 00:28:16,595 --> 00:28:19,496 - Cell phone tower information put her away from the area. 599 00:28:20,966 --> 00:28:24,601 - No, nowhere near marie. 600 00:28:24,603 --> 00:28:27,704 So, then they checked the cell towers for james' phone. 601 00:28:27,706 --> 00:28:29,239 And what do ya know? 602 00:28:29,241 --> 00:28:31,641 When marie sent that mass text message 603 00:28:31,643 --> 00:28:33,710 Saying she was leaving town, 604 00:28:33,712 --> 00:28:37,181 Both her phone and the pastor's were pinging off 605 00:28:37,183 --> 00:28:40,918 The same cell tower two blocks from his house. 606 00:28:40,920 --> 00:28:44,187 And when marie's mazda was dropped at the airport? 607 00:28:44,189 --> 00:28:46,857 - We've got james flanders' cell phone touching 608 00:28:46,859 --> 00:28:49,426 Towers near the airport. 609 00:28:49,428 --> 00:28:52,262 Why would his phone be near the airport? 610 00:28:52,264 --> 00:28:54,998 - Well, either james innocently drove marie 611 00:28:55,000 --> 00:28:57,801 To the airport and neglected to reveal that, 612 00:28:57,803 --> 00:29:01,171 Or he drove her car there to cover up a crime. 613 00:29:02,141 --> 00:29:06,243 No way to prove it either way, so they were stuck again, 614 00:29:06,245 --> 00:29:09,012 Which is when jason, the youth pastor-- 615 00:29:09,014 --> 00:29:10,280 Remember him? 616 00:29:10,282 --> 00:29:13,016 Out of the blue, jason came to call. 617 00:29:13,018 --> 00:29:16,820 He had something the detectives needed to hear, he said. 618 00:29:16,822 --> 00:29:18,689 I mean, it would take a certain amount of, uh, courage. 619 00:29:18,691 --> 00:29:19,723 - Absolutely. 620 00:29:19,725 --> 00:29:21,691 We would have never known about that 621 00:29:21,693 --> 00:29:24,027 If jason wouldn't have come forward. 622 00:29:24,029 --> 00:29:25,595 Known what? 623 00:29:25,597 --> 00:29:29,633 The secret incident that got junior pastor jason involved. 624 00:29:29,635 --> 00:29:32,836 It happened soon after marie disappeared when 625 00:29:32,838 --> 00:29:36,240 A very distraught james asked this church elder for help. 626 00:29:50,923 --> 00:29:53,924 James seemed suicidal, said the elder, 627 00:29:53,926 --> 00:29:55,892 So he called a doctor friend, 628 00:29:55,894 --> 00:29:59,763 And the doctor committed the preacher to a psychiatric ward 629 00:29:59,765 --> 00:30:03,000 For ten days during which time jason anderson 630 00:30:03,002 --> 00:30:05,001 Took over preacher duties. 631 00:30:05,003 --> 00:30:07,404 But then jason heard things 632 00:30:07,406 --> 00:30:09,506 Not about what happened to marie 633 00:30:09,508 --> 00:30:11,541 But about the polygamy. 634 00:30:11,543 --> 00:30:12,709 With other church leaders, 635 00:30:12,711 --> 00:30:14,678 He confronted james and tanya. 636 00:30:14,680 --> 00:30:17,614 This is a, forgive my saying, come to jesus moment. 637 00:30:17,616 --> 00:30:19,516 - It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, 638 00:30:19,518 --> 00:30:22,018 Um, myself personally, was to confront, 639 00:30:22,020 --> 00:30:23,420 Yeah, my pastor. 640 00:30:23,422 --> 00:30:24,721 - Your mentor, your senior guy. 641 00:30:24,723 --> 00:30:26,556 - Yeah, right, sure. 642 00:30:26,558 --> 00:30:28,558 - And james admitted it. 643 00:30:28,560 --> 00:30:30,227 He'd been sleeping with two women 644 00:30:30,229 --> 00:30:32,062 In the same house. 645 00:30:32,064 --> 00:30:35,031 But then, youth pastor jason told the detectives, 646 00:30:35,033 --> 00:30:38,502 In that cloistered setting, james kept talking 647 00:30:38,504 --> 00:30:41,038 And told a terrible story. 648 00:30:41,040 --> 00:30:43,440 - Him and marie had had a physical altercation, 649 00:30:43,442 --> 00:30:46,510 Um, before she went missing, 650 00:30:46,512 --> 00:30:49,412 And she had scratched him on his arms. 651 00:30:49,414 --> 00:30:51,581 - James insisted marie was still alive 652 00:30:51,583 --> 00:30:53,116 The last time he saw her. 653 00:30:53,118 --> 00:30:54,885 - I was just so in-in shock of everything. 654 00:30:54,887 --> 00:30:56,920 - Buffaloed, I would think, yeah. 655 00:30:56,922 --> 00:30:58,121 - That was it. 656 00:30:58,123 --> 00:31:00,090 He could not continue as pastor. 657 00:31:00,092 --> 00:31:02,259 James would have to resign. 658 00:31:02,261 --> 00:31:05,729 He announced that he and tanya were leaving town. 659 00:31:05,731 --> 00:31:09,066 - They were supposed to leave the following morning 660 00:31:09,068 --> 00:31:11,668 To say goodbye to some church members 661 00:31:11,670 --> 00:31:14,237 And, lo and behold, around 12 or 12:30, 662 00:31:14,239 --> 00:31:16,006 They got in that truck, and they hauled butt. 663 00:31:16,008 --> 00:31:17,540 They went to arizona. 664 00:31:17,542 --> 00:31:18,942 - They fled. 665 00:31:18,944 --> 00:31:22,679 - Like thieves in the night with baby grace. 666 00:31:22,681 --> 00:31:24,548 It was a few days after they left 667 00:31:24,550 --> 00:31:26,149 When jason went to the police 668 00:31:26,151 --> 00:31:28,018 To tell his disturbing story. 669 00:31:32,558 --> 00:31:34,157 Then a piece of luck. 670 00:31:34,159 --> 00:31:35,959 Before they left, marie's friend, kay, 671 00:31:35,961 --> 00:31:37,327 Had asked the pastor and his wife 672 00:31:37,329 --> 00:31:38,561 For marie's belongings, 673 00:31:38,563 --> 00:31:41,097 And they gave her marie's computer. 674 00:31:41,099 --> 00:31:44,768 The bad news was, it had been erased, but... 675 00:31:44,770 --> 00:31:47,304 - I brought it into the sheriff's department 676 00:31:47,306 --> 00:31:48,638 For them to take a look. 677 00:31:48,640 --> 00:31:52,108 - We had our forensic tech reanalyze the computer, 678 00:31:52,110 --> 00:31:55,845 And it gave us a beautiful copy 679 00:31:55,847 --> 00:31:58,181 Of her phone download that she had done 680 00:31:58,183 --> 00:31:59,516 When she backed her phone up. 681 00:31:59,518 --> 00:32:00,584 - Wow. 682 00:32:00,586 --> 00:32:02,452 But maybe it wasn't so lucky. 683 00:32:02,454 --> 00:32:04,054 There were thousands of text messages, 684 00:32:04,056 --> 00:32:06,590 But they were an unreadable jumble 685 00:32:06,592 --> 00:32:08,858 Of symbols and words. 686 00:32:08,860 --> 00:32:12,128 - This particular coin-- - though look at this. 687 00:32:12,130 --> 00:32:14,197 Marie shot this video that did survive 688 00:32:14,199 --> 00:32:18,668 Showing the pastor hocking gold and silver online, 689 00:32:18,670 --> 00:32:20,337 Apparently while running the church. 690 00:32:20,339 --> 00:32:24,808 - Valuing this coin at over $500. 691 00:32:24,810 --> 00:32:27,110 Let me tell ya. That's exciting stuff. 692 00:32:27,112 --> 00:32:31,148 - Was james just a pastor or a part-time flimflam man? 693 00:32:31,150 --> 00:32:32,449 [phone ringing] 694 00:32:32,451 --> 00:32:33,951 So, this is where things stood 695 00:32:33,953 --> 00:32:36,486 When an anonymous tip came in. 696 00:32:36,488 --> 00:32:37,754 - Emerald coast crime stoppers. 697 00:32:37,756 --> 00:32:39,255 - Startling. 698 00:32:39,257 --> 00:32:42,092 If true, it would solve the case. 699 00:32:42,094 --> 00:32:45,628 - And in the tip, it says that james buried her 700 00:32:45,630 --> 00:32:47,664 In the backyard. 701 00:32:47,666 --> 00:32:49,433 - That's some tip. - Yeah. 702 00:32:49,435 --> 00:32:50,967 I can remember getting that tip 703 00:32:50,969 --> 00:32:53,636 And thinkin' no way. 704 00:32:53,638 --> 00:32:55,572 Like, who would-- who would kill somebody 705 00:32:55,574 --> 00:32:57,774 And bury them in their own backyard? 706 00:32:57,776 --> 00:33:00,910 - Could be bogus, of course, just another false lead, 707 00:33:00,912 --> 00:33:02,913 But nesli was hopeful. 708 00:33:02,915 --> 00:33:06,249 - We brought cadaver dogs and ground penetrating radar, 709 00:33:06,251 --> 00:33:07,917 And we didn't find anything. 710 00:33:07,919 --> 00:33:09,719 - Nothin'. - Nothin'. 711 00:33:09,721 --> 00:33:11,021 - No body, 712 00:33:11,023 --> 00:33:14,224 So what happened to marie? 713 00:33:14,226 --> 00:33:16,126 [phone ringing] - more months went by. 714 00:33:16,128 --> 00:33:17,961 Police kept trying to speak with james 715 00:33:17,963 --> 00:33:19,562 But got no response. 716 00:33:19,564 --> 00:33:20,930 - Hi, this is james flanders. 717 00:33:20,932 --> 00:33:21,965 I can't take your call. 718 00:33:21,967 --> 00:33:23,533 - And then, after a whole year, 719 00:33:23,535 --> 00:33:26,636 They tried again, and he picked up. 720 00:33:32,344 --> 00:33:33,410 But he did talk. 721 00:33:33,412 --> 00:33:36,079 Talked for two hours, in fact, from his car, 722 00:33:36,081 --> 00:33:38,415 At times sounding like he was the victim. 723 00:33:57,702 --> 00:34:00,103 The pastor said he knew he was the prime suspect. 724 00:34:30,969 --> 00:34:32,736 And that was that. 725 00:34:32,738 --> 00:34:35,005 They were stalled. 726 00:34:35,007 --> 00:34:37,373 Marie was missing, 727 00:34:37,375 --> 00:34:40,577 And the case was getting very cold. 728 00:34:42,347 --> 00:34:44,481 - Detectives needed a miracle. 729 00:34:44,483 --> 00:34:47,551 What they got, was an x-rated download 730 00:34:47,553 --> 00:34:49,519 That broke the case wide open. 731 00:34:50,489 --> 00:34:51,955 Coming up... 732 00:34:51,957 --> 00:34:54,491 New revelations from the pastor. 733 00:34:54,493 --> 00:34:57,160 - They were sending pornographic photos 734 00:34:57,162 --> 00:34:59,796 Back and forth from the church. 735 00:34:59,798 --> 00:35:03,533 - And an answer, at last, to the biggest mystery of all. 736 00:35:03,535 --> 00:35:05,301 Where was marie? 737 00:35:05,303 --> 00:35:07,037 - Nesli passed me a note that said, 738 00:35:07,039 --> 00:35:08,505 "I missed her." 739 00:35:08,507 --> 00:35:10,373 - I was pretty devastated, the guilt, 740 00:35:10,375 --> 00:35:13,710 The feeling of I could have found her 741 00:35:13,712 --> 00:35:16,379 Six months after she was reported missing. 742 00:35:16,381 --> 00:35:19,749 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 743 00:35:27,191 --> 00:35:28,391 - Welcome back. 744 00:35:28,393 --> 00:35:31,661 Investigators were convinced james flanders 745 00:35:31,663 --> 00:35:33,730 Killed marie carlson. 746 00:35:33,732 --> 00:35:36,199 The fallen pastor admitted to church leaders 747 00:35:36,201 --> 00:35:38,135 That he and his wife, tanya, 748 00:35:38,137 --> 00:35:40,637 Had a polygamous relationship with marie, 749 00:35:40,639 --> 00:35:44,407 And, according to rumors, they had a baby together. 750 00:35:44,409 --> 00:35:46,676 When their secret was exposed, 751 00:35:46,678 --> 00:35:49,880 James and tanya fled town with the baby, 752 00:35:49,882 --> 00:35:52,348 And the investigation stalled. 753 00:35:52,350 --> 00:35:55,752 Now, marie's computer was about to help authorities 754 00:35:55,754 --> 00:35:58,021 Reboot the case. 755 00:35:58,023 --> 00:36:00,356 Here's keith morrison with the conclusion 756 00:36:00,358 --> 00:36:02,626 Of "secrets on the emerald coast." 757 00:36:04,095 --> 00:36:07,063 - Unlike a fine wine, a cold case 758 00:36:07,065 --> 00:36:09,365 Doesn't get better with age. 759 00:36:09,367 --> 00:36:11,167 It just gets colder. 760 00:36:11,169 --> 00:36:13,469 And state attorney bill eddins wasn't optimistic 761 00:36:13,471 --> 00:36:15,338 It would ever be solved. 762 00:36:15,340 --> 00:36:17,040 What chance did you give it? 763 00:36:17,042 --> 00:36:19,709 - I really felt that it was about a 50-50 chance 764 00:36:19,711 --> 00:36:21,344 Of it bein' solved. 765 00:36:21,346 --> 00:36:23,880 - Eddins assigned one of his most experienced prosecutors, 766 00:36:23,882 --> 00:36:25,915 Angela mason, to work on it. 767 00:36:25,917 --> 00:36:27,884 She wasn't optimistic, either. 768 00:36:27,886 --> 00:36:29,719 - I was certainly vulnerable in that 769 00:36:29,721 --> 00:36:31,121 I did not have a body. 770 00:36:31,123 --> 00:36:33,523 I also was vulnerable with the tanya element, 771 00:36:33,525 --> 00:36:36,125 That people thought she could be a suspect. 772 00:36:36,127 --> 00:36:38,261 - And then, three years after marie disappeared, 773 00:36:38,263 --> 00:36:40,697 The most amazing thing happened. 774 00:36:40,699 --> 00:36:45,001 Marie's computer yielded to a new forensics program, 775 00:36:45,003 --> 00:36:48,671 And out spilled, in crimson blushing clarity, 776 00:36:48,673 --> 00:36:51,942 Text messages between marie and james. 777 00:36:51,944 --> 00:36:53,610 - "I love you. I love you so much." 778 00:36:53,612 --> 00:36:55,245 And gettin' graphic details 779 00:36:55,247 --> 00:36:56,713 Of what he wants to do with her. 780 00:36:56,715 --> 00:36:58,014 - Kinda pornographic. 781 00:36:58,016 --> 00:36:59,415 - Pornographic even to the point 782 00:36:59,417 --> 00:37:01,818 They were sending pornographic photos 783 00:37:01,820 --> 00:37:04,354 With each other from the church. 784 00:37:04,356 --> 00:37:06,556 - Some things are hard to unsee. 785 00:37:06,558 --> 00:37:08,057 We'll spare you. 786 00:37:08,059 --> 00:37:12,462 Oh, and, most important, everything stopped 787 00:37:12,464 --> 00:37:14,330 The day she disappeared. 788 00:37:14,332 --> 00:37:15,832 - No credit cards, no phones-- 789 00:37:15,834 --> 00:37:17,634 I thought that was strong evidence 790 00:37:17,636 --> 00:37:18,901 That she was, in fact, dead 791 00:37:18,903 --> 00:37:20,570 And not, in fact, missing. 792 00:37:20,572 --> 00:37:24,073 - And her last conversation with a family member was... 793 00:37:24,075 --> 00:37:26,643 - She wanted out of the circumstances she was in, 794 00:37:26,645 --> 00:37:29,912 Um, but she wasn't gonna leave her baby behind. 795 00:37:29,914 --> 00:37:32,249 - And then there was this, 796 00:37:32,251 --> 00:37:34,217 One of those sermons posted on youtube 797 00:37:34,219 --> 00:37:36,853 Just a month before marie vanished 798 00:37:36,855 --> 00:37:39,722 And now in the evidence file. 799 00:37:39,724 --> 00:37:41,924 - Now, whenever someone is backstabbing me, 800 00:37:41,926 --> 00:37:43,926 Lying about me, gossiping about me, 801 00:37:43,928 --> 00:37:45,161 Trying to tear me down or whatever, 802 00:37:45,163 --> 00:37:46,863 You know what I want to do? 803 00:37:46,865 --> 00:37:49,432 My feelings say choke the life out of them. 804 00:37:52,003 --> 00:37:54,137 [laughter] 805 00:37:54,139 --> 00:37:57,607 - Is that what the pastor did to marie? 806 00:37:57,609 --> 00:37:59,742 The detective spelled out their case, 807 00:37:59,744 --> 00:38:02,145 Circumstantial, difficult, 808 00:38:02,147 --> 00:38:05,014 But the prosecutors bought it, 809 00:38:05,016 --> 00:38:06,816 And james flanders was charged 810 00:38:06,818 --> 00:38:08,818 With second degree murder. 811 00:38:08,820 --> 00:38:10,386 Persistence paid off. 812 00:38:10,388 --> 00:38:12,021 - We were 4.5 years in. 813 00:38:12,023 --> 00:38:14,024 Most people would have given up by now. 814 00:38:14,026 --> 00:38:17,327 - But as the pastor waited in jail for his trial, 815 00:38:17,329 --> 00:38:19,329 His attorney and former church member 816 00:38:19,331 --> 00:38:22,231 Glenn swiatek was optimistic. 817 00:38:22,233 --> 00:38:23,466 What did you think your chances were 818 00:38:23,468 --> 00:38:24,767 If you went to trial? 819 00:38:24,769 --> 00:38:25,902 - I didn't believe that the state 820 00:38:25,904 --> 00:38:27,504 Had second degree murder. 821 00:38:27,506 --> 00:38:29,172 They didn't have a body. 822 00:38:29,174 --> 00:38:30,307 - Maybe not, 823 00:38:30,309 --> 00:38:31,607 But as the pastor and his attorney 824 00:38:31,609 --> 00:38:32,709 Looked at the evidence 825 00:38:32,711 --> 00:38:34,844 That might put him in prison for life, 826 00:38:34,846 --> 00:38:38,047 Just before the trial, they made a deal. 827 00:38:38,049 --> 00:38:40,317 The state reduced the charge from second degree murder 828 00:38:40,319 --> 00:38:41,851 To manslaughter, 829 00:38:41,853 --> 00:38:45,722 And james agreed to tell them what he did to marie 830 00:38:45,724 --> 00:38:48,057 And where he put her. 831 00:38:48,059 --> 00:38:50,827 Marie's family grudgingly agreed. 832 00:38:50,829 --> 00:38:52,395 - That was the hardest thing, 833 00:38:52,397 --> 00:38:54,263 But I wanted to know where my sister was. 834 00:38:54,265 --> 00:38:57,533 I didn't wanna go years, and years, and years 835 00:38:57,535 --> 00:38:58,601 And not know. 836 00:38:58,603 --> 00:39:03,139 - As much as I just absolutely hated 837 00:39:03,141 --> 00:39:05,108 To agree to it, 838 00:39:05,110 --> 00:39:07,009 I knew that was probably the only way. 839 00:39:07,011 --> 00:39:08,678 - What's your name, again? - Bill. 840 00:39:08,680 --> 00:39:10,813 - First, as part of the deal, 841 00:39:10,815 --> 00:39:14,050 The pastor told the story of marie, 842 00:39:14,052 --> 00:39:15,785 Of the polygamy arrangement. 843 00:39:23,795 --> 00:39:27,029 He said marie even had a name for their relationship. 844 00:39:30,034 --> 00:39:31,835 Throuple. 845 00:39:31,837 --> 00:39:35,004 Then the pastor offered his version 846 00:39:35,006 --> 00:39:37,373 Of that last awful night. 847 00:39:37,375 --> 00:39:40,343 He claimed that marie was in a downward spiral mentally 848 00:39:40,345 --> 00:39:42,112 And erupted after he told her 849 00:39:42,114 --> 00:39:44,447 She should be hospitalized for depression. 850 00:40:04,469 --> 00:40:06,803 A fatal bear hug? 851 00:40:06,805 --> 00:40:09,339 Not possible, thought nesli, 852 00:40:09,341 --> 00:40:11,574 And then she braced for the answer 853 00:40:11,576 --> 00:40:13,676 She'd waited five years to hear. 854 00:40:23,755 --> 00:40:26,522 At that point, the detective got up 855 00:40:26,524 --> 00:40:27,891 And left the room. 856 00:40:27,893 --> 00:40:31,027 - Nesli passed me a note that said, "I missed her." 857 00:40:31,029 --> 00:40:33,029 - I was pretty devastated. 858 00:40:33,031 --> 00:40:35,097 I was in that backyard in 2012. 859 00:40:35,099 --> 00:40:36,966 Um-- - not like you didn't look. 860 00:40:36,968 --> 00:40:39,035 - Yeah, but, you know, human nature, 861 00:40:39,037 --> 00:40:41,604 You still have, uh, uh, the guilt, 862 00:40:41,606 --> 00:40:45,241 The feeling of I could have found her 863 00:40:45,243 --> 00:40:48,277 Six months after she was reported missing. 864 00:40:48,279 --> 00:40:50,947 - The pastor insisted that tanya wasn't around, 865 00:40:50,949 --> 00:40:52,816 Was shopping, knew nothing. 866 00:40:59,390 --> 00:41:02,859 Do you wonder whether tanya had more to do with this? 867 00:41:02,861 --> 00:41:04,927 - I think that'll always be in the back of our minds, 868 00:41:04,929 --> 00:41:07,263 But, you know, I think she may have known 869 00:41:07,265 --> 00:41:11,000 More than she wants to say. 870 00:41:11,002 --> 00:41:14,437 - But tanya was never charged, and her defense attorney 871 00:41:14,439 --> 00:41:18,074 Said she was truly shocked by james' confession. 872 00:41:18,076 --> 00:41:21,010 - I can tell you as a matter of fact 873 00:41:21,012 --> 00:41:23,146 From having to tell her what happened, 874 00:41:23,148 --> 00:41:26,483 She did not know. 875 00:41:26,485 --> 00:41:30,220 - Later that afternoon, nesli escorted james flanders 876 00:41:30,222 --> 00:41:32,488 Into his former backyard 877 00:41:32,490 --> 00:41:34,457 Where he marked with little flags 878 00:41:34,459 --> 00:41:36,959 The spot where he buried marie carlson 879 00:41:36,961 --> 00:41:38,761 Five years earlier, 880 00:41:38,763 --> 00:41:41,230 And then he fell on the ground, and cried, 881 00:41:41,232 --> 00:41:45,168 And told her, "I'm sorry." 882 00:41:45,170 --> 00:41:47,670 "what an act," thought nesli. 883 00:41:47,672 --> 00:41:48,838 It took hours, 884 00:41:48,840 --> 00:41:51,407 But, finally, almost five feet deep 885 00:41:51,409 --> 00:41:53,009 Wrapped in a blanket, 886 00:41:53,011 --> 00:41:55,778 They found what was left of marie. 887 00:41:55,780 --> 00:41:57,447 - I was shaking. 888 00:41:57,449 --> 00:41:59,182 I was crying so much. 889 00:41:59,184 --> 00:42:01,551 I don't think I've ever cried so loud. 890 00:42:01,553 --> 00:42:04,854 - Nesli and prosecutor angela mason wept, too. 891 00:42:06,391 --> 00:42:08,124 - It's my fault. 892 00:42:08,126 --> 00:42:09,992 - Back in court that afternoon, 893 00:42:09,994 --> 00:42:13,429 James flanders was sentenced to 15 years. 894 00:42:13,431 --> 00:42:16,666 With good behavior, he'll be out in 11, 895 00:42:16,668 --> 00:42:19,936 Free to join tanya in arizona 896 00:42:19,938 --> 00:42:24,140 And grace, whose mother he killed. 897 00:42:24,142 --> 00:42:27,843 - He's gonna get to have a life after he's done. 898 00:42:27,845 --> 00:42:31,080 Marie is gone forever. 899 00:42:31,082 --> 00:42:35,051 She doesn't get a life, especially with her kids, 900 00:42:35,053 --> 00:42:38,588 Which is, for most mothers, the world. 901 00:42:39,958 --> 00:42:43,459 - Jeff carlson had to tell his daughter, paris, 902 00:42:43,461 --> 00:42:45,861 Her mom was not coming back. 903 00:42:45,863 --> 00:42:47,430 - Wasn't easy. 904 00:42:47,432 --> 00:42:49,232 What do you say? 905 00:42:49,234 --> 00:42:51,767 You don't know how to prepare them 906 00:42:51,769 --> 00:42:54,971 For the future of living with this. 907 00:42:54,973 --> 00:42:57,707 He deprived her of her mother. 908 00:42:59,744 --> 00:43:02,178 - Later, marie's family and many others gathered 909 00:43:02,180 --> 00:43:04,914 For a celebration of marie's life. 910 00:43:04,916 --> 00:43:06,449 They did her favorite thing. 911 00:43:06,451 --> 00:43:08,451 They sang karaoke, 912 00:43:08,453 --> 00:43:10,987 And esta told us that when marie's daughter, paris, 913 00:43:10,989 --> 00:43:13,356 Comes to visit her little girl, 914 00:43:13,358 --> 00:43:15,191 The two cousins sit down at the piano 915 00:43:15,193 --> 00:43:18,160 And play, make music, 916 00:43:18,162 --> 00:43:20,563 Just like their mothers years ago. 917 00:43:22,600 --> 00:43:24,000 And grace? 918 00:43:24,002 --> 00:43:25,401 - I wanna tell her all about her mom. 919 00:43:25,403 --> 00:43:28,270 It's-it's one of those where I just-- 920 00:43:28,272 --> 00:43:29,872 I wanna show her, you know, like, 921 00:43:29,874 --> 00:43:32,008 Your mother really did love you. 922 00:43:32,010 --> 00:43:34,210 - Maybe someday she'll know about 923 00:43:34,212 --> 00:43:36,812 That uncontainable woman, 924 00:43:36,814 --> 00:43:41,584 Who, while she stayed, brought joy, marie. 925 00:43:43,121 --> 00:43:44,186 - That's all for this edition 926 00:43:44,188 --> 00:43:46,622 Of "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 927 00:43:46,624 --> 00:43:49,225 I'm craig melvin. Thank you for watching.