1 00:00:12,679 --> 00:00:13,945 - I'm craig melvin, 2 00:00:13,947 --> 00:00:16,482 And this is "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 3 00:00:17,351 --> 00:00:19,184 - Something is not right. 4 00:00:19,186 --> 00:00:22,888 I just flipped out. I lost it. 5 00:00:22,890 --> 00:00:25,157 We could not understand how anybody 6 00:00:25,159 --> 00:00:28,093 Would want to murder him. 7 00:00:28,095 --> 00:00:30,228 - He looked like he was sleeping 8 00:00:30,230 --> 00:00:31,963 Except for the bullet hole. 9 00:00:31,965 --> 00:00:32,898 - He was in bed. 10 00:00:32,900 --> 00:00:34,166 His head was on the pillow. 11 00:00:34,168 --> 00:00:36,835 His entire upper body was tucked in. 12 00:00:36,837 --> 00:00:39,638 - The first guess was suicide but... 13 00:00:39,640 --> 00:00:40,839 - There's no gun on the scene. 14 00:00:40,841 --> 00:00:43,108 - Hard to have a gun suicide with no gun. 15 00:00:43,110 --> 00:00:44,309 - That's correct. 16 00:00:44,311 --> 00:00:47,046 - And this was a man who had everything to live for. 17 00:00:48,182 --> 00:00:50,916 - Eric loved life. 18 00:00:50,918 --> 00:00:54,920 - He loved his family and women, too, many women. 19 00:00:54,922 --> 00:00:57,722 Did one of them love him too much? 20 00:00:57,724 --> 00:01:00,025 No shortage of lovers to question. 21 00:01:02,729 --> 00:01:04,830 No sign of a break-in, either. 22 00:01:04,832 --> 00:01:06,264 - Someone either had to have a key 23 00:01:06,266 --> 00:01:07,933 Or been let in by eric. 24 00:01:07,935 --> 00:01:11,069 - So, it must have been somebody he trusted 25 00:01:11,071 --> 00:01:15,006 Or maybe someone who didn't trust him. 26 00:01:15,008 --> 00:01:17,542 - Inside the safe, was a .380 handgun. 27 00:01:17,544 --> 00:01:18,443 - That's the same kinda gun that killed eric. 28 00:01:18,445 --> 00:01:20,345 - It's the same- same kinda gun. 29 00:01:20,347 --> 00:01:22,180 - Everybody loved him. 30 00:01:22,182 --> 00:01:24,049 So, who killed him? 31 00:01:24,051 --> 00:01:25,217 - We knew in our hearts 32 00:01:25,219 --> 00:01:27,385 That this murder was going to solved. 33 00:01:27,387 --> 00:01:30,956 We believed that justice was going to be served for eric. 34 00:01:30,958 --> 00:01:39,131 ♪♪ 35 00:01:39,133 --> 00:01:42,901 - Hello, and welcome to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 36 00:01:42,903 --> 00:01:45,704 The crime scene offered few answers, 37 00:01:45,706 --> 00:01:47,306 Only questions. 38 00:01:47,308 --> 00:01:48,373 By all accounts, 39 00:01:48,375 --> 00:01:52,111 Eric somuah enjoyed an active love life. 40 00:01:52,113 --> 00:01:53,445 Was the secret to his murder 41 00:01:53,447 --> 00:01:56,381 Hidden inside his little black book? 42 00:01:56,383 --> 00:02:00,051 One determined detective refused to give up 43 00:02:00,053 --> 00:02:03,655 And uncovering the truth would take a stroke of luck 44 00:02:03,657 --> 00:02:05,190 That might be hard to believe 45 00:02:05,192 --> 00:02:08,660 Except it really happened. 46 00:02:08,662 --> 00:02:12,264 Here's josh mankiewicz with "while he was sleeping." 47 00:02:12,266 --> 00:02:18,670 ♪♪ 48 00:02:18,672 --> 00:02:21,573 - He was the life of every party. 49 00:02:21,575 --> 00:02:26,011 At 34, eric somuah was charming, magnetic, 50 00:02:26,013 --> 00:02:27,846 Successful. 51 00:02:27,848 --> 00:02:30,549 In 2012, he was living the kind of life 52 00:02:30,551 --> 00:02:34,819 That young men like to brag about to one another. 53 00:02:34,821 --> 00:02:37,289 Call it the good life, the lush life, 54 00:02:37,291 --> 00:02:40,559 The fast lane. 55 00:02:40,561 --> 00:02:43,595 It's a world without too many rules, 56 00:02:43,597 --> 00:02:46,832 One in which you get close in a hurry 57 00:02:46,834 --> 00:02:49,902 To a lot of people you don't know too well, 58 00:02:49,904 --> 00:02:53,872 And it was perfect for eric. 59 00:02:53,874 --> 00:02:56,107 Living just outside the nation's capital, 60 00:02:56,109 --> 00:03:00,045 Eric somuah was not only living the american dream, 61 00:03:00,047 --> 00:03:01,446 He was selling it, too. 62 00:03:03,117 --> 00:03:05,317 The son of immigrants from ghana, 63 00:03:05,319 --> 00:03:07,452 Eric was a top salesman 64 00:03:07,454 --> 00:03:08,853 Delivering luxury cars 65 00:03:08,855 --> 00:03:11,523 And the fantasies that come with them 66 00:03:11,525 --> 00:03:12,991 At this jaguar dealership 67 00:03:12,993 --> 00:03:14,159 In bethesda, maryland. 68 00:03:15,395 --> 00:03:18,029 - He was focused and motivated to be the best, 69 00:03:18,031 --> 00:03:20,532 And he turned out to be our number one salesperson. 70 00:03:20,534 --> 00:03:23,134 - This was a guy who, what, could sell ice in alaska? 71 00:03:23,136 --> 00:03:24,302 - Oh, yeah. - Right, right. 72 00:03:24,304 --> 00:03:27,539 I tell him that, "eric, you could sell anything." 73 00:03:27,541 --> 00:03:28,873 He could sell anything to anybody. 74 00:03:28,875 --> 00:03:31,943 - Eric's older sisters, susie and cynthia, 75 00:03:31,945 --> 00:03:34,946 Spotted his drive and business savvy 76 00:03:34,948 --> 00:03:36,715 At an early age. 77 00:03:36,717 --> 00:03:39,151 - And he started a lawn cutting business 78 00:03:39,153 --> 00:03:40,485 In our neighborhood. 79 00:03:40,487 --> 00:03:41,886 The neighborhood kids, 80 00:03:41,888 --> 00:03:44,189 [chuckles] they were actually working for him. 81 00:03:44,191 --> 00:03:46,458 And he would pay them I think, what, two dollars, 82 00:03:46,460 --> 00:03:48,226 To cut the grass? - Yes. 83 00:03:48,228 --> 00:03:49,361 - A born capitalist. - Yeah. 84 00:03:49,363 --> 00:03:50,762 - Yeah. I mean, he'll tell me, "susie, 85 00:03:50,764 --> 00:03:53,298 "I'm-I'm-I'm gonna be really rich one day." 86 00:03:53,300 --> 00:03:56,334 - You know, he wanted to go all the way to the top. 87 00:03:56,336 --> 00:03:59,371 - From the day he was born, eric was a charmer, 88 00:03:59,373 --> 00:04:01,573 And his sisters and big brother, michael, 89 00:04:01,575 --> 00:04:03,508 Always adored him. 90 00:04:03,510 --> 00:04:06,911 - He was just a wonderful, wonderful joy to our family 91 00:04:06,913 --> 00:04:08,647 And to my sisters and I. 92 00:04:08,649 --> 00:04:10,382 - Eric was the baby of the family, 93 00:04:10,384 --> 00:04:13,451 But we all enjoyed him 'cause he was very vibrant. 94 00:04:13,453 --> 00:04:15,053 - It was just the three of us, 95 00:04:15,055 --> 00:04:16,521 And then he came along. - Mm-hmm. 96 00:04:16,523 --> 00:04:19,725 - So, he was sort of our little doll. 97 00:04:19,727 --> 00:04:21,426 [laughter] - yeah. 98 00:04:21,428 --> 00:04:24,796 - Then eric grew up and became a living doll 99 00:04:24,798 --> 00:04:27,032 To the women of the nation's capital. 100 00:04:27,034 --> 00:04:29,067 - He was a ladies man. It's no secret. 101 00:04:29,069 --> 00:04:31,069 He loved women. 102 00:04:31,071 --> 00:04:33,271 - He'd walk in a room, and everyone liked him. 103 00:04:33,273 --> 00:04:34,873 Like, "oh, who is this guy?" 104 00:04:34,875 --> 00:04:37,609 He was so nice, had a beautiful smile, 105 00:04:37,611 --> 00:04:40,211 And he'll just start a conversation with anyone. 106 00:04:40,213 --> 00:04:42,681 I mean, he just had that type of personality 107 00:04:42,683 --> 00:04:45,484 Where women liked him. 108 00:04:45,486 --> 00:04:48,420 - But his sisters hoped their playboy brother 109 00:04:48,422 --> 00:04:50,155 Would finally settle down. 110 00:04:50,157 --> 00:04:53,158 In fact, they were counting on it. 111 00:04:53,160 --> 00:04:54,960 - We were waiting for a huge wedding 112 00:04:54,962 --> 00:04:57,362 That my sister and I were planning for him. 113 00:04:57,364 --> 00:04:58,297 [chuckles] 114 00:04:58,299 --> 00:04:59,331 - The-the bride hadn't been picked out. 115 00:04:59,333 --> 00:05:00,665 - No, the bride hadn't been-- 116 00:05:00,667 --> 00:05:01,900 - But the wedding planning was already going. 117 00:05:01,902 --> 00:05:03,101 [laughter] - right. 118 00:05:03,103 --> 00:05:04,303 The bride had not been picked out yet, 119 00:05:04,305 --> 00:05:06,538 But we already knew pretty much 120 00:05:06,540 --> 00:05:08,773 How the wedding was going to be. 121 00:05:08,775 --> 00:05:09,908 - Eric's sisters admit 122 00:05:09,910 --> 00:05:12,510 They knew little about his dating life. 123 00:05:12,512 --> 00:05:14,846 His big brother knew much more. 124 00:05:14,848 --> 00:05:16,581 - Our relationship was very, very close. 125 00:05:16,583 --> 00:05:18,416 Even though he's my sibling and my younger brother, 126 00:05:18,418 --> 00:05:20,285 He was my best friend, as well. 127 00:05:20,287 --> 00:05:23,121 Um, we-- we'd talk about everything. 128 00:05:23,123 --> 00:05:26,458 - Eric's 1000-watt charm and his work ethic 129 00:05:26,460 --> 00:05:28,927 Had earned him success on the job, 130 00:05:28,929 --> 00:05:31,996 A high-rise apartment in the dc suburbs, 131 00:05:31,998 --> 00:05:35,367 And a busy and exciting social life. 132 00:05:35,369 --> 00:05:39,371 He was a young man on top of the world, 133 00:05:39,373 --> 00:05:41,139 But his big brother still felt the need 134 00:05:41,141 --> 00:05:43,641 To occasionally offer advice, 135 00:05:43,643 --> 00:05:47,112 Like that playing the field has its risks 136 00:05:47,114 --> 00:05:49,514 And can't last forever. 137 00:05:49,516 --> 00:05:51,149 - He really respected me, 138 00:05:51,151 --> 00:05:52,751 The fact that I've been with my wife-- 139 00:05:52,753 --> 00:05:54,219 We've been together 28 years. 140 00:05:54,221 --> 00:05:55,754 He always would communicate and say, 141 00:05:55,756 --> 00:05:57,556 "hey, I wanna be that, 142 00:05:57,558 --> 00:05:59,290 "but I just can't find the right one." 143 00:05:59,292 --> 00:06:00,225 - Look at that. 144 00:06:00,227 --> 00:06:02,227 - Even as the youngest and the only one 145 00:06:02,229 --> 00:06:03,695 Who hadn't married, 146 00:06:03,697 --> 00:06:07,132 Eric was the glue that bonded his family. 147 00:06:07,134 --> 00:06:08,100 - Eric was the person 148 00:06:08,102 --> 00:06:10,034 That kinda brought the family together. 149 00:06:10,036 --> 00:06:11,102 - Mm-hmm. 150 00:06:11,104 --> 00:06:12,570 - He remembered everyone's birthday. 151 00:06:12,572 --> 00:06:14,639 He made everyone feel really special. 152 00:06:14,641 --> 00:06:16,241 - So, it wasn't just his customers he was charming. 153 00:06:16,243 --> 00:06:17,108 - No. - No. 154 00:06:17,110 --> 00:06:18,042 He was charming his family, too. 155 00:06:18,044 --> 00:06:19,578 - His family, as well. - All of you. 156 00:06:19,580 --> 00:06:21,780 - You know, he wanted everyone to come together. 157 00:06:21,782 --> 00:06:25,517 - In June 2012, he brought them together again, 158 00:06:25,519 --> 00:06:28,620 But this time it wasn't for a holiday or birthday. 159 00:06:28,622 --> 00:06:33,058 It was because they were worried sick about him. 160 00:06:33,060 --> 00:06:35,059 June 5th, a Tuesday, 161 00:06:35,061 --> 00:06:38,797 Eric didn't show up for work at the jaguar dealership. 162 00:06:38,799 --> 00:06:41,199 Initially, his boss, brian armstrong, 163 00:06:41,201 --> 00:06:42,934 Let it slide. 164 00:06:42,936 --> 00:06:45,871 - I chalked it up to, hey, he was takin' a day off, 165 00:06:45,873 --> 00:06:46,905 Unscheduled day off, 166 00:06:46,907 --> 00:06:49,407 And I didn't think too much about it. 167 00:06:49,409 --> 00:06:50,375 And then the following day, 168 00:06:50,377 --> 00:06:52,377 Which was the Wednesday, 169 00:06:52,379 --> 00:06:54,279 Again scheduled to come in, 170 00:06:54,281 --> 00:06:56,948 No call, no show, and then I got worried. 171 00:06:56,950 --> 00:06:59,584 - Word spread and soon eric's sisters 172 00:06:59,586 --> 00:07:02,120 And the rest of their close-knit family 173 00:07:02,122 --> 00:07:03,888 Were trying to find him. 174 00:07:03,890 --> 00:07:05,357 - No one had heard from him. 175 00:07:05,359 --> 00:07:06,424 - Now, you're really worried. 176 00:07:06,426 --> 00:07:08,693 - I'm really worried. 177 00:07:08,695 --> 00:07:13,098 - Cynthia took a deep breath and called 911. 178 00:07:13,100 --> 00:07:15,767 Police were dispatched to check out eric's apartment 179 00:07:15,769 --> 00:07:17,636 In silver spring, maryland. 180 00:07:17,638 --> 00:07:20,271 His family raced to meet them. 181 00:07:20,273 --> 00:07:22,640 Eric somuah, a man about town 182 00:07:22,642 --> 00:07:25,443 Who lived life at full throttle, 183 00:07:25,445 --> 00:07:28,580 Had seemingly fallen off the map. 184 00:07:28,582 --> 00:07:29,915 What had happened to him? 185 00:07:32,185 --> 00:07:33,785 - Coming up... 186 00:07:33,787 --> 00:07:37,489 An unanswered knock and lots of questions. 187 00:07:37,491 --> 00:07:39,257 - We were all in shock. 188 00:07:39,259 --> 00:07:40,525 We were just shocked. 189 00:07:40,527 --> 00:07:43,795 - I said, "there's no way. There's no way." 190 00:07:43,797 --> 00:07:44,929 - He was in bed. 191 00:07:44,931 --> 00:07:46,731 His head was on the pillow. 192 00:07:46,733 --> 00:07:48,399 It looked like he was sleeping. 193 00:07:48,401 --> 00:07:51,436 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 194 00:07:54,807 --> 00:08:00,345 ♪♪ 195 00:08:00,347 --> 00:08:02,213 - It was just alarming when we heard 196 00:08:02,215 --> 00:08:04,015 That he hadn't shown up for work. 197 00:08:04,017 --> 00:08:06,150 Wow. I mean, that's not like eric at all 198 00:08:06,152 --> 00:08:08,286 Not to show up for work. 199 00:08:08,288 --> 00:08:10,889 - As his sister, cynthia, and other family members 200 00:08:10,891 --> 00:08:13,525 Arrived at eric somuah's building, 201 00:08:13,527 --> 00:08:16,594 Their fear level was off the charts. 202 00:08:16,596 --> 00:08:18,897 They stood vigil in the lobby 203 00:08:18,899 --> 00:08:22,367 As police went up to eric's sixth floor apartment. 204 00:08:22,369 --> 00:08:23,568 What do you think's happened? 205 00:08:23,570 --> 00:08:24,636 - I was just trying to figure out, 206 00:08:24,638 --> 00:08:26,504 Well, where could he have gone. 207 00:08:26,506 --> 00:08:28,907 - Sister, susie, was still on her way 208 00:08:28,909 --> 00:08:31,042 When cynthia got her answer 209 00:08:31,044 --> 00:08:32,176 From a police captain 210 00:08:32,178 --> 00:08:34,312 Who'd been in eric's apartment. 211 00:08:34,314 --> 00:08:38,516 - When the captain came and gently placed his hand 212 00:08:38,518 --> 00:08:43,054 On my arm and said that, "ma'am, I'm sorry, 213 00:08:43,056 --> 00:08:46,925 "it looks like your brother has taken his life," 214 00:08:46,927 --> 00:08:49,594 I mean, I was raging with screams, 215 00:08:49,596 --> 00:08:52,063 And I said, "there is no way. 216 00:08:52,065 --> 00:08:55,733 "there is no way he took his life." 217 00:08:55,735 --> 00:08:58,469 Eric loved life. 218 00:08:58,471 --> 00:08:59,738 - Through her grief, 219 00:08:59,740 --> 00:09:02,340 Cynthia managed to call her sister. 220 00:09:02,342 --> 00:09:06,678 - And she was screaming, and she was bawling, 221 00:09:06,680 --> 00:09:09,447 And then when she told me eric was dead, 222 00:09:09,449 --> 00:09:12,817 I just flipped out. I just lost it. 223 00:09:12,819 --> 00:09:14,686 - And you show up how long after that? 224 00:09:14,688 --> 00:09:17,155 - Oh, we showed up about 40 minutes later. 225 00:09:17,157 --> 00:09:19,757 - Detective dimitri ruvin led the second wave 226 00:09:19,759 --> 00:09:22,393 Of montgomery county, maryland police 227 00:09:22,395 --> 00:09:26,698 After patrol officers made that initial suicide call. 228 00:09:26,700 --> 00:09:28,967 - They tried not to disturb the scene, 229 00:09:28,969 --> 00:09:31,569 So they didn't really look around too much. 230 00:09:31,571 --> 00:09:32,503 - Tell me about the scene. 231 00:09:32,505 --> 00:09:33,638 - He had a gunshot wound to his head. 232 00:09:33,640 --> 00:09:34,839 He was in bed. 233 00:09:34,841 --> 00:09:36,574 His head was on the pillow. 234 00:09:36,576 --> 00:09:38,977 His entire upper body was tucked in. 235 00:09:38,979 --> 00:09:40,511 It looked like he was sleeping. 236 00:09:40,513 --> 00:09:42,580 - Detective ruvin and a forensic team 237 00:09:42,582 --> 00:09:44,316 Continued to work. 238 00:09:44,318 --> 00:09:45,516 No sign of a struggle. 239 00:09:45,518 --> 00:09:47,485 - No sign of a struggle anywhere in the apartment. 240 00:09:47,487 --> 00:09:49,587 No signs of ransacking. 241 00:09:49,589 --> 00:09:52,156 The one thing I noticed right away was that, 242 00:09:52,158 --> 00:09:54,158 Uh, there was no gun. 243 00:09:54,160 --> 00:09:55,526 There was no gun our scene. 244 00:09:55,528 --> 00:09:57,528 - Hard to have a gun suicide with no gun. 245 00:09:57,530 --> 00:09:58,663 - That's correct. 246 00:09:58,665 --> 00:09:59,798 - So, this isn't a suicide. 247 00:09:59,800 --> 00:10:02,166 - Right. This was a-a murder. 248 00:10:02,168 --> 00:10:05,870 - In some ways, dimitri ruvin was like eric somuah, 249 00:10:05,872 --> 00:10:08,873 Young, successful, driven, 250 00:10:08,875 --> 00:10:10,875 But even working homicides, 251 00:10:10,877 --> 00:10:13,111 Ruvin had none of the world weariness 252 00:10:13,113 --> 00:10:15,680 Of some veteran detectives, 253 00:10:15,682 --> 00:10:17,382 So he was the right cop 254 00:10:17,384 --> 00:10:20,418 To break the difficult news to the family. 255 00:10:20,420 --> 00:10:22,420 - I just went downstairs, and I said, "we have, uh, 256 00:10:22,422 --> 00:10:24,355 Reason to believe that eric was murdered." 257 00:10:24,357 --> 00:10:26,724 That's when everybody lost it. 258 00:10:26,726 --> 00:10:29,527 I mean, his sister was just crying. 259 00:10:29,529 --> 00:10:31,963 His dad just had his, you know, 260 00:10:31,965 --> 00:10:33,965 Head buried in his hands, 261 00:10:33,967 --> 00:10:35,033 And just, like, 262 00:10:35,035 --> 00:10:36,234 People just couldn't believe it. 263 00:10:36,236 --> 00:10:38,369 - We were all in shock. 264 00:10:38,371 --> 00:10:39,804 We were just shocked. 265 00:10:39,806 --> 00:10:42,173 - Who would wanna murder eric? 266 00:10:42,175 --> 00:10:46,244 - That is exactly what detective ruvin wanted to know. 267 00:10:46,246 --> 00:10:47,312 - Well, we started right there. 268 00:10:47,314 --> 00:10:48,780 We started our investigation with the family 269 00:10:48,782 --> 00:10:50,314 And those that were close to him 270 00:10:50,316 --> 00:10:52,250 Just to see if he had any enemies, 271 00:10:52,252 --> 00:10:54,119 If-if there was anybody in his life 272 00:10:54,121 --> 00:10:55,153 That would wanna hurt him. 273 00:10:55,155 --> 00:10:56,254 - What's the answer? 274 00:10:56,256 --> 00:10:58,256 - The answer is, eric was loved by everybody, 275 00:10:58,258 --> 00:11:00,792 And there was no one out there that the family knew 276 00:11:00,794 --> 00:11:02,360 That would wanna hurt him. 277 00:11:02,362 --> 00:11:05,330 - Eric's head wound from a .380 caliber gun 278 00:11:05,332 --> 00:11:07,198 Indicated to detectives 279 00:11:07,200 --> 00:11:10,001 That he was shot at point blank range. 280 00:11:10,003 --> 00:11:11,803 - It appeared that he was sleeping when it happened, 281 00:11:11,805 --> 00:11:14,605 So it would be someone that eric trusted so much 282 00:11:14,607 --> 00:11:15,874 That he went to sleep 283 00:11:15,876 --> 00:11:17,942 And-and had that person there. 284 00:11:17,944 --> 00:11:20,678 - And ruvin quickly learned that his victim, 285 00:11:20,680 --> 00:11:24,348 Mr. Popularity, had welcomed lots of people 286 00:11:24,350 --> 00:11:27,452 Into his life and into his home. 287 00:11:27,454 --> 00:11:30,154 - He used to hang out a-a local bar 288 00:11:30,156 --> 00:11:31,689 Just down the street from his house. 289 00:11:31,691 --> 00:11:34,892 The owner of the establishment knew him by name, 290 00:11:34,894 --> 00:11:38,697 And he would tell us, "he would be here every night, 291 00:11:38,699 --> 00:11:40,631 "and he would go home with a different girl." 292 00:11:40,633 --> 00:11:41,632 - And his family knew that. 293 00:11:41,634 --> 00:11:43,368 They didn't deny that. - No. 294 00:11:43,370 --> 00:11:46,170 - It was the kind of thing eric's brother, michael, 295 00:11:46,172 --> 00:11:48,306 Had already warned him about. 296 00:11:48,308 --> 00:11:50,908 - Could it have been some revenge situation? 297 00:11:50,910 --> 00:11:53,378 You know, someone wanted to have him, 298 00:11:53,380 --> 00:11:54,412 He didn't wanna be with 'em, 299 00:11:54,414 --> 00:11:55,880 And they came in and took him out. 300 00:11:55,882 --> 00:11:58,149 I mean, we just didn't know. 301 00:11:58,151 --> 00:11:59,984 - But michael and his sisters did know 302 00:11:59,986 --> 00:12:03,921 About one particular girlfriend named denise. 303 00:12:03,923 --> 00:12:06,191 - There were several members of our family 304 00:12:06,193 --> 00:12:07,759 Who did point to her. 305 00:12:07,761 --> 00:12:10,995 - Denise dated eric for a little bit over a year. 306 00:12:10,997 --> 00:12:14,199 - She's older. - About 20-some years older. 307 00:12:14,201 --> 00:12:16,734 - What'd you learn about his relationship with denise? 308 00:12:16,736 --> 00:12:19,537 - Majority of his family did not like denise. 309 00:12:19,539 --> 00:12:20,571 - Because? 310 00:12:20,573 --> 00:12:23,141 - Because they thought she was using eric, 311 00:12:23,143 --> 00:12:27,145 Or she, um-- they just didn't like her. 312 00:12:27,147 --> 00:12:30,047 - Detective ruvin's interest in denise intensified 313 00:12:30,049 --> 00:12:32,183 When he learned something else. 314 00:12:32,185 --> 00:12:34,819 He said denise told him that for a brief time, 315 00:12:34,821 --> 00:12:36,554 Months before the murder, 316 00:12:36,556 --> 00:12:39,290 She had a key to eric's apartment. 317 00:12:39,292 --> 00:12:40,858 They were goin' out. That seems to make sense. 318 00:12:40,860 --> 00:12:42,026 - Right, right, 319 00:12:42,028 --> 00:12:43,428 And there was no evidence of a break-in, 320 00:12:43,430 --> 00:12:45,363 So someone either had to have a key 321 00:12:45,365 --> 00:12:47,165 Or been led in by eric. 322 00:12:47,167 --> 00:12:49,267 - Well, I mean, denise certainly would fit the profile 323 00:12:49,269 --> 00:12:50,701 Of somebody that eric trusted, 324 00:12:50,703 --> 00:12:52,436 Somebody he'd be willing to go to sleep 325 00:12:52,438 --> 00:12:53,437 While they were still there. 326 00:12:53,439 --> 00:12:54,972 - Absolutely. 327 00:12:54,974 --> 00:12:57,442 - Police were eager to interview her, 328 00:12:57,444 --> 00:13:00,444 But they knew that if denise had been in eric's apartment 329 00:13:00,446 --> 00:13:01,779 Recently, 330 00:13:01,781 --> 00:13:04,115 Any forensic trail she might have left 331 00:13:04,117 --> 00:13:06,918 Might not mean much, and the same was true 332 00:13:06,920 --> 00:13:10,522 For all those other women police hadn't even identified. 333 00:13:10,524 --> 00:13:11,856 - Because their dna belongs there. 334 00:13:11,858 --> 00:13:13,524 Their dna belongs everywhere in the apartment. 335 00:13:13,526 --> 00:13:15,326 Their fingerprints belong in the apartment. 336 00:13:15,328 --> 00:13:18,329 So, now you have to prove it some other way. 337 00:13:18,331 --> 00:13:21,999 - After day one, ruvin said denise topped his list 338 00:13:22,001 --> 00:13:24,068 Of people to check out, 339 00:13:24,070 --> 00:13:26,571 But she would not be ruvin's only lead. 340 00:13:28,942 --> 00:13:30,341 - Oh, my god. 341 00:13:30,343 --> 00:13:31,742 - A witness came forward who'd seen a man 342 00:13:31,744 --> 00:13:34,679 Meeting with eric just before the murder. 343 00:13:34,681 --> 00:13:37,882 Like eric, he was a salesman, 344 00:13:37,884 --> 00:13:39,984 But he wasn't selling cars. 345 00:13:41,754 --> 00:13:42,920 - Coming up... 346 00:13:42,922 --> 00:13:44,856 A possible new suspect. 347 00:13:49,229 --> 00:13:53,331 And a possible motive as old as time. 348 00:13:53,333 --> 00:13:55,233 - Jealousy leads to murder. 349 00:13:55,235 --> 00:14:00,872 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 350 00:14:01,039 --> 00:14:06,143 ♪♪ 351 00:14:06,145 --> 00:14:09,514 - I was here, but I wasn't really here. 352 00:14:09,516 --> 00:14:12,550 It was very, very difficult. 353 00:14:12,552 --> 00:14:16,554 - People tell you grief diminishes over time, 354 00:14:16,556 --> 00:14:19,056 But days after eric somuah's death, 355 00:14:19,058 --> 00:14:21,993 His close-knit family could only dream 356 00:14:21,995 --> 00:14:25,529 About whether that moment would ever arrive. 357 00:14:25,531 --> 00:14:27,465 - When I received the paper the next day, 358 00:14:27,467 --> 00:14:30,334 And I opened it to the obituary section, 359 00:14:30,336 --> 00:14:33,471 And I saw this young, handsome guy in there, 360 00:14:33,473 --> 00:14:35,640 I just lost it. 361 00:14:35,642 --> 00:14:39,510 - Sadly, I meet a lot of people in your situation. 362 00:14:39,512 --> 00:14:41,879 There are families that really wanna know 363 00:14:41,881 --> 00:14:43,414 What happened, and then there are other people 364 00:14:43,416 --> 00:14:46,217 Who are like, not gonna bring him back, 365 00:14:46,219 --> 00:14:49,086 And I don't wanna spend another minute thinking about the murderer. 366 00:14:49,088 --> 00:14:51,355 You guys clearly are in that first group. 367 00:14:51,357 --> 00:14:52,723 You wanted an answer, didn't you? 368 00:14:52,725 --> 00:14:56,827 - Oh, yeah, we-we wanted to know who would do this 369 00:14:56,829 --> 00:14:58,863 Because we just could not understand 370 00:14:58,865 --> 00:15:01,165 Who want to kill eric. 371 00:15:01,167 --> 00:15:03,835 - The family had pointed detective dimitri ruvin 372 00:15:03,837 --> 00:15:06,638 At eric's girlfriend, denise. 373 00:15:06,640 --> 00:15:08,706 - We interviewed denise multiple times. 374 00:15:08,708 --> 00:15:11,375 - Ruvin's interest in denise picked up 375 00:15:11,377 --> 00:15:12,843 When he learned from the family 376 00:15:12,845 --> 00:15:16,847 That her romance with eric was on the rocks. 377 00:15:16,849 --> 00:15:19,016 - And he was with her, like, probably about a year, 378 00:15:19,018 --> 00:15:22,219 And then after a while, he was just tired of, uh, 379 00:15:22,221 --> 00:15:25,923 Being, I guess, bogged down by someone. 380 00:15:25,925 --> 00:15:27,725 - According to ruvin, denise told him 381 00:15:27,727 --> 00:15:30,395 That she and eric were talking about breaking up 382 00:15:30,397 --> 00:15:32,363 By mutual agreement. 383 00:15:32,365 --> 00:15:33,864 Ruvin said she also acknowledged 384 00:15:33,866 --> 00:15:37,401 Eric was dissatisfied with their relationship, 385 00:15:37,403 --> 00:15:40,371 Giving the detective a theory to consider. 386 00:15:40,373 --> 00:15:42,273 Older woman, younger man... 387 00:15:42,275 --> 00:15:44,608 And now he wants to end it 388 00:15:44,610 --> 00:15:46,243 And maybe see somebody else. 389 00:15:46,245 --> 00:15:47,044 - Right. 390 00:15:47,046 --> 00:15:48,746 - And that breeds jealousy, 391 00:15:48,748 --> 00:15:50,281 And we know what that leads to. 392 00:15:50,283 --> 00:15:52,684 - Correct. Jealousy leads to murder. 393 00:15:52,686 --> 00:15:55,219 - While he continued to investigate denise, 394 00:15:55,221 --> 00:15:58,289 Ruvin learned from residents in eric's building 395 00:15:58,291 --> 00:16:00,257 That there was a woman there he'd been dating 396 00:16:00,259 --> 00:16:01,893 For just a few weeks. 397 00:16:01,895 --> 00:16:04,528 - That's why we wanted to talk to katrina. 398 00:16:04,530 --> 00:16:07,898 - Katrina ben came down to police headquarters 399 00:16:07,900 --> 00:16:10,267 For an interview. 400 00:16:10,269 --> 00:16:11,369 [groans] 401 00:16:11,371 --> 00:16:13,638 - She's visibly upset her. 402 00:16:13,640 --> 00:16:14,972 [groans] 403 00:16:14,974 --> 00:16:16,273 Just earlier that day, 404 00:16:16,275 --> 00:16:18,142 Detective ruvin and his partner 405 00:16:18,144 --> 00:16:20,078 Had told her that eric was dead. 406 00:16:25,318 --> 00:16:26,550 - I don't care, it's-- 407 00:16:26,552 --> 00:16:28,419 [sighs] 408 00:16:28,421 --> 00:16:30,855 - Um, so, let's-- yes. 409 00:16:30,857 --> 00:16:33,891 - They wanted whatever leads she could give them, 410 00:16:33,893 --> 00:16:35,827 But they began with the basics. 411 00:16:41,801 --> 00:16:43,368 - Outside their building. 412 00:16:51,411 --> 00:16:54,211 Katrina did work as a nurse for the nih, 413 00:16:54,213 --> 00:16:56,580 The national institutes of health. 414 00:16:56,582 --> 00:16:59,350 It turned out she and eric had plenty in common. 415 00:17:00,987 --> 00:17:03,020 - Mm-hmm. 416 00:17:03,022 --> 00:17:06,490 - The relationship quickly turned more than friendly. 417 00:17:06,492 --> 00:17:09,027 Katrina said she and eric had been dating weekly, 418 00:17:09,029 --> 00:17:10,895 Usually on mondays, ever since. 419 00:17:12,198 --> 00:17:14,632 Katrina wanted to know about progress 420 00:17:14,634 --> 00:17:16,234 In finding her lover's killer. 421 00:17:24,511 --> 00:17:26,310 - And we can't-- we can't-- 422 00:17:26,312 --> 00:17:30,048 - She asked if they could at least say where eric died. 423 00:17:35,922 --> 00:17:38,355 [groans] 424 00:17:38,357 --> 00:17:42,460 The interview topic returned to the vibrant eric she knew. 425 00:17:51,037 --> 00:17:52,537 That explained, katrina said, 426 00:17:52,539 --> 00:17:54,939 Why he never answered her recent texts. 427 00:18:17,730 --> 00:18:19,363 The detectives consoled her 428 00:18:19,365 --> 00:18:21,232 But also continued to probe 429 00:18:21,234 --> 00:18:23,234 About that last night together 430 00:18:23,236 --> 00:18:25,670 Two days before eric's body was discovered. 431 00:18:31,077 --> 00:18:33,611 But then she said the night got strange. 432 00:18:33,613 --> 00:18:34,579 Out of the blue, 433 00:18:34,581 --> 00:18:36,881 Eric said he wanted to smoke some pot. 434 00:18:40,019 --> 00:18:42,587 But she told him she wasn't interested. 435 00:18:42,589 --> 00:18:44,121 She did agree to ride with eric, 436 00:18:44,123 --> 00:18:47,058 So he could buy weed at a nearby apartment complex. 437 00:18:52,331 --> 00:18:53,998 They drove up to this building. 438 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:55,799 Almost immediately, katrina said, 439 00:18:55,801 --> 00:18:58,336 The pot dealer jumped into the backseat. 440 00:19:11,017 --> 00:19:12,917 - Mm-hmm. 441 00:19:23,095 --> 00:19:25,663 - Right. Right. 442 00:19:26,566 --> 00:19:28,199 - After driving back to their building, 443 00:19:28,201 --> 00:19:30,334 Eric and katrina spent the rest of the night 444 00:19:30,336 --> 00:19:32,369 Watching the basketball game 445 00:19:32,371 --> 00:19:35,339 Before they became focused on each other. 446 00:19:41,047 --> 00:19:42,913 A little later, she told the detectives, 447 00:19:42,915 --> 00:19:44,782 She was woken up by the sound of eric 448 00:19:44,784 --> 00:19:47,985 Talking to someone outside the bedroom. 449 00:19:47,987 --> 00:19:49,920 Through a crack in the door, 450 00:19:49,922 --> 00:19:53,191 Katrina thought she could make out a face, 451 00:19:53,193 --> 00:19:55,526 And the man looked familiar. 452 00:19:55,528 --> 00:19:58,062 - She believed the guy to be the drug dealer. 453 00:19:58,064 --> 00:19:59,530 - The same guy she'd met earlier. 454 00:19:59,532 --> 00:20:00,598 - Yes. 455 00:20:00,600 --> 00:20:02,132 - This was only hours before 456 00:20:02,134 --> 00:20:04,868 Eric was murdered in his bed. 457 00:20:04,870 --> 00:20:08,939 Detective ruvin now had another major suspect. 458 00:20:08,941 --> 00:20:10,908 - So, we concentrated on this drug dealer. 459 00:20:12,278 --> 00:20:14,378 - This would prove to be a critical moment 460 00:20:14,380 --> 00:20:18,382 In the case but not for the reasons you think. 461 00:20:20,019 --> 00:20:22,152 - Coming up... 462 00:20:22,154 --> 00:20:25,823 Did police strike gold in the drug dealer's apartment? 463 00:20:25,825 --> 00:20:26,824 - That's the same kinda gun that killed eric. 464 00:20:26,826 --> 00:20:29,093 - It's the same- same kinda gun. 465 00:20:29,095 --> 00:20:31,829 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 466 00:20:34,766 --> 00:20:39,336 ♪♪ 467 00:20:39,338 --> 00:20:41,872 - Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 468 00:20:41,874 --> 00:20:43,340 I'm craig melvin. 469 00:20:43,342 --> 00:20:46,177 Bachelor eric somuah had been gunned down 470 00:20:46,179 --> 00:20:49,647 At point blank range in his own bed. 471 00:20:49,649 --> 00:20:52,249 Investigators believed it was someone he knew, 472 00:20:52,251 --> 00:20:55,653 But the motive remained a mystery. 473 00:20:55,655 --> 00:20:57,788 Then one of eric's girlfriends revealed 474 00:20:57,790 --> 00:21:00,391 A secret about a man she said 475 00:21:00,393 --> 00:21:04,729 She saw at eric's apartment the night he was killed. 476 00:21:04,731 --> 00:21:07,998 Could this lead deliver the break they needed? 477 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:10,401 Back with "while he was sleeping," 478 00:21:10,403 --> 00:21:11,702 Here's josh mankiewicz. 479 00:21:13,739 --> 00:21:17,908 - Detective dimitri ruvin has worked a lot of homicides, 480 00:21:17,910 --> 00:21:19,610 But the death of eric somuah 481 00:21:19,612 --> 00:21:21,945 Angered him more than most. 482 00:21:21,947 --> 00:21:24,415 - You know, he was just sleeping. 483 00:21:24,417 --> 00:21:26,150 To kill somebody while they're sleeping, 484 00:21:26,152 --> 00:21:29,153 Is just-- it's horrible. 485 00:21:29,155 --> 00:21:31,555 - Eric's sisters were grateful to have someone 486 00:21:31,557 --> 00:21:35,026 As committed as ruvin working their brother's case. 487 00:21:35,028 --> 00:21:38,896 - He is a phenomenal investigator. 488 00:21:38,898 --> 00:21:42,032 - And now, just days after eric was murdered, 489 00:21:42,034 --> 00:21:43,967 It looked as if detective ruvin 490 00:21:43,969 --> 00:21:46,904 Might give the family some resolution. 491 00:21:46,906 --> 00:21:49,573 One of eric's lovers, katrina ben, 492 00:21:49,575 --> 00:21:52,643 Handed the investigators a new suspect, 493 00:21:52,645 --> 00:21:54,245 Eric's pot dealer. 494 00:21:58,050 --> 00:22:00,884 Katrina told them how uneasy she felt 495 00:22:00,886 --> 00:22:02,887 With the dealer in the apartment. 496 00:22:07,060 --> 00:22:09,327 So, at just around 5 a.M., 497 00:22:09,329 --> 00:22:11,862 Katrina said she got out of there. 498 00:22:11,864 --> 00:22:14,131 - She said the guy then just came up to her 499 00:22:14,133 --> 00:22:15,066 As she was leaving 500 00:22:15,068 --> 00:22:18,135 And basically pushed her out with the door. 501 00:22:18,137 --> 00:22:20,804 - Based on katrina's account, police believe 502 00:22:20,806 --> 00:22:24,008 Eric was killed sometime in the early morning hours 503 00:22:24,010 --> 00:22:26,377 Of June 5, 2012. 504 00:22:26,379 --> 00:22:28,813 Ruvin brought in the dealer for questioning, 505 00:22:28,815 --> 00:22:31,048 A man named william woodfork. 506 00:22:31,050 --> 00:22:33,084 - And he was like, "I have no idea who that is. 507 00:22:33,086 --> 00:22:34,285 "never met him before." 508 00:22:34,287 --> 00:22:35,819 - Did you believe him? - No. 509 00:22:35,821 --> 00:22:37,688 I knew eric called him, 510 00:22:37,690 --> 00:22:41,191 And katrina's story tied him to eric. 511 00:22:41,193 --> 00:22:44,295 - Ruvin hammered away at woodfork for hours, 512 00:22:44,297 --> 00:22:48,265 Finally getting him to admit he sold eric marijuana 513 00:22:48,267 --> 00:22:51,369 The night of the murder, but the dealer balked 514 00:22:51,371 --> 00:22:55,773 When ruvin asked why he later went over to eric's. 515 00:22:55,775 --> 00:22:57,775 - And he was like, "what are you talkin' about?" 516 00:22:57,777 --> 00:23:00,310 He was so adamant about not even knowing 517 00:23:00,312 --> 00:23:02,012 Where eric lives. 518 00:23:02,014 --> 00:23:03,881 "you know, I'm a weed dealer. 519 00:23:03,883 --> 00:23:06,950 "I'm not a deliveryman. I don't deliver. 520 00:23:06,952 --> 00:23:08,285 "people come to me." 521 00:23:08,287 --> 00:23:10,321 - Detective ruvin wasn't about to just take 522 00:23:10,323 --> 00:23:12,589 A drug dealer at his word. 523 00:23:12,591 --> 00:23:14,825 So, we end up gettin' a search warrant for his place, 524 00:23:14,827 --> 00:23:18,596 And we recovered a safe from his apartment, 525 00:23:18,598 --> 00:23:21,899 And inside the safe was a .380 handgun, 526 00:23:21,901 --> 00:23:23,767 And it was like... [sighs] 527 00:23:23,769 --> 00:23:25,736 Did he lie? Is this our murder weapon. 528 00:23:25,738 --> 00:23:26,804 - That's the same kinda gun that killed eric. 529 00:23:26,806 --> 00:23:29,673 - It's the same-same kinda gun. 530 00:23:29,675 --> 00:23:31,909 - The gun was sent to the firearms lab 531 00:23:31,911 --> 00:23:34,578 As ruvin checked to see if he could prove 532 00:23:34,580 --> 00:23:37,815 William woodfork was in eric's apartment, 533 00:23:37,817 --> 00:23:40,084 But woodfork's dna or fingerprints 534 00:23:40,086 --> 00:23:43,787 Weren't on the door or anywhere else. 535 00:23:43,789 --> 00:23:44,889 Do you look at the security tape? 536 00:23:44,891 --> 00:23:45,789 Is he on there anywhere? 537 00:23:45,791 --> 00:23:46,723 - Looked at the security tapes. 538 00:23:46,725 --> 00:23:47,825 He was never on the security tapes. 539 00:23:47,827 --> 00:23:51,295 - Then the tests came back on the dealer's .380. 540 00:23:51,297 --> 00:23:53,030 - It was not the gun that killed eric. 541 00:23:53,032 --> 00:23:54,231 It was the same caliber, 542 00:23:54,233 --> 00:23:55,933 But the ammunition was different, 543 00:23:55,935 --> 00:23:59,136 So it was just, uh, one big coincidence. 544 00:23:59,138 --> 00:24:01,572 - Now, eric's dealer wasn't looking as good 545 00:24:01,574 --> 00:24:02,906 For the murder. 546 00:24:02,908 --> 00:24:05,309 Not only was the gun not a match, 547 00:24:05,311 --> 00:24:06,910 Ruvin was convinced 548 00:24:06,912 --> 00:24:10,080 The dealer was never at eric's apartment. 549 00:24:10,082 --> 00:24:12,082 As for denise, the woman who had been 550 00:24:12,084 --> 00:24:13,417 Eric's girlfriend, 551 00:24:13,419 --> 00:24:16,520 Investigators interviewed her three times. 552 00:24:16,522 --> 00:24:19,056 She was cooperative and allowed them 553 00:24:19,058 --> 00:24:20,390 To look at her phone. 554 00:24:20,392 --> 00:24:22,626 - Her phone records put her at home, uh, 555 00:24:22,628 --> 00:24:23,861 The night of the murder. 556 00:24:23,863 --> 00:24:27,030 - So, they eliminated denise as a suspect. 557 00:24:27,032 --> 00:24:30,534 And again, ruvin started from scratch. 558 00:24:30,536 --> 00:24:32,936 - You don't just come in, in somebody's apartment, 559 00:24:32,938 --> 00:24:34,238 And murder them while they're sleeping 560 00:24:34,240 --> 00:24:35,939 And expect to get away with it, and that felt like 561 00:24:35,941 --> 00:24:38,642 This was my job to find the killer, 562 00:24:38,644 --> 00:24:40,944 And I feel like I wasn't doing my job. 563 00:24:40,946 --> 00:24:42,913 - The detective circled back to the person 564 00:24:42,915 --> 00:24:44,949 Who pointed them towards the pot dealer 565 00:24:44,951 --> 00:24:47,885 In the first place, katrina ben. 566 00:24:47,887 --> 00:24:49,086 [moans] 567 00:24:49,088 --> 00:24:50,554 The woman who'd been so surprised 568 00:24:50,556 --> 00:24:53,624 And distraught by her lover's death. 569 00:24:53,626 --> 00:24:56,493 Now, the cops wondered if she had deliberately 570 00:24:56,495 --> 00:24:58,495 Misdirected them. 571 00:24:58,497 --> 00:25:02,032 Ruvin and his partner asked her back for another chat. 572 00:25:13,779 --> 00:25:18,448 Just days before, katrina had spoken of eric lovingly 573 00:25:18,450 --> 00:25:20,084 But no longer. 574 00:25:22,922 --> 00:25:25,255 - At some point, I asked her to give us her phone 575 00:25:25,257 --> 00:25:27,257 Because I knew she exchanged messages, 576 00:25:27,259 --> 00:25:30,961 And she just flat out refused to give us her phone. 577 00:25:30,963 --> 00:25:33,630 - Well, that has to make you sort of sit up 578 00:25:33,632 --> 00:25:34,798 And take note. 579 00:25:34,800 --> 00:25:35,933 - Yeah, it was a little odd, but, at the same time, 580 00:25:35,935 --> 00:25:37,634 If it was somebody-- 581 00:25:37,636 --> 00:25:41,772 If it was my significant other that was murdered, 582 00:25:41,774 --> 00:25:43,807 I think I would do anything to help the police. 583 00:25:43,809 --> 00:25:46,977 - And she wouldn't do it. - No. 584 00:25:46,979 --> 00:25:50,614 - Katrina's abrupt change in behavior was strange, 585 00:25:50,616 --> 00:25:53,116 Even alarming, to the detectives, 586 00:25:53,118 --> 00:25:55,886 But all they could do was say their goodbyes 587 00:25:55,888 --> 00:26:00,023 As katrina headed off to a new job in baltimore. 588 00:26:00,025 --> 00:26:02,759 - At this point, um, there was enough 589 00:26:02,761 --> 00:26:04,995 Weird behavior from katrina ben, 590 00:26:04,997 --> 00:26:08,098 And we had nothing solid, nothing really incriminating, 591 00:26:08,100 --> 00:26:11,768 But it was just something not being right there. 592 00:26:11,770 --> 00:26:14,037 - The cops had a nagging feeling 593 00:26:14,039 --> 00:26:16,507 Katrina ben was lying. 594 00:26:16,509 --> 00:26:18,642 That pot dealer wasn't in the apartment 595 00:26:18,644 --> 00:26:22,112 The night eric was murdered, but katrina was, 596 00:26:22,114 --> 00:26:25,182 And suddenly, she looked suspicious, 597 00:26:25,184 --> 00:26:27,451 But suspicions don't make a case. 598 00:26:27,453 --> 00:26:32,055 And right now, someone was getting away with murder. 599 00:26:32,057 --> 00:26:34,224 - With katrina bound for baltimore, 600 00:26:34,226 --> 00:26:36,794 This threatened to stall the investigation 601 00:26:36,796 --> 00:26:38,495 Into her lover's murder. 602 00:26:38,497 --> 00:26:43,200 Then a remarkable roadside discovery. 603 00:26:43,202 --> 00:26:45,135 Coming up... 604 00:26:45,137 --> 00:26:48,071 A damaged gun helps a determined detective 605 00:26:48,073 --> 00:26:49,573 Shoot a bull's eye. 606 00:26:49,575 --> 00:26:50,541 - It was recovered, uh, 607 00:26:50,543 --> 00:26:52,676 The day after we found eric's body, 608 00:26:52,678 --> 00:26:54,411 And I was like, let's just test this gun. 609 00:26:54,413 --> 00:26:56,480 This gun makes sense. 610 00:26:56,482 --> 00:26:59,750 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 611 00:27:02,754 --> 00:27:06,923 ♪♪ 612 00:27:06,925 --> 00:27:08,125 Welcome back. 613 00:27:08,127 --> 00:27:10,527 The investigation into eric somuah's murder 614 00:27:10,529 --> 00:27:14,531 Had hit a dead end, but detective dimitri ruvin 615 00:27:14,533 --> 00:27:17,300 Was not one to give up easily. 616 00:27:17,302 --> 00:27:19,636 He was about to try the near impossible, 617 00:27:19,638 --> 00:27:23,507 The detective version of a hail mary pass, 618 00:27:23,509 --> 00:27:25,175 But if his hunch was right, 619 00:27:25,177 --> 00:27:27,645 It would help him uncover the smoking gun 620 00:27:27,647 --> 00:27:30,681 Needed to blow this case wide open. 621 00:27:30,683 --> 00:27:33,216 Here with more of "while he was sleeping," 622 00:27:33,218 --> 00:27:36,386 Here's josh mankiewicz. 623 00:27:36,388 --> 00:27:40,057 - As his murder investigation slowly rolled forward, 624 00:27:40,059 --> 00:27:43,661 Detective dimitri ruvin developed a certain affection 625 00:27:43,663 --> 00:27:47,364 For eric somuah, the guy he'd never met, 626 00:27:47,366 --> 00:27:52,135 The successful, charismatic, charming victim. 627 00:27:52,137 --> 00:27:54,271 You kept a picture of eric on your desk at work. 628 00:27:54,273 --> 00:27:56,339 - Mm-hmm. - Just to remind you. 629 00:27:56,341 --> 00:27:58,408 - We called him the most interesting man in the world. 630 00:27:58,410 --> 00:27:59,943 That was the name of this case, 631 00:27:59,945 --> 00:28:01,144 And I've always had a picture of eric 632 00:28:01,146 --> 00:28:05,682 To just kinda remind me to-to keep going 633 00:28:05,684 --> 00:28:08,352 And keep working a case. 634 00:28:08,354 --> 00:28:11,555 - Unfortunately, what wasn't next to eric's photo 635 00:28:11,557 --> 00:28:14,558 On ruvin's desk was any hard evidence 636 00:28:14,560 --> 00:28:16,693 Against katrina ben, 637 00:28:16,695 --> 00:28:19,830 The woman ruvin thought knew more than she was telling 638 00:28:19,832 --> 00:28:21,832 About eric's murder. 639 00:28:21,834 --> 00:28:25,302 He decided to take yet another crack at his suspect, 640 00:28:25,304 --> 00:28:27,438 And, along with another detective, 641 00:28:27,440 --> 00:28:30,507 Ruvin paid katrina a visit up in baltimore. 642 00:28:30,509 --> 00:28:33,310 - For the most part, her story remained the same. 643 00:28:33,312 --> 00:28:37,414 - But katrina was also on guard and defensive. 644 00:28:43,055 --> 00:28:46,323 Instead of focusing on the detective's tone, 645 00:28:46,325 --> 00:28:48,258 Katrina should have paid more attention 646 00:28:48,260 --> 00:28:49,659 To their clothing. 647 00:28:49,661 --> 00:28:52,529 Detective ruvin secretly had a tape recorder 648 00:28:52,531 --> 00:28:53,663 In his pocket. 649 00:28:53,665 --> 00:28:57,501 - And that's when I asked her about owning any guns. 650 00:29:02,007 --> 00:29:03,206 - Armed with a warrant, 651 00:29:03,208 --> 00:29:05,142 Ruvin searched katrina's apartment 652 00:29:05,144 --> 00:29:07,043 But did not find a gun. 653 00:29:07,045 --> 00:29:09,446 He seized her phone and computer, 654 00:29:09,448 --> 00:29:12,215 But cops didn't find anything incriminating. 655 00:29:12,217 --> 00:29:13,817 There was no gun registered to her anywhere. 656 00:29:13,819 --> 00:29:14,785 - No. No. 657 00:29:14,787 --> 00:29:16,119 - And no sign that she'd ever owned one 658 00:29:16,121 --> 00:29:17,954 At any point in her life. - That's correct. 659 00:29:17,956 --> 00:29:19,490 - Ruvin kept going. 660 00:29:19,492 --> 00:29:21,591 - I subpoenaed her bank records and credit card records 661 00:29:21,593 --> 00:29:25,229 Just to see if she purchased any ammunition somewhere. 662 00:29:25,231 --> 00:29:27,864 - You didn't find it. - No. 663 00:29:27,866 --> 00:29:29,633 - Ruvin didn't stop there. 664 00:29:29,635 --> 00:29:31,902 He kept looking everywhere. 665 00:29:31,904 --> 00:29:34,037 He even went all the way to katrina's hometown 666 00:29:34,039 --> 00:29:35,238 In mississippi 667 00:29:35,240 --> 00:29:37,741 Where he learned something interesting. 668 00:29:37,743 --> 00:29:42,712 - I talked to her dad, uh, who said that he had guns, 669 00:29:42,714 --> 00:29:44,648 Multiple guns in the house, 670 00:29:44,650 --> 00:29:47,918 And that katrina had shot guns before, 671 00:29:47,920 --> 00:29:50,520 So we knew she lied. 672 00:29:50,522 --> 00:29:53,056 - But that is no criminal offense. 673 00:29:53,058 --> 00:29:55,592 Still, ruvin was certain he could eventually 674 00:29:55,594 --> 00:29:59,796 Find something concrete, and he kept looking. 675 00:29:59,798 --> 00:30:03,233 Weeks passed, then months. 676 00:30:03,235 --> 00:30:05,669 - I think that's probably the toughest thing about, uh, 677 00:30:05,671 --> 00:30:08,872 This job, is if it goes unsolved for a while. 678 00:30:08,874 --> 00:30:10,006 - You feel like you're lettin' the family down. 679 00:30:10,008 --> 00:30:12,209 - Right, exactly, and especially families 680 00:30:12,211 --> 00:30:14,177 That do stay in contact with you. 681 00:30:14,179 --> 00:30:17,414 - Eric's family was eager for answers. 682 00:30:17,416 --> 00:30:21,117 They were not shy about letting ruvin know that. 683 00:30:21,119 --> 00:30:23,821 - He gets probably daily phone calls 684 00:30:23,823 --> 00:30:25,956 From each one of us, 685 00:30:25,958 --> 00:30:29,827 And he was so patient in just explaining. 686 00:30:29,829 --> 00:30:31,161 - Detective ruvin never said to you, 687 00:30:31,163 --> 00:30:33,096 "hey, maybe, like, one of you could call me 688 00:30:33,098 --> 00:30:34,297 "and tell the other people?" - never. 689 00:30:34,299 --> 00:30:35,398 - Never. 690 00:30:35,400 --> 00:30:37,000 - And you look at your phone, and you're like-- 691 00:30:37,002 --> 00:30:39,302 You don't even wanna answer 'cause you have no news. 692 00:30:39,304 --> 00:30:41,771 It's the same that it was last week. 693 00:30:41,773 --> 00:30:45,041 We think we know who did it, but we can't prove it right now. 694 00:30:45,043 --> 00:30:48,378 - May 2013, the one year anniversary 695 00:30:48,380 --> 00:30:50,781 Of eric's murder, approached. 696 00:30:50,783 --> 00:30:52,916 And frankly, the investigation had come 697 00:30:52,918 --> 00:30:54,785 To a standstill. 698 00:30:54,787 --> 00:30:58,655 Ruvin wasn't just angry. He was frustrated. 699 00:30:58,657 --> 00:31:01,424 He needed to make something happen. 700 00:31:01,426 --> 00:31:03,994 Ruvin thought about the gun that had killed eric, 701 00:31:03,996 --> 00:31:06,797 And he knew a lot of handguns just like it 702 00:31:06,799 --> 00:31:11,534 Were already in police custody all across the d.C. Area. 703 00:31:11,536 --> 00:31:15,305 He decided to examine all of them. 704 00:31:15,307 --> 00:31:17,207 It was an immense task. 705 00:31:17,209 --> 00:31:20,143 He began in montgomery county. 706 00:31:20,145 --> 00:31:22,813 - So, I decided to look at all .380s recovered 707 00:31:22,815 --> 00:31:24,014 In the past year. 708 00:31:24,016 --> 00:31:27,851 - Which had been how many? - It was about 60 guns. 709 00:31:27,853 --> 00:31:29,286 - Ruvin combed through the records 710 00:31:29,288 --> 00:31:32,555 For each of those guns, most seized by cops 711 00:31:32,557 --> 00:31:35,058 In traffic stops or drug busts, 712 00:31:35,060 --> 00:31:36,827 But none matched up 713 00:31:36,829 --> 00:31:40,397 Until ruvin read the second to last file. 714 00:31:40,399 --> 00:31:44,668 It was handgun number 59 out of 60. 715 00:31:44,670 --> 00:31:47,871 It was a gun turned in by a tourist from montana 716 00:31:47,873 --> 00:31:51,308 Who had spotted it lying by the side of the beltway, 717 00:31:51,310 --> 00:31:54,044 D.C.'s most traveled road. 718 00:31:54,046 --> 00:31:56,513 The only reason the man saw it was because 719 00:31:56,515 --> 00:32:00,717 He was parked in d.C.'s famous bumper to bumper traffic. 720 00:32:00,719 --> 00:32:02,919 - It was recovered, uh, the day after we found 721 00:32:02,921 --> 00:32:03,887 Eric's body. 722 00:32:03,889 --> 00:32:05,655 Uh, it was a-a short distance away 723 00:32:05,657 --> 00:32:06,923 From the crime scene, 724 00:32:06,925 --> 00:32:08,692 And I was like let's just test this gun. 725 00:32:08,694 --> 00:32:10,327 This gun makes sense. 726 00:32:10,329 --> 00:32:12,128 - This seems like succeeding against 727 00:32:12,130 --> 00:32:15,632 Unbelievable odds. - One in a million. 728 00:32:15,634 --> 00:32:19,469 - The gun was a mess, missing most of its components, 729 00:32:19,471 --> 00:32:21,671 And it looked as if it might have been run over 730 00:32:21,673 --> 00:32:25,943 After it hit the pavement, but the barrel intact. 731 00:32:25,945 --> 00:32:28,678 Using spare parts, the police firearms lab 732 00:32:28,680 --> 00:32:32,082 Reassembled the weapon and test fired it. 733 00:32:32,084 --> 00:32:33,550 [gunshot] 734 00:32:33,552 --> 00:32:34,718 The result? 735 00:32:34,720 --> 00:32:38,688 A close match to the bullet that killed eric somuah, 736 00:32:38,690 --> 00:32:41,491 And on the gun, a serial number. 737 00:32:41,493 --> 00:32:44,761 From it, ruvin learned something else. 738 00:32:44,763 --> 00:32:46,162 Where was it originally sold? 739 00:32:46,164 --> 00:32:49,967 - It was sold at a pawn shop in columbia, mississippi. 740 00:32:49,969 --> 00:32:52,202 - Why was that a big deal? 741 00:32:52,204 --> 00:32:53,670 Because that little pawn shop 742 00:32:53,672 --> 00:32:55,538 Was just a few miles down the road 743 00:32:55,540 --> 00:32:58,041 From silver creek, mississippi, 744 00:32:58,043 --> 00:33:02,846 Which was the hometown of katrina ben. 745 00:33:02,848 --> 00:33:06,716 Ruvin just couldn't buy that as a coincidence. 746 00:33:06,718 --> 00:33:09,185 So, he took another trip down to mississippi, 747 00:33:09,187 --> 00:33:12,489 This time to track down the gun's original owner, 748 00:33:12,491 --> 00:33:14,758 Which was harder than it might sound. 749 00:33:14,760 --> 00:33:17,794 - This gun had multiple-multiple owners. 750 00:33:17,796 --> 00:33:19,195 It would take me 30 minutes 751 00:33:19,197 --> 00:33:20,931 Just to persuade somebody to talk to me. 752 00:33:20,933 --> 00:33:22,132 - Why? 753 00:33:22,134 --> 00:33:24,200 Because in mississippi, you sound like a stranger? 754 00:33:24,202 --> 00:33:25,435 - Uh... - That's so weird. 755 00:33:25,437 --> 00:33:26,336 [laughter] 756 00:33:26,338 --> 00:33:28,204 - Possibly sound like a stranger. 757 00:33:28,206 --> 00:33:30,373 Also, nobody wants to talk about guns. 758 00:33:30,375 --> 00:33:33,543 They always think that I'm there to get 'em in trouble. 759 00:33:33,545 --> 00:33:35,345 - It was a lot of shoe leather, 760 00:33:35,347 --> 00:33:39,082 And ruvin still didn't have a solid link to katrina. 761 00:33:39,084 --> 00:33:40,950 - It would take some persuading from-from me 762 00:33:40,952 --> 00:33:43,053 To even have people talk to me. 763 00:33:43,055 --> 00:33:46,656 - But slowly, the persuasion paid off. 764 00:33:46,658 --> 00:33:48,825 - And each would tell us, "yeah, I had it for a year, 765 00:33:48,827 --> 00:33:50,927 "and then I pawned it at this pawn shop." 766 00:33:50,929 --> 00:33:54,031 - After interviewing six former owners of the gun, 767 00:33:54,033 --> 00:33:56,933 Ruvin arrived at a pawn shop that bought and sold it 768 00:33:56,935 --> 00:33:59,736 Sometime around 2003. 769 00:33:59,738 --> 00:34:01,104 - So, the owner, he was like, 770 00:34:01,106 --> 00:34:03,973 "we kept our records in diaper boxes 771 00:34:03,975 --> 00:34:08,511 "in the back of the shed, and the rats were eatin' on 'em, 772 00:34:08,513 --> 00:34:11,181 "so we decided to just send 'em to the atf." 773 00:34:11,183 --> 00:34:14,584 - Ruvin offered to come look through those diaper boxes. 774 00:34:14,586 --> 00:34:18,989 The response from the atf? Thanks, but no thanks. 775 00:34:18,991 --> 00:34:22,926 - The atf agent was just saying, "just let us take care of it." 776 00:34:22,928 --> 00:34:26,863 So, we left mississippi really with nothing. 777 00:34:26,865 --> 00:34:28,665 - Ruvin returned to maryland 778 00:34:28,667 --> 00:34:32,068 Wondering if he'd hit another dead end. 779 00:34:32,070 --> 00:34:35,005 He wondered for about a week. 780 00:34:35,007 --> 00:34:36,473 It was late June, 781 00:34:36,475 --> 00:34:39,476 Now more than a year since eric was murdered, 782 00:34:39,478 --> 00:34:42,011 When an atf agent called back. 783 00:34:42,013 --> 00:34:45,281 - "we found these diaper boxes, we found these records, 784 00:34:45,283 --> 00:34:47,083 "and we're faxing you a receipt." 785 00:34:47,085 --> 00:34:48,752 So, I was waitin' by the fax machine. 786 00:34:48,754 --> 00:34:49,886 The fax came through. 787 00:34:49,888 --> 00:34:51,554 I looked at the name, and it was katrina ben. 788 00:34:51,556 --> 00:34:54,290 She was the last purchaser of that handgun. 789 00:34:54,292 --> 00:34:55,692 - And you've got her. - Oh, yeah. 790 00:34:55,694 --> 00:34:57,760 It was pretty incredible. 791 00:34:57,762 --> 00:35:00,497 I-I was literally jumpin' up and down. 792 00:35:00,499 --> 00:35:04,334 - Now, he just had to lasso katrina ben. 793 00:35:04,336 --> 00:35:07,270 Easy? You decide. 794 00:35:14,246 --> 00:35:15,712 - Coming up... 795 00:35:15,714 --> 00:35:19,115 Was katrina ben a Monday night girl? 796 00:35:19,117 --> 00:35:20,850 - A girl who you do not take out, 797 00:35:20,852 --> 00:35:21,851 You do not show off, 798 00:35:21,853 --> 00:35:23,920 And you do not introduce to your friends. 799 00:35:23,922 --> 00:35:25,822 She has her purposes. 800 00:35:25,824 --> 00:35:28,625 - And was that a motive for murder? 801 00:35:28,627 --> 00:35:31,962 When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 802 00:35:34,798 --> 00:35:38,801 ♪♪ 803 00:35:38,803 --> 00:35:39,870 Welcome back. 804 00:35:39,872 --> 00:35:43,173 Against incredible odds, detective dimitri ruvin 805 00:35:43,175 --> 00:35:46,376 Found the gun that tied katrina ben 806 00:35:46,378 --> 00:35:48,344 To the murder of eric somuah. 807 00:35:48,346 --> 00:35:52,415 Investigators believed that now they could prove who did it. 808 00:35:52,417 --> 00:35:53,850 But why? 809 00:35:53,852 --> 00:35:56,152 It was a question they knew they would have to answer 810 00:35:56,154 --> 00:36:00,657 If they wanted to get justice for eric's family. 811 00:36:00,659 --> 00:36:03,726 Here with the conclusion of "while he was sleeping," 812 00:36:03,728 --> 00:36:07,931 Is josh mankiewicz. 813 00:36:10,035 --> 00:36:12,969 - Eric somuah had been dead for more than a year, 814 00:36:12,971 --> 00:36:16,372 And still, no one had been arrested for his murder, 815 00:36:16,374 --> 00:36:18,441 But his family, bound together 816 00:36:18,443 --> 00:36:23,380 By grief and faith, felt a kind of serenity. 817 00:36:23,382 --> 00:36:26,149 - I believe that there are certain people 818 00:36:26,151 --> 00:36:30,987 That were destined or ordained, I would say, to work this case. 819 00:36:30,989 --> 00:36:35,058 Detective ruvin, outside of his normal business hours, 820 00:36:35,060 --> 00:36:40,063 Was very determined, and he persevered 821 00:36:40,065 --> 00:36:46,002 Beyond what a normal detective would do. 822 00:36:46,004 --> 00:36:48,705 - The family didn't know it yet, but that perseverance 823 00:36:48,707 --> 00:36:51,007 Was about to be rewarded. 824 00:36:51,009 --> 00:36:53,410 Detective ruvin had an arrest warrant 825 00:36:53,412 --> 00:36:55,245 For katrina ben. 826 00:36:55,247 --> 00:36:57,213 She was living back in mississippi, 827 00:36:57,215 --> 00:37:00,650 Which is where the cuffs went onto her wrists. 828 00:37:03,555 --> 00:37:06,623 But katrina ben did not remain silent, 829 00:37:06,625 --> 00:37:08,992 Not at all. 830 00:37:16,368 --> 00:37:18,735 Ruvin had dropped the friendly facade 831 00:37:18,737 --> 00:37:21,237 He'd once presented to katrina. 832 00:37:21,239 --> 00:37:24,541 Now, he came at her full force. 833 00:37:36,588 --> 00:37:38,921 Remember, katrina had told police 834 00:37:38,923 --> 00:37:45,262 She didn't own a gun, hadn't even fired one. 835 00:37:55,073 --> 00:37:56,773 - Mm-hmm. 836 00:37:56,775 --> 00:37:58,541 - It was simple, they told her. 837 00:37:58,543 --> 00:38:03,013 She murdered eric. 838 00:38:04,649 --> 00:38:07,817 The question was why. 839 00:38:11,189 --> 00:38:15,392 - Eric was absolutely wonderful. 840 00:38:21,633 --> 00:38:24,033 - It's gonna be bad. I'm-I'm telling you. 841 00:38:24,035 --> 00:38:26,436 You're-- 842 00:38:26,438 --> 00:38:28,171 - But katrina wouldn't give it up 843 00:38:28,173 --> 00:38:30,040 And asked for a lawyer. 844 00:38:30,042 --> 00:38:31,775 The detectives put her in lockup, 845 00:38:31,777 --> 00:38:35,578 And ruvin stepped outside to call eric's family. 846 00:38:35,580 --> 00:38:37,980 - I was just like, you know, thank you, god. 847 00:38:37,982 --> 00:38:40,416 They're going to get this woman. 848 00:38:40,418 --> 00:38:41,718 - Getting a conviction 849 00:38:41,720 --> 00:38:43,520 Was ultimately the responsibility of 850 00:38:43,522 --> 00:38:46,989 Montgomery county state's attorney john mccarthy. 851 00:38:46,991 --> 00:38:49,259 Even with the gun, which gets you an arrest 852 00:38:49,261 --> 00:38:50,860 And into a courtroom, 853 00:38:50,862 --> 00:38:52,929 This is pretty far from an ideal case. 854 00:38:52,931 --> 00:38:54,130 - Absolutely. 855 00:38:54,132 --> 00:38:56,699 To sell this to a jury when you were basically saying 856 00:38:56,701 --> 00:39:00,169 That she felt so betrayed after a three week relationship 857 00:39:00,171 --> 00:39:01,938 That she was driven to murder, 858 00:39:01,940 --> 00:39:03,873 That's a little bit of a tough sell. 859 00:39:03,875 --> 00:39:06,476 - Mccarthy assigned the case to jessica zarrella, 860 00:39:06,478 --> 00:39:08,578 Then assistant state's attorney. 861 00:39:08,580 --> 00:39:11,381 At trial, in the fall of 2014, 862 00:39:11,383 --> 00:39:15,385 She gave katrina a nickname that few would envy. 863 00:39:15,387 --> 00:39:17,887 Why did you refer to katrina as the Monday night girl? 864 00:39:17,889 --> 00:39:20,156 - It was used in the context of a girl 865 00:39:20,158 --> 00:39:22,359 Who you do not take out, you do not show off, 866 00:39:22,361 --> 00:39:24,894 And you do not introduce to your friends, um, 867 00:39:24,896 --> 00:39:26,829 And she has her purposes, 868 00:39:26,831 --> 00:39:30,633 But those purposes are relegated to Monday nights 869 00:39:30,635 --> 00:39:35,405 And not the more high profile Saturday and Friday nights. 870 00:39:35,407 --> 00:39:37,540 - This was the prosecution theory. 871 00:39:37,542 --> 00:39:41,044 Katrina learned, maybe from eric's phone, 872 00:39:41,046 --> 00:39:44,847 That she was far from the only woman in eric's life. 873 00:39:44,849 --> 00:39:47,683 Jealousy and anger did the rest, 874 00:39:47,685 --> 00:39:50,653 And katrina shot eric while he slept. 875 00:39:50,655 --> 00:39:53,823 - Human emotion, uh, fuels most homicides. 876 00:39:53,825 --> 00:39:56,126 - What I keep thinkin' of, is sort of "fatal attraction." 877 00:39:56,128 --> 00:39:57,193 - Right. 878 00:39:57,195 --> 00:39:58,128 - An insignificant relationship on one side, 879 00:39:58,130 --> 00:39:59,796 And a very significant relationship 880 00:39:59,798 --> 00:40:01,030 If you ask the other person. 881 00:40:01,032 --> 00:40:02,799 - Obviously, he made a misjudgment 882 00:40:02,801 --> 00:40:05,535 When he became intimately involved with her, 883 00:40:05,537 --> 00:40:07,303 And the sense of betrayal that she felt, 884 00:40:07,305 --> 00:40:09,138 Is what fueled this homicide. 885 00:40:09,140 --> 00:40:13,142 - And, said prosecutors, after katrina killed eric, 886 00:40:13,144 --> 00:40:16,679 She quickly ditched the gun and began playing the part 887 00:40:16,681 --> 00:40:18,548 Of the concerned lover, 888 00:40:18,550 --> 00:40:21,184 But she couldn't keep her story straight. 889 00:40:21,186 --> 00:40:25,421 - Lies upon lies upon lies, um, to bury the truth, 890 00:40:25,423 --> 00:40:28,124 And that ultimate truth, in this case, was that gun. 891 00:40:28,126 --> 00:40:32,295 - The crux of katrina's defense was that she had no reason 892 00:40:32,297 --> 00:40:37,600 To kill eric because she just wasn't that into him. 893 00:40:46,511 --> 00:40:48,444 What's wrong with the argument that 894 00:40:48,446 --> 00:40:50,313 This was a woman who discovered 895 00:40:50,315 --> 00:40:52,148 There were other women in his life, 896 00:40:52,150 --> 00:40:54,984 And she got incredibly jealous and angry, 897 00:40:54,986 --> 00:40:57,520 And that tipped her over, and she killed him? 898 00:40:57,522 --> 00:40:59,522 - Just doesn't work for miss ben. 899 00:40:59,524 --> 00:41:03,927 - Karl-henri gauvin was one of katrina's lawyers. 900 00:41:03,929 --> 00:41:05,928 - We have to look at the time in which these two parties 901 00:41:05,930 --> 00:41:07,463 Were intimate with one another, 902 00:41:07,465 --> 00:41:08,865 A matter of weeks. 903 00:41:08,867 --> 00:41:12,668 And so, to say that the relationship was at 904 00:41:12,670 --> 00:41:14,837 Such a strong level that she would become jealous 905 00:41:14,839 --> 00:41:17,073 Or irate to the point where she would murder somebody, 906 00:41:17,075 --> 00:41:20,576 Doesn't resonate with the time in which they were together. 907 00:41:20,578 --> 00:41:23,413 - As for that gun, katrina's attorneys argued 908 00:41:23,415 --> 00:41:27,483 That the traveling nurse had long since lost track of it. 909 00:41:27,485 --> 00:41:29,519 They said someone could have stolen the gun 910 00:41:29,521 --> 00:41:32,221 Along the way and used it on eric. 911 00:41:32,223 --> 00:41:34,457 - As she shifts from one residence to another, 912 00:41:34,459 --> 00:41:36,826 From state to state, because of her profession, 913 00:41:36,828 --> 00:41:38,227 She may have left the gun, 914 00:41:38,229 --> 00:41:42,331 Or she was unaware, rather, of where the gun may have been. 915 00:41:42,333 --> 00:41:44,200 - Jurors were not swayed. 916 00:41:44,202 --> 00:41:48,070 It took them just six hours to find katrina ben guilty 917 00:41:48,072 --> 00:41:50,239 Of murder in the first degree. 918 00:41:50,241 --> 00:41:51,674 - There's no doubt in my mind 919 00:41:51,676 --> 00:41:55,111 That had she not been convicted of this crime, um, 920 00:41:55,113 --> 00:41:57,547 Katrina ben was, uh, just as likely 921 00:41:57,549 --> 00:42:00,349 To encounter someone else who disrespected her 922 00:42:00,351 --> 00:42:04,186 In the same way, um, that she felt eric did and-- 923 00:42:04,188 --> 00:42:05,054 - With the same result. 924 00:42:05,056 --> 00:42:06,656 - Visit that ultimate consequence, 925 00:42:06,658 --> 00:42:08,258 Which is take his life. 926 00:42:08,260 --> 00:42:10,660 - But the real jaw dropper came at sentencing 927 00:42:10,662 --> 00:42:13,429 When katrina addressed the courtroom. 928 00:42:13,431 --> 00:42:15,999 - She stood up as if she was giving a eulogy 929 00:42:16,001 --> 00:42:19,569 Of my brother, telling us, "I'm sorry for your loss," 930 00:42:19,571 --> 00:42:21,170 And all this stuff. 931 00:42:21,172 --> 00:42:22,672 It was like a slap in the face. 932 00:42:22,674 --> 00:42:23,973 - She's talking about the murders 933 00:42:23,975 --> 00:42:26,276 As though she wasn't even there. 934 00:42:26,278 --> 00:42:27,744 You killed this person. 935 00:42:27,746 --> 00:42:29,545 You're the reason why you're here. 936 00:42:29,547 --> 00:42:32,682 It was just unbelievable. 937 00:42:32,684 --> 00:42:34,951 - The judge sentenced katrina ben 938 00:42:34,953 --> 00:42:38,521 To life plus 20 years. 939 00:42:38,523 --> 00:42:40,823 - Justice has been served today, 940 00:42:40,825 --> 00:42:44,026 And what you have sown into the life of our dear brother, 941 00:42:44,028 --> 00:42:47,063 Cousin, nephew, friend, 942 00:42:47,065 --> 00:42:51,467 You will reap bountifully with life in prison. 943 00:42:52,971 --> 00:42:56,238 - Now, years after saying goodbye to eric, 944 00:42:56,240 --> 00:42:58,441 His large, loving family 945 00:42:58,443 --> 00:43:01,377 Still feels the pain of his loss. 946 00:43:01,379 --> 00:43:06,049 - We do remember eric every day, all the good times we had. 947 00:43:06,051 --> 00:43:07,316 - Yeah. [sighs] 948 00:43:07,318 --> 00:43:09,385 - It's unfortunate that we have to think about the day 949 00:43:09,387 --> 00:43:12,188 That he was brought home from the hospital 950 00:43:12,190 --> 00:43:17,059 To the day that we actually closed the casket. 951 00:43:17,061 --> 00:43:19,795 - What they wanna do, is warn other families 952 00:43:19,797 --> 00:43:23,132 To watch out for the other katrina bens in the world. 953 00:43:23,134 --> 00:43:26,268 - I pray and continue to pray that even in doing this, 954 00:43:26,270 --> 00:43:29,805 That it will bring awareness to other people out there 955 00:43:29,807 --> 00:43:32,408 About certain types of people and just being very cautious 956 00:43:32,410 --> 00:43:33,943 And bein' aware. [sighs] 957 00:43:33,945 --> 00:43:36,078 - So, the lesson is, be careful who you get close to. 958 00:43:36,080 --> 00:43:37,146 - Absolutely. 959 00:43:37,148 --> 00:43:40,983 - Be very careful, very aware, very important. 960 00:43:40,985 --> 00:43:42,218 - That's all for this edition of 961 00:43:42,220 --> 00:43:44,453 "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 962 00:43:44,455 --> 00:43:48,157 I'm craig melvin. Thank you for watching.