1 00:00:07,373 --> 00:00:08,507 I'm craig melvin 2 00:00:08,575 --> 00:00:12,010 And this is "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 3 00:00:12,079 --> 00:00:16,182 - My poor baby. How could this happen to her? 4 00:00:16,250 --> 00:00:19,718 - He came upon her suddenly in the dead of night. 5 00:00:19,787 --> 00:00:21,086 - Maybe 20 yards away. 6 00:00:21,155 --> 00:00:22,053 I realized it was actually 7 00:00:22,122 --> 00:00:24,089 Somebody actually laying in the road. 8 00:00:24,091 --> 00:00:26,993 - A young woman unconscious, covered in blood. 9 00:00:27,061 --> 00:00:29,094 - What possibly happened to this girl 10 00:00:29,163 --> 00:00:30,595 And why she was out there 11 00:00:30,664 --> 00:00:33,800 In such a strange place all alone. 12 00:00:33,867 --> 00:00:36,468 - We don't know if it's attempted murder 13 00:00:36,537 --> 00:00:38,403 Or if it's just a bad accident. 14 00:00:38,472 --> 00:00:41,807 - Soon, they found a name, a loving family. 15 00:00:41,809 --> 00:00:43,075 - I just remember praying 16 00:00:43,077 --> 00:00:44,676 Like I'd never prayed before in my life. 17 00:00:44,745 --> 00:00:46,678 - But still no answers. 18 00:00:46,680 --> 00:00:50,415 - Somebody did that to her and is not coming forward. 19 00:00:50,484 --> 00:00:52,051 - There was a boyfriend. 20 00:00:52,119 --> 00:00:53,418 - My first impressions were 21 00:00:53,487 --> 00:00:55,087 That he knew exactly what happened. 22 00:00:55,089 --> 00:00:59,157 - But he said he didn't know. Only she could tell them 23 00:00:59,226 --> 00:01:02,561 But her memory of that night was gone. 24 00:01:02,563 --> 00:01:06,031 - There's no words to describe how horrible it was. 25 00:01:06,100 --> 00:01:13,338 ♪♪ 26 00:01:13,407 --> 00:01:17,242 - Hello and welcome to "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 27 00:01:17,311 --> 00:01:22,515 Kristen grindley was a charmer, adored by family and friends. 28 00:01:22,583 --> 00:01:26,651 Then she was found nearly dead in the middle of the road. 29 00:01:26,720 --> 00:01:30,322 Someone had left her there covered in dirt and blood. 30 00:01:30,324 --> 00:01:33,392 But who? And why? 31 00:01:33,394 --> 00:01:35,794 Detectives knew kristen held the secret 32 00:01:35,796 --> 00:01:38,196 To solving what happened that night. 33 00:01:38,265 --> 00:01:40,599 If only she could remember. 34 00:01:40,667 --> 00:01:44,704 Here's josh mankiewicz with "the mystery on albion road". 35 00:01:44,771 --> 00:01:49,007 - How would it feel to have brutal life-altering injuries 36 00:01:49,076 --> 00:01:52,111 But to have the memories of how you got those injuries 37 00:01:52,179 --> 00:01:55,348 Wiped out the instant you receive them? 38 00:01:55,415 --> 00:01:58,617 How would it feel to have a gulf in your mind 39 00:01:58,685 --> 00:02:03,956 That stands between you and justice? 40 00:02:05,959 --> 00:02:11,563 November 11, 2009, 1:30 a.M., a moonless night 41 00:02:11,565 --> 00:02:14,833 Over the wheat fields outside pullman, washington. 42 00:02:14,902 --> 00:02:18,236 As bob cady drove home from the bar he owns, 43 00:02:18,305 --> 00:02:22,774 Albion road was pitch black and dead quiet. 44 00:02:22,843 --> 00:02:23,842 - As I came up the road, 45 00:02:23,911 --> 00:02:26,645 Initially what I thought I saw in the road 46 00:02:26,647 --> 00:02:29,047 Was somebody's mcdonald's bag 47 00:02:29,116 --> 00:02:31,384 And their drink that they'd thrown out the window. 48 00:02:31,451 --> 00:02:32,584 - Just trash in the road. 49 00:02:32,653 --> 00:02:34,185 - I thought it was trash in the road. 50 00:02:34,255 --> 00:02:35,854 I wasn't going to pull off to the side of the road 51 00:02:35,856 --> 00:02:36,722 And drive around garbage, 52 00:02:36,790 --> 00:02:38,056 I was just going to drive over it. 53 00:02:38,125 --> 00:02:41,860 - But as bob drove closer, he saw the object in the road 54 00:02:41,929 --> 00:02:43,595 Wasn't garbage at all. 55 00:02:43,664 --> 00:02:46,798 - As I got maybe 20 yards away, I realized it was actually 56 00:02:46,800 --> 00:02:51,102 Somebody laying in the road. - A young woman. 57 00:02:51,171 --> 00:02:54,073 She couldn't have been more than 20 or 25 years old, 58 00:02:54,141 --> 00:02:57,909 Bleeding, barefoot, and unconscious. 59 00:02:57,978 --> 00:03:00,812 Bob cady parked his truck sideways in the road 60 00:03:00,814 --> 00:03:03,482 To shield the woman from oncoming cars. 61 00:03:03,484 --> 00:03:06,085 Then he ran down the hill a few hundred yards 62 00:03:06,153 --> 00:03:09,355 Until he could get a cellphone signal. 63 00:03:17,965 --> 00:03:21,166 - I had a pretty strong feeling that she wasn't going to 64 00:03:21,235 --> 00:03:25,537 Be able to lay in the road for very long. 65 00:03:28,241 --> 00:03:29,641 - Speeding up the hill 66 00:03:29,643 --> 00:03:32,510 Were three emergency medical technicians. 67 00:03:32,579 --> 00:03:35,247 - You look at the situation and it almost looks unreal. 68 00:03:35,315 --> 00:03:39,451 Um, she was pretty much covered from head to toe 69 00:03:39,520 --> 00:03:42,288 In dirt, blood. 70 00:03:42,355 --> 00:03:44,856 - She had a very -- very irregular pulse. 71 00:03:44,858 --> 00:03:47,358 It was there, but it was very weak. 72 00:03:47,428 --> 00:03:49,995 - And as they loaded her into an ambulance, 73 00:03:50,063 --> 00:03:52,030 They were full of questions. 74 00:03:52,032 --> 00:03:53,932 - What possibly happened to this girl 75 00:03:54,001 --> 00:03:57,470 And why she was out there in such a strange place 76 00:03:57,537 --> 00:04:01,006 At such a strange time all alone. 77 00:04:01,074 --> 00:04:02,741 - She was only wearing a shirt -- 78 00:04:02,809 --> 00:04:06,344 A tee shirt, jeans, and no shoes. 79 00:04:06,413 --> 00:04:08,281 - Sheriff brett myers and his deputies 80 00:04:08,348 --> 00:04:11,950 Arrived on the scene to find a mystery. 81 00:04:12,018 --> 00:04:13,551 - What was the temperature that night? 82 00:04:13,620 --> 00:04:15,687 - Temperature was probably about 35, 83 00:04:15,689 --> 00:04:17,022 Maybe 40 degrees. 84 00:04:17,024 --> 00:04:20,159 So, anybody walking around out there without shoes or a coat, 85 00:04:20,227 --> 00:04:21,560 I mean, that doesn't make sense. 86 00:04:21,562 --> 00:04:22,895 - Doesn't make sense. No. 87 00:04:22,897 --> 00:04:25,530 But we don't know if it's an attempted murder 88 00:04:25,599 --> 00:04:27,098 Or if it's just a bad accident. 89 00:04:27,100 --> 00:04:30,502 All we know is that we have an injured female 90 00:04:30,570 --> 00:04:32,972 In the middle of the road and we have very little evidence. 91 00:04:33,040 --> 00:04:35,073 - But soon, they had her name 92 00:04:35,075 --> 00:04:38,710 Courtesy of a bank card they found in her pocket. 93 00:04:38,779 --> 00:04:40,512 It was issued to kristen grindley 94 00:04:40,580 --> 00:04:43,548 And investigators soon learned there was a recent graduate 95 00:04:43,550 --> 00:04:45,584 Of nearby washington state university 96 00:04:45,653 --> 00:04:47,118 By that name. 97 00:04:47,187 --> 00:04:49,454 They got a phone number for her parents 98 00:04:49,523 --> 00:04:52,257 Rick and pat grindley across the state 99 00:04:52,326 --> 00:04:54,993 In woodinville, washington. 100 00:04:55,062 --> 00:04:56,996 - He said, I'm calling about your daughter 101 00:04:57,064 --> 00:04:58,763 That was in the accident. 102 00:04:58,765 --> 00:05:02,333 - Pat grindley bolted awake. What had happened to kristen? 103 00:05:02,403 --> 00:05:04,203 How badly was she hurt? 104 00:05:04,271 --> 00:05:07,439 - And I just remember screaming, "is she alive?" 105 00:05:07,508 --> 00:05:09,607 - They handed the phone to me and it was a chaplain 106 00:05:09,676 --> 00:05:12,510 With the police department and saying that, you know, 107 00:05:12,580 --> 00:05:15,013 Your daughter's been airlifted to spokane. 108 00:05:15,015 --> 00:05:16,815 And I just remember just, you know, 109 00:05:16,883 --> 00:05:19,084 Praying like I've never prayed before in my life 110 00:05:19,152 --> 00:05:20,753 That, you know, "kristen, hang on, 111 00:05:20,821 --> 00:05:22,287 We're coming." you know, to hang on. 112 00:05:22,355 --> 00:05:24,489 - When the terrified parents finally arrived 113 00:05:24,558 --> 00:05:26,359 At sacred heart hospital, 114 00:05:26,426 --> 00:05:29,160 They were ushered into intensive care. 115 00:05:29,229 --> 00:05:32,498 - It's just shocking. 116 00:05:32,566 --> 00:05:35,500 I mean, you just, I mean, kristen is a very beautiful girl 117 00:05:35,569 --> 00:05:38,537 And then to see her, you know, her hair all cut 118 00:05:38,605 --> 00:05:39,838 And matted with blood. 119 00:05:39,907 --> 00:05:41,706 You know, just seeing your own child 120 00:05:41,775 --> 00:05:44,776 Go through what that pain must have been like was just -- 121 00:05:44,845 --> 00:05:48,313 Is impossible for us to-to take. 122 00:05:48,381 --> 00:05:51,450 - I felt like I was going to collapse. 123 00:05:51,518 --> 00:05:55,920 - What was your initial prognosis when kristen came in? 124 00:05:55,989 --> 00:05:57,122 - Pretty guarded. 125 00:05:57,190 --> 00:05:59,524 - Dr. Benjamin ling was the neurosurgeon 126 00:05:59,526 --> 00:06:01,459 Assigned to kristen's case. 127 00:06:01,528 --> 00:06:05,063 - She was in a fairly deep coma. 128 00:06:05,132 --> 00:06:07,999 On her cat scan she did have bruising of her brain. 129 00:06:08,068 --> 00:06:10,469 - And how serious a brain injury is that? 130 00:06:10,471 --> 00:06:13,872 - On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say probably like a 7. 131 00:06:13,941 --> 00:06:16,809 - As kristen lay unconscious in the icu, 132 00:06:16,877 --> 00:06:19,744 Family gathered at her bedside. 133 00:06:19,813 --> 00:06:23,281 Brother patrick, sisters kelly and shannon. 134 00:06:23,350 --> 00:06:24,816 - We got in there and she was -- 135 00:06:24,885 --> 00:06:26,417 There was like one inch on her body 136 00:06:26,487 --> 00:06:28,019 That you could touch, like on her arm. 137 00:06:28,088 --> 00:06:30,489 The rest of her body was in bandages. 138 00:06:30,491 --> 00:06:32,958 Bandages... Um... 139 00:06:33,026 --> 00:06:34,893 Blood, cuts, tubes. 140 00:06:34,895 --> 00:06:36,227 - It was just so hard to see her, 141 00:06:36,296 --> 00:06:39,831 But-but overall, more reassuring to see 142 00:06:39,833 --> 00:06:42,567 That she was okay, that she was still breathing. 143 00:06:42,636 --> 00:06:47,373 And, um... 144 00:06:47,441 --> 00:06:49,708 - Every member of the family spent hours 145 00:06:49,710 --> 00:06:52,577 Watching over kristen in those early days. 146 00:06:52,646 --> 00:06:56,582 But one of them never left kristen's side, her mom pat. 147 00:06:56,650 --> 00:06:59,184 - My poor baby. 148 00:06:59,186 --> 00:07:02,854 You know, how could this happen to her? 149 00:07:02,923 --> 00:07:05,390 - Exactly what did happen here is a question 150 00:07:05,459 --> 00:07:07,659 That would consume not just kristen's family 151 00:07:07,728 --> 00:07:11,062 But investigators and prosecutors, as well. 152 00:07:11,131 --> 00:07:13,532 Together, the road rash on her body 153 00:07:13,600 --> 00:07:16,067 And a long trail of blood on the asphalt 154 00:07:16,136 --> 00:07:19,070 Suggest kristen might have been hit by a car 155 00:07:19,072 --> 00:07:23,408 Or fallen from a car or been thrown from a car. 156 00:07:23,477 --> 00:07:27,345 But when kristen was found, there wasn't a vehicle in sight. 157 00:07:27,414 --> 00:07:31,216 If anyone else was involved, they were gone. 158 00:07:31,218 --> 00:07:32,417 - Real simply put, 159 00:07:32,485 --> 00:07:35,687 We knew that somebody else knew what happened. 160 00:07:35,756 --> 00:07:37,222 - I just remember like clinching my fist 161 00:07:37,290 --> 00:07:38,156 Every time I went in there 162 00:07:38,225 --> 00:07:40,425 Because just seeing her like that 163 00:07:40,493 --> 00:07:42,561 And knowing that somebody did that to her 164 00:07:42,563 --> 00:07:46,497 And is not coming forward and is hiding. 165 00:07:46,567 --> 00:07:49,167 - The grindleys were going to do all they could 166 00:07:49,236 --> 00:07:51,369 To make sure whoever hurt kristen 167 00:07:51,371 --> 00:07:54,572 Was found and brought to justice. 168 00:07:54,641 --> 00:07:55,974 - Coming up... 169 00:07:55,976 --> 00:07:58,910 The investigation's key witness, kristen herself, 170 00:07:58,979 --> 00:08:02,247 Was still unconscious and fighting for her life. 171 00:08:02,315 --> 00:08:03,648 - I'd say, "kristen, I just need you to get up 172 00:08:03,717 --> 00:08:05,616 One more time." 173 00:08:05,618 --> 00:08:09,388 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 174 00:08:13,293 --> 00:08:28,106 ♪♪ 175 00:08:28,175 --> 00:08:30,208 The grindleys are a close-knit family 176 00:08:30,277 --> 00:08:32,210 Accustomed to gathering for vacations 177 00:08:32,212 --> 00:08:34,345 At their lake house and at concerts 178 00:08:34,414 --> 00:08:38,816 By family favorite jimmy buffett. 179 00:08:38,885 --> 00:08:40,485 Now, they banded together 180 00:08:40,487 --> 00:08:43,755 Around 23-year-old kristen's hospital bed 181 00:08:43,824 --> 00:08:46,958 Praying for a word, even a twitch, 182 00:08:47,027 --> 00:08:50,695 Any sign that she might wake up and pull through. 183 00:08:50,764 --> 00:08:54,967 - There's no words to describe how horrible it was. 184 00:08:55,035 --> 00:08:58,069 You know, all those -- from the time she was born, 185 00:08:58,138 --> 00:09:00,572 It just was flashing through my head. 186 00:09:00,574 --> 00:09:04,009 You know, everything, you know, everything she had done and... 187 00:09:08,782 --> 00:09:10,583 - Kristen elizabeth grindley, 188 00:09:10,650 --> 00:09:13,251 Pat and rick grindley's second child, 189 00:09:13,320 --> 00:09:15,520 Had been a handful from the start. 190 00:09:15,589 --> 00:09:16,788 - When she first started to walk, 191 00:09:16,790 --> 00:09:18,823 She would get up on her - on her feet 192 00:09:18,825 --> 00:09:21,426 And then she would just run. 193 00:09:24,665 --> 00:09:28,800 - The determined toddler grew into a confident young woman. 194 00:09:28,868 --> 00:09:32,403 - Upbeat, friendly, outgoing. - Vivacious. 195 00:09:32,472 --> 00:09:34,939 - Uh, charismatic. - Positive. 196 00:09:34,941 --> 00:09:37,675 - Hilarious. 197 00:09:37,745 --> 00:09:39,210 - Kristen was always at the center 198 00:09:39,279 --> 00:09:40,945 Of a big group of friends, 199 00:09:41,014 --> 00:09:44,349 Always up for fun and on top of the trends. 200 00:09:44,417 --> 00:09:46,218 - And when "twilight" came out, we had, like, 201 00:09:46,286 --> 00:09:50,355 This obsession with it. 202 00:09:50,423 --> 00:09:52,824 - We all got into "twilight" face 203 00:09:52,892 --> 00:09:54,826 With myspace because of kristen. 204 00:09:54,894 --> 00:09:56,828 - In her senior year at washington state, 205 00:09:56,830 --> 00:09:58,696 Kristen started dating a fellow student 206 00:09:58,765 --> 00:10:00,699 Named richard pasma. 207 00:10:00,701 --> 00:10:03,035 He was her first steady boyfriend 208 00:10:03,103 --> 00:10:05,170 And kristen fell hard. 209 00:10:05,238 --> 00:10:07,172 - What was she saying about this guy? 210 00:10:07,240 --> 00:10:09,575 - Um, that, you know, how great he was 211 00:10:09,643 --> 00:10:14,113 And that she really liked him and, um... 212 00:10:14,180 --> 00:10:15,981 - It was nice to hear her that excited about a guy. 213 00:10:16,049 --> 00:10:18,249 - It was. 214 00:10:18,318 --> 00:10:20,251 - They were attached at the hip from the very beginning. 215 00:10:20,320 --> 00:10:21,653 She wanted to marry him and have kids with him 216 00:10:21,655 --> 00:10:23,322 And they started planning their future, 217 00:10:23,390 --> 00:10:27,258 Like talked about getting married right away. 218 00:10:27,327 --> 00:10:30,229 - Now, just a year later, this once lively, 219 00:10:30,296 --> 00:10:33,264 Loving young woman lay motionless 220 00:10:33,266 --> 00:10:35,133 In a hospital bed. 221 00:10:35,135 --> 00:10:37,402 Rick grindley thought back to his daughter 222 00:10:37,470 --> 00:10:39,871 As a strong-willed toddler. 223 00:10:39,940 --> 00:10:41,339 - That's all I remember is like telling her, 224 00:10:41,408 --> 00:10:42,474 As I stood over her, saying, 225 00:10:42,542 --> 00:10:43,741 "kristen, I just need you to get up, 226 00:10:43,810 --> 00:10:45,410 You know, one more time." 227 00:10:45,478 --> 00:10:48,913 - Family and friends started a facebook page for kristen, 228 00:10:48,983 --> 00:10:51,282 Hoping she would somehow feel the love 229 00:10:51,351 --> 00:10:53,885 They poured onto the screen. 230 00:10:53,887 --> 00:10:55,486 In the hospital gift shop, 231 00:10:55,555 --> 00:10:58,156 Her sisters bought a stuffed panda bear, 232 00:10:58,225 --> 00:11:00,558 One of kristen's favorite animals. 233 00:11:00,627 --> 00:11:02,962 But kristen didn't notice the toy, 234 00:11:03,029 --> 00:11:05,096 So they clutched it themselves 235 00:11:05,165 --> 00:11:06,565 On the nights when it was their turn 236 00:11:06,633 --> 00:11:09,501 To watch over their sister's bedside. 237 00:11:09,569 --> 00:11:10,703 - You could tell that it was like 238 00:11:10,770 --> 00:11:13,304 When she'd go through, like, spurts of pain or something, 239 00:11:13,373 --> 00:11:14,505 She would -- it sounded like 240 00:11:14,574 --> 00:11:16,207 She'd hold her breath or something. 241 00:11:16,209 --> 00:11:19,177 - About a week into kristen's hospital stay, 242 00:11:19,179 --> 00:11:23,514 Rick first saw a glimmer of life on his daughter's face. 243 00:11:23,583 --> 00:11:25,784 - And, you know, I bent over really closely 244 00:11:25,852 --> 00:11:27,185 And I said, "kristen, what was that?" 245 00:11:27,253 --> 00:11:30,721 And she just said, "hurts." 246 00:11:30,791 --> 00:11:34,125 - Gradually, painfully, kristen grindley 247 00:11:34,127 --> 00:11:37,195 Was fighting her way back to consciousness. 248 00:11:37,197 --> 00:11:38,597 - And kristen turned her head around to me 249 00:11:38,665 --> 00:11:40,264 And she was like, "hi, sissy", and smiled. 250 00:11:40,333 --> 00:11:42,067 - She goes, "I love you, mommy." 251 00:11:42,135 --> 00:11:45,603 And I just -- I started to cry. 252 00:11:45,672 --> 00:11:47,539 It was-it was an amazing feeling. 253 00:11:47,607 --> 00:11:51,075 - Soon, kristen could utter a few more phrases. 254 00:11:51,144 --> 00:11:54,678 It became clear to the grindleys that her memory was shaky. 255 00:11:54,748 --> 00:11:58,416 She remembered who she was but not too much else. 256 00:11:58,485 --> 00:12:01,185 In those early days, they didn't press it. 257 00:12:01,254 --> 00:12:04,723 The important thing was kristen's palpable determination 258 00:12:04,791 --> 00:12:06,224 To get better. 259 00:12:06,293 --> 00:12:09,293 - Kristen's swift recovery was surprising to her doctors 260 00:12:09,362 --> 00:12:10,629 Here at sacred heart 261 00:12:10,697 --> 00:12:12,763 And thrilling to her family and friends. 262 00:12:12,833 --> 00:12:13,966 But sheriff's investigators 263 00:12:14,033 --> 00:12:16,101 Were also keeping track of her progress, 264 00:12:16,169 --> 00:12:19,704 Waiting for a sign that kristen's memory was returning. 265 00:12:19,773 --> 00:12:21,506 They knew the truth about what happened 266 00:12:21,508 --> 00:12:23,441 Out on albion road that night 267 00:12:23,510 --> 00:12:27,178 Remained locked somewhere inside her mind. 268 00:12:27,247 --> 00:12:29,981 - We want her to pull through and we would love to 269 00:12:30,050 --> 00:12:32,651 Have her information, if she has it. 270 00:12:32,719 --> 00:12:34,986 - But as kristen regained her strength 271 00:12:34,988 --> 00:12:36,187 And her voice, 272 00:12:36,256 --> 00:12:39,324 The gaps in her memory became more noticeable. 273 00:12:39,392 --> 00:12:40,992 - And I remember, you know, talking with her 274 00:12:40,994 --> 00:12:42,127 And saying, "kristen, do you know where you are?" 275 00:12:42,195 --> 00:12:43,060 And she'd say, "no." 276 00:12:43,129 --> 00:12:44,662 And then I'd say, "you're in spokane." 277 00:12:44,731 --> 00:12:46,398 And she'd say -- I'd say, "repeat it." 278 00:12:46,466 --> 00:12:47,532 And she'd repeat it. 279 00:12:47,600 --> 00:12:48,799 And I'd go out for a cup of coffee 280 00:12:48,869 --> 00:12:50,001 And come back 10 minutes later and say, 281 00:12:50,070 --> 00:12:51,002 "kristen, do you know where you are?" 282 00:12:51,070 --> 00:12:52,737 And she'd say, "no." 283 00:12:52,739 --> 00:12:55,207 - How would sheriff myers ever piece together 284 00:12:55,275 --> 00:12:58,209 What had happened that night on albion road, 285 00:12:58,211 --> 00:13:00,345 Considering that kristen couldn't even remember 286 00:13:00,347 --> 00:13:03,881 Where she was from one minute to the next? 287 00:13:03,950 --> 00:13:06,684 It makes your job, what, 10 times more difficult 288 00:13:06,753 --> 00:13:09,620 When the actual victim doesn't remember 289 00:13:09,689 --> 00:13:11,088 Anything about the crime? 290 00:13:11,157 --> 00:13:13,092 - It made this case very difficult. 291 00:13:13,159 --> 00:13:17,028 - Kristen's family and friends prayed her memory would heal 292 00:13:17,096 --> 00:13:18,696 But with all the support for her 293 00:13:18,765 --> 00:13:21,165 In the hospital room and online, 294 00:13:21,234 --> 00:13:24,235 There was one person who hadn't visited, called, 295 00:13:24,304 --> 00:13:26,872 Or posted on the facebook page. 296 00:13:26,939 --> 00:13:30,508 Someone you might expect to be there at her bedside, 297 00:13:30,510 --> 00:13:33,245 Kristen's boyfriend richard pasma. 298 00:13:33,313 --> 00:13:35,847 Did he know anything about what had happened 299 00:13:35,915 --> 00:13:39,651 The night kristen was found bruised, bleeding, and alone 300 00:13:39,719 --> 00:13:42,453 In the middle of albion road? 301 00:13:42,522 --> 00:13:44,857 - Who was the man in kristen's life? 302 00:13:44,924 --> 00:13:47,058 Family and friends shared troubling secrets 303 00:13:47,060 --> 00:13:51,262 About her boyfriend and their rocky relationship. 304 00:13:51,331 --> 00:13:53,097 Coming up... 305 00:13:53,099 --> 00:13:55,199 - One time he locked her out. 306 00:13:55,268 --> 00:13:57,335 And I remember her just crying and telling me about it. 307 00:13:57,403 --> 00:13:59,837 And so, she didn't want me to tell our parents. 308 00:13:59,839 --> 00:14:03,341 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 309 00:14:06,445 --> 00:14:12,084 ♪♪ 310 00:14:12,151 --> 00:14:13,952 Twenty-three-year-old kristen grindley 311 00:14:14,020 --> 00:14:16,153 Was inching her way back to health 312 00:14:16,222 --> 00:14:19,490 After a mysterious accident in the dead of night. 313 00:14:19,559 --> 00:14:21,826 But all her memories of that event 314 00:14:21,895 --> 00:14:23,294 Had been wiped away 315 00:14:23,363 --> 00:14:27,164 By the serious brain injury she'd suffered. 316 00:14:27,233 --> 00:14:29,767 Richard pasma, the young man with whom 317 00:14:29,769 --> 00:14:31,903 Kristen had once shared her heart, 318 00:14:31,905 --> 00:14:34,238 Hadn't come to see her in the hospital. 319 00:14:34,307 --> 00:14:35,706 And now, those close to kristen 320 00:14:35,775 --> 00:14:38,776 Wanted to know if the man kristen had once called 321 00:14:38,845 --> 00:14:41,646 The love of her life had something to do with 322 00:14:41,714 --> 00:14:44,983 What was almost the end of her life. 323 00:14:44,985 --> 00:14:47,919 - Like, I had like a gut, like, I can't explain it. 324 00:14:47,987 --> 00:14:50,255 I don't know why, just this gut feeling 325 00:14:50,323 --> 00:14:53,258 In my stomach that, like, something wasn't okay. 326 00:14:53,326 --> 00:14:55,794 - Richard had become the center of kristen's world 327 00:14:55,862 --> 00:14:59,698 Almost from the moment they met at a popular campus bar. 328 00:14:59,766 --> 00:15:02,933 He was a tall, slim engineering student 329 00:15:03,003 --> 00:15:04,335 With an interest in politics 330 00:15:04,404 --> 00:15:07,272 And big ambitions for the future. 331 00:15:07,340 --> 00:15:12,176 For kristen, his intensity sparked a powerful attraction. 332 00:15:12,178 --> 00:15:14,345 - They started dating and we never saw her. 333 00:15:14,347 --> 00:15:16,080 - Kaitlyn, kristen's college roommate 334 00:15:16,149 --> 00:15:18,684 And best friend, says that as soon as 335 00:15:18,751 --> 00:15:21,486 The romance started, kristen pulled away 336 00:15:21,554 --> 00:15:24,689 From everyone except richard. 337 00:15:24,757 --> 00:15:26,357 - None of our best friends that were there, like, 338 00:15:26,426 --> 00:15:27,893 Every year through college, 339 00:15:27,961 --> 00:15:29,761 None of us really were friends with her 340 00:15:29,829 --> 00:15:32,163 Because she never wanted to leave him. 341 00:15:32,232 --> 00:15:34,499 - Retreating from the world to spend time 342 00:15:34,501 --> 00:15:36,969 With a new love isn't unusual, of course, 343 00:15:37,036 --> 00:15:39,704 But kristen's friends say her boyfriend 344 00:15:39,706 --> 00:15:41,907 Was unusually possessive. 345 00:15:41,975 --> 00:15:44,775 - He was upset with pictures on her facebook page 346 00:15:44,777 --> 00:15:46,777 And he sat her down and made her go through 347 00:15:46,846 --> 00:15:48,646 And delete pictures with her 348 00:15:48,648 --> 00:15:50,182 That had other men in the picture, 349 00:15:50,249 --> 00:15:53,184 Other boys in the picture, because he didn't like that. 350 00:15:53,252 --> 00:15:55,053 - In the fall of 2008, 351 00:15:55,055 --> 00:15:57,588 About six weeks into the relationship, 352 00:15:57,657 --> 00:16:00,124 Kristen's dad came to visit the new couple 353 00:16:00,126 --> 00:16:02,126 For dad's weekend. 354 00:16:02,128 --> 00:16:03,995 - Friday night party, he didn't show up. 355 00:16:03,997 --> 00:16:05,863 Breakfast the next day, he didn't show up. 356 00:16:05,865 --> 00:16:07,932 We then tracked him down before the football game 357 00:16:08,001 --> 00:16:09,200 And he decided, 358 00:16:09,268 --> 00:16:10,668 "no, I don't really want to go to the game." 359 00:16:10,670 --> 00:16:13,537 So-so, it was, you know, he came across to me 360 00:16:13,606 --> 00:16:15,272 As a bit immature. 361 00:16:15,341 --> 00:16:17,274 - Kristen's mom pat says her daughter 362 00:16:17,343 --> 00:16:19,877 Called home devastated. 363 00:16:19,946 --> 00:16:21,612 - Crying on the phone, very upset 364 00:16:21,681 --> 00:16:26,150 That she didn't understand why he wouldn't want to meet, 365 00:16:26,219 --> 00:16:27,084 You know, her dad. 366 00:16:27,153 --> 00:16:28,353 And-and I said, 367 00:16:28,421 --> 00:16:30,755 "it doesn't sound like he's the person for you." 368 00:16:30,823 --> 00:16:34,158 - And she said you're right or you don't understand him? 369 00:16:34,227 --> 00:16:37,628 - I don't remember what she said, but, um, 370 00:16:37,697 --> 00:16:39,363 I just got the feeling 371 00:16:39,432 --> 00:16:41,632 That she liked him enough to continue. 372 00:16:41,634 --> 00:16:43,768 - Part of being a parent is watching your kids grow up 373 00:16:43,770 --> 00:16:46,237 And-and watching them make choices that 374 00:16:46,306 --> 00:16:49,841 Maybe you wouldn't have made. - Absolutely. 375 00:16:49,909 --> 00:16:53,845 - So, you grit your teeth and say, okay, 376 00:16:53,913 --> 00:16:57,314 She's dating richard. - Right. 377 00:16:57,383 --> 00:17:00,117 - But it may have been worse than pat knew. 378 00:17:00,119 --> 00:17:01,385 Kristen started to confide 379 00:17:01,454 --> 00:17:04,055 Alarming details of her relationship 380 00:17:04,123 --> 00:17:05,923 To her sister shannon. 381 00:17:05,992 --> 00:17:09,193 - One time, he locked her out of his house 382 00:17:09,262 --> 00:17:10,194 And she ended up having to walk 383 00:17:10,263 --> 00:17:13,197 All the way back to her apartment. 384 00:17:13,266 --> 00:17:15,133 And I remember her just calling me the next morning 385 00:17:15,135 --> 00:17:18,402 And just like crying and telling me about it 386 00:17:18,471 --> 00:17:20,805 As if she didn't want me to tell our parents. 387 00:17:20,807 --> 00:17:23,207 - Shannon kept her sister's confidence 388 00:17:23,276 --> 00:17:26,077 And kristen and richard seemed to grow closer. 389 00:17:26,145 --> 00:17:29,213 In the spring of 2009, they moved in together 390 00:17:29,282 --> 00:17:31,749 To a small home just off campus. 391 00:17:31,818 --> 00:17:33,417 Around that same time, 392 00:17:33,419 --> 00:17:36,121 During a visit with the grindley family, 393 00:17:36,189 --> 00:17:39,089 Pat says richard once lost his temper 394 00:17:39,159 --> 00:17:41,360 When she and rick wouldn't let him drive 395 00:17:41,427 --> 00:17:43,628 After an afternoon of drinking. 396 00:17:43,696 --> 00:17:46,564 - He pretty much blew up at -- 397 00:17:46,633 --> 00:17:48,033 There were four of us adults there 398 00:17:48,101 --> 00:17:50,167 And my friends were just floored. 399 00:17:50,236 --> 00:17:52,970 - Clearly, kristen's family and friends had disliked 400 00:17:53,039 --> 00:17:56,107 And mistrusted her boyfriend from the start. 401 00:17:56,175 --> 00:17:57,909 Could that be the reason he hadn't come to visit her 402 00:17:57,977 --> 00:18:01,513 In the hospital? Or was there something more? 403 00:18:01,581 --> 00:18:03,781 Was it possible that richard pasma 404 00:18:03,850 --> 00:18:07,852 Had something to do with the events of November 11, 2009, 405 00:18:07,854 --> 00:18:10,989 The night kristen was found on albion road? 406 00:18:11,057 --> 00:18:14,058 That question fell to sheriff brett myers. 407 00:18:14,060 --> 00:18:16,194 From that first night, the sheriff knew 408 00:18:16,262 --> 00:18:18,929 The first person he needed to talk with 409 00:18:18,998 --> 00:18:20,598 Was richard pasma. 410 00:18:20,667 --> 00:18:22,333 - So, you get to the house. - Um-hmm. 411 00:18:22,402 --> 00:18:26,670 - And you meet richard pasma? - We did meet richard pasma. 412 00:18:26,739 --> 00:18:29,206 - The sheriff's conversation with kristen's boyfriend 413 00:18:29,275 --> 00:18:31,942 Would start at the couple's home 414 00:18:32,011 --> 00:18:36,013 And continue in an interrogation room. 415 00:18:36,082 --> 00:18:37,481 - Coming up... 416 00:18:37,551 --> 00:18:40,017 - The boyfriend's version of the events 417 00:18:40,086 --> 00:18:43,021 Of that horrific night. - Where did he say he was? 418 00:18:43,023 --> 00:18:45,089 - He said he had been out on albion road. 419 00:18:45,157 --> 00:18:46,824 - Albion road where kristen was found? 420 00:18:46,826 --> 00:18:47,791 - Right. 421 00:18:47,860 --> 00:18:50,461 - But was he the one who left her there? 422 00:18:50,463 --> 00:18:53,898 When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 423 00:18:56,436 --> 00:19:00,538 ♪♪ 424 00:19:00,606 --> 00:19:03,442 Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 425 00:19:03,509 --> 00:19:04,776 I'm craig melvin. 426 00:19:04,844 --> 00:19:07,044 Kristen grindley could not remember 427 00:19:07,113 --> 00:19:10,382 How she wound up unconscious in the middle of the road. 428 00:19:10,449 --> 00:19:13,984 Loved ones wondered if her boyfriend richard pasma 429 00:19:14,053 --> 00:19:15,452 Was involved. 430 00:19:15,521 --> 00:19:20,324 Police were about to talk to him and also someone else 431 00:19:20,393 --> 00:19:22,794 Who had their own version of events. 432 00:19:22,862 --> 00:19:24,662 Here again is josh mankiewicz 433 00:19:24,731 --> 00:19:29,533 With "the mystery on albion road". 434 00:19:29,535 --> 00:19:31,535 - From the time kristen opened her eyes 435 00:19:31,604 --> 00:19:37,007 And uttered her first words, her progress was astounding. 436 00:19:37,076 --> 00:19:39,143 Here she is just six week after 437 00:19:39,211 --> 00:19:42,213 She arrived at the hospital unconscious. 438 00:19:42,215 --> 00:19:46,284 She's smiling, moving, answering questions. 439 00:19:46,352 --> 00:19:50,087 - What's today? - The 31st on a Thursday. 440 00:19:50,156 --> 00:19:51,021 - All right. 441 00:19:51,023 --> 00:19:53,625 - Things most of us take for granted. 442 00:19:53,693 --> 00:19:57,695 But for kristen grindley, each felt like a little miracle. 443 00:19:57,763 --> 00:20:01,165 By now, kristen was recuperating at st. Luke's, 444 00:20:01,233 --> 00:20:04,668 An inpatient rehabilitation facility. 445 00:20:04,737 --> 00:20:08,173 Videos posted on facebook chronicled her progress. 446 00:20:08,241 --> 00:20:09,840 Kristen exercising, 447 00:20:09,842 --> 00:20:13,911 Playing games to strengthen eye/hand coordination. 448 00:20:13,913 --> 00:20:17,181 Simple tasks, but with kristen's injuries, 449 00:20:17,183 --> 00:20:19,283 They required grueling effort. 450 00:20:19,353 --> 00:20:20,918 - You're doing great, honey. - Thanks, pops. 451 00:20:20,920 --> 00:20:22,186 Love ya. - Love you, too. 452 00:20:22,255 --> 00:20:25,723 - January just seemed like a cloud lifted off of her 453 00:20:25,725 --> 00:20:27,725 And all of a sudden, she was -- 454 00:20:27,727 --> 00:20:30,527 Started asking questions like, "why am I here?" 455 00:20:30,596 --> 00:20:34,131 - Now, when kristen searched for the life she had lived, 456 00:20:34,133 --> 00:20:38,402 She had only shards of memories seen through a haze. 457 00:20:38,471 --> 00:20:40,771 She asked her family for reminders, 458 00:20:40,840 --> 00:20:44,476 Seeking out treasured pieces of the past. 459 00:20:44,543 --> 00:20:47,745 They brought her dog, coda, to st. Luke's 460 00:20:47,747 --> 00:20:50,548 For an enthusiastic reunion. 461 00:20:50,550 --> 00:20:51,950 There was one part of the past 462 00:20:52,018 --> 00:20:54,819 Kristen seemed much less excited about, 463 00:20:54,887 --> 00:20:57,188 Her old boyfriend, richard pasma. 464 00:20:57,190 --> 00:21:00,391 The love kristen had felt for him so strongly 465 00:21:00,393 --> 00:21:03,428 Now seemed to have vanished along with her memory. 466 00:21:03,496 --> 00:21:05,229 - She said, "yeah, I'm gonna break up with that guy. 467 00:21:05,298 --> 00:21:06,964 I don't like that guy. I'm gonna break up with him." 468 00:21:06,966 --> 00:21:07,699 - She kept saying, 469 00:21:07,767 --> 00:21:09,500 "I need to break up with that dude." 470 00:21:09,502 --> 00:21:10,968 Finally, I said, "honey, who's -- 471 00:21:11,037 --> 00:21:12,636 "who are you talking about?" 472 00:21:12,705 --> 00:21:13,904 And she said, "richard. 473 00:21:13,906 --> 00:21:15,840 "I hate him, I need to break up with him." 474 00:21:15,908 --> 00:21:17,241 That was the very first time 475 00:21:17,309 --> 00:21:19,444 That she even mentioned his name. 476 00:21:19,512 --> 00:21:21,179 - But richard pasma's name 477 00:21:21,247 --> 00:21:23,582 Had been at the center of the investigation 478 00:21:23,649 --> 00:21:26,450 By whitman county sheriff brett myers 479 00:21:26,519 --> 00:21:29,287 Ever since the night of November 11. 480 00:21:29,355 --> 00:21:32,256 Just a few hours after kristen was found, 481 00:21:32,325 --> 00:21:35,594 The sheriff was in the doorway of the couple's home 482 00:21:35,661 --> 00:21:38,530 Sizing up her live-in boyfriend. 483 00:21:38,597 --> 00:21:41,399 - First impressions of richard pasma. 484 00:21:41,401 --> 00:21:42,667 - First impressions are big in law enforcement. 485 00:21:42,735 --> 00:21:46,137 And my first impressions were that, uh, 486 00:21:46,205 --> 00:21:47,339 He knew exactly what happened. 487 00:21:47,406 --> 00:21:48,807 - He didn't say that he knew what happened. 488 00:21:48,874 --> 00:21:50,475 - No, he didn't. 489 00:21:50,543 --> 00:21:52,209 - In fact, richard told the sheriff 490 00:21:52,278 --> 00:21:55,012 He'd been out searching for kristen. 491 00:21:55,014 --> 00:21:57,614 He said he had no clue where she was. 492 00:21:57,683 --> 00:21:59,950 And so, the sheriff broke the news 493 00:21:59,952 --> 00:22:02,720 That kristen had been airlifted to a hospital 494 00:22:02,788 --> 00:22:04,488 In critical condition. 495 00:22:04,490 --> 00:22:06,424 - He was overly concerned about kristen 496 00:22:06,492 --> 00:22:08,560 But yet his emotions didn't really match 497 00:22:08,627 --> 00:22:10,361 The level of concern that he was presenting. 498 00:22:10,363 --> 00:22:12,696 It was almost like a really poor acting job. 499 00:22:12,765 --> 00:22:15,165 - Not possible that this was just richard's way of reacting 500 00:22:15,234 --> 00:22:16,500 To some bad news? 501 00:22:16,502 --> 00:22:17,701 - That's always possible, 502 00:22:17,703 --> 00:22:19,970 But we knew we needed to speak with him. 503 00:22:20,039 --> 00:22:22,841 - Sheriff myers brought richard back to the station 504 00:22:22,908 --> 00:22:24,042 For questioning. 505 00:22:24,110 --> 00:22:27,177 He says he smelled alcohol on richard's breath. 506 00:22:27,179 --> 00:22:28,512 Richard acknowledged right off 507 00:22:28,581 --> 00:22:31,650 That he and kristen had been arguing that day. 508 00:22:31,717 --> 00:22:34,585 - They had kind of this argumentative relationship. 509 00:22:34,654 --> 00:22:36,520 - Stormy? - And-- yeah, 510 00:22:36,522 --> 00:22:37,721 It was stormy at times. 511 00:22:37,790 --> 00:22:40,058 - That evening, richard said they'd gone out separately. 512 00:22:40,126 --> 00:22:41,992 When he came back home, he said, 513 00:22:42,061 --> 00:22:44,261 Kristen started to fight again. 514 00:22:44,330 --> 00:22:46,064 So, at 1:30 a.M., 515 00:22:46,132 --> 00:22:50,201 He got in his truck and left the house alone. 516 00:22:50,269 --> 00:22:52,269 - He indicated he had reached over 517 00:22:52,338 --> 00:22:54,338 And locked the car and looked over his shoulder. 518 00:22:54,407 --> 00:22:57,474 And as he pulled away, he said she was in that doorway. 519 00:22:57,543 --> 00:23:00,078 - Richard said he went out four-wheeling, 520 00:23:00,145 --> 00:23:04,082 Driving fasts on rural roads to blow off some steam. 521 00:23:04,150 --> 00:23:05,883 - Where did he say he was? 522 00:23:05,951 --> 00:23:08,085 - He said he had been out on albion road. 523 00:23:08,154 --> 00:23:09,887 - Albion road where kristen was found? 524 00:23:09,889 --> 00:23:10,955 - Right. 525 00:23:10,957 --> 00:23:13,290 - Dashboard video from police cars in the area 526 00:23:13,359 --> 00:23:15,559 Backed up that part of the story. 527 00:23:15,628 --> 00:23:19,029 Here's richard's truck driving right past the spot 528 00:23:19,031 --> 00:23:21,766 Where kristen was found minutes after 529 00:23:21,835 --> 00:23:24,501 The ambulance had taken her away. 530 00:23:24,570 --> 00:23:27,505 And richard told the sheriff something odd happened 531 00:23:27,507 --> 00:23:29,773 When he returned home after 2 a.M. 532 00:23:29,842 --> 00:23:32,376 Richard said he had heard someone throwing around 533 00:23:32,445 --> 00:23:34,978 The recycling bins in his front yard, 534 00:23:35,047 --> 00:23:37,849 And he went downstairs, he says, to tell kristen. 535 00:23:37,916 --> 00:23:41,786 He said it was only then that he realized she wasn't home. 536 00:23:41,788 --> 00:23:45,455 He woke her friend kaitlyn who was staying over that night, 537 00:23:45,525 --> 00:23:49,461 And the two of them went searching in vain for kristen. 538 00:23:49,528 --> 00:23:53,164 Had vandals really been in the yard that night? 539 00:23:53,232 --> 00:23:56,100 The sheriff sent deputies back to richard's house 540 00:23:56,169 --> 00:23:57,901 To check it out. 541 00:23:57,970 --> 00:24:00,238 - The recycling bins did not appear to have been moved. 542 00:24:00,306 --> 00:24:01,738 Still covered with leaves, 543 00:24:01,740 --> 00:24:03,340 Did not appear to have been moved again. 544 00:24:03,409 --> 00:24:05,809 - Why tell a story that could be so easily disproven? 545 00:24:05,878 --> 00:24:08,879 - I think he's just trying to explain why it couldn't be him 546 00:24:08,948 --> 00:24:11,216 And why he, in the middle of the night, 547 00:24:11,283 --> 00:24:13,684 Decided to start looking for kristen. 548 00:24:13,752 --> 00:24:17,355 - It was the first solid clue backing up the sheriff's hunch 549 00:24:17,423 --> 00:24:20,891 That richard pasma knew more than he was telling. 550 00:24:20,960 --> 00:24:24,495 An even bigger clue came from kristen's friend kaitlyn. 551 00:24:24,497 --> 00:24:26,230 She told sheriff's deputies 552 00:24:26,232 --> 00:24:29,567 That while she and richard searched for kristen that night, 553 00:24:29,569 --> 00:24:33,237 He told her over and over he was scared 554 00:24:33,305 --> 00:24:36,440 Kristen could have been in the bed of his truck. 555 00:24:36,509 --> 00:24:38,442 It was a very different story 556 00:24:38,511 --> 00:24:40,644 Than the one he was telling the cops. 557 00:24:40,713 --> 00:24:42,379 - An hour before we interviewed him, 558 00:24:42,448 --> 00:24:45,849 He's telling kaitlyn that he's afraid 559 00:24:45,918 --> 00:24:47,585 She fell out of the back of the vehicle. 560 00:24:47,587 --> 00:24:48,853 - And then when you interview him, he's saying 561 00:24:48,921 --> 00:24:50,521 There's no way she could have been in the vehicle. 562 00:24:50,589 --> 00:24:51,855 - Doesn't even bring it up. 563 00:24:51,857 --> 00:24:53,724 Absolutely never even mentions that there's a possibility 564 00:24:53,726 --> 00:24:55,794 That she could have fallen out while he was four-wheeling. 565 00:24:55,861 --> 00:24:59,062 When we offered that up to him as a plausible explanation, 566 00:24:59,131 --> 00:25:01,732 He refuted it and said there's no way. 567 00:25:01,734 --> 00:25:04,134 - After about 40 minutes of questioning, 568 00:25:04,203 --> 00:25:06,738 Richard asked to speak to a lawyer. 569 00:25:06,805 --> 00:25:08,872 The interview was over. 570 00:25:08,941 --> 00:25:11,609 But the criminal investigation was just beginning. 571 00:25:11,611 --> 00:25:14,612 That same night, the sheriff ran a routine check 572 00:25:14,680 --> 00:25:18,282 On kristen grindley's name on a police database. 573 00:25:18,284 --> 00:25:20,617 - Anything interesting about kristen's previous contacts 574 00:25:20,686 --> 00:25:21,752 With law enforcement? 575 00:25:21,820 --> 00:25:23,420 - There was one contact 576 00:25:23,489 --> 00:25:26,156 That she had had with campus police. 577 00:25:26,158 --> 00:25:28,959 She had, uh, been the victim 578 00:25:29,028 --> 00:25:31,028 In a domestic violence situation. 579 00:25:31,097 --> 00:25:33,897 - University police made an arrest in that case, 580 00:25:33,899 --> 00:25:36,800 Kristen's boyfriend richard pasma. 581 00:25:36,869 --> 00:25:39,803 According to the April 2009 report, 582 00:25:39,805 --> 00:25:42,172 An officer in a university parking lot 583 00:25:42,241 --> 00:25:45,909 Had heard a couple screaming at each other on a stairway. 584 00:25:45,978 --> 00:25:50,780 "I saw pasma strike grindley with a fully-extended right arm 585 00:25:50,850 --> 00:25:53,150 And open hand across her face," 586 00:25:53,219 --> 00:25:54,585 The officer wrote. 587 00:25:54,587 --> 00:25:57,121 "grindley recoiled in shock. 588 00:25:57,123 --> 00:26:00,658 "I heard the sound of his hand hitting her face 589 00:26:00,726 --> 00:26:03,994 From approximately 20 feet." 590 00:26:04,063 --> 00:26:07,264 Kristen's mom hadn't known a thing about that incident. 591 00:26:07,266 --> 00:26:09,132 But looking back, she says 592 00:26:09,201 --> 00:26:12,402 It confirmed suspicions she'd had all along, 593 00:26:12,471 --> 00:26:15,340 Suspicions she had asked kristen about 594 00:26:15,407 --> 00:26:17,541 In the months before she was injured. 595 00:26:17,609 --> 00:26:21,011 - I came right out and asked her numerous times, 596 00:26:21,013 --> 00:26:22,279 "does he hit you?" 597 00:26:22,348 --> 00:26:23,880 - And she would say... - No. 598 00:26:23,949 --> 00:26:25,549 - And you believed her. 599 00:26:25,551 --> 00:26:26,950 - Um, no. 600 00:26:27,019 --> 00:26:29,686 I-I just had a feeling. 601 00:26:29,755 --> 00:26:30,688 - For sheriff myers, 602 00:26:30,756 --> 00:26:32,423 The report that richard had been arrested 603 00:26:32,491 --> 00:26:36,360 For slapping kristen was a jarring discovery. 604 00:26:36,429 --> 00:26:38,029 But it didn't prove a thing. 605 00:26:38,097 --> 00:26:39,896 - Just because someone has been arrested 606 00:26:39,965 --> 00:26:43,300 For domestic violence prior 607 00:26:43,369 --> 00:26:46,571 Doesn't necessarily mean that, uh, they're guilty 608 00:26:46,639 --> 00:26:48,505 Of a heinous crime. 609 00:26:48,574 --> 00:26:51,376 - Had richard committed a heinous crime 610 00:26:51,443 --> 00:26:55,078 On the night of November 11, 2009? 611 00:26:55,147 --> 00:26:57,248 Or was there some other explanation 612 00:26:57,316 --> 00:27:01,385 For how kristen ended up unconscious on albion road? 613 00:27:01,453 --> 00:27:04,521 And without her memories to add to the case, 614 00:27:04,590 --> 00:27:07,991 Would the sheriff be able to piece together the answers 615 00:27:07,993 --> 00:27:11,262 And find justice for kristen? 616 00:27:13,499 --> 00:27:16,333 A dramatically different theory 617 00:27:16,335 --> 00:27:18,469 About what happened that night. 618 00:27:18,537 --> 00:27:19,636 - Unfortunately, 619 00:27:19,705 --> 00:27:21,938 The person that caused kristen grindley's injuries 620 00:27:22,008 --> 00:27:23,040 Was kristen grindley. 621 00:27:23,108 --> 00:27:26,577 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 622 00:27:30,149 --> 00:27:36,486 ♪♪ 623 00:27:36,555 --> 00:27:40,023 Two and a half months after kristen grindley was found 624 00:27:40,092 --> 00:27:42,559 Clinging to life on albion road, 625 00:27:42,561 --> 00:27:45,163 She finally moved out of a medical facility 626 00:27:45,230 --> 00:27:49,166 And back to her parent's house in woodinville, washington. 627 00:27:49,235 --> 00:27:52,569 - Oh, my gosh! [cheering] 628 00:27:52,571 --> 00:27:55,405 - Having her home was, of course, a blessing, 629 00:27:55,474 --> 00:27:57,575 But kristen's parents wouldn't rest easy 630 00:27:57,643 --> 00:28:01,712 Until someone was held accountable for her injuries. 631 00:28:01,714 --> 00:28:03,847 To the grindley family, 632 00:28:03,916 --> 00:28:06,183 Everything pointed to richard pasma: 633 00:28:06,251 --> 00:28:08,585 Their old suspicions about his behavior 634 00:28:08,654 --> 00:28:10,053 During the romance, 635 00:28:10,055 --> 00:28:14,191 The domestic violence arrest back in April 2009, 636 00:28:14,260 --> 00:28:19,062 And his evasive answers in that interview with the sheriff 637 00:28:19,131 --> 00:28:20,997 The night kristen was hurt. 638 00:28:21,066 --> 00:28:23,000 - Oh, my god, what did he do to her? 639 00:28:23,002 --> 00:28:24,868 - What did he do to her? - Um-hmm. 640 00:28:24,937 --> 00:28:26,470 - Couldn't have been an accident. 641 00:28:26,472 --> 00:28:27,605 - Never. 642 00:28:27,673 --> 00:28:28,805 - The grindleys suspected 643 00:28:28,874 --> 00:28:31,342 Richard had thrown kristen from his pickup truck 644 00:28:31,410 --> 00:28:33,543 Or even injured her elsewhere 645 00:28:33,545 --> 00:28:36,547 And then dumped her on albion road. 646 00:28:36,615 --> 00:28:39,016 They waited anxiously for the results 647 00:28:39,018 --> 00:28:40,618 Of the sheriff's investigation, 648 00:28:40,686 --> 00:28:44,822 Hoping for a charge they considered tough enough. 649 00:28:44,890 --> 00:28:46,356 - What would be enough? 650 00:28:46,425 --> 00:28:48,625 - Uh, attempted murder. 651 00:28:48,627 --> 00:28:51,294 - But tim esser, the prominent local attorney 652 00:28:51,363 --> 00:28:54,030 Richard hired the night he was first questioned 653 00:28:54,099 --> 00:28:56,099 Says there was no reason 654 00:28:56,168 --> 00:28:58,769 To charge his client with anything. 655 00:28:58,771 --> 00:29:03,207 And you might be surprised where he does place the blame. 656 00:29:03,275 --> 00:29:04,942 - Unfortunately, 657 00:29:05,010 --> 00:29:07,779 The person that caused kristen grindley's injuries 658 00:29:07,846 --> 00:29:09,179 Was kristen grindley. 659 00:29:09,248 --> 00:29:12,984 - To understand what happened the night of November 11, 2009, 660 00:29:13,051 --> 00:29:15,953 Esser says you need to know a side of this couple 661 00:29:16,021 --> 00:29:19,723 That you haven't heard from kristen's friends and family. 662 00:29:19,725 --> 00:29:21,191 - Do you think richard loves kristen? 663 00:29:21,193 --> 00:29:22,793 - I kind of think he does. 664 00:29:22,795 --> 00:29:26,730 - He says it wasn't by choice that richard stayed away 665 00:29:26,799 --> 00:29:29,533 From his injured girlfriend's bedside. 666 00:29:29,601 --> 00:29:31,068 - He wanted to contact her. 667 00:29:31,070 --> 00:29:32,736 The sheriff told him not to. 668 00:29:32,805 --> 00:29:36,006 His parents contacted, uh, them 669 00:29:36,074 --> 00:29:37,607 And, uh, mr. Grindley told them 670 00:29:37,609 --> 00:29:38,743 Don't ever contact us again. 671 00:29:38,811 --> 00:29:41,678 - Esser says the claims richard was controlling, 672 00:29:41,747 --> 00:29:44,548 Even violent, are way off base. 673 00:29:44,550 --> 00:29:46,616 He says kristen was the one 674 00:29:46,618 --> 00:29:48,618 Who couldn't walk away from a fight. 675 00:29:48,687 --> 00:29:52,155 And sheriff myers says some of the couple's friends 676 00:29:52,157 --> 00:29:53,423 Said the same thing. 677 00:29:53,492 --> 00:29:55,225 - If you'd interview friends on one side, of course, 678 00:29:55,294 --> 00:29:58,962 The friends would say that, uh, that the other one 679 00:29:59,031 --> 00:30:00,363 In the relationship was difficult 680 00:30:00,432 --> 00:30:01,699 And liked to fight 681 00:30:01,767 --> 00:30:05,435 And would be jealous and accusatory. 682 00:30:05,504 --> 00:30:07,637 - His friends said that about her and her friends... 683 00:30:07,639 --> 00:30:08,506 - His friends... - And her friends 684 00:30:08,574 --> 00:30:09,707 Said that about him. - Exactly. 685 00:30:09,775 --> 00:30:12,642 - But what about that April 2009 incident 686 00:30:12,711 --> 00:30:15,245 When a police officer in the campus parking lot 687 00:30:15,247 --> 00:30:19,684 Saw richard slap kristen on the face hard? 688 00:30:19,751 --> 00:30:23,420 Esser says there's another side to that story too. 689 00:30:23,488 --> 00:30:26,124 - An arrest is different then a charge. 690 00:30:26,191 --> 00:30:28,124 That arrest never led to a charge. 691 00:30:28,193 --> 00:30:29,793 - In fact, it was kristen 692 00:30:29,861 --> 00:30:32,263 Who asked to have the charges dropped 693 00:30:32,331 --> 00:30:35,131 Saying she had started the fight. 694 00:30:35,200 --> 00:30:36,600 - Kristen blamed herself 695 00:30:36,602 --> 00:30:38,269 And said she actually hit richard first. 696 00:30:38,337 --> 00:30:39,337 - Absolutely. 697 00:30:39,404 --> 00:30:40,804 - And so, what? Therefore, it's okay to hit-- 698 00:30:40,873 --> 00:30:43,139 For him to hit her back? - No, I-I'm not saying it's-- 699 00:30:43,208 --> 00:30:45,675 Of course it's not okay to slap someone back. 700 00:30:45,744 --> 00:30:47,344 But, uh, you know, it's presented that 701 00:30:47,413 --> 00:30:51,281 There's an abusive relationship and he's the abuser. 702 00:30:51,283 --> 00:30:53,216 I don't think that's accurate. 703 00:30:53,285 --> 00:30:55,285 - As for the events of November 11, 704 00:30:55,287 --> 00:30:59,156 Esser says again it was kristen who provoked a conflict. 705 00:30:59,158 --> 00:31:02,293 He says she was being unreasonable that day, 706 00:31:02,361 --> 00:31:05,028 Objecting to richard's father coming to stay with them, 707 00:31:05,097 --> 00:31:07,831 Even though he owned the house they were living in. 708 00:31:07,833 --> 00:31:10,300 After the couple parted around noon, 709 00:31:10,369 --> 00:31:13,604 Esser says kristen wouldn't let it drop. 710 00:31:13,672 --> 00:31:15,905 - From about 12 noon 711 00:31:15,975 --> 00:31:19,509 Until about 1 a.M. The next morning, 712 00:31:19,578 --> 00:31:20,777 12, 13-hour period, 713 00:31:20,779 --> 00:31:25,315 She made I think something like 113 phone calls and... 714 00:31:25,317 --> 00:31:27,518 - She called richard 113 times? 715 00:31:27,586 --> 00:31:29,319 - Yeah. 716 00:31:29,321 --> 00:31:33,857 - Characterize somebody who calls their boyfriend 717 00:31:33,859 --> 00:31:36,259 113 times in one day. 718 00:31:36,261 --> 00:31:37,461 - How would you characterize her? 719 00:31:37,463 --> 00:31:39,596 - I'm not the attorney in this case. 720 00:31:39,665 --> 00:31:40,797 - I-I think it's pretty obvious. 721 00:31:40,866 --> 00:31:43,133 - It sounds frantic. 722 00:31:43,202 --> 00:31:45,268 It sounds immature. 723 00:31:45,337 --> 00:31:47,471 It sounds like the kind of thing kids do. 724 00:31:47,473 --> 00:31:52,809 It also, I guess, could sound obsessive. 725 00:31:52,878 --> 00:31:54,812 - I wouldn't disagree with that. 726 00:31:54,880 --> 00:31:57,614 - Esser's focus on kristen's behavior 727 00:31:57,616 --> 00:32:00,684 Isn't, he says, meant as character assassination. 728 00:32:00,752 --> 00:32:03,020 It's at the heart of his theory 729 00:32:03,088 --> 00:32:05,289 Of what caused her injuries. 730 00:32:05,357 --> 00:32:07,757 She was so obsessive, esser says, 731 00:32:07,826 --> 00:32:09,961 That when richard came home late at night, 732 00:32:10,028 --> 00:32:13,396 She started the argument for a third time. 733 00:32:13,465 --> 00:32:17,234 So obsessive that when he tried to go for a drive in his pickup, 734 00:32:17,236 --> 00:32:20,771 She sneaked into the back without him knowing it. 735 00:32:20,839 --> 00:32:22,907 - She somehow managed to climb into to back of that pickup, 736 00:32:22,975 --> 00:32:26,644 The bed, and somehow managed to fall out. 737 00:32:26,712 --> 00:32:29,646 - She must have fallen out, esser says, 738 00:32:29,648 --> 00:32:32,983 While richard was coasting along albion road, 739 00:32:32,985 --> 00:32:35,853 Still not realizing she was in the truck. 740 00:32:35,921 --> 00:32:39,256 He says perhaps she fell because she tried to stand 741 00:32:39,258 --> 00:32:41,124 And was unsteady on her feet. 742 00:32:41,193 --> 00:32:43,193 Kristen's blood alcohol level, 743 00:32:43,262 --> 00:32:45,328 Tested when she arrived at the hospital, 744 00:32:45,397 --> 00:32:47,999 Showed she had been drinking that evening. 745 00:32:48,066 --> 00:32:51,735 Her family says that played no role in her injury. 746 00:32:51,803 --> 00:32:54,272 Esser says it did play a role. 747 00:32:54,339 --> 00:32:56,073 The attorney acknowledges 748 00:32:56,075 --> 00:32:59,809 His version of what happened that night is unusual. 749 00:32:59,811 --> 00:33:02,212 - We're trying to show that something happened 750 00:33:02,280 --> 00:33:04,681 That is pretty bizarre. 751 00:33:04,750 --> 00:33:05,815 - And to support that, 752 00:33:05,884 --> 00:33:08,685 Esser had a powerful piece of evidence, 753 00:33:08,754 --> 00:33:11,021 A letter kristen wrote to richard 754 00:33:11,089 --> 00:33:13,423 Shortly before she was hurt. 755 00:33:13,492 --> 00:33:15,692 "I know I have a problem", kristen wrote. 756 00:33:15,761 --> 00:33:18,628 "I need to control my alcohol consumption, 757 00:33:18,697 --> 00:33:21,631 And I need to learn to walk away from a fight." 758 00:33:21,700 --> 00:33:24,367 She promises to fix a list of things: 759 00:33:24,436 --> 00:33:27,570 Her drinking, her temper, yelling, and fighting. 760 00:33:27,572 --> 00:33:28,905 - We thought it was pretty significant. 761 00:33:28,974 --> 00:33:31,642 - Even more significant, esser says, 762 00:33:31,710 --> 00:33:35,111 Is the lack of physical evidence against his client. 763 00:33:35,180 --> 00:33:37,915 The sheriff and his team had spent months 764 00:33:37,983 --> 00:33:39,716 Combing through richard's truck, 765 00:33:39,785 --> 00:33:41,885 The house he shared with kristen, 766 00:33:41,954 --> 00:33:44,387 And the scene on albion road, 767 00:33:44,389 --> 00:33:46,724 But they'd come up with no blood spatters, 768 00:33:46,792 --> 00:33:50,328 No marks on her clothing, nothing at all to show 769 00:33:50,395 --> 00:33:53,730 That kristen had been in the back of the truck that night 770 00:33:53,732 --> 00:33:57,467 Or that richard had hurt kristen in any way. 771 00:33:57,536 --> 00:34:01,138 - There's no evidence that he caused, uh, the occurrence. 772 00:34:01,206 --> 00:34:04,073 - No evidence that he caused her to fall from the truck 773 00:34:04,143 --> 00:34:05,475 Or that he threw her out of the truck 774 00:34:05,477 --> 00:34:07,811 Or that he did anything overtly to her at all. 775 00:34:07,879 --> 00:34:09,013 - Correct. 776 00:34:09,081 --> 00:34:10,747 - Despite all that, 777 00:34:10,816 --> 00:34:13,083 Sheriff brett myers wasn't calling off 778 00:34:13,085 --> 00:34:15,218 His investigation of richard pasma. 779 00:34:15,287 --> 00:34:17,954 A few months after kristen returned home, 780 00:34:18,023 --> 00:34:21,024 Myers told her family he was prepared 781 00:34:21,093 --> 00:34:24,861 To bring charges against kristen's former boyfriend. 782 00:34:26,832 --> 00:34:29,166 - But what could those charges be? 783 00:34:29,233 --> 00:34:32,502 And what does kristen herself say about that night? 784 00:34:32,571 --> 00:34:34,003 - You want to remember what happened that night. 785 00:34:34,072 --> 00:34:35,238 - I do. 786 00:34:35,240 --> 00:34:37,842 - Even though it might end up being 787 00:34:37,909 --> 00:34:39,176 A pretty unpleasant memory. 788 00:34:39,245 --> 00:34:42,780 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 789 00:34:46,117 --> 00:34:51,722 ♪♪ 790 00:34:51,790 --> 00:34:54,191 While rick and pat grindley waited to see 791 00:34:54,193 --> 00:34:56,726 Whether richard pasma would stand trial 792 00:34:56,728 --> 00:34:59,929 For playing a role in their daughter's severe injuries, 793 00:34:59,998 --> 00:35:03,734 Kristen was facing daily trials of her own... 794 00:35:03,802 --> 00:35:05,669 - Have you been doing some cooking at home? 795 00:35:05,671 --> 00:35:07,071 I know that's been a goal of yours. 796 00:35:07,139 --> 00:35:08,805 - Um, I've just been helping. 797 00:35:08,874 --> 00:35:11,274 - ...Relearning the everyday tasks 798 00:35:11,276 --> 00:35:13,943 That can overwhelm someone with brain damage. 799 00:35:14,012 --> 00:35:17,414 At that time, kristen didn't have the cognitive skills 800 00:35:17,416 --> 00:35:19,750 To drive or hold down a job, 801 00:35:19,818 --> 00:35:22,352 And her emotions were sometimes muted. 802 00:35:22,420 --> 00:35:25,088 - And it's just so great to have kristen healthy 803 00:35:25,157 --> 00:35:26,155 And back with us. 804 00:35:26,225 --> 00:35:28,358 - But in July 2010, 805 00:35:28,426 --> 00:35:29,959 Eight months after the accident, 806 00:35:29,961 --> 00:35:32,229 She and her parents felt kristen was well enough 807 00:35:32,231 --> 00:35:35,165 To sit down with me and talk about what she did 808 00:35:35,167 --> 00:35:37,267 And didn't remember. 809 00:35:37,336 --> 00:35:39,836 How are you? - I'm doing great. 810 00:35:39,905 --> 00:35:41,171 I'm doing good. 811 00:35:41,239 --> 00:35:44,908 - Kristen was alert and engaged, though there were clearly 812 00:35:44,910 --> 00:35:47,912 Pieces of her past she couldn't recall. 813 00:35:47,979 --> 00:35:49,579 What's the first thing you remember 814 00:35:49,648 --> 00:35:53,450 After the night of November 11 of last year? 815 00:35:53,518 --> 00:35:56,053 - I remember, like, waking up, and I was talking to my dad 816 00:35:56,121 --> 00:35:59,856 About, um, like where I was and what I was doing. 817 00:35:59,925 --> 00:36:01,926 - Just like a movie when you wake up and say, 818 00:36:01,993 --> 00:36:03,727 Where am I or what happened? 819 00:36:03,729 --> 00:36:05,663 - The first thing I asked him was, um, 820 00:36:05,730 --> 00:36:07,597 I believe, like, where am I? 821 00:36:07,666 --> 00:36:09,866 You know, like, why am I here? 822 00:36:09,934 --> 00:36:12,035 - All that time later, kristen could only remember 823 00:36:12,103 --> 00:36:14,537 Fragments of her life in the weeks and months 824 00:36:14,539 --> 00:36:17,474 Leading up to November 11, 2009. 825 00:36:17,476 --> 00:36:18,942 - And I kept thinking I didn't graduate. 826 00:36:19,010 --> 00:36:21,511 And I kept telling my parents I have to go back to school 827 00:36:21,513 --> 00:36:23,113 To, um, complete it. 828 00:36:23,182 --> 00:36:24,281 And they're like, no, you graduated. 829 00:36:24,349 --> 00:36:25,948 I was like, how did I forget that? 830 00:36:26,018 --> 00:36:28,952 - Some of kristen's memories of her year-long relationship 831 00:36:29,020 --> 00:36:31,621 With richard pasma were fuzzy too. 832 00:36:31,690 --> 00:36:33,924 - What did you like about him? 833 00:36:33,992 --> 00:36:35,459 - Um... 834 00:36:38,830 --> 00:36:41,564 I actually can't remember that really. Um... 835 00:36:41,633 --> 00:36:44,368 - Kristen said she did remember richard hitting her 836 00:36:44,436 --> 00:36:47,537 In that school parking lot in April 2009. 837 00:36:47,606 --> 00:36:49,205 But what about richard's claim, 838 00:36:49,207 --> 00:36:53,109 Which she backed up at the time, that she hit him first? 839 00:36:53,178 --> 00:36:54,844 - Do you still think that's true, 840 00:36:54,913 --> 00:36:56,913 What you told police at the time, that-- 841 00:36:56,982 --> 00:37:00,518 That richard hit you because you had hit him? 842 00:37:00,585 --> 00:37:05,655 - Um, like I-- I do think that happened, 843 00:37:05,657 --> 00:37:08,057 And I don't think that happened. But I think we were arguing. 844 00:37:08,126 --> 00:37:12,195 So, I think that's kind of, like, what led to the slap. 845 00:37:12,263 --> 00:37:15,131 - As for November 11, 2009, 846 00:37:15,200 --> 00:37:18,601 The night that left a hole in kristen grindley's life, 847 00:37:18,670 --> 00:37:22,338 She told me she couldn't remember a thing. 848 00:37:22,407 --> 00:37:24,007 You want to remember what happened that night. 849 00:37:24,075 --> 00:37:24,942 - I do. 850 00:37:25,010 --> 00:37:27,611 - Even though it might end up 851 00:37:27,679 --> 00:37:29,078 Being a pretty unpleasant memory. 852 00:37:29,147 --> 00:37:32,349 - Yeah. I mean, it would stink, but, um, I would-- 853 00:37:32,351 --> 00:37:33,549 I would, like, just so I can, like, 854 00:37:33,618 --> 00:37:35,685 Remem-- I mean, just remember it. 855 00:37:35,687 --> 00:37:36,819 I think would... 856 00:37:36,888 --> 00:37:39,555 - You want to know. - Just to know, yeah. 857 00:37:39,624 --> 00:37:42,058 - By now, sheriff myers had spent months 858 00:37:42,127 --> 00:37:43,460 On his investigation. 859 00:37:43,528 --> 00:37:45,995 But with kristen's memory of the event gone, 860 00:37:46,064 --> 00:37:47,530 Seemingly forever, 861 00:37:47,599 --> 00:37:51,367 And with no physical evidence to show richard had hurt her, 862 00:37:51,436 --> 00:37:53,903 The sheriff had reached a dead end. 863 00:37:53,972 --> 00:37:57,106 However, as he reviewed his files, 864 00:37:57,175 --> 00:37:58,908 The sheriff kept coming back 865 00:37:58,910 --> 00:38:01,779 To richard's two inconsistent stories, 866 00:38:01,846 --> 00:38:04,647 His puzzling statement to kristen's friend kaitlyn 867 00:38:04,649 --> 00:38:07,250 That just maybe kristen had climbed 868 00:38:07,319 --> 00:38:10,454 Into the back of his pickup without him realizing it 869 00:38:10,522 --> 00:38:14,724 And his claim to the sheriff that he'd watched kristen 870 00:38:14,793 --> 00:38:17,861 Standing in the doorway as he pulled away. 871 00:38:17,863 --> 00:38:19,797 So, for richard's stories to both be true, 872 00:38:19,864 --> 00:38:21,531 He would have had to be able to look at her, 873 00:38:21,600 --> 00:38:22,999 See her in the doorway, 874 00:38:23,068 --> 00:38:25,668 Then the minute he looks away she runs forward 875 00:38:25,737 --> 00:38:28,137 And secretly hides in the bed of his truck. 876 00:38:28,139 --> 00:38:29,807 - Somehow, she's got to be able 877 00:38:29,874 --> 00:38:31,275 To jump in the back of that truck, 878 00:38:31,343 --> 00:38:33,143 Crouch down without being detected. 879 00:38:33,211 --> 00:38:34,411 Just doesn't fit. 880 00:38:34,413 --> 00:38:35,545 - She'd have to know how to fly. 881 00:38:35,614 --> 00:38:37,013 - She pretty much would have to, yeah. 882 00:38:37,082 --> 00:38:39,349 - The sheriff and his team studied that truck 883 00:38:39,417 --> 00:38:41,885 And richard's story from every angle. 884 00:38:41,887 --> 00:38:43,152 They concluded 885 00:38:43,221 --> 00:38:45,422 That kristen must have been in the truck that night, 886 00:38:45,490 --> 00:38:47,557 That richard knew she was there, 887 00:38:47,626 --> 00:38:49,892 And that he knew she hit the pavement 888 00:38:49,961 --> 00:38:52,361 With his truck cruising at high speed. 889 00:38:52,431 --> 00:38:54,365 They were convinced he left her lying there 890 00:38:54,432 --> 00:38:58,167 Hovering near death without so much as tapping his finger 891 00:38:58,169 --> 00:39:00,837 Three times to call 911. 892 00:39:00,839 --> 00:39:03,039 Maybe richard fled the scene 893 00:39:03,108 --> 00:39:05,509 Because he'd somehow pushed her from the truck. 894 00:39:05,577 --> 00:39:08,512 Or maybe he was driving drunk when she tumbled out of the back 895 00:39:08,580 --> 00:39:11,447 And he feared a blood alcohol test. 896 00:39:11,516 --> 00:39:14,117 Investigators and prosecutors weren't sure 897 00:39:14,119 --> 00:39:16,452 Exactly how their victim had been hurt 898 00:39:16,521 --> 00:39:19,056 But they didn't need a definitive answer 899 00:39:19,124 --> 00:39:21,057 To make their next move. 900 00:39:21,125 --> 00:39:22,859 - Criminal charges have been filed in the case 901 00:39:22,927 --> 00:39:26,530 Of a wsu graduate injured and left for dead last year. 902 00:39:26,598 --> 00:39:28,197 - In the summer of 2010, 903 00:39:28,266 --> 00:39:30,466 After an eight-month investigation, 904 00:39:30,535 --> 00:39:32,936 Richard pasma was booked, fingerprinted, 905 00:39:33,004 --> 00:39:34,804 And charged with a felony. 906 00:39:34,873 --> 00:39:38,074 It was a very long way from the attempted murder charge 907 00:39:38,143 --> 00:39:40,678 Once contemplated by kristen's family. 908 00:39:40,745 --> 00:39:42,279 Richard stood accused 909 00:39:42,347 --> 00:39:45,147 Of leaving the scene of an injury accident, 910 00:39:45,216 --> 00:39:48,618 Punishable by up to five years in prison. 911 00:39:48,686 --> 00:39:51,554 - What did you think when richard was charged? 912 00:39:51,623 --> 00:39:53,756 - I started crying, and I thought 913 00:39:53,825 --> 00:39:56,560 That the charges weren't enough. 914 00:39:56,628 --> 00:39:59,562 - Still, the grindleys hoped that during a trial 915 00:39:59,631 --> 00:40:01,098 They might learn more details 916 00:40:01,166 --> 00:40:03,032 Of what happened to their daughter. 917 00:40:03,034 --> 00:40:05,301 But that's not how things unfolded. 918 00:40:05,303 --> 00:40:07,638 Just ten days before the trial date, 919 00:40:07,705 --> 00:40:09,973 Richard pasma came into the courtroom 920 00:40:09,975 --> 00:40:14,243 Not to face a jury of his peers but to enter a plea. 921 00:40:14,245 --> 00:40:17,246 In washington state it's called an alford plea. 922 00:40:17,315 --> 00:40:18,915 And under that agreement, 923 00:40:18,917 --> 00:40:21,117 Richard did not admit wrongdoing. 924 00:40:21,186 --> 00:40:23,186 In fact, he once again maintains 925 00:40:23,188 --> 00:40:24,587 That as far as he knew, 926 00:40:24,657 --> 00:40:27,257 Kristen was never in his truck that night. 927 00:40:27,325 --> 00:40:30,728 But he acknowledged there was sufficient evidence 928 00:40:30,795 --> 00:40:34,331 For a jury to find him guilty of knowing kristen was injured 929 00:40:34,399 --> 00:40:36,467 And not calling for help. 930 00:40:36,534 --> 00:40:38,034 - She was not conscious at the time. 931 00:40:38,102 --> 00:40:42,738 She was bleeding from her head and other injuries. 932 00:40:42,807 --> 00:40:45,942 - As part of their plea deal, the prosecution dropped 933 00:40:46,011 --> 00:40:48,744 Their request for the exceptional sentence 934 00:40:48,813 --> 00:40:50,347 Of five years. 935 00:40:50,415 --> 00:40:53,550 The sentencing hearing in November 2010 936 00:40:53,552 --> 00:40:56,019 Was the first time kristen grindley 937 00:40:56,087 --> 00:40:58,554 And richard pasma were in the same room 938 00:40:58,623 --> 00:41:00,557 Since the night a year earlier 939 00:41:00,625 --> 00:41:02,960 When their romance came to an abrupt, 940 00:41:03,027 --> 00:41:06,095 Terrifying, and violent end. 941 00:41:06,164 --> 00:41:08,632 - I hope someday richard confronts what he did to me 942 00:41:08,700 --> 00:41:09,632 And gets help. 943 00:41:09,634 --> 00:41:11,501 Until he admits that he has to change 944 00:41:11,569 --> 00:41:13,102 And get his anger under control, 945 00:41:13,171 --> 00:41:16,038 I fear that he will hurt others as he did to me. 946 00:41:16,107 --> 00:41:19,575 - Richard pasma was the last to speak at sentencing. 947 00:41:19,644 --> 00:41:22,045 He had never talked publicly about the case, 948 00:41:22,047 --> 00:41:24,981 And he declined "dateline's" request for an interview. 949 00:41:25,049 --> 00:41:27,650 Because he was taking the alford plea, 950 00:41:27,719 --> 00:41:30,921 Essentially pleading no contest rather than guilty, 951 00:41:30,989 --> 00:41:32,889 He didn't take responsibility 952 00:41:32,958 --> 00:41:35,391 For what happened on albion road. 953 00:41:35,460 --> 00:41:37,861 And if the grindleys had been hoping to hear 954 00:41:37,929 --> 00:41:41,665 Words of remorse, they were disappointed. 955 00:42:04,089 --> 00:42:07,156 - Richard was sentenced to nine months in jail. 956 00:42:07,158 --> 00:42:09,959 Kristen grindley will likely be dealing 957 00:42:09,961 --> 00:42:13,763 With the injuries she suffered on November 11, 2009, 958 00:42:13,832 --> 00:42:15,765 For the rest of her life. 959 00:42:15,834 --> 00:42:19,302 But she keeps her focus on the good things ahead. 960 00:42:19,370 --> 00:42:22,505 Do you think of yourself as lucky? 961 00:42:22,573 --> 00:42:24,307 - Um-hmm. 962 00:42:24,375 --> 00:42:25,174 - Because you're here. 963 00:42:25,243 --> 00:42:26,209 - Yeah. 964 00:42:35,720 --> 00:42:37,320 I'm just very happy that I'm okay. 965 00:42:40,526 --> 00:42:41,791 - And that's all for this edition 966 00:42:41,860 --> 00:42:43,993 Of "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 967 00:42:44,062 --> 00:42:46,796 I'm craig melvin. Thank you for watching.