1 00:00:07,373 --> 00:00:12,178 - I'm kate snow, and this is "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 2 00:00:12,246 --> 00:00:16,047 Deep in the woods, a family lives in fear. 3 00:00:16,117 --> 00:00:18,250 - "what are you gonna do if they come back?" 4 00:00:18,318 --> 00:00:20,585 - Of a threat from strangers. 5 00:00:20,654 --> 00:00:22,788 - "daddy will protect us. 6 00:00:22,856 --> 00:00:26,725 "daddy won't let anything bad happen to you." 7 00:00:26,794 --> 00:00:28,694 - So, when the strangers arrive, 8 00:00:28,762 --> 00:00:31,397 A father takes matters into his own hands. 9 00:00:33,868 --> 00:00:36,568 - I hear a crack, crack, crack, gunfire. 10 00:00:36,636 --> 00:00:38,604 - The terror, the bullets-- 11 00:00:38,672 --> 00:00:40,573 This was, like, shooting fish in a barrel. 12 00:00:40,641 --> 00:00:44,543 - Glass is exploding-- just complete chaos. 13 00:00:44,612 --> 00:00:46,611 - The crime scene caught on camera. 14 00:00:46,680 --> 00:00:48,881 - Anybody in the vehicle, let me see your hands! 15 00:00:48,949 --> 00:00:49,948 - It was bad. 16 00:00:50,017 --> 00:00:52,884 Worse than anything you would see in a movie. 17 00:00:52,953 --> 00:00:55,554 - Sometimes I've cried for my dad. 18 00:00:55,623 --> 00:00:57,023 - Was this a murder? 19 00:00:57,091 --> 00:00:59,558 - Every day, I think of that. 20 00:00:59,626 --> 00:01:01,860 - Alls I could think of, is my kids. 21 00:01:01,929 --> 00:01:03,962 What about my kids? 22 00:01:04,031 --> 00:01:12,037 ♪♪ 23 00:01:12,105 --> 00:01:15,307 - Hello, and welcome to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 24 00:01:15,376 --> 00:01:18,111 It was supposed to be a relaxing 4th of July 25 00:01:18,178 --> 00:01:21,913 In the sierra nevada mountains, but one fateful night, 26 00:01:21,982 --> 00:01:25,450 A family getaway turned into a holiday horror. 27 00:01:25,519 --> 00:01:28,053 A father, determined to defend his home, 28 00:01:28,055 --> 00:01:30,722 Chased down a carload of strangers. 29 00:01:30,724 --> 00:01:32,258 The deadly showdown that followed 30 00:01:32,326 --> 00:01:33,860 Would divide a town 31 00:01:33,927 --> 00:01:36,261 Until one man's battle for justice 32 00:01:36,330 --> 00:01:38,463 Exposed a stunning secret. 33 00:01:38,532 --> 00:01:42,033 Here's keith morrison with "miles from nowhere." 34 00:01:42,102 --> 00:01:48,239 ♪♪ 35 00:01:48,309 --> 00:01:51,076 - It was in the dark that the fear began, 36 00:01:51,145 --> 00:01:53,778 In the dark, with the sounds of the black night around them 37 00:01:53,847 --> 00:01:56,048 That had grew and grew. 38 00:01:56,117 --> 00:01:58,818 - They terrorized our family, our friends. 39 00:02:01,388 --> 00:02:03,623 - Who was out there in the dark, 40 00:02:03,690 --> 00:02:06,491 Here, miles and miles into primeval woods, 41 00:02:06,560 --> 00:02:10,061 So far from safety, from civilized protection? 42 00:02:10,130 --> 00:02:12,965 - They could just come onto our property 43 00:02:13,033 --> 00:02:14,466 And invade our lives. 44 00:02:17,037 --> 00:02:19,972 - But on a summer night deep in the california sierra, 45 00:02:20,040 --> 00:02:22,507 The terror came out of the dark, 46 00:02:22,576 --> 00:02:25,644 Came after them, to take everything. 47 00:02:25,646 --> 00:02:27,914 [crying, whimpering] 48 00:02:27,981 --> 00:02:30,815 - The terrible, desperate chase, 49 00:02:30,884 --> 00:02:36,054 Its awful end, and now the question-- 50 00:02:36,123 --> 00:02:39,358 What really happened out there in the dark? 51 00:02:39,426 --> 00:02:41,693 - Stand up! 52 00:02:41,762 --> 00:02:43,863 - I still feel like I need to go help him. 53 00:02:49,036 --> 00:02:53,872 - It looks so innocent now, closed up, dead quiet, empty, 54 00:02:53,941 --> 00:02:56,375 Here in its place at the end of a 100-yard dirt track 55 00:02:56,443 --> 00:02:58,877 That snakes off this lonely country road 56 00:02:58,879 --> 00:03:01,012 Deep in the sierra nevada, 57 00:03:01,081 --> 00:03:05,884 But this was not how it was or was ever meant to be. 58 00:03:05,953 --> 00:03:08,219 No... Before it happened, 59 00:03:08,289 --> 00:03:10,622 Before that summer night in July 2011, 60 00:03:10,691 --> 00:03:13,992 This was... Well, let them tell it. 61 00:03:14,061 --> 00:03:15,227 - She said, "magical place." - very-- it's fun. 62 00:03:15,295 --> 00:03:16,629 It's awesome. It's fun. 63 00:03:16,697 --> 00:03:17,929 - Mostly, at winter, 64 00:03:17,931 --> 00:03:22,701 We would do a snowball-ball fight, 65 00:03:22,703 --> 00:03:26,105 And then we would come inside and eat 66 00:03:26,173 --> 00:03:28,173 And have some hot cocoa. 67 00:03:28,175 --> 00:03:30,709 - These are the wallin-reed children. 68 00:03:30,777 --> 00:03:33,845 Darlin is the eldest, then georgia, 69 00:03:33,914 --> 00:03:35,647 And little gregory. 70 00:03:35,716 --> 00:03:37,549 Mostly, they lived in reno, nevada, 71 00:03:37,618 --> 00:03:42,187 But this-this at the end of a two-hour drive into the woods, 72 00:03:42,256 --> 00:03:45,191 This was the place they lived. 73 00:03:45,259 --> 00:03:47,326 - We'd go on hikes, and there is, like, a lake 74 00:03:47,394 --> 00:03:50,128 That was very close. - And we would fish. 75 00:03:50,197 --> 00:03:51,529 - And we'd swim. - And we'd fish, 76 00:03:51,598 --> 00:03:53,199 And we'd go up there, and we'd fish and swim. 77 00:03:53,267 --> 00:03:57,202 It was pretty much awesome. 78 00:03:57,271 --> 00:04:00,405 - Here, they discovered a world far more magical 79 00:04:00,474 --> 00:04:02,874 Than any city could ever be. 80 00:04:02,876 --> 00:04:06,811 It was their father's cabin, really-- chad wallin-reed. 81 00:04:06,880 --> 00:04:09,614 Chad's grandparents built the cabin the '70s 82 00:04:09,683 --> 00:04:11,350 When he was just a baby. 83 00:04:11,418 --> 00:04:15,287 - My children were definitely, "daddy, we love the place." 84 00:04:15,355 --> 00:04:17,889 They've all grown up, in diapers, 85 00:04:17,959 --> 00:04:19,758 All the way through, goin' up there. 86 00:04:19,827 --> 00:04:22,460 - Mind you, this was truly remote. 87 00:04:22,529 --> 00:04:24,763 Their only electricity came from a generator. 88 00:04:24,831 --> 00:04:27,899 There was no cell phone service, no phone at all, 89 00:04:27,968 --> 00:04:31,236 Which was just fine with chad's wife, kerri. 90 00:04:31,305 --> 00:04:34,506 - It was very enjoyable to be away from the phones, 91 00:04:34,574 --> 00:04:38,977 And traffic, and, you know, work. 92 00:04:39,046 --> 00:04:42,247 [laughing] - yeah. 93 00:04:42,315 --> 00:04:45,184 This is where chad taught his children how to exist 94 00:04:45,252 --> 00:04:48,253 In the natural world, how to catch a fish, 95 00:04:48,255 --> 00:04:52,457 Swim in a mountain lake, feel safe in the dark. 96 00:04:52,526 --> 00:04:56,060 - He's an amazing father. He loves his children so much. 97 00:04:56,129 --> 00:04:57,162 - The children saw the world 98 00:04:57,230 --> 00:04:59,231 And certainly their retreat here in the country 99 00:04:59,300 --> 00:05:03,068 As a safe place for them, just as it should be, 100 00:05:03,070 --> 00:05:07,072 And keeping it that way was chad's particular preoccupation. 101 00:05:07,140 --> 00:05:11,743 Chad worried a lot about safety, about security, 102 00:05:11,745 --> 00:05:13,611 Which may have come, in part at least, 103 00:05:13,680 --> 00:05:15,547 From his time in the military. 104 00:05:15,616 --> 00:05:18,149 He was, he said, an army ranger, 105 00:05:18,151 --> 00:05:19,885 One of the elite few. 106 00:05:19,887 --> 00:05:22,421 Though, like a lot of vets, 107 00:05:22,423 --> 00:05:25,223 He seemed to carry some baggage. 108 00:05:25,292 --> 00:05:27,359 - There's just some things I'd rather not talk about 109 00:05:27,361 --> 00:05:31,496 And-and things that I've tried to, uh, get over. 110 00:05:31,565 --> 00:05:33,431 I guess. - Right. 111 00:05:33,500 --> 00:05:34,699 Kerri didn't pry. 112 00:05:34,701 --> 00:05:36,968 Let him deal with it his own way. 113 00:05:36,970 --> 00:05:38,903 - Between himself and the lord. 114 00:05:38,972 --> 00:05:40,506 He loves this country. - Mm-hmm. 115 00:05:40,574 --> 00:05:43,241 - He, you know, fought for our freedom, 116 00:05:43,243 --> 00:05:46,778 And it means a lot to him. 117 00:05:46,847 --> 00:05:48,379 - And now, between the children 118 00:05:48,449 --> 00:05:51,182 And whatever was out there in the woods 119 00:05:51,251 --> 00:05:52,785 Were only their parents. 120 00:05:52,853 --> 00:05:56,521 The nearest sheriff's office almost an hour's drive away. 121 00:05:56,590 --> 00:05:58,256 Had to be your own policeman. 122 00:05:58,325 --> 00:05:59,992 That was how you felt? - Yes. 123 00:06:00,060 --> 00:06:01,726 We had to protect ourselves. 124 00:06:01,795 --> 00:06:04,596 There was nobody else there to protect us. 125 00:06:04,664 --> 00:06:06,998 - And out here, that was no idle worry. 126 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:09,468 Break-ins are not uncommon in the isolated cabins 127 00:06:09,536 --> 00:06:12,670 Up here in the wilderness. And theirs? 128 00:06:12,740 --> 00:06:15,140 - Oh, the cabin has been broken in, 129 00:06:15,142 --> 00:06:17,542 You know, numerous times. 130 00:06:17,544 --> 00:06:19,477 - There's something very invasive about that, too, 131 00:06:19,546 --> 00:06:22,014 When somebody goes into property that's yours 132 00:06:22,082 --> 00:06:23,681 And takes something of yours. 133 00:06:23,750 --> 00:06:26,885 - It is. It's not just invasive. 134 00:06:26,887 --> 00:06:29,454 It robs you of security. 135 00:06:29,523 --> 00:06:32,557 - Security was why chad gave kerri a revolver, 136 00:06:32,626 --> 00:06:34,225 Taught her how to use it, 137 00:06:34,227 --> 00:06:36,495 And stocked the cabin with guns, 138 00:06:36,497 --> 00:06:39,698 Including a favorite, his ar-15, 139 00:06:39,767 --> 00:06:41,634 A lot like his military weapon, 140 00:06:41,701 --> 00:06:44,836 Security and pleasure. 141 00:06:44,838 --> 00:06:46,704 What's the attraction of those? 142 00:06:46,773 --> 00:06:48,907 - I think it's just the fun in shooting 'em. 143 00:06:48,975 --> 00:06:51,776 It's just... [laughing] 144 00:06:51,845 --> 00:06:56,114 You know, being able to put a-a 30-round magazine 145 00:06:56,116 --> 00:06:59,184 And then set up a target and just go at it. 146 00:06:59,252 --> 00:07:01,720 - Chad planted signs at the edge of his property 147 00:07:01,722 --> 00:07:02,887 Out by the road, 148 00:07:02,956 --> 00:07:06,090 Stern warnings to would-be vandals and thieves, 149 00:07:06,159 --> 00:07:09,729 And he watched, vigilant, didn't rest easy, 150 00:07:09,796 --> 00:07:12,063 Especially because one of those break-ins 151 00:07:12,065 --> 00:07:14,433 Had been just that very year. 152 00:07:14,501 --> 00:07:17,001 - And if-if you did fall asleep, it was very lightly, 153 00:07:17,070 --> 00:07:22,074 And every-every noise would wake you up very easily. 154 00:07:25,879 --> 00:07:30,148 - Then, the 4th of July weekend, 2011, 155 00:07:30,150 --> 00:07:32,016 The wallin-reeds were joined by some friends 156 00:07:32,085 --> 00:07:33,786 Who set up a little campsite on the property 157 00:07:33,854 --> 00:07:35,687 Near the road. 158 00:07:35,756 --> 00:07:37,489 - Just enjoying each other's company 159 00:07:37,557 --> 00:07:38,758 And hanging out. 160 00:07:38,825 --> 00:07:40,291 - But early on the Saturday morning, 161 00:07:40,360 --> 00:07:43,896 About 2 a.M., chad was jolted awake. 162 00:07:43,964 --> 00:07:46,364 - All of a sudden, I heard all this yelling and commotion, 163 00:07:46,433 --> 00:07:49,367 And it sounded like somebody was fighting, 164 00:07:49,436 --> 00:07:52,036 And I looked out, and I saw this spotlight 165 00:07:52,038 --> 00:07:53,638 Being shined all over the place, 166 00:07:53,640 --> 00:07:55,773 And I was like, what the heck is goin' on? 167 00:07:55,842 --> 00:08:00,379 And then I walk out, and, uh, as I'm lookin' down, 168 00:08:00,447 --> 00:08:04,249 This car goes speeding away. 169 00:08:04,317 --> 00:08:05,383 - Chad hopped in his truck. 170 00:08:05,385 --> 00:08:07,185 Drove to the end of the driveway. 171 00:08:07,254 --> 00:08:08,987 - And that's when I noticed one of the solar lights 172 00:08:09,055 --> 00:08:10,356 Had been taken. 173 00:08:10,423 --> 00:08:11,723 - A solar light, 174 00:08:11,792 --> 00:08:13,658 One of several attached to metal poles 175 00:08:13,660 --> 00:08:15,461 Marking the edge of the property, 176 00:08:15,529 --> 00:08:18,597 A cheap item, but still... 177 00:08:18,599 --> 00:08:20,932 Why would somebody want one of those? 178 00:08:21,001 --> 00:08:22,368 - I don't know. 179 00:08:22,435 --> 00:08:23,401 - When morning came, 180 00:08:23,403 --> 00:08:25,136 Chad inspected his friend's campsite 181 00:08:25,205 --> 00:08:26,939 Near the bottom of the property. 182 00:08:27,007 --> 00:08:29,074 Were those footprints of strangers 183 00:08:29,142 --> 00:08:30,742 Around their trailer? 184 00:08:30,744 --> 00:08:34,579 - It put us on-on edge, you know, basically high alert. 185 00:08:34,648 --> 00:08:36,882 - I remember asking my dad and mom, 186 00:08:36,950 --> 00:08:38,617 "what are you gonna do if they come back, 187 00:08:38,685 --> 00:08:43,088 "and what would happen if somebody got hurt?" 188 00:08:43,156 --> 00:08:48,893 - To witness your children scared like that and insecure, 189 00:08:48,895 --> 00:08:52,832 And you, as a parent, have failed, 190 00:08:52,899 --> 00:08:55,500 You know, and that's how I felt was, 191 00:08:55,569 --> 00:08:57,902 As a father, as a-- as a person that, 192 00:08:57,971 --> 00:08:59,771 You know, supposed to protect your family, 193 00:08:59,840 --> 00:09:02,240 And alls I could do was offer words. 194 00:09:02,309 --> 00:09:04,042 "honey, if they come back, daddy will-- 195 00:09:04,111 --> 00:09:07,312 "daddy will protect you. Daddy will take care of it." 196 00:09:07,314 --> 00:09:12,784 - A promise he intended to keep. 197 00:09:12,852 --> 00:09:14,653 - What happened the next night 198 00:09:14,655 --> 00:09:16,889 Would change their lives forever. 199 00:09:19,392 --> 00:09:21,527 - I picked up the pistol that was in my cup holder 200 00:09:21,595 --> 00:09:23,661 And pointed it out the window. 201 00:09:23,730 --> 00:09:26,531 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 202 00:09:30,103 --> 00:09:37,075 ♪♪ 203 00:09:37,077 --> 00:09:40,479 - Saturday morning, July 4th weekend, 2011-- 204 00:09:40,547 --> 00:09:43,015 Chad wallin-reed and his family were on edge. 205 00:09:43,083 --> 00:09:45,750 Strangers had come very close, middle of the night, 206 00:09:45,819 --> 00:09:48,152 Strangers who stole a solar light 207 00:09:48,221 --> 00:09:49,154 And may have been tramping around 208 00:09:49,222 --> 00:09:51,356 On their property. 209 00:09:51,424 --> 00:09:54,359 And suddenly, the cabin felt more remote, 210 00:09:54,427 --> 00:09:58,429 The woods less like home, and the children... 211 00:09:58,498 --> 00:09:59,965 - They asked, "what if they come back 212 00:10:00,033 --> 00:10:02,768 And come all the way up to the cabin? What if...?" 213 00:10:02,836 --> 00:10:05,370 - So, what did you say? - "daddy will protect us. 214 00:10:05,438 --> 00:10:09,707 "daddy, you know, daddy won't let anything bad happen to you." 215 00:10:09,776 --> 00:10:13,345 It was-- it was scary. It was scary to me. 216 00:10:16,316 --> 00:10:17,315 - Then, that afternoon, 217 00:10:17,384 --> 00:10:18,784 While chad was away on an errand, 218 00:10:18,852 --> 00:10:20,653 Kerri looked out the window, 219 00:10:20,720 --> 00:10:23,956 And there was a jeep heading up the long driveway 220 00:10:24,024 --> 00:10:28,093 Driven by a young man she did not know. 221 00:10:28,161 --> 00:10:29,927 - He sat there for a while 222 00:10:29,996 --> 00:10:32,797 And like he was lookin' around for somethin'. 223 00:10:32,866 --> 00:10:36,802 I had the kids stay down, out of sight, 224 00:10:36,870 --> 00:10:39,070 So-so they wouldn't be seen. 225 00:10:39,139 --> 00:10:41,739 - Was he lost? Looking for help? 226 00:10:41,808 --> 00:10:43,007 She took no chances. 227 00:10:43,076 --> 00:10:46,278 She reached for the gun chad had taught her how to use. 228 00:10:46,346 --> 00:10:47,813 - I had my revolver, 229 00:10:47,881 --> 00:10:50,081 And I was headed towards the door. 230 00:10:50,150 --> 00:10:54,219 - And then whoever it was backed up and drove away. 231 00:10:54,221 --> 00:10:56,487 So, what did that do to your level of anxiety 232 00:10:56,489 --> 00:10:59,757 That weekend? - Oh, it-it was high. 233 00:10:59,826 --> 00:11:01,960 - Ramped it up some more. - Oh, yes. 234 00:11:01,962 --> 00:11:03,695 - That evening, still on edge, 235 00:11:03,763 --> 00:11:05,631 Kerri and the kids watched a movie 236 00:11:05,699 --> 00:11:07,565 And fell asleep on the couch. 237 00:11:07,567 --> 00:11:10,234 Chad sat outside with his visiting friends, 238 00:11:10,303 --> 00:11:12,438 Who had set up camp on his property. 239 00:11:12,505 --> 00:11:14,238 - We were just sittin' there on the porch, 240 00:11:14,307 --> 00:11:16,842 Kickin' back, relaxin', bsin'. 241 00:11:16,910 --> 00:11:19,110 - The story of what happened next 242 00:11:19,179 --> 00:11:22,847 Is both complex and, as you'll see, disputed, 243 00:11:22,916 --> 00:11:24,649 Which is why we have shot our own video 244 00:11:24,651 --> 00:11:26,785 To help us illustrate events. 245 00:11:26,787 --> 00:11:29,187 It was 9 or 10 p.M., said chad, 246 00:11:29,189 --> 00:11:32,123 When his friends noticed a car. 247 00:11:32,192 --> 00:11:33,191 - And then they said, 248 00:11:33,193 --> 00:11:34,258 "it just shut off his headlights 249 00:11:34,327 --> 00:11:36,028 "and pulled up into the driveway." 250 00:11:36,096 --> 00:11:39,063 - What was going on? That car the night before, 251 00:11:39,065 --> 00:11:42,266 The jeep that came up the drive that very afternoon, 252 00:11:42,335 --> 00:11:45,870 And now strangers were out there, again. 253 00:11:45,872 --> 00:11:47,472 - I picked up the ar that was sittin'-- 254 00:11:47,540 --> 00:11:49,607 It was sittin' right there next to me. 255 00:11:49,609 --> 00:11:51,342 - His ar-15 bushmaster. 256 00:11:51,411 --> 00:11:53,412 [gunshot] he fired a warning shot. 257 00:11:53,480 --> 00:11:54,480 - And then, uh, 258 00:11:54,547 --> 00:11:57,382 I just remember seein' some guy runnin' away. 259 00:11:59,486 --> 00:12:02,053 - But would a warning be enough? 260 00:12:02,122 --> 00:12:04,956 These had to be the same men who came the night before. 261 00:12:05,024 --> 00:12:06,825 Now, here they were a second time. 262 00:12:06,827 --> 00:12:09,227 These guys were bad news. 263 00:12:09,229 --> 00:12:11,295 I said, "I'm gonna try and catch up to these guys. 264 00:12:11,364 --> 00:12:13,364 "you know, go get 'em. You know, catch 'em." 265 00:12:13,366 --> 00:12:15,700 Get their license plate or get their information 266 00:12:15,769 --> 00:12:17,301 Or somethin', you know, 267 00:12:17,370 --> 00:12:19,972 Because it was apparent that this was more than 268 00:12:20,039 --> 00:12:23,574 Just we're here to play and joke around with you. 269 00:12:23,643 --> 00:12:26,144 - Chad jumped in his truck and gave chase, 270 00:12:26,146 --> 00:12:27,779 Barreling up the twisty mountain road 271 00:12:27,781 --> 00:12:29,413 At up to 50 miles an hour. 272 00:12:29,482 --> 00:12:32,917 - As I was comin' up behind 'em, somebody leaned out the, uh, 273 00:12:32,986 --> 00:12:34,185 The passenger side of the vehicle 274 00:12:34,187 --> 00:12:37,321 And was shining a million power spotlight. 275 00:12:37,390 --> 00:12:39,191 I mean, it was just blinding. 276 00:12:39,259 --> 00:12:41,793 And then, uh, next thing I know, as I'm lookin' up, 277 00:12:41,795 --> 00:12:44,295 I see these three flashes, 278 00:12:44,364 --> 00:12:47,198 And then I hear crack, crack, crack, crack. 279 00:12:47,200 --> 00:12:51,669 It was, uh, the sound of, you know, gunfire. 280 00:12:51,671 --> 00:12:54,439 - A sound chad knew very well. 281 00:12:54,441 --> 00:12:56,607 He'd been in the army, remember. 282 00:12:56,609 --> 00:12:57,743 So, what'd you do? 283 00:12:57,811 --> 00:13:01,080 - I, uh, picked up the pistol that was in my cupholder, 284 00:13:01,147 --> 00:13:02,046 Chambered a round, 285 00:13:02,115 --> 00:13:03,681 And pointed it out the window, 286 00:13:03,683 --> 00:13:07,352 And let, you know, let off a few rounds and... 287 00:13:07,420 --> 00:13:10,656 - Did you hit anything? - Not that I could tell, no. 288 00:13:10,723 --> 00:13:13,791 - Someone in the car ahead threw solar lights out the window, 289 00:13:13,793 --> 00:13:15,293 Then waved something. 290 00:13:15,361 --> 00:13:19,631 - Like a piece of plastic, somethin' shiny flyin' out, 291 00:13:19,699 --> 00:13:21,100 You know, or hanging out a window, 292 00:13:21,167 --> 00:13:23,769 And, uh, we kept on proceeding. 293 00:13:23,837 --> 00:13:26,839 - Back in the cabin, kerri lay tense on the couch. 294 00:13:26,906 --> 00:13:29,907 Her three kids sleeping beside her. 295 00:13:29,976 --> 00:13:33,177 - I was just, like, in my mind, thinkin', 296 00:13:33,179 --> 00:13:34,712 Where are you? 297 00:13:34,781 --> 00:13:36,380 [laughing] come home. 298 00:13:36,449 --> 00:13:42,320 You know, is everything okay? I hope everything is okay. 299 00:13:42,322 --> 00:13:43,855 - Chad was still in hot pursuit. 300 00:13:43,923 --> 00:13:45,356 Seven point six miles they went, 301 00:13:45,425 --> 00:13:47,258 Careening up the windy country road, 302 00:13:47,327 --> 00:13:49,126 Until the car took a quick turn 303 00:13:49,195 --> 00:13:52,698 Onto a remote dirt road. Chad right behind. 304 00:13:52,765 --> 00:13:54,865 - They did some fishtails, 305 00:13:54,935 --> 00:13:57,136 You know, like they had slid the car, 306 00:13:57,203 --> 00:13:59,103 And at one point, the passenger door 307 00:13:59,105 --> 00:14:00,137 Just started to open up, 308 00:14:00,206 --> 00:14:02,140 And I thought, you know, these guys are gonna get out. 309 00:14:02,142 --> 00:14:05,476 They're gonna, you know, they're gonna come at me. 310 00:14:05,478 --> 00:14:08,479 - The dirt road emptied into a meadow, 311 00:14:08,548 --> 00:14:11,150 And the car suddenly made a 180. 312 00:14:11,217 --> 00:14:12,683 And it looked like they were comin' straight at you. 313 00:14:12,685 --> 00:14:13,684 - Yeah, I mean-- - like an-- 314 00:14:13,753 --> 00:14:16,722 Looking like an assault. - Right. 315 00:14:16,789 --> 00:14:20,558 - Were they gonna shoot him? Ram him? What? 316 00:14:20,560 --> 00:14:23,428 - In military and in police, 317 00:14:23,496 --> 00:14:26,163 That's what we call an escalation of tactics 318 00:14:26,232 --> 00:14:28,233 Until somebody, you know, either backs down, 319 00:14:28,301 --> 00:14:30,635 Or the threat is neutralized. 320 00:14:30,637 --> 00:14:35,073 - The other car kept coming. Chad grabbed the ar-15. 321 00:14:35,141 --> 00:14:39,110 - And I just shoved it out the window and fired off. 322 00:14:39,112 --> 00:14:40,112 - Where were they compared to you? 323 00:14:40,179 --> 00:14:41,313 So, they were coming this way. 324 00:14:41,381 --> 00:14:43,582 - They were right-- - right beside you. 325 00:14:43,650 --> 00:14:45,383 - Right, right. 326 00:14:45,451 --> 00:14:47,319 - How many shots did you-- 327 00:14:47,387 --> 00:14:50,589 - I don't recall. I just-- 328 00:14:50,656 --> 00:14:53,157 - Just let it go. - Right. 329 00:14:53,226 --> 00:14:56,727 - Chad watched his enemies' driver's side window blow out. 330 00:14:56,796 --> 00:14:59,330 Glass rained down on the meadow. 331 00:14:59,399 --> 00:15:02,333 The strangers' car veered across the grass 332 00:15:02,335 --> 00:15:06,003 And came to rest on the dirt road. 333 00:15:06,072 --> 00:15:09,807 - I just drove over to 'em, and I was yelling at them, 334 00:15:09,876 --> 00:15:13,678 And, uh, I just remember this-this young voice saying, 335 00:15:13,680 --> 00:15:16,147 Uh, "I give up. I give up. I give up. 336 00:15:16,216 --> 00:15:21,353 "we're sorry, but, you know, please don't kill me." 337 00:15:21,421 --> 00:15:25,490 It, uh, it doesn't make you feel very good 338 00:15:25,558 --> 00:15:29,895 "to have somebody pleading and begging for their life." 339 00:15:29,963 --> 00:15:33,364 - Chad's protective fury lessened for a moment 340 00:15:33,366 --> 00:15:36,701 And then... - I remember him yelling, 341 00:15:36,769 --> 00:15:42,773 Um, "I have a three-month-old daughter." 342 00:15:42,842 --> 00:15:46,644 And alls I could think of was my kids. 343 00:15:46,646 --> 00:15:49,114 Thinking you're-you're yelling at me about your daughter 344 00:15:49,182 --> 00:15:51,782 And look what you just did. 345 00:15:51,851 --> 00:15:54,186 You know, what about my kids? 346 00:15:54,253 --> 00:15:56,654 Did you ever consider my kids? 347 00:15:56,656 --> 00:15:58,656 - Who were these men in the car? 348 00:15:58,725 --> 00:16:00,458 What did they want? 349 00:16:00,527 --> 00:16:03,194 Here in the dark, miles from nowhere, 350 00:16:03,196 --> 00:16:06,831 What had just happened, and what was about to? 351 00:16:10,570 --> 00:16:14,338 - Back home, chad faces the reality of what's happened. 352 00:16:14,407 --> 00:16:19,410 - I just remember this lost look on her face, 353 00:16:19,479 --> 00:16:21,879 And I was just saying, "I'm sorry." 354 00:16:21,881 --> 00:16:24,916 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 355 00:16:28,121 --> 00:16:34,626 ♪♪ 356 00:16:34,694 --> 00:16:37,094 - Late evening, a remote mountain meadow 357 00:16:37,163 --> 00:16:39,631 In california's high sierra, 358 00:16:39,699 --> 00:16:41,432 His ar-15 at the ready, 359 00:16:41,501 --> 00:16:43,267 Chad wallin-reed approached the car 360 00:16:43,336 --> 00:16:46,103 Full of men he believed had been terrorizing him-- 361 00:16:46,172 --> 00:16:47,572 Him, and his wife, and his children, 362 00:16:47,640 --> 00:16:49,574 And his peace. 363 00:16:49,642 --> 00:16:52,977 He carried his rifle just like the army trained him. 364 00:16:53,045 --> 00:16:53,978 - I was at the ready. 365 00:16:54,047 --> 00:16:56,648 Hey, if-if they came out of that vehicle 366 00:16:56,716 --> 00:16:59,383 And made any-any movements, 367 00:16:59,452 --> 00:17:01,051 You know, I could see their hands, and, you know, 368 00:17:01,121 --> 00:17:02,453 I'd approach the vehicle. 369 00:17:02,455 --> 00:17:04,922 - This is the car chad shot at. 370 00:17:04,991 --> 00:17:07,025 As he checked out the inside, clearing it, 371 00:17:07,094 --> 00:17:08,693 As they say in the military, 372 00:17:08,695 --> 00:17:11,196 He saw the driver had been hit. 373 00:17:11,264 --> 00:17:14,065 - He was hunched over the steering wheel, 374 00:17:14,133 --> 00:17:15,200 And then, uh, 375 00:17:15,268 --> 00:17:16,935 When I got into the driver's side of the vehicle, 376 00:17:17,003 --> 00:17:21,206 He was laid back, and, uh, his head was-was down. 377 00:17:21,274 --> 00:17:22,873 I mean, I didn't check for a pulse 378 00:17:22,942 --> 00:17:24,875 Or anything like that, 379 00:17:24,877 --> 00:17:27,879 But, uh, there was a bullet, you know, wound in his neck. 380 00:17:27,947 --> 00:17:29,680 - Were they-- some of the others 381 00:17:29,682 --> 00:17:31,549 Were wounded, also, right? 382 00:17:31,551 --> 00:17:33,885 - At that point in time, I didn't know. 383 00:17:33,953 --> 00:17:36,354 - Nor did chad know any of the men in the car, 384 00:17:36,356 --> 00:17:37,488 Who they were, 385 00:17:37,557 --> 00:17:39,358 Why they'd approached his home, 386 00:17:39,425 --> 00:17:41,492 But once he saw they no longer posed a threat, 387 00:17:41,561 --> 00:17:42,928 He said, he told the men 388 00:17:42,995 --> 00:17:45,463 He'd do what he could to find help for them. 389 00:17:45,532 --> 00:17:47,698 - I said, "I'm gonna go call the sheriff." 390 00:17:47,767 --> 00:17:49,368 - And he drove the seven and a half miles 391 00:17:49,435 --> 00:17:51,169 Back to his cabin. 392 00:17:51,237 --> 00:17:52,570 As you're driving back, 393 00:17:52,638 --> 00:17:54,171 As you're now trying to figure out 394 00:17:54,173 --> 00:17:55,240 What the hell you've done, 395 00:17:55,308 --> 00:17:56,841 What was going on in your heart, 396 00:17:56,909 --> 00:17:58,109 Your mind, your soul? 397 00:17:58,111 --> 00:18:00,078 - An assessment. - Uh-huh. 398 00:18:00,146 --> 00:18:03,047 - Somebody is either dead or dying. 399 00:18:03,115 --> 00:18:05,584 Something very serious has happened here. 400 00:18:05,651 --> 00:18:07,519 What steps do we go through? 401 00:18:07,587 --> 00:18:10,121 - None of that drive was occupied with the, 402 00:18:10,123 --> 00:18:12,390 "oh, my god, what the hell have I done?" 403 00:18:12,392 --> 00:18:15,259 - No, no, uh-uh. 404 00:18:15,328 --> 00:18:17,261 - When he pulled into the driveway, 405 00:18:17,330 --> 00:18:19,263 Chad was greeted by his friends. 406 00:18:19,332 --> 00:18:21,465 They had seen him race off into the night. 407 00:18:21,467 --> 00:18:23,801 Now, he told them what happened. 408 00:18:23,870 --> 00:18:25,870 - And I said, "I caught up to 'em. 409 00:18:25,872 --> 00:18:27,538 You know, they shot at me, I shot back, 410 00:18:27,607 --> 00:18:29,607 And I think I killed one of 'em." 411 00:18:29,609 --> 00:18:32,410 And at first, everybody was like, ahh, you know, 412 00:18:32,412 --> 00:18:33,811 Just laughin' and stuff like that. 413 00:18:33,880 --> 00:18:38,483 And I said, "no, I-I-I think I killed one of 'em." 414 00:18:38,551 --> 00:18:41,485 - Chad's wife, kerri, up in the cabin with the kids, 415 00:18:41,487 --> 00:18:43,888 Couldn't tell what chad was saying outside. 416 00:18:43,956 --> 00:18:45,689 - It felt like much longer than it actually was 417 00:18:45,758 --> 00:18:47,091 For him to get out of the truck 418 00:18:47,093 --> 00:18:49,693 And to-to come inside the cabin, 419 00:18:49,762 --> 00:18:51,428 And then he came inside. 420 00:18:51,497 --> 00:18:53,163 - And she's like, "well, what, you know, what happened?" 421 00:18:53,233 --> 00:18:56,635 I said, "you know, I took off after 'em, 422 00:18:56,702 --> 00:19:00,971 "and, uh, I think I killed one of 'em." 423 00:19:00,973 --> 00:19:03,241 - He was so upset. 424 00:19:03,243 --> 00:19:08,846 He-he looked as if he continued to talk, 425 00:19:08,915 --> 00:19:10,715 That he would just not be able to maintain 426 00:19:10,717 --> 00:19:13,117 Any composure whatsoever. 427 00:19:13,119 --> 00:19:18,256 - And I just remember-- I just remember her looking at me, 428 00:19:18,324 --> 00:19:23,127 And, uh, I couldn't tell what the look was about, 429 00:19:23,129 --> 00:19:30,467 Whether, you know, it was a relief from her, 430 00:19:30,536 --> 00:19:39,077 Or it was a, uh, who are you? 431 00:19:39,145 --> 00:19:44,281 I mean, it was some kind of look of accusation, I guess, 432 00:19:44,350 --> 00:19:50,354 And, you know, I just remember just this lost look on her face 433 00:19:50,423 --> 00:19:53,358 I've never, ever seen in my entire life, 434 00:19:53,426 --> 00:19:59,498 And I was just sayin', "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." 435 00:19:59,565 --> 00:20:03,768 - But what should he do? Chad wasn't exactly sure. 436 00:20:03,836 --> 00:20:05,703 He turned to his friend, jason. 437 00:20:05,771 --> 00:20:07,438 - I was thinking, well, maybe I could go back, 438 00:20:07,506 --> 00:20:09,908 And one of us could go and make a phone call, 439 00:20:09,976 --> 00:20:12,710 And one of us could go back and help, 440 00:20:12,779 --> 00:20:13,711 But jason was like, 441 00:20:13,779 --> 00:20:16,914 "no. Going back would be a terrible idea." 442 00:20:16,916 --> 00:20:20,784 And he said, "we need to go and call 911." 443 00:20:20,853 --> 00:20:23,655 - Remember, their cabin didn't have a telephone. 444 00:20:23,723 --> 00:20:26,390 So, kerri got dressed, and then she, and chad, 445 00:20:26,392 --> 00:20:28,927 And their friend drove the winding road down the mountain 446 00:20:28,995 --> 00:20:31,895 Toward the main highway, perhaps nine miles down, 447 00:20:31,964 --> 00:20:34,431 Hunting for a spot with cell phone reception. 448 00:20:34,500 --> 00:20:37,735 - I called out, and I'd gotten through, 449 00:20:37,803 --> 00:20:40,338 And right as, you know, I was talking to the lady, 450 00:20:40,406 --> 00:20:41,939 The call dropped, 451 00:20:42,008 --> 00:20:44,608 And then I had to drive down a little bit farther. 452 00:20:44,677 --> 00:20:46,478 We were able to make a call out there. 453 00:20:52,685 --> 00:20:54,151 - He was concerned, he said, 454 00:20:54,220 --> 00:20:56,086 About getting help for the wounded. 455 00:20:56,155 --> 00:20:58,555 - In my mind, was how are they gonna find 456 00:20:58,624 --> 00:21:00,491 These, you know, individuals? 457 00:21:00,560 --> 00:21:02,026 How are they gonna get there to help them? 458 00:21:02,094 --> 00:21:03,160 I mean, they're out in the middle of nowhere 459 00:21:03,229 --> 00:21:04,828 On a dirt road. 460 00:21:04,897 --> 00:21:07,265 - This northern stretch of the sierra nevada 461 00:21:07,333 --> 00:21:09,266 Is an up and down world of river gorges 462 00:21:09,268 --> 00:21:11,635 And mountain peaks, difficult to forage, 463 00:21:11,637 --> 00:21:14,104 And far from any towns or resorts. 464 00:21:14,173 --> 00:21:16,040 The few deputies on patrol 465 00:21:16,042 --> 00:21:18,510 Are scattered over a vast wilderness, 466 00:21:18,577 --> 00:21:21,112 And so it's not altogether surprising 467 00:21:21,180 --> 00:21:25,150 That one of the first lawmen to respond to chad's 911 call 468 00:21:25,217 --> 00:21:27,819 Turned out to be a game warden. 469 00:21:27,887 --> 00:21:32,756 What is surprising, is who was riding with him, 470 00:21:32,825 --> 00:21:34,926 A photographer of all people, 471 00:21:34,994 --> 00:21:38,128 One of the first to reach the scene of the shooting, 472 00:21:38,197 --> 00:21:40,397 And the images he captured... 473 00:21:40,399 --> 00:21:41,365 - It was bad. 474 00:21:41,367 --> 00:21:42,333 Worse than anything you would see in a movie, 475 00:21:42,401 --> 00:21:43,702 I'll tell ya that. 476 00:21:47,507 --> 00:21:49,474 - The horrifying real life scene 477 00:21:49,542 --> 00:21:51,542 That first responders found. 478 00:21:51,610 --> 00:21:54,812 - I just remember seeing this hand come up out of the grass. 479 00:21:54,881 --> 00:21:57,482 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 480 00:22:01,286 --> 00:22:05,823 ♪♪ 481 00:22:05,891 --> 00:22:08,425 - Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 482 00:22:08,494 --> 00:22:09,760 I'm kate snow. 483 00:22:09,829 --> 00:22:13,297 Chad wallin-reed opened fire on a car full of men 484 00:22:13,299 --> 00:22:15,165 He believed had been threatening 485 00:22:15,167 --> 00:22:16,700 His wife and children. 486 00:22:16,769 --> 00:22:20,170 Chad told family and friends he may have killed one of them 487 00:22:20,239 --> 00:22:22,040 And injured several others, 488 00:22:22,108 --> 00:22:24,709 But officials were about to find a crime scene 489 00:22:24,777 --> 00:22:27,177 With its own secrets to reveal. 490 00:22:27,179 --> 00:22:31,916 Back to keith morrison with "miles from nowhere." 491 00:22:31,984 --> 00:22:33,451 - In the high sierra, 492 00:22:33,453 --> 00:22:36,787 The life of a game warden is a solitary one, 493 00:22:36,856 --> 00:22:40,758 Hours of driving along back country roads alone. 494 00:22:40,826 --> 00:22:43,995 Wardens hunt everything from bear poachers to pot farmers 495 00:22:44,063 --> 00:22:46,897 And its prey that sometimes shoots back. 496 00:22:46,899 --> 00:22:49,800 That lone justice angle attracted a reality show, 497 00:22:49,869 --> 00:22:52,669 Which sent a photographer named ben staley 498 00:22:52,738 --> 00:22:56,273 To the little town of quincy, here in plumas county. 499 00:22:56,275 --> 00:22:59,209 - I'd been in-in the quincy area for a couple months, 500 00:22:59,278 --> 00:23:00,411 Gettin' into all kinds of trouble 501 00:23:00,479 --> 00:23:02,413 With the california game wardens. 502 00:23:02,481 --> 00:23:04,615 - It was the 4th of July weekend, 503 00:23:04,684 --> 00:23:06,550 Late on a Saturday night. 504 00:23:06,619 --> 00:23:10,154 Staley had been taping with the game warden since daybreak. 505 00:23:10,156 --> 00:23:12,289 He was ready to pack it in. 506 00:23:12,291 --> 00:23:14,858 Then an urgent call went out over the radio. 507 00:23:14,927 --> 00:23:16,427 Shots fired. 508 00:23:16,495 --> 00:23:17,961 - We're speeding to get there, 509 00:23:18,030 --> 00:23:21,498 Um, to perhaps break it up, perhaps stop it. 510 00:23:21,567 --> 00:23:24,102 Perhaps save lives. You don't really know. 511 00:23:24,170 --> 00:23:25,837 - They didn't know, in other words, 512 00:23:25,905 --> 00:23:27,838 That they were responding to the 911 call 513 00:23:27,907 --> 00:23:29,506 From chad wallin-reed 514 00:23:29,575 --> 00:23:32,309 After his armed confrontation with six men 515 00:23:32,311 --> 00:23:35,312 On a dark road running through a meadow. 516 00:23:35,381 --> 00:23:37,648 While racing to the scene, staley and the warden 517 00:23:37,716 --> 00:23:39,917 Met up with a sheriff's deputy. 518 00:23:39,985 --> 00:23:42,152 Then, over the radio, came a new twist. 519 00:23:42,154 --> 00:23:44,521 Two men, possibly wounded, had been found wandering 520 00:23:44,590 --> 00:23:46,190 Through a campground. 521 00:23:46,258 --> 00:23:48,058 - So, we go to this campground, 522 00:23:48,060 --> 00:23:50,194 And, sure enough, you know, we all hop out, 523 00:23:50,196 --> 00:23:51,395 And then there's-there's, like, two guys 524 00:23:51,463 --> 00:23:52,796 In the middle of this campground 525 00:23:52,866 --> 00:23:53,998 With blood on 'em. 526 00:23:54,066 --> 00:23:55,265 One of the sheriff takes them. 527 00:23:55,267 --> 00:23:57,233 They-they cuff 'em up and take 'em right there. 528 00:23:57,235 --> 00:24:00,271 And then these guys are like, "look, our friends are hurt," 529 00:24:00,339 --> 00:24:02,606 And they give us directions to where 530 00:24:02,608 --> 00:24:04,008 The incident occurred. 531 00:24:04,076 --> 00:24:05,409 - The meadow, that is, 532 00:24:05,411 --> 00:24:07,679 The dirt road where the shooting took place, 533 00:24:07,746 --> 00:24:10,013 A place so remote that without those directions, 534 00:24:10,082 --> 00:24:11,883 They might never have found it. 535 00:24:11,951 --> 00:24:13,618 As they drove through the night, 536 00:24:13,686 --> 00:24:16,821 They listened to the chatter on the two-way. 537 00:24:16,889 --> 00:24:19,223 - It was very chaotic. 538 00:24:19,225 --> 00:24:20,958 Nobody knew exactly what was happening. 539 00:24:21,027 --> 00:24:23,093 Nobody knew if there was, you know, 540 00:24:23,162 --> 00:24:24,762 Multiple people shooting at each other, 541 00:24:24,764 --> 00:24:26,630 If it was two people shooting at each other. 542 00:24:26,699 --> 00:24:28,232 There was all these conflicting reports 543 00:24:28,300 --> 00:24:29,967 Coming in over the radio. 544 00:24:30,036 --> 00:24:31,702 It's really scary. 545 00:24:31,770 --> 00:24:33,036 - Staley and the warden were now joined 546 00:24:33,105 --> 00:24:35,172 By a total of three deputies. 547 00:24:35,174 --> 00:24:37,841 The makeshift team convoyed to the meadow, 548 00:24:37,843 --> 00:24:40,244 Geared up for a possible shootout. 549 00:24:40,312 --> 00:24:44,281 They found a lone vehicle, its windows blown out. 550 00:24:44,350 --> 00:24:46,383 - I want you to stand up! Stand up! 551 00:24:46,385 --> 00:24:48,652 - Staley shot this footage of the encounter, 552 00:24:48,721 --> 00:24:52,056 Which later became part of the official public record. 553 00:24:52,124 --> 00:24:53,790 - Right away, there's two guys comin' towards, 554 00:24:53,859 --> 00:24:55,126 With their hands up. 555 00:24:55,194 --> 00:24:56,927 One guy is limpin' really bad. 556 00:24:56,996 --> 00:24:58,463 Um, he was shot through the leg. 557 00:24:58,531 --> 00:25:00,064 They're both bloody and cut up. 558 00:25:00,132 --> 00:25:02,132 They both look really freaked out. 559 00:25:02,201 --> 00:25:04,067 - Then staley saw something strange 560 00:25:04,136 --> 00:25:05,802 Poking out of the meadow floor. 561 00:25:05,871 --> 00:25:07,337 - I just remember seeing this hand come up 562 00:25:07,339 --> 00:25:08,939 Out of the grass. 563 00:25:09,008 --> 00:25:10,875 - I got one off to the right here, one hand up. 564 00:25:10,943 --> 00:25:12,743 - Okay. 565 00:25:12,812 --> 00:25:14,378 - All right. Keep your hands up! 566 00:25:14,446 --> 00:25:16,381 - And everyone was like, "whoa, we got a hand." 567 00:25:16,448 --> 00:25:18,750 - Staley recorded everything, the warden, 568 00:25:18,817 --> 00:25:21,251 The deputies arresting the wounded men, 569 00:25:21,253 --> 00:25:23,221 The hand poking out of the grass, 570 00:25:23,289 --> 00:25:26,623 And then the young man who was connected to that hand, 571 00:25:26,692 --> 00:25:29,593 His right calf shredded by a bullet. 572 00:25:29,595 --> 00:25:30,894 - Had tourniqueted his leg, 573 00:25:30,963 --> 00:25:32,162 But the sheriffs and the wardens 574 00:25:32,231 --> 00:25:34,498 Right away saw that he had it on too tight, 575 00:25:34,567 --> 00:25:36,234 And he'd had it on too long, 576 00:25:36,302 --> 00:25:38,236 And it was very painful, and they took it off, 577 00:25:38,304 --> 00:25:40,371 And, uh, he was bleeding a lot. 578 00:25:40,439 --> 00:25:44,041 - This badly wounded man plus the others made five, 579 00:25:44,043 --> 00:25:45,643 But there was one more. 580 00:25:45,645 --> 00:25:47,210 - And then there was another guy in the backseat, 581 00:25:47,279 --> 00:25:49,813 Who was, I guess, the driver. 582 00:25:49,815 --> 00:25:51,449 Uh, he was a lot worse off. 583 00:25:51,517 --> 00:25:53,318 But he was talking, he was moving his mouth. 584 00:25:53,385 --> 00:25:55,319 I could hear sounds. I couldn't make-- 585 00:25:55,387 --> 00:25:56,920 I couldn't make any words out, you know, 586 00:25:56,990 --> 00:25:58,656 But it-it didn't look good. 587 00:25:58,724 --> 00:26:00,792 - The driver had been shot in the head. 588 00:26:00,859 --> 00:26:02,659 - It was worse than anything you would see in a movie. 589 00:26:02,728 --> 00:26:05,696 This was so violent and so gory. 590 00:26:07,199 --> 00:26:09,566 - What happened here? 591 00:26:09,635 --> 00:26:11,868 Sorting it out fell to detective steve peay 592 00:26:11,937 --> 00:26:13,471 And chris hendrickson. 593 00:26:13,539 --> 00:26:15,874 - It was very confusing for all the officers responding. 594 00:26:15,941 --> 00:26:17,874 They were all under the impression that 595 00:26:17,943 --> 00:26:20,277 The suspects were in the meadow, 596 00:26:20,346 --> 00:26:22,145 In the car, and maybe armed, 597 00:26:22,214 --> 00:26:24,014 And officers treated 'em as such. 598 00:26:24,083 --> 00:26:27,151 - Adding to the confusion, the remote location, 599 00:26:27,153 --> 00:26:29,052 Multiple locations. 600 00:26:29,122 --> 00:26:30,588 - We had two gentlemen at the campground. 601 00:26:30,656 --> 00:26:33,323 We have four gentlemen down at this potential crime scene, 602 00:26:33,393 --> 00:26:35,360 And then I had mr. Wallin-reed 603 00:26:35,427 --> 00:26:37,894 With another detective at another spot. 604 00:26:37,963 --> 00:26:41,164 Officers, ambulances, helicopters comin' in. 605 00:26:41,233 --> 00:26:43,834 It's very chaotic-- very chaotic that night. 606 00:26:43,902 --> 00:26:46,103 - Deputies, led by sergeant peay, met chad 607 00:26:46,105 --> 00:26:47,637 A few miles from the meadow, 608 00:26:47,707 --> 00:26:49,240 Listened to his account of the chase. 609 00:27:00,085 --> 00:27:01,786 - But while sergeant peay was talking to chad, 610 00:27:01,854 --> 00:27:03,987 Some of the other detectives were out here in the meadow 611 00:27:04,056 --> 00:27:06,523 Looking for the weapon or weapons 612 00:27:06,525 --> 00:27:09,326 Those young men must have fired at chad. 613 00:27:09,395 --> 00:27:12,195 They searched the car, they searched around the car. 614 00:27:12,264 --> 00:27:14,064 They looked all around the meadow. 615 00:27:14,133 --> 00:27:16,333 They found nothing. 616 00:27:16,402 --> 00:27:17,669 But then, it's a big meadow, 617 00:27:17,736 --> 00:27:21,338 And those are very deep and very dark woods. 618 00:27:21,340 --> 00:27:23,874 Some of those young men did run. 619 00:27:23,942 --> 00:27:27,010 They could've dumped a gun out there somewhere. 620 00:27:27,079 --> 00:27:28,946 But they didn't all run. 621 00:27:28,948 --> 00:27:30,681 - I got one off to the right here, one hand up. 622 00:27:30,749 --> 00:27:32,717 - Remember the one shot in the leg, 623 00:27:32,785 --> 00:27:34,784 The one cameraman ben staley documented 624 00:27:34,854 --> 00:27:36,420 With his hand sticking up, 625 00:27:36,488 --> 00:27:39,223 Who was found bleeding out in the meadow? 626 00:27:39,225 --> 00:27:41,958 He didn't bleed out. He survived. 627 00:27:42,027 --> 00:27:45,128 His name is justin lewis smyth, 628 00:27:45,197 --> 00:27:48,099 Lewis, and he's about to give us his account 629 00:27:48,167 --> 00:27:51,501 Of a July 4th weekend on a dark and lonely road 630 00:27:51,503 --> 00:27:53,904 In the high sierra. 631 00:27:53,972 --> 00:27:55,573 - Coming up... 632 00:27:55,641 --> 00:27:59,109 Confusion and terror, a very different story 633 00:27:59,111 --> 00:28:00,712 Of those shots in the dark. 634 00:28:00,779 --> 00:28:03,747 - The next thing I know, glass is exploding. 635 00:28:03,749 --> 00:28:05,982 It's just complete chaos. 636 00:28:05,984 --> 00:28:08,986 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 637 00:28:19,464 --> 00:28:22,133 - This is where it ended, in an ink black meadow 638 00:28:22,201 --> 00:28:23,534 In the high sierra 639 00:28:23,602 --> 00:28:26,469 Barely illuminated by a pair of headlights. 640 00:28:26,471 --> 00:28:28,605 Here is the actual video of the sheriff's deputies, 641 00:28:28,674 --> 00:28:30,340 Guns drawn, approaching the car, 642 00:28:30,409 --> 00:28:33,477 Preparing for a possible shootout with gunmen. 643 00:28:33,479 --> 00:28:36,547 Instead, they found shooting victims, 644 00:28:36,615 --> 00:28:39,016 Three of them, severely wounded. 645 00:28:39,018 --> 00:28:42,085 - Somebody makes their way over towards the car and says... 646 00:28:42,087 --> 00:28:43,888 - Let me see your hands! 647 00:28:45,090 --> 00:28:47,824 - Lewis smyth can be seen in the footage here, 648 00:28:47,893 --> 00:28:51,194 Shot in the right leg, bleeding profusely. 649 00:28:51,196 --> 00:28:52,497 The belt he used as a tourniquet 650 00:28:52,564 --> 00:28:55,699 Placed just above his knee possibly saved his life. 651 00:28:55,767 --> 00:28:57,568 - At that point, it's pretty obvious to me 652 00:28:57,636 --> 00:28:58,836 That I'm gonna lose my leg. 653 00:28:58,904 --> 00:29:00,704 I-I mean, I'm not sure how long had gone by, 654 00:29:00,773 --> 00:29:02,206 Maybe an hour and a half. 655 00:29:02,274 --> 00:29:03,907 - And there were other victims, 656 00:29:03,976 --> 00:29:06,778 A bloody and baffling scene for the deputies. 657 00:29:06,845 --> 00:29:08,445 Who were these men? 658 00:29:08,513 --> 00:29:10,514 How did they provoke a violent confrontation 659 00:29:10,516 --> 00:29:12,583 With army vet chad wallin-reed. 660 00:29:12,651 --> 00:29:15,787 Chad and his family said they'd been terrorized, 661 00:29:15,854 --> 00:29:18,789 But that was not the story lewis smyth had to tell. 662 00:29:21,460 --> 00:29:22,860 Lewis' version began 663 00:29:22,928 --> 00:29:25,896 An hour's drive away in susanville, california, 664 00:29:25,965 --> 00:29:28,265 Population almost 18,000, 665 00:29:28,334 --> 00:29:31,701 Home to two state prisons, two movie theaters, 666 00:29:31,770 --> 00:29:34,739 And, on July 4th weekend, 2011, 667 00:29:34,807 --> 00:29:38,341 To restless young men in search of fun. 668 00:29:38,410 --> 00:29:41,311 There was lewis, of course, and his very best friend, 669 00:29:41,380 --> 00:29:43,480 A 20-year-old junior college student 670 00:29:43,482 --> 00:29:45,749 Named rory mcguire. 671 00:29:45,817 --> 00:29:49,020 - He was the center of attention wherever he went. 672 00:29:49,087 --> 00:29:51,022 - All eyes were on rory, 673 00:29:51,089 --> 00:29:53,156 In fact, right from the start. 674 00:29:53,225 --> 00:29:56,026 That amazing shock of red hair at birth 675 00:29:56,094 --> 00:29:58,961 Surprising even his own mother, carol. 676 00:29:58,963 --> 00:30:00,897 - His named was gonna be colin, 677 00:30:00,966 --> 00:30:03,300 And then he came out with the red hair, 678 00:30:03,368 --> 00:30:05,035 And I had to look through a baby name book, 679 00:30:05,037 --> 00:30:09,639 And I found the name rory, which means red king in irish, 680 00:30:09,641 --> 00:30:13,044 And so hence rory colin mcguire. 681 00:30:13,111 --> 00:30:16,446 - And that red hair came with a personality to match. 682 00:30:16,515 --> 00:30:18,983 - There was only one rory, and everyone knew who it was. 683 00:30:19,051 --> 00:30:22,320 He was vivacious. He was creative. 684 00:30:22,387 --> 00:30:25,588 He was exciting. He was funny. 685 00:30:25,657 --> 00:30:27,791 He was the life of the party. 686 00:30:27,860 --> 00:30:29,726 - We would talk every day. 687 00:30:29,795 --> 00:30:31,528 I'd tell him almost every detail, 688 00:30:31,530 --> 00:30:33,330 Laugh about little things. 689 00:30:33,399 --> 00:30:34,731 I told my mom I wanted a brother, 690 00:30:34,733 --> 00:30:38,535 And, uh, I felt like I kinda got that with rory. 691 00:30:38,537 --> 00:30:40,737 - Anyway, that Friday night, July 1st, 692 00:30:40,739 --> 00:30:43,941 Rory and lewis were joined by four other young men 693 00:30:43,943 --> 00:30:46,743 In search of a party they'd heard about. 694 00:30:46,745 --> 00:30:51,082 - We were looking for a friend of ours' brother 695 00:30:51,149 --> 00:30:54,751 Who was having a gathering up by antelope lake. 696 00:30:54,753 --> 00:30:57,687 - Girls up there, somebody said. 697 00:30:57,756 --> 00:30:59,422 So, here's what the did. 698 00:30:59,491 --> 00:31:01,491 And once again, we prepared special video, 699 00:31:01,560 --> 00:31:04,294 This time to illustrate lewis' story 700 00:31:04,363 --> 00:31:07,464 In which they all squeezed into rory's sebring, 701 00:31:07,532 --> 00:31:10,968 Drove to the lake, but couldn't find the party. 702 00:31:11,036 --> 00:31:13,504 So, they got up to a little mischief 703 00:31:13,572 --> 00:31:15,305 Up there by the lake 704 00:31:15,374 --> 00:31:17,474 With a spotlight one of them brought, 705 00:31:17,476 --> 00:31:20,176 The kind that plugs into a cigarette lighter. 706 00:31:20,245 --> 00:31:22,178 - We stopped at the top of a canyon, 707 00:31:22,247 --> 00:31:25,917 And we're shining the light down on a campsite, 708 00:31:25,984 --> 00:31:29,052 And a bunch of people came out yellin'. 709 00:31:29,121 --> 00:31:31,455 They were mad, and anyways, uh... 710 00:31:31,457 --> 00:31:33,991 Everybody kinda got a kick out of that. 711 00:31:33,993 --> 00:31:36,793 - Then, one of them remembered some crazy warning signs 712 00:31:36,862 --> 00:31:39,863 They'd seen by the roadside, wanted to show his buddies. 713 00:31:39,931 --> 00:31:43,199 They found them, trained the spotlight on them. 714 00:31:43,268 --> 00:31:47,605 - And one of 'em says "warning: You are entering r.O.C.," 715 00:31:48,941 --> 00:31:50,741 The r.O.C., something to do with 716 00:31:50,809 --> 00:31:54,144 This red-blooded christians only. 717 00:31:54,146 --> 00:31:56,013 Others will be-- 718 00:31:56,015 --> 00:31:58,748 Deadly force, uh, will be used. 719 00:31:58,817 --> 00:32:02,019 - Deadly force? Red-blooded christians only? 720 00:32:02,021 --> 00:32:03,386 Were they kidding? 721 00:32:03,455 --> 00:32:05,455 Seemed almost like a dare. 722 00:32:05,524 --> 00:32:07,490 One of them hopped out of the car. 723 00:32:07,560 --> 00:32:09,026 - He grabs a solar light 724 00:32:09,094 --> 00:32:13,029 And ripped down one of the smaller of the two signs 725 00:32:13,098 --> 00:32:14,364 And comes runnin' back in, 726 00:32:14,433 --> 00:32:17,434 And then we-we took off from there. 727 00:32:17,502 --> 00:32:20,503 - Cheap light, maybe four or five bucks, 728 00:32:20,572 --> 00:32:21,706 Still... 729 00:32:21,773 --> 00:32:23,907 Why did he take the solar light, did he say? 730 00:32:23,909 --> 00:32:25,709 - No, I think it was assumed it was just 731 00:32:25,777 --> 00:32:30,447 Some sort of random act of vandalism 732 00:32:30,515 --> 00:32:32,983 That, I guess, young kids would do. 733 00:32:33,051 --> 00:32:35,118 - And then the noisy car full of young men 734 00:32:35,120 --> 00:32:36,720 Rolled back home, 735 00:32:36,788 --> 00:32:38,723 And they all went to bed. 736 00:32:40,192 --> 00:32:43,193 The following evening was Saturday, July 2nd, 737 00:32:43,262 --> 00:32:45,462 And, sure enough, there was a second chance, 738 00:32:45,531 --> 00:32:48,465 Same lake, new party. 739 00:32:48,467 --> 00:32:50,400 So, again, a bunch of young men 740 00:32:50,469 --> 00:32:53,403 Piled into rory mcguire's chrysler sebring. 741 00:32:53,472 --> 00:32:56,073 - And went and met up with two others 742 00:32:56,075 --> 00:32:58,409 At the chevron gas station 743 00:32:58,477 --> 00:33:01,878 Where we bought, I think, a bottle of blueberry vodka 744 00:33:01,947 --> 00:33:04,814 And a couple 40-ounces of beer to take with us. 745 00:33:04,883 --> 00:33:06,082 - Okay. 746 00:33:06,151 --> 00:33:08,284 - And we get about halfway up the grade, 747 00:33:08,353 --> 00:33:11,388 And we approach the property, again. 748 00:33:11,456 --> 00:33:13,356 - The wallin-reed property. 749 00:33:13,425 --> 00:33:15,558 Suddenly, rory stopped the car. 750 00:33:15,627 --> 00:33:18,361 And again, one of the group jumped out and stole 751 00:33:18,430 --> 00:33:20,363 Two more solar lights. 752 00:33:20,432 --> 00:33:22,632 - Ten seconds passed or so, 753 00:33:22,634 --> 00:33:25,635 And right as caesar was getting into the car, 754 00:33:25,704 --> 00:33:28,938 I heard a-- what sounded like a gunshot. 755 00:33:29,007 --> 00:33:30,440 - Rory hit the gas. 756 00:33:30,509 --> 00:33:33,110 "was somebody shooting at us?" they asked each other. 757 00:33:33,178 --> 00:33:36,180 Lewis, a little freaked out, looked out the back window. 758 00:33:36,248 --> 00:33:38,815 - I turned around just to see 759 00:33:38,817 --> 00:33:40,150 A truck behind us. 760 00:33:40,219 --> 00:33:41,918 - Gaining on you. 761 00:33:41,920 --> 00:33:43,320 - Yeah, I could pretty much tell that 762 00:33:43,388 --> 00:33:45,321 That meant business. 763 00:33:45,390 --> 00:33:47,457 And right after that, I remember seeing 764 00:33:47,459 --> 00:33:51,261 A green laser traveling around in the car with us. 765 00:33:51,329 --> 00:33:52,829 - A green laser? 766 00:33:52,898 --> 00:33:54,464 A laser from a gun? 767 00:33:54,533 --> 00:33:55,833 - We assumed, yes. 768 00:33:55,901 --> 00:33:58,001 It's like you-you can't believe it. 769 00:33:58,003 --> 00:33:59,602 No, they're not gonna shoot us. 770 00:33:59,671 --> 00:34:00,670 Uh, that's absurd. 771 00:34:00,739 --> 00:34:01,806 - People don't shoot other people, yeah. 772 00:34:01,873 --> 00:34:03,339 - No, not for this. 773 00:34:03,408 --> 00:34:06,009 And right after that, I hear pow-pow-pow, 774 00:34:06,078 --> 00:34:07,210 And then, every once in a while, 775 00:34:07,279 --> 00:34:08,912 You'd hear a ding on the trunk or somethin' like that. 776 00:34:08,981 --> 00:34:10,614 - It's hitting the car. - Yes. 777 00:34:10,682 --> 00:34:12,215 - They tried blinding the shooter 778 00:34:12,284 --> 00:34:13,484 With their spotlight. 779 00:34:13,552 --> 00:34:15,185 Didn't seem to help. 780 00:34:15,187 --> 00:34:19,123 - Meanwhile, this whole time, we've been trying to call 911, 781 00:34:19,191 --> 00:34:20,758 And there's no service, 782 00:34:20,826 --> 00:34:22,826 And somebody suggests we wave 783 00:34:22,894 --> 00:34:24,561 My white tee shirt out the window. 784 00:34:24,629 --> 00:34:26,429 - Let's wave this. Maybe he'll stop. 785 00:34:26,498 --> 00:34:27,964 - Exactly, yeah. 786 00:34:28,033 --> 00:34:29,433 We were trying every technique we could 787 00:34:29,501 --> 00:34:30,834 To have them stop. - Yeah. 788 00:34:30,836 --> 00:34:32,702 - So, he was-- - and this guy just kept firing. 789 00:34:32,704 --> 00:34:34,638 - Oh, throughout the whole rest of this trip, 790 00:34:34,706 --> 00:34:37,308 There's flurries of shots being taken at us. 791 00:34:37,375 --> 00:34:41,312 - Desperate now, rushing along a road he did not know, 792 00:34:41,379 --> 00:34:43,614 Rory suddenly took a wrong turn. 793 00:34:45,117 --> 00:34:47,784 - So, we were on this dirt road, still taking fire 794 00:34:47,786 --> 00:34:49,853 At different points in time, 795 00:34:49,921 --> 00:34:52,889 And he's still chasing us, and, uh... 796 00:34:52,958 --> 00:34:55,059 Eventually what I hear rory say is, 797 00:34:55,127 --> 00:34:57,761 "this road just came to an abrupt stop." 798 00:34:57,763 --> 00:35:00,463 And so, he's trying to flip around. 799 00:35:00,465 --> 00:35:01,866 - Trying to get away, said lewis, 800 00:35:01,933 --> 00:35:03,066 Get around the truck. 801 00:35:03,135 --> 00:35:05,202 Get out of the meadow they were trapped in. 802 00:35:05,270 --> 00:35:06,536 - The next thing I know, 803 00:35:06,605 --> 00:35:09,639 Glass is exploding everywhere, 804 00:35:09,708 --> 00:35:11,208 Hitting us in the head. 805 00:35:11,276 --> 00:35:12,943 - Was the car still moving, at that point? 806 00:35:13,011 --> 00:35:16,647 - Yes, and it's just complete chaos. 807 00:35:16,715 --> 00:35:18,748 At that point, 808 00:35:18,750 --> 00:35:23,153 That was when, uh, when I got shot. 809 00:35:23,221 --> 00:35:26,489 It felt like a heat kinda came over my leg. 810 00:35:26,558 --> 00:35:28,691 - When the car finally came to a stop, 811 00:35:28,760 --> 00:35:31,027 Those who could ran. 812 00:35:31,096 --> 00:35:32,695 - I said, "come on, rory. Let's go." 813 00:35:32,764 --> 00:35:37,167 And I looked up, and rory had his face in his chest, 814 00:35:37,169 --> 00:35:40,904 And I'm pretty sure he said, "I can't." 815 00:35:40,906 --> 00:35:45,041 And right at that moment, I saw the laser light again. 816 00:35:45,110 --> 00:35:47,811 And at that point, the gunman approached. 817 00:35:49,614 --> 00:35:51,147 - Coming up... 818 00:35:51,216 --> 00:35:53,984 Was the shooter coming to finish the job? 819 00:35:54,052 --> 00:35:55,918 - He starts to circle around the car. 820 00:35:55,988 --> 00:35:58,521 The whole while, he's pointing the gun at us. 821 00:35:58,590 --> 00:36:01,158 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 822 00:36:12,469 --> 00:36:14,938 - In a remote forest meadow, in the dark, 823 00:36:15,007 --> 00:36:17,140 A tiny green dot probed the interior 824 00:36:17,209 --> 00:36:20,543 Of rory mcguire's immobilized chrysler sebring. 825 00:36:20,545 --> 00:36:22,213 The laser site was back, 826 00:36:22,280 --> 00:36:25,215 Its green dot a roving bullseye. 827 00:36:25,284 --> 00:36:27,818 Lewis smyth, crouched, wounded and immobile 828 00:36:27,886 --> 00:36:29,152 In the backseat, 829 00:36:29,221 --> 00:36:31,955 Watched the green dot move across his body, 830 00:36:32,023 --> 00:36:34,892 Waited for the gunman to finish him off. 831 00:36:34,960 --> 00:36:37,827 - He kinda starts to circle around the car. 832 00:36:37,829 --> 00:36:40,096 The whole while, he's pointing the gun at us. 833 00:36:40,165 --> 00:36:41,631 Lookin' like a swat team 834 00:36:41,633 --> 00:36:43,300 Or somethin' like that had come in. 835 00:36:43,368 --> 00:36:44,767 When he comes up, he says, 836 00:36:44,836 --> 00:36:46,303 "you mother----ers shoot at my house. 837 00:36:46,371 --> 00:36:48,371 I got kids," or somethin' like that. 838 00:36:48,440 --> 00:36:50,107 And we said, "we didn't shoot at your house. 839 00:36:50,175 --> 00:36:51,507 We wouldn't do that." 840 00:36:51,576 --> 00:36:52,976 So, the gunman points the gun right at me, 841 00:36:52,978 --> 00:36:55,979 And I said, "look, we didn't shoot at your house. 842 00:36:56,048 --> 00:36:58,915 Please just call an ambulance." 843 00:36:58,984 --> 00:37:01,017 And he took off. 844 00:37:03,388 --> 00:37:05,255 - Suddenly, relief. 845 00:37:05,323 --> 00:37:06,524 Some of the friends had run for cover 846 00:37:06,591 --> 00:37:07,857 During the shooting. 847 00:37:07,926 --> 00:37:09,727 Now, they returned to the car, 848 00:37:09,794 --> 00:37:11,060 But to what? 849 00:37:11,129 --> 00:37:12,796 They were alone in the dark, 850 00:37:12,864 --> 00:37:15,565 And their friend, the driver, rory 851 00:37:15,634 --> 00:37:17,667 Was clearly in bad shape. 852 00:37:17,669 --> 00:37:19,870 - My friend has just been shot in his head. 853 00:37:19,938 --> 00:37:21,237 I'm shot. 854 00:37:21,239 --> 00:37:22,805 We just assume we're gonna get back in the car. 855 00:37:22,874 --> 00:37:24,874 We're gonna get outta here and go get help. 856 00:37:24,943 --> 00:37:26,275 - Somehow, they managed to move rory 857 00:37:26,345 --> 00:37:28,411 To the backseat of the car, 858 00:37:28,480 --> 00:37:30,613 But when one of them turned the key... 859 00:37:30,615 --> 00:37:31,881 - The car wouldn't start. 860 00:37:31,950 --> 00:37:35,019 It just kept getting worse and worse. 861 00:37:35,086 --> 00:37:37,620 - No car, no cell service, 862 00:37:37,689 --> 00:37:39,622 No idea exactly where they were, 863 00:37:39,691 --> 00:37:41,224 No idea where help might be, 864 00:37:41,293 --> 00:37:43,894 No idea if they'd survive the night 865 00:37:43,962 --> 00:37:47,163 Or if the gunman was gonna come back. 866 00:37:47,165 --> 00:37:49,232 Two of them volunteered to run out 867 00:37:49,301 --> 00:37:51,768 Into the blackness for help, 868 00:37:51,837 --> 00:37:54,370 See if they could find a cabin or a ranch house 869 00:37:54,439 --> 00:37:57,107 Where they might find a working landline. 870 00:37:57,175 --> 00:38:01,044 Question was, would their friends still be alive 871 00:38:01,112 --> 00:38:04,714 When and if they got back? 872 00:38:04,783 --> 00:38:07,984 - So, I decided it's time probably to check on my leg. 873 00:38:08,053 --> 00:38:09,652 When I pulled my pantleg down, 874 00:38:09,721 --> 00:38:11,521 It sounded like somebody had poured 875 00:38:11,590 --> 00:38:14,324 A ton of water on the ground, just splat. 876 00:38:14,393 --> 00:38:16,460 My calf was basically exploded 877 00:38:16,528 --> 00:38:20,064 In a few-- like, numerous pieces. 878 00:38:20,131 --> 00:38:24,201 - Stuck in place, easy targets, if the gunman returned. 879 00:38:24,269 --> 00:38:26,069 - We had fear that he was gonna come back 880 00:38:26,071 --> 00:38:27,671 And finish the job. 881 00:38:27,739 --> 00:38:29,273 - Some of the young men decided the car 882 00:38:29,341 --> 00:38:31,141 Was more target than refuge 883 00:38:31,209 --> 00:38:33,677 And hid in the tall grass of the meadow. 884 00:38:33,745 --> 00:38:35,878 - They didn't feel comfortable staying at the car, 885 00:38:35,947 --> 00:38:37,280 And I don't blame 'em. 886 00:38:37,349 --> 00:38:39,882 - And now, the two best friends, lewis and rory, 887 00:38:39,951 --> 00:38:41,785 Were trapped in the dark. 888 00:38:41,853 --> 00:38:44,088 Lewis laid down on the ground, 889 00:38:44,155 --> 00:38:46,689 Propped his wounded leg against the car, 890 00:38:46,691 --> 00:38:49,092 Tried to keep talking to rory, 891 00:38:49,094 --> 00:38:51,228 Who was lying in the backseat. 892 00:38:51,296 --> 00:38:52,895 - Rory was shot in his head. 893 00:38:52,964 --> 00:38:55,032 He could barely talk, but when he did, 894 00:38:55,100 --> 00:38:56,866 It was jumbled, it was horrible. 895 00:38:56,935 --> 00:38:59,369 He would call out my name a lot. 896 00:38:59,437 --> 00:39:03,239 Um, I told him-- 897 00:39:03,241 --> 00:39:05,709 I guess, uh, just naively, 898 00:39:05,777 --> 00:39:07,444 That I feel your pain. 899 00:39:07,512 --> 00:39:11,114 He was able to reply, uh, something, "you have no idea." 900 00:39:11,182 --> 00:39:14,451 My whole leg had become numb from my knee down. 901 00:39:14,453 --> 00:39:16,352 And then shortly after that, 902 00:39:16,421 --> 00:39:18,788 My left leg started going numb 903 00:39:18,857 --> 00:39:20,590 And then the rest of my extremities 904 00:39:20,592 --> 00:39:23,060 Until eventually it reached my lips, 905 00:39:23,128 --> 00:39:25,795 And then it got to the point where I was like, 906 00:39:25,797 --> 00:39:28,264 Well, maybe-maybe I'll die. 907 00:39:28,333 --> 00:39:29,733 - And just about then, 908 00:39:29,801 --> 00:39:32,735 Lewis saw headlights appear in the distance. 909 00:39:32,804 --> 00:39:34,737 - And eventually, somebody makes their way 910 00:39:34,739 --> 00:39:36,807 Over towards the car and says... 911 00:39:36,875 --> 00:39:38,174 - Let me see your hands! 912 00:39:38,176 --> 00:39:39,542 - It was the sheriff's deputy, 913 00:39:39,611 --> 00:39:41,478 And you can see in ben staley's video 914 00:39:41,546 --> 00:39:44,280 Documenting the scene, that's when lewis 915 00:39:44,349 --> 00:39:46,282 Weakly stuck his left hand up 916 00:39:46,351 --> 00:39:48,484 Out of the meadow grass. 917 00:39:48,553 --> 00:39:50,653 - I laid there on the ground for a while, 918 00:39:50,655 --> 00:39:54,023 And somebody was holding onto my leg, 919 00:39:54,092 --> 00:39:55,425 Trying to stop the bleeding, 920 00:39:55,493 --> 00:39:57,627 And so they were sticking their hand in my wound, 921 00:39:57,696 --> 00:39:59,295 And I'm surprised I could still feel pain 922 00:39:59,297 --> 00:40:01,297 Because my leg had gone numb so long ago. 923 00:40:01,366 --> 00:40:03,166 All that remained, was the pain. 924 00:40:06,171 --> 00:40:10,173 So, what I remember was, I got loaded into a paramedic. 925 00:40:10,241 --> 00:40:12,409 And at this point, it's just major relief. 926 00:40:13,845 --> 00:40:16,712 - Rory was airlifted out to a hospital in reno. 927 00:40:16,781 --> 00:40:20,050 He was barely alive, no longer conscious. 928 00:40:20,118 --> 00:40:22,919 Telling the story was not easy for lewis. 929 00:40:22,987 --> 00:40:24,387 - Give me a minute. Sorry if that was-- 930 00:40:24,389 --> 00:40:26,457 - It's okay. 931 00:40:26,524 --> 00:40:29,792 - His anxiety was not hard to understand. 932 00:40:29,861 --> 00:40:31,594 But what didn't make sense? 933 00:40:31,663 --> 00:40:34,730 How his account differed on some very key points 934 00:40:34,799 --> 00:40:36,432 From that of chad wallin-reed, 935 00:40:36,501 --> 00:40:38,601 The man who confronted them. 936 00:40:38,670 --> 00:40:40,603 For example, chad accused the young men 937 00:40:40,672 --> 00:40:43,906 Of firing first during the car chase. 938 00:40:43,975 --> 00:40:45,541 - Next thing I know, as I'm lookin' up, 939 00:40:45,610 --> 00:40:49,012 I see these three flashes, 940 00:40:49,080 --> 00:40:51,748 And then I hear crack, crack, crack, crack. 941 00:40:53,284 --> 00:40:56,686 - But according to lewis, that never happened. 942 00:40:56,688 --> 00:40:58,888 What's more, he said, chad didn't seem worried 943 00:40:58,957 --> 00:41:01,959 They had a gun when he approached their car. 944 00:41:02,026 --> 00:41:05,728 Did he, at any point, say, "are you armed," 945 00:41:05,797 --> 00:41:08,031 Or, "do you have a gun," or, "throw your weapon away," 946 00:41:08,033 --> 00:41:10,033 Or anything like that? - Nothing like that, 947 00:41:10,035 --> 00:41:11,434 Which is kinda confusing 948 00:41:11,503 --> 00:41:15,705 Seeing as he accused us of shooting at his house, 949 00:41:15,774 --> 00:41:17,307 But he was pointing the gun at us 950 00:41:17,375 --> 00:41:18,908 Like we were armed. 951 00:41:18,977 --> 00:41:20,409 - So, he came up to the car and said, 952 00:41:20,478 --> 00:41:22,111 "were you the one shooting at my house?" 953 00:41:22,180 --> 00:41:23,446 - Yes. 954 00:41:23,515 --> 00:41:25,982 - He didn't say, "shoot at me in the car." 955 00:41:26,051 --> 00:41:28,217 - No. 956 00:41:28,219 --> 00:41:29,385 - Odd. 957 00:41:29,387 --> 00:41:31,587 Remember, chad told the police 958 00:41:31,656 --> 00:41:34,590 The young men shot at him during the chase. 959 00:41:34,659 --> 00:41:37,260 Did he ever, that night, say, 960 00:41:37,328 --> 00:41:39,462 "why were you shooting at me in the car," 961 00:41:39,531 --> 00:41:41,198 Or, "you shot at me in the car," 962 00:41:41,266 --> 00:41:42,331 Or anything like that? 963 00:41:42,400 --> 00:41:44,067 - Nothing like that, no. 964 00:41:44,135 --> 00:41:45,935 - Did you have a gun? - No. 965 00:41:45,937 --> 00:41:47,270 - Did anybody in the car have a gun? 966 00:41:47,272 --> 00:41:48,471 - No. 967 00:41:48,539 --> 00:41:51,007 - Did you own a gun? - No. 968 00:41:51,009 --> 00:41:52,942 - The police were looking for a gun, of course, 969 00:41:53,011 --> 00:41:54,945 Couldn't just take somebody's word for it, 970 00:41:55,013 --> 00:41:57,914 But neither could they, nor could we, 971 00:41:57,982 --> 00:42:00,584 Ignore one more big discrepancy 972 00:42:00,651 --> 00:42:03,619 Between lewis' story and chad's. 973 00:42:03,621 --> 00:42:05,756 Remember, in his interview, chad said he told 974 00:42:05,823 --> 00:42:08,392 Lewis and his friends when he left 'em in the meadow 975 00:42:08,459 --> 00:42:11,561 That he was going to get help. 976 00:42:11,629 --> 00:42:14,363 - I said, um, "I'm gonna go call the sheriff." 977 00:42:14,432 --> 00:42:17,099 - But that's not what lewis heard. 978 00:42:17,168 --> 00:42:19,903 No, he said, he remembered quite clearly 979 00:42:19,971 --> 00:42:21,772 What their assailant said 980 00:42:21,839 --> 00:42:24,508 Just before he got into his truck to leave. 981 00:42:24,575 --> 00:42:25,775 - He said, "if I ever see 982 00:42:25,844 --> 00:42:27,043 Any of you mother----ers up here again, 983 00:42:27,111 --> 00:42:29,512 I'm gonna kill all you guys. 984 00:42:29,580 --> 00:42:31,247 - Coming up... 985 00:42:31,249 --> 00:42:33,983 Police try to figure out who is telling the truth 986 00:42:34,052 --> 00:42:35,851 About the confrontation, 987 00:42:35,920 --> 00:42:39,455 And they soon find chad's account is changing. 988 00:42:39,523 --> 00:42:40,457 - I think it finally sunk in 989 00:42:40,525 --> 00:42:42,925 That he was gonna get caught in his story. 990 00:42:42,927 --> 00:42:45,929 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 991 00:42:53,470 --> 00:42:56,138 - Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 992 00:42:56,207 --> 00:42:59,675 Here again is keith morrison. 993 00:42:59,744 --> 00:43:02,479 - There is, safe to say, no way on this earth 994 00:43:02,547 --> 00:43:05,214 A mother can be adequately prepared 995 00:43:05,283 --> 00:43:08,485 For the news carol starzer was about to receive. 996 00:43:08,553 --> 00:43:10,754 It was Sunday morning, July 3rd. 997 00:43:10,822 --> 00:43:12,288 She had just gotten a message. 998 00:43:12,290 --> 00:43:14,957 "call back, now." 999 00:43:14,959 --> 00:43:18,094 - I knew something was wrong. Something was wrong. 1000 00:43:18,163 --> 00:43:19,962 And I call back immediately, 1001 00:43:20,031 --> 00:43:23,032 And I just couldn't believe it. 1002 00:43:23,034 --> 00:43:25,701 - "come quickly," they said, "to the hospital." 1003 00:43:25,770 --> 00:43:28,037 - All we knew was, he was in critical condition, 1004 00:43:28,106 --> 00:43:30,039 And we needed to get there as soon as possible, 1005 00:43:30,041 --> 00:43:31,975 And that's all they would tell us. 1006 00:43:32,043 --> 00:43:33,776 - So, carol, heart in her mouth, 1007 00:43:33,778 --> 00:43:35,712 Raced along the highway to reno 1008 00:43:35,780 --> 00:43:37,713 And her son, rory. 1009 00:43:37,782 --> 00:43:38,981 That same Sunday morning, 1010 00:43:38,983 --> 00:43:40,783 Chad and kerri's children woke up to the sound 1011 00:43:40,852 --> 00:43:43,786 Of strangers rummaging through the cabinet. 1012 00:43:43,788 --> 00:43:45,988 - And, like, searched through our stuff, 1013 00:43:46,057 --> 00:43:49,258 And, like, they took all of the guns. 1014 00:43:49,260 --> 00:43:51,527 - They are police. - And I was-- 1015 00:43:51,596 --> 00:43:53,129 I was crying when I woke up. 1016 00:43:53,131 --> 00:43:54,197 - Yeah. 1017 00:43:54,199 --> 00:43:55,364 - Because I didn't know who they were. 1018 00:43:55,366 --> 00:43:56,699 - Must have been terrifying. 1019 00:43:56,701 --> 00:43:58,535 - Yeah. 1020 00:43:58,603 --> 00:43:59,935 - And then the strangers told them 1021 00:44:00,004 --> 00:44:02,272 Their parents were explaining things to the police 1022 00:44:02,340 --> 00:44:03,606 And... 1023 00:44:03,675 --> 00:44:05,541 - I knew my dad had it under control. 1024 00:44:05,610 --> 00:44:08,611 He is very smart and thoughtful. 1025 00:44:08,679 --> 00:44:10,280 - In fact, all night, 1026 00:44:10,348 --> 00:44:13,416 Chad had been in deep conversation with detectives 1027 00:44:13,484 --> 00:44:15,619 From the plumas county sheriff's office. 1028 00:44:15,687 --> 00:44:17,019 - I told 'em. I explained to 'em, 1029 00:44:17,088 --> 00:44:18,021 You know, what had happened, 1030 00:44:18,089 --> 00:44:19,822 And he was very upset. 1031 00:44:19,891 --> 00:44:24,560 - Going over again and again what happened at the cabin, 1032 00:44:24,629 --> 00:44:27,363 On the road, in the meadow. 1033 00:44:27,365 --> 00:44:29,699 Here, chad explained what was in his mind 1034 00:44:29,701 --> 00:44:32,835 When those men seemed to be terrorizing his family, 1035 00:44:32,904 --> 00:44:36,639 How he decided he had to do something to protect his kids. 1036 00:45:04,001 --> 00:45:05,868 - Chad told detective steve peay 1037 00:45:05,870 --> 00:45:08,638 How the men in the car had fired at him, 1038 00:45:08,640 --> 00:45:11,907 How, in self-defense, he fired back. 1039 00:45:11,976 --> 00:45:13,677 - He talked about that was training 1040 00:45:13,745 --> 00:45:15,145 That he had received from the military, 1041 00:45:15,213 --> 00:45:16,747 To continue to follow the threat, 1042 00:45:16,814 --> 00:45:20,149 To neutralize the threat. Got into a zone 1043 00:45:20,218 --> 00:45:22,952 And needed to neutralize the threat, he felt. 1044 00:45:22,954 --> 00:45:25,154 - Got into a zone. - A zone. 1045 00:45:25,223 --> 00:45:27,824 - Like a military term. - Yes. 1046 00:45:34,732 --> 00:45:37,767 - Then detective peay decided to take chad on a tour 1047 00:45:37,835 --> 00:45:40,769 To recreate the almost eight-mile chase 1048 00:45:40,839 --> 00:45:44,540 And the shooting on location and on videotape. 1049 00:45:44,609 --> 00:45:46,776 - You come out of your driveway. 1050 00:45:46,845 --> 00:45:49,445 And we drove with mr. Wallin-reed 1051 00:45:49,514 --> 00:45:51,314 From his cabin in my vehicle, uh, videotaping, 1052 00:45:51,382 --> 00:45:55,719 And he took us right back here to the meadow here. 1053 00:46:12,436 --> 00:46:13,669 - Chad made it quite clear 1054 00:46:13,738 --> 00:46:16,405 He used a small pistol, .380 caliber, 1055 00:46:16,474 --> 00:46:18,541 To return fire during the chase. 1056 00:46:18,609 --> 00:46:21,277 - And he told us he knew exactly where he shot from. 1057 00:46:21,345 --> 00:46:25,014 Um, so, we-- I'd get out, and I'd mark that area, 1058 00:46:25,016 --> 00:46:27,883 So we could back and search that area for casings. 1059 00:46:27,952 --> 00:46:30,219 - Then the cops took chad down that dirt road, 1060 00:46:30,221 --> 00:46:33,289 Which led into the meadow, and there they could plainly see 1061 00:46:33,291 --> 00:46:35,424 That other officers had already marked 1062 00:46:35,493 --> 00:46:38,327 Several shell casings in the meadow. 1063 00:46:38,396 --> 00:46:41,997 And abruptly, chad's story changed. 1064 00:46:42,066 --> 00:46:44,134 - I had spent many hours with him that night, 1065 00:46:44,202 --> 00:46:45,634 Questioning him, 1066 00:46:45,703 --> 00:46:47,036 Asking him if any other firearms had been used, 1067 00:46:47,104 --> 00:46:48,705 And he continually said, "no." 1068 00:46:48,773 --> 00:46:51,307 And then, at the very end of the-the interview 1069 00:46:51,309 --> 00:46:53,375 And the drive, then he finally did tell us 1070 00:46:53,444 --> 00:46:55,711 That there was another gun used. 1071 00:46:55,713 --> 00:46:56,847 - That's when he saw on the ground, 1072 00:46:56,914 --> 00:46:59,715 As they all did, .223 caliber casings, 1073 00:46:59,784 --> 00:47:04,119 The kind that would come from an ar-15 assault rifle, 1074 00:47:04,188 --> 00:47:08,591 Which chad finally admitted he used here in the meadow. 1075 00:47:20,204 --> 00:47:22,571 - But then his story changed, again. 1076 00:47:22,573 --> 00:47:24,741 He admitted he fired the ar-15 1077 00:47:24,809 --> 00:47:28,077 Just before he got to the meadow. 1078 00:47:41,225 --> 00:47:42,224 - I think it finally sunk in 1079 00:47:42,293 --> 00:47:44,493 That-that it was all gonna come back to him, 1080 00:47:44,562 --> 00:47:46,763 And he was gonna get caught in his story. 1081 00:47:46,831 --> 00:47:49,432 - Chad isn't the only one feeling the heat. 1082 00:47:49,500 --> 00:47:54,470 Rory mcguire's friends face tough questions from the police. 1083 00:47:54,538 --> 00:47:55,971 Coming up... 1084 00:47:56,040 --> 00:47:57,974 - Oh, I-I pushed them. I said, "listen. 1085 00:47:58,042 --> 00:48:01,378 If there was a gun, uh, you need to tell us." 1086 00:48:01,445 --> 00:48:04,847 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1087 00:48:07,717 --> 00:48:12,421 ♪♪ 1088 00:48:12,490 --> 00:48:15,524 - As rory mcguire clung to life in the hospital, 1089 00:48:15,593 --> 00:48:18,194 Detective steve peay had chad wallin-reed 1090 00:48:18,196 --> 00:48:19,662 Take him on a tour, 1091 00:48:19,730 --> 00:48:22,498 Following the path of the car chase from the cabin, 1092 00:48:22,566 --> 00:48:24,066 Down the dirt road, 1093 00:48:24,068 --> 00:48:26,769 Into the meadow where the hot pursuit ended. 1094 00:48:26,838 --> 00:48:30,873 With a video camera rolling, chad recounted every detail. 1095 00:48:39,884 --> 00:48:43,152 - Problem was, his story kept shifting. 1096 00:48:43,154 --> 00:48:45,354 At first, he said he only used a small pistol 1097 00:48:45,423 --> 00:48:47,222 During the confrontation. 1098 00:48:47,224 --> 00:48:49,226 But after driving through an area littered with 1099 00:48:49,293 --> 00:48:53,295 .223 caliber shell casings, chad admitted 1100 00:48:53,297 --> 00:48:58,000 He had also fired his ar-15 assault rifle. 1101 00:49:07,845 --> 00:49:09,578 - Why the initial reluctance? 1102 00:49:09,647 --> 00:49:12,314 Well, perhaps because the ar-15, 1103 00:49:12,383 --> 00:49:14,718 Which chad bought legally in nevada, 1104 00:49:14,785 --> 00:49:17,119 Was illegal in california. 1105 00:49:17,188 --> 00:49:19,823 Though chad said he didn't know that. 1106 00:49:19,890 --> 00:49:23,526 At any rate, now chad detailed how he used the rifle again 1107 00:49:23,595 --> 00:49:28,030 When he saw rory's car make a sudden u-turn. 1108 00:49:31,235 --> 00:49:35,272 - So, perhaps still in self-defense mode. 1109 00:49:48,286 --> 00:49:51,554 - And so, there it was, chad's story. 1110 00:49:51,622 --> 00:49:56,592 But as detective peay listened, something seemed off. 1111 00:49:56,661 --> 00:49:58,094 - Just somewhat odd, the-the story, 1112 00:49:58,162 --> 00:49:59,162 And as it unfolded, 1113 00:49:59,230 --> 00:50:01,363 Each-each time we talked to him, it kind-- 1114 00:50:01,365 --> 00:50:03,032 It somewhat changed. 1115 00:50:03,034 --> 00:50:04,767 - Then, that morning, detective peay heard from 1116 00:50:04,835 --> 00:50:06,502 His colleague, chris hendrickson, 1117 00:50:06,571 --> 00:50:09,873 Who had spent his night talking to those young men. 1118 00:50:09,940 --> 00:50:13,509 Rory mcguire, now in surgery, wasn't able to talk, 1119 00:50:13,511 --> 00:50:15,644 But the other five, said detective hendrickson, 1120 00:50:15,713 --> 00:50:19,615 He talked to them separately, told exactly the same story, 1121 00:50:19,683 --> 00:50:22,285 How they stole the solar lights, were chased, 1122 00:50:22,353 --> 00:50:26,922 Tried to surrender, and then made a wrong turn. 1123 00:50:26,924 --> 00:50:29,792 - Rory mcguire didn't know this area that well, 1124 00:50:29,860 --> 00:50:33,328 And the kids realized after they passed it 1125 00:50:33,397 --> 00:50:35,197 That they'd missed this turn right here 1126 00:50:35,266 --> 00:50:39,868 That goes-goes down to, um, antelope lake. 1127 00:50:39,937 --> 00:50:42,005 - Why antelope lake? 1128 00:50:42,073 --> 00:50:45,073 Because, the men told detective hendrickson, 1129 00:50:45,075 --> 00:50:49,011 There were cabins there, people, safety. 1130 00:50:49,013 --> 00:50:50,546 But the main thing 1131 00:50:50,614 --> 00:50:52,481 Those young men told detective hendrickson 1132 00:50:52,550 --> 00:50:55,951 Was they did not shoot at chad wallin-reed. 1133 00:50:55,953 --> 00:50:59,356 In fact, they assured him, they didn't have a gun. 1134 00:50:59,423 --> 00:51:01,757 Did you ask them? Did you push them on that? 1135 00:51:01,826 --> 00:51:03,927 - Oh, I-I pushed them. I said, "listen. 1136 00:51:03,994 --> 00:51:07,230 If there was a gun, uh, you need to tell us. 1137 00:51:07,298 --> 00:51:10,967 I mean, if you had a gun and were shooting back, 1138 00:51:11,035 --> 00:51:14,503 You would be in your right as defending yourself 1139 00:51:14,505 --> 00:51:15,772 'cause you're being shot at." 1140 00:51:15,840 --> 00:51:18,107 They would always say, "no, no, there was no gun. 1141 00:51:18,109 --> 00:51:19,374 I guarantee you." 1142 00:51:19,443 --> 00:51:20,909 - Later that morning, detectives went out 1143 00:51:20,911 --> 00:51:24,513 To the meadow and discovered some fascinating evidence, 1144 00:51:24,582 --> 00:51:27,583 For one thing, shards of broken glass 1145 00:51:27,651 --> 00:51:30,986 Which clearly marked precisely where the car was 1146 00:51:30,988 --> 00:51:33,655 When chad blew out the windows. 1147 00:51:33,724 --> 00:51:38,393 Curious, it wasn't exactly where chad said it was. 1148 00:51:38,462 --> 00:51:42,065 And something else-- rory's car must have hit a rock 1149 00:51:42,133 --> 00:51:44,066 During its rush through the meadow 1150 00:51:44,135 --> 00:51:47,336 Just after it made the u-turn farther out in the meadow. 1151 00:51:47,404 --> 00:51:50,539 - And it started, uh, draining the oil out of the car. 1152 00:51:50,541 --> 00:51:54,009 - And left, clear as a giant magic marker, 1153 00:51:54,011 --> 00:51:55,878 A brownish-black trail 1154 00:51:55,946 --> 00:51:58,680 Through the long grass of the meadow. 1155 00:51:58,749 --> 00:52:00,950 Interesting. 1156 00:52:01,018 --> 00:52:02,951 By now, it was something like 12 hours 1157 00:52:03,020 --> 00:52:05,754 Since chad ran off to chase those men. 1158 00:52:05,823 --> 00:52:07,890 He was exhausted. Had been, he said, 1159 00:52:07,892 --> 00:52:09,892 Entirely cooperative with the cops, 1160 00:52:09,894 --> 00:52:11,693 Told them everything he knew. 1161 00:52:11,762 --> 00:52:13,695 He was ready now to go home to his wife, kerri, 1162 00:52:13,764 --> 00:52:15,564 And their three kids. 1163 00:52:15,633 --> 00:52:20,136 So, what happened next was something he did not expect. 1164 00:52:20,204 --> 00:52:22,639 - He was arrested for attempted murder 1165 00:52:22,706 --> 00:52:26,309 And also, um, assault with a deadly weapon. 1166 00:52:27,177 --> 00:52:28,977 - As the 4th of July approached, 1167 00:52:29,046 --> 00:52:32,481 Chad wallin-reed was booked in the local jail. 1168 00:52:32,483 --> 00:52:37,587 Could any outcome be worse? Well, yes, it could 1169 00:52:37,655 --> 00:52:40,889 And was about to be, for everyone. 1170 00:52:42,560 --> 00:52:44,026 - Coming up... 1171 00:52:44,028 --> 00:52:47,529 Grief and shock as a mother finally finds out 1172 00:52:47,531 --> 00:52:49,265 What happened to her son. 1173 00:52:49,267 --> 00:52:52,868 - It's horrible. The nurse immediately-- 1174 00:52:52,937 --> 00:52:55,604 Her face-- she looked at me. 1175 00:52:55,673 --> 00:52:57,506 I knew. 1176 00:52:57,508 --> 00:53:00,643 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1177 00:53:03,346 --> 00:53:14,023 ♪♪ 1178 00:53:14,091 --> 00:53:16,358 - Here's why people move to the high sierra, 1179 00:53:16,427 --> 00:53:19,095 To get away from the city, its constant pressures, 1180 00:53:19,163 --> 00:53:22,497 Its regular explosions of violent crime, 1181 00:53:22,566 --> 00:53:24,733 Or at least that's how it was for plumas county 1182 00:53:24,735 --> 00:53:27,169 District attorney david hollister, 1183 00:53:27,171 --> 00:53:29,205 Who moved to his new job in the county seat 1184 00:53:29,273 --> 00:53:32,874 Of little quincy, california after years of prosecuting 1185 00:53:32,943 --> 00:53:35,244 The worst that oakland had to offer. 1186 00:53:35,313 --> 00:53:39,915 He came for the quiet, the family values. 1187 00:53:39,984 --> 00:53:41,984 And now, here he was fielding calls 1188 00:53:41,986 --> 00:53:46,388 From the local sheriff's office about an extremely violent act, 1189 00:53:46,390 --> 00:53:50,058 Which the shooter himself freely admitted to. 1190 00:53:50,127 --> 00:53:53,296 - We're small enough where any type of homicide that occurs 1191 00:53:53,363 --> 00:53:54,796 I get called right away. 1192 00:53:54,865 --> 00:53:56,732 - So, how much did you have to do 1193 00:53:56,801 --> 00:53:59,735 With the decision to charge him? - Everything. 1194 00:53:59,737 --> 00:54:01,937 - And from what the detectives told him, 1195 00:54:02,006 --> 00:54:04,072 What happened seemed pretty clear 1196 00:54:04,141 --> 00:54:05,542 To d.A. Hollister. 1197 00:54:05,609 --> 00:54:08,544 - He chased those boys 7.6 miles, 1198 00:54:08,546 --> 00:54:10,880 And he shot to kill. 1199 00:54:10,948 --> 00:54:14,149 - And so, before Sunday, July 3rd was half gone, 1200 00:54:14,218 --> 00:54:16,819 Chad wallin-reed was booked, and strip searched, 1201 00:54:16,821 --> 00:54:19,287 And locked up in the plumas county jail. 1202 00:54:19,357 --> 00:54:22,624 The charge? Attempted murder. 1203 00:54:22,693 --> 00:54:26,229 What was that like when they took him? 1204 00:54:26,297 --> 00:54:33,001 - It's very, very hard for them to take my husband away. 1205 00:54:34,371 --> 00:54:36,038 - Didn't expect it? - No. 1206 00:54:36,106 --> 00:54:40,944 I never envisioned being away from my husband. 1207 00:54:41,011 --> 00:54:43,578 - Back in the woods at chad's cabin, 1208 00:54:43,648 --> 00:54:45,614 The detectives who arrested him prowled the property 1209 00:54:45,616 --> 00:54:48,317 Still decorated in 4th of July bunting, 1210 00:54:48,385 --> 00:54:49,985 Looking for evidence. 1211 00:54:50,054 --> 00:54:52,921 - The ar-15 was inside on the-- on the gunrack. 1212 00:54:52,990 --> 00:54:55,858 There was also a closet inside the cabin that contained, 1213 00:54:55,926 --> 00:55:01,930 Uh, large amounts of ammunition for various guns, shotguns. 1214 00:55:01,999 --> 00:55:03,665 - And out on the edge of chad's property, 1215 00:55:03,734 --> 00:55:05,934 Out near the road, the detectives found 1216 00:55:05,936 --> 00:55:09,071 That unusual no trespassing sign. 1217 00:55:09,139 --> 00:55:12,140 You are entering the r.O.C., the sign said, 1218 00:55:12,209 --> 00:55:14,677 Which meant the republic of chad. 1219 00:55:14,745 --> 00:55:16,412 This is a restricted area. 1220 00:55:16,479 --> 00:55:18,914 Only red-blooded patriotic christian americans 1221 00:55:18,982 --> 00:55:20,550 Are authorized for access. 1222 00:55:20,617 --> 00:55:23,752 The use of deadly force is authorized for use 1223 00:55:23,821 --> 00:55:26,555 On those found in non-compliance. 1224 00:55:26,624 --> 00:55:28,090 The young men in the car thought it was 1225 00:55:28,092 --> 00:55:32,628 Some kind of joke. Doesn't seem that way now. 1226 00:55:32,630 --> 00:55:34,964 At the very same time, still July 3rd, 1227 00:55:35,032 --> 00:55:37,766 The driver of the shot up car, rory mcguire, 1228 00:55:37,835 --> 00:55:40,035 Was in a reno hospital. 1229 00:55:40,104 --> 00:55:43,705 His mother, carol starzer, by his bedside in the icu 1230 00:55:43,707 --> 00:55:46,309 As he lay with a bullet in his brain. 1231 00:55:46,377 --> 00:55:47,642 - It was horrible. 1232 00:55:47,711 --> 00:55:50,045 I didn't know what critical condition meant, 1233 00:55:50,047 --> 00:55:51,479 So I really didn't know 1234 00:55:51,549 --> 00:55:54,716 Critical meant probably not gonna make it. 1235 00:55:54,785 --> 00:55:57,986 And the nurse immediately-- her face-- 1236 00:55:57,988 --> 00:56:01,857 She looked at me. I knew. 1237 00:56:01,859 --> 00:56:03,458 - But it was weird, said carol, 1238 00:56:03,527 --> 00:56:06,661 When she saw rory lying there unconscious. 1239 00:56:06,730 --> 00:56:09,264 - And he actually looked perfect. 1240 00:56:09,333 --> 00:56:10,933 I was very shocked. 1241 00:56:11,001 --> 00:56:14,603 Except for the plate that they placed over his head 1242 00:56:14,672 --> 00:56:17,739 Where the bullet went in, um, 1243 00:56:17,741 --> 00:56:21,844 I-I just remember him as looking like he was asleep. 1244 00:56:21,912 --> 00:56:25,014 - It's a sight you can't probably get outta your head. 1245 00:56:25,082 --> 00:56:29,351 - Every day, I think of that. 1246 00:56:29,419 --> 00:56:33,622 I think of that every single day. 1247 00:56:33,690 --> 00:56:35,357 - Rory's father, carol's ex-husband, 1248 00:56:35,425 --> 00:56:37,159 Dave mcguire, came, too. 1249 00:56:37,227 --> 00:56:42,465 Tried not successfully to hold back his soaring rage. 1250 00:56:42,533 --> 00:56:44,833 A soldier did this? 1251 00:56:44,835 --> 00:56:47,102 - I put myself in that same scenario, 1252 00:56:47,171 --> 00:56:49,839 And-and if I needed to, I would defend myself, 1253 00:56:49,907 --> 00:56:52,975 But once it's over, it's my responsibility 1254 00:56:52,977 --> 00:56:58,447 To-to render aid. 1255 00:56:58,449 --> 00:57:01,650 This is not a battle zone. 1256 00:57:01,718 --> 00:57:05,488 This isn't some hick town in-in california. 1257 00:57:05,555 --> 00:57:07,789 - Around the same time, at the jail in quincy, 1258 00:57:07,858 --> 00:57:09,257 An hour and a half away, 1259 00:57:09,326 --> 00:57:11,993 Chad placed a telephone call to his father. 1260 00:57:12,062 --> 00:57:14,931 The call, of course, was recorded. 1261 00:57:31,215 --> 00:57:33,015 - But as the hours stretched through the night 1262 00:57:33,017 --> 00:57:34,549 Into July 4th, 1263 00:57:34,618 --> 00:57:37,053 Chad began to see more and more clearly 1264 00:57:37,120 --> 00:57:41,089 That he was not to blame. Those men shot at him, 1265 00:57:41,158 --> 00:57:43,760 And he never set out to hurt anyone. 1266 00:57:43,827 --> 00:57:45,694 - I can honestly sit there and say 1267 00:57:45,696 --> 00:57:46,962 I didn't get in my vehicle. 1268 00:57:47,031 --> 00:57:50,432 I didn't sit there at the moment I had the ar-15 sayin', 1269 00:57:50,501 --> 00:57:53,569 "I'm gonna pick this weapon, and I'm gonna go down there, 1270 00:57:53,571 --> 00:57:55,337 And I'm gonna kill these guys." 1271 00:57:55,406 --> 00:57:57,907 Heck no. No way. - Yeah. 1272 00:57:57,975 --> 00:58:00,710 - There ain't no way. 1273 00:58:00,777 --> 00:58:04,112 - In fact, thought chad, it was really he and his family 1274 00:58:04,181 --> 00:58:06,381 Who were the victims here. 1275 00:58:06,450 --> 00:58:09,252 - If they had never shot at me-- - uh-huh. 1276 00:58:09,319 --> 00:58:11,453 - There would be no reason for a gun. 1277 00:58:11,455 --> 00:58:13,321 There would have been no reason for me to fire, 1278 00:58:13,323 --> 00:58:15,190 To shoot, to use the firearm. 1279 00:58:15,192 --> 00:58:16,459 You know, in my mind frame, 1280 00:58:16,527 --> 00:58:18,927 These people are trying to kill me. 1281 00:58:18,929 --> 00:58:22,064 - Kerri visited her husband in jail to tell him that 1282 00:58:22,066 --> 00:58:26,668 She was in his corner and would always be, no matter what. 1283 00:58:26,670 --> 00:58:28,537 Do you wish that he'd just kind of stopped 1284 00:58:28,605 --> 00:58:30,672 Along the way somewhere and said, "oh, to hell with it," 1285 00:58:30,674 --> 00:58:33,276 And just let them go and come back?" 1286 00:58:33,343 --> 00:58:34,343 - No. 1287 00:58:34,411 --> 00:58:37,947 - 'cause you wouldn't have this problem now. 1288 00:58:38,015 --> 00:58:40,615 - Yeah. I guess, to a point, 1289 00:58:40,684 --> 00:58:44,586 As far as a problem being that my husband is not at home, 1290 00:58:44,655 --> 00:58:47,023 But we would still be in fear 1291 00:58:47,090 --> 00:58:50,092 That these people would come back to our-- 1292 00:58:50,160 --> 00:58:55,363 To terrorize us more. He was protecting us. 1293 00:58:55,432 --> 00:58:58,033 He was making sure that we were safe. 1294 00:58:58,101 --> 00:59:01,103 - And then, as the long holiday weekend wound down, 1295 00:59:01,105 --> 00:59:04,706 It got even worse for all of them. 1296 00:59:04,708 --> 00:59:07,375 Rory mcguire died. 1297 00:59:07,444 --> 00:59:09,844 - He hemorrhaged a couple hours after we got there, 1298 00:59:09,913 --> 00:59:11,647 And that was-- that was the end. 1299 00:59:11,649 --> 00:59:12,581 He was gone. 1300 00:59:12,583 --> 00:59:14,917 He was brain dead, at that point. 1301 00:59:14,985 --> 00:59:18,720 - How do you get used to a thing like that happening to ya? 1302 00:59:18,789 --> 00:59:22,792 - I still feel like he's in the meadow, 1303 00:59:22,859 --> 00:59:23,992 In the car, in the meadow. 1304 00:59:24,061 --> 00:59:27,396 I still feel like I need to go help him. 1305 00:59:27,465 --> 00:59:30,198 - It changes life forever. - Forever. 1306 00:59:30,200 --> 00:59:33,301 We'll never be the same. 1307 00:59:33,303 --> 00:59:35,537 - And a few hours later, the loving husband, 1308 00:59:35,605 --> 00:59:39,941 Doting father, army ranger chad wallin-reed 1309 00:59:39,943 --> 00:59:43,545 Was now an accused... - Murderer. 1310 00:59:43,613 --> 00:59:47,149 They took me back down to the booking area. 1311 00:59:47,151 --> 00:59:50,752 "you're being charged with first degree murder." 1312 00:59:50,821 --> 00:59:55,758 - What did that feel like? - I can't describe it. 1313 00:59:55,826 --> 00:59:58,560 When you look at the word "murder," 1314 00:59:58,629 --> 01:00:05,033 And it describes heinous, premeditated, malicious, 1315 01:00:05,102 --> 01:00:11,506 Aforethought, that's pretty, uh, 1316 01:00:11,575 --> 01:00:13,709 That's pretty grotesque. 1317 01:00:13,711 --> 01:00:15,778 - Bail was set at a million dollar, 1318 01:00:15,846 --> 01:00:19,048 Money chad and his family did not have. 1319 01:00:19,116 --> 01:00:21,784 But out there, out in the wider world, 1320 01:00:21,852 --> 01:00:26,121 A new issue was emerging called "stand your ground," 1321 01:00:26,190 --> 01:00:29,124 And, also, a certain attorney discovered, 1322 01:00:29,193 --> 01:00:31,926 There were some tiny specks of evidence 1323 01:00:31,995 --> 01:00:35,831 At the crime scene that just might set chad free. 1324 01:00:38,368 --> 01:00:40,202 - Coming up... 1325 01:00:40,270 --> 01:00:44,472 The evidence that chad's attorney says backs him up. 1326 01:00:44,541 --> 01:00:47,142 - They found the three .380 casings 1327 01:00:47,211 --> 01:00:49,377 That were not from chad's gun. 1328 01:00:49,379 --> 01:00:52,714 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1329 01:00:55,319 --> 01:00:59,221 ♪♪ 1330 01:00:59,289 --> 01:01:01,691 Welcome back. Rory mcguire was dead, 1331 01:01:01,758 --> 01:01:05,161 And chad wallin-reed was now charged with his murder. 1332 01:01:05,228 --> 01:01:07,429 The army vet continued to insist 1333 01:01:07,497 --> 01:01:10,165 He pulled the trigger in self-defense, 1334 01:01:10,233 --> 01:01:12,233 And an unexpected ally was about to 1335 01:01:12,302 --> 01:01:14,235 Help him make his case. 1336 01:01:14,304 --> 01:01:16,971 When it was time for the trial, the defense would be 1337 01:01:17,040 --> 01:01:20,575 Armed with evidence they said showed chad's accusers 1338 01:01:20,577 --> 01:01:23,044 Were not as innocent as it seemed. 1339 01:01:23,113 --> 01:01:26,382 Here again is keith morrison with "miles from nowhere." 1340 01:01:28,585 --> 01:01:31,519 - For most of two years, often twice a week, 1341 01:01:31,521 --> 01:01:33,456 Kerri wallin-reed drove back and forth 1342 01:01:33,523 --> 01:01:34,756 Through the high sierra 1343 01:01:34,825 --> 01:01:38,059 To visit her husband in the plumas county lockup. 1344 01:01:38,061 --> 01:01:42,063 Not easy, any of it. - It's horrible. 1345 01:01:42,132 --> 01:01:47,936 It's just the worst, um, being without my husband, 1346 01:01:48,004 --> 01:01:51,005 And-and, um, the children being without their father 1347 01:01:51,074 --> 01:01:55,143 Is just-- it's-it's unimaginable. 1348 01:01:55,946 --> 01:01:59,547 - And the children stayed home and worried mostly. 1349 01:01:59,549 --> 01:02:04,753 - Sometimes I've been frightened and cried for my dad. 1350 01:02:04,821 --> 01:02:07,956 And when he's sick, I cry hard 1351 01:02:08,024 --> 01:02:10,291 Because I don't know if-if he might die 1352 01:02:10,360 --> 01:02:15,631 From if he's sick or if he'll be okay. 1353 01:02:17,534 --> 01:02:21,370 - At the very same time, rory mcguire's mother, carol, 1354 01:02:21,438 --> 01:02:27,309 Cried for a son, the future, an expectation gone forever. 1355 01:02:27,311 --> 01:02:29,577 What do you think is the appropriate thing 1356 01:02:29,579 --> 01:02:31,247 That should happen to this man? 1357 01:02:31,314 --> 01:02:35,850 - Never step foot outside of prison ever again, 1358 01:02:35,919 --> 01:02:38,052 Not be able to see-- have-- 1359 01:02:38,121 --> 01:02:40,455 Not have conjugal visits with his wife, 1360 01:02:40,524 --> 01:02:43,124 Not-not be able to see his children 1361 01:02:43,193 --> 01:02:45,593 Go through birthdays and marriages and-- 1362 01:02:45,595 --> 01:02:49,998 'cause I now am cut short of all of that with my son. 1363 01:02:50,066 --> 01:02:52,467 - And in little quincy, stuck in his cell, 1364 01:02:52,536 --> 01:02:54,068 Chad had all the time in the world 1365 01:02:54,137 --> 01:02:56,404 To think about what he did. 1366 01:02:56,473 --> 01:02:59,607 - There's this triple effect of, well, if you never had a gun, 1367 01:02:59,609 --> 01:03:01,010 This never-- woulda never happened. 1368 01:03:01,077 --> 01:03:03,811 But then I-- somethin' just drives me inside 1369 01:03:03,881 --> 01:03:08,084 To say they were wrong. 1370 01:03:08,151 --> 01:03:11,020 They scared your family. 1371 01:03:11,087 --> 01:03:12,821 - Chad found himself fuming about 1372 01:03:12,889 --> 01:03:14,956 The first degree murder charge against him-- 1373 01:03:14,958 --> 01:03:18,293 Felt his alleged victims were the ones in the wrong. 1374 01:03:18,361 --> 01:03:20,229 - Did they deserve to be stopped? 1375 01:03:20,297 --> 01:03:22,030 Absolutely. 1376 01:03:22,098 --> 01:03:25,367 They don't deserve the right to do that to people. 1377 01:03:25,435 --> 01:03:27,702 - Fuming is possibly all chad might have done 1378 01:03:27,771 --> 01:03:30,171 Except a prominent defense attorney 1379 01:03:30,240 --> 01:03:33,775 Named john ohlson heard about chad's predicament 1380 01:03:33,843 --> 01:03:38,446 And saw a way, he believed, to set him free. 1381 01:03:38,515 --> 01:03:40,015 This sort of stand your ground idea? 1382 01:03:40,083 --> 01:03:41,649 - Yeah, yeah. 1383 01:03:41,651 --> 01:03:44,986 - California doesn't have a stand your ground law per se 1384 01:03:44,988 --> 01:03:45,987 Like some states do, 1385 01:03:46,056 --> 01:03:48,656 But there is a state jury instruction that says 1386 01:03:48,725 --> 01:03:50,859 A person under threat has a right 1387 01:03:50,927 --> 01:03:55,530 To stand his or her ground and even pursue an assailant. 1388 01:03:55,599 --> 01:03:57,732 Chad wallin-reed, said attorney ohlson, 1389 01:03:57,801 --> 01:03:59,534 Is just the sort of person 1390 01:03:59,536 --> 01:04:02,938 For whom that defense was intended. 1391 01:04:03,006 --> 01:04:06,275 - He's not a gangbanger. 1392 01:04:06,343 --> 01:04:09,144 He doesn't have a criminal record. 1393 01:04:09,146 --> 01:04:11,614 He has a-a good, clean military record. 1394 01:04:11,681 --> 01:04:14,349 - Chad began looking forward to a trial-- 1395 01:04:14,417 --> 01:04:16,751 Turned down a deal from the d.A. 1396 01:04:16,820 --> 01:04:17,952 - There's a story to be told. 1397 01:04:18,021 --> 01:04:19,488 There's thing that need to come out. 1398 01:04:19,556 --> 01:04:26,361 I think that a trial will, um, be a rather awakening. 1399 01:04:26,429 --> 01:04:29,631 - But first, they had to choose a jury, 1400 01:04:29,699 --> 01:04:32,367 Which would be a fight in pretty little quincy, 1401 01:04:32,369 --> 01:04:34,570 A place composed of gun-owning country folk 1402 01:04:34,638 --> 01:04:38,106 And liberal big city transplants. 1403 01:04:38,174 --> 01:04:40,842 - There were a lot of letters to the editor 1404 01:04:40,911 --> 01:04:42,176 Of the local paper, 1405 01:04:42,245 --> 01:04:44,180 And I think they were pretty evenly divided 1406 01:04:44,247 --> 01:04:45,713 Between people saying that 1407 01:04:45,715 --> 01:04:47,582 The state ought to reimburse chad 1408 01:04:47,584 --> 01:04:52,454 The cost of his ammunition and people saying, you know, 1409 01:04:52,522 --> 01:04:54,055 I moved up here from the bay area 1410 01:04:54,124 --> 01:04:56,524 To get away from all this, and people shouldn't have guns, 1411 01:04:56,526 --> 01:04:59,060 And they shouldn't shoot guns. 1412 01:04:59,062 --> 01:05:01,529 - When the trial began, ohlson seemed satisfied 1413 01:05:01,598 --> 01:05:04,867 With the jury he got. Could go either way but... 1414 01:05:04,935 --> 01:05:09,270 - My desire is to walk him out of that courtroom. 1415 01:05:09,339 --> 01:05:12,074 Take him by the elbow and lead him out of the courtroom. 1416 01:05:12,142 --> 01:05:13,741 Turn him over to his family. 1417 01:05:13,810 --> 01:05:17,078 - Here is how ohlson presented his stand your ground defense 1418 01:05:17,147 --> 01:05:19,180 In his opening to the jury. 1419 01:05:24,421 --> 01:05:26,287 - Ohlson told the jury his client was 1420 01:05:26,289 --> 01:05:29,023 A protective family man doing what he felt 1421 01:05:29,092 --> 01:05:30,758 He had to do as a father 1422 01:05:30,827 --> 01:05:33,695 After those menacing visits to his house. 1423 01:05:33,763 --> 01:05:35,230 - After this Friday night incident, 1424 01:05:35,232 --> 01:05:37,232 They were afraid, and I think it sets the tone 1425 01:05:37,234 --> 01:05:38,500 For his state of mind. 1426 01:05:38,568 --> 01:05:40,568 - He wanted to protect those two sweet little girls. 1427 01:05:40,570 --> 01:05:41,670 - Yes. 1428 01:05:41,738 --> 01:05:42,971 - And you wanna show the jury the sweet little girls 1429 01:05:43,039 --> 01:05:45,840 He wanted to protect. - Sure. 1430 01:05:45,909 --> 01:05:47,041 Fair enough, huh? 1431 01:05:47,110 --> 01:05:49,978 - And some of the jury wept as 12-year-old darlin 1432 01:05:49,980 --> 01:05:52,780 Repeated the story she told us about the night 1433 01:05:52,849 --> 01:05:54,515 The men came to their property. 1434 01:05:54,584 --> 01:05:57,151 - And I remember asking my dad and mom, 1435 01:05:57,220 --> 01:05:58,787 "what are you gonna do if they come back, 1436 01:05:58,855 --> 01:06:02,657 And what would happen if somebody got hurt?" 1437 01:06:02,726 --> 01:06:03,726 - What'd they say? 1438 01:06:03,793 --> 01:06:07,261 - They said that everything was going to be okay 1439 01:06:07,330 --> 01:06:13,869 And that, um, my dad is here to protect us. 1440 01:06:13,937 --> 01:06:15,470 He can protect us. 1441 01:06:15,539 --> 01:06:18,272 - Then kerri, chad's devoted wife, 1442 01:06:18,341 --> 01:06:21,409 Took the stand determined to protect her husband 1443 01:06:21,411 --> 01:06:24,846 Just as she believed he protected her that night. 1444 01:06:29,953 --> 01:06:32,587 - It scared us tr-tremendously. 1445 01:06:32,656 --> 01:06:34,924 - "and that's the reason chad chased those men," 1446 01:06:34,991 --> 01:06:37,292 Said kerri. "he was no monster." 1447 01:06:41,765 --> 01:06:43,232 - Distraught. 1448 01:06:45,569 --> 01:06:47,002 No. 1449 01:06:49,306 --> 01:06:50,905 He was. 1450 01:06:50,974 --> 01:06:53,074 - The whole case, of course, would boil down 1451 01:06:53,143 --> 01:06:57,378 To whether chad was fired upon and shot back in self-defense. 1452 01:06:57,380 --> 01:07:00,282 Ohlson said the evidence backed chad up. 1453 01:07:00,350 --> 01:07:01,482 - I think we'll pretty well prove 1454 01:07:01,551 --> 01:07:05,987 That there was a gun in the victim's car 1455 01:07:05,989 --> 01:07:08,057 And that they fired at chad. 1456 01:07:08,124 --> 01:07:11,526 - "the young men in that car not exactly boy scouts," 1457 01:07:11,595 --> 01:07:12,727 Said ohlson. 1458 01:07:12,796 --> 01:07:16,798 - Well, the police asked these people if they had guns. 1459 01:07:16,866 --> 01:07:19,001 - Mm-hmm. - And they said, "no, 1460 01:07:19,069 --> 01:07:21,370 "we wouldn't carry guns. We would never carry guns." 1461 01:07:21,438 --> 01:07:23,404 And one of 'em we have a facebook page 1462 01:07:23,473 --> 01:07:25,807 Displaying a-- both a gun and a knife. 1463 01:07:25,876 --> 01:07:28,409 - "and they must have had a gun that night," said ohlson, 1464 01:07:28,478 --> 01:07:30,678 Because on the route of the chase, 1465 01:07:30,747 --> 01:07:33,482 Investigators found three shell casings, 1466 01:07:33,550 --> 01:07:37,418 Casings that did not match any of chad's guns. 1467 01:07:37,420 --> 01:07:38,686 - The interesting thing now is, he said, 1468 01:07:38,755 --> 01:07:39,955 "they shot at me three times," 1469 01:07:40,023 --> 01:07:43,825 And they found the three .380 casings 1470 01:07:43,893 --> 01:07:47,829 That were, um, together that were not from chad's gun. 1471 01:07:47,897 --> 01:07:48,896 - Mm-hmm. 1472 01:07:48,965 --> 01:07:50,932 - Corresponding with the three shots. 1473 01:07:50,934 --> 01:07:53,234 - And there was another truly stunning clue 1474 01:07:53,303 --> 01:07:55,903 Collected on the night of the shooting, said ohlson. 1475 01:07:55,905 --> 01:07:57,905 According to his forensic expert, 1476 01:07:57,974 --> 01:08:01,776 There was gun residue inside the young men's car 1477 01:08:01,778 --> 01:08:04,312 And even on some of their hands. 1478 01:08:04,314 --> 01:08:06,248 - Somebody shot out of that car. 1479 01:08:06,316 --> 01:08:07,449 - Because? 1480 01:08:07,517 --> 01:08:10,252 - Because of the gunshot residue in the car, 1481 01:08:10,320 --> 01:08:13,387 The lack of bullet strikes on that side of the car, 1482 01:08:13,456 --> 01:08:15,858 And the gunshot residue on the hand 1483 01:08:15,925 --> 01:08:18,726 Of the person who was riding shotgun, if you will. 1484 01:08:18,795 --> 01:08:20,795 - And why did chad keep shooting at the car 1485 01:08:20,864 --> 01:08:22,797 After it made a u-turn? 1486 01:08:22,866 --> 01:08:25,800 "very good reason," said his attorney. 1487 01:08:25,802 --> 01:08:26,667 - If they turn around 1488 01:08:26,736 --> 01:08:28,669 And were coming back out of there, 1489 01:08:28,738 --> 01:08:30,471 Those two cars would be on the same track 1490 01:08:30,540 --> 01:08:33,342 With the car coming right at him, 1491 01:08:33,409 --> 01:08:36,143 And he's been fired on already coming back on-- 1492 01:08:36,213 --> 01:08:37,346 Back towards him. 1493 01:08:37,413 --> 01:08:39,415 He thinks they're firing on him, again. 1494 01:08:39,482 --> 01:08:42,950 - Chad declined to take the stand in his own defense, 1495 01:08:43,019 --> 01:08:44,485 So the jury didn't get to hear him say 1496 01:08:44,554 --> 01:08:45,953 He did the right thing. 1497 01:08:46,022 --> 01:08:49,091 He did what he had to do when he squeezed the trigger. 1498 01:08:49,159 --> 01:08:50,826 Is it possible you were wrong, though? 1499 01:08:50,894 --> 01:08:53,228 - No. 1500 01:08:53,296 --> 01:08:55,497 - So, a case for self-defense 1501 01:08:55,565 --> 01:08:58,499 Any jury would have to take seriously, 1502 01:08:58,568 --> 01:09:00,569 And thus prosecutor david hollister's 1503 01:09:00,637 --> 01:09:02,370 Big challenge. 1504 01:09:02,372 --> 01:09:05,106 Time to bring out a little ammunition, 1505 01:09:05,175 --> 01:09:08,709 A literal trail of evidence through the grass, 1506 01:09:08,778 --> 01:09:12,213 A sticky, brownish-black mess 1507 01:09:12,215 --> 01:09:14,583 That told a fascinating story. 1508 01:09:17,720 --> 01:09:20,388 - Rory's best friend comes face-to-face 1509 01:09:20,390 --> 01:09:22,189 With the man who shot him. 1510 01:09:22,259 --> 01:09:24,058 - When I looked at him, my heart kinda jumped. 1511 01:09:24,060 --> 01:09:27,095 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1512 01:09:30,532 --> 01:09:36,137 ♪♪ 1513 01:09:36,139 --> 01:09:38,072 - The old plumas county courthouse, 1514 01:09:38,141 --> 01:09:40,608 Solid and lovely in the autumn sun, 1515 01:09:40,677 --> 01:09:42,610 Has pride of place here on main street 1516 01:09:42,680 --> 01:09:44,613 In quincy, california. 1517 01:09:44,681 --> 01:09:48,749 Inside, up on the top floor, is an overworked d.A.'s office, 1518 01:09:48,818 --> 01:09:51,420 All too accustomed to the limited funding abilities 1519 01:09:51,487 --> 01:09:53,021 Of a small county, 1520 01:09:53,089 --> 01:09:55,157 A fact of life david hollister had to consider 1521 01:09:55,225 --> 01:09:58,894 Very carefully as he prepared to prosecute chad wallin-reed 1522 01:09:58,962 --> 01:10:00,896 For first degree murder. 1523 01:10:00,964 --> 01:10:04,098 - We better do this case right, and we'd better do it once 1524 01:10:04,167 --> 01:10:07,101 Because that's about, uh, our-our only shot at it. 1525 01:10:07,170 --> 01:10:08,436 - Trouble was... 1526 01:10:08,504 --> 01:10:11,572 - This was a difficult case, uh, from the start. 1527 01:10:11,641 --> 01:10:14,175 - The defendant, after all, was not just a family man, 1528 01:10:14,243 --> 01:10:17,312 The father of these three adorable children. 1529 01:10:17,380 --> 01:10:19,914 He was, as he told the detectives, ex-military, 1530 01:10:19,916 --> 01:10:21,916 Once an army ranger. 1531 01:10:21,985 --> 01:10:23,318 You don't get to be one of those 1532 01:10:23,386 --> 01:10:26,854 Without good judgment and real character. 1533 01:10:26,923 --> 01:10:29,924 And on top of that, there was that wild card jury, 1534 01:10:29,993 --> 01:10:31,326 People who needed to be persuaded 1535 01:10:31,394 --> 01:10:34,061 That chad showed bad judgment 1536 01:10:34,063 --> 01:10:35,930 And very poor character. 1537 01:10:35,999 --> 01:10:37,131 - Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, 1538 01:10:37,133 --> 01:10:38,300 The evidence is gonna show 1539 01:10:38,367 --> 01:10:40,201 The defendant was not in imminent danger 1540 01:10:40,203 --> 01:10:43,071 When he fired those shots. 1541 01:10:43,139 --> 01:10:44,472 He was angry, 1542 01:10:44,474 --> 01:10:46,807 And he was mad that they were trying to get away. 1543 01:10:46,876 --> 01:10:48,542 - To set the scene, so to speak, 1544 01:10:48,611 --> 01:10:50,946 Prosecutor hollister showed the jury the video 1545 01:10:51,014 --> 01:10:53,681 Shot by that reality show cameraman 1546 01:10:53,750 --> 01:10:55,683 Now part of the public record. 1547 01:10:55,685 --> 01:10:58,687 - I'll cover this guy here. - This was graphic stuff. 1548 01:10:58,755 --> 01:11:01,757 Right there, in living color, the bloodied bodies 1549 01:11:01,824 --> 01:11:05,260 Of injured and apparently terrified young men. 1550 01:11:05,328 --> 01:11:07,896 The officers trying to attend to their medical needs. 1551 01:11:07,964 --> 01:11:09,496 - Breathe through your nose. 1552 01:11:09,566 --> 01:11:11,432 - How important was that video? 1553 01:11:11,434 --> 01:11:16,237 - It gave the jury a true understanding 1554 01:11:16,305 --> 01:11:18,239 Of the horror that happened that night. 1555 01:11:18,241 --> 01:11:21,976 I mean, you've got lewis smyth with, uh, his leg propped up 1556 01:11:21,978 --> 01:11:23,244 And the tourniquet there, 1557 01:11:23,313 --> 01:11:25,846 And you've got rory mcguire in the backseat 1558 01:11:25,915 --> 01:11:28,249 With-with a horrible head injury. 1559 01:11:28,251 --> 01:11:32,119 I mean, that's something I can't capture in words. 1560 01:11:32,188 --> 01:11:34,456 - Lewis smyth, the young man you met earlier, 1561 01:11:34,524 --> 01:11:36,257 Was a key witness for the state. 1562 01:11:36,325 --> 01:11:38,793 Remember, that bullet from chad's ar-15 1563 01:11:38,861 --> 01:11:40,461 Shredded lewis' leg. 1564 01:11:40,530 --> 01:11:42,197 He was frankly lucky to keep the leg 1565 01:11:42,265 --> 01:11:44,265 And survive the night. 1566 01:11:44,333 --> 01:11:46,000 Did you see the defendant 1567 01:11:46,002 --> 01:11:47,335 Sitting over there in the courtroom? 1568 01:11:47,403 --> 01:11:49,737 - I only looked at him once or twice. 1569 01:11:49,806 --> 01:11:52,474 My heart kinda jumped, and I knew it was him. 1570 01:11:52,542 --> 01:11:54,809 - Lewis had been a nervous wreck 1571 01:11:54,811 --> 01:11:56,410 Since all this happened he told us, 1572 01:11:56,479 --> 01:11:58,012 And in court he was no less nervous 1573 01:11:58,014 --> 01:11:58,946 As he told the jury 1574 01:11:58,948 --> 01:12:01,649 About seeing the green lasered gunsight, 1575 01:12:01,718 --> 01:12:04,752 About the flurries of shots fired by the defendant, 1576 01:12:04,821 --> 01:12:09,290 About the young men's efforts to end the car chase. 1577 01:12:09,359 --> 01:12:10,759 - First of all, they fled. 1578 01:12:10,827 --> 01:12:12,494 They drove as fast as they could. 1579 01:12:12,562 --> 01:12:14,095 They threw out the solar lights. 1580 01:12:14,163 --> 01:12:16,230 They held a white t-shirt out the window. 1581 01:12:16,299 --> 01:12:18,365 If you wanna look at a textbook definition 1582 01:12:18,435 --> 01:12:21,235 For doing everything you can in your power to withdraw, 1583 01:12:21,304 --> 01:12:24,438 To say, "no more, we're done," they did it. 1584 01:12:24,507 --> 01:12:25,974 - "but yet," said the prosecutor, 1585 01:12:26,042 --> 01:12:28,375 "chad kept right on shooting." 1586 01:12:28,445 --> 01:12:30,244 - He told the detectives, "you know, I-I think 1587 01:12:30,313 --> 01:12:31,912 "that might have been a white flag." 1588 01:12:31,981 --> 01:12:33,581 I don't think there's any question those kids 1589 01:12:33,650 --> 01:12:35,850 Did everything they could to give up. 1590 01:12:35,919 --> 01:12:36,984 - But here's the thing. 1591 01:12:36,986 --> 01:12:38,920 If the young men fired at chad first, 1592 01:12:38,988 --> 01:12:41,522 As the defense went to a lot of trouble to prove, 1593 01:12:41,591 --> 01:12:45,193 Then maybe chad's reaction was reasonable. 1594 01:12:45,261 --> 01:12:48,463 But did they fire a gun? Did they even have one? 1595 01:12:48,465 --> 01:12:50,998 Remember those three non-chad shell casings 1596 01:12:51,000 --> 01:12:52,066 Found on the road 1597 01:12:52,068 --> 01:12:54,268 That the defense made such a big fuss about? 1598 01:12:54,338 --> 01:12:56,303 "couldn't have been from the young men," 1599 01:12:56,372 --> 01:12:59,474 Said the prosecutor. And how did he know? 1600 01:12:59,542 --> 01:13:02,411 Simple law of speed versus gravity. 1601 01:13:02,478 --> 01:13:03,612 - You're telling me-- 1602 01:13:03,679 --> 01:13:07,014 These kids are fleeing at 50 miles an hour. 1603 01:13:07,016 --> 01:13:09,484 You're telling me that they fired three shots. 1604 01:13:09,552 --> 01:13:12,086 The casings are a foot and a half apart. 1605 01:13:12,155 --> 01:13:14,022 At 50 miles an hour, that's outrageous. 1606 01:13:14,090 --> 01:13:15,690 That's crazy. 1607 01:13:15,758 --> 01:13:18,326 - But remember, the defense forensic expert was clear 1608 01:13:18,328 --> 01:13:21,763 There was gunshot residue in the young men's car 1609 01:13:21,831 --> 01:13:23,030 And on some of their hands 1610 01:13:23,099 --> 01:13:26,867 Proving they must have fired a gun, must have, 1611 01:13:26,936 --> 01:13:30,505 To which david hollister replied, "nonsense." 1612 01:13:30,507 --> 01:13:33,040 That defense expert must not have been privy 1613 01:13:33,109 --> 01:13:34,642 To all the evidence. 1614 01:13:34,710 --> 01:13:38,312 - The gunshot residue really wasn't gunshot residue. 1615 01:13:38,381 --> 01:13:42,383 Uh, it was elements that could make up gunshot residue. 1616 01:13:42,451 --> 01:13:46,120 Any time a car is hit with that many high velocity rounds 1617 01:13:46,122 --> 01:13:47,722 From-from an ar-15, 1618 01:13:47,724 --> 01:13:49,590 You're gonna expect to see lead. 1619 01:13:49,659 --> 01:13:52,393 - Ahh, yes, but expert versus expert? 1620 01:13:52,461 --> 01:13:55,263 Matter of opinion? How would a jury know? 1621 01:13:55,331 --> 01:13:57,198 What the state needed, was something that would prove 1622 01:13:57,200 --> 01:14:00,335 Beyond a reasonable doubt that chad was lying 1623 01:14:00,403 --> 01:14:03,138 About what happened out there in the night. 1624 01:14:03,206 --> 01:14:08,008 And seemed like maybe they had just exactly that. 1625 01:14:08,077 --> 01:14:09,210 Remember chad's insistence 1626 01:14:09,278 --> 01:14:11,146 That the car came straight at him 1627 01:14:11,214 --> 01:14:13,815 Through the meadow, as if for a final showdown? 1628 01:14:13,883 --> 01:14:15,282 And it looked like they were coming straight at you. 1629 01:14:15,351 --> 01:14:16,551 - Yeah. I mean, yeah. - Like an-- 1630 01:14:16,553 --> 01:14:18,619 Lookin' like an assault. - Right. 1631 01:14:18,688 --> 01:14:19,887 - Looked like they were attacking you. 1632 01:14:19,889 --> 01:14:24,291 - Right. It was just... My... 1633 01:14:24,360 --> 01:14:26,560 My frame of mind was that these people 1634 01:14:26,629 --> 01:14:28,563 Were coming back to shoot at me. 1635 01:14:28,565 --> 01:14:32,033 I had swerved my vehicle out of the way of their vehicle. 1636 01:14:32,035 --> 01:14:33,367 I mean, they were coming straight back at me. 1637 01:14:33,436 --> 01:14:36,437 We were nose-to-nose. 1638 01:14:36,439 --> 01:14:39,106 - But, as the prosecutor told the jury, 1639 01:14:39,175 --> 01:14:42,776 Evidence found in the meadow told a very different story. 1640 01:14:42,845 --> 01:14:45,246 The detectives took us there to show us. 1641 01:14:45,248 --> 01:14:47,916 Remember how the young men's car hit a rock, 1642 01:14:47,984 --> 01:14:50,118 Cracked open the oil pan? 1643 01:14:50,186 --> 01:14:53,387 The dripping oil left a distinctive trail. 1644 01:14:53,389 --> 01:14:55,055 - And then we could see the oil 1645 01:14:55,124 --> 01:14:58,260 That had been laid down by rory mcguire's car. 1646 01:14:58,327 --> 01:15:00,128 - Using that trial of oil, 1647 01:15:00,196 --> 01:15:02,663 The prosecutor had an animation created, 1648 01:15:02,732 --> 01:15:06,667 Which showed the car was not heading toward chad's truck 1649 01:15:06,736 --> 01:15:08,802 But instead was heading around it, 1650 01:15:08,871 --> 01:15:10,604 Away from chad. 1651 01:15:10,673 --> 01:15:12,473 - And where detective hendrickson is standing, 1652 01:15:12,475 --> 01:15:14,875 Is about where they traveled past, 1653 01:15:14,877 --> 01:15:18,145 And then he started shooting at their car. 1654 01:15:18,214 --> 01:15:19,813 - How do they know where the car was 1655 01:15:19,882 --> 01:15:21,282 When it was hit? 1656 01:15:21,350 --> 01:15:23,051 By the shattered glass of its window, 1657 01:15:23,119 --> 01:15:26,087 Some of it still here marking the spot, 1658 01:15:26,089 --> 01:15:28,889 And the glass told the story, too, they said, 1659 01:15:28,891 --> 01:15:31,792 About the true intentions of chad wallin-reed. 1660 01:15:31,861 --> 01:15:34,696 - His shot placement was very, very well-placed. 1661 01:15:34,764 --> 01:15:36,830 It was head height, 1662 01:15:36,899 --> 01:15:39,166 Shooting at the windows of the vehicle. 1663 01:15:39,168 --> 01:15:42,236 One went low into the rear passenger door, 1664 01:15:42,305 --> 01:15:44,238 Which then went into justin smyth's leg, 1665 01:15:44,240 --> 01:15:45,506 But most of the shot placement 1666 01:15:45,575 --> 01:15:47,707 Was all high, head height. 1667 01:15:47,709 --> 01:15:50,911 - "in other words, chad wasn't shooting to disable the car," 1668 01:15:50,980 --> 01:15:52,446 Said the prosecutor. 1669 01:15:52,515 --> 01:15:53,647 "the evidence suggested 1670 01:15:53,716 --> 01:15:55,983 "he was shooting to kill the occupants, 1671 01:15:56,052 --> 01:15:58,854 "even as they were trying to get away." 1672 01:15:58,921 --> 01:16:04,326 - Was the defendant in imminent fear 1673 01:16:04,393 --> 01:16:07,862 Of death or great bodily injury, 1674 01:16:07,864 --> 01:16:14,001 So that he immediately had to use deadly force? 1675 01:16:14,003 --> 01:16:16,470 Unequivocally, the answer is no. 1676 01:16:16,539 --> 01:16:19,140 - So, what attitude, uh, in your mind, did he have 1677 01:16:19,208 --> 01:16:21,742 When the-- when he took out after those kids? 1678 01:16:21,744 --> 01:16:23,877 - The last words he said before he got in the truck 1679 01:16:23,946 --> 01:16:26,680 Was, "I'm gonna go get those sons of bitches." 1680 01:16:26,749 --> 01:16:28,615 And I think he meant it. 1681 01:16:28,685 --> 01:16:31,419 - The prosecutor felt confident. 1682 01:16:31,487 --> 01:16:34,756 But in a town divided over guns and self-protection, 1683 01:16:34,824 --> 01:16:38,226 Who could be sure what the jury would decide? 1684 01:16:38,294 --> 01:16:41,696 This is exactly the kinda case that leads to hung juries. 1685 01:16:41,764 --> 01:16:44,832 - Absolutely. Absolutely, and that's a fear. 1686 01:16:44,900 --> 01:16:47,701 - In that case, chad could walk 1687 01:16:47,770 --> 01:16:50,971 Since little quincy couldn't afford to try him again. 1688 01:16:51,040 --> 01:16:54,041 And then just as the trial came to its end, 1689 01:16:54,110 --> 01:16:56,511 A long sought bit of information 1690 01:16:56,579 --> 01:17:00,714 Finally landed in d.A. Hollister's mailbox. 1691 01:17:00,783 --> 01:17:02,583 Oh, my... 1692 01:17:02,651 --> 01:17:03,917 - I was shocked. 1693 01:17:03,986 --> 01:17:07,589 I don't think there's any other way to put it. 1694 01:17:07,657 --> 01:17:11,659 - Coming up, the twist no one saw coming. 1695 01:17:11,728 --> 01:17:14,461 - It was very clear the defendant had lied 1696 01:17:14,463 --> 01:17:16,331 About something you just don't lie about. 1697 01:17:16,399 --> 01:17:19,000 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1698 01:17:30,212 --> 01:17:33,147 - It's not often that a gift drops in a person's lap, 1699 01:17:33,215 --> 01:17:36,350 Manna from heaven, exactly when it's most needed, 1700 01:17:36,419 --> 01:17:37,619 Which, in this case, 1701 01:17:37,687 --> 01:17:39,220 Just as the trial was wrapping up, 1702 01:17:39,288 --> 01:17:42,223 Was a carefully sealed official looking package 1703 01:17:42,291 --> 01:17:45,393 Addressed to plumas county d.A. David hollister. 1704 01:17:45,461 --> 01:17:48,296 - Candidly, I give credit to the detectives. 1705 01:17:48,364 --> 01:17:51,298 - He'd asked them to track down 1706 01:17:51,300 --> 01:17:53,834 Chad wallin-reed's military records, 1707 01:17:53,836 --> 01:17:55,970 Just to confirm his background. 1708 01:17:55,972 --> 01:17:58,439 - It was something that we simply felt like 1709 01:17:58,507 --> 01:18:00,641 We had to follow through on. 1710 01:18:00,643 --> 01:18:03,377 - Remember, throughout chad's interview with police, 1711 01:18:03,446 --> 01:18:06,413 He talked again and again about his army career. 1712 01:18:12,788 --> 01:18:14,855 - Implying that what he did in that meadow 1713 01:18:14,924 --> 01:18:18,026 He had first done under enemy fire overseas. 1714 01:18:25,334 --> 01:18:28,703 - Maybe even that he'd been having some sort of flashback. 1715 01:18:36,145 --> 01:18:37,411 - It took nine months, 1716 01:18:37,480 --> 01:18:40,514 Many of them ensnarled in military red tape, 1717 01:18:40,516 --> 01:18:43,018 But now here were the records, 1718 01:18:43,085 --> 01:18:47,087 And what they revealed was nothing short of shocking. 1719 01:18:47,089 --> 01:18:51,625 In here was conformation that chad was in the army all right, 1720 01:18:51,694 --> 01:18:54,229 But that's about all that was true. 1721 01:18:54,296 --> 01:18:55,963 - He was not a ranger. 1722 01:18:56,032 --> 01:18:57,631 He had not fulfilled his commitment. 1723 01:18:57,700 --> 01:18:59,099 He had not served overseas. 1724 01:18:59,168 --> 01:19:00,701 He had not been in combat overseas. 1725 01:19:00,703 --> 01:19:03,103 He had not killed people on the other side of the world. 1726 01:19:03,172 --> 01:19:04,906 He had not done any of those things. 1727 01:19:04,974 --> 01:19:08,743 - In fact, the army asked chad to leave. 1728 01:19:08,811 --> 01:19:11,680 Discharged him for forging sick leave papers 1729 01:19:11,747 --> 01:19:14,648 And bringing a personal firearm into the barracks. 1730 01:19:14,717 --> 01:19:17,384 And this was perhaps the worst-- 1731 01:19:17,453 --> 01:19:21,588 For wearing a combat infantry badge and a ranger tab 1732 01:19:21,657 --> 01:19:24,259 And other such badges, when all of those things, 1733 01:19:24,326 --> 01:19:25,793 Which the jury had been made to believe 1734 01:19:25,861 --> 01:19:27,328 About chad's military service 1735 01:19:27,396 --> 01:19:30,197 Based on his own statements to police, 1736 01:19:30,266 --> 01:19:32,000 Were all lies. 1737 01:19:32,067 --> 01:19:36,137 - It was very clear the defendant had lied 1738 01:19:36,205 --> 01:19:37,871 About something you just don't lie about. 1739 01:19:37,940 --> 01:19:40,275 - Sure. And if he's gonna lie about that... 1740 01:19:40,342 --> 01:19:41,675 - Absolutely. 1741 01:19:41,677 --> 01:19:44,411 His talk about, "I only fired three shots, 1742 01:19:44,480 --> 01:19:48,148 I used the pistol," all these other lies added up. 1743 01:19:48,217 --> 01:19:51,418 - "the liar," said hollister, "who shot those young men 1744 01:19:51,487 --> 01:19:54,288 "out of anger, pure and simple." 1745 01:19:54,357 --> 01:19:58,559 - You don't get to chase a person down and kill 'em. 1746 01:19:58,627 --> 01:20:00,494 That's not self-defense. 1747 01:20:00,496 --> 01:20:04,231 - But defense attorneys stuck to the heart of their case. 1748 01:20:04,233 --> 01:20:06,301 "it was," said john ohlson's partner 1749 01:20:06,368 --> 01:20:07,901 In his closing argument, 1750 01:20:07,970 --> 01:20:10,304 "a clear case of self-defense." 1751 01:20:10,373 --> 01:20:14,842 - He was placed in reasonable fear of imminent danger 1752 01:20:14,844 --> 01:20:17,044 Or death by the actions of the occupants 1753 01:20:17,112 --> 01:20:18,980 Of the mcguire vehicle 1754 01:20:19,048 --> 01:20:21,715 On the road when they were shooting at him 1755 01:20:21,717 --> 01:20:24,518 And then when they turned in the meadow 1756 01:20:24,520 --> 01:20:26,387 And came back at him. 1757 01:20:26,389 --> 01:20:29,456 - Self-defense or murder? 1758 01:20:29,458 --> 01:20:30,857 To wait for a jury's decision, 1759 01:20:30,927 --> 01:20:34,061 Is a kind of agony for both sides. 1760 01:20:34,130 --> 01:20:37,097 Rory mcguire's dad still struggling 1761 01:20:37,099 --> 01:20:39,534 With an inexpressible anger. 1762 01:20:39,602 --> 01:20:41,869 - The justice system can't give him 1763 01:20:41,871 --> 01:20:45,873 What I feel he has coming. And... 1764 01:20:45,875 --> 01:20:50,478 No amount of jail time will-will fix it. 1765 01:20:50,546 --> 01:20:54,282 - Those sweet, sad, innocent little kids... 1766 01:20:54,349 --> 01:20:57,284 - I like that he is always funny 1767 01:20:57,353 --> 01:21:00,754 And, um, uh, he's always loving. 1768 01:21:00,823 --> 01:21:05,292 He protects us a lot and-- - okay. 1769 01:21:05,361 --> 01:21:06,560 And you miss him. 1770 01:21:06,629 --> 01:21:07,628 - Yeah. - Yeah. 1771 01:21:07,696 --> 01:21:11,566 That part is pretty obvious. 1772 01:21:11,634 --> 01:21:14,968 Before the jury even got the case, chad's wife, kerri, 1773 01:21:15,037 --> 01:21:18,305 Told us she already knew what the outcome would be. 1774 01:21:18,374 --> 01:21:19,439 I mean, in your heart of hearts, 1775 01:21:19,508 --> 01:21:22,109 Do you think the jury will say, "not guilty?" 1776 01:21:22,178 --> 01:21:23,178 - I know that the lord has told me 1777 01:21:23,245 --> 01:21:25,245 That chad will be home. 1778 01:21:25,247 --> 01:21:28,315 - But then any other thought? 1779 01:21:28,317 --> 01:21:32,120 - Can I imagine him being away from us for-- no. 1780 01:21:32,187 --> 01:21:33,988 No. It hurts. 1781 01:21:34,056 --> 01:21:38,525 It-- that-that-that thought, those words, hurt my heart. 1782 01:21:38,595 --> 01:21:42,062 - Surprising then when kerri heard what chad told us 1783 01:21:42,131 --> 01:21:44,532 When we interviewed him before the trial. 1784 01:21:44,600 --> 01:21:45,799 What do you think? 1785 01:21:45,868 --> 01:21:48,670 Are you going to be, uh, acquitted? 1786 01:21:48,737 --> 01:21:53,340 - No. - No? 1787 01:21:53,409 --> 01:21:57,078 - I'll end up spending the rest of my life in prison. 1788 01:21:57,146 --> 01:21:59,346 - You believe that? - Absolutely. 1789 01:21:59,415 --> 01:22:06,620 - Why? - I think that, uh... 1790 01:22:06,689 --> 01:22:08,222 [sighs] I don't-- 1791 01:22:08,224 --> 01:22:10,891 My faith in the legal system 1792 01:22:10,959 --> 01:22:13,360 Has seriously been shaken. 1793 01:22:13,429 --> 01:22:14,895 I think the majority of the people 1794 01:22:14,897 --> 01:22:18,566 Have a negative opinion about me. 1795 01:22:18,634 --> 01:22:21,568 - Of course, no one could know the way the jury would go, 1796 01:22:21,637 --> 01:22:24,971 Especially in a town divided like quincy. 1797 01:22:25,041 --> 01:22:26,440 - You're holding your breath the whole time, 1798 01:22:26,509 --> 01:22:29,176 Whether it's your-your first trial or your 50th. 1799 01:22:29,178 --> 01:22:31,712 - They didn't have to hold their breath very long, 1800 01:22:31,780 --> 01:22:33,180 Less than a day. 1801 01:22:33,248 --> 01:22:36,383 - We, the jury, in the above entitled cause, 1802 01:22:36,385 --> 01:22:37,584 Find the defendant, 1803 01:22:37,653 --> 01:22:41,922 Gregory chad wallin-reed, guilty of a felony 1804 01:22:41,991 --> 01:22:46,594 To whit murder first degree of rory mcguire. 1805 01:22:46,662 --> 01:22:49,262 - Guilty of first degree murder. 1806 01:22:49,331 --> 01:22:51,666 Out of the cameras reach in the gallery, 1807 01:22:51,734 --> 01:22:54,001 Rory's mom began sobbing, 1808 01:22:54,069 --> 01:22:56,603 Two years of pent up heartbreak. 1809 01:22:56,672 --> 01:22:59,606 - I knew we couldn't fix what had happened, 1810 01:22:59,608 --> 01:23:03,810 But maybe we give her just a little sense of justice. 1811 01:23:03,879 --> 01:23:06,280 - I'll never have a friend like that again 1812 01:23:06,282 --> 01:23:08,148 Or somebody I considered a brother. 1813 01:23:08,150 --> 01:23:09,950 - That's a sweet picture. 1814 01:23:10,019 --> 01:23:11,752 - Lewis told us it's his duty now 1815 01:23:11,820 --> 01:23:16,156 To keep rory's memory alive for himself and for carol, 1816 01:23:16,225 --> 01:23:18,025 Who is in his life now for good. 1817 01:23:18,027 --> 01:23:19,426 - This might be the last. Yeah. 1818 01:23:19,495 --> 01:23:21,962 - I love carol, and I-I think she-she loves me back. 1819 01:23:22,031 --> 01:23:23,497 There's always a place for me in her home, 1820 01:23:23,565 --> 01:23:25,298 And we can't stop talkin' about him. 1821 01:23:25,367 --> 01:23:27,901 She's happy that I was a front row seat 1822 01:23:27,970 --> 01:23:29,035 To rory's life, 1823 01:23:29,105 --> 01:23:30,837 And I'm able to tell her about it. 1824 01:23:30,839 --> 01:23:33,874 - At his sentencing hearing, chad addressed rory's family. 1825 01:23:44,987 --> 01:23:47,320 - We had already asked kerri what she would do 1826 01:23:47,389 --> 01:23:49,523 Without her chad, if she had to, 1827 01:23:49,525 --> 01:23:53,660 And now his sentence, 84 years to life. 1828 01:23:53,730 --> 01:23:58,332 You know, I mean, there are, god knows, countless families 1829 01:23:58,334 --> 01:24:00,667 Of people who are in prison who wait, and wait, and wait, 1830 01:24:00,736 --> 01:24:02,370 And then, it's, oh, I can't wait anymore, 1831 01:24:02,438 --> 01:24:03,603 And they have to go on with their lives, 1832 01:24:03,672 --> 01:24:05,672 And they kinda make a new plan. 1833 01:24:05,674 --> 01:24:06,673 Would you ever think about doing that? 1834 01:24:06,742 --> 01:24:09,076 - No. - Not a chance. 1835 01:24:09,145 --> 01:24:10,144 - No. 1836 01:24:10,212 --> 01:24:11,678 - Why is it so important to you? 1837 01:24:11,747 --> 01:24:13,680 - 'cause he's my husband. 1838 01:24:13,749 --> 01:24:17,818 He's my soulmate, the love of my life. 1839 01:24:20,623 --> 01:24:21,955 - Their little cabin, 1840 01:24:22,024 --> 01:24:26,893 That piece of paradise, was sold to pay legal bills. 1841 01:24:26,962 --> 01:24:29,296 - We have fond memories. 1842 01:24:29,298 --> 01:24:31,565 We do. 1843 01:24:31,633 --> 01:24:37,238 And now, there's-there's no good memories to be had, 1844 01:24:37,306 --> 01:24:41,041 But we can hold onto the ones that we have. 1845 01:24:41,110 --> 01:24:43,310 - And 7.6 miles away, 1846 01:24:43,378 --> 01:24:47,314 Out there in the mountains, snow blanketed the meadow, 1847 01:24:47,382 --> 01:24:49,850 Hiding the only remnants of what happened, 1848 01:24:49,852 --> 01:24:51,852 A few shards of glass, 1849 01:24:51,854 --> 01:24:53,854 And a little rock to mark the spot 1850 01:24:53,922 --> 01:24:57,858 Where a young man with so much potential was wasted. 1851 01:25:00,863 --> 01:25:04,599 - Part of me feels that rory is fine. 1852 01:25:04,666 --> 01:25:06,466 - Why do you say, "rory is fine?" 1853 01:25:06,535 --> 01:25:08,201 - He's not in the meadow, 1854 01:25:08,270 --> 01:25:09,803 And he's not in that hospital bed, 1855 01:25:09,872 --> 01:25:11,271 And he's not on that road 1856 01:25:11,340 --> 01:25:13,540 Trying to get away from the shooter. 1857 01:25:13,609 --> 01:25:17,611 He's not afraid anymore. 1858 01:25:17,613 --> 01:25:21,081 So, he's-he's fine. 1859 01:25:22,951 --> 01:25:24,084 - That's all for this edition 1860 01:25:24,153 --> 01:25:26,286 Of "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 1861 01:25:26,355 --> 01:25:30,991 I'm kate snow. Thank you for watching.