1 00:00:09,993 --> 00:00:13,420 (thunder rumbling) 2 00:00:13,514 --> 00:00:15,514 Reporter: Police say this 27-year-old man was killed 3 00:00:15,741 --> 00:00:18,350 Sometime between 2:00 and 6:30 this morning. 4 00:00:18,577 --> 00:00:20,352 When his bloodied body was discovered, 5 00:00:20,504 --> 00:00:22,021 The door to room 42 was wide open. 6 00:00:26,769 --> 00:00:29,010 Tonight, police want to know more about the woman 7 00:00:29,104 --> 00:00:33,181 Who checked into this motel with the man found murdered. 8 00:00:33,200 --> 00:00:36,593 Michelle ashley: My friend keith came in town to see me. 9 00:00:36,612 --> 00:00:38,537 I was excited because I hadn't seen him in a while. 10 00:00:40,041 --> 00:00:43,283 We went to a hotel for a couple hours, 11 00:00:43,377 --> 00:00:46,045 And that's when four guys rushed into the room. 12 00:00:47,623 --> 00:00:48,881 That was when keith got shot. 13 00:00:53,462 --> 00:00:56,037 Robert harris: The state's theory is that michelle is the mastermind, 14 00:00:56,131 --> 00:00:58,632 That she set it all up. 15 00:00:58,784 --> 00:01:02,061 If they do achieve a conviction for felony murder, she will die in prison. 16 00:01:06,734 --> 00:01:08,233 I feel like I'm the scapegoat. 17 00:01:09,719 --> 00:01:12,571 They are painting me as a monster. 18 00:01:12,722 --> 00:01:17,150 It's not about the truth and who actually committed this murder, 19 00:01:17,303 --> 00:01:21,205 But it's about who can we pin this on to close this case? 20 00:01:37,339 --> 00:01:39,506 Harris: My name is rob harris. 21 00:01:39,658 --> 00:01:41,266 I represent michelle ashley on a charge of first-degree murder. 22 00:01:46,089 --> 00:01:49,666 This is a crime that occurred in 1997. 23 00:01:49,685 --> 00:01:51,735 Uh, so it is a cold case by definition. 24 00:01:52,780 --> 00:01:55,505 This case has been reopened 25 00:01:55,524 --> 00:01:58,867 Because after 25 years, new evidence has come forward against michelle ashley. 26 00:02:03,365 --> 00:02:05,457 Harris: Back in July 1997, 27 00:02:05,609 --> 00:02:08,535 Michelle was working as a stripper at the lookers nightclub. 28 00:02:08,687 --> 00:02:10,687 An old friend of michelle's, keith jones, 29 00:02:10,706 --> 00:02:12,131 Came into town to visit her that night. 30 00:02:12,282 --> 00:02:14,800 Apparently, he was flush with cash. 31 00:02:15,027 --> 00:02:19,805 They made arrangements to go to the tides motel to catch up, to kinda hang out, 32 00:02:19,956 --> 00:02:23,308 And afterwards michelle goes back to the club. 33 00:02:23,460 --> 00:02:28,205 It's at that time when keith jones called michelle and asked her to come back. 34 00:02:28,298 --> 00:02:30,540 Michelle got taken back to the hotel 35 00:02:30,559 --> 00:02:32,317 By a couple of people from the club. 36 00:02:33,228 --> 00:02:34,728 Less than an hour later, 37 00:02:34,822 --> 00:02:37,305 Michelle says those two men, along with two other men, 38 00:02:37,399 --> 00:02:41,385 Burst in the room, guns drawn, to rob keith jones. 39 00:02:41,403 --> 00:02:44,979 And keith jones got shot and killed. 40 00:02:44,999 --> 00:02:49,501 They then grabbed michelle, took her out of the hotel room into their car, 41 00:02:49,728 --> 00:02:52,396 And when the men release her, they warn her, 42 00:02:52,489 --> 00:02:55,916 If she talks, they're gonna kill her. 43 00:02:56,068 --> 00:02:59,661 Despite that, the very same day she called the police, 44 00:02:59,680 --> 00:03:02,472 And told them that she had information about this homicide. 45 00:03:04,018 --> 00:03:07,093 They listened to her and they believed her. 46 00:03:07,246 --> 00:03:10,022 However, the case was dropped for lack of evidence. 47 00:03:11,600 --> 00:03:13,025 It became a cold case. 48 00:03:22,703 --> 00:03:24,594 Detectives went out into the streets, 49 00:03:24,688 --> 00:03:26,780 They let it be known that they were looking for information 50 00:03:26,874 --> 00:03:29,023 About michelle ashley. 51 00:03:29,043 --> 00:03:31,359 She was now a target. 52 00:03:31,378 --> 00:03:35,622 New evidence and new witnesses have come forward against michelle. 53 00:03:35,716 --> 00:03:37,865 We haven't received all the discovery yet, 54 00:03:37,885 --> 00:03:42,946 But we know that they believe it's enough to charge her with first-degree murder. 55 00:03:42,965 --> 00:03:45,949 The state does not believe that michelle ashley pulled the trigger, 56 00:03:45,968 --> 00:03:47,875 But it doesn't matter. 57 00:03:47,895 --> 00:03:51,379 Their theory is that michelle is the mastermind behind this robbery, 58 00:03:51,473 --> 00:03:53,790 That she set it all up. 59 00:03:53,809 --> 00:03:56,735 And in florida, like many other jurisdictions, there's the felony murder rule. 60 00:03:56,962 --> 00:04:00,405 If you're committing a felony, such as a robbery or a drug sale, 61 00:04:00,557 --> 00:04:03,242 And someone gets killed during that felony, 62 00:04:03,393 --> 00:04:05,560 You're liable for first-degree murder 63 00:04:05,579 --> 00:04:09,473 Because it was foreseeable that violence and death would occur. 64 00:04:09,491 --> 00:04:13,043 If they do achieve a conviction for felony murder, she will die in prison. 65 00:04:14,646 --> 00:04:16,755 I believe that the state of florida 66 00:04:16,982 --> 00:04:20,984 Is trying to prosecute an innocent witness and victim with a charge of murder 67 00:04:21,003 --> 00:04:23,679 When the actual killers are still roaming the streets free. 68 00:04:46,862 --> 00:04:49,679 Ashley: Everything changed when I was arrested for murder. 69 00:04:49,773 --> 00:04:53,083 It has affected my life drastically. 70 00:04:54,795 --> 00:04:58,038 I sat in jail for a year away from my family. 71 00:04:58,132 --> 00:05:02,801 I lost my good job. I lost my vehicle. I lost my home. 72 00:05:04,287 --> 00:05:06,638 It has changed my life completely. 73 00:05:09,143 --> 00:05:10,767 I feel like I'm the scapegoat. 74 00:05:12,796 --> 00:05:17,223 It's not about the truth and who actually committed this murder, 75 00:05:17,376 --> 00:05:21,320 But it's about who can we pin this on to close this case? 76 00:05:22,323 --> 00:05:24,714 I think that they judged me 77 00:05:24,733 --> 00:05:28,068 Because I was a dancer back then. 78 00:05:28,220 --> 00:05:34,057 I was only a dancer for three weeks. I was young and I was naive. 79 00:05:34,076 --> 00:05:37,911 People should judge me on who I really am, I'm a mother. 80 00:05:38,063 --> 00:05:41,089 They made such a big deal about me being a stripper. 81 00:05:42,901 --> 00:05:46,845 It's such a minor part of my 43 years of life. 82 00:05:57,933 --> 00:06:02,027 I had known keith for a little over five years. 83 00:06:02,178 --> 00:06:06,940 We met through his sister and we just clicked and became very good friends. 84 00:06:07,034 --> 00:06:12,704 So to accuse me of something like that, it's horrendous. 85 00:06:12,931 --> 00:06:15,874 I have been to church with that family, 86 00:06:16,101 --> 00:06:20,045 I have eaten dinner with that family. 87 00:06:20,196 --> 00:06:22,631 My worst fear is that people think I'm a monster. 88 00:06:23,792 --> 00:06:26,534 And then I have to worry about this case. 89 00:06:26,553 --> 00:06:31,223 You know, am I going to prison for something I did not do? 90 00:06:32,300 --> 00:06:33,308 You know, um... 91 00:06:36,063 --> 00:06:37,521 It's just... It's a lot. 92 00:06:51,486 --> 00:06:54,729 So today I'm going to meet michelle ashley. 93 00:06:54,748 --> 00:06:58,825 She is charged with first-degree felony murder, so she's in big trouble. 94 00:06:58,919 --> 00:06:59,993 (doorbell chimes) 95 00:07:00,087 --> 00:07:01,903 The stakes are huge. 96 00:07:01,997 --> 00:07:05,173 Her version of the events is what our defense is going to be. 97 00:07:06,818 --> 00:07:08,593 Her whole life depends on her story. 98 00:07:11,990 --> 00:07:15,917 So you're charged with first-degree felony murder, punishable by life in prison. 99 00:07:15,936 --> 00:07:17,752 It's obviously vitally important 100 00:07:17,771 --> 00:07:19,253 -That we get ahead of this. -Ashley: Hmm. 101 00:07:19,273 --> 00:07:21,998 So why don't we start out by you giving me just an overview 102 00:07:22,091 --> 00:07:23,775 Of what happened that day. 103 00:07:23,927 --> 00:07:27,170 I was working at a local strip club, lookers, 104 00:07:27,189 --> 00:07:30,507 And my friend keith came in town to see me. 105 00:07:30,600 --> 00:07:32,433 I hadn't seen him for a long time. 106 00:07:32,527 --> 00:07:34,027 How did you know keith? 107 00:07:34,121 --> 00:07:37,939 I met him through his sister who was a friend of mine. 108 00:07:37,958 --> 00:07:39,791 He was a good friend to me. 109 00:07:39,943 --> 00:07:42,443 He was somebody that I could talk to 110 00:07:42,537 --> 00:07:44,129 And he was a good person. 111 00:07:45,466 --> 00:07:48,115 He was getting dances from me 112 00:07:48,135 --> 00:07:53,287 And he wanted to go to a hotel for a couple hours. 113 00:07:53,307 --> 00:07:58,125 We talked a little, we had sex and I went back to the club. 114 00:07:58,145 --> 00:08:01,204 Later, keith called and asked me to come back again. 115 00:08:01,297 --> 00:08:02,889 How did you get back to the hotel? 116 00:08:02,983 --> 00:08:05,633 Jamal. A friend of mine from the club gave me a ride. 117 00:08:05,652 --> 00:08:07,468 And what'd you do when you were in the room? 118 00:08:07,562 --> 00:08:12,882 Uh, we were talking. Time had passed and I was gonna leave. 119 00:08:12,901 --> 00:08:15,118 We were waiting on the cab, and that's when 120 00:08:16,571 --> 00:08:18,980 The four guys rushed into the room. 121 00:08:19,074 --> 00:08:20,724 Did you know any of these guys? 122 00:08:20,742 --> 00:08:25,395 Two of them I knew from the club. Rich and jamal. 123 00:08:25,488 --> 00:08:27,488 -Did you know the other guys? -No. 124 00:08:27,582 --> 00:08:29,508 So, did you know jamal well? 125 00:08:32,179 --> 00:08:36,239 Jamal was a guy that I was seeing for a couple of weeks. 126 00:08:36,332 --> 00:08:37,933 We slept together a couple of times. 127 00:08:39,761 --> 00:08:40,644 (sighs heavily) 128 00:08:42,689 --> 00:08:45,598 So you were sleeping with one of the men who burst in the room? 129 00:08:45,751 --> 00:08:46,525 Yes. 130 00:08:47,936 --> 00:08:50,678 Okay. Well, that's not good. 131 00:08:50,772 --> 00:08:54,924 Clearly, this gives the state a theory here, right? 132 00:08:54,943 --> 00:08:57,594 That you were romantically involved with one of the men 133 00:08:57,612 --> 00:08:58,945 And they're gonna say that you were in league with him. 134 00:08:59,039 --> 00:09:00,187 Right. 135 00:09:00,207 --> 00:09:02,766 Okay. And then what happened? 136 00:09:02,859 --> 00:09:07,045 They were, like, going through our things, arguing with keith. 137 00:09:07,272 --> 00:09:10,698 The big guy, I think his name is geronimo. 138 00:09:10,717 --> 00:09:12,625 I didn't know him at the time. 139 00:09:12,719 --> 00:09:16,012 He kind of grabbed me and pushed me against a wall. 140 00:09:17,115 --> 00:09:20,225 And then I heard the... 141 00:09:20,452 --> 00:09:24,287 It was not like a shot, it was like a knock. 142 00:09:24,306 --> 00:09:25,689 And I guess that was when they shot him. 143 00:09:28,217 --> 00:09:31,978 After that, the big guy snatched me. 144 00:09:32,072 --> 00:09:33,646 They all jumped in a car 145 00:09:33,740 --> 00:09:36,132 And the big guy just put me in a car with them. 146 00:09:36,151 --> 00:09:38,802 I remember just thinking I was gonna die. 147 00:09:38,820 --> 00:09:40,412 I was thinking they were gonna hurt me. 148 00:09:42,474 --> 00:09:44,231 They told me not to tell anybody, 149 00:09:44,251 --> 00:09:46,400 And I, of course, said okay. 150 00:09:46,420 --> 00:09:49,329 Immediately, when I came home, 151 00:09:49,481 --> 00:09:53,983 I saw the news and that's when I knew that he was dead. 152 00:09:54,077 --> 00:09:55,985 At that point, I called the police 153 00:09:56,004 --> 00:09:59,014 And I did tell them who the guys were that were involved. 154 00:09:59,600 --> 00:10:00,990 Okay. 155 00:10:01,009 --> 00:10:03,918 I was cooperative with the detectives. 156 00:10:03,937 --> 00:10:07,330 Um, they treated me like a victim. 157 00:10:07,349 --> 00:10:09,332 They were acting like you were someone 158 00:10:09,351 --> 00:10:10,850 Who could help them solve this crime. 159 00:10:10,944 --> 00:10:12,944 -Correct. -Okay. 160 00:10:22,122 --> 00:10:24,013 Fast forward to 2019. 161 00:10:24,032 --> 00:10:26,366 There is no new evidence against the four men. 162 00:10:26,460 --> 00:10:29,869 They weren't prosecuted in 1997 for lack of evidence. 163 00:10:29,963 --> 00:10:32,872 They aren't being prosecuted now because of the same problem. 164 00:10:33,024 --> 00:10:36,450 However, new witnesses have come forward. 165 00:10:36,470 --> 00:10:40,121 People claiming you're the mastermind or planned the robbery. 166 00:10:40,140 --> 00:10:43,791 So the state's trying to make it look like you organized this. 167 00:10:43,885 --> 00:10:46,311 Did you organize this? Did you plan this in any way? 168 00:10:46,538 --> 00:10:47,704 No. 169 00:10:47,722 --> 00:10:49,389 Although, we're just delving into it, 170 00:10:49,483 --> 00:10:53,652 There's one thing I know, and that's that I believe you. 171 00:10:53,803 --> 00:10:57,046 I do believe in michelle. I mean, I believe everything she's saying, 172 00:10:57,065 --> 00:10:58,990 But one of our hurdles of course, 173 00:10:59,142 --> 00:11:01,475 Is that michelle was actually having a sexual relationship 174 00:11:01,569 --> 00:11:04,570 With one of the men she accuses of being the real killers. 175 00:11:04,665 --> 00:11:07,056 That obviously is the state's theory here. 176 00:11:07,075 --> 00:11:10,001 She had these relationships, she was at the club, she was in the hotel, 177 00:11:10,153 --> 00:11:13,413 She was in the room when keith was killed. 178 00:11:13,565 --> 00:11:16,323 And I'm very concerned that the jury will hold her accountable 179 00:11:16,418 --> 00:11:18,584 Just because there's a dead man 180 00:11:18,737 --> 00:11:19,844 And they want to see someone pay a price. 181 00:11:30,857 --> 00:11:32,982 Ashley: That looks like a beyonce move right there. 182 00:11:33,935 --> 00:11:35,860 (laughs heartily) 183 00:11:47,023 --> 00:11:48,022 Oh! (exclaiming in pain) 184 00:11:48,041 --> 00:11:49,666 (all laughing) 185 00:11:51,770 --> 00:11:53,360 Ashley: We're at my mother's house, 186 00:11:53,380 --> 00:11:55,714 And usually on the weekends we just kinda hang out. 187 00:12:04,558 --> 00:12:06,391 Okay, so are you gonna show me the new cheers? 188 00:12:07,043 --> 00:12:08,727 Teetee: Okay. 189 00:12:08,954 --> 00:12:13,398 Teetee's growing up super-fast. Too fast. 190 00:12:13,549 --> 00:12:17,068 -That's about the only part I could do! -(both laugh) 191 00:12:17,220 --> 00:12:19,738 Ashley: It's funny to see the difference that a year can make. 192 00:12:21,800 --> 00:12:23,742 Oh, you made that up? I like it. 193 00:12:26,972 --> 00:12:29,489 When I see her, I see a young lady. 194 00:12:29,641 --> 00:12:33,493 You know, when I left, she was a little girl. 195 00:12:33,645 --> 00:12:36,755 Being away from me, in some ways, she had to grow up. 196 00:12:38,166 --> 00:12:40,333 She cleans up now. 197 00:12:40,485 --> 00:12:43,744 You know, I was still cleaning her room before I went to jail. 198 00:12:43,764 --> 00:12:47,414 It makes me happy to see that, but it also makes me sad. 199 00:12:47,509 --> 00:12:52,178 (voice shaking) because I missed certain parts of that. 200 00:12:52,330 --> 00:12:54,105 So that that part makes me sad, 201 00:12:54,257 --> 00:12:58,443 But seeing who she's turning out to be makes me happy. 202 00:13:01,689 --> 00:13:04,783 It is still fun that I do get to see her on the weekends. 203 00:13:04,934 --> 00:13:06,618 Even though it may not be every day, 204 00:13:06,845 --> 00:13:10,437 I still enjoy the times I have with her 205 00:13:10,457 --> 00:13:12,957 Because you never know what's gonna happen. 206 00:13:16,521 --> 00:13:18,538 Ashley: Teetee is very aware of the situation. 207 00:13:18,632 --> 00:13:20,857 (laughing) 208 00:13:20,950 --> 00:13:25,361 I talked to her about what we're going to do, you know, if all goes well, 209 00:13:25,454 --> 00:13:27,138 But I also talked to her about 210 00:13:27,365 --> 00:13:30,383 What I want her to do if it doesn't. 211 00:13:30,477 --> 00:13:33,719 (singing indistinctly) 212 00:13:33,872 --> 00:13:37,040 Before my trial, my mother and I will be going. 213 00:13:37,058 --> 00:13:40,944 I will be signing full custody of teetee over to her. 214 00:13:42,138 --> 00:13:43,655 -Out of breath. -(both laugh) 215 00:13:46,142 --> 00:13:51,162 That hurts, you know, because I want her with me every day. 216 00:13:51,314 --> 00:13:53,832 I want her with me always. 217 00:14:07,572 --> 00:14:08,738 Harris: Michelle's coming in today. 218 00:14:08,831 --> 00:14:11,182 We're gonna talk about the detectives 219 00:14:11,409 --> 00:14:13,518 That investigated this case in 1997. 220 00:14:23,512 --> 00:14:25,755 Detective lawson made a determination 221 00:14:25,773 --> 00:14:28,424 That he did not think michelle was involved in this 222 00:14:28,517 --> 00:14:30,869 And that she was a witness. 223 00:14:31,096 --> 00:14:33,204 And detective lewis went along with that decision and agreed with it. 224 00:14:41,122 --> 00:14:45,458 So what's changed from 1997 to now in terms of the two detectives 225 00:14:45,610 --> 00:14:49,870 Is that detective lewis, when I took his deposition recently, 226 00:14:49,964 --> 00:14:51,723 He said something to the effect that he believed 227 00:14:51,950 --> 00:14:55,451 That she was complicit from the get go. 228 00:14:55,470 --> 00:14:58,062 I think there's a couple of different reasons that are possible. 229 00:14:58,214 --> 00:15:00,623 You know, he just wants to be on the prosecution team. 230 00:15:00,642 --> 00:15:03,401 He wants justice for whatever he thinks is justice. 231 00:15:03,628 --> 00:15:05,311 What's so striking about it is that 232 00:15:05,463 --> 00:15:08,464 He had every opportunity for 20-something years 233 00:15:08,483 --> 00:15:11,968 To make that opinion known in the official channel. 234 00:15:11,986 --> 00:15:13,894 He didn't do any such thing. 235 00:15:13,988 --> 00:15:17,248 He didn't write any report or statement for 20-something years. 236 00:15:18,734 --> 00:15:20,919 -Hi, rob. -Oh, hi, michelle. 237 00:15:23,590 --> 00:15:26,073 Detective lawson was the lead detective. 238 00:15:26,167 --> 00:15:27,741 -Correct. -Right? 239 00:15:27,761 --> 00:15:29,761 -He didn't want you arrested. Point blank. -Correct. 240 00:15:31,990 --> 00:15:35,433 Now, detective lewis, on the other hand... 241 00:15:35,660 --> 00:15:37,493 We did a deposition on detective lewis. 242 00:15:37,586 --> 00:15:42,089 Lewis says there was a conversation before the recorded statement 243 00:15:42,183 --> 00:15:46,110 Where he says he believed you to be guilty the entire time. 244 00:15:46,337 --> 00:15:48,354 Detective lewis never wrote any sort of report. 245 00:15:48,506 --> 00:15:50,764 Not even a statement, not even a paragraph. 246 00:15:50,784 --> 00:15:55,119 He's going purely by his memory, which is dangerous. 247 00:15:56,605 --> 00:16:00,866 What bothers me about it is, um, 248 00:16:01,019 --> 00:16:04,537 The fact that he says he always thought I had something to do with it. 249 00:16:04,689 --> 00:16:06,113 Yeah. 250 00:16:06,132 --> 00:16:11,118 If you thought that, why would you not do your job? 251 00:16:11,137 --> 00:16:15,122 I mean, what kind of detective takes a lengthy conversation from an eyewitness to a murder 252 00:16:15,141 --> 00:16:18,201 And doesn't write a darn thing? Doesn't write a note. 253 00:16:18,219 --> 00:16:22,371 The problem is that I asked him exactly what you said, he never really told me. 254 00:16:22,390 --> 00:16:25,299 -He kinda went around the bush. -Right. 255 00:16:25,318 --> 00:16:30,655 He's gonna come to court and testify to an interview that he has no recording of, 256 00:16:30,806 --> 00:16:33,307 That he has no written statement of, 257 00:16:33,326 --> 00:16:36,052 And he's just gonna make up what you said. 258 00:16:36,145 --> 00:16:38,721 -Right. -What ridiculousness is that? 259 00:16:38,814 --> 00:16:40,832 I made a motion to the judge. 260 00:16:41,059 --> 00:16:42,834 I said, "I don't think he should be able to testify to any of that statement." 261 00:16:42,985 --> 00:16:47,246 You know, the court cautioned detective lewis not to testify, 262 00:16:47,398 --> 00:16:49,507 Or cautioned the state to tell detective lewis not to testify 263 00:16:49,734 --> 00:16:52,510 -To any opinions or inferences. -Right. 264 00:16:52,737 --> 00:16:56,180 It has to be straight what you said. 265 00:16:56,332 --> 00:17:00,243 In discussing detective lewis, he's got a whole window where he says 266 00:17:00,336 --> 00:17:04,580 He's interviewing michelle off camera, off audio, back in '97. 267 00:17:04,673 --> 00:17:06,673 He can basically say she said anything. 268 00:17:06,768 --> 00:17:08,526 She killed jimmy hoffa. 269 00:17:08,677 --> 00:17:12,088 There's no ability for us to refute what he's saying, 270 00:17:12,181 --> 00:17:14,032 Which could be extremely damaging 271 00:17:14,259 --> 00:17:18,870 Because the whole defense hinges on michelle being an innocent victim in '97. 272 00:17:20,281 --> 00:17:21,330 We've got problems. 273 00:17:40,952 --> 00:17:43,469 We're going to lookers, um, 274 00:17:43,621 --> 00:17:48,048 And what we're gonna do is just kind of survey the area, right? 275 00:17:48,068 --> 00:17:51,477 This is important for me to kind of put it in my mind's eye, 276 00:17:51,629 --> 00:17:52,737 Exactly everything that happened. 277 00:17:54,557 --> 00:17:57,909 This is the story from michelle's point of view. 278 00:17:58,060 --> 00:18:00,078 We've got to corroborate as much as we can 279 00:18:00,305 --> 00:18:01,579 To show that she was telling the truth. 280 00:18:03,416 --> 00:18:04,415 It's right there. 281 00:18:08,830 --> 00:18:11,831 Harris: Okay. So take us back to 1997. 282 00:18:11,983 --> 00:18:13,925 -Did you know keith was going to be there? -Ashley: Yes. 283 00:18:14,076 --> 00:18:17,077 He was, you know, a friend of mine. 284 00:18:17,097 --> 00:18:18,671 -And you immediately saw him at the bar? -Yes. 285 00:18:18,823 --> 00:18:20,172 All right. What's he doing? 286 00:18:20,266 --> 00:18:22,266 Uh, he was sitting there with the drink in his hand. 287 00:18:22,418 --> 00:18:24,327 -He was with me all night. -Okay. 288 00:18:24,345 --> 00:18:27,254 And when you say he was with you just talking, you're hanging out? 289 00:18:27,273 --> 00:18:29,332 -Lap dancing? -Dancing. Yeah. 290 00:18:29,350 --> 00:18:32,335 So he's giving me money. Twenties and hundreds. 291 00:18:32,353 --> 00:18:33,594 Harris: Where's he giving you the money? 292 00:18:33,613 --> 00:18:36,522 Usually I would have a bag in the back 293 00:18:36,674 --> 00:18:40,359 And I would go and unload and come back for more. 294 00:18:40,511 --> 00:18:43,362 Okay. So that may have called some attention to him, right? 295 00:18:43,456 --> 00:18:45,606 -Yes. -Okay. 296 00:18:45,625 --> 00:18:47,516 How many people were in the club that night? What kind of crowd was there? 297 00:18:47,610 --> 00:18:50,628 -Uh, maybe 40. -Forty customers? 298 00:18:50,855 --> 00:18:52,463 -Forty people altogether, yeah. -Total? 299 00:18:52,690 --> 00:18:55,299 So word is that this guy's got some cash. 300 00:18:57,712 --> 00:18:59,303 The prosecution's theory 301 00:18:59,455 --> 00:19:02,365 Is that michelle was the only one that knew keith jones had money. 302 00:19:02,383 --> 00:19:07,036 If someone flashed money, not only would every stripper in the place know about it, 303 00:19:07,054 --> 00:19:09,221 But every customer in the place would know about it. 304 00:19:09,374 --> 00:19:11,315 Therefore, everyone had motive 305 00:19:11,467 --> 00:19:12,892 To commit a robbery against somebody 306 00:19:13,044 --> 00:19:13,818 Flashing that kind of money. 307 00:19:38,236 --> 00:19:40,178 Harris: We found a motel room that resembled 308 00:19:40,329 --> 00:19:44,423 A typical florida motel room from 1997. 309 00:19:44,575 --> 00:19:46,350 -Hello. -Harris: Hi, marie. 310 00:19:46,577 --> 00:19:48,260 It's gonna give me a great advantage 311 00:19:48,413 --> 00:19:53,316 In explaining exactly what michelle was going through to a jury. 312 00:19:54,677 --> 00:19:55,526 Harris: All right. 313 00:19:57,197 --> 00:20:00,606 Okay. Looks like relatively close. 314 00:20:00,758 --> 00:20:02,533 Marie olsen: Yeah, very good. Harris: It's okay. 315 00:20:02,685 --> 00:20:05,110 Harris: So, one thing led to another. Ashley: Yes. 316 00:20:05,263 --> 00:20:08,614 -Harris: Okay. And you guys had sex? -Correct. 317 00:20:08,766 --> 00:20:12,043 We talked for a little bit, and then he took me back to lookers. 318 00:20:22,947 --> 00:20:24,889 -So you got in the car with jamal? -Yes. 319 00:20:25,116 --> 00:20:27,207 -And who else was in the car? -Uh, rich. 320 00:20:27,227 --> 00:20:29,635 -Jamal and rich? -It was jamal and rich. 321 00:20:29,787 --> 00:20:32,063 Anything seem suspicious with these guys in the car at that point? 322 00:20:32,290 --> 00:20:33,789 No. 323 00:20:33,808 --> 00:20:35,958 So let's talk about when you got back here. 324 00:20:35,977 --> 00:20:38,294 You and keith were making out a little bit, having some fun? 325 00:20:38,312 --> 00:20:41,888 -Yes. -And at some point you call a cab? 326 00:20:41,908 --> 00:20:45,225 Twenty minutes after I made the call, 327 00:20:45,245 --> 00:20:46,535 That's when... 328 00:20:48,248 --> 00:20:49,914 (voice shaking) ...We heard the knock at the door. 329 00:20:51,993 --> 00:20:54,377 That's when they rushed in. 330 00:20:56,664 --> 00:20:58,998 Olsen: Who's there first? Who do you see? 331 00:20:59,150 --> 00:21:00,258 I know, take your time. 332 00:21:01,819 --> 00:21:05,096 I want to say, rich with the gun. 333 00:21:06,324 --> 00:21:08,248 Um... 334 00:21:08,268 --> 00:21:14,663 I just remember, like, being pushed into the room. 335 00:21:14,682 --> 00:21:18,425 When I start to scream... This is when this one kind of puts me over here. 336 00:21:18,444 --> 00:21:21,261 -Who's doing this? -The big guy. Geronimo. 337 00:21:21,355 --> 00:21:22,947 He pushes me down here. 338 00:21:24,617 --> 00:21:30,029 I just hear them arguing with keith about the money. 339 00:21:30,181 --> 00:21:34,274 (sobbing) I don't think he would tell them where it was. 340 00:21:34,294 --> 00:21:36,085 I hear them fighting. 341 00:21:37,872 --> 00:21:41,966 And then it was just the... It was a gunshot. 342 00:21:43,544 --> 00:21:45,303 -And that's when he snatches me. -Harris: Who? 343 00:21:45,954 --> 00:21:47,046 The big guy. 344 00:21:47,198 --> 00:21:48,455 -Who was that? -Geronimo. 345 00:21:48,474 --> 00:21:49,865 Do you have anything in your hand? 346 00:21:49,884 --> 00:21:52,793 Where is your bag of stuff here? Your dance bag? 347 00:21:52,812 --> 00:21:54,370 I have no idea. 348 00:21:54,388 --> 00:21:55,871 -Okay. Didn't see it on the way out? -I did not. 349 00:21:55,890 --> 00:21:57,206 Now, your shoe. 350 00:21:57,224 --> 00:21:59,208 -My shoe. -All right. 351 00:21:59,226 --> 00:22:02,486 My speculation is that at that point, one of your shoes came off. 352 00:22:02,638 --> 00:22:06,065 Kind of dragging your feet there. Does that sound right? 353 00:22:06,217 --> 00:22:11,812 To be honest, I didn't give a...About shoes or any of that. 354 00:22:11,831 --> 00:22:14,832 I was worried about what was going on 355 00:22:14,983 --> 00:22:16,500 And if something was gonna happen to me. 356 00:22:21,156 --> 00:22:24,917 Harris: When I see her react like that, it's real. 357 00:22:25,069 --> 00:22:28,237 This is michelle's truth. This is a horrible thing what happened to her. 358 00:22:28,330 --> 00:22:32,091 Michelle ashley leaving her shoe and her purse in this hotel room... 359 00:22:32,243 --> 00:22:34,334 It's really the key to the case. 360 00:22:34,354 --> 00:22:36,169 If this was some sort of concerted effort 361 00:22:36,189 --> 00:22:38,914 To get away with this robbery and murder, 362 00:22:39,007 --> 00:22:41,433 Why wouldn't the men have allowed her time to get her stuff? 363 00:22:41,586 --> 00:22:45,363 What kind of person leaves their shoe at the crime scene? A victim! 364 00:23:05,443 --> 00:23:07,443 We just received discovery from the state 365 00:23:07,536 --> 00:23:09,536 And I'm gonna have my investigator, marie olsen, come in 366 00:23:09,555 --> 00:23:11,514 Because there's a new witness we need to address. 367 00:23:13,876 --> 00:23:18,378 If this witness is compelling, then the jury might convict michelle ashley 368 00:23:18,472 --> 00:23:20,122 Just based on their word. 369 00:23:20,141 --> 00:23:21,732 That means a life sentence. 370 00:23:31,226 --> 00:23:33,485 We're gonna watch the interview of emely bell sanchez now. 371 00:23:33,638 --> 00:23:36,897 She was a friend of michelle's back in 1997. 372 00:23:36,916 --> 00:23:38,824 So let's have a look at this video... 373 00:23:38,976 --> 00:23:41,043 -Olsen: Okay. -...And we'll see what she's got to add to this case. 374 00:24:00,331 --> 00:24:02,273 Harris: Okay, so this is the hard part, right? 375 00:24:02,424 --> 00:24:05,091 That's the state's theory of the case in a nutshell. 376 00:24:05,111 --> 00:24:07,093 If a jury believes what she just said, 377 00:24:07,113 --> 00:24:09,113 Then michelle's guilty of felony murder. 378 00:24:09,264 --> 00:24:10,448 That's what we have to deal with. 379 00:24:10,599 --> 00:24:12,783 If they believe it, michelle's done. 380 00:24:13,861 --> 00:24:14,952 (detective speaking) 381 00:24:21,869 --> 00:24:23,686 Harris: Well, this obviously concerns me. 382 00:24:23,779 --> 00:24:25,463 When people have some emotion behind them, 383 00:24:25,690 --> 00:24:27,189 It makes their statement more credible. 384 00:24:27,208 --> 00:24:29,525 She is very convincing here. 385 00:24:29,543 --> 00:24:31,969 Harris: She is just damaging to michelle ashley. 386 00:24:32,120 --> 00:24:35,531 She's the case-in-chief. 387 00:24:35,549 --> 00:24:39,143 Our job, then, is to make her not so credible. 388 00:24:52,900 --> 00:24:55,067 Sierra! 389 00:24:55,219 --> 00:24:57,161 Do you want to come and rinse these dishes? 390 00:24:57,312 --> 00:24:58,662 -Sure. -Thank you. 391 00:25:04,912 --> 00:25:07,671 My daughter sierra, she's 23 years old. 392 00:25:09,400 --> 00:25:12,325 Sierra and I share a room here, 393 00:25:12,419 --> 00:25:14,678 Which is a little odd, 394 00:25:14,830 --> 00:25:16,922 But we're as comfortable as we can be 395 00:25:17,016 --> 00:25:19,183 Considering everything that we're going through right now. 396 00:25:22,021 --> 00:25:25,672 So did they come by to give you your medication today? 397 00:25:25,691 --> 00:25:27,024 Yeah. 398 00:25:34,182 --> 00:25:35,774 Ashley: About two years ago, 399 00:25:35,926 --> 00:25:38,369 Sierra started being a little different. 400 00:25:38,596 --> 00:25:40,854 After a few visits to the hospital, 401 00:25:40,948 --> 00:25:43,432 They found a cyst on her brain. 402 00:25:43,450 --> 00:25:46,192 Right now, we're fighting to get insurance. 403 00:25:46,212 --> 00:25:49,213 Once she gets the medicaid, she will be able 404 00:25:49,364 --> 00:25:52,107 To get the surgery that she needs. 405 00:25:52,126 --> 00:25:56,845 I'm just praying that we can get this done before I go to trial. 406 00:25:58,949 --> 00:26:00,299 Love you. 407 00:26:00,393 --> 00:26:02,375 Love you more. 408 00:26:02,395 --> 00:26:05,120 Ashley: Impossible. Sierra: Yes, I do. 409 00:26:05,139 --> 00:26:06,397 Impossible. 410 00:26:09,068 --> 00:26:13,904 My first priority is trying to get her surgery, 411 00:26:14,056 --> 00:26:17,724 Because I feel like at least if... 412 00:26:17,743 --> 00:26:21,895 If I was found guilty for something that I did not do, 413 00:26:21,989 --> 00:26:24,748 I know that she would be able to take care of herself. 414 00:26:24,975 --> 00:26:28,085 But if she is left in this condition, 415 00:26:28,236 --> 00:26:29,420 I don't know what's gonna happen. 416 00:26:40,825 --> 00:26:42,658 Harris: We're on the brink of the trial, 417 00:26:42,676 --> 00:26:45,344 And my investigator marie olsen is coming in 418 00:26:45,438 --> 00:26:47,253 With some information 419 00:26:47,348 --> 00:26:50,332 Responsive to a subpoena we sent to fort myers police department. 420 00:26:50,425 --> 00:26:52,501 It's about emely bell sanchez. 421 00:26:52,519 --> 00:26:55,337 She told me it will blow the credibility out of the water 422 00:26:55,356 --> 00:26:58,765 For this witness, so I'm anxious to see what she's found. 423 00:26:58,859 --> 00:27:03,195 So today we should discuss this paperwork that we have here, 424 00:27:03,289 --> 00:27:08,867 Um, showing emely being compensated by the state 425 00:27:09,019 --> 00:27:10,777 -For her cooperation. -Harris: Oh, my gosh. 426 00:27:10,796 --> 00:27:12,630 -That's a lot of money. -Olsen: It is a lot of money. 427 00:27:14,191 --> 00:27:16,282 What does this add up to? Some... 428 00:27:16,302 --> 00:27:20,971 -Rough calculation, over... $12,000! -(olsen counting) 429 00:27:21,198 --> 00:27:23,641 Uh, do we know who requested this money? 430 00:27:23,792 --> 00:27:26,385 Oh, the prosecutors in the... It's to the prosecutor. 431 00:27:26,537 --> 00:27:28,387 Okay, so he knows about it. 432 00:27:28,539 --> 00:27:30,372 Olsen: So he does. Harris: Okay. 433 00:27:30,391 --> 00:27:33,466 -They're witness relocation expenses. -Yeah. 434 00:27:33,486 --> 00:27:35,727 Okay, and the second document here 435 00:27:35,821 --> 00:27:38,489 Is something that 436 00:27:38,640 --> 00:27:40,807 -I sent you a copy of. -Olsen: Yes. 437 00:27:40,826 --> 00:27:42,809 Harris: Emely bell just happened to be added 438 00:27:42,903 --> 00:27:44,403 To a drug court docket. 439 00:27:44,555 --> 00:27:46,722 Drug court meaning instead of going to trial, 440 00:27:46,740 --> 00:27:48,240 Instead of going to prison, 441 00:27:48,392 --> 00:27:50,726 You get some drug rehabilitation, 442 00:27:50,744 --> 00:27:53,395 -And you get your charges dismissed. -Olsen: Exactly. 443 00:27:53,414 --> 00:27:56,656 I'm not so sure the state wanted me to know that this happened! 444 00:27:56,676 --> 00:27:59,401 Okay, so it was a good meeting and I will see you later. 445 00:27:59,420 --> 00:28:00,511 -Good. Thank you. -Okay. 446 00:28:04,408 --> 00:28:05,741 This evidence is crucial. 447 00:28:05,834 --> 00:28:07,409 The jury really needs to hear this. 448 00:28:07,502 --> 00:28:09,335 The main witness against michelle ashley 449 00:28:09,430 --> 00:28:11,079 Is emely belle sanchez. 450 00:28:11,098 --> 00:28:14,416 We now have evidence that she's been given money, 451 00:28:14,509 --> 00:28:17,194 No conviction, get out of jail free... 452 00:28:17,421 --> 00:28:18,678 That's what the witness is getting. 453 00:28:18,698 --> 00:28:20,030 How can you believe anything she's saying? 454 00:28:28,782 --> 00:28:30,599 Harris: Today's finally the day. 455 00:28:30,692 --> 00:28:33,544 This has been a long time coming. 456 00:28:33,695 --> 00:28:36,547 I've got an innocent client. I've got a good case. 457 00:28:36,698 --> 00:28:38,716 But I've got a lot of people who are lying about michelle. 458 00:28:38,943 --> 00:28:41,367 If she's convicted by this jury, 459 00:28:41,387 --> 00:28:45,371 She's going to get life, and never get out of prison. 460 00:28:45,466 --> 00:28:48,142 The stakes are incredibly high. 461 00:29:00,314 --> 00:29:01,387 (dan feinberg speaking) 462 00:29:01,407 --> 00:29:02,406 (judge speaking) 463 00:29:07,654 --> 00:29:10,730 On June 19th, 1997, 464 00:29:10,824 --> 00:29:13,333 Mr. Jones was shot in the head. 465 00:29:14,754 --> 00:29:18,480 Keith jones was executed that night. 466 00:29:18,499 --> 00:29:22,075 Mr. Jones's wallet was nowhere to be found, 467 00:29:22,094 --> 00:29:24,762 And whatever cash he had was missing. 468 00:29:27,099 --> 00:29:31,894 That robbery of keith jones was set in motion by his friend. 469 00:29:32,679 --> 00:29:34,772 This was a betrayal. 470 00:29:34,999 --> 00:29:37,924 And we'll ask you, based on the evidence, 471 00:29:37,943 --> 00:29:40,569 To find her so, guilty. Thank you. 472 00:29:45,934 --> 00:29:49,787 Within 18 hours of being in that room 473 00:29:50,014 --> 00:29:53,457 And watching a man that she liked get killed, 474 00:29:53,684 --> 00:29:56,201 She's on tape, she's on a recording. 475 00:29:56,353 --> 00:29:58,278 She's sworn in to tell the truth. 476 00:29:58,297 --> 00:30:01,356 And she is scared out of her mind. 477 00:30:01,449 --> 00:30:03,258 She thinks she's gonna be killed next. 478 00:30:04,303 --> 00:30:05,969 And despite that, 479 00:30:06,196 --> 00:30:08,305 She told them who the killers were. 480 00:30:10,200 --> 00:30:13,101 She described each one of them so they would arrest them! 481 00:30:15,222 --> 00:30:16,563 The police did nothing. 482 00:30:17,632 --> 00:30:18,816 So 25 years later, 483 00:30:19,043 --> 00:30:22,561 We got detectives trying to remember what she said. 484 00:30:22,655 --> 00:30:25,714 They decided that michelle was guilty of this. 485 00:30:25,732 --> 00:30:28,383 Michelle ashley did not set up a robbery, 486 00:30:28,476 --> 00:30:31,053 Did not participate with four men. 487 00:30:31,146 --> 00:30:32,979 Why would you leave your shoe 488 00:30:32,998 --> 00:30:34,981 If this is a premeditated robbery? 489 00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:39,419 If you're in on it, why are you leaving your shoe? 490 00:30:41,081 --> 00:30:42,339 She didn't do this. 491 00:30:43,491 --> 00:30:44,341 Thank you. 492 00:31:17,101 --> 00:31:19,042 Feinberg: During the pre-interview, 493 00:31:19,194 --> 00:31:24,548 Do you recall that the defendant gave you three versions 494 00:31:24,775 --> 00:31:27,718 Of what took place at the tides motel 495 00:31:27,869 --> 00:31:29,219 Per her knowledge? 496 00:31:29,446 --> 00:31:31,054 Detective lewis: I do remember that, yes. 497 00:31:31,206 --> 00:31:34,141 There are a couple of different themes in this pre-interview. 498 00:31:46,296 --> 00:31:48,238 In my estimation, it was a story. 499 00:31:48,465 --> 00:31:52,150 It was not part of the truthful situation which occurred. 500 00:31:52,244 --> 00:31:54,152 To me, that's highly suspicious. 501 00:31:54,246 --> 00:31:55,370 Thank you, detective. 502 00:31:57,917 --> 00:31:59,732 Detective lewis. 503 00:31:59,826 --> 00:32:01,810 During the pre-interview, did she implicate herself in anything? 504 00:32:01,903 --> 00:32:04,162 She certainly put herself in a position, 505 00:32:04,256 --> 00:32:06,739 She was under high suspicion. 506 00:32:06,759 --> 00:32:09,167 -That's your suspicion? -Detective lewis: Correct. 507 00:32:09,319 --> 00:32:11,411 I'm asking, what did she say 508 00:32:11,430 --> 00:32:13,505 That made you feel she was complicit 509 00:32:13,599 --> 00:32:15,933 In the home invasion robbery during the pre-interview? 510 00:32:16,160 --> 00:32:17,768 I would have to get back to the themes. 511 00:32:17,995 --> 00:32:19,661 This is the reason why I filed a motion. 512 00:32:19,754 --> 00:32:21,179 He wants to talk about themes, judge. 513 00:32:21,273 --> 00:32:23,089 I don't think it's fair. 514 00:32:23,108 --> 00:32:24,757 When the lawyers ask you a question, 515 00:32:24,851 --> 00:32:26,518 Answer the question. 516 00:32:26,670 --> 00:32:29,838 Don't expand beyond the question. 517 00:32:29,856 --> 00:32:31,597 It's not your first time on the witness stand. 518 00:32:31,617 --> 00:32:34,859 Don't give opinions. Don't talk about themes. 519 00:32:34,954 --> 00:32:37,437 Don't talk about estimations. 520 00:32:37,531 --> 00:32:39,364 I know exactly what he's doing. 521 00:32:39,458 --> 00:32:43,018 He wants the jury to hear what he wants them to hear. 522 00:32:43,036 --> 00:32:44,536 And that's wrong. 523 00:32:44,630 --> 00:32:48,023 And that's sandbagging the defense by the witness. 524 00:32:48,116 --> 00:32:51,026 He's going beyond what your question is, 525 00:32:51,119 --> 00:32:54,638 And I'm not going to allow that. Finish. 526 00:32:54,789 --> 00:32:56,056 I appreciate that. 527 00:32:58,460 --> 00:33:00,368 Wouldn't it be nice, detective lewis, 528 00:33:00,462 --> 00:33:02,204 To have a tape of that statement 529 00:33:02,222 --> 00:33:03,888 So that we could all judge for ourselves? 530 00:33:03,983 --> 00:33:07,392 We don't have those things because you didn't record them. 531 00:33:07,486 --> 00:33:08,968 You didn't take notes. 532 00:33:09,062 --> 00:33:11,947 You didn't even bother to push play on a tape recorder. 533 00:33:13,325 --> 00:33:15,808 No further questions. 534 00:33:15,902 --> 00:33:20,222 I got frustrated, and so did the judge, with detective lewis. 535 00:33:20,240 --> 00:33:22,057 He doesn't want to tell you all the facts. 536 00:33:22,150 --> 00:33:23,408 He wants to tell you only the facts 537 00:33:23,560 --> 00:33:25,243 That he wants you to know. 538 00:33:25,337 --> 00:33:27,170 It's crazy. And I hope the jury saw that. 539 00:33:36,423 --> 00:33:39,165 My game plan is to destroy the state's case. 540 00:33:39,259 --> 00:33:41,426 Their case is weak. 541 00:33:41,578 --> 00:33:44,079 Their case is full of liars 542 00:33:44,172 --> 00:33:47,265 And holes and possibilities. 543 00:33:47,417 --> 00:33:48,692 But today's a big day. 544 00:34:00,113 --> 00:34:03,040 She's the star witness. She's the key to our case. 545 00:34:03,267 --> 00:34:04,949 She's the key to putting michelle in prison 546 00:34:05,102 --> 00:34:06,209 For the rest of her life. 547 00:34:08,696 --> 00:34:11,882 Feinberg: June 19th of 1997. 548 00:34:12,033 --> 00:34:14,459 Had you talked to michelle 549 00:34:14,553 --> 00:34:16,219 About somebody who was going to visit her? 550 00:34:16,446 --> 00:34:18,296 Yes. 551 00:34:18,390 --> 00:34:21,783 She said that a friend of hers was coming from daytona 552 00:34:21,876 --> 00:34:23,376 And he had a lot of money, 553 00:34:23,395 --> 00:34:26,396 And, um, she was going to have him robbed. 554 00:34:29,384 --> 00:34:32,385 Feinberg: Were those, to you, remarkable conversations? 555 00:34:32,404 --> 00:34:34,404 Yes, they were life-changing conversations. 556 00:34:36,300 --> 00:34:39,301 She said it wasn't supposed to happen like that. 557 00:34:39,319 --> 00:34:42,579 If he would've just did what he was supposed to do, 558 00:34:42,730 --> 00:34:45,231 And just gave 'em the money and not reach for his gun, 559 00:34:45,250 --> 00:34:46,917 That he would have been all right. 560 00:34:47,068 --> 00:34:48,418 (ashley speaking, sobbing) 561 00:35:10,109 --> 00:35:11,274 (judge speaking) 562 00:35:20,193 --> 00:35:21,785 Harris: Before you told the detectives anything 563 00:35:22,012 --> 00:35:25,288 About michelle being a robber/killer, 564 00:35:25,440 --> 00:35:27,866 Did you tell detectives you were struggling with addiction? 565 00:35:28,018 --> 00:35:29,793 Yes. 566 00:35:29,944 --> 00:35:32,295 Harris: Did that prompt the detectives to tell you 567 00:35:32,522 --> 00:35:34,631 That they had resources to relocate you 568 00:35:34,782 --> 00:35:36,133 If you feel like you were in danger? 569 00:35:36,360 --> 00:35:37,542 Yes. 570 00:35:37,636 --> 00:35:41,287 Harris: The $12,000 was paid for your rent. 571 00:35:41,381 --> 00:35:43,789 The money you saved by not having to pay your own rent. 572 00:35:43,809 --> 00:35:45,717 You had extra money for drugs, did you not? 573 00:35:45,811 --> 00:35:47,218 I might have. 574 00:35:47,371 --> 00:35:48,628 Harris: You said you didn't gain any benefit 575 00:35:48,647 --> 00:35:50,772 From the state attorney's office, correct? 576 00:35:51,541 --> 00:35:53,057 Yes. 577 00:35:53,152 --> 00:35:54,317 -You got drug court, correct? -Sanchez: Yes. 578 00:35:54,544 --> 00:35:57,212 Which is basically probation. Right? 579 00:35:57,230 --> 00:35:58,804 Yes. 580 00:35:58,824 --> 00:36:01,658 You don't consider it a benefit to not stay in jail 581 00:36:01,885 --> 00:36:04,310 And get drug rehab paid for by the state. 582 00:36:04,329 --> 00:36:06,496 You don't see that as a benefit to you? 583 00:36:06,723 --> 00:36:07,622 No. 584 00:36:13,672 --> 00:36:15,672 Harris: All right, I'll move on from that. 585 00:36:15,823 --> 00:36:17,399 Were you in person for any of those 586 00:36:17,417 --> 00:36:20,010 Life-changing conversations where michelle admitted 587 00:36:20,237 --> 00:36:22,420 Being part of this robbery to you? 588 00:36:22,572 --> 00:36:23,922 No. 589 00:36:24,016 --> 00:36:26,349 -Harris: They were all on the phone? -Yes. 590 00:36:26,501 --> 00:36:28,668 Harris: Where were you when you called her on the phone? 591 00:36:28,762 --> 00:36:30,261 That I can't recall. 592 00:36:30,414 --> 00:36:31,837 Harris: What time of day was it 593 00:36:31,857 --> 00:36:33,023 -When you called her on the phone? -I can't... 594 00:36:33,174 --> 00:36:35,250 I don't remember, I can't recall. 595 00:36:35,343 --> 00:36:38,695 Would you agree with me that that's quite a chilling conversation? 596 00:36:38,922 --> 00:36:41,347 Something that you would remember, 597 00:36:41,441 --> 00:36:44,367 -And you said it's a life-changing conversation? -Yes. Yes. 598 00:36:44,594 --> 00:36:46,870 But you don't remember where you were 599 00:36:47,097 --> 00:36:48,688 When you were talking to michelle? 600 00:36:48,707 --> 00:36:51,433 Whether it was morning, day or night? 601 00:36:51,451 --> 00:36:53,435 No. 602 00:36:53,453 --> 00:36:54,711 Harris: Thank you, no further questions. 603 00:36:56,122 --> 00:36:58,957 Today was a tough day. 604 00:36:59,051 --> 00:37:00,942 I think we managed to score some big points 605 00:37:01,035 --> 00:37:03,278 Against emely bell sanchez. 606 00:37:03,296 --> 00:37:06,348 But michelle lost her composure in court. That cannot happen. 607 00:37:25,151 --> 00:37:29,228 So now comes a time when we have the final discussion, all right? 608 00:37:29,322 --> 00:37:32,824 It's really tough to tell, but I feel it went very well. 609 00:37:32,918 --> 00:37:35,326 I don't think there's anything michelle can add 610 00:37:35,479 --> 00:37:36,995 That's not already on the record, 611 00:37:37,089 --> 00:37:38,997 That wasn't introduced in her prior statements. 612 00:37:39,091 --> 00:37:40,832 But the decision 613 00:37:40,984 --> 00:37:43,318 Whether to testify in your murder case or not 614 00:37:43,336 --> 00:37:45,336 Is 100% up to you, michelle. 615 00:37:45,430 --> 00:37:48,914 I mean, I don't want to if I don't have to. 616 00:37:49,009 --> 00:37:53,270 He is going to say a lot of things that are not true. 617 00:37:53,497 --> 00:37:55,997 And I might not be able to handle that. 618 00:37:56,016 --> 00:37:58,090 I agree. I think it's... I think it's dangerous, 619 00:37:58,184 --> 00:38:00,668 That she will not be able 620 00:38:00,762 --> 00:38:03,855 To handle the state's abuse, 621 00:38:04,007 --> 00:38:05,448 Which it's going to be abusive. 622 00:38:05,675 --> 00:38:06,524 -We're of the opinion. -Ashley: Yeah. 623 00:38:06,676 --> 00:38:07,784 -We're going to rest. -Yeah. 624 00:38:17,612 --> 00:38:18,962 (judge speaking) 625 00:38:28,956 --> 00:38:31,624 Ladies and gentlemen, if it went down like she set it up, 626 00:38:31,643 --> 00:38:34,794 It would have probably gone as an unsolved robbery. 627 00:38:34,813 --> 00:38:38,206 What went wrong here is he fought back. 628 00:38:38,299 --> 00:38:41,893 Now it's every woman for herself. 629 00:38:41,987 --> 00:38:46,548 Her actions are inconsistent with that of a victim. 630 00:38:46,566 --> 00:38:48,658 This was a setup. 631 00:38:48,810 --> 00:38:51,069 The defendant set it up. 632 00:38:51,163 --> 00:38:54,722 We would ask that you find the defendant guilty 633 00:38:54,816 --> 00:38:57,334 Of felony murder in our case. 634 00:39:05,177 --> 00:39:06,843 Harris: In 1997, 635 00:39:06,994 --> 00:39:09,512 Detective lawson, he believed her to be telling the truth, 636 00:39:09,739 --> 00:39:12,349 The whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 637 00:39:12,500 --> 00:39:15,927 She wanted the four men arrested. 638 00:39:16,079 --> 00:39:19,747 She was helping detective lawson to do that. 639 00:39:19,841 --> 00:39:22,083 She was the key to the case. 640 00:39:22,176 --> 00:39:26,437 Right now, as she sits here, 641 00:39:26,531 --> 00:39:30,274 She is presumed innocent until the jury decides 642 00:39:30,427 --> 00:39:32,927 That's not true because the state 643 00:39:33,020 --> 00:39:36,373 Has overcome that with evidence. 644 00:39:36,600 --> 00:39:38,541 Emely bell sanchez is their evidence. 645 00:39:38,693 --> 00:39:39,951 That's what they've got. 646 00:39:40,045 --> 00:39:43,046 Her credibility and her stories are lacking. 647 00:39:43,197 --> 00:39:47,050 Her evidence is not worthy of beyond a reasonable doubt. 648 00:39:47,201 --> 00:39:49,386 I think you know that. 649 00:39:50,222 --> 00:39:51,554 Thank you. 650 00:39:58,063 --> 00:40:02,306 It's very scary to have the jury deciding my fate. 651 00:40:02,401 --> 00:40:05,810 It's very scary because they don't know me. 652 00:40:05,904 --> 00:40:10,055 Um, they don't know what type of person I am. 653 00:40:10,150 --> 00:40:14,393 So, that makes it scary. 654 00:40:14,487 --> 00:40:17,321 You know. You know what I mean. I can't even think right now. 655 00:40:17,474 --> 00:40:18,915 Harris: I'm extremely nervous. 656 00:40:19,142 --> 00:40:20,917 If the jury convicts michelle ashley, 657 00:40:21,068 --> 00:40:22,493 I will go to my grave 658 00:40:22,587 --> 00:40:24,879 Thinking it was a mis-service and a misjustice. 659 00:40:32,597 --> 00:40:34,656 (sighing) 660 00:40:34,674 --> 00:40:37,934 No matter what happens, guilty or not guilty, 661 00:40:38,085 --> 00:40:41,253 Everybody just keep it cool, keep it together and be calm. 662 00:40:41,273 --> 00:40:42,939 We'll deal with whatever happens, okay? 663 00:40:47,762 --> 00:40:48,945 Judge: Jury is entering. 664 00:41:09,968 --> 00:41:10,967 (bailiff speaking) 665 00:41:29,562 --> 00:41:30,987 Ashley: Oh, my gosh! 666 00:41:32,065 --> 00:41:33,114 (bailiff speaking) 667 00:41:41,333 --> 00:41:42,790 Yes, oh, my dear! 668 00:41:47,247 --> 00:41:48,671 (exclaims in relief) 669 00:41:53,661 --> 00:41:56,754 Harris: This is unprecedented, right? A 25-year-old case. 670 00:41:56,848 --> 00:41:59,331 And to get a not guilty after all this time? 671 00:41:59,425 --> 00:42:00,833 The aspersions of guilt, 672 00:42:00,852 --> 00:42:03,411 The shadows hanging over her are gone. 673 00:42:03,429 --> 00:42:05,170 She can live and move on, 674 00:42:05,265 --> 00:42:07,649 And with her beautiful family, and I'm so happy for her. 675 00:42:11,512 --> 00:42:12,862 Ashley: I feel wonderful. 676 00:42:15,441 --> 00:42:18,201 I feel like the jury saw 677 00:42:18,428 --> 00:42:21,279 That they were trying to sabotage me. 678 00:42:21,373 --> 00:42:24,189 I was so worried that the jury was not going to see 679 00:42:24,284 --> 00:42:25,950 What was going on. 680 00:42:26,102 --> 00:42:27,710 And I'm so happy that they did. 681 00:42:27,937 --> 00:42:30,788 And I'm so happy that I get my life back. 682 00:42:30,882 --> 00:42:36,035 It's been, like, three very long, long years. 683 00:42:36,129 --> 00:42:37,679 So I'm just happy. 684 00:42:38,782 --> 00:42:39,889 Happy. 685 00:42:40,116 --> 00:42:42,892 -Oh, so happy! (laughing) -here we go! 686 00:42:48,808 --> 00:42:51,067 Let's go! Let's go!