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[dramatic music]
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- Santa ana is the second
largest city in orange county.
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It's very urban.
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Back in the '80s, it was
very affluent in some areas
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And working-class
in many other parts.
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- There was a significant
military population
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Due to the el toro
marine base.
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And jessie grimes was once
stationed at el toro.
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- Jessie grimes fought
in vietnam.
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He was an american hero.
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- Jesse was really thrilled
with santa ana,
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That he had found himself
a home.
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- But no place is immune
to wrongdoers.
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- A beloved veteran survives
two wars on foreign soil
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Only to be brutally gunned
down on a hot summer night
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In orange county's
urban center.
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- He had a bullet hole on
the right side of his forehead.
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- Seeing this young man
trying to do cpr on him,
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It wasn't making any sense.
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- To find answers,
detectives must cut through
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A tangled web of friends,
lovers, and lies.
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- The apartment complex was
a close-knit community,
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And they all knew each other.
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But there was
constant conflict.
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- Who did jessie make
an enemy of?
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- His alibis weren't 100%.
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- This was really a case
of a good man
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Brought down by bad people.
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♪ ♪
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[dramatic music]
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♪ ♪
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[tense music]
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♪ ♪
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- My name is jim donnelly.
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I worked for the santa ana
police department
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For 30 years.
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August 20, 1986,
I was on patrol that night.
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The call came in at 10:52 p.M.
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- The caller is frantic.
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And the dispatcher heard
screaming in the background.
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- I responded
to north broadway
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Just three minutes later
at 10:55.
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And we saw apartment c.
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The door was wide-open.
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Once we're in, we start hearing
the screaming from upstairs.
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So we go upstairs.
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And the first thing we see
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Is a young man doing cpr
on a body.
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There was blood
on the victim's torso,
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And there was a large pool
of blood underneath his head.
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And there were shell casings
on the floor.
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My initial visuals are, okay,
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This victim has at least
one bullet wound to the temple.
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- My name is gary mata.
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And in 1986,
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I was an investigator working
for the robbery-homicide unit
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In the city of santa ana.
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The male giving him cpr
identified himself
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As the son of the victim.
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He was crying,
and he kept claiming
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That his father had suffered
a heart attack,
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Even though there was
bullet casings
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Surrounding the body
of the victim.
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- He had blood on him
and on his hands.
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He told me
he was michael grimes,
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And that was his father,
jessie grimes.
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This was my first
murder scene.
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And seeing this young man
trying to do cpr
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On somebody with a bullet hole
in their head,
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It wasn't making any sense.
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- It's a sweltering
summer night in santa ana
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That officer jim donnelly
won't soon forget.
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And with paramedics
arriving any second,
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He knows he must
quickly clear the room.
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- So I took it upon myself
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To escort
the younger male away,
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And he was extremely upset.
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- It becomes evident
once paramedics are inside
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That it's too late.
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55-year-old jessie grimes
is declared dead at the scene.
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- So now we got to go
to step two,
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Which is preserve as much
of the scene as you can.
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- As police begin
to cordon off the crime scene,
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Their attention shifts
to jessie's 25-year-old son,
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Michael.
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- He was acting irrational,
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Trying to give his father cpr
even though it was
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Real evident that he had
been shot in the head.
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He did say
he had been drinking,
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So obviously he might have been
intoxicated at that point.
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But it was still suspicious,
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So he had to be detained
as a person of interest
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At that time.
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- So he was taken away
from the scene
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And brought
to santa ana police department
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So that he could
be interviewed
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In a more controlled
environment.
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- With the apartment secure,
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Investigators begin to analyze
the crime scene step-by-step.
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- As I started walking up
the stairs,
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I saw that there was a casing,
a .32-caliber empty casing,
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On one of the steps.
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On the second floor,
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The victim was laying on
his back inside the bedroom,
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And he had a couple gunshots
to the chest
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And a bullet hole on the right
side of his forehead.
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♪ ♪
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I looked at the bedroom door,
and it had a bullet hole
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About five feet
from the bottom.
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And there was some sort
of a dirt markings on the door.
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It appeared as if he was
trying to lock the door,
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Or he was behind the door,
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When someone fired a shot
through the outside.
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And I saw that the latch was
kind of forced open.
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Whoever was the culprit
probably kicked the door open
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And got inside
and shot the victim
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With additional rounds
to the chest.
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- As detective mata continues
to study the scene,
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He zeroes in
on a telling detail.
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- There were five casings
from two guns,
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The .32 caliber
and a .22 caliber.
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Normally, one person cannot
shoot two guns.
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So the only thing you can
conclude is that it appeared
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To be two individuals
that committed the crime.
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- Csi's taking pictures
of everything.
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They're trying
to get fingerprints
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Off of anything that looked
like it was handled.
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- The crime scene investigator
found $190
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In the victim's pocket.
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That was collected
for evidence.
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There was nothing that we could
tell that was taken.
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So it seemed to me that
the motive of this homicide
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Was not robbing jessie grimes.
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And by that time, the coroner
had responded to the scene.
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And he gave us a time of death,
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And that was about 10:30 p.M.
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- My name is marni o'neil.
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In 1986, I was 19.
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I lived
in the condominium complex,
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And jessie and mike live
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Catty-corner to us,
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Maybe 20 feet door to door.
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That night was such chaos.
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We all went outside
to see what we could do.
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We didn't know
what was wrong with jessie.
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We approached the officers
on the scene,
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And then they took statements.
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- It was obvious it was
a close-knit community,
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And they all knew each other.
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- My name is jim carlton.
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I was a reporter for
the "orange county register"
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At the time of this case.
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The apartment complex
was very open,
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And as a result,
it was conducive to people,
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Like, hanging out a lot.
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- We learned
that jessie grimes,
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He had a really strong
relationship
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With most
of the neighbors there.
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He was a good guy.
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- Jessie was kind of like
a father figure, you know?
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I would go to him for advice.
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We ended up spending
a lot of time together.
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I don't think I knew a person
that didn't like jessie.
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- Jessie grimes was
an american hero.
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He was in the marine corps
for 27 years,
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Retired as a captain, serving
in both vietnam and korea.
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And that's why he was living
in santa ana,
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Because back then,
the marines especially
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Were very integral
to the community.
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- Jessie would give the shirt
off his back to anybody.
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I remember,
maybe a week after we moved in,
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He took me and one of
my roommates grocery shopping
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Because we were young,
we were poor.
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He was just a very kind man.
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- At the time
of his tragic murder,
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He was a very successful
family law attorney.
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He had worked vigorously
for women's rights.
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He helped cofound
a women's legal aid center.
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So he was a pretty
progressive guy for the time.
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He had a daughter, and one son
was going to divinity school,
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And another son, michael,
was living with him.
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- When I found out he passed,
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I was upset.
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Everybody was upset.
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Yeah, the world lost
a great guy that night.
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- But while jessie
was much loved
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In the apartment complex,
investigators learn
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From neighbors
that inside the home,
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There was tension
between father and son.
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- Mike apparently was
a real troublemaker,
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And there was, uh,
constant conflict
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Between jessie and the son.
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And apparently,
jessie was trying
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To get his son
to move out of the condominium.
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♪ ♪
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- As investigators continue
to talk to neighbors,
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They're able to flesh out
more details
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About the events
of the evening.
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- I was with my boyfriend.
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We were watching a movie.
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I thought we heard,
like, a drumbeat.
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[gunshot echoes]
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Like, it could have been
a gunshot.
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Maybe one, maybe a couple,
but we weren't sure.
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- Investigators also speak
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With the victim's
next-door neighbors,
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00:10:37,971 --> 00:10:41,505
Who confirm the sound
of possible gunshots.
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- I came across
jack and sylvie.
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At about 10:30, they heard
several banging noises
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That could have been gunshots.
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And they also told me
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That after they heard
the banging noises,
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But before the first
officers arrived,
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They heard somebody
coming out the door.
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And as they looked out
the window,
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They saw mike walking
towards broadway street.
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When I learned
that information,
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Coupled with what I had already
heard from the officers,
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It is significant.
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- What they hear next has them
even more on edge.
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- Michael was not by himself.
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00:11:19,279 --> 00:11:23,114
He was with his friend david,
who was one of the neighbors.
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- With two people
leaving the complex
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00:11:25,385 --> 00:11:28,419
So soon after two weapons
were fired,
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00:11:28,488 --> 00:11:31,222
Investigators quickly land
on a theory.
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00:11:31,291 --> 00:11:33,424
- It was obvious
that two guns had to be used,
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00:11:33,493 --> 00:11:36,961
And the fact that both mike
and david were walking together
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Towards broadway street,
I'm thinking those two people
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May have something
to do with it.
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♪ ♪
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- He was crying,
but we did not believe him.
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- Now you've got three
new people right there
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00:11:52,845 --> 00:11:55,647
During the witching hour
of this homicide.
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00:11:55,715 --> 00:12:02,687
♪ ♪
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00:12:06,659 --> 00:12:09,327
[dramatic music]
236
00:12:09,395 --> 00:12:10,728
♪ ♪
237
00:12:10,797 --> 00:12:13,764
[tense music]
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00:12:13,834 --> 00:12:16,100
♪ ♪
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00:12:16,169 --> 00:12:19,270
- Three hours after
55-year-old jessie grimes
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Is gunned down in his bedroom,
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00:12:21,407 --> 00:12:25,142
Santa ana police suspect
there are two shooters.
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00:12:25,211 --> 00:12:27,011
And they believe
one of them is the victim's
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00:12:27,080 --> 00:12:30,381
25-year-old son, michael.
244
00:12:30,450 --> 00:12:33,751
- Michael definitely was
a high person of interest.
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00:12:33,820 --> 00:12:36,287
Mike apparently was
having issues with his father,
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00:12:36,356 --> 00:12:38,756
And a couple of witnesses
saw him walking
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00:12:38,824 --> 00:12:41,825
With his friend david,
who was one of the neighbors,
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Right after the commotion,
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00:12:43,229 --> 00:12:45,529
So you can only conclude
that maybe
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00:12:45,599 --> 00:12:47,432
They could have something
to do with this crime.
251
00:12:49,435 --> 00:12:52,570
- While officers move
to quickly track down david,
252
00:12:52,638 --> 00:12:56,107
Detectives grill michael
on his version of events.
253
00:13:15,595 --> 00:13:20,164
- He told us he was at this
condo complex with a friend,
254
00:13:20,233 --> 00:13:22,534
Dennis wyatt,
in his apartment.
255
00:13:22,602 --> 00:13:25,036
At about 10:00,
256
00:13:25,038 --> 00:13:28,139
Mike walked over to his house
257
00:13:28,207 --> 00:13:30,141
To check on his father.
258
00:13:30,209 --> 00:13:33,344
He went in there,
saw that he was okay.
259
00:13:33,413 --> 00:13:35,279
We did ask him
the reason why he was
260
00:13:35,281 --> 00:13:37,115
Checking on his father.
261
00:13:39,685 --> 00:13:40,952
- And he said
that he was concerned
262
00:13:41,020 --> 00:13:42,386
For his father
because apparently he had
263
00:13:42,455 --> 00:13:44,155
A previous heart attack
in the past.
264
00:13:44,224 --> 00:13:47,792
And so he was checking on him
to make sure he was okay.
265
00:13:47,860 --> 00:13:50,728
- After checking on his father
around 10:00 p.M.,
266
00:13:50,796 --> 00:13:54,332
Michael says he went back
to dennis' apartment.
267
00:13:54,400 --> 00:13:58,903
- He said that he stayed there
with dennis until about 10:45,
268
00:13:58,972 --> 00:14:03,474
At which time he left and went
back to check on his father.
269
00:14:18,558 --> 00:14:20,758
- So he gave him cpr
at that time.
270
00:14:20,827 --> 00:14:24,595
- To investigators, michael's
story sounds far-fetched,
271
00:14:24,664 --> 00:14:27,398
So they begin to challenge him
on the details,
272
00:14:27,467 --> 00:14:31,402
Like why he had so much blood
on his hands and clothes.
273
00:15:04,303 --> 00:15:05,703
- The way
he explained it was that,
274
00:15:05,771 --> 00:15:10,374
When he went back outside,
he saw his friend david.
275
00:15:10,376 --> 00:15:13,444
And then together, they walked
towards broadway street
276
00:15:13,513 --> 00:15:16,447
To wait for the arrival
of the paramedics.
277
00:15:16,516 --> 00:15:19,050
And before the paramedics
and police officers arrived,
278
00:15:19,118 --> 00:15:20,451
He went back up
to the apartment
279
00:15:20,520 --> 00:15:22,820
To continue
to give his father cpr.
280
00:15:39,805 --> 00:15:40,872
- I did not believe him.
281
00:15:40,940 --> 00:15:43,174
And so he was arrested
282
00:15:43,242 --> 00:15:44,608
And booked
at the orange county jail
283
00:15:44,677 --> 00:15:46,344
After we finished
our interview.
284
00:15:47,547 --> 00:15:49,480
- It became, like,
a front-page story.
285
00:15:49,549 --> 00:15:54,485
Here's a marine hero dead,
and he'd been shot by his son.
286
00:15:54,554 --> 00:15:57,988
It just seemed to be
an open-and-shut case,
287
00:15:57,990 --> 00:16:00,558
And kind of logical, like,
well, who else would kill him?
288
00:16:02,428 --> 00:16:04,828
- By 8:30 a.M.
Thursday morning,
289
00:16:04,830 --> 00:16:08,099
It's been ten hours
since the shooting.
290
00:16:08,167 --> 00:16:09,833
Working on zero sleep,
291
00:16:09,903 --> 00:16:12,603
Investigators return
to the condominium complex
292
00:16:12,672 --> 00:16:15,439
To track down
and test michael's alibi,
293
00:16:15,441 --> 00:16:18,209
That he was in the apartment
of neighbor dennis wyatt.
294
00:16:19,679 --> 00:16:22,746
- My name is jeoff robinson,
and at the time,
295
00:16:22,748 --> 00:16:27,184
I was an orange county
deputy district attorney.
296
00:16:27,186 --> 00:16:31,221
Michael grimes uses
as his primary alibi
297
00:16:31,291 --> 00:16:33,524
Being in dennis' apartment.
298
00:16:33,593 --> 00:16:38,229
However, dennis cannot
alibi him for the entire time
299
00:16:38,297 --> 00:16:40,264
Because he informed the police
300
00:16:40,266 --> 00:16:42,266
That on three different
occasions,
301
00:16:42,268 --> 00:16:45,470
Michael gets up
and leaves the apartment.
302
00:16:47,440 --> 00:16:50,841
- While dennis confirms
what mike told police,
303
00:16:50,843 --> 00:16:52,910
That still leaves
some of michael's time
304
00:16:52,978 --> 00:16:54,845
Unaccounted for.
305
00:16:54,847 --> 00:16:57,381
So investigators are eager
to talk to david,
306
00:16:57,450 --> 00:16:58,882
Their second suspect,
307
00:16:58,884 --> 00:17:02,086
And they finally locate him
a few hours later.
308
00:17:03,689 --> 00:17:05,757
- David was transported
to the police station.
309
00:17:05,825 --> 00:17:09,660
And he told us that,
on the day of the homicide,
310
00:17:09,729 --> 00:17:12,363
He was in the condominium
watching television
311
00:17:12,431 --> 00:17:14,632
With his neighbor,
jennifer gorman.
312
00:17:14,700 --> 00:17:16,734
At about 10:30,
313
00:17:16,802 --> 00:17:20,404
They heard a series
of banging noises.
314
00:17:20,473 --> 00:17:22,406
[gunshots echo]
and when he looked
315
00:17:22,474 --> 00:17:25,509
Out the window,
he saw michael,
316
00:17:25,511 --> 00:17:27,811
And he appeared
to be in distress.
317
00:17:27,813 --> 00:17:31,115
According to david,
he came out to comfort him.
318
00:17:31,184 --> 00:17:35,452
Michael told him his father
had suffered a heart attack.
319
00:17:35,521 --> 00:17:38,322
And he saw that michael's
shirt was bloody.
320
00:17:38,390 --> 00:17:40,891
And he was crying
and definitely
321
00:17:40,893 --> 00:17:43,294
Emotionally distraught.
322
00:17:43,296 --> 00:17:45,529
And so david stayed with him
323
00:17:45,531 --> 00:17:47,731
And walked with him
towards broadway
324
00:17:47,800 --> 00:17:50,033
To wait for the paramedics
to arrive.
325
00:17:50,103 --> 00:17:52,870
But then mike left,
326
00:17:52,938 --> 00:17:56,107
Went back to wait with
his father in the apartment.
327
00:17:57,977 --> 00:17:59,743
- David's statement
is consistent
328
00:17:59,812 --> 00:18:00,878
With michael's account.
329
00:18:00,946 --> 00:18:02,946
To confirm it,
detectives track down
330
00:18:03,016 --> 00:18:05,917
Jennifer gorman, who had been
watching tv with david
331
00:18:05,985 --> 00:18:07,951
On the night of the murder.
332
00:18:07,953 --> 00:18:10,788
- Jennifer gorman did confirm
that she had been
333
00:18:10,856 --> 00:18:13,424
Watching a movie with david
in his apartment
334
00:18:13,493 --> 00:18:17,628
When she heard
a series of banging noises
335
00:18:17,697 --> 00:18:19,964
At about 10:30.
336
00:18:20,032 --> 00:18:24,335
- And so that pretty much
ruled out david as a suspect.
337
00:18:24,403 --> 00:18:26,838
- But then
jennifer gorman tells police
338
00:18:26,906 --> 00:18:30,841
Another detail she remembers
from the night before.
339
00:18:30,910 --> 00:18:34,578
- She said,
at some point before 10:30,
340
00:18:34,580 --> 00:18:38,682
She walked over to jessie's
condo to look for mike.
341
00:18:38,751 --> 00:18:41,719
She said she saw
a blonde female
342
00:18:41,787 --> 00:18:46,023
And two men wearing suits
inside the house with jessie.
343
00:18:46,091 --> 00:18:49,993
♪ ♪
344
00:18:50,063 --> 00:18:51,595
- This is really huge because
345
00:18:51,597 --> 00:18:53,431
You have three strangers
in there.
346
00:18:53,499 --> 00:18:57,135
It shows someone else
could have killed jessie.
347
00:18:57,203 --> 00:18:59,036
- Once we learned
that there might have been
348
00:18:59,105 --> 00:19:00,504
Other people involved,
349
00:19:00,573 --> 00:19:03,741
That was a pivot point
for this investigation.
350
00:19:03,809 --> 00:19:10,548
♪ ♪
351
00:19:14,653 --> 00:19:17,221
[dramatic music]
352
00:19:17,290 --> 00:19:24,027
♪ ♪
353
00:19:24,097 --> 00:19:27,531
- Thursday, August 21, 1986.
354
00:19:27,600 --> 00:19:31,368
It's been 18 hours since
lawyer and retired marine
355
00:19:31,437 --> 00:19:35,272
Jessie grimes was gunned down
in his santa ana condominium.
356
00:19:35,341 --> 00:19:37,508
His son michael
has been jailed
357
00:19:37,576 --> 00:19:40,111
And charged for the crime.
358
00:19:40,179 --> 00:19:42,145
But police now have
new information
359
00:19:42,147 --> 00:19:45,216
That is making them rethink
their investigation.
360
00:19:47,153 --> 00:19:48,686
- Jennifer gorman,
the witness,
361
00:19:48,754 --> 00:19:52,389
Told us that at some point
before 10:30 p.M.,
362
00:19:52,458 --> 00:19:54,125
Which is the time
of this homicide,
363
00:19:54,193 --> 00:19:58,829
She walked over to jessie's
condominium to look for mike.
364
00:19:58,898 --> 00:20:01,232
She said jessie was
watching television.
365
00:20:01,300 --> 00:20:03,801
There was
two men wearing suits
366
00:20:03,869 --> 00:20:06,337
Inside the house.
367
00:20:06,405 --> 00:20:09,072
- She said that
when she knocked on the door,
368
00:20:09,142 --> 00:20:11,909
A blonde woman answered.
369
00:20:11,977 --> 00:20:14,278
Jessie was sitting
on the couch,
370
00:20:14,347 --> 00:20:17,748
And they were kind of
just standing around him.
371
00:20:17,817 --> 00:20:19,750
He looked uncomfortable.
372
00:20:19,819 --> 00:20:21,885
- She said that
she asked jessie
373
00:20:21,954 --> 00:20:26,423
The whereabouts of michael,
and jessie kind of indicated
374
00:20:26,492 --> 00:20:28,692
That he was
at the neighbor's house.
375
00:20:28,761 --> 00:20:32,095
So she walked away and went
back to watching a movie
376
00:20:32,165 --> 00:20:34,632
With david in his apartment.
377
00:20:34,700 --> 00:20:37,768
- Now you've got three
new people right there
378
00:20:37,837 --> 00:20:41,239
During the witching hour
of this homicide.
379
00:20:43,342 --> 00:20:45,776
- The fact that
these people were seen
380
00:20:45,845 --> 00:20:49,513
At about the time of death
of the victim
381
00:20:49,515 --> 00:20:51,782
And the fact
that michael is not there
382
00:20:51,851 --> 00:20:55,052
At the time jennifer made
these observations,
383
00:20:55,120 --> 00:20:57,488
That was critically important.
384
00:20:57,556 --> 00:21:02,459
- This is going to broaden
the investigation.
385
00:21:02,528 --> 00:21:04,595
It was a major turning point.
386
00:21:06,865 --> 00:21:09,667
- Jennifer gorman didn't know
the two men,
387
00:21:09,735 --> 00:21:11,835
But she said
that she recognized that woman
388
00:21:11,904 --> 00:21:15,606
As being the ex-girlfriend
of jessie.
389
00:21:15,675 --> 00:21:18,942
But unfortunately,
she didn't know her name.
390
00:21:18,944 --> 00:21:21,078
We located
some polaroid pictures
391
00:21:21,147 --> 00:21:23,814
Of the girlfriend
in jessie's condominium,
392
00:21:23,883 --> 00:21:26,917
And by showing the photograph
to jennifer,
393
00:21:26,986 --> 00:21:28,786
We confirmed that
that was the person
394
00:21:28,854 --> 00:21:31,155
That she had seen
inside the condo.
395
00:21:31,223 --> 00:21:33,590
So we definitely needed
to talk to her
396
00:21:33,659 --> 00:21:37,561
Regarding her reason
for being at jessie's house.
397
00:21:38,330 --> 00:21:41,999
- With jessie's son michael
looking less like a suspect,
398
00:21:42,068 --> 00:21:44,568
Detectives' next move
is to take the polaroid
399
00:21:44,636 --> 00:21:46,203
To the orange county jail,
400
00:21:46,272 --> 00:21:48,405
Where michael has been
sitting in a cell
401
00:21:48,474 --> 00:21:51,174
For the past 12 hours.
402
00:21:51,244 --> 00:21:54,578
♪ ♪
403
00:21:54,647 --> 00:21:56,347
- I'm mike grimes.
404
00:21:56,415 --> 00:21:58,982
I'm jessie's oldest son.
405
00:21:59,051 --> 00:22:02,253
When they told me that
I'm being charged with murder,
406
00:22:02,321 --> 00:22:04,255
At first, I was scared.
407
00:22:04,323 --> 00:22:05,422
I was scared, because I mean,
408
00:22:05,491 --> 00:22:07,825
People get convicted of stuff
they didn't do all the time.
409
00:22:07,893 --> 00:22:09,927
[huffs]
410
00:22:09,995 --> 00:22:11,428
This is gonna make me tear up
a little bit.
411
00:22:11,497 --> 00:22:14,065
Um...
[sighs]
412
00:22:14,133 --> 00:22:16,299
[somber music]
413
00:22:16,301 --> 00:22:20,071
My dad was the coolest guy
you ever met,
414
00:22:20,139 --> 00:22:22,005
Though probably not
the best disciplinarian.
415
00:22:22,074 --> 00:22:23,874
He would let me make
my own mistakes
416
00:22:23,943 --> 00:22:25,609
And then help me get
through them.
417
00:22:25,611 --> 00:22:28,479
And he was just
a really laid-back--
418
00:22:28,547 --> 00:22:31,949
Not what you would expect
to see as a marine.
419
00:22:32,017 --> 00:22:33,183
[gunfire]
420
00:22:33,185 --> 00:22:36,553
He did two tours in vietnam
and one in korea.
421
00:22:36,622 --> 00:22:39,890
One of his buddies
from the war told me
422
00:22:39,959 --> 00:22:42,293
That in war, he was,
like, the first guy
423
00:22:42,361 --> 00:22:44,962
Into a bad situation
with his gun out and going.
424
00:22:45,030 --> 00:22:47,064
But then again, on the trail,
he'd be the first one
425
00:22:47,132 --> 00:22:48,632
To bend down
and pick up a baby bird
426
00:22:48,701 --> 00:22:51,401
And put it back in its nest.
427
00:22:51,471 --> 00:22:53,070
- After returning
from vietnam,
428
00:22:53,138 --> 00:22:56,239
Jessie was stationed
at el toro in orange county,
429
00:22:56,309 --> 00:22:59,042
Where he settled with his wife
and three children.
430
00:22:59,111 --> 00:23:01,378
- He met a lot of people,
a lot of good people,
431
00:23:01,447 --> 00:23:02,779
At the el toro marine base
432
00:23:02,848 --> 00:23:04,882
That became staples
in his life.
433
00:23:04,950 --> 00:23:08,652
And santa ana was
a nice little neighborhood.
434
00:23:08,654 --> 00:23:10,587
- But within a few years,
435
00:23:10,656 --> 00:23:12,255
Jessie retired
from the marines,
436
00:23:12,257 --> 00:23:14,658
Got divorced,
and began a second career
437
00:23:14,660 --> 00:23:16,793
As a family law attorney.
438
00:23:16,862 --> 00:23:19,162
And through it all,
he remained firmly rooted
439
00:23:19,231 --> 00:23:21,364
In the oc.
440
00:23:21,366 --> 00:23:22,733
- He was a nice guy.
441
00:23:22,801 --> 00:23:24,335
The guy everybody would want
442
00:23:24,403 --> 00:23:25,736
To have a beer with
if they knew him.
443
00:23:25,804 --> 00:23:28,005
He made the world
a better place.
444
00:23:29,174 --> 00:23:32,409
- Now that police have three
other more likely suspects,
445
00:23:32,478 --> 00:23:35,546
Michael's claims of innocence
are starting to make sense.
446
00:23:35,614 --> 00:23:36,980
But they can't release him
447
00:23:37,049 --> 00:23:39,182
Until they speak with
the woman in the polaroid.
448
00:23:39,184 --> 00:23:41,084
And to find her,
they need michael
449
00:23:41,153 --> 00:23:43,554
To answer
a few more questions.
450
00:23:43,622 --> 00:23:45,022
- They showed me a picture.
451
00:23:45,090 --> 00:23:46,623
And then they said,
"who's this?"
452
00:23:46,692 --> 00:23:48,359
I said,
"that's valerie kalman.
453
00:23:48,427 --> 00:23:50,127
That's my dad's ex-girlfriend."
454
00:23:50,195 --> 00:23:53,196
♪ ♪
455
00:23:53,266 --> 00:23:55,232
- We received information
from mike
456
00:23:55,300 --> 00:24:00,303
That jessie had represented
valerie legally in a case,
457
00:24:00,373 --> 00:24:03,974
And somehow he became
romantically involved with her.
458
00:24:04,043 --> 00:24:06,843
And at one time, she was
living at the residence
459
00:24:06,912 --> 00:24:09,246
With jessie and mike.
460
00:24:09,314 --> 00:24:10,581
- My dad came from
461
00:24:10,649 --> 00:24:15,719
Pretty meager beginnings
himself.
462
00:24:15,721 --> 00:24:17,388
And he definitely had
a spot in his heart
463
00:24:17,456 --> 00:24:19,122
For anybody struggling.
464
00:24:19,124 --> 00:24:21,858
Anybody that needs a break,
you know,
465
00:24:21,927 --> 00:24:24,862
He was kind of quick
to give it to them.
466
00:24:24,930 --> 00:24:27,931
- He served his country,
founded a women's law clinic.
467
00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:29,800
He clearly was a good man.
468
00:24:29,868 --> 00:24:31,202
Maybe there's
a judgement problem here,
469
00:24:31,270 --> 00:24:34,371
But he had been living
with this 19-year-old woman,
470
00:24:34,440 --> 00:24:37,941
Valerie kalman, for a year.
471
00:24:38,010 --> 00:24:42,012
- Oh, I think he loved her.
I think he really loved her.
472
00:24:42,081 --> 00:24:44,748
- Dad wasn't stupid, you know,
473
00:24:44,817 --> 00:24:48,219
Foolish perhaps
in the ways of love,
474
00:24:48,287 --> 00:24:51,288
But not stupid.
475
00:24:51,356 --> 00:24:53,224
My dad saw valerie
as a diamond in the rough.
476
00:24:53,292 --> 00:24:55,192
He said that many times.
477
00:24:55,261 --> 00:24:58,228
- But the may-December romance
comes to an end
478
00:24:58,297 --> 00:25:01,632
Several weeks
before jessie's murder.
479
00:25:01,700 --> 00:25:03,000
- She was seeing somebody
that dad was kind of
480
00:25:03,002 --> 00:25:05,436
Looking the other way about.
481
00:25:05,504 --> 00:25:08,805
And he said, you know,
just go, just go.
482
00:25:08,874 --> 00:25:11,442
- Apparently,
valerie had moved out
483
00:25:11,510 --> 00:25:14,545
And was no longer staying
at the apartment.
484
00:25:16,449 --> 00:25:19,650
- Detectives quickly run
a background check on valerie,
485
00:25:19,718 --> 00:25:22,653
And what they learn
raises eyebrows.
486
00:25:22,721 --> 00:25:24,488
- We learned that she had
a juvenile record,
487
00:25:24,556 --> 00:25:26,823
So we called probation
and found out
488
00:25:26,892 --> 00:25:29,893
That the father of valerie
was daniel kalman.
489
00:25:29,895 --> 00:25:32,529
So then we called him
490
00:25:32,598 --> 00:25:34,632
Asking for the whereabouts
of valerie.
491
00:25:36,401 --> 00:25:38,168
We explained to him
that we were investigating
492
00:25:38,237 --> 00:25:40,237
A homicide
that happened in santa ana
493
00:25:40,305 --> 00:25:43,840
And we needed to talk to her
regarding that incident.
494
00:25:43,909 --> 00:25:46,943
He became real concerned
and told us
495
00:25:47,012 --> 00:25:49,446
That he would find her
whereabouts and call us back.
496
00:25:51,484 --> 00:25:55,018
- By the following evening,
Friday, August 22nd,
497
00:25:55,087 --> 00:25:56,887
Investigators still
haven't heard back
498
00:25:56,955 --> 00:25:58,521
From valerie's father.
499
00:25:59,591 --> 00:26:02,826
- Then at that moment,
we received a telephone call
500
00:26:02,895 --> 00:26:05,195
At the police department.
501
00:26:05,264 --> 00:26:08,966
The call was from a young
woman who said, "I'm valerie."
502
00:26:09,034 --> 00:26:10,301
And she says, "you know what?
503
00:26:10,369 --> 00:26:13,003
I'd like to talk to you
about the homicide."
504
00:26:13,072 --> 00:26:15,172
And that just
perked up our ears.
505
00:26:15,240 --> 00:26:16,807
We're on it.
506
00:26:16,809 --> 00:26:23,814
♪ ♪
507
00:26:28,619 --> 00:26:31,422
[dramatic music]
508
00:26:31,490 --> 00:26:36,526
♪ ♪
509
00:26:36,595 --> 00:26:38,262
- It's been nearly 48 hours
510
00:26:38,330 --> 00:26:43,000
Since jessie grimes was shot
dead in his santa ana home.
511
00:26:43,068 --> 00:26:46,236
Detectives have just received
an unexpected phone call
512
00:26:46,305 --> 00:26:49,006
From valerie kalman,
the key suspect
513
00:26:49,074 --> 00:26:51,708
They've been urgently trying
to track down.
514
00:26:51,777 --> 00:26:53,844
She suddenly wants to talk.
515
00:26:56,081 --> 00:26:59,049
- I think she knew
we are getting close.
516
00:26:59,118 --> 00:27:02,285
She wants to come and give
some sort of an alibi
517
00:27:02,354 --> 00:27:04,687
To keep herself
from getting in trouble.
518
00:27:04,689 --> 00:27:06,857
That's what I'm thinking.
519
00:27:06,925 --> 00:27:08,525
- By 9:15 p.M.,
520
00:27:08,594 --> 00:27:11,629
Valerie kalman is sitting
in an interrogation room
521
00:27:11,697 --> 00:27:13,831
At the santa ana
police department.
522
00:27:28,113 --> 00:27:32,315
- She denied having anything
to do with what happened.
523
00:27:32,317 --> 00:27:35,119
So we started putting
a little pressure on her.
524
00:27:46,732 --> 00:27:50,033
At that point,
she broke down and cried.
525
00:27:50,035 --> 00:27:53,003
[valerie sobbing]
526
00:28:05,951 --> 00:28:09,152
And then she started to talk.
527
00:28:09,221 --> 00:28:11,888
She told us that she had been
at the condominium
528
00:28:11,957 --> 00:28:13,757
With two individuals
she knows,
529
00:28:13,826 --> 00:28:15,392
George peterson
530
00:28:15,460 --> 00:28:17,828
And tim stotler.
531
00:28:17,896 --> 00:28:20,597
Apparently,
george and tim were friends.
532
00:28:20,665 --> 00:28:23,100
And valerie and tim
were an item.
533
00:28:28,373 --> 00:28:30,240
- Then we started
questioning her
534
00:28:30,309 --> 00:28:32,909
Regarding her relationship
with jessie grimes,
535
00:28:32,978 --> 00:28:35,279
If she had
any problems with him.
536
00:28:51,796 --> 00:28:55,198
- Valerie insists she did not
bring george peterson
537
00:28:55,200 --> 00:28:58,601
And tim stotler
to jessie's condo to harm him.
538
00:28:58,603 --> 00:29:01,672
But she does make an admission
detectives were looking for.
539
00:29:04,076 --> 00:29:06,577
- She said that they wanted
to go to the house
540
00:29:06,645 --> 00:29:08,145
To rob jessie
541
00:29:08,213 --> 00:29:11,248
And that they planned
this crime.
542
00:29:11,316 --> 00:29:14,317
- Valerie told the police
they were talking about jessie,
543
00:29:14,319 --> 00:29:17,587
And george asked,
"does he have any money?"
544
00:29:17,589 --> 00:29:19,322
- Valerie told him,
well, of course.
545
00:29:19,324 --> 00:29:20,757
He's an attorney.
He's got money.
546
00:29:20,826 --> 00:29:25,195
And so they went over there
to rob jessie.
547
00:29:25,264 --> 00:29:27,898
And both men got ready
for this crime
548
00:29:27,966 --> 00:29:30,734
By dressing up in nice suits.
549
00:29:30,802 --> 00:29:33,771
And she said they walked in
and talked to jessie
550
00:29:33,839 --> 00:29:36,840
With the pretext that she was
coming to collect her clothes.
551
00:29:48,253 --> 00:29:51,221
- Valerie explains she
and jessie were in his bedroom
552
00:29:51,290 --> 00:29:53,156
Arguing about
her missing clothes
553
00:29:53,225 --> 00:29:56,293
When she suddenly decided
to leave the room.
554
00:30:02,134 --> 00:30:06,536
- And as soon as she stepped
down to the lower floor,
555
00:30:06,605 --> 00:30:09,306
Both men, tim and george,
556
00:30:09,374 --> 00:30:11,875
Walked up and went
to jessie's room.
557
00:30:19,884 --> 00:30:22,485
- Valerie claims
she never went back upstairs
558
00:30:22,554 --> 00:30:24,755
And doesn't know
what happened next.
559
00:30:24,823 --> 00:30:27,257
But investigators push harder.
560
00:30:34,299 --> 00:30:35,698
- [sobs]
561
00:30:35,768 --> 00:30:38,769
- And at that point,
she became emotional.
562
00:30:38,837 --> 00:30:41,238
And she just couldn't
stop crying.
563
00:30:46,311 --> 00:30:47,577
[sobs]
564
00:30:47,646 --> 00:30:50,280
- She said george and tim
went to jessie's room.
565
00:30:57,122 --> 00:30:58,655
At that point, I did ask her,
566
00:30:58,723 --> 00:31:01,792
So did george and tim
shoot jessie?
567
00:31:10,335 --> 00:31:13,870
- She said after she heard
the shots...
568
00:31:13,939 --> 00:31:17,540
[gunshots echoing]
569
00:31:17,542 --> 00:31:19,576
They came running
down the stairs,
570
00:31:19,644 --> 00:31:21,211
And they told her, let's go.
571
00:31:21,279 --> 00:31:23,846
So they got
into their vehicle,
572
00:31:23,916 --> 00:31:25,415
And they started driving.
573
00:31:25,484 --> 00:31:28,852
[engine revving]
574
00:31:28,920 --> 00:31:30,853
There was nothing taken.
575
00:31:30,923 --> 00:31:35,592
She said they got spooked
after they shot him and left.
576
00:31:35,660 --> 00:31:37,360
At the conclusion
of the interview,
577
00:31:37,362 --> 00:31:40,663
It was obvious that valerie had
admitted to her participation
578
00:31:40,733 --> 00:31:43,566
With the homicide
of jessie grimes.
579
00:31:43,635 --> 00:31:47,003
So she was arrested
for the crime.
580
00:31:47,072 --> 00:31:48,671
- With valerie now in custody,
581
00:31:48,741 --> 00:31:51,641
Police are able to release
the victim's son,
582
00:31:51,710 --> 00:31:53,776
Michael grimes.
583
00:31:53,778 --> 00:31:55,879
- After we talked to valerie,
584
00:31:55,947 --> 00:32:00,917
We were able to conclude that
michael was not responsible
585
00:32:00,986 --> 00:32:04,587
For the death of jessie grimes.
586
00:32:04,589 --> 00:32:08,124
- They just told me
they got valerie that night.
587
00:32:08,193 --> 00:32:11,361
She confessed
and they were letting me go.
588
00:32:11,430 --> 00:32:13,696
Valerie knew my dad
was a good man.
589
00:32:13,766 --> 00:32:17,900
She knew what she was killing,
who she was killing,
590
00:32:17,902 --> 00:32:21,338
And it was no way to justify it.
591
00:32:23,308 --> 00:32:25,008
- While michael savors
his freedom,
592
00:32:25,077 --> 00:32:26,976
Detectives circle back
to valerie
593
00:32:27,046 --> 00:32:30,313
To push her for help
locating her two accomplices,
594
00:32:30,382 --> 00:32:33,015
George peterson
and tim stotler.
595
00:32:33,017 --> 00:32:35,818
- We still had the two
other people outstanding.
596
00:32:35,820 --> 00:32:37,420
And we couldn't stop.
597
00:32:37,489 --> 00:32:39,622
We needed to find
the other two suspects.
598
00:32:39,691 --> 00:32:42,559
[siren wailing]
599
00:32:42,627 --> 00:32:49,366
♪ ♪
600
00:32:52,637 --> 00:32:55,171
[dramatic music]
601
00:32:55,240 --> 00:33:01,711
♪ ♪
602
00:33:01,780 --> 00:33:05,582
- Nearly 48 hours after
the murder of jessie grimes,
603
00:33:05,650 --> 00:33:08,751
His 19-year-old ex-girlfriend,
valerie kalman,
604
00:33:08,753 --> 00:33:10,987
Has confessed to taking part
in the crime.
605
00:33:11,056 --> 00:33:13,956
Now santa ana detectives
are grilling her
606
00:33:13,958 --> 00:33:16,326
On the whereabouts
of her two accomplices,
607
00:33:16,394 --> 00:33:18,929
George peterson
and tim stotler.
608
00:33:18,997 --> 00:33:23,065
- We continue with
the interview with valerie.
609
00:33:23,067 --> 00:33:26,336
She disclosed to us that
after they fled the scene
610
00:33:26,405 --> 00:33:29,139
Of the homicide in santa ana,
611
00:33:29,207 --> 00:33:31,174
They started driving
for san diego.
612
00:33:38,383 --> 00:33:40,817
- They were stopped by
the california highway patrol
613
00:33:40,885 --> 00:33:43,853
Because they were speeding,
614
00:33:43,855 --> 00:33:46,689
And they started searching
the vehicle.
615
00:33:46,691 --> 00:33:49,626
- In the vehicle,
the authorities found
616
00:33:49,694 --> 00:33:52,863
A .32 automatic pistol
617
00:33:52,931 --> 00:33:56,332
And a .22 ar rifle.
618
00:33:56,401 --> 00:33:59,436
- So george peterson,
who was driving the vehicle,
619
00:33:59,504 --> 00:34:01,804
Was arrested for possession
of illegal weapons
620
00:34:01,874 --> 00:34:03,607
As well as dui.
621
00:34:08,713 --> 00:34:10,747
- The chp officer
was totally unaware
622
00:34:10,815 --> 00:34:12,849
Of the homicide in santa ana.
623
00:34:12,917 --> 00:34:15,418
Because of that,
he released both
624
00:34:15,487 --> 00:34:18,922
Valerie and tim at the scene.
625
00:34:20,258 --> 00:34:21,892
- Valerie claims
she doesn't know
626
00:34:21,960 --> 00:34:24,060
The whereabouts
of tim stotler,
627
00:34:24,128 --> 00:34:25,762
But detectives know exactly
628
00:34:25,830 --> 00:34:28,398
How to track down
george peterson.
629
00:34:28,467 --> 00:34:29,733
- I called
the california highway patrol,
630
00:34:29,801 --> 00:34:33,136
And we determined
that he was in custody
631
00:34:33,204 --> 00:34:35,538
At the orange county jail.
632
00:34:35,607 --> 00:34:38,008
So we questioned him regarding
633
00:34:38,076 --> 00:34:41,678
The homicide of jessie grimes.
634
00:34:41,746 --> 00:34:45,481
I told him that I already had
statements from valerie.
635
00:34:45,550 --> 00:34:47,884
And I did lie a little bit.
I told him that tim had already
636
00:34:47,952 --> 00:34:51,721
Been arrested and told us
all about the crime
637
00:34:51,723 --> 00:34:55,558
And that george had been the
person who had planned this.
638
00:34:55,560 --> 00:34:57,960
And I told him
they were blaming him
639
00:34:58,030 --> 00:34:59,629
For the shooting
of jessie grimes.
640
00:34:59,698 --> 00:35:02,365
And to be honest with you,
I think initially,
641
00:35:02,367 --> 00:35:04,434
He was in a bit of a shock
642
00:35:04,503 --> 00:35:06,469
And a little bit concerned
that we knew
643
00:35:06,471 --> 00:35:08,138
So much information
about what happened.
644
00:35:08,206 --> 00:35:11,307
And he was willing to talk.
645
00:35:11,376 --> 00:35:14,111
He said,
"it was all valerie's idea."
646
00:35:15,547 --> 00:35:19,049
"she's the one
that took us over there."
647
00:35:19,117 --> 00:35:21,017
And when I ask him
about the motive,
648
00:35:21,085 --> 00:35:24,988
He said the reason we did this
is because we needed some cash.
649
00:35:26,791 --> 00:35:29,459
- But he did say though
that it wasn't planned.
650
00:35:29,528 --> 00:35:32,162
The murder wasn't
premeditated.
651
00:35:32,230 --> 00:35:34,464
It was just more like
a robbery gone wrong.
652
00:35:34,533 --> 00:35:38,735
- I did ask, what weapon did
he use to shoot jessie grimes?
653
00:35:38,803 --> 00:35:43,740
And he said that he was
carrying a .22-caliber ar-7
654
00:35:43,808 --> 00:35:49,312
And that tim shot jessie grimes
with a .32 beretta.
655
00:35:50,949 --> 00:35:56,018
He said that he shot twice...
656
00:35:56,088 --> 00:35:57,654
[two gunshots]
657
00:35:57,722 --> 00:36:00,657
And that tim shot
three times...
658
00:36:00,725 --> 00:36:01,992
[three gunshots]
659
00:36:02,060 --> 00:36:03,426
Which was confirmed
with the evidence
660
00:36:03,495 --> 00:36:05,361
That we found at the scene.
661
00:36:05,430 --> 00:36:08,497
I mean, that's
a very compelling confession.
662
00:36:08,499 --> 00:36:10,901
So after the interview,
he was charged
663
00:36:10,969 --> 00:36:15,037
With the homicide
of jessie grimes.
664
00:36:15,107 --> 00:36:18,007
♪ ♪
665
00:36:18,076 --> 00:36:19,576
- With both valerie kalman
666
00:36:19,644 --> 00:36:22,445
And george peterson
now in custody,
667
00:36:22,514 --> 00:36:25,715
Detectives go on the hunt
for suspect number three,
668
00:36:25,784 --> 00:36:28,985
Timothy stotler.
669
00:36:29,053 --> 00:36:34,090
- We went to tim's residence
in anaheim looking for him.
670
00:36:34,159 --> 00:36:37,593
But tim wasn't
in the apartment.
671
00:36:37,663 --> 00:36:40,563
- Detectives put stotler's
apartment under surveillance
672
00:36:40,565 --> 00:36:43,533
And notify law enforcement
throughout orange county.
673
00:36:43,602 --> 00:36:47,270
But there's no trace
of the fugitive.
674
00:36:47,338 --> 00:36:49,139
- There's a fear there's,
like, a killer on the loose.
675
00:36:49,207 --> 00:36:51,874
And as a family member
of the grimes,
676
00:36:51,943 --> 00:36:53,509
I mean, they're all
on pins and needles.
677
00:36:53,578 --> 00:36:55,211
They want this guy caught.
You know, he could be anywhere.
678
00:36:55,280 --> 00:36:58,881
They really can't have peace
until he's in custody.
679
00:36:58,883 --> 00:37:00,082
- That was hell.
680
00:37:00,152 --> 00:37:02,552
I was sleeping with a gun
under my pillow,
681
00:37:02,621 --> 00:37:04,154
Thinking I was gonna, you know,
682
00:37:04,222 --> 00:37:06,589
Wake up to stotler
in the house.
683
00:37:06,658 --> 00:37:08,891
I really felt in danger,
and I really didn't know
684
00:37:08,893 --> 00:37:10,493
What kind of blowback
was still to come.
685
00:37:10,562 --> 00:37:12,963
I didn't know if stotler
was a heavy-duty kingpin
686
00:37:13,031 --> 00:37:16,032
Or whatever, or if he was
just some knucklehead,
687
00:37:16,100 --> 00:37:17,767
Which it probably was
the latter.
688
00:37:19,237 --> 00:37:22,372
- As the search
for tim stotler continues,
689
00:37:22,440 --> 00:37:24,641
Jessie grimes'
family and friends
690
00:37:24,709 --> 00:37:27,177
Gather to pay their respects.
691
00:37:27,245 --> 00:37:29,512
- Jessie grimes got
a hero's funeral.
692
00:37:29,514 --> 00:37:32,182
It was at the marine corps
tustin air station.
693
00:37:32,250 --> 00:37:33,482
And he's buried with honors,
694
00:37:33,552 --> 00:37:35,351
A flag on his grave
and everything.
695
00:37:35,420 --> 00:37:37,253
[somber music]
696
00:37:37,322 --> 00:37:39,255
- I showed up late.
697
00:37:39,324 --> 00:37:41,257
I didn't want to see
an open casket.
698
00:37:41,326 --> 00:37:45,095
But of course,
my last memory of him is...
699
00:37:45,163 --> 00:37:47,063
I said, "I love you, dad."
700
00:37:47,131 --> 00:37:49,698
He said, "I love you too, son.
You have a good night."
701
00:37:49,700 --> 00:37:53,269
I said "I love you,"
and I never said "I love you."
702
00:37:53,337 --> 00:37:55,538
And it just wasn't
something we always did.
703
00:37:55,607 --> 00:37:58,408
And it was kind of--it didn't
strike me as super odd then,
704
00:37:58,476 --> 00:38:01,211
But, like, later on,
I was like, thank you, jesus,
705
00:38:01,279 --> 00:38:03,880
For letting me say that,
you know?
706
00:38:03,948 --> 00:38:05,815
♪ ♪
707
00:38:05,884 --> 00:38:07,183
[tense music]
708
00:38:07,185 --> 00:38:10,620
- Six weeks after the vicious
murder of jessie grimes,
709
00:38:10,689 --> 00:38:13,556
Tim stotler is still at large.
710
00:38:13,625 --> 00:38:15,725
And as the manhunt heats up,
711
00:38:15,793 --> 00:38:17,627
Investigators release
his photograph
712
00:38:17,696 --> 00:38:20,230
To news outlets
in orange county.
713
00:38:20,298 --> 00:38:21,898
- The police asked the media
to help.
714
00:38:21,966 --> 00:38:23,233
So his picture was out.
715
00:38:23,301 --> 00:38:25,301
Everybody
in southern california
716
00:38:25,369 --> 00:38:27,703
Was looking
for timothy stotler.
717
00:38:27,772 --> 00:38:30,840
Then on October 2nd,
santa ana police got a call,
718
00:38:30,909 --> 00:38:33,209
And it was from
an acquaintance of tim
719
00:38:33,277 --> 00:38:36,379
Who said, "I saw the picture.
720
00:38:36,447 --> 00:38:38,214
I know where he is."
721
00:38:38,282 --> 00:38:44,321
♪ ♪
722
00:38:47,691 --> 00:38:50,260
[dramatic music]
723
00:38:50,328 --> 00:38:56,732
♪ ♪
724
00:38:56,801 --> 00:39:00,636
- By October 2nd, 1986,
it's been six weeks
725
00:39:00,705 --> 00:39:04,174
Since the senseless murder
of jessie grimes.
726
00:39:04,242 --> 00:39:06,375
While valerie kalman
and george peterson
727
00:39:06,445 --> 00:39:08,478
Are in custody,
728
00:39:08,546 --> 00:39:11,881
19-year-old tim stotler
is still on the loose.
729
00:39:11,950 --> 00:39:15,217
But after releasing
his photograph to the media,
730
00:39:15,219 --> 00:39:18,020
Santa ana detectives
receive a hot tip
731
00:39:18,022 --> 00:39:20,957
About stotler's latest
hideout in anaheim.
732
00:39:21,025 --> 00:39:23,192
- The authorities
received a call
733
00:39:23,261 --> 00:39:25,928
From a friend of stotler's.
734
00:39:25,997 --> 00:39:28,898
And he gave up
his whereabouts.
735
00:39:28,967 --> 00:39:31,167
- The acquaintance
of tim said,
736
00:39:31,235 --> 00:39:32,935
"I saw the picture.
737
00:39:32,937 --> 00:39:35,237
"you're looking for him.
I know where he is.
738
00:39:35,307 --> 00:39:37,573
He's at my house in anaheim."
739
00:39:37,642 --> 00:39:40,943
- On that day, October 2nd,
740
00:39:40,945 --> 00:39:44,180
We responded and we took him
into custody without incident.
741
00:39:44,248 --> 00:39:45,848
He was advised of his rights,
742
00:39:45,850 --> 00:39:47,417
But he requested
to talk to an attorney,
743
00:39:47,485 --> 00:39:49,319
So no statement was taken
from stotler.
744
00:39:49,387 --> 00:39:52,588
♪ ♪
745
00:39:52,657 --> 00:39:54,590
- The arrest of tim stotler
really kind of
746
00:39:54,659 --> 00:39:56,926
Put the cherry on top
of this case.
747
00:39:56,995 --> 00:40:00,596
The manhunt was over, and now
it was time to prosecute them.
748
00:40:00,665 --> 00:40:02,999
- Prosecutors have
a compelling case
749
00:40:03,067 --> 00:40:04,834
Based on
the detailed confessions
750
00:40:04,903 --> 00:40:07,870
Of both valerie kalman
and george peterson
751
00:40:07,939 --> 00:40:10,540
And the two murder weapons
found in peterson's truck
752
00:40:10,608 --> 00:40:12,875
During his dui arrest.
753
00:40:12,877 --> 00:40:16,279
- There was ballistic analysis
completed, and the weapons
754
00:40:16,347 --> 00:40:18,948
That the california
highway patrol recovered,
755
00:40:19,017 --> 00:40:24,654
The .32-caliber beretta
and the .22-caliber ar-7,
756
00:40:24,722 --> 00:40:27,490
Were confirmed to be
the weapons that were used
757
00:40:27,559 --> 00:40:30,092
For the commission
of this homicide.
758
00:40:30,094 --> 00:40:33,429
- Based on all the evidence,
we came to believe
759
00:40:33,497 --> 00:40:37,667
That the two shooters
were peterson and stotler.
760
00:40:39,437 --> 00:40:41,637
- We did believe that valerie
went in there with the pretext
761
00:40:41,706 --> 00:40:43,039
That she wanted
to get her clothes,
762
00:40:43,107 --> 00:40:46,843
But got into an argument
with jessie.
763
00:40:46,911 --> 00:40:49,979
And then I'm thinking that
valerie may have come down
764
00:40:50,048 --> 00:40:54,684
And told them,
go up there and get the money.
765
00:40:54,752 --> 00:40:56,786
Once they got up the stairs,
766
00:40:56,854 --> 00:40:58,788
Jessie probably tried
to close the door
767
00:40:58,857 --> 00:41:00,289
To prevent them
from coming in.
768
00:41:00,291 --> 00:41:03,325
♪ ♪
769
00:41:03,395 --> 00:41:06,596
- Tim stotler shot
into the door.
770
00:41:06,664 --> 00:41:07,764
[gunshot echoes]
771
00:41:07,832 --> 00:41:10,099
And the bullet penetrated
772
00:41:10,168 --> 00:41:13,836
And hit jessie grimes
in the chest.
773
00:41:13,838 --> 00:41:17,439
The two men then
kicked open the door
774
00:41:17,441 --> 00:41:22,745
To find jessie grimes bleeding
but still alive.
775
00:41:24,616 --> 00:41:29,619
Peterson and stotler then shot
three more times,
776
00:41:29,687 --> 00:41:32,188
Twice in the chest,
once in the head.
777
00:41:32,256 --> 00:41:34,790
[gunshots echo]
778
00:41:34,859 --> 00:41:36,959
- But there was nothing taken
779
00:41:37,028 --> 00:41:39,562
Because they were in fear
for being caught,
780
00:41:39,631 --> 00:41:42,198
And they were scared and left.
781
00:41:42,266 --> 00:41:44,934
I did get a statement from
peterson during the interview
782
00:41:45,003 --> 00:41:47,169
When I asked him,
"why did you shoot jessie?"
783
00:41:47,171 --> 00:41:51,307
And his answer was,
"stupidity, I guess."
784
00:41:51,376 --> 00:41:54,076
- The three suspects are
prosecuted separately,
785
00:41:54,145 --> 00:41:58,715
Beginning with tim stotler
in July, 1987.
786
00:42:00,151 --> 00:42:02,652
- Tim stotler
and george peterson
787
00:42:02,720 --> 00:42:04,787
Were convicted
of first-degree murder
788
00:42:04,856 --> 00:42:08,257
And received 25 years to life.
789
00:42:08,326 --> 00:42:11,461
- In 1988,
valerie kalman accepts a deal.
790
00:42:11,529 --> 00:42:15,197
In exchange for her testimony
against peterson and stotler,
791
00:42:15,199 --> 00:42:17,533
She pleads guilty
to the lesser charge
792
00:42:17,602 --> 00:42:19,401
Of second-degree murder.
793
00:42:19,471 --> 00:42:23,072
- Valerie kalman was sentenced
to 15 years to life.
794
00:42:25,976 --> 00:42:29,812
- I didn't feel as though
justice had been served.
795
00:42:29,881 --> 00:42:31,981
Justice would be, you know,
they're dead and he's alive.
796
00:42:32,050 --> 00:42:34,150
But it was a relief.
It was such a relief.
797
00:42:34,218 --> 00:42:36,819
It was like a weight
lifted off of me.
798
00:42:36,821 --> 00:42:40,189
[somber music]
799
00:42:40,258 --> 00:42:42,258
- This was just really
a tragic case
800
00:42:42,326 --> 00:42:45,194
Of a good man brought down
by bad people.
801
00:42:46,330 --> 00:42:49,832
It's sad, he lost his life
really for nothing.
802
00:42:49,834 --> 00:42:52,502
- He became
such a good friend to me.
803
00:42:52,570 --> 00:42:53,769
He was a generous person,
804
00:42:53,838 --> 00:42:55,771
And he was
a compassionate person.
805
00:42:55,840 --> 00:42:59,475
It was a real loss to lose him.
806
00:43:00,845 --> 00:43:04,046
- He was a good guy.
807
00:43:04,115 --> 00:43:05,381
I mean, there's not
too many good people
808
00:43:05,449 --> 00:43:06,849
On this planet anymore,
809
00:43:06,918 --> 00:43:08,985
That you could really say
they're good.
810
00:43:09,053 --> 00:43:11,654
Those people did the world
a big disservice
811
00:43:11,723 --> 00:43:13,323
When they killed him.
812
00:43:13,391 --> 00:43:15,658
I wish everybody had
a chance to know him.
813
00:43:15,727 --> 00:43:18,861
♪ ♪
814
00:43:18,863 --> 00:43:21,263
I love that old guy.
815
00:43:21,265 --> 00:43:28,104
♪ ♪