1 00:00:07,440 --> 00:00:11,009 ♪♪ 2 00:00:11,078 --> 00:00:12,511 - In season 20, 3 00:00:12,513 --> 00:00:15,647 "snapped" profiled the story of lucille duncan, 4 00:00:15,716 --> 00:00:19,551 A single mother searching for a lasting chance at love. 5 00:00:21,488 --> 00:00:24,489 When she met james pruitt in 2002, 6 00:00:24,558 --> 00:00:27,926 Her prayers were seemingly answered. 7 00:00:27,995 --> 00:00:29,428 - They loved each other. 8 00:00:29,496 --> 00:00:31,496 They would laugh together. 9 00:00:31,565 --> 00:00:34,999 But when james turns up dead amid shocking allegations 10 00:00:35,001 --> 00:00:36,901 Of domestic assault, 11 00:00:36,971 --> 00:00:39,238 Lucille becomes the prime suspect. 12 00:00:40,307 --> 00:00:42,041 - He got shot in the back of the head. 13 00:00:44,344 --> 00:00:46,545 - Their relationship got very toxic. 14 00:00:48,215 --> 00:00:49,948 - Okay. 15 00:00:50,017 --> 00:00:51,850 - As the investigation unfolds, 16 00:00:51,919 --> 00:00:55,554 A harrowing plot involving lucille's older brother 17 00:00:55,622 --> 00:00:59,058 And her oldest son takes shape. 18 00:00:59,126 --> 00:01:00,459 - They were talking about 19 00:01:00,527 --> 00:01:02,728 Tonight's the night that we're going to do it. 20 00:01:07,868 --> 00:01:11,069 - They were saying she knew about it ahead of time, 21 00:01:11,138 --> 00:01:14,339 She planned it, that this was premeditated, 22 00:01:14,408 --> 00:01:16,808 And lucille was charged with murder. 23 00:01:16,877 --> 00:01:18,843 ♪♪ 24 00:01:18,913 --> 00:01:20,679 - Now serving a life sentence 25 00:01:20,747 --> 00:01:23,081 In the missouri department of corrections, 26 00:01:23,149 --> 00:01:27,218 Lucille breaks her silence and shares her side of the story 27 00:01:27,220 --> 00:01:29,254 For the first time. 28 00:01:30,390 --> 00:01:33,892 - I hate that somebody died... 29 00:01:33,961 --> 00:01:37,262 But I had nothing to do with it. 30 00:01:37,264 --> 00:01:40,699 My brother is incarcerated. 31 00:01:40,767 --> 00:01:43,768 He fully accepts responsibility. 32 00:01:43,837 --> 00:01:46,838 - Lucille's family continues to stand with her 33 00:01:46,907 --> 00:01:49,341 In her fight for freedom. 34 00:01:49,409 --> 00:01:52,244 - My mom has been fighting... 35 00:01:52,312 --> 00:01:55,780 This case for a little over 10 years. 36 00:01:55,849 --> 00:01:57,348 - I hope she gets out. 37 00:01:57,350 --> 00:01:59,718 She deserves to get out. 38 00:01:59,786 --> 00:02:03,255 - But will her pursuit for exoneration be in vain? 39 00:02:04,458 --> 00:02:06,224 - Lucille's a liar. 40 00:02:06,293 --> 00:02:10,362 I will go to my grave thinking that. 41 00:02:10,430 --> 00:02:13,632 - If lucy got outta prison, I'd be devastated. 42 00:02:13,700 --> 00:02:15,934 - I would never, 43 00:02:16,003 --> 00:02:18,670 Never have anyone hurt... [sniffling] 44 00:02:20,273 --> 00:02:22,106 Much less killed. 45 00:02:22,176 --> 00:02:35,921 ♪♪ 46 00:02:37,290 --> 00:02:44,229 ♪♪ 47 00:02:44,297 --> 00:02:46,197 My name's lucille duncan. 48 00:02:46,267 --> 00:02:49,234 I've been locked up 20 years. 49 00:02:49,303 --> 00:02:51,936 I haven't been interviewed before, 50 00:02:52,006 --> 00:02:54,406 And this is a good opportunity 51 00:02:54,474 --> 00:02:56,541 For me to get my story out there. 52 00:02:56,610 --> 00:02:58,977 I have a wonderful attorney, 53 00:02:59,046 --> 00:03:02,447 Who has been... 54 00:03:02,516 --> 00:03:06,284 My advocate for 12 years. 55 00:03:06,286 --> 00:03:08,386 I'm very grateful for that. 56 00:03:08,455 --> 00:03:10,522 I hate that somebody died, 57 00:03:10,591 --> 00:03:14,593 But I had nothing to do with it. 58 00:03:14,661 --> 00:03:18,162 And two wrongs don't make a right. 59 00:03:18,164 --> 00:03:20,799 My brother is incarcerated. 60 00:03:20,867 --> 00:03:24,936 He fully accepts responsibility. 61 00:03:25,005 --> 00:03:27,205 - There are two sides to every story, 62 00:03:27,274 --> 00:03:30,609 And really, we have to look at 63 00:03:30,677 --> 00:03:32,844 What is in the middle of that, 64 00:03:32,913 --> 00:03:34,178 Because that's typically 65 00:03:34,180 --> 00:03:36,214 Where you're going to find the truth. 66 00:03:36,282 --> 00:03:42,321 ♪♪ 67 00:03:42,323 --> 00:03:45,356 - July 5th, 2003. 68 00:03:45,426 --> 00:03:49,460 Around 7:00 am, dispatchers in boone county, missouri 69 00:03:49,462 --> 00:03:52,764 Receive a 911 call from a concerned resident 70 00:03:52,833 --> 00:03:55,166 On a dead-end road... 71 00:03:55,235 --> 00:03:56,401 - He was leaving for work 72 00:03:56,470 --> 00:03:58,536 At approximately 7:00 in the morning 73 00:03:58,605 --> 00:04:01,039 And discovered in his driveway 74 00:04:01,108 --> 00:04:05,043 A trash bag with, uh, two... 75 00:04:05,111 --> 00:04:08,146 Tank tops and a pair of shorts with a belt 76 00:04:08,215 --> 00:04:09,748 That were covered in blood. 77 00:04:09,816 --> 00:04:13,217 - A deputy is immediately dispatched to the scene. 78 00:04:13,287 --> 00:04:14,586 When he arrives, 79 00:04:14,654 --> 00:04:16,287 He collects the bag of clothes 80 00:04:16,357 --> 00:04:18,857 And begins searching the area. 81 00:04:18,925 --> 00:04:21,393 - According to the first officer who responded to the scene 82 00:04:21,461 --> 00:04:23,895 He was able to see drag marks, 83 00:04:23,963 --> 00:04:27,031 And then, he found some blood droplets, 84 00:04:27,100 --> 00:04:30,702 And followed that trail to its source and found... 85 00:04:32,373 --> 00:04:35,540 The body in the woods. 86 00:04:35,608 --> 00:04:37,408 The body was covered with a blanket 87 00:04:37,478 --> 00:04:41,913 And sticks and brush. 88 00:04:41,982 --> 00:04:44,616 By recovering his wallet, 89 00:04:44,685 --> 00:04:46,150 They were able to determine 90 00:04:46,220 --> 00:04:48,820 That it was the body of james pruitt. 91 00:04:48,889 --> 00:04:51,323 - He had been shot once in the back of the head. 92 00:04:54,394 --> 00:04:57,562 - Investigators contact james pruitt's sister, 93 00:04:57,630 --> 00:05:01,165 Who breaks the news to the rest of his family. 94 00:05:01,235 --> 00:05:04,436 - She said, they found your father, and he's dead. 95 00:05:04,504 --> 00:05:07,071 And I can remember... 96 00:05:07,140 --> 00:05:09,407 Just, I was in shock. 97 00:05:09,476 --> 00:05:13,512 I mean, it was very, very devastating. 98 00:05:13,580 --> 00:05:16,114 - It just broke me. It was almost surreal. 99 00:05:16,183 --> 00:05:17,782 You know, I didn't... 100 00:05:17,784 --> 00:05:21,052 Understand what was going on, you know? 101 00:05:21,121 --> 00:05:24,323 - I never thought my dad would have been murdered. 102 00:05:26,192 --> 00:05:28,927 - Within a couple of hours of finding james pruitt's body, 103 00:05:28,995 --> 00:05:31,629 The sheriff's department pulled his phone records, 104 00:05:31,698 --> 00:05:34,532 Found he had been speaking with an old acquaintance, 105 00:05:34,601 --> 00:05:36,935 And they talk to her, and she says that... 106 00:05:37,003 --> 00:05:39,638 She knew that james pruitt was with lucy duncan that night. 107 00:05:41,541 --> 00:05:43,708 Lucy had been in a relationship 108 00:05:43,710 --> 00:05:46,545 With james pruitt for about a year and a half at the time. 109 00:05:47,714 --> 00:05:48,947 - This would be the first time 110 00:05:49,015 --> 00:05:52,450 Investigators hear the name lucille duncan... 111 00:05:52,519 --> 00:05:54,886 But it wouldn't be the last. 112 00:05:58,658 --> 00:06:00,892 Born in 1966, 113 00:06:00,961 --> 00:06:04,563 Lucille duncan grew up on a farm just outside columbia. 114 00:06:05,832 --> 00:06:08,367 - I was raised with three older brothers. 115 00:06:08,435 --> 00:06:10,702 We all ran around the countryside 116 00:06:10,770 --> 00:06:13,171 Swinging from grapevines, riding horses, 117 00:06:13,240 --> 00:06:15,674 Swimming in ponds or lakes. 118 00:06:15,742 --> 00:06:18,343 We have a very close-knit family. 119 00:06:18,412 --> 00:06:21,713 My parents raised us the way... 120 00:06:21,781 --> 00:06:25,249 I-- I-- they're-- they're amazing. 121 00:06:25,319 --> 00:06:27,685 - Despite her family's support, 122 00:06:27,687 --> 00:06:32,490 Lucille struggled to stay out of trouble as a teenager. 123 00:06:32,492 --> 00:06:36,594 - Lucy got a boyfriend when she was like 17, 124 00:06:36,663 --> 00:06:39,397 And he was on drugs, and she... 125 00:06:39,465 --> 00:06:40,699 Followed him there. 126 00:06:40,767 --> 00:06:43,134 ♪♪ 127 00:06:43,203 --> 00:06:44,903 - We were living together for five years. 128 00:06:44,971 --> 00:06:48,006 I found out I was pregnant, we got married. 129 00:06:48,074 --> 00:06:51,042 - Lucille worked hard to clean herself up, 130 00:06:51,111 --> 00:06:53,345 And in 1989, she gave birth 131 00:06:53,413 --> 00:06:56,581 To a healthy baby boy named jeremiah. 132 00:06:57,817 --> 00:07:01,285 - My mom, she's definitely... 133 00:07:01,355 --> 00:07:03,187 A lighthearted person. 134 00:07:03,257 --> 00:07:05,156 Easygoing. 135 00:07:05,225 --> 00:07:08,293 Fun having. 136 00:07:08,361 --> 00:07:10,495 She was a great mom. 137 00:07:10,564 --> 00:07:13,565 - Jeremiah's father is a really good guy, 138 00:07:13,633 --> 00:07:16,500 But he had a drug problem, 139 00:07:16,502 --> 00:07:19,737 And he was in and out of prison. 140 00:07:19,739 --> 00:07:21,540 - Lucille filed for divorce, 141 00:07:21,608 --> 00:07:24,743 And she continued her search for true love, 142 00:07:24,811 --> 00:07:28,113 Leading to the birth of her second son in 1996. 143 00:07:29,649 --> 00:07:33,151 But lucille's relationship with his father was short-lived. 144 00:07:34,688 --> 00:07:37,956 In 2002, lucille finally met the man 145 00:07:38,024 --> 00:07:40,492 That would change her life forever: 146 00:07:40,560 --> 00:07:44,896 Single father james pruitt. 147 00:07:44,965 --> 00:07:47,165 - I always called james, jim. 148 00:07:47,234 --> 00:07:49,500 Some people called him jimmy, 149 00:07:49,570 --> 00:07:51,736 But I always called him jim. 150 00:07:51,804 --> 00:07:55,874 He could be a very handsome and charming man. 151 00:07:55,942 --> 00:07:58,609 - My dad was born and raised in columbia. 152 00:07:58,679 --> 00:08:00,511 He lived here his whole life. 153 00:08:00,581 --> 00:08:03,114 - My mom and dad were high school sweethearts, 154 00:08:03,183 --> 00:08:06,885 You know, even-- maybe even before high school sweethearts. 155 00:08:06,953 --> 00:08:09,387 - Together, the hard-working landscaper 156 00:08:09,456 --> 00:08:13,225 And his high school sweetheart had three children. 157 00:08:13,293 --> 00:08:14,859 - We had a good time growing up. 158 00:08:14,928 --> 00:08:18,029 He was a really, uh, caring person, 159 00:08:18,098 --> 00:08:21,900 Um, loved kids, um, loved to be outdoors, 160 00:08:21,968 --> 00:08:24,736 Just a genuinely good person. 161 00:08:24,804 --> 00:08:25,937 - Unfortunately, 162 00:08:26,006 --> 00:08:28,406 James struggled with addiction, 163 00:08:28,475 --> 00:08:31,610 Which caused a strain on his marriage. 164 00:08:31,678 --> 00:08:33,778 - It started, uh, with alcohol and marijuana 165 00:08:33,846 --> 00:08:37,715 As a younger adult, and then went into cocaine. 166 00:08:37,784 --> 00:08:39,383 My mother and father divorced, 167 00:08:39,385 --> 00:08:43,021 Because my mother didn't want to live that life. 168 00:08:43,089 --> 00:08:45,257 - The divorce was a wakeup call for james, 169 00:08:45,325 --> 00:08:49,694 Who spent the next eight years wrestling with his demons. 170 00:08:49,762 --> 00:08:51,562 - My dad wanted to try to stay clean, 171 00:08:51,632 --> 00:08:54,332 But it was hard for him to stay clean. 172 00:08:54,401 --> 00:08:55,867 ♪♪ 173 00:08:55,935 --> 00:08:59,437 - I met james when he knocked on my door one day. 174 00:08:59,505 --> 00:09:02,106 A neighbor had sent him to my house. 175 00:09:02,175 --> 00:09:03,241 We were both single, 176 00:09:03,309 --> 00:09:06,378 And she thought that we would be good for one another. 177 00:09:06,446 --> 00:09:08,446 I was in sobriety at that time. 178 00:09:08,515 --> 00:09:10,882 I hadn't used for nine months. 179 00:09:10,950 --> 00:09:15,486 And I was really leery about having a friendship 180 00:09:15,555 --> 00:09:18,856 With somebody that I knew had used. 181 00:09:18,925 --> 00:09:22,994 But I really fell for him. 182 00:09:23,063 --> 00:09:25,697 - I just kind of remember him being introduced as... 183 00:09:25,765 --> 00:09:26,798 The boyfriend. 184 00:09:26,866 --> 00:09:28,666 - He was all smiles at the time. 185 00:09:28,668 --> 00:09:30,668 He was-- he seemed real nice. 186 00:09:30,737 --> 00:09:32,570 He was very charismatic, 187 00:09:32,639 --> 00:09:34,305 But I would say shortly after that 188 00:09:34,374 --> 00:09:37,375 Is when the bad stuff started happening. 189 00:09:37,444 --> 00:09:38,709 - He was good-looking. 190 00:09:38,779 --> 00:09:40,478 And when he wanted to be charming, 191 00:09:40,547 --> 00:09:42,713 He was very charming. 192 00:09:42,783 --> 00:09:45,316 But when he got mad, he was very mad. 193 00:09:45,385 --> 00:09:47,986 ♪♪ 194 00:09:48,054 --> 00:09:51,555 - More than a year after james and lucille started dating, 195 00:09:51,625 --> 00:09:53,824 James has been murdered. 196 00:09:53,826 --> 00:09:55,326 And investigators have learned 197 00:09:55,328 --> 00:09:58,096 That lucille may have been the last person 198 00:09:58,164 --> 00:10:00,331 To see him alive. 199 00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:03,301 - The detectives asked who we thought might do it, 200 00:10:03,369 --> 00:10:04,702 And I gave them her name. 201 00:10:04,704 --> 00:10:06,004 If someone has hurt him, 202 00:10:06,072 --> 00:10:08,506 That would be who I would point them to 203 00:10:08,575 --> 00:10:10,875 Just because of the relationship, 204 00:10:10,944 --> 00:10:13,144 And how tumultuous it was. 205 00:10:15,281 --> 00:10:16,480 - Coming up, 206 00:10:16,550 --> 00:10:18,716 Investigators discover turmoil 207 00:10:18,718 --> 00:10:21,920 In james and lucille's relationship. 208 00:10:21,988 --> 00:10:25,256 - When he would get high and come down 209 00:10:25,325 --> 00:10:27,926 And didn't have anything, he would get violent. 210 00:10:27,994 --> 00:10:30,995 - My dad was a good man. He wouldn't touch anybody. 211 00:10:31,064 --> 00:10:34,132 - And lucille feels the walls closing in on her. 212 00:10:41,407 --> 00:10:44,142 ♪♪ 213 00:10:48,414 --> 00:10:55,353 ♪♪ 214 00:10:55,421 --> 00:10:58,490 - July 5th, 2003. 215 00:10:58,558 --> 00:11:00,057 Less than 24 hours 216 00:11:00,059 --> 00:11:03,127 Since finding murder victim james pruitt, 217 00:11:03,196 --> 00:11:06,397 Boone county investigators are speaking to his family, 218 00:11:06,466 --> 00:11:09,901 When they learn that he and his 36-year-old girlfriend 219 00:11:09,969 --> 00:11:14,139 Lucille duncan had broken up in may. 220 00:11:14,207 --> 00:11:16,441 - I don't know if my dad and lucy's relationship 221 00:11:16,509 --> 00:11:18,076 Was ever really good. 222 00:11:18,144 --> 00:11:20,311 They both used drugs. 223 00:11:20,313 --> 00:11:23,481 - My father and lucy together were toxic due to alcohol 224 00:11:23,549 --> 00:11:24,982 And drugs, both. 225 00:11:25,051 --> 00:11:27,918 She would get drunk and, like, call my dad 226 00:11:27,988 --> 00:11:30,254 Numerous times on the telephone. 227 00:11:30,256 --> 00:11:31,956 [phone buzzing] like, nonstop call, 228 00:11:31,958 --> 00:11:34,292 All hours of the night. 229 00:11:34,360 --> 00:11:39,497 - We had lived together for about a year, 230 00:11:39,565 --> 00:11:43,167 But because of that lifestyle of drugs and alcohol, 231 00:11:43,236 --> 00:11:46,004 Our relationship had many challenges. 232 00:11:46,072 --> 00:11:49,140 He was very focused on getting high. 233 00:11:49,209 --> 00:11:52,210 When he would get high and come down, 234 00:11:52,278 --> 00:11:55,913 And didn't have anything, he would get violent. 235 00:11:55,982 --> 00:11:59,451 And that's when the abuse started with me. 236 00:12:01,387 --> 00:12:04,121 - Any time you involve drugs or alcohol, 237 00:12:04,190 --> 00:12:08,826 You have the potential for things to become chaotic. 238 00:12:08,828 --> 00:12:11,629 And then if you were talking about using 239 00:12:11,698 --> 00:12:15,166 Or abusing drugs, we see an escalation 240 00:12:15,235 --> 00:12:18,336 Of violence in relationships. 241 00:12:18,404 --> 00:12:21,339 - I remember telling my mom to not let him in again, 242 00:12:21,407 --> 00:12:24,442 To, you know, keep him away. 243 00:12:24,510 --> 00:12:26,844 And she said, okay. 244 00:12:26,913 --> 00:12:30,115 And then the very next day, he was back. 245 00:12:32,185 --> 00:12:36,120 - It's easy to get addicted to the lifestyle, 246 00:12:36,189 --> 00:12:39,757 And also get addicted to being wanted by this person. 247 00:12:39,826 --> 00:12:41,359 ♪♪ 248 00:12:41,427 --> 00:12:45,963 - I never in my life saw my dad be abusive to anyone. 249 00:12:46,032 --> 00:12:47,499 That just wasn't who he was. 250 00:12:47,567 --> 00:12:49,467 That wasn't his nature. 251 00:12:49,535 --> 00:12:52,270 - My dad was a good man, cared about everybody. 252 00:12:52,338 --> 00:12:54,906 I mean, he'd give you the shirt off his back for you. 253 00:12:54,974 --> 00:12:56,607 He wouldn't touch anybody. 254 00:12:56,609 --> 00:12:58,142 ♪♪ 255 00:12:58,211 --> 00:13:01,112 - When investigators pulled james's record, 256 00:13:01,180 --> 00:13:03,948 They discovered that lucille had pressed charges 257 00:13:04,017 --> 00:13:08,419 Against james less than 2 months earlier. 258 00:13:08,488 --> 00:13:11,188 - The last time... 259 00:13:11,257 --> 00:13:15,727 He assaulted me, broke my nose, 260 00:13:15,795 --> 00:13:19,664 Um, and vandalized my car, 261 00:13:19,732 --> 00:13:21,966 Physically restrained me. 262 00:13:21,968 --> 00:13:25,903 Put me in his truck, and took me to 263 00:13:25,972 --> 00:13:29,040 Cooper county where he strangled me 264 00:13:29,108 --> 00:13:31,543 Until I lost consciousness. 265 00:13:33,013 --> 00:13:35,046 When I came to, 266 00:13:35,114 --> 00:13:37,615 He told me he was gonna kill me 267 00:13:37,683 --> 00:13:39,383 And throw me in the river. 268 00:13:39,385 --> 00:13:40,819 But to really hurt me, 269 00:13:40,887 --> 00:13:44,055 He was gonna kill my children. 270 00:13:44,123 --> 00:13:46,324 - He said he was gonna kill her whole family, 271 00:13:46,392 --> 00:13:51,028 And that's when she had hysterics, 272 00:13:51,097 --> 00:13:53,898 And that's when she finally got away from him. 273 00:13:53,967 --> 00:13:56,167 - When he left for work the next day, 274 00:13:56,235 --> 00:13:58,102 I called my mother, 275 00:13:58,170 --> 00:14:02,539 And she rented a u-haul and got me out of there. 276 00:14:02,609 --> 00:14:05,809 - She had reported him to the sheriff's department. 277 00:14:05,879 --> 00:14:08,312 - He was arrested and pled guilty 278 00:14:08,314 --> 00:14:11,382 To assaulting lucille duncan. 279 00:14:11,451 --> 00:14:14,785 - Investigators learned that the assault against lucille 280 00:14:14,854 --> 00:14:17,455 Wasn't james's first offense. 281 00:14:19,125 --> 00:14:21,693 - In 2002, mr. Pruitt pled guilty to, uh, 282 00:14:21,761 --> 00:14:26,096 Committing domestic assault against another victim. 283 00:14:26,098 --> 00:14:27,831 He received a sentence of six months 284 00:14:27,901 --> 00:14:28,999 In the county jail. 285 00:14:29,069 --> 00:14:31,469 However, the sentence was not executed. 286 00:14:31,537 --> 00:14:33,838 He was placed upon probation. 287 00:14:33,906 --> 00:14:37,308 The assault against lucille revoked his initial probation, 288 00:14:37,377 --> 00:14:40,077 Which then triggered the six month sentence 289 00:14:40,146 --> 00:14:42,846 Plus an additional 90 days 290 00:14:42,916 --> 00:14:45,716 For the assault upon lucille duncan. 291 00:14:45,785 --> 00:14:49,554 He was due to be sentenced and taken into custody 292 00:14:49,622 --> 00:14:52,523 On July the 11th. 293 00:14:54,460 --> 00:14:57,662 - As investigators continue interviewing witnesses, 294 00:14:57,730 --> 00:15:00,732 They learn that james had plans with lucille 295 00:15:00,800 --> 00:15:03,467 The previous evening. 296 00:15:03,469 --> 00:15:06,370 - They were able to talk to people who knew james pruitt. 297 00:15:06,439 --> 00:15:11,575 Four people identified james as being with lucille 298 00:15:11,577 --> 00:15:16,313 And two unknown males on the 4th. 299 00:15:16,382 --> 00:15:19,917 - Investigators immediately switch gears and track down 300 00:15:19,986 --> 00:15:21,819 Lucille duncan at her friend's house 301 00:15:21,888 --> 00:15:24,489 On July 5th. 302 00:15:33,933 --> 00:15:35,566 - I was physically ill. 303 00:15:35,635 --> 00:15:37,769 I wasn't sure what was happening. 304 00:15:37,837 --> 00:15:41,005 - Investigators don't initially tell lucille 305 00:15:41,007 --> 00:15:43,241 That james has been murdered. 306 00:15:43,309 --> 00:15:47,045 Instead, they ask her about the last time she saw him. 307 00:15:57,690 --> 00:16:00,124 Lucille tells investigators that on July 4th, 308 00:16:00,193 --> 00:16:04,329 James had requested to see her before his sentencing hearing. 309 00:16:06,132 --> 00:16:08,866 - I wanted us to end amicably, 310 00:16:08,868 --> 00:16:12,303 So when he asked me 311 00:16:12,372 --> 00:16:17,675 For an opportunity to say goodbye to me and my children, 312 00:16:17,743 --> 00:16:20,010 I said yes. 313 00:16:20,080 --> 00:16:21,879 My brother is a marine. 314 00:16:21,948 --> 00:16:25,316 He's, uh, four years older than me. 315 00:16:25,384 --> 00:16:29,253 I knew jim would not hurt me in front of my brother. 316 00:16:29,255 --> 00:16:32,456 - So, miss duncan, her son jeremiah robertson, 317 00:16:32,525 --> 00:16:35,126 Her brother gerald duncan, and james pruitt 318 00:16:35,194 --> 00:16:37,228 Had gone to the river. 319 00:16:46,739 --> 00:16:51,208 - We had picked up the fireworks and the fast food 320 00:16:51,277 --> 00:16:53,344 And we were driving out to the river, 321 00:16:53,412 --> 00:16:55,880 And it was miles from anywhere. 322 00:17:00,086 --> 00:17:02,786 - James and I, um, took the blanket 323 00:17:02,855 --> 00:17:05,155 We had brought with us and sat on the edge of the river. 324 00:17:05,225 --> 00:17:06,657 And we're talking. 325 00:17:06,659 --> 00:17:11,796 Gerald and jeremiah were shooting fireworks. 326 00:17:11,864 --> 00:17:14,632 They were talking and having a good time. 327 00:17:14,700 --> 00:17:17,235 I told them afterwards, we packed everything up, 328 00:17:17,237 --> 00:17:18,736 We got back in my car. 329 00:17:29,149 --> 00:17:31,616 - After nearly an hour of questioning, 330 00:17:31,684 --> 00:17:35,820 Investigators finally confront lucille about james's murder. 331 00:17:48,201 --> 00:17:52,302 - I remember them saying that jim was dead. 332 00:17:52,304 --> 00:17:55,172 And I was like, no, he's not. 333 00:17:55,174 --> 00:17:59,476 I could not accept that he was dead, 334 00:17:59,478 --> 00:18:01,813 But some things are seared into my brain, 335 00:18:01,881 --> 00:18:03,815 And there was no way I could forget it. 336 00:18:04,917 --> 00:18:05,883 I know what happened. 337 00:18:05,952 --> 00:18:11,689 ♪♪ 338 00:18:15,094 --> 00:18:23,901 ♪♪ 339 00:18:23,970 --> 00:18:27,638 - It's been less than 24 hours since boone county authorities 340 00:18:27,707 --> 00:18:31,408 Discovered the body of 44-year-old james pruitt 341 00:18:31,477 --> 00:18:34,812 Dumped in the woods, and investigators suspect 342 00:18:34,880 --> 00:18:38,449 His ex-girlfriend, 16-year-old lucille duncan, 343 00:18:38,517 --> 00:18:40,885 Knows something about it. 344 00:18:47,526 --> 00:18:49,827 - She said she had no knowledge of it at all. 345 00:19:12,351 --> 00:19:15,285 - Lucille admits that james had been abusive, 346 00:19:15,355 --> 00:19:18,689 But still denies knowing anything about his death. 347 00:19:29,435 --> 00:19:32,470 Lucille continues to stonewall investigators, 348 00:19:32,538 --> 00:19:35,372 So they confront her about additional suspects 349 00:19:35,441 --> 00:19:37,308 Who might have had a motive. 350 00:19:53,826 --> 00:19:57,061 Investigators hope that lucille will break when she learns 351 00:19:57,129 --> 00:20:01,399 That jeremiah is in custody, but she remains resolute. 352 00:20:15,514 --> 00:20:19,050 - They told me that I was being detained 353 00:20:19,118 --> 00:20:22,552 Because jim was dead and I was a suspect. 354 00:20:22,622 --> 00:20:24,888 I started thinking about my son 355 00:20:24,957 --> 00:20:26,690 Because he was there. 356 00:20:26,759 --> 00:20:28,826 What were they gonna do to him? 357 00:20:32,832 --> 00:20:35,399 - I don't remember much of the day before, 358 00:20:35,468 --> 00:20:37,134 Day of, day after. 359 00:20:37,203 --> 00:20:38,235 There are flashes. 360 00:20:38,304 --> 00:20:42,472 I remember pretty clearly 361 00:20:42,542 --> 00:20:45,442 Several cop cars pulling up to my house 362 00:20:45,511 --> 00:20:48,445 And then asking me to come with them. 363 00:20:48,514 --> 00:20:52,149 I-I pretty much knew what it was for. 364 00:20:52,218 --> 00:20:55,886 But it didn't feel very real. 365 00:20:55,955 --> 00:20:58,155 I figured... 366 00:20:58,223 --> 00:20:59,656 Oh... 367 00:20:59,725 --> 00:21:01,993 Well, my family's in trouble. 368 00:21:03,195 --> 00:21:05,796 - When investigators sit down with jeremiah, 369 00:21:05,865 --> 00:21:09,466 They immediately put pressure on the teenager. 370 00:21:09,535 --> 00:21:11,735 - The first time I was being interrogated 371 00:21:11,804 --> 00:21:15,405 They said my mom and my uncle alan 372 00:21:15,475 --> 00:21:17,274 Both said that I did it 373 00:21:17,343 --> 00:21:20,477 And that I would be spending the rest of my life in prison 374 00:21:20,546 --> 00:21:23,046 If I didn't tell them what happened, 375 00:21:23,115 --> 00:21:26,884 And even though I knew that they wouldn't say that, 376 00:21:26,952 --> 00:21:28,886 Because that's not what happened, 377 00:21:28,954 --> 00:21:31,856 Something in my mind triggered. 378 00:21:33,025 --> 00:21:35,759 - The frightened 14-year-old reveals more details 379 00:21:35,828 --> 00:21:38,796 About the family's trip to the river with james pruitt. 380 00:21:42,968 --> 00:21:46,904 - Jeremiah's testimony in his initial interviews was that 381 00:21:46,972 --> 00:21:51,108 On the drive home, gerald duncan pulled out a gun 382 00:21:51,176 --> 00:21:53,210 And shot james pruitt in the back of the head, 383 00:21:53,279 --> 00:21:54,111 Killing him. 384 00:21:56,582 --> 00:21:59,817 Jeremiah reported that lucille was shot, 385 00:21:59,885 --> 00:22:02,452 Uh, jerked the vehicle, swerved it, 386 00:22:02,522 --> 00:22:07,057 And that gerald alan told her to continue on. 387 00:22:07,059 --> 00:22:11,929 She went to the end of the road, until it hit gravel and grass 388 00:22:11,997 --> 00:22:14,297 And parked the car. 389 00:22:14,299 --> 00:22:18,235 At that point, um, jeremiah got out of the vehicle. 390 00:22:18,304 --> 00:22:20,738 Lucille got out of the vehicle. 391 00:22:20,806 --> 00:22:25,676 She shielded jeremiah from the view of jim's body 392 00:22:25,745 --> 00:22:28,479 When gerald alan pulled jim pruitt's body 393 00:22:28,547 --> 00:22:31,114 Out of the vehicle. 394 00:22:31,183 --> 00:22:34,551 Gerald placed the body on the blanket 395 00:22:34,620 --> 00:22:39,690 And drug it out into the woods. 396 00:22:39,758 --> 00:22:41,959 A little bit later, his uncle, gerald, 397 00:22:42,027 --> 00:22:44,662 Had asked him to help take apart the weapon. 398 00:22:44,730 --> 00:22:47,497 Once it was dismantled and wiped clean, 399 00:22:47,567 --> 00:22:50,701 They went and disposed of the weapon parts 400 00:22:50,770 --> 00:22:55,672 In various locations, uh, throughout columbia. 401 00:22:55,741 --> 00:22:57,975 - While jeremiah doesn't implicate his mother 402 00:22:58,043 --> 00:22:59,042 In the shooting, 403 00:22:59,044 --> 00:23:02,846 Investigators are certain of one thing... 404 00:23:02,915 --> 00:23:08,219 - His mother was involved and had knowledge of the murder 405 00:23:08,287 --> 00:23:10,921 Of james pruitt. 406 00:23:12,257 --> 00:23:17,628 - But jeremiah swears his mother didn't instigate the crime. 407 00:23:17,696 --> 00:23:21,064 - She was more freaked out than I was, 408 00:23:21,133 --> 00:23:22,900 And I was 14. 409 00:23:22,968 --> 00:23:25,636 Someone that knows something is gonna happen 410 00:23:25,704 --> 00:23:28,272 Is not gonna be that freaked out about it. 411 00:23:28,340 --> 00:23:30,874 She was borderline hysterical. 412 00:23:30,943 --> 00:23:33,076 She didn't do anything. 413 00:23:33,145 --> 00:23:36,079 - My brother spontaneously did this. 414 00:23:36,148 --> 00:23:40,050 Jeremiah and I were there. That was it. 415 00:23:45,925 --> 00:23:48,892 - My sister has been done really bad. 416 00:23:48,894 --> 00:23:50,994 She's totally innocent. 417 00:23:50,996 --> 00:23:54,297 It's like my dad said, he was very traditional, 418 00:23:54,367 --> 00:23:56,633 He said, you look out for your little sister. 419 00:23:56,702 --> 00:23:58,501 You make sure she doesn't get hurt. 420 00:23:58,503 --> 00:24:02,139 Anybody messes with her, you know, you take care of it. 421 00:24:10,315 --> 00:24:16,887 ♪♪ 422 00:24:16,956 --> 00:24:19,656 - Investigators in boone county, missouri 423 00:24:19,725 --> 00:24:22,859 Have just learned that james pruitt was murdered 424 00:24:22,861 --> 00:24:25,195 By the brother of his ex-girlfriend, 425 00:24:25,264 --> 00:24:26,864 Lucille duncan... 426 00:24:26,932 --> 00:24:30,534 After lucille's son, jeremiah robertson, comes clean 427 00:24:30,602 --> 00:24:34,437 About their fourth of July outing at the river. 428 00:24:35,174 --> 00:24:39,009 - I don't know how this happened, um, 429 00:24:39,078 --> 00:24:42,313 Except that my brother went into military mode. 430 00:24:42,381 --> 00:24:44,615 He didn't think about it. 431 00:24:44,683 --> 00:24:47,017 - If gerald perceives you as a threat, 432 00:24:47,086 --> 00:24:50,353 A threat to his family, a threat to his baby sister, 433 00:24:50,355 --> 00:24:54,024 A threat to his young nephew, that could be enough 434 00:24:54,093 --> 00:24:58,729 To make him make that decision to neutralize you as a threat. 435 00:25:00,866 --> 00:25:03,067 - Jeremiah's statement immediately led them 436 00:25:03,135 --> 00:25:06,103 To her vehicle, which had a lot of blood in it. 437 00:25:06,171 --> 00:25:08,738 Law enforcement with the help of jeremiah 438 00:25:08,740 --> 00:25:12,375 Was able to recover parts of the firearm 439 00:25:12,377 --> 00:25:14,277 That was used in the murder of james pruitt. 440 00:25:14,347 --> 00:25:17,214 That gun was the same gun that was registered 441 00:25:17,282 --> 00:25:20,584 To gerald duncan. 442 00:25:20,586 --> 00:25:22,986 - After collecting the physical evidence, 443 00:25:23,055 --> 00:25:26,757 Investigators bring lucille in for a second interview 444 00:25:26,825 --> 00:25:29,593 And confront her with her son's confession. 445 00:25:36,101 --> 00:25:39,904 - Still, lucille refuses to implicate herself. 446 00:25:57,022 --> 00:25:59,490 - Even without an admission of guilt, 447 00:25:59,558 --> 00:26:02,225 Investigators have enough to place lucille 448 00:26:02,294 --> 00:26:04,094 Under arrest for murder. 449 00:26:22,981 --> 00:26:24,081 - Lucille was originally charged 450 00:26:24,149 --> 00:26:25,716 With murder in the second degree, 451 00:26:25,784 --> 00:26:27,718 Because there wasn't any other evidence 452 00:26:27,786 --> 00:26:29,186 Against lucille duncan 453 00:26:29,254 --> 00:26:31,655 Saying she knew about it ahead of time, 454 00:26:31,723 --> 00:26:33,123 She planned it, 455 00:26:33,192 --> 00:26:35,025 That this was premeditated. 456 00:26:36,928 --> 00:26:39,863 - Authorities also charge jeremiah robertson 457 00:26:39,932 --> 00:26:44,067 With two counts of tampering with physical evidence. 458 00:26:44,136 --> 00:26:47,771 - I had to spend some time in jjc and jail. 459 00:26:47,839 --> 00:26:49,173 - The police officers called the day 460 00:26:49,241 --> 00:26:52,609 That they arrested lucy, and I wasn't really shocked. 461 00:26:52,678 --> 00:26:55,912 Um, I was hurt. 462 00:26:55,981 --> 00:26:58,015 - I always thought my dad would leave lucy 463 00:26:58,083 --> 00:26:59,817 Or lucy would leave my dad. 464 00:26:59,885 --> 00:27:01,752 I never thought my dad was in danger, 465 00:27:01,820 --> 00:27:03,987 But who thinks that their dad's 466 00:27:03,989 --> 00:27:06,690 Going to be murdered, you know? 467 00:27:08,193 --> 00:27:10,827 - While lucille and her family await trial, 468 00:27:10,896 --> 00:27:13,697 Investigators continue building their case. 469 00:27:16,201 --> 00:27:19,770 And in the fall of 2003, prosecutors approach 470 00:27:19,838 --> 00:27:22,373 Lucille's brother with a tempting offer. 471 00:27:23,976 --> 00:27:25,876 - I was charged with first-degree murder 472 00:27:25,944 --> 00:27:28,278 Like we conspired to do this. 473 00:27:28,280 --> 00:27:32,715 They came at me with a deal that said if I would lie, 474 00:27:32,717 --> 00:27:35,853 I mean, cooperate with the prosecution, 475 00:27:35,855 --> 00:27:39,689 That they would give me something in the 20s. 476 00:27:39,691 --> 00:27:41,792 - At a court hearing, gerald says 477 00:27:41,860 --> 00:27:43,693 When james asked lucille 478 00:27:43,695 --> 00:27:45,529 To meet on the fourth of July, 479 00:27:45,597 --> 00:27:48,298 Gerald didn't hesitate when lucille asked him 480 00:27:48,367 --> 00:27:50,867 To accompany her. 481 00:27:50,936 --> 00:27:54,337 - I think he wanted to kill my sister, 482 00:27:54,406 --> 00:27:58,208 You know, that's why he wanted to meet with her alone, 483 00:27:58,277 --> 00:28:02,312 And, uh, she was smart enough to bring me along. 484 00:28:02,381 --> 00:28:04,415 When I'd go out to the country, 485 00:28:04,483 --> 00:28:06,083 I'd usually take a gun with me. 486 00:28:06,151 --> 00:28:09,352 My sister had told me that he threatened her kids, 487 00:28:09,421 --> 00:28:11,088 And then threatened our whole family. 488 00:28:11,156 --> 00:28:13,690 So, I just had it on my person, 489 00:28:13,759 --> 00:28:15,859 'cause I can carry it safely. 490 00:28:17,362 --> 00:28:19,196 - When they arrived at the river, 491 00:28:19,264 --> 00:28:21,264 Gerald says that james and lucille 492 00:28:21,266 --> 00:28:24,434 Initially seemed friendly. 493 00:28:24,503 --> 00:28:27,070 - But then, after a while, 494 00:28:27,072 --> 00:28:28,806 I heard him yelling at her, 495 00:28:28,874 --> 00:28:31,007 He said if I'm gonna go to prison, 496 00:28:31,076 --> 00:28:34,110 I'm gonna do something about it. 497 00:28:34,179 --> 00:28:36,313 - According to gerald, that's when lucille 498 00:28:36,381 --> 00:28:38,882 Began packing up and ordered everyone 499 00:28:38,884 --> 00:28:40,884 Back in the car. 500 00:28:42,154 --> 00:28:44,254 Gerald says that as they were driving, 501 00:28:44,323 --> 00:28:48,258 James suddenly made a chilling statement. 502 00:28:48,327 --> 00:28:50,494 - He said, I'm going to get your family. 503 00:28:51,930 --> 00:28:53,797 So, I shot him. 504 00:28:57,836 --> 00:28:59,502 I couldn't take it anymore. 505 00:28:59,572 --> 00:29:04,274 He stated flat out he was going to kill her family, 506 00:29:04,343 --> 00:29:07,543 Which I'm part of, so, it's my family too. 507 00:29:07,545 --> 00:29:09,779 It was a very real threat. 508 00:29:09,781 --> 00:29:11,514 It wasn't planned ahead of time. 509 00:29:11,584 --> 00:29:14,851 It was a spontaneous event by one actor, 510 00:29:14,920 --> 00:29:17,454 Which would be me. 511 00:29:17,522 --> 00:29:20,157 - Gerald refuses to implicate his sister 512 00:29:20,225 --> 00:29:22,425 In a pre-meditated crime, 513 00:29:22,494 --> 00:29:24,995 Leading the prosecution to rescind the deal 514 00:29:25,063 --> 00:29:28,131 For a reduced sentence. 515 00:29:28,133 --> 00:29:30,367 - I said, well, I'm not gonna do that, 516 00:29:30,435 --> 00:29:32,169 'cause she's innocent. 517 00:29:33,472 --> 00:29:34,304 - Coming up... 518 00:29:34,373 --> 00:29:37,073 As prosecutors prepare for trial, 519 00:29:37,142 --> 00:29:41,177 Jeremiah's story begins to change. 520 00:29:41,246 --> 00:29:43,346 - I was on about 12 different medications 521 00:29:43,348 --> 00:29:44,648 At the time. 522 00:29:44,716 --> 00:29:46,783 I was definitely in a fog. 523 00:29:46,851 --> 00:29:48,818 - They released him on house arrest. 524 00:29:48,888 --> 00:29:51,354 And that's when they started 525 00:29:51,423 --> 00:29:54,591 Grooming him for his testimony. 526 00:29:54,659 --> 00:29:57,327 - He was a 14-year-old child 527 00:29:57,396 --> 00:30:01,130 And under significant pressure at the time. 528 00:30:01,200 --> 00:30:04,968 - And lucille recounts james's final moments. 529 00:30:06,438 --> 00:30:08,906 - I could only think of getting jim the help he needed. 530 00:30:08,974 --> 00:30:11,041 I didn't know what to do. 531 00:30:13,011 --> 00:30:14,878 I was in shock. 532 00:30:23,388 --> 00:30:29,493 ♪♪ 533 00:30:29,561 --> 00:30:32,562 - Following the arrests of lucille duncan, 534 00:30:32,631 --> 00:30:35,565 Gerald duncan, and jeremiah robertson 535 00:30:35,567 --> 00:30:39,236 For the murder of lucille's ex-boyfriend james pruitt, 536 00:30:39,304 --> 00:30:42,005 Prosecutors decide to offer jeremiah 537 00:30:42,073 --> 00:30:44,341 A plea deal. 538 00:30:44,409 --> 00:30:48,111 - Jeremiah was told that he was going to be 539 00:30:48,180 --> 00:30:50,347 Charged with second-degree murder, 540 00:30:50,415 --> 00:30:53,417 Just like me, for being there. 541 00:30:53,485 --> 00:30:57,387 Unless he would give them what they wanted. 542 00:30:58,390 --> 00:31:02,992 Which was a statement saying 543 00:31:02,994 --> 00:31:06,229 That I planned this. 544 00:31:06,298 --> 00:31:09,533 - I was 14, but when I got certified as an adult, 545 00:31:09,601 --> 00:31:12,235 They did threaten me with life in prison. 546 00:31:12,237 --> 00:31:15,205 - He was a 14-year-old child, 547 00:31:15,274 --> 00:31:18,741 And under significant pressure at the time. 548 00:31:18,811 --> 00:31:21,011 This is very atypical. 549 00:31:21,079 --> 00:31:23,280 Uh, what happens is that usually 550 00:31:23,348 --> 00:31:26,349 Children in similar situations, 551 00:31:26,351 --> 00:31:31,355 Would be placed in a supportive environment 552 00:31:31,423 --> 00:31:36,293 And questions will be asked in a non-threatening manner, 553 00:31:36,361 --> 00:31:38,495 That our answers will be more reliable. 554 00:31:40,565 --> 00:31:44,367 - I wrote to jeremiah, and I told him 555 00:31:44,436 --> 00:31:47,371 This was not the right way to do this 556 00:31:47,439 --> 00:31:49,305 And that he needed to just go ahead 557 00:31:49,307 --> 00:31:51,774 And testify against me. 558 00:31:51,844 --> 00:31:54,244 Even though it wasn't true. 559 00:31:54,313 --> 00:31:56,612 Otherwise, he would go to prison for something 560 00:31:56,614 --> 00:31:59,082 He had nothing to do with either. 561 00:31:59,084 --> 00:32:01,017 There was no point in both of us going. 562 00:32:01,086 --> 00:32:04,954 I was 36 years old, he was 14. 563 00:32:05,024 --> 00:32:09,592 I had made so many bad relationship choices in my life. 564 00:32:09,661 --> 00:32:13,063 I didn't want it to be his burden. 565 00:32:13,065 --> 00:32:15,399 So, I told him to go ahead and do it. 566 00:32:16,435 --> 00:32:18,969 - He would plead to tampering with evidence 567 00:32:19,037 --> 00:32:20,937 And then the state would not recommend 568 00:32:21,006 --> 00:32:22,605 That he receive any sentence. 569 00:32:22,607 --> 00:32:24,140 That he be placed on probation. 570 00:32:24,209 --> 00:32:27,277 It's after that, then the story changes. 571 00:32:27,345 --> 00:32:29,412 Lucille's charge was then enhanced 572 00:32:29,481 --> 00:32:31,180 A few months prior to her trial 573 00:32:31,182 --> 00:32:32,716 To murder in the first degree. 574 00:32:34,019 --> 00:32:36,920 - On February 24th, 2004, 575 00:32:36,989 --> 00:32:39,489 The trial of lucille duncan begins 576 00:32:39,558 --> 00:32:43,493 In the boone county courthouse in columbia, missouri. 577 00:32:43,561 --> 00:32:47,331 Jeremiah robertson is the state's star witness. 578 00:32:48,433 --> 00:32:50,633 - He didn't look at me, but I looked at him, 579 00:32:50,635 --> 00:32:55,405 And my heart just went out to him. 580 00:32:57,609 --> 00:33:02,011 To be so young, to have his whole life ahead of him 581 00:33:02,013 --> 00:33:05,682 And to have witnessed something so traumatic. 582 00:33:07,453 --> 00:33:09,519 I could do nothing but support him 583 00:33:09,521 --> 00:33:11,855 In what he was doing. 584 00:33:11,923 --> 00:33:13,456 - Jeremiah's seen a lot of stuff 585 00:33:13,458 --> 00:33:16,126 That no kid should ever have to see, 586 00:33:16,194 --> 00:33:20,397 And I feel bad for jeremiah. 587 00:33:20,465 --> 00:33:23,466 - According to the teen's testimony, 588 00:33:23,468 --> 00:33:26,136 The plot to murder james pruitt had commenced 589 00:33:26,204 --> 00:33:29,205 On the afternoon of July 4th. 590 00:33:29,274 --> 00:33:32,242 - His mother and gerald, the brother, 591 00:33:32,310 --> 00:33:35,345 Were in the bedroom, and he was there, 592 00:33:35,413 --> 00:33:37,981 And they were all talking about tonight's the night 593 00:33:37,983 --> 00:33:39,349 That we're going to do it. 594 00:33:42,754 --> 00:33:45,522 - Jeremiah testifies that on the drive home, 595 00:33:45,590 --> 00:33:49,559 His mother made a stunning command. 596 00:33:49,628 --> 00:33:51,027 - According to jeremiah's testimony, 597 00:33:51,096 --> 00:33:53,497 She said, do it. 598 00:33:53,565 --> 00:33:56,199 - That's when gerald pulled the gun out and shot him. 599 00:33:59,504 --> 00:34:04,240 - He stated that his mother was completely involved 600 00:34:04,309 --> 00:34:05,509 In the planning of the murder 601 00:34:05,577 --> 00:34:08,177 And that he was not coerced 602 00:34:08,247 --> 00:34:09,979 Into making that statement. 603 00:34:10,048 --> 00:34:14,551 - On cross, however, the defense argues otherwise. 604 00:34:14,619 --> 00:34:19,456 - When you certify a 14-year-old as an adult 605 00:34:19,524 --> 00:34:22,359 And tell them if they don't testify 606 00:34:22,427 --> 00:34:24,594 And give them what they want, 607 00:34:24,663 --> 00:34:28,198 That they're gonna be sent to prison 608 00:34:28,266 --> 00:34:31,868 For second degree murder? 609 00:34:31,936 --> 00:34:33,970 I'd say that's pressure. 610 00:34:34,039 --> 00:34:36,673 - I was on about 12 different medications at the time. 611 00:34:36,741 --> 00:34:41,578 For add, adhd, bipolar, uh, manic depression. 612 00:34:41,646 --> 00:34:47,216 I was definitely in a fog, uh, zombified if you will. 613 00:34:47,218 --> 00:34:50,587 - What these medications do is compromise 614 00:34:50,589 --> 00:34:54,224 One's ability to think rationally, 615 00:34:54,292 --> 00:34:56,959 And sometimes they get confused, 616 00:34:56,961 --> 00:35:01,631 Sometimes, uh, they may not be coherent. 617 00:35:01,700 --> 00:35:05,602 So, all of these factors may have compromised 618 00:35:05,670 --> 00:35:09,773 His ability to provide a competent testimony. 619 00:35:14,512 --> 00:35:16,613 - Following jeremiah's testimony, 620 00:35:16,681 --> 00:35:20,450 Lucille takes the stand in her own defense. 621 00:35:20,519 --> 00:35:23,720 Lucille testifies that while she sat with james 622 00:35:23,788 --> 00:35:26,189 By the river on the fourth of July, 623 00:35:26,191 --> 00:35:28,391 He began to threaten her. 624 00:35:28,460 --> 00:35:30,593 - He told me that he wanted me 625 00:35:30,595 --> 00:35:31,527 To drop charges. 626 00:35:31,596 --> 00:35:34,664 And I told him this was the only way I saw 627 00:35:34,733 --> 00:35:38,267 To really get him the help he needed. 628 00:35:38,337 --> 00:35:41,404 And he got so angry. 629 00:35:41,473 --> 00:35:43,740 He started threatening me, 630 00:35:43,808 --> 00:35:46,643 Told me he had somebody to kill me 631 00:35:46,711 --> 00:35:48,211 If he went to prison, 632 00:35:48,280 --> 00:35:51,047 And he would kill the rest of my family 633 00:35:51,116 --> 00:35:53,783 After his release. 634 00:35:53,785 --> 00:35:56,153 At that point, I told my brother 635 00:35:56,221 --> 00:35:58,488 And my son that we were done. 636 00:35:58,556 --> 00:36:00,523 I didn't wanna stay there any longer. 637 00:36:00,592 --> 00:36:02,625 - We were driving back into town 638 00:36:02,627 --> 00:36:05,061 When there was a loud bang, 639 00:36:05,130 --> 00:36:07,497 And I screamed. 640 00:36:07,565 --> 00:36:11,167 I was like, oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. 641 00:36:11,236 --> 00:36:17,340 And james had slumped forward. 642 00:36:17,342 --> 00:36:20,977 At that moment, I could only think 643 00:36:21,045 --> 00:36:23,313 Of getting jim the help he needed. 644 00:36:23,381 --> 00:36:26,215 My brother said we would be arrested 645 00:36:26,284 --> 00:36:30,386 In the parking lot of the hospital. 646 00:36:30,455 --> 00:36:32,556 I didn't know what to do. 647 00:36:35,127 --> 00:36:37,494 I was in shock. 648 00:36:37,562 --> 00:36:42,332 I never thought of, um, covering up a crime. 649 00:36:42,400 --> 00:36:45,735 I never-- I wasn't thinking at all. 650 00:36:45,737 --> 00:36:49,973 - Unfortunately for the defense, gerald duncan is unable 651 00:36:50,041 --> 00:36:53,409 To back up lucille's claims at her trial. 652 00:36:53,411 --> 00:36:57,814 - He was not going to testify because of his right to-- 653 00:36:57,882 --> 00:37:00,450 To not incriminate himself. 654 00:37:00,518 --> 00:37:02,285 - I knew that I wasn't guilty. 655 00:37:02,354 --> 00:37:05,722 I didn't think that I was going to get convicted of murder. 656 00:37:05,790 --> 00:37:10,160 But yet, I knew that I was in trouble. 657 00:37:18,135 --> 00:37:25,175 ♪♪ 658 00:37:25,243 --> 00:37:28,378 - On February 26th, 2004, 659 00:37:28,446 --> 00:37:30,713 Lucille duncan awaits her verdict 660 00:37:30,715 --> 00:37:33,950 In the murder of james pruitt. 661 00:37:34,019 --> 00:37:36,586 - Her story through the whole trial, 662 00:37:36,655 --> 00:37:38,154 From beginning to the end, 663 00:37:38,223 --> 00:37:41,457 Was she had no part in this. 664 00:37:41,459 --> 00:37:44,293 Lucille's a liar. That's what I think. 665 00:37:44,363 --> 00:37:47,897 I will go to my grave thinking that. 666 00:37:47,966 --> 00:37:50,366 - Holly was there with some of her family. 667 00:37:50,368 --> 00:37:51,467 I mouthed, and I said, I-- 668 00:37:51,536 --> 00:37:53,770 I had nothing to do with this. 669 00:37:53,838 --> 00:37:59,576 She said, you were there, and you're going down. 670 00:37:59,644 --> 00:38:02,411 And I understood 671 00:38:02,413 --> 00:38:04,747 Where she was coming from, 672 00:38:04,816 --> 00:38:07,283 But I also wanted her to know 673 00:38:07,352 --> 00:38:11,421 I would never, 674 00:38:11,489 --> 00:38:15,491 Never have anyone hurt, 675 00:38:15,560 --> 00:38:18,128 Much less killed. 676 00:38:18,196 --> 00:38:21,665 - After three hours of deliberation, however, 677 00:38:21,733 --> 00:38:24,500 The jury disagrees. 678 00:38:24,569 --> 00:38:27,036 - I went to jury trial, 679 00:38:27,105 --> 00:38:28,905 Was found guilty, 680 00:38:28,973 --> 00:38:32,108 And had been enhanced 681 00:38:32,177 --> 00:38:34,811 From second-degree to first-degree murder. 682 00:38:40,785 --> 00:38:42,652 - Under missouri law, 683 00:38:42,720 --> 00:38:44,787 Lucille is automatically sentenced 684 00:38:44,789 --> 00:38:49,659 To life without the possibility of parole. 685 00:38:49,728 --> 00:38:52,829 - She is being treated more harshly, really, 686 00:38:52,897 --> 00:38:56,198 Based on what I think society perceives 687 00:38:56,268 --> 00:38:57,834 As what a mother should be. 688 00:38:57,902 --> 00:39:00,937 The ideal mother doesn't do drugs, 689 00:39:01,005 --> 00:39:04,941 The ideal mother doesn't put their child in harm's way 690 00:39:05,009 --> 00:39:07,810 Or in a situation where you have to make that decision. 691 00:39:07,879 --> 00:39:10,813 The ideal mother would've left jim 692 00:39:10,815 --> 00:39:14,016 At the first instance of abuse, 693 00:39:14,018 --> 00:39:17,954 And those are not the decisions that she made. 694 00:39:18,022 --> 00:39:21,491 And unfortunately, she is being held accountable 695 00:39:21,559 --> 00:39:25,695 To a level, um, at which her own abuser 696 00:39:25,763 --> 00:39:27,964 Was not held accountable to. 697 00:39:28,032 --> 00:39:30,967 - Ten days after his sister's conviction, 698 00:39:31,035 --> 00:39:33,369 Gerald duncan pleads guilty 699 00:39:33,438 --> 00:39:35,571 To second-degree murder. 700 00:39:35,640 --> 00:39:38,007 - I ended up taking a plea, 701 00:39:38,076 --> 00:39:41,511 Because if my sister went to a jury trial 702 00:39:41,579 --> 00:39:43,379 And got life without 703 00:39:43,448 --> 00:39:45,381 Just for being there-- 704 00:39:45,450 --> 00:39:47,717 She didn't shoot him. I did. 705 00:39:47,785 --> 00:39:49,552 I figured I didn't have a chance. 706 00:39:49,620 --> 00:39:51,588 And I was sentenced 30 to life. 707 00:39:57,829 --> 00:40:00,096 - I don't know if I believe lucy 708 00:40:00,164 --> 00:40:02,398 When she says it wasn't premeditated. 709 00:40:02,466 --> 00:40:06,002 I've asked myself that a lot over the past twenty years 710 00:40:06,070 --> 00:40:09,538 And I don't think, uh, I-- I will ever know. 711 00:40:09,540 --> 00:40:12,274 I don't think anyone will ever know the truth except 712 00:40:12,276 --> 00:40:14,777 For lucy and gerald 713 00:40:14,846 --> 00:40:19,449 And my dad, and maybe jeremiah. 714 00:40:19,517 --> 00:40:21,617 - Three years after the trial, 715 00:40:21,686 --> 00:40:24,654 Jeremiah robertson recants his testimony 716 00:40:24,722 --> 00:40:29,058 Against his mother in a sworn affidavit. 717 00:40:29,127 --> 00:40:34,030 - I'm sorry that his family had to go through this. 718 00:40:34,098 --> 00:40:38,034 Nobody planned for this. 719 00:40:38,102 --> 00:40:41,571 My mom has been fighting this case 720 00:40:41,639 --> 00:40:44,340 For a little over ten years. 721 00:40:44,409 --> 00:40:47,476 She was dead set on an appeal 722 00:40:47,545 --> 00:40:50,646 And knew that it was gonna work, 723 00:40:50,715 --> 00:40:52,915 And it didn't. 724 00:40:52,917 --> 00:40:56,519 And then another appeal, and then another appeal. 725 00:40:56,587 --> 00:40:59,756 And that's where we are now, again. 726 00:40:59,824 --> 00:41:03,359 - My attorney continues to fight for me. 727 00:41:03,428 --> 00:41:05,628 We're getting ready to file at western district. 728 00:41:05,696 --> 00:41:08,263 I'm hoping that this time they'll see 729 00:41:08,265 --> 00:41:11,834 That I've been wrongly sentenced 730 00:41:11,903 --> 00:41:15,204 And that I'm wrongly incarcerated. 731 00:41:15,273 --> 00:41:18,808 - If lucy got outta prison, I'd be devastated. 732 00:41:18,876 --> 00:41:20,610 I don't think I could ever forgive her 733 00:41:20,678 --> 00:41:22,278 For, you know, what she did. 734 00:41:24,449 --> 00:41:26,148 - I hope she gets out. 735 00:41:26,150 --> 00:41:27,350 She deserves to get out. 736 00:41:32,023 --> 00:41:34,757 - Being here in prison is hard, 737 00:41:34,825 --> 00:41:36,626 But I have made the best of it. 738 00:41:36,694 --> 00:41:39,195 I attend college, rockhurst university, 739 00:41:39,264 --> 00:41:43,233 And I'll have my associates in the fall of 2024, 740 00:41:43,301 --> 00:41:46,836 And I plan to continue my college education. 741 00:41:46,905 --> 00:41:50,306 I would like to be a journalist 742 00:41:50,308 --> 00:41:52,074 And help other women 743 00:41:52,076 --> 00:41:54,376 To not come to prison. 744 00:41:54,446 --> 00:41:58,848 You can leave out of here a better person 745 00:41:58,916 --> 00:42:00,850 And offer the community something. 746 00:42:00,919 --> 00:42:03,786 There's so much hurt in the world. 747 00:42:03,855 --> 00:42:05,188 There's so many lives 748 00:42:05,256 --> 00:42:08,791 That need to be changed for the better. 749 00:42:08,860 --> 00:42:11,194 I wanna be a part of that. 750 00:42:11,262 --> 00:42:14,329 Um, my sentence currently doesn't allow for that, 751 00:42:14,331 --> 00:42:18,467 But I believe that god is faithful, 752 00:42:18,536 --> 00:42:21,070 And I will be released, 753 00:42:21,139 --> 00:42:23,039 And I will go out there and do good. 754 00:42:28,879 --> 00:42:38,754 ♪♪ 755 00:42:38,823 --> 00:42:43,860 ♪♪