1 00:00:08,942 --> 00:00:10,709 -Trent was an amazing dad. 2 00:00:10,777 --> 00:00:12,344 He absolutely loved those boys through and through. 3 00:00:12,412 --> 00:00:14,045 -Trent wanted a family. 4 00:00:14,115 --> 00:00:15,514 It didn't matter that marshall was not his. 5 00:00:15,582 --> 00:00:17,783 He loved marshall like his own. 6 00:00:22,723 --> 00:00:25,557 -Family man trent mallory's death is baffling 7 00:00:25,626 --> 00:00:27,393 From the start. 8 00:00:27,461 --> 00:00:30,061 -There was medications thrown out of the cabinet, 9 00:00:30,131 --> 00:00:31,530 The guns, the ammunition. 10 00:00:31,598 --> 00:00:34,666 -Trent was heavy into trading guns. 11 00:00:34,735 --> 00:00:36,501 -Who could have done this? 12 00:00:36,503 --> 00:00:38,170 -Had somebody felt like they got ripped off, 13 00:00:38,238 --> 00:00:40,339 Is there some sort of retribution? 14 00:00:42,843 --> 00:00:44,810 -All the money that they raised for marshall's 15 00:00:44,878 --> 00:00:46,778 Medical bills is gone. 16 00:00:46,847 --> 00:00:50,049 -And a closet full of secrets comes bursting open. 17 00:00:50,117 --> 00:00:51,950 -She had to find an escape route. 18 00:00:52,019 --> 00:00:53,318 She had to find a way out. 19 00:00:53,386 --> 00:00:55,054 -It all ends... 20 00:00:55,122 --> 00:00:57,188 -We were looking for any information 21 00:00:57,190 --> 00:00:58,490 That would lead us to this person. 22 00:00:58,559 --> 00:01:00,759 -...With a killer relationship. 23 00:01:07,835 --> 00:01:10,835 ♪♪ 24 00:01:10,904 --> 00:01:19,978 ♪♪ 25 00:01:20,047 --> 00:01:22,280 -Standing tall at 6'6", 26 00:01:22,349 --> 00:01:24,883 Trent mallory is an imposing figure. 27 00:01:24,951 --> 00:01:27,151 But anyone who meets him soon discovers 28 00:01:27,153 --> 00:01:29,221 That his heart is just this big. 29 00:01:29,289 --> 00:01:31,456 A dedicated family man, 30 00:01:31,525 --> 00:01:33,625 Trent has built what appears to be a sweet, 31 00:01:33,694 --> 00:01:36,428 Simple life with his fiancée amber 32 00:01:36,496 --> 00:01:39,564 And their two young sons in northern michigan. 33 00:01:39,566 --> 00:01:43,568 But the 35-year-old's story book life comes to an end 34 00:01:43,570 --> 00:01:46,905 On a frigid winter morning in 2014, 35 00:01:46,973 --> 00:01:49,274 When shots ring out. 36 00:01:50,877 --> 00:01:52,311 [ dialing ] 37 00:01:53,046 --> 00:01:54,646 [ ringing ] 38 00:02:17,203 --> 00:02:18,503 [ sirens wailing ] 39 00:02:18,572 --> 00:02:20,472 -That day was extremely cold. 40 00:02:20,541 --> 00:02:23,308 We had had a heavy snowfall. 41 00:02:23,376 --> 00:02:24,743 When I arrived on scene, 42 00:02:24,811 --> 00:02:27,179 Our deputies were communicating with a female 43 00:02:27,247 --> 00:02:31,316 That was very distraught, with her child crying, upset. 44 00:02:43,764 --> 00:02:46,431 She had said that her fiancé, trent, was still sleeping. 45 00:02:46,500 --> 00:02:48,500 She left the home at 7:05 a.M., 46 00:02:48,569 --> 00:02:53,172 And when she got home, she found the door open. 47 00:03:02,749 --> 00:03:04,282 -She stated that it looked like 48 00:03:04,284 --> 00:03:06,818 Somebody had thrown things around. 49 00:03:06,820 --> 00:03:09,954 She did not see her fiancé, trent, 50 00:03:10,024 --> 00:03:13,492 So she told her son carson to get back in the car. 51 00:03:13,560 --> 00:03:16,728 -She let me know that she was concerned 52 00:03:16,797 --> 00:03:20,532 Because it looked like somebody had broken into the house. 53 00:03:20,600 --> 00:03:22,967 Our focus at that point is to clear the house, 54 00:03:23,037 --> 00:03:24,469 Make sure nobody else was in the house, 55 00:03:24,538 --> 00:03:26,838 Primarily the perpetrator. 56 00:03:26,907 --> 00:03:29,674 -After moving amber and her son carson 57 00:03:29,676 --> 00:03:32,310 To a safe area at the end of the driveway. 58 00:03:32,379 --> 00:03:35,347 The investigators breach the family home. 59 00:03:35,415 --> 00:03:37,081 -When I entered the home, 60 00:03:37,083 --> 00:03:39,985 The door was open, and I looked into the kitchen, 61 00:03:40,053 --> 00:03:43,287 And cupboards were open. 62 00:03:43,289 --> 00:03:47,492 -There was medications that were thrown out of the cabinet 63 00:03:47,561 --> 00:03:49,694 Under the counter. 64 00:03:49,696 --> 00:03:52,063 There was some paperwork that had been shoveled around. 65 00:03:52,065 --> 00:03:54,032 -Things were thrown on the floor. 66 00:03:54,101 --> 00:03:56,268 It certainly looked like somebody was looking for 67 00:03:56,336 --> 00:03:58,837 Something specific. 68 00:03:58,905 --> 00:04:00,973 Adjacent to the kitchen is a small hallway. 69 00:04:01,041 --> 00:04:03,742 In that hallway, you take a right, and that is the bedroom 70 00:04:03,810 --> 00:04:07,045 Where amber said her fiancé was sleeping. 71 00:04:07,113 --> 00:04:08,813 When I entered the room, 72 00:04:08,815 --> 00:04:11,850 I noticed that trent was laying on his side, 73 00:04:11,918 --> 00:04:15,654 Facing away from the door in the bed. 74 00:04:16,456 --> 00:04:19,891 I saw a bullet wound to the back of the head. 75 00:04:21,061 --> 00:04:24,196 It was pretty clear at that point we had a homicide. 76 00:04:24,264 --> 00:04:26,198 -We have to do our victimology. 77 00:04:26,266 --> 00:04:30,401 Who is trenton mallory, and why did his life and the way it did? 78 00:04:30,471 --> 00:04:33,405 ♪♪ 79 00:04:33,473 --> 00:04:40,946 ♪♪ 80 00:04:41,014 --> 00:04:45,417 -Trenton mallory is born September 30th, 1978, 81 00:04:45,485 --> 00:04:47,051 In wayne, michigan. 82 00:04:47,121 --> 00:04:49,955 And he's no average sized baby. 83 00:04:50,023 --> 00:04:53,558 -He was wearing 2-t clothes at 9 months old. 84 00:04:53,627 --> 00:04:56,028 We had a love-hate relationship. 85 00:04:56,096 --> 00:04:59,364 I didn't want a little brother. 86 00:04:59,433 --> 00:05:01,533 I tried to give him to the pizza man. 87 00:05:01,601 --> 00:05:04,769 I hid him in the closet. 88 00:05:04,771 --> 00:05:06,905 We'd fight like cats and dogs, 89 00:05:06,973 --> 00:05:10,709 But nobody could mess with the other person. 90 00:05:10,777 --> 00:05:14,179 -For trent, growing up in the wilds of michigan 91 00:05:14,247 --> 00:05:18,717 As a young boy means spending lots of time outdoors. 92 00:05:18,785 --> 00:05:20,618 -Trent, he loved hunting. 93 00:05:20,687 --> 00:05:23,187 I mean, deer hunting was his thing. 94 00:05:23,257 --> 00:05:27,993 It was kind of his place to go to not think about anything. 95 00:05:30,096 --> 00:05:34,666 -As trent enters his teenage years, he begins to blossom. 96 00:05:34,735 --> 00:05:37,535 -Trent was a big man on campus. 97 00:05:37,604 --> 00:05:40,072 I mean, he was always tall. He was 6'6". 98 00:05:40,140 --> 00:05:43,541 So like, all through high school, he was probably 6'1". 99 00:05:43,610 --> 00:05:45,409 And he was just a sweet guy. 100 00:05:45,411 --> 00:05:48,446 I mean, I think the girls kind of gravitated to him, 101 00:05:48,515 --> 00:05:51,383 And he would do anything for anybody. 102 00:05:52,619 --> 00:05:54,753 -After graduating high school, 103 00:05:54,821 --> 00:05:59,123 Trent sets his mind on a full time job and a steady paycheck. 104 00:05:59,193 --> 00:06:02,093 -He had got a merchandising job for coke 105 00:06:02,162 --> 00:06:05,530 And he worked his butt off, and the next thing you know, 106 00:06:05,598 --> 00:06:07,799 He was driving a truck. 107 00:06:07,868 --> 00:06:09,868 And he made good money as a coke driver. 108 00:06:09,936 --> 00:06:11,670 He was just looking for somebody to love, 109 00:06:11,738 --> 00:06:13,805 Settle down, have kids. 110 00:06:13,874 --> 00:06:15,874 That was his passion. 111 00:06:15,942 --> 00:06:19,611 -At age 29, trent meets 21-year-old amber smith, 112 00:06:19,679 --> 00:06:22,847 Who also happens to be a few months pregnant by a man 113 00:06:22,849 --> 00:06:24,716 Who's no longer in the picture. 114 00:06:24,784 --> 00:06:27,552 Despite the fact that the baby isn't trent's, 115 00:06:27,554 --> 00:06:29,988 The two instantly feel a deep connection. 116 00:06:30,056 --> 00:06:32,290 And by the time little marshall is born, 117 00:06:32,359 --> 00:06:34,859 Trent has made up his mind. 118 00:06:35,795 --> 00:06:38,863 -Trent told me, "I'm gonna be with amber." 119 00:06:38,865 --> 00:06:41,165 It didn't matter that marshall was not his. 120 00:06:41,235 --> 00:06:43,034 He loved marshall like his own. 121 00:06:43,103 --> 00:06:45,870 -With a new child and a new relationship, 122 00:06:45,939 --> 00:06:48,072 Trent and amber are in love 123 00:06:48,074 --> 00:06:51,142 And waste no time growing their family. 124 00:06:51,211 --> 00:06:53,878 -They found out that amber got pregnant. 125 00:06:53,880 --> 00:06:56,615 Marshall was probably only 6 or 7 months, 126 00:06:56,683 --> 00:06:59,784 So she got pregnant pretty quick. 127 00:06:59,853 --> 00:07:03,187 Trent was excited. He wanted a family. 128 00:07:03,890 --> 00:07:06,558 -When amber gives birth to their son carson, 129 00:07:06,626 --> 00:07:10,428 Trent embraces being a father of two. 130 00:07:10,497 --> 00:07:12,296 -Trent was an amazing dad. 131 00:07:12,366 --> 00:07:15,066 He absolutely loved those boys through and through. 132 00:07:15,135 --> 00:07:18,169 -When he talked, it wasn't marshall and carson, 133 00:07:18,238 --> 00:07:19,604 It was "the boys." 134 00:07:19,606 --> 00:07:21,506 He loved his family. 135 00:07:22,409 --> 00:07:25,043 -Trent and amber very much seemed to love each other. 136 00:07:25,111 --> 00:07:27,479 They never were officially married, but you'd have never 137 00:07:27,547 --> 00:07:29,180 Known, looking in from the outside. 138 00:07:29,249 --> 00:07:32,951 -They were planning a wedding. It was going to happen. 139 00:07:33,019 --> 00:07:36,320 -But that wedding day will never come. 140 00:07:36,390 --> 00:07:40,124 And now this growing family is without a father. 141 00:07:40,126 --> 00:07:43,662 The investigators want to know why. 142 00:07:47,133 --> 00:07:50,068 -To us, it looked like somebody had broke into the house. 143 00:07:50,136 --> 00:07:53,237 There was a safe that items had been moved around in. 144 00:07:53,307 --> 00:07:55,840 It looked like somebody was searching 145 00:07:55,909 --> 00:07:58,009 The house looking for something. 146 00:07:58,078 --> 00:08:02,680 -It is uncommon to have a home invasion in that area. 147 00:08:02,749 --> 00:08:04,616 If it were to happen, 148 00:08:04,684 --> 00:08:09,553 The primary focus would be money, drugs, or guns. 149 00:08:09,555 --> 00:08:12,223 -When I entered trent's room, he had multiple guns 150 00:08:12,292 --> 00:08:14,025 Throughout that room. 151 00:08:14,094 --> 00:08:16,761 I noticed in the closet, there are boxes and boxes 152 00:08:16,830 --> 00:08:18,997 Of ammunition. 153 00:08:19,065 --> 00:08:23,835 That would be a prime item for a home invasion up in that area. 154 00:08:24,571 --> 00:08:26,504 -Looking at the crime scene, 155 00:08:26,573 --> 00:08:29,807 Trent is basically laying there in bed with the blankets 156 00:08:29,876 --> 00:08:34,145 Up to his chin, as though he was sound asleep 157 00:08:34,214 --> 00:08:36,047 When he was killed, 158 00:08:36,116 --> 00:08:39,784 Which didn't really logically go along with somebody breaking in. 159 00:08:39,853 --> 00:08:41,786 If you're going to break into a house, 160 00:08:41,855 --> 00:08:45,690 Why doesn't trent wake up? 161 00:08:45,759 --> 00:08:48,059 Right next to his bed, we actually had located 162 00:08:48,128 --> 00:08:49,994 A .22 casing, 163 00:08:49,996 --> 00:08:53,932 But no weapon that matched up with that .22 casing. 164 00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:59,003 So the possibilities were that whoever committed this crime 165 00:08:59,005 --> 00:09:02,740 Had removed the murder weapon from the scene. 166 00:09:02,809 --> 00:09:05,276 Maybe somebody saw amber and the kids leave 167 00:09:05,345 --> 00:09:08,546 And came into the house, and then discovered that there 168 00:09:08,615 --> 00:09:12,984 Is actually somebody at home and ended up shooting trent. 169 00:09:13,053 --> 00:09:16,788 Having somebody at large that is committing home invasions 170 00:09:16,856 --> 00:09:20,024 Resulting in homicide obviously is something 171 00:09:20,026 --> 00:09:22,293 That is of extreme concern to the public. 172 00:09:22,295 --> 00:09:25,330 -At that point, everybody's a suspect. 173 00:09:31,271 --> 00:09:34,605 -We learned that mark stayed at trent's home 174 00:09:34,607 --> 00:09:36,508 But eventually was kicked out. 175 00:09:36,576 --> 00:09:39,377 -Amber was looking to raise some funds for her son. 176 00:09:39,445 --> 00:09:42,047 -We learned that they raised $10,000 to $15,000. 177 00:09:42,115 --> 00:09:44,215 It was a significant amount of cash. 178 00:09:44,217 --> 00:09:45,383 -That could have been a primary motive 179 00:09:45,452 --> 00:09:47,151 For that breaking and entering. 180 00:09:47,220 --> 00:09:49,287 -They could be looking for that money. 181 00:09:58,197 --> 00:10:00,064 -Police in levering, michigan, 182 00:10:00,066 --> 00:10:01,599 Are investigating the tragic murder 183 00:10:01,667 --> 00:10:03,601 Of 35-year-old trent mallory, 184 00:10:03,669 --> 00:10:06,604 Who was shot to death in his home while he slept. 185 00:10:06,673 --> 00:10:08,472 The house was ransacked, 186 00:10:08,474 --> 00:10:10,608 But it's not clear if anything was taken, 187 00:10:10,677 --> 00:10:12,744 And the detectives don't know yet 188 00:10:12,812 --> 00:10:15,479 If this was a random or targeted attack. 189 00:10:15,549 --> 00:10:17,115 To gain more insight, 190 00:10:17,183 --> 00:10:19,617 The investigators bring trent's fiancée 191 00:10:19,686 --> 00:10:21,953 Amber in for an interview. 192 00:10:22,855 --> 00:10:25,090 -[ sobbing ] 193 00:10:31,931 --> 00:10:34,432 -I asked amber to come back to the department 194 00:10:34,501 --> 00:10:37,235 To speak with me more formally. 195 00:10:37,303 --> 00:10:40,771 We made arrangements for a family member to watch the kids. 196 00:10:40,841 --> 00:10:43,607 At that point, we conducted the interview. 197 00:10:43,609 --> 00:10:47,011 I needed to know her time line as far as what she had done 198 00:10:47,080 --> 00:10:48,346 From the time she woke up 199 00:10:48,414 --> 00:10:51,349 Because she was the last to see trent. 200 00:11:13,940 --> 00:11:15,873 -Amber's statement was very specific. 201 00:11:15,942 --> 00:11:18,409 She left for school about 7:05 202 00:11:18,478 --> 00:11:22,346 And then proceeded to easy mart in pellston, 203 00:11:22,415 --> 00:11:23,982 Which is right next to the school, 204 00:11:24,050 --> 00:11:26,484 To pick up a snack for marshall's teacher. 205 00:11:26,553 --> 00:11:28,753 From there, she proceeded to the school, 206 00:11:28,821 --> 00:11:32,957 Dropped marshall off, dropped the snack off, and then left. 207 00:11:33,025 --> 00:11:35,893 -Amber said she went to quick care in petoskey 208 00:11:35,895 --> 00:11:37,228 Because carson had an ear infection. 209 00:11:37,297 --> 00:11:38,930 She took carson, signed in. 210 00:11:38,998 --> 00:11:41,466 She gave me the approximate time of 8:31. 211 00:11:55,849 --> 00:11:57,315 -At that point, she went to walgreens 212 00:11:57,383 --> 00:12:00,719 And got a medication for carson, 213 00:12:00,787 --> 00:12:02,653 And from there, went to a gas station 214 00:12:02,722 --> 00:12:04,455 Where she got some powerade. 215 00:12:04,524 --> 00:12:06,357 She purchased some cigarettes for trent. 216 00:12:12,798 --> 00:12:16,234 -She decided she was going to her sister amy's house. 217 00:12:16,302 --> 00:12:18,403 -Amy wasn't there. So at that point, she left. 218 00:12:30,416 --> 00:12:33,384 -We were able to verify where she was. 219 00:12:33,453 --> 00:12:37,421 We were able to verify the receipts, the sign in cards. 220 00:12:37,423 --> 00:12:39,757 So we knew that what she was telling us as far 221 00:12:39,825 --> 00:12:43,495 As where she had been that day after leaving the home was true. 222 00:12:43,563 --> 00:12:46,030 -Amber was appropriate in her responses. 223 00:12:46,099 --> 00:12:48,399 She was emotional. She was upset. 224 00:12:48,468 --> 00:12:50,534 The information provided seem consistent 225 00:12:50,604 --> 00:12:53,637 And a good possibility that she wasn't even home 226 00:12:53,707 --> 00:12:55,373 When this homicide had happened. 227 00:12:55,375 --> 00:12:57,442 -[ sobbing ] 228 00:13:03,716 --> 00:13:07,218 -As amber continues speaking with the investigators, 229 00:13:07,287 --> 00:13:10,622 Trent's loved ones are learning of his tragic passing 230 00:13:10,690 --> 00:13:12,924 For the first time. 231 00:13:12,992 --> 00:13:14,925 -I was sitting there in my living room 232 00:13:14,995 --> 00:13:17,395 And my dad come in, and I looked at my dad, 233 00:13:17,463 --> 00:13:20,398 And I'm like, "what are you doing here?" 234 00:13:20,466 --> 00:13:22,333 And he come over, and he put his hands on mine 235 00:13:22,402 --> 00:13:25,737 And he says, "honey, your brother's gone." 236 00:13:25,805 --> 00:13:27,705 And I'm like, "what?" 237 00:13:27,774 --> 00:13:32,544 And he's like, "he's gone. He was shot and murdered today." 238 00:13:32,612 --> 00:13:35,279 -I couldn't believe that trent was gone. 239 00:13:35,281 --> 00:13:39,550 I'd spent time with him maybe a week or two before that. 240 00:13:39,619 --> 00:13:41,953 He was such a nice person that I couldn't imagine 241 00:13:42,021 --> 00:13:44,956 Why someone would ever do that to him. 242 00:13:45,024 --> 00:13:47,559 -And there's something else to consider. 243 00:13:47,627 --> 00:13:50,694 The family, and especially their son marshall, 244 00:13:50,764 --> 00:13:52,730 Are well known in the area 245 00:13:52,799 --> 00:13:55,566 Because of the 5-year-old's harrowing medical journey, 246 00:13:55,635 --> 00:13:59,003 Starting when he was just 6 months old. 247 00:14:01,708 --> 00:14:03,307 -Trent called me and said 248 00:14:03,309 --> 00:14:04,976 They're life flighting marshall down to u of m. 249 00:14:05,044 --> 00:14:06,611 I'm like, "why?" 250 00:14:06,679 --> 00:14:08,112 And he's like, "we're not sure, 251 00:14:08,180 --> 00:14:10,047 But there's something wrong with this heart. 252 00:14:10,116 --> 00:14:12,283 Marshall needs a heart transplant." 253 00:14:12,351 --> 00:14:14,318 -Baby marshall was put on life support 254 00:14:14,320 --> 00:14:17,922 At the university of michigan medical center in ann arbor 255 00:14:17,991 --> 00:14:19,991 While they waited for a donor heart. 256 00:14:20,059 --> 00:14:22,026 Amber stayed by marshall's side 257 00:14:22,094 --> 00:14:26,397 While trent made the 268 mile journey back and forth 258 00:14:26,465 --> 00:14:30,869 From his job to be with amber and marshall on his days off. 259 00:14:31,504 --> 00:14:33,504 -It was a lot. 260 00:14:33,573 --> 00:14:37,375 Marshall was in the hospital for 10 months waiting for a heart. 261 00:14:37,443 --> 00:14:40,478 They didn't know if marshall was going to get a heart or not, 262 00:14:40,546 --> 00:14:42,680 And then lose him. 263 00:14:43,082 --> 00:14:45,349 -At just a year and a half old, 264 00:14:45,418 --> 00:14:48,887 Marshall undergoes a successful heart transplant surgery. 265 00:14:48,955 --> 00:14:50,488 But over the years, 266 00:14:50,556 --> 00:14:53,090 The ongoing cost of his medications 267 00:14:53,159 --> 00:14:57,495 And medical care puts financial strain on the family. 268 00:14:57,563 --> 00:14:59,797 -The first time I had heard of amber smith 269 00:14:59,865 --> 00:15:02,099 Is we got a call into our tip line 270 00:15:02,168 --> 00:15:04,001 That there was somebody 271 00:15:04,070 --> 00:15:05,769 That was looking for assistance for a go fund me 272 00:15:05,839 --> 00:15:09,040 Or to raise some funds for her son for some issues 273 00:15:09,108 --> 00:15:10,274 That he had with his heart. 274 00:15:10,343 --> 00:15:12,276 And it's right before christmas. 275 00:15:12,278 --> 00:15:14,044 It was very sad to hear. 276 00:15:14,114 --> 00:15:15,546 And our hearts went out to the family. 277 00:15:15,615 --> 00:15:18,249 And so we wanted to do a fund raising story 278 00:15:18,318 --> 00:15:20,984 About amber and her family. 279 00:15:20,986 --> 00:15:22,753 -It was all experimental medicine. 280 00:15:22,755 --> 00:15:25,789 So it was, you know, everything had to be paid for by us. 281 00:15:25,859 --> 00:15:28,692 You know, insurance companies don't want to foot a bill 282 00:15:28,762 --> 00:15:30,694 That isn't fda approved. 283 00:15:30,763 --> 00:15:32,430 -Marshall was the sweetest little boy. 284 00:15:32,498 --> 00:15:35,933 You would never imagine that he had gone through all 285 00:15:36,002 --> 00:15:37,768 Of these medical issues. 286 00:15:38,438 --> 00:15:42,206 -We learned just a few months prior to trent's death, 287 00:15:42,275 --> 00:15:44,742 They raised $10,000 to $15,000, 288 00:15:44,810 --> 00:15:46,844 Which is, you know, a fair amount of money 289 00:15:46,913 --> 00:15:48,512 To help them out. 290 00:15:48,581 --> 00:15:50,148 It was a significant amount of cash. 291 00:15:50,216 --> 00:15:51,715 If somebody knew about that, 292 00:15:51,785 --> 00:15:53,684 They could be looking for that money. 293 00:15:53,753 --> 00:15:56,320 -With the possibility of cash in the home 294 00:15:56,322 --> 00:15:58,489 And the safe being empty, that could have been 295 00:15:58,558 --> 00:16:01,425 A primary motive for that breaking and entering. 296 00:16:01,427 --> 00:16:03,594 -Immediately, the detectives think back 297 00:16:03,663 --> 00:16:06,297 To their initial interview with amber. 298 00:16:35,795 --> 00:16:40,164 -We learned that mark simpson had stayed at trent's home, 299 00:16:40,166 --> 00:16:42,333 But eventually was kicked out by trent 300 00:16:42,402 --> 00:16:44,869 Due to drugs, drug behavior, 301 00:16:44,937 --> 00:16:48,339 And they didn't want that in their home with the kids. 302 00:17:26,245 --> 00:17:30,748 -We knew mark was involved in various drug issues, 303 00:17:30,816 --> 00:17:33,384 But just because it's drugs doesn't mean 304 00:17:33,453 --> 00:17:35,953 That it can't escalate to another level. 305 00:17:36,022 --> 00:17:39,590 Desperation finds its way, and sometimes that occurs. 306 00:17:40,693 --> 00:17:43,026 -Mark had been thrown out of the house, 307 00:17:43,028 --> 00:17:45,696 So we knew that there was some turmoil there. 308 00:17:45,765 --> 00:17:48,065 -The fact that he was thrown out by trent 309 00:17:48,067 --> 00:17:50,768 For trying to steal drugs indicates that, you know, 310 00:17:50,837 --> 00:17:55,740 Maybe he has some intent to do something more. 311 00:17:55,808 --> 00:17:57,608 I was thinking mark could have been involved 312 00:17:57,677 --> 00:18:00,078 In the homicide of trenton mallory. 313 00:18:07,386 --> 00:18:10,654 -After trent mallory is shot and killed in his own bed. 314 00:18:10,656 --> 00:18:13,824 Sheriff's detectives question his fiancée, amber smith. 315 00:18:13,893 --> 00:18:16,327 She recalls the time a year earlier 316 00:18:16,395 --> 00:18:19,230 When trent kicked her stepfather, mark simpson, 317 00:18:19,298 --> 00:18:21,165 Out of their house. 318 00:18:21,234 --> 00:18:24,668 Then, just a day before a defenseless trent was murdered, 319 00:18:24,737 --> 00:18:27,438 Amber got a curious phone call from mark, 320 00:18:27,506 --> 00:18:29,807 Asking her about trent. 321 00:18:31,777 --> 00:18:34,745 -Mark knew the intricacies of their household 322 00:18:34,814 --> 00:18:37,648 And would have known about the fund raising event 323 00:18:37,716 --> 00:18:40,751 That happened, you know, months prior, 324 00:18:40,820 --> 00:18:43,487 And he would be appraised of what's going on in the house, 325 00:18:43,556 --> 00:18:45,723 What kind of medications are there. 326 00:18:45,791 --> 00:18:48,225 -So we immediately started looking for simpson 327 00:18:48,294 --> 00:18:49,894 To try and get his time line 328 00:18:49,962 --> 00:18:53,797 And to see his whereabouts during the time this occurred. 329 00:18:53,866 --> 00:18:58,402 -Meanwhile, the detectives scour the area around trent's house 330 00:18:58,470 --> 00:19:01,973 For any clues to his killer. 331 00:19:02,041 --> 00:19:03,641 -We know that that morning, 332 00:19:03,709 --> 00:19:08,446 Sometime between 7:05 and approximately 10:34 a.M., 333 00:19:08,514 --> 00:19:11,048 Somebody shot and killed trent. 334 00:19:11,684 --> 00:19:14,918 -We canvass the area, speaking to neighbors 335 00:19:14,987 --> 00:19:18,355 To see if they had seen anybody that was suspicious. 336 00:19:18,424 --> 00:19:20,124 -The problem in this neighborhood is, 337 00:19:20,193 --> 00:19:22,593 Is that houses are a little ways apart. 338 00:19:22,662 --> 00:19:25,096 In this situation, there happened to be a house 339 00:19:25,164 --> 00:19:26,697 That wasn't very far away 340 00:19:26,766 --> 00:19:29,600 To the south of the mallory residence. 341 00:19:29,669 --> 00:19:32,570 -The neighbor said that he had heard a .22 being shot, 342 00:19:32,638 --> 00:19:35,005 But he hadn't seen any cars leaving, 343 00:19:35,007 --> 00:19:36,974 Hadn't seen any cars coming. 344 00:19:37,643 --> 00:19:41,312 -As the investigators continue to track down mark simpson, 345 00:19:41,380 --> 00:19:43,547 The next morning, 346 00:19:43,616 --> 00:19:46,917 Results of trent's autopsy come back from the medical examiner. 347 00:19:46,986 --> 00:19:49,787 -The autopsy revealed that the cause of death 348 00:19:49,855 --> 00:19:53,090 Was a gunshot wound to the back of the head. 349 00:19:53,159 --> 00:19:54,658 The medical examiner said 350 00:19:54,660 --> 00:19:57,995 That the murder weapon was a .22 rifle. 351 00:19:58,063 --> 00:20:02,666 I knew that we did not locate a .22 in the home. 352 00:20:02,668 --> 00:20:06,203 Therefore, I felt that that .22 was taken with the suspect. 353 00:20:07,040 --> 00:20:10,007 -We needed to try and find that rifle. 354 00:20:10,076 --> 00:20:11,909 -The search is on for the gun. 355 00:20:11,977 --> 00:20:14,745 Meanwhile, the investigators have managed 356 00:20:14,814 --> 00:20:18,149 To track down mark simpson, amber's stepfather. 357 00:20:18,217 --> 00:20:20,450 -When he learned that there was a homicide going on, 358 00:20:20,452 --> 00:20:22,453 It was trenton mallory, 359 00:20:22,521 --> 00:20:25,989 His reactions were that he was surprised by it. 360 00:20:26,059 --> 00:20:30,027 Mark said he was in emmet county at that time 361 00:20:30,095 --> 00:20:31,695 And didn't have anything 362 00:20:31,764 --> 00:20:34,431 To do with the homicide of trenton mallory. 363 00:20:34,500 --> 00:20:36,867 -We were able to verify his location during that time, 364 00:20:36,936 --> 00:20:40,438 So we were able to eliminate him as a suspect. 365 00:20:41,807 --> 00:20:43,707 -With mark simpson off the list, 366 00:20:43,776 --> 00:20:46,844 The police dig into trent's personal life to see 367 00:20:46,912 --> 00:20:48,712 If there was anyone else 368 00:20:48,714 --> 00:20:50,781 That might have had an issue with him. 369 00:20:50,849 --> 00:20:53,150 -We learned that trent had a side business 370 00:20:53,219 --> 00:20:54,752 That was called trader trent. 371 00:20:54,820 --> 00:20:57,020 He really enjoyed buying stuff 372 00:20:57,089 --> 00:20:58,822 And then selling it on craigslist 373 00:20:58,824 --> 00:21:01,592 Or online at different locations. 374 00:21:02,728 --> 00:21:06,263 -Trent would go on facebook marketplace 375 00:21:06,331 --> 00:21:08,999 And he'd buy something for cheap. 376 00:21:09,068 --> 00:21:12,603 Guns, hunting, archery, bullets, 377 00:21:12,671 --> 00:21:14,237 And then he'd turn around and flip it, 378 00:21:14,307 --> 00:21:17,641 And that was bringing an extra income for them. 379 00:21:17,710 --> 00:21:19,777 They called him trader trent. 380 00:21:19,845 --> 00:21:22,113 -So with him having this side business, 381 00:21:22,181 --> 00:21:25,783 It definitely opened the door to a lot of potential suspects. 382 00:21:25,851 --> 00:21:27,685 Has he ripped somebody off? 383 00:21:27,753 --> 00:21:29,687 Has somebody felt like they got ripped off? 384 00:21:29,755 --> 00:21:33,190 You know, is there some sort of retribution there against him 385 00:21:33,259 --> 00:21:36,293 For some reason that we haven't explored yet? 386 00:21:36,996 --> 00:21:41,665 There was definitely a need to identify those last people 387 00:21:41,734 --> 00:21:44,367 That he had, you know, sold things to, 388 00:21:44,369 --> 00:21:47,338 Or maybe purchased guns or sold guns. 389 00:21:47,873 --> 00:21:50,674 We had learned through the trenton's family 390 00:21:50,742 --> 00:21:53,877 That there was some postings just within days 391 00:21:53,946 --> 00:21:58,782 Of trent's death of a 10/22, a ruger rifle, 392 00:21:58,784 --> 00:22:02,319 Basically, that shot this same kind of ammunition 393 00:22:02,388 --> 00:22:04,488 Used to kill trent. 394 00:22:04,556 --> 00:22:07,925 -My husband took screen shots of it, and it was a cool .22. 395 00:22:07,993 --> 00:22:11,361 It was rare. It was a weird .22. 396 00:22:11,630 --> 00:22:14,965 -The detectives turn back to amber smith to see if 397 00:22:15,034 --> 00:22:19,369 She could help them identify the most recent seller of the gun. 398 00:22:19,439 --> 00:22:21,472 -Amber was cooperative. 399 00:22:21,540 --> 00:22:25,209 She was always willing to come in and do that next interview. 400 00:22:25,277 --> 00:22:27,845 In an amber statement, a subject brought this 401 00:22:27,913 --> 00:22:31,349 10/22 ruger over, and it was $100. 402 00:22:39,758 --> 00:22:42,726 -It was such a good deal that trent wanted to buy it, 403 00:22:42,728 --> 00:22:44,227 But wasn't going to buy it till the next day, 404 00:22:44,297 --> 00:22:47,331 And the subject basically left with the rifle. 405 00:22:47,399 --> 00:22:50,100 They thought they could at least double their money, 406 00:22:50,169 --> 00:22:54,437 So they posted it on a number of sites on the internet 407 00:22:54,439 --> 00:22:55,906 To try and sell this weapon. 408 00:23:07,186 --> 00:23:08,752 -She was extremely vague. 409 00:23:08,820 --> 00:23:10,020 The interesting part about it was, 410 00:23:10,089 --> 00:23:11,655 Is that she could name other names, 411 00:23:11,724 --> 00:23:14,392 But could never name that person. 412 00:23:20,866 --> 00:23:24,267 -Amber told us that there was not a sale at that point, 413 00:23:24,337 --> 00:23:28,605 And this person took the .22 with him and left the home. 414 00:23:28,674 --> 00:23:30,273 That was very important to us. 415 00:23:30,343 --> 00:23:32,075 -Obviously, the somebody that brought this weapon 416 00:23:32,077 --> 00:23:34,445 Into the household was of interest. 417 00:23:34,513 --> 00:23:39,149 Maybe this person actually saw there was a number of weapons 418 00:23:39,151 --> 00:23:42,652 In the house, and that was motivation or reason 419 00:23:42,654 --> 00:23:44,121 To break into their house. 420 00:23:44,189 --> 00:23:45,756 -We were looking for any information that 421 00:23:45,825 --> 00:23:47,792 Would lead us to this person. 422 00:23:54,232 --> 00:23:56,567 -After trent mallory is murdered, 423 00:23:56,635 --> 00:23:59,036 The michigan state police are looking for a man 424 00:23:59,104 --> 00:24:03,040 Who tried to sell trent a .22 caliber rifle, 425 00:24:03,108 --> 00:24:05,776 The same caliber gun that was used to kill him. 426 00:24:05,845 --> 00:24:09,580 The question is, did this mysterious man and trent 427 00:24:09,648 --> 00:24:12,450 Have unfinished business? 428 00:24:13,586 --> 00:24:15,586 -Amber told us that there was a guy 429 00:24:15,654 --> 00:24:17,955 That was actually trying to sell trent a .22, 430 00:24:18,023 --> 00:24:19,923 And had brought it to their home, 431 00:24:19,925 --> 00:24:23,060 But amber was unable to provide us with information 432 00:24:23,128 --> 00:24:24,962 That would lead us to this person. 433 00:24:38,911 --> 00:24:40,477 -Amber couldn't provide really anything 434 00:24:40,546 --> 00:24:42,780 Except a general description. 435 00:25:05,271 --> 00:25:08,972 -It appears amber doesn't know anything that can help them I.D. 436 00:25:08,974 --> 00:25:10,540 The mystery gun seller. 437 00:25:10,610 --> 00:25:12,542 So they approach trent's family, 438 00:25:12,544 --> 00:25:15,513 Hoping maybe one of them might be able to help. 439 00:25:15,581 --> 00:25:17,748 But instead of clues to his identity, 440 00:25:17,816 --> 00:25:20,584 They pick up on something unexpected. 441 00:25:20,652 --> 00:25:22,686 -Trent's family had provided us with a lot 442 00:25:22,754 --> 00:25:25,155 Of information about their relationship. 443 00:25:25,224 --> 00:25:28,491 -Towards the end of their relationship, 444 00:25:28,493 --> 00:25:32,129 I want to say four or five months, I could see 445 00:25:32,197 --> 00:25:34,264 There was something wrong with trent. 446 00:25:34,333 --> 00:25:37,534 The fun loving, fun going person trent was 447 00:25:37,602 --> 00:25:41,772 Had started to dwindle to where he kept himself more isolated. 448 00:25:41,840 --> 00:25:43,841 We still talked on the phone and whatever, 449 00:25:43,909 --> 00:25:46,276 But he was always working, and to me, I didn't understand 450 00:25:46,345 --> 00:25:48,845 Why he had to work so hard. 451 00:25:48,914 --> 00:25:50,347 -One of the things that first popped up 452 00:25:50,415 --> 00:25:53,617 Was their house had been under foreclosure. 453 00:25:53,685 --> 00:25:55,319 They had credit card debt, 454 00:25:55,387 --> 00:25:57,821 And they had marshall's medical condition. 455 00:25:57,890 --> 00:26:00,457 So we knew that their financial situation was 456 00:26:00,526 --> 00:26:03,093 A strain in their family. 457 00:26:03,095 --> 00:26:06,730 -There was $10,500 in loans on trent's name 458 00:26:06,732 --> 00:26:10,533 Using his social security number. 459 00:26:10,603 --> 00:26:13,203 We learned that there was a loan 460 00:26:13,272 --> 00:26:15,305 That was taken out in trent's name, 461 00:26:15,374 --> 00:26:19,209 And that the company was actively trying to find trent. 462 00:26:19,278 --> 00:26:21,912 -The detectives reach out to the collection agency 463 00:26:21,980 --> 00:26:24,247 That spoke with trent about the loan. 464 00:26:24,316 --> 00:26:26,183 -The collection agency called trent. 465 00:26:26,251 --> 00:26:29,186 We eventually got the recording of that call. 466 00:26:29,254 --> 00:26:31,221 Trent had told them that he had no idea 467 00:26:31,290 --> 00:26:33,857 That there was a loan out there and was very upset 468 00:26:33,926 --> 00:26:36,894 That a loan was actually taken out in his name. 469 00:26:36,962 --> 00:26:40,330 -And this is only a few days prior to his death. 470 00:26:41,000 --> 00:26:45,402 -So if trent did not take out that loan, who did? 471 00:26:45,470 --> 00:26:47,104 The most likely person 472 00:26:47,172 --> 00:26:49,339 That would have access to the information needed to apply 473 00:26:49,408 --> 00:26:53,210 For a loan would be his fiancée, amber. 474 00:26:53,278 --> 00:26:56,947 So they call her in for questioning once again. 475 00:27:26,979 --> 00:27:30,147 -She just denies or says nothing. 476 00:27:31,050 --> 00:27:33,416 -But when detectives dig deeper 477 00:27:33,486 --> 00:27:35,786 Into ambers financial records, 478 00:27:35,854 --> 00:27:39,756 Her phone bill provides a big clue. 479 00:27:39,758 --> 00:27:41,759 -Amber liked to gamble on her phone, 480 00:27:41,761 --> 00:27:44,127 So she had a bunch of itunes purchases, 481 00:27:44,129 --> 00:27:46,997 And she was ringing up several thousand dollars 482 00:27:47,065 --> 00:27:49,966 In different kinds of gambling apps and things. 483 00:27:50,836 --> 00:27:54,204 -Then, as we dug deeper, it turns out that she's 484 00:27:54,273 --> 00:27:56,907 Not only gambling on her phone, she's gambling at the casino. 485 00:27:56,975 --> 00:28:01,679 Amber was spending over $25,000 at the casino 486 00:28:01,747 --> 00:28:04,381 Within a year or so of the murder. 487 00:28:06,251 --> 00:28:08,685 -She had this whole underworld of gambling 488 00:28:08,754 --> 00:28:11,321 Going on outside of trent's knowledge. 489 00:28:12,291 --> 00:28:14,824 She was basically a stay at home mom. 490 00:28:14,826 --> 00:28:17,828 She did some catering and cake decorating at home, 491 00:28:17,896 --> 00:28:20,697 But he was the sole source of income. 492 00:28:20,766 --> 00:28:24,434 -We later learn that it was amber posing as trent 493 00:28:24,503 --> 00:28:27,804 On phone calls that were made to get these loans, 494 00:28:27,806 --> 00:28:29,940 And trent was becoming more 495 00:28:30,008 --> 00:28:32,843 And more aware of their financial situation. 496 00:28:32,911 --> 00:28:35,712 He was learning about loans that were unpaid. 497 00:28:35,780 --> 00:28:38,549 So he's starting to piece this together. 498 00:28:38,617 --> 00:28:40,583 -All the debt that they had was in trenton's name. 499 00:28:40,653 --> 00:28:42,319 There was nothing in her name. 500 00:28:42,387 --> 00:28:44,187 So if trenton was out of the picture, 501 00:28:44,189 --> 00:28:47,658 It was a clean slate for her. 502 00:28:47,726 --> 00:28:49,326 -We are starting to see 503 00:28:49,394 --> 00:28:52,162 Why this murder could have possibly occurred. 504 00:28:53,799 --> 00:28:56,599 -The investigators are confident they found a motive 505 00:28:56,669 --> 00:29:00,703 For murder, but they're nowhere close to making an arrest. 506 00:29:01,173 --> 00:29:05,242 As the detectives continue their investigation into amber, 507 00:29:05,244 --> 00:29:07,077 She and trent's loved ones gather 508 00:29:07,145 --> 00:29:09,680 To say their final goodbyes. 509 00:29:09,748 --> 00:29:12,649 -It was just so devastating. 510 00:29:12,717 --> 00:29:15,485 Like we were all just numb. 511 00:29:15,554 --> 00:29:19,089 -Carson and marshall were up near where they had trent, 512 00:29:19,157 --> 00:29:23,493 And they hugged each other and hugged trent's mom and dad. 513 00:29:23,562 --> 00:29:25,462 And, you know, 514 00:29:25,531 --> 00:29:28,631 You could tell that they had understood that dad was gone. 515 00:29:28,701 --> 00:29:31,902 I just remember amber just sitting a couple rows away 516 00:29:31,970 --> 00:29:35,105 And just staring, you know, off into space. 517 00:29:35,173 --> 00:29:37,374 It was just kind of odd. 518 00:29:37,442 --> 00:29:41,978 -I can read people, and I know when something ain't right. 519 00:29:42,047 --> 00:29:44,147 It's like an intuition to me. 520 00:29:44,216 --> 00:29:48,385 And I looked at my dad, and I said, "she did it." 521 00:29:48,453 --> 00:29:50,721 And he goes, "we can't say that, ange." 522 00:29:50,789 --> 00:29:56,059 And I said, "the f I can't say that." I said, "she did it." 523 00:29:57,228 --> 00:29:59,462 -Trent's family had told us that they felt 524 00:29:59,531 --> 00:30:02,165 That amber is the one that committed the homicide. 525 00:30:02,234 --> 00:30:03,933 At this stage in the investigation, 526 00:30:04,003 --> 00:30:05,903 We're piecing together, 527 00:30:05,905 --> 00:30:07,570 But we're piecing together with circumstantial evidence. 528 00:30:07,640 --> 00:30:10,006 I knew amber had committed this crime. 529 00:30:10,075 --> 00:30:12,008 I was upset for the family. 530 00:30:12,077 --> 00:30:15,179 So those emotions start to play with you. 531 00:30:16,114 --> 00:30:18,148 -We need to find that weapon. 532 00:30:18,216 --> 00:30:20,483 I knew that she had posted the weapon for sale 533 00:30:20,485 --> 00:30:23,186 I knew that she had possession of this weapon. 534 00:30:23,188 --> 00:30:25,021 And I knew that it was missing for a reason. 535 00:30:25,090 --> 00:30:28,425 And I suspected that if we could find this weapon, 536 00:30:28,493 --> 00:30:30,994 It was going to be linked to the homicide. 537 00:30:32,531 --> 00:30:35,365 -Weeks pass, and with no murder weapon, 538 00:30:35,367 --> 00:30:37,434 The case begins to stall. 539 00:30:37,502 --> 00:30:39,670 But it gets a much needed jump start 540 00:30:39,738 --> 00:30:41,571 One month after the murder, 541 00:30:41,640 --> 00:30:45,642 When the detectives receive an unexpected call. 542 00:30:46,111 --> 00:30:48,311 -On the evening of April 8th, I was at home, 543 00:30:48,380 --> 00:30:51,715 And I received a phone call from amy, amber's sister. 544 00:30:51,783 --> 00:30:54,685 I could tell she was upset, and I asked her what was going on, 545 00:30:54,753 --> 00:30:56,719 What was wrong, 546 00:30:56,721 --> 00:30:58,455 And she immediately said that you need to come here. 547 00:30:58,457 --> 00:31:00,623 And I'm like, "what's going on?" 548 00:31:00,692 --> 00:31:01,892 And she was silent. 549 00:31:01,960 --> 00:31:03,093 She goes, "you just need to come here." 550 00:31:03,161 --> 00:31:04,861 And I said, "is it the gun?" 551 00:31:04,929 --> 00:31:07,397 And she said yes. 552 00:31:07,466 --> 00:31:10,333 -My mom said, "I'm worried that your aunt amber 553 00:31:10,335 --> 00:31:12,536 May have been the one to hurt trent." 554 00:31:18,677 --> 00:31:21,444 -You literally can see her head turn on the video. 555 00:31:21,513 --> 00:31:25,948 Basically looking for the weapon as she's driving by. 556 00:31:25,950 --> 00:31:27,317 -We had her at that point. 557 00:31:33,224 --> 00:31:35,158 -A month into the investigation 558 00:31:35,227 --> 00:31:36,959 Of trent mallory's violent death, 559 00:31:36,961 --> 00:31:38,761 The detectives and trent's family 560 00:31:38,831 --> 00:31:42,899 Are both suspicious of trent's fiancée, amber smith. 561 00:31:42,968 --> 00:31:46,236 The problem is, her alibi seems air tight, 562 00:31:46,304 --> 00:31:49,372 And the murder weapon is nowhere to be found. 563 00:31:49,441 --> 00:31:53,343 But a rare michigan thaw changes everything. 564 00:31:55,780 --> 00:31:57,414 -When I got to amy's house that night, 565 00:31:57,482 --> 00:31:59,516 She told me that she was looking for a shovel 566 00:31:59,584 --> 00:32:01,518 That they had lost in the snowbank. 567 00:32:01,586 --> 00:32:03,686 And at that point, the snow was melting. 568 00:32:03,755 --> 00:32:05,488 And as she was looking for the shovel, 569 00:32:05,557 --> 00:32:07,790 Thought that this was the handle of her shovel. 570 00:32:07,860 --> 00:32:11,028 And in fact, she learned that it was a .22. 571 00:32:11,963 --> 00:32:15,732 -A .22 caliber rifle sticking out of the snow, 572 00:32:15,801 --> 00:32:19,302 The same caliber that was used to murder trent, 573 00:32:19,371 --> 00:32:21,804 And the same type of gun in the picture taken at 574 00:32:21,874 --> 00:32:25,475 Trent's house just days before he was shot. 575 00:32:25,678 --> 00:32:28,811 -I have a million emotions going through me at that point, 576 00:32:28,881 --> 00:32:30,847 But I immediately contacted 911, 577 00:32:30,915 --> 00:32:33,883 And I wanted to make sure that our deputies go to that scene 578 00:32:33,952 --> 00:32:36,052 And rope off that scene immediately. 579 00:32:36,121 --> 00:32:37,721 -There was a lot of snow there. 580 00:32:37,789 --> 00:32:41,224 The fact that it was concealed in amy's snowbank 581 00:32:41,292 --> 00:32:45,228 Made sense to me, based on amber's alibi, 582 00:32:45,297 --> 00:32:48,331 Describing how she just randomly stopped there 583 00:32:48,400 --> 00:32:50,600 The morning of trent's homicide. 584 00:32:56,040 --> 00:32:57,974 -There's just no coincidence that 585 00:32:58,043 --> 00:33:02,512 The a .22 rifle is sticking out of a snowbank at amy's house. 586 00:33:02,580 --> 00:33:04,247 -It was really relieving the fact 587 00:33:04,316 --> 00:33:06,083 That we actually had it in our possession 588 00:33:06,085 --> 00:33:09,720 And could now do the ballistics and forensics to figure out, 589 00:33:09,788 --> 00:33:11,588 Is this our murder weapon? 590 00:33:13,024 --> 00:33:16,293 Is this the weapon that we've been looking for all this time? 591 00:33:17,462 --> 00:33:19,930 -And there's another critical question. 592 00:33:19,998 --> 00:33:21,732 Did amber handle the weapon? 593 00:33:21,800 --> 00:33:25,502 To answer that, the detectives make a risky move. 594 00:33:25,570 --> 00:33:29,139 They set up a phone call between amy and amber, 595 00:33:29,207 --> 00:33:31,942 Asking amy to wear a wire. 596 00:33:33,211 --> 00:33:38,314 -My mom had called me and said to not talk to amber at all, 597 00:33:38,383 --> 00:33:40,683 And I was like, "okay, you know, what's what's going on?" 598 00:33:40,685 --> 00:33:42,585 She said, "well, 599 00:33:42,587 --> 00:33:45,488 We saw the gun sticking out of our snowbank today. 600 00:33:45,490 --> 00:33:48,024 I'm worried that your aunt amber 601 00:33:48,093 --> 00:33:51,627 May have been the one to hurt trent." 602 00:33:52,097 --> 00:33:55,298 My mom was just distraught. She loved trent. 603 00:33:55,367 --> 00:33:57,400 She loved amber. She loved the boys. 604 00:33:57,402 --> 00:33:59,403 It was really hard on my mom. 605 00:34:01,039 --> 00:34:05,942 -Our plan going into amy's phone call with amber was to try 606 00:34:06,011 --> 00:34:08,177 And get amber back to the scene. 607 00:34:08,179 --> 00:34:09,479 [ ringing ] 608 00:34:33,906 --> 00:34:35,872 -Amy, she did an excellent job. 609 00:34:35,941 --> 00:34:40,143 We were able to now have a story behind the gun 610 00:34:40,212 --> 00:34:41,778 Through amber's words. 611 00:34:41,847 --> 00:34:45,548 -For amy, even the thought of her sister killing trent 612 00:34:45,550 --> 00:34:47,517 Is too hard to bear. 613 00:35:04,302 --> 00:35:07,337 -At that point, we got permission from amy 614 00:35:07,405 --> 00:35:09,572 That we could do a stakeout inside her home, 615 00:35:09,641 --> 00:35:11,775 And we waited for amber's arrival. 616 00:35:13,812 --> 00:35:15,411 -Eventually, then we were going to confront her. 617 00:35:15,480 --> 00:35:17,280 That was the plan. 618 00:35:17,348 --> 00:35:19,783 About a half hour later, amber did arrive. 619 00:35:21,853 --> 00:35:25,288 I was videotaping while mark was standing at the door. 620 00:35:25,357 --> 00:35:28,525 -Amber comes in the driveway in her vehicle, 621 00:35:28,593 --> 00:35:32,729 And you literally can see her head turn on the video, 622 00:35:32,797 --> 00:35:37,267 Basically looking for the weapon as she's driving by. 623 00:35:37,335 --> 00:35:41,571 -She eventually parked her car and went to the gun's location. 624 00:35:47,946 --> 00:35:50,179 -She actually was pawing in the snow and kicking in the snow 625 00:35:50,249 --> 00:35:52,615 And trying to find the gun. 626 00:35:52,617 --> 00:35:54,885 -Amber was physically attempting to find 627 00:35:54,953 --> 00:35:58,755 This rifle that clearly is not in the snow anymore. 628 00:35:58,823 --> 00:36:01,724 -She didn't see it because we had taken it for evidence. 629 00:36:01,793 --> 00:36:05,762 There was a smile on my face. [ chuckles ] 630 00:36:11,870 --> 00:36:15,805 -As she's trying to leave, I confront her in the driveway. 631 00:36:15,874 --> 00:36:19,041 -I anticipated her finally giving up, 632 00:36:19,111 --> 00:36:20,644 But that was not the case. 633 00:36:23,081 --> 00:36:28,185 -Amber totally downplays it. Just denies being involved. 634 00:36:40,698 --> 00:36:42,665 -We were astonished that, um, 635 00:36:42,734 --> 00:36:46,669 You know, she can try and uphold this story, 636 00:36:46,671 --> 00:36:49,339 Knowing that we have her. 637 00:37:20,205 --> 00:37:21,671 -We got her. 638 00:37:28,879 --> 00:37:30,880 -Five weeks after trenton mallory is 639 00:37:30,949 --> 00:37:32,715 Shot to death, the michigan state police 640 00:37:32,717 --> 00:37:34,517 Pull off a daring sting. 641 00:37:34,586 --> 00:37:37,787 With cameras rolling, they catch amber smith, 642 00:37:37,856 --> 00:37:40,456 Seemingly looking for the rifle they believe 643 00:37:40,525 --> 00:37:43,193 Was used to kill her fiancé. 644 00:37:43,261 --> 00:37:47,596 -Once the gun was found and once we had her on tape 645 00:37:47,598 --> 00:37:49,999 Admitting putting it there, at that point, 646 00:37:50,068 --> 00:37:53,502 It became clear to all of us that she needed to be charged. 647 00:37:53,504 --> 00:37:56,372 -On April 21st of 2014, 648 00:37:56,441 --> 00:37:59,375 It was decided that she would be arrested. 649 00:37:59,377 --> 00:38:03,145 -Amber was placed in handcuffs for the murder of trent. 650 00:38:03,215 --> 00:38:05,648 I can't express how it felt 651 00:38:05,717 --> 00:38:08,818 Because it was kind of euphoria. 652 00:38:10,722 --> 00:38:14,023 -And then may 30, 2014, we received a lab report 653 00:38:14,092 --> 00:38:16,292 From the michigan state police crime lab. 654 00:38:16,361 --> 00:38:17,860 They had done the forensics 655 00:38:17,929 --> 00:38:20,763 And ballistic comparisons from the casing 656 00:38:20,765 --> 00:38:23,299 That was found on the floor in the bedroom, 657 00:38:23,368 --> 00:38:26,536 And compare that to the ruger 10/22 658 00:38:26,604 --> 00:38:28,305 That was recovered from the snowbank 659 00:38:28,373 --> 00:38:31,007 At amy sullivan's residence. 660 00:38:31,075 --> 00:38:33,710 -Michigan state police crime lab were able to determine 661 00:38:33,778 --> 00:38:36,446 That the casing did belong to that gun 662 00:38:36,514 --> 00:38:38,648 That was found in the snowbank. 663 00:38:38,717 --> 00:38:41,984 There was an actual fingerprint located on the .22, 664 00:38:41,986 --> 00:38:45,588 Despite it being in the snowbank for over a month. 665 00:38:45,590 --> 00:38:48,958 That print also belonged to amber. 666 00:38:51,762 --> 00:38:54,063 -Seven months after her arrest, 667 00:38:54,132 --> 00:38:57,466 Amber smith stands trial for first degree murder 668 00:38:57,468 --> 00:39:00,603 Of her fiancé, trent mallory. 669 00:39:00,672 --> 00:39:02,672 -This was obviously a very big case. 670 00:39:02,740 --> 00:39:04,373 The gallery was full. 671 00:39:04,375 --> 00:39:06,809 There was trent's family, there was amber's family. 672 00:39:06,811 --> 00:39:08,210 And of course it's a small community, 673 00:39:08,280 --> 00:39:10,847 So everybody's hurting. 674 00:39:10,915 --> 00:39:13,116 -It was really hard at trial, to sit there 675 00:39:13,184 --> 00:39:20,423 And look at her, and no emotion, nothing, just straight faced. 676 00:39:21,025 --> 00:39:24,126 -Looking at all the evidence that we had to put it together, 677 00:39:24,195 --> 00:39:28,497 I think probably the best theory is the morning trent was killed, 678 00:39:28,567 --> 00:39:30,366 She put the kids in the car 679 00:39:30,435 --> 00:39:33,335 And then had to run back in the house under some pretense, 680 00:39:33,405 --> 00:39:38,074 That she forgot something, and killed him right then and there, 681 00:39:38,142 --> 00:39:40,710 As he lay in bed. 682 00:39:40,779 --> 00:39:44,013 On the way out of the house, make it look like a burglary. 683 00:39:44,082 --> 00:39:45,715 Wouldn't have taken very long at all. 684 00:39:45,784 --> 00:39:48,150 -She just pulled things out of cupboards. 685 00:39:48,219 --> 00:39:49,619 She pulled things out of the safe, 686 00:39:49,687 --> 00:39:53,455 She overturned things in the bathroom. 687 00:39:53,457 --> 00:39:54,857 -Then she gets back in the car. 688 00:39:54,859 --> 00:39:56,493 Probably throws the gun on the way back 689 00:39:56,495 --> 00:39:58,228 Where the kids can't see it. 690 00:39:58,296 --> 00:40:01,430 And then after she drops the one child off and does some errands, 691 00:40:01,500 --> 00:40:06,703 She stops at her sister's house and hides the gun in a snowbank. 692 00:40:06,771 --> 00:40:09,972 -It's now clear how amber killed trent. 693 00:40:09,974 --> 00:40:11,273 But why? 694 00:40:11,343 --> 00:40:13,042 -The financial issues, 695 00:40:13,111 --> 00:40:16,145 You know, that she was compounding outside 696 00:40:16,214 --> 00:40:19,882 Of trent's knowledge made this situation more 697 00:40:19,884 --> 00:40:21,884 And more volatile for her, 698 00:40:21,953 --> 00:40:24,153 That she had to find an escape route. 699 00:40:24,222 --> 00:40:26,689 She had to find a way out. 700 00:40:26,758 --> 00:40:29,425 -I honestly think that trent probably told 701 00:40:29,493 --> 00:40:32,061 Her the night he died. 702 00:40:32,130 --> 00:40:35,231 You know, "amber, it's time you get your crap and get out, 703 00:40:35,300 --> 00:40:38,267 And the boys aren't going anywhere with you." 704 00:40:39,237 --> 00:40:41,371 She didn't want the community to know that all the money 705 00:40:41,439 --> 00:40:45,641 That they raised for her son marshall is gone. 706 00:40:45,710 --> 00:40:48,578 And if trent goes away, 707 00:40:48,646 --> 00:40:51,080 Then nobody needs to find out about that stuff. 708 00:40:52,517 --> 00:40:55,051 -Amber smith is one of the coldest, 709 00:40:55,119 --> 00:40:59,188 Most calculating sociopaths I've ever prosecuted. 710 00:40:59,257 --> 00:41:02,659 She's right up there in the top 1%. 711 00:41:03,061 --> 00:41:05,528 -After just three days of testimony, 712 00:41:05,597 --> 00:41:08,230 Jury deliberation begins. 713 00:41:08,299 --> 00:41:10,400 -The jury was only out for about an hour. 714 00:41:10,468 --> 00:41:12,034 And then we got the call 715 00:41:12,103 --> 00:41:14,470 That they had come back with the verdict. 716 00:41:14,539 --> 00:41:15,938 -The jury came back guilty 717 00:41:16,007 --> 00:41:17,840 Of the most serious crime in michigan. 718 00:41:17,909 --> 00:41:20,810 First degree murder in michigan, we don't have the death penalty. 719 00:41:20,879 --> 00:41:23,746 So that means mandatory life in prison. 720 00:41:23,815 --> 00:41:26,816 You will die in prison. You will never be paroled. 721 00:41:29,053 --> 00:41:32,822 -I'm like, "thank god, thank you." 722 00:41:33,591 --> 00:41:37,159 Because I could finally rest, 723 00:41:37,161 --> 00:41:40,029 And I knew trent could finally rest. 724 00:41:40,832 --> 00:41:47,103 I cried, and I looked at her to see if she even -- 725 00:41:47,171 --> 00:41:48,771 She -- nothing. 726 00:41:48,840 --> 00:41:52,174 She just sat there stone cold faced. 727 00:41:52,944 --> 00:41:56,545 -The fact that her fiancé is dead and gone, and now her kids, 728 00:41:56,547 --> 00:42:01,050 You know, don't have a father, she didn't seem to really care. 729 00:42:02,854 --> 00:42:05,121 -Trent's parents now have guardianship 730 00:42:05,189 --> 00:42:09,291 Of trent and amber's children, marshall and carson. 731 00:42:09,360 --> 00:42:12,862 -My parents became parents again, you know? 732 00:42:12,931 --> 00:42:16,432 Every time I see my nephews, I see trent. 733 00:42:16,501 --> 00:42:19,669 It's like he's growing up again right in front of me. 734 00:42:19,737 --> 00:42:21,804 I am really trying really hard to make them 735 00:42:21,873 --> 00:42:25,775 Into respectable young men. 736 00:42:25,843 --> 00:42:27,844 And they are going to be like their father. 737 00:42:31,616 --> 00:42:33,916 -Trent mallory was a loving fiancé 738 00:42:33,984 --> 00:42:37,419 And a doting father who always put his family first. 739 00:42:37,421 --> 00:42:41,623 But amber smith put the love of money before anything else, 740 00:42:41,625 --> 00:42:45,728 Ultimately trapping trent in a killer relationship.