1 00:00:07,640 --> 00:00:12,477 - In October of 1998, atlanta was a very vibrant city. 2 00:00:12,546 --> 00:00:17,983 It was operating on the heels of tremendous economic boom. 3 00:00:18,051 --> 00:00:21,420 - And the hilton was in the heart of everything. 4 00:00:21,488 --> 00:00:24,923 This wasn't the type of hotel that they ever imagined 5 00:00:24,991 --> 00:00:27,259 That this kind of crime would occur in. 6 00:00:27,327 --> 00:00:28,727 [dramatic music] 7 00:00:28,795 --> 00:00:30,162 - Something terrible's happened. 8 00:00:30,230 --> 00:00:32,064 My dad's been killed. 9 00:00:34,801 --> 00:00:38,070 - What they found was shocking. 10 00:00:38,138 --> 00:00:39,338 It was horrific. 11 00:00:39,406 --> 00:00:42,340 - There were three male individuals 12 00:00:42,409 --> 00:00:44,776 Who were lying face down. 13 00:00:44,845 --> 00:00:50,115 - You should be safe in your high-end hotel room, period. 14 00:00:50,183 --> 00:00:52,951 And that certainly wasn't the case. 15 00:00:53,019 --> 00:00:56,188 - That individual that was with phillip dover 16 00:00:56,256 --> 00:00:59,191 At the elevator becomes extremely important. 17 00:00:59,259 --> 00:01:03,628 - Just three days prior to the hilton murder, 18 00:01:03,697 --> 00:01:07,398 Another victim was killed, robbed, 19 00:01:07,468 --> 00:01:09,468 And left in his underwear. 20 00:01:09,536 --> 00:01:13,872 - So now have four bodies, two different locations, 21 00:01:13,940 --> 00:01:16,408 Both in hotels, both robbed, 22 00:01:16,477 --> 00:01:19,044 And both shot with the same pistol. 23 00:01:19,046 --> 00:01:21,446 - Law enforcement now realize they have 24 00:01:21,515 --> 00:01:23,482 A serial killer on their hands. 25 00:01:26,353 --> 00:01:29,754 [dramatic music] 26 00:01:29,823 --> 00:01:34,960 ♪ ♪ 27 00:01:34,962 --> 00:01:37,729 [sirens wailing] 28 00:01:41,301 --> 00:01:44,002 [upbeat music] 29 00:01:44,071 --> 00:01:46,371 ♪ ♪ 30 00:01:46,440 --> 00:01:48,640 - On the threshold of the 21st century, 31 00:01:48,709 --> 00:01:51,510 Atlanta is well into its transformation 32 00:01:51,578 --> 00:01:54,846 Into an epicenter of film, finance, 33 00:01:54,915 --> 00:01:58,316 And most prominently, tourism. 34 00:01:58,318 --> 00:02:00,485 - We were riding an all-time high. 35 00:02:00,487 --> 00:02:04,156 We had just come off of a successful olympics. 36 00:02:06,593 --> 00:02:08,627 The falcons were doing well. 37 00:02:08,695 --> 00:02:09,961 - Number one! 38 00:02:10,030 --> 00:02:12,897 - We were hustling and bustling with a lot of conventions. 39 00:02:12,966 --> 00:02:15,967 - The shiny center of atlanta's renaissance 40 00:02:15,969 --> 00:02:17,169 And beckoning people to the city 41 00:02:17,237 --> 00:02:19,904 Is the downtown skyline, 42 00:02:19,973 --> 00:02:24,543 Dominated by the upscale hilton hotel. 43 00:02:24,611 --> 00:02:26,378 - It was immediately recognizable, 44 00:02:26,446 --> 00:02:29,147 And you always knew that you were in the city of atlanta 45 00:02:29,216 --> 00:02:30,815 When you saw that particular building. 46 00:02:30,884 --> 00:02:33,952 - It purports to be the largest hotel in the southeast 47 00:02:33,954 --> 00:02:36,188 With 1,250 rooms. 48 00:02:36,256 --> 00:02:39,958 - Almost 30 stories, 49 00:02:39,960 --> 00:02:41,894 Thousands of rooms, 50 00:02:41,962 --> 00:02:44,496 Just blocks from centennial park, 51 00:02:44,564 --> 00:02:46,465 Surrounded by restaurants. 52 00:02:49,336 --> 00:02:52,070 - And on Sunday, October 18, 53 00:02:52,072 --> 00:02:55,507 Atlanta is brimming with tourist energy. 54 00:02:55,575 --> 00:02:58,576 - On that particular weekend, there were a bunch of events 55 00:02:58,646 --> 00:03:00,312 Taking place within the city. 56 00:03:00,380 --> 00:03:03,315 We had the saints versus the falcons, 57 00:03:03,383 --> 00:03:04,783 And they were fighting for a playoff spot. 58 00:03:04,851 --> 00:03:07,952 You had georgia tech versus virginia. 59 00:03:07,954 --> 00:03:11,890 And then we also had the blue cross convention. 60 00:03:11,959 --> 00:03:15,060 So we literally had hundreds of thousands of people 61 00:03:15,128 --> 00:03:16,394 Within the city. 62 00:03:16,463 --> 00:03:19,531 - But at 9:00 a.M. On this fall morning, 63 00:03:19,599 --> 00:03:23,335 A maid at the hilton hotel discovers what happens 64 00:03:23,403 --> 00:03:26,738 When tourists become targets. 65 00:03:26,740 --> 00:03:29,674 [tense music] 66 00:03:29,743 --> 00:03:32,878 - The maid walks into the room to do her cleaning. 67 00:03:35,749 --> 00:03:40,018 Sees three dead bodies on the floor. 68 00:03:40,087 --> 00:03:45,156 She steps back out, calls the hotel security people, 69 00:03:45,225 --> 00:03:47,593 And immediately calls 911. 70 00:03:50,897 --> 00:03:54,399 [camera shutter clicking] 71 00:03:54,468 --> 00:03:56,935 - There were three male individuals 72 00:03:57,004 --> 00:04:02,006 Who were lying face down, shoulder to shoulder, 73 00:04:02,076 --> 00:04:05,243 In their underwear 74 00:04:05,312 --> 00:04:07,879 With what appeared to be obvious, 75 00:04:07,948 --> 00:04:13,017 Huge gunshot wounds to the back of their heads, 76 00:04:13,019 --> 00:04:16,221 Which had pretty much opened up their skulls. 77 00:04:18,592 --> 00:04:21,860 It was one of the most horrifying scenes 78 00:04:21,928 --> 00:04:25,664 I had ever seen in my professional career. 79 00:04:25,732 --> 00:04:30,535 It was something that I would choose not to ever see again. 80 00:04:30,537 --> 00:04:33,205 - One african american male, two white males. 81 00:04:33,273 --> 00:04:36,275 They each received two gunshot wounds to the head. 82 00:04:38,211 --> 00:04:40,779 Either the back of the head or the left side of the head. 83 00:04:42,482 --> 00:04:45,217 - The team is unable to locate a gun, 84 00:04:45,285 --> 00:04:49,488 But that's not all that's missing from the scene. 85 00:04:49,556 --> 00:04:52,424 - The victims were missing ids. 86 00:04:52,492 --> 00:04:54,960 It appeared that they were robbed. 87 00:04:55,028 --> 00:04:57,728 - The room was a mess. 88 00:04:57,730 --> 00:05:02,133 Each one of their wallets and personal items such as 89 00:05:02,202 --> 00:05:04,870 Watches, rings had been taken. 90 00:05:08,174 --> 00:05:11,243 - Getting robbed inside a luxury atlanta hotel room 91 00:05:11,311 --> 00:05:16,080 Is highly unusual, but then police uncover something 92 00:05:16,149 --> 00:05:18,150 Even more bizarre. 93 00:05:18,218 --> 00:05:20,752 - There was no forced entry into the room. 94 00:05:22,789 --> 00:05:24,723 - Because there was no signs of forced entry, 95 00:05:24,791 --> 00:05:27,059 We ultimately believed that the victims 96 00:05:27,127 --> 00:05:30,795 Allowed the individual to come into the rooms. 97 00:05:30,797 --> 00:05:35,199 - Did the victims in the room know the killer or killers? 98 00:05:35,201 --> 00:05:41,606 ♪ ♪ 99 00:05:41,675 --> 00:05:44,409 We were left trying to figure out, 100 00:05:44,478 --> 00:05:46,411 Why these three individuals? 101 00:05:46,480 --> 00:05:48,145 Why this hotel? 102 00:05:48,147 --> 00:05:51,550 And who would have done something so horrific? 103 00:05:54,487 --> 00:05:55,887 The crime scene unit arrives. 104 00:05:55,956 --> 00:05:57,555 One of the first things it does is, 105 00:05:57,624 --> 00:06:00,826 It begins to collect evidence. 106 00:06:00,894 --> 00:06:05,230 Blood and hair and fiber evidence, 107 00:06:05,298 --> 00:06:09,233 As well as photograph the room and take measurements 108 00:06:09,235 --> 00:06:13,104 So that the room can be recreated at a later time 109 00:06:13,173 --> 00:06:15,139 If necessary. 110 00:06:15,208 --> 00:06:18,477 - But the examination did not reveal 111 00:06:18,479 --> 00:06:20,712 Any dna evidence or fingerprints. 112 00:06:23,049 --> 00:06:25,817 Then what we were looking for was any ballistic evidence 113 00:06:25,886 --> 00:06:27,419 Associated with the murders. 114 00:06:30,123 --> 00:06:33,892 - There were shell casings that had come from 115 00:06:33,960 --> 00:06:38,029 A .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, 116 00:06:38,098 --> 00:06:42,734 And all of the shell casings matched each other 117 00:06:42,803 --> 00:06:44,803 And had been fired from the same gun. 118 00:06:47,073 --> 00:06:48,940 - After discovering the same weapon 119 00:06:49,009 --> 00:06:51,843 Was used to kill all three men, 120 00:06:51,912 --> 00:06:54,212 Detectives now need to know, 121 00:06:54,281 --> 00:06:57,048 Who are these victims? 122 00:06:57,117 --> 00:07:00,818 - It became important for us to try to go back and identify 123 00:07:00,887 --> 00:07:03,355 Who these individuals were. 124 00:07:03,423 --> 00:07:05,490 Not knowing who your victims are, 125 00:07:05,558 --> 00:07:07,091 You don't really have a starting point 126 00:07:07,093 --> 00:07:08,026 In your investigation. 127 00:07:08,094 --> 00:07:13,031 ♪ ♪ 128 00:07:13,099 --> 00:07:15,834 - With the men's wallets and ids missing, 129 00:07:15,902 --> 00:07:18,937 Investigators reach out to hilton management 130 00:07:19,005 --> 00:07:21,839 To try to identify the three victims. 131 00:07:21,908 --> 00:07:24,309 - One of the first things that he was able to obtain 132 00:07:24,377 --> 00:07:27,645 Was the hotel registration 133 00:07:27,714 --> 00:07:29,881 So that we could positively identify 134 00:07:29,950 --> 00:07:31,683 The occupants of the room. 135 00:07:33,319 --> 00:07:38,189 - We know that the room is registered to mr. Shropshire. 136 00:07:38,258 --> 00:07:41,693 He is described by staff at the desk 137 00:07:41,761 --> 00:07:44,696 Of the hotel as the african american male 138 00:07:44,764 --> 00:07:47,331 That is on the floor. 139 00:07:47,401 --> 00:07:50,535 - Detectives confirm that gerrold shropshire 140 00:07:50,604 --> 00:07:52,937 Checked into the hilton the day before 141 00:07:52,939 --> 00:07:54,673 With two other men. 142 00:07:56,343 --> 00:07:59,377 - Each of the three individuals had signed in 143 00:07:59,446 --> 00:08:00,712 As being guests of the room, 144 00:08:00,780 --> 00:08:04,148 And so we immediately had their names. 145 00:08:04,150 --> 00:08:07,352 - Based on the information that we received, 146 00:08:07,420 --> 00:08:11,222 The individuals are phillip dover, 147 00:08:11,224 --> 00:08:13,758 Ronald gutkowski, 148 00:08:13,827 --> 00:08:17,429 And gerrold shropshire. 149 00:08:17,497 --> 00:08:20,632 - While detectives start tracking down the next of kin, 150 00:08:20,700 --> 00:08:24,368 Atlanta pd and hotel security try to keep 151 00:08:24,370 --> 00:08:25,637 The incident under wraps. 152 00:08:25,705 --> 00:08:28,406 - Most guests were completely oblivious 153 00:08:28,474 --> 00:08:30,108 To what was going on. 154 00:08:30,176 --> 00:08:32,510 This crime had happened on the 24th floor, 155 00:08:32,579 --> 00:08:38,049 And there was no obvious crime scene tape in the hotel lobby. 156 00:08:38,118 --> 00:08:40,418 But then when word started getting out, 157 00:08:40,487 --> 00:08:42,753 Guests became worried about 158 00:08:42,823 --> 00:08:46,358 What was going on in this hotel. 159 00:08:46,426 --> 00:08:48,526 Was it an isolated incident? 160 00:08:48,595 --> 00:08:51,129 Was someone still there lurking around? 161 00:08:51,131 --> 00:08:53,265 Were they gonna be next? 162 00:08:53,333 --> 00:08:56,334 - As pressure mounts for the team to find answers, 163 00:08:56,402 --> 00:08:59,236 They ask hilton security if they can tell them 164 00:08:59,238 --> 00:09:01,940 When the victims last entered their room. 165 00:09:02,008 --> 00:09:06,210 - We requested through the hotel security 166 00:09:06,212 --> 00:09:11,382 A printout of the card swipes at the door, 167 00:09:11,384 --> 00:09:14,819 A timeline of when the keys were used last 168 00:09:14,821 --> 00:09:18,022 Prior to discovery of the bodies. 169 00:09:18,091 --> 00:09:20,358 - So the key card information proved to be 170 00:09:20,426 --> 00:09:22,894 Very, very important, because that allowed the detectives 171 00:09:22,963 --> 00:09:25,930 To come up with a time frame 172 00:09:25,998 --> 00:09:28,766 To pinpoint the time in which someone 173 00:09:28,835 --> 00:09:30,868 Had actually entered the room. 174 00:09:30,937 --> 00:09:35,707 - We were able to determine a specific time. 175 00:09:35,775 --> 00:09:37,876 2:00 in the morning was the last time 176 00:09:37,944 --> 00:09:40,912 That the key card was used in the door. 177 00:09:43,417 --> 00:09:46,417 - Detectives now know that the victims were killed 178 00:09:46,486 --> 00:09:49,087 Somewhere between 2:00 a.M. And 9:00 a.M. 179 00:09:49,155 --> 00:09:51,856 When the bodies were discovered. 180 00:09:51,925 --> 00:09:53,924 They immediately begin to canvass 181 00:09:53,994 --> 00:09:57,729 The adjacent hotel floors to search for witnesses. 182 00:09:57,797 --> 00:10:00,832 - There's surrounding rooms around the location 183 00:10:00,900 --> 00:10:03,067 Where the victims were ultimately murdered, 184 00:10:03,069 --> 00:10:07,405 And they went and knocked on some of the doors. 185 00:10:07,473 --> 00:10:10,642 - We were able to locate one individual who indicated 186 00:10:10,710 --> 00:10:14,012 That he heard what he believed to be gunshots 187 00:10:14,080 --> 00:10:18,149 About 2:30 in the morning, 188 00:10:18,218 --> 00:10:20,885 But he didn't report them. Didn't call anybody. 189 00:10:20,887 --> 00:10:23,888 So we were able to make the calculation 190 00:10:23,890 --> 00:10:26,391 And determine the actual timing of the murders, 191 00:10:26,459 --> 00:10:28,226 And that was very helpful. 192 00:10:28,294 --> 00:10:30,928 [gunshots] 193 00:10:30,997 --> 00:10:34,532 - Investigators have now pinpointed an exact time 194 00:10:34,601 --> 00:10:36,734 Of the murders: 2:30 a.M. 195 00:10:36,736 --> 00:10:40,404 But they are not able to uncover any eyewitnesses 196 00:10:40,473 --> 00:10:43,808 Until they notice a witness of another kind-- 197 00:10:43,876 --> 00:10:46,144 Surveillance cameras. 198 00:10:46,212 --> 00:10:48,646 - The elevator bank in the hilton 199 00:10:48,715 --> 00:10:52,050 Was under video surveillance. 200 00:10:52,118 --> 00:10:54,452 - I directed our investigators to go pull 201 00:10:54,520 --> 00:11:00,625 The last 48 hours of video footage from the hotel itself. 202 00:11:00,627 --> 00:11:04,328 - Unlike most other crime scenes in 1998, 203 00:11:04,330 --> 00:11:07,064 The hotel's extensive surveillance system 204 00:11:07,133 --> 00:11:10,201 Could give investigators the advantage they need 205 00:11:10,270 --> 00:11:13,204 To quickly identify their killer. 206 00:11:13,273 --> 00:11:17,675 - We very strongly felt that the image of the perpetrator 207 00:11:17,677 --> 00:11:20,011 Was captured on that videotape. 208 00:11:20,080 --> 00:11:22,346 The video surveillance tape could be 209 00:11:22,415 --> 00:11:25,049 The most important piece of evidence 210 00:11:25,118 --> 00:11:27,551 For solving this case. 211 00:11:27,553 --> 00:11:33,024 ♪ ♪ 212 00:11:33,092 --> 00:11:35,860 - He had received tickets from his boss 213 00:11:35,862 --> 00:11:38,362 To attend the atlanta falcons-saints game. 214 00:11:38,431 --> 00:11:42,300 - This person killed these people at the hotel 215 00:11:42,302 --> 00:11:46,504 Execution-style, stole their falcons tickets. 216 00:11:46,573 --> 00:11:49,874 - Now we have images of the murder suspect. 217 00:11:49,943 --> 00:11:53,878 - It was very scary for tourists in atlanta. 218 00:11:53,880 --> 00:11:58,283 ♪ ♪ 219 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:04,589 [tense music] 220 00:12:04,657 --> 00:12:07,391 - Atlanta detectives are investigating the murders 221 00:12:07,393 --> 00:12:11,863 Of gerrold shropshire, ronnie gutkowski, and phillip dover, 222 00:12:11,931 --> 00:12:14,031 All executed in their hotel room 223 00:12:14,100 --> 00:12:18,402 In the high-end downtown hilton hotel. 224 00:12:18,404 --> 00:12:21,605 With no witnesses or physical evidence, 225 00:12:21,607 --> 00:12:24,008 The team hopes the hotel surveillance cameras 226 00:12:24,076 --> 00:12:26,877 Captured images of the killer. 227 00:12:26,879 --> 00:12:32,050 ♪ ♪ 228 00:12:32,118 --> 00:12:34,853 - We requested any and all video surveillance 229 00:12:34,855 --> 00:12:40,091 For the hotel, hotel perimeter, the lobby, 230 00:12:40,160 --> 00:12:43,762 Anything that they had cameras pointed at. 231 00:12:46,232 --> 00:12:49,367 - Hotel security tells detectives it will take days 232 00:12:49,435 --> 00:12:52,537 To retrieve all the security footage, 233 00:12:52,605 --> 00:12:56,440 Leaving the identity of the murderer a mystery. 234 00:12:56,442 --> 00:13:01,779 - In 1998, the technology wasn't as good as it is today. 235 00:13:01,848 --> 00:13:04,882 It would take a while to be processed. 236 00:13:04,951 --> 00:13:07,118 - While they wait on surveillance tapes, 237 00:13:07,186 --> 00:13:11,188 Investigators reach out to the victims' family members. 238 00:13:11,258 --> 00:13:13,791 They start with calling gerrold shropshire's 239 00:13:13,860 --> 00:13:15,326 Family in florida. 240 00:13:15,395 --> 00:13:17,862 - I remember sitting on my bed and the detective 241 00:13:17,931 --> 00:13:20,831 Telling me that there had been an incident 242 00:13:20,833 --> 00:13:24,668 At the atlanta hilton, and then asked me 243 00:13:24,670 --> 00:13:26,203 If I knew gerrold shropshire. 244 00:13:26,272 --> 00:13:29,140 And I said I did, that's my dad. 245 00:13:29,209 --> 00:13:32,009 And he said, well, I'm calling because he had your number 246 00:13:32,078 --> 00:13:34,812 And name by the bedside, 247 00:13:34,880 --> 00:13:36,213 That there had been an incident, 248 00:13:36,282 --> 00:13:40,084 That him and two other men were in the room 249 00:13:40,086 --> 00:13:42,219 And had been--been killed. 250 00:13:42,289 --> 00:13:47,224 ♪ ♪ 251 00:13:47,293 --> 00:13:49,360 My dad didn't have any enemies where 252 00:13:49,362 --> 00:13:52,330 He would be murdered and shot in the back of the head 253 00:13:52,398 --> 00:13:54,499 And left for dead. 254 00:13:54,567 --> 00:13:56,034 That did not compute. 255 00:13:56,102 --> 00:13:57,769 It didn't make any sense. 256 00:14:02,709 --> 00:14:03,942 [somber music] 257 00:14:04,010 --> 00:14:07,111 Everyone says I was a daddy's girl. 258 00:14:07,180 --> 00:14:12,984 My dad was fun-loving and charismatic. 259 00:14:13,052 --> 00:14:17,589 People loved him because he also was just that person 260 00:14:17,657 --> 00:14:20,458 You could go to and depend on, 261 00:14:20,526 --> 00:14:22,861 Who would love on you when you felt like 262 00:14:22,929 --> 00:14:25,196 You didn't deserve it. 263 00:14:25,264 --> 00:14:28,065 My dad was born and raised in new jersey, 264 00:14:28,134 --> 00:14:32,136 And he was living in orlando, florida. 265 00:14:32,204 --> 00:14:35,172 In 1998, my dad was in the trucking industry. 266 00:14:35,241 --> 00:14:37,975 He had been in the trucking industry for years 267 00:14:38,044 --> 00:14:41,412 And was working, I think, as a coordinator. 268 00:14:41,481 --> 00:14:45,683 He always had friends everywhere we went. 269 00:14:45,752 --> 00:14:50,221 His colleagues were always an extension of the family. 270 00:14:50,289 --> 00:14:52,723 - Gerrold's family reveals that 271 00:14:52,725 --> 00:14:56,594 Fellow victim ronnie gutkowski was his co-worker in florida, 272 00:14:56,663 --> 00:15:01,399 So investigators call ronnie's family for more information. 273 00:15:01,467 --> 00:15:04,669 - Ronnie gutkowski was a successful executive 274 00:15:04,737 --> 00:15:06,003 With a shipping company. 275 00:15:06,072 --> 00:15:10,140 Mr. Ronald gutkowski lived with his family, 276 00:15:10,210 --> 00:15:13,243 His wife and his children, in florida. 277 00:15:13,313 --> 00:15:19,550 He was also a devout catholic who was a very active member 278 00:15:19,619 --> 00:15:22,686 In his church community. 279 00:15:22,755 --> 00:15:25,990 - Ronnie's family explains that he and gerrold 280 00:15:26,059 --> 00:15:28,459 Traveled up to atlanta on a business trip 281 00:15:28,528 --> 00:15:32,029 To meet with phillip dover, the third victim. 282 00:15:32,031 --> 00:15:34,465 - Phillip was born here in georgia, 283 00:15:34,467 --> 00:15:35,833 And he lived in gainesville, 284 00:15:35,902 --> 00:15:38,602 Probably an hour north of atlanta. 285 00:15:38,604 --> 00:15:41,673 Phillip was a people person. He was a great brother. 286 00:15:41,741 --> 00:15:44,809 He got along with everybody. Never really met a stranger. 287 00:15:44,877 --> 00:15:46,911 - He was a high-level executive 288 00:15:46,979 --> 00:15:50,514 From a small town here in georgia. 289 00:15:50,583 --> 00:15:52,483 - He carried his self in a way that, 290 00:15:52,552 --> 00:15:53,951 If you were in a bad mood, you know, 291 00:15:54,020 --> 00:15:55,319 He'd lighten your spirits. 292 00:15:55,388 --> 00:15:57,421 He was all about, you know, being happy 293 00:15:57,490 --> 00:16:01,525 And wanting the people around him to be happy. 294 00:16:01,594 --> 00:16:05,596 - All three were very prominent business people 295 00:16:05,665 --> 00:16:07,164 In their own communities. 296 00:16:07,233 --> 00:16:11,402 They were family men and had traveled to atlanta 297 00:16:11,471 --> 00:16:16,273 That particular weekend to consummate a business deal. 298 00:16:16,342 --> 00:16:19,043 After speaking with each one of their families, 299 00:16:19,111 --> 00:16:21,746 It was quickly discovered that these guys 300 00:16:21,814 --> 00:16:23,914 Were upstanding citizens 301 00:16:23,983 --> 00:16:26,384 And there was no immediate motivation 302 00:16:26,452 --> 00:16:30,188 For them being targeted as murder victims. 303 00:16:30,256 --> 00:16:32,756 [dramatic music] 304 00:16:32,825 --> 00:16:35,459 - While the team can't find a motive behind the shootings, 305 00:16:35,528 --> 00:16:39,563 Phillip's family provides them with a potential lead. 306 00:16:39,632 --> 00:16:41,999 - We were able to determine that phillip dover 307 00:16:42,067 --> 00:16:44,568 Actually received tickets from his boss 308 00:16:44,637 --> 00:16:48,472 To attend the atlanta falcons-saints game. 309 00:16:48,541 --> 00:16:51,308 - The weekend was to culminate with attending 310 00:16:51,377 --> 00:16:54,745 The falcons football game that was gonna be held 311 00:16:54,814 --> 00:16:57,114 That Sunday afternoon at 1:00 312 00:16:57,183 --> 00:17:00,985 At the georgia dome here in atlanta. 313 00:17:01,053 --> 00:17:03,520 - And once law enforcement found out that 314 00:17:03,590 --> 00:17:07,792 Phillip was given tickets, immediately they start looking 315 00:17:07,860 --> 00:17:10,328 For the tickets in the room. 316 00:17:10,396 --> 00:17:11,929 The tickets were all gone. 317 00:17:13,499 --> 00:17:17,434 - And so the questions that detectives had was, 318 00:17:17,503 --> 00:17:19,437 What happened to the tickets? 319 00:17:19,505 --> 00:17:21,939 - Detectives realized that the falcons game 320 00:17:22,008 --> 00:17:24,542 Is happening at that very moment. 321 00:17:24,610 --> 00:17:27,645 Investigators instantly reach out to phillip's boss 322 00:17:27,647 --> 00:17:30,648 To find out the ticket seat numbers. 323 00:17:30,650 --> 00:17:32,350 - It became extremely important for us 324 00:17:32,418 --> 00:17:36,988 To determine if, in fact, those tickets were being used. 325 00:17:37,056 --> 00:17:39,356 - Is somebody sitting at the georgia dome 326 00:17:39,425 --> 00:17:42,126 Watching the football game as we are doing 327 00:17:42,195 --> 00:17:44,395 This crime scene investigation? 328 00:17:44,463 --> 00:17:47,131 - Detectives immediately leave the crime scene 329 00:17:47,200 --> 00:17:49,166 And rush to the georgia dome, 330 00:17:49,168 --> 00:17:51,368 Hoping to track down the killer. 331 00:17:51,437 --> 00:17:54,338 - The perpetrators could be sitting in mr. Dover's seats 332 00:17:54,340 --> 00:17:57,442 At the very time that the crime scene is being processed. 333 00:18:00,112 --> 00:18:02,580 - By the time we had been made aware 334 00:18:02,648 --> 00:18:05,949 Of the seat location and the section, 335 00:18:05,951 --> 00:18:08,419 The game was over. 336 00:18:11,291 --> 00:18:13,491 - Determined to find their killer, 337 00:18:13,559 --> 00:18:17,828 Investigators tracked down the georgia dome security. 338 00:18:17,897 --> 00:18:22,867 - They learned that the tickets had been scanned in and used 339 00:18:22,935 --> 00:18:24,835 On the day of the game. 340 00:18:24,904 --> 00:18:28,906 ♪ ♪ 341 00:18:28,975 --> 00:18:33,577 - The fact that this person killed these people 342 00:18:33,579 --> 00:18:38,716 At the hotel execution-style, stole their falcons tickets, 343 00:18:38,784 --> 00:18:42,853 And then went to the game, you knew that 344 00:18:42,922 --> 00:18:45,490 You had a cold-hearted killer. 345 00:18:47,527 --> 00:18:50,461 - Now knowing that the killer went to the game, 346 00:18:50,530 --> 00:18:53,764 Investigators ask if it's possible 347 00:18:53,833 --> 00:18:55,599 They were caught on camera. 348 00:18:55,601 --> 00:18:57,835 - Detectives were able to retrieve 349 00:18:57,904 --> 00:19:01,005 From the security department there at the georgia dome 350 00:19:01,073 --> 00:19:06,677 Video surveillance footage for the game itself. 351 00:19:06,746 --> 00:19:08,846 - At that point, they knew that if they could see 352 00:19:08,914 --> 00:19:11,282 Who was sitting in the seats, they might be able 353 00:19:11,350 --> 00:19:14,351 To figure out who was the killer. 354 00:19:14,420 --> 00:19:20,158 ♪ ♪ 355 00:19:23,562 --> 00:19:25,596 [tense music] 356 00:19:25,665 --> 00:19:27,898 - The city of atlanta is stunned 357 00:19:27,967 --> 00:19:30,968 By the brutal murder of three prominent businessmen 358 00:19:30,970 --> 00:19:34,004 At the downtown hilton hotel. 359 00:19:34,006 --> 00:19:36,306 The only clue to the killer's identity 360 00:19:36,308 --> 00:19:40,510 Is the set of tickets to the falcons football game 361 00:19:40,512 --> 00:19:42,413 That were stolen from the victims. 362 00:19:43,916 --> 00:19:46,049 Investigators are hoping the perpetrator 363 00:19:46,051 --> 00:19:48,819 Was caught on camera, watching the game 364 00:19:48,888 --> 00:19:51,288 From the victims' seats. 365 00:19:51,290 --> 00:19:53,524 - The video footage was reviewed, 366 00:19:53,592 --> 00:19:57,294 And they were really trying to see if they could see 367 00:19:57,296 --> 00:20:00,230 The identity of the person who they suspected 368 00:20:00,232 --> 00:20:01,566 Had committed these crimes. 369 00:20:02,968 --> 00:20:06,070 - Based on the video that was provided to us, 370 00:20:06,138 --> 00:20:08,306 You cannot see the seat assignments 371 00:20:08,374 --> 00:20:09,740 That we were looking for. 372 00:20:11,877 --> 00:20:14,378 - Ultimately, that led to a dead end 373 00:20:14,380 --> 00:20:16,513 From that portion of the investigation. 374 00:20:17,683 --> 00:20:21,319 - As the mystery deepens, reports of the murders 375 00:20:21,321 --> 00:20:23,854 Hit the airwaves. 376 00:20:23,856 --> 00:20:26,223 - The falcons-saints game is what brought the three victims 377 00:20:26,292 --> 00:20:29,359 To town, but as the season's largest crowd cheered on, 378 00:20:29,429 --> 00:20:31,428 Ronnie gutkowski, gerrold shropshire, 379 00:20:31,497 --> 00:20:34,064 And phillip dover had already been found dead, 380 00:20:34,066 --> 00:20:37,901 Shot to death in their downtown hilton hotel room. 381 00:20:37,970 --> 00:20:42,940 - It was just surreal to stand in front of the hilton 382 00:20:43,008 --> 00:20:46,944 And talk about three people being murdered inside. 383 00:20:47,012 --> 00:20:50,948 And then it was during this amazing weekend of fun, 384 00:20:51,016 --> 00:20:53,917 And it really turned out to be such a tragedy. 385 00:20:53,919 --> 00:20:55,453 - These are things that you don't think 386 00:20:55,455 --> 00:20:58,255 Will happen to you, will happen to your loved one. 387 00:20:58,323 --> 00:21:03,727 And you should be safe in your, you know, high-end hotel room. 388 00:21:03,729 --> 00:21:06,930 And that certainly wasn't the case. 389 00:21:06,999 --> 00:21:09,533 - Because of where the murders occurred, 390 00:21:09,535 --> 00:21:12,069 We had media coverage from all over. 391 00:21:12,137 --> 00:21:14,471 I mean, literally, it was nationwide. 392 00:21:14,540 --> 00:21:16,607 It was important for us to make sure 393 00:21:16,675 --> 00:21:18,909 That we got the word out, that we were attempting 394 00:21:18,978 --> 00:21:21,879 To solve this case as fast and as efficiently 395 00:21:21,947 --> 00:21:23,146 As we possibly could. 396 00:21:23,148 --> 00:21:27,951 ♪ ♪ 397 00:21:27,953 --> 00:21:32,923 - There were no suspects and there were no arrests. 398 00:21:32,992 --> 00:21:36,093 And for the atlanta community, 399 00:21:36,161 --> 00:21:40,998 It was a really terrifying experience. 400 00:21:41,066 --> 00:21:42,599 - They were used to seeing this kind of crime 401 00:21:42,668 --> 00:21:45,502 In other kinds of hotel establishments, 402 00:21:45,571 --> 00:21:47,638 But not the hilton. 403 00:21:47,706 --> 00:21:51,208 It was very scary for tourists in atlanta. 404 00:21:52,678 --> 00:21:55,646 - 48 hours into the investigation, 405 00:21:55,714 --> 00:21:59,449 Detectives may get their answer as hilton's security 406 00:21:59,519 --> 00:22:01,018 Delivers their surveillance video 407 00:22:01,087 --> 00:22:02,820 From the night of the murders. 408 00:22:02,888 --> 00:22:07,290 - When detectives start scouring the videotape 409 00:22:07,292 --> 00:22:12,596 From the hotel, they actually see the three men checking in. 410 00:22:14,199 --> 00:22:19,770 Detectives also notice that around 2:00 a.M. On October 18, 411 00:22:19,839 --> 00:22:25,008 The day of the crime, they notice phillip dover. 412 00:22:25,077 --> 00:22:28,712 - The video surveillance shows mr. Phillip dover 413 00:22:28,780 --> 00:22:35,118 Alive and walking into the elevator bay area... 414 00:22:35,120 --> 00:22:39,289 - Carrying what he had just purchased from the snack bar 415 00:22:39,358 --> 00:22:41,091 In the lobby of the hotel... 416 00:22:41,160 --> 00:22:43,361 - And actually waiting 417 00:22:43,429 --> 00:22:44,928 For one of the elevators to arrive. 418 00:22:44,997 --> 00:22:47,097 - Based on the purchase and then 419 00:22:47,166 --> 00:22:50,501 The card swipe at the room, we know what the time is. 420 00:22:50,569 --> 00:22:53,503 So phillip dover is standing at the elevator 421 00:22:53,505 --> 00:22:56,741 At about 2:04, 2:07 a.M. 422 00:22:58,644 --> 00:23:00,444 - Mr. Dover does not appear to be alone. 423 00:23:00,513 --> 00:23:02,379 He appears to be having a conversation 424 00:23:02,447 --> 00:23:08,352 With an unidentified black male who is wearing a baseball hat. 425 00:23:08,354 --> 00:23:11,088 - And after they are done conversing, 426 00:23:11,156 --> 00:23:14,892 They enter into the elevator together. 427 00:23:17,497 --> 00:23:20,263 - Phillip goes to the 24th floor. 428 00:23:20,265 --> 00:23:23,667 We know the key card was used within minutes 429 00:23:23,669 --> 00:23:26,870 Of us seeing him get on the elevator. 430 00:23:26,939 --> 00:23:31,108 That's the last key usage of the night. 431 00:23:31,176 --> 00:23:34,277 ♪ ♪ 432 00:23:34,279 --> 00:23:37,114 That individual that was with phillip dover 433 00:23:37,183 --> 00:23:40,483 At the elevator becomes extremely important. 434 00:23:40,485 --> 00:23:43,954 - When the detectives allow the tape to continue to roll, 435 00:23:44,023 --> 00:23:48,091 Approximately an hour later, what they see is, 436 00:23:48,093 --> 00:23:53,463 This same unidentified black male wearing a baseball hat 437 00:23:53,533 --> 00:23:58,569 Exit the elevator and walk through the elevator bay area 438 00:23:58,637 --> 00:24:03,507 Alone, carrying a suitcase, a garment bag, 439 00:24:03,576 --> 00:24:07,812 And an ice cooler as he exited the hotel. 440 00:24:10,449 --> 00:24:15,919 - So now we have images of potentially a murder suspect. 441 00:24:15,988 --> 00:24:21,292 - Unfortunately, back in '98, the quality of videos, 442 00:24:21,360 --> 00:24:22,692 It wasn't the best. 443 00:24:22,762 --> 00:24:26,930 Law enforcement knew that this was possibly 444 00:24:26,932 --> 00:24:29,533 Their first big break in this case, 445 00:24:29,601 --> 00:24:33,803 Having this person on camera. 446 00:24:33,805 --> 00:24:37,074 They had to figure out, who is this guy? 447 00:24:39,344 --> 00:24:43,481 - We were determined to see if we could find a source 448 00:24:43,549 --> 00:24:46,183 That could enhance the video. 449 00:24:46,251 --> 00:24:48,652 - They actually sent the videotape 450 00:24:48,720 --> 00:24:52,956 To the national aeronautical space agency 451 00:24:52,958 --> 00:24:56,994 That has some of the most highly technical equipment 452 00:24:57,062 --> 00:25:00,163 Known to mankind, and to see whether or not 453 00:25:00,232 --> 00:25:03,266 They could look at this footage and enhance it. 454 00:25:03,336 --> 00:25:04,734 We were looking to see if they 455 00:25:04,804 --> 00:25:06,537 Could actually identify the face 456 00:25:06,605 --> 00:25:08,839 Of this unidentified black male. 457 00:25:08,907 --> 00:25:12,842 - If they could identify who this man was, 458 00:25:12,844 --> 00:25:15,779 They could figure out who was the killer. 459 00:25:18,851 --> 00:25:21,385 Atlanta law enforcement had passed the photos 460 00:25:21,453 --> 00:25:23,120 All around the country. 461 00:25:23,188 --> 00:25:26,523 - I got a call from the memphis, tennessee, 462 00:25:26,525 --> 00:25:28,224 Sheriff's department. 463 00:25:28,294 --> 00:25:32,463 They had probable cause to arrest the driver, 464 00:25:32,531 --> 00:25:34,964 And he was taken into custody. 465 00:25:34,966 --> 00:25:37,467 - In the vehicle is a .45 caliber 466 00:25:37,536 --> 00:25:38,735 Semi-automatic pistol. 467 00:25:38,804 --> 00:25:41,304 - It was the exact type of gun 468 00:25:41,374 --> 00:25:43,674 That was used in the murders. 469 00:25:43,742 --> 00:25:48,946 ♪ ♪ 470 00:25:53,184 --> 00:25:55,386 - Detectives investigating the murders of three businessmen 471 00:25:55,454 --> 00:25:59,289 At the downtown atlanta hilton have just discovered 472 00:25:59,358 --> 00:26:01,758 A blurry image in the hotel surveillance footage 473 00:26:01,827 --> 00:26:04,461 Who they believe could be their killer. 474 00:26:04,529 --> 00:26:07,831 The team is hoping that nasa can clarify the image 475 00:26:07,899 --> 00:26:10,100 To help them id the suspect. 476 00:26:10,169 --> 00:26:11,969 [tense music] 477 00:26:12,037 --> 00:26:14,204 - Unfortunately, after several attempts, 478 00:26:14,273 --> 00:26:18,642 A positive identification was not able to be made 479 00:26:18,711 --> 00:26:21,545 From the analysis done at nasa. 480 00:26:23,182 --> 00:26:25,315 But detectives got some good news 481 00:26:25,384 --> 00:26:30,187 As a result of the analysis of the videotape. 482 00:26:30,255 --> 00:26:33,924 Nasa was able to tell us the approximate height 483 00:26:33,992 --> 00:26:38,328 And the approximate weight of the perpetrator. 484 00:26:38,397 --> 00:26:41,231 - If you take the triangulation of the individual standing 485 00:26:41,300 --> 00:26:44,601 At the door and then the size of the door frame itself, 486 00:26:44,669 --> 00:26:47,137 There's a calculation that can be made 487 00:26:47,206 --> 00:26:49,239 To determine an approximate height 488 00:26:49,308 --> 00:26:50,741 Of the individual. 489 00:26:52,344 --> 00:26:57,781 - He was a tall black man in khaki pants and a ball cap. 490 00:26:57,850 --> 00:27:01,084 - As investigators scour the city for suspects 491 00:27:01,086 --> 00:27:02,686 Matching the killer's description, 492 00:27:02,755 --> 00:27:05,488 City hall attempts damage control. 493 00:27:05,558 --> 00:27:08,391 - Leading tourism officials are trying to emphasize 494 00:27:08,393 --> 00:27:10,627 That the tightest security measures 495 00:27:10,696 --> 00:27:13,296 Could not have prevented the crime. 496 00:27:13,365 --> 00:27:16,433 - It's not a good look when three tourists end up 497 00:27:16,501 --> 00:27:21,371 Getting murdered in your city, so the importance to expedite 498 00:27:21,440 --> 00:27:22,973 The investigation is there. 499 00:27:23,042 --> 00:27:26,143 It's one of those where every hour of the day matters, 500 00:27:26,211 --> 00:27:30,581 So you work as long and as hard as you need to 501 00:27:30,649 --> 00:27:32,583 To get to a successful conclusion 502 00:27:32,651 --> 00:27:36,153 So that the perception of the city of atlanta in 1998, 503 00:27:36,221 --> 00:27:39,923 You don't want it to be that it's unsafe for tourists. 504 00:27:39,992 --> 00:27:42,459 - The fulton county district attorney's office 505 00:27:42,527 --> 00:27:44,727 Received a tremendous amount of pressure, 506 00:27:44,729 --> 00:27:45,929 Not only from the chief of police, 507 00:27:45,998 --> 00:27:49,866 But also the mayor's office with trying 508 00:27:49,935 --> 00:27:54,237 To identify a suspect for this horrible crime. 509 00:27:54,239 --> 00:27:57,007 - Atlanta had just made a name for itself as being 510 00:27:57,076 --> 00:27:59,976 One of the top convention cities in the country, 511 00:28:00,045 --> 00:28:03,013 And the last thing you want people to think is that 512 00:28:03,082 --> 00:28:06,416 We had some sort of killer on the loose in atlanta, 513 00:28:06,485 --> 00:28:10,120 Right in the middle of our hotel and business action. 514 00:28:10,189 --> 00:28:13,056 - In 1998, these probably were the only tourists 515 00:28:13,125 --> 00:28:14,891 That got killed in the city of atlanta, 516 00:28:14,960 --> 00:28:17,961 So it's a big news story. 517 00:28:17,963 --> 00:28:21,231 - Every day since the discovery of the bodies 518 00:28:21,300 --> 00:28:25,969 There at the hilton hotel seemed to last an eternity. 519 00:28:26,038 --> 00:28:29,372 - Detectives work every angle of the case, 520 00:28:29,441 --> 00:28:31,708 Reaching out to confidential informants 521 00:28:31,777 --> 00:28:35,445 And following up on even the smallest lead. 522 00:28:35,514 --> 00:28:36,747 - Atlanta investigators say 523 00:28:36,815 --> 00:28:38,315 They're determined to crack the case, 524 00:28:38,383 --> 00:28:40,617 But right now they're not sure what direction to go. 525 00:28:40,686 --> 00:28:43,620 Police will only say they haven't ruled anything out. 526 00:28:45,290 --> 00:28:48,258 - It just seemed like this was possibly 527 00:28:48,327 --> 00:28:49,860 About to be a cold case. 528 00:28:49,928 --> 00:28:53,530 ♪ ♪ 529 00:28:53,598 --> 00:28:57,867 - After several days of coming up empty in the atlanta area, 530 00:28:57,937 --> 00:29:01,137 The team casts a wider net, reaching out 531 00:29:01,206 --> 00:29:02,973 To police departments nationwide 532 00:29:03,041 --> 00:29:04,407 To be on the lookout 533 00:29:04,476 --> 00:29:07,811 For anyone possessing items from the three victims, 534 00:29:07,880 --> 00:29:12,282 Carrying a .45 caliber weapon, or matching the description 535 00:29:12,351 --> 00:29:15,418 Of the man seen on the surveillance footage. 536 00:29:15,487 --> 00:29:19,156 - Getting this person in custody becomes extremely 537 00:29:19,224 --> 00:29:21,225 Important to us because of the potential 538 00:29:21,293 --> 00:29:25,662 For more violence and more execution-style murders. 539 00:29:25,730 --> 00:29:27,598 [camera shutter clicking] 540 00:29:29,601 --> 00:29:34,404 - Finally, the bolo pays off when atlanta police get a call 541 00:29:34,473 --> 00:29:36,707 From memphis, tennessee. 542 00:29:38,343 --> 00:29:42,245 - Two weeks later, Halloween weekend, 543 00:29:42,247 --> 00:29:45,882 I got a phone call that was the most important phone call 544 00:29:45,884 --> 00:29:48,318 I had received thus far in the case. 545 00:29:48,387 --> 00:29:53,256 It was a call from the shelby county sheriff's department, 546 00:29:53,258 --> 00:29:55,758 Memphis, tennessee, indicating that 547 00:29:55,828 --> 00:29:59,196 They had conducted a traffic stop. 548 00:29:59,264 --> 00:30:03,967 A 38-year-old black male was driving a vehicle 549 00:30:04,036 --> 00:30:05,636 And had been pulled over for speeding. 550 00:30:07,072 --> 00:30:09,572 - The officers ask if there's any firearms 551 00:30:09,574 --> 00:30:11,608 Or illegal contraband in the vehicle. 552 00:30:11,676 --> 00:30:14,745 The driver indicates that there is a firearm, 553 00:30:14,813 --> 00:30:17,814 A gun in the vehicle, 554 00:30:17,883 --> 00:30:21,285 And it's a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. 555 00:30:23,389 --> 00:30:25,255 [gunshot] 556 00:30:25,324 --> 00:30:29,125 - It was the exact type of gun that was used 557 00:30:29,194 --> 00:30:30,994 In the atlanta hilton murders. 558 00:30:33,965 --> 00:30:36,099 And because atlanta law enforcement 559 00:30:36,168 --> 00:30:39,802 Had passed all around the country the still photos 560 00:30:39,872 --> 00:30:42,572 From nasa, this memphis police officer 561 00:30:42,641 --> 00:30:45,943 Thinks that this person that they've pulled over 562 00:30:45,945 --> 00:30:49,146 Looks like the guy in the pictures. 563 00:30:49,214 --> 00:30:51,348 So because the memphis police officer 564 00:30:51,416 --> 00:30:56,586 Was a bit suspect about this particular driver 565 00:30:56,655 --> 00:31:00,457 And he knows that there is a weapon in the car, 566 00:31:00,525 --> 00:31:06,262 He investigated the vehicle and searched the vehicle. 567 00:31:06,331 --> 00:31:12,435 - Amongst the items that were recovered from the vehicle 568 00:31:12,437 --> 00:31:17,040 Were the driver's licenses for mr. Phillip dover, 569 00:31:17,109 --> 00:31:19,108 Mr. Ronald gutkowski, 570 00:31:19,110 --> 00:31:22,178 And mr. Gerrold shropshire. 571 00:31:22,247 --> 00:31:25,081 - Memphis police reach out to atlanta police 572 00:31:25,150 --> 00:31:28,885 And they tell them, we may have found your murderer. 573 00:31:28,953 --> 00:31:34,925 ♪ ♪ 574 00:31:38,496 --> 00:31:41,164 - After weeks of searching for a lead 575 00:31:41,233 --> 00:31:44,467 In the brutal triple murder of three men 576 00:31:44,469 --> 00:31:49,406 At the atlanta hilton hotel, a suspicious man has just 577 00:31:49,474 --> 00:31:52,208 Been pulled over during a routine traffic stop 578 00:31:52,277 --> 00:31:54,377 In memphis, tennessee. 579 00:31:54,446 --> 00:31:57,915 The suspect not only matches the physical description 580 00:31:57,983 --> 00:32:01,150 From the nasa images, but he was found 581 00:32:01,220 --> 00:32:04,320 With a .45 caliber pistol, the same kind 582 00:32:04,389 --> 00:32:06,623 Used in the killings. 583 00:32:06,691 --> 00:32:12,262 And he had credit cards and ids from all three victims. 584 00:32:12,331 --> 00:32:14,597 - The memphis police department called us, 585 00:32:14,666 --> 00:32:18,234 And they relayed that this was an individual that we may want 586 00:32:18,303 --> 00:32:20,804 To talk to with respect to our triple homicide 587 00:32:20,872 --> 00:32:22,339 Murder investigation in atlanta. 588 00:32:22,407 --> 00:32:25,408 - This weekend, an apparent break in the case. 589 00:32:25,477 --> 00:32:27,811 The suspect originally gave police an alias. 590 00:32:27,879 --> 00:32:31,448 Police say his real name is timothy carl dawson. 591 00:32:31,516 --> 00:32:35,252 - We were able to find a long list of violent crimes 592 00:32:35,320 --> 00:32:37,253 That he had been arrested for in the past. 593 00:32:37,322 --> 00:32:40,457 It became extremely important for us to extradite him 594 00:32:40,525 --> 00:32:42,659 Back to georgia so that we could 595 00:32:42,727 --> 00:32:44,795 Further our investigation. 596 00:32:44,863 --> 00:32:48,699 - Timothy dawson is transferred to atlanta. 597 00:32:48,767 --> 00:32:52,168 Detectives sit him down to see if he can explain 598 00:32:52,237 --> 00:32:54,871 Why he was found with the victim's ids. 599 00:32:54,873 --> 00:32:59,509 - Dawson was very casual about the whole interview process. 600 00:32:59,578 --> 00:33:01,578 It didn't faze him that he was being questioned 601 00:33:01,646 --> 00:33:03,346 About multiple murders. 602 00:33:03,415 --> 00:33:07,216 - Timothy carl dawson still refuses to confess. 603 00:33:07,286 --> 00:33:09,285 - He was adamant that it wasn't him, 604 00:33:09,354 --> 00:33:13,323 So now we're going with just physical evidence. 605 00:33:13,392 --> 00:33:17,060 We're not gonna rely on timothy dawson saying he did it. 606 00:33:17,129 --> 00:33:19,429 We're going to attempt to prove it 607 00:33:19,498 --> 00:33:23,233 Based on physical evidence that we've recovered. 608 00:33:23,301 --> 00:33:25,668 - With dawson denying knowing the victims 609 00:33:25,737 --> 00:33:28,405 Or having any involvement in the murders, 610 00:33:28,473 --> 00:33:31,040 Police focus their efforts on the evidence 611 00:33:31,110 --> 00:33:32,375 From the crime scene. 612 00:33:32,444 --> 00:33:34,377 - The firearm that was recovered 613 00:33:34,446 --> 00:33:37,314 From the glove compartment of the vehicle 614 00:33:37,382 --> 00:33:40,784 Is matched ballistically as the murder weapon 615 00:33:40,852 --> 00:33:43,887 To the triple homicide at the hilton hotel. 616 00:33:43,955 --> 00:33:46,289 - But the ballistics aren't the only thing linking 617 00:33:46,358 --> 00:33:49,492 The gun to the murders. 618 00:33:49,494 --> 00:33:54,631 - The actual dna from mr. Dover, mr. Gutkowski, 619 00:33:54,699 --> 00:33:59,569 And mr. Shropshire were found in the muzzle of that gun... 620 00:34:02,107 --> 00:34:05,007 Concluding without any shadow of a doubt 621 00:34:05,077 --> 00:34:07,310 That this was actually the weapon 622 00:34:07,379 --> 00:34:09,111 That was used to take their lives. 623 00:34:09,113 --> 00:34:11,514 [gunshot] 624 00:34:11,516 --> 00:34:13,449 - From the very beginning, law enforcement 625 00:34:13,518 --> 00:34:17,153 Wanted to make a dna match, and they finally got it. 626 00:34:17,222 --> 00:34:19,122 [tense music] 627 00:34:19,191 --> 00:34:22,559 - And the clothing of mr. Timothy carl dawson, 628 00:34:22,627 --> 00:34:25,261 Which included a dark baseball hat, 629 00:34:25,330 --> 00:34:27,463 Similar to the one that could be seen 630 00:34:27,532 --> 00:34:30,700 In the video surveillance tape there at the hotel, 631 00:34:30,769 --> 00:34:33,703 Had been recovered from the trunk of the car. 632 00:34:33,772 --> 00:34:37,674 - The hat that dawson was wearing was tested, 633 00:34:37,742 --> 00:34:42,412 And the dna came back with mr. Shropshire's blood on it. 634 00:34:44,183 --> 00:34:47,650 - The dna in the gun, the hat, 635 00:34:47,719 --> 00:34:49,820 Overwhelmingly puts him at the crime scene 636 00:34:49,888 --> 00:34:51,254 At the time of the crime. 637 00:34:53,525 --> 00:34:57,293 - The evidence against dawson is overwhelming, 638 00:34:57,362 --> 00:35:00,730 So much so that investigators must ask, 639 00:35:00,799 --> 00:35:04,701 Is this the first time he's committed such a crime? 640 00:35:04,769 --> 00:35:06,703 - The detectives in the hilton case, 641 00:35:06,771 --> 00:35:09,572 They went to other jurisdictions to find out, 642 00:35:09,641 --> 00:35:13,109 Do you have any crimes that looks remotely similar 643 00:35:13,177 --> 00:35:16,312 To what happened at the hilton? 644 00:35:16,381 --> 00:35:19,782 And sure enough, just three days prior 645 00:35:19,851 --> 00:35:24,387 To the hilton murder, just a few miles away 646 00:35:24,455 --> 00:35:29,425 From downtown atlanta in college park at a hotel, 647 00:35:29,427 --> 00:35:33,196 Another victim was killed, robbed, 648 00:35:33,265 --> 00:35:35,699 And left in his underwear. 649 00:35:37,402 --> 00:35:41,204 Law enforcement figured, this can't be a coincidence. 650 00:35:43,608 --> 00:35:46,609 - We got a copy of the file and discovered that 651 00:35:46,611 --> 00:35:50,280 The victim is found in a hotel room. 652 00:35:50,348 --> 00:35:53,716 He's shot with a large-caliber pistol, 653 00:35:53,785 --> 00:35:58,788 And his id is also missing, and he's been robbed as well. 654 00:35:58,856 --> 00:36:02,859 [camera shutter clicking] 655 00:36:02,928 --> 00:36:06,128 - And sure enough, he was left in his underwear, 656 00:36:06,130 --> 00:36:10,033 Dead at the hotel in college park. 657 00:36:12,603 --> 00:36:15,005 One of the first things that they had done 658 00:36:15,073 --> 00:36:18,641 Was to get these bullet casings tested 659 00:36:18,643 --> 00:36:21,544 To see if, in fact, there was any similarity 660 00:36:21,613 --> 00:36:26,649 Between the college park case and the hilton case. 661 00:36:26,651 --> 00:36:32,322 And sure enough, the ballistics test revealed 662 00:36:32,390 --> 00:36:36,059 That this gun was used in both crimes. 663 00:36:37,862 --> 00:36:42,398 - So now we have four bodies, two different locations, 664 00:36:42,467 --> 00:36:45,802 Both in hotels, both robbed, 665 00:36:45,870 --> 00:36:48,104 And both shot with the same pistol. 666 00:36:49,741 --> 00:36:52,142 - Law enforcement now realize they have 667 00:36:52,210 --> 00:36:54,444 A serial killer on their hands. 668 00:36:56,415 --> 00:36:58,548 - Timothy carl dawson was charged 669 00:36:58,616 --> 00:37:04,154 With four counts of murder, as well as armed robbery, 670 00:37:04,222 --> 00:37:08,491 Aggravated assault, and theft. 671 00:37:08,560 --> 00:37:13,463 - In November 2002, timothy dawson goes on trial 672 00:37:13,531 --> 00:37:15,665 For the murders of phillip dover, 673 00:37:15,734 --> 00:37:18,501 Ronnie gutkowski, gerrold shropshire, 674 00:37:18,570 --> 00:37:21,871 And ladaris hawkins. 675 00:37:21,940 --> 00:37:24,140 - The prosecution's theory of the case 676 00:37:24,208 --> 00:37:27,209 Was that timothy carl dawson was 677 00:37:27,279 --> 00:37:32,148 A vicious homicidal predator 678 00:37:32,217 --> 00:37:36,886 That chose his victims randomly. 679 00:37:36,888 --> 00:37:39,322 - Rucker explains that dawson struck up 680 00:37:39,390 --> 00:37:41,290 A conversation with phillip dover 681 00:37:41,360 --> 00:37:43,793 In the lobby of the hilton hotel. 682 00:37:43,862 --> 00:37:48,298 The two men then rode the elevator to the 24th floor. 683 00:37:48,366 --> 00:37:50,933 - It appears that the victims in this case 684 00:37:51,002 --> 00:37:55,305 Let timothy carl dawson into the hotel room... 685 00:37:58,009 --> 00:38:00,810 And at some point, he produced a handgun, 686 00:38:00,879 --> 00:38:03,746 Ordered them to strip down to their undergarments, 687 00:38:03,815 --> 00:38:07,317 And laid them out in between the two beds. 688 00:38:09,954 --> 00:38:13,490 After collecting all of the victims' personal effects, 689 00:38:13,558 --> 00:38:16,726 Began to execute the victims. 690 00:38:16,795 --> 00:38:20,530 ♪ ♪ 691 00:38:20,598 --> 00:38:23,499 - I personally felt very good about the facts 692 00:38:23,568 --> 00:38:25,535 And the circumstances of the case. 693 00:38:25,603 --> 00:38:28,404 There were pieces of evidence that I felt 694 00:38:28,473 --> 00:38:31,941 Were very, very compelling and served to prove 695 00:38:32,010 --> 00:38:35,045 That timothy carl dawson was absolutely responsible 696 00:38:35,113 --> 00:38:36,913 For these horrific murders. 697 00:38:36,981 --> 00:38:43,787 ♪ ♪ 698 00:38:47,491 --> 00:38:51,261 [dramatic music] 699 00:38:51,329 --> 00:38:53,763 - Timothy carl dawson is on trial 700 00:38:53,832 --> 00:38:56,899 For murdering four men, three of them 701 00:38:56,968 --> 00:38:59,702 In the downtown atlanta hilton hotel. 702 00:38:59,771 --> 00:39:00,737 [gunshot] 703 00:39:00,805 --> 00:39:03,373 With overwhelming evidence proving his guilt, 704 00:39:03,441 --> 00:39:05,908 The prosecution lays out their case 705 00:39:05,977 --> 00:39:09,979 While dawson steadfastly maintains he's innocent. 706 00:39:10,048 --> 00:39:12,682 - He was emotionless. 707 00:39:12,751 --> 00:39:15,385 You know, he didn't seem to care 708 00:39:15,453 --> 00:39:18,087 At any given point in time. 709 00:39:18,156 --> 00:39:20,122 It wasn't a reaction. 710 00:39:20,191 --> 00:39:23,159 You're looking for remorse for the person, 711 00:39:23,227 --> 00:39:24,494 And that never came. 712 00:39:24,562 --> 00:39:26,863 I never really saw that from him. 713 00:39:26,931 --> 00:39:29,899 - After both sides delivered their closing arguments, 714 00:39:29,968 --> 00:39:32,902 The jury is sent away to deliberate. 715 00:39:32,971 --> 00:39:36,072 - I was making sure that we get dawson off of the street 716 00:39:36,141 --> 00:39:38,507 And found guilty before more 717 00:39:38,509 --> 00:39:41,744 Execution-style murders take place. 718 00:39:41,812 --> 00:39:43,680 - There's pressure to get a conviction on any case, 719 00:39:43,748 --> 00:39:46,383 But this one, the pressure to get that conviction 720 00:39:46,451 --> 00:39:48,951 Was overwhelming. 721 00:39:49,020 --> 00:39:51,554 - With all of the evidence in the case, 722 00:39:51,623 --> 00:39:53,656 A lot of us in the media assumed that 723 00:39:53,658 --> 00:39:55,257 This was going to be a slam dunk. 724 00:39:55,259 --> 00:39:57,927 But little did we know that they were actually 725 00:39:57,996 --> 00:39:59,762 Back there struggling. 726 00:39:59,830 --> 00:40:02,432 In fact, the jury foreperson came and told the judge, 727 00:40:02,500 --> 00:40:05,668 We can't come with a consensus. 728 00:40:05,737 --> 00:40:08,938 - As the anticipation builds, the foreperson 729 00:40:09,007 --> 00:40:12,408 Makes a shocking admission to the judge. 730 00:40:12,476 --> 00:40:14,777 - After the jury trial took place, 731 00:40:14,779 --> 00:40:17,413 The judge read the charge to the jury, 732 00:40:17,482 --> 00:40:18,948 And they went out and deliberated, 733 00:40:19,017 --> 00:40:23,686 And they couldn't come up with a verdict. 734 00:40:23,754 --> 00:40:26,322 - And the judge said, go back at it. 735 00:40:26,390 --> 00:40:28,958 Try it some more. 736 00:40:29,027 --> 00:40:32,028 - The jury deliberates for three days 737 00:40:32,096 --> 00:40:34,230 Before reaching a verdict. 738 00:40:34,298 --> 00:40:39,269 ♪ ♪ 739 00:40:43,608 --> 00:40:46,976 - The jury came back and concluded that that evidence 740 00:40:47,045 --> 00:40:49,812 Proved beyond a reasonable doubt 741 00:40:49,881 --> 00:40:52,515 That timothy carl dawson was responsible 742 00:40:52,584 --> 00:40:55,652 For these four homicide cases. 743 00:40:55,720 --> 00:40:57,620 - Prosecutors are relieved 744 00:40:57,688 --> 00:40:59,656 They have secured a guilty verdict. 745 00:40:59,724 --> 00:41:04,126 But when they move to sentencing, they hit a snag. 746 00:41:04,195 --> 00:41:08,498 - Defense argued that he should not receive 747 00:41:08,566 --> 00:41:10,933 The ultimate punishment of death 748 00:41:10,935 --> 00:41:17,072 Because he suffered from emotional or mental defect 749 00:41:17,142 --> 00:41:22,344 That rendered him unable to appreciate the nature 750 00:41:22,414 --> 00:41:25,748 Of what it is that he did. 751 00:41:25,817 --> 00:41:29,018 The jury had a chance to deliberate for several days 752 00:41:29,087 --> 00:41:34,023 On those two issues, and ultimately decided unanimously 753 00:41:34,092 --> 00:41:36,892 That timothy carl dawson should receive a sentence 754 00:41:36,961 --> 00:41:40,162 Of life without the possibility of parole, 755 00:41:40,164 --> 00:41:42,432 Which means that he would have to spend 756 00:41:42,500 --> 00:41:45,101 The rest of his life in custody. 757 00:41:45,169 --> 00:41:48,804 ♪ ♪ 758 00:41:48,873 --> 00:41:52,442 - When they came back with guilty and life in prison, 759 00:41:52,510 --> 00:41:54,844 It was relief for guilt, 760 00:41:54,913 --> 00:41:57,579 Disappointing for life in prison. 761 00:41:57,581 --> 00:42:00,182 - I think everybody there was relieved that 762 00:42:00,251 --> 00:42:02,785 They had got justice, but it may not have been 763 00:42:02,787 --> 00:42:05,054 The justice that they were hoping for, 764 00:42:05,123 --> 00:42:09,025 But it's still justice. 765 00:42:09,093 --> 00:42:12,728 - With timothy dawson off the streets for good, 766 00:42:12,797 --> 00:42:16,766 The families of phillip dover, ronnie gutkowski, 767 00:42:16,768 --> 00:42:19,969 And gerald shropshire now must find a way 768 00:42:20,038 --> 00:42:23,739 To live their lives without them. 769 00:42:23,808 --> 00:42:25,574 - And this right here was the best time 770 00:42:25,576 --> 00:42:26,943 Of his life right now. He had a good job. 771 00:42:27,011 --> 00:42:31,580 He enjoyed working where he worked. 772 00:42:31,650 --> 00:42:32,948 - I miss his laugh. 773 00:42:33,017 --> 00:42:35,084 I mean, just talking and cutting up. 774 00:42:35,152 --> 00:42:40,022 He was a good brother, a good just genuine human being. 775 00:42:40,091 --> 00:42:43,860 [somber music] 776 00:42:43,928 --> 00:42:45,728 - My dad was 56. 777 00:42:45,730 --> 00:42:49,798 He was celebrating, you know, being in his 50s. 778 00:42:49,868 --> 00:42:52,701 It was kind of when you kind of hit a sweet spot of life. 779 00:42:52,703 --> 00:42:53,903 So he was kind of in that space, 780 00:42:53,972 --> 00:42:56,272 And that was really cut short. 781 00:43:00,411 --> 00:43:03,379 - The verdict hopefully brings some closure 782 00:43:03,447 --> 00:43:05,848 To the victims' families. 783 00:43:05,850 --> 00:43:11,120 And for the city of atlanta, a chance to reset. 784 00:43:11,189 --> 00:43:14,924 - It helped to bring some normalcy to the hotel district 785 00:43:14,992 --> 00:43:18,127 Along with the--a sense of relief from the citizens 786 00:43:18,196 --> 00:43:20,262 That lived in that area. 787 00:43:20,264 --> 00:43:23,533 - At the time of this crime, atlanta was really struggling 788 00:43:23,601 --> 00:43:26,001 In terms of its reputation. 789 00:43:26,070 --> 00:43:28,804 But once this man was found guilty 790 00:43:28,873 --> 00:43:32,074 And people realized that he could no longer 791 00:43:32,076 --> 00:43:35,611 Hurt anyone else, atlanta bounced back. 792 00:43:35,679 --> 00:43:41,684 ♪ ♪