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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.
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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.
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[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
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It was horrific.
11
00:00:39,406 --> 00:00:42,340
- There were three
male individuals
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Who were lying face down.
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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.
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- 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
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- So now have four bodies,
two different locations,
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Both in hotels, both robbed,
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And both shot
with the same pistol.
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- 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
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[sirens wailing]
28
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[upbeat music]
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♪ ♪
30
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- On the threshold
of the 21st century,
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Atlanta is well into
its transformation
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Into an epicenter
of film, finance,
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00:01:54,915 --> 00:01:58,316
And most prominently, tourism.
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- We were riding
an all-time high.
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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
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- Number one!
38
00:02:10,030 --> 00:02:12,897
- We were hustling and bustling
with a lot of conventions.
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00:02:12,966 --> 00:02:15,967
- The shiny center
of atlanta's renaissance
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And beckoning people
to the city
41
00:02:17,237 --> 00:02:19,904
Is the downtown skyline,
42
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Dominated
by the upscale hilton hotel.
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- 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
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When you saw that
particular building.
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- It purports to be the
largest hotel in the southeast
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With 1,250 rooms.
48
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- Almost 30 stories,
49
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Thousands of rooms,
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00:02:41,962 --> 00:02:44,496
Just blocks
from centennial park,
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Surrounded by restaurants.
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00:02:49,336 --> 00:02:52,070
- And on Sunday, October 18,
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Atlanta is brimming
with tourist energy.
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- 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.
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00:03:04,851 --> 00:03:07,952
You had georgia tech
versus virginia.
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00:03:07,954 --> 00:03:11,890
And then we also had
the blue cross convention.
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So we literally had hundreds
of thousands of people
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00:03:15,128 --> 00:03:16,394
Within the city.
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00:03:16,463 --> 00:03:19,531
- But at 9:00 a.M.
On this fall morning,
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A maid at the hilton hotel
discovers what happens
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00:03:23,403 --> 00:03:26,738
When tourists become targets.
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[tense music]
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- The maid walks into the room
to do her cleaning.
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Sees three dead bodies
on the floor.
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00:03:40,087 --> 00:03:45,156
She steps back out, calls
the hotel security people,
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00:03:45,225 --> 00:03:47,593
And immediately calls 911.
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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
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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
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00:04:05,312 --> 00:04:07,879
With what appeared
to be obvious,
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00:04:07,948 --> 00:04:13,017
Huge gunshot wounds
to the back of their heads,
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00:04:13,019 --> 00:04:16,221
Which had pretty much
opened up their skulls.
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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.
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00:04:25,732 --> 00:04:30,535
It was something that I would
choose not to ever see again.
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00:04:30,537 --> 00:04:33,205
- One african american male,
two white males.
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00:04:33,273 --> 00:04:36,275
They each received
two gunshot wounds to the head.
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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.
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00:04:49,556 --> 00:04:52,424
- The victims were missing ids.
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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
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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?
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00:05:35,201 --> 00:05:41,606
♪ ♪
99
00:05:41,675 --> 00:05:44,409
We were left trying
to figure out,
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Why these three individuals?
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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?
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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,
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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,
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00:06:05,298 --> 00:06:09,233
As well as photograph the room
and take measurements
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00:06:09,235 --> 00:06:13,104
So that the room can be
recreated at a later time
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00:06:13,173 --> 00:06:15,139
If necessary.
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00:06:15,208 --> 00:06:18,477
- But the examination
did not reveal
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00:06:18,479 --> 00:06:20,712
Any dna evidence
or fingerprints.
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00:06:23,049 --> 00:06:25,817
Then what we were looking for
was any ballistic evidence
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Associated with the murders.
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00:06:30,123 --> 00:06:33,892
- There were shell casings
that had come from
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00:06:33,960 --> 00:06:38,029
A .45 caliber
semi-automatic handgun,
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00:06:38,098 --> 00:06:42,734
And all of the shell casings
matched each other
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00:06:42,803 --> 00:06:44,803
And had been fired
from the same gun.
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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,
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00:06:51,912 --> 00:06:54,212
Detectives now need to know,
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Who are these victims?
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00:06:57,117 --> 00:07:00,818
- It became important for us
to try to go back and identify
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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.
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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
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00:07:19,005 --> 00:07:21,839
To try to identify
the three victims.
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00:07:21,908 --> 00:07:24,309
- One of the first things
that he was able to obtain
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00:07:24,377 --> 00:07:27,645
Was the hotel registration
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00:07:27,714 --> 00:07:29,881
So that we could
positively identify
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00:07:29,950 --> 00:07:31,683
The occupants of the room.
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00:07:33,319 --> 00:07:38,189
- We know that the room is
registered to mr. Shropshire.
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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
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00:07:44,764 --> 00:07:47,331
That is on the floor.
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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
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00:07:52,939 --> 00:07:54,673
With two other men.
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00:07:56,343 --> 00:07:59,377
- Each of the three individuals
had signed in
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00:07:59,446 --> 00:08:00,712
As being guests of the room,
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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,
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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.
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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,
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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
♪ ♪