1 00:00:08,274 --> 00:00:11,076 [somber music] 2 00:00:11,144 --> 00:00:13,578 - The farther you got away from downtown atlanta, 3 00:00:13,647 --> 00:00:15,047 The more rural it got, 4 00:00:15,115 --> 00:00:17,415 And that's where dacula was. 5 00:00:17,484 --> 00:00:21,420 Dacula still had dirt roads. 6 00:00:21,488 --> 00:00:23,722 - Police up here were still responding 7 00:00:23,790 --> 00:00:27,559 To cows that escaped from pastures. 8 00:00:27,561 --> 00:00:30,262 - Doug was a great guy, a friend to everybody. 9 00:00:30,330 --> 00:00:34,132 He would give you the shirt off his back if he could. 10 00:00:34,201 --> 00:00:37,402 After we heard doug was missing-- 11 00:00:37,470 --> 00:00:39,504 - He just has dropped off the face of the earth. 12 00:00:39,506 --> 00:00:43,975 - Maybe he was out walking and hit-and-run, 13 00:00:44,044 --> 00:00:45,477 Maybe kidnapped, I don't know. 14 00:00:45,546 --> 00:00:46,945 [tense music] 15 00:00:47,014 --> 00:00:50,181 I had no clue that he'd been murdered. 16 00:00:50,251 --> 00:00:52,684 - When they found the vehicle burned inside and out, 17 00:00:52,753 --> 00:00:54,519 We knew something wasn't right. 18 00:00:54,521 --> 00:00:56,088 - Somebody took my father in the woods 19 00:00:56,156 --> 00:00:57,622 And stabbed him in the back seven times 20 00:00:57,624 --> 00:00:58,924 And left him for dead. 21 00:01:00,861 --> 00:01:03,328 - The murder really shook the community. 22 00:01:03,330 --> 00:01:06,932 ♪ ♪ 23 00:01:07,000 --> 00:01:09,535 - Everybody started speculating. 24 00:01:09,603 --> 00:01:11,803 Kelly looks like she's involved with this. 25 00:01:11,872 --> 00:01:16,108 - Well, he got really angry and threatened to kill doug 26 00:01:16,176 --> 00:01:17,810 So that they could be together. 27 00:01:20,180 --> 00:01:22,881 The jury imposed the death sentence. 28 00:01:22,950 --> 00:01:25,350 - Georgia had not executed a woman in 70 years. 29 00:01:27,087 --> 00:01:30,589 - It ranks right up at the top with the coldest, 30 00:01:30,657 --> 00:01:33,625 Most calculating planned murder. 31 00:01:33,627 --> 00:01:36,795 ♪ ♪ 32 00:01:36,863 --> 00:01:39,731 [dramatic music] 33 00:01:39,800 --> 00:01:45,303 ♪ ♪ 34 00:01:45,305 --> 00:01:48,140 [sirens wailing] 35 00:01:51,545 --> 00:01:54,446 [tense music] 36 00:01:54,515 --> 00:01:59,117 ♪ ♪ 37 00:01:59,186 --> 00:02:01,253 - Just 45 miles northeast 38 00:02:01,321 --> 00:02:03,589 Of the bustle of downtown atlanta, 39 00:02:03,657 --> 00:02:08,159 Cows still outnumber people in the rural town of dacula. 40 00:02:08,229 --> 00:02:11,096 ♪ ♪ 41 00:02:11,164 --> 00:02:14,999 In 1997, as the rest of gwinnett county develops 42 00:02:15,001 --> 00:02:16,301 Into atlanta suburbs, 43 00:02:16,369 --> 00:02:19,170 Dacula remains a rural holdout. 44 00:02:19,172 --> 00:02:21,840 - Dacula was one of the last areas 45 00:02:21,908 --> 00:02:24,009 Of the county to be heavily developed. 46 00:02:24,077 --> 00:02:27,412 It was extremely rural. 47 00:02:27,414 --> 00:02:29,848 There were some roads up here that weren't even paved. 48 00:02:29,916 --> 00:02:31,950 People lived on farms. 49 00:02:32,018 --> 00:02:33,418 It wasn't even just a small town. 50 00:02:33,420 --> 00:02:34,253 It was a tiny town. 51 00:02:38,025 --> 00:02:41,393 - Dacula is a close-knit community, 52 00:02:41,461 --> 00:02:42,494 Their connection rooted 53 00:02:42,563 --> 00:02:46,498 In the three large baptist churches in town. 54 00:02:46,567 --> 00:02:49,067 - Here in dacula, a lot of the people are related. 55 00:02:49,136 --> 00:02:52,871 There's families, and families tend to stay here. 56 00:02:52,939 --> 00:02:55,640 They go to the same church. 57 00:02:55,709 --> 00:02:59,844 - But on February 8th, 1997, 58 00:02:59,913 --> 00:03:02,814 A desperate 911 call sends one family 59 00:03:02,883 --> 00:03:07,852 In this god-fearing hamlet into their own living hell. 60 00:03:07,921 --> 00:03:09,387 - Kelly gissendaner called 61 00:03:09,456 --> 00:03:12,023 To report her husband, doug, missing. 62 00:03:12,092 --> 00:03:14,393 And she described at that time 63 00:03:14,395 --> 00:03:16,661 That she had gone out with some friends 64 00:03:16,730 --> 00:03:18,463 On the night before. 65 00:03:18,532 --> 00:03:20,832 - When she woke up the next morning, 66 00:03:20,901 --> 00:03:24,069 Doug, her husband, was not in bed with her. 67 00:03:26,607 --> 00:03:29,241 And then she called her friends and relatives 68 00:03:29,309 --> 00:03:31,577 To see if they knew where he's at. 69 00:03:33,113 --> 00:03:34,346 - She couldn't locate him, 70 00:03:34,414 --> 00:03:36,581 So finally she called in to the police 71 00:03:36,650 --> 00:03:39,250 To report him as a missing person. 72 00:03:39,320 --> 00:03:42,421 - Detectives ask kelly to take them through the last time 73 00:03:42,423 --> 00:03:44,022 She heard from doug. 74 00:03:44,090 --> 00:03:46,358 - Kelly was the worried spouse. 75 00:03:46,426 --> 00:03:48,260 She was emotional 76 00:03:48,328 --> 00:03:50,628 In her dealings with the police. 77 00:03:50,698 --> 00:03:53,532 And he said that he had gone over to their friends 78 00:03:53,600 --> 00:03:57,702 Named nesbit to work on a car. 79 00:03:57,771 --> 00:04:00,339 - And it was completely out of character 80 00:04:00,341 --> 00:04:02,841 That he didn't come home. 81 00:04:02,909 --> 00:04:04,776 - Investigators immediately head over 82 00:04:04,845 --> 00:04:06,378 To speak with the nesbits. 83 00:04:06,446 --> 00:04:09,581 - What we found out from interviewing the nesbits 84 00:04:09,650 --> 00:04:12,150 Is that doug had come over there after work 85 00:04:12,219 --> 00:04:15,019 Around 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening. 86 00:04:15,089 --> 00:04:19,625 - He came over there to help mr. Nesbit fix his car, 87 00:04:19,693 --> 00:04:21,393 Change the spark plugs out. 88 00:04:21,461 --> 00:04:23,428 They went in the house and had dinner, 89 00:04:23,496 --> 00:04:27,666 And after dinner, doug said he needed to go home. 90 00:04:27,734 --> 00:04:30,835 - Doug left his friends' house sometime around 10:00 or so 91 00:04:30,904 --> 00:04:33,205 That night to go home. 92 00:04:33,273 --> 00:04:36,708 - The nesbits reiterate what kelly told police, 93 00:04:36,777 --> 00:04:40,144 That doug would never just disappear. 94 00:04:40,146 --> 00:04:43,014 - Doug was everybody's friend. 95 00:04:43,083 --> 00:04:45,984 If you wanted somebody that was gonna be there 96 00:04:45,986 --> 00:04:47,986 For you in any way, 97 00:04:48,054 --> 00:04:50,722 You wanted doug gissendaner. 98 00:04:50,791 --> 00:04:52,224 - Nothin' bad about him whatsoever, 99 00:04:52,292 --> 00:04:54,959 Been in any trouble, anything like that. 100 00:04:54,961 --> 00:04:56,527 Good family man. 101 00:04:56,597 --> 00:04:59,564 [melancholic music] 102 00:04:59,632 --> 00:05:02,667 - He was a man who went to work 103 00:05:02,669 --> 00:05:04,836 And came home and took care of his family. 104 00:05:04,905 --> 00:05:06,471 They didn't think that anybody 105 00:05:06,540 --> 00:05:08,573 That they knew could hurt him. 106 00:05:08,642 --> 00:05:09,874 That wasn't the kind of people 107 00:05:09,943 --> 00:05:12,977 That they surrounded themselves with. 108 00:05:13,046 --> 00:05:16,180 - The police started the usual procedures 109 00:05:16,250 --> 00:05:17,882 Of a missing person investigation. 110 00:05:17,951 --> 00:05:19,984 They contacted the hospitals, 111 00:05:20,053 --> 00:05:23,354 Basically did background work and called around 112 00:05:23,356 --> 00:05:25,857 To see if he was somewhere that kelly hadn't thought of. 113 00:05:25,859 --> 00:05:27,325 - So at this point, 114 00:05:27,393 --> 00:05:29,727 There's really nothing to go on. 115 00:05:29,729 --> 00:05:30,895 It could be anything. 116 00:05:30,964 --> 00:05:33,231 It could be a man who was just fed up 117 00:05:33,300 --> 00:05:34,766 And tired of his life 118 00:05:34,835 --> 00:05:37,135 And wanted a new start someplace. 119 00:05:37,203 --> 00:05:38,803 Maybe there was an accident. 120 00:05:38,872 --> 00:05:41,873 Maybe his car was in a ditch someplace 121 00:05:41,942 --> 00:05:44,409 And he was unable to communicate. 122 00:05:44,477 --> 00:05:47,079 There's nothing on any kind of credit cards. 123 00:05:47,147 --> 00:05:49,480 He just has dropped off the face of the earth. 124 00:05:49,550 --> 00:05:52,651 ♪ ♪ 125 00:05:52,719 --> 00:05:54,052 - Baffled by doug's disappearance 126 00:05:54,120 --> 00:05:55,653 And desperate for answers, 127 00:05:55,722 --> 00:05:59,757 Detectives press kelly for details about doug's life. 128 00:05:59,826 --> 00:06:01,426 - She said doug was a mechanic 129 00:06:01,495 --> 00:06:04,762 For a company that made shock absorbers. 130 00:06:04,764 --> 00:06:08,100 - He was one of the employees who never called out. 131 00:06:09,903 --> 00:06:13,572 He enjoyed going to work every day. 132 00:06:13,640 --> 00:06:15,173 - By the time of this incident, 133 00:06:15,241 --> 00:06:19,110 He and kelly, they had been married three years. 134 00:06:19,179 --> 00:06:21,513 - Kelly explains that she and doug met 135 00:06:21,581 --> 00:06:23,948 On a blind date in 1989. 136 00:06:24,017 --> 00:06:26,017 It was love at first sight. 137 00:06:26,086 --> 00:06:28,853 - She was very interesting to him 138 00:06:28,922 --> 00:06:31,356 Because she was everything he wasn't. 139 00:06:31,425 --> 00:06:33,792 She was vivacious and fun, 140 00:06:33,860 --> 00:06:36,194 And he was kind of down-to-earth, and, you know, 141 00:06:36,263 --> 00:06:38,396 Kind of go-along-to-get-along kind of guy, 142 00:06:38,464 --> 00:06:40,799 And there was something about her that was exciting. 143 00:06:40,867 --> 00:06:43,101 But she also had a bonus. 144 00:06:43,169 --> 00:06:46,538 She had a son, and he took to that little boy 145 00:06:46,606 --> 00:06:49,607 And really thought this could be the family 146 00:06:49,676 --> 00:06:51,409 He always wanted. 147 00:06:51,478 --> 00:06:55,947 - The two fell madly in love and were married. 148 00:06:55,949 --> 00:06:58,883 Soon after, they had a daughter together. 149 00:06:58,952 --> 00:07:00,985 But their relationship hit a rough patch, 150 00:07:01,054 --> 00:07:02,754 And they divorced. 151 00:07:04,524 --> 00:07:08,760 But two short years later, doug and kelly reconciled. 152 00:07:08,828 --> 00:07:11,329 - When they were separated, kelly got pregnant 153 00:07:11,397 --> 00:07:12,630 By someone else, 154 00:07:12,699 --> 00:07:15,033 And so there were three children. 155 00:07:15,101 --> 00:07:18,870 - Doug never treated me nor my brother any different 156 00:07:18,939 --> 00:07:20,438 Than he treated our sister, and we were-- 157 00:07:20,507 --> 00:07:22,040 We were his kids. 158 00:07:22,108 --> 00:07:23,274 No matter who we came from, 159 00:07:23,343 --> 00:07:25,810 He was always tuckin' us in at night. 160 00:07:25,878 --> 00:07:27,279 We tried to go to church every Sunday. 161 00:07:27,347 --> 00:07:29,981 You know, he wanted our family to grow up in the church also. 162 00:07:30,050 --> 00:07:33,752 - As investigators hurriedly search for answers, 163 00:07:33,820 --> 00:07:35,219 Doug's family and friends 164 00:07:35,289 --> 00:07:37,856 Immediately spring into action. 165 00:07:37,924 --> 00:07:39,557 - They took to the streets 166 00:07:39,559 --> 00:07:42,427 And started driving up and down every route 167 00:07:42,495 --> 00:07:44,929 That they could imagine between the friends' house 168 00:07:44,998 --> 00:07:47,699 And doug's house for hours on end 169 00:07:47,767 --> 00:07:49,568 Looking everywhere. 170 00:07:50,704 --> 00:07:53,304 - As the first day he's reported missing comes 171 00:07:53,373 --> 00:07:57,309 To a close, doug's loved ones fail to track him down. 172 00:07:59,279 --> 00:08:01,379 But a concerned member of the community 173 00:08:01,447 --> 00:08:04,148 Makes a disturbing find 174 00:08:04,150 --> 00:08:06,384 As he searches all the rural areas 175 00:08:06,453 --> 00:08:08,219 Where doug might've driven. 176 00:08:08,288 --> 00:08:11,656 - We still had fish and wildlife enforcement 177 00:08:11,725 --> 00:08:13,557 Patrolling the north end of the county, 178 00:08:13,559 --> 00:08:15,527 Which will give you an idea of how rural 179 00:08:15,595 --> 00:08:17,862 Gwinnett county was. 180 00:08:17,930 --> 00:08:20,431 A department of natural resources ranger 181 00:08:20,500 --> 00:08:22,667 Found a burned-out car. 182 00:08:22,735 --> 00:08:26,370 [ominous music] 183 00:08:26,372 --> 00:08:29,974 And he reported it to gwinnett county police. 184 00:08:30,043 --> 00:08:33,077 It was totally destroyed by the fire. 185 00:08:33,146 --> 00:08:36,181 The tires were flat. The interior was gone. 186 00:08:37,950 --> 00:08:41,786 There really wasn't much in the car left. 187 00:08:41,788 --> 00:08:47,091 But he was able to recover the vin number off the frame. 188 00:08:47,093 --> 00:08:52,564 The police ran the vehicle id number 189 00:08:52,632 --> 00:08:55,500 And discovered it was registered 190 00:08:55,568 --> 00:08:58,302 To a doug gissendaner. 191 00:08:58,371 --> 00:09:00,271 - We knew something wasn't right then. 192 00:09:00,340 --> 00:09:03,141 We didn't know if he had went out and killed himself. 193 00:09:03,209 --> 00:09:04,676 We didn't know what had happened to him. 194 00:09:04,744 --> 00:09:07,812 [dramatic music] 195 00:09:07,880 --> 00:09:12,216 ♪ ♪ 196 00:09:12,285 --> 00:09:16,655 - It's obvious that something nefarious has happened to doug. 197 00:09:18,691 --> 00:09:22,326 - He got really angry and threatened to kill doug 198 00:09:22,328 --> 00:09:23,695 So that they could be together. 199 00:09:23,763 --> 00:09:25,830 This is a homicide. It's not a suicide 200 00:09:25,899 --> 00:09:27,799 Or an accident. 201 00:09:27,867 --> 00:09:34,539 ♪ ♪ 202 00:09:35,141 --> 00:09:40,378 - Family man doug gissendaner has disappeared 203 00:09:40,447 --> 00:09:42,480 From his home in dacula, 204 00:09:42,548 --> 00:09:45,650 A rural hamlet just outside atlanta. 205 00:09:45,718 --> 00:09:47,185 [dramatic music] 206 00:09:47,253 --> 00:09:49,854 The tight-knit community has banded together 207 00:09:49,922 --> 00:09:53,325 To find doug to no avail. 208 00:09:53,393 --> 00:09:56,928 But 36 hours after he was last seen, 209 00:09:56,997 --> 00:09:59,597 Doug's car has just been discovered in the woods, 210 00:09:59,666 --> 00:10:03,000 Completely burnt-out. 211 00:10:03,069 --> 00:10:05,203 - He looked in the trunk and searched the car 212 00:10:05,271 --> 00:10:06,538 And didn't find doug. 213 00:10:08,808 --> 00:10:13,011 - I received a radio call from a subordinate officer. 214 00:10:13,079 --> 00:10:15,479 He requested that I come to the scene. 215 00:10:15,481 --> 00:10:16,781 When I got out of the car, 216 00:10:16,850 --> 00:10:19,751 I saw a 1984 chevrolet caprice 217 00:10:19,819 --> 00:10:22,854 That was sitting just off to the side of the road. 218 00:10:24,591 --> 00:10:27,258 It was completely burned-out, completely gutted. 219 00:10:29,229 --> 00:10:31,863 I took my pictures of the vehicle, 220 00:10:31,931 --> 00:10:33,631 Walked around the vehicle, 221 00:10:33,699 --> 00:10:35,733 Taking different angle shots 222 00:10:35,802 --> 00:10:37,301 Of the roadway. 223 00:10:37,370 --> 00:10:39,937 It was pretty rough country out there, 224 00:10:40,006 --> 00:10:44,275 Pretty overgrown, a lot of rocks, trees, some garbage. 225 00:10:44,344 --> 00:10:46,678 [tense music] 226 00:10:46,746 --> 00:10:50,381 - There was nothing in the car of evidentiary value 227 00:10:50,450 --> 00:10:53,117 That was found that would aid in the investigation 228 00:10:53,119 --> 00:10:54,786 Or would aid in helping find doug. 229 00:10:54,854 --> 00:10:57,321 - And the interior portion of the vehicle being, 230 00:10:57,390 --> 00:10:59,391 You know, completely burned-out, 231 00:10:59,459 --> 00:11:02,560 We're talkin' about seats, carpet, headliner, 232 00:11:02,628 --> 00:11:04,195 It would indicate to me that 233 00:11:04,197 --> 00:11:06,964 That was the origin of the fire. 234 00:11:07,033 --> 00:11:09,200 - The one information that they came away with 235 00:11:09,269 --> 00:11:11,335 Was that it was set on fire intentionally. 236 00:11:11,337 --> 00:11:13,871 It's obvious that there's something 237 00:11:13,940 --> 00:11:16,174 Nefarious has happened to doug. 238 00:11:18,745 --> 00:11:20,178 - They searched the immediate area, 239 00:11:20,246 --> 00:11:22,814 About 100 yards on each side of the road, 240 00:11:22,882 --> 00:11:25,916 But they didn't find a body at that point. 241 00:11:25,986 --> 00:11:28,319 There were really only three theories 242 00:11:28,388 --> 00:11:30,922 That you could work with from a police standpoint-- 243 00:11:30,990 --> 00:11:35,960 Is one, doug had taken off on his own 244 00:11:35,962 --> 00:11:39,030 And burned the car to sort of hide his tracks. 245 00:11:40,333 --> 00:11:42,900 The second one was that he had been kidnapped 246 00:11:42,969 --> 00:11:48,105 And the car had been burned to destroy evidence, 247 00:11:48,174 --> 00:11:50,708 Or, finally, that he had been murdered 248 00:11:50,776 --> 00:11:53,845 And that they were already gearing up 249 00:11:53,913 --> 00:11:56,114 Looking for possible suspects 250 00:11:56,182 --> 00:11:59,918 In anticipation of finding his body. 251 00:11:59,986 --> 00:12:01,519 - Something happened to doug. 252 00:12:01,587 --> 00:12:03,654 Exactly what, we don't know. 253 00:12:03,723 --> 00:12:06,757 We don't know if he walked off in the woods somewhere 254 00:12:06,827 --> 00:12:09,393 And killed himself or somebody killed him. 255 00:12:09,395 --> 00:12:10,294 We don't know. 256 00:12:10,363 --> 00:12:12,997 ♪ ♪ 257 00:12:13,066 --> 00:12:14,465 After we find the vehicle, 258 00:12:14,534 --> 00:12:17,401 Our next goal is to find doug. 259 00:12:17,470 --> 00:12:21,773 And we're just basically startin' from the ground up. 260 00:12:21,841 --> 00:12:24,008 - Detectives head to the gissendaner home 261 00:12:24,010 --> 00:12:25,877 To deliver the news 262 00:12:25,945 --> 00:12:27,812 And ask the family for insights 263 00:12:27,881 --> 00:12:31,482 As to what could have happened to doug. 264 00:12:31,551 --> 00:12:34,352 - There was a large crowd of family and friends there, 265 00:12:34,420 --> 00:12:37,955 And I told her that we had found the car. 266 00:12:38,024 --> 00:12:39,723 They were all stunned. 267 00:12:40,827 --> 00:12:43,361 - He tells them, "but we still don't know where doug is." 268 00:12:43,429 --> 00:12:48,032 Kelly is beside herself, crying, hysterical. 269 00:12:48,034 --> 00:12:49,267 "what's happened to doug?" 270 00:12:49,335 --> 00:12:51,169 - If you're suspecting a homicide, 271 00:12:51,237 --> 00:12:55,707 Your first suspects are family and close friends. 272 00:12:55,775 --> 00:12:57,741 And then the first question to ask: 273 00:12:57,811 --> 00:12:59,977 "what's the state of your marriage?" 274 00:13:00,046 --> 00:13:02,113 She said that doug had been a great father 275 00:13:02,182 --> 00:13:05,049 To her children, that everything was great. 276 00:13:05,051 --> 00:13:07,518 - I'm hoping he'll walk in this door 277 00:13:07,587 --> 00:13:09,487 Or at least pick up the phone and call us. 278 00:13:09,555 --> 00:13:12,490 [sighs, sniffles] 279 00:13:12,558 --> 00:13:14,659 [somber music] 280 00:13:14,727 --> 00:13:16,794 - And she told the detective 281 00:13:16,863 --> 00:13:18,696 That they had a loving marriage, 282 00:13:18,765 --> 00:13:20,898 There was nothing wrong with their life. 283 00:13:20,967 --> 00:13:22,700 - He does not drink. He does not do drugs. 284 00:13:22,768 --> 00:13:24,035 He's very family-oriented. 285 00:13:24,103 --> 00:13:26,137 If he's not with me, he's with his kids. 286 00:13:27,940 --> 00:13:30,274 - Detective davis asked kelly, 287 00:13:30,276 --> 00:13:32,610 "did doug have a life insurance policy?" 288 00:13:32,678 --> 00:13:34,612 And kelly said, "no, he didn't." 289 00:13:34,680 --> 00:13:38,249 - It's now 48 hours since anyone heard 290 00:13:38,318 --> 00:13:41,352 From doug gissendaner, and fearing the worst, 291 00:13:41,421 --> 00:13:43,087 Authorities ramp up their efforts 292 00:13:43,089 --> 00:13:44,522 To track him down. 293 00:13:44,591 --> 00:13:45,990 - At that time, gwinnett county 294 00:13:46,059 --> 00:13:48,927 Had helicopters, and they deployed that 295 00:13:48,929 --> 00:13:51,629 In searching the area around the burnt car. 296 00:13:51,697 --> 00:13:53,831 ♪ ♪ 297 00:13:53,900 --> 00:13:55,366 - Friends and family have been 298 00:13:55,435 --> 00:13:57,669 Working tirelessly, they tell me, since learning 299 00:13:57,737 --> 00:13:59,236 That doug gissendaner has been missing. 300 00:13:59,305 --> 00:14:01,039 They've been posting flyers in cars 301 00:14:01,041 --> 00:14:03,641 And every place they can possibly put one up. 302 00:14:03,710 --> 00:14:06,344 - But during that time, there was no discovery 303 00:14:06,412 --> 00:14:07,879 Of doug gissendaner. 304 00:14:07,947 --> 00:14:10,414 - In the 48 hours since doug went missing, 305 00:14:10,483 --> 00:14:14,485 The search comes up empty, and the teams go home. 306 00:14:14,554 --> 00:14:18,256 But detective davis continues his investigative work. 307 00:14:18,324 --> 00:14:21,225 He reaches out beyond doug's inner circle 308 00:14:21,227 --> 00:14:23,995 To other friends who might offer a new perspective. 309 00:14:24,063 --> 00:14:25,896 - We start talkin' to folks, 310 00:14:25,966 --> 00:14:28,867 Interviewin' her friends, doug's friends, 311 00:14:28,935 --> 00:14:31,869 And the gissendaner family. 312 00:14:31,937 --> 00:14:34,906 - Detective davis learns from a friend of kelly's 313 00:14:34,974 --> 00:14:37,208 That there was a man that she was involved with 314 00:14:37,277 --> 00:14:39,843 While and kelly and doug were separated, 315 00:14:39,845 --> 00:14:42,112 And she described the man 316 00:14:42,114 --> 00:14:44,448 As being infatuated with kelly. 317 00:14:44,450 --> 00:14:46,651 That man was greg owen. 318 00:14:48,788 --> 00:14:51,923 - The friend then provides more unsavory details 319 00:14:51,991 --> 00:14:53,891 About kelly's ex. 320 00:14:53,959 --> 00:14:55,526 - She said he had a bad temper. 321 00:14:55,595 --> 00:14:58,496 He clearly has a drinking problem. 322 00:14:58,564 --> 00:15:02,066 He is essentially unemployed 323 00:15:02,134 --> 00:15:06,070 Or bounces from job to job. 324 00:15:06,138 --> 00:15:09,373 - We needed to find greg owen. 325 00:15:09,375 --> 00:15:11,709 We started running background checks on him. 326 00:15:11,777 --> 00:15:13,210 I found one that he had been arrested 327 00:15:13,279 --> 00:15:16,047 By the city of lawrenceville for dui. 328 00:15:16,115 --> 00:15:19,783 - Once detective davis learns about greg owen, 329 00:15:19,853 --> 00:15:24,055 He thinks, "finally, a lead to finding doug." 330 00:15:24,123 --> 00:15:26,323 - Before reaching out to greg owen, 331 00:15:26,392 --> 00:15:29,861 Davis asks kelly about the relationship. 332 00:15:29,929 --> 00:15:31,863 - Kelly was confronted with the statements 333 00:15:31,931 --> 00:15:33,798 Of the people that had indicated 334 00:15:33,866 --> 00:15:35,466 That she was seeing gregory owen. 335 00:15:35,535 --> 00:15:38,869 She finally admitted that she had seen him. 336 00:15:38,938 --> 00:15:42,072 - And kelly responds that it was somebody 337 00:15:42,074 --> 00:15:44,275 That she met while she was separated from doug, 338 00:15:44,344 --> 00:15:47,278 That it was the brother of a coworker. 339 00:15:47,346 --> 00:15:49,613 - Detectives learn that kelly and doug 340 00:15:49,615 --> 00:15:52,516 Had a brief separation after they remarried, 341 00:15:52,585 --> 00:15:55,719 And that's when she met greg. 342 00:15:55,721 --> 00:15:59,523 - Kelly told the police that she broke up with greg 343 00:15:59,592 --> 00:16:01,759 Because she felt like that he wasn't gonna be 344 00:16:01,827 --> 00:16:04,262 A good father to her kids. 345 00:16:04,330 --> 00:16:06,530 Davis just simply wants to know, 346 00:16:06,599 --> 00:16:08,399 "why didn't you tell me this in the first place?" 347 00:16:08,468 --> 00:16:10,167 And kelly said she was embarrassed 348 00:16:10,236 --> 00:16:12,036 By the relationship. 349 00:16:12,105 --> 00:16:13,905 - She said that when she told greg 350 00:16:13,973 --> 00:16:15,939 She was getting back together with doug, 351 00:16:16,009 --> 00:16:18,943 He got really angry, and she said 352 00:16:19,011 --> 00:16:21,913 That gregory owen threatened to kill doug 353 00:16:21,981 --> 00:16:24,115 So that they could be together. 354 00:16:24,183 --> 00:16:26,550 He becomes suspect number one. 355 00:16:26,552 --> 00:16:29,587 [dramatic music] 356 00:16:29,589 --> 00:16:36,027 ♪ ♪ 357 00:16:36,661 --> 00:16:40,732 [suspenseful music] 358 00:16:40,800 --> 00:16:42,366 - It's been two days since anyone 359 00:16:42,435 --> 00:16:44,502 In the atlanta suburb of dacula 360 00:16:44,570 --> 00:16:48,106 Last saw father of three doug gissendaner. 361 00:16:48,174 --> 00:16:50,541 ♪ ♪ 362 00:16:50,610 --> 00:16:52,410 Detectives have just learned 363 00:16:52,478 --> 00:16:55,046 That while doug and kelly were briefly separated 364 00:16:55,114 --> 00:16:59,817 A year earlier, kelly dated a man named greg owen. 365 00:16:59,885 --> 00:17:03,354 The two called it quits, but now she says 366 00:17:03,423 --> 00:17:07,959 Owen recently threatened to kill doug. 367 00:17:10,530 --> 00:17:13,431 - After I found out that greg owen was a friend 368 00:17:13,499 --> 00:17:16,900 And a lover of kelly's, we wanted to speak with him. 369 00:17:16,902 --> 00:17:20,905 ♪ ♪ 370 00:17:20,973 --> 00:17:23,841 We find greg livin' in a woodshed barn 371 00:17:23,909 --> 00:17:26,810 In a trailer park. 372 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:28,579 - Investigators ask if owen can account 373 00:17:28,648 --> 00:17:32,115 For his whereabouts the night doug disappeared. 374 00:17:32,117 --> 00:17:35,118 - They confronted him with kelly's statement. 375 00:17:35,120 --> 00:17:37,988 He said that he had an alibi for the night of the 7th, 376 00:17:38,057 --> 00:17:40,324 And he provided the name ricky lee barrett. 377 00:17:42,061 --> 00:17:44,962 - Greg's alibi was, on that Friday night 378 00:17:45,030 --> 00:17:48,632 That he was hanging out with lee in lee's house, 379 00:17:48,701 --> 00:17:52,269 Where greg lived then. 380 00:17:52,338 --> 00:17:54,205 We talked to lee and asked him about everything. 381 00:17:54,273 --> 00:17:58,075 He said yes, that greg stayed with him that night. 382 00:17:58,144 --> 00:18:01,145 - With ricky lee confirming owen's alibi 383 00:18:01,214 --> 00:18:04,248 And no evidence tying him to doug's disappearance, 384 00:18:04,317 --> 00:18:07,618 Investigators have no choice but to move on 385 00:18:07,687 --> 00:18:10,554 Despite their suspicions. 386 00:18:10,623 --> 00:18:13,557 They turn their focus to trying to locate 387 00:18:13,559 --> 00:18:17,295 The missing family man. 388 00:18:17,297 --> 00:18:22,166 - What we need to do is find doug gissendaner's body or him 389 00:18:22,235 --> 00:18:25,169 And go from there and find out what happened to him. 390 00:18:25,238 --> 00:18:30,408 ♪ ♪ 391 00:18:30,476 --> 00:18:34,378 - As time went on, hope began to fade. 392 00:18:34,447 --> 00:18:36,780 I kind of knew by the end of two weeks 393 00:18:36,849 --> 00:18:39,683 That something bad had happened. 394 00:18:39,752 --> 00:18:40,884 - It ruined our family. 395 00:18:40,954 --> 00:18:42,653 It put a big stress on our family. 396 00:18:42,722 --> 00:18:44,388 It put a big stress on us kids. 397 00:18:44,457 --> 00:18:48,259 - Two weeks pass with no signs of doug. 398 00:18:48,327 --> 00:18:51,562 But game warden sergeant james bell refuses 399 00:18:51,631 --> 00:18:53,197 To give up the search. 400 00:18:53,265 --> 00:18:56,133 He meticulously scours the wooded area 401 00:18:56,202 --> 00:18:59,803 Where doug's car was found on a daily basis. 402 00:18:59,872 --> 00:19:01,572 - It seemed almost personal to him 403 00:19:01,641 --> 00:19:03,541 Because it was just so unusual 404 00:19:03,609 --> 00:19:05,877 For this young man to be missing. 405 00:19:05,945 --> 00:19:08,179 He was searching every day. 406 00:19:10,349 --> 00:19:14,886 And he drove down, and something caught his eye. 407 00:19:14,954 --> 00:19:17,955 It looked almost like a blue garbage bag. 408 00:19:18,023 --> 00:19:23,861 He stopped, walked up into the woods about 100 feet. 409 00:19:23,929 --> 00:19:25,929 And there was the body. 410 00:19:25,931 --> 00:19:30,768 ♪ ♪ 411 00:19:30,836 --> 00:19:33,971 - The body was facedown in the wooded area. 412 00:19:34,039 --> 00:19:37,308 He did note that the clothes the body was wearing 413 00:19:37,376 --> 00:19:40,844 Were similar or matched the description of the clothes 414 00:19:40,913 --> 00:19:43,380 That doug gissendaner had been described as wearing 415 00:19:43,449 --> 00:19:44,915 The night of the 7th. 416 00:19:44,984 --> 00:19:47,384 And when the crime scene technicians came, 417 00:19:47,453 --> 00:19:50,521 They removed a wallet from the jeans 418 00:19:50,590 --> 00:19:53,223 That were on the body, and inside the wallet 419 00:19:53,293 --> 00:19:56,994 Was a driver's license for doug gissendaner. 420 00:19:57,062 --> 00:19:59,096 He had found doug gissendaner. 421 00:20:01,467 --> 00:20:03,801 - I walked over to where his body was 422 00:20:03,869 --> 00:20:06,870 And saw what looked like some stab wounds 423 00:20:06,872 --> 00:20:09,807 In the back of the jacket. 424 00:20:09,875 --> 00:20:12,075 - The body was in a wooded area 425 00:20:12,145 --> 00:20:14,678 About 100 yards off a dirt road. 426 00:20:14,747 --> 00:20:18,816 - The body had been found approximately 7/10 of a mile 427 00:20:18,884 --> 00:20:20,618 Away from where the burned vehicle 428 00:20:20,686 --> 00:20:22,419 Was originally discovered. 429 00:20:22,488 --> 00:20:27,858 It indicates that most likely the perpetrator and the victim 430 00:20:27,860 --> 00:20:31,094 Had to transport themselves by walking 431 00:20:31,096 --> 00:20:33,664 Through a pretty rough area almost a mile 432 00:20:33,733 --> 00:20:35,766 Through scrub country. 433 00:20:37,337 --> 00:20:38,302 - This is a homicide. 434 00:20:38,370 --> 00:20:41,305 It's not a suicide or an accident. 435 00:20:41,374 --> 00:20:44,541 - Our crime scene technicians took swabs, a process 436 00:20:44,610 --> 00:20:47,778 That detects gunpowder residue on a person's hand 437 00:20:47,847 --> 00:20:52,650 Or blood or any kind of dna substance, 438 00:20:52,718 --> 00:20:54,685 Send 'em off for analysis. 439 00:20:54,754 --> 00:20:56,387 They have fingerprint-- 440 00:20:56,455 --> 00:20:59,523 People who are trained in fingerprint identification 441 00:20:59,525 --> 00:21:01,392 And blood splatter. 442 00:21:01,460 --> 00:21:03,060 - There is no jewelry. 443 00:21:03,128 --> 00:21:05,095 The credit cards are in his wallet. 444 00:21:05,164 --> 00:21:07,397 There was no money taken. 445 00:21:07,467 --> 00:21:10,467 We ruled out any kind of a robbery. 446 00:21:10,536 --> 00:21:14,872 - The team searches the area around the body for any clues 447 00:21:14,940 --> 00:21:17,140 That could lead them to doug's killer. 448 00:21:17,210 --> 00:21:21,445 - We conducted a 360-degree perimeter search 449 00:21:21,514 --> 00:21:26,016 Approximately 50 yards deep into the surrounding area 450 00:21:26,085 --> 00:21:30,220 For the purpose of looking for additional evidence. 451 00:21:30,289 --> 00:21:34,491 - There was a pretty fair amount of decomposition. 452 00:21:34,560 --> 00:21:36,960 There wasn't any evidence around the body 453 00:21:36,962 --> 00:21:39,230 That would lead you to the identify of the killer. 454 00:21:39,298 --> 00:21:43,400 - With the crime scene failing to yield any leads, 455 00:21:43,402 --> 00:21:46,303 Doug's body is sent to the medical examiner, 456 00:21:46,372 --> 00:21:51,174 Who uncovers the brutal manner in which doug was killed. 457 00:21:51,244 --> 00:21:54,378 - The medical examiner found a combination 458 00:21:54,447 --> 00:21:59,149 Of blunt trauma to the head, knife wounds or stab wounds 459 00:21:59,218 --> 00:22:02,053 In the neck and chest area. 460 00:22:02,121 --> 00:22:04,055 This is one of those murders that are at the top 461 00:22:04,123 --> 00:22:06,790 Of the list for anger. 462 00:22:06,859 --> 00:22:09,059 He was just sort of a general nice guy. 463 00:22:09,128 --> 00:22:12,395 Why would somebody do something to a guy like him? 464 00:22:12,397 --> 00:22:17,468 ♪ ♪ 465 00:22:17,536 --> 00:22:20,404 Now, I don't know how or what the best way 466 00:22:20,472 --> 00:22:23,307 To grieve for a loved one is, but whatever it was, 467 00:22:23,375 --> 00:22:24,675 She wasn't doin' it. 468 00:22:24,744 --> 00:22:27,211 They were suspicious. 469 00:22:27,279 --> 00:22:30,413 They learned that during the time that doug was missing, 470 00:22:30,415 --> 00:22:34,351 That they had been in contact more than 40 times, 471 00:22:34,353 --> 00:22:36,787 Most importantly, on the night of the murder. 472 00:22:36,856 --> 00:22:42,793 ♪ ♪ 473 00:22:43,495 --> 00:22:49,967 - In the rural atlanta suburb of dacula, 474 00:22:50,035 --> 00:22:52,469 Authorities have just found the body 475 00:22:52,471 --> 00:22:55,573 Of father of three doug gissendaner 476 00:22:55,575 --> 00:22:59,710 Stabbed and bludgeoned to death in the woods. 477 00:22:59,779 --> 00:23:03,080 After an exhaustive two-week search, 478 00:23:03,148 --> 00:23:06,650 The team must now break the devastating news 479 00:23:06,652 --> 00:23:08,051 To his family. 480 00:23:08,120 --> 00:23:10,287 - That was the only dad I ever knew. 481 00:23:10,356 --> 00:23:13,590 When I was four years old, he was always there. 482 00:23:13,659 --> 00:23:15,725 He was the most stable thing that we had in our lives. 483 00:23:15,795 --> 00:23:17,461 We lost our dad. 484 00:23:17,529 --> 00:23:19,963 [dramatic music] 485 00:23:19,965 --> 00:23:22,199 - When law enforcement went and told kelly, 486 00:23:22,267 --> 00:23:27,871 She was distraught that doug had been found dead. 487 00:23:27,873 --> 00:23:29,072 - I went to buford and spoke 488 00:23:29,141 --> 00:23:32,543 To doug gissendaner sr. And ms. Gissendaner, 489 00:23:32,611 --> 00:23:34,011 And told them. 490 00:23:34,079 --> 00:23:36,614 It did not go well. They were very upset. 491 00:23:38,083 --> 00:23:40,384 - Everyone was devastated. 492 00:23:40,453 --> 00:23:45,456 Kelly said that her worst fears had been realized. 493 00:23:45,524 --> 00:23:49,360 She couldn't possibly stand to think about the way 494 00:23:49,428 --> 00:23:52,329 That doug was so viciously killed. 495 00:23:52,398 --> 00:23:55,832 His parents were beside themselves. 496 00:23:55,901 --> 00:23:57,134 - One of the things that we found 497 00:23:57,202 --> 00:23:59,302 During the investigation is that doug had a lot 498 00:23:59,304 --> 00:24:02,172 Of friends and was active in his church, 499 00:24:02,241 --> 00:24:06,977 And there was a lot of emotion when his body was found. 500 00:24:09,081 --> 00:24:12,415 - I think everybody was in shock, 501 00:24:12,485 --> 00:24:16,987 Knowing how gruesome it was, how brutal the murder was. 502 00:24:16,989 --> 00:24:18,989 By then, I'd already given up hope 503 00:24:19,058 --> 00:24:20,724 That they were gonna find him alive, 504 00:24:20,793 --> 00:24:23,093 But I had no clue that he had been murdered. 505 00:24:25,097 --> 00:24:28,231 - Once the body was found, there was a great deal of fear 506 00:24:28,301 --> 00:24:30,801 In terms of, "how did this happen?" 507 00:24:30,869 --> 00:24:32,702 You know, "could it happen to me?" 508 00:24:32,704 --> 00:24:34,705 People began to be concerned 509 00:24:34,773 --> 00:24:38,775 From a personal-safety standpoint. 510 00:24:38,844 --> 00:24:41,812 - People are just kinda at a loss to-- 511 00:24:41,881 --> 00:24:44,281 And their imagination is runnin' wild. 512 00:24:44,350 --> 00:24:47,751 They don't know if, you know, this is a serial killer 513 00:24:47,820 --> 00:24:49,954 Out there on the loose or anything like that. 514 00:24:51,490 --> 00:24:53,490 - As doug's funeral approaches, 515 00:24:53,558 --> 00:24:55,893 The team makes the decision to attend, 516 00:24:55,961 --> 00:24:57,694 Both to pay their respects 517 00:24:57,763 --> 00:25:00,463 And watch for anything suspicious. 518 00:25:00,533 --> 00:25:03,000 In a small town like dacula, 519 00:25:03,068 --> 00:25:07,137 The killer very likely lives among them. 520 00:25:07,206 --> 00:25:09,340 - In investigating homicide cases, 521 00:25:09,408 --> 00:25:11,241 It's common for law enforcement 522 00:25:11,310 --> 00:25:13,477 To attend funerals of victims. 523 00:25:13,545 --> 00:25:15,846 They wanna see who comes there. 524 00:25:15,914 --> 00:25:19,350 A lot of times killers will go back to the funeral. 525 00:25:19,418 --> 00:25:22,219 It's part of their-- part of their ritual, 526 00:25:22,287 --> 00:25:23,887 And so the police wanna be there 527 00:25:23,889 --> 00:25:26,590 To observe people's reactions. 528 00:25:28,727 --> 00:25:31,428 - The funeral is packed. 529 00:25:31,496 --> 00:25:32,796 There's people 530 00:25:32,798 --> 00:25:35,098 That they've known all their lifetime. 531 00:25:35,167 --> 00:25:41,338 They're just support through this really tough time. 532 00:25:41,406 --> 00:25:43,040 - Police observed kelly, 533 00:25:43,108 --> 00:25:47,311 And she was described as acting oddly. 534 00:25:47,379 --> 00:25:49,547 Now, I don't know how or what the best way 535 00:25:49,615 --> 00:25:51,381 To grieve for a loved one is, 536 00:25:51,450 --> 00:25:54,351 But whatever it was, she wasn't doin' it. 537 00:25:54,419 --> 00:25:57,555 They were suspicious in that she didn't seem 538 00:25:57,623 --> 00:26:01,625 To be genuine in her grief. 539 00:26:03,529 --> 00:26:05,563 It seemed to be sort of a show. 540 00:26:05,631 --> 00:26:08,031 Even the family noticed it. 541 00:26:08,033 --> 00:26:09,667 - And here there's enough red flags 542 00:26:09,669 --> 00:26:12,369 That they're kind of wondering, 543 00:26:12,437 --> 00:26:13,770 "what did kelly do? 544 00:26:13,839 --> 00:26:16,206 What did kelly know?" 545 00:26:16,275 --> 00:26:19,576 - While kelly's actions during the funeral are unusual, 546 00:26:19,644 --> 00:26:22,413 Doug's parents approach investigators afterward 547 00:26:22,481 --> 00:26:25,248 To explain this isn't the first time 548 00:26:25,250 --> 00:26:27,918 She's made them suspicious. 549 00:26:27,987 --> 00:26:30,220 - Doug's parents learned 550 00:26:30,289 --> 00:26:32,189 That there is a life insurance policy 551 00:26:32,257 --> 00:26:34,224 That had been taken out not too terribly long 552 00:26:34,293 --> 00:26:36,527 Before doug died. 553 00:26:36,595 --> 00:26:40,397 - It's about $15,000 for the insurance policy. 554 00:26:40,399 --> 00:26:43,434 Kelly made sure she was the beneficiary. 555 00:26:43,502 --> 00:26:45,602 - Surprised at this revelation, 556 00:26:45,670 --> 00:26:48,405 Investigators were initially told by kelly 557 00:26:48,473 --> 00:26:51,542 That doug did not have any life insurance. 558 00:26:51,610 --> 00:26:54,978 - As the police learned about the insurance policy, 559 00:26:55,047 --> 00:26:58,681 They learned about her odd behavior at the funeral. 560 00:26:58,683 --> 00:27:00,283 They took the routine step 561 00:27:00,285 --> 00:27:03,453 Of getting a subpoena issued for telephone records. 562 00:27:03,522 --> 00:27:06,957 - As detectives pore through kelly's phone records, 563 00:27:07,025 --> 00:27:08,692 They find a set of calls 564 00:27:08,761 --> 00:27:10,561 From the night doug disappeared 565 00:27:10,629 --> 00:27:12,429 That catches their eye. 566 00:27:12,497 --> 00:27:13,830 - There was quite a few phone calls 567 00:27:13,899 --> 00:27:17,400 Between kelly and greg owen. 568 00:27:17,469 --> 00:27:19,136 [suspenseful music] 569 00:27:19,204 --> 00:27:20,970 - They learned that during the time 570 00:27:21,040 --> 00:27:24,174 That doug was missing that they had been in contact 571 00:27:24,243 --> 00:27:25,942 More than 40 times 572 00:27:26,011 --> 00:27:28,579 And that kelly usually initiated the calls. 573 00:27:28,647 --> 00:27:31,915 - Why would kelly call greg owen, 574 00:27:31,984 --> 00:27:33,417 Someone who allegedly threatened 575 00:27:33,485 --> 00:27:35,719 To hurt her husband dozens of times, 576 00:27:35,787 --> 00:27:38,489 The night doug was killed? 577 00:27:38,557 --> 00:27:41,558 - In fact, she had made numerous calls to him, 578 00:27:41,627 --> 00:27:43,060 And he had made numerous calls, 579 00:27:43,128 --> 00:27:46,129 Most importantly, on the night of the murder. 580 00:27:46,198 --> 00:27:50,100 The insurance policy just adds to the potential motive 581 00:27:50,169 --> 00:27:52,102 For the crime. 582 00:27:52,171 --> 00:27:53,870 - Armed with damning phone records 583 00:27:53,939 --> 00:27:55,572 And a clear motive, 584 00:27:55,640 --> 00:27:57,307 Police move kelly gissendaner 585 00:27:57,376 --> 00:27:59,643 To the top of the suspect list. 586 00:27:59,711 --> 00:28:01,512 - My thoughts were that she's involved 587 00:28:01,580 --> 00:28:02,946 In this somehow. 588 00:28:02,948 --> 00:28:09,953 ♪ ♪ 589 00:28:15,693 --> 00:28:17,994 [unsettling music] 590 00:28:18,063 --> 00:28:20,297 ♪ ♪ 591 00:28:20,365 --> 00:28:22,265 - Detectives investigating the murder 592 00:28:22,267 --> 00:28:24,634 Of doug gissendaner, 593 00:28:24,636 --> 00:28:28,872 Who was killed in the woods just outside atlanta, 594 00:28:28,940 --> 00:28:30,774 Have learned that his wife, kelly, 595 00:28:30,776 --> 00:28:33,510 Was in constant communication with her ex-boyfriend, 596 00:28:33,579 --> 00:28:37,281 Greg owen, the night doug was killed. 597 00:28:39,584 --> 00:28:42,385 - They knew that somebody was not tellin' 'em the truth. 598 00:28:42,454 --> 00:28:46,222 They decided which of these three targets, 599 00:28:46,292 --> 00:28:49,692 Kelly, gregory owen, or ricky lee barrett, 600 00:28:49,762 --> 00:28:51,594 Is the best to approach 601 00:28:51,596 --> 00:28:55,566 And show them the evidence that we had so far 602 00:28:55,634 --> 00:28:58,535 And why we thought they were lying. 603 00:28:58,537 --> 00:29:00,270 [tense music] 604 00:29:00,339 --> 00:29:03,240 - Ricky lee barrett had served as owen's alibi 605 00:29:03,308 --> 00:29:05,575 For the night doug was killed, 606 00:29:05,644 --> 00:29:07,678 So detectives bring him back in 607 00:29:07,746 --> 00:29:10,481 And demand he come clean 608 00:29:10,549 --> 00:29:14,050 Or risk being charged with lying to police. 609 00:29:14,119 --> 00:29:16,887 - After some time, he eventually broke down 610 00:29:16,955 --> 00:29:19,222 And said that the alibi that he had provided 611 00:29:19,291 --> 00:29:21,058 For gregory owen was false. 612 00:29:22,961 --> 00:29:25,362 Specifically, ricky lee barrett said 613 00:29:25,430 --> 00:29:29,432 That greg owen left the house around 9:00 p.M. 614 00:29:29,501 --> 00:29:32,235 And didn't come home until 8:00 a.M.-- 615 00:29:32,237 --> 00:29:34,070 And, of course, we knew 616 00:29:34,139 --> 00:29:39,409 That the murder had occurred after 9:00 on the 7th-- 617 00:29:39,478 --> 00:29:41,311 And that when he came back, 618 00:29:41,380 --> 00:29:43,980 He was acting kind of oddly, 619 00:29:44,049 --> 00:29:47,317 And so that cracked that. 620 00:29:48,853 --> 00:29:50,186 - And the friend further said 621 00:29:50,188 --> 00:29:53,824 Greg asked for the lie to be told to the police. 622 00:29:55,060 --> 00:29:59,095 - Once ricky lee barrett gave up on the alibi, 623 00:29:59,164 --> 00:30:03,500 Then the next step was to bring gregory owen in 624 00:30:03,502 --> 00:30:07,704 And confront him with the fact that he didn't have an alibi. 625 00:30:07,772 --> 00:30:09,339 By that time, they had 626 00:30:09,408 --> 00:30:11,141 A lot more ammunition to work with. 627 00:30:11,209 --> 00:30:13,243 They had the phone records. 628 00:30:15,013 --> 00:30:18,181 - Two detectives went and got greg owen 629 00:30:18,250 --> 00:30:20,283 And brought him to the police department 630 00:30:20,285 --> 00:30:22,152 And got the phone records and put 'em all together 631 00:30:22,220 --> 00:30:23,920 In front of him. 632 00:30:23,989 --> 00:30:26,289 - Faced with ricky lee's statement 633 00:30:26,358 --> 00:30:28,158 And kelly's phone records, 634 00:30:28,227 --> 00:30:30,560 Owen tells detectives he'll come clean 635 00:30:30,629 --> 00:30:33,630 And tell them what really happened. 636 00:30:33,698 --> 00:30:38,435 - Greg owen confessed to killing doug gissendaner. 637 00:30:38,503 --> 00:30:41,038 ♪ ♪ 638 00:30:41,106 --> 00:30:45,775 - Greg said that he and kelly had never broken up. 639 00:30:45,777 --> 00:30:49,913 - Greg maintains that kelly got back with doug 640 00:30:49,981 --> 00:30:52,983 Simply because she wanted money. 641 00:30:53,051 --> 00:30:55,151 She wanted him to buy her a house. 642 00:30:55,220 --> 00:30:57,253 She wanted to have all sorts of stuff 643 00:30:57,322 --> 00:30:59,022 With his life insurance policy. 644 00:31:00,459 --> 00:31:04,394 - He said that the whole idea was kelly's, 645 00:31:04,463 --> 00:31:06,363 That the way that they could be together was 646 00:31:06,431 --> 00:31:08,799 To get rid of doug. 647 00:31:08,867 --> 00:31:11,068 She was afraid that there was gonna be 648 00:31:11,136 --> 00:31:13,837 Some custodial issues with the kids. 649 00:31:13,905 --> 00:31:15,572 She was afraid she was gonna lose the house 650 00:31:15,640 --> 00:31:19,042 If they divorced, and so for some reason, 651 00:31:19,110 --> 00:31:21,879 She decided that divorce was not an option 652 00:31:21,947 --> 00:31:23,814 And that she had greg owen, 653 00:31:23,882 --> 00:31:26,383 Who was willing to kill doug. 654 00:31:26,451 --> 00:31:28,819 - Owen then takes detectives through the night 655 00:31:28,887 --> 00:31:30,287 Of the murder. 656 00:31:30,355 --> 00:31:33,056 - It was kind of a half-assed plan 657 00:31:33,058 --> 00:31:35,091 That they pulled together that night 658 00:31:35,160 --> 00:31:36,593 And then pulled it off. 659 00:31:36,661 --> 00:31:39,429 - What he told us is that kelly went 660 00:31:39,498 --> 00:31:41,097 And picked him up in his trailer 661 00:31:41,166 --> 00:31:43,433 And brought him back to her house, 662 00:31:43,502 --> 00:31:46,436 And she got dressed and went out with the girls 663 00:31:46,505 --> 00:31:49,572 And left greg in their house by himself. 664 00:31:49,574 --> 00:31:54,878 - And he sat there in the dark until doug came home. 665 00:31:56,981 --> 00:31:59,049 And once doug came home, 666 00:31:59,117 --> 00:32:00,617 He pulled a knife on him... 667 00:32:02,855 --> 00:32:05,021 And held it to his throat 668 00:32:05,090 --> 00:32:06,857 And marched him back to the car. 669 00:32:08,761 --> 00:32:10,326 Once he got him in the car, 670 00:32:10,395 --> 00:32:13,330 He made him drive up to the location 671 00:32:13,398 --> 00:32:15,999 Where the car was found. 672 00:32:16,067 --> 00:32:19,669 Then he made doug get out of the car 673 00:32:19,671 --> 00:32:21,038 And walk into the woods, 674 00:32:21,106 --> 00:32:23,640 At which point he had a nightstick. 675 00:32:23,708 --> 00:32:26,343 ♪ ♪ 676 00:32:26,411 --> 00:32:29,780 He hit him several times with the nightstick, 677 00:32:29,848 --> 00:32:31,315 And he went to his knees. 678 00:32:33,752 --> 00:32:35,151 And then he stabbed him. 679 00:32:35,153 --> 00:32:40,623 ♪ ♪ 680 00:32:40,692 --> 00:32:42,925 - And then he left doug up in the woods, 681 00:32:42,995 --> 00:32:44,861 Came back with doug's car, 682 00:32:44,930 --> 00:32:47,163 And went to a pay phone 683 00:32:47,232 --> 00:32:50,300 And dialed kelly that everything had been done. 684 00:32:50,369 --> 00:32:53,837 So she told him to get some gasoline 685 00:32:53,905 --> 00:32:55,906 And set the car on fire. 686 00:32:55,974 --> 00:33:03,045 ♪ ♪ 687 00:33:03,047 --> 00:33:07,950 Kelly had picked him up and took him back to the house. 688 00:33:07,952 --> 00:33:11,187 - Owen explains that kelly was not only the mastermind, 689 00:33:11,256 --> 00:33:14,124 But she provided him with the weapons used 690 00:33:14,192 --> 00:33:15,592 To kill her husband. 691 00:33:15,660 --> 00:33:18,060 - She's the one who brought up the nightstick, 692 00:33:18,062 --> 00:33:19,428 And she said, "I have the nightstick. 693 00:33:19,430 --> 00:33:20,563 Why don't you use that on him?" 694 00:33:20,632 --> 00:33:22,866 And he said, "well, I have a pocketknife." 695 00:33:22,934 --> 00:33:25,702 - She was this grieving wife 696 00:33:25,771 --> 00:33:27,737 Concerned about her husband. 697 00:33:27,806 --> 00:33:30,473 It is unthinkable to imagine 698 00:33:30,542 --> 00:33:32,542 That a wife would kill her husband 699 00:33:32,611 --> 00:33:34,844 For as little as kelly did. 700 00:33:34,913 --> 00:33:38,481 - My mother finally found that good, stable person 701 00:33:38,550 --> 00:33:41,351 In doug, but she still wanted the bad boy, 702 00:33:41,420 --> 00:33:42,885 And that's what she found in greg. 703 00:33:42,887 --> 00:33:45,522 And I guess that just took over a little more 704 00:33:45,590 --> 00:33:48,090 Than actually having a stable life. 705 00:33:48,092 --> 00:33:51,995 - We arrested greg for murder and kidnapping. 706 00:33:52,063 --> 00:33:54,230 - After owen made his confession, 707 00:33:54,299 --> 00:33:58,035 The police went and obtained an arrest warrant 708 00:33:58,103 --> 00:33:59,836 And a search warrant for her home 709 00:33:59,904 --> 00:34:01,504 And arrested kelly gissendaner 710 00:34:01,573 --> 00:34:03,607 For the murder of doug gissendaner. 711 00:34:03,675 --> 00:34:08,311 ♪ ♪ 712 00:34:08,313 --> 00:34:10,180 - With kelly gissendaner under arrest 713 00:34:10,248 --> 00:34:11,914 For the murder of her husband, 714 00:34:11,916 --> 00:34:14,450 Investigators confront her with owen's statement 715 00:34:14,519 --> 00:34:17,654 That she masterminded doug's murder, 716 00:34:17,722 --> 00:34:21,724 But kelly tells a vastly different tale than owen. 717 00:34:21,726 --> 00:34:24,460 - Kelly's basic posture was that she wasn't involved, 718 00:34:24,529 --> 00:34:27,397 That greg did it on his own. 719 00:34:27,465 --> 00:34:28,965 She didn't have anything to do with it. 720 00:34:29,033 --> 00:34:30,200 She didn't tell him to do it. 721 00:34:30,268 --> 00:34:32,835 She didn't encourage him to do it. 722 00:34:32,905 --> 00:34:35,172 She didn't help plan it. 723 00:34:35,240 --> 00:34:37,640 - While kelly insists she played no role 724 00:34:37,709 --> 00:34:38,941 In her husband's murder, 725 00:34:39,011 --> 00:34:41,511 Detectives aren't buying it. 726 00:34:41,580 --> 00:34:43,379 - Kelly was the brains of the outfit. 727 00:34:43,448 --> 00:34:44,881 She's the one who put it together. 728 00:34:44,949 --> 00:34:48,284 Gregory owen is not the sharpest pencil in the box. 729 00:34:48,353 --> 00:34:50,353 - As prosecutors build their case 730 00:34:50,355 --> 00:34:53,023 Against kelly gissendaner and greg owen, 731 00:34:53,091 --> 00:34:57,293 They uncover several witnesses with damning testimony. 732 00:34:57,362 --> 00:34:59,295 - They had some of the statements 733 00:34:59,364 --> 00:35:01,231 That different people had made, 734 00:35:01,299 --> 00:35:06,169 Both that kelly had made and that owen had made. 735 00:35:06,171 --> 00:35:08,438 She made a statement to one of her friends 736 00:35:08,506 --> 00:35:11,141 That she was gonna use doug's credit and money 737 00:35:11,209 --> 00:35:12,775 To buy the house, 738 00:35:12,777 --> 00:35:15,645 And then she was gonna "get rid of him." 739 00:35:15,714 --> 00:35:18,448 The insurance money would just be a bonus. 740 00:35:18,517 --> 00:35:21,451 - As da danny porter approaches trial, 741 00:35:21,520 --> 00:35:24,186 He knows the evidence he had against kelly, 742 00:35:24,188 --> 00:35:27,057 The alleged mastermind, may not be enough 743 00:35:27,125 --> 00:35:28,658 To secure a conviction. 744 00:35:28,727 --> 00:35:31,894 - What we had at that point was a strong case 745 00:35:31,964 --> 00:35:34,230 Against gregory owen, 746 00:35:34,299 --> 00:35:38,801 But a much weaker case against kelly gissendaner. 747 00:35:38,803 --> 00:35:40,370 Greg was just the bullet. 748 00:35:40,438 --> 00:35:41,972 Kelly was the gun. 749 00:35:42,040 --> 00:35:45,141 And so we decided 750 00:35:45,210 --> 00:35:47,644 That the lesser of two evils would be 751 00:35:47,712 --> 00:35:50,213 To make an agreement with gregory owen 752 00:35:50,281 --> 00:35:53,283 To testify against kelly, 'cause she was the one 753 00:35:53,351 --> 00:35:56,552 That really needed to be convicted. 754 00:35:56,554 --> 00:35:59,055 - Greg owen pleads guilty to murder 755 00:35:59,123 --> 00:36:01,091 And is sentenced to life in prison 756 00:36:01,159 --> 00:36:03,693 With a possibility of parole. 757 00:36:03,762 --> 00:36:06,162 With owen serving as a key witness, 758 00:36:06,230 --> 00:36:08,898 The da's office informs kelly's defense team 759 00:36:08,967 --> 00:36:10,166 That if convicted, 760 00:36:10,235 --> 00:36:12,168 She could face the death penalty. 761 00:36:12,236 --> 00:36:14,437 - I felt like given the fact 762 00:36:14,506 --> 00:36:18,107 That doug gissendaner was the perfect example 763 00:36:18,176 --> 00:36:20,076 Of an innocent victim, 764 00:36:20,145 --> 00:36:23,646 Kelly had so many other options other than murder, 765 00:36:23,715 --> 00:36:27,383 And that she dragged greg owen into it, 766 00:36:27,452 --> 00:36:28,951 I thought that the case qualified 767 00:36:29,021 --> 00:36:29,886 For the death penalty. 768 00:36:29,954 --> 00:36:33,990 ♪ ♪ 769 00:36:34,058 --> 00:36:36,325 - In November 1998, 770 00:36:36,327 --> 00:36:38,929 Kelly gissendaner goes on trial 771 00:36:38,997 --> 00:36:41,263 For the murder of her husband. 772 00:36:41,265 --> 00:36:42,832 - The jurors were people who could relate 773 00:36:42,901 --> 00:36:44,234 To kelly gissendaner. 774 00:36:44,302 --> 00:36:46,035 They were women and they were white. 775 00:36:46,104 --> 00:36:48,270 - The jury goes back. 776 00:36:48,272 --> 00:36:50,340 It doesn't take long to deliberate 777 00:36:50,408 --> 00:36:54,844 Before kelly is convicted of murdering her husband. 778 00:36:54,846 --> 00:36:58,180 - In that moment, that was the biggest pill to swallow, 779 00:36:58,182 --> 00:36:59,950 Was to know that she actually did it. 780 00:37:00,018 --> 00:37:04,354 - But the sentencing phase proves to be more complicated. 781 00:37:04,422 --> 00:37:07,323 - She and her lawyers believed that a gwinnett county jury 782 00:37:07,392 --> 00:37:10,626 Would never, ever, ever sentence a mom of three 783 00:37:10,695 --> 00:37:12,261 To death. 784 00:37:12,331 --> 00:37:14,764 - Kelly gissendaner's relatives were visibly upset 785 00:37:14,833 --> 00:37:16,099 As they left the courtroom. 786 00:37:16,167 --> 00:37:18,200 They had spent the day begging jurors 787 00:37:18,202 --> 00:37:20,136 To spare the 30-year-old mother's life 788 00:37:20,205 --> 00:37:22,505 For the sake of her three kids. 789 00:37:24,009 --> 00:37:25,742 - I'll be the first one to tell somebody 790 00:37:25,810 --> 00:37:28,077 She should've spent the rest of her life in prison. 791 00:37:28,146 --> 00:37:31,247 Do I think she should be executed? 792 00:37:31,316 --> 00:37:33,183 No. 793 00:37:33,251 --> 00:37:35,184 - There were a lot of reasons 794 00:37:35,186 --> 00:37:36,519 That people were interested in this. 795 00:37:36,588 --> 00:37:38,221 She was a mother. 796 00:37:38,289 --> 00:37:40,923 She had not committed the crime herself. 797 00:37:40,992 --> 00:37:43,193 She had planned it, and she was a woman. 798 00:37:43,261 --> 00:37:45,594 The united states doesn't execute women. 799 00:37:45,664 --> 00:37:50,767 Only 14 women out of, you know, 15,000 people executed 800 00:37:50,835 --> 00:37:52,234 Had been women, 801 00:37:52,304 --> 00:37:55,605 And georgia had not executed a woman in 70 years. 802 00:37:55,673 --> 00:37:58,541 [suspenseful music] 803 00:37:58,610 --> 00:38:05,415 ♪ ♪ 804 00:38:06,750 --> 00:38:12,221 - Mother of three kelly gissendaner 805 00:38:12,223 --> 00:38:13,823 Has just been convicted 806 00:38:13,825 --> 00:38:16,859 Of masterminding the murder of her husband, doug. 807 00:38:16,928 --> 00:38:19,929 [ominous music] 808 00:38:19,931 --> 00:38:23,066 ♪ ♪ 809 00:38:23,134 --> 00:38:25,101 She now awaits her sentencing, 810 00:38:25,169 --> 00:38:27,603 Where a gwinnett county jury 811 00:38:27,672 --> 00:38:29,772 Could give her the death penalty. 812 00:38:29,841 --> 00:38:33,109 - Georgia just had not executed a woman in a long time, 813 00:38:33,177 --> 00:38:35,845 So I knew it was gonna get a lot of attention 814 00:38:35,914 --> 00:38:37,279 Nationally and internationally. 815 00:38:37,281 --> 00:38:40,516 - On November 20th, 1998, 816 00:38:40,585 --> 00:38:42,651 Two days after kelly gissendaner 817 00:38:42,721 --> 00:38:44,253 Was found guilty of murder, 818 00:38:44,255 --> 00:38:45,822 The court receives word 819 00:38:45,890 --> 00:38:48,892 That the jury has reached a verdict on her sentence. 820 00:39:00,071 --> 00:39:03,439 - At the end of the day after trial, 821 00:39:03,508 --> 00:39:05,942 The jury found the aggravating circumstance, 822 00:39:06,010 --> 00:39:10,613 And they imposed the sentence of death on kelly gissendaner. 823 00:39:10,682 --> 00:39:13,783 - I do remember that day. 824 00:39:13,852 --> 00:39:15,385 It was my fifth birthday. 825 00:39:15,453 --> 00:39:16,953 I just couldn't believe it, man. 826 00:39:17,021 --> 00:39:19,856 Like, to sit there and watch tv 827 00:39:19,924 --> 00:39:25,128 And to know that that's my mother. 828 00:39:25,196 --> 00:39:27,830 Like, I gotta live the rest of my life with this. 829 00:39:27,899 --> 00:39:30,566 - When sentencing came around, 830 00:39:30,635 --> 00:39:31,834 Death penalty, 831 00:39:31,836 --> 00:39:35,905 You know, we all went, "good call." 832 00:39:35,974 --> 00:39:38,741 And then, you know, let it go, 833 00:39:38,743 --> 00:39:40,977 'cause we knew it was gonna be years down the road 834 00:39:41,045 --> 00:39:44,680 Till the sentence was carried out. 835 00:39:44,749 --> 00:39:48,450 - In the united states, all death sentences by law 836 00:39:48,452 --> 00:39:51,087 Are granted an automatic appeal. 837 00:39:51,155 --> 00:39:53,856 - And once the death sentence was imposed, 838 00:39:53,925 --> 00:39:55,725 There's an automatic appeal 839 00:39:55,794 --> 00:39:57,927 To the georgia supreme court, 840 00:39:57,996 --> 00:40:02,265 And the georgia supreme court upheld her death sentence. 841 00:40:02,333 --> 00:40:04,800 - While kelly gissendaner sits on death row, 842 00:40:04,869 --> 00:40:08,138 Waiting for her sentence to be carried out, 843 00:40:08,206 --> 00:40:11,140 Her children must deal with the fallout. 844 00:40:11,209 --> 00:40:13,843 - I hated her because I looked at it 845 00:40:13,912 --> 00:40:17,513 As, "you pretty much ruined my life. 846 00:40:17,582 --> 00:40:20,516 "you were selfish. You did what you did, 847 00:40:20,585 --> 00:40:22,485 "but only solely for you, 848 00:40:22,553 --> 00:40:25,488 Not carin' about the three kids you had at home." 849 00:40:25,557 --> 00:40:30,626 - Kelly remains on death row for 18 years. 850 00:40:30,695 --> 00:40:33,062 - All of kelly's appeals were denied, 851 00:40:33,131 --> 00:40:35,397 And the death date was set. 852 00:40:35,467 --> 00:40:38,467 - We're 24 hours away from the planned execution 853 00:40:38,469 --> 00:40:40,637 Of the only woman on georgia's death row. 854 00:40:40,639 --> 00:40:42,838 - Shortly before kelly gissendaner 855 00:40:42,907 --> 00:40:44,574 Is scheduled to be executed, 856 00:40:44,642 --> 00:40:47,910 Her children visit her for the last time. 857 00:40:47,912 --> 00:40:49,712 - An officer kept comin' in. "y'all got five minutes, 858 00:40:49,781 --> 00:40:51,514 Y'all got three minutes," you know, to let us know 859 00:40:51,583 --> 00:40:54,650 That we didn't have much time left with her. 860 00:40:54,719 --> 00:40:56,886 [somber music] 861 00:40:56,955 --> 00:40:59,289 [sighs] I looked my mother in the face. 862 00:40:59,357 --> 00:41:04,260 And I said, "it's been 15 years." 863 00:41:04,329 --> 00:41:06,129 I said, "you've pled innocent all the way up until 864 00:41:06,197 --> 00:41:07,863 "this point, mother. 865 00:41:07,932 --> 00:41:09,599 "do you really want us goin' the rest of our lives 866 00:41:09,667 --> 00:41:11,133 Without knowin' the truth?" 867 00:41:11,135 --> 00:41:13,102 She looked us all three in the face 868 00:41:13,171 --> 00:41:16,606 And told us everything that they said that she did, 869 00:41:16,674 --> 00:41:18,741 Everything that they said that she had a part of, 870 00:41:18,743 --> 00:41:21,477 She did it. 871 00:41:21,546 --> 00:41:24,180 She finally fessed up and told us the truth. 872 00:41:25,950 --> 00:41:29,018 In that moment, there was a lot of emotions that hit me: 873 00:41:29,087 --> 00:41:32,888 Relief, anger, hatred. 874 00:41:32,957 --> 00:41:35,425 Like, in that moment, I'm literally sitting there 875 00:41:35,493 --> 00:41:37,694 Like, "you've lied to me my whole life. 876 00:41:37,762 --> 00:41:41,497 My whole life, I've been lied to by you." 877 00:41:41,499 --> 00:41:45,502 - The warden reads out the order of execution, 878 00:41:45,570 --> 00:41:50,239 And then asked if she had any final words, 879 00:41:50,308 --> 00:41:54,210 And she began to sing "amazing grace." 880 00:41:56,580 --> 00:42:01,851 And they began administering the lethal chemical. 881 00:42:01,919 --> 00:42:03,353 - She started to sing, 882 00:42:03,421 --> 00:42:07,790 And it was a-- it was a sweet, high voice. 883 00:42:07,859 --> 00:42:09,859 And she got through the first stanza, 884 00:42:09,927 --> 00:42:10,926 And then it stopped. 885 00:42:10,995 --> 00:42:13,395 It drifted away as she died, 886 00:42:13,397 --> 00:42:16,532 But she got through one verse of "amazing grace" 887 00:42:16,601 --> 00:42:18,534 Before she passed on, 888 00:42:18,603 --> 00:42:22,004 And I'd never witnessed anything like that. 889 00:42:22,006 --> 00:42:24,373 - The pain I felt those two days, 890 00:42:24,375 --> 00:42:27,076 I mean, I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. 891 00:42:27,145 --> 00:42:29,845 I had my mother taken from me 892 00:42:29,914 --> 00:42:32,081 By the state of georgia. 893 00:42:32,150 --> 00:42:33,849 But losing my father was probably one 894 00:42:33,918 --> 00:42:36,753 Of the hardest things. 895 00:42:36,821 --> 00:42:43,593 ♪ ♪ 896 00:42:47,031 --> 00:42:50,099 - My feelings on this case is, if kelly did not want 897 00:42:50,168 --> 00:42:51,968 To be married to doug gissendaner, 898 00:42:52,036 --> 00:42:54,937 All she had to do was divorce him. 899 00:42:55,006 --> 00:42:57,974 What this ended up doin'-- leavin' three orphaned kids 900 00:42:58,042 --> 00:42:59,909 To be raised by their family 901 00:42:59,977 --> 00:43:03,046 And with no mother and father. 902 00:43:05,049 --> 00:43:08,150 - If you would have ever met doug, 903 00:43:08,219 --> 00:43:09,318 You would've been his friend. 904 00:43:09,387 --> 00:43:12,288 He would have helped anybody out 905 00:43:12,357 --> 00:43:14,891 With any situation that he possibly could. 906 00:43:14,959 --> 00:43:16,693 He would give you the shirt off his back. 907 00:43:16,695 --> 00:43:18,595 You know, 26 years later, 908 00:43:18,663 --> 00:43:22,965 I still think about how much... 909 00:43:22,967 --> 00:43:26,202 Of a friend doug was 910 00:43:26,270 --> 00:43:29,872 And how much we actually sat there and just talked. 911 00:43:32,143 --> 00:43:34,444 I miss those talks. 912 00:43:34,512 --> 00:43:41,284 ♪ ♪