1 00:00:07,607 --> 00:00:09,375 [tense music] 2 00:00:11,578 --> 00:00:14,613 - Cathy mcnaughton was a very well-loved lady. 3 00:00:14,681 --> 00:00:16,081 - She was enjoying retirement 4 00:00:16,183 --> 00:00:18,717 After 30 years with delta airlines. 5 00:00:18,785 --> 00:00:21,487 - She had a beautiful spirit. Everyone knew it. 6 00:00:22,623 --> 00:00:24,023 Everyone. 7 00:00:28,662 --> 00:00:30,562 - She had been stabbed 30 times. 8 00:00:30,630 --> 00:00:32,297 [camera shutters] 9 00:00:32,366 --> 00:00:35,134 - Clearly, this was evil embodied. 10 00:00:38,372 --> 00:00:41,206 - We didn't have a ton of forensic evidence. 11 00:00:41,208 --> 00:00:44,709 - The investigators found papers and writings, she had written, 12 00:00:44,778 --> 00:00:46,945 "threatened to kill me three times." 13 00:00:47,013 --> 00:00:48,447 - Who would be the type of person 14 00:00:48,515 --> 00:00:50,482 That would commit this type of heinous crime? 15 00:00:50,551 --> 00:00:52,584 [intense music] 16 00:01:16,376 --> 00:01:18,543 - [narrator] atlanta is home to a wide array 17 00:01:18,545 --> 00:01:23,314 Of thriving industries such as tech, aviation, and media. 18 00:01:23,316 --> 00:01:25,550 And while these professionals make their fortunes 19 00:01:25,552 --> 00:01:27,352 In the big city, 20 00:01:27,421 --> 00:01:31,456 Many settle down in tiny hamlets just outside of town, 21 00:01:31,525 --> 00:01:33,525 Like sharpsburg. 22 00:01:34,061 --> 00:01:36,428 - Sharpsburg is a really popular area for the people 23 00:01:36,497 --> 00:01:39,664 Who come to atlanta for different executive jobs. 24 00:01:39,733 --> 00:01:43,368 We have a lot of large corporate companies, amazon, 25 00:01:43,436 --> 00:01:46,238 Coca-cola, delta. 26 00:01:46,306 --> 00:01:48,840 - It's primarily professionals, doctors, 27 00:01:48,842 --> 00:01:51,710 Lawyers, executives, and a lot of 28 00:01:51,778 --> 00:01:55,247 Those professionals value having their suburban lifestyle 29 00:01:55,315 --> 00:01:57,749 That's quiet compared to the hustle 30 00:01:57,751 --> 00:01:59,918 And bustle of downtown atlanta. 31 00:02:00,588 --> 00:02:05,356 - [narrator] but on the day after valentine's day, 2009, 32 00:02:05,358 --> 00:02:09,528 This quaint haven of just 350 people would descend 33 00:02:09,596 --> 00:02:14,266 From heartwarming holiday into bone-chilling tragedy 34 00:02:14,401 --> 00:02:16,502 With a frantic 911 call. 35 00:02:28,415 --> 00:02:31,382 - On Sunday, February 15th, 2009, 36 00:02:31,452 --> 00:02:34,653 911 received a phone call from a gentleman stating 37 00:02:34,721 --> 00:02:37,022 That he had come home and found his wife unresponsive 38 00:02:37,224 --> 00:02:38,423 In the house. 39 00:02:53,407 --> 00:02:55,373 [siren blaring] 40 00:02:55,442 --> 00:02:57,508 - Our deputies were the first to respond 41 00:02:57,510 --> 00:02:59,344 To the 911 call. 42 00:02:59,479 --> 00:03:00,979 - When you first enter the home, 43 00:03:01,047 --> 00:03:05,183 It's a little eerie, just looks like a normal home, 44 00:03:05,252 --> 00:03:07,418 But you don't make it very far into this home 45 00:03:07,420 --> 00:03:09,555 Before you find the office where she was found. 46 00:03:11,692 --> 00:03:14,526 - First person they encounter is alec mcnaughton. 47 00:03:14,594 --> 00:03:17,662 - [narrator] 60-year-old alec mcnaughton, the homeowner 48 00:03:17,731 --> 00:03:20,965 And 911 caller, sits on the floor next 49 00:03:20,967 --> 00:03:23,735 To his wife, cathy mcnaughton. 50 00:03:23,804 --> 00:03:26,004 [tense music] 51 00:03:29,976 --> 00:03:33,478 - The deputies saw a really bloody, violent crime scene. 52 00:03:38,051 --> 00:03:41,520 There was no hope of helping mrs. Mcnaughton. 53 00:03:41,588 --> 00:03:43,589 She was already clearly deceased. 54 00:03:46,360 --> 00:03:49,460 - When the deputies realized that there was definite signs 55 00:03:49,462 --> 00:03:50,662 Of foul play, 56 00:03:50,731 --> 00:03:52,764 They did call the criminal investigations team 57 00:03:52,833 --> 00:03:53,999 And they responded. 58 00:03:55,435 --> 00:03:57,702 - Alec mcnaughton was very cooperative. 59 00:03:57,771 --> 00:03:59,471 Of course, we wanna speak with him 60 00:03:59,539 --> 00:04:02,874 To learn about his wife, who might have hurt her. 61 00:04:02,876 --> 00:04:04,009 - [narrator] alec mcnaughton is taken 62 00:04:04,077 --> 00:04:08,513 To headquarters while detectives begin their investigation. 63 00:04:10,217 --> 00:04:11,616 - There was cast off, 64 00:04:11,618 --> 00:04:14,919 Which is blood spatter slung across the wall. 65 00:04:15,589 --> 00:04:18,390 You could see that it was a brutal attack. 66 00:04:20,427 --> 00:04:24,596 - The medical examiner counted 31 distinct stab wounds 67 00:04:24,665 --> 00:04:26,531 On cathy's body. 68 00:04:26,533 --> 00:04:28,400 [intense music] 69 00:04:28,468 --> 00:04:30,602 - Cathy had stab wounds to her back. 70 00:04:30,671 --> 00:04:33,572 She had also had stab wounds to the front. 71 00:04:33,640 --> 00:04:36,808 We determined that she was sitting at her desk working 72 00:04:36,877 --> 00:04:38,710 When she was attacked from the rear. 73 00:04:38,779 --> 00:04:41,846 She turns, and then she was attacked from the front. 74 00:04:41,915 --> 00:04:43,915 - [narrator] the team ascertains from the state 75 00:04:43,984 --> 00:04:48,186 Of cathy's body that she's been dead for eight hours. 76 00:04:48,254 --> 00:04:50,188 - We're thinking she's murdered around noon 77 00:04:50,257 --> 00:04:51,623 Or shortly thereafter. 78 00:04:52,759 --> 00:04:54,492 - Cathy had defensive wounds. 79 00:04:54,494 --> 00:04:58,663 So this must have been an obviously terrifying few moments 80 00:04:58,732 --> 00:04:59,731 Before she was deceased. 81 00:04:59,800 --> 00:05:01,766 [intense music] 82 00:05:01,835 --> 00:05:04,436 - A knife makes it personal, meaning 83 00:05:04,571 --> 00:05:07,605 That cathy was probably involved with a killer due 84 00:05:07,674 --> 00:05:09,441 To the fact that it was overkill. 85 00:05:11,311 --> 00:05:15,814 An intruder would not stab an individual that many times. 86 00:05:15,882 --> 00:05:16,915 This type of crime in sharpsburg, 87 00:05:16,983 --> 00:05:19,484 Georgia is unusual and is not very common. 88 00:05:21,054 --> 00:05:23,955 - Whoever perpetrated this crime was someone filled 89 00:05:24,024 --> 00:05:25,957 With rage. 90 00:05:25,959 --> 00:05:30,429 And that rage was taken out on cathy mcnaughton that day. 91 00:05:31,865 --> 00:05:34,299 Clearly, this was evil embodied. 92 00:05:34,901 --> 00:05:38,870 - These crimes affect us as humans. 93 00:05:38,939 --> 00:05:40,538 You know, there's just a human 94 00:05:40,540 --> 00:05:42,441 Behind all these uniforms and badges. 95 00:05:43,810 --> 00:05:45,410 So now we're gonna be looking for any weapon 96 00:05:45,545 --> 00:05:47,145 That could have been used in the murder. 97 00:05:47,214 --> 00:05:49,947 [tense music] 98 00:05:50,417 --> 00:05:53,385 I was helping take dna samples from blood, 99 00:05:53,520 --> 00:05:54,953 Like the blood splatter, 100 00:05:55,021 --> 00:05:58,056 And then samples from different areas to see is all 101 00:05:58,124 --> 00:06:00,592 Of the blood present from one person. 102 00:06:00,660 --> 00:06:02,961 - We didn't know if all of that blood was cathy's, if some 103 00:06:03,029 --> 00:06:05,063 Of that was the perpetrator's. 104 00:06:05,732 --> 00:06:08,600 - [narrator] the team finds no obvious murder weapon near 105 00:06:08,668 --> 00:06:11,769 The body, but they collect several kitchen knives 106 00:06:11,771 --> 00:06:14,472 For testing, then fan out to search 107 00:06:14,608 --> 00:06:16,474 The rest of the mcnaughton home. 108 00:06:16,610 --> 00:06:18,509 [intense music] 109 00:06:18,512 --> 00:06:20,378 - The back door had been left unlocked, 110 00:06:20,547 --> 00:06:22,513 But there was no forced entry. 111 00:06:22,516 --> 00:06:24,515 - There were valuables in this home. 112 00:06:24,518 --> 00:06:27,785 She had a very sporty red volvo 113 00:06:27,854 --> 00:06:29,587 That was still sitting in the garage. 114 00:06:29,589 --> 00:06:31,622 They had a vintage pickup truck 115 00:06:31,624 --> 00:06:33,524 That was still in the driveway. 116 00:06:33,526 --> 00:06:36,027 Cathy mcnaughton was still wearing her gold 117 00:06:36,029 --> 00:06:38,296 And diamond jewelry. 118 00:06:38,364 --> 00:06:40,998 So at this point, it didn't appear 119 00:06:41,068 --> 00:06:42,434 That robbery was the motive. 120 00:06:42,569 --> 00:06:45,136 - The scene of the crime was basically isolated 121 00:06:45,205 --> 00:06:48,540 To the office where cathy was working. 122 00:06:48,675 --> 00:06:51,576 - [narrator] after finding no obvious evidence left behind 123 00:06:51,644 --> 00:06:55,013 By the killer, the team fans out and speaks with neighbors. 124 00:06:55,081 --> 00:06:58,016 [tense music] 125 00:06:58,084 --> 00:07:00,619 - You're just looking for anything out of the ordinary 126 00:07:00,621 --> 00:07:03,721 That somebody might have seen that afternoon. 127 00:07:03,790 --> 00:07:09,361 - It's a nice, quiet area where people keep to themselves. 128 00:07:09,429 --> 00:07:12,497 So it's not unusual that they might not have seen anything 129 00:07:12,633 --> 00:07:14,900 Because the homes are kind of spaced out. 130 00:07:14,968 --> 00:07:17,969 - The investigators receive different information, 131 00:07:18,038 --> 00:07:21,773 But not anything pertinent the night of the incident. 132 00:07:23,009 --> 00:07:24,876 - [narrator] as detectives desperately try 133 00:07:24,945 --> 00:07:27,746 To track down leads in this senseless killing, 134 00:07:29,115 --> 00:07:31,315 News of cathy's murder spreads 135 00:07:31,385 --> 00:07:33,017 Through the tiny atlanta suburb. 136 00:07:33,086 --> 00:07:34,719 [somber music] 137 00:07:34,788 --> 00:07:36,621 - I heard that she had been killed. 138 00:07:37,724 --> 00:07:39,858 I was sick to my stomach. 139 00:07:39,926 --> 00:07:41,059 I couldn't... 140 00:07:41,127 --> 00:07:43,828 I couldn't believe it. I was in shock. 141 00:07:43,830 --> 00:07:46,264 I didn't believe it. I just didn't want to. 142 00:07:48,368 --> 00:07:51,235 Cathy made everyone laugh. 143 00:07:51,237 --> 00:07:54,272 She lit up the room. 144 00:07:54,541 --> 00:07:55,773 She shined. 145 00:07:55,842 --> 00:07:57,809 She had a beautiful spirit. 146 00:07:57,811 --> 00:08:00,512 Everyone knew it. Everyone. 147 00:08:01,848 --> 00:08:03,414 It's unfair, what happened. 148 00:08:03,616 --> 00:08:05,283 It was very unfair. 149 00:08:05,352 --> 00:08:06,818 She didn't deserve that. 150 00:08:09,155 --> 00:08:10,989 She didn't. 151 00:08:11,491 --> 00:08:13,724 - Cathy mcnaughton's two adult daughters were 152 00:08:13,726 --> 00:08:15,994 Obviously quite devastated to hear the news 153 00:08:16,062 --> 00:08:17,896 That she had been killed. 154 00:08:17,964 --> 00:08:19,798 They were all very close. 155 00:08:22,703 --> 00:08:24,736 Cathy was raised in north carolina, 156 00:08:24,804 --> 00:08:27,905 And then she traveled to atlanta where she started working 157 00:08:27,974 --> 00:08:31,910 For delta for 30 years before retiring. 158 00:08:32,512 --> 00:08:36,214 - [narrator] cathy was one of over 42,000 atlantans employed 159 00:08:36,216 --> 00:08:38,216 By delta airlines. 160 00:08:38,284 --> 00:08:41,119 In 2004, she met prominent lawyer 161 00:08:41,187 --> 00:08:44,222 And divorced father of two, alec mcnaughton. 162 00:08:44,824 --> 00:08:47,992 Cathy immediately became smitten. 163 00:08:48,061 --> 00:08:51,129 - Cathy learned after meeting alec online, 164 00:08:51,197 --> 00:08:52,530 An online dating site, 165 00:08:52,732 --> 00:08:55,399 That alec mcnaughton had a prestigious career 166 00:08:55,469 --> 00:08:57,802 As a top attorney in oklahoma. 167 00:08:57,871 --> 00:09:00,671 His law partner actually represented 168 00:09:00,674 --> 00:09:04,108 The oklahoma bomber, timothy mcveigh. 169 00:09:04,110 --> 00:09:07,311 - Alec really cared for cathy. 170 00:09:07,313 --> 00:09:11,082 Cathy felt like alec was the guy 171 00:09:11,151 --> 00:09:13,785 Because they had a blast together. 172 00:09:13,853 --> 00:09:16,954 They were having the best time ever. 173 00:09:17,023 --> 00:09:19,691 She seemed extremely happy. 174 00:09:20,960 --> 00:09:22,527 - They dated only about six months, 175 00:09:22,595 --> 00:09:25,030 And then they got married pretty quickly. 176 00:09:26,566 --> 00:09:28,266 - [narrator] at the time of cathy's murder, 177 00:09:28,334 --> 00:09:31,937 She and alec had been married for four and a half years. 178 00:09:33,740 --> 00:09:35,173 - Who would be the type of person 179 00:09:35,241 --> 00:09:37,108 That would come in sometime midday 180 00:09:37,177 --> 00:09:39,577 And commit this type of heinous crime? 181 00:09:39,779 --> 00:09:40,678 - Who knew cathy? 182 00:09:40,814 --> 00:09:42,614 Who would she let into the home? 183 00:09:42,649 --> 00:09:45,750 She wouldn't be alarmed by them being in the home, 184 00:09:45,885 --> 00:09:47,919 And obviously, one of the first people 185 00:09:47,987 --> 00:09:49,387 Was alec mcnaughton himself. 186 00:09:58,131 --> 00:10:00,999 - [narrator] investigators sit down with alec mcnaughton 187 00:10:01,067 --> 00:10:05,470 To see what he might know about his wife's murder. 188 00:10:05,538 --> 00:10:07,138 - Of course, we were going to learn 189 00:10:07,207 --> 00:10:09,340 What we can about the victim 190 00:10:09,409 --> 00:10:12,744 And their spouse, their family, who's close to them. 191 00:10:12,879 --> 00:10:14,278 What are those relationships like? 192 00:10:14,347 --> 00:10:16,815 - The first person you have to rule out is the husband, 193 00:10:16,817 --> 00:10:19,083 The person that's closest to her. 194 00:10:19,085 --> 00:10:21,753 - Many times when a spouse is murdered, 195 00:10:21,888 --> 00:10:24,789 It is usually the other spouse that was involved. 196 00:10:27,127 --> 00:10:29,627 [dramatic music] 197 00:10:29,762 --> 00:10:31,796 - Cathy's ex-husband flew into town 198 00:10:31,798 --> 00:10:32,931 The weekend of the murder. 199 00:10:35,135 --> 00:10:37,268 - During the interview, we noticed a cut on his hand. 200 00:10:37,337 --> 00:10:40,838 If someone is stabbing someone, their hands can slip 201 00:10:40,907 --> 00:10:42,607 And be cut on the knife. 202 00:10:42,675 --> 00:10:45,876 - Investigators found papers and writings. 203 00:10:45,878 --> 00:10:50,581 It's clear from cathy's own hand, she's been threatened. 204 00:10:50,650 --> 00:10:52,183 - Cathy's almost speaking from the grave. 205 00:10:52,252 --> 00:10:52,350 [intense music] 206 00:10:52,451 --> 00:11:02,394 [intense music] 207 00:11:08,334 --> 00:11:11,068 - [narrator] the coweta county homicide team is speaking 208 00:11:11,137 --> 00:11:12,736 With alec mcnaughton, 209 00:11:12,739 --> 00:11:16,074 Who discovered the brutally stabbed body of his wife, cathy, 210 00:11:16,142 --> 00:11:18,777 In their suburban atlanta home. 211 00:11:41,901 --> 00:11:44,869 - Mr. Mcnaughton, from the beginning, 212 00:11:45,004 --> 00:11:47,005 Was cooperative with police. 213 00:11:47,073 --> 00:11:50,141 He freely talked about what happened that day, 214 00:11:50,210 --> 00:11:53,311 And he said he wanted to find the person 215 00:11:53,379 --> 00:11:55,046 Who had committed this crime. 216 00:11:56,717 --> 00:11:59,083 - So when we began talking with alec mcnaughton, 217 00:11:59,085 --> 00:12:01,052 Of course, we are gonna ask him where he was. 218 00:12:10,730 --> 00:12:13,231 - Alec told us cathy was working from home 219 00:12:13,299 --> 00:12:14,232 And he went to sandy springs 220 00:12:14,300 --> 00:12:17,969 Or north atlanta to spend the day with his mother. 221 00:12:25,912 --> 00:12:27,846 - From sharpsburg to sandy springs, 222 00:12:27,848 --> 00:12:31,715 It's probably around a 45 minute ride, about 50 miles. 223 00:12:31,717 --> 00:12:34,585 - He took his mother for a barbecue lunch 224 00:12:34,654 --> 00:12:36,154 And he called his wife 225 00:12:36,222 --> 00:12:40,758 And told her that he was gonna bring her some barbecue home 226 00:12:40,894 --> 00:12:43,094 And he was checking to make sure that she was okay. 227 00:12:54,040 --> 00:12:57,308 - Alec said he arrived home around 7:30 228 00:12:57,377 --> 00:13:00,911 To find his wife on the floor, covered in blood 229 00:13:00,914 --> 00:13:03,447 With apparent stab wounds. 230 00:13:03,449 --> 00:13:06,417 - Alec was, matter of fact, he did not cry. 231 00:13:06,486 --> 00:13:09,320 He did not seem to be a very emotional person, 232 00:13:09,389 --> 00:13:11,256 And basically told about their day. 233 00:13:12,692 --> 00:13:15,059 - He said he went to atlanta to see his mom. 234 00:13:15,128 --> 00:13:18,162 So we did follow up on that to see 235 00:13:18,164 --> 00:13:19,531 What his mother had to say. 236 00:13:20,901 --> 00:13:23,200 She told us he had been up there for a visit 237 00:13:23,269 --> 00:13:26,838 And that they had gone to eat, so it checked out. 238 00:13:26,973 --> 00:13:30,274 - His mother says, this is an innocent man trying 239 00:13:30,343 --> 00:13:34,212 To find out who could have done this to his wife. 240 00:13:34,280 --> 00:13:35,880 - [narrator] the team also recovers 241 00:13:36,015 --> 00:13:38,883 The message alec left for cathy on their home phone. 242 00:13:57,403 --> 00:13:59,671 - [narrator] with alec's alibi checking out, 243 00:13:59,873 --> 00:14:01,139 Police release him 244 00:14:02,475 --> 00:14:05,309 And begin looking into cathy's life to see 245 00:14:05,378 --> 00:14:07,645 Who might have a motive to kill her. 246 00:14:07,714 --> 00:14:09,547 [intense music] 247 00:14:09,615 --> 00:14:12,183 - She had been stabbed 30 times. 248 00:14:12,251 --> 00:14:14,185 That many stab wounds suggest 249 00:14:14,253 --> 00:14:16,920 To authorities a crime of passion. 250 00:14:16,923 --> 00:14:19,256 And so, authorities are looking not just for someone 251 00:14:19,325 --> 00:14:20,924 Who knows cathy, 252 00:14:20,927 --> 00:14:25,096 But someone who has a close personal relationship with her, 253 00:14:25,164 --> 00:14:27,865 And they may have some reason to be upset with her. 254 00:14:27,867 --> 00:14:30,167 - [narrator] investigators reach out to cathy's friends 255 00:14:30,236 --> 00:14:33,938 And family to get a sense of who might commit such a brutal 256 00:14:34,074 --> 00:14:35,874 And personal crime against her. 257 00:14:37,043 --> 00:14:39,443 - We start interviewing family members. 258 00:14:39,779 --> 00:14:42,079 We interviewed her two daughters. 259 00:14:42,148 --> 00:14:44,181 We talked to her previous coworkers 260 00:14:44,250 --> 00:14:45,416 Before she had retired. 261 00:14:45,485 --> 00:14:47,418 We interviewed friends. 262 00:14:48,088 --> 00:14:52,189 - When police were speaking with family members, 263 00:14:52,258 --> 00:14:57,428 They spoke about gary mendenhall, cathy's ex-husband. 264 00:14:57,497 --> 00:14:59,563 So that piqued their interest. 265 00:14:59,632 --> 00:15:01,031 - [narrator] cathy and gary, 266 00:15:01,033 --> 00:15:03,434 Who also worked in the aviation industry, 267 00:15:03,503 --> 00:15:06,537 Had been married for 21 years. 268 00:15:06,973 --> 00:15:08,806 - He had long since been divorced from cathy 269 00:15:08,875 --> 00:15:11,509 And lived in another state. 270 00:15:12,212 --> 00:15:15,847 With an ex-husband, you don't know what their feelings are, 271 00:15:16,049 --> 00:15:18,149 If they still have some connection to the person 272 00:15:18,217 --> 00:15:20,918 Or want to have a connection with the person. 273 00:15:21,521 --> 00:15:23,655 - [narrator] detectives ask cathy's loved ones 274 00:15:23,723 --> 00:15:24,988 About mendenhall, 275 00:15:24,991 --> 00:15:28,426 And while nobody recalls any violent episodes, 276 00:15:28,494 --> 00:15:31,529 Cathy's daughter remembers a striking fact 277 00:15:31,597 --> 00:15:33,397 About her parents. 278 00:15:33,399 --> 00:15:36,800 - Cathy and gary mendenhall's wedding anniversary 279 00:15:36,870 --> 00:15:41,805 Was valentine's day, and cathy was stabbed to death the day 280 00:15:42,008 --> 00:15:44,342 After valentine's day. 281 00:15:44,877 --> 00:15:46,143 - [narrator] but the wedding anniversary isn't 282 00:15:46,212 --> 00:15:50,714 The only coincidence the team learns from cathy's daughter. 283 00:15:51,351 --> 00:15:55,186 - Gary mendenhall was in town the day of the murder. 284 00:15:56,122 --> 00:15:58,889 That alone makes him a suspect 285 00:15:58,958 --> 00:16:01,692 Because he still had some connection to cathy mcnaughton. 286 00:16:01,761 --> 00:16:04,528 - He flew into town the weekend of the murder. 287 00:16:04,530 --> 00:16:07,865 Their wedding anniversary was valentine's day, 288 00:16:07,933 --> 00:16:10,167 So they were really suspicious. 289 00:16:10,236 --> 00:16:12,103 They're wondering, is he disgruntled about this 290 00:16:12,171 --> 00:16:15,539 And flew into town for the purpose of killing her? 291 00:16:15,541 --> 00:16:17,508 [tense music] 292 00:16:17,577 --> 00:16:20,111 - [narrator] investigators track down mendenhall, 293 00:16:20,179 --> 00:16:24,148 Who is still in town, and bring him in for questioning. 294 00:16:24,150 --> 00:16:26,517 - Investigators wanted to find out, 295 00:16:26,586 --> 00:16:29,353 What's your current relationship with cathy mcnaughton? 296 00:16:29,355 --> 00:16:32,957 Do you have any romantic interest still in her? 297 00:16:33,026 --> 00:16:36,527 Do you have a reason that you would be upset with her, 298 00:16:36,596 --> 00:16:39,464 That you might want to do harm to her? 299 00:16:52,278 --> 00:16:54,411 - [narrator] but the date of cathy's murder isn't 300 00:16:54,480 --> 00:16:57,982 The only red flag that jumps out at the detectives. 301 00:17:02,221 --> 00:17:03,521 - During the interview with gary, 302 00:17:03,589 --> 00:17:05,589 We noticed a cut on his hand. 303 00:17:06,126 --> 00:17:10,494 - A suspect who's engaged in a crime of stabbing like this, 304 00:17:10,563 --> 00:17:13,264 They're holding the knife, it's bloody, it's messy. 305 00:17:13,332 --> 00:17:17,701 It's not uncommon for someone to be cut in that process 306 00:17:17,770 --> 00:17:21,072 Beyond just the victim, that being the perpetrator. 307 00:17:21,207 --> 00:17:22,372 - Could this have been a wound 308 00:17:22,374 --> 00:17:25,342 That he'd received while possibly attacking cathy? 309 00:17:25,411 --> 00:17:25,510 [intense music] 310 00:17:25,643 --> 00:17:36,621 [intense music] 311 00:17:37,156 --> 00:17:39,557 - [narrator] coweta county detectives investigating 312 00:17:39,625 --> 00:17:42,426 The brutal stabbing death of a beloved mother of two, 313 00:17:42,495 --> 00:17:46,064 Cathy mcnaughton, in her suburban atlanta home, 314 00:17:46,198 --> 00:17:47,665 Have just discovered 315 00:17:47,733 --> 00:17:51,135 That her ex-husband has a suspicious cut on his hand. 316 00:17:55,074 --> 00:17:56,540 - If someone has a knife 317 00:17:56,542 --> 00:17:59,176 And they're stabbing someone, their hands could slip 318 00:17:59,245 --> 00:18:01,145 And could be cut on the knife 319 00:18:01,281 --> 00:18:03,448 Or it could be a possible defensive wound. 320 00:18:14,627 --> 00:18:16,326 - He said that he was helping 321 00:18:16,328 --> 00:18:18,129 To clean out his daughter's house, and that's what happened. 322 00:18:18,264 --> 00:18:21,665 - No one knew, myself or the investigators, on whether or not 323 00:18:21,734 --> 00:18:23,601 Gary mendenhall was telling the truth. 324 00:18:23,669 --> 00:18:26,670 - He flew into town the weekend that she was killed. 325 00:18:26,739 --> 00:18:30,474 He has a cut on his hand and he didn't have a good alibi. 326 00:18:30,542 --> 00:18:32,743 So gary mendenhall, at this point, is pretty high 327 00:18:32,812 --> 00:18:34,579 On the police suspect list. 328 00:18:47,260 --> 00:18:50,361 - Mr. Mendenhall explained his whereabouts that day 329 00:18:50,429 --> 00:18:53,797 And said he hadn't seen cathy mcnaughton. 330 00:18:54,366 --> 00:18:56,834 He had landed on that particular day 331 00:18:56,902 --> 00:18:58,802 And he was intending to see his daughter 332 00:18:58,871 --> 00:19:02,039 Who also lived in the atlanta area, cathy's daughter. 333 00:19:02,642 --> 00:19:06,510 Would it be possible for him to fly into atlanta 334 00:19:06,578 --> 00:19:09,613 And get to the home of sharpsburg, commit the crime, 335 00:19:09,682 --> 00:19:13,284 And then go and have dinner with his daughter? 336 00:19:13,352 --> 00:19:15,519 - [narrator] since cathy mcnaughton was killed 337 00:19:15,588 --> 00:19:17,555 Between noon and 2:30 pm, 338 00:19:17,623 --> 00:19:21,158 The team must scrutinize the timeline to determine whether 339 00:19:21,294 --> 00:19:23,895 Or not gary mendenhall could have killed cathy 340 00:19:24,163 --> 00:19:25,296 In that window. 341 00:19:25,364 --> 00:19:27,798 - The investigators got records that showed 342 00:19:27,867 --> 00:19:33,170 That gary mendenhall had flown in approximately 3:15 that day. 343 00:19:33,306 --> 00:19:37,141 He rented a car and went to his hotel. 344 00:19:37,276 --> 00:19:40,744 We got records associated with those things. 345 00:19:40,813 --> 00:19:42,580 - The fact that he was on an airplane 346 00:19:42,648 --> 00:19:46,083 And couldn't have been there, eliminated him totally. 347 00:19:46,285 --> 00:19:48,385 [tense music] 348 00:19:48,454 --> 00:19:49,653 - [narrator] with the elimination 349 00:19:49,722 --> 00:19:51,788 Of cathy's ex-husband, 350 00:19:51,858 --> 00:19:54,959 Police are back at square one. 351 00:19:55,027 --> 00:19:57,295 [somber music] 352 00:20:00,332 --> 00:20:03,266 Now, five days into the investigation, 353 00:20:03,269 --> 00:20:06,203 As the team continues their search for leads, 354 00:20:06,205 --> 00:20:08,806 Cathy mcnaughton's daughters and extended family 355 00:20:08,874 --> 00:20:12,343 Gather to lay her to rest. 356 00:20:12,411 --> 00:20:14,812 - There were tons of people there. 357 00:20:14,880 --> 00:20:16,814 Cathy was so loved. 358 00:20:16,882 --> 00:20:19,217 People came from everywhere. 359 00:20:19,351 --> 00:20:21,319 A lot of 'em were delta people. 360 00:20:22,488 --> 00:20:25,756 I was crying, fell to my knees, 361 00:20:25,825 --> 00:20:27,658 And I looked at her 362 00:20:27,727 --> 00:20:31,328 And she was no longer there. 363 00:20:31,330 --> 00:20:34,599 Her spirit, her bubbly personality, 364 00:20:35,701 --> 00:20:38,736 That wasn't her anymore. 365 00:20:38,804 --> 00:20:40,471 That was just a shell. 366 00:20:41,707 --> 00:20:43,541 She wasn't there anymore. 367 00:20:44,644 --> 00:20:46,243 - This is somebody's mother. 368 00:20:46,379 --> 00:20:48,679 This is somebody's wife, somebody's daughter. 369 00:20:49,915 --> 00:20:52,116 - She was a wonderful mom. 370 00:20:52,184 --> 00:20:56,920 I mean, you can't even express 371 00:20:56,989 --> 00:20:59,991 How she loved her kids. 372 00:21:00,693 --> 00:21:03,060 - [narrator] shortly after cathy's service, 373 00:21:03,128 --> 00:21:06,563 Investigators get word that forensic results are in 374 00:21:06,632 --> 00:21:08,699 From the crime scene. 375 00:21:08,768 --> 00:21:12,269 - The killer was very careful. 376 00:21:12,405 --> 00:21:14,372 There were no fingerprints other than those belonging 377 00:21:14,506 --> 00:21:18,341 To the victim and her husband, alec. 378 00:21:18,344 --> 00:21:19,810 - Of course, his fingerprints would be there. 379 00:21:19,879 --> 00:21:21,712 He lived in this house 380 00:21:21,781 --> 00:21:24,281 And we could find 1,000 of his fingerprints 381 00:21:24,417 --> 00:21:26,349 And it wouldn't tell us anything. 382 00:21:26,352 --> 00:21:28,852 - The crime scene specialist took blood samples 383 00:21:28,921 --> 00:21:31,388 Where cathy's body was discovered. 384 00:21:31,457 --> 00:21:36,460 - The forensic analysis of the crime scene told us 385 00:21:36,462 --> 00:21:38,362 All of that blood was cathy's. 386 00:21:38,497 --> 00:21:39,897 - [narrator] when tests reveal 387 00:21:39,965 --> 00:21:42,632 That none of the knives recovered from the scene 388 00:21:42,634 --> 00:21:45,603 Have dna evidence tying them to the murder, 389 00:21:45,671 --> 00:21:49,206 The search for the murder weapon continues. 390 00:21:49,409 --> 00:21:52,309 - This is one of those cases that we didn't have a ton 391 00:21:52,445 --> 00:21:54,411 Of forensic evidence. 392 00:21:54,413 --> 00:21:57,548 - What this case became about was, who had the motive? 393 00:21:57,616 --> 00:22:00,451 Who had the opportunity, the means 394 00:22:00,519 --> 00:22:02,786 At the time cathy mcnaughton died? 395 00:22:03,522 --> 00:22:07,224 - [narrator] with no indicting forensics or viable suspects, 396 00:22:07,293 --> 00:22:09,660 Investigators are at a standstill. 397 00:22:09,729 --> 00:22:12,429 So they turn to the media for help. 398 00:22:12,431 --> 00:22:14,998 - We'd asked the local news to put this story out, 399 00:22:15,067 --> 00:22:16,967 And we were asking for any leads. 400 00:22:16,969 --> 00:22:20,638 Anybody that knew any information to come forward. 401 00:22:20,706 --> 00:22:23,941 - [narrator] tips start pouring in the same day. 402 00:22:24,009 --> 00:22:26,610 And one of them from a former delta coworker 403 00:22:26,612 --> 00:22:29,613 Of cathy's piques investigators' interest. 404 00:22:29,682 --> 00:22:31,815 - A gentleman named jerome langford 405 00:22:31,817 --> 00:22:32,883 Called the sheriff's office. 406 00:22:32,952 --> 00:22:35,486 He was an acquaintance, a friend of cathy mcnaughton's, 407 00:22:35,554 --> 00:22:38,722 Had recently had an encounter with her. 408 00:22:38,790 --> 00:22:40,591 - They had worked in the same department 409 00:22:40,659 --> 00:22:43,560 At delta's atlanta headquarters for two years 410 00:22:43,629 --> 00:22:46,229 During which they had become friends. 411 00:22:46,966 --> 00:22:50,601 Jerome said that he met with cathy mcnaughton about 10 days 412 00:22:50,669 --> 00:22:52,369 Before she was murdered. 413 00:22:52,371 --> 00:22:55,706 - During their encounter, which was a little odd, 414 00:22:55,775 --> 00:22:58,576 Cathy told him that she was planning on leaving alec. 415 00:22:59,845 --> 00:23:01,979 Mr. Langford's statement stood out 416 00:23:02,047 --> 00:23:05,583 Because mcnaughton, alec, was telling us 417 00:23:05,585 --> 00:23:07,651 How wonderful their relationship was, 418 00:23:07,653 --> 00:23:10,488 And they were so in love and everything's so perfect. 419 00:23:11,490 --> 00:23:12,756 - And so, at this point, 420 00:23:12,825 --> 00:23:15,726 Police saw that as a possible motive. 421 00:23:15,795 --> 00:23:18,261 So they're wondering, "can we believe anything 422 00:23:18,263 --> 00:23:19,563 That he says?" 423 00:23:19,632 --> 00:23:21,732 [intense music] 424 00:23:21,801 --> 00:23:25,769 - This disposable camera had a number of pictures on it 425 00:23:25,771 --> 00:23:27,338 That had never been developed. 426 00:23:29,742 --> 00:23:31,242 It was startling. 427 00:23:31,411 --> 00:23:34,044 She had been bruised and beaten. 428 00:23:34,614 --> 00:23:37,148 - He appeared to be cold, calculated, 429 00:23:37,216 --> 00:23:39,749 Manipulative, and a narcissist. 430 00:23:39,819 --> 00:23:41,518 - I was terrified of him. 431 00:23:41,587 --> 00:23:44,688 He is a psychopath, no doubt. 432 00:23:44,922 --> 00:23:49,659 [intense music] 433 00:23:49,660 --> 00:23:54,397 [intense music] 434 00:23:58,037 --> 00:24:00,437 - [narrator] coweta county detectives investigating 435 00:24:00,573 --> 00:24:01,638 The brutal murder 436 00:24:01,707 --> 00:24:05,575 Of former delta airlines employee cathy mcnaughton, 437 00:24:05,577 --> 00:24:08,779 Who was stabbed to death in her suburban atlanta home, 438 00:24:08,847 --> 00:24:12,449 Received a tip from a friend of cathy's who saw her shortly 439 00:24:12,585 --> 00:24:14,818 Before she was killed. 440 00:24:15,154 --> 00:24:17,587 - They met at the airport in atlanta at a food court, 441 00:24:17,589 --> 00:24:19,289 And they had a conversation. 442 00:24:19,959 --> 00:24:21,658 - She begins to talk about the fact 443 00:24:21,727 --> 00:24:24,161 That she's having problems in her marriage. 444 00:24:24,830 --> 00:24:28,199 - She had made the comment to mr. Langford 445 00:24:28,267 --> 00:24:30,401 That she's going to divorce alec. 446 00:24:32,337 --> 00:24:34,504 Cathy had told mr. Langford 447 00:24:34,506 --> 00:24:37,240 That she had refinanced her house to pay off most 448 00:24:37,310 --> 00:24:38,576 Of alec's debt. 449 00:24:39,945 --> 00:24:43,080 - We learned that there was a deep financial strain 450 00:24:43,148 --> 00:24:46,550 And cathy was tired of supporting both her and alec, 451 00:24:46,619 --> 00:24:49,486 But she wasn't gonna give him another red dime. 452 00:24:49,488 --> 00:24:51,688 - [narrator] with alec mcnaughton credibility now 453 00:24:51,757 --> 00:24:54,792 In question, detectives conduct a deeper dive 454 00:24:54,860 --> 00:24:56,327 Into his background. 455 00:24:56,395 --> 00:24:59,930 They succeed in tracking down his ex-wife, susan knox, 456 00:25:01,100 --> 00:25:04,167 And she drops a bombshell. 457 00:25:04,236 --> 00:25:06,570 - Alec's ex-wife told investigators 458 00:25:06,705 --> 00:25:07,904 He had been violent with her 459 00:25:07,973 --> 00:25:11,408 And abusive with her in the past. 460 00:25:11,477 --> 00:25:14,177 - Mr. Mcnaughton and ms. Knox had a daughter 461 00:25:14,179 --> 00:25:16,747 And there was some kind of fight. 462 00:25:18,017 --> 00:25:19,616 And in that fight, 463 00:25:19,618 --> 00:25:22,986 Mr. Mcnaughton pulled out a shotgun. 464 00:25:23,055 --> 00:25:25,956 [intense music] 465 00:25:26,025 --> 00:25:28,759 And threatened to kill them and kill himself. 466 00:25:30,796 --> 00:25:33,997 He had cut the phone lines. 467 00:25:33,999 --> 00:25:35,999 - Now, we're finding out that he threatened 468 00:25:36,068 --> 00:25:37,534 To kill in his past. 469 00:25:37,670 --> 00:25:40,604 So these patterns of behavior start speaking 470 00:25:40,606 --> 00:25:43,640 To the character of the people you're dealing with. 471 00:25:43,709 --> 00:25:46,477 - [narrator] investigators reach out to police in oklahoma 472 00:25:46,612 --> 00:25:49,112 For the incident report and they discover 473 00:25:49,181 --> 00:25:52,749 A chilling 911 call made by alec's daughter 474 00:25:52,818 --> 00:25:54,251 On her cell phone. 475 00:26:09,868 --> 00:26:11,768 - A person who would threaten to kill their wife 476 00:26:11,837 --> 00:26:14,037 And child has anger issues 477 00:26:14,106 --> 00:26:16,874 And would be capable of doing anything. 478 00:26:16,942 --> 00:26:19,910 - [narrator] shocked by news of alec's violent past, 479 00:26:19,979 --> 00:26:22,045 Detectives reach out to his siblings 480 00:26:22,114 --> 00:26:25,983 To get a fuller picture of the supposed grieving widower. 481 00:26:27,520 --> 00:26:30,120 Investigators learn that alec was often tasked 482 00:26:30,189 --> 00:26:32,956 With babysitting his sisters. 483 00:26:32,958 --> 00:26:34,591 - Alec was in charge 484 00:26:34,593 --> 00:26:40,063 And that's when the severe, regular, daily torture 485 00:26:40,065 --> 00:26:45,402 And abuse began on myself and my siblings every day. 486 00:26:45,470 --> 00:26:48,605 - He would threaten us. He would hit us. 487 00:26:48,741 --> 00:26:52,475 He would lock us in bathrooms and not let us come out. 488 00:26:53,012 --> 00:26:56,813 Alec had many a times of choking me until I blacked out 489 00:26:56,882 --> 00:27:00,350 And then would let me fall downstairs unconscious. 490 00:27:01,019 --> 00:27:03,887 And he thought that was a really funny little thing to do. 491 00:27:04,990 --> 00:27:06,723 Alec would walk back 492 00:27:06,792 --> 00:27:09,360 And forth in front of us with a belt. 493 00:27:09,428 --> 00:27:12,830 [imitating belt popping] 494 00:27:12,898 --> 00:27:14,698 Would pop that belt and say, 495 00:27:14,833 --> 00:27:19,336 "remember, if you say a word, 496 00:27:20,038 --> 00:27:24,041 If you thought today was bad, tomorrow's gonna be worse." 497 00:27:24,109 --> 00:27:26,377 [intense music] 498 00:27:27,312 --> 00:27:28,912 So we never told. 499 00:27:31,751 --> 00:27:33,984 - [narrator] alec's siblings tell police they kept 500 00:27:34,053 --> 00:27:37,487 The violence they suffered a family secret. 501 00:27:37,556 --> 00:27:39,656 But it didn't end with them. 502 00:27:39,792 --> 00:27:42,159 - Alec has been married four times. 503 00:27:42,227 --> 00:27:46,763 Alec had beaten his first wife a number of times, 504 00:27:46,765 --> 00:27:51,735 And finally, when he cut her with a broken coke bottle, 505 00:27:51,871 --> 00:27:55,772 That's when she was like, "okay, it's time for me 506 00:27:55,774 --> 00:27:57,474 To save myself and get out. 507 00:27:58,110 --> 00:28:02,112 Alec threw the second wife into a glass table, 508 00:28:03,883 --> 00:28:07,684 And then, of course, alec's third wife divorced him 509 00:28:07,687 --> 00:28:10,954 When he tried to shoot her with the shotgun. 510 00:28:10,956 --> 00:28:14,024 When I heard that cathy had been murdered, 511 00:28:14,093 --> 00:28:17,027 I knew immediately alec had done it 512 00:28:17,096 --> 00:28:22,132 From all the near deaths that I had in his hands. 513 00:28:23,368 --> 00:28:24,635 I know he did it. 514 00:28:26,371 --> 00:28:29,106 - I remember thinking, he finally did it. 515 00:28:29,174 --> 00:28:32,575 I was not surprised, I was not shocked. 516 00:28:33,112 --> 00:28:35,913 Alec, my brother, is a psychopath. 517 00:28:36,982 --> 00:28:39,016 No doubt. 518 00:28:39,084 --> 00:28:41,851 - Once we interviewed family members of alec, 519 00:28:41,921 --> 00:28:45,189 It narrowed it down that alec was a violent person. 520 00:28:45,257 --> 00:28:48,992 - I think only an evil man could do that kind of thing 521 00:28:48,994 --> 00:28:52,462 To his other wives and the family too. 522 00:28:52,931 --> 00:28:54,831 - I personally think someone who had threatened 523 00:28:54,900 --> 00:28:59,736 To kill their wife or kid is capable of this type of murder. 524 00:28:59,872 --> 00:29:02,038 That is when we focus more 525 00:29:02,107 --> 00:29:04,974 Of our investigation towards alec. 526 00:29:05,044 --> 00:29:08,411 - [narrator] with these disturbing revelations, 527 00:29:08,413 --> 00:29:11,548 Police begin looking into alec's finances. 528 00:29:11,616 --> 00:29:14,351 Alec's family says that by the time he moved back 529 00:29:14,419 --> 00:29:17,420 To atlanta, he was broke. 530 00:29:17,489 --> 00:29:19,890 - Alec was extremely in debt. 531 00:29:20,025 --> 00:29:21,291 - Cathy did not know that 532 00:29:21,360 --> 00:29:25,428 Before they were married, that alec had lost everything. 533 00:29:25,430 --> 00:29:27,297 Alec was a conman. 534 00:29:27,366 --> 00:29:31,135 - Cathy was somewhat financially secure 535 00:29:31,203 --> 00:29:34,104 And there was a possibility that he had married her just 536 00:29:34,173 --> 00:29:37,407 For her financial resources. 537 00:29:38,010 --> 00:29:41,879 - I just feel like I could have tried to warn her more, 538 00:29:41,881 --> 00:29:44,180 But I was terrified of him. 539 00:29:44,249 --> 00:29:47,217 I have always been terrified of him for good reason. 540 00:29:48,887 --> 00:29:51,421 - Everything started pointing to alec, 541 00:29:52,024 --> 00:29:56,193 But alec's mom confirmed that they had met in sandy springs. 542 00:29:56,762 --> 00:30:00,363 So according to her, alec's alibi fit. 543 00:30:00,432 --> 00:30:03,200 - It's a pretty strong alibi 544 00:30:03,268 --> 00:30:06,036 Because he couldn't have been in two places at one time 545 00:30:07,272 --> 00:30:09,339 And they're not able to tie him 546 00:30:09,408 --> 00:30:12,342 With physical evidence to the scene. 547 00:30:12,411 --> 00:30:14,010 - [narrator] the team gets a warrant 548 00:30:14,079 --> 00:30:15,946 For alec's cell phone records, 549 00:30:16,081 --> 00:30:19,416 But it will take days before they come in. 550 00:30:19,484 --> 00:30:22,485 With alec now staying with his mother in sandy springs, 551 00:30:22,487 --> 00:30:25,889 Completely out of touch with police, detectives return 552 00:30:26,025 --> 00:30:29,192 To the mcnaughton home to look for anything 553 00:30:29,260 --> 00:30:31,228 That can shed light on cathy's murder. 554 00:30:31,296 --> 00:30:33,330 [tense music] 555 00:30:33,398 --> 00:30:36,834 - The investigators did a couple of searches of the house. 556 00:30:36,968 --> 00:30:40,937 In her closet, they found papers and writings 557 00:30:40,939 --> 00:30:44,274 That were in cathy's own hand that changed the case. 558 00:30:44,343 --> 00:30:47,177 [intense music] 559 00:30:47,179 --> 00:30:49,947 - We saw cathy's, in her own words, 560 00:30:49,949 --> 00:30:52,715 That alec had threatened to kill her. 561 00:30:53,485 --> 00:30:57,254 - In those notes, cathy's almost speaking from the grave. 562 00:30:57,322 --> 00:30:57,421 [intense music] 563 00:30:57,554 --> 00:31:08,632 [pensive music] 564 00:31:13,472 --> 00:31:15,038 - [narrator] coweta county detectives 565 00:31:15,106 --> 00:31:18,241 Just outside atlanta are searching the personal files 566 00:31:18,310 --> 00:31:21,044 Of cathy mcnaughton, in the suburban home 567 00:31:21,046 --> 00:31:23,446 Where she was savagely stabbed to death, 568 00:31:23,515 --> 00:31:27,083 And they've just made a stunning discovery. 569 00:31:27,152 --> 00:31:31,421 - Cathy had, on just a random sheet of paper, written, 570 00:31:31,490 --> 00:31:33,357 "threatened to kill me three times," 571 00:31:34,559 --> 00:31:38,294 So it's clear from cathy's own hand, 572 00:31:38,363 --> 00:31:39,762 Things are not great. 573 00:31:39,965 --> 00:31:41,097 She's been threatened 574 00:31:41,166 --> 00:31:45,736 And mr. Mcnaughton is a very violent man. 575 00:31:45,804 --> 00:31:47,237 - [narrator] not far from the papers 576 00:31:47,306 --> 00:31:51,742 Documenting alec's abuse, the team discovers a small camera. 577 00:31:51,810 --> 00:31:54,177 [tense music] 578 00:31:54,246 --> 00:31:57,981 - This disposable camera had a number of pictures on it. 579 00:31:58,117 --> 00:31:59,816 They had never been developed. 580 00:31:59,885 --> 00:32:02,118 - [narrator] investigators process the film 581 00:32:02,187 --> 00:32:05,055 And uncover some disturbing photos. 582 00:32:05,190 --> 00:32:07,957 [intense music] 583 00:32:07,960 --> 00:32:09,326 - It was startling. 584 00:32:11,496 --> 00:32:13,430 It was cathy mcnaughton 585 00:32:13,498 --> 00:32:16,199 And she had been bruised and beaten, 586 00:32:17,302 --> 00:32:20,403 And she'd saved that camera not knowing 587 00:32:20,472 --> 00:32:22,539 That it would become critical evidence 588 00:32:22,607 --> 00:32:25,442 In the case of her own murder. 589 00:32:29,280 --> 00:32:31,281 - During the course of this investigation, 590 00:32:31,349 --> 00:32:33,650 Our focus was turning towards alec, 591 00:32:33,718 --> 00:32:38,555 But alec's mom confirmed that they had met in sandy springs. 592 00:32:39,091 --> 00:32:42,693 So according to her, alec's alibi fit. 593 00:32:43,562 --> 00:32:46,296 - We know that at 2:33, 594 00:32:46,365 --> 00:32:50,433 Mr. Mcnaughton makes a phone call reporting 595 00:32:50,435 --> 00:32:52,235 That he's on the northside of atlanta, 596 00:32:52,237 --> 00:32:55,405 40 miles away, getting barbecue. 597 00:33:02,247 --> 00:33:06,716 - The voicemail, where was he when that call originated? 598 00:33:06,785 --> 00:33:10,487 Well, the cell phone records should tell us. 599 00:33:11,156 --> 00:33:12,489 - [narrator] detectives then get word 600 00:33:12,557 --> 00:33:15,458 That alec's cell phone records are in. 601 00:33:16,028 --> 00:33:19,562 The location data reveals where he was when he left 602 00:33:19,631 --> 00:33:22,132 The message for cathy. 603 00:33:22,200 --> 00:33:26,002 - Mr. Mcnaughton's cellular records show 604 00:33:26,071 --> 00:33:28,939 That call originated on tower 309, 605 00:33:29,007 --> 00:33:32,074 A couple miles from his home in sharpsburg 606 00:33:32,144 --> 00:33:35,145 Where cathy mcnaughton was found, 607 00:33:35,280 --> 00:33:37,614 Not 40 miles away in sandy springs. 608 00:33:37,682 --> 00:33:40,483 [ominous music] 609 00:33:40,819 --> 00:33:44,587 - Those phone records tied him back to the crime scene. 610 00:33:44,656 --> 00:33:47,223 It put him close to his home 611 00:33:47,292 --> 00:33:49,126 When he told us he was not there. 612 00:33:50,729 --> 00:33:53,430 - [narrator] and since police estimate cathy was killed 613 00:33:53,498 --> 00:33:58,501 Between noon and 2:30 pm, alec's phone puts him at his home 614 00:33:58,570 --> 00:34:01,271 Just after cathy was murdered. 615 00:34:01,339 --> 00:34:04,374 - We'd learned that alec had made numerous false statements. 616 00:34:04,443 --> 00:34:07,844 We had photographs of cathy beaten, 617 00:34:07,913 --> 00:34:10,013 And now the phone records. 618 00:34:10,482 --> 00:34:14,551 - The evidence all pointed to one place, 619 00:34:14,619 --> 00:34:18,121 That alec mcnaughton killed his wife. 620 00:34:20,525 --> 00:34:23,459 - [narrator] investigators formulate a theory as to how 621 00:34:23,528 --> 00:34:28,098 And why alec so brutally took cathy's life. 622 00:34:28,133 --> 00:34:31,434 - We felt that she might have told alec they were 623 00:34:31,503 --> 00:34:33,336 About to get divorced. 624 00:34:33,338 --> 00:34:36,272 She was in her office, working at her computer. 625 00:34:36,341 --> 00:34:38,741 We feel that alec came in on her. 626 00:34:38,810 --> 00:34:40,243 She would not have been surprised 627 00:34:40,312 --> 00:34:42,579 Because he was already there. 628 00:34:43,314 --> 00:34:47,183 - Investigators theorized that alec began stabbing her 629 00:34:47,319 --> 00:34:49,619 Based on the stab wounds 630 00:34:49,687 --> 00:34:52,422 And the way the chair was flipped over, 631 00:34:52,490 --> 00:34:55,625 And the fact that she was stabbed multiple times 632 00:34:55,694 --> 00:34:57,794 In an overkill fashion. 633 00:34:58,563 --> 00:35:02,432 - He formulated a plan, put that plan into action, 634 00:35:02,501 --> 00:35:06,436 And then thought, "I know, I'll call 911 635 00:35:06,504 --> 00:35:08,338 And I'll tell them I found my wife." 636 00:35:09,407 --> 00:35:10,507 That's evil. 637 00:35:13,311 --> 00:35:15,412 - [narrator] with alec's alibi busted, 638 00:35:15,480 --> 00:35:17,213 Detectives bring him back in 639 00:35:17,215 --> 00:35:21,618 For questioning, this time, as their prime suspect. 640 00:35:48,146 --> 00:35:50,180 - The problem with mr. Mcnaughton is he thought he 641 00:35:50,315 --> 00:35:51,982 Was smarter than everybody else. 642 00:35:52,050 --> 00:35:54,217 He thought he could talk his way out of this. 643 00:35:54,352 --> 00:35:57,220 So his explanation was simply, "the records are wrong. 644 00:35:57,355 --> 00:35:59,623 The records themselves were lying." 645 00:36:14,639 --> 00:36:16,673 - He thought that he could sell a story 646 00:36:16,741 --> 00:36:18,441 That the evidence contradicted. 647 00:36:52,410 --> 00:36:56,213 - While we were speaking, alec appeared to be cold, 648 00:36:56,347 --> 00:36:59,516 Calculated, manipulative, and a narcissist. 649 00:37:05,022 --> 00:37:10,376 [intense music] 650 00:37:10,377 --> 00:37:15,731 [pensive music] 651 00:37:16,267 --> 00:37:17,467 - [narrator] incriminating evidence 652 00:37:17,535 --> 00:37:20,136 Has convinced coweta county authorities 653 00:37:20,204 --> 00:37:23,506 That alec mcnaughton murdered his wife, cathy. 654 00:37:24,509 --> 00:37:26,909 - On February 27th, 2009, 655 00:37:26,978 --> 00:37:28,845 Alec mcnaughton is placed under arrest 656 00:37:28,913 --> 00:37:30,714 For the murder of cathy mcnaughton. 657 00:37:32,317 --> 00:37:35,317 - When police arrested alec mcnaughton two weeks 658 00:37:35,387 --> 00:37:37,687 After cathy's murder, it was a shock 659 00:37:37,756 --> 00:37:40,757 For cathy's two daughters, but also a relief to know 660 00:37:40,825 --> 00:37:43,526 That her killer would be facing a jury. 661 00:37:44,729 --> 00:37:48,731 - I felt relief when alec was arrested. 662 00:37:48,800 --> 00:37:53,703 I just felt like, you know, justice was gonna be served. 663 00:37:53,772 --> 00:37:57,741 I didn't even know that he was hitting her. 664 00:37:59,143 --> 00:38:02,845 She never told me that, ever. 665 00:38:02,914 --> 00:38:05,382 I don't know why she didn't speak up. 666 00:38:06,851 --> 00:38:08,752 Honest to god, I don't know why. 667 00:38:10,389 --> 00:38:13,756 - When he was arrested, my mother said, "oh, 668 00:38:13,758 --> 00:38:15,692 He could never do that. 669 00:38:15,760 --> 00:38:18,694 He didn't, I don't believe that. I don't believe that." 670 00:38:18,763 --> 00:38:21,264 And I said, "mom, I feel like he did it. 671 00:38:21,400 --> 00:38:25,134 For me, there was no shock, there was no surprise. 672 00:38:25,203 --> 00:38:27,003 I knew he was guilty. 673 00:38:27,606 --> 00:38:30,773 - [narrator] 18 months after the murder of cathy mcnaughton, 674 00:38:30,842 --> 00:38:32,809 Alec mcnaughton stands trial. 675 00:38:34,546 --> 00:38:38,381 - It was a circumstantial case, which is not as easy 676 00:38:38,383 --> 00:38:42,051 As a case that you have a bunch of eyewitnesses 677 00:38:42,053 --> 00:38:47,657 Or you have dna putting the person as the perpetrator. 678 00:38:47,725 --> 00:38:49,792 - [narrator] with no forensic evidence tying alec 679 00:38:49,861 --> 00:38:52,061 To the crime scene, prosecutors turn 680 00:38:52,130 --> 00:38:56,333 To his own family to establish his pattern of violence. 681 00:38:56,467 --> 00:39:00,437 - I testified against my brother, 682 00:39:00,439 --> 00:39:04,540 Whom I had been afraid of, terrified of my whole life, 683 00:39:04,542 --> 00:39:08,044 Because I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt 684 00:39:08,112 --> 00:39:10,046 That he had done that to cathy. 685 00:39:10,114 --> 00:39:13,416 I knew it in my gut, in my soul. 686 00:39:14,719 --> 00:39:16,819 - [narrator] after the prosecution rests, 687 00:39:16,821 --> 00:39:20,256 Alec mcnaughton's attorneys turns the courtroom 688 00:39:20,425 --> 00:39:22,725 When he calls alec to the stand. 689 00:39:22,794 --> 00:39:24,761 [tense music] 690 00:39:24,829 --> 00:39:27,196 - The jury was in high anticipation 691 00:39:27,265 --> 00:39:28,598 Of what he would say. 692 00:39:28,666 --> 00:39:31,501 - I did no such thing. That's a lie. 693 00:39:31,569 --> 00:39:34,403 - When mr. Mcnaughton testified, he said 694 00:39:34,473 --> 00:39:36,706 Everybody but mr. Mcnaughton was lying. 695 00:39:38,577 --> 00:39:40,510 Not only was it the investigators were lying, 696 00:39:40,578 --> 00:39:42,678 The ex-wives were lying. 697 00:39:42,747 --> 00:39:45,882 The records themselves were lying, it was all wrong. 698 00:39:47,785 --> 00:39:49,519 According to mr. Mcnaughton. 699 00:39:49,587 --> 00:39:53,790 - If alec had gotten out for any reason, 700 00:39:53,858 --> 00:39:55,958 I was gonna get in my car, call my husband, 701 00:39:56,027 --> 00:39:59,028 Leave everything, and disappear 702 00:39:59,097 --> 00:40:03,466 'cause alec threatened both of us that he would kill us, 703 00:40:03,601 --> 00:40:06,502 That there was nowhere we could go. 704 00:40:06,505 --> 00:40:10,372 - If alec was free, I was afraid he'd come try to kill me. 705 00:40:10,475 --> 00:40:12,175 I would get a concealed carry gun. 706 00:40:13,945 --> 00:40:16,146 That's how afraid I was of him. 707 00:40:16,881 --> 00:40:19,615 - [narrator] with palpable concerns of more violence 708 00:40:19,617 --> 00:40:23,019 If he is set free, the stakes are set. 709 00:40:23,087 --> 00:40:26,222 And on August 10th, 2010, 710 00:40:26,291 --> 00:40:30,026 Alec mcnaughton's jury reveals his fate. 711 00:40:30,562 --> 00:40:34,163 - The jury does not buy alec's defense. 712 00:40:34,232 --> 00:40:36,699 They find him guilty on two counts of murder 713 00:40:36,768 --> 00:40:38,968 And one count of aggravated assault. 714 00:40:39,037 --> 00:40:40,937 [tense music] 715 00:40:41,005 --> 00:40:42,805 - Mr. Mcnaughton was sentenced 716 00:40:42,874 --> 00:40:45,775 To life without the possibility of parole. 717 00:40:48,980 --> 00:40:50,913 - When he was convicted, 718 00:40:51,183 --> 00:40:54,784 There was just this unbelievable feeling. 719 00:40:56,420 --> 00:40:58,754 And you know, I cried 720 00:40:59,223 --> 00:41:02,859 Because what happened to cathy was wrong. 721 00:41:02,927 --> 00:41:05,962 It never should have happened, but it did. 722 00:41:07,966 --> 00:41:09,632 - [narrator] cathy's loved ones hope 723 00:41:09,634 --> 00:41:11,768 That her tragic killing can serve 724 00:41:11,836 --> 00:41:15,905 As a cautionary tale for other victims of domestic abuse. 725 00:41:17,108 --> 00:41:19,409 - By my telling my story, 726 00:41:19,611 --> 00:41:24,046 My hope is that it will encourage other people 727 00:41:24,115 --> 00:41:29,018 That might be living the same situation to come forward 728 00:41:29,087 --> 00:41:30,987 And let others know. 729 00:41:32,356 --> 00:41:34,757 - I have felt guilty. 730 00:41:34,759 --> 00:41:36,959 I should have warned cathy. 731 00:41:36,961 --> 00:41:40,629 The only reason I can think of is it was 732 00:41:40,632 --> 00:41:43,666 So ingrained in me from childhood, 733 00:41:43,735 --> 00:41:44,901 I was terrified of him. 734 00:41:44,969 --> 00:41:47,203 A lot of women think, well, that couldn't happen to me. 735 00:41:47,271 --> 00:41:50,773 Well, I'm here to tell you that it can and it does happen. 736 00:41:52,076 --> 00:41:54,511 - Remember what happened to cathy. 737 00:41:55,680 --> 00:41:58,714 If you're being abused, tell somebody. 738 00:41:58,783 --> 00:42:01,550 I know for a fact that's what she would want. 739 00:42:01,686 --> 00:42:04,153 [somber music] 740 00:42:04,723 --> 00:42:07,257 She had the most beautiful spirit. 741 00:42:08,993 --> 00:42:13,129 I loved her from the bottom of my heart, 742 00:42:13,598 --> 00:42:18,300 Cathy's life lives on through her daughters. 743 00:42:18,836 --> 00:42:23,839 They're making her spirit live on, 744 00:42:23,908 --> 00:42:26,509 Even though she's gone. 745 00:42:27,111 --> 00:42:30,146 You know, her glow, her happiness, her joy. 746 00:42:30,214 --> 00:42:32,549 [somber music]