1 00:00:07,474 --> 00:00:09,508 (dramatic music) 2 00:00:10,411 --> 00:00:12,478 (dramatic music) 3 00:00:17,885 --> 00:00:20,285 - I can't even fathom going to school, 4 00:00:20,354 --> 00:00:23,688 Coming back home and seeing my mother dead. 5 00:00:23,757 --> 00:00:26,658 - She had the 50 something stab wounds in her back. 6 00:00:28,695 --> 00:00:30,662 - And bite marks on her arm. 7 00:00:30,731 --> 00:00:32,797 - It had been a long, drawn out battle. 8 00:00:32,867 --> 00:00:35,334 - Everyone was feeling unsafe. 9 00:00:35,402 --> 00:00:38,103 No one could believe in the greater atlanta area 10 00:00:38,239 --> 00:00:40,639 That this gruesome murder had happened. 11 00:00:40,641 --> 00:00:42,407 (dramatic music) 12 00:00:42,409 --> 00:00:44,609 - She was a very loving mother and very caring mother. 13 00:00:44,678 --> 00:00:47,679 - They found out there is another man in nikki's life. 14 00:00:47,748 --> 00:00:51,283 - We couldn't get in contact with him. 15 00:00:51,619 --> 00:00:54,119 - Was it a lover's quarrel? 16 00:00:54,255 --> 00:00:57,722 - It had to be some crime of passion. 17 00:00:57,791 --> 00:00:59,491 - There was written notes that they had given 18 00:00:59,560 --> 00:01:01,126 To each other back and forth. 19 00:01:01,128 --> 00:01:03,562 - We discovered some video surveillance. 20 00:01:03,630 --> 00:01:05,430 - We still had to see why they were lying 21 00:01:05,499 --> 00:01:06,665 And what they were lying about. 22 00:01:06,733 --> 00:01:09,568 - No one could believe that and no one saw that coming. 23 00:01:11,738 --> 00:01:14,573 (suspenseful music) 24 00:01:28,589 --> 00:01:31,423 (suspenseful music) 25 00:01:33,426 --> 00:01:35,527 - [narrator] 24 miles east of atlanta, 26 00:01:35,596 --> 00:01:37,929 Lies the quaint suburb of conyers, 27 00:01:37,931 --> 00:01:41,533 Known for its majestic homes and small town charm. 28 00:01:42,603 --> 00:01:44,369 - It was a hidden jewel. 29 00:01:44,438 --> 00:01:49,541 Many pastures and farms had turned into subdivisions. 30 00:01:49,610 --> 00:01:51,876 So, middle class and upper class, 31 00:01:51,946 --> 00:01:55,747 Even some atlanta hawks notables, called conyers home. 32 00:01:55,749 --> 00:01:59,651 - We had hosted some of the events for the 1996 olympics, 33 00:01:59,720 --> 00:02:02,320 So we had experienced growth. 34 00:02:02,389 --> 00:02:04,923 - Conyers did not experience a high rate 35 00:02:04,992 --> 00:02:06,725 Of violent crimes like what you would expect 36 00:02:06,793 --> 00:02:08,860 To see in metro atlanta. 37 00:02:08,929 --> 00:02:13,165 It was a very safe area, good schools, quiet community. 38 00:02:14,468 --> 00:02:18,270 - [narrator] however, on January 13th, 2010, 39 00:02:18,405 --> 00:02:20,505 At around 3:00 pm, 40 00:02:20,507 --> 00:02:24,442 This peaceful hamlet is turned upside down, 41 00:02:24,511 --> 00:02:27,712 When something happens that puts conyers on the map 42 00:02:27,781 --> 00:02:30,482 For an entirely different reason. 43 00:02:30,818 --> 00:02:32,450 (police siren wailing) 44 00:02:32,519 --> 00:02:34,285 - That afternoon, it just so happened 45 00:02:34,288 --> 00:02:36,288 That a rockdale county sheriff's deputy 46 00:02:36,423 --> 00:02:39,324 Was serving civil paperwork in the neighborhood, 47 00:02:39,326 --> 00:02:41,326 When a girl ran outside. 48 00:02:41,328 --> 00:02:42,627 (dramatic music) 49 00:02:42,629 --> 00:02:44,629 - [narrator] the girl says her name is tasmiyah whitehead. 50 00:02:44,631 --> 00:02:45,964 She explains that she, 51 00:02:46,032 --> 00:02:49,600 Along with her 16-year-old twin sister jasmiyah, 52 00:02:49,602 --> 00:02:52,237 Have just returned home from school. 53 00:02:52,773 --> 00:02:55,506 - She's frantic, clearly distraught, 54 00:02:55,576 --> 00:02:58,543 Seeking his assistance because she's telling them, 55 00:02:58,545 --> 00:02:59,911 "there's blood everywhere. 56 00:02:59,913 --> 00:03:01,246 My mother is dead." 57 00:03:01,381 --> 00:03:02,681 (dramatic music) 58 00:03:02,749 --> 00:03:03,682 - [narrator] the officer meets the second twin, 59 00:03:03,750 --> 00:03:05,517 Jasmiyah, at the door. 60 00:03:05,586 --> 00:03:07,185 He has both sisters wait 61 00:03:07,387 --> 00:03:10,622 Outside while he enters the single story home. 62 00:03:11,858 --> 00:03:14,560 (mysterious music) 63 00:03:15,862 --> 00:03:17,862 - Inside the home, 64 00:03:17,864 --> 00:03:20,332 It was an unimaginably brutal crime scene. 65 00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:22,901 There was blood on the floor. 66 00:03:22,970 --> 00:03:25,804 There was even blood on the couch. 67 00:03:25,872 --> 00:03:28,506 Everywhere he looked, they saw signs 68 00:03:28,575 --> 00:03:31,609 Of a very brutal incident that had taken place. 69 00:03:31,678 --> 00:03:34,078 - He could tell immediately that 70 00:03:34,080 --> 00:03:36,514 There were drag marks on the floor 71 00:03:36,583 --> 00:03:38,717 That leads into the bathroom. 72 00:03:39,953 --> 00:03:42,620 (creepy music) 73 00:03:42,689 --> 00:03:44,523 He then sees a woman 74 00:03:45,525 --> 00:03:46,691 In a pool of blood, 75 00:03:46,760 --> 00:03:48,727 In a bathtub, dead. 76 00:03:50,697 --> 00:03:52,997 (suspenseful music) 77 00:03:53,067 --> 00:03:55,767 I can't imagine what he was feeling 78 00:03:55,769 --> 00:04:00,238 Because this was an incredibly horrific scene. 79 00:04:00,340 --> 00:04:01,607 Blood everywhere. 80 00:04:01,675 --> 00:04:05,009 Two girls find their mother murdered 81 00:04:05,079 --> 00:04:07,912 And you wonder how could something like this happen, 82 00:04:07,981 --> 00:04:10,715 In of all places, in conyers? 83 00:04:11,418 --> 00:04:13,752 - [narrator] police take the twins to headquarters 84 00:04:13,820 --> 00:04:16,454 And a call is put out to their next of kin, 85 00:04:16,523 --> 00:04:18,557 Great-grandmother, della frazier. 86 00:04:19,926 --> 00:04:22,661 The deputy officially alerts the homicide team 87 00:04:22,729 --> 00:04:24,729 To begin investigating the murder 88 00:04:24,731 --> 00:04:28,300 Of 34-year-old jarmecca nikki whitehead. 89 00:04:30,470 --> 00:04:32,804 - When I first walked into the house, 90 00:04:32,873 --> 00:04:35,407 You have to steel yourself because you're looking 91 00:04:35,542 --> 00:04:39,544 At all this blood and gore and a body. 92 00:04:39,612 --> 00:04:41,646 But the smell was overwhelming. 93 00:04:42,049 --> 00:04:44,849 - Nikki was found in the bathtub, 94 00:04:44,918 --> 00:04:46,585 Still wearing a nightgown, 95 00:04:47,521 --> 00:04:48,553 Water in the bathtub 96 00:04:48,622 --> 00:04:49,888 And just covered in blood. 97 00:04:49,956 --> 00:04:51,022 It was uh... 98 00:04:51,091 --> 00:04:51,890 It was horrific. 99 00:04:53,860 --> 00:04:58,696 - She had multiple lacerations on her forearms and hands, 100 00:04:58,765 --> 00:05:01,065 Defensive wounds where she might have been defending off 101 00:05:01,067 --> 00:05:03,067 A bladed attacker. 102 00:05:03,670 --> 00:05:06,571 She had 50 something stab wounds in her back, 103 00:05:06,640 --> 00:05:09,808 With a large concentration around the back of her neck. 104 00:05:09,810 --> 00:05:11,810 - She also had bite marks on her. 105 00:05:13,447 --> 00:05:14,579 Her fingernails, 106 00:05:14,648 --> 00:05:17,615 The fake nails were busted off and removed. 107 00:05:17,684 --> 00:05:19,518 She had blood stuff under her nails. 108 00:05:21,121 --> 00:05:23,888 When the coroner comes in, he inspects the body. 109 00:05:23,957 --> 00:05:26,458 He gives an on-scene opinion about the time 110 00:05:26,526 --> 00:05:30,729 Of death based off the body's temperature and stiffness. 111 00:05:30,797 --> 00:05:34,833 That would've been probably anywhere from seven to 10, 112 00:05:34,835 --> 00:05:37,368 Even 12 hours earlier than when we found her. 113 00:05:37,570 --> 00:05:40,705 And that could have put it into the early morning hours. 114 00:05:40,774 --> 00:05:42,507 - [narrator] the medical examiner estimates 115 00:05:42,642 --> 00:05:46,611 That nikki was likely killed between eight and 10:00 am. 116 00:05:46,613 --> 00:05:49,313 - This was almost like your mind just, 117 00:05:49,383 --> 00:05:51,215 I can't believe this happened to someone. 118 00:05:51,485 --> 00:05:52,250 I feel bad. 119 00:05:52,452 --> 00:05:54,886 I feel horrible, and I'll admit, 120 00:05:54,955 --> 00:05:58,890 I, just from the emotion, I shed a few tears 121 00:05:58,959 --> 00:06:01,693 Just to get it out. 122 00:06:03,197 --> 00:06:03,928 - This was totally unheard of 123 00:06:03,930 --> 00:06:05,730 In the community of conyers, 124 00:06:05,798 --> 00:06:08,032 That a woman had been brutally murdered inside 125 00:06:08,101 --> 00:06:11,636 Of her home and it was absolutely horrifying. 126 00:06:11,638 --> 00:06:13,171 (dramatic music) 127 00:06:13,239 --> 00:06:15,073 - [narrator] detectives exit the bathroom 128 00:06:15,141 --> 00:06:18,643 And begin searching the rest of the house for clues. 129 00:06:21,715 --> 00:06:23,682 - You go into the bedroom, you could see 130 00:06:23,750 --> 00:06:27,986 Where her body was drug through the bedroom to the bathtub. 131 00:06:29,523 --> 00:06:30,622 - There was impressions 132 00:06:30,690 --> 00:06:33,725 Of nikki's braids in blood against the wall 133 00:06:35,728 --> 00:06:38,763 - In the living room leading to the the bedroom, 134 00:06:38,765 --> 00:06:40,999 There was a couch, blood all over the pillow, 135 00:06:41,067 --> 00:06:43,034 The red vase that was broken. 136 00:06:44,738 --> 00:06:47,038 I've been in scenes with a lot of blood before, 137 00:06:47,107 --> 00:06:49,073 But this was unlike anything I've seen. 138 00:06:49,075 --> 00:06:51,042 You could smell it, you could even taste it. 139 00:06:52,713 --> 00:06:53,778 - I could see from the crime scene 140 00:06:53,847 --> 00:06:56,681 That it had been a long, drawn out battle. 141 00:06:56,750 --> 00:07:00,051 She had fought for an extended amount of time trying 142 00:07:00,053 --> 00:07:01,820 To get to her room. 143 00:07:01,888 --> 00:07:03,655 At her room, that's where we think 144 00:07:03,723 --> 00:07:05,590 The the fatal blow was struck. 145 00:07:07,261 --> 00:07:08,760 And then from there we believe 146 00:07:08,828 --> 00:07:10,695 That she was dragged to the bathtub. 147 00:07:12,032 --> 00:07:14,298 - But windows weren't broken out. 148 00:07:14,300 --> 00:07:16,401 The doors weren't locked. 149 00:07:17,137 --> 00:07:20,071 So you have to wonder, did she know the perpetrator? 150 00:07:20,140 --> 00:07:21,640 Did she let 'em in? 151 00:07:21,708 --> 00:07:24,008 Did they already have a key? 152 00:07:24,077 --> 00:07:27,045 - However, we did not find a murder weapon. 153 00:07:28,748 --> 00:07:31,249 - And because there was so much blood at the scene, 154 00:07:31,317 --> 00:07:33,552 Police knew there was gonna be forensic evidence 155 00:07:33,686 --> 00:07:37,255 That they could test to find out if it's just nikki's blood, 156 00:07:37,323 --> 00:07:39,824 If it's nikki's blood and her attacker, 157 00:07:39,826 --> 00:07:41,960 If there's more than one attacker. 158 00:07:42,696 --> 00:07:47,098 - We also took an impression of the bite mark on nikki 159 00:07:47,167 --> 00:07:50,835 To be the sent to a a dental odontologist. 160 00:07:50,904 --> 00:07:54,105 - When you see this type of violence against nikki, 161 00:07:54,174 --> 00:07:55,907 You're immediately wondering, 162 00:07:55,976 --> 00:07:57,842 What could have pushed someone to do this? 163 00:07:57,844 --> 00:08:02,046 What led up to this type of violent confrontation? 164 00:08:02,048 --> 00:08:03,147 (dramatic music) 165 00:08:03,149 --> 00:08:05,349 - [narrator] as police wrap up the crime scene, 166 00:08:05,351 --> 00:08:07,786 A crowd begins to gather outside. 167 00:08:07,854 --> 00:08:11,222 Officers decide to canvass nikki's neighborhood in hopes 168 00:08:11,291 --> 00:08:14,959 That a witness or a camera saw something related 169 00:08:14,961 --> 00:08:17,062 To this chilling murder. 170 00:08:17,064 --> 00:08:19,998 - And we got nothing. 171 00:08:20,534 --> 00:08:22,633 Most people in the neighborhood didn't see anything, 172 00:08:22,636 --> 00:08:24,436 But we discovered that there was one 173 00:08:24,638 --> 00:08:25,937 House across the street. 174 00:08:26,006 --> 00:08:29,674 It has some video surveillance of outside their house, 175 00:08:30,276 --> 00:08:33,612 But in this case, it just didn't catch nikki's house. 176 00:08:33,746 --> 00:08:34,879 (dramatic music) 177 00:08:34,948 --> 00:08:37,782 - There was a a lot of pressure to get a lot of things done 178 00:08:37,784 --> 00:08:39,884 With little resources. 179 00:08:39,886 --> 00:08:41,553 We were a small department 180 00:08:42,789 --> 00:08:43,754 And this tasked us 181 00:08:43,824 --> 00:08:45,524 With there was a million things to do at one time. 182 00:08:45,658 --> 00:08:47,325 (dramatic music) 183 00:08:47,393 --> 00:08:48,960 - With the canvass yielding no results, 184 00:08:49,029 --> 00:08:51,696 Detectives returned to headquarters to speak 185 00:08:51,832 --> 00:08:54,165 With their only potential witnesses, 186 00:08:54,234 --> 00:08:57,935 Twin sisters, jasmiyah and tasmiyah whitehead. 187 00:08:57,937 --> 00:08:59,637 While police await the arrival 188 00:08:59,773 --> 00:09:01,305 Of the girl's great-grandmother, 189 00:09:01,374 --> 00:09:04,275 Child protective services remain with the twins 190 00:09:04,344 --> 00:09:08,079 And give police permission to speak to the girls. 191 00:09:08,648 --> 00:09:10,214 - We had the department of family children's services 192 00:09:10,283 --> 00:09:14,619 To act as the guardians for them to see after their welfare. 193 00:09:14,754 --> 00:09:17,155 But when you're doing victim interviews, 194 00:09:17,223 --> 00:09:18,690 You don't need to wait. 195 00:09:18,825 --> 00:09:19,957 You can start talking, 196 00:09:20,026 --> 00:09:22,694 Because if you got a suspect out there, 197 00:09:22,762 --> 00:09:24,929 Time could be of the essence. 198 00:09:24,997 --> 00:09:27,832 At the police station, we had put 'em in a big room 199 00:09:27,901 --> 00:09:30,835 Where they both sat together so we could talk to 'em 200 00:09:30,904 --> 00:09:33,872 And just try to get 'em to let us know what happened. 201 00:09:37,210 --> 00:09:39,878 (dramatic music) 202 00:09:42,182 --> 00:09:44,616 - That's when the twins tell us that they're living not just 203 00:09:44,751 --> 00:09:48,986 With their mother, but also their mother's boyfriend. 204 00:09:49,055 --> 00:09:51,956 - It was a unique open relationship. 205 00:09:51,958 --> 00:09:54,692 - She felt like when the cat is away 206 00:09:54,828 --> 00:09:55,860 The mouse will play. 207 00:09:57,797 --> 00:10:00,231 - What exactly is going on here? 208 00:10:00,566 --> 00:10:06,104 (dramatic music) 209 00:10:06,105 --> 00:10:11,643 (upbeat music) 210 00:10:14,881 --> 00:10:16,714 - [narrator] police are investigating the murder 211 00:10:16,850 --> 00:10:18,750 Of 34-year-old nikki whitehead, 212 00:10:18,818 --> 00:10:20,952 Who was stabbed to death in her home, 213 00:10:21,021 --> 00:10:25,189 Set amidst the idyllic atlanta suburb of conyers. 214 00:10:25,258 --> 00:10:26,758 Investigators are speaking 215 00:10:26,893 --> 00:10:28,226 With nikki's twin daughters, 216 00:10:28,294 --> 00:10:31,896 Jasmiyah and tasmiyah, who discovered nikki's body. 217 00:10:33,366 --> 00:10:34,566 (somber music) 218 00:10:34,834 --> 00:10:35,633 - Law enforcement immediately knew 219 00:10:35,769 --> 00:10:37,501 That these girls were traumatized 220 00:10:37,503 --> 00:10:42,273 And it was clear that they were just in shock, 221 00:10:42,342 --> 00:10:44,142 And of course, they would be traumatized. 222 00:10:44,210 --> 00:10:47,912 They walked in and found their mother dead in a bathtub 223 00:10:47,981 --> 00:10:50,749 And blood everywhere in their home. 224 00:11:00,326 --> 00:11:04,029 - Detectives felt so terrible for these young girls 225 00:11:05,298 --> 00:11:07,198 And was quite taken with the grief 226 00:11:07,267 --> 00:11:09,801 That these young girls must have been feeling. 227 00:11:12,872 --> 00:11:14,205 - I'm a father. 228 00:11:14,274 --> 00:11:17,275 I had, at the time, one of my daughters was a teenager, 229 00:11:17,343 --> 00:11:19,744 So I kept that in my mind 230 00:11:19,880 --> 00:11:22,146 And thought if this was my daughter going through this, 231 00:11:22,215 --> 00:11:24,348 How would I want them treated? 232 00:11:24,818 --> 00:11:27,051 - Jasmiyah and tasmiyah walked detectives 233 00:11:27,053 --> 00:11:28,887 Through the timeline of what happened 234 00:11:28,889 --> 00:11:31,222 When they left for school that morning. 235 00:11:57,583 --> 00:11:59,350 - [narrator] the twins then tell officers that 236 00:11:59,419 --> 00:12:02,486 After leaving the house, they walked to school 237 00:12:02,488 --> 00:12:05,323 And arrived at around 8:00 am. 238 00:12:05,391 --> 00:12:07,158 - They said they missed the opening bell, 239 00:12:07,227 --> 00:12:09,394 But they still made homeroom class. 240 00:12:34,821 --> 00:12:37,355 - I can't even fathom getting up in the morning, 241 00:12:37,423 --> 00:12:39,157 Going to school, having a normal day, 242 00:12:39,225 --> 00:12:42,894 Coming back home and seeing blood everywhere 243 00:12:42,962 --> 00:12:44,395 And my mother dead. 244 00:12:46,065 --> 00:12:48,966 I just cannot imagine what that would be like. 245 00:12:49,035 --> 00:12:50,401 (dramatic music) 246 00:12:50,403 --> 00:12:51,903 - [narrator] investigators ask the twins 247 00:12:52,038 --> 00:12:55,439 If nikki was romantically involved with anyone. 248 00:12:55,508 --> 00:12:58,076 - That's when the twins tell us that they're living not just 249 00:12:58,144 --> 00:13:00,444 With their mother, but also their mother's 250 00:13:00,513 --> 00:13:02,280 Boyfriend, robert head. 251 00:13:09,122 --> 00:13:11,189 - They said he was a truck driver 252 00:13:11,257 --> 00:13:12,123 And he had been at the house the day before, 253 00:13:12,192 --> 00:13:14,292 But he wasn't there now. 254 00:13:14,828 --> 00:13:17,428 - But the girls emphatically said he loved nikki, 255 00:13:17,497 --> 00:13:18,930 He loved the girls. 256 00:13:19,065 --> 00:13:21,166 There's no way that he could have done this. 257 00:13:28,507 --> 00:13:30,240 - [narrator] the twins' great-grandmother, 258 00:13:30,242 --> 00:13:33,144 Della frazier, arrives at the station. 259 00:13:33,212 --> 00:13:35,980 - So police asked della, the great-grandmother 260 00:13:35,982 --> 00:13:37,415 Who could possibly have done this, 261 00:13:37,483 --> 00:13:41,118 And they immediately asked her about robert head. 262 00:13:41,187 --> 00:13:44,555 Della shares with police that robert head had just been 263 00:13:44,624 --> 00:13:48,593 So kind and loving to both nikki and her daughters. 264 00:13:48,661 --> 00:13:52,229 Della told police she didn't think robert was the guy. 265 00:13:52,231 --> 00:13:54,532 - [narrator] she explains that she has no idea 266 00:13:54,600 --> 00:13:57,168 Who was responsible for nikki's murder. 267 00:13:57,236 --> 00:13:59,370 So detectives released jasmiyah and tasmiyah 268 00:13:59,439 --> 00:14:01,572 Into her custody. 269 00:14:01,641 --> 00:14:03,241 They then turn their attention 270 00:14:03,309 --> 00:14:06,544 To nikki's boyfriend, robert head. 271 00:14:06,612 --> 00:14:08,246 - Regardless of what the girls said, 272 00:14:08,314 --> 00:14:11,182 Police still have to investigate robert head. 273 00:14:11,251 --> 00:14:14,285 In fact, he's their number one suspect, 274 00:14:14,354 --> 00:14:16,754 Because usually it's the spouse 275 00:14:17,290 --> 00:14:18,589 Or the significant other or the ex. 276 00:14:18,591 --> 00:14:19,890 Who could have done this? 277 00:14:20,092 --> 00:14:23,061 Because it had to be some crime of passion. 278 00:14:24,230 --> 00:14:25,396 - In our minds, it's super important 279 00:14:25,465 --> 00:14:28,532 To contact robert head as soon as we can. 280 00:14:28,601 --> 00:14:30,134 We gotta account for his whereabouts 281 00:14:30,136 --> 00:14:32,570 Since he actually lives at the house. 282 00:14:32,638 --> 00:14:35,773 So we initially reached out to him 283 00:14:36,342 --> 00:14:38,509 And couldn't get in contact with him. 284 00:14:38,511 --> 00:14:41,545 - Unable to track down nikki's boyfriend, robert, 285 00:14:41,547 --> 00:14:44,015 Investigators reach out to her loved ones, 286 00:14:44,150 --> 00:14:47,518 Starting with her best friend, yucca harris. 287 00:14:49,322 --> 00:14:51,522 (soft music) 288 00:14:53,593 --> 00:14:58,162 - When I heard the news, nikki had been murdered, 289 00:14:58,164 --> 00:15:00,398 The detective, actually, he's the one 290 00:15:00,466 --> 00:15:02,200 That, that told me. 291 00:15:03,236 --> 00:15:05,102 It was surreal. 292 00:15:05,171 --> 00:15:08,606 It was something like out of the movies. 293 00:15:09,409 --> 00:15:13,211 I had so many emotions before even the questions began. 294 00:15:15,581 --> 00:15:17,214 It was a lot. 295 00:15:17,283 --> 00:15:18,349 It was a lot. 296 00:15:21,387 --> 00:15:25,122 I first met nikki back in 1988. 297 00:15:25,725 --> 00:15:31,262 Nikki and I had been friends over 20 plus years. 298 00:15:31,597 --> 00:15:33,597 She was like my sister. 299 00:15:33,599 --> 00:15:35,099 She was an amazing person. 300 00:15:36,502 --> 00:15:38,469 She didn't come from structure, 301 00:15:38,538 --> 00:15:42,606 But nikki had got her license and became a hairstylist. 302 00:15:42,675 --> 00:15:44,342 And before I knew it, 303 00:15:44,410 --> 00:15:47,545 She had enrolled herself in a fashion institute, 304 00:15:47,613 --> 00:15:51,349 Which was bauder college here in atlanta, georgia. 305 00:15:51,417 --> 00:15:54,085 - She was a very good student. 306 00:15:54,087 --> 00:15:55,653 She was always on time. 307 00:15:55,721 --> 00:15:57,288 Her grades was very well. 308 00:15:57,357 --> 00:15:58,789 She was so energized. 309 00:15:58,791 --> 00:16:02,360 I knew that whatever she decided to do in that arena, 310 00:16:02,428 --> 00:16:03,561 In that industry, 311 00:16:03,629 --> 00:16:06,230 I knew that she would do very well with it. 312 00:16:06,298 --> 00:16:08,666 - She was hardworking, she had a great job. 313 00:16:08,735 --> 00:16:12,169 She was doing all of this to show her girls 314 00:16:12,171 --> 00:16:14,004 How success could be for them. 315 00:16:14,206 --> 00:16:17,775 She wanted to set a good example for them, 316 00:16:18,444 --> 00:16:21,845 Because when the twins' biological father found out 317 00:16:21,847 --> 00:16:24,282 Nikki became pregnant, he bailed. 318 00:16:24,350 --> 00:16:26,417 He was not a part of the girls' life. 319 00:16:26,486 --> 00:16:28,319 He's actually living out of the country. 320 00:16:28,388 --> 00:16:29,587 He is in canada, 321 00:16:29,655 --> 00:16:33,091 While nikki stayed in atlanta as a single mother. 322 00:16:34,760 --> 00:16:38,496 - Nikki, she was a very loving mother, a very caring mother. 323 00:16:38,564 --> 00:16:40,264 - [narrator] detectives ask yucca 324 00:16:40,332 --> 00:16:42,433 If she can shed any light on nikki's 325 00:16:42,502 --> 00:16:44,802 Relationship with robert head. 326 00:16:44,870 --> 00:16:47,138 - The relationship nikki and robert had, 327 00:16:47,273 --> 00:16:50,208 I really felt like it was best for her. 328 00:16:51,477 --> 00:16:53,511 She actually met robert in the mall. 329 00:16:54,547 --> 00:16:55,947 (soft music) 330 00:16:56,149 --> 00:16:58,249 - He was an older gentleman who was quite smitten 331 00:16:58,317 --> 00:17:00,118 With her at first sight, 332 00:17:01,721 --> 00:17:05,656 And lo and behold, they developed this relationship. 333 00:17:05,725 --> 00:17:09,527 - He courted her and eventually they began to date, 334 00:17:09,595 --> 00:17:11,161 And then eventually he was able 335 00:17:11,164 --> 00:17:13,464 To talk her into moving in with him. 336 00:17:15,334 --> 00:17:17,568 - The kids absolutely loved him. 337 00:17:17,637 --> 00:17:21,172 He was tremendously supportive, not just to nikki, 338 00:17:21,307 --> 00:17:22,473 But to the girls. 339 00:17:24,410 --> 00:17:26,677 - And although he was much older than her, I just felt like, 340 00:17:26,746 --> 00:17:28,479 You know, he was settled 341 00:17:28,548 --> 00:17:31,382 And you know it was a good thing for her and her girls. 342 00:17:32,484 --> 00:17:34,285 - But yucca says the relationship 343 00:17:34,353 --> 00:17:37,387 Had recently run into some problems. 344 00:17:37,457 --> 00:17:39,823 - Robert would be on the road for days. 345 00:17:39,825 --> 00:17:43,060 Nikki was yearning for a lot. 346 00:17:43,262 --> 00:17:46,697 You know, she felt like when the cat is away, 347 00:17:46,699 --> 00:17:47,698 The mouse will play. 348 00:17:49,469 --> 00:17:52,703 - She says that there's another man in nikki's life, 349 00:17:52,772 --> 00:17:55,840 A man by the name of joe carter, who is nikki's lover. 350 00:17:56,509 --> 00:17:58,309 - So now police believe there are a number 351 00:17:58,377 --> 00:17:59,877 Of possible motives here. 352 00:17:59,946 --> 00:18:03,681 Did robert head find out about joe carter? 353 00:18:03,749 --> 00:18:07,284 Did joe carter get upset about robert? 354 00:18:07,286 --> 00:18:09,520 What exactly is going on here? 355 00:18:10,756 --> 00:18:12,790 - Was it a lover's quarrel 356 00:18:12,792 --> 00:18:15,426 Between joe and robert head and nikki? 357 00:18:15,494 --> 00:18:17,595 Was that the reason why nikki was killed? 358 00:18:18,864 --> 00:18:24,385 (dramatic music) 359 00:18:24,386 --> 00:18:29,907 (dramatic music) 360 00:18:31,311 --> 00:18:32,643 - [narrator] detectives in the quiet 361 00:18:32,645 --> 00:18:34,445 Atlanta suburb of conyers 362 00:18:34,513 --> 00:18:38,149 Are investigating the brutal murder of nikki whitehead, 363 00:18:38,284 --> 00:18:40,818 Found stabbed to death in her bathtub. 364 00:18:40,887 --> 00:18:42,653 Investigators have just learned 365 00:18:42,722 --> 00:18:45,857 That nikki was allegedly cheating on her boyfriend, 366 00:18:45,925 --> 00:18:48,259 Creating a potential love triangle 367 00:18:48,394 --> 00:18:52,596 That could have ignited this brutal crime of passion. 368 00:18:53,132 --> 00:18:55,299 - So now police have to talk to both men, 369 00:18:55,434 --> 00:18:58,702 And at the time, robert head was out of touch with them. 370 00:18:58,771 --> 00:19:01,639 So now they turned their attention to mr. Carter. 371 00:19:03,609 --> 00:19:06,410 - As we talked to friends and family of nikki's, 372 00:19:06,479 --> 00:19:07,611 We were able to put together 373 00:19:07,613 --> 00:19:09,680 That joe carter worked in a barber shop 374 00:19:09,749 --> 00:19:12,750 That was next door to nikki's salon. 375 00:19:12,818 --> 00:19:14,918 Detectives went to the the barber shop. 376 00:19:14,987 --> 00:19:16,654 There was a group of guys out front 377 00:19:17,857 --> 00:19:19,423 And the officers asked for joe. 378 00:19:19,492 --> 00:19:20,758 Joe stepped out of the group 379 00:19:20,826 --> 00:19:22,560 And identified himself. 380 00:19:22,628 --> 00:19:23,894 When they explained to him 381 00:19:23,963 --> 00:19:25,930 That nikki had been murdered, 382 00:19:25,998 --> 00:19:27,765 He was grief stricken, distraught. 383 00:19:28,834 --> 00:19:30,367 He told the detectives 384 00:19:30,436 --> 00:19:33,204 That they were lovers for several months. 385 00:19:34,607 --> 00:19:36,874 - As we're talking to joe, we're keeping in mind 386 00:19:36,942 --> 00:19:40,778 That the scene looked very violent. 387 00:19:40,846 --> 00:19:43,247 I believe obviously nikki had put up a fight, 388 00:19:43,383 --> 00:19:44,582 So if she put up a fight with somebody, 389 00:19:44,650 --> 00:19:46,484 There's a very good chance they're gonna have 390 00:19:46,552 --> 00:19:48,719 Marks and scrapes on them. 391 00:19:48,721 --> 00:19:51,722 We asked joe if we could see his hands and his arms. 392 00:19:51,791 --> 00:19:53,791 He complied readily. 393 00:19:53,859 --> 00:19:56,360 There was no marks or anything on him. 394 00:19:56,428 --> 00:19:57,895 - They don't find any scratches, 395 00:19:57,963 --> 00:20:00,564 They don't find anything on joe's body that would show 396 00:20:00,632 --> 00:20:01,832 That he was involved 397 00:20:01,901 --> 00:20:04,502 In a physical confrontation with nikki. 398 00:20:04,570 --> 00:20:05,903 - [narrator] detectives ask joe 399 00:20:05,971 --> 00:20:08,872 Where he was between eight and 10:00 am, 400 00:20:08,874 --> 00:20:10,508 The day nikki was killed, 401 00:20:10,576 --> 00:20:15,879 And he says he was at home and didn't leave until 11:00 am. 402 00:20:16,448 --> 00:20:17,915 - Joe also tells the police 403 00:20:17,983 --> 00:20:19,483 That there's video footage from his apartment complex 404 00:20:19,552 --> 00:20:21,419 That would show that he was there. 405 00:20:23,489 --> 00:20:25,622 (dramatic music) 406 00:20:25,691 --> 00:20:27,991 - [narrator] the team gets hold of the surveillance footage 407 00:20:28,061 --> 00:20:30,494 And proceeds to scrub through it. 408 00:20:31,096 --> 00:20:35,366 - We saw that he had only left that morning to go 409 00:20:35,501 --> 00:20:38,802 To work at a time that would not have put him able 410 00:20:38,871 --> 00:20:40,871 To be involved in the the murder. 411 00:20:42,608 --> 00:20:46,277 - So based upon all those factors, it leads police 412 00:20:46,412 --> 00:20:48,546 To believe that joe is not the killer. 413 00:20:50,449 --> 00:20:51,582 (tense music) 414 00:20:51,651 --> 00:20:53,384 - [narrator] with joe carter ruled out, 415 00:20:53,519 --> 00:20:55,085 Police turned their attention back 416 00:20:55,087 --> 00:20:57,321 To the other man in nikki's life, 417 00:20:57,457 --> 00:20:59,957 Her live-in boyfriend, robert head, 418 00:21:00,025 --> 00:21:02,793 Who they've been unable to track down. 419 00:21:02,862 --> 00:21:05,863 Investigators continue to call robert's phone, 420 00:21:05,931 --> 00:21:07,365 But he never answers. 421 00:21:08,700 --> 00:21:11,535 Finally, on the second day of the investigation, 422 00:21:11,604 --> 00:21:13,771 Detectives get a call back. 423 00:21:15,641 --> 00:21:17,808 - When robert head finally calls police 424 00:21:17,877 --> 00:21:21,479 And learns of nikki's death, he is distraught. 425 00:21:21,881 --> 00:21:24,882 - He told us that he was actually in indiana 426 00:21:24,950 --> 00:21:28,486 On one of his truck runs for the past couple of days. 427 00:21:30,489 --> 00:21:31,955 - He tells law enforcement 428 00:21:32,024 --> 00:21:34,992 That he will immediately make his way back from indiana 429 00:21:35,060 --> 00:21:38,429 And one of the first questions he asked police was, 430 00:21:38,497 --> 00:21:39,897 Where were the girls? 431 00:21:41,634 --> 00:21:43,133 - [narrator] police assure robert 432 00:21:43,135 --> 00:21:45,002 That the girls are safely in the custody 433 00:21:45,070 --> 00:21:46,837 Of their great-grandmother. 434 00:21:46,906 --> 00:21:49,573 However, they need to ask him some questions 435 00:21:49,642 --> 00:21:51,642 About his relationship with nikki, 436 00:21:51,711 --> 00:21:55,012 And if he knew anything about the affair with joe. 437 00:21:55,080 --> 00:21:56,714 - The police were a bit surprised 438 00:21:56,782 --> 00:22:00,183 That not only did robert know who joe carter was, 439 00:22:00,185 --> 00:22:03,921 He told police that he and nikki had an understanding 440 00:22:03,989 --> 00:22:05,823 And nikki could do what nikki wanted 441 00:22:05,891 --> 00:22:07,925 To do when he was outta town. 442 00:22:09,528 --> 00:22:11,729 - He just chose to ignore that as long 443 00:22:11,797 --> 00:22:13,364 As they were good when they were together, 444 00:22:13,499 --> 00:22:15,833 It was a unique open relationship. 445 00:22:16,769 --> 00:22:17,835 (dramatic music) 446 00:22:17,903 --> 00:22:19,803 - Police still have to do their work. 447 00:22:19,805 --> 00:22:20,838 They have to investigate 448 00:22:20,906 --> 00:22:22,840 To see if in fact he's telling the truth 449 00:22:22,908 --> 00:22:24,842 About being in indiana. 450 00:22:26,145 --> 00:22:28,545 They reach out to his trucking company 451 00:22:28,614 --> 00:22:31,481 And the trucking company provides the gps information 452 00:22:31,484 --> 00:22:34,985 That shows that robert was, in fact, in indiana. 453 00:22:35,821 --> 00:22:37,955 - [narrator] with nikki's boyfriend robert head cleared, 454 00:22:38,023 --> 00:22:39,790 The team is at a loss. 455 00:22:41,627 --> 00:22:43,827 (dramatic music) 456 00:22:43,829 --> 00:22:45,028 - [narrator] with no suspects 457 00:22:45,097 --> 00:22:48,165 And detectives still waiting on forensic tests 458 00:22:48,233 --> 00:22:49,900 To come back from the lab, 459 00:22:49,969 --> 00:22:54,238 Pressure is building for police to come up with answers. 460 00:22:54,306 --> 00:22:57,641 - Conyers was known as this place of solace. 461 00:22:57,710 --> 00:23:00,611 No one could believe in the greater atlanta area 462 00:23:00,679 --> 00:23:02,980 That this gruesome murder had happened 463 00:23:03,048 --> 00:23:07,651 And everyone felt so sorry for the twin daughters. 464 00:23:07,720 --> 00:23:09,386 - The police department was feeling pressure 465 00:23:09,588 --> 00:23:10,988 From multiple sides. 466 00:23:11,056 --> 00:23:13,624 There was pressure from the mayor's office, 467 00:23:13,692 --> 00:23:15,459 There was pressure from the community. 468 00:23:15,595 --> 00:23:18,529 There was pressure from other people who were just 469 00:23:18,597 --> 00:23:21,231 Concerned about the fact that a woman had been brutally 470 00:23:21,233 --> 00:23:25,702 Killed in her home and they still did not have a suspect. 471 00:23:25,771 --> 00:23:29,172 - And in this community, everyone was feeling unsafe. 472 00:23:29,241 --> 00:23:33,043 If it could happen in conyers, it could happen anywhere. 473 00:23:33,112 --> 00:23:34,812 (suspenseful music) 474 00:23:34,880 --> 00:23:37,480 - [narrator] investigators widen their search for clues 475 00:23:37,550 --> 00:23:40,017 And begin contacting nearby businesses, 476 00:23:41,020 --> 00:23:42,353 Looking for any witnesses 477 00:23:42,621 --> 00:23:44,455 Or surveillance video of suspects 478 00:23:44,523 --> 00:23:46,890 Around the time of nikki's death. 479 00:23:46,892 --> 00:23:49,693 They start with the gas station across the street 480 00:23:49,695 --> 00:23:51,294 From nikki's house. 481 00:23:51,897 --> 00:23:54,097 - The police learned that the gas station 482 00:23:54,166 --> 00:23:56,866 Actually has security footage. 483 00:23:56,868 --> 00:23:58,235 - They scrub through 484 00:23:58,904 --> 00:24:01,705 To around the time of nikki's murder. 485 00:24:01,974 --> 00:24:04,474 And as they're scrubbing through the video, 486 00:24:04,676 --> 00:24:07,077 They come across something quite suspicious. 487 00:24:07,146 --> 00:24:11,449 At 10:10, they see the girls walking on this video. 488 00:24:13,319 --> 00:24:14,718 - The surveillance video is not the best quality, 489 00:24:14,786 --> 00:24:17,821 But the police are able to recognize the girls. 490 00:24:17,890 --> 00:24:19,122 - [narrator] but why would the twins 491 00:24:19,191 --> 00:24:21,058 Be so close to home, 492 00:24:21,126 --> 00:24:23,494 Just after their mother was killed 493 00:24:23,629 --> 00:24:25,596 Between eight and 10:00 am? 494 00:24:25,731 --> 00:24:28,198 - It's a two hour difference from when they told police 495 00:24:28,267 --> 00:24:30,201 They had gotten to the school 496 00:24:30,269 --> 00:24:33,137 And where they are on the surveillance camera. 497 00:24:35,908 --> 00:24:37,107 - They had told police 498 00:24:37,176 --> 00:24:39,810 That they had been in school at 8:00 am. 499 00:24:41,280 --> 00:24:44,081 So now police wanna know what are the girls hiding? 500 00:24:44,283 --> 00:24:46,183 Why are they lying? 501 00:24:46,618 --> 00:24:51,872 (dramatic music) 502 00:24:51,873 --> 00:24:57,127 (suspenseful music) 503 00:24:57,196 --> 00:24:58,696 - [narrator] detectives are investigating 504 00:24:58,830 --> 00:25:01,264 The chilling murder of nikki whitehead, 505 00:25:01,334 --> 00:25:04,201 Stabbed to death in her home in the quaint atlanta 506 00:25:04,269 --> 00:25:06,369 Suburb of conyers. 507 00:25:06,371 --> 00:25:08,806 Police have just discovered surveillance footage 508 00:25:08,874 --> 00:25:10,273 Near nikki's home, 509 00:25:10,275 --> 00:25:12,776 Showing her twin daughters at a gas station, 510 00:25:12,845 --> 00:25:17,380 Two hours after they told police they arrived at school. 511 00:25:17,382 --> 00:25:20,083 - So this indicates that the teens have lied to us, 512 00:25:20,085 --> 00:25:22,319 But people lie to the police for different reasons. 513 00:25:22,387 --> 00:25:24,755 So we still had to see why they were lying 514 00:25:24,890 --> 00:25:26,956 And what they were lying about. 515 00:25:26,958 --> 00:25:29,993 - Police decide, let's do a little bit more digging. 516 00:25:30,062 --> 00:25:31,161 They go to the school 517 00:25:31,230 --> 00:25:34,965 And ask the school for their closed caption footage. 518 00:25:35,034 --> 00:25:37,267 - And we see the twins arriving 519 00:25:37,336 --> 00:25:39,302 At about 10:16 in the morning. 520 00:25:39,371 --> 00:25:42,205 - This video footage suggests to law enforcement that 521 00:25:42,274 --> 00:25:45,109 What the girls told them originally is not consistent. 522 00:25:47,112 --> 00:25:49,312 - [narrator] detectives contact nikki's grandmother, 523 00:25:49,382 --> 00:25:50,347 Della frazier, 524 00:25:50,415 --> 00:25:53,583 Who has custody of jas and tas, 525 00:25:53,719 --> 00:25:55,152 And ask her to bring them to the station 526 00:25:55,220 --> 00:25:57,288 For another round of questioning. 527 00:26:17,977 --> 00:26:19,710 - [narrator] ms. Frazier remains in the room 528 00:26:19,845 --> 00:26:22,245 With each twin as the police employ 529 00:26:22,247 --> 00:26:24,748 A new interrogation tactic. 530 00:26:24,883 --> 00:26:26,249 - This interview's a little bit different. 531 00:26:26,251 --> 00:26:28,385 We have them in separate interview rooms 532 00:26:28,453 --> 00:26:30,053 And this time we confront them 533 00:26:30,122 --> 00:26:32,022 With the discrepancies in their stories. 534 00:27:21,140 --> 00:27:22,906 - Police immediately saw 535 00:27:22,975 --> 00:27:27,044 That there are two different sides to these young ladies. 536 00:27:53,305 --> 00:27:55,038 - The police are starting to observe 537 00:27:55,040 --> 00:27:57,941 That the girls are no longer as cooperative 538 00:27:57,943 --> 00:28:00,143 And grieving as they were before. 539 00:28:00,145 --> 00:28:02,379 Now they're becoming very dismissive, 540 00:28:02,447 --> 00:28:06,083 Very uncooperative with the investigation. 541 00:28:12,424 --> 00:28:13,890 - [narrator] investigators decide 542 00:28:14,026 --> 00:28:16,226 To conclude their interviews with both girls, 543 00:28:16,295 --> 00:28:18,328 But not before getting blood samples 544 00:28:18,397 --> 00:28:20,897 And molds of their teeth. 545 00:28:21,033 --> 00:28:22,866 - There's obviously inconsistencies, 546 00:28:23,001 --> 00:28:25,268 Both with the story and the girls' behavior. 547 00:28:25,337 --> 00:28:27,270 So they want to look into their background 548 00:28:27,339 --> 00:28:30,974 To learn more about the history of the girls and nikki. 549 00:28:31,644 --> 00:28:35,112 - Turns out there had been a history of some domestic issues 550 00:28:35,180 --> 00:28:37,748 Between the girls and their mom. 551 00:28:37,850 --> 00:28:39,116 - In June of 2008, 552 00:28:39,184 --> 00:28:41,985 Law enforcement was called to the house 553 00:28:42,120 --> 00:28:45,288 Because the girls had got into a fight with nikki. 554 00:28:45,357 --> 00:28:47,558 The girls and nikki give different stories. 555 00:28:47,626 --> 00:28:49,493 The girls say that nikki attacked them. 556 00:28:49,561 --> 00:28:52,462 Nikki say that the girls attacked her. 557 00:28:52,531 --> 00:28:55,532 - Nikki had some little bruising and scrapes. 558 00:28:55,600 --> 00:28:57,134 The twins did not have any. 559 00:28:57,202 --> 00:28:58,235 And they also determined 560 00:28:58,303 --> 00:29:01,504 That nikki was more believable than the twins. 561 00:29:01,573 --> 00:29:04,074 - It was determined that just to keep peace 562 00:29:04,142 --> 00:29:06,142 And keep people from fighting, getting hurt, 563 00:29:06,211 --> 00:29:07,310 That the twins would stay at least 564 00:29:07,379 --> 00:29:09,379 For the night with their grandmother. 565 00:29:09,448 --> 00:29:10,813 - Detectives discover that 566 00:29:10,815 --> 00:29:14,084 Because of this altercation that happened nearly two years 567 00:29:14,153 --> 00:29:17,053 Before the murder, the twins' great-grandmother, 568 00:29:17,122 --> 00:29:20,490 Della frazier, made the decision to take nikki to court 569 00:29:20,559 --> 00:29:22,326 For custody of the twins. 570 00:29:23,729 --> 00:29:25,462 - While in court, the judge decides 571 00:29:25,530 --> 00:29:28,431 The girls should be with della frazier. 572 00:29:28,500 --> 00:29:31,468 This is the best option that the court comes up with. 573 00:29:33,138 --> 00:29:36,072 - Nikki was just devastated by this. 574 00:29:36,141 --> 00:29:38,975 - I remember that nikki, she would just cry 575 00:29:39,111 --> 00:29:40,277 And just cry so hard 576 00:29:40,345 --> 00:29:42,545 Because of the fact that she just felt like della 577 00:29:42,614 --> 00:29:44,948 Had so much say so, not just over the kids, 578 00:29:45,083 --> 00:29:47,050 But she also had a lot of say so over nikki, 579 00:29:47,119 --> 00:29:48,185 Which was their mother. 580 00:29:49,388 --> 00:29:51,254 She didn't want for her kids 581 00:29:51,256 --> 00:29:56,459 To respect della more than their own mom. 582 00:29:56,929 --> 00:29:59,396 - But after almost two years of the twins living 583 00:29:59,464 --> 00:30:01,064 With della frazier, 584 00:30:01,066 --> 00:30:03,333 Nikki really loved her girls and wanted them back. 585 00:30:03,402 --> 00:30:06,436 And so she had gone to juvenile court in rockdale county 586 00:30:06,505 --> 00:30:09,139 And fought hard to get custody back. 587 00:30:10,475 --> 00:30:11,975 (dramatic music) 588 00:30:12,110 --> 00:30:14,945 - [narrator] finally, on January 5th, 2010, 589 00:30:14,947 --> 00:30:17,614 After two years of living without her daughters, 590 00:30:17,682 --> 00:30:19,650 The court awarded nikki whitehead 591 00:30:19,718 --> 00:30:23,020 Full custody of jas and tas. 592 00:30:23,154 --> 00:30:24,922 - Nikki's friends and family expressed 593 00:30:24,924 --> 00:30:29,126 That nikki was very excited to get the twins back. 594 00:30:29,194 --> 00:30:30,260 - But the police learn 595 00:30:30,329 --> 00:30:32,195 The girls are completely against this. 596 00:30:32,197 --> 00:30:34,097 They want to stay living with della, 597 00:30:34,232 --> 00:30:35,632 Because they have ultimate freedom 598 00:30:35,700 --> 00:30:37,600 To do whatever they want to do. 599 00:30:37,669 --> 00:30:40,037 - [narrator] unfortunately, the celebration 600 00:30:40,039 --> 00:30:43,073 Of the girls' return was short-lived. 601 00:30:44,643 --> 00:30:49,346 - It transcended quickly into nikki complaining 602 00:30:49,414 --> 00:30:51,614 That the girls were threatening her 603 00:30:51,616 --> 00:30:55,952 And that she felt scared of 'em and constant disputes. 604 00:30:56,655 --> 00:31:00,257 Every day there was a problem that seemed to escalate daily. 605 00:31:01,626 --> 00:31:04,428 - Nikki called me and she was upset 606 00:31:06,031 --> 00:31:10,667 And she felt like the girls were acting unruly. 607 00:31:11,403 --> 00:31:13,003 She didn't know where it was coming from 608 00:31:13,005 --> 00:31:16,473 And I never heard nikki to speak in that tone. 609 00:31:16,541 --> 00:31:18,442 - And just eight days later, 610 00:31:20,245 --> 00:31:21,811 Nikki was killed. 611 00:31:22,081 --> 00:31:24,481 (dramatic music) 612 00:31:24,549 --> 00:31:26,984 - There's obviously inconsistencies with 613 00:31:27,019 --> 00:31:29,819 The girls' story. That's pretty powerful evidence, 614 00:31:29,821 --> 00:31:33,222 - That led us to believe this incident was premeditated. 615 00:31:33,224 --> 00:31:36,326 - It shows their intent to kill nikki. 616 00:31:37,362 --> 00:31:37,460 (dramatic music) 617 00:31:37,628 --> 00:31:48,639 (dramatic music) 618 00:31:51,410 --> 00:31:54,144 - [narrator] detectives in the atlanta suburb of conyers 619 00:31:54,212 --> 00:31:56,579 Are investigating the brutal stabbing death 620 00:31:56,581 --> 00:31:58,448 Of nikki whitehead. 621 00:31:58,517 --> 00:32:02,018 The team has just discovered that nikki's twin daughters, 622 00:32:02,154 --> 00:32:03,520 Jasmiyah and tasmiyah, 623 00:32:03,588 --> 00:32:06,156 Who claimed to have discovered her body, 624 00:32:06,291 --> 00:32:07,557 Had just moved back in with her 625 00:32:07,626 --> 00:32:10,093 After a hostile custody battle 626 00:32:10,228 --> 00:32:12,596 And had physically attacked nikki in the past. 627 00:32:14,599 --> 00:32:17,800 - In the early stages of the investigation, 628 00:32:17,802 --> 00:32:19,702 It's almost unconceivable 629 00:32:20,339 --> 00:32:23,540 That these girls could have actually murdered their mother, 630 00:32:24,142 --> 00:32:28,145 Especially in the manner and as violent as the scene was. 631 00:32:29,247 --> 00:32:31,548 It was very difficult to imagine. 632 00:32:31,616 --> 00:32:34,250 - But, now that the girls' story has changed 633 00:32:34,319 --> 00:32:36,153 And there's obviously inconsistencies, 634 00:32:36,155 --> 00:32:37,153 Both with the story 635 00:32:37,155 --> 00:32:38,421 And the girl's behavior, 636 00:32:38,490 --> 00:32:39,756 The police have now elevated them 637 00:32:39,824 --> 00:32:42,259 To being suspects in the case. 638 00:32:43,562 --> 00:32:45,462 (dramatic music) 639 00:32:45,530 --> 00:32:47,030 - [narrator] investigators then search 640 00:32:47,166 --> 00:32:49,332 Nikki's home a second time, 641 00:32:49,401 --> 00:32:51,501 Focusing on the twins' bedroom. 642 00:32:54,173 --> 00:32:56,639 (suspenseful music) 643 00:32:56,641 --> 00:33:00,310 - In the twins' rooms, we found journals. 644 00:33:00,379 --> 00:33:03,613 Nikki had taken their phones away, so instead of texting, 645 00:33:03,682 --> 00:33:05,348 They would write in the journal. 646 00:33:05,417 --> 00:33:07,117 First person to first person. 647 00:33:10,589 --> 00:33:13,222 - And in this journal they talked about how they were 648 00:33:13,224 --> 00:33:15,359 So miserable living with their mother. 649 00:33:17,262 --> 00:33:18,929 - There was written notes that they had given 650 00:33:19,264 --> 00:33:20,630 To each other back and forth. 651 00:33:20,632 --> 00:33:22,398 Within the notes, 652 00:33:22,467 --> 00:33:24,468 It talked about the girls wanting to leave. 653 00:33:26,738 --> 00:33:29,472 - [narrator] but it's an entry from January 5th, 654 00:33:29,541 --> 00:33:31,808 Just days before nikki was killed, 655 00:33:31,876 --> 00:33:34,311 That catches detectives' attention. 656 00:33:37,215 --> 00:33:38,348 (mysterious music) 657 00:33:38,416 --> 00:33:39,549 - One wrote to the other, 658 00:33:39,618 --> 00:33:41,884 If we don't get rid of her now, 659 00:33:41,886 --> 00:33:43,486 We'll be stuck here forever. 660 00:33:43,488 --> 00:33:45,655 And then the second one agreed. 661 00:33:46,358 --> 00:33:49,258 That led us to believe this incident was premeditated. 662 00:33:49,328 --> 00:33:53,797 The girls felt trapped and that they didn't see a way out. 663 00:33:54,599 --> 00:33:57,600 - As a prosecutor, when you see writings from an actual 664 00:33:57,669 --> 00:34:01,771 Suspect actually stating that a person needs to die, 665 00:34:01,840 --> 00:34:03,373 That's pretty powerful evidence. 666 00:34:03,441 --> 00:34:06,410 It shows their intent to kill nikki. 667 00:34:09,914 --> 00:34:13,183 After four months of investigating this murder, 668 00:34:13,786 --> 00:34:15,885 The police finally get back the results from the crime lab 669 00:34:15,954 --> 00:34:18,355 Of the blood collected from the crime scene. 670 00:34:19,691 --> 00:34:21,925 The blood shows that it belongs to nikki 671 00:34:21,993 --> 00:34:23,826 And it belongs to the twins. 672 00:34:23,896 --> 00:34:26,663 - [narrator] but that's not the only forensic link 673 00:34:26,731 --> 00:34:29,733 Tying jas and tas to the murder. 674 00:34:32,270 --> 00:34:35,572 - And we know that nikki had bite marks on her arm. 675 00:34:35,640 --> 00:34:40,009 And since we had our csi do molds of the girls' teeth, 676 00:34:40,011 --> 00:34:44,614 It was determined by the me that tas actually bit nikki. 677 00:34:48,486 --> 00:34:50,553 - This, on top of the written documents 678 00:34:50,555 --> 00:34:51,988 That they got from the twins, 679 00:34:51,990 --> 00:34:55,291 And the inconsistencies in the timeline gives the police 680 00:34:55,427 --> 00:34:57,160 The probable cause they need 681 00:34:57,362 --> 00:35:00,230 To place both girls under arrest on the last day of school. 682 00:35:07,372 --> 00:35:08,905 (soft beep) 683 00:35:08,973 --> 00:35:10,440 - [news anchor] police arrested twins 684 00:35:10,509 --> 00:35:11,908 Jasmiyah and tasmiyah whitehead, 685 00:35:11,976 --> 00:35:14,210 Now charged with murder in the stabbing 686 00:35:14,346 --> 00:35:15,779 And beating death of their mother. 687 00:35:17,983 --> 00:35:19,616 - When the twins were finally arrested, 688 00:35:19,684 --> 00:35:21,751 They were put in back of a patrol car. 689 00:35:21,820 --> 00:35:24,787 Well, within those patrol cars we got video 690 00:35:24,789 --> 00:35:26,456 And audio recording. 691 00:35:26,524 --> 00:35:28,791 Well, what came out of those two girls together 692 00:35:28,860 --> 00:35:31,728 In the back of the car wasn't the same two sweet girls 693 00:35:31,796 --> 00:35:33,330 From when we first met them. 694 00:35:56,521 --> 00:35:59,823 - They were vile, cussing, nasty, threatening, 695 00:36:00,825 --> 00:36:02,692 Complete jekyll and hyde. 696 00:36:12,771 --> 00:36:13,837 - It's unbelievable to police 697 00:36:13,905 --> 00:36:16,939 And to the community that these girls 698 00:36:17,008 --> 00:36:20,943 Who everybody thought were victims, they weren't victims. 699 00:36:20,945 --> 00:36:22,846 They might be the actual killers. 700 00:36:24,449 --> 00:36:25,515 No one could believe that. 701 00:36:25,583 --> 00:36:27,384 And no one saw that coming. 702 00:36:29,654 --> 00:36:32,622 Police are desperate to now figure out 703 00:36:32,691 --> 00:36:34,324 What happened to nikki. 704 00:36:35,593 --> 00:36:37,727 Are the twins going to tell what happened? 705 00:36:39,863 --> 00:36:45,384 (dramatic music) 706 00:36:45,385 --> 00:36:50,906 (suspenseful music) 707 00:36:53,111 --> 00:36:55,812 - [narrator] in the quaint atlanta suburb of conyers, 708 00:36:55,880 --> 00:36:59,548 Twin sisters jasmiyah and tasmiyah whitehead 709 00:36:59,550 --> 00:37:01,417 Have been charged with murder 710 00:37:01,419 --> 00:37:05,155 For the brutal stabbing death of their mother, nikki. 711 00:37:05,724 --> 00:37:08,758 - It was just shocking to finally learn what they had done 712 00:37:08,827 --> 00:37:10,493 To their own mother, 713 00:37:10,495 --> 00:37:12,361 Just because they wanted freedom 714 00:37:12,364 --> 00:37:15,632 And they didn't like the fact that she had rules 715 00:37:15,700 --> 00:37:19,468 And the lengths that they would go to cover it up. 716 00:37:19,604 --> 00:37:21,104 It was horrible. 717 00:37:21,640 --> 00:37:25,007 - And that's like, can't be one of her daughters. 718 00:37:25,077 --> 00:37:27,744 I was in disbelief on that. 719 00:37:27,812 --> 00:37:30,446 I couldn't wrap my brain around that. 720 00:37:30,515 --> 00:37:32,915 That's when I really broke down. 721 00:37:32,984 --> 00:37:35,651 - For nikki to, you know, birth these girls 722 00:37:35,653 --> 00:37:37,787 And you know, give them everything 723 00:37:37,856 --> 00:37:39,856 And then they take their mother life. 724 00:37:39,924 --> 00:37:43,226 It was just like unbelievable that this had transpired 725 00:37:43,362 --> 00:37:44,694 Between her and the girls, 726 00:37:44,763 --> 00:37:47,564 Because I didn't see it coming at all. 727 00:37:48,500 --> 00:37:49,399 (dramatic music) 728 00:37:49,534 --> 00:37:52,168 - After four months of investigating this murder, 729 00:37:52,837 --> 00:37:54,937 The police finally have the results from the crime lab, 730 00:37:54,939 --> 00:37:58,474 On top of writings from the girls actually stating 731 00:37:58,543 --> 00:38:00,877 That nikki needs to die. 732 00:38:00,945 --> 00:38:02,845 That shows the girls were responsible 733 00:38:02,914 --> 00:38:03,913 For this brutal murder. 734 00:38:06,150 --> 00:38:07,817 (dramatic music) 735 00:38:07,819 --> 00:38:10,086 The charges against tas and jas were felony murder 736 00:38:10,154 --> 00:38:12,121 And aggravated assault. 737 00:38:12,590 --> 00:38:15,758 - But the girls were afforded the opportunity 738 00:38:15,827 --> 00:38:18,728 To take a plea and they did. 739 00:38:18,797 --> 00:38:20,797 - The rockdale county da said they have 740 00:38:20,865 --> 00:38:22,632 To do a video interview 741 00:38:22,700 --> 00:38:27,570 And say what really happened the day nikki 742 00:38:27,639 --> 00:38:28,971 Was found dead. 743 00:38:29,040 --> 00:38:30,940 Finally, they have to come clean. 744 00:38:46,091 --> 00:38:48,358 - They say that that morning nikki woke 745 00:38:48,527 --> 00:38:49,793 The girls up to go to school. 746 00:38:51,662 --> 00:38:54,464 (suspenseful music) 747 00:39:00,672 --> 00:39:03,540 (vase shattering) 748 00:39:39,143 --> 00:39:41,911 (mysterious music) 749 00:40:06,070 --> 00:40:08,872 (somber music) 750 00:40:25,089 --> 00:40:28,891 - In January of 2014, tas appears in court 751 00:40:28,960 --> 00:40:32,662 And finally pleads guilty to the murder of her mother. 752 00:40:52,016 --> 00:40:54,650 - A month later, jas pleads guilty as well 753 00:40:54,719 --> 00:40:55,919 For nikki's murder. 754 00:40:57,355 --> 00:40:58,788 - [narrator] jasmiyah and tasmiyah whitehead 755 00:40:58,857 --> 00:41:01,324 Each receive 30-year sentences 756 00:41:01,392 --> 00:41:03,660 With the possibility of parole. 757 00:41:05,864 --> 00:41:08,798 (soft music) 758 00:41:08,867 --> 00:41:11,067 - The community really struggled with this case, 759 00:41:11,135 --> 00:41:16,405 Because initially they were completely behind the girls. 760 00:41:17,208 --> 00:41:20,176 So the community had a very difficult time understanding 761 00:41:20,244 --> 00:41:21,978 How this could happen. 762 00:41:22,046 --> 00:41:24,280 And they were just devastated. 763 00:41:25,049 --> 00:41:27,950 - When they was convicted, and I saw them, 764 00:41:28,019 --> 00:41:30,786 Like they wasn't the girls that I remember. 765 00:41:30,855 --> 00:41:32,021 They were different. 766 00:41:32,090 --> 00:41:33,722 They were different. 767 00:41:34,192 --> 00:41:38,228 And deep down within me, I knew that her kids took her life 768 00:41:38,296 --> 00:41:40,296 And I wasn't ready for it. 769 00:41:40,865 --> 00:41:43,432 - Conyers will always have the stigma 770 00:41:43,434 --> 00:41:46,335 Of being the location of one the most bizarre 771 00:41:46,337 --> 00:41:50,039 And violent murders in recent memory took place. 772 00:41:51,676 --> 00:41:53,175 - I think conyers wants to be known 773 00:41:53,244 --> 00:41:55,711 For something other than this case, 774 00:41:55,713 --> 00:41:59,048 But this case will always be a part of their history. 775 00:42:01,085 --> 00:42:02,651 (soft music) 776 00:42:02,654 --> 00:42:04,954 - For nikki's family and friends, 777 00:42:05,023 --> 00:42:08,057 The pain of her loss will never go away. 778 00:42:10,795 --> 00:42:13,062 - What I miss about nikki is conversation. 779 00:42:13,131 --> 00:42:15,064 I think about nikki every day. 780 00:42:15,133 --> 00:42:18,000 I do, I really think about her every day. 781 00:42:18,669 --> 00:42:21,838 And this was like my sister, this was my family. 782 00:42:23,808 --> 00:42:25,675 - I have photos of her 783 00:42:26,278 --> 00:42:29,011 And every once in a while I look at it, you know, 784 00:42:29,080 --> 00:42:32,949 And just to, just reminisce of the person who she was. 785 00:42:33,017 --> 00:42:35,518 So for me, I still, there's a part of me 786 00:42:35,786 --> 00:42:38,087 That still keeps her alive in my heart. 787 00:42:39,156 --> 00:42:41,591 (soft music)