1 00:00:07,907 --> 00:00:10,209 (suspenseful music) 2 00:00:11,078 --> 00:00:12,544 - The metro atlanta area 3 00:00:12,613 --> 00:00:14,646 Has one of the largest military facilities 4 00:00:14,648 --> 00:00:16,281 Here in the southeast. 5 00:00:16,350 --> 00:00:19,518 - The military community is a family away from home. 6 00:00:19,586 --> 00:00:22,020 So when detective cruz broke the news, 7 00:00:22,089 --> 00:00:23,288 I was just mind-blown. 8 00:00:28,229 --> 00:00:30,729 - [cruz] a male approached the driver's side and fired. 9 00:00:30,797 --> 00:00:33,632 (gun fires) 10 00:00:33,700 --> 00:00:36,835 - [lakashe] if my mom never drove to gwinnett place, 11 00:00:36,903 --> 00:00:39,605 My life would be a lot different. 12 00:00:39,673 --> 00:00:40,572 (camera clicking) 13 00:00:40,641 --> 00:00:43,408 - That vehicle is a rolling treasure chest 14 00:00:43,477 --> 00:00:44,776 For physical evidence. 15 00:00:44,845 --> 00:00:46,778 - Underneath the driver's seat, 16 00:00:46,847 --> 00:00:49,648 I'd find a used cigarette butt. 17 00:00:50,917 --> 00:00:53,318 - And that cigarette butt, he might have his dna on it. 18 00:00:53,387 --> 00:00:55,554 I was reviewing surveillance video, 19 00:00:55,622 --> 00:00:57,256 I'm realizing this is my guy. 20 00:01:03,129 --> 00:01:06,198 - We thought, "do identical twins truly have the same dna?" 21 00:01:06,266 --> 00:01:07,399 (driving dramatic music) 22 00:01:07,467 --> 00:01:09,534 (gunshot) 23 00:01:09,603 --> 00:01:12,838 (tense music) 24 00:01:17,378 --> 00:01:19,445 (siren wailing) 25 00:01:24,284 --> 00:01:27,519 (upbeat techno music) 26 00:01:29,256 --> 00:01:30,422 - [narrator] while the city of atlanta 27 00:01:30,490 --> 00:01:34,560 Is known for its music, its food, and its vibrant diversity, 28 00:01:35,729 --> 00:01:39,164 It is also home to a robust military community 29 00:01:39,233 --> 00:01:42,534 Centered around the vast dobbins air force base 30 00:01:42,603 --> 00:01:43,969 Just north of town. 31 00:01:44,037 --> 00:01:46,205 - Dobbins air force base is an institution 32 00:01:46,207 --> 00:01:47,606 In the metro atlanta area. 33 00:01:47,608 --> 00:01:50,209 - Dobbins is like its own small city 34 00:01:50,211 --> 00:01:52,444 With more than 2,500 reservists 35 00:01:52,513 --> 00:01:55,147 From all four branches of the military. 36 00:01:56,350 --> 00:02:00,185 - The military community in atlanta is very diverse. 37 00:02:00,254 --> 00:02:02,487 We come from all walks of life. 38 00:02:02,489 --> 00:02:03,789 It's a family away from home. 39 00:02:05,759 --> 00:02:08,727 - [narrator] but on July 18th, 2008, 40 00:02:08,795 --> 00:02:10,762 Just down the road from the base, 41 00:02:10,831 --> 00:02:13,432 Gwinnett county police are pressed into service 42 00:02:13,500 --> 00:02:15,934 By a senseless tragedy. 43 00:02:16,002 --> 00:02:18,437 - On Friday, July 18th around 9 p.M., 44 00:02:18,505 --> 00:02:21,440 Gwinnett county communications 911 one received a call. 45 00:02:28,615 --> 00:02:32,284 - At the time, the gwinnett place mall was a very busy mall 46 00:02:32,352 --> 00:02:35,020 And there was a police officer on patrol 47 00:02:35,088 --> 00:02:36,622 Right near the location. 48 00:02:37,758 --> 00:02:39,291 And there were frantic individuals 49 00:02:39,359 --> 00:02:42,293 Saying that they heard an apparent gunshot. 50 00:02:42,363 --> 00:02:43,561 (siren wailing) 51 00:02:43,563 --> 00:02:45,797 So he was able to get to the crime scene pretty quickly, 52 00:02:45,866 --> 00:02:47,499 In less than two minutes. 53 00:02:48,935 --> 00:02:51,903 - When officer guck arrives, he finds the victim 54 00:02:51,972 --> 00:02:55,374 With an apparent gunshot wound to her chest area. 55 00:02:55,442 --> 00:03:00,378 So he takes a glove, tapes it to help the wound, 56 00:03:00,447 --> 00:03:02,814 And then, shortly after the medics arrive on scene, 57 00:03:03,717 --> 00:03:05,284 And rush her to the hospital. 58 00:03:06,286 --> 00:03:07,519 Unfortunately, the female 59 00:03:07,588 --> 00:03:09,521 Did not have any identification on her. 60 00:03:09,590 --> 00:03:12,658 So it starts the case off with her being a jane doe. 61 00:03:14,628 --> 00:03:16,661 - The officer radios for detectives 62 00:03:16,663 --> 00:03:20,332 And crime scene techs to come out to the location. 63 00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:23,535 Then he finds the person that made the 911 caller, 64 00:03:23,604 --> 00:03:25,370 Who happened to be a bus driver. 65 00:03:26,540 --> 00:03:28,473 - She said she was sitting in the bus 66 00:03:28,542 --> 00:03:32,377 Adjacent to the parking lot outside the mall area, 67 00:03:33,647 --> 00:03:35,280 So she did observe 68 00:03:35,349 --> 00:03:38,349 A male approached the driver's side of the car, 69 00:03:38,419 --> 00:03:40,752 Yelled, "bitch, (bleep)," opened the door, 70 00:03:40,821 --> 00:03:45,023 Fired a single shot and pulled the victim out of the car, 71 00:03:45,091 --> 00:03:46,825 Got in the vehicle and drove away. 72 00:03:48,429 --> 00:03:50,662 - At the time, she knew it was a gold-colored vehicle 73 00:03:50,731 --> 00:03:54,065 But was unable to provide the license plate. 74 00:03:54,067 --> 00:03:57,336 - But she did provide a description of the suspect. 75 00:03:57,404 --> 00:03:59,337 She described him as a black male, 76 00:03:59,406 --> 00:04:03,942 Approximately six feet tall, between 40 and 50 years of age. 77 00:04:04,010 --> 00:04:06,344 She described him carrying a black duffel bag 78 00:04:06,413 --> 00:04:08,379 And he's wearing a white softball shirt 79 00:04:08,449 --> 00:04:09,548 With the green sleeves. 80 00:04:10,651 --> 00:04:11,783 - [narrator] as officers finished taking 81 00:04:11,852 --> 00:04:16,255 The bus driver's statement, detectives arrive on scene. 82 00:04:17,323 --> 00:04:19,691 - The scene was basically the gwinnett mall 83 00:04:20,560 --> 00:04:23,462 And adjacent was a parking lot, where she was shot. 84 00:04:25,165 --> 00:04:28,333 There was a pool of blood located at that location, 85 00:04:28,402 --> 00:04:29,568 But there was no vehicle, 86 00:04:29,636 --> 00:04:31,636 So it was a very limited crime scene. 87 00:04:32,639 --> 00:04:35,006 And I remember thinking this could be domestic-related, 88 00:04:35,075 --> 00:04:38,377 Based on the fact that there was a verbal argument. 89 00:04:38,379 --> 00:04:40,412 At that point, I had personnel go to the hospital 90 00:04:40,480 --> 00:04:42,481 To check on the victim. 91 00:04:43,484 --> 00:04:44,415 That's when I learned 92 00:04:44,485 --> 00:04:46,785 That about an hour after the shooting occurred, 93 00:04:46,853 --> 00:04:49,621 She succumbed from the gunshot wounds that she suffered. 94 00:04:52,225 --> 00:04:54,026 - This was just a real tragedy, 95 00:04:54,094 --> 00:04:57,729 And we were gonna grind and continue to do whatever we could 96 00:04:57,798 --> 00:04:59,498 To get the person responsible. 97 00:05:00,767 --> 00:05:04,069 - At that point, I had the officer take a photograph of her 98 00:05:04,137 --> 00:05:05,937 To help identify who she was. 99 00:05:06,840 --> 00:05:09,041 And then I let all dispatch operators 100 00:05:09,109 --> 00:05:11,076 Know the victim's description 101 00:05:11,144 --> 00:05:13,511 As well as the description of the vehicle. 102 00:05:14,648 --> 00:05:16,781 - [narrator] as police work on identifying the victim 103 00:05:16,850 --> 00:05:18,683 And tracking down her car, 104 00:05:18,685 --> 00:05:20,785 Investigators at the scene of the crime 105 00:05:20,787 --> 00:05:22,754 Search for forensic leads. 106 00:05:23,957 --> 00:05:28,426 - At the time, the main crime scene is her vehicle 107 00:05:28,495 --> 00:05:31,963 And my crime scene drove away. 108 00:05:31,965 --> 00:05:33,532 (suspenseful music) 109 00:05:33,600 --> 00:05:35,533 I need that vehicle. 110 00:05:35,602 --> 00:05:37,134 (two percussive hits) 111 00:05:37,136 --> 00:05:38,837 There was just a pool of blood. 112 00:05:38,905 --> 00:05:43,875 And I start looking for firearms, fired casings. 113 00:05:45,011 --> 00:05:48,880 But in this instance, we did not find any casings. 114 00:05:49,850 --> 00:05:53,618 The next thing that I did was collect blood samples 115 00:05:53,687 --> 00:05:55,620 And I transport them 116 00:05:55,689 --> 00:05:58,089 Back to gwinnett county police headquarters, 117 00:05:58,158 --> 00:06:02,094 Crime scene investigations unit for further processing. 118 00:06:02,162 --> 00:06:04,829 - [narrator] the parking lot area is mostly empty, 119 00:06:04,831 --> 00:06:07,098 So as csi searches for more evidence, 120 00:06:07,167 --> 00:06:10,635 Detectives fan out to see if anyone further down the street 121 00:06:10,704 --> 00:06:13,938 Or in the nearby businesses may have seen anything. 122 00:06:13,940 --> 00:06:15,507 - Naturally, one of the biggest things we do 123 00:06:15,575 --> 00:06:17,141 Is conduct a canvass. 124 00:06:17,210 --> 00:06:20,044 But the canvass did not turn up anything. 125 00:06:20,113 --> 00:06:23,815 The only sole person that saw everything was the bus driver. 126 00:06:24,818 --> 00:06:26,918 We really needed to gather more evidence. 127 00:06:27,921 --> 00:06:30,789 And obviously there is surveillance at the mall, 128 00:06:30,857 --> 00:06:33,858 However it's getting late into the evening hours. 129 00:06:33,927 --> 00:06:36,428 It will take us several days to get that footage. 130 00:06:37,664 --> 00:06:38,997 - [narrator] with the scene 131 00:06:39,065 --> 00:06:40,598 Yielding very few pieces of evidence, 132 00:06:40,667 --> 00:06:43,034 Investigators need more information on the victim 133 00:06:43,103 --> 00:06:44,936 Or the missing car. 134 00:06:45,005 --> 00:06:47,038 - We pretty much wrapped up the processing of the scene 135 00:06:47,107 --> 00:06:50,208 Approximately 1 a.M, and then maybe an hour. 136 00:06:50,276 --> 00:06:53,211 I get a phone call from gwinnett county police dispatch 137 00:06:53,279 --> 00:06:56,515 Saying they just got a call about a missing person. 138 00:06:56,517 --> 00:07:00,618 - Couple hours earlier, a woman named camelia coleman 139 00:07:00,687 --> 00:07:03,054 Said that her sister, genai coleman 140 00:07:03,123 --> 00:07:04,956 Was in the area of gwinnett place mall 141 00:07:05,025 --> 00:07:07,058 Waiting to pick up her daughter, 142 00:07:07,127 --> 00:07:09,660 Who was working at a nearby restaurant, 143 00:07:09,662 --> 00:07:10,929 And that she never surfaced 144 00:07:10,997 --> 00:07:13,631 So they were concerned about her whereabouts. 145 00:07:13,700 --> 00:07:14,966 Mrs. Coleman described her sister 146 00:07:15,035 --> 00:07:17,168 As a 40-year-old black woman 147 00:07:17,237 --> 00:07:20,204 And further said that it was very unlike genai. 148 00:07:20,273 --> 00:07:22,941 She was very responsible, very regimented. 149 00:07:23,009 --> 00:07:26,811 - Camelia said genai was driving a gold-colored vehicle. 150 00:07:26,880 --> 00:07:29,781 She had described her height, her weight, her race. 151 00:07:29,850 --> 00:07:31,283 And based on all those factors, 152 00:07:31,351 --> 00:07:33,918 I believe this was indeed gonna be the victim. 153 00:07:33,920 --> 00:07:37,055 So I contacted my partner to meet me at the residence 154 00:07:37,123 --> 00:07:38,223 To speak with ms. Coleman. 155 00:07:39,560 --> 00:07:42,594 We arrived at the residence, made contact with ms. Camelia. 156 00:07:42,662 --> 00:07:45,730 And as we walk into the home, I notice a refrigerator, 157 00:07:45,799 --> 00:07:48,132 Then I notice a photograph of a woman. 158 00:07:48,869 --> 00:07:50,602 And as soon as I see the photograph, 159 00:07:50,670 --> 00:07:53,271 I'm pretty certain that's gonna be my victim 160 00:07:53,339 --> 00:07:56,241 Just based on the photograph I received from the hospital. 161 00:07:56,309 --> 00:07:58,009 (unsettling music) (monitor beeping) 162 00:07:58,078 --> 00:08:01,245 So I have that balance now between giving ms. Camelia 163 00:08:01,314 --> 00:08:03,648 The information that her sister's deceased 164 00:08:03,650 --> 00:08:05,684 And also trying to get as much information. 165 00:08:06,786 --> 00:08:08,620 - Camelia described her 166 00:08:08,688 --> 00:08:11,222 As driving a gold-colored dodge stratus 167 00:08:11,291 --> 00:08:12,857 And was able to provide us 168 00:08:12,926 --> 00:08:14,959 With the actual license plate of the vehicle, 169 00:08:14,961 --> 00:08:16,928 Which was extremely helpful. 170 00:08:16,997 --> 00:08:18,129 - The bus driver 171 00:08:18,198 --> 00:08:20,932 Said she was driving a gold-colored vehicle, 172 00:08:21,001 --> 00:08:22,133 So I realized at this point in time 173 00:08:22,202 --> 00:08:24,969 That I had to explain the situation to her, 174 00:08:25,038 --> 00:08:27,872 Where genai was, why she didn't make it home, 175 00:08:27,941 --> 00:08:29,708 Why she didn't pick up her daughter. 176 00:08:30,844 --> 00:08:34,279 So I provided her a photograph from the hospital 177 00:08:34,347 --> 00:08:38,282 And she identified her as genai coleman, her sister. 178 00:08:38,352 --> 00:08:41,219 And camelia broke down. 179 00:08:41,287 --> 00:08:43,688 She was totally upset, distraught. 180 00:08:44,858 --> 00:08:46,157 I felt really bad for her at the time. 181 00:08:46,226 --> 00:08:48,259 It was, you know, sobering 182 00:08:48,328 --> 00:08:50,629 To have to watch someone go through that. 183 00:08:50,631 --> 00:08:52,263 (somber music) 184 00:08:52,332 --> 00:08:55,834 - [narrator] as the shocking loss sets in for camelia, 185 00:08:55,902 --> 00:08:57,635 She calls genai's daughter 186 00:08:57,704 --> 00:09:00,005 To inform her of her mother's death. 187 00:09:01,274 --> 00:09:03,107 - When my mom was murdered, 188 00:09:03,176 --> 00:09:06,711 I was almost due to have her grandchild. 189 00:09:07,780 --> 00:09:10,549 And when my aunt told me what had happened, 190 00:09:11,918 --> 00:09:14,653 I didn't believe it, honestly. At first I didn't. 191 00:09:17,924 --> 00:09:19,657 So I called her, my mom, 192 00:09:19,726 --> 00:09:21,893 'cause she always picks up my calls, 193 00:09:21,962 --> 00:09:23,995 And there was no answer. 194 00:09:24,064 --> 00:09:28,099 And it hit me then that, yeah, my mom's no longer here. 195 00:09:30,170 --> 00:09:32,670 - Genai coleman was a religious woman. 196 00:09:32,739 --> 00:09:35,039 She was very active in her church. 197 00:09:35,041 --> 00:09:37,976 She was a teacher and had aspirations 198 00:09:38,044 --> 00:09:41,212 To open her own school back in indiana, where she grew up. 199 00:09:41,281 --> 00:09:43,848 And she also was a reservist from the navy, 200 00:09:43,917 --> 00:09:45,917 Attached to dobbins air force base. 201 00:09:45,986 --> 00:09:48,587 - She recently completed her military training 202 00:09:48,655 --> 00:09:51,322 To be certified as an mp, which, in civilian terms, 203 00:09:51,391 --> 00:09:54,225 Would just be a military police officer. 204 00:09:54,227 --> 00:09:55,226 - Genai was very passionate. 205 00:09:55,295 --> 00:09:57,261 She loved the culture of the navy. 206 00:09:58,265 --> 00:09:59,898 - [jones] she was a single mom and on her own, 207 00:09:59,966 --> 00:10:02,901 Having adopted three daughters out of foster care. 208 00:10:04,237 --> 00:10:06,804 - My relationship with my mom was wonderful. 209 00:10:06,873 --> 00:10:08,840 And I would say my mom is a super mom 210 00:10:08,908 --> 00:10:12,376 'cause she would try to carry everything and do it all. 211 00:10:12,445 --> 00:10:14,245 She always had a open hand. 212 00:10:14,314 --> 00:10:17,415 If you ever needed anything, you can go to her, 213 00:10:17,483 --> 00:10:21,219 Talk to her for whatever, it don't matter. 214 00:10:21,287 --> 00:10:22,954 My mom was always the person 215 00:10:23,023 --> 00:10:26,324 That would listen and not judge. 216 00:10:26,392 --> 00:10:28,159 - She served her country and she loved her lord, 217 00:10:28,228 --> 00:10:31,195 And she was an absolute innocent victim. 218 00:10:31,197 --> 00:10:33,364 - It was just a real tragedy. 219 00:10:33,433 --> 00:10:35,099 And if there was ever a case 220 00:10:35,168 --> 00:10:37,501 We wanted to solve and make right, this would be it. 221 00:10:37,503 --> 00:10:39,070 (tense suspenseful music) 222 00:10:39,139 --> 00:10:40,905 - [narrator] camelia said she has no idea 223 00:10:40,974 --> 00:10:42,440 Who would want to kill her sister. 224 00:10:42,508 --> 00:10:44,409 So after investigators leave her house 225 00:10:44,477 --> 00:10:46,077 In the early morning hours, 226 00:10:46,146 --> 00:10:47,979 They forward genai coleman's license plate 227 00:10:48,048 --> 00:10:49,781 To all local dispatches, 228 00:10:49,849 --> 00:10:52,083 Hoping for anything that can help track down 229 00:10:52,152 --> 00:10:55,487 Their most important piece of evidence, genai's car. 230 00:10:55,555 --> 00:10:57,989 - Detective cruz gets back to gwinnett county 231 00:10:58,058 --> 00:11:01,359 And the police station, he settles in at his desk 232 00:11:01,427 --> 00:11:03,194 And contemplates his next move. 233 00:11:04,464 --> 00:11:08,132 That's when he gets a call from the forest park police. 234 00:11:08,201 --> 00:11:10,268 Genai coleman's car has been found. 235 00:11:12,038 --> 00:11:13,404 - Because of the lack of evidence 236 00:11:13,473 --> 00:11:14,305 That we had at the scene, 237 00:11:14,374 --> 00:11:17,541 That vehicle is a rolling treasure chest 238 00:11:17,543 --> 00:11:18,810 For physical evidence. 239 00:11:18,878 --> 00:11:19,678 (dramatic music) 240 00:11:20,713 --> 00:11:23,014 - Genai brought the baby to his house, 241 00:11:23,083 --> 00:11:26,217 That makes him one of the last people to see her alive. 242 00:11:27,120 --> 00:11:29,521 - She always gave all of herself. 243 00:11:29,589 --> 00:11:32,557 - I was reviewing surveillance video that was collected. 244 00:11:32,625 --> 00:11:35,860 And while I'm watching it, I'm realizing this is my guy. 245 00:11:37,063 --> 00:11:40,365 (tense music) 246 00:11:44,403 --> 00:11:48,139 (upbeat rhythmic music) 247 00:11:48,208 --> 00:11:49,874 - [narrator] just 12 hours 248 00:11:49,942 --> 00:11:52,110 After the murder of naval reservist, genai coleman, 249 00:11:52,178 --> 00:11:54,378 Shot in her vehicle in a mall parking lot 250 00:11:54,380 --> 00:11:55,814 Just outside of atlanta, 251 00:11:55,882 --> 00:11:58,482 Investigators have located her stolen car 252 00:11:58,484 --> 00:12:00,118 And hope it might contain evidence 253 00:12:00,186 --> 00:12:01,986 That will lead them to her killer. 254 00:12:03,189 --> 00:12:04,322 - Following that information, 255 00:12:04,390 --> 00:12:06,590 Myself and detective victor immediately drove over to 256 00:12:06,592 --> 00:12:07,826 Where the vehicle was 257 00:12:07,894 --> 00:12:09,093 In forest park, 258 00:12:09,095 --> 00:12:10,027 Which is about a 259 00:12:10,096 --> 00:12:11,062 45-minute drive. 260 00:12:11,131 --> 00:12:14,899 The car was parked in the parking lot of a plaza. 261 00:12:14,968 --> 00:12:18,269 Finding the car sparked a plethora of possibilities. 262 00:12:18,338 --> 00:12:21,873 It might have fingerprints for dna or even the weapon used. 263 00:12:25,011 --> 00:12:27,311 We checked the dumpsters in the surrounding area, 264 00:12:27,380 --> 00:12:30,248 Thinking maybe the guy dumped the weapon in a dumpster, 265 00:12:31,150 --> 00:12:32,884 But we find nothing. 266 00:12:33,753 --> 00:12:36,520 I thought, okay, hopefully in the car we'll find something. 267 00:12:36,522 --> 00:12:38,956 - We looked in the window, we didn't see anything. 268 00:12:39,025 --> 00:12:40,592 We wanna make sure we're meticulous 269 00:12:40,660 --> 00:12:43,527 In handling any potential evidence that may be in the car, 270 00:12:43,597 --> 00:12:48,065 And so we get that vehicle secured and transported back 271 00:12:48,134 --> 00:12:49,433 To the gwinnett county police department 272 00:12:49,502 --> 00:12:51,736 So that it could be further processed. 273 00:12:53,406 --> 00:12:58,276 - The next day, I am looking for latent fingerprints, dna, 274 00:13:00,212 --> 00:13:05,083 And I was able to obtain multiple latent lifts 275 00:13:05,885 --> 00:13:08,920 From the driver's side exterior, 276 00:13:08,988 --> 00:13:12,523 And then I searched the inside. 277 00:13:12,592 --> 00:13:17,562 I did not find fired casings inside the car, 278 00:13:18,131 --> 00:13:19,931 And just a little blood. 279 00:13:21,000 --> 00:13:24,001 However, when I photograph 280 00:13:24,070 --> 00:13:27,271 Underneath the driver's seat of the vehicle, 281 00:13:27,273 --> 00:13:28,472 (dark music) 282 00:13:28,541 --> 00:13:32,010 I did find a used cigarette butt. 283 00:13:32,078 --> 00:13:35,379 (dark music continues) 284 00:13:35,448 --> 00:13:36,881 - At this point, we wanted to know 285 00:13:36,949 --> 00:13:39,116 Whether or not genai coleman was a smoker 286 00:13:39,185 --> 00:13:40,885 Or anybody in her family was. 287 00:13:40,953 --> 00:13:43,988 We, of course, immediately started talking to the family 288 00:13:44,825 --> 00:13:46,891 And we learned that genai was not a smoker. 289 00:13:46,959 --> 00:13:50,127 She did not allow anyone to smoke in her car. 290 00:13:50,196 --> 00:13:52,062 - That cigarette butt might have his dna on it. 291 00:13:52,132 --> 00:13:54,031 (dramatic music hit) 292 00:13:54,767 --> 00:13:56,834 - [narrator] detectives send off the fingerprints 293 00:13:56,903 --> 00:13:58,502 And the cigarette butt for comparison 294 00:13:58,571 --> 00:14:00,704 To local and federal databases, 295 00:14:00,706 --> 00:14:03,507 Which could take weeks or even months. 296 00:14:03,576 --> 00:14:06,510 In the meantime, investigators asked genai's family 297 00:14:06,512 --> 00:14:07,946 Who else she was close to, 298 00:14:08,014 --> 00:14:10,915 To get a better sense of who would commit such a brutal 299 00:14:10,983 --> 00:14:12,984 And seemingly personal crime. 300 00:14:13,052 --> 00:14:15,453 - Speaking with family, they said that genai 301 00:14:15,521 --> 00:14:17,388 Did have someone she spoke to frequently. 302 00:14:17,457 --> 00:14:20,224 She met him in the military, which was joel. 303 00:14:21,061 --> 00:14:24,162 This case initially appeared to be domestic-related 304 00:14:24,230 --> 00:14:25,896 And this could be the suspect. 305 00:14:25,966 --> 00:14:28,565 So I reached out to him on the telephone. 306 00:14:28,635 --> 00:14:30,268 - I was in my barracks room 307 00:14:30,336 --> 00:14:33,537 When detective cruz called me and broke the news, 308 00:14:33,539 --> 00:14:37,608 That she got shot in her car. 309 00:14:37,610 --> 00:14:40,277 I was just mind-blown and sad. 310 00:14:40,346 --> 00:14:44,282 Genai coleman was a unique individual, a special person. 311 00:14:44,350 --> 00:14:45,549 We were very, very close friends 312 00:14:45,618 --> 00:14:48,152 And we met while serving in the navy. 313 00:14:48,221 --> 00:14:50,421 At the time, there was an age difference. 314 00:14:50,490 --> 00:14:52,423 But the idea of potentially 315 00:14:52,492 --> 00:14:55,627 Getting romantically involved was discussed. 316 00:14:57,130 --> 00:15:00,664 - When I called and spoke to joel, he was upset. 317 00:15:00,733 --> 00:15:04,034 He explained to me that they first developed a relationship, 318 00:15:04,036 --> 00:15:05,903 But they were not together. 319 00:15:05,972 --> 00:15:09,206 He told me that it turned into a friendship. 320 00:15:09,275 --> 00:15:10,541 At this point, I'm thinkin', 321 00:15:10,610 --> 00:15:12,676 Did he have an alibi for that evening, 322 00:15:12,746 --> 00:15:14,578 Because to me that crime, 323 00:15:14,647 --> 00:15:17,314 Initially it looked like it was a domestic dispute. 324 00:15:18,251 --> 00:15:20,184 I asked him if he was in the area of gwinnett county 325 00:15:20,253 --> 00:15:21,685 At the time of the murder. 326 00:15:21,754 --> 00:15:24,221 He said, "I'm not even in the country." 327 00:15:24,290 --> 00:15:27,224 - At the time, I was stationed in japan. 328 00:15:28,228 --> 00:15:29,693 - I was able to verify he was out of the country 329 00:15:29,763 --> 00:15:31,028 At the time of the murder. 330 00:15:31,030 --> 00:15:34,098 And in so doing, I eliminated him as a suspect in the case. 331 00:15:35,301 --> 00:15:38,669 - After I told him that I had been in japan, 332 00:15:38,737 --> 00:15:43,675 He asked me if I knew of any potential people 333 00:15:44,744 --> 00:15:47,478 Who might have been involved in the murder. 334 00:15:47,547 --> 00:15:49,680 And I just told him that I wasn't aware 335 00:15:49,749 --> 00:15:50,682 Of anything like that. 336 00:15:52,118 --> 00:15:54,151 - [narrator] while joel doesn't have specific knowledge 337 00:15:54,220 --> 00:15:56,654 Of anyone who meant genai harm, 338 00:15:56,722 --> 00:15:59,223 He does offer up a potential lead. 339 00:16:00,293 --> 00:16:03,827 - In talking to joel, he mentioned an individual 340 00:16:03,829 --> 00:16:06,830 By the name patrick white, who apparently 341 00:16:06,832 --> 00:16:10,601 Is one of genai coleman's daughter's boyfriend. 342 00:16:12,838 --> 00:16:15,539 - Genai's daughter had gotten pregnant by patrick white. 343 00:16:15,608 --> 00:16:17,174 The relationship ended 344 00:16:17,243 --> 00:16:20,111 And that the situation created a lot of tension 345 00:16:20,179 --> 00:16:23,447 Around the family and created a lot of drama. 346 00:16:23,449 --> 00:16:26,850 - Because now there could be obviously some issues there. 347 00:16:26,852 --> 00:16:29,386 It was very important for us to speak to patrick white 348 00:16:29,455 --> 00:16:30,388 As soon as possible. 349 00:16:31,491 --> 00:16:34,191 - [narrator] detective cruz immediately follows up 350 00:16:34,260 --> 00:16:36,093 With genai's daughter, felicia, 351 00:16:36,162 --> 00:16:39,296 About her child's father, patrick white. 352 00:16:39,365 --> 00:16:40,764 - In speaking to felicia, 353 00:16:40,766 --> 00:16:43,300 We also learned there was times where the kid 354 00:16:43,369 --> 00:16:45,203 Had to be taken back and forth. 355 00:16:45,205 --> 00:16:47,305 That was typically done through genai 356 00:16:48,240 --> 00:16:50,774 As kinda the mediator with the child. 357 00:16:50,776 --> 00:16:52,543 - Felicia also tells detective cruz 358 00:16:52,612 --> 00:16:54,878 That just hours before the murder, 359 00:16:54,880 --> 00:16:59,083 Genai coleman brought the baby to patrick white's house, 360 00:16:59,151 --> 00:17:01,585 That makes patrick white one of the last people 361 00:17:01,654 --> 00:17:03,120 To see her alive. 362 00:17:03,122 --> 00:17:05,990 (dramatic music) 363 00:17:06,759 --> 00:17:09,660 (tense music) 364 00:17:14,032 --> 00:17:16,366 - [narrator] gwinnett county detectives 365 00:17:16,368 --> 00:17:18,302 Investigating the murder of navy reservist, genai coleman, 366 00:17:18,371 --> 00:17:21,372 Shot in a mall parking lot just outside of atlanta 367 00:17:21,440 --> 00:17:23,440 While waiting to pick up her daughter, 368 00:17:23,442 --> 00:17:25,376 Have just learned that the last person 369 00:17:25,445 --> 00:17:27,278 To potentially see genai 370 00:17:27,346 --> 00:17:30,381 Was her daughter felicia's estranged ex-boyfriend, 371 00:17:30,450 --> 00:17:31,749 Patrick white. 372 00:17:33,019 --> 00:17:36,521 - We reached out to patrick white two days after the murder. 373 00:17:37,657 --> 00:17:40,290 In talking to him, we learned, 374 00:17:40,292 --> 00:17:42,226 Although there was a problematic relationship 375 00:17:42,228 --> 00:17:43,160 Between him and felicia, 376 00:17:43,162 --> 00:17:46,496 He actually thought very highly of genai. 377 00:17:46,498 --> 00:17:50,267 - He explained she was a loving person, very religious. 378 00:17:50,336 --> 00:17:52,303 He had nothing but good things to say about her. 379 00:17:52,371 --> 00:17:53,404 He was very adamant 380 00:17:53,472 --> 00:17:56,173 That he had absolutely nothing to do with it. 381 00:17:56,242 --> 00:17:58,409 - And specifically to that day, 382 00:17:58,477 --> 00:18:02,146 His account was that he got the baby from genai, 383 00:18:02,215 --> 00:18:04,648 Which she normally would do. 384 00:18:04,650 --> 00:18:06,316 She appeared to be good. 385 00:18:06,318 --> 00:18:07,618 And then he met with his mom. 386 00:18:07,687 --> 00:18:10,921 They went to go have some mexican food for dinner 387 00:18:10,923 --> 00:18:13,691 And retired back to their house. 388 00:18:13,759 --> 00:18:17,128 We later learned, through the mother and his brothers, 389 00:18:17,196 --> 00:18:20,331 That the accounts that he gave us actually checked out. 390 00:18:20,399 --> 00:18:24,268 - So looking at his alibi and my conversation with him, 391 00:18:24,270 --> 00:18:26,470 I ruled him out as a suspect in this case. 392 00:18:27,406 --> 00:18:29,573 - [narrator] now five days into the investigation, 393 00:18:29,642 --> 00:18:30,674 With patrick white cleared 394 00:18:30,743 --> 00:18:32,843 And forensic results from the cigarette butt 395 00:18:32,912 --> 00:18:35,780 And fingerprints still months from being processed, 396 00:18:35,848 --> 00:18:38,182 Detectives are running short on leads. 397 00:18:38,251 --> 00:18:39,583 Their only glimmer of hope 398 00:18:39,652 --> 00:18:41,218 Is a mountain of surveillance footage 399 00:18:41,287 --> 00:18:43,821 That just came in from the area of the crime scene. 400 00:18:45,324 --> 00:18:47,258 - At this point, I was reviewing surveillance video 401 00:18:47,326 --> 00:18:48,759 From earlier in the evening, 402 00:18:48,828 --> 00:18:50,694 About seven o'clock on the night of the murder, 403 00:18:50,696 --> 00:18:53,164 At the quiktrip adjacent to the murder scene. 404 00:18:55,534 --> 00:18:56,467 And while I'm watching it, 405 00:18:56,535 --> 00:18:58,202 I just see a guy and he comes in. 406 00:18:58,271 --> 00:19:01,739 (tense music) 407 00:19:01,807 --> 00:19:03,340 Initially at the crime scene, 408 00:19:03,409 --> 00:19:05,276 The witness described the killer was a black male, 409 00:19:05,344 --> 00:19:07,912 Between 40 and 50 years of age, 410 00:19:07,980 --> 00:19:11,115 And he's wearing a white softball shirt 411 00:19:11,183 --> 00:19:12,750 With the green sleeve, 412 00:19:12,818 --> 00:19:15,386 The same shirt described by witnesses. 413 00:19:15,454 --> 00:19:18,256 He meets the age, the height, the weight, 414 00:19:18,258 --> 00:19:21,225 And the characteristics in addition to the outfit. 415 00:19:22,295 --> 00:19:24,561 And so now I start feverishly going through the video. 416 00:19:24,563 --> 00:19:28,232 And in doing so, I watched him come into that store 417 00:19:28,301 --> 00:19:29,733 On at least three occasions. 418 00:19:30,470 --> 00:19:32,203 During the course of about two hours 419 00:19:32,271 --> 00:19:33,337 The night of the murder, 420 00:19:33,405 --> 00:19:36,107 He purchased alcohol on two occasions 421 00:19:37,410 --> 00:19:40,211 And then he purchased a pack of cigarettes at the store. 422 00:19:42,915 --> 00:19:43,914 - [store clerk] longs? 423 00:19:43,916 --> 00:19:46,317 - He orders bronson light longs. 424 00:19:46,385 --> 00:19:48,986 So I go online, I start looking at photos 425 00:19:49,054 --> 00:19:50,588 Of bronson light longs, 426 00:19:50,656 --> 00:19:53,891 Compare it to the photograph of the cigarette butt 427 00:19:53,959 --> 00:19:57,161 That was in the car, and it was exactly the same. 428 00:19:58,497 --> 00:20:00,864 At that point, I'm realizing this is my guy. 429 00:20:00,933 --> 00:20:03,333 This is the guy who did the murder. 430 00:20:03,403 --> 00:20:04,902 (urgent dramatic music) 431 00:20:04,970 --> 00:20:07,871 But now the dilemma is identifying who the male is 432 00:20:07,940 --> 00:20:10,241 And why were they there that night. 433 00:20:10,309 --> 00:20:12,442 - [narrator] momentum is building in the case. 434 00:20:12,444 --> 00:20:14,445 And with the killer still on the loose, 435 00:20:14,513 --> 00:20:19,250 Investigators waste no time trying to uncover his identity. 436 00:20:19,318 --> 00:20:20,283 - Since the facts of this case 437 00:20:20,285 --> 00:20:22,820 Initially appeared to be domestic-related, 438 00:20:22,888 --> 00:20:25,622 We needed to find out if he knew genai. 439 00:20:25,624 --> 00:20:27,191 So my next hope is to see 440 00:20:27,259 --> 00:20:29,327 If the family members recognize the male. 441 00:20:30,630 --> 00:20:32,529 So I showed them the video, 442 00:20:32,598 --> 00:20:34,031 Asked them if they recognized the male, 443 00:20:34,099 --> 00:20:36,666 The voice, or his stature. 444 00:20:36,668 --> 00:20:38,803 They say, "we don't know who that is." 445 00:20:40,672 --> 00:20:42,940 - After that interview, we showed it 446 00:20:43,008 --> 00:20:45,876 To several of the local business owners. 447 00:20:45,945 --> 00:20:48,246 We thought maybe someone could help us identify 448 00:20:48,314 --> 00:20:50,881 The individual that was in those video clips, 449 00:20:50,883 --> 00:20:53,351 But they did not recognize the individual as well. 450 00:20:54,820 --> 00:20:56,920 - At that point, we kinda start gettin' frustrated, 451 00:20:56,989 --> 00:20:59,423 But there was nothing more we could do at the time. 452 00:20:59,492 --> 00:21:01,391 (contemplative music) 453 00:21:01,461 --> 00:21:03,060 - [narrator] with no witnesses or family members 454 00:21:03,128 --> 00:21:06,297 Able to identify the man in the surveillance footage, 455 00:21:06,365 --> 00:21:08,966 Investigators decide to turn to the media. 456 00:21:09,034 --> 00:21:11,869 - All new at six, police think that video from a gas station 457 00:21:11,937 --> 00:21:13,871 Could be the key in an unsolved murder. 458 00:21:13,939 --> 00:21:15,873 And tonight, channel two has that video. 459 00:21:15,941 --> 00:21:17,875 - We put that information onto the news 460 00:21:17,943 --> 00:21:19,410 Through metro atlanta. 461 00:21:19,478 --> 00:21:22,346 They released the video from the quiktrip. 462 00:21:22,348 --> 00:21:24,882 Family members did an interview with the news media. 463 00:21:24,950 --> 00:21:27,251 - She always gave all of herself, always. 464 00:21:30,856 --> 00:21:33,524 Even to her death she always gave all of herself. 465 00:21:35,594 --> 00:21:37,662 - I figured somebody would recognize him. 466 00:21:38,730 --> 00:21:42,400 But on this particular case, it led to nothing. 467 00:21:42,468 --> 00:21:43,701 It was disheartening. 468 00:21:44,636 --> 00:21:46,503 - We were unable to identify this individual, 469 00:21:46,572 --> 00:21:48,605 Which is troubling and concerning to us. 470 00:21:48,674 --> 00:21:50,774 So at that point, we needed to make a crucial decision 471 00:21:50,843 --> 00:21:52,009 On our next step. 472 00:21:53,212 --> 00:21:55,379 - [narrator] now four weeks since genai's murder, 473 00:21:55,447 --> 00:21:57,047 With potentially months of time to wait 474 00:21:57,116 --> 00:21:59,016 For dna results on the cigarette 475 00:21:59,084 --> 00:22:01,352 And surveillance footage yielding no names, 476 00:22:01,420 --> 00:22:03,787 The team is running out of leads, 477 00:22:03,856 --> 00:22:07,425 And genai's family and friends remain desperate for answers. 478 00:22:08,560 --> 00:22:10,660 - Genai's friends in the military, 479 00:22:10,730 --> 00:22:13,831 We were just very saddened by the news, very gloomy. 480 00:22:13,899 --> 00:22:15,466 There wasn't much to say 481 00:22:15,534 --> 00:22:18,302 Because there weren't a lot of details of what happened. 482 00:22:18,370 --> 00:22:19,804 It was hard to process. 483 00:22:20,706 --> 00:22:23,941 And I wanted, and her loved ones wanted, 484 00:22:24,009 --> 00:22:27,278 For there to be closure and for there to be justice. 485 00:22:28,881 --> 00:22:30,414 - At the time of the funeral, 486 00:22:30,483 --> 00:22:33,183 I was unable to attend because I went in labor 487 00:22:33,185 --> 00:22:35,386 And I had my baby in st. Louis. 488 00:22:36,188 --> 00:22:38,989 I've wanted her to be around. 489 00:22:40,792 --> 00:22:43,361 It was hard raising my son the first year, 490 00:22:43,429 --> 00:22:48,432 'cause being a first-time mother is not the easiest thing. 491 00:22:48,501 --> 00:22:50,401 But she could've guided me. 492 00:22:51,437 --> 00:22:52,770 It was hard. 493 00:22:53,238 --> 00:22:55,172 I guess I was angry. 494 00:22:55,240 --> 00:22:58,075 My mom was not here, he get to breathe every day, 495 00:22:58,077 --> 00:23:00,444 But I have to go on with life. 496 00:23:00,513 --> 00:23:04,615 (emotional music) 497 00:23:04,683 --> 00:23:07,485 - [narrator] finally, nearly 13 months after 498 00:23:07,487 --> 00:23:10,888 Genai coleman was ruthlessly murdered in her vehicle, 499 00:23:10,956 --> 00:23:13,790 Investigators get the break they've been waiting for. 500 00:23:13,859 --> 00:23:17,094 - August 6th, 2009, just over a year later 501 00:23:17,162 --> 00:23:19,096 From when genai was murdered, 502 00:23:19,164 --> 00:23:22,099 Detective cruz got a call from gbi. 503 00:23:22,167 --> 00:23:24,234 - So I'm notified by the crime lab 504 00:23:24,236 --> 00:23:26,837 That they received a dna hit from the cigarette butt. 505 00:23:26,906 --> 00:23:28,471 (percussive hits) 506 00:23:28,473 --> 00:23:29,506 And that gives you a jolt of energy, 507 00:23:29,508 --> 00:23:31,575 'cause now you know that's the person who did it. 508 00:23:31,977 --> 00:23:35,513 (suspenseful dramatic music) 509 00:23:35,515 --> 00:23:39,383 When he exited the location, the team took him into custody. 510 00:23:40,319 --> 00:23:43,053 - We kept, you know, hittin' him with facts. 511 00:23:43,121 --> 00:23:44,554 You know, we have your dna. 512 00:23:44,624 --> 00:23:47,024 And he's like, "yeah, so what?" 513 00:23:53,098 --> 00:23:54,598 - You go, "wait a sec. 514 00:23:54,600 --> 00:23:57,568 Do identical twins truly have the same dna?" 515 00:23:57,636 --> 00:23:59,903 (suspenseful music continues) 516 00:24:00,239 --> 00:24:03,374 (tense music) 517 00:24:08,713 --> 00:24:11,281 (upbeat rhythmic music) 518 00:24:11,283 --> 00:24:13,116 - [narrator] after months of waiting for results 519 00:24:13,118 --> 00:24:14,985 From the federal dna database, 520 00:24:15,054 --> 00:24:17,922 Gwinnett county investigators finally get a dna hit 521 00:24:17,990 --> 00:24:19,223 From the most important piece 522 00:24:19,291 --> 00:24:21,057 Of physical evidence they have, 523 00:24:21,127 --> 00:24:23,561 A cigarette butt found in naval reservist 524 00:24:23,563 --> 00:24:25,696 Genai coleman's car. 525 00:24:25,698 --> 00:24:27,465 - I'm notified by the crime lab 526 00:24:27,533 --> 00:24:30,100 That they received a dna hit from the cigarette butt. 527 00:24:31,937 --> 00:24:35,205 They said the dna matched with a donald e. Smith. 528 00:24:35,274 --> 00:24:36,706 The jolt of energy. 529 00:24:36,708 --> 00:24:38,842 So I started doing the research, 530 00:24:38,911 --> 00:24:41,745 Find out he matched the surveillance footage. 531 00:24:41,814 --> 00:24:45,950 He was a black male, approximately six feet tall, 532 00:24:46,018 --> 00:24:48,152 Between 40 and 50 years of age. 533 00:24:48,220 --> 00:24:50,621 And I found out that he had prior convictions 534 00:24:50,689 --> 00:24:51,722 For violent crimes. 535 00:24:51,790 --> 00:24:53,056 (tense music) 536 00:24:53,125 --> 00:24:57,594 - Previously, donald had been charged with an armed robbery, 537 00:24:57,663 --> 00:24:59,763 A burglary, and as a result of that 538 00:24:59,832 --> 00:25:01,932 It made him a definite suspect, 539 00:25:02,001 --> 00:25:04,234 As somebody capable of committing this crime. 540 00:25:04,303 --> 00:25:07,871 - I'm thinking at this point in time, this is my guy. 541 00:25:07,873 --> 00:25:08,805 - [narrator] with donald smith 542 00:25:08,874 --> 00:25:12,042 Identified through dna as their prime suspect, 543 00:25:12,111 --> 00:25:15,346 The team now focuses on tracking him down. 544 00:25:15,414 --> 00:25:17,114 - Following up on police reports, 545 00:25:17,182 --> 00:25:19,182 I established an incident that occurred recently 546 00:25:19,251 --> 00:25:21,885 At legal sea foods, which is a location in atlanta 547 00:25:21,954 --> 00:25:23,153 Where he recently worked. 548 00:25:23,222 --> 00:25:26,156 - He wasn't actually charged with the one at legal sea food, 549 00:25:26,225 --> 00:25:28,125 But he threatened the manager. 550 00:25:28,193 --> 00:25:30,260 So detective cruz immediately followed up 551 00:25:30,329 --> 00:25:32,295 With that location. 552 00:25:32,364 --> 00:25:36,667 - I show surveillance photos and video to coworkers. 553 00:25:36,735 --> 00:25:39,737 And in so doing, several of them identified 554 00:25:39,805 --> 00:25:41,872 The individual in the video as donald. 555 00:25:42,975 --> 00:25:45,409 - [narrator] and employees there are also labeled to provide 556 00:25:45,477 --> 00:25:48,012 A potentially vital piece of information. 557 00:25:49,181 --> 00:25:50,914 - I was able to get the phone number 558 00:25:50,916 --> 00:25:54,684 From an application for his job at legal sea foods. 559 00:25:54,754 --> 00:25:57,354 A few days later, cell phone records came back 560 00:25:57,422 --> 00:25:59,923 As being active in the area of the murder scene 561 00:25:59,992 --> 00:26:01,191 At the time of the murder. 562 00:26:01,260 --> 00:26:04,061 I'm thinking this is great. I was excited. 563 00:26:04,129 --> 00:26:07,230 - [jones] we had the dna evidence, the phone records, 564 00:26:07,299 --> 00:26:09,699 The video surveillance. 565 00:26:09,769 --> 00:26:11,034 - So if we begin to process, 566 00:26:11,103 --> 00:26:12,770 Get a search warrant for his fingerprints 567 00:26:12,838 --> 00:26:14,804 To compare it to the fingerprints 568 00:26:14,806 --> 00:26:17,074 That were recovered from the vehicle. 569 00:26:17,142 --> 00:26:18,408 - And we had enough at that point 570 00:26:18,410 --> 00:26:20,077 To detain him and bring him in. 571 00:26:20,145 --> 00:26:21,845 - [narrator] with the evidence piling up, 572 00:26:21,914 --> 00:26:25,349 Investigators get a warrant for donald smith's arrest 573 00:26:25,417 --> 00:26:30,588 In February of 2010, 18 months after genai coleman's murder. 574 00:26:32,057 --> 00:26:33,857 - Detective cruz started trying to follow up 575 00:26:33,926 --> 00:26:35,259 On where donald stayed. 576 00:26:36,295 --> 00:26:38,862 But we learned that he was a transient. 577 00:26:38,931 --> 00:26:39,796 - He would stay at a shelter, 578 00:26:39,865 --> 00:26:41,799 Or that he would move at another location, 579 00:26:41,867 --> 00:26:43,133 Or he'd stay with a friend. 580 00:26:43,202 --> 00:26:45,068 So it was very difficult in tracking him, 581 00:26:45,070 --> 00:26:47,671 Until some former coworkers of him at legal sea foods 582 00:26:47,740 --> 00:26:50,107 Were able to identify where he picked up his mail. 583 00:26:51,043 --> 00:26:52,442 We learned that he picked up his mail 584 00:26:52,444 --> 00:26:54,878 At a specific location once a week. 585 00:26:54,947 --> 00:26:57,615 So we had to establish surveillance on that location. 586 00:26:57,683 --> 00:26:59,249 (tense music) 587 00:26:59,251 --> 00:27:00,618 We staked out the area. 588 00:27:02,421 --> 00:27:04,087 And when he exited the location, 589 00:27:04,156 --> 00:27:06,256 The team took him into custody 590 00:27:06,325 --> 00:27:07,958 And then took him and drove him back 591 00:27:08,027 --> 00:27:10,160 To gwinnett county police headquarters for an interview. 592 00:27:23,208 --> 00:27:25,776 - He ultimately asked, you know, "what is this about?" 593 00:27:25,844 --> 00:27:27,911 Like, "what am I being charged with?" 594 00:27:27,980 --> 00:27:30,847 And they told him it was for the murder of genai coleman. 595 00:27:31,917 --> 00:27:34,284 And he was like, "absolutely not. It was not me. 596 00:27:34,353 --> 00:27:35,653 I'll talk to you. 597 00:27:35,721 --> 00:27:37,354 I didn't have anything to do with a murder." 598 00:27:50,068 --> 00:27:51,902 - And he was very adamant that he wasn't at the scene 599 00:27:51,970 --> 00:27:53,336 When it occurred. 600 00:27:53,405 --> 00:27:56,406 So I explained all the mountain of evidence 601 00:27:56,475 --> 00:27:57,941 That was available. 602 00:28:19,364 --> 00:28:21,164 (dark music) 603 00:28:21,166 --> 00:28:24,702 - We believed mr. Smith is the guy who did the murder 604 00:28:25,637 --> 00:28:27,771 Based on the collection of evidence. 605 00:28:27,840 --> 00:28:29,806 So I'm thinking at this point in time 606 00:28:29,875 --> 00:28:31,175 He isn't telling the truth. 607 00:28:48,527 --> 00:28:49,526 - Throughout the interview, 608 00:28:49,594 --> 00:28:51,495 We kept, you know, hittin' him with facts. 609 00:28:51,563 --> 00:28:53,096 You know, "we have your dna." 610 00:28:53,165 --> 00:28:55,265 And he's like, "yeah, so what?" 611 00:28:55,334 --> 00:28:57,067 And I was like, "what is up with this guy? 612 00:28:57,136 --> 00:28:58,869 What do you mean? We got your dna?" 613 00:28:58,937 --> 00:29:00,838 And he was adamant. 614 00:29:00,906 --> 00:29:02,906 - So we show him the video. 615 00:29:02,975 --> 00:29:05,242 We show him the video from the quiktrip. 616 00:29:22,194 --> 00:29:25,829 - Smith is so insistent on his innocence, and so relaxed, 617 00:29:25,898 --> 00:29:28,499 That now detectives start having second thoughts. 618 00:29:28,567 --> 00:29:31,568 They're wondering maybe they've got an innocent man 619 00:29:31,636 --> 00:29:34,304 Or maybe there's just an innocent explanation 620 00:29:34,373 --> 00:29:36,940 As to why that cigarette butt was in the car. 621 00:29:38,911 --> 00:29:41,879 - So I explained that we had cell phone records. 622 00:29:41,881 --> 00:29:43,914 Cell phone records came back 623 00:29:43,982 --> 00:29:46,249 As being active in the area of the crime scene. 624 00:29:46,318 --> 00:29:48,852 We also show that that phone number 625 00:29:48,921 --> 00:29:51,388 Was used on an application for his job. 626 00:30:26,358 --> 00:30:30,127 - Donald says to detective cruz they were identical twins. 627 00:30:43,508 --> 00:30:46,577 - When we heard that he had an identical twin brother, 628 00:30:46,645 --> 00:30:48,178 You kinda get thrown back, you know? 629 00:30:48,247 --> 00:30:50,213 Like, is this for real? 630 00:30:50,215 --> 00:30:53,616 Because now it could be either one of 'em. 631 00:30:53,685 --> 00:30:56,019 (suspenseful music) 632 00:30:56,588 --> 00:31:00,190 (tense music) 633 00:31:03,560 --> 00:31:06,530 (upbeat rhythmic music) 634 00:31:08,433 --> 00:31:09,566 - [narrator] gwinnett county investigators 635 00:31:09,634 --> 00:31:11,534 Are speaking with donald smith, 636 00:31:11,603 --> 00:31:14,637 Whose dna matches the sample taken from a cigarette 637 00:31:14,706 --> 00:31:18,075 Found in homicide victim genai coleman's stolen vehicle. 638 00:31:19,478 --> 00:31:21,077 But donald has an explanation 639 00:31:21,146 --> 00:31:23,613 For his dna being found on scene. 640 00:31:23,682 --> 00:31:26,249 He has an identical twin brother named ronald, 641 00:31:26,318 --> 00:31:28,518 And it could've come from him. 642 00:31:44,769 --> 00:31:46,069 - [detective] okay. 643 00:31:51,209 --> 00:31:53,510 - During the interview with donald, he says, 644 00:31:53,578 --> 00:31:56,914 "the individual in the video is my twin brother, ronald." 645 00:31:57,983 --> 00:32:00,083 But he gave very limited information. 646 00:32:11,063 --> 00:32:12,062 He didn't wanna talk anymore. 647 00:32:12,130 --> 00:32:15,699 So we focus our attention now on ronald. 648 00:32:18,137 --> 00:32:20,237 - At this point, we felt pretty comfortable 649 00:32:20,305 --> 00:32:21,371 Leaving donald in custody 650 00:32:21,440 --> 00:32:24,741 Based on all the probable cause we had now developed. 651 00:32:24,743 --> 00:32:26,777 But after the interview, one of the things 652 00:32:26,845 --> 00:32:28,679 That immediately comes to mind to us is, 653 00:32:28,747 --> 00:32:32,416 "do identical twins truly have the same dna?" 654 00:32:34,119 --> 00:32:36,152 - And we learned with identical twins, 655 00:32:36,221 --> 00:32:37,988 Your dna is the same. 656 00:32:38,724 --> 00:32:41,124 What was significant, however, 657 00:32:41,192 --> 00:32:42,258 They do not have the 658 00:32:42,327 --> 00:32:43,293 Same fingerprints. 659 00:32:44,563 --> 00:32:46,063 - [narrator] donald's fingerprints are sent to the lab 660 00:32:46,065 --> 00:32:48,765 To be compared with a print lifted from genai's vehicle, 661 00:32:48,833 --> 00:32:50,500 Which could take a few days. 662 00:32:50,569 --> 00:32:53,103 In the meantime, the team seeks out other ways 663 00:32:53,171 --> 00:32:56,106 Of determining which twin is responsible for the murder. 664 00:32:56,174 --> 00:32:58,108 (intriguing music) 665 00:32:58,176 --> 00:33:00,510 - Genai coleman had been fatally shot and murdered, 666 00:33:00,579 --> 00:33:01,745 And it could be either one of 'em. 667 00:33:01,813 --> 00:33:04,114 My concern then was since 668 00:33:04,182 --> 00:33:05,815 They're identical twins, 669 00:33:05,817 --> 00:33:08,285 We just don't know who is in that video. 670 00:33:08,287 --> 00:33:10,720 The only person that could really help identify 671 00:33:10,789 --> 00:33:11,588 Those people in the video 672 00:33:11,656 --> 00:33:14,123 Would be someone that's close to him. 673 00:33:14,193 --> 00:33:15,625 And time is not our friend. 674 00:33:16,661 --> 00:33:18,595 - Detective cruz and other investigators 675 00:33:18,663 --> 00:33:20,330 Went to talk to his parents, 676 00:33:21,466 --> 00:33:24,835 And they immediately identified the person in the video 677 00:33:24,903 --> 00:33:28,271 As being their son ronald smith, and not donald. 678 00:33:28,340 --> 00:33:30,540 At that point, the parents called him 679 00:33:30,609 --> 00:33:33,176 And he had agreed to meet detectives 680 00:33:33,244 --> 00:33:34,644 At his parents' house. 681 00:33:34,713 --> 00:33:36,813 - He agrees to meet the following day. 682 00:33:36,881 --> 00:33:40,217 We then have two detectives dispatched to the address. 683 00:33:40,285 --> 00:33:43,553 - And so when he arrived on scene, we arrested ronald. 684 00:33:44,689 --> 00:33:47,123 Ronald was brought up to headquarters for an interview, 685 00:33:47,192 --> 00:33:48,758 And we took fingerprints 686 00:33:48,827 --> 00:33:51,627 Because we wanted to do immediate comparisons. 687 00:33:51,697 --> 00:33:53,229 - [narrator] ronald's prints are sent off 688 00:33:53,298 --> 00:33:56,133 To be compared with the prints found in the car. 689 00:33:56,135 --> 00:33:59,669 Investigators then sit him down for a formal interrogation. 690 00:34:00,905 --> 00:34:02,172 - At first he asked what it was about, 691 00:34:02,240 --> 00:34:04,541 Why were we there, what was going on? 692 00:34:04,609 --> 00:34:07,777 So detective restrepo explained to him what was going on, 693 00:34:07,846 --> 00:34:11,514 What the case is, that a murder happened in gwinnett county. 694 00:34:11,516 --> 00:34:14,417 And we explained all the mountain of evidence 695 00:34:14,486 --> 00:34:16,152 That was available. 696 00:35:05,904 --> 00:35:07,838 - And we told him, at that point in time, 697 00:35:07,906 --> 00:35:10,640 We know it's either him or his brother. 698 00:35:11,810 --> 00:35:13,476 - And, you know, he's like, "my brother didn't do it. 699 00:35:13,545 --> 00:35:15,445 He's innocent. You gotta let him go." 700 00:35:22,320 --> 00:35:25,788 - [narrator] detective restrepo steps outside with ronald. 701 00:35:25,857 --> 00:35:28,858 And as he tries to build a rapport with a suspect, 702 00:35:28,927 --> 00:35:31,328 He notices something interesting. 703 00:35:32,397 --> 00:35:33,630 - Detective restrepo observed 704 00:35:33,698 --> 00:35:35,532 That he got his pack of cigarettes out 705 00:35:35,600 --> 00:35:38,234 And actually smoked bronson light longs. 706 00:35:38,303 --> 00:35:40,403 (tense music) 707 00:35:40,472 --> 00:35:42,906 And detective restrepo picked up the cigarette. 708 00:35:43,675 --> 00:35:44,874 - And they come back inside 709 00:35:44,943 --> 00:35:46,977 And he shows me the cigarette butt. 710 00:35:47,045 --> 00:35:50,680 And I pull out a crime scene photo from genai's vehicle. 711 00:35:51,817 --> 00:35:53,683 It's an identical match. 712 00:35:53,752 --> 00:35:55,018 - [narrator] before heading back 713 00:35:55,086 --> 00:35:56,619 Into the interrogation room, 714 00:35:56,688 --> 00:35:59,389 Investigators get a call from the csi team. 715 00:35:59,457 --> 00:36:02,425 The fingerprint comparison is in. 716 00:36:02,494 --> 00:36:04,260 - Donald's fingerprints were negative 717 00:36:04,329 --> 00:36:07,764 To the fingerprints that were on the outside of genai's car. 718 00:36:08,700 --> 00:36:09,733 But we were able to 719 00:36:09,801 --> 00:36:10,934 Get a definitive match 720 00:36:11,002 --> 00:36:12,802 Of ronald's fingerprints. 721 00:36:14,539 --> 00:36:16,206 - Now you know it's 722 00:36:16,274 --> 00:36:18,307 Ronald and not donald. 723 00:36:18,377 --> 00:36:21,544 And you can show factually with physical evidence 724 00:36:21,613 --> 00:36:23,513 To the fact that it's different. 725 00:36:24,849 --> 00:36:26,449 So now I needed ronald to talk. 726 00:36:26,518 --> 00:36:29,386 I needed him to tell us what happened that night. 727 00:36:30,689 --> 00:36:32,455 So I brought a picture of genai in there, 728 00:36:32,524 --> 00:36:34,024 Then I explained the situation. 729 00:36:34,092 --> 00:36:36,626 His fingerprints match. 730 00:36:36,695 --> 00:36:37,394 And I took the photo out 731 00:36:37,462 --> 00:36:39,562 And I just slid it across the table. 732 00:37:03,087 --> 00:37:05,655 At that point, I left him with the photo and I left. 733 00:37:09,861 --> 00:37:12,529 And then watching him on the monitor... 734 00:37:17,102 --> 00:37:19,602 - He starts saying, "I'm sorry." 735 00:37:19,671 --> 00:37:20,837 And he says, "beautiful." 736 00:37:22,341 --> 00:37:25,675 And at that moment, I knew it was him. 737 00:37:25,744 --> 00:37:27,844 (suspenseful music) 738 00:37:28,179 --> 00:37:31,248 (tense music) 739 00:37:35,585 --> 00:37:38,020 (upbeat rhythmic music) 740 00:37:38,022 --> 00:37:39,488 - [narrator] gwinnett county detectives 741 00:37:39,558 --> 00:37:41,724 Have just told ronald smith that his fingerprints 742 00:37:41,726 --> 00:37:44,126 And dna were found in homicide victim 743 00:37:44,128 --> 00:37:46,763 Genai coleman's stolen car. 744 00:37:46,765 --> 00:37:49,598 After initially denying any involvement, 745 00:37:49,600 --> 00:37:51,935 Ronald may be about to crack. 746 00:38:04,649 --> 00:38:06,583 - I knew he was gonna communicate with us. 747 00:38:12,557 --> 00:38:15,325 - After a little while, detectives came back in 748 00:38:15,393 --> 00:38:16,692 And ronald just looked at them, 749 00:38:16,761 --> 00:38:18,594 Put his hands on the table, and said... 750 00:38:21,165 --> 00:38:24,066 (dramatic ambient music) 751 00:38:24,068 --> 00:38:25,868 - I asked him why and like, "what happened? 752 00:38:25,870 --> 00:38:26,903 Why did this happen?" 753 00:38:30,074 --> 00:38:32,708 And he explained that he was drinking. 754 00:38:32,777 --> 00:38:33,943 He needed a ride to atlanta. 755 00:38:44,189 --> 00:38:46,356 - He stated during the conversation with genai, 756 00:38:46,424 --> 00:38:49,392 She explained that she was a military police officer. 757 00:38:50,361 --> 00:38:52,094 And he said she tried to plead with him 758 00:38:52,164 --> 00:38:53,463 And he got frustrated. 759 00:38:55,367 --> 00:38:56,933 He pointed the gun at her... 760 00:39:02,440 --> 00:39:04,741 (gun fires) (gun casing clatters) 761 00:39:07,211 --> 00:39:09,578 - He said it went off. He said he didn't mean to shoot her. 762 00:39:09,648 --> 00:39:10,913 And I guess he's, in a sense, 763 00:39:10,982 --> 00:39:12,882 Trying to minimize his involvement. 764 00:39:12,951 --> 00:39:15,518 But the witness said they heard (bleep) (bleep). 765 00:39:15,587 --> 00:39:16,553 That's what they heard. 766 00:39:16,555 --> 00:39:19,789 And to me, that doesn't indicate a hair trigger, 767 00:39:19,858 --> 00:39:20,957 An accident. 768 00:39:22,060 --> 00:39:23,926 At that point, she was pulled from the vehicle. 769 00:39:23,995 --> 00:39:25,895 And he stated he got in the vehicle 770 00:39:25,964 --> 00:39:27,664 And then he drove to forest park. 771 00:39:29,067 --> 00:39:32,435 He said he had the gun a while ago before that incident 772 00:39:32,503 --> 00:39:33,770 And stashed it and hid it 773 00:39:33,838 --> 00:39:36,773 Near a different bus station months later. 774 00:39:36,841 --> 00:39:39,609 After that, ronald was taken into custody. 775 00:39:40,645 --> 00:39:44,147 Donald was immediately released, all charges were dismissed. 776 00:39:45,283 --> 00:39:48,584 - [narrator] as news about ronald smith's arrest spreads, 777 00:39:48,653 --> 00:39:50,887 Those closest to genai coleman 778 00:39:50,955 --> 00:39:54,791 Finally begin to get some closure for their loss. 779 00:39:54,859 --> 00:39:57,259 - When I found out that the killer had been found, 780 00:39:57,261 --> 00:39:59,562 I was extremely relieved. 781 00:39:59,630 --> 00:40:00,830 I was extremely grateful. 782 00:40:00,899 --> 00:40:03,533 And all I could do was just pray and thank god. 783 00:40:05,269 --> 00:40:07,036 (somber music) 784 00:40:07,105 --> 00:40:10,907 - My aunt lynn had told me that they caught someone. 785 00:40:11,976 --> 00:40:16,546 I was happy, but at the same time, my mom was not here, 786 00:40:16,614 --> 00:40:18,881 He get to breathe every day. 787 00:40:18,883 --> 00:40:20,383 So it was hard. 788 00:40:22,687 --> 00:40:25,154 - [narrator] ronald smith is charged with felony murder 789 00:40:25,223 --> 00:40:27,990 For the fatal shooting of genai coleman. 790 00:40:28,059 --> 00:40:29,926 He pleads not guilty. 791 00:40:29,994 --> 00:40:31,828 - When we got ready for trial on this case, 792 00:40:31,896 --> 00:40:33,462 One of the biggest hurdles 793 00:40:33,532 --> 00:40:37,567 Was the fact that ronald actually changed his story. 794 00:40:37,635 --> 00:40:40,036 He said his brother had actually killed genai. 795 00:40:42,306 --> 00:40:44,306 - Anytime you come up with a defense 796 00:40:44,308 --> 00:40:48,511 That could be confusing to a jury, it's a tense moment 797 00:40:48,579 --> 00:40:50,747 Because he may be found not guilty of this. 798 00:40:51,916 --> 00:40:55,651 - [narrator] on October 26th, 2012, 799 00:40:55,720 --> 00:41:00,122 After a day of deliberation, the jury reaches a verdict. 800 00:41:00,191 --> 00:41:03,593 - That day I was actually a little nervous and apprehensive, 801 00:41:04,929 --> 00:41:07,864 But ultimately the jury found him guilty and convicted him. 802 00:41:07,932 --> 00:41:09,599 (melancholic music) 803 00:41:09,667 --> 00:41:11,601 - After ronald was convicted, 804 00:41:11,669 --> 00:41:13,235 He was sentenced to a life sentence 805 00:41:13,237 --> 00:41:16,138 Plus 25 years in confinement. 806 00:41:16,207 --> 00:41:19,241 - Finally giving the family, in this case closure 807 00:41:19,311 --> 00:41:22,078 Felt good, it felt worthwhile. 808 00:41:23,315 --> 00:41:25,615 - Life in prison, I think that's justice. 809 00:41:26,851 --> 00:41:29,351 But as far as that sentence, 810 00:41:29,353 --> 00:41:31,120 Not being able to bring genai back, 811 00:41:31,189 --> 00:41:33,990 It's something that I've had to wrestle with 812 00:41:34,058 --> 00:41:37,693 And come to terms with, and it wasn't overnight. 813 00:41:37,762 --> 00:41:40,096 - My mama was sitting there minding her own business, 814 00:41:40,164 --> 00:41:43,666 Waiting on my little sister, and he took my mama. 815 00:41:43,734 --> 00:41:46,135 So the hurt will always be there. 816 00:41:46,203 --> 00:41:47,570 - [narrator] while ronald smith 817 00:41:47,638 --> 00:41:50,072 Will spend the rest of his life behind bars, 818 00:41:50,141 --> 00:41:53,609 Genai coleman's family must now learn to adjust 819 00:41:53,678 --> 00:41:55,812 To a world without her. 820 00:41:55,880 --> 00:42:00,817 - Where I stand right now is I've learned to accept it 821 00:42:01,952 --> 00:42:05,588 And be just grateful for having the opportunity 822 00:42:05,657 --> 00:42:07,089 To have gotten to know her. 823 00:42:07,158 --> 00:42:09,792 I'm grateful for the gift that she was to the world. 824 00:42:11,830 --> 00:42:13,829 - The effect that it had on my life 825 00:42:13,898 --> 00:42:16,232 When my mom was murdered was big. 826 00:42:16,300 --> 00:42:21,037 My life would be a lot different if she would still be here. 827 00:42:21,105 --> 00:42:25,675 My son and her other two grandkids that she never met 828 00:42:25,743 --> 00:42:28,978 Would know who their grandmother is. 829 00:42:29,047 --> 00:42:31,747 The world should know about genai coleman, 830 00:42:31,816 --> 00:42:34,017 That she was a wonderful person 831 00:42:35,019 --> 00:42:37,219 And she was a perfect mother. 832 00:42:37,288 --> 00:42:39,956 (emotional music) 833 00:42:43,327 --> 00:42:45,962 (bright music)