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- Two young women
chasing fame...
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- Nikki was never
not going to go to new york.
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That was, for her, the mecca.
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- Brittany, she always
had this energy.
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She was crazy with dreams.
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- Dragged into
a times square nightmare...
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- It was very dangerous.
It was a dangerous place to be.
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[suspenseful music]
9
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- My boys didn't like him.
My husband didn't like him.
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- He could be abusive to her,
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Not only verbally,
but physically.
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- That ends in
a brutal double murder.
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- There's a body
submerged in the tub,
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And there was nikki,
deceased on the bed.
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- Detectives race across
new york city...
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- Handwritten directions
lead to
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Brittany and nikki's apartment.
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- To track
a mystery phone call.
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[phone rings]
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- Crime scene finds
the broken answering machine,
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But there's no tape inside.
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- He told us he saw males
go down the staircase
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Two different times.
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- Who really killed
these two girls?
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That's the question.
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♪ ♪
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[suspenseful music]
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♪ ♪
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[siren wailing]
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[cheering]
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[upbeat music]
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[horn honks]
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- The bubbling energy and
creativity of new york city
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Attracts people from
across the country
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And around the world.
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♪ ♪
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They arrive with
big city dreams,
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Hoping to make their mark
and make it big.
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[downbeat music]
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♪ ♪
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This story hits me with
the tragedy of stolen dreams
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And the two young women
who never had the chance
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To achieve them.
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And it was a tough case
to solve.
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Our detectives only had
a slender thread of evidence,
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But they pursued it
all the way to the end.
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♪ ♪
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It was the holidays
in new york;
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A joyous time for most,
but not all.
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[suspenseful music]
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♪ ♪
52
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- On December 19th, 1992,
most of us did a day tour.
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That night we were gonna have
our annual christmas party.
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That particular day,
we're in the office,
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And the call comes in that
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We have a suspicious death
on west 109th street,
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Considered
the upper west side.
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[siren chirping]
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In 1992,
we were still dealing with
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A heavy crack epidemic.
Homicides were up.
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Assault rates were very high
at the time.
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But the block was
a very quiet block.
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A lot of educated people,
college students on that block.
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[birds chirping]
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- But on
this December morning,
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One building's quiet is
interrupted
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By a steady dripping sound.
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- The super was receiving
complaints about water
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Leaking into apartments
inside the building.
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Based on where the water
was leaking,
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He determined that it was
coming from apartment 5a.
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[suspenseful music]
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He knows that there are
two females that lived there:
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Brittany rojas and nikki silas.
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- He was getting no response
from knocking on the door,
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So he goes up to the roof
and comes down the fire escape
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Until he gets to
the fifth floor landing
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And peers through the window.
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- And what he sees makes him
call 911 immediately.
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[suspenseful music]
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[sirens wailing]
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Detectives respond
within minutes
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And make their way into nikki
and brittany's apartment.
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- As we entered the apartment,
you could see that the water
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Worked its way out into
the hallway in the apartment.
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And upon closer look
in the bathroom,
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There was a flood.
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And then we see--
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There's a body submerged
in the tub.
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♪ ♪
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There's a ligature
around her neck.
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And you could see that
there was a major struggle.
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A lot of items that might
have been sitting on the sink
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Was on the ground.
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You saw that the toilet
had been somewhat shifted.
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[suspenseful music]
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During the initial conversation
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That detectives had
with the super,
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It was determined
it was brittany rojas.
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We weren't sure if brittany
was killed in the bathroom
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Or was placed in there
after her death.
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As we go past--
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Out the bathroom and make
a left down the hall--
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It's like a railroad flat.
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You walk past the living room,
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Straight into one of
the two bedrooms
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That existed in the apartment,
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And there was
another female deceased
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On the bed, partially naked.
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♪ ♪
111
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It was brittany's roommate,
nikki.
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[suspenseful music]
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Looking at the bodies
up close, our thoughts were
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Maybe both girls were
strangled and raped.
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In reference to nikki silas,
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It was determined that
there was possible dna
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That was found on her.
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But that was going to be
determined by
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The medical examiner's office
upon the autopsy.
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[downbeat music]
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- The building management
confirms that
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The victims are roommates,
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19-year-old brittany rojas
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And 20-year-old nikki silas.
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- So during
the initial investigation
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Of the crime scene,
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It looked like
there was a card game
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Or some type of social event
took place in the apartment.
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[indistinct chatter]
130
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But we couldn't determine if
anything was missing or stolen
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Because we don't know what the
apartment looked like prior.
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[mid-tempo music]
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Because there was a phone
there, we wanted to know
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When the last call or last call
coming in took place.
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That required a subpoena to
be given to the phone company.
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- It will likely take weeks
for the phone records
137
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To come back.
138
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Meanwhile, as detectives
continue to comb through
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The apartment,
clues begin to emerge.
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[mid-tempo music]
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- We found a note at
the foot of nikki's bed
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That was directions
from queens
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To their apartment on west
109th street in manhattan.
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- There was no broken windows
or locks.
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So in theory,
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Nikki and brittany must have
known their killers
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And let them in.
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[suspenseful music]
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♪ ♪
150
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- Detectives canvassed
the neighborhood
151
00:07:03,423 --> 00:07:06,158
Looking for witnesses
who may have seen something,
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00:07:06,226 --> 00:07:07,892
And they find a neighbor
153
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Who shares a critical detail
with them.
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- There was a person on
the block that determined
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That nikki was actually out
that morning walking the dog,
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About 6:00 in the morning,
with an unknown male.
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- We now know that at least
one of the women
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Was still alive at 6:00 am.
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Detectives pressed
the superintendent.
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Did he see or hear
anything unusual
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Before he found the victims
around 9:00 am?
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And then he remembers
something he saw
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About one hour before that.
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- He told us,
two different times,
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He saw males go down
the staircase.
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One male, black,
leaving the building
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Looking like
he might be upset,
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But didn't pay it no mind.
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00:07:54,541 --> 00:07:58,242
About 30 to 40 minutes later,
another black male came down,
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00:07:58,312 --> 00:08:02,414
But this individual was coming
down the staircase in a rush,
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And a full, packed duffel bag
with a mini safe sticking out.
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[suspenseful music]
173
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He just said, "well, maybe
somebody's moving out."
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- A team of detectives scours
the neighborhood
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For any signs of
the mystery men
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While others reach out
to the victim's families.
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Brittany rojas was
a new york city native
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With a tough childhood.
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- When brittany's mother,
dalis, was pregnant,
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Brittany's father died.
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00:08:32,279 --> 00:08:36,748
So brittany was born,
her father was already dead.
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She was often described by her
family members as "fearless,"
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00:08:40,854 --> 00:08:43,154
But she was
a new york city kid.
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She was taking the trains,
taking them at night,
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She was comfortable
in the streets.
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[horn honks]
187
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Brittany dropped out of
high school at 10th grade
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And went to get some work.
189
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She was saving, saving,
saving for her dreams.
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♪ ♪
191
00:09:01,641 --> 00:09:03,675
- Brittany's roommate,
nikki silas,
192
00:09:03,677 --> 00:09:08,313
Was a small town girl
from pembroke, massachusetts.
193
00:09:08,381 --> 00:09:11,883
She had moved to new york
less than 18 months before
194
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To follow her dream of
being in show business.
195
00:09:15,155 --> 00:09:17,956
- Nikki was never not going to
go to new york, you know?
196
00:09:18,024 --> 00:09:20,892
That was, for her, the mecca.
197
00:09:20,960 --> 00:09:23,395
She knew that
she wanted to be there,
198
00:09:23,463 --> 00:09:28,833
To be in the limelight,
to make a name for herself.
199
00:09:28,902 --> 00:09:31,970
- I was fine with nikki
going to new york.
200
00:09:32,038 --> 00:09:36,040
But nikki was very trusting
of people.
201
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Too much so.
202
00:09:37,243 --> 00:09:41,445
♪ ♪
203
00:09:41,515 --> 00:09:44,649
- On December 19th, nikki's
family gets the news
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00:09:44,718 --> 00:09:49,521
That nikki will never
reach her dream.
205
00:09:49,589 --> 00:09:52,723
- My husband and I were
watching tv,
206
00:09:52,725 --> 00:09:54,592
And there was a knock
at the door.
207
00:09:54,661 --> 00:09:57,429
It was 9:30 at night.
208
00:09:57,497 --> 00:09:58,996
[knocking on door]
209
00:09:59,065 --> 00:10:01,332
They said "pembroke police."
210
00:10:01,401 --> 00:10:03,868
♪ ♪
211
00:10:03,937 --> 00:10:08,539
They just said, "there's been
an accident in new york.
212
00:10:08,541 --> 00:10:13,144
It's your daughter, nikki."
213
00:10:13,213 --> 00:10:17,181
And then they told me
what happened,
214
00:10:17,250 --> 00:10:23,688
And, um, my husband lost it.
That was it for him.
215
00:10:23,756 --> 00:10:26,757
[somber music]
216
00:10:26,827 --> 00:10:28,593
♪ ♪
217
00:10:28,661 --> 00:10:31,229
- I remember
hearing my dad cry.
218
00:10:31,297 --> 00:10:36,167
He usually kept his emotions
very close to the vest.
219
00:10:36,236 --> 00:10:38,302
So if he's crying,
I knew something was wrong.
220
00:10:38,371 --> 00:10:41,272
♪ ♪
221
00:10:41,340 --> 00:10:44,376
- I was just in shock,
you know?
222
00:10:44,444 --> 00:10:48,612
♪ ♪
223
00:10:48,614 --> 00:10:52,150
It--it just doesn't even
seem real.
224
00:10:52,218 --> 00:10:57,321
♪ ♪
225
00:10:57,390 --> 00:10:59,190
[tense music]
226
00:10:59,259 --> 00:11:01,159
- Brittany's family
doesn't have any idea
227
00:11:01,227 --> 00:11:04,562
Of who may be responsible for
the young women's deaths,
228
00:11:04,631 --> 00:11:06,897
But nikki's family does--
229
00:11:06,967 --> 00:11:09,633
Nikki's ex-boyfriend.
230
00:11:09,635 --> 00:11:13,271
- When I first heard about
nikki being murdered,
231
00:11:13,339 --> 00:11:15,940
That was who
I automatically assumed
232
00:11:15,942 --> 00:11:17,609
Might be the person
who did this.
233
00:11:17,677 --> 00:11:21,145
♪ ♪
234
00:11:21,147 --> 00:11:26,384
- Nikki told me that
he was physically abusive.
235
00:11:26,453 --> 00:11:28,586
My boys didn't like him.
236
00:11:28,654 --> 00:11:30,354
My husband didn't like him.
237
00:11:30,356 --> 00:11:33,991
And it was just
an uncomfortable feeling.
238
00:11:34,060 --> 00:11:37,962
There was something off.
239
00:11:37,964 --> 00:11:39,931
- An ex-boyfriend with
a history of abuse?
240
00:11:39,999 --> 00:11:41,766
[siren wailing]
241
00:11:41,835 --> 00:11:43,935
We had to find him
and find him fast.
242
00:11:44,003 --> 00:11:46,237
[sirens wailing]
243
00:11:46,239 --> 00:11:47,305
- Coming up...
244
00:11:47,373 --> 00:11:51,909
- They were dancers at
a peep show called show world.
245
00:11:51,978 --> 00:11:54,012
Somebody was upset and yelling
and screaming that
246
00:11:54,080 --> 00:11:56,948
Somebody wants to rob somebody
in that apartment
247
00:11:57,016 --> 00:11:58,516
And rape them.
248
00:11:58,585 --> 00:12:00,785
♪ ♪
249
00:12:00,854 --> 00:12:03,655
[dramatic music]
250
00:12:03,723 --> 00:12:05,323
♪ ♪
251
00:12:08,493 --> 00:12:11,395
[dramatic music]
252
00:12:11,397 --> 00:12:12,797
♪ ♪
253
00:12:12,866 --> 00:12:15,800
[downbeat music]
254
00:12:15,869 --> 00:12:19,437
♪ ♪
255
00:12:19,505 --> 00:12:21,839
- The double murders of
nikki silas and brittany rojas
256
00:12:21,908 --> 00:12:25,276
Have stunned their friends
and families.
257
00:12:25,345 --> 00:12:28,112
But through her grief,
nikki's mother identifies
258
00:12:28,114 --> 00:12:31,382
Someone she thinks
detectives should talk to:
259
00:12:31,451 --> 00:12:35,086
Nikki's ex-boyfriend,
a guy known as coolie.
260
00:12:35,154 --> 00:12:37,755
- When the police told me that
nikki had died,
261
00:12:37,824 --> 00:12:41,493
The first person I thought of
was coolie.
262
00:12:41,561 --> 00:12:44,362
He lived in new york.
263
00:12:44,430 --> 00:12:47,499
- I remember she brought him
home that easter.
264
00:12:47,567 --> 00:12:49,501
She was in love with him.
265
00:12:49,569 --> 00:12:51,802
He was funny, he was cool,
266
00:12:51,804 --> 00:12:54,272
But I also know that
there were times
267
00:12:54,340 --> 00:12:56,307
When he could be abusive
to her,
268
00:12:56,376 --> 00:12:59,043
Not only verbally,
but physically.
269
00:12:59,112 --> 00:13:02,146
[suspenseful music]
270
00:13:02,215 --> 00:13:03,314
♪ ♪
271
00:13:03,383 --> 00:13:05,783
- A record check was done,
and it was determined that
272
00:13:05,852 --> 00:13:07,885
He had been arrested in
the past
273
00:13:07,954 --> 00:13:11,923
And he had served time.
274
00:13:11,991 --> 00:13:14,158
- Nikki's family had told us
that coolie,
275
00:13:14,227 --> 00:13:15,826
Who was nikki's ex-boyfriend,
276
00:13:15,896 --> 00:13:18,930
Had worked at
the apollo theater.
277
00:13:18,998 --> 00:13:21,866
- The apollo theater is
a legendary live venue
278
00:13:21,935 --> 00:13:23,601
In the heart of harlem.
279
00:13:23,669 --> 00:13:27,138
Everyone from james brown to
bruno mars has played there.
280
00:13:27,206 --> 00:13:29,373
- I realized that I can call
my daughter who worked at
281
00:13:29,442 --> 00:13:33,044
The apollo to see if
she knew that name, "coolie."
282
00:13:33,112 --> 00:13:36,914
And she said, "oh, yeah,
coolie still work here."
283
00:13:36,916 --> 00:13:38,950
I went there. He was there.
284
00:13:39,018 --> 00:13:40,651
Brought him to
the station house.
285
00:13:40,653 --> 00:13:43,554
[suspenseful music]
286
00:13:43,623 --> 00:13:49,493
♪ ♪
287
00:13:49,495 --> 00:13:52,230
He didn't hide the fact that
he had hit nikki in the past,
288
00:13:52,298 --> 00:13:54,398
And that they had
a rough relationship,
289
00:13:54,467 --> 00:13:58,036
And that he was a control
person trying to control her.
290
00:13:58,104 --> 00:14:02,206
- We asked him if he's willing
to give us a dna sample.
291
00:14:02,208 --> 00:14:04,975
Dna testing had only been
around for a few years
292
00:14:05,045 --> 00:14:07,044
And when it came out,
it was a game-changer
293
00:14:07,113 --> 00:14:09,581
For our investigation.
294
00:14:09,649 --> 00:14:12,584
- He said, "yeah,
I ain't got nothing to hide."
295
00:14:12,652 --> 00:14:14,485
And he gave us his dna.
296
00:14:14,554 --> 00:14:16,620
[suspenseful music]
297
00:14:16,689 --> 00:14:19,256
- Coolie also gives detectives
his whereabouts
298
00:14:19,325 --> 00:14:22,326
On the morning that nikki
and brittany were killed.
299
00:14:22,395 --> 00:14:25,062
- When the detectives
went to verify it,
300
00:14:25,131 --> 00:14:29,400
It was determined that
he had a sound alibi.
301
00:14:29,469 --> 00:14:34,205
Then that dna came back
to be negative,
302
00:14:34,274 --> 00:14:38,075
And coolie was no longer
a person of interest.
303
00:14:38,144 --> 00:14:40,178
♪ ♪
304
00:14:40,246 --> 00:14:43,047
- At that point, the autopsy
results come back.
305
00:14:43,116 --> 00:14:45,083
They confirm detectives'
first impressions
306
00:14:45,085 --> 00:14:46,484
From the crime scene.
307
00:14:46,552 --> 00:14:49,020
- It was determined that
nikki silas and brittany rojas
308
00:14:49,088 --> 00:14:53,691
Both died from strangulation.
309
00:14:53,759 --> 00:14:56,027
- Detectives dig deeper
into the victims' lives,
310
00:14:56,095 --> 00:14:58,095
Hoping for any insight
that could help them
311
00:14:58,164 --> 00:15:01,098
Track down the men
seen fleeing the murder scene.
312
00:15:01,167 --> 00:15:02,634
- When you look at
both victims,
313
00:15:02,702 --> 00:15:04,301
We tried to ascertain
314
00:15:04,370 --> 00:15:06,470
Where they come from,
how they grew up,
315
00:15:06,539 --> 00:15:08,840
Anything that might
help us determine
316
00:15:08,908 --> 00:15:11,643
What caused their death.
317
00:15:11,711 --> 00:15:13,645
[downbeat music]
318
00:15:13,713 --> 00:15:15,513
- Investigators learned that
319
00:15:15,581 --> 00:15:18,582
Brittany had moved in with
nikki only a month before,
320
00:15:18,651 --> 00:15:23,053
And nikki's family didn't
know her and never met her.
321
00:15:23,123 --> 00:15:24,588
Nikki was a military kid,
322
00:15:24,657 --> 00:15:26,390
And the family moved around
a lot
323
00:15:26,392 --> 00:15:28,660
Before settling in
nikki's mom's native state
324
00:15:28,728 --> 00:15:30,594
Of massachusetts.
325
00:15:30,596 --> 00:15:33,998
♪ ♪
326
00:15:34,067 --> 00:15:37,468
- Nikki was
in dancing lessons.
327
00:15:37,537 --> 00:15:40,504
And then as she got older,
328
00:15:40,573 --> 00:15:46,744
She was in plays
and talent shows
329
00:15:46,813 --> 00:15:48,946
Because she wanted
to be an actress.
330
00:15:49,015 --> 00:15:51,682
[upbeat music]
331
00:15:51,751 --> 00:15:55,753
- She always loved the
thought of going to new york.
332
00:15:55,822 --> 00:15:59,056
She wanted to go
and try to be,
333
00:15:59,058 --> 00:16:04,128
In some way, shape, or form,
in the music industry.
334
00:16:04,197 --> 00:16:08,466
She wanted to be in videos
so badly. [laughs]
335
00:16:08,534 --> 00:16:11,002
[applause]
336
00:16:14,540 --> 00:16:17,241
- It seemed like
nikki was doing good.
337
00:16:17,310 --> 00:16:20,344
She was going to parties and
hanging out with, like,
338
00:16:20,413 --> 00:16:22,246
Rappers that I was listening to
at the time
339
00:16:22,315 --> 00:16:24,482
'cause it's 1991, '92.
340
00:16:24,550 --> 00:16:27,651
Like, she's telling me, "oh,
I was at this party with nas."
341
00:16:27,720 --> 00:16:29,220
♪ ♪
342
00:16:29,288 --> 00:16:32,656
- Nikki's charisma and beauty
opened doors for her
343
00:16:32,658 --> 00:16:35,359
And it wasn't long before
her talents were noticed.
344
00:16:35,428 --> 00:16:37,695
- She was in
a mariah carey video.
345
00:16:37,764 --> 00:16:39,597
♪ ♪
346
00:16:39,665 --> 00:16:43,067
Certainly, the shabba ranks
video was a very big deal.
347
00:16:43,135 --> 00:16:44,868
♪ ♪
348
00:16:44,870 --> 00:16:46,370
[hip-hop music]
349
00:16:46,438 --> 00:16:49,073
- Like nikki,
brittany's beauty was magnetic
350
00:16:49,141 --> 00:16:50,374
And infectious.
351
00:16:50,443 --> 00:16:53,210
- Brittany was a live wire.
Brittany had sparks.
352
00:16:53,279 --> 00:16:55,112
Brittany would walk down
a street
353
00:16:55,114 --> 00:16:58,148
And every car would be
honking at her.
354
00:16:58,218 --> 00:17:00,852
She always had this energy.
She had so many dreams.
355
00:17:00,920 --> 00:17:04,889
Like, she was crazy
with dreams.
356
00:17:04,891 --> 00:17:07,725
- But both women struggled
to pay the bills,
357
00:17:07,793 --> 00:17:09,226
And each found their way
separately
358
00:17:09,295 --> 00:17:10,795
To the same solution,
359
00:17:10,863 --> 00:17:14,331
A notorious times square
business where they met.
360
00:17:14,400 --> 00:17:17,335
- They were dancers at
a peep show called show world
361
00:17:17,403 --> 00:17:19,137
Located in times square
362
00:17:19,139 --> 00:17:21,038
On west 42nd street
and 8th avenue.
363
00:17:21,107 --> 00:17:23,074
♪ ♪
364
00:17:23,142 --> 00:17:25,576
Brittany and nikki
became friends,
365
00:17:25,645 --> 00:17:28,212
And nikki allowed brittany to
move in with her
366
00:17:28,280 --> 00:17:30,180
Because brittany needed
a place to stay.
367
00:17:30,182 --> 00:17:32,850
[suspenseful music]
368
00:17:32,919 --> 00:17:34,085
♪ ♪
369
00:17:34,153 --> 00:17:38,689
- Back then,
times square was tawdry.
370
00:17:38,758 --> 00:17:40,958
There were porn theaters
everywhere.
371
00:17:41,026 --> 00:17:47,198
You had lots of men skulking
in and out of these places.
372
00:17:47,266 --> 00:17:48,832
[suspenseful music]
373
00:17:48,834 --> 00:17:50,868
- For both young women,
show world was a place
374
00:17:50,937 --> 00:17:53,604
To make good money and fast.
375
00:17:53,673 --> 00:17:57,207
- I remember talking to her
at length about
376
00:17:57,277 --> 00:18:02,479
Her working in the industry
where she was stripping.
377
00:18:02,548 --> 00:18:05,216
We cried about it and we talked
at length about it.
378
00:18:05,284 --> 00:18:06,650
That was tough for her.
379
00:18:06,719 --> 00:18:10,655
She didn't want to--
to do that.
380
00:18:10,723 --> 00:18:12,456
It was very dangerous.
381
00:18:12,525 --> 00:18:14,959
It was
a dangerous place to be.
382
00:18:14,961 --> 00:18:18,262
♪ ♪
383
00:18:18,331 --> 00:18:21,899
- We had homicides,
serious assaults, rapes.
384
00:18:21,967 --> 00:18:24,335
[sirens wailing]
385
00:18:24,403 --> 00:18:27,404
- Were they involved with,
like, a customer at show world
386
00:18:27,473 --> 00:18:29,807
Who had gone a little crazy?
387
00:18:29,875 --> 00:18:31,909
- A team of detectives
went out to show world
388
00:18:31,978 --> 00:18:34,011
To interview coworkers.
389
00:18:34,079 --> 00:18:36,914
They mentioned that there was
a particular male
390
00:18:36,983 --> 00:18:39,150
That had a lot of interest
with brittany
391
00:18:39,218 --> 00:18:40,918
That they nicknamed
a sugar daddy
392
00:18:40,986 --> 00:18:42,920
Because he was spending
a lot of money on her.
393
00:18:42,988 --> 00:18:44,622
♪ ♪
394
00:18:44,690 --> 00:18:47,525
We need to go and interview
this individual.
395
00:18:47,593 --> 00:18:49,460
♪ ♪
396
00:18:49,528 --> 00:18:52,730
- Detectives conduct
a long-shot stakeout,
397
00:18:52,732 --> 00:18:56,934
Hoping to snare him
when, or if, he comes in.
398
00:18:57,003 --> 00:18:58,970
- And guess what?
399
00:18:58,972 --> 00:19:01,438
While staking out show world,
400
00:19:01,507 --> 00:19:03,941
He walks right through
the door.
401
00:19:04,010 --> 00:19:06,744
♪ ♪
402
00:19:06,746 --> 00:19:09,747
[dramatic music]
403
00:19:09,815 --> 00:19:11,282
♪ ♪
404
00:19:14,519 --> 00:19:17,021
[dramatic music]
405
00:19:17,089 --> 00:19:18,422
♪ ♪
406
00:19:18,491 --> 00:19:21,659
[suspenseful music]
407
00:19:21,727 --> 00:19:24,027
- The investigation into
the murders of nikki silas
408
00:19:24,029 --> 00:19:26,363
And brittany rojas
has led detectives
409
00:19:26,432 --> 00:19:28,866
Into the sordid heart
of times square,
410
00:19:28,868 --> 00:19:32,903
To a strip club known as
show world.
411
00:19:32,972 --> 00:19:35,072
- It's kind of grimy,
412
00:19:35,074 --> 00:19:36,641
But the lights are
always bright.
413
00:19:36,709 --> 00:19:38,476
They had an adult bookstore,
414
00:19:38,544 --> 00:19:41,245
They had
live nude entertainment,
415
00:19:41,314 --> 00:19:43,180
And they had peep shows.
416
00:19:43,249 --> 00:19:44,981
And anything you can imagine
417
00:19:44,983 --> 00:19:48,319
Took place on
those four floors.
418
00:19:48,387 --> 00:19:50,555
[downbeat music]
419
00:19:50,623 --> 00:19:53,524
- The coworkers in show world
made a point of letting us know
420
00:19:53,592 --> 00:19:55,893
That brittany had
a strong admirer
421
00:19:55,961 --> 00:19:58,829
That really liked her.
422
00:19:58,898 --> 00:20:02,333
And about a week after
brittany and nikki's murder,
423
00:20:02,401 --> 00:20:03,901
We had a team stay out there
424
00:20:03,969 --> 00:20:06,971
To see if this individual
would show up.
425
00:20:07,039 --> 00:20:10,341
And while they were out there,
he did show up at show world.
426
00:20:10,409 --> 00:20:13,477
[suspenseful music]
427
00:20:13,479 --> 00:20:14,678
He was shocked.
428
00:20:14,680 --> 00:20:17,013
He was overcome with emotion
429
00:20:17,015 --> 00:20:19,850
To find out she was
a victim of a homicide.
430
00:20:19,919 --> 00:20:21,619
♪ ♪
431
00:20:21,687 --> 00:20:23,721
He admitted that he had
a strong feeling for her
432
00:20:23,789 --> 00:20:26,023
And liked her.
433
00:20:26,091 --> 00:20:28,626
He had no ill feelings
towards her.
434
00:20:28,694 --> 00:20:30,962
Always thought she was
a sweetheart.
435
00:20:31,030 --> 00:20:32,596
♪ ♪
436
00:20:32,665 --> 00:20:35,066
During the interview,
437
00:20:35,134 --> 00:20:38,035
We wanted to see if there was
any wounds or any old injuries
438
00:20:38,103 --> 00:20:40,771
That might say that he might
have been involved in a fight.
439
00:20:40,840 --> 00:20:42,974
♪ ♪
440
00:20:43,042 --> 00:20:46,043
But we couldn't come up with
anything.
441
00:20:46,111 --> 00:20:48,712
- Detectives asked him about
his whereabouts
442
00:20:48,781 --> 00:20:53,317
On December 18th going into
December 19th.
443
00:20:53,386 --> 00:20:55,152
- And he said he had an alibi
that can prove
444
00:20:55,220 --> 00:20:57,388
He wasn't the one involved.
445
00:20:57,456 --> 00:20:58,789
A team went out to verify,
446
00:20:58,858 --> 00:21:01,458
And it was determined that
he was not able
447
00:21:01,527 --> 00:21:04,061
To have committed
the homicide.
448
00:21:04,129 --> 00:21:05,997
It ruled him out.
449
00:21:06,065 --> 00:21:07,999
♪ ♪
450
00:21:08,067 --> 00:21:11,135
- One week after nikki and
brittany were murdered,
451
00:21:11,203 --> 00:21:15,072
The investigation is
back at square one.
452
00:21:15,140 --> 00:21:17,074
- Well, during the course
of the investigation,
453
00:21:17,142 --> 00:21:22,646
We started re-looking at
the case in different ways.
454
00:21:22,715 --> 00:21:24,548
Did we overlook something
in the apartment
455
00:21:24,550 --> 00:21:28,185
That might help us?
456
00:21:28,253 --> 00:21:30,388
Amongst us, as detectives,
we were wondering,
457
00:21:30,456 --> 00:21:33,057
Is this going to turn
into a cold case?
458
00:21:33,125 --> 00:21:35,158
♪ ♪
459
00:21:35,228 --> 00:21:37,227
- With multiple persons
of interest ruled out,
460
00:21:37,296 --> 00:21:38,696
Detectives hoped
the phone record
461
00:21:38,764 --> 00:21:40,031
From nikki and brittany's
apartment
462
00:21:40,099 --> 00:21:41,198
Might give them a lead.
463
00:21:41,267 --> 00:21:43,801
♪ ♪
464
00:21:43,803 --> 00:21:47,037
- Around midnight,
two weeks after the murder,
465
00:21:47,106 --> 00:21:50,874
The phone company finally
delivers the phone records.
466
00:21:50,943 --> 00:21:52,543
♪ ♪
467
00:21:52,611 --> 00:21:55,979
It was the last outgoing call
on December 19th,
468
00:21:56,048 --> 00:22:00,384
The morning of the murders,
that stands out.
469
00:22:00,453 --> 00:22:02,119
- The call was made from
the apartment
470
00:22:02,187 --> 00:22:06,189
To an address in queens
at 8:00 am on December 19th.
471
00:22:06,191 --> 00:22:08,191
Around the same time,
the super remembers
472
00:22:08,193 --> 00:22:11,562
Seeing the first of two men
running down the stairs.
473
00:22:11,630 --> 00:22:13,730
- Obviously, we needed to
go out there
474
00:22:13,799 --> 00:22:19,069
And speak with whoever was
the recipient of that call.
475
00:22:19,138 --> 00:22:22,940
We arrived somewhere between
2:15 and 2:30 in the morning
476
00:22:23,008 --> 00:22:24,541
To the residence.
477
00:22:24,610 --> 00:22:26,377
We knocked on the door,
478
00:22:26,445 --> 00:22:30,581
And a young lady
opened the door.
479
00:22:30,649 --> 00:22:33,150
We told her we were here
investigating a homicide
480
00:22:33,218 --> 00:22:35,619
That took place in manhattan
481
00:22:35,688 --> 00:22:38,755
And that a phone call was
placed to this residence
482
00:22:38,824 --> 00:22:41,158
On December 19th,
483
00:22:41,226 --> 00:22:44,895
And it lasted, give or take,
less than two minutes.
484
00:22:44,963 --> 00:22:47,898
"do you recall
that phone call?"
485
00:22:47,967 --> 00:22:51,168
And she said, "I can't tell you
who made the call.
486
00:22:51,236 --> 00:22:52,970
I remember somewhat of it."
487
00:22:53,038 --> 00:22:55,038
[phone rings]
488
00:22:55,107 --> 00:22:56,806
- Her phone had
an answering machine.
489
00:22:56,808 --> 00:22:59,042
She never picked up the phone.
490
00:22:59,111 --> 00:23:01,444
She just listened to
the caller leave a message.
491
00:23:01,446 --> 00:23:02,713
[answering machine beeps]
492
00:23:02,781 --> 00:23:05,049
- She said to us that
somebody was upset,
493
00:23:05,117 --> 00:23:08,652
And yelling and screaming,
but she didn't pay it no mind.
494
00:23:08,721 --> 00:23:11,121
All she remembered, it was
some male on the phone.
495
00:23:11,190 --> 00:23:13,157
But she couldn't say a name.
496
00:23:13,225 --> 00:23:15,525
- Detectives believe
that upset caller from
497
00:23:15,595 --> 00:23:16,927
Nikki and brittany's apartment
498
00:23:16,996 --> 00:23:19,863
Could very well lead to
their killer.
499
00:23:19,932 --> 00:23:22,733
They ask to be shown
the answering machine.
500
00:23:22,801 --> 00:23:25,068
She gives them some bad news.
501
00:23:25,137 --> 00:23:27,137
- When her boyfriend
came home later on
502
00:23:27,205 --> 00:23:29,006
And she was having
an argument with him,
503
00:23:29,074 --> 00:23:32,843
She wound up throwing the phone
against the wall, breaking it.
504
00:23:32,912 --> 00:23:36,547
She said, I threw the phone
down the incinerator.
505
00:23:36,615 --> 00:23:40,017
[suspenseful music]
506
00:23:40,085 --> 00:23:42,619
We asked emergency service
to come in
507
00:23:42,688 --> 00:23:45,222
And take a look to see if
they could recover the phone
508
00:23:45,290 --> 00:23:47,024
With the receiver, phone,
and tape.
509
00:23:47,092 --> 00:23:50,160
♪ ♪
510
00:23:50,229 --> 00:23:54,765
- So crime scene finds
the broken answering machine,
511
00:23:54,833 --> 00:23:56,333
But there's no tape inside.
512
00:23:56,401 --> 00:23:59,203
♪ ♪
513
00:23:59,271 --> 00:24:00,637
Maybe the tape fell out.
514
00:24:00,706 --> 00:24:01,638
So now you're still going
through the garbage
515
00:24:01,707 --> 00:24:04,175
To try to find the tape
to this answering machine.
516
00:24:04,243 --> 00:24:08,045
♪ ♪
517
00:24:08,113 --> 00:24:11,649
- We couldn't come up with
the tape.
518
00:24:11,651 --> 00:24:13,283
- Detectives pressed
the woman about
519
00:24:13,352 --> 00:24:15,786
Who the mystery caller was
trying to reach.
520
00:24:15,855 --> 00:24:18,889
- She said it would have been
her boyfriend, timothy brown.
521
00:24:18,958 --> 00:24:20,157
She said he was out of town,
522
00:24:20,225 --> 00:24:23,060
But she would call
his beeper number.
523
00:24:23,128 --> 00:24:24,861
We said, "look,
if he reaches out to you,
524
00:24:24,863 --> 00:24:28,031
We need to speak to him."
525
00:24:28,033 --> 00:24:29,933
- With every other lead
gone cold,
526
00:24:30,002 --> 00:24:32,736
It's critical to find out
who made that phone call
527
00:24:32,805 --> 00:24:35,372
From brittany
and nikki's apartment.
528
00:24:35,440 --> 00:24:38,875
And then the phone
rings at the precinct.
529
00:24:38,944 --> 00:24:42,813
It's timothy brown.
530
00:24:42,881 --> 00:24:44,281
He tells the detectives
something
531
00:24:44,349 --> 00:24:47,684
That puts the investigation
back on track.
532
00:24:47,753 --> 00:24:49,286
He had listened to the message
533
00:24:49,354 --> 00:24:51,955
Before his girlfriend
smashed the phone.
534
00:24:51,957 --> 00:24:55,692
- We asked him, "do you know
who placed that call?"
535
00:24:55,761 --> 00:24:58,161
And he said, "yes.
536
00:24:58,230 --> 00:24:59,296
I know who placed the call."
537
00:24:59,364 --> 00:25:01,431
[phone rings]
538
00:25:01,433 --> 00:25:03,567
♪ ♪
539
00:25:03,636 --> 00:25:05,169
- Coming up...
540
00:25:05,237 --> 00:25:07,971
- This is your chance to
tell us what happened.
541
00:25:08,040 --> 00:25:11,775
And when we told him we had dna
from the crime scene,
542
00:25:11,844 --> 00:25:14,311
He knew then that
he had a problem.
543
00:25:14,379 --> 00:25:15,646
♪ ♪
544
00:25:15,714 --> 00:25:18,649
[dramatic music]
545
00:25:18,717 --> 00:25:20,451
♪ ♪
546
00:25:23,355 --> 00:25:26,189
[dramatic music]
547
00:25:26,258 --> 00:25:27,190
♪ ♪
548
00:25:27,259 --> 00:25:29,660
[downbeat music]
549
00:25:29,728 --> 00:25:32,529
[sirens wailing]
550
00:25:32,597 --> 00:25:35,332
- The investigation into the
double homicide of nikki silas
551
00:25:35,401 --> 00:25:37,668
And brittany rojas has
frustrated detectives
552
00:25:37,736 --> 00:25:39,202
With its many dead ends.
553
00:25:39,204 --> 00:25:42,205
But now, two weeks after
their bodies were found,
554
00:25:42,207 --> 00:25:44,275
Phone records have led
detectives to a person
555
00:25:44,343 --> 00:25:46,277
Who may break open the case.
556
00:25:46,345 --> 00:25:49,212
His name was timothy brown.
557
00:25:49,281 --> 00:25:51,682
[downbeat music]
558
00:25:51,750 --> 00:25:54,919
[line rings]
559
00:25:54,987 --> 00:25:57,154
- Timothy brown was
the recipient of
560
00:25:57,222 --> 00:26:00,824
The last call going out from
the apartment
561
00:26:00,893 --> 00:26:02,225
Around the same time
562
00:26:02,294 --> 00:26:04,294
That brittany and nikki were
being killed.
563
00:26:04,363 --> 00:26:07,631
[indistinct radio chatter]
564
00:26:07,700 --> 00:26:09,566
- When speaking with
timothy brown,
565
00:26:09,635 --> 00:26:12,035
He remembered that
the call came in
566
00:26:12,104 --> 00:26:14,371
From his friend,
antoine atterbury.
567
00:26:14,439 --> 00:26:16,373
♪ ♪
568
00:26:16,441 --> 00:26:19,343
What timmy recalls is
basically that
569
00:26:19,411 --> 00:26:22,313
There's a lot of screaming on
the phone from his friend
570
00:26:22,381 --> 00:26:26,116
That somebody is wanting to
rob somebody in that apartment
571
00:26:26,185 --> 00:26:29,052
And rape them,
and he wanted no part of it,
572
00:26:29,121 --> 00:26:32,523
And he was leaving
and he hung up.
573
00:26:32,591 --> 00:26:36,993
When we asked him, "do you
know where antoine lives?"
574
00:26:37,062 --> 00:26:39,229
He told us, "yes."
575
00:26:39,298 --> 00:26:43,534
Gave us the address of
where they lived in queens.
576
00:26:44,669 --> 00:26:46,269
- When detectives look up
the address,
577
00:26:46,271 --> 00:26:48,004
A chill of recognition
hits them
578
00:26:48,073 --> 00:26:49,806
As they remember
a scrap of paper
579
00:26:49,875 --> 00:26:51,274
Found at the crime scene.
580
00:26:51,343 --> 00:26:53,143
[tense music]
581
00:26:53,212 --> 00:26:55,044
- The hand-written directions
found in
582
00:26:55,046 --> 00:26:58,515
Brittany and nikki's apartment
matched perfectly.
583
00:26:58,584 --> 00:27:01,452
They start at the subway
nearest to atterbury's home
584
00:27:01,520 --> 00:27:05,823
And end at the west 109th
street apartment building,
585
00:27:05,825 --> 00:27:08,759
Brittany and nikki's
apartment.
586
00:27:08,827 --> 00:27:11,828
[suspenseful music]
587
00:27:11,897 --> 00:27:15,032
- So we go out to queens.
588
00:27:15,100 --> 00:27:18,635
And once we got there,
we rang the doorbell.
589
00:27:18,704 --> 00:27:20,270
[doorbell rings]
590
00:27:20,339 --> 00:27:23,840
And the door was answered
by antoine.
591
00:27:23,909 --> 00:27:26,877
[suspenseful music]
592
00:27:26,945 --> 00:27:29,179
We said, "we're investigating
the homicide of two girls
593
00:27:29,248 --> 00:27:33,450
"that took place on
109th street in manhattan,
594
00:27:33,519 --> 00:27:37,921
"and we have strong indication
that a phone call was
595
00:27:37,923 --> 00:27:41,058
"placed out of that residence
to a location in queens.
596
00:27:41,126 --> 00:27:45,262
Do you know
who timothy brown is?"
597
00:27:45,330 --> 00:27:49,132
And he said, "no, I don't know
what you're talking about."
598
00:27:49,134 --> 00:27:53,536
- And then something catches
detective hayes' eye.
599
00:27:53,538 --> 00:27:56,807
- I saw what appeared to be
a mini safe.
600
00:27:56,809 --> 00:28:00,411
[suspenseful music]
601
00:28:00,479 --> 00:28:02,545
- The safe appears to match
the description
602
00:28:02,547 --> 00:28:04,948
The superintendent gave
the detectives
603
00:28:05,017 --> 00:28:08,751
The morning of brittany and
nikki's killing.
604
00:28:08,753 --> 00:28:11,021
- And I asked him,
"where did that come from?"
605
00:28:11,089 --> 00:28:13,089
He said, "oh, my roommate
brought it in."
606
00:28:13,158 --> 00:28:14,224
"who's your roommate?"
607
00:28:14,293 --> 00:28:16,092
And he mentioned kevin ladson.
608
00:28:16,161 --> 00:28:18,895
[suspenseful music]
609
00:28:18,964 --> 00:28:20,330
♪ ♪
610
00:28:20,399 --> 00:28:24,501
"how did that come here?
What else did he bring?"
611
00:28:24,569 --> 00:28:27,104
And he gave us a rundown
on different things.
612
00:28:27,172 --> 00:28:31,074
And he mentioned jewelry,
music cds,
613
00:28:31,143 --> 00:28:34,778
At which time we realized that
some of this is
614
00:28:34,847 --> 00:28:37,680
Items that might be
from the crime scene.
615
00:28:37,750 --> 00:28:39,850
We decided, "hey,
we're gonna take this back
616
00:28:39,918 --> 00:28:42,185
"to the 2-4 precinct so we can
sit down in detail
617
00:28:42,254 --> 00:28:45,322
And get everything
about what you know."
618
00:28:45,390 --> 00:28:50,260
♪ ♪
619
00:28:50,329 --> 00:28:52,962
When we brought
antoine atterbury
620
00:28:52,964 --> 00:28:54,931
From queens into manhattan,
621
00:28:55,000 --> 00:28:57,401
At that time,
he wasn't placed in handcuffs.
622
00:28:57,469 --> 00:28:59,702
We wanted to make it look like,
"hey, you're helping us,
623
00:28:59,772 --> 00:29:00,804
And we're helping you."
624
00:29:00,873 --> 00:29:04,475
♪ ♪
625
00:29:04,543 --> 00:29:09,279
He was brought into
a interview room.
626
00:29:09,348 --> 00:29:11,081
And we said,
"hey, this is your chance
627
00:29:11,149 --> 00:29:13,550
"to tell us what's going on
because two girls got killed.
628
00:29:13,619 --> 00:29:15,385
"and if you didn't have
anything to do with it,
629
00:29:15,454 --> 00:29:19,422
It's your best interest
to tell us what happened."
630
00:29:19,491 --> 00:29:21,692
It didn't matter about
631
00:29:21,760 --> 00:29:24,294
Antoine saying he was
or wasn't in the apartment.
632
00:29:24,363 --> 00:29:26,863
The phone call put him
in the apartment.
633
00:29:26,932 --> 00:29:30,300
- But antoine refuses to
explain why he made that call
634
00:29:30,369 --> 00:29:34,371
And denies knowing anything
about the murders.
635
00:29:34,439 --> 00:29:36,039
♪ ♪
636
00:29:36,041 --> 00:29:37,840
So while antoine is
in custody,
637
00:29:37,842 --> 00:29:40,577
A team of detectives
stakes out his apartment,
638
00:29:40,646 --> 00:29:44,847
Hoping to catch his roommate,
kevin ladson.
639
00:29:44,849 --> 00:29:48,218
- And as kevin was
approaching the apartment,
640
00:29:48,287 --> 00:29:50,521
He was apprehended and
brought back to the precinct.
641
00:29:50,589 --> 00:29:52,523
[siren chirping]
642
00:29:52,591 --> 00:29:54,892
[suspenseful music]
643
00:29:54,960 --> 00:29:56,593
When kevin ladson is
brought into
644
00:29:56,661 --> 00:29:59,129
The 2-4 detective squad room,
645
00:29:59,197 --> 00:30:01,565
The interview room that
antoine atterbury was in,
646
00:30:01,633 --> 00:30:05,802
The door was left open so that
he could see him walk by.
647
00:30:05,870 --> 00:30:07,671
♪ ♪
648
00:30:07,739 --> 00:30:13,343
We know that kevin saw antoine,
and antoine saw kevin.
649
00:30:13,345 --> 00:30:15,546
Our objective was to
let kevin know,
650
00:30:15,614 --> 00:30:21,418
The reason you here is because
antoine told us about you.
651
00:30:21,486 --> 00:30:24,555
We want him to see that
we've got antoine.
652
00:30:24,623 --> 00:30:27,958
Whoever talks first
gets the best deal
653
00:30:28,026 --> 00:30:29,693
And we wanted that
put in his head.
654
00:30:29,761 --> 00:30:32,563
♪ ♪
655
00:30:32,631 --> 00:30:34,364
- Kevin is not cooperative,
656
00:30:34,433 --> 00:30:37,167
But he doesn't point the finger
at antoine.
657
00:30:37,235 --> 00:30:41,004
He just keeps saying, "I didn't
do what you say I did."
658
00:30:41,006 --> 00:30:42,372
- With kevin clamming up,
659
00:30:42,441 --> 00:30:44,841
Detectives hope
the more talkative antoine
660
00:30:44,909 --> 00:30:48,545
Will let something slip
about what actually happened.
661
00:30:48,613 --> 00:30:50,713
- We wanted to make it
as convenient for him
662
00:30:50,715 --> 00:30:52,315
To talk to us freely
663
00:30:52,317 --> 00:30:54,651
Without feeling threatened
that he's gonna go to jail.
664
00:30:54,720 --> 00:30:57,688
♪ ♪
665
00:30:57,756 --> 00:30:59,422
And as we went deeper into it,
666
00:30:59,491 --> 00:31:02,625
He got more comfortable
with telling us
667
00:31:02,627 --> 00:31:03,627
"this was what happened."
668
00:31:03,695 --> 00:31:06,929
♪ ♪
669
00:31:06,931 --> 00:31:09,733
[dramatic music]
670
00:31:09,801 --> 00:31:11,368
♪ ♪
671
00:31:14,505 --> 00:31:17,474
[dramatic music]
672
00:31:17,542 --> 00:31:20,843
♪ ♪
673
00:31:20,913 --> 00:31:24,114
[downbeat music]
674
00:31:24,349 --> 00:31:26,349
- A little more than two weeks
after the nikki silas
675
00:31:26,418 --> 00:31:27,584
And brittany rojas murders,
676
00:31:27,653 --> 00:31:29,953
Detectives have two suspects
in custody,
677
00:31:30,021 --> 00:31:32,755
Kevin ladson
and antoine atterbury.
678
00:31:32,757 --> 00:31:34,224
Kevin isn't talking,
679
00:31:34,292 --> 00:31:36,627
But antoine is starting
to sink.
680
00:31:36,695 --> 00:31:39,095
♪ ♪
681
00:31:39,164 --> 00:31:41,598
- So during the interview
of antoine atterbury,
682
00:31:41,667 --> 00:31:45,268
We asked how did he know
brittany or nikki.
683
00:31:45,337 --> 00:31:48,104
He informed me that
maybe three weeks ago,
684
00:31:48,173 --> 00:31:50,373
Kevin ladson,
after getting a haircut,
685
00:31:50,442 --> 00:31:52,642
Came out the barber shop
and he bumped into
686
00:31:52,711 --> 00:31:54,377
A young lady named brittany,
687
00:31:54,379 --> 00:31:57,547
Who we now know was
brittany rojas.
688
00:31:57,616 --> 00:32:00,116
He was informing her that
he would like to take her out,
689
00:32:00,185 --> 00:32:02,886
He thought she was attractive,
690
00:32:02,954 --> 00:32:04,421
And they exchanged
phone numbers.
691
00:32:04,489 --> 00:32:06,689
♪ ♪
692
00:32:06,759 --> 00:32:09,660
- Kevin ladson reaches out
to brittany,
693
00:32:09,728 --> 00:32:11,594
Sometime probably on the 18th,
694
00:32:11,663 --> 00:32:14,531
And asks if he can come over
and he can bring a friend.
695
00:32:14,599 --> 00:32:17,400
And the friend is
antoine atterbury.
696
00:32:17,469 --> 00:32:19,802
- We remember that
that direction note
697
00:32:19,804 --> 00:32:21,338
Was there in the apartment.
698
00:32:21,406 --> 00:32:23,506
And it was a possibility that--
699
00:32:23,575 --> 00:32:25,808
The thought might have been
that kevin brought that there.
700
00:32:25,810 --> 00:32:27,878
♪ ♪
701
00:32:27,946 --> 00:32:33,349
So about 6:00 to 6:15
on December 18th,
702
00:32:33,419 --> 00:32:37,054
Antoine and kevin get on
a train in queens,
703
00:32:37,122 --> 00:32:40,990
And they come into manhattan.
704
00:32:41,060 --> 00:32:43,426
♪ ♪
705
00:32:43,428 --> 00:32:45,095
So they wound up going to
the apartment,
706
00:32:45,163 --> 00:32:47,630
And the girls let them in.
707
00:32:47,699 --> 00:32:50,167
And so they decided to
play hearts, play cards,
708
00:32:50,169 --> 00:32:52,202
Have a couple of drinks.
709
00:32:52,270 --> 00:32:55,672
♪ ♪
710
00:32:55,740 --> 00:32:58,841
- 11:00 at night turns into
3:00 in the morning,
711
00:32:58,843 --> 00:33:02,112
Turns into 5:00 in the morning.
712
00:33:02,180 --> 00:33:04,381
- Nikki said, "hey, you know,
I got to get ready for school.
713
00:33:04,449 --> 00:33:06,382
"I'ma walk the dog,
and then we can all leave
714
00:33:06,451 --> 00:33:08,184
And, you know,
do this another time."
715
00:33:08,253 --> 00:33:11,521
♪ ♪
716
00:33:11,590 --> 00:33:13,189
- Antoine says, that morning,
717
00:33:13,258 --> 00:33:14,624
He went with nikki
to walk the dog.
718
00:33:14,693 --> 00:33:16,659
♪ ♪
719
00:33:16,728 --> 00:33:19,863
Witnesses saw
nikki that morning
720
00:33:19,931 --> 00:33:21,798
With a person, a male.
721
00:33:21,800 --> 00:33:23,766
So antoine's story checks out.
722
00:33:23,836 --> 00:33:25,868
♪ ♪
723
00:33:25,870 --> 00:33:31,141
- Antoine says that when he
came back up to the apartment,
724
00:33:31,209 --> 00:33:33,009
Kevin told him,
"I'm taking nikki in the room.
725
00:33:33,011 --> 00:33:35,778
"I'ma make her
have sex with me,
726
00:33:35,848 --> 00:33:38,348
Then I'm taking the safe."
727
00:33:38,416 --> 00:33:40,050
- Antoine claims
he didn't see brittany
728
00:33:40,118 --> 00:33:42,151
When he came back
from walking the dog.
729
00:33:42,221 --> 00:33:44,487
[suspenseful music]
730
00:33:44,556 --> 00:33:47,190
Was she in the bathroom?
Was she dead or alive?
731
00:33:47,259 --> 00:33:49,759
He says he doesn't know.
732
00:33:49,761 --> 00:33:52,963
And that's when he made
the call to timothy brown.
733
00:33:53,031 --> 00:33:54,497
- When nobody picks up,
734
00:33:54,499 --> 00:33:56,199
Antoine leaves
the message that
735
00:33:56,268 --> 00:33:57,667
Brown was able to listen to
736
00:33:57,736 --> 00:34:01,337
Before their answering machine
was destroyed.
737
00:34:01,406 --> 00:34:03,072
- Well, all right,
we can understand
738
00:34:03,142 --> 00:34:04,140
You making the call to
timothy.
739
00:34:04,209 --> 00:34:06,376
But you got out.
740
00:34:06,445 --> 00:34:09,245
You left kevin behind.
Why didn't you call 911 then?
741
00:34:09,314 --> 00:34:11,881
You can do it anonymously.
742
00:34:11,883 --> 00:34:14,051
- Why didn't he try to
stop him?
743
00:34:14,119 --> 00:34:16,753
Why didn't he scream
out the window?
744
00:34:16,822 --> 00:34:18,821
Why didn't he, like, take
something in the apartment
745
00:34:18,891 --> 00:34:20,090
And smash him on the head?
746
00:34:20,158 --> 00:34:22,358
I mean, all of us want to
somehow, like,
747
00:34:22,427 --> 00:34:25,428
Dive into that murder scene
and stop it.
748
00:34:25,496 --> 00:34:27,564
Maybe if he had called 911,
749
00:34:27,632 --> 00:34:34,103
Nikki and brittany would
still be alive.
750
00:34:34,105 --> 00:34:36,205
- But detectives need more
than antoine's word
751
00:34:36,275 --> 00:34:38,140
To build a solid case,
752
00:34:38,142 --> 00:34:40,677
And kevin isn't talking.
753
00:34:40,745 --> 00:34:43,446
- He didn't say a word.
754
00:34:43,514 --> 00:34:47,184
But when we told him we had
dna from the crime scene
755
00:34:47,252 --> 00:34:49,051
And we wanted to get his dna,
756
00:34:49,121 --> 00:34:52,154
He knew then that
he had a problem.
757
00:34:52,156 --> 00:34:56,058
♪ ♪
758
00:34:56,128 --> 00:34:59,229
- While detectives wait for
the dna results to come back,
759
00:34:59,297 --> 00:35:00,963
They bring
the building superintendent
760
00:35:00,965 --> 00:35:03,033
Into the station house.
761
00:35:03,101 --> 00:35:04,300
- We went to conduct a lineup
762
00:35:04,369 --> 00:35:06,903
With both antoine atterbury
and kevin ladson
763
00:35:06,971 --> 00:35:10,106
To see if he would be able
to identify them
764
00:35:10,174 --> 00:35:14,811
As who he saw come down
the stairs on December 19th.
765
00:35:14,880 --> 00:35:17,680
He positively identified
antoine atterbury
766
00:35:17,682 --> 00:35:19,716
As the first person
coming down the stairs,
767
00:35:19,784 --> 00:35:22,319
And he identified kevin ladson
as the second person
768
00:35:22,321 --> 00:35:24,787
Coming down with a duffel bag
769
00:35:24,856 --> 00:35:27,189
With a mini safe
that was sticking out.
770
00:35:27,191 --> 00:35:28,825
♪ ♪
771
00:35:28,893 --> 00:35:31,394
When we finally got
the dna results back,
772
00:35:31,396 --> 00:35:34,130
It came back positive.
773
00:35:34,199 --> 00:35:38,668
Kevin ladson's dna was
on nikki.
774
00:35:38,737 --> 00:35:41,638
We had no dna we can use
with brittany
775
00:35:41,706 --> 00:35:43,640
Because she was submerged
in water and at that time,
776
00:35:43,708 --> 00:35:45,241
There was no way to extract
777
00:35:45,310 --> 00:35:50,647
Any possible dna to match
against kevin ladson.
778
00:35:50,649 --> 00:35:53,215
- Does that mean
brittany wasn't raped?
779
00:35:53,217 --> 00:35:54,851
There's no way to know
for sure.
780
00:35:54,919 --> 00:35:58,621
♪ ♪
781
00:35:58,623 --> 00:36:00,490
- We now have enough
probable cause
782
00:36:00,558 --> 00:36:02,225
To arrest kevin and antoine
783
00:36:02,294 --> 00:36:06,296
And charge them with the
murders of brittany and nikki.
784
00:36:06,364 --> 00:36:08,498
- The da's point of view
was this:
785
00:36:08,567 --> 00:36:12,235
Both girls were a victim
of asphyxiation homicide.
786
00:36:12,303 --> 00:36:16,072
There is a strong belief that
both girls were raped.
787
00:36:16,141 --> 00:36:20,810
♪ ♪
788
00:36:20,879 --> 00:36:23,780
[downbeat music]
789
00:36:23,848 --> 00:36:24,714
♪ ♪
790
00:36:24,783 --> 00:36:29,119
- I got a call one day
from the detective,
791
00:36:29,187 --> 00:36:31,387
And he said he had arrested
792
00:36:31,456 --> 00:36:36,492
Kevin ladson and
antoine atterbury.
793
00:36:36,561 --> 00:36:39,862
- And at that point,
there was relief
794
00:36:39,931 --> 00:36:42,699
That at least they were
off the street,
795
00:36:42,767 --> 00:36:45,601
That I didn't have to have this
worry anymore of, like,
796
00:36:45,670 --> 00:36:51,774
This looming monster in the--
in new york city.
797
00:36:51,776 --> 00:36:56,112
- I was, I guess, relieved,
but more like anger.
798
00:36:56,181 --> 00:36:59,349
And, like, now I want them
to pay.
799
00:36:59,417 --> 00:37:03,153
Like, "good, you got 'em.
Make 'em pay."
800
00:37:03,221 --> 00:37:07,223
So...
[sniffles]
801
00:37:07,292 --> 00:37:10,426
[determined music]
802
00:37:10,495 --> 00:37:11,995
- With two trials coming up,
803
00:37:12,063 --> 00:37:14,063
Prosecutors have the challenge
of building cases
804
00:37:14,065 --> 00:37:17,400
On circumstantial evidence
alone.
805
00:37:17,468 --> 00:37:19,669
Kevin ladson has taken
the fifth,
806
00:37:19,738 --> 00:37:21,638
And antoine claims
he doesn't know what happened
807
00:37:21,706 --> 00:37:23,306
After he left the apartment.
808
00:37:23,375 --> 00:37:24,841
♪ ♪
809
00:37:24,909 --> 00:37:28,311
- We said, "antoine,
you heard kevin say that
810
00:37:28,380 --> 00:37:31,514
"he wanted to take the safe.
811
00:37:31,516 --> 00:37:34,084
"you see the safe
in your house.
812
00:37:34,152 --> 00:37:36,586
"he comes in with music cds,
you don't question that?
813
00:37:36,654 --> 00:37:38,955
"he comes in with jewelry,
you don't question that?
814
00:37:39,023 --> 00:37:41,123
"all right.
You're guilty of something.
815
00:37:41,193 --> 00:37:42,325
We can't prove it,
but this is
816
00:37:42,394 --> 00:37:44,227
What you're gonna
get charged with."
817
00:37:44,295 --> 00:37:46,462
♪ ♪
818
00:37:46,531 --> 00:37:48,130
Antoine was shaken
to his boots
819
00:37:48,132 --> 00:37:52,134
That he knew he might
be going to jail,
820
00:37:52,136 --> 00:37:54,871
And he was trying his best
to not get locked up.
821
00:37:54,939 --> 00:37:57,840
♪ ♪
822
00:37:57,909 --> 00:37:59,409
- The detectives know
they need more
823
00:37:59,477 --> 00:38:01,945
To strengthen their case.
824
00:38:02,013 --> 00:38:05,982
And then antoine
gives them the key.
825
00:38:06,051 --> 00:38:09,886
♪ ♪
826
00:38:09,954 --> 00:38:12,822
[dramatic music]
827
00:38:12,891 --> 00:38:14,391
♪ ♪
828
00:38:17,594 --> 00:38:20,196
[dramatic music]
829
00:38:20,264 --> 00:38:25,702
♪ ♪
830
00:38:25,770 --> 00:38:27,570
- Antoine atterbury
and kevin ladson
831
00:38:27,639 --> 00:38:29,773
Have been arrested and charged
with the murders
832
00:38:29,841 --> 00:38:32,842
Of nikki silas
and brittany rojas.
833
00:38:32,911 --> 00:38:34,511
♪ ♪
834
00:38:34,513 --> 00:38:36,512
While kevin is still
not talking,
835
00:38:36,581 --> 00:38:40,182
Antoine has one final piece
of information to share.
836
00:38:40,252 --> 00:38:44,420
- Atterbury tells detectives
of an item that ladson stole
837
00:38:44,422 --> 00:38:46,689
From brittany
and nikki's house.
838
00:38:46,691 --> 00:38:48,524
- He mentioned a specific coat
839
00:38:48,593 --> 00:38:51,127
That kevin ladson gave to
his girlfriend
840
00:38:51,195 --> 00:38:55,097
Who was attending borough of
manhattan community college.
841
00:38:55,099 --> 00:38:57,600
And we sent
a team of detectives.
842
00:38:57,602 --> 00:38:58,968
And when they finally
went there
843
00:38:59,037 --> 00:39:00,536
And met with her,
844
00:39:00,605 --> 00:39:02,538
She happened to be wearing
the coat.
845
00:39:02,607 --> 00:39:03,840
We said,
"who gave you that coat?"
846
00:39:03,908 --> 00:39:05,074
She said, "my boyfriend."
847
00:39:05,143 --> 00:39:09,411
I said, "well, that coat
belongs to a homicide victim."
848
00:39:09,413 --> 00:39:10,680
Right there,
on the campus ground,
849
00:39:10,748 --> 00:39:11,914
Threw it down on the ground.
850
00:39:11,983 --> 00:39:13,983
Said, "oh, my god!
I didn't know that."
851
00:39:14,052 --> 00:39:15,985
♪ ♪
852
00:39:16,054 --> 00:39:19,789
- Nikki's family confirms that
the coat was hers.
853
00:39:19,858 --> 00:39:22,091
This final piece of evidence
places kevin
854
00:39:22,160 --> 00:39:24,760
Physically inside
the victim's apartment.
855
00:39:24,829 --> 00:39:28,030
There is no other way
he could have gotten the coat.
856
00:39:28,032 --> 00:39:30,300
Detectives are confident
they have the right suspects
857
00:39:30,368 --> 00:39:32,268
And a strong case.
858
00:39:32,337 --> 00:39:33,836
- Kevin ladson, a slam dunk.
859
00:39:33,905 --> 00:39:35,371
You raped nikki.
You killed her.
860
00:39:35,440 --> 00:39:37,507
♪ ♪
861
00:39:37,575 --> 00:39:39,241
In reference to
brittany rojas,
862
00:39:39,311 --> 00:39:41,444
The question was,
did you kill her
863
00:39:41,513 --> 00:39:45,114
Or did antoine atterbury?
864
00:39:45,183 --> 00:39:47,650
We all agreed that
it was kevin ladson.
865
00:39:47,652 --> 00:39:50,787
♪ ♪
866
00:39:50,855 --> 00:39:53,122
- Based on the dna found on
nikki silas,
867
00:39:53,191 --> 00:39:55,858
And the superintendent's
and antoine's statements,
868
00:39:55,927 --> 00:39:59,996
The prosecutors try ladson
for robbery, rape, and murder.
869
00:40:00,064 --> 00:40:02,732
They believe that
atterbury was not responsible
870
00:40:02,800 --> 00:40:06,268
For the murders, and he is
only tried for robbery.
871
00:40:06,338 --> 00:40:10,640
- Kevin ladson was convicted
and was given 40 years.
872
00:40:10,708 --> 00:40:13,075
Antoine atterbury was
convicted
873
00:40:13,144 --> 00:40:17,980
And got a sentence of
17 to 21 years.
874
00:40:17,982 --> 00:40:20,049
- I was happy,
875
00:40:20,118 --> 00:40:24,320
But it didn't take everything
off my shoulders
876
00:40:24,388 --> 00:40:26,956
Like I thought it would.
877
00:40:27,025 --> 00:40:29,959
[somber music]
878
00:40:30,027 --> 00:40:31,361
- Brittany's mother was
also relieved
879
00:40:31,429 --> 00:40:33,229
That justice had prevailed.
880
00:40:33,297 --> 00:40:37,499
But for her, the pain would
also never go away.
881
00:40:37,501 --> 00:40:38,901
- Her mother, dalis,
882
00:40:38,903 --> 00:40:43,039
She said, "there's no justice
in this life.
883
00:40:43,107 --> 00:40:46,576
You're a piece of sand.
You're nothing."
884
00:40:46,644 --> 00:40:49,178
[somber music]
885
00:40:49,247 --> 00:40:51,647
- For damon, nikki's death
changed the direction
886
00:40:51,716 --> 00:40:54,384
Of his whole life.
887
00:40:54,452 --> 00:40:57,453
- After going to undergrad
at howard university,
888
00:40:57,521 --> 00:40:58,888
I ended up going
to grad school
889
00:40:58,957 --> 00:41:00,923
And I majored in
clinical psychology,
890
00:41:00,992 --> 00:41:04,260
Primarily working with
children and adolescents.
891
00:41:04,328 --> 00:41:08,264
I really wanted to work with
juveniles, with youth,
892
00:41:08,332 --> 00:41:10,600
Who could potentially
go down the same path
893
00:41:10,668 --> 00:41:12,268
That antoine and kevin went.
894
00:41:12,336 --> 00:41:14,937
♪ ♪
895
00:41:15,006 --> 00:41:19,742
- He said, "I had to do this
for my sister.
896
00:41:19,744 --> 00:41:22,945
"because if I don't do
something for her,
897
00:41:23,014 --> 00:41:26,015
Then it'll be in vain that
she died."
898
00:41:26,084 --> 00:41:27,883
♪ ♪
899
00:41:27,952 --> 00:41:29,619
- And then, in 2015,
900
00:41:29,687 --> 00:41:33,923
Nikki's family went one step
further in their journey.
901
00:41:33,925 --> 00:41:36,559
- One day,
damon called me and said,
902
00:41:36,627 --> 00:41:38,894
"I hope you don't think
I'm crazy,
903
00:41:38,963 --> 00:41:41,163
But I've been thinking about
904
00:41:41,165 --> 00:41:43,833
Going to see kevin
in the prison."
905
00:41:43,901 --> 00:41:49,105
I said, "well, you know what?
If you are, I am."
906
00:41:49,173 --> 00:41:52,842
- In 2015, my mom and I
went to the prison
907
00:41:52,910 --> 00:41:55,645
In upstate new york
to visit kevin ladson.
908
00:41:55,713 --> 00:41:58,180
What was more important
to me and my mom was
909
00:41:58,182 --> 00:42:01,984
To let him know that
when he took nikki's life,
910
00:42:01,986 --> 00:42:05,121
He impacted
all of these people.
911
00:42:05,189 --> 00:42:07,857
He impacted her friends
and family,
912
00:42:07,926 --> 00:42:12,795
And the ripple effect
that taking her life
913
00:42:12,797 --> 00:42:14,997
Had on so many people.
914
00:42:15,066 --> 00:42:17,667
♪ ♪
915
00:42:17,735 --> 00:42:22,004
- We started talking,
and I told him,
916
00:42:22,073 --> 00:42:25,141
"I don't hate you,
but I hate what you did to me
917
00:42:25,209 --> 00:42:27,009
And my family."
918
00:42:27,078 --> 00:42:30,279
And I said, "you took a lot
of things away from me
919
00:42:30,348 --> 00:42:33,215
That I'll never have."
920
00:42:33,217 --> 00:42:36,052
He started crying.
921
00:42:36,120 --> 00:42:37,720
He apologized.
922
00:42:37,789 --> 00:42:40,823
He told me how sorry he was.
923
00:42:40,892 --> 00:42:44,626
He didn't intend
to do what he did.
924
00:42:44,628 --> 00:42:46,028
I believed him.
925
00:42:46,097 --> 00:42:49,765
And the fact that it made me
feel better,
926
00:42:49,834 --> 00:42:52,168
That's all that was
important to me.
927
00:42:52,236 --> 00:42:55,171
[downbeat music]
928
00:42:55,239 --> 00:42:57,807
♪ ♪
929
00:42:57,875 --> 00:43:02,044
- So at the end of
that conversation,
930
00:43:02,113 --> 00:43:05,848
We--we all actually hugged.
[chuckles]
931
00:43:05,917 --> 00:43:07,216
We hugged and cried together.
932
00:43:07,285 --> 00:43:09,385
And he was crying a lot
through it.
933
00:43:09,453 --> 00:43:12,188
We were, my mom and I.
934
00:43:12,256 --> 00:43:15,858
- Because it was just
a phenomenal feeling.
935
00:43:15,860 --> 00:43:19,395
I don't even know
how to describe it.
936
00:43:19,463 --> 00:43:24,801
It was just almost like,
ok, all that pain went away.
937
00:43:24,803 --> 00:43:28,470
- It was almost like this
closing of an old chapter
938
00:43:28,540 --> 00:43:32,208
Or a closing of a book
to start a new chapter.
939
00:43:32,276 --> 00:43:39,115
♪ ♪