1 00:00:07,706 --> 00:00:10,375 [suspenseful music] 2 00:00:10,377 --> 00:00:17,383 ♪ ♪ 3 00:00:19,620 --> 00:00:23,122 - It's the last time you see pictures 4 00:00:23,190 --> 00:00:25,724 Of all of the family together. 5 00:00:25,793 --> 00:00:32,497 ♪ ♪ 6 00:00:32,499 --> 00:00:34,533 - When that family was entering the house-- 7 00:00:34,535 --> 00:00:35,834 [gunshot] 8 00:00:35,902 --> 00:00:36,668 He heard the gunshots. 9 00:00:36,737 --> 00:00:38,037 [gunshot] 10 00:00:43,677 --> 00:00:45,244 - It was a small gun safe. 11 00:00:45,312 --> 00:00:47,012 It had been pried open. 12 00:00:47,014 --> 00:00:50,549 Was this just a home invasion that went bad? 13 00:00:50,617 --> 00:00:52,384 - You sit there and think, what kind of relationship 14 00:00:52,453 --> 00:00:54,919 Did they actually have? 15 00:00:54,921 --> 00:00:57,923 - This is not the all-american family that 16 00:00:57,991 --> 00:01:00,024 Everybody might think they are. 17 00:01:00,026 --> 00:01:02,661 - In my opening statement, I told the jury panel, 18 00:01:02,729 --> 00:01:05,397 You're about to hear a tale of subterfuge, 19 00:01:05,466 --> 00:01:07,332 Deception, and greed. 20 00:01:07,400 --> 00:01:09,067 ♪ ♪ 21 00:01:09,136 --> 00:01:12,136 [ominous music] 22 00:01:12,138 --> 00:01:19,178 ♪ ♪ 23 00:01:24,451 --> 00:01:27,285 [upbeat music] 24 00:01:27,354 --> 00:01:30,689 - December 2003, sugar land, texas. 25 00:01:30,757 --> 00:01:33,192 Kent and tricia whitaker and their two sons, 26 00:01:33,260 --> 00:01:36,428 Bart and kevin, have called this affluent suburb home 27 00:01:36,497 --> 00:01:38,163 For more than a decade. 28 00:01:38,232 --> 00:01:39,964 It's a perfect fit for their upscale lifestyle. 29 00:01:39,966 --> 00:01:45,136 - Sugar land was an amazing place to grow up. 30 00:01:45,138 --> 00:01:46,939 It was a community focused on faith, 31 00:01:47,007 --> 00:01:50,408 Focused on friendships, relationships-- 32 00:01:50,477 --> 00:01:52,277 A really tight-knit community. 33 00:01:53,814 --> 00:01:56,615 The whitaker family was a pillar in the community. 34 00:01:58,185 --> 00:02:00,218 I attended a private school there in sugar land, 35 00:02:00,287 --> 00:02:01,987 And kevin did too. 36 00:02:02,055 --> 00:02:03,555 And we were fast friends. 37 00:02:05,893 --> 00:02:08,727 The whitaker family did so much together, 38 00:02:08,795 --> 00:02:12,097 Whether it be fishing trips or camping trips, 39 00:02:12,166 --> 00:02:14,766 You know, times on the lake. 40 00:02:14,835 --> 00:02:17,969 Kent and tricia maintained that really sweet closeness 41 00:02:17,971 --> 00:02:20,038 With their kids and that high level 42 00:02:20,106 --> 00:02:22,407 Of trust and communication. 43 00:02:22,476 --> 00:02:25,777 They loved to experience life as a family. 44 00:02:25,846 --> 00:02:29,013 - I was the whitakers' next door neighbor. 45 00:02:29,083 --> 00:02:31,850 They were very normal, kind, empathetic people. 46 00:02:31,919 --> 00:02:37,489 They seemed not troubled, unburdened, life is good. 47 00:02:37,557 --> 00:02:39,291 That was my general vibe. 48 00:02:39,359 --> 00:02:43,795 ♪ ♪ 49 00:02:43,864 --> 00:02:46,565 - To friends and neighbors, the whitakers seemed 50 00:02:46,633 --> 00:02:49,101 To have it all-- a happy family where 51 00:02:49,169 --> 00:02:53,438 19-year-old kevin looks up to his 23-year-old brother, bart. 52 00:02:53,507 --> 00:02:55,240 - Kevin was very humble. 53 00:02:55,309 --> 00:02:57,141 He was a man of integrity, 54 00:02:57,211 --> 00:03:00,945 Of character, incredibly honest. 55 00:03:01,014 --> 00:03:05,183 The guy was smart, very engaging. 56 00:03:05,251 --> 00:03:06,919 Bart was a little bit more quiet. 57 00:03:06,987 --> 00:03:10,221 You didn't know necessarily what he was thinking, 58 00:03:10,223 --> 00:03:11,556 Like you did kevin. 59 00:03:11,558 --> 00:03:14,793 [upbeat music] 60 00:03:14,861 --> 00:03:16,628 ♪ ♪ 61 00:03:16,697 --> 00:03:18,697 - Kent whitaker is the co-owner 62 00:03:18,765 --> 00:03:20,465 Of a thriving construction company. 63 00:03:20,534 --> 00:03:22,233 A hard worker, 64 00:03:22,235 --> 00:03:24,670 His financial success means he can provide 65 00:03:24,738 --> 00:03:27,606 His family with everything they might want. 66 00:03:27,674 --> 00:03:29,073 His wife, tricia, is 67 00:03:29,143 --> 00:03:32,677 A dedicated part-time elementary school teacher. 68 00:03:32,679 --> 00:03:37,315 - She loved and knew every kid in every class 69 00:03:37,384 --> 00:03:38,483 Every single year. 70 00:03:38,552 --> 00:03:41,653 And the interesting part was that she didn't have to work, 71 00:03:41,722 --> 00:03:44,355 Right, because of kent's job. 72 00:03:44,425 --> 00:03:46,825 But it told you a lot about her heart. 73 00:03:48,295 --> 00:03:51,262 [upbeat music] 74 00:03:51,332 --> 00:03:53,898 ♪ ♪ 75 00:03:53,967 --> 00:03:58,036 - On December 10, 2003, kent and tricia plan 76 00:03:58,104 --> 00:04:00,138 A special night out for the family 77 00:04:00,207 --> 00:04:01,873 To celebrate bart's graduation 78 00:04:01,942 --> 00:04:04,576 From sam houston state university. 79 00:04:04,645 --> 00:04:06,878 At dinner, they present their son 80 00:04:06,947 --> 00:04:11,249 With a $4,000 rolex watch as a graduation gift. 81 00:04:11,318 --> 00:04:12,784 - I know what a rolex costs, 82 00:04:12,853 --> 00:04:16,454 And he bought a rolex as a graduation gift. 83 00:04:16,523 --> 00:04:18,556 That's not an everyday thing. 84 00:04:18,625 --> 00:04:21,125 - Kent is a proud dad, and takes photos 85 00:04:21,195 --> 00:04:24,162 So they'll have a permanent record of bart's achievement. 86 00:04:24,231 --> 00:04:27,131 ♪ ♪ 87 00:04:27,133 --> 00:04:29,267 [somber music] 88 00:04:29,335 --> 00:04:30,969 - I've seen these. - Yeah. 89 00:04:31,037 --> 00:04:32,838 - I've seen those. 90 00:04:32,906 --> 00:04:37,409 Sitting there smiling like that, very happy. 91 00:04:37,477 --> 00:04:44,515 ♪ ♪ 92 00:04:44,585 --> 00:04:47,152 - It's the last time you see pictures 93 00:04:47,220 --> 00:04:49,554 Of all of the family together. 94 00:04:49,622 --> 00:04:54,092 ♪ ♪ 95 00:04:54,161 --> 00:04:55,460 [line ringing] 96 00:05:01,435 --> 00:05:03,669 I was there when they died. 97 00:05:05,371 --> 00:05:06,771 It was real, 98 00:05:06,773 --> 00:05:09,007 And I can't necessarily make sense 99 00:05:09,075 --> 00:05:11,309 Of what I saw that night. 100 00:05:11,377 --> 00:05:12,844 [suspenseful music] 101 00:05:12,912 --> 00:05:15,079 I was sitting at my computer. 102 00:05:15,148 --> 00:05:16,414 I heard gunshots. 103 00:05:16,483 --> 00:05:18,717 [gunshots banging] 104 00:05:18,785 --> 00:05:21,520 I immediately dart out the front door. 105 00:05:21,588 --> 00:05:23,622 I get about midway down our sidewalk, 106 00:05:23,690 --> 00:05:27,091 And I see kent whitaker laid on his back. 107 00:05:27,161 --> 00:05:30,995 You could see his body lit up by their front porch lights. 108 00:05:30,997 --> 00:05:34,165 And he was saying, "brandon, brandon, we've been shot. 109 00:05:34,167 --> 00:05:35,767 Call 911." 110 00:05:40,740 --> 00:05:42,674 - Brandon's father, cliff stanley, 111 00:05:42,743 --> 00:05:44,709 Rushes to the house 112 00:05:44,777 --> 00:05:47,045 And discovers that kent whitaker has 113 00:05:47,113 --> 00:05:48,680 Been shot in the chest. 114 00:05:50,617 --> 00:05:54,419 - My dad runs out and starts rendering aid. 115 00:05:55,389 --> 00:05:58,990 I mean, multiple trips back and forth with towels, 116 00:05:59,059 --> 00:06:01,360 Just doing what we can. 117 00:06:02,729 --> 00:06:04,629 It felt awful. 118 00:06:04,698 --> 00:06:06,298 It was gruesome. 119 00:06:06,366 --> 00:06:08,033 It was a horror movie. 120 00:06:09,035 --> 00:06:11,102 - While police raced to the scene, 121 00:06:11,171 --> 00:06:15,707 Another 911 call comes from inside the whitaker home. 122 00:06:15,775 --> 00:06:17,642 It's bart whitaker. 123 00:06:44,471 --> 00:06:46,738 [police sirens blaring] 124 00:06:46,807 --> 00:06:49,774 [suspenseful music] 125 00:06:49,843 --> 00:06:51,609 - When I arrived on scene, it was very chaotic. 126 00:06:51,678 --> 00:06:52,744 [radio chatter] 127 00:06:52,813 --> 00:06:54,445 There was ambulances. 128 00:06:54,515 --> 00:06:55,680 There were multiple police cars, 129 00:06:55,748 --> 00:06:57,849 Fire trucks, a helicopter. 130 00:06:57,918 --> 00:07:01,920 - When detectives arrive at the whitaker home, 131 00:07:01,988 --> 00:07:05,557 They find kent whitaker hanging on to life. 132 00:07:07,294 --> 00:07:09,760 - Ems personnel had went in. 133 00:07:09,762 --> 00:07:12,630 They had taken vitals for kevin whitaker, 134 00:07:12,699 --> 00:07:14,399 And he was pronounced deceased. 135 00:07:14,467 --> 00:07:19,671 ♪ ♪ 136 00:07:19,739 --> 00:07:22,841 Patricia whitaker was flown by helicopter 137 00:07:22,909 --> 00:07:24,976 To a houston hospital. 138 00:07:25,045 --> 00:07:27,779 And we were told she died en route to the hospital. 139 00:07:29,516 --> 00:07:33,051 Bart whitaker had been shot. 140 00:07:33,119 --> 00:07:36,388 He was being medically treated by ems. 141 00:07:36,456 --> 00:07:37,922 Two people were shot. 142 00:07:37,924 --> 00:07:40,091 Another two people were dead. 143 00:07:40,160 --> 00:07:42,594 So we knew within the first hour 144 00:07:42,662 --> 00:07:44,362 That it was a double murder. 145 00:07:44,431 --> 00:07:48,166 ♪ ♪ 146 00:07:48,234 --> 00:07:50,969 [radio chatter] 147 00:07:57,444 --> 00:07:59,177 - Kent whitaker and his son bart 148 00:07:59,245 --> 00:08:01,146 Are rushed to a nearby hospital. 149 00:08:01,214 --> 00:08:03,381 [siren blaring] 150 00:08:03,450 --> 00:08:05,483 Detectives quickly arrive to get a statement 151 00:08:05,552 --> 00:08:08,720 From bart, since he is the only one conscious. 152 00:08:08,788 --> 00:08:11,222 [tense music] 153 00:08:11,291 --> 00:08:13,691 Bart tells them that the family had just arrived home 154 00:08:13,760 --> 00:08:15,960 From their celebratory dinner 155 00:08:15,962 --> 00:08:18,162 When he realized he forgot something. 156 00:08:18,231 --> 00:08:19,998 - Bart whitaker had reported that he 157 00:08:20,066 --> 00:08:21,766 Had actually walked out to his truck 158 00:08:21,834 --> 00:08:23,734 To retrieve a cell phone. 159 00:08:23,804 --> 00:08:26,237 But when the rest of the family was entering the house, 160 00:08:26,306 --> 00:08:28,172 There was a guy that was inside that house. 161 00:08:28,241 --> 00:08:29,507 [gunshot] 162 00:08:29,576 --> 00:08:31,209 So he heard the gunshots. 163 00:08:31,277 --> 00:08:33,411 [gunshots] 164 00:08:34,414 --> 00:08:37,449 Bart reported he had chased the shooter through the home 165 00:08:37,517 --> 00:08:39,150 And out the back of the house. 166 00:08:39,219 --> 00:08:42,253 And he had actually been shot by the offender. 167 00:08:42,322 --> 00:08:44,289 [gunshot] 168 00:08:44,357 --> 00:08:47,292 We had had several home invasion robberies. 169 00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:50,395 So the thought initially was, are they connected? 170 00:08:50,463 --> 00:08:52,563 Was this just a home invasion that went bad? 171 00:08:52,633 --> 00:08:54,266 ♪ ♪ 172 00:08:54,334 --> 00:08:58,269 - But something doesn't quite add up. 173 00:08:58,338 --> 00:09:01,573 - Probably the biggest thing that stuck out to us was 174 00:09:01,641 --> 00:09:05,009 Every drawer in the rooms were 175 00:09:05,011 --> 00:09:09,013 Pulled out exactly even with each other. 176 00:09:09,015 --> 00:09:11,282 - So this burglar, basically, like-- 177 00:09:11,284 --> 00:09:13,684 [babbles] purposely, I'm going to pull out 178 00:09:13,686 --> 00:09:14,819 Every drawer about this distance 179 00:09:14,888 --> 00:09:17,688 So it'll make it look like I was trying to look for stuff. 180 00:09:17,758 --> 00:09:19,057 But you weren't looking for anything. 181 00:09:19,125 --> 00:09:20,692 You were just pulling out drawers. 182 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:23,127 The officers immediately knew that. 183 00:09:23,196 --> 00:09:26,031 ♪ ♪ 184 00:09:26,099 --> 00:09:28,833 - To the investigators, the scene seems 185 00:09:28,902 --> 00:09:31,802 To have the hallmarks of a staged burglary. 186 00:09:31,804 --> 00:09:35,073 Nothing appears to have been stolen. 187 00:09:35,141 --> 00:09:36,774 - There were electronics. There were computers. 188 00:09:36,843 --> 00:09:39,143 There was tvs. 189 00:09:39,145 --> 00:09:42,247 There was a rolex watch that was found. 190 00:09:42,315 --> 00:09:44,416 There didn't appear to be anything taken. 191 00:09:44,484 --> 00:09:47,451 ♪ ♪ 192 00:09:47,453 --> 00:09:50,422 So things didn't add up exactly to being 193 00:09:50,490 --> 00:09:52,490 Some type of burglary. 194 00:09:52,559 --> 00:09:54,658 - Burglars come in and leave within minutes. 195 00:09:54,660 --> 00:09:56,627 They smash everything they can, pick up 196 00:09:56,697 --> 00:09:57,628 Everything in three minutes. 197 00:09:57,698 --> 00:09:59,197 That's what happens. 198 00:09:59,265 --> 00:10:01,199 They don't sit there and wait for people 199 00:10:01,267 --> 00:10:03,201 To come home, and walk in through the front door, 200 00:10:03,269 --> 00:10:05,670 And shoot them. It just doesn't happen. 201 00:10:05,739 --> 00:10:07,638 [suspenseful music] 202 00:10:07,640 --> 00:10:10,141 - While investigators try to make sense 203 00:10:10,210 --> 00:10:12,544 Of why the whitakers were gunned down, 204 00:10:12,612 --> 00:10:15,547 They realize they have another pressing matter 205 00:10:15,615 --> 00:10:16,814 In front of them. 206 00:10:16,883 --> 00:10:19,451 - We had a vague description of a dark figure that ran out 207 00:10:19,519 --> 00:10:22,086 Through the back of the house. 208 00:10:22,088 --> 00:10:23,955 And now, this person is loose in the neighborhood. 209 00:10:24,023 --> 00:10:25,490 So are they on foot? 210 00:10:25,558 --> 00:10:27,358 Did they get picked up by a car? 211 00:10:27,427 --> 00:10:29,227 Did they drive a car there and now they've driven away? 212 00:10:29,295 --> 00:10:30,962 Or are they hiding in someone's backyard 213 00:10:31,031 --> 00:10:33,465 And they've already shot four people? 214 00:10:33,533 --> 00:10:35,100 The public's in danger. 215 00:10:35,168 --> 00:10:37,969 And we were in a very tough spot. 216 00:10:38,037 --> 00:10:39,904 Where is he? Or where could he be? 217 00:10:39,972 --> 00:10:43,707 ♪ ♪ 218 00:10:43,709 --> 00:10:46,878 - Police try to unravel a bewildering attack... 219 00:10:51,017 --> 00:10:53,351 - And discovered details of an inconceivable plot. 220 00:10:53,353 --> 00:10:56,387 - It was at the police station late one night. 221 00:10:56,456 --> 00:10:58,023 And there was a knock on the back door. 222 00:11:03,697 --> 00:11:08,332 - All the puzzle pieces just immediately connected, 223 00:11:08,334 --> 00:11:12,570 And realizing, gosh, the worst possible explanation 224 00:11:12,639 --> 00:11:13,971 For this is true. 225 00:11:14,040 --> 00:11:15,340 ♪ ♪ 226 00:11:18,543 --> 00:11:21,312 [ominous music] 227 00:11:21,381 --> 00:11:25,716 ♪ ♪ 228 00:11:25,786 --> 00:11:28,820 - As police in sugar land, texas, begin investigating 229 00:11:28,888 --> 00:11:31,155 The shooting at the whitaker home, 230 00:11:31,157 --> 00:11:34,792 News travels fast in the tight-knit community. 231 00:11:34,794 --> 00:11:36,327 - I got a call from a friend. 232 00:11:36,396 --> 00:11:38,829 He's like, hey, there's been an incident. 233 00:11:38,899 --> 00:11:41,465 There's been a shooting. 234 00:11:41,534 --> 00:11:43,167 It was kevin who had passed away, 235 00:11:43,169 --> 00:11:45,569 And tricia had passed away as well. 236 00:11:45,639 --> 00:11:48,673 It was the most horrendous thing possible. 237 00:11:49,543 --> 00:11:52,043 And so at that moment, there's so much happening, 238 00:11:52,112 --> 00:11:54,112 You can't reconcile anything. 239 00:11:54,180 --> 00:11:56,080 You can't process. You can't grieve. 240 00:11:56,149 --> 00:11:58,049 It's just, all hell's broken loose. 241 00:11:59,519 --> 00:12:02,253 December 10, 2003 was a-- 242 00:12:02,322 --> 00:12:05,790 A day that is burned in my memory. 243 00:12:05,859 --> 00:12:08,793 [suspenseful music] 244 00:12:08,861 --> 00:12:15,867 ♪ ♪ 245 00:12:15,935 --> 00:12:17,802 - I don't feel like I ever did process it. 246 00:12:17,871 --> 00:12:21,839 I--I just kind of did what I had to do 247 00:12:21,908 --> 00:12:23,174 And kept moving forward. 248 00:12:24,710 --> 00:12:26,610 It was just shocking. 249 00:12:26,680 --> 00:12:29,513 Sugar land is incredibly safe. 250 00:12:29,582 --> 00:12:31,849 It's the kind of place where you don't even hesitate 251 00:12:31,918 --> 00:12:34,385 To take a walk at 3:00 a.M. 252 00:12:34,387 --> 00:12:39,523 It definitely made me more aware of my surroundings, 253 00:12:39,593 --> 00:12:43,060 Of what's capable from people. 254 00:12:43,129 --> 00:12:45,196 ♪ ♪ 255 00:12:45,265 --> 00:12:48,666 - You know, the first question is, what happened? 256 00:12:48,735 --> 00:12:51,035 What went down? And then, why? 257 00:12:51,104 --> 00:12:53,938 [suspenseful music] 258 00:12:54,007 --> 00:12:58,076 ♪ ♪ 259 00:12:58,144 --> 00:13:00,645 - Detectives are urgently pursuing those answers 260 00:13:00,713 --> 00:13:02,280 At the whitaker home. 261 00:13:03,950 --> 00:13:05,649 As they search through the house, 262 00:13:05,719 --> 00:13:09,353 They find a weapon and four empty shell casings. 263 00:13:09,422 --> 00:13:15,026 - There was a gun that was found in the kitchen area... 264 00:13:15,094 --> 00:13:16,427 Which was odd. 265 00:13:16,496 --> 00:13:19,397 It's probably the murder weapon. 266 00:13:19,465 --> 00:13:21,899 Usually, we don't find that the offender leaves 267 00:13:21,968 --> 00:13:24,302 The murder weapon on the scene. 268 00:13:24,370 --> 00:13:27,004 ♪ ♪ 269 00:13:27,073 --> 00:13:28,940 But it was an advantage for us, 270 00:13:29,008 --> 00:13:30,274 'cause now we had the possibility, maybe, 271 00:13:30,343 --> 00:13:32,944 For fingerprints, for dna, 272 00:13:33,012 --> 00:13:34,845 For other types of evidence that could 273 00:13:34,915 --> 00:13:36,180 Be recovered from this gun. 274 00:13:36,182 --> 00:13:39,550 [suspenseful music] 275 00:13:39,619 --> 00:13:43,454 ♪ ♪ 276 00:13:43,523 --> 00:13:46,190 In one of the upstairs rooms, 277 00:13:46,259 --> 00:13:48,426 Nothing in that room appeared to be touched at all, 278 00:13:48,494 --> 00:13:50,695 Except for there was a small gun safe. 279 00:13:50,763 --> 00:13:52,263 It had been pried open. 280 00:13:52,332 --> 00:13:55,699 You could see pry marks around the frame. 281 00:13:55,701 --> 00:13:58,002 It was empty. 282 00:13:59,372 --> 00:14:01,972 - The gun safe was a small, little box, 283 00:14:01,974 --> 00:14:03,307 Maybe a foot by a foot, 284 00:14:03,309 --> 00:14:05,576 Tucked into a hidden area. 285 00:14:05,645 --> 00:14:08,947 Whoever did this knew what to look for 286 00:14:08,949 --> 00:14:11,716 And knew what was in the safe. 287 00:14:11,784 --> 00:14:14,285 - The discovery leads the investigators 288 00:14:14,354 --> 00:14:17,121 To question how familiar the killer was 289 00:14:17,190 --> 00:14:20,358 With the whitaker family and their home. 290 00:14:22,028 --> 00:14:25,830 - It was odd that someone had targeted this small gun safe 291 00:14:25,898 --> 00:14:26,997 Out of this whole big house. 292 00:14:27,067 --> 00:14:29,233 Why weren't the computers disturbed? 293 00:14:29,302 --> 00:14:31,002 Why weren't the-- the tvs taken? 294 00:14:31,070 --> 00:14:32,970 It just didn't make sense. 295 00:14:32,972 --> 00:14:36,207 So our job was to try to find out who, 296 00:14:36,276 --> 00:14:37,875 How many people were involved with this. 297 00:14:37,944 --> 00:14:40,178 ♪ ♪ 298 00:14:40,246 --> 00:14:42,446 - Most people are killed by people who know them-- 299 00:14:42,515 --> 00:14:44,648 78% to 80%. 300 00:14:44,717 --> 00:14:46,885 It's very strange you have stranger and stranger. 301 00:14:46,953 --> 00:14:48,552 It just doesn't occur that much. 302 00:14:48,621 --> 00:14:51,723 ♪ ♪ 303 00:14:51,791 --> 00:14:54,358 [tense music] 304 00:14:54,360 --> 00:14:56,394 - Three days after the murders, 305 00:14:56,462 --> 00:14:58,897 Police are still scouring the evidence 306 00:14:58,965 --> 00:15:00,999 For leads on a motive or suspect 307 00:15:01,001 --> 00:15:04,535 When bart whitaker is discharged from the hospital. 308 00:15:04,604 --> 00:15:07,805 His father, kent, is still in intensive care. 309 00:15:07,874 --> 00:15:10,008 ♪ ♪ 310 00:15:13,847 --> 00:15:16,414 - Despite the trauma he's just endured, 311 00:15:16,482 --> 00:15:18,649 Bart agrees to assist detectives 312 00:15:18,718 --> 00:15:21,919 By returning home to relive that terrifying night. 313 00:15:21,921 --> 00:15:24,888 The investigators hope he can remember something that 314 00:15:24,958 --> 00:15:26,424 Will lead them to the killer. 315 00:15:36,502 --> 00:15:38,336 - We went through the crime, 316 00:15:38,404 --> 00:15:40,371 Trying to figure out exactly what happened. 317 00:16:02,294 --> 00:16:05,563 ♪ ♪ 318 00:16:17,376 --> 00:16:20,812 - They had him reenact the scene. 319 00:16:20,880 --> 00:16:22,880 And people generally, when it comes to crimes, 320 00:16:22,949 --> 00:16:24,882 They try to be very specific, 321 00:16:24,951 --> 00:16:27,285 Like he was standing here, or something like that. 322 00:16:27,353 --> 00:16:29,353 And his was, well-- well, I don't remember 323 00:16:29,422 --> 00:16:31,456 If it was this way. Or it could have been this way. 324 00:16:47,573 --> 00:16:52,510 ♪ ♪ 325 00:16:55,214 --> 00:16:56,380 - He was very vague about things 326 00:16:56,449 --> 00:16:58,516 You think he would remember. 327 00:17:00,286 --> 00:17:02,886 - At that point, we had no leads. 328 00:17:02,888 --> 00:17:05,156 We had just a family of four that had been shot, 329 00:17:05,224 --> 00:17:06,624 Two that were deceased. 330 00:17:08,127 --> 00:17:10,027 - They came home at the wrong time 331 00:17:10,096 --> 00:17:11,762 In the wrong place. 332 00:17:11,831 --> 00:17:14,532 That's the story that you typically hear, right? 333 00:17:14,600 --> 00:17:16,267 That's the initial reaction. 334 00:17:16,335 --> 00:17:21,272 It's just incredibly unfortunate, right? 335 00:17:21,340 --> 00:17:23,674 How does this even occur in sugar land? 336 00:17:23,743 --> 00:17:25,410 ♪ ♪ 337 00:17:28,547 --> 00:17:31,182 [suspenseful music] 338 00:17:31,250 --> 00:17:36,120 ♪ ♪ 339 00:17:36,189 --> 00:17:39,390 - Detectives investigating the murders of tricia whitaker 340 00:17:39,459 --> 00:17:42,526 And her son kevin in sugar land, texas, 341 00:17:42,528 --> 00:17:44,362 Believe their killer was familiar 342 00:17:44,430 --> 00:17:46,564 With the whitaker home and may not 343 00:17:46,632 --> 00:17:48,832 Have been trying to rob them. 344 00:17:48,901 --> 00:17:52,203 - So we started doing a background on the family. 345 00:17:52,271 --> 00:17:55,673 The domestic relationship between mr. And mrs. Whitaker 346 00:17:55,741 --> 00:17:58,342 Was nothing but perfect that we could find out. 347 00:17:58,410 --> 00:18:01,545 And every friend or family that we had interviewed 348 00:18:01,547 --> 00:18:04,348 Said they had a great relationship. 349 00:18:04,416 --> 00:18:06,283 - Detectives turn their focus 350 00:18:06,352 --> 00:18:10,454 On the whitaker's murdered son, 19-year-old kevin. 351 00:18:10,523 --> 00:18:12,390 - Was he targeted for some reason? 352 00:18:12,458 --> 00:18:14,858 Was he involved in something that he shouldn't have been? 353 00:18:14,928 --> 00:18:16,960 But he had no criminal history. 354 00:18:17,030 --> 00:18:20,164 As we were interviewing friends and family members, 355 00:18:20,233 --> 00:18:23,300 Kevin seemed to be a good kid, and he was a tragic victim. 356 00:18:23,369 --> 00:18:28,806 ♪ ♪ 357 00:18:28,875 --> 00:18:31,074 - Detectives also take a closer look 358 00:18:31,076 --> 00:18:34,244 At the other whitaker son, 23-year-old bart, 359 00:18:34,246 --> 00:18:38,616 Who was wounded in the attack and is their primary witness. 360 00:18:38,684 --> 00:18:40,918 It was his graduation from college that 361 00:18:40,987 --> 00:18:44,955 Was being celebrated shortly before the murders. 362 00:18:44,957 --> 00:18:48,826 - Bart was supposed to graduate that coming Saturday. 363 00:18:48,895 --> 00:18:52,730 So we contacted sam houston state university, 364 00:18:52,798 --> 00:18:55,866 And we were told he wasn't graduating. 365 00:18:55,935 --> 00:18:57,735 As a matter of fact, he was a freshman 366 00:18:57,803 --> 00:18:59,603 As far as their academic rating. 367 00:18:59,672 --> 00:19:02,339 And he had, like, a 1.4 gpa. 368 00:19:02,408 --> 00:19:05,276 So we had a story that he was giving us 369 00:19:05,344 --> 00:19:07,344 That wasn't matching reality. 370 00:19:07,413 --> 00:19:09,513 - He was lying about going to school 371 00:19:09,582 --> 00:19:11,281 For the past three years. 372 00:19:11,351 --> 00:19:14,185 And so they zeroed in on him. 373 00:19:14,253 --> 00:19:16,887 - It sure seemed at the time, it was too coincidental 374 00:19:16,956 --> 00:19:19,223 That this big family event had occurred, 375 00:19:19,291 --> 00:19:21,058 And then they get home from this event, 376 00:19:21,127 --> 00:19:22,660 And they're all shot. 377 00:19:22,728 --> 00:19:25,162 So was bart involved with what had happened? 378 00:19:25,231 --> 00:19:26,864 Was he not involved? 379 00:19:26,933 --> 00:19:28,398 We had to gather evidence. 380 00:19:28,468 --> 00:19:30,902 ♪ ♪ 381 00:19:30,970 --> 00:19:33,170 - Investigators want to keep what they've learned 382 00:19:33,239 --> 00:19:36,440 About bart whitaker under wraps until they can either 383 00:19:36,508 --> 00:19:39,177 Clear him or tie him to the murders. 384 00:19:40,513 --> 00:19:43,246 But a local newspaper covering the case 385 00:19:43,248 --> 00:19:47,317 Has also learned of his deceit and runs the story. 386 00:19:47,387 --> 00:19:50,955 Bart's father kent, still recovering in the hospital, 387 00:19:51,023 --> 00:19:55,026 Is stunned and can't understand why bart would lie. 388 00:19:55,094 --> 00:19:57,895 - Kent's response to it was, why didn't he tell us this? 389 00:19:57,963 --> 00:20:00,397 I just wish he would have, you know, 390 00:20:00,466 --> 00:20:04,935 Let the music stop and confess this to us. 391 00:20:05,004 --> 00:20:08,338 - How could you not know your kid's not going to college? 392 00:20:08,408 --> 00:20:10,808 So you sit there and think, 393 00:20:10,876 --> 00:20:14,077 What kind of relationship did they actually have? 394 00:20:14,147 --> 00:20:19,617 ♪ ♪ 395 00:20:19,685 --> 00:20:23,887 - Six days after the murders of his mother and brother, 396 00:20:23,889 --> 00:20:27,090 Bart and his father joined more than 1,000 friends 397 00:20:27,092 --> 00:20:29,360 And family at the funeral. 398 00:20:29,428 --> 00:20:31,329 - Gosh, that was a brutal day. 399 00:20:32,865 --> 00:20:36,467 I remember seeing kent and bart sitting on the front row, 400 00:20:36,535 --> 00:20:38,502 And watching them. 401 00:20:38,571 --> 00:20:40,371 And, you know, what are they thinking? 402 00:20:40,439 --> 00:20:42,105 What are they feeling? 403 00:20:42,175 --> 00:20:44,341 You know, just gutted for them and heartbroken for them. 404 00:20:44,410 --> 00:20:47,378 [somber music] 405 00:20:47,446 --> 00:20:50,013 ♪ ♪ 406 00:20:50,082 --> 00:20:52,316 - We had multiple detectives that were there. 407 00:20:52,384 --> 00:20:54,818 We had actually had some recording devices that 408 00:20:54,820 --> 00:20:57,821 Were placed around the area 409 00:20:57,823 --> 00:21:00,290 Because there could be comments made 410 00:21:00,292 --> 00:21:03,527 Because, sometimes, the parties involved go to the funerals. 411 00:21:04,897 --> 00:21:07,998 But we didn't find anything at all. 412 00:21:08,067 --> 00:21:10,568 ♪ ♪ 413 00:21:10,636 --> 00:21:14,137 [suspenseful music] 414 00:21:14,139 --> 00:21:17,875 - As the family mourns, sugar land police continue 415 00:21:17,943 --> 00:21:21,845 To focus on the questions that have arisen about bart. 416 00:21:21,847 --> 00:21:25,148 - We had discovered that bart had some involvement 417 00:21:25,150 --> 00:21:27,618 With the criminal justice system already. 418 00:21:27,687 --> 00:21:30,521 We had found a 2001 incident report 419 00:21:30,589 --> 00:21:34,124 From the waco police department 420 00:21:34,126 --> 00:21:38,328 That there was a female subject 421 00:21:38,330 --> 00:21:41,198 That was in an apartment with bart whitaker. 422 00:21:41,267 --> 00:21:45,135 And she overheard him talking about wanting to kill his dad. 423 00:21:45,137 --> 00:21:48,038 [tense music] 424 00:21:48,107 --> 00:21:51,074 ♪ ♪ 425 00:21:51,144 --> 00:21:53,644 We had an officer that actually went out to the house-- 426 00:21:53,713 --> 00:21:56,447 It was early in the morning-- and made contact 427 00:21:56,515 --> 00:21:59,817 With both mr. And mrs. Whitaker and told them why he was there. 428 00:22:01,087 --> 00:22:03,654 But they didn't believe bart would be involved 429 00:22:03,723 --> 00:22:05,556 With something like that. 430 00:22:06,625 --> 00:22:10,027 - Later on, when the father finally talks to him, he says, 431 00:22:10,095 --> 00:22:12,630 We're just talking about the menendez brothers. 432 00:22:12,698 --> 00:22:14,498 It wasn't anything serious at all. 433 00:22:15,734 --> 00:22:17,968 And so the father just believes him. 434 00:22:17,970 --> 00:22:19,102 And that's it. 435 00:22:19,171 --> 00:22:22,273 ♪ ♪ 436 00:22:22,341 --> 00:22:25,542 [somber music] 437 00:22:25,611 --> 00:22:27,778 - In the days after the murders, 438 00:22:27,847 --> 00:22:31,148 Life seems to return to some semblance of normalcy 439 00:22:31,217 --> 00:22:35,018 For bart and his father, at least from the outside. 440 00:22:35,087 --> 00:22:37,621 - They were still living in the same house together 441 00:22:37,690 --> 00:22:41,158 Where two of their family members died. 442 00:22:42,061 --> 00:22:45,363 And the suspicion is growing that bart was involved. 443 00:22:46,632 --> 00:22:47,931 - And it wasn't life as normal. 444 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:50,133 But from the outside, it was a dad and a son 445 00:22:50,203 --> 00:22:52,169 Who had gone through this tragic event, 446 00:22:52,237 --> 00:22:55,172 Locking arms and leaning into one another. 447 00:22:55,241 --> 00:22:57,674 - We had to determine, how much are 448 00:22:57,743 --> 00:22:59,243 We going to tell mr. Whitaker? 449 00:22:59,311 --> 00:23:01,712 Because his life still could be in jeopardy 450 00:23:01,780 --> 00:23:04,081 With bart still being around. 451 00:23:04,149 --> 00:23:06,149 And we didn't tell him everything. 452 00:23:06,218 --> 00:23:08,618 We tried to be as honest as we could with him. 453 00:23:09,488 --> 00:23:12,089 - There were maybe a few times that kent would say, 454 00:23:12,158 --> 00:23:14,091 Hey, they're still trying to find the guy 455 00:23:14,159 --> 00:23:16,459 Or they're still looking into it. 456 00:23:16,461 --> 00:23:20,664 - Mr. Whitaker was in a very hard position at that point. 457 00:23:20,733 --> 00:23:24,067 Slowly, kind of, the bow's starting to unravel here, 458 00:23:24,069 --> 00:23:26,203 Where there's information about his only living son 459 00:23:26,271 --> 00:23:29,106 That, at least initially, isn't adding up. 460 00:23:29,174 --> 00:23:33,477 ♪ ♪ 461 00:23:33,546 --> 00:23:36,880 - Police know bart whitaker didn't pull the trigger. 462 00:23:36,949 --> 00:23:39,917 But they strongly suspect he is involved 463 00:23:39,985 --> 00:23:42,085 In the murders of his family. 464 00:23:42,087 --> 00:23:44,822 - Bart was very manipulative with friends. 465 00:23:44,890 --> 00:23:47,057 And that was information that we received 466 00:23:47,126 --> 00:23:49,426 As the investigation went on. 467 00:23:49,495 --> 00:23:51,461 That's when the intensity ramped up 468 00:23:51,531 --> 00:23:53,063 Into trying to identify, 469 00:23:53,132 --> 00:23:55,065 Who does he currently hang around with? 470 00:23:55,067 --> 00:23:58,435 And where were they at on December 10th of 2003? 471 00:23:58,504 --> 00:24:00,904 ♪ ♪ 472 00:24:00,906 --> 00:24:03,740 This is not the all-american family that 473 00:24:03,809 --> 00:24:05,776 Everybody might think they are. 474 00:24:09,814 --> 00:24:12,383 [suspenseful music] 475 00:24:12,451 --> 00:24:18,021 ♪ ♪ 476 00:24:18,090 --> 00:24:20,190 - Detectives in sugar land, texas, 477 00:24:20,259 --> 00:24:23,060 Suspect bart whitaker knows more than he's saying 478 00:24:23,128 --> 00:24:25,095 About the murders of his mother and brother 479 00:24:25,164 --> 00:24:28,799 And, in fact, may be involved in the crime. 480 00:24:28,868 --> 00:24:31,302 But they have been unable to find any solid evidence 481 00:24:31,370 --> 00:24:33,370 Supporting their suspicions. 482 00:24:33,439 --> 00:24:37,408 Then a week after the murders, as investigators contemplate 483 00:24:37,476 --> 00:24:38,942 Their next move, 484 00:24:39,011 --> 00:24:42,846 An unexpected visitor drops by the police station. 485 00:24:44,049 --> 00:24:47,250 - The lead detective was at the police station late one night, 486 00:24:47,319 --> 00:24:50,220 And there was a knock on the back door. 487 00:24:50,289 --> 00:24:53,323 It was a gentleman by the name of adam hipp. 488 00:24:53,325 --> 00:24:56,493 - Adam hipp tells the detective that he briefly went 489 00:24:56,562 --> 00:24:58,295 To college with bart whitaker. 490 00:24:58,363 --> 00:25:00,964 And he wants police to know that bart's statement 491 00:25:00,966 --> 00:25:03,234 About killing his parents in 2001 492 00:25:03,302 --> 00:25:07,237 Was far from the joke he claimed it was. 493 00:25:07,306 --> 00:25:09,006 - He said, listen, bob whitaker talked to me 494 00:25:09,074 --> 00:25:11,509 About killing his family before, back in 2001. 495 00:25:11,577 --> 00:25:14,244 ♪ ♪ 496 00:25:14,313 --> 00:25:16,447 [suspenseful music] 497 00:25:16,515 --> 00:25:18,849 - Adam tells police that bart claimed 498 00:25:18,917 --> 00:25:21,184 Once his parents and brother were dead, 499 00:25:21,186 --> 00:25:24,255 He would receive all of the family's assets, 500 00:25:24,323 --> 00:25:27,457 Including their home and life insurance policies 501 00:25:27,526 --> 00:25:30,427 Worth over $1 million. 502 00:25:30,496 --> 00:25:32,763 He says bart offered him a cut 503 00:25:32,831 --> 00:25:34,898 If he would be his trigger man. 504 00:25:34,967 --> 00:25:38,268 - The detective had mr. Hipp actually draw a map 505 00:25:38,337 --> 00:25:40,770 That showed where he was supposed to stand 506 00:25:40,840 --> 00:25:42,105 Inside the house, 507 00:25:42,107 --> 00:25:43,640 And he would shoot the family members 508 00:25:43,642 --> 00:25:44,875 As they walked in. 509 00:25:44,944 --> 00:25:48,445 [suspenseful music] 510 00:25:48,514 --> 00:25:52,483 And that's exactly what happened on December 10, 2003. 511 00:25:52,551 --> 00:25:54,351 [gunshots] 512 00:25:54,420 --> 00:26:01,091 ♪ ♪ 513 00:26:02,394 --> 00:26:04,762 - Adam hipp started working for us. 514 00:26:06,231 --> 00:26:10,167 We had him make recorded phone calls with bart whitaker 515 00:26:10,235 --> 00:26:13,436 To get him to talk about the crime. 516 00:26:13,506 --> 00:26:16,807 - Detectives coach adam to tell bart he knows 517 00:26:16,875 --> 00:26:19,076 He killed his parents and then threaten 518 00:26:19,144 --> 00:26:21,078 To go to the police with this information 519 00:26:21,146 --> 00:26:24,582 Unless he receives $20,000. 520 00:26:24,650 --> 00:26:26,950 - And that's when bart whitaker says, yeah, I can pay you. 521 00:26:27,019 --> 00:26:29,219 I can pay you some money, basically. 522 00:26:29,221 --> 00:26:32,789 - Bart never really came out directly and said, I did it. 523 00:26:32,858 --> 00:26:34,291 But there were enough indicators there. 524 00:26:34,359 --> 00:26:40,197 ♪ ♪ 525 00:26:40,265 --> 00:26:42,665 - My opinion, we had probable cause 526 00:26:42,667 --> 00:26:45,068 To arrest bart whitaker on basis 527 00:26:45,137 --> 00:26:47,637 Of what we had with adam hipp coming in. 528 00:26:47,707 --> 00:26:49,572 We did have that. 529 00:26:49,574 --> 00:26:52,109 Did we have enough to prosecute him and convict him? 530 00:26:52,177 --> 00:26:53,544 No. 531 00:26:53,612 --> 00:26:56,213 We didn't have any details. 532 00:26:56,281 --> 00:26:59,682 - But adam hipp's call to bart points the investigators 533 00:26:59,684 --> 00:27:04,788 To someone else who may be able to help them build their case. 534 00:27:04,856 --> 00:27:07,057 - When adam hipp is on the phone, 535 00:27:07,126 --> 00:27:09,826 Bart whitaker mentions chris brashear. 536 00:27:09,895 --> 00:27:11,228 And what does bart whitaker-- 537 00:27:11,296 --> 00:27:13,696 "chris is going to keep his mouth shut." 538 00:27:13,698 --> 00:27:17,267 ♪ ♪ 539 00:27:17,336 --> 00:27:20,270 [suspenseful music] 540 00:27:20,339 --> 00:27:23,073 - Adam tells police that chris brashear is 541 00:27:23,142 --> 00:27:25,509 A former roommate of bart's. 542 00:27:25,577 --> 00:27:29,112 Detectives track down chris and bring him in for questioning. 543 00:27:29,181 --> 00:27:30,781 - Well, first of all, I appreciate you coming down. 544 00:27:30,849 --> 00:27:32,149 - Yeah, man. 545 00:27:32,217 --> 00:27:33,550 - After establishing the relationship 546 00:27:33,618 --> 00:27:36,687 Between bart and chris, detectives hone in 547 00:27:36,755 --> 00:27:38,822 On the night of the murder. 548 00:28:02,681 --> 00:28:04,715 ♪ ♪ 549 00:28:33,178 --> 00:28:35,745 - Investigators believe that chris brashear 550 00:28:35,815 --> 00:28:37,280 Is lying to them. 551 00:28:37,349 --> 00:28:40,317 They learn that steven is steve champagne, 552 00:28:40,385 --> 00:28:42,719 Another former roommate of bart's. 553 00:28:42,787 --> 00:28:45,556 And if chris is providing steve as a false alibi, 554 00:28:45,624 --> 00:28:49,226 Detectives consider whether he might be involved as well. 555 00:28:49,294 --> 00:28:55,165 ♪ ♪ 556 00:28:55,234 --> 00:28:58,702 - Steve champagne is enlisted in the marines. 557 00:28:58,770 --> 00:29:01,638 We're looking at cell phone records, financial records. 558 00:29:01,706 --> 00:29:04,707 So who is communicating with who? 559 00:29:04,777 --> 00:29:06,843 - Police quickly locate steve 560 00:29:06,912 --> 00:29:09,479 And bring him in for questioning. 561 00:29:09,548 --> 00:29:11,148 - Now, they say they don't know anything about it. 562 00:29:11,216 --> 00:29:12,449 They denied anything. 563 00:29:12,517 --> 00:29:15,485 So at least, that's where they start. 564 00:29:15,487 --> 00:29:20,090 - Finally, as pressure grows, the story begins to change. 565 00:29:20,158 --> 00:29:21,624 - I think steve champagne-- 566 00:29:21,626 --> 00:29:24,127 I think his conscience finally got to him. 567 00:29:24,196 --> 00:29:26,629 Then he laid out a little information about, well, 568 00:29:26,699 --> 00:29:27,931 Maybe I was involved. 569 00:29:32,637 --> 00:29:34,404 - Stephen champagne changed his-- 570 00:29:34,473 --> 00:29:36,273 Changed his story and confessed. 571 00:29:36,341 --> 00:29:39,409 - Steve tells the detectives that bart convinced him 572 00:29:39,478 --> 00:29:43,514 And chris brashear to join a plot to kill his family, 573 00:29:43,582 --> 00:29:47,384 So he could inherit his parents' fortune. 574 00:29:47,452 --> 00:29:50,621 Steve admits he was the getaway driver 575 00:29:50,689 --> 00:29:54,791 And chris brashear was the trigger man. 576 00:29:54,860 --> 00:29:58,428 [suspenseful music] 577 00:29:58,497 --> 00:30:01,698 - He had taken chris brashear over to the house, 578 00:30:01,767 --> 00:30:04,735 Parked his car a street or two over behind the house. 579 00:30:04,803 --> 00:30:08,872 ♪ ♪ 580 00:30:08,941 --> 00:30:11,575 Chris hid inside the house 581 00:30:11,643 --> 00:30:13,843 And shot the family members as they walked in 582 00:30:13,845 --> 00:30:15,612 On December 10 of 2003. 583 00:30:15,681 --> 00:30:17,880 [gunshots] 584 00:30:17,882 --> 00:30:20,150 ♪ ♪ 585 00:30:43,943 --> 00:30:47,610 - The big piece of information evidence-wise that steve was 586 00:30:47,679 --> 00:30:52,449 Able to provide to us is they had a bag that had a lot 587 00:30:52,517 --> 00:30:55,385 Of evidence from the crime-- walkie talkies, 588 00:30:55,454 --> 00:30:58,388 Water bottle, ammunition-- 589 00:30:58,457 --> 00:31:00,056 That they tossed into lake conroe. 590 00:31:00,125 --> 00:31:02,659 ♪ ♪ 591 00:31:02,727 --> 00:31:05,028 - This is a big lake, man-made lake. 592 00:31:05,096 --> 00:31:07,230 They throw that in there. 593 00:31:07,299 --> 00:31:10,066 Now, what would be the odds of somebody 594 00:31:10,135 --> 00:31:11,634 Being able to find that? 595 00:31:11,703 --> 00:31:13,370 ♪ ♪ 596 00:31:16,574 --> 00:31:19,542 [suspenseful music] 597 00:31:19,544 --> 00:31:22,479 ♪ ♪ 598 00:31:22,547 --> 00:31:25,415 - Steve champagne, a suspect in the murders 599 00:31:25,484 --> 00:31:27,617 Of tricia and kevin whitaker, 600 00:31:27,686 --> 00:31:30,420 Claims a bag full of crucial evidence was 601 00:31:30,488 --> 00:31:34,691 Tossed into lake conroe, 50 miles north of houston, 602 00:31:34,760 --> 00:31:37,594 And agrees to take police to the spot. 603 00:31:37,662 --> 00:31:40,263 ♪ ♪ 604 00:31:40,332 --> 00:31:42,031 - The police department, with their scuba tank-- 605 00:31:42,033 --> 00:31:43,933 They go out and look for it. 606 00:31:44,003 --> 00:31:47,404 In water, you can't see your hand in front of you. 607 00:31:47,472 --> 00:31:49,206 They found the damn thing. 608 00:31:51,610 --> 00:31:55,245 - Inside the bag, detectives find the tool used 609 00:31:55,313 --> 00:31:58,649 To break into the whitaker's gun safe. 610 00:31:58,717 --> 00:32:00,383 - They had found a pry bar, 611 00:32:00,452 --> 00:32:02,852 And they managed to match it up by the scrape marks. 612 00:32:02,921 --> 00:32:05,655 They even found the cell phone they were using. 613 00:32:05,724 --> 00:32:09,025 Now, you tell me what kind of police work that is. 614 00:32:09,094 --> 00:32:10,927 God bless. 615 00:32:10,996 --> 00:32:12,695 ♪ ♪ 616 00:32:12,765 --> 00:32:14,531 - There was dna that was recovered 617 00:32:14,599 --> 00:32:16,667 That was chris brashear's from a water bottle. 618 00:32:16,735 --> 00:32:19,202 There was ammunition that was consistent with the ammunition 619 00:32:19,271 --> 00:32:21,471 That was involved that killed the family, 620 00:32:21,539 --> 00:32:24,741 Tangible physical evidence that links these individuals 621 00:32:24,810 --> 00:32:26,109 To this crime. 622 00:32:26,177 --> 00:32:29,713 ♪ ♪ 623 00:32:29,781 --> 00:32:31,748 - With the evidence now in hand, 624 00:32:31,817 --> 00:32:35,085 Detectives have what they need to confront bart. 625 00:32:35,153 --> 00:32:38,254 But he's nowhere to be found. 626 00:32:38,323 --> 00:32:40,423 - Bart whitaker's tahoe was found abandoned 627 00:32:40,425 --> 00:32:42,592 In an apartment complex in houston. 628 00:32:42,661 --> 00:32:44,227 Both of the doors were found open. 629 00:32:46,065 --> 00:32:48,131 We sent detectives to the scene. 630 00:32:49,334 --> 00:32:51,301 We believe he's on the run. 631 00:32:52,905 --> 00:32:55,271 - We just lost him. 632 00:32:55,340 --> 00:32:56,839 People don't run when they're innocent. 633 00:32:56,909 --> 00:32:58,208 They really don't. 634 00:32:58,276 --> 00:33:00,443 Flight is a very good indication of guilt. 635 00:33:00,445 --> 00:33:03,012 - Kent whitaker told us that there was money 636 00:33:03,082 --> 00:33:04,614 That was taken from the house. 637 00:33:04,683 --> 00:33:07,317 So bart had some money to survive. 638 00:33:07,386 --> 00:33:10,553 Our job was now to figure out where he was. 639 00:33:10,622 --> 00:33:13,590 ♪ ♪ 640 00:33:13,658 --> 00:33:16,459 [somber music] 641 00:33:16,461 --> 00:33:18,595 - The news of bart's disappearance is 642 00:33:18,663 --> 00:33:21,130 One more shock for his friends and family, 643 00:33:21,200 --> 00:33:23,867 Already devastated by the murders. 644 00:33:23,935 --> 00:33:27,404 - That was the big, kind of, ah-ha moment, 645 00:33:27,472 --> 00:33:29,439 Was when bart left. 646 00:33:29,508 --> 00:33:30,973 So that's really when everything-- 647 00:33:30,975 --> 00:33:35,878 All the puzzle pieces just immediately connected. 648 00:33:35,880 --> 00:33:38,648 And I realized, gosh, 649 00:33:38,717 --> 00:33:42,486 The worst possible explanation for this is true. 650 00:33:43,722 --> 00:33:45,655 - It's too much to really break it down 651 00:33:45,724 --> 00:33:47,958 Into a coherent single thought-- 652 00:33:48,026 --> 00:33:52,028 Shock, disgust, 653 00:33:52,097 --> 00:33:53,896 And disbelief, almost, 654 00:33:53,966 --> 00:33:57,768 That someone could plot and plan out something like this. 655 00:33:57,836 --> 00:33:59,101 [sighs] 656 00:33:59,103 --> 00:34:03,340 ♪ ♪ 657 00:34:03,408 --> 00:34:05,708 - Police send out a nationwide alert 658 00:34:05,777 --> 00:34:08,411 To be on the lookout for bart whitaker. 659 00:34:08,480 --> 00:34:11,114 With the cash taken from his home, 660 00:34:11,183 --> 00:34:13,783 He could be anywhere. 661 00:34:13,852 --> 00:34:16,319 Meanwhile, steve champagne and chris brashear 662 00:34:16,388 --> 00:34:18,721 Are charged with first-degree murder 663 00:34:18,723 --> 00:34:21,524 For the deaths of tricia and kevin whitaker. 664 00:34:21,526 --> 00:34:25,027 - These were kids that came from great backgrounds, 665 00:34:25,097 --> 00:34:27,129 But were manipulated 666 00:34:27,131 --> 00:34:29,900 By bart whitaker to kill his family. 667 00:34:29,968 --> 00:34:32,402 And they went along with it because bart had 668 00:34:32,471 --> 00:34:35,071 Promised them a cut in his inheritance. 669 00:34:35,140 --> 00:34:36,706 And he had told them that, hey, 670 00:34:36,775 --> 00:34:38,341 It's going to take a little while, 671 00:34:38,410 --> 00:34:40,243 But I am going to give you some money. 672 00:34:41,914 --> 00:34:44,481 [suspenseful music] 673 00:34:44,549 --> 00:34:48,251 - For months, there are no leads to bart's whereabouts. 674 00:34:49,721 --> 00:34:51,521 - So we worked with crime stoppers 675 00:34:51,590 --> 00:34:53,990 To put out that we were looking for the whereabouts 676 00:34:54,059 --> 00:34:55,725 Of bart whitaker. 677 00:34:55,794 --> 00:34:58,695 - There's a crime stoppers award of $10,000. 678 00:34:58,763 --> 00:35:01,230 If you get information that leads to this arrest, 679 00:35:01,232 --> 00:35:02,532 We'll pay you 10 grand. 680 00:35:04,069 --> 00:35:07,737 - 18 months after the murders, police get a call 681 00:35:07,739 --> 00:35:11,041 From a man named rudy rios. 682 00:35:11,109 --> 00:35:15,011 - Rudy rios said that he had known bart whitaker 683 00:35:15,079 --> 00:35:18,248 And he knew where bart whitaker was 684 00:35:18,316 --> 00:35:20,951 Because bart whitaker had assumed his identity 685 00:35:21,019 --> 00:35:23,420 And he went to mexico. 686 00:35:23,488 --> 00:35:27,257 - Rudy rios claims bart paid him $3,000 687 00:35:27,325 --> 00:35:30,160 To be transported to mexico, 688 00:35:30,228 --> 00:35:34,230 And that bart has been living there for more than a year. 689 00:35:34,299 --> 00:35:38,268 - Bart whitaker shacks up with a female 690 00:35:38,336 --> 00:35:40,637 And begins a relationship with her. 691 00:35:40,705 --> 00:35:43,039 - Mexican officials agree to cooperate 692 00:35:43,108 --> 00:35:45,474 With american law enforcement. 693 00:35:45,476 --> 00:35:48,278 Almost two years after the murders, 694 00:35:48,346 --> 00:35:50,046 They track bart down. 695 00:35:50,115 --> 00:35:55,852 And on September 24, 2005, he is returned to the u.S. 696 00:35:56,955 --> 00:35:59,355 - We call up kent whitaker and say that he's going 697 00:35:59,424 --> 00:36:00,790 To be getting out of mexico. 698 00:36:00,859 --> 00:36:03,293 But there was no deals made whatsoever. 699 00:36:03,361 --> 00:36:05,095 They just got him out. 700 00:36:06,230 --> 00:36:08,165 Bring him back here and put him in jail. 701 00:36:09,434 --> 00:36:10,833 We already made a decision. 702 00:36:10,835 --> 00:36:12,302 The only person we were seeking the death penalty 703 00:36:12,370 --> 00:36:14,504 Was the mastermind, bart whitaker. 704 00:36:16,541 --> 00:36:19,408 - But bart's defense attorneys work to thwart 705 00:36:19,410 --> 00:36:21,311 The possibility of a death sentence. 706 00:36:22,847 --> 00:36:26,749 At the heart of their strategy is kent whitaker. 707 00:36:26,818 --> 00:36:29,319 - Mr. Whitaker did not want the state of texas 708 00:36:29,387 --> 00:36:31,588 To put his son to death, 709 00:36:31,656 --> 00:36:34,190 Which is usually just, kind of, a reverse of roles, 710 00:36:34,258 --> 00:36:35,859 Where the family wants the maximum. 711 00:36:37,395 --> 00:36:39,862 - To forgive somebody of doing 712 00:36:39,864 --> 00:36:42,332 The most horrendous thing possible, 713 00:36:42,400 --> 00:36:45,668 He serves as a model of forgiveness, 714 00:36:45,670 --> 00:36:48,771 Something I think about all the time. 715 00:36:49,708 --> 00:36:53,143 - His standard was, I believe he's changed. 716 00:36:53,211 --> 00:36:54,877 And I'm going to forgive him. 717 00:36:54,879 --> 00:36:57,380 My standard is, he hasn't changed 718 00:36:57,448 --> 00:36:59,181 And you can't forgive him. 719 00:36:59,251 --> 00:37:01,351 ♪ ♪ 720 00:37:01,419 --> 00:37:04,353 [tense music] 721 00:37:04,423 --> 00:37:07,190 ♪ ♪ 722 00:37:07,259 --> 00:37:08,925 - All rise. 723 00:37:09,961 --> 00:37:11,994 - Bart whitaker's capital murder trial 724 00:37:12,064 --> 00:37:16,432 Begins on March 3, 2007, some 3 1/2 years 725 00:37:16,501 --> 00:37:19,769 Since the killings at his family's home. 726 00:37:19,838 --> 00:37:22,238 - In my opening statement, I told the jury panel, 727 00:37:22,306 --> 00:37:25,842 You're about to hear a tale of subterfuge, deception, 728 00:37:25,910 --> 00:37:29,846 And greed, which will lead you to one conclusion: 729 00:37:29,914 --> 00:37:31,982 That bart whitaker had his family murdered. 730 00:37:32,050 --> 00:37:34,751 And that's the only conclusion you got. 731 00:37:34,819 --> 00:37:37,253 - Prosecutors put admitted getaway driver 732 00:37:37,322 --> 00:37:39,588 Steve champagne on the stand. 733 00:37:39,590 --> 00:37:44,126 He explains how bart outlined his murder-for-cash scheme. 734 00:37:44,196 --> 00:37:48,198 - The conversation was about when the family came back 735 00:37:48,266 --> 00:37:50,633 From eating dinner and chris would be in the house 736 00:37:50,635 --> 00:37:51,834 And shoot them. 737 00:37:51,903 --> 00:37:53,903 [gunshots] 738 00:37:53,905 --> 00:37:56,139 - The jury hears that bart staged 739 00:37:56,207 --> 00:37:57,874 A fight with the gunman. 740 00:37:57,942 --> 00:38:00,042 And they'd agreed in advance bart would be shot 741 00:38:00,112 --> 00:38:02,311 In the arm to divert suspicion. 742 00:38:02,381 --> 00:38:03,980 [gunshot] 743 00:38:04,048 --> 00:38:07,316 ♪ ♪ 744 00:38:07,318 --> 00:38:10,687 The trial lasts six days before the case goes 745 00:38:10,755 --> 00:38:14,356 To the jury on March 8, 2007. 746 00:38:14,358 --> 00:38:16,993 They deliberate for just an hour and a half 747 00:38:17,062 --> 00:38:19,662 Before coming to a unanimous decision. 748 00:38:19,731 --> 00:38:21,363 - The guilty verdict was very quick. 749 00:38:21,365 --> 00:38:23,265 ♪ ♪ 750 00:38:23,267 --> 00:38:25,768 - Now the jury must decide whether bart whitaker 751 00:38:25,770 --> 00:38:27,504 Should live or die. 752 00:38:27,572 --> 00:38:29,706 - Call your next witness. - Bart whitaker. 753 00:38:29,774 --> 00:38:31,574 He needs to be sworn, your honor. 754 00:38:31,643 --> 00:38:34,177 - Bart didn't testify during his trial, 755 00:38:34,245 --> 00:38:36,345 But now in the penalty phase, 756 00:38:36,415 --> 00:38:39,782 Makes a last ditch effort to save his life. 757 00:38:39,784 --> 00:38:41,918 - Please stand before the clerk to be sworn. 758 00:38:41,986 --> 00:38:43,420 ♪ ♪ 759 00:38:46,757 --> 00:38:49,391 [suspenseful music] 760 00:38:49,393 --> 00:38:55,798 ♪ ♪ 761 00:38:55,867 --> 00:38:58,134 - Bart whitaker has been convicted of murdering 762 00:38:58,202 --> 00:38:59,769 His mother and brother. 763 00:38:59,838 --> 00:39:02,272 Now, he's trying to convince the jury 764 00:39:02,340 --> 00:39:04,440 Not to sentence him to death. 765 00:39:04,509 --> 00:39:06,442 - When bart whitaker was testifying, 766 00:39:06,444 --> 00:39:08,010 I actually had the defendant admit that 767 00:39:08,079 --> 00:39:10,379 He had no reason to hate his parents, 768 00:39:10,449 --> 00:39:12,481 But he did it anyway. 769 00:39:12,483 --> 00:39:14,751 - The only people I've ever hated-- 770 00:39:14,819 --> 00:39:16,419 And I know it was not for the right reasons-- 771 00:39:16,488 --> 00:39:17,687 But the only people I ever hated 772 00:39:17,755 --> 00:39:20,056 Were my parents and my brother. 773 00:39:21,826 --> 00:39:24,761 - The prosecutor confronts bart with his family's 774 00:39:24,829 --> 00:39:27,864 Final moments-- the photos taken by his father 775 00:39:27,932 --> 00:39:31,400 At the celebration for bart's supposed graduation. 776 00:39:32,270 --> 00:39:35,305 He tells the jury, one photo from that night 777 00:39:35,373 --> 00:39:38,007 Is particularly disturbing. 778 00:39:38,009 --> 00:39:40,309 - He shoots the finger at him while he's doing it. 779 00:39:41,179 --> 00:39:43,045 Now, some people don't make that much of it. 780 00:39:43,047 --> 00:39:44,514 But I'm sitting there thinking, you understand something? 781 00:39:44,582 --> 00:39:45,782 He's shooting a finger at them 782 00:39:45,850 --> 00:39:47,350 Knowing they're going to be dead. 783 00:39:47,352 --> 00:39:49,385 ♪ ♪ 784 00:39:49,453 --> 00:39:50,420 It's very chilling. 785 00:39:50,488 --> 00:39:53,856 ♪ ♪ 786 00:39:53,925 --> 00:39:56,659 - The jury deliberates for 10 hours 787 00:39:56,728 --> 00:39:59,529 Before sentencing bart whitaker to death. 788 00:39:59,597 --> 00:40:02,498 ♪ ♪ 789 00:40:02,500 --> 00:40:04,000 - It's a hard question. 790 00:40:04,068 --> 00:40:06,335 And people have a lot of opinions about it 791 00:40:06,404 --> 00:40:08,037 Because they're removed from it. 792 00:40:08,039 --> 00:40:09,639 But when you know the people, 793 00:40:09,707 --> 00:40:11,640 And you've been involved with them, 794 00:40:11,642 --> 00:40:13,943 And definitely, as intimately involved 795 00:40:14,012 --> 00:40:16,312 With this entire murder as I was, 796 00:40:16,381 --> 00:40:18,415 You see things a little different, 797 00:40:18,483 --> 00:40:21,784 Because I believe bart should have 798 00:40:21,786 --> 00:40:23,319 Received the death penalty. 799 00:40:23,388 --> 00:40:30,126 ♪ ♪ 800 00:40:32,297 --> 00:40:35,297 - Bart's accomplices agree to plea deals. 801 00:40:35,367 --> 00:40:39,169 Triggerman chris brashear is sentenced to life behind bars. 802 00:40:39,237 --> 00:40:41,771 And steve champagne, the getaway driver, 803 00:40:41,840 --> 00:40:44,907 Receives a lighter 15-year sentence 804 00:40:44,909 --> 00:40:47,377 For cooperating as a key witness. 805 00:40:47,445 --> 00:40:49,779 - How do you even begin 806 00:40:49,847 --> 00:40:52,181 To broach that conversation with someone? 807 00:40:52,250 --> 00:40:55,017 Like, there's no icebreaker for, hey, 808 00:40:55,086 --> 00:40:57,486 Will you help me kill my family? 809 00:40:57,556 --> 00:40:58,955 It's brought me to the conclusion 810 00:40:59,023 --> 00:41:01,858 That evil is real, very tangible, 811 00:41:01,926 --> 00:41:04,060 And it has a long plan behind it. 812 00:41:04,128 --> 00:41:06,596 And I truly think bart was evil. 813 00:41:06,664 --> 00:41:09,599 [tense music] 814 00:41:09,667 --> 00:41:11,067 ♪ ♪ 815 00:41:11,135 --> 00:41:13,970 [somber music] 816 00:41:14,038 --> 00:41:17,407 - Over the next decade, kent whitaker remarries 817 00:41:17,475 --> 00:41:19,675 And builds a new life. 818 00:41:19,744 --> 00:41:21,711 He continues to fight to get his son's 819 00:41:21,779 --> 00:41:23,679 Death sentence commuted. 820 00:41:23,748 --> 00:41:26,749 - Kent whitaker never said he was okay with what bart did. 821 00:41:26,817 --> 00:41:29,218 He always said he should be punished, okay? 822 00:41:29,287 --> 00:41:31,387 But he didn't like us seeking the death penalty. 823 00:41:31,456 --> 00:41:33,089 That was it. 824 00:41:33,157 --> 00:41:35,625 ♪ ♪ 825 00:41:35,693 --> 00:41:38,094 - When bart's appeals are exhausted, 826 00:41:38,162 --> 00:41:40,496 His execution is scheduled for 6:00 p.M. 827 00:41:40,565 --> 00:41:43,633 On February 22, 2018. 828 00:41:43,701 --> 00:41:45,335 ♪ ♪ 829 00:41:45,403 --> 00:41:49,972 Then, with just 30 minutes until bart is set to die, 830 00:41:49,974 --> 00:41:54,076 Texas governor greg abbott grants him clemency. 831 00:41:54,145 --> 00:41:56,378 ♪ ♪ 832 00:41:56,448 --> 00:41:57,880 - I'm laughing when I found out on the news 833 00:41:57,949 --> 00:41:59,916 That they commuted to life. 834 00:41:59,984 --> 00:42:03,485 - I'll never forget the night that the news came out. 835 00:42:03,487 --> 00:42:08,390 I never forget that moment of seeing kent break down. 836 00:42:08,460 --> 00:42:11,027 Man, it was... 837 00:42:11,095 --> 00:42:13,195 Over a decade of emotions. 838 00:42:13,197 --> 00:42:14,230 ♪ ♪ 839 00:42:14,298 --> 00:42:19,001 For me, I was on the side of commuting the sentence. 840 00:42:19,070 --> 00:42:20,369 Should he ever see the light of day? 841 00:42:20,371 --> 00:42:22,238 Absolutely not. That's a no-brainer. 842 00:42:22,306 --> 00:42:25,407 [somber music] 843 00:42:25,477 --> 00:42:28,277 - One day, kent's going to die. 844 00:42:28,279 --> 00:42:31,180 And bart will have no one left fighting for him, 845 00:42:31,249 --> 00:42:34,350 Talking to him, coming to see him. 846 00:42:34,418 --> 00:42:36,018 And he'll have to live the rest of his life 847 00:42:36,020 --> 00:42:37,620 Suffering like that. 848 00:42:37,689 --> 00:42:39,355 So I think he would have gotten off easy 849 00:42:39,423 --> 00:42:41,557 With the death penalty in this regard. 850 00:42:41,626 --> 00:42:45,327 ♪ ♪ 851 00:42:45,396 --> 00:42:46,929 - Tricia was gold. 852 00:42:46,998 --> 00:42:50,066 I find myself getting emotional thinking back to her. 853 00:42:50,134 --> 00:42:52,402 She cared for us. She loved us. 854 00:42:52,470 --> 00:42:54,770 She was invested in our lives. 855 00:42:54,839 --> 00:42:56,238 I miss tricia dearly. 856 00:42:56,240 --> 00:42:58,908 I'm gutted that kevin is gone. 857 00:43:00,178 --> 00:43:04,080 You know, kevin was not a typical 16-, 858 00:43:04,148 --> 00:43:05,915 17-, 18-, 19-year-old, right? 859 00:43:05,984 --> 00:43:07,317 He wasn't a typical high schooler. 860 00:43:07,385 --> 00:43:10,419 He was always wiser than us. 861 00:43:11,423 --> 00:43:14,290 There was something in the yearbook our senior year. 862 00:43:14,358 --> 00:43:17,994 It was most likely to succeed, most athletic. 863 00:43:18,062 --> 00:43:22,599 His was, who was the best, most humble, 864 00:43:22,667 --> 00:43:24,534 Highest integrity human being? 865 00:43:24,602 --> 00:43:26,335 And it was kevin. 866 00:43:26,404 --> 00:43:31,373 I started thinking about, where would kevin be now? 867 00:43:32,043 --> 00:43:35,144 I think that's what I still probably grieve, 868 00:43:35,213 --> 00:43:41,483 Is not having that friendship for life. 869 00:43:41,553 --> 00:43:46,322 ♪ ♪