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[suspenseful music]
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00:00:10,377 --> 00:00:17,383
♪ ♪
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- It's the last time
you see pictures
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Of all of the family together.
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♪ ♪
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- When that family was
entering the house--
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[gunshot]
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He heard the gunshots.
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[gunshot]
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- It was a small gun safe.
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It had been pried open.
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Was this just a home invasion
that went bad?
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- You sit there and think,
what kind of relationship
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Did they actually have?
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- This is not
the all-american family that
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Everybody might think they are.
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- In my opening statement,
I told the jury panel,
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You're about to hear
a tale of subterfuge,
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Deception, and greed.
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♪ ♪
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[ominous music]
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♪ ♪
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[upbeat music]
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- December 2003,
sugar land, texas.
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Kent and tricia whitaker
and their two sons,
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Bart and kevin, have called
this affluent suburb home
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For more than a decade.
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It's a perfect fit
for their upscale lifestyle.
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- Sugar land was an
amazing place to grow up.
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It was a community focused
on faith,
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Focused on friendships,
relationships--
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A really tight-knit community.
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The whitaker family was
a pillar in the community.
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I attended a private school
there in sugar land,
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And kevin did too.
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And we were fast friends.
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The whitaker family did
so much together,
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Whether it be fishing trips
or camping trips,
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You know, times on the lake.
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Kent and tricia maintained
that really sweet closeness
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With their kids
and that high level
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Of trust and communication.
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They loved to experience life
as a family.
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- I was the whitakers'
next door neighbor.
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They were very normal, kind,
empathetic people.
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They seemed not troubled,
unburdened, life is good.
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That was my general vibe.
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♪ ♪
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- To friends and neighbors,
the whitakers seemed
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To have it all--
a happy family where
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19-year-old kevin looks up to
his 23-year-old brother, bart.
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- Kevin was very humble.
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He was a man of integrity,
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Of character,
incredibly honest.
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The guy was smart,
very engaging.
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Bart was
a little bit more quiet.
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You didn't know necessarily
what he was thinking,
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Like you did kevin.
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[upbeat music]
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♪ ♪
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- Kent whitaker is the co-owner
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Of a thriving
construction company.
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A hard worker,
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His financial success
means he can provide
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His family with everything
they might want.
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His wife, tricia, is
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A dedicated part-time
elementary school teacher.
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- She loved and knew
every kid in every class
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Every single year.
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And the interesting part was
that she didn't have to work,
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Right, because of kent's job.
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But it told you a lot
about her heart.
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[upbeat music]
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♪ ♪
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- On December 10, 2003,
kent and tricia plan
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A special night out
for the family
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To celebrate bart's graduation
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00:04:01,942 --> 00:04:04,576
From sam houston
state university.
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At dinner,
they present their son
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With a $4,000 rolex watch
as a graduation gift.
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- I know what a rolex costs,
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And he bought a rolex
as a graduation gift.
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That's not an everyday thing.
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- Kent is a proud dad,
and takes photos
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So they'll have a permanent
record of bart's achievement.
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♪ ♪
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[somber music]
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- I've seen these.
- Yeah.
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- I've seen those.
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Sitting there smiling
like that, very happy.
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♪ ♪
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- It's the last time
you see pictures
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Of all of the family together.
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♪ ♪
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[line ringing]
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I was there when they died.
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It was real,
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And I can't
necessarily make sense
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Of what I saw that night.
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[suspenseful music]
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I was sitting at my computer.
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I heard gunshots.
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[gunshots banging]
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I immediately dart
out the front door.
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I get about midway
down our sidewalk,
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And I see kent whitaker
laid on his back.
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You could see his body lit up
by their front porch lights.
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And he was saying, "brandon,
brandon, we've been shot.
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Call 911."
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- Brandon's father,
cliff stanley,
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Rushes to the house
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And discovers that
kent whitaker has
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Been shot in the chest.
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- My dad runs out
and starts rendering aid.
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I mean, multiple trips
back and forth with towels,
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Just doing what we can.
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It felt awful.
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It was gruesome.
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It was a horror movie.
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- While police raced
to the scene,
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Another 911 call comes
from inside the whitaker home.
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It's bart whitaker.
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[police sirens blaring]
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[suspenseful music]
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- When I arrived on scene,
it was very chaotic.
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[radio chatter]
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There was ambulances.
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There were multiple
police cars,
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Fire trucks, a helicopter.
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- When detectives arrive
at the whitaker home,
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They find kent whitaker
hanging on to life.
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- Ems personnel had went in.
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They had taken vitals
for kevin whitaker,
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And he was pronounced deceased.
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♪ ♪
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Patricia whitaker was
flown by helicopter
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To a houston hospital.
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And we were told she died
en route to the hospital.
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Bart whitaker had been shot.
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He was being medically
treated by ems.
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Two people were shot.
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Another two people were dead.
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So we knew within
the first hour
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That it was a double murder.
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♪ ♪
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[radio chatter]
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- Kent whitaker
and his son bart
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Are rushed
to a nearby hospital.
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00:08:01,214 --> 00:08:03,381
[siren blaring]
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00:08:03,450 --> 00:08:05,483
Detectives quickly arrive
to get a statement
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00:08:05,552 --> 00:08:08,720
From bart, since he is
the only one conscious.
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[tense music]
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Bart tells them that the
family had just arrived home
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From their celebratory dinner
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When he realized
he forgot something.
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- Bart whitaker had
reported that he
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Had actually walked
out to his truck
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To retrieve a cell phone.
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But when the rest of the
family was entering the house,
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There was a guy that
was inside that house.
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[gunshot]
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So he heard the gunshots.
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[gunshots]
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Bart reported he had chased
the shooter through the home
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And out the back of the house.
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And he had actually been
shot by the offender.
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[gunshot]
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We had had several home
invasion robberies.
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00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:50,395
So the thought initially was,
are they connected?
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Was this just a home invasion
that went bad?
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♪ ♪
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- But something doesn't
quite add up.
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- Probably the biggest thing
that stuck out to us was
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Every drawer in the rooms were
175
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Pulled out exactly even
with each other.
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- So this burglar,
basically, like--
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00:09:11,284 --> 00:09:13,684
[babbles] purposely,
I'm going to pull out
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Every drawer
about this distance
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00:09:14,888 --> 00:09:17,688
So it'll make it look like
I was trying to look for stuff.
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00:09:17,758 --> 00:09:19,057
But you weren't
looking for anything.
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00:09:19,125 --> 00:09:20,692
You were just pulling
out drawers.
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00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:23,127
The officers immediately
knew that.
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00:09:23,196 --> 00:09:26,031
♪ ♪
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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.
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00:09:44,484 --> 00:09:47,451
♪ ♪
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00:09:47,453 --> 00:09:50,422
So things didn't add up
exactly to being
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00:09:50,490 --> 00:09:52,490
Some type of burglary.
194
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- Burglars come in
and leave within minutes.
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They smash everything
they can, pick up
196
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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
♪ ♪