1 00:00:01,787 --> 00:00:04,046 (ominous music) 2 00:00:05,290 --> 00:00:06,273 - [newscaster] news five has been 3 00:00:06,366 --> 00:00:08,032 On the case of taylor wright. 4 00:00:08,126 --> 00:00:09,718 - The private investigator 5 00:00:09,945 --> 00:00:11,611 Has been missing for more than a month. 6 00:00:11,630 --> 00:00:13,963 - [narrator] a mother and former cop 7 00:00:14,116 --> 00:00:16,016 Disappears without a trace. 8 00:00:17,636 --> 00:00:20,187 - We found a handgun that was missing a round. 9 00:00:21,623 --> 00:00:23,047 - She knew how to cover her tracks. 10 00:00:23,067 --> 00:00:24,307 She knew how to hide. 11 00:00:24,401 --> 00:00:26,884 - [narrator] is she a victim of foul play 12 00:00:26,978 --> 00:00:28,795 Or did she run away? 13 00:00:28,888 --> 00:00:31,073 - She would've never just left her son. 14 00:00:33,302 --> 00:00:35,160 - [narrator] someone is hiding the truth. 15 00:00:40,976 --> 00:00:43,810 - [narrator] investigators searching for answers. 16 00:00:43,829 --> 00:00:46,329 - We keep pressing, pressing, and pressing. 17 00:00:46,481 --> 00:00:47,589 - [narrator] in the interrogation room. 18 00:00:56,491 --> 00:00:59,267 (atmospheric music) 19 00:01:04,516 --> 00:01:07,183 - [narrator] every suspect accused of a crime has the right 20 00:01:07,277 --> 00:01:08,501 To remain silent. 21 00:01:08,595 --> 00:01:11,504 Many agree to be interrogated anyway, 22 00:01:11,523 --> 00:01:14,341 But they can stop the interview at any moment, 23 00:01:14,434 --> 00:01:16,451 Making it a race against time. 24 00:01:18,288 --> 00:01:20,580 Justice hangs in the balance. 25 00:01:26,630 --> 00:01:30,781 - Authorities say the search for taylor wright is ongoing. 26 00:01:30,801 --> 00:01:34,194 She is five feet, six inches tall with brown hair. 27 00:01:34,212 --> 00:01:37,455 If anyone sees her or has any information of her whereabouts 28 00:01:37,549 --> 00:01:40,049 You're asked to contact police. 29 00:01:40,202 --> 00:01:42,978 (atmospheric music) 30 00:01:54,383 --> 00:01:56,158 - Taylor's girlfriend casandra waller said, 31 00:01:56,309 --> 00:02:00,162 "hey, my girlfriend who's living with me hasn't come home. 32 00:02:00,313 --> 00:02:02,238 I'm just concerned about her welfare." 33 00:02:02,391 --> 00:02:05,225 - Casandra said it wasn't normal for taylor 34 00:02:05,243 --> 00:02:07,335 To just come up missing 35 00:02:07,487 --> 00:02:10,821 And not respond to text messages or phone calls. 36 00:02:10,841 --> 00:02:14,342 - According to casandra, the day taylor wright disappeared, 37 00:02:14,494 --> 00:02:16,494 Her friend ashley mcarthur picked her up 38 00:02:16,588 --> 00:02:18,496 At approximately 10:00 am. 39 00:02:18,515 --> 00:02:20,757 They were going to run some errands. 40 00:02:20,909 --> 00:02:23,310 - And then taylor, at the end of the day, vanished. 41 00:02:25,189 --> 00:02:28,005 - Taylor wright was a 33 year-old 42 00:02:28,025 --> 00:02:29,983 Mother of a small child. 43 00:02:31,420 --> 00:02:34,421 She was a former law enforcement officer 44 00:02:34,439 --> 00:02:37,273 Currently working as a private investigator. 45 00:02:37,426 --> 00:02:39,108 - With taylor's law enforcement background, 46 00:02:39,261 --> 00:02:41,036 If she was attacked, 47 00:02:41,263 --> 00:02:44,206 She would have some knowledge on what to do 48 00:02:44,357 --> 00:02:46,857 And she probably knew how to hide. 49 00:02:46,877 --> 00:02:48,284 So I began questioning 50 00:02:48,378 --> 00:02:51,046 Is she missing because she wants to be missing 51 00:02:51,197 --> 00:02:54,049 Or was she harmed? 52 00:02:54,276 --> 00:02:55,700 We had to travel down each of those roads 53 00:02:55,719 --> 00:02:58,386 To try to figure out exactly what happened. 54 00:02:59,539 --> 00:03:01,281 - If she did wanna up and leave, 55 00:03:01,374 --> 00:03:03,450 It's not against a law for an adult. 56 00:03:03,543 --> 00:03:05,618 You know, people do it all the time. 57 00:03:05,637 --> 00:03:07,136 But the first thing that we did 58 00:03:07,231 --> 00:03:10,315 Was attempt to find out everything about taylor. 59 00:03:11,643 --> 00:03:14,194 (ominous music) 60 00:03:19,985 --> 00:03:24,704 - We found laptops, taylor's passport, ids. 61 00:03:25,824 --> 00:03:27,064 We found a cashier's check 62 00:03:27,084 --> 00:03:30,326 That was made payable to her for $19,000. 63 00:03:30,479 --> 00:03:32,161 Things that, if you were trying to hide, 64 00:03:32,314 --> 00:03:33,755 You would probably take with you. 65 00:03:33,906 --> 00:03:35,331 - You've gotta have money, 66 00:03:35,484 --> 00:03:37,667 You've gotta have id to do just about anything. 67 00:03:37,819 --> 00:03:39,744 It's not as easy as people make it sound 68 00:03:39,763 --> 00:03:41,429 To where you can just up and vanish. 69 00:03:41,581 --> 00:03:45,082 Very hard for someone to do in today's world. 70 00:03:45,176 --> 00:03:47,010 - We also found a handgun, 71 00:03:47,162 --> 00:03:49,754 A six shot revolver that had five rounds in it. 72 00:03:49,848 --> 00:03:51,398 So it was missing a round. 73 00:03:52,442 --> 00:03:54,000 That did make us think 74 00:03:54,019 --> 00:03:56,169 That maybe casandra is involved 75 00:03:56,187 --> 00:03:57,445 In the disappearance of taylor. 76 00:03:58,931 --> 00:04:01,174 At that point, we began to be concerned 77 00:04:01,192 --> 00:04:03,510 That this ain't just a normal missing person's case, 78 00:04:03,528 --> 00:04:05,770 That something is wrong 79 00:04:05,789 --> 00:04:08,039 And we really need to figure out where taylor's at. 80 00:04:10,185 --> 00:04:12,460 (soft music) 81 00:04:15,799 --> 00:04:18,282 - Taylor wright was a very, very good friend of mine 82 00:04:18,302 --> 00:04:20,451 And she was an amazing person. 83 00:04:20,470 --> 00:04:22,712 She absolutely loved law enforcement. 84 00:04:22,864 --> 00:04:25,865 I mean, as a police officer taylor was fearless. 85 00:04:25,958 --> 00:04:27,700 She would go into neighborhoods, 86 00:04:27,794 --> 00:04:29,811 Try to find drugs, try to find guns. 87 00:04:31,631 --> 00:04:33,648 When I met taylor, she was married to a man named jeff. 88 00:04:35,060 --> 00:04:36,651 He was an officer in the marine corps 89 00:04:36,803 --> 00:04:38,320 And he was deployed a lot, 90 00:04:38,547 --> 00:04:41,948 But they eventually had a little boy named drake. 91 00:04:44,235 --> 00:04:46,219 Taylor loved being a mom. 92 00:04:46,312 --> 00:04:48,571 It was amazing to see her transition 93 00:04:48,723 --> 00:04:51,148 From the police officer that was hardcore 94 00:04:51,242 --> 00:04:53,576 To the mom, taylor. 95 00:04:53,670 --> 00:04:55,128 It was beautiful to see. 96 00:04:56,840 --> 00:04:58,506 A little bit after that, 97 00:04:58,733 --> 00:05:00,633 Jeff got military orders down to florida. 98 00:05:01,753 --> 00:05:02,902 From what I understand, 99 00:05:02,921 --> 00:05:04,829 A lot of issues started once they moved 100 00:05:04,923 --> 00:05:06,765 And they ended up divorced. 101 00:05:08,685 --> 00:05:10,593 She ended up meeting casandra 102 00:05:10,687 --> 00:05:14,689 And they ended up moving in together and falling in love. 103 00:05:14,841 --> 00:05:16,674 - For taylor everything was going great. 104 00:05:16,693 --> 00:05:19,677 She had a great relationship with her new girlfriend, 105 00:05:19,696 --> 00:05:21,863 She was successful in her job. 106 00:05:22,090 --> 00:05:24,491 To up and vanish, it just typically doesn't happen. 107 00:05:29,522 --> 00:05:31,447 - When I found out taylor was missing, 108 00:05:31,541 --> 00:05:34,617 It was a shock 'cause I know how close she was with drake. 109 00:05:34,769 --> 00:05:37,379 She would've never just left him like that. 110 00:05:37,530 --> 00:05:39,714 Something's wrong. 111 00:05:39,941 --> 00:05:41,774 - There's several people we have to look at first 112 00:05:41,868 --> 00:05:44,034 That are in her inner circle, 113 00:05:44,054 --> 00:05:45,945 Whether it be casandra waller, 114 00:05:46,038 --> 00:05:47,889 Who is the current girlfriend, 115 00:05:48,116 --> 00:05:51,784 Whether it be jeff wright, who is the ex-husband. 116 00:05:51,803 --> 00:05:53,970 We were able to rule out jeff wright pretty quick 117 00:05:54,064 --> 00:05:55,546 As a person of interest. 118 00:05:55,565 --> 00:05:57,715 Based on knowing where he works, 119 00:05:57,809 --> 00:06:00,977 We were able to confirm that he was at work at that time. 120 00:06:01,071 --> 00:06:02,529 So that left casandra. 121 00:06:04,408 --> 00:06:06,866 (eerie music) 122 00:06:21,983 --> 00:06:24,759 (atmospheric music) 123 00:06:35,830 --> 00:06:37,588 - So while the detectives they're interviewing her, 124 00:06:37,607 --> 00:06:39,065 I'm going through her cellphone. 125 00:08:23,213 --> 00:08:24,695 While speaking with cassandra 126 00:08:24,714 --> 00:08:28,624 We learned about some issues they had in the past, 127 00:08:28,777 --> 00:08:30,793 Potential infidelity issues. 128 00:08:30,887 --> 00:08:34,180 These issues could be the motive for taylor being missing. 129 00:08:51,316 --> 00:08:52,465 - We really gotta be careful 130 00:08:52,558 --> 00:08:53,908 How much we're poking and prodding, 131 00:08:54,135 --> 00:08:56,727 Because she could just get up and walk away. 132 00:08:56,821 --> 00:08:59,706 (atmospheric music) 133 00:09:31,948 --> 00:09:33,506 - When we're doing these interviews, 134 00:09:33,524 --> 00:09:37,434 We want them to feel uncomfortable to a point, 135 00:09:37,454 --> 00:09:40,696 But not so uncomfortable they don't wanna talk to us. 136 00:09:40,849 --> 00:09:44,250 So it's a balance that we have to juggle. 137 00:09:46,688 --> 00:09:49,613 But at this point, an hour into the interview, 138 00:09:49,633 --> 00:09:52,467 We needed to start applying some pressure. 139 00:10:09,060 --> 00:10:11,653 (clock ticking) 140 00:10:32,491 --> 00:10:35,084 - I think ultimately we have to ask that question, 141 00:10:35,236 --> 00:10:38,237 No matter how aggressive we are with it or not. 142 00:10:38,330 --> 00:10:40,256 We would not be doing our job 143 00:10:40,408 --> 00:10:41,683 If we didn't ask that question. 144 00:11:04,857 --> 00:11:06,265 - [casandra] okay. 145 00:11:07,101 --> 00:11:08,601 - I'm going through casandra's cellphone 146 00:11:08,619 --> 00:11:10,878 And I went in to get the detectives out, 147 00:11:11,030 --> 00:11:13,214 To talk about what I'm learning through the phone. 148 00:11:13,365 --> 00:11:15,866 I can see there is communications about 149 00:11:15,885 --> 00:11:19,295 A bank and money and some other weird things 150 00:11:19,447 --> 00:11:20,722 That we didn't know about before. 151 00:12:18,523 --> 00:12:19,739 - That interview was huge 152 00:12:21,433 --> 00:12:24,786 Because casandra said that taylor had given ashley money. 153 00:12:24,937 --> 00:12:26,937 The money was the biggest red flag 154 00:12:26,956 --> 00:12:29,031 That shifted this from a missing person 155 00:12:29,183 --> 00:12:31,125 To very suspicious activity, 156 00:12:31,352 --> 00:12:33,110 Potentially a homicide investigation. 157 00:12:33,204 --> 00:12:36,088 (atmospheric music) 158 00:12:43,973 --> 00:12:46,307 (tense music) 159 00:12:51,205 --> 00:12:52,963 - We would have to consider ashley mcarthur 160 00:12:53,057 --> 00:12:55,149 A potential suspect. 161 00:12:55,376 --> 00:12:58,302 Ashley was the last person to see taylor 162 00:12:58,396 --> 00:13:00,822 And ashley was also holding onto this large sum of money 163 00:13:01,049 --> 00:13:03,473 That taylor had asked her to hold. 164 00:13:03,568 --> 00:13:06,143 - Taylor had been going through a difficult court battle 165 00:13:06,237 --> 00:13:07,903 With her ex-husband 166 00:13:08,056 --> 00:13:11,332 Over some finances that they shared while they were married. 167 00:13:11,559 --> 00:13:13,726 Just prior to taylor going missing, 168 00:13:13,744 --> 00:13:16,486 She had taken approximately $100,000 169 00:13:16,581 --> 00:13:19,823 Out of a joint bank account that she should not have taken. 170 00:13:19,917 --> 00:13:21,676 - Of that $100,000, 171 00:13:21,827 --> 00:13:26,422 Taylor had given ashley $34,000 to hold onto. 172 00:13:26,516 --> 00:13:27,756 - Casandra said, 173 00:13:27,909 --> 00:13:29,684 "taylor gave this check to ashley 174 00:13:29,835 --> 00:13:31,927 Because she has a safety deposit box 175 00:13:32,080 --> 00:13:34,504 She could put this check into." 176 00:13:34,524 --> 00:13:36,916 From looking at the text messages between 177 00:13:36,934 --> 00:13:39,343 Taylor and ashley before she disappeared, 178 00:13:39,437 --> 00:13:42,771 Taylor kept asking ashley, "hey, I need that money back. 179 00:13:42,924 --> 00:13:44,090 I need to get the money back. 180 00:13:44,183 --> 00:13:45,441 I need to have it for court. 181 00:13:45,535 --> 00:13:49,019 The judge is making me get this money back." 182 00:13:49,038 --> 00:13:51,163 Ashley was pretty much blowing taylor off. 183 00:13:52,858 --> 00:13:56,193 Casandra told us that the day that taylor went missing, 184 00:13:56,212 --> 00:13:58,880 She was expecting ashley to pick her up, 185 00:13:59,031 --> 00:14:00,773 Take her to the bank, 186 00:14:00,791 --> 00:14:02,699 Get the money out of the safety deposit box, 187 00:14:02,793 --> 00:14:03,718 And everything be okay. 188 00:14:05,371 --> 00:14:08,222 (atmospheric music) 189 00:14:16,548 --> 00:14:18,124 - The purpose of the first interview 190 00:14:18,142 --> 00:14:21,460 Is to let her tell us what she wants to tell us, 191 00:14:21,553 --> 00:14:23,887 Whether it be the truth or a lie, 192 00:14:23,981 --> 00:14:27,867 But get something on video that we can begin to investigate. 193 00:14:28,912 --> 00:14:31,412 (clock ticking) 194 00:15:13,772 --> 00:15:16,682 - Ashley seemed to be bubbly, outgoing, 195 00:15:16,775 --> 00:15:18,626 Wanting to tell us everything. 196 00:15:18,853 --> 00:15:21,921 Somewhat flirtatious, not standoffish. 197 00:15:23,541 --> 00:15:26,950 We want to build friendly banter back and forth with her, 198 00:15:27,044 --> 00:15:28,135 So she'll trust us. 199 00:15:52,811 --> 00:15:56,146 Immediately when we ask her about her cellphone, 200 00:15:56,240 --> 00:15:59,241 You can see she starts getting a little bit more nervous. 201 00:15:59,393 --> 00:16:02,128 Actually, she adjusts the way she crossed her legs. 202 00:16:03,506 --> 00:16:05,581 You'll see she starts playing with the phone 203 00:16:05,733 --> 00:16:07,249 And it is my belief 204 00:16:07,343 --> 00:16:10,494 That she is purposely trying to change her password there. 205 00:16:10,588 --> 00:16:11,846 She hands over her phone, 206 00:16:11,997 --> 00:16:13,497 We can see there are text messages 207 00:16:13,516 --> 00:16:16,909 About the safety deposit box, 208 00:16:17,002 --> 00:16:19,428 But then the phone locks up. 209 00:16:19,580 --> 00:16:21,263 So we can't access the file 210 00:16:21,415 --> 00:16:23,190 Because we don't have the correct password. 211 00:16:25,603 --> 00:16:29,588 She gives us multiple different variations of passwords 212 00:16:29,607 --> 00:16:33,200 And none of those worked. 213 00:16:33,352 --> 00:16:34,201 That's a little weird. 214 00:16:35,763 --> 00:16:37,446 But we do need to start prying into 215 00:16:37,540 --> 00:16:40,857 Why ashley was holding onto this large sum of money 216 00:16:40,877 --> 00:16:43,044 That taylor had asked her to hold onto. 217 00:16:43,271 --> 00:16:45,046 So we wanna be able to keep this friendly, 218 00:16:45,197 --> 00:16:48,215 'cause at this point she's free to go whenever she wants. 219 00:18:11,116 --> 00:18:12,782 - This was kind of curious to us 220 00:18:12,802 --> 00:18:16,028 Because casandra said that taylor thought 221 00:18:16,121 --> 00:18:19,198 Ashley had a safety deposit box, 222 00:18:19,216 --> 00:18:22,551 But ashley said she didn't have a safety deposit box. 223 00:18:22,703 --> 00:18:25,980 That was another reason to throw a red flag in the case. 224 00:18:26,131 --> 00:18:29,316 Why would someone give us a false story? 225 00:18:29,468 --> 00:18:31,277 Other than if they're trying to hide something. 226 00:18:37,493 --> 00:18:39,994 - Authorities say wright is listed as a missing person 227 00:18:40,221 --> 00:18:42,388 In the national crime information center. 228 00:18:42,481 --> 00:18:44,406 If anyone has any information, 229 00:18:44,558 --> 00:18:46,167 You're asked to contact police. 230 00:18:47,578 --> 00:18:49,319 - When I found out that she was missing, 231 00:18:49,413 --> 00:18:51,321 It was a very bad feeling. 232 00:18:51,340 --> 00:18:53,841 You know, it was the gut punch of something's wrong. 233 00:18:54,068 --> 00:18:55,634 This isn't right, this isn't normal. 234 00:18:58,330 --> 00:19:00,681 (tense music) 235 00:19:16,106 --> 00:19:18,866 (clock ticking) 236 00:19:36,034 --> 00:19:38,961 - We directly asked her if she harmed taylor. 237 00:19:39,055 --> 00:19:42,556 Her body language didn't change any, she tells us no. 238 00:19:42,708 --> 00:19:44,892 So we moved on to the next question. 239 00:20:09,159 --> 00:20:10,734 - That's a little weird 240 00:20:10,753 --> 00:20:13,737 To be talking negative about your friend who's missing. 241 00:20:13,831 --> 00:20:15,998 It added to my suspicion. 242 00:20:16,150 --> 00:20:17,833 I think maybe she was just trying to throw us off 243 00:20:17,927 --> 00:20:18,884 On another track. 244 00:21:06,625 --> 00:21:09,459 - We thought we had at least a good starting point. 245 00:21:09,478 --> 00:21:11,386 She gave us a timeline 246 00:21:11,480 --> 00:21:14,706 And we got her locked into some kind of statement, 247 00:21:14,725 --> 00:21:17,726 To start working to corroborate 248 00:21:17,878 --> 00:21:19,636 Or prove that it's all a lie. 249 00:21:19,655 --> 00:21:22,114 (eerie music) 250 00:21:30,240 --> 00:21:32,666 - When we heard about this safety deposit box 251 00:21:32,818 --> 00:21:36,670 And the $34,000 taylor gave to ashley to hold, 252 00:21:36,822 --> 00:21:40,674 The first thing that we did was subpoena ashley's bank 253 00:21:40,826 --> 00:21:41,675 For all the records. 254 00:21:42,845 --> 00:21:44,570 We learned two things from this. 255 00:21:44,588 --> 00:21:47,573 One, we confirmed she didn't have a safety deposit box 256 00:21:47,591 --> 00:21:48,849 At wells fargo. 257 00:21:49,076 --> 00:21:53,336 Second, I could see a deposit for $34,000 258 00:21:53,356 --> 00:21:56,415 Come into ashley's bank account. 259 00:21:56,433 --> 00:21:59,193 And the following day that money is transferred out 260 00:21:59,344 --> 00:22:01,436 Into various accounts. 261 00:22:01,589 --> 00:22:05,532 That deposit was taken down to zero within a day. 262 00:22:05,759 --> 00:22:08,276 That's an alert for law enforcement. 263 00:22:08,371 --> 00:22:11,205 - Also when we got a copy of the cashier's check 264 00:22:11,356 --> 00:22:12,931 And looked at the signature on the back, 265 00:22:12,950 --> 00:22:14,375 It did not match any of 266 00:22:14,526 --> 00:22:16,101 Taylor wright's signatures 267 00:22:16,120 --> 00:22:17,026 On other checks 268 00:22:17,121 --> 00:22:18,604 That she had cashed. 269 00:22:18,697 --> 00:22:20,439 - Those multiple lies show us 270 00:22:20,457 --> 00:22:23,884 That she is now involved in taylor's disappearance. 271 00:22:30,618 --> 00:22:33,560 (atmospheric music) 272 00:22:45,891 --> 00:22:47,149 - When she missed her court date, 273 00:22:47,301 --> 00:22:49,134 We knew that something was wrong. 274 00:22:49,153 --> 00:22:51,653 We began really seriously thinking like, okay, 275 00:22:51,805 --> 00:22:53,730 She's not just hiding out 276 00:22:53,824 --> 00:22:57,643 'cause she would've gone to that court case immediately. 277 00:22:57,661 --> 00:23:00,087 We started doing all the physical searching. 278 00:23:00,314 --> 00:23:04,166 We were clearing the bayous with canine dogs, 279 00:23:04,318 --> 00:23:07,761 Went back and searched casandra waller's house. 280 00:23:07,913 --> 00:23:11,056 We even used the dog to search ashley's neighborhood. 281 00:23:12,826 --> 00:23:14,751 We were knocking on doors, talking to neighbors, 282 00:23:14,845 --> 00:23:16,228 Handing out flyers. 283 00:23:17,831 --> 00:23:19,347 - At this point we had pretty much agreed 284 00:23:19,442 --> 00:23:21,850 That this was gonna be a homicide investigation, 285 00:23:22,002 --> 00:23:23,110 More than likely over money. 286 00:23:24,780 --> 00:23:29,116 Ashley left a trail of evidence for us to follow 287 00:23:29,267 --> 00:23:32,578 And we did start breaking apart her story. 288 00:23:41,021 --> 00:23:44,113 - Instead of holding on to taylor' 289 00:23:44,133 --> 00:23:46,300 Like she was supposed to for safekeeping, 290 00:23:46,527 --> 00:23:50,529 Ashley deposited it into her account 291 00:23:50,547 --> 00:23:52,806 And then immediately began moving that money 292 00:23:53,033 --> 00:23:55,142 To various other accounts at her bank. 293 00:23:57,221 --> 00:24:00,706 We also discovered that ashley had purchased a boat 294 00:24:00,799 --> 00:24:03,542 And a motorcycle for her boyfriend 295 00:24:03,560 --> 00:24:05,110 Before taylor disappeared. 296 00:24:06,897 --> 00:24:09,656 Ashley was married, but also had a boyfriend on the side. 297 00:24:11,552 --> 00:24:14,161 We have to look at everyone in her inner circle. 298 00:24:19,150 --> 00:24:21,835 (atmospheric music) 299 00:25:37,729 --> 00:25:40,581 (atmospheric music) 300 00:25:43,660 --> 00:25:45,327 - During this investigation, 301 00:25:45,479 --> 00:25:47,421 We looked at cellphone records. 302 00:25:49,149 --> 00:25:52,000 Cellphone records can tell us where someone's been, 303 00:25:52,094 --> 00:25:53,819 Even if they tell us it's somewhere else, right? 304 00:25:53,837 --> 00:25:55,596 The cellphone doesn't lie. 305 00:25:55,747 --> 00:25:57,005 We got information 306 00:25:57,157 --> 00:26:00,434 That showed us her story was completely false. 307 00:26:00,585 --> 00:26:01,843 - Cellphone data 308 00:26:01,995 --> 00:26:04,087 Showed ashley never went to milton, florida, 309 00:26:04,106 --> 00:26:06,014 Where she said she went with taylor. 310 00:26:06,108 --> 00:26:08,609 Actually, she was 30 miles away in cantonment. 311 00:26:09,853 --> 00:26:11,778 - Why was she in cantonment? 312 00:26:11,930 --> 00:26:13,672 An area that she never told us about 313 00:26:13,690 --> 00:26:15,932 And she was there for hours. 314 00:26:16,026 --> 00:26:17,525 During the investigation, 315 00:26:17,620 --> 00:26:21,529 We learned that ashley's family had a second farmhouse 316 00:26:21,624 --> 00:26:23,123 In cantonment, 317 00:26:23,274 --> 00:26:25,626 Right in the middle of where that cellphone was at 318 00:26:25,777 --> 00:26:26,752 For those hours. 319 00:26:28,446 --> 00:26:30,705 That was a huge break in the case 320 00:26:30,858 --> 00:26:33,041 Because we figured that potentially 321 00:26:33,193 --> 00:26:35,043 Is where taylor's gonna be. 322 00:26:35,195 --> 00:26:36,878 - And that's when we knew, okay, 323 00:26:36,972 --> 00:26:38,713 We got the money missing 324 00:26:38,866 --> 00:26:41,533 And now she's lying about where she had been, 325 00:26:41,626 --> 00:26:43,644 And what else is she lying to us about? 326 00:26:45,147 --> 00:26:47,606 (tense music) 327 00:27:01,330 --> 00:27:03,163 - [richard] before we ask you any questions, 328 00:27:03,314 --> 00:27:05,148 You have the right to remain silent. 329 00:27:05,167 --> 00:27:07,483 Anything you say can be used against you in the court. 330 00:27:07,577 --> 00:27:09,002 You understand that? 331 00:27:10,005 --> 00:27:13,081 (clock ticking) 332 00:27:13,175 --> 00:27:16,401 - She had no clue that we had her cellphone records, 333 00:27:16,494 --> 00:27:19,254 That we had subpoenaed the bank. 334 00:27:19,406 --> 00:27:21,330 So we wanted to confront her 335 00:27:21,350 --> 00:27:22,516 With everything that we had learned 336 00:27:22,667 --> 00:27:23,850 And break apart her lie. 337 00:27:26,096 --> 00:27:28,671 We decided to search the cantonment property 338 00:27:28,691 --> 00:27:31,266 Simultaneously with the interview. 339 00:27:31,418 --> 00:27:33,101 'cause if we did find taylor, 340 00:27:33,195 --> 00:27:35,195 That's another thing that we could confront her with 341 00:27:35,422 --> 00:27:37,155 And also arrest her at the same time. 342 00:27:38,926 --> 00:27:41,443 - The ultimate goal is to get her to confess 343 00:27:41,595 --> 00:27:43,537 And tell us what took place. 344 00:28:28,233 --> 00:28:30,475 - She's starting to realize 345 00:28:30,568 --> 00:28:32,660 That we've gotten her bank records 346 00:28:32,755 --> 00:28:35,663 And she starts squirming around a little bit more, 347 00:28:35,816 --> 00:28:37,499 Crossing her hands into her legs. 348 00:28:37,593 --> 00:28:40,986 And that's an indication that she's uncomfortable 349 00:28:41,004 --> 00:28:43,722 And not really liking that line of questioning. 350 00:28:45,100 --> 00:28:47,100 (clock ticking) 351 00:29:15,872 --> 00:29:18,206 - We wanted to give her an opportunity to change her story. 352 00:29:18,358 --> 00:29:21,426 She didn't take it, she continued to lie. 353 00:29:42,716 --> 00:29:44,157 - She's here on her own free will. 354 00:29:44,309 --> 00:29:47,068 She could just get up and walk away, 355 00:29:47,162 --> 00:29:50,813 So you gotta be careful not to push too hard. 356 00:29:50,833 --> 00:29:52,574 We're trying to keep her there long enough 357 00:29:52,668 --> 00:29:55,243 To where we can hopefully find taylor's remains 358 00:29:55,337 --> 00:29:56,336 Out at the farm. 359 00:30:46,463 --> 00:30:47,679 (clock ticking) 360 00:30:56,547 --> 00:30:57,805 - We knew she was lying, 361 00:30:57,958 --> 00:31:01,126 But we had to be careful not to push too hard 362 00:31:01,219 --> 00:31:02,293 'cause there's still information 363 00:31:02,312 --> 00:31:03,570 We wanna extract from her. 364 00:31:05,223 --> 00:31:06,981 We move on past the question 365 00:31:07,075 --> 00:31:09,910 And plan to come back later on down the line. 366 00:31:40,016 --> 00:31:40,774 - It's a chess game. 367 00:31:42,444 --> 00:31:43,944 I'm always thinking two or three moves ahead. 368 00:31:44,095 --> 00:31:46,262 So I know where I'm going, 369 00:31:46,281 --> 00:31:48,281 I'm running play after play after play 370 00:31:48,433 --> 00:31:51,117 And she's not able to think as quick on her feet. 371 00:31:57,367 --> 00:31:59,867 - I think she knew she was really backed up in a corner. 372 00:31:59,962 --> 00:32:02,462 Now I just keep pressing, pressing and pressing 373 00:32:02,689 --> 00:32:04,631 And hopefully she'll eventually crack. 374 00:32:05,875 --> 00:32:07,968 (clock ticking) 375 00:33:14,761 --> 00:33:16,277 - We finally got her to admit 376 00:33:16,371 --> 00:33:18,446 That they were out at this farm in cantonment 377 00:33:18,598 --> 00:33:21,374 And not at a farm in milton. 378 00:33:21,601 --> 00:33:23,543 She placed herself and taylor out there, 379 00:33:23,694 --> 00:33:25,286 Which is a big deal 380 00:33:25,380 --> 00:33:27,789 Because we needed to physically place her there 381 00:33:27,941 --> 00:33:31,885 In case we ultimately find taylor out there. 382 00:33:34,222 --> 00:33:35,221 - Umm. 383 00:33:36,116 --> 00:33:38,016 (atmospheric music) 384 00:33:44,958 --> 00:33:48,793 - With her pausing and dragging out her answer, 385 00:33:48,812 --> 00:33:50,052 It's just another indication 386 00:33:50,072 --> 00:33:51,554 Of having to come up with another lie 387 00:33:51,573 --> 00:33:53,573 And have a reason of why she and taylor 388 00:33:53,724 --> 00:33:55,408 Are out there at the farm, 389 00:33:55,560 --> 00:33:56,743 When she's never told us about that. 390 00:34:48,855 --> 00:34:51,205 It's a totally different ashley at this point. 391 00:34:51,358 --> 00:34:53,207 She's pulled her leg in 392 00:34:53,360 --> 00:34:55,209 A lot closer to her body. 393 00:34:55,303 --> 00:34:58,304 She's kind of tucked her hands in between her legs 394 00:34:58,456 --> 00:35:00,140 And she's nervous. 395 00:35:01,626 --> 00:35:03,810 At that point, we knew that we had her, 396 00:35:03,961 --> 00:35:05,645 We just needed to get her to tell us 397 00:35:05,796 --> 00:35:07,480 Exactly what took place. 398 00:35:36,178 --> 00:35:37,660 - Ashley. 399 00:35:37,679 --> 00:35:39,012 - We were at the point in the interview 400 00:35:39,163 --> 00:35:42,682 Where we just have to confront her. 401 00:35:42,833 --> 00:35:45,518 It was make or break time. 402 00:35:57,699 --> 00:36:00,441 Reaching over, moving her chair and moving it really close 403 00:36:00,535 --> 00:36:05,205 Is a way to try to break down that defensive posture, 404 00:36:06,282 --> 00:36:08,616 Make her feel uncomfortable. 405 00:36:08,768 --> 00:36:10,768 She's either gonna shut down 406 00:36:10,787 --> 00:36:13,213 Or potentially tell us exactly what happened. 407 00:36:14,791 --> 00:36:17,050 We didn't know where taylor was at that point, 408 00:36:17,277 --> 00:36:19,552 So I knew that there was a big risk. 409 00:36:20,947 --> 00:36:21,946 She could ask for an attorney 410 00:36:22,039 --> 00:36:23,890 And the interview would be over. 411 00:36:26,895 --> 00:36:28,853 (tense music) 412 00:36:39,482 --> 00:36:41,908 (clock ticking) 413 00:37:20,282 --> 00:37:22,615 (tense music) 414 00:37:28,197 --> 00:37:29,864 - We had search and rescue dogs 415 00:37:30,016 --> 00:37:33,034 That can locate human remains. 416 00:37:33,128 --> 00:37:37,463 We had multiple atvs, we had a dive team on standby. 417 00:37:38,616 --> 00:37:40,691 We didn't have taylor. 418 00:37:40,710 --> 00:37:43,636 We needed taylor, to say that there was a homicide. 419 00:37:46,533 --> 00:37:48,624 But a couple hours into the search, 420 00:37:48,643 --> 00:37:52,370 Officers noticed an area that had some foliage on it 421 00:37:52,388 --> 00:37:54,388 That didn't really match. 422 00:37:54,482 --> 00:37:57,483 And when they moved the bushes and the branches, 423 00:37:57,710 --> 00:37:59,986 They could see what they thought was a human skull, 424 00:38:00,137 --> 00:38:02,713 Sticking up in a mix 425 00:38:02,732 --> 00:38:05,325 Of what appeared to be potting soil and concrete. 426 00:38:09,556 --> 00:38:11,055 After we found the skull, 427 00:38:11,074 --> 00:38:13,458 We were able to put the skeletal remains together 428 00:38:15,562 --> 00:38:18,838 And we actually found a necklace that taylor had. 429 00:38:20,750 --> 00:38:22,342 That moment, I knew it was her. 430 00:38:24,404 --> 00:38:26,846 We could see that on the back of the skull 431 00:38:26,997 --> 00:38:29,182 There was a bullet hole, 432 00:38:29,333 --> 00:38:32,143 So we knew that she had been shot in the back of the head. 433 00:38:34,839 --> 00:38:37,190 (tense music) 434 00:38:39,343 --> 00:38:41,009 Once we confirmed it was taylor, 435 00:38:41,029 --> 00:38:43,863 We got units over to ashley's residence 436 00:38:44,014 --> 00:38:45,514 Where we had her under surveillance 437 00:38:45,608 --> 00:38:47,367 And we arrested her. 438 00:38:50,020 --> 00:38:52,872 (atmospheric music) 439 00:38:58,121 --> 00:39:02,048 We knew that ashley had stopped off at a convenience store, 440 00:39:02,199 --> 00:39:03,716 So we went to that convenience store 441 00:39:03,943 --> 00:39:05,960 And pulled the surveillance footage 442 00:39:06,112 --> 00:39:10,131 And we could see ashley inside that store. 443 00:39:10,225 --> 00:39:13,951 We could see ashley's truck in the background 444 00:39:13,970 --> 00:39:15,228 And we could tell 445 00:39:15,455 --> 00:39:17,121 That it looked like another person 446 00:39:17,214 --> 00:39:18,472 Was in the passenger's seat. 447 00:39:18,625 --> 00:39:21,792 So we believe that, at this moment in time, 448 00:39:21,811 --> 00:39:22,902 Taylor was alive. 449 00:39:26,482 --> 00:39:28,056 Later in the investigation, 450 00:39:28,076 --> 00:39:32,136 We found surveillance video of ashley buying concrete 451 00:39:32,155 --> 00:39:33,579 And potting soil, 452 00:39:33,806 --> 00:39:35,489 Which matched the concrete and potting soil 453 00:39:35,642 --> 00:39:37,250 That was found on taylor. 454 00:39:38,478 --> 00:39:40,068 - That video was definitely 455 00:39:40,088 --> 00:39:41,236 The nail in the coffin 456 00:39:41,330 --> 00:39:43,214 For ashley mcarthur. 457 00:39:44,333 --> 00:39:45,908 - [chad] what we believe happened 458 00:39:45,927 --> 00:39:50,321 Was ashley took taylor up to the farm up in cantonment, 459 00:39:50,339 --> 00:39:51,338 (gun shot) 460 00:39:51,491 --> 00:39:52,840 Shot her in the back of the head, 461 00:39:52,992 --> 00:39:54,675 Buried her in a shallow grave, 462 00:39:54,769 --> 00:39:57,511 Covered her body up with a mixture of concrete 463 00:39:57,664 --> 00:39:59,997 And potting soil, and left her. 464 00:40:00,016 --> 00:40:02,442 - I believe ashley mcarthur felt backed into a corner 465 00:40:02,593 --> 00:40:06,929 Because she did not have the money to give back to taylor 466 00:40:07,023 --> 00:40:09,782 And the only option she saw was to get rid of taylor wright. 467 00:40:12,845 --> 00:40:17,623 (tense music) (dates clicking) 468 00:40:22,872 --> 00:40:25,948 - Ashley mcarthur had the motive to kill taylor wright, 469 00:40:25,967 --> 00:40:27,374 Money. 470 00:40:27,469 --> 00:40:31,286 She had the opportunity to kill taylor wright. 471 00:40:31,306 --> 00:40:34,122 She did in fact kill taylor wright 472 00:40:34,142 --> 00:40:35,975 And then she tried to cover it up. 473 00:40:44,802 --> 00:40:47,636 - Imagine you're on your sofa at home. 474 00:40:47,655 --> 00:40:50,156 Everybody take a deep breath, here we go. 475 00:40:51,809 --> 00:40:53,809 - The interrogations gave the jury 476 00:40:53,828 --> 00:40:58,572 An insight to her ability to manipulate. 477 00:40:58,725 --> 00:41:02,393 They were able to show her lies and her deceit, 478 00:41:02,411 --> 00:41:04,912 And her constant pointing the guilt away from her 479 00:41:05,064 --> 00:41:06,339 And toward anyone else. 480 00:41:10,086 --> 00:41:11,919 - [judge] my understanding is we have a verdict. 481 00:41:12,013 --> 00:41:13,346 Let's bring the jury in. 482 00:41:15,016 --> 00:41:17,183 - We, the jury, find the defendant, ashley mcarthur, 483 00:41:17,410 --> 00:41:19,334 Guilty of first degree premeditated 484 00:41:19,354 --> 00:41:23,581 Murder with a firearm as charged in the indictments. 485 00:41:23,599 --> 00:41:25,249 - When it all came together, 486 00:41:25,342 --> 00:41:28,252 It was clear beyond a reasonable doubt 487 00:41:28,271 --> 00:41:30,254 That ashley was guilty. 488 00:41:30,273 --> 00:41:33,015 She was immediately sentenced to life in prison 489 00:41:33,034 --> 00:41:35,350 Without the possibility of parole. 490 00:41:35,370 --> 00:41:38,279 - The way she didn't blink, didn't cry. 491 00:41:38,373 --> 00:41:41,207 I don't understand how a human could be like that. 492 00:41:41,358 --> 00:41:43,209 Such an evil person. 493 00:41:45,772 --> 00:41:49,456 - Ashley took away the life of a young woman, 494 00:41:49,609 --> 00:41:51,942 The mother of an eight year-old little boy 495 00:41:52,036 --> 00:41:54,887 Who will never have his mother 496 00:41:55,039 --> 00:41:57,515 See him go through all the milestones in his life. 497 00:41:59,135 --> 00:42:00,634 - Ashley being in jail for the rest of her life, 498 00:42:00,787 --> 00:42:03,396 I think that's very justified. 499 00:42:03,623 --> 00:42:05,472 There's a child that doesn't have a mom. 500 00:42:05,567 --> 00:42:09,551 It was over something senseless, it was money. 501 00:42:09,571 --> 00:42:11,796 - We're glad that we got closure 502 00:42:11,889 --> 00:42:16,317 For casandra, jeff, and drake. 503 00:42:16,469 --> 00:42:19,061 They can work toward moving past this tragedy 504 00:42:19,080 --> 00:42:20,805 In their lives. 505 00:42:20,823 --> 00:42:24,750 - Drake growing up without his mom, I mean, it hurts, 506 00:42:24,902 --> 00:42:26,811 But he has his dad 507 00:42:26,829 --> 00:42:29,755 So I know he'll grow up really happy and healthy. 508 00:42:31,818 --> 00:42:34,819 Taylor was a mother, she was a friend. 509 00:42:34,912 --> 00:42:36,596 She lived life to the fullest. 510 00:42:37,932 --> 00:42:39,432 I will always remember that about her.