1 00:00:00,458 --> 00:00:02,501 (tense music) 2 00:00:04,878 --> 00:00:08,091 (suspenseful music) 3 00:00:08,091 --> 00:00:10,051 - [Narrator] An unidentified body 4 00:00:10,051 --> 00:00:14,472 is found in Exshaw, Alberta, the same day Airdrie resident, 5 00:00:14,472 --> 00:00:18,018 Ruth Degayo, is reported missing. 6 00:00:18,018 --> 00:00:20,812 - Ruth is a good friend, reliable employee, 7 00:00:20,812 --> 00:00:24,190 and a devoted mother to a son, Justin. 8 00:00:24,190 --> 00:00:25,567 She's not the kind of woman who 9 00:00:25,567 --> 00:00:27,694 would leave her son alone willingly. 10 00:00:27,694 --> 00:00:29,237 - [Narrator] Could the case be connected 11 00:00:29,237 --> 00:00:31,322 to the body in Exshaw. 12 00:00:31,322 --> 00:00:36,244 Until the body is identified, the RCMP must treat it 13 00:00:36,244 --> 00:00:38,496 like two separate cases. 14 00:00:38,496 --> 00:00:40,081 (camera snapping) 15 00:00:40,081 --> 00:00:42,208 - The building is scorched from the fire, 16 00:00:42,208 --> 00:00:44,043 but only the body is burned. 17 00:00:45,420 --> 00:00:48,506 - There is no evidence the murder happened here, 18 00:00:48,506 --> 00:00:51,760 meaning this is the secondary crime scene. 19 00:00:52,969 --> 00:00:55,096 - [Narrator] With no eyewitnesses, they have to rely 20 00:00:55,096 --> 00:00:57,390 on a few small pieces of evidence. 21 00:00:58,516 --> 00:01:01,186 - Experts will have to rely on dental records 22 00:01:01,186 --> 00:01:04,856 or muscular tissue that remains on the body. 23 00:01:04,856 --> 00:01:07,150 - [Narrator] While police try and find the person who could 24 00:01:07,150 --> 00:01:10,569 do such a horrific act, just a car ride away, 25 00:01:10,569 --> 00:01:13,572 at the same time, a drama is unfolded 26 00:01:13,572 --> 00:01:15,950 that sets family and friends into 27 00:01:15,950 --> 00:01:19,537 a panic trying to find their loved one. 28 00:01:19,537 --> 00:01:23,541 It will take nearly a decade for this vicious killer 29 00:01:23,541 --> 00:01:28,129 to be put behind bars and figure out just where 30 00:01:28,129 --> 00:01:32,425 the loved one that has gone missing actually is. 31 00:01:32,425 --> 00:01:35,303 (intense music) 32 00:01:36,596 --> 00:01:40,016 - The unsolved ones, we have to stand up. 33 00:01:40,016 --> 00:01:44,020 - And approach these cases, in a way, outside the box. 34 00:01:44,020 --> 00:01:45,938 - Let the world know there's those out there 35 00:01:45,938 --> 00:01:47,982 that did commit a murder, and there are people 36 00:01:47,982 --> 00:01:49,442 that are comin' after you. 37 00:01:49,442 --> 00:01:51,069 - There's just a lotta good people trying 38 00:01:51,069 --> 00:01:52,737 to do the right thing. 39 00:01:52,737 --> 00:01:54,614 - Because it's something that you have 40 00:01:54,614 --> 00:01:56,032 to be passionate about. 41 00:01:56,032 --> 00:01:59,077 - Solve this, bring some peace to the family at least. 42 00:01:59,077 --> 00:02:00,578 Just doing my job. 43 00:02:00,578 --> 00:02:05,792 (tense music) (gavel bangs) 44 00:02:08,377 --> 00:02:13,591 - [Narrator] It's January 8th, 2006, in Exshaw, Alberta. 45 00:02:14,843 --> 00:02:17,804 Fresh white snow covers the peaks of each mountain. 46 00:02:18,847 --> 00:02:20,849 It's a quiet Sunday morning. 47 00:02:22,433 --> 00:02:26,229 Four people brave the cold to play a game of paintball. 48 00:02:27,480 --> 00:02:29,816 In order to escape the weather, 49 00:02:29,816 --> 00:02:32,068 the group enters a large white shack. 50 00:02:33,444 --> 00:02:35,446 Inside this abandoned building, 51 00:02:35,446 --> 00:02:37,282 they make a shocking discovery. 52 00:02:38,491 --> 00:02:42,412 The four paintballers discover a charred body. 53 00:02:43,788 --> 00:02:47,041 Sergeant Garth Patterson of the Airdrie RCMP 54 00:02:47,041 --> 00:02:50,377 and Corporal Patrick Webb of the RCMP K Division 55 00:02:50,377 --> 00:02:52,422 are investigating the crime scene. 56 00:02:53,590 --> 00:02:55,425 (suspenseful music) 57 00:02:55,425 --> 00:02:59,429 - The fire is contained to the inside of the building. 58 00:02:59,429 --> 00:03:01,598 The building is scorched from the fire, 59 00:03:01,598 --> 00:03:03,391 but only the body is burned. 60 00:03:04,684 --> 00:03:07,353 Police look at how the body was positioned. 61 00:03:08,770 --> 00:03:11,649 - There is no evidence the murder happened here. 62 00:03:11,649 --> 00:03:14,401 The position of the charred body suggest 63 00:03:14,401 --> 00:03:17,572 that the victim didn't try to escape the fire. 64 00:03:18,907 --> 00:03:23,203 This implies the victim died before the body was burned, 65 00:03:24,287 --> 00:03:27,207 meaning this is the secondary crime scene. 66 00:03:28,416 --> 00:03:31,419 The murder takes place at a different location, 67 00:03:31,419 --> 00:03:34,255 known as the primary crime scene. 68 00:03:34,255 --> 00:03:36,758 (suspenseful music continues) 69 00:03:36,758 --> 00:03:40,470 Fire can severely alter characteristics of a body, 70 00:03:40,470 --> 00:03:43,890 making it difficult to determine cause of death 71 00:03:43,890 --> 00:03:46,392 or to identify a body. 72 00:03:47,602 --> 00:03:51,981 This is a big challenge for forensic scientists. 73 00:03:53,274 --> 00:03:56,903 - [Narrator] Immediately after the body is found in Exshaw, 74 00:03:56,903 --> 00:03:59,989 the RCMP receives a missing person's report. 75 00:04:01,199 --> 00:04:04,244 Duane Redelback, Ruth's common-law partner, 76 00:04:05,578 --> 00:04:08,248 tells the authorities that Ruth is missing. 77 00:04:09,582 --> 00:04:11,501 - This early period is when people's memories are 78 00:04:11,501 --> 00:04:15,713 the sharpest and provide the best recollection of events. 79 00:04:16,880 --> 00:04:18,716 As time passes, your chances of solving 80 00:04:18,716 --> 00:04:20,677 the case fall dramatically. 81 00:04:21,928 --> 00:04:24,597 - [Narrator] Sergeant Patterson and Corporal Webb learn 82 00:04:24,597 --> 00:04:27,267 about the missing person's report in Airdrie. 83 00:04:29,435 --> 00:04:33,106 Could this case be connected to the charred body in Exshaw? 84 00:04:34,315 --> 00:04:38,069 Until the body is identified, the RCMP must treat it 85 00:04:38,069 --> 00:04:39,946 as two separate cases. 86 00:04:41,572 --> 00:04:44,701 Exshaw is a hamlet near the Bow River Valley. 87 00:04:45,827 --> 00:04:48,579 It is 90 kilometers from downtown Calgary. 88 00:04:49,872 --> 00:04:52,625 Airdrie, Ruth Degayo's residence, 89 00:04:52,625 --> 00:04:56,212 is 110 kilometers northeast of Exshaw. 90 00:04:57,880 --> 00:05:01,884 Airdrie, Alberta is a bedroom community facing 91 00:05:01,884 --> 00:05:03,886 the Rocky Mountains to the west, 92 00:05:05,430 --> 00:05:08,308 with plenty of prairie and parkland surrounding, 93 00:05:09,892 --> 00:05:11,894 and lots of outdoor opportunity. 94 00:05:13,604 --> 00:05:15,815 It's a great place to raise a family. 95 00:05:17,190 --> 00:05:20,403 Ruth Degayo lives in Airdrie with her common-law partner, 96 00:05:20,403 --> 00:05:24,073 Duane Redelback, and her two-year-old son, Justin. 97 00:05:25,366 --> 00:05:29,329 Ruth immigrates to Canada from the Philippines in 1991. 98 00:05:30,580 --> 00:05:33,374 She's the daughter of a fisherman and a farmer. 99 00:05:33,374 --> 00:05:37,754 In 1993, she's hired to work at the records department 100 00:05:37,754 --> 00:05:40,255 at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary. 101 00:05:41,549 --> 00:05:44,886 Ruth is a generous person, she's a very reliable 102 00:05:44,886 --> 00:05:46,928 and conscientious employee. 103 00:05:49,557 --> 00:05:52,060 - Ruth grew up in a low-income household. 104 00:05:52,060 --> 00:05:55,146 Once she gets a job, like many new immigrants to Canada, 105 00:05:55,146 --> 00:05:58,608 she starts sending money home to her six siblings. 106 00:05:58,608 --> 00:06:01,152 She wants them to get a higher education. 107 00:06:02,236 --> 00:06:04,113 It's a difficult journey for immigrants 108 00:06:04,113 --> 00:06:05,740 from the Philippines. 109 00:06:05,740 --> 00:06:07,450 They're adapting to a new culture, 110 00:06:07,450 --> 00:06:10,411 while at the same time feeling isolated from their families. 111 00:06:11,913 --> 00:06:13,998 - Challenges are enormous for some 112 00:06:13,998 --> 00:06:16,209 of the newcomers to the country. 113 00:06:16,959 --> 00:06:18,836 There can be language barriers, 114 00:06:18,836 --> 00:06:21,464 they might not understand immigration policies, 115 00:06:21,464 --> 00:06:24,133 they might not fully understand their rights 116 00:06:24,133 --> 00:06:26,010 in Canadian society. 117 00:06:27,845 --> 00:06:30,431 - [Narrator] In 1999, Ruth meets 118 00:06:30,431 --> 00:06:34,017 an electrician named Duane Redelback on the internet. 119 00:06:35,144 --> 00:06:37,772 They begin dating and later move in together. 120 00:06:37,772 --> 00:06:40,525 - Ruth wants to have a family of her own in Canada. 121 00:06:40,525 --> 00:06:44,862 She's eager to have a stable home, a partner, and a child. 122 00:06:44,862 --> 00:06:46,406 She dreams of becoming a mother. 123 00:06:47,740 --> 00:06:49,867 - [Narrator] Ruth is also a devoted Catholic, 124 00:06:49,867 --> 00:06:54,455 and eventually, with Duane, has a baby named Justin. 125 00:06:54,455 --> 00:06:57,083 (soft music) 126 00:06:57,959 --> 00:07:01,504 - Ruth loves Justin; they've a special bond. 127 00:07:04,048 --> 00:07:06,092 She embraces motherhood. 128 00:07:06,092 --> 00:07:08,678 (baby cooing) 129 00:07:10,096 --> 00:07:13,057 - [Narrator] On January 8th, 2006, 130 00:07:13,057 --> 00:07:15,935 Ruth's coworker, Jacqueline Paquette, 131 00:07:15,935 --> 00:07:17,562 waits for Ruth to pick her up. 132 00:07:18,646 --> 00:07:20,773 Ruth is never late. 133 00:07:20,773 --> 00:07:22,400 She's getting nervous. 134 00:07:23,776 --> 00:07:27,196 She contacts her other colleague, Marilyn Taves, 135 00:07:27,196 --> 00:07:29,949 they're worried something has happened to her 136 00:07:29,949 --> 00:07:31,701 and she may need assistance. 137 00:07:33,286 --> 00:07:35,913 Ruth has always been a hardworking 138 00:07:35,913 --> 00:07:39,000 and conscientious employee who would never 139 00:07:39,000 --> 00:07:40,543 not just show up like this. 140 00:07:41,836 --> 00:07:43,379 She also would always get back 141 00:07:43,379 --> 00:07:46,132 to her friends when they call. 142 00:07:47,008 --> 00:07:48,509 Something doesn't seem right. 143 00:07:50,136 --> 00:07:53,389 It's just not like Ruth to do something like this. 144 00:07:54,807 --> 00:07:57,268 Marilyn and Jacqueline know that something 145 00:07:57,268 --> 00:07:58,478 is horribly wrong. 146 00:07:59,979 --> 00:08:04,233 They both decide to look for Ruth in Airdrie and Calgary. 147 00:08:06,068 --> 00:08:09,864 Meanwhile, Duane Redelback is cooperative with police. 148 00:08:09,864 --> 00:08:12,533 He tells Sergeant Patterson and Corporal Webb 149 00:08:12,533 --> 00:08:16,496 that he doesn't know what happened or why she would've left. 150 00:08:18,039 --> 00:08:21,250 Sergeant Patterson and Corporal Webb informed Duane 151 00:08:21,250 --> 00:08:24,712 that a body, earlier that day, has been found in Exshaw. 152 00:08:26,255 --> 00:08:29,133 - When Ruth is reported missing, everyone is devastated. 153 00:08:29,133 --> 00:08:32,053 She's a kind person and a beloved member 154 00:08:32,053 --> 00:08:36,516 of the Airdrie community, and she's a loyal coworker. 155 00:08:37,517 --> 00:08:39,519 Everyone feels a huge loss. 156 00:08:41,812 --> 00:08:43,397 - [Narrator] Jacqueline and Marilyn search 157 00:08:43,397 --> 00:08:45,107 for Ruth everywhere. 158 00:08:45,900 --> 00:08:47,485 They come up empty-handed. 159 00:08:48,110 --> 00:08:50,530 They decide to go to her house. 160 00:08:52,073 --> 00:08:53,407 Duane tells them that he filed 161 00:08:53,407 --> 00:08:56,118 a missing persons report that morning. 162 00:08:57,119 --> 00:08:59,664 This has gone from bad to worse. 163 00:08:59,664 --> 00:09:02,667 (concerned music) 164 00:09:02,667 --> 00:09:05,002 They go to the RCMP station 165 00:09:05,002 --> 00:09:07,380 to see if there's any information. 166 00:09:08,506 --> 00:09:12,552 The RCMP officer asks them if Ruth would ever run away? 167 00:09:14,136 --> 00:09:16,556 Jacqueline and Marilyn are both adamant 168 00:09:17,890 --> 00:09:20,268 that Ruth would never leave her son, Justin. 169 00:09:21,269 --> 00:09:24,230 This is completely out of character for her. 170 00:09:25,314 --> 00:09:27,232 Marilyn explains that Ruth is in good spirits 171 00:09:27,232 --> 00:09:28,818 before her disappearance. 172 00:09:31,362 --> 00:09:35,408 A few days earlier, she spends the day with her family. 173 00:09:36,242 --> 00:09:38,244 They have a great time together. 174 00:09:38,995 --> 00:09:42,582 (suspenseful music) 175 00:09:42,582 --> 00:09:45,960 Next, Sergeant Patterson and Corporal Webb 176 00:09:45,960 --> 00:09:48,838 interview Justin's caregiver, Marla Volf. 177 00:09:50,131 --> 00:09:52,008 Marla tells the officers that Ruth 178 00:09:52,008 --> 00:09:57,471 would never leave her son, she is a very devoted mother. 179 00:09:58,598 --> 00:10:02,434 She's also certain she would never take her own life. 180 00:10:04,937 --> 00:10:07,398 Marla explains that Ruth would often stop 181 00:10:07,398 --> 00:10:11,611 by Marla's home daycare to spend extra time with Justin 182 00:10:12,570 --> 00:10:14,614 and help Marla with the other children. 183 00:10:16,824 --> 00:10:20,910 Thelma Evangelista grew up with Ruth in the Philippines, 184 00:10:22,371 --> 00:10:24,582 she is the last person to see Ruth alive 185 00:10:24,582 --> 00:10:26,458 on January 7th, 2006. 186 00:10:26,458 --> 00:10:29,170 (brooding music) 187 00:10:29,170 --> 00:10:32,340 It is early January before Thelma has time 188 00:10:32,340 --> 00:10:35,509 to drop off Christmas presents for the family. 189 00:10:36,927 --> 00:10:39,639 Ruth is in a good mood before her disappearance. 190 00:10:41,432 --> 00:10:44,809 She tells Thelma that she's going to the mall that night 191 00:10:44,809 --> 00:10:46,520 with Duane and Justin. 192 00:10:48,939 --> 00:10:51,150 - There's nothing unusual or out of the ordinary 193 00:10:51,150 --> 00:10:52,693 about Ruth's behavior. 194 00:10:52,693 --> 00:10:55,279 Thelma corroborates statements by Jacqueline, 195 00:10:55,279 --> 00:10:56,697 Marilyn, and Marla. 196 00:10:58,032 --> 00:10:59,742 All four women say this is out of character. 197 00:11:01,535 --> 00:11:04,664 - [Narrator] Riza Fornier is Ruth's younger sister. 198 00:11:06,248 --> 00:11:08,626 She works as a nurse in Florida. 199 00:11:10,252 --> 00:11:13,589 The RCMP tells her that her sister is missing. 200 00:11:15,131 --> 00:11:18,761 They also inform her of the unidentified body in Exshaw. 201 00:11:20,304 --> 00:11:24,183 Riza has a bad feeling that the body is her sister, Ruth. 202 00:11:25,976 --> 00:11:29,563 - The forensic experts will look for any personal items 203 00:11:29,563 --> 00:11:32,566 or other forms of identification. 204 00:11:32,566 --> 00:11:37,655 They will also look at height, weight, surgical scars, 205 00:11:37,655 --> 00:11:40,449 tattoos, and dental records. 206 00:11:40,449 --> 00:11:45,453 Unfortunately, they didn't have any identification on them, 207 00:11:46,288 --> 00:11:49,166 experts will have to rely on dental records 208 00:11:49,166 --> 00:11:52,503 or muscular tissue that remains on the body. 209 00:11:53,546 --> 00:11:57,717 - [Narrator] Six weeks later, on February 16th, 2006, 210 00:11:59,260 --> 00:12:02,972 the RCMP positively identified the charred body 211 00:12:02,972 --> 00:12:03,889 as Ruth Degayo. 212 00:12:05,433 --> 00:12:10,187 The case has shifted from a missing person's to a homicide. 213 00:12:11,397 --> 00:12:13,732 - Duane Redelback breaks down in tears 214 00:12:15,359 --> 00:12:16,986 and tells officers he just wish she would come home, 215 00:12:16,986 --> 00:12:19,739 and he's having a hard time functioning at all. 216 00:12:20,905 --> 00:12:23,951 He gives RCMP a list of suspects. 217 00:12:23,951 --> 00:12:26,996 (suspenseful music) 218 00:12:28,873 --> 00:12:31,000 - [Narrator] Duane Redelback tells Riza 219 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:33,919 that the body has been identified as Ruth. 220 00:12:35,421 --> 00:12:38,090 He tells her that he has given the RCMP a list 221 00:12:38,090 --> 00:12:39,759 of potential suspects. 222 00:12:41,469 --> 00:12:44,346 - RCMP don't release their list of suspects to the public, 223 00:12:44,346 --> 00:12:46,974 they don't wanna compromise the investigation. 224 00:12:48,350 --> 00:12:50,644 - [Narrator] Riza, along with Ruth's friends, 225 00:12:50,644 --> 00:12:52,772 have a different suspect in mind. 226 00:12:57,401 --> 00:12:59,779 (soft music) 227 00:13:02,448 --> 00:13:04,825 (soft music) 228 00:13:07,244 --> 00:13:09,288 (suspenseful music) 229 00:13:09,288 --> 00:13:13,333 Ruth Degayo starts a new life in Canada in 1991, 230 00:13:14,752 --> 00:13:17,630 she's in a common-law relationship with Duane Redelback, 231 00:13:17,630 --> 00:13:21,300 and a devoted mother to her two-year-old son, Justin. 232 00:13:23,844 --> 00:13:27,556 - Ruth loves Justin; they've a special bond. 233 00:13:27,556 --> 00:13:29,350 She spends all her spare time with him 234 00:13:29,350 --> 00:13:31,101 and would do anything for him. 235 00:13:32,436 --> 00:13:36,565 - [Narrator] On January 8th, 2006, Ruth Degayo 236 00:13:36,565 --> 00:13:39,777 is found dead in Exshaw, Alberta. 237 00:13:40,903 --> 00:13:44,865 The body is severely burned and unrecognizable. 238 00:13:45,783 --> 00:13:47,451 - Everyone is devastated. 239 00:13:47,451 --> 00:13:50,203 She's a kind person and a beloved member 240 00:13:50,203 --> 00:13:51,831 of the Airdrie community. 241 00:13:53,332 --> 00:13:55,167 Everyone feels a huge loss. 242 00:13:56,502 --> 00:13:58,379 Duane Redelback breaks down in tears, 243 00:13:58,379 --> 00:14:01,006 gives RCMP a list of suspects. 244 00:14:02,131 --> 00:14:05,219 - [Narrator] Riza, along with Ruth's friends, 245 00:14:05,219 --> 00:14:07,011 have a different suspect in mind. 246 00:14:08,472 --> 00:14:12,226 In March 2003, Ruth is pregnant with Justin. 247 00:14:13,811 --> 00:14:16,856 Duane is driving the car, and Ruth is in the passenger seat. 248 00:14:17,940 --> 00:14:20,818 Duane and Ruth are rear-ended by another car. 249 00:14:21,652 --> 00:14:24,446 Unfortunately, the fetus is permanently damaged. 250 00:14:24,446 --> 00:14:29,118 - A car accident is a significant threat to a fetus 251 00:14:29,118 --> 00:14:31,412 because the brain is vulnerable. 252 00:14:31,412 --> 00:14:35,749 If there is a loss of oxygen or blood flow to the baby, 253 00:14:35,749 --> 00:14:39,086 damage to the brain can happen rapidly. 254 00:14:40,588 --> 00:14:43,507 Because of this, many babies are born 255 00:14:43,507 --> 00:14:45,885 with permanent disabilities. 256 00:14:47,636 --> 00:14:50,890 - [Narrator] One month later, Justin is born prematurely. 257 00:14:52,474 --> 00:14:55,269 Shortly after Justin is born, he suffers a stroke. 258 00:14:56,520 --> 00:14:59,106 Justin is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. 259 00:15:00,482 --> 00:15:04,028 He has incomplete gestation and permanent loss 260 00:15:04,028 --> 00:15:06,864 of his physical and mental capacities. 261 00:15:06,864 --> 00:15:09,867 - Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage. 262 00:15:09,867 --> 00:15:13,913 It affects muscle tone, posture, and movement. 263 00:15:15,080 --> 00:15:17,750 A child in Justin's case will be behind 264 00:15:17,750 --> 00:15:21,921 in developmental milestones and need additional support. 265 00:15:23,213 --> 00:15:24,798 - [Narrator] Ruth is determined to give Justin 266 00:15:24,798 --> 00:15:27,927 all the support and love that he deserves. 267 00:15:29,136 --> 00:15:31,180 That's why Ruth's friends and family 268 00:15:31,180 --> 00:15:32,932 know she would never leave him. 269 00:15:34,058 --> 00:15:37,144 Investigators have many consistent statements 270 00:15:37,144 --> 00:15:40,314 from family and friends that Ruth Degayo 271 00:15:40,314 --> 00:15:42,942 would never leave her son voluntarily. 272 00:15:43,901 --> 00:15:45,945 With no eyewitnesses, they have to rely 273 00:15:45,945 --> 00:15:48,948 on a few small pieces of evidence. 274 00:15:50,157 --> 00:15:52,868 Ruth's body is found 110 kilometers 275 00:15:52,868 --> 00:15:54,620 from her home in Airdrie. 276 00:15:55,871 --> 00:15:58,457 Could she have been kidnapped and then murdered? 277 00:15:59,708 --> 00:16:03,837 - Police seize the physical evidence, photograph the scene, 278 00:16:03,837 --> 00:16:07,508 and create possible scenarios of what could have happened. 279 00:16:08,592 --> 00:16:10,928 They conduct interviews and find out if someone 280 00:16:10,928 --> 00:16:13,555 was threatening the victim before the murder. 281 00:16:14,890 --> 00:16:18,978 They must form a good hypothesis to build a strong case. 282 00:16:20,145 --> 00:16:22,773 - [Narrator] When Duane Redelback receives the news 283 00:16:22,773 --> 00:16:26,276 that Ruth is dead, he immediately points his finger 284 00:16:26,276 --> 00:16:27,486 at other people. 285 00:16:28,696 --> 00:16:30,864 - Duane tells the officers he doesn't know who did this, 286 00:16:30,864 --> 00:16:33,742 but he provides them with a list of suspects. 287 00:16:33,742 --> 00:16:37,121 He makes claims of unusual activity at the home. 288 00:16:38,414 --> 00:16:41,083 - [Narrator] Several weeks before Ruth's death, 289 00:16:42,626 --> 00:16:45,379 Duane claims that they have a number of suspicious calls. 290 00:16:46,588 --> 00:16:48,340 - No one else mentions that Ruth received 291 00:16:48,340 --> 00:16:50,759 suspicious phone calls or threats, 292 00:16:50,759 --> 00:16:52,511 this is not common knowledge among her friends 293 00:16:52,511 --> 00:16:54,388 and extended family. 294 00:16:54,388 --> 00:16:56,390 (solemn music) 295 00:16:56,390 --> 00:16:59,309 - [Narrator] Several months later, the RCMP do not 296 00:16:59,309 --> 00:17:02,062 have enough evidence to make an arrest. 297 00:17:03,355 --> 00:17:07,609 They decide to put out a Crime Stoppers reenactment video. 298 00:17:07,609 --> 00:17:10,612 Unfortunately, this leads to a dead end. 299 00:17:11,821 --> 00:17:15,117 - No one besides Duane mentions a suspicious person lurking 300 00:17:15,117 --> 00:17:16,785 around Duane and Ruth's home. 301 00:17:16,785 --> 00:17:19,580 The only person of interest that the police name publicly 302 00:17:19,580 --> 00:17:21,248 is Duane Redelback. 303 00:17:22,624 --> 00:17:25,210 - [Narrator] Duane Redelback is publicly named 304 00:17:25,210 --> 00:17:26,712 as a person of interest. 305 00:17:27,963 --> 00:17:30,299 He keeps insisting that he doesn't know 306 00:17:30,299 --> 00:17:32,426 what happened to his partner. 307 00:17:32,426 --> 00:17:36,138 - Intimate partner violence accounts for about 25% 308 00:17:36,138 --> 00:17:37,806 of violent crimes in Canada. 309 00:17:37,806 --> 00:17:40,434 Many of the women who are killed by their partner 310 00:17:40,434 --> 00:17:41,769 are killed at home. 311 00:17:41,769 --> 00:17:43,811 Police want to focus on the partner first 312 00:17:43,811 --> 00:17:46,315 and hopefully rule out this possibility. 313 00:17:47,900 --> 00:17:51,612 - [Narrator] The RCMP and Ruth's friends and family 314 00:17:51,612 --> 00:17:54,823 all had their suspicions of Duane Redelback, 315 00:17:54,823 --> 00:17:57,534 he quickly becomes the lead suspect. 316 00:17:58,869 --> 00:18:03,791 On February 10th, 2006, six days before Ruth's body 317 00:18:05,042 --> 00:18:07,503 is identified, RCMP officers pay a visit 318 00:18:07,503 --> 00:18:09,254 to Redelback's home. 319 00:18:09,254 --> 00:18:11,048 - The lights are on and Duane's vehicle 320 00:18:11,048 --> 00:18:13,258 is parked out front, there are clear signs 321 00:18:13,258 --> 00:18:16,845 that someone's at home, but no one's answering. 322 00:18:18,013 --> 00:18:19,765 Friends report the same thing. 323 00:18:20,641 --> 00:18:22,184 This is very outta character. 324 00:18:23,227 --> 00:18:24,978 Duane is becoming more reluctant 325 00:18:24,978 --> 00:18:27,356 to cooperate and meet with police. 326 00:18:28,398 --> 00:18:29,608 - [Narrator] Sister Lucille Field 327 00:18:29,608 --> 00:18:31,944 is Ruth's friend and confidant. 328 00:18:31,944 --> 00:18:35,030 She tells the officers that before Ruth is murdered, 329 00:18:35,030 --> 00:18:38,617 she's in a toxic relationship with Duane Redelback. 330 00:18:40,911 --> 00:18:44,248 She is stuck in a cycle of domestic abuse, 331 00:18:44,248 --> 00:18:45,582 yet she is still committed 332 00:18:45,582 --> 00:18:47,835 to her relationship with Redelback. 333 00:18:49,169 --> 00:18:50,587 Ruth would often run to 334 00:18:50,587 --> 00:18:53,840 the next-door neighbor's house for help. 335 00:18:55,551 --> 00:19:01,013 In November of 2004, Ruth leaves the abusive relationship 336 00:19:02,182 --> 00:19:05,435 with Duane and escapes to a shelter for women. 337 00:19:05,435 --> 00:19:07,646 (suspenseful music) 338 00:19:07,646 --> 00:19:10,607 - Domestic abuse affects everyone differently. 339 00:19:10,607 --> 00:19:13,527 It often occurs when one partner desires control 340 00:19:13,527 --> 00:19:14,361 over the other. 341 00:19:16,696 --> 00:19:18,490 There might be physical signs of abuse, 342 00:19:18,490 --> 00:19:20,701 like bruises or marks on the body. 343 00:19:21,785 --> 00:19:23,619 There are also emotional signs. 344 00:19:23,619 --> 00:19:25,873 For example, if someone becomes more distant, 345 00:19:25,873 --> 00:19:28,167 or anxious, or change in their mood. 346 00:19:29,251 --> 00:19:31,795 These are some of the signs to look out for. 347 00:19:33,172 --> 00:19:37,176 - [Narrator] Six months later, Ruth returns home. 348 00:19:38,260 --> 00:19:40,762 She's determined to make her relationship work. 349 00:19:41,680 --> 00:19:43,640 She has only been back with Duane 350 00:19:43,640 --> 00:19:46,185 for eight months until her death. 351 00:19:47,269 --> 00:19:50,022 - Sister Lucille labels it domestic abuse. 352 00:19:50,022 --> 00:19:54,818 Ruth's sister, Riza, says she fears for her sister's safety. 353 00:19:56,028 --> 00:19:58,739 Other friends say the relationship was rocky. 354 00:19:58,739 --> 00:20:01,407 It's fair to say Ruth's life is in danger. 355 00:20:02,826 --> 00:20:04,578 - [Narrator] However, with no physical evidence 356 00:20:04,578 --> 00:20:10,042 connecting Duane to the murder scene, the case goes cold. 357 00:20:11,210 --> 00:20:13,545 - Even with a documented case of domestic abuse, 358 00:20:13,545 --> 00:20:16,798 the Crown still needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt 359 00:20:16,798 --> 00:20:18,592 that Duane committed the murder. 360 00:20:19,968 --> 00:20:22,638 This means strong physical evidence or an eyewitness. 361 00:20:23,847 --> 00:20:26,516 - [Narrator] Once again, a domestic abuse case 362 00:20:26,516 --> 00:20:30,686 remains unsolved, and a vicious killer 363 00:20:30,686 --> 00:20:32,439 is still on the loose. 364 00:20:36,401 --> 00:20:39,446 (suspenseful music) 365 00:20:41,615 --> 00:20:43,992 (soft music) 366 00:20:46,369 --> 00:20:47,996 (suspenseful music) 367 00:20:47,996 --> 00:20:52,626 Ruth Degayo is found dead in Exshaw, Alberta. 368 00:20:52,626 --> 00:20:56,213 Her body is severely burned and unrecognizable. 369 00:20:57,506 --> 00:21:00,509 - Although Ruth and Duane reconcile in May 2005, 370 00:21:00,509 --> 00:21:03,720 friends and family still fear for her safety, 371 00:21:03,720 --> 00:21:05,763 they know the relationship is rocky. 372 00:21:07,516 --> 00:21:12,104 Riza Fornier, Ruth's sister, suspects Duane from day one. 373 00:21:12,104 --> 00:21:15,941 The RCMP made Duane Redelback a person of interest. 374 00:21:15,941 --> 00:21:18,902 There are no other strong suspects in the case. 375 00:21:20,320 --> 00:21:21,821 - [Narrator] However, with no physical evidence 376 00:21:21,821 --> 00:21:25,032 connecting Duane to the murder, no eyewitnesses, 377 00:21:25,032 --> 00:21:28,912 or a confession, the case goes cold. 378 00:21:29,788 --> 00:21:33,000 There is still no justice for Ruth Degayo. 379 00:21:36,211 --> 00:21:39,006 Friends and family continue to remember Ruth 380 00:21:39,006 --> 00:21:40,715 and honor her memory. 381 00:21:41,675 --> 00:21:43,802 They all pray for justice. 382 00:21:45,095 --> 00:21:48,932 Ruth's sister, Riza, always fears for her sister's safety. 383 00:21:50,267 --> 00:21:53,311 She has a feeling that Duane was behind this. 384 00:21:54,688 --> 00:21:58,317 Riza accuses Duane multiple times of killing her sister. 385 00:21:59,651 --> 00:22:03,071 Every time she asks him, he doesn't deny it. 386 00:22:04,364 --> 00:22:06,782 - There's a lotta strong, circumstantial evidence pointing 387 00:22:06,782 --> 00:22:08,035 at Duane Redelback. 388 00:22:08,035 --> 00:22:11,246 He's the strongest suspect RCMP have in the case. 389 00:22:12,497 --> 00:22:14,833 - [Narrator] Duane continues to drop Justin off 390 00:22:14,833 --> 00:22:16,335 at Marla Volf's home. 391 00:22:17,502 --> 00:22:19,796 Marla hopes Duane is innocent for the sake 392 00:22:19,796 --> 00:22:21,298 of Justin's safety. 393 00:22:22,924 --> 00:22:25,677 - Ruth's family and friends are losing hope 394 00:22:25,677 --> 00:22:27,679 that this case will be solved. 395 00:22:27,679 --> 00:22:29,890 They don't want her to be forgotten. 396 00:22:29,890 --> 00:22:34,061 They want justice for their friend, mother, sister. 397 00:22:35,270 --> 00:22:37,939 - [Narrator] Unfortunately, the case does go cold. 398 00:22:39,191 --> 00:22:42,109 Several years pass with no progress. 399 00:22:43,028 --> 00:22:44,780 Ruth's loved ones still have faith 400 00:22:44,780 --> 00:22:46,365 that there will be justice. 401 00:22:47,741 --> 00:22:49,242 However, it will take a fresh set of eyes 402 00:22:49,242 --> 00:22:50,952 to crack this case. 403 00:22:51,912 --> 00:22:55,665 In 2015, Inspector Stacey Talbot 404 00:22:55,665 --> 00:22:58,960 of the RCMP Historical Homicide Unit 405 00:22:58,960 --> 00:23:00,879 is assigned to Ruth's case. 406 00:23:02,047 --> 00:23:05,592 Inspector Talbot knows this case is complicated 407 00:23:05,592 --> 00:23:09,179 and challenging, but she's determined to solve it. 408 00:23:10,555 --> 00:23:13,975 There is no DNA evidence found near the body, 409 00:23:13,975 --> 00:23:18,230 no weapon, or sign of anyone suspicious at the crime scene. 410 00:23:19,272 --> 00:23:23,568 In 2006, Duane Redelback provides officers 411 00:23:23,568 --> 00:23:25,862 with a list of potential suspects. 412 00:23:27,114 --> 00:23:29,407 This list never materializes into anything. 413 00:23:30,951 --> 00:23:35,830 The RCMP only publicly named Duane as a person of interest. 414 00:23:36,957 --> 00:23:38,667 He also claims that 415 00:23:38,667 --> 00:23:41,128 the couple receives numerous suspicious calls, 416 00:23:41,128 --> 00:23:43,422 yet this tip doesn't lead anywhere. 417 00:23:45,590 --> 00:23:50,011 The RCMP also issue a Crime Stopper's reenactment video, 418 00:23:51,138 --> 00:23:53,849 but it is unsuccessful in solving the murder. 419 00:23:55,058 --> 00:23:57,436 As the investigation continues, 420 00:23:59,020 --> 00:24:02,441 Duane Redelback is less cooperative with the police. 421 00:24:02,441 --> 00:24:06,069 - Ruth is caught in a cycle of domestic abuse with Duane. 422 00:24:06,069 --> 00:24:08,238 Friends and family fear he's violent. 423 00:24:08,238 --> 00:24:11,157 All signs are pointing to Duane Redelback. 424 00:24:12,826 --> 00:24:16,413 - [Narrator] Ruth leaves Duane in November 2004. 425 00:24:17,830 --> 00:24:19,708 She has only been back with him for less 426 00:24:19,708 --> 00:24:22,544 than eight months before her death. 427 00:24:24,129 --> 00:24:26,882 - Women are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner 428 00:24:26,882 --> 00:24:28,175 than any other person. 429 00:24:28,175 --> 00:24:30,677 When someone is stuck in a cycle of abuse, 430 00:24:30,677 --> 00:24:33,221 they're often unable to leave completely. 431 00:24:34,347 --> 00:24:37,225 - Ruth is incredibly important to a lotta people. 432 00:24:37,225 --> 00:24:41,146 Ruth's family want justice, they want answers. 433 00:24:42,022 --> 00:24:44,941 Riza Fornier, Ruth's sister, states... 434 00:24:44,941 --> 00:24:47,027 - [Narrator] "Ruth taught me to be brave. 435 00:24:47,027 --> 00:24:49,821 My family will suffer this loss and pain 436 00:24:49,821 --> 00:24:51,656 for the rest of our lives. 437 00:24:51,656 --> 00:24:56,494 Only a heart so dark, so ruthless, so evil could do that." 438 00:24:58,163 --> 00:25:02,209 If Inspector Talbot wants to catch Duane Redelback, 439 00:25:02,209 --> 00:25:04,252 she must get creative. 440 00:25:06,254 --> 00:25:08,632 (soft music) 441 00:25:11,343 --> 00:25:13,720 (soft music) 442 00:25:15,722 --> 00:25:17,849 (tense music) 443 00:25:17,849 --> 00:25:22,521 Ruth Degayo's body is found in Exshaw on January 8th, 2006. 444 00:25:24,314 --> 00:25:26,023 - Everyone is devastated. 445 00:25:26,023 --> 00:25:28,401 She's a kind person and a beloved member 446 00:25:28,401 --> 00:25:30,403 of the Airdrie community. 447 00:25:30,403 --> 00:25:32,489 Everyone feels a huge loss. 448 00:25:32,489 --> 00:25:35,367 - [Narrator] Riza accuses Redelback numerous times 449 00:25:35,367 --> 00:25:37,202 of killing her sister. 450 00:25:37,202 --> 00:25:39,829 She has a feeling that he is behind this. 451 00:25:39,829 --> 00:25:44,251 - Ruth is caught in a cycle of domestic abuse with Duane. 452 00:25:44,251 --> 00:25:46,545 Friends and family fear he's violent. 453 00:25:48,046 --> 00:25:49,297 - [Narrator] Ruth would often run 454 00:25:49,297 --> 00:25:51,550 to the neighbor's house for help. 455 00:25:53,176 --> 00:25:55,428 - It's fair to say Ruth's life is in danger. 456 00:25:55,428 --> 00:25:58,682 All signs are pointing to Duane Redelback. 457 00:25:59,558 --> 00:26:01,726 - [Narrator] In November 2004, 458 00:26:01,726 --> 00:26:04,688 Ruth and Justin leave Duane Redelback, 459 00:26:04,688 --> 00:26:06,606 staying in a women's shelter. 460 00:26:08,108 --> 00:26:12,153 In May 2005, Ruth moves back in with Redelback. 461 00:26:12,153 --> 00:26:14,155 (suspenseful music) 462 00:26:14,155 --> 00:26:16,616 Investigators have a strong suspicion 463 00:26:16,616 --> 00:26:19,327 that Redelback is the murderer. 464 00:26:19,327 --> 00:26:22,122 However, there is no physical evidence 465 00:26:22,122 --> 00:26:25,667 or eyewitnesses connecting him to the crime. 466 00:26:25,667 --> 00:26:27,335 - In order to catch this killer, 467 00:26:27,335 --> 00:26:29,838 Inspector Talbot and her team get creative. 468 00:26:31,047 --> 00:26:33,049 They initiate a sting operation, 469 00:26:34,175 --> 00:26:36,511 something known as a Mr. Big operation. 470 00:26:38,138 --> 00:26:40,223 - A Mr. Big operation is a technique used 471 00:26:40,223 --> 00:26:43,685 to seek a confession from the suspect in a crime. 472 00:26:45,228 --> 00:26:47,105 The officers will create a series 473 00:26:47,105 --> 00:26:50,317 of fictitious circumstances and work very hard 474 00:26:50,317 --> 00:26:52,944 to establish a relationship, and gain the trust, 475 00:26:52,944 --> 00:26:54,821 and befriend the suspect. 476 00:26:54,821 --> 00:26:57,324 (solemn music) 477 00:26:57,324 --> 00:26:59,618 The officers need to uncover details that connect 478 00:26:59,618 --> 00:27:02,787 the suspect to the crime, and they need to hear details 479 00:27:02,787 --> 00:27:04,623 that only the killer would know. 480 00:27:05,624 --> 00:27:08,417 - Often, operations like this require officers 481 00:27:08,417 --> 00:27:11,546 to be available for extended periods of time. 482 00:27:11,546 --> 00:27:14,715 When a call comes, they need to be able to answer. 483 00:27:14,715 --> 00:27:17,344 Answering a phone call in the middle of the night 484 00:27:17,344 --> 00:27:19,429 can be simple, but operations like this 485 00:27:19,429 --> 00:27:23,642 can be complicated and require lots of resources. 486 00:27:25,685 --> 00:27:28,480 - [Narrator] Redelback is an electrician, 487 00:27:28,480 --> 00:27:31,983 so the RCMP decide to create a fake job for him. 488 00:27:33,484 --> 00:27:36,529 The officers are looking to exact a confession 489 00:27:36,529 --> 00:27:39,574 from this person, and to do that, 490 00:27:39,574 --> 00:27:41,785 they first need to establish trust. 491 00:27:43,411 --> 00:27:45,914 And they also have to have some sort of carrot, 492 00:27:45,914 --> 00:27:49,376 so they will put situations to the suspect 493 00:27:49,376 --> 00:27:51,586 whereby there will be a financial gain, 494 00:27:51,586 --> 00:27:55,423 they can join a part of a gang, an organized crime group, 495 00:27:55,423 --> 00:27:58,176 if they confess to a crime, because we need to know 496 00:27:58,176 --> 00:27:59,594 what their past is. 497 00:28:00,679 --> 00:28:03,306 - [Narrator] Redelback accepts the position. 498 00:28:04,391 --> 00:28:06,810 - It can take months or even years to elicit 499 00:28:06,810 --> 00:28:09,396 that confession or a piece of information 500 00:28:09,396 --> 00:28:10,980 that can solve a case. 501 00:28:10,980 --> 00:28:13,358 (suspenseful music) 502 00:28:13,358 --> 00:28:15,234 It's a simple fact that bringing people 503 00:28:15,234 --> 00:28:18,696 to justice can be very costly at times. 504 00:28:19,739 --> 00:28:22,409 - [Narrator] The biggest risk with Mr. Big operation 505 00:28:22,409 --> 00:28:25,412 is that it can lead to a false confession, 506 00:28:25,412 --> 00:28:27,705 that can then lead to a wrongful conviction. 507 00:28:28,957 --> 00:28:32,377 Officers must be very careful to get a confession 508 00:28:32,377 --> 00:28:34,129 that is admissible in court. 509 00:28:35,422 --> 00:28:40,427 The RCMP create 40 scenarios to build trust with Redelback. 510 00:28:40,427 --> 00:28:43,972 Each scenario brings them a step closer to a confession. 511 00:28:45,348 --> 00:28:47,142 - The undercover officers work very hard to build 512 00:28:47,142 --> 00:28:49,227 that relationship with the suspect. 513 00:28:49,227 --> 00:28:50,770 They learn about the suspect. 514 00:28:50,770 --> 00:28:53,314 They need to create scenarios that that person, 515 00:28:53,314 --> 00:28:55,942 that individual will respond to. 516 00:28:57,694 --> 00:29:02,699 Eventually, the RCMP want to orchestrate a scenario whereby 517 00:29:02,699 --> 00:29:06,536 the suspect is gonna ask for our help. 518 00:29:06,536 --> 00:29:09,581 They either want to advance in the organization 519 00:29:09,581 --> 00:29:13,084 or some other reward, and they need our help to do that. 520 00:29:14,627 --> 00:29:17,547 But to do that, the suspect needs 521 00:29:17,547 --> 00:29:19,674 to disclose their dark past, they need to tell us 522 00:29:19,674 --> 00:29:22,761 about an offense they've committed in the past. 523 00:29:23,803 --> 00:29:25,263 And once you've had that conversation, 524 00:29:25,263 --> 00:29:27,307 it's documented meticulously. 525 00:29:28,516 --> 00:29:30,435 - That's why Mr. Big operations, 526 00:29:30,435 --> 00:29:32,645 while often costly and controversial, 527 00:29:32,645 --> 00:29:35,106 are so vital to solving a case. 528 00:29:36,858 --> 00:29:40,069 - [Narrator] The RCMP spent a significant amount of time 529 00:29:40,069 --> 00:29:44,199 and resources on the case, carefully setting up Redelback 530 00:29:44,199 --> 00:29:46,367 in the Mr. Big operation. 531 00:29:46,367 --> 00:29:51,790 Meetings, conversations, phone calls, jobs 532 00:29:53,082 --> 00:29:54,793 are all arranged to make Redelback feel comfortable 533 00:29:54,793 --> 00:29:56,252 in who he's dealing with. 534 00:29:58,046 --> 00:30:01,049 All of which takes time and resources. 535 00:30:01,049 --> 00:30:02,801 It can be costly. 536 00:30:05,094 --> 00:30:09,766 In August of 2015, finding justice for the victim, 537 00:30:09,766 --> 00:30:12,519 Ruth Degayo, is priority. 538 00:30:12,519 --> 00:30:16,189 And the entire Mr. Big operation finally pays off 539 00:30:16,189 --> 00:30:20,902 when Redelback opens up to officers in a bar. 540 00:30:22,111 --> 00:30:24,656 Redelback is feeling confident that he can open up 541 00:30:24,656 --> 00:30:26,115 to those around him. 542 00:30:26,115 --> 00:30:29,911 As the undercover officers have built a strong rapport, 543 00:30:31,079 --> 00:30:33,081 Redelback is finally ready to talk 544 00:30:33,081 --> 00:30:36,125 about his deceased wife and her murder. 545 00:30:38,127 --> 00:30:41,798 On the night of January 7th, 2006, 546 00:30:41,798 --> 00:30:43,716 Ruth wants to go to the mall, 547 00:30:43,716 --> 00:30:46,553 but Redelback wants to meet a friend for a drink. 548 00:30:47,762 --> 00:30:51,391 The argument is very heated, Redelback is furious. 549 00:30:52,392 --> 00:30:54,352 He starts choking Ruth... 550 00:30:54,352 --> 00:30:57,605 (suspenseful music) 551 00:30:57,605 --> 00:30:58,940 Until she falls limp. 552 00:31:01,818 --> 00:31:03,653 He ties a rope around her neck 553 00:31:05,655 --> 00:31:10,076 and holds his hand over her mouth until she stops breathing. 554 00:31:12,453 --> 00:31:15,498 Redelback ties up her arms and legs 555 00:31:15,498 --> 00:31:18,084 and places her body inside a garbage bag. 556 00:31:19,711 --> 00:31:24,090 Then he places the garbage bag inside a suitcase. 557 00:31:24,090 --> 00:31:28,094 (suspenseful music continues) 558 00:31:30,346 --> 00:31:33,558 Redelback places the suitcase in the trunk, 559 00:31:33,558 --> 00:31:37,395 and then brings gasoline, which will be used 560 00:31:37,395 --> 00:31:39,063 to burn the body later. 561 00:31:41,774 --> 00:31:44,527 He leaves their son, Justin, home alone. 562 00:31:46,613 --> 00:31:48,990 Redelback meets his friend for a drink, 563 00:31:48,990 --> 00:31:53,328 leaving Ruth's dead body in the trunk of the car. 564 00:31:54,704 --> 00:31:58,416 Once Redelback leaves the bar, he returns home 565 00:31:58,416 --> 00:32:00,251 to check in on Justin. 566 00:32:00,251 --> 00:32:02,128 (suspenseful music) 567 00:32:02,128 --> 00:32:05,632 Then, Redelback drives for over an hour to Exshaw, 568 00:32:06,841 --> 00:32:08,635 the body still in the trunk. 569 00:32:10,011 --> 00:32:12,388 Once Redelback arrives in Exshaw, 570 00:32:13,264 --> 00:32:15,099 he decides to place Ruth's body 571 00:32:15,099 --> 00:32:17,435 in an abandoned white shack. 572 00:32:17,435 --> 00:32:21,397 (suspenseful music continues) 573 00:32:26,069 --> 00:32:28,404 He pours gasoline on the body. 574 00:32:28,404 --> 00:32:33,826 (suspenseful music continues) (gasoline trickling) 575 00:32:35,912 --> 00:32:37,205 And lights it on fire. 576 00:32:42,710 --> 00:32:43,836 Redelback decides to cover his tracks. 577 00:32:45,254 --> 00:32:49,342 Once he is home, he gets rid of his shoes and tires. 578 00:32:49,342 --> 00:32:51,344 Redelback tells the undercover officers 579 00:32:51,344 --> 00:32:54,430 that the flames were at least 30 feet high. 580 00:32:55,431 --> 00:32:58,434 RCMP finally have a confession. 581 00:32:58,434 --> 00:33:00,478 Duane Redelback finally admits 582 00:33:00,478 --> 00:33:03,314 to killing his wife, Ruth Degayo. 583 00:33:04,857 --> 00:33:07,568 - A judge has to look at the reliability of the confession. 584 00:33:07,568 --> 00:33:09,737 Does the evidence connect with the confession? 585 00:33:09,737 --> 00:33:12,740 Does it describe details only the killer would know? 586 00:33:14,409 --> 00:33:16,452 If the confession checks these boxes, 587 00:33:16,452 --> 00:33:17,996 the judge will accept it. 588 00:33:19,330 --> 00:33:23,543 - Duane never fully explains or justifies his actions. 589 00:33:25,003 --> 00:33:28,339 - The mindset of a murderer can be buried. 590 00:33:29,465 --> 00:33:32,343 Some can be methodical and calculating, 591 00:33:32,343 --> 00:33:35,430 while others act on rage or emotion, 592 00:33:35,430 --> 00:33:38,391 giving little thought to what they're doing. 593 00:33:40,143 --> 00:33:44,063 While Redelback attempted to dispose of Ruth's body 594 00:33:44,063 --> 00:33:46,566 in a way that she wouldn't be recognized, 595 00:33:47,316 --> 00:33:49,110 he ultimately failed. 596 00:33:50,236 --> 00:33:52,739 The authorities, with a little bit of time, 597 00:33:52,739 --> 00:33:54,824 could identify her. 598 00:33:56,159 --> 00:34:00,371 The gasoline fire ultimately didn't hide the identity. 599 00:34:00,371 --> 00:34:02,623 Given time and forensic tools, 600 00:34:02,623 --> 00:34:05,585 it was still a horrible desecration, 601 00:34:05,585 --> 00:34:07,670 compounding the tragedy. 602 00:34:07,670 --> 00:34:09,797 (tense music) 603 00:34:09,797 --> 00:34:12,341 - Duane never explains why he put the body 604 00:34:12,341 --> 00:34:13,676 in the white shack. 605 00:34:14,635 --> 00:34:16,846 We will never know all the details. 606 00:34:16,846 --> 00:34:20,308 - [Narrator] The RCMP finally have their confession. 607 00:34:23,311 --> 00:34:25,938 (soft music) 608 00:34:28,440 --> 00:34:31,736 (suspenseful music) 609 00:34:34,697 --> 00:34:39,035 Ruth Degayo starts a new life in Canada in 1991. 610 00:34:39,035 --> 00:34:42,830 She's in a common-law relationship with Duane Redelback 611 00:34:42,830 --> 00:34:47,085 and a devoted mother to her two-year-old son, Justin. 612 00:34:49,170 --> 00:34:52,632 - Ruth loves Justin; they've a special bond. 613 00:34:52,632 --> 00:34:54,550 She spends all her spare time with him 614 00:34:54,550 --> 00:34:56,094 and would do anything for him. 615 00:34:57,344 --> 00:35:01,516 - [Narrator] On January 8th, 2006, Ruth Degayo 616 00:35:01,516 --> 00:35:04,768 is found dead in Exshaw, Alberta. 617 00:35:06,187 --> 00:35:10,650 Her body is severely burned and unrecognizable. 618 00:35:10,650 --> 00:35:12,318 - Everyone is devastated. 619 00:35:12,318 --> 00:35:14,612 She's a kind person and a beloved member 620 00:35:14,612 --> 00:35:19,033 of the Airdrie community, everyone feels a huge loss. 621 00:35:19,909 --> 00:35:22,203 Duane Redelback breaks down in tears. 622 00:35:23,621 --> 00:35:25,873 He gives RCMP a list of suspects. 623 00:35:26,748 --> 00:35:28,584 - [Narrator] Ruth's sister, Riza, 624 00:35:28,584 --> 00:35:30,795 knows something is terribly wrong. 625 00:35:30,795 --> 00:35:33,089 There was previous violence in the home 626 00:35:33,797 --> 00:35:36,050 at the hands of Duane Redelback. 627 00:35:37,385 --> 00:35:41,514 And Riza accuses him multiple times of killing her sister. 628 00:35:41,514 --> 00:35:45,768 - Although Ruth and Duane reconcile in May 2005, 629 00:35:45,768 --> 00:35:48,855 friends and family still fear for her safety, 630 00:35:48,855 --> 00:35:51,107 they know the relationship is rocky. 631 00:35:52,400 --> 00:35:55,862 The RCMP made Duane Redelback a person of interest. 632 00:35:55,862 --> 00:35:59,031 There are no other strong suspects in the case. 633 00:36:00,283 --> 00:36:01,951 - [Narrator] However, there is no physical evidence 634 00:36:01,951 --> 00:36:05,788 or eyewitnesses connecting him to the crime. 635 00:36:06,873 --> 00:36:09,917 The RCMP has spent years on the case, 636 00:36:09,917 --> 00:36:12,795 suspecting that Redelback is the killer, 637 00:36:12,795 --> 00:36:16,841 so they set up a Mr. Big operation in hopes 638 00:36:16,841 --> 00:36:19,177 that he will finally let the truth slip. 639 00:36:20,719 --> 00:36:22,805 After months of the operation, 640 00:36:22,805 --> 00:36:24,931 Redelback is finally confident 641 00:36:24,931 --> 00:36:27,852 that he can trust those around him. 642 00:36:27,852 --> 00:36:32,481 Redelback is finally ready to talk about his deceased wife 643 00:36:32,481 --> 00:36:33,733 and her murder. 644 00:36:34,984 --> 00:36:39,197 Duane Redelback admits to killing his wife, Ruth Degayo. 645 00:36:40,823 --> 00:36:45,203 The RCMP finally have their confession. 646 00:36:46,495 --> 00:36:48,581 - A judge has to look at the reliability of the confession. 647 00:36:48,581 --> 00:36:50,791 Does the evidence connect with the confession? 648 00:36:50,791 --> 00:36:53,794 Does it describe details only the killer would know? 649 00:36:54,921 --> 00:36:56,088 If the confession checks these boxes, 650 00:36:56,088 --> 00:36:58,007 the judge will accept it. 651 00:36:59,717 --> 00:37:02,803 - [Narrator] On September 11th, 2015, 652 00:37:02,803 --> 00:37:06,098 the RCMP finally arrest Duane Redelback. 653 00:37:07,016 --> 00:37:08,893 He's charged with second-degree murder 654 00:37:08,893 --> 00:37:11,229 and indecency to a human body. 655 00:37:13,689 --> 00:37:16,025 (tense music) 656 00:37:16,025 --> 00:37:18,945 - Everyone is relieved when Wayne Redelback is arrested. 657 00:37:18,945 --> 00:37:20,947 They didn't think this day would come. 658 00:37:20,947 --> 00:37:22,448 A huge weight is lifted. 659 00:37:23,783 --> 00:37:25,952 - We don't know why Duane took Ruth's body 660 00:37:25,952 --> 00:37:27,911 to the shack and Exshaw. 661 00:37:27,911 --> 00:37:30,831 The strongest theory is that he hopes the body 662 00:37:30,831 --> 00:37:35,294 will be burned beyond recognition and never identified. 663 00:37:36,754 --> 00:37:38,506 The body is dumped far away from their home, 664 00:37:38,506 --> 00:37:42,426 so perhaps police wouldn't connect the murder with Ruth. 665 00:37:42,426 --> 00:37:45,930 That way, Ruth's disappearance will always remain a mystery 666 00:37:45,930 --> 00:37:48,266 and he won't be implicated. 667 00:37:49,642 --> 00:37:51,518 - [Narrator] Duane Redelback makes his first appearance 668 00:37:51,518 --> 00:37:55,273 on September 14th at the Calgary Provincial Court. 669 00:37:58,150 --> 00:38:01,696 - Crown Attorney Jim Sawa brings a confession into evidence. 670 00:38:01,696 --> 00:38:03,781 He tells Judge Mike Dinkel that the charges 671 00:38:03,781 --> 00:38:07,285 are second-degree murder and indecency to a human body. 672 00:38:08,786 --> 00:38:11,455 The Crown recommends a life sentence for Redelback. 673 00:38:12,998 --> 00:38:15,001 Redelback's attorneys, Balfour Der and Gillian Williamson, 674 00:38:15,001 --> 00:38:18,421 recommend a lighter sentence for a first-time offender. 675 00:38:19,755 --> 00:38:22,300 - [Narrator] The case is adjourned until October. 676 00:38:23,926 --> 00:38:29,265 In August of 2016, Duane Redelback's defense attorney tries 677 00:38:29,890 --> 00:38:30,641 to have Duane released. 678 00:38:31,684 --> 00:38:33,728 Duane is a first-time offender, 679 00:38:33,728 --> 00:38:36,480 she hopes the court will give him leniency. 680 00:38:37,940 --> 00:38:40,192 Duane Redelback may be a first-time offender, 681 00:38:40,192 --> 00:38:45,656 but his crime is so horrendous he poses a threat to society. 682 00:38:47,199 --> 00:38:50,411 The court denies Redelback's release; 683 00:38:51,536 --> 00:38:53,331 he is to remain in jail. 684 00:38:55,041 --> 00:38:58,794 On February 23rd, 2017, the Crown attorney 685 00:38:58,794 --> 00:39:02,089 and Redelback's defense reach a plea agreement. 686 00:39:02,797 --> 00:39:04,967 It states that Duane Redelback 687 00:39:04,967 --> 00:39:07,386 pleads guilty to manslaughter. 688 00:39:09,013 --> 00:39:10,890 This reduces his sentence from a life sentence 689 00:39:10,890 --> 00:39:14,143 to 15 years plus credit for time served. 690 00:39:15,018 --> 00:39:17,355 The judge accepts the joined agreement. 691 00:39:18,814 --> 00:39:20,315 - Second-degree murder is planned or deliberate. 692 00:39:20,315 --> 00:39:24,195 The Crown attorney has to prove that Mr. Redelback intended 693 00:39:24,195 --> 00:39:26,947 to kill Ruth Degayo in 2006. 694 00:39:26,947 --> 00:39:30,326 However, manslaughter, under the Canadian Criminal Code, 695 00:39:30,326 --> 00:39:33,536 can be an act committed under the heat of passion. 696 00:39:34,872 --> 00:39:36,665 The Crown would have an easier chance of proving 697 00:39:36,665 --> 00:39:38,542 that this was an accidental death 698 00:39:38,542 --> 00:39:41,253 rather than a deliberate act of murder. 699 00:39:42,713 --> 00:39:46,384 - [Narrator] Riza Fornier reads her victim impact statement. 700 00:39:47,927 --> 00:39:51,806 Riza addresses the court and Duane Redelback directly. 701 00:39:53,099 --> 00:39:55,434 She states, "This is the moment that we've been waiting 702 00:39:55,434 --> 00:39:59,355 for after almost 11 years, praying day and night, 703 00:39:59,355 --> 00:40:03,109 months after months, years after years 704 00:40:03,109 --> 00:40:04,402 for this day to come." 705 00:40:06,277 --> 00:40:09,156 - Duane Redelback commits a brutally violent 706 00:40:09,156 --> 00:40:10,908 and senseless crime. 707 00:40:10,908 --> 00:40:13,411 He also moves Ruth's body and burns it, 708 00:40:13,411 --> 00:40:15,663 which makes it difficult to identify her 709 00:40:15,663 --> 00:40:17,832 and determine a cause of death. 710 00:40:19,166 --> 00:40:22,420 He prevents her friends and family from having any closure. 711 00:40:23,838 --> 00:40:26,590 More importantly, he robs his own son of his mother. 712 00:40:29,176 --> 00:40:31,429 - [Narrator] The judge speaks to the court. 713 00:40:33,055 --> 00:40:34,974 She states that Redelback must serve at least half 714 00:40:34,974 --> 00:40:38,477 of his sentence before he can be eligible for parole. 715 00:40:39,520 --> 00:40:41,230 (soft music) (air whooshing) 716 00:40:41,230 --> 00:40:43,899 - If Duane Redelback is found guilty of first-degree murder, 717 00:40:43,899 --> 00:40:45,317 he would face a life sentence. 718 00:40:45,317 --> 00:40:47,570 He would eventually be eligible for parole, 719 00:40:47,570 --> 00:40:49,697 but since this is a domestic violence case, 720 00:40:49,697 --> 00:40:51,489 it would have taken a long time. 721 00:40:53,033 --> 00:40:55,327 - [Narrator] Ruth Degayo, like so many other immigrants 722 00:40:55,327 --> 00:40:58,289 to Canada, was just trying to make a better life 723 00:40:58,289 --> 00:41:02,710 for herself, as well as being a loving and caring mother 724 00:41:02,710 --> 00:41:04,795 for her son, Justin. 725 00:41:06,005 --> 00:41:09,300 Duane Redelback was part of that life until 726 00:41:09,300 --> 00:41:12,719 that relationship took a very dark turn. 727 00:41:12,719 --> 00:41:15,014 (soft music continues) 728 00:41:15,014 --> 00:41:18,309 Ruth was unable to escape domestic abuse, 729 00:41:18,309 --> 00:41:21,979 but the efforts by investigators, at the very least, 730 00:41:22,855 --> 00:41:25,483 brought Redelback to justice. 731 00:41:26,859 --> 00:41:28,486 - Officers are human too. 732 00:41:29,570 --> 00:41:32,072 Whether responding to a domestic abuse situation 733 00:41:32,072 --> 00:41:34,867 or even a crime scene involving murder, 734 00:41:34,867 --> 00:41:37,661 it still affects us personally. 735 00:41:37,661 --> 00:41:39,455 Ruth was a mother and a friend, 736 00:41:39,455 --> 00:41:42,416 she didn't deserve to be abused and murdered. 737 00:41:43,459 --> 00:41:45,210 So, when tragic situations like the murder 738 00:41:45,210 --> 00:41:49,422 of Ruth Degayo occur, it's imperative that a message 739 00:41:49,422 --> 00:41:51,592 is sent and justice is served. 740 00:41:52,635 --> 00:41:54,512 That's why Mr. Big operations, 741 00:41:54,512 --> 00:41:56,639 while often costly and controversial, 742 00:41:56,639 --> 00:41:59,308 are so vital to solving a case. 743 00:41:59,308 --> 00:42:02,686 (soft music continues) 744 00:42:03,812 --> 00:42:05,439 - [Narrator] Duane Redelback is now serving 745 00:42:05,439 --> 00:42:08,734 his 15-year sentence in an Alberta jail. 746 00:42:10,069 --> 00:42:12,238 Justin is now 19 and living between 747 00:42:12,238 --> 00:42:15,074 the Philippines and Florida with Riza. 748 00:42:16,617 --> 00:42:19,453 If it hadn't been for Inspector Stacey Talbot 749 00:42:19,453 --> 00:42:23,207 and her dedicated team at the historical homicide unit, 750 00:42:23,207 --> 00:42:25,209 using a Mr. Big scenario, 751 00:42:25,209 --> 00:42:27,753 the case would never have been solved. 752 00:42:27,753 --> 00:42:30,797 A step forward for all victims of domestic abuse 753 00:42:30,797 --> 00:42:34,093 and intimate partner crimes across Canada. 754 00:42:35,261 --> 00:42:38,556 (suspenseful music)