1 00:00:07,608 --> 00:00:10,342 911 call leads police 2 00:00:10,411 --> 00:00:13,679 To a father shot dead inside his business. 3 00:00:15,082 --> 00:00:18,150 - There was a possibility that it was a professional hit. 4 00:00:18,218 --> 00:00:22,020 No murder weapon was present, no signs of struggle. 5 00:00:22,089 --> 00:00:26,792 - There was an absence of a lot in that crime scene. 6 00:00:33,000 --> 00:00:35,834 - [narrator] investigators uncover a struggling business 7 00:00:35,903 --> 00:00:37,502 As suspects take shape. 8 00:00:37,571 --> 00:00:39,938 - We had an ex disgruntled employee, 9 00:00:40,007 --> 00:00:45,344 Upset investors, and there was an ex-girlfriend. 10 00:00:46,480 --> 00:00:47,779 - [narrator] as detectives narrow in, 11 00:00:47,848 --> 00:00:50,482 A complicated family dynamic emerges. 12 00:00:52,887 --> 00:00:56,388 - The relationship was not as loving as it seemed. 13 00:00:57,924 --> 00:00:59,658 - I wanted to be like the two had gotten in a fight 14 00:00:59,726 --> 00:01:01,693 And then I found out it was much more diabolical. 15 00:01:01,762 --> 00:01:04,796 (ominous music) 16 00:01:04,865 --> 00:01:07,766 (suspenseful music) 17 00:01:12,639 --> 00:01:16,608 (suspenseful music continues) 18 00:01:16,677 --> 00:01:19,411 (tense music) 19 00:01:23,184 --> 00:01:27,619 - At 3:18 pm on may 30th, 2011, 20 00:01:27,688 --> 00:01:32,591 A call was received by 911 dispatch. 21 00:01:43,437 --> 00:01:45,737 - [narrator] 33-year-old averill easley reports 22 00:01:45,806 --> 00:01:49,441 That her fiance, 24-year-old chris northam jr., 23 00:01:49,509 --> 00:01:52,877 Called her as he was driving away from his family business. 24 00:01:52,947 --> 00:01:56,981 As she speaks to 911, averill meets chris pulled over 25 00:01:57,051 --> 00:01:59,485 On the road near their home. 26 00:02:26,613 --> 00:02:29,347 - Within minutes, roseville police department responded 27 00:02:29,416 --> 00:02:31,883 To the skim x warehouse. 28 00:02:31,952 --> 00:02:34,352 What they first saw was the doors 29 00:02:34,421 --> 00:02:36,688 To the business appeared open. 30 00:02:37,858 --> 00:02:39,858 - Nobody really knew what was going on, 31 00:02:39,927 --> 00:02:43,829 So we called out extra resources to clear the building. 32 00:02:45,766 --> 00:02:48,033 - [narrator] soon after, the roseville swat team 33 00:02:48,101 --> 00:02:50,101 Arrives on scene. 34 00:02:50,170 --> 00:02:52,637 - We make tactical entry into the building. 35 00:02:52,639 --> 00:02:56,341 Lying just a very short distance away was a victim. 36 00:02:57,278 --> 00:02:58,810 - There was a male on the floor, 37 00:02:58,879 --> 00:03:02,514 Approximately 30 to 40 feet from the door. 38 00:03:02,583 --> 00:03:05,350 - It was clear that this was a decedent. 39 00:03:06,720 --> 00:03:08,787 - [narrator] the swat team continues to clear the building, 40 00:03:08,855 --> 00:03:11,123 Finding no other victims or a shooter. 41 00:03:11,191 --> 00:03:14,058 Detectives and the forensics team begin their work. 42 00:03:14,128 --> 00:03:15,928 - The victim was essentially in the middle 43 00:03:15,996 --> 00:03:18,864 Of this open area in this warehouse. 44 00:03:20,034 --> 00:03:23,535 There was a pool of blood around the head. 45 00:03:23,603 --> 00:03:27,205 - He had one gunshot wound to the lower part of his face. 46 00:03:27,274 --> 00:03:29,407 - There's a second shot into his shoulder, 47 00:03:29,476 --> 00:03:31,210 The damage is significant. 48 00:03:32,679 --> 00:03:36,715 - There was no other items and no weapon around the victim. 49 00:03:38,052 --> 00:03:40,819 - This was not a suicide, this was a murder. 50 00:03:40,887 --> 00:03:42,420 - [narrator] while searching the victim, 51 00:03:42,489 --> 00:03:43,822 Police discover a wallet 52 00:03:43,890 --> 00:03:46,358 And a cell phone in his back pocket. 53 00:03:46,426 --> 00:03:49,294 - We were able to identify him on scene. 54 00:03:49,362 --> 00:03:51,430 He was chris northam sr. 55 00:03:52,899 --> 00:03:54,366 Inside the building, there was nothing going on. 56 00:03:54,434 --> 00:03:56,100 It was just basically an empty building 57 00:03:56,170 --> 00:03:59,838 Other than construction and some tools and supplies. 58 00:04:00,774 --> 00:04:02,641 - No murder weapon was present. 59 00:04:02,709 --> 00:04:07,446 No shell casings, no footprints, no signs of struggle. 60 00:04:09,183 --> 00:04:11,583 - Detectives looked for evidence 61 00:04:11,651 --> 00:04:15,319 Of a forced entry into this warehouse like pry marks 62 00:04:15,321 --> 00:04:17,055 Or a broken window, 63 00:04:17,123 --> 00:04:22,060 Any indication that the killer got in by force 64 00:04:22,128 --> 00:04:23,295 And there was none. 65 00:04:24,531 --> 00:04:25,998 That would tend to indicate that somebody 66 00:04:26,066 --> 00:04:29,901 Who had access to that warehouse was the killer. 67 00:04:31,238 --> 00:04:35,473 There were no eyewitnesses that reported anything important. 68 00:04:35,542 --> 00:04:38,143 No gunshots, no arguments, nothing. 69 00:04:38,211 --> 00:04:39,744 - We did search for cameras 70 00:04:39,746 --> 00:04:41,747 And we weren't successful in that venture. 71 00:04:42,649 --> 00:04:44,416 There was an absence of a lot 72 00:04:44,484 --> 00:04:46,952 In that crime scene, that was unusual. 73 00:04:48,055 --> 00:04:50,388 - It's not beyond the realm of possibility 74 00:04:50,390 --> 00:04:52,057 That it was a professional hit. 75 00:04:54,160 --> 00:04:56,661 - A patrol met with chris jr. And averill, 76 00:04:56,730 --> 00:04:58,964 And he was told that his father was dead. 77 00:05:01,668 --> 00:05:04,636 - Chris jr. Was very tearful, crying, 78 00:05:04,704 --> 00:05:06,972 Grieving the loss of his father. 79 00:05:08,408 --> 00:05:11,610 - We were barbecuing and I got a phone call 80 00:05:11,678 --> 00:05:13,411 And it was my cousin. 81 00:05:13,480 --> 00:05:17,783 He goes, "there's been a shooting death at skim x." 82 00:05:18,519 --> 00:05:19,584 "what do you mean?" 83 00:05:19,653 --> 00:05:19,985 He goes, "it's your brother," 84 00:05:21,121 --> 00:05:24,823 And I'm like (beep), "my brother's been killed." 85 00:05:26,026 --> 00:05:29,328 Like I was just (beep) sobbing, right? 86 00:05:31,698 --> 00:05:33,898 - [narrator] 44-year-old chris northam sr. 87 00:05:33,967 --> 00:05:38,136 Was a local businessman with a tenacious personality. 88 00:05:38,204 --> 00:05:39,938 - Chris was a serious guy. 89 00:05:40,006 --> 00:05:41,673 Like I was the jokester 90 00:05:41,741 --> 00:05:43,307 And that's the one thing I could always do is get my brother 91 00:05:43,377 --> 00:05:46,711 To like laugh like this super hearty, genuine laugh. 92 00:05:46,780 --> 00:05:48,046 Nobody else could get him 93 00:05:48,114 --> 00:05:49,715 To laugh the way I could get him to laugh. 94 00:05:51,117 --> 00:05:54,886 - He was super engaging, sometimes over the top kind 95 00:05:54,955 --> 00:05:57,989 Of personality, all energy all the time. 96 00:05:58,058 --> 00:06:00,726 - Chris was incredibly focused and driven. 97 00:06:02,162 --> 00:06:04,729 When he came across something that resonated with him, 98 00:06:04,798 --> 00:06:06,531 He would just sort of dive in. 99 00:06:07,968 --> 00:06:10,134 - [narrator] shortly after high school, chris sr. Marries 100 00:06:10,203 --> 00:06:13,038 And has two sons by the age of 22. 101 00:06:14,240 --> 00:06:16,841 - Both the boys idolised their dad, 102 00:06:16,843 --> 00:06:19,377 Chris jr. And his brother codi 103 00:06:19,445 --> 00:06:23,748 And their dad appeared to have a great relationship. 104 00:06:23,817 --> 00:06:26,584 - He got them motorcycles, he got them into motocross. 105 00:06:26,653 --> 00:06:28,486 He was a very involved dad. 106 00:06:28,555 --> 00:06:30,188 - [narrator] after a troubled marriage, 107 00:06:30,257 --> 00:06:34,392 Chris sr. And his wife divorce when the boys are 12 and 14, 108 00:06:34,461 --> 00:06:38,797 Leaving chris sr. Open to follow his entrepreneurial dream. 109 00:06:38,865 --> 00:06:41,933 - My brother didn't go to school to get a degree. 110 00:06:42,002 --> 00:06:43,535 He was doing construction. 111 00:06:43,603 --> 00:06:46,604 When chris jr. Was born, we grew up pretty poor, 112 00:06:46,673 --> 00:06:48,472 And so I think he was pretty motivated 113 00:06:48,474 --> 00:06:51,042 To kinda create a better life for himself. 114 00:06:51,111 --> 00:06:54,012 He would come up with these sort of get rich quick schemes, 115 00:06:54,080 --> 00:06:56,014 Selling vitamins, and then he got 116 00:06:56,082 --> 00:06:57,982 Into the motocross industry. 117 00:06:57,984 --> 00:07:01,052 - His interest was always about these adrenaline sports. 118 00:07:01,121 --> 00:07:03,588 (years clicking) 119 00:07:03,590 --> 00:07:05,490 - [narrator] in September, 2008, 120 00:07:05,559 --> 00:07:07,025 While watching his sons compete 121 00:07:07,093 --> 00:07:09,394 In a local skimboarding competition, 122 00:07:09,463 --> 00:07:11,730 Chris northam sr. Is inspired 123 00:07:11,798 --> 00:07:16,167 And creates the concept behind his business skim x. 124 00:07:16,236 --> 00:07:19,637 - It was going to be an indoor water park 125 00:07:19,706 --> 00:07:22,908 Where there would be skateboard like ramps. 126 00:07:22,976 --> 00:07:25,710 Water would be forced along the ramps 127 00:07:25,779 --> 00:07:29,047 And the people would be doing skimboarding 128 00:07:29,115 --> 00:07:31,049 In a skateboard park, essentially. 129 00:07:32,519 --> 00:07:34,019 - [narrator] chris sr. And his then 20-year-old son, 130 00:07:34,087 --> 00:07:37,589 Chris jr., set out to turn their backyard idea 131 00:07:37,657 --> 00:07:40,258 Into an international sensation. 132 00:07:40,327 --> 00:07:43,594 - Oh my god, that's so sick. 133 00:07:43,596 --> 00:07:46,031 - They wanted to establish themselves 134 00:07:46,099 --> 00:07:51,470 As these successful entrepreneurs in this new sport. 135 00:07:52,939 --> 00:07:55,774 - Chris jr., he didn't really have any in-depth schooling, 136 00:07:55,842 --> 00:07:58,677 But he sort of learned from his father. 137 00:08:00,580 --> 00:08:03,181 - Chris sr., he was able to sell a lot of people 138 00:08:03,250 --> 00:08:05,484 On the idea of this business. 139 00:08:05,552 --> 00:08:07,619 It was a new idea, but he got money from family 140 00:08:07,687 --> 00:08:10,087 And friends and acquaintances. 141 00:08:10,157 --> 00:08:11,990 - They had been working on it, I think three, 142 00:08:12,058 --> 00:08:14,058 Four years maybe, and they put some time into it. 143 00:08:14,060 --> 00:08:15,593 They really did. 144 00:08:15,662 --> 00:08:16,628 They talked about skim x and he would kind of come alive 145 00:08:16,696 --> 00:08:18,530 About his plans. 146 00:08:19,433 --> 00:08:20,565 And so, when chris was killed, 147 00:08:20,567 --> 00:08:21,933 It was such a devastating event 148 00:08:23,169 --> 00:08:24,602 That kind of came from outta nowhere, you know? 149 00:08:24,671 --> 00:08:28,507 It's just super, super, it was just brutal. 150 00:08:31,678 --> 00:08:36,848 (suspenseful music) (years clicking) 151 00:08:40,287 --> 00:08:42,854 - [narrator] while police continue working the crime scene, 152 00:08:42,923 --> 00:08:45,023 Chris jr. And averill are brought 153 00:08:45,091 --> 00:08:48,360 Into the roseville police station for questioning. 154 00:08:48,428 --> 00:08:49,961 - The initial 911 call 155 00:08:50,030 --> 00:08:53,798 And how that all unfolded was very perplexing. 156 00:08:53,867 --> 00:08:56,500 And so, we first talked to averill. 157 00:08:56,502 --> 00:08:58,202 - Averill reported that on that day, 158 00:08:58,271 --> 00:09:00,906 Chris was stuck at work with his dad. 159 00:09:02,175 --> 00:09:06,210 - Averill told us how dedicated chris jr. Was 160 00:09:06,212 --> 00:09:10,649 To the business and how loyal he was to his father. 161 00:09:12,018 --> 00:09:13,885 - [narrator] averill explains that chris jr. Called her 162 00:09:13,954 --> 00:09:17,055 In a panic at 3:15 that afternoon. 163 00:09:29,035 --> 00:09:32,770 - Chris jr. Had told her that he had heard gunshots 164 00:09:32,839 --> 00:09:35,173 And that there was possibly a break in. 165 00:09:36,476 --> 00:09:37,775 - [narrator] after getting averill's statement, 166 00:09:37,844 --> 00:09:39,744 Police interview chris jr., 167 00:09:39,746 --> 00:09:43,114 Hoping he has crucial information about his father's murder. 168 00:09:44,584 --> 00:09:49,054 - Chris jr. Told detectives that on the morning of that day, 169 00:09:50,390 --> 00:09:53,291 He and his dad were together taking a conference call 170 00:09:53,359 --> 00:09:56,360 With an investor from south africa. 171 00:09:56,429 --> 00:09:59,898 The south african investor invested quite a bit of money 172 00:09:59,966 --> 00:10:03,768 In the skim x business, they said that they were concerned 173 00:10:03,836 --> 00:10:06,370 About how it was being spent. 174 00:10:06,440 --> 00:10:10,008 - Chris sr., he had entrusted chris jr. With this position 175 00:10:10,076 --> 00:10:13,344 Of basically being like the business manager. 176 00:10:13,413 --> 00:10:14,912 - [narrator] according to chris jr., 177 00:10:14,981 --> 00:10:16,681 Sometime after 2:00 pm, 178 00:10:16,749 --> 00:10:19,083 His father drove to the warehouse located 179 00:10:19,085 --> 00:10:21,886 On the opposite side of the industrial park. 180 00:10:21,955 --> 00:10:25,589 - Around 3:00 pm, chris jr. Left at the office. 181 00:10:25,591 --> 00:10:27,291 That's when chris sr. Called 182 00:10:27,293 --> 00:10:31,630 And said there had been a break-in at the warehouse. 183 00:10:38,504 --> 00:10:39,771 - Chris said he pulled around 184 00:10:39,839 --> 00:10:42,206 And parked at the north entrance to the building 185 00:10:42,275 --> 00:10:44,108 While his dad was at the front entrance 186 00:10:44,110 --> 00:10:47,012 On the east side of the building. 187 00:10:51,017 --> 00:10:54,486 - He was too scared to stay near the building, 188 00:10:54,554 --> 00:10:56,788 And so he drove away in a panic 189 00:10:56,856 --> 00:10:58,790 And his first thing that he decided to do 190 00:10:58,858 --> 00:11:00,825 Was to call averill. 191 00:11:05,965 --> 00:11:08,866 - Most people, the natural inclination 192 00:11:08,935 --> 00:11:11,002 Is to you yourself call 911, 193 00:11:11,071 --> 00:11:13,004 But in that circumstance, 194 00:11:13,072 --> 00:11:15,873 Averill was almost operating like a buffer or a go-between, 195 00:11:15,942 --> 00:11:18,109 And that was extremely unusual. 196 00:11:19,245 --> 00:11:21,879 - Chris jr. Possibly was a suspect. 197 00:11:21,948 --> 00:11:23,414 - [narrator] investigators are suspicious 198 00:11:23,483 --> 00:11:26,284 Of chris jr.'s story, but he tells police 199 00:11:26,352 --> 00:11:28,486 That it wasn't just investors. 200 00:11:28,554 --> 00:11:30,154 Employees were also frustrated 201 00:11:30,223 --> 00:11:33,692 With his father's business practises. 202 00:11:47,974 --> 00:11:50,474 - We could tell there's this money 203 00:11:50,543 --> 00:11:53,511 That was just getting syphoned out of these accounts. 204 00:11:53,580 --> 00:11:56,313 - He suspected that chris sr. Made him scamming him. 205 00:11:56,383 --> 00:12:00,819 - Chris sr. Felt like he could be threatened at any time. 206 00:12:00,821 --> 00:12:03,855 - It was possible that this simmering feud 207 00:12:03,923 --> 00:12:05,724 Had reached a boiling point. 208 00:12:10,196 --> 00:12:12,730 - [narrator] the night of chris northam sr.'s murder, 209 00:12:12,799 --> 00:12:15,867 Investigators interview his son, chris jr., 210 00:12:15,935 --> 00:12:18,369 Who has a possible lead on a suspect. 211 00:12:18,438 --> 00:12:21,705 - Chris j.R reported that there was problems 212 00:12:21,707 --> 00:12:25,343 At the business, that his dad received death threats 213 00:12:25,411 --> 00:12:29,781 From someone that used to work at the business. 214 00:12:38,925 --> 00:12:41,926 - Chris sr. Had hired ron conn to help build 215 00:12:41,994 --> 00:12:43,627 This skim x business 216 00:12:43,697 --> 00:12:47,031 And actually construct the ramps and make it safe and doable 217 00:12:47,100 --> 00:12:50,368 And the two butted heads over the course of several months 218 00:12:50,436 --> 00:12:53,338 About each other's competence and qualifications. 219 00:12:54,340 --> 00:12:55,639 - Chris jr. Says 220 00:12:55,709 --> 00:12:58,176 That ron had left the business two months prior 221 00:12:58,244 --> 00:13:03,381 To the murder and left work with chris sr. Very upset. 222 00:13:04,817 --> 00:13:06,717 - On his last day of work in March, ron conn threatened 223 00:13:06,719 --> 00:13:09,687 To kill chris sr. In front of other employees. 224 00:13:10,823 --> 00:13:12,423 - Chris jr. Indicated that ron conn 225 00:13:12,492 --> 00:13:15,360 Was a very likely suspect for this murder. 226 00:13:16,696 --> 00:13:19,363 - We had several working theories of potential suspects. 227 00:13:19,432 --> 00:13:23,935 We had an ex disgruntled employee, possibly upset investors, 228 00:13:24,003 --> 00:13:26,804 And we still have to eliminate chris jr. 229 00:13:26,872 --> 00:13:28,506 Potentially being involved. 230 00:13:28,575 --> 00:13:32,710 - There was a lack of strong physical evidence at the scene, 231 00:13:32,778 --> 00:13:36,147 So the cell phone data for both chris jr. 232 00:13:36,215 --> 00:13:41,085 And chris sr. Was immediately important to the detectives. 233 00:13:41,154 --> 00:13:43,087 - [narrator] investigators submit paperwork 234 00:13:43,089 --> 00:13:45,156 To obtain the cell phone records. 235 00:13:45,224 --> 00:13:47,058 They also request a list of phone numbers 236 00:13:47,126 --> 00:13:49,827 That pinged the cell tower near skim x 237 00:13:49,896 --> 00:13:51,695 At the time of the murder. 238 00:13:51,697 --> 00:13:53,864 - Getting those cell phone records, super critical 239 00:13:53,866 --> 00:13:56,901 Just to basically kind of identify who was in the area 240 00:13:56,969 --> 00:13:59,703 And then just kind of start checking the boxes 241 00:13:59,705 --> 00:14:01,105 When it came down to alibis. 242 00:14:02,575 --> 00:14:04,508 - [narrator] as news of chris sr.'s death spreads, 243 00:14:04,577 --> 00:14:08,379 Loved ones begin gathering at roseville police station. 244 00:14:08,381 --> 00:14:12,350 From them, police learn a vital piece of information. 245 00:14:13,820 --> 00:14:16,220 - They found out that chris northam sr. 246 00:14:16,222 --> 00:14:20,024 Often kept an ar-15 rifle behind his desk 247 00:14:20,092 --> 00:14:24,128 At the skim x business. (suspenseful music) 248 00:14:24,197 --> 00:14:27,265 - He felt like he could be threatened at any time 249 00:14:27,333 --> 00:14:30,268 And it was perennially in his possession. 250 00:14:31,737 --> 00:14:33,404 - [narrator] on the evening of chis sr.'s murder, 251 00:14:33,473 --> 00:14:37,408 Detectives obtained search warrants for the skim x office 252 00:14:37,477 --> 00:14:39,277 And his residence. 253 00:14:39,345 --> 00:14:41,279 - We went through the office 254 00:14:41,347 --> 00:14:45,116 But there was no firearm that was found at the business. 255 00:14:46,619 --> 00:14:49,287 - However, in the course of executing a search warrant 256 00:14:49,355 --> 00:14:54,358 At chris sr.'s house, detectives locate an empty gun case 257 00:14:54,360 --> 00:14:56,794 In his master bedroom area. 258 00:14:58,398 --> 00:15:02,500 That was for a ar-15 styled rifle. 259 00:15:02,568 --> 00:15:05,970 The gun was conspicuously absent during the search. 260 00:15:07,006 --> 00:15:08,539 - [narrator] the next morning, 261 00:15:08,608 --> 00:15:10,941 The medical examiner performs the autopsy 262 00:15:10,943 --> 00:15:13,111 On chris northam sr. 263 00:15:13,113 --> 00:15:15,446 - The medical examiner confirms that chris sr. 264 00:15:15,515 --> 00:15:18,616 Was shot twice and that he was shot at a distance 265 00:15:18,684 --> 00:15:20,051 And not at close range. 266 00:15:20,119 --> 00:15:22,020 He may not even have known what hit him. 267 00:15:22,088 --> 00:15:27,325 - The pathologist found numerous small shrapnel. 268 00:15:28,360 --> 00:15:30,027 - They were able to confirm 269 00:15:30,096 --> 00:15:32,996 That those worked from a .223 round 270 00:15:32,998 --> 00:15:34,765 Or the round that you would expect to come out 271 00:15:34,834 --> 00:15:37,502 Of like an ar-15 style firearm. 272 00:15:39,672 --> 00:15:41,338 - The detectives made the connection 273 00:15:41,407 --> 00:15:43,941 That this very well could have come 274 00:15:44,009 --> 00:15:48,446 From chris sr.'s missing ar-15 styled rifle. 275 00:15:48,514 --> 00:15:51,749 - That told us we're looking for somebody who has knowledge 276 00:15:51,817 --> 00:15:53,985 That chris sr. Has a rifle. 277 00:15:55,455 --> 00:15:58,089 - [narrator] with the initial searches and autopsy complete, 278 00:15:58,157 --> 00:16:01,024 Investigators look into ron conn, 279 00:16:01,026 --> 00:16:03,227 The former skim x employee 280 00:16:03,229 --> 00:16:06,364 Who chris jr. Claims threatened his father. 281 00:16:06,432 --> 00:16:09,366 - This isn't just chris jr. Saying it. 282 00:16:09,435 --> 00:16:11,469 Other employees were aware of this threat. 283 00:16:11,537 --> 00:16:15,506 We learned ron had major issues with chris sr. 284 00:16:18,444 --> 00:16:20,311 Ron conn, he was the one that was responsible 285 00:16:20,379 --> 00:16:24,081 For building this park two months before the homicide. 286 00:16:24,150 --> 00:16:25,649 Chris sr. Was very upset with ron 287 00:16:25,718 --> 00:16:28,386 For basically walking away from the project 288 00:16:28,454 --> 00:16:31,222 And they had words that were exchanged. 289 00:16:32,458 --> 00:16:35,192 - Chris sr. Was threatening to go after ron, 290 00:16:35,261 --> 00:16:38,162 After his contractor's licence. 291 00:16:39,465 --> 00:16:41,365 - Ron conn then threatened him in return. 292 00:16:41,367 --> 00:16:44,602 (suspenseful music) it was akin to a death threat, 293 00:16:44,670 --> 00:16:47,271 So obviously we took that very seriously. 294 00:16:47,340 --> 00:16:50,942 He had definitely earned a spot on the suspect list. 295 00:16:52,378 --> 00:16:54,979 - [narrator] detectives bring in ron conn for questioning 296 00:16:55,048 --> 00:16:57,281 To find out if his feud with chris sr. 297 00:16:57,350 --> 00:16:59,617 Could have resulted in murder. 298 00:16:59,685 --> 00:17:01,952 - When questioned, ron conn admitted 299 00:17:01,954 --> 00:17:05,156 That he and chris sr. Had a very strained relationship 300 00:17:05,224 --> 00:17:06,924 And when he quit two months earlier, 301 00:17:06,993 --> 00:17:08,626 It had gotten pretty heated 302 00:17:08,694 --> 00:17:12,262 And that at that moment he threatened to kill chris sr. 303 00:17:12,264 --> 00:17:13,997 Ron claimed that he had nothing to do 304 00:17:13,999 --> 00:17:15,366 With chris sr.'s murder. 305 00:17:15,434 --> 00:17:19,003 - Ron claims that he was at a family event 306 00:17:19,071 --> 00:17:20,971 At the time of the murder. 307 00:17:21,040 --> 00:17:24,575 They spoke to family members who reported that he was 308 00:17:24,577 --> 00:17:28,346 With them at the time when chris sr. Was killed. 309 00:17:28,414 --> 00:17:30,314 - He had a a strong alibi 310 00:17:30,383 --> 00:17:34,118 And we were able to eliminate him as a potential suspect. 311 00:17:37,857 --> 00:17:40,691 (suspenseful music) - I did feel extremely nervous 312 00:17:40,760 --> 00:17:44,462 That I was considered a suspect in this, 313 00:17:44,530 --> 00:17:48,799 But I completely understood why I was being questioned. 314 00:17:48,868 --> 00:17:53,171 I did have a tumultuous relationship with chris sr. 315 00:17:54,273 --> 00:17:55,807 - [narrator] ron, wanting to be helpful, 316 00:17:55,875 --> 00:17:59,677 Provides valuable information to the investigators. 317 00:17:59,745 --> 00:18:01,545 - I had mentioned to him that the business 318 00:18:01,614 --> 00:18:05,048 Was not going as planned and the relationship 319 00:18:05,050 --> 00:18:07,351 Between chris sr. And chris jr. 320 00:18:07,420 --> 00:18:09,620 Was not as loving as it seemed. 321 00:18:09,689 --> 00:18:12,990 (suspenseful music) 322 00:18:16,729 --> 00:18:20,164 - [narrator] investigators continue speaking with ron conn, 323 00:18:20,233 --> 00:18:23,200 A former employee of skim x who threatened 324 00:18:23,202 --> 00:18:24,868 To kill chris northam sr. 325 00:18:24,937 --> 00:18:27,204 A few months before his murder. 326 00:18:27,206 --> 00:18:29,640 Ron conn is cleared as a suspect, 327 00:18:29,709 --> 00:18:32,510 But he has new insights for detectives. 328 00:18:32,578 --> 00:18:34,378 - When I spoke to the investigators, 329 00:18:34,447 --> 00:18:39,550 I told them I got involved with skim x mid to end of 2010. 330 00:18:41,153 --> 00:18:42,686 There were a bunch of us that were brought in 331 00:18:42,755 --> 00:18:48,092 Around the same time to get this business underway. 332 00:18:49,595 --> 00:18:52,930 None of us were making a lot of money on this project. 333 00:18:52,998 --> 00:18:56,733 We all bought into it that this could be pretty cool, 334 00:18:56,803 --> 00:19:00,804 But it was not as exciting 335 00:19:00,873 --> 00:19:05,610 To everyone else as it was to chris sr. And chris jr. 336 00:19:05,678 --> 00:19:07,678 They both had these big dreams 337 00:19:07,747 --> 00:19:12,250 Of becoming multi-millionaires off of this idea. 338 00:19:12,318 --> 00:19:14,318 - [narrator] ron tells investigators the project 339 00:19:14,387 --> 00:19:17,555 Seemed interesting at first, but he and chris sr. 340 00:19:17,623 --> 00:19:19,123 Were soon at odds. 341 00:19:20,225 --> 00:19:22,426 - When I got involved with skim x, 342 00:19:22,428 --> 00:19:27,598 The plan was to open July 4th, 2011. 343 00:19:28,734 --> 00:19:31,735 We spent the first six months that I was there 344 00:19:31,804 --> 00:19:36,107 Sitting in the office coming up with plans. 345 00:19:36,175 --> 00:19:39,076 Chris sr. Wouldn't listen to anyone else 346 00:19:39,145 --> 00:19:42,113 Who told him how things needed to be done. 347 00:19:42,181 --> 00:19:44,181 It was blatantly obvious 348 00:19:44,249 --> 00:19:48,152 That he had no idea what he was doing. 349 00:19:48,220 --> 00:19:49,820 - Ron didn't have any faith 350 00:19:49,889 --> 00:19:53,224 In the fact that this was ever gonna be a viable. 351 00:19:53,292 --> 00:19:54,992 - Christopher sr. Was a salesman 352 00:19:55,060 --> 00:19:56,994 And he was able to raise money, 353 00:19:57,062 --> 00:20:00,764 But he basically had run through a lot, 354 00:20:00,766 --> 00:20:04,234 If not most of the investment money. 355 00:20:04,304 --> 00:20:08,539 Then nothing had been purchased as far as materials 356 00:20:08,608 --> 00:20:10,508 To build out the ramps. 357 00:20:11,777 --> 00:20:14,345 - Chris sr. Was very capable 358 00:20:14,413 --> 00:20:17,281 Of exciting people about his ideas, 359 00:20:17,350 --> 00:20:20,217 But was constantly changing deadlines, 360 00:20:20,286 --> 00:20:23,887 Moving the goalpost somewhere else in the future. 361 00:20:23,889 --> 00:20:27,658 - It became a very toxic place to be. 362 00:20:27,727 --> 00:20:30,127 He would try to tell us that he was going 363 00:20:30,195 --> 00:20:33,564 To pay us whatever he thought we were worth that day. 364 00:20:34,834 --> 00:20:37,134 We explained to him that that's illegal. 365 00:20:38,604 --> 00:20:40,771 - I was aware that there were some unhappy employees. 366 00:20:40,840 --> 00:20:43,107 My brother had a temper and could be a hothead 367 00:20:43,175 --> 00:20:45,376 And he was kind of explosive. 368 00:20:46,879 --> 00:20:51,114 - He bullied people through words and through threats, 369 00:20:51,184 --> 00:20:53,718 But he treated chris jr. The worst. 370 00:20:55,187 --> 00:20:56,653 - We learned he 371 00:20:56,722 --> 00:20:58,622 Would sometimes tear chris jr. Down in public 372 00:20:58,691 --> 00:21:00,724 In front of people if he thought chris jr. 373 00:21:00,793 --> 00:21:03,660 Wasn't performing well or had made a mistake. 374 00:21:03,662 --> 00:21:09,066 - Most of it was verbal abuse, a lot of degrading him. 375 00:21:10,536 --> 00:21:12,970 He would make chris jr. Write letters in front of everyone 376 00:21:13,038 --> 00:21:16,607 Like you were back in school and you did something wrong, 377 00:21:16,609 --> 00:21:19,877 Letters begging to stay at the company 378 00:21:19,945 --> 00:21:23,614 And please don't fire me and I will do better. 379 00:21:23,683 --> 00:21:25,682 - My brother always had some anger on him. 380 00:21:25,751 --> 00:21:28,685 And so, I think that he was incredibly hard on jr. 381 00:21:28,754 --> 00:21:31,121 And it's tough to have gone through that. 382 00:21:31,190 --> 00:21:34,458 - Chris jr. Would never stand up to him. 383 00:21:34,527 --> 00:21:39,697 He always just took it and then internalised it. 384 00:21:40,966 --> 00:21:42,165 You could tell by his body language 385 00:21:42,235 --> 00:21:43,634 That it was affecting him, 386 00:21:43,703 --> 00:21:46,470 But he would not stand up for himself. 387 00:21:47,673 --> 00:21:49,907 - Chris jr. Struck me as a young man 388 00:21:49,975 --> 00:21:52,710 That wanted to please his dad at all costs. 389 00:21:52,778 --> 00:21:57,281 Whatever his dad said to do, he did. 390 00:21:57,349 --> 00:21:59,016 - It was a one-sided view 391 00:21:59,084 --> 00:22:03,721 Where chris sr. Would just belittle his son relentlessly. 392 00:22:04,824 --> 00:22:06,757 - [narrator] under this new light, 393 00:22:06,826 --> 00:22:09,860 Chris jr. Becomes even more suspicious to investigators, 394 00:22:09,929 --> 00:22:12,863 But they decide to eliminate other potential leads 395 00:22:12,932 --> 00:22:15,800 Before setting their sights on the victim's son. 396 00:22:16,902 --> 00:22:19,002 - Chris jr. Reported in the interview 397 00:22:19,071 --> 00:22:20,770 That there were some investors 398 00:22:20,772 --> 00:22:23,006 That were concerned about the business. 399 00:22:23,075 --> 00:22:26,243 Specifically, there was a investor in south africa 400 00:22:26,311 --> 00:22:31,649 Who had provided a significant amount of money to chris sr. 401 00:22:32,551 --> 00:22:34,618 For the skim x business. 402 00:22:34,620 --> 00:22:38,455 - It was between 500 and $600,000. 403 00:22:38,524 --> 00:22:41,625 - Chris jr. Told us chris sr. Was being pressed 404 00:22:41,627 --> 00:22:44,761 By his investors to show the books 405 00:22:44,763 --> 00:22:48,031 And somebody who has invested all this money in the business 406 00:22:48,033 --> 00:22:49,767 And maybe you're never gonna get their money back, 407 00:22:49,835 --> 00:22:52,269 That might be a motive to confront 408 00:22:52,337 --> 00:22:54,538 And ultimately kill somebody. 409 00:22:56,075 --> 00:22:57,908 - [narrator] police contact the investor in south africa 410 00:22:57,977 --> 00:23:01,912 To question him about skim x and chris northam sr. 411 00:23:01,981 --> 00:23:03,881 - The investor expressed some unhappiness 412 00:23:03,949 --> 00:23:07,551 With the pace of the construction at the business. 413 00:23:07,620 --> 00:23:09,786 They told detectives there was a call 414 00:23:09,855 --> 00:23:12,823 That morning of the murder about that topic. 415 00:23:12,892 --> 00:23:16,494 - We were told that the conversation was heated 416 00:23:16,562 --> 00:23:19,997 And went along the lines of, where's my money? 417 00:23:20,065 --> 00:23:21,732 Show me where my money went. 418 00:23:23,268 --> 00:23:25,068 - He suspected that chris sr. May have been scamming him, 419 00:23:25,070 --> 00:23:27,304 So he was putting immense pressure on chris 420 00:23:27,372 --> 00:23:29,540 To prove it wasn't one big con job. 421 00:23:30,810 --> 00:23:33,944 - As they dug deep into whether this investor 422 00:23:34,013 --> 00:23:36,747 Could have anything to do with the murder, 423 00:23:36,816 --> 00:23:40,584 They quickly learned that there was no possibility 424 00:23:40,652 --> 00:23:43,554 That the south african investor could have done it. 425 00:23:43,622 --> 00:23:46,357 - The fbi confirmed that they were not in the united states 426 00:23:46,425 --> 00:23:47,191 At that time. 427 00:23:48,661 --> 00:23:50,361 - If chris sr. Couldn't do a proper accounting 428 00:23:50,429 --> 00:23:52,396 Of his business, the police were gonna dig in 429 00:23:52,464 --> 00:23:54,130 And see if they could. 430 00:23:54,200 --> 00:23:57,300 They were trying to find out was it just bad management 431 00:23:57,370 --> 00:23:58,903 Or something more nefarious? 432 00:24:00,305 --> 00:24:02,439 - [narrator] detectives interview skim x employees 433 00:24:02,508 --> 00:24:04,841 About the business financials. 434 00:24:04,910 --> 00:24:07,478 - The office staff at skim x said 435 00:24:07,546 --> 00:24:09,012 That chris sr. Had told them 436 00:24:09,081 --> 00:24:12,182 That there was roughly half million dollars 437 00:24:12,251 --> 00:24:16,287 In skim x accounts at around the time of the murder. 438 00:24:17,890 --> 00:24:19,990 - Just prior to the murder, a bookkeeper 439 00:24:20,059 --> 00:24:21,992 Was concerned that there were discrepancies 440 00:24:22,061 --> 00:24:25,996 Between the quickbooks accounting and the bank accounts. 441 00:24:26,065 --> 00:24:28,198 - She had told chris sr. 442 00:24:28,267 --> 00:24:31,602 That in fact there may be much less money in this business. 443 00:24:32,704 --> 00:24:33,904 - Skim x and multiple accounts. 444 00:24:33,973 --> 00:24:37,074 And so, there were some business practises 445 00:24:37,142 --> 00:24:38,742 That weren't very sound 446 00:24:38,744 --> 00:24:41,244 In terms of keeping accurate financial records. 447 00:24:41,313 --> 00:24:42,980 - There was a quickbooks account 448 00:24:43,048 --> 00:24:45,282 That showed there might have been half a million dollars, 449 00:24:45,350 --> 00:24:48,185 But bank statements were needed to confirm the actual amount 450 00:24:48,253 --> 00:24:50,287 Of money in those bank accounts. 451 00:24:51,523 --> 00:24:54,091 - In reviewing the bank records, it was evident 452 00:24:54,093 --> 00:24:58,862 That chris sr. Had obtained a lot of money from investors, 453 00:24:58,864 --> 00:25:04,001 But we discovered that there was only roughly $44,000 left. 454 00:25:05,470 --> 00:25:07,471 - That's a major discrepancy from half a million dollars. 455 00:25:08,674 --> 00:25:11,308 - We could tell there's this money 456 00:25:11,376 --> 00:25:14,344 That was just getting syphoned out of these accounts 457 00:25:14,346 --> 00:25:15,913 On a continuous basis. 458 00:25:17,016 --> 00:25:20,217 - At that time, we were not able to establish 459 00:25:20,285 --> 00:25:21,986 Where all the money went. 460 00:25:23,122 --> 00:25:25,589 - This was potentially major corporate fraud, 461 00:25:25,658 --> 00:25:28,325 A serious crime with potential jail time. 462 00:25:29,661 --> 00:25:31,528 The fbi was important to the case 463 00:25:31,597 --> 00:25:33,330 To do a forensic accounting 464 00:25:33,398 --> 00:25:35,833 And to determine who was embezzling the money. 465 00:25:36,969 --> 00:25:38,668 - There was a very finite list of people 466 00:25:38,670 --> 00:25:40,070 That had access to those accounts. 467 00:25:40,139 --> 00:25:43,106 You had chris sr. And then you had chris jr. 468 00:25:43,175 --> 00:25:49,012 (suspenseful music) 469 00:25:49,014 --> 00:25:50,880 - [narrator] as the fbi attempts to uncover 470 00:25:50,950 --> 00:25:54,351 Who was embezzling money from skim x, roseville police 471 00:25:54,419 --> 00:25:58,621 Continue investigating the murder of chris northam sr. 472 00:25:58,623 --> 00:26:00,791 - We were exploring the potential 473 00:26:00,859 --> 00:26:02,993 That chris jr. Killed his own father. 474 00:26:03,862 --> 00:26:06,163 We knew that his relationship 475 00:26:06,231 --> 00:26:08,699 With his father was extremely strained. 476 00:26:10,102 --> 00:26:12,903 - Also, chris jr. Might be stealing money from the business 477 00:26:12,972 --> 00:26:18,008 And if chris sr. Thought that his son was taking this money 478 00:26:18,077 --> 00:26:21,444 And using it for his personal gain, he would be upset 479 00:26:21,514 --> 00:26:25,148 And remove chris jr. From this business. 480 00:26:25,217 --> 00:26:27,351 That could create a motive. 481 00:26:28,521 --> 00:26:29,586 - It's one thing to have that as a theory, 482 00:26:29,655 --> 00:26:31,055 But now can you prove it? 483 00:26:32,491 --> 00:26:35,559 - The police did execute a search warrant on the home 484 00:26:35,627 --> 00:26:38,061 Of averill and chris jr. 485 00:26:38,130 --> 00:26:41,665 - Detectives were looking for financial records 486 00:26:41,734 --> 00:26:43,901 That related to the business, 487 00:26:43,969 --> 00:26:46,569 Items such as the gun, ammunition, 488 00:26:46,639 --> 00:26:50,407 Anything related to chris sr.'s death. 489 00:26:51,810 --> 00:26:54,077 - It was a new suburb type of cookie cutter house. 490 00:26:54,146 --> 00:26:56,813 They didn't seem to own anything extravagant, 491 00:26:56,882 --> 00:27:00,384 Nothing of evidentiary value was discovered. 492 00:27:01,587 --> 00:27:02,853 - It seemed like the case stalled. 493 00:27:02,921 --> 00:27:04,221 They were still working on stuff, 494 00:27:04,289 --> 00:27:05,822 Waiting on cell phone records, 495 00:27:05,891 --> 00:27:07,290 Doing analysis on financial records. 496 00:27:07,292 --> 00:27:08,691 That stuff takes time, 497 00:27:08,693 --> 00:27:11,061 But it just seemed like there was a lull. 498 00:27:13,165 --> 00:27:16,133 - [narrator] while looking into chris sr.'s personal finances, 499 00:27:16,201 --> 00:27:18,936 Investigators learned he had a life insurance policy 500 00:27:19,004 --> 00:27:22,439 And will with peculiar circumstances. 501 00:27:23,576 --> 00:27:25,308 - About a year before the killing, 502 00:27:25,310 --> 00:27:29,747 Chris sr. Had taken out a life insurance policy on himself. 503 00:27:30,716 --> 00:27:32,115 It was a $3 million policy 504 00:27:32,184 --> 00:27:35,218 And it left $1 million to the business, 505 00:27:35,220 --> 00:27:37,254 $1 million to chris jr. 506 00:27:37,322 --> 00:27:42,192 And $1 million to chris jr.'s brother, codi. 507 00:27:42,261 --> 00:27:45,195 There was also a hand-drawn will 508 00:27:45,264 --> 00:27:50,134 Which left skim x, the business and assets 509 00:27:50,202 --> 00:27:53,971 To a female friend of chris sr. 510 00:27:55,775 --> 00:27:59,576 That's important because if the female friend 511 00:27:59,645 --> 00:28:02,145 Was aware of this will, 512 00:28:02,214 --> 00:28:04,581 That could create the motive for murder. 513 00:28:05,651 --> 00:28:08,018 We also learned that she was married 514 00:28:08,086 --> 00:28:11,654 And that she did have a personal relationship 515 00:28:11,724 --> 00:28:14,058 Of some sort with chris sr. 516 00:28:15,227 --> 00:28:16,427 - [narrator] while police begin digging 517 00:28:16,495 --> 00:28:18,094 Into chris sr.'s girlfriend, 518 00:28:18,163 --> 00:28:19,897 They received the cell phone records 519 00:28:19,899 --> 00:28:22,899 From the tower near skim x. 520 00:28:22,968 --> 00:28:24,935 - When they compared her phone number to the numbers 521 00:28:25,003 --> 00:28:28,205 That pinged from the cell phone tower near skim x, 522 00:28:28,273 --> 00:28:29,139 They got a hit. 523 00:28:30,375 --> 00:28:34,611 - She was near the warehouse at the time of the murder. 524 00:28:35,414 --> 00:28:36,846 - A piece of hard data 525 00:28:36,848 --> 00:28:38,882 That places her near the scene at the time 526 00:28:38,884 --> 00:28:40,583 Of the crime was a big deal. 527 00:28:40,653 --> 00:28:42,953 That was a big potential lead. 528 00:28:43,021 --> 00:28:45,122 - There's an old saying, follow the money 529 00:28:45,190 --> 00:28:48,892 Or follow the sex, one or the other. 530 00:28:48,960 --> 00:28:51,695 This case, it could beat the little bit of both. 531 00:28:53,498 --> 00:28:55,932 - [narrator] investigators bring in chris sr.'s girlfriend 532 00:28:56,001 --> 00:28:57,934 For questioning and she admits they 533 00:28:58,003 --> 00:29:00,003 Were engaged in an affair. 534 00:29:01,206 --> 00:29:02,473 - She claims that the relationship 535 00:29:02,541 --> 00:29:04,441 Started six months earlier 536 00:29:04,509 --> 00:29:07,511 And that chris sr. Was far more serious than she was. 537 00:29:08,914 --> 00:29:11,548 - She was questioned about the situation 538 00:29:11,616 --> 00:29:14,184 With a handwritten will basically 539 00:29:14,253 --> 00:29:17,621 In which chris sr. Left her the business. 540 00:29:18,991 --> 00:29:21,958 - She told us she'd injected cash into the business 541 00:29:22,027 --> 00:29:26,196 By refinancing her house and it was a promise for repayment. 542 00:29:26,265 --> 00:29:29,733 - She had said it was just done literally on a whim. 543 00:29:29,801 --> 00:29:31,902 - [narrator] when asked why she was near skim x 544 00:29:31,970 --> 00:29:33,904 At the time of chris sr.'s murder, 545 00:29:33,972 --> 00:29:36,540 She claims she was only driving by. 546 00:29:37,743 --> 00:29:40,277 - We had to chase that down to eliminate her 547 00:29:40,345 --> 00:29:45,015 As a potential suspect. - As investigators looked 548 00:29:45,017 --> 00:29:48,218 At the girlfriend's cell phone location information, 549 00:29:48,287 --> 00:29:53,290 They saw that there was a path of travel 550 00:29:53,292 --> 00:29:57,093 That began well before the murder and it kept travelling 551 00:29:57,162 --> 00:30:00,731 At almost the same speed after the murder. 552 00:30:01,600 --> 00:30:03,133 Detectives were able to conclude 553 00:30:03,201 --> 00:30:07,070 That she was travelling past the area. 554 00:30:07,072 --> 00:30:09,239 She couldn't have committed the murder. 555 00:30:10,709 --> 00:30:13,276 - It's actually encouraging to eliminate suspects 556 00:30:13,278 --> 00:30:16,246 With confidence and redirect your attention back 557 00:30:16,315 --> 00:30:17,948 To other working theories. 558 00:30:19,384 --> 00:30:21,418 - [narrator] investigators hone in on chris jr. 559 00:30:21,486 --> 00:30:23,153 The cell tower records verify 560 00:30:23,221 --> 00:30:26,689 That he was near the crime scene at the time of the murder. 561 00:30:26,759 --> 00:30:28,658 - That really didn't explain whether 562 00:30:28,727 --> 00:30:33,163 Or not he was the killer as opposed to what he contended 563 00:30:33,231 --> 00:30:35,198 That he was outside the warehouse 564 00:30:35,267 --> 00:30:38,768 When his father was killed by someone else. 565 00:30:38,837 --> 00:30:40,437 - [narrator] however, when police look 566 00:30:40,505 --> 00:30:44,240 At chris jr.'s call history and compare it to the timeline, 567 00:30:44,309 --> 00:30:46,944 They discover a glaring discrepancy. 568 00:30:48,247 --> 00:30:50,713 - Chris jr. Told investigators in his initial interview 569 00:30:50,783 --> 00:30:52,182 That he spoke to his father 570 00:30:52,250 --> 00:30:54,251 On the phone just before there were gunshots. 571 00:30:56,555 --> 00:30:59,356 And then he immediately called his fiance averill, 572 00:30:59,424 --> 00:31:02,125 Who then called 911 at 3:18 pm. 573 00:31:03,328 --> 00:31:05,195 However, according to the cell phone data, 574 00:31:05,263 --> 00:31:08,098 Chris jr. Was on the phone with his father at 2:40 575 00:31:08,166 --> 00:31:10,968 And did not call averill until 3:15. 576 00:31:12,471 --> 00:31:14,271 - The cell phone evidence would seem to indicate 577 00:31:14,339 --> 00:31:19,343 That there was this unaccounted for time, about 30 minutes. 578 00:31:20,679 --> 00:31:23,246 - Enough time to have easily cleaned up the scene 579 00:31:23,314 --> 00:31:25,249 And gotten rid of the murder weapon. 580 00:31:26,751 --> 00:31:31,255 - That's a very large red flag that you don't ignore. 581 00:31:37,062 --> 00:31:38,561 - [narrator] after learning that chris jr. 582 00:31:38,630 --> 00:31:41,664 May have waited 30 minutes to call for help, 583 00:31:41,734 --> 00:31:44,367 Investigators return to the 911 call, 584 00:31:44,436 --> 00:31:47,904 Listening for anything that seems out of place. 585 00:31:47,972 --> 00:31:49,506 - During that 911 call, 586 00:31:49,574 --> 00:31:53,710 The dispatch operator asked averill whether chris sr. 587 00:31:53,778 --> 00:31:55,312 Had any weapons. 588 00:32:02,053 --> 00:32:04,587 - And it definitely piqued our interest. 589 00:32:04,589 --> 00:32:07,957 The middle of this 911 call that he was so distraught 590 00:32:07,959 --> 00:32:10,727 And so upset, that it was really important 591 00:32:10,795 --> 00:32:12,262 For him to interject 592 00:32:12,331 --> 00:32:14,965 That his dad had actually gotten rid of the gun. 593 00:32:16,435 --> 00:32:18,735 Super suspicious, added to the pile of red flags. 594 00:32:18,803 --> 00:32:20,036 The pile just kept getting bigger 595 00:32:20,105 --> 00:32:22,139 And bigger and bigger and bigger. 596 00:32:24,343 --> 00:32:25,742 - [narrator] investigators, hoping 597 00:32:25,810 --> 00:32:27,477 To catch chris jr. Off guard, 598 00:32:27,546 --> 00:32:31,348 Question him over the phone to get answers. 599 00:32:57,109 --> 00:32:59,642 - [narrator] when chris jr. Also denies embezzling money 600 00:32:59,644 --> 00:33:03,046 From the business, law enforcement turns the conversation 601 00:33:03,115 --> 00:33:06,049 To the timing of the 911 call. 602 00:33:28,607 --> 00:33:30,340 - Chris tells investigators 603 00:33:30,408 --> 00:33:32,475 That more time must have elapsed than he remembered 604 00:33:32,544 --> 00:33:36,813 Between calling his dad and hearing the shots. 605 00:33:52,430 --> 00:33:55,265 - They asked chris why he said on the 911 call 606 00:33:55,333 --> 00:33:59,002 That his dad had gotten rid of the gun. 607 00:34:14,085 --> 00:34:15,752 - The questions that we were asking, 608 00:34:15,820 --> 00:34:20,357 He didn't really necessarily have good answers for. 609 00:35:07,506 --> 00:35:09,172 - [narrator] chris jr. Stands firm 610 00:35:09,241 --> 00:35:11,774 That he was not involved in his father's murder 611 00:35:11,776 --> 00:35:15,778 But has done nothing to alleviate investigators' suspicions. 612 00:35:15,780 --> 00:35:18,448 - Chris jr. Can't explain away the inconsistencies, 613 00:35:18,516 --> 00:35:21,684 But again, that's not conclusive evidence. 614 00:35:21,753 --> 00:35:23,086 It's not a slam dunk. 615 00:35:24,223 --> 00:35:27,057 - We will believe that chris jr. Was the killer 616 00:35:27,125 --> 00:35:29,459 And as the months passed, we got closer 617 00:35:29,528 --> 00:35:32,162 To having the evidence to file charges. 618 00:35:33,398 --> 00:35:35,465 - [narrator] as the fbi continues to analyse 619 00:35:35,533 --> 00:35:39,201 The skim x financials, the roseville police department 620 00:35:39,203 --> 00:35:43,273 Receives a surprise visitor, averill easley. 621 00:35:44,409 --> 00:35:46,509 - Averill easley came back to law enforcement. 622 00:35:46,578 --> 00:35:51,114 She told police that she was afraid of chris jr. 623 00:35:52,217 --> 00:35:53,850 And they no longer had a relationship. 624 00:35:53,918 --> 00:35:56,886 She said she had remembered more about the incident. 625 00:35:56,955 --> 00:35:58,555 - She tells investigators 626 00:35:58,623 --> 00:36:03,026 That chris jr. Did not tell her that he overheard shots. 627 00:36:15,774 --> 00:36:18,641 - [narrator] in late December, 2011, seven months 628 00:36:18,643 --> 00:36:20,910 After chris northam sr.'s murder, 629 00:36:20,979 --> 00:36:23,113 Detectives speak with averill easley, 630 00:36:23,181 --> 00:36:26,215 Who shockingly says that chris jr. 631 00:36:26,285 --> 00:36:29,319 Is responsible for his father's death. 632 00:36:33,625 --> 00:36:36,926 - All a sudden, averill, she recalled 633 00:36:36,995 --> 00:36:41,498 That chris jr. Confessed that he had killed his father. 634 00:36:42,601 --> 00:36:44,935 - Averill claimed that this memory 635 00:36:45,003 --> 00:36:47,670 Was somehow suppressed in her mind, 636 00:36:47,672 --> 00:36:51,207 That she just now remembered what exactly chris 637 00:36:51,276 --> 00:36:53,476 Had said on may 30th. 638 00:36:58,883 --> 00:37:00,283 - She explained that she just 639 00:37:00,351 --> 00:37:04,654 Couldn't imagine chris jr. Shooting his dad, 640 00:37:04,723 --> 00:37:06,089 But as time went on, 641 00:37:07,592 --> 00:37:11,595 It became more clear to her that he was involved. 642 00:37:18,102 --> 00:37:19,569 - Averill, she tells the police 643 00:37:19,638 --> 00:37:23,673 That she enjoyed a certain standard of living. 644 00:37:25,109 --> 00:37:28,311 Chris jr. Was the provider in that relationship 645 00:37:28,380 --> 00:37:31,213 And the expense that they incurred were things 646 00:37:31,215 --> 00:37:33,583 That she expected him to cover. 647 00:37:38,089 --> 00:37:41,858 - We were sceptical that she just had recalled 648 00:37:41,926 --> 00:37:45,562 What exactly was said by chris on the day of the murder. 649 00:37:46,731 --> 00:37:51,234 If there was soon to be some prosecution, 650 00:37:51,302 --> 00:37:52,735 She was possibly concerned 651 00:37:52,737 --> 00:37:55,005 About what side she might fall on. 652 00:37:55,073 --> 00:37:57,940 - What averill told us was questionable, 653 00:37:58,009 --> 00:38:02,312 So we had both averill and chris jr. Under surveillance 654 00:38:02,380 --> 00:38:05,248 While we waited for the financial analysis. 655 00:38:06,718 --> 00:38:09,485 - [narrator] in January, 2012, the fbi provides the results 656 00:38:09,554 --> 00:38:13,223 Of their forensic analysis of the skim x bank accounts. 657 00:38:14,492 --> 00:38:18,027 - We were able to see that chris jr. 658 00:38:18,096 --> 00:38:21,131 Was actually taking a lot of the funds 659 00:38:22,366 --> 00:38:24,434 Right out of the corporate account. 660 00:38:24,502 --> 00:38:27,237 - [narrator] from January, 2011 until chris sr. 661 00:38:27,305 --> 00:38:28,838 Was killed in may, 662 00:38:28,907 --> 00:38:34,244 Chris jr. Had taken $160,000 from the skim x accounts. 663 00:38:34,946 --> 00:38:37,413 (suspenseful music) 664 00:38:37,482 --> 00:38:41,383 - When you look at all of the evidence, it appeared 665 00:38:41,385 --> 00:38:45,054 That there was a conflict that occurred in the afternoon 666 00:38:45,123 --> 00:38:50,493 Of may 30th and that conflict involved chris sr. Suspecting 667 00:38:51,963 --> 00:38:54,497 That chris jr. Was stealing money from the business. 668 00:38:55,967 --> 00:39:00,336 We believe that chris jr. Obtained the firearm, 669 00:39:00,405 --> 00:39:02,872 The ar-15 belonging to his father, 670 00:39:02,941 --> 00:39:07,043 And went to the warehouse where he was lying in wait. 671 00:39:08,179 --> 00:39:10,146 - He lured his father into the warehouse 672 00:39:11,249 --> 00:39:13,717 Where he was shot at a distance two times. 673 00:39:15,019 --> 00:39:19,255 - This was a circumstantial evidence case 674 00:39:19,323 --> 00:39:22,359 That was built around a strong motive. 675 00:39:23,628 --> 00:39:25,395 - But when you added up all the inconsistencies 676 00:39:25,463 --> 00:39:27,664 In chris jr.'s story, the embezzlement, 677 00:39:27,732 --> 00:39:30,233 The abusive relationship, there was enough evidence 678 00:39:30,301 --> 00:39:32,135 To charge him with murder. 679 00:39:33,538 --> 00:39:36,506 - [narrator] on February 12th, 2012, chris northam jr. 680 00:39:36,574 --> 00:39:39,241 Is arrested for the murder of his father. 681 00:39:39,311 --> 00:39:41,477 - Chris jr. Was arrested 682 00:39:41,546 --> 00:39:44,446 In the course of a routine traffic stop 683 00:39:44,448 --> 00:39:46,082 And put into custody. 684 00:39:47,552 --> 00:39:49,385 - [narrator] at the same time chris jr. Is arrested, 685 00:39:49,453 --> 00:39:53,255 Police take averill easley into custody outside her gym. 686 00:39:53,325 --> 00:39:55,125 - Averill easley was charged for her part 687 00:39:55,193 --> 00:39:57,093 As an accessory after the fact. 688 00:39:58,363 --> 00:39:59,896 - What averill was held to account for 689 00:39:59,964 --> 00:40:03,066 Was misstatements that she made to law enforcement. 690 00:40:05,069 --> 00:40:06,602 - Averill pled guilty. 691 00:40:06,671 --> 00:40:11,408 She received a two month jail sentence, which was suspended. 692 00:40:12,511 --> 00:40:14,210 - [narrator] chris jr., on the other hand, 693 00:40:14,279 --> 00:40:17,747 Continues claiming his innocence and pleads not guilty, 694 00:40:17,815 --> 00:40:21,718 Creating a new feud within the extended northam family. 695 00:40:24,523 --> 00:40:29,692 - I want this to be like some sort of an accident, and like, 696 00:40:36,535 --> 00:40:39,135 So I want him to not be the guy that did this, 697 00:40:40,572 --> 00:40:43,273 And then I found out it was much more diabolical 698 00:40:44,008 --> 00:40:45,308 And over money. 699 00:40:46,511 --> 00:40:49,512 - Shon was the only member of the northam family really 700 00:40:49,581 --> 00:40:53,549 To actually be in favour of prosecution in the case. 701 00:40:53,618 --> 00:40:57,186 Chris sr.'s parents, which is jr.'s grandparents, 702 00:40:57,255 --> 00:41:01,791 Were absolutely adamant against prosecution. 703 00:41:03,527 --> 00:41:06,563 - I think that for my mom and dad and codi, 704 00:41:07,899 --> 00:41:11,634 Their brains couldn't really accept that he did it. 705 00:41:14,038 --> 00:41:17,173 - There's a large rift between the family now 706 00:41:17,241 --> 00:41:20,543 Because of the position that shon maintains to this day, 707 00:41:20,612 --> 00:41:22,912 That chris jr. Killed his brother. 708 00:41:24,048 --> 00:41:27,383 - Over months and months through litigation 709 00:41:27,451 --> 00:41:29,619 And conferences with the family 710 00:41:29,687 --> 00:41:35,158 And the lack of strong physical evidence, a decision is made 711 00:41:36,561 --> 00:41:39,796 That the case should resolve as opposed to proceed to trial. 712 00:41:42,567 --> 00:41:45,367 - [narrator] in 2015, four years after the murder, 713 00:41:45,437 --> 00:41:48,137 Chris jr. Remains adamant of his innocence, 714 00:41:48,139 --> 00:41:52,108 But agrees to plead guilty to lesser charges. 715 00:41:52,176 --> 00:41:56,846 - Chris jr. Pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter 716 00:41:56,915 --> 00:41:59,248 And admitted using a firearm 717 00:41:59,317 --> 00:42:01,317 In the course of that manslaughter. 718 00:42:04,588 --> 00:42:09,359 The court sentenced chris jr. To 13 years in state prison. 719 00:42:11,596 --> 00:42:15,265 - I was disappointed that chris tried to use me 720 00:42:15,333 --> 00:42:20,570 As a scapegoat, but I don't feel any anger 721 00:42:21,605 --> 00:42:25,475 Or any animosity toward chris jr. 722 00:42:25,543 --> 00:42:30,647 But to kill your father is something horrific. 723 00:42:31,750 --> 00:42:33,615 How do you live a normal life 724 00:42:33,617 --> 00:42:36,618 After doing something like that? 725 00:42:36,620 --> 00:42:38,555 He has to be tormented by this. 726 00:42:39,990 --> 00:42:43,692 - When I found out they struck the deal, I was angry. 727 00:42:43,694 --> 00:42:46,596 I was so angry, I wanted him to get the death penalty. 728 00:42:47,999 --> 00:42:49,565 I think for anyone who's ever gone through a homicide, 729 00:42:49,634 --> 00:42:52,168 There's the wound that's always gonna be there. 730 00:42:52,236 --> 00:42:55,471 The pain's not as prevalent as it once was, 731 00:42:55,540 --> 00:42:56,639 But there's days where I get hit with it 732 00:42:56,707 --> 00:42:58,574 And it feels like a mack truck 733 00:42:58,643 --> 00:43:02,044 And like you just feel like you're just getting stabbed 734 00:43:02,046 --> 00:43:03,012 And it's just brutal. 735 00:43:07,451 --> 00:43:10,052 - Shon wanted to see justice for his brother, 736 00:43:10,054 --> 00:43:14,190 But other than him, the family never wavered 737 00:43:14,258 --> 00:43:16,892 In their support of chris jr. 738 00:43:16,961 --> 00:43:19,195 And so if the family of the victim, 739 00:43:19,197 --> 00:43:22,465 Who is also in this case the family of the defendant, says 740 00:43:22,533 --> 00:43:25,101 That justice was served and they're satisfied, 741 00:43:25,169 --> 00:43:29,271 Then I suppose the community needs to accept that. 742 00:43:29,273 --> 00:43:31,908 (placid music) 743 00:43:37,415 --> 00:43:40,984 (placid music continues)