1 00:00:10,543 --> 00:00:12,544 - In a wealthy southern town 2 00:00:12,613 --> 00:00:15,146 Where life revolves around one thing-- 3 00:00:15,282 --> 00:00:16,648 - In fauquier county, 4 00:00:16,716 --> 00:00:19,384 You grow up literally living and breathing polo. 5 00:00:19,386 --> 00:00:23,488 - --An intriguing relationship becomes the talk of the town. 6 00:00:23,490 --> 00:00:25,790 - They were the new power couple in polo, by far. 7 00:00:25,860 --> 00:00:29,694 - Roberto was a charismatic star polo player. 8 00:00:29,696 --> 00:00:34,766 Susan was literally a reclusive mystery. 9 00:00:34,835 --> 00:00:37,202 - Why is he with her? 10 00:00:37,204 --> 00:00:41,373 - And when a sinful scandal rocks this insular community-- 11 00:00:46,313 --> 00:00:49,448 - How could this happen in fauquier county? 12 00:00:49,516 --> 00:00:51,850 - --Investigators found themselves in a world 13 00:00:51,919 --> 00:00:54,019 Where nothing is what it seems. 14 00:00:54,154 --> 00:00:56,020 - The stories started coming out. 15 00:00:56,123 --> 00:00:57,889 - I told him to stay away from that girl. 16 00:00:57,958 --> 00:01:01,627 - You have to look further to try to find out the truth. 17 00:01:01,695 --> 00:01:04,930 - There's something else going on that we don't know about. 18 00:01:05,165 --> 00:01:08,133 [dramatic music] 19 00:01:08,269 --> 00:01:11,236 [crow caws] 20 00:01:11,371 --> 00:01:13,905 [indistinct chatter] 21 00:01:13,974 --> 00:01:17,909 - ♪ oh, child ♪ 22 00:01:17,911 --> 00:01:21,547 ♪ come home to the gallows pole ♪ 23 00:01:22,883 --> 00:01:30,189 ♪ ♪ 24 00:01:32,392 --> 00:01:34,159 - On September the 7th, a 911 call 25 00:01:34,161 --> 00:01:36,195 Came in just before 9:00 in the morning. 26 00:01:47,708 --> 00:01:49,508 - At that time in fauquier county, 27 00:01:49,576 --> 00:01:53,645 If we had three homicides, maybe four a year, 28 00:01:53,714 --> 00:01:56,248 That would have been a busy year for us. 29 00:01:57,951 --> 00:02:01,220 In a small, rural, wealthy community, 30 00:02:01,354 --> 00:02:03,655 Everybody's going to respond-- 31 00:02:03,657 --> 00:02:06,958 The captains, the majors, the sheriff-- 32 00:02:07,027 --> 00:02:09,060 Because it's not something that happens every day. 33 00:02:09,163 --> 00:02:12,097 [siren blaring] 34 00:02:12,166 --> 00:02:14,399 When I was traveling to the scene, 35 00:02:14,468 --> 00:02:17,035 The address sounded familiar to me. 36 00:02:17,103 --> 00:02:18,670 As I got closer and closer, 37 00:02:18,739 --> 00:02:21,473 The numbers started to click with me. 38 00:02:21,542 --> 00:02:25,444 Oh, now I know why I know this address. 39 00:02:25,512 --> 00:02:28,346 This is ashland farm. 40 00:02:28,415 --> 00:02:29,948 And at that point in time, I realized 41 00:02:30,017 --> 00:02:32,384 Who we were dealing with. 42 00:02:32,452 --> 00:02:34,886 - The owners of this grand southern estate 43 00:02:34,955 --> 00:02:37,656 Are none other than 35-year-old reclusive 44 00:02:37,724 --> 00:02:40,224 Billionaire heiress twin sisters, 45 00:02:40,360 --> 00:02:42,827 Susan and diana cummings. 46 00:02:42,829 --> 00:02:44,196 [tense music] 47 00:02:44,331 --> 00:02:48,567 - When I got there, members of my team were already there. 48 00:02:48,635 --> 00:02:51,836 Susan and diana were standing beside a police car. 49 00:02:51,905 --> 00:02:54,839 - Detective lamper is brought up to speed 50 00:02:54,841 --> 00:02:57,475 By the more vocal of the twin sisters. 51 00:02:57,544 --> 00:02:59,878 - Diana said that she had heard shots. 52 00:02:59,946 --> 00:03:03,615 And at that point in time, she was down at the stables. 53 00:03:03,684 --> 00:03:05,217 When she got to the house, she found susan 54 00:03:05,352 --> 00:03:08,019 On the telephone with 911. 55 00:03:08,021 --> 00:03:10,989 - Investigators turned their attention to susan. 56 00:03:11,057 --> 00:03:14,559 - Susan was very stoic, 57 00:03:14,627 --> 00:03:16,995 You know, not crying, not, you know, 58 00:03:17,063 --> 00:03:19,664 Explaining her innocence or anything like that. 59 00:03:19,666 --> 00:03:22,066 It was just staring into blank space. 60 00:03:22,136 --> 00:03:25,604 - The shift sergeant asked me to watch ms. Cummings 61 00:03:25,672 --> 00:03:29,007 And to be with her so they could clear the house 62 00:03:29,075 --> 00:03:32,044 And put the pieces together of what had happened. 63 00:03:32,112 --> 00:03:35,446 ♪ ♪ 64 00:03:35,516 --> 00:03:37,782 - I went inside the main door. 65 00:03:37,851 --> 00:03:41,619 And down the hallway, I see some shell casings 66 00:03:41,688 --> 00:03:44,288 And a semi-automatic luger revolver 67 00:03:44,424 --> 00:03:46,791 With the action locked back. 68 00:03:46,793 --> 00:03:48,994 Around the corner to the left was 69 00:03:49,062 --> 00:03:50,528 The little kitchenette area. 70 00:03:50,597 --> 00:03:52,931 In there, I saw a male laying face-down. 71 00:03:52,933 --> 00:03:55,767 - And he was dead on the floor. 72 00:03:55,836 --> 00:03:58,370 He'd been shot multiple times. 73 00:03:58,505 --> 00:04:01,606 There was a large volume of blood on the ground. 74 00:04:01,608 --> 00:04:04,308 And between his bicep and his forearm, 75 00:04:04,378 --> 00:04:07,879 There was a bowie-style type knife. 76 00:04:07,947 --> 00:04:09,881 We're checking his pockets for identification. 77 00:04:09,883 --> 00:04:13,752 So we positively identified him as roberto villegas. 78 00:04:16,723 --> 00:04:19,391 - Upon hearing his name, one of the detectives 79 00:04:19,459 --> 00:04:22,260 Pops in with pivotal information. 80 00:04:22,396 --> 00:04:25,830 - Speaking with sergeant healy, we find out about two weeks 81 00:04:25,899 --> 00:04:29,067 Before this happened, susan came to the sheriff's office 82 00:04:29,135 --> 00:04:33,371 And reported that roberto, the victim in the homicide, 83 00:04:33,507 --> 00:04:38,342 Was her boyfriend and was threatening her. 84 00:04:38,412 --> 00:04:39,978 Sergeant healy advised that, hey, 85 00:04:40,046 --> 00:04:41,780 You can go next door to the magistrate's office 86 00:04:41,848 --> 00:04:44,616 And obtain a warrant for threats. 87 00:04:44,684 --> 00:04:47,218 - She scheduled an appointment with a magistrate 88 00:04:47,420 --> 00:04:49,020 For September 8. 89 00:04:49,089 --> 00:04:52,590 And now, just one day before that meeting was to occur, 90 00:04:52,659 --> 00:04:55,927 Roberto lies dead on her kitchen floor. 91 00:04:55,996 --> 00:05:00,532 And susan is in handcuffs, in mute silence. 92 00:05:00,600 --> 00:05:03,235 - She wasn't talking to us, but ms. Cummings 93 00:05:03,303 --> 00:05:08,440 Had stated on that 911 call that he had tried to kill her. 94 00:05:12,879 --> 00:05:15,713 - So we let the evidence try to guide us 95 00:05:15,782 --> 00:05:20,352 To confirm or not to confirm what's being said. 96 00:05:22,356 --> 00:05:28,726 - She had marks on her arm that were very lightly bleeding. 97 00:05:28,795 --> 00:05:31,263 - Drops were running down her arm. 98 00:05:31,465 --> 00:05:34,933 It looked like scratches, as if somebody had-- 99 00:05:35,001 --> 00:05:36,568 Arm had gone through a screen door 100 00:05:36,636 --> 00:05:40,171 Or if a cat had scratched her arm. 101 00:05:40,173 --> 00:05:44,208 We're starting to put together that there was this fight, 102 00:05:44,278 --> 00:05:47,579 And she was defending herself with the gun that-- 103 00:05:47,714 --> 00:05:49,681 That was laid on the floor. 104 00:05:51,551 --> 00:05:53,651 - I had my 35-millimeter camera. 105 00:05:53,720 --> 00:05:55,487 And I just started pointing and shooting, 106 00:05:55,622 --> 00:06:00,057 And taking pictures of the casings, 107 00:06:00,127 --> 00:06:05,196 Of the gun, the blood, the knife. 108 00:06:05,198 --> 00:06:08,199 And we just preserved the scene until we could 109 00:06:08,201 --> 00:06:10,068 Get some search warrants. 110 00:06:10,137 --> 00:06:13,772 - Susan had given consent to search the residence. 111 00:06:13,840 --> 00:06:16,140 But we decided that we wanted to get a search warrant 112 00:06:16,209 --> 00:06:21,445 For the house because consent can be revoked at any time. 113 00:06:21,447 --> 00:06:24,216 - As investigators wait for the warrant, 114 00:06:24,284 --> 00:06:28,520 A big, shiny suv comes rolling up into the driveway. 115 00:06:28,588 --> 00:06:32,757 The gentleman who steps out is blair howard. 116 00:06:32,759 --> 00:06:35,894 - Blair is well-known as being unquestionably 117 00:06:35,962 --> 00:06:39,263 One of the best attorneys in the country. 118 00:06:39,333 --> 00:06:42,200 You know, he has his roots here. 119 00:06:42,269 --> 00:06:46,538 - It was Sunday morning, and I just happened to get this call 120 00:06:46,673 --> 00:06:48,973 From a fox-hunting friend... 121 00:06:49,042 --> 00:06:51,609 [phone ringing] who at the time, 122 00:06:51,611 --> 00:06:55,547 Was dating susan's sister, diana. 123 00:06:55,682 --> 00:06:56,748 There's been a shooting, 124 00:06:56,817 --> 00:07:00,151 And I want you to come to ashland farm. 125 00:07:00,220 --> 00:07:03,788 - Considering susan's posh and privileged background, 126 00:07:03,856 --> 00:07:05,723 She can afford the finest attorney 127 00:07:05,792 --> 00:07:08,826 Her daddy's money can buy. 128 00:07:08,895 --> 00:07:11,029 - Susan's father, samuel, 129 00:07:11,097 --> 00:07:13,031 Is one of the leading arms dealers in the world. 130 00:07:13,099 --> 00:07:17,068 Susan and diana were raised in europe. 131 00:07:17,137 --> 00:07:20,138 And when they got to college, their father, samuel, 132 00:07:20,206 --> 00:07:21,272 Moved the family here. 133 00:07:21,475 --> 00:07:24,709 ♪ ♪ 134 00:07:24,778 --> 00:07:26,344 - We advised mr. Howard that we were going 135 00:07:26,413 --> 00:07:29,948 To transport susan back to our office for an interview. 136 00:07:30,016 --> 00:07:33,117 And he said he's coming with us. 137 00:07:33,119 --> 00:07:35,787 - Flanked by detectives and mr. Howard, 138 00:07:35,855 --> 00:07:38,323 Susan is escorted down to the sheriff's office 139 00:07:38,525 --> 00:07:40,291 For questioning. 140 00:07:40,293 --> 00:07:42,727 And while their fellow investigators stay behind, 141 00:07:42,795 --> 00:07:45,096 Waiting for the search warrant, 142 00:07:45,098 --> 00:07:46,898 Deputy walters and detectives lamper 143 00:07:46,967 --> 00:07:49,067 Can't shake something peculiar 144 00:07:49,135 --> 00:07:51,869 They noticed at the crime scene. 145 00:07:51,938 --> 00:07:55,774 - The thing that caught my eye was the blood. 146 00:07:55,842 --> 00:07:58,376 - Blood is made up of plasma and water. 147 00:07:58,444 --> 00:08:01,880 The water separates from the plasma in the blood. 148 00:08:01,948 --> 00:08:05,617 The red color separates into a clear color 149 00:08:05,752 --> 00:08:07,118 And takes a certain period of time. 150 00:08:07,187 --> 00:08:10,888 It doesn't happen right away. 151 00:08:10,890 --> 00:08:15,626 And separation had already started to occur. 152 00:08:15,762 --> 00:08:18,096 - That's surely a sign he had been there for a little while-- 153 00:08:18,164 --> 00:08:21,299 Half an hour, at least. 154 00:08:21,367 --> 00:08:23,701 The call came out just before 9:00. 155 00:08:23,770 --> 00:08:26,604 And we all got there less than 10 minutes. 156 00:08:26,740 --> 00:08:30,008 - But if this was an open and shut case of self-defense, 157 00:08:30,076 --> 00:08:32,844 Why would susan shoot roberto 158 00:08:32,913 --> 00:08:36,414 And then wait before she called 911? 159 00:08:36,649 --> 00:08:38,116 - It didn't add up. 160 00:08:38,184 --> 00:08:40,418 [dramatic music] 161 00:08:40,487 --> 00:08:41,620 - Coming up-- 162 00:08:41,754 --> 00:08:43,221 - Rumors started flying. 163 00:08:43,290 --> 00:08:46,590 - She became fixated on him beyond the polo lessons. 164 00:08:46,660 --> 00:08:49,794 - Susan kept a tight grip on roberto. 165 00:08:49,862 --> 00:08:53,831 - He says, I treat my women just like my horses. 166 00:08:53,900 --> 00:08:56,601 - I know susan much more than any of you. 167 00:08:56,737 --> 00:08:58,570 Let's listen to what she has to say. 168 00:08:58,705 --> 00:09:00,738 ♪ ♪ 169 00:09:00,807 --> 00:09:04,009 - ♪ come home to the gallows pole ♪ 170 00:09:08,080 --> 00:09:11,816 - ♪ judgment day shall come ♪ 171 00:09:11,885 --> 00:09:14,819 [tense music] 172 00:09:14,888 --> 00:09:17,321 ♪ ♪ 173 00:09:17,390 --> 00:09:20,224 - Billionaire susan cummings says she shot her boyfriend, 174 00:09:20,293 --> 00:09:22,661 Roberto villegas, in self-defense. 175 00:09:25,632 --> 00:09:28,500 - But after noting blood separation at the crime scene, 176 00:09:28,702 --> 00:09:33,037 Investigators suspect she didn't immediately call 911. 177 00:09:33,106 --> 00:09:35,840 And it's key they find out why. 178 00:09:35,909 --> 00:09:39,311 [dramatic music] 179 00:09:39,379 --> 00:09:43,181 - After ms. Cummings was taken down to the sheriff's office, 180 00:09:43,249 --> 00:09:46,717 The majority of us remained on the scene 181 00:09:46,720 --> 00:09:48,553 Waiting for the search warrant. 182 00:09:48,755 --> 00:09:50,422 And once they came back with that, 183 00:09:50,490 --> 00:09:53,324 A search was done of the house. 184 00:09:53,393 --> 00:09:55,793 The thing that immediately struck me was just 185 00:09:55,795 --> 00:09:58,830 How clean this kitchen was. 186 00:09:58,965 --> 00:10:00,932 Everything was in its place. 187 00:10:01,001 --> 00:10:03,535 - Usually, in situations of self-defense, 188 00:10:03,737 --> 00:10:05,136 There's a struggle. 189 00:10:05,205 --> 00:10:07,938 The scene just did not show that struggle. 190 00:10:08,008 --> 00:10:12,076 His legs were under the table, 191 00:10:12,078 --> 00:10:16,280 Which immediately drew interest to me because 192 00:10:16,349 --> 00:10:17,549 If you're standing up, 193 00:10:17,751 --> 00:10:20,484 Your legs aren't going to go under the table. 194 00:10:20,486 --> 00:10:23,021 - It seemed like he was shot and went straight down. 195 00:10:23,089 --> 00:10:25,757 When people run, you get the blood patterns 196 00:10:25,892 --> 00:10:28,326 And it shows movement. 197 00:10:28,394 --> 00:10:31,529 I just saw no smear marks or anything, 198 00:10:31,597 --> 00:10:35,399 No signs of him in some kind of sprint or some kind of charge. 199 00:10:35,469 --> 00:10:38,970 - And on the table, there was a magazine that was opened. 200 00:10:39,038 --> 00:10:42,874 There was a plate with some sort of pastry. 201 00:10:43,009 --> 00:10:45,009 It looked like he was plain shot 202 00:10:45,011 --> 00:10:46,678 While he was sitting there eating breakfast. 203 00:10:46,813 --> 00:10:50,482 - The self-defense thing, the immediate danger, 204 00:10:50,550 --> 00:10:52,216 I just don't think, was there. 205 00:10:52,285 --> 00:10:54,152 - It just wasn't adding up to us, 206 00:10:54,220 --> 00:10:59,257 That there was an attack going on when mr. Villegas was shot. 207 00:10:59,325 --> 00:11:01,826 [gunshot] 208 00:11:01,961 --> 00:11:05,296 - The body is transported to the medical examiner's office. 209 00:11:05,365 --> 00:11:08,332 Though the autopsy will take several hours, 210 00:11:08,334 --> 00:11:10,968 News of the murder spreads instantly, 211 00:11:11,037 --> 00:11:13,805 Making its way to a charity polo match, 212 00:11:13,940 --> 00:11:16,440 Argentina versus the u.S., 213 00:11:16,510 --> 00:11:20,712 Where fans have been waiting for the star player to arrive. 214 00:11:20,847 --> 00:11:22,513 - The polo match had been delayed. 215 00:11:22,582 --> 00:11:24,348 We didn't know why. 216 00:11:24,417 --> 00:11:29,020 And word got around that roberto villegas is not here. 217 00:11:30,623 --> 00:11:32,490 Roberto is from argentina. 218 00:11:32,559 --> 00:11:34,959 And the ambassador invited him personally. 219 00:11:35,028 --> 00:11:37,228 And everybody was like, he's so patriotic. 220 00:11:37,297 --> 00:11:39,563 He would have never missed this. 221 00:11:39,633 --> 00:11:43,101 And then the sponsor of the event got a phone call 222 00:11:43,169 --> 00:11:48,272 And found out that roberto had been shot that morning. 223 00:11:48,341 --> 00:11:50,274 Roberto's dead. 224 00:11:50,343 --> 00:11:52,910 A shock wave went through the crowd. 225 00:11:52,979 --> 00:11:55,413 They didn't just like him. They loved him. 226 00:11:55,481 --> 00:11:57,248 - The heartbreaking news of his death 227 00:11:57,317 --> 00:12:00,584 Travels with seismic force from roberto's 228 00:12:00,586 --> 00:12:02,654 Polo-playing buddies throughout the u.S. 229 00:12:02,922 --> 00:12:05,356 To his parents in argentina. 230 00:12:05,425 --> 00:12:07,225 And it hits particularly hard 231 00:12:07,293 --> 00:12:09,727 For margaret bonnell, roberto's ex 232 00:12:09,795 --> 00:12:12,530 With whom he had fathered a four-year-old son. 233 00:12:12,598 --> 00:12:16,233 - My father roberto died when I was so young. 234 00:12:16,303 --> 00:12:19,737 So I was just shy of being five years old. 235 00:12:19,806 --> 00:12:23,474 I didn't get to know him for very long. 236 00:12:23,543 --> 00:12:25,810 I remember my mom was distraught. 237 00:12:25,945 --> 00:12:29,347 They were together six years, and she was very fond of him. 238 00:12:29,415 --> 00:12:34,018 And they stayed in close contact throughout the years. 239 00:12:34,087 --> 00:12:36,620 She told me nothing but good things. 240 00:12:36,690 --> 00:12:39,423 He was extremely compassionate, hard-working, 241 00:12:39,492 --> 00:12:41,626 Very dedicated man. 242 00:12:41,694 --> 00:12:44,095 He loved horses, the game, 243 00:12:44,163 --> 00:12:46,598 Came from nothing, poor family, 244 00:12:46,833 --> 00:12:48,166 You know, poor country. 245 00:12:48,234 --> 00:12:49,767 [horse neighs] 246 00:12:49,835 --> 00:12:52,303 And he went from, you know, dirt-poor in argentina 247 00:12:52,372 --> 00:12:56,240 To a rock star in the polo world. 248 00:12:56,309 --> 00:12:59,043 - Roberto's meteoric rise began 249 00:12:59,045 --> 00:13:02,847 When he immigrated to america in 1991. 250 00:13:02,983 --> 00:13:04,916 - With his charm and his polo skills, 251 00:13:04,984 --> 00:13:07,285 Everybody quickly, quickly fell in love with him. 252 00:13:07,353 --> 00:13:08,519 [horse neighs] 253 00:13:08,588 --> 00:13:09,987 - Through hard work and athleticism, 254 00:13:10,056 --> 00:13:11,655 He got hired a lot. 255 00:13:11,725 --> 00:13:16,060 He had a way with people and was very, very friendly. 256 00:13:16,129 --> 00:13:18,329 Always a quick smile. 257 00:13:18,398 --> 00:13:21,599 - That smile, it just made you melt. 258 00:13:21,667 --> 00:13:24,368 No matter what was going on, whether you were having 259 00:13:24,437 --> 00:13:27,204 An argument with him at-- about a polo play, you know, 260 00:13:27,273 --> 00:13:29,807 He would say cheers with this beautiful smile and just, 261 00:13:29,875 --> 00:13:32,243 You're like, oh, how can you argue with that, you know? 262 00:13:32,312 --> 00:13:34,412 [laughs] 263 00:13:34,480 --> 00:13:38,750 What possibly could have happened that this 264 00:13:38,952 --> 00:13:40,284 Would have taken place? 265 00:13:40,286 --> 00:13:43,154 [suspenseful music] 266 00:13:43,222 --> 00:13:45,056 - Defense attorney blair howard 267 00:13:45,058 --> 00:13:47,158 Is fixing to find that out. 268 00:13:47,226 --> 00:13:50,294 Though susan won't say a word to investigators 269 00:13:50,363 --> 00:13:52,129 With attorney-client privilege in place, 270 00:13:52,198 --> 00:13:55,499 She confides in mr. Howard. 271 00:13:55,501 --> 00:13:58,970 - I learned that they had been dating two years. 272 00:13:59,038 --> 00:14:02,974 But in recent times, she said, 273 00:14:03,042 --> 00:14:06,844 There's been some difficulty. 274 00:14:06,913 --> 00:14:11,082 She told me he wanted everything his way. 275 00:14:11,150 --> 00:14:15,386 And if it didn't go his way, 276 00:14:15,455 --> 00:14:17,589 That's when he would become abusive. 277 00:14:17,657 --> 00:14:20,692 ♪ ♪ 278 00:14:20,760 --> 00:14:23,794 - Susan tells her attorney that two weeks earlier, 279 00:14:23,796 --> 00:14:25,896 She tried to end things. 280 00:14:25,898 --> 00:14:29,533 But roberto didn't take so kindly to that. 281 00:14:29,602 --> 00:14:33,705 - She said that he said, you continue 282 00:14:33,773 --> 00:14:37,241 To push me out of the picture, I'm going to kill you. 283 00:14:37,310 --> 00:14:40,944 And then he was going to hang her upside down 284 00:14:41,014 --> 00:14:42,780 And let her blood drip on-- on the bed. 285 00:14:42,849 --> 00:14:45,616 Ugh, just bad. 286 00:14:45,685 --> 00:14:48,552 - That's when susan confided in sergeant healy 287 00:14:48,621 --> 00:14:50,187 And made a follow-up appointment 288 00:14:50,256 --> 00:14:52,490 With the magistrate. 289 00:14:52,558 --> 00:14:54,958 - As a matter of fact, she told me, 290 00:14:55,094 --> 00:14:58,729 I have an appointment tomorrow, 291 00:14:58,731 --> 00:15:03,901 Where I was to go back to get a protective order. 292 00:15:03,969 --> 00:15:06,638 - But when she woke up the morning of the incident, 293 00:15:06,706 --> 00:15:08,840 She found roberto downstairs 294 00:15:08,908 --> 00:15:12,410 Having himself a nice little breakfast in her kitchen. 295 00:15:12,478 --> 00:15:17,581 - And she said, I told him in no uncertain terms 296 00:15:17,650 --> 00:15:21,653 I wanted everything in that house that belonged to him, 297 00:15:21,721 --> 00:15:25,255 I want everything out. 298 00:15:25,325 --> 00:15:30,461 And at that point, he produced a knife 299 00:15:30,463 --> 00:15:36,200 And said, nobody talks to me like that. 300 00:15:36,202 --> 00:15:39,137 And he's running it along her arm. 301 00:15:41,807 --> 00:15:45,609 And she said, it was breaking the skin, it was cutting me, 302 00:15:45,678 --> 00:15:48,680 And I thought I was going to die. 303 00:15:48,748 --> 00:15:53,651 And she told me that she said, let me make some coffee 304 00:15:53,719 --> 00:15:56,287 And let's talk about this. 305 00:15:56,355 --> 00:16:00,992 And he releases me and stops what he's doing. 306 00:16:01,027 --> 00:16:05,729 - Fearing for her life, susan made a split-second decision. 307 00:16:05,799 --> 00:16:08,666 - She says, I keep a handgun 308 00:16:08,734 --> 00:16:12,436 In one of the cupboards in the kitchen. 309 00:16:12,505 --> 00:16:18,509 And I opened the cupboard door and I grabbed the gun. 310 00:16:18,578 --> 00:16:24,248 And when I turned around, this look on his face, 311 00:16:24,316 --> 00:16:27,785 It was like the look of an animal, 312 00:16:27,853 --> 00:16:29,953 That he was going to come after me. 313 00:16:30,023 --> 00:16:34,292 And I just turned and started firing. 314 00:16:34,360 --> 00:16:37,328 [gunshots] 315 00:16:39,933 --> 00:16:43,401 I'm thinking self-defense right off the get-go. 316 00:16:43,469 --> 00:16:45,536 So with my investigators, 317 00:16:45,605 --> 00:16:49,573 I've got to prove that the victim in the case 318 00:16:49,575 --> 00:16:54,412 Has engaged in abusive behavior. 319 00:16:54,480 --> 00:16:56,580 - While susan gives howard an earful, 320 00:16:56,649 --> 00:16:59,216 She gives police nothing. 321 00:16:59,285 --> 00:17:01,953 - Mr. Howard came out and said that she wasn't 322 00:17:02,021 --> 00:17:03,554 Going to be interviewed. 323 00:17:03,623 --> 00:17:05,123 You're not compelled to speak. 324 00:17:05,125 --> 00:17:06,990 You're not compelled to self-incriminate. 325 00:17:06,992 --> 00:17:10,528 That's under the law, and we have to play by that. 326 00:17:10,596 --> 00:17:12,830 - But with the 911 admission, 327 00:17:12,898 --> 00:17:15,833 Police have enough to take the next step. 328 00:17:15,901 --> 00:17:20,871 - She was officially charged with murder. 329 00:17:20,940 --> 00:17:22,873 - When I heard the news that susan was being arrested 330 00:17:22,942 --> 00:17:24,942 On murder charges, I couldn't believe it. 331 00:17:25,111 --> 00:17:28,612 I said, this doesn't make sense. 332 00:17:28,681 --> 00:17:30,681 I just saw them last night. 333 00:17:30,750 --> 00:17:33,417 We were finalizing a deal with horses. 334 00:17:33,419 --> 00:17:35,786 He was smiling. She was happy. 335 00:17:35,855 --> 00:17:37,521 They both were in love. 336 00:17:37,523 --> 00:17:39,623 No one will ever know, with any couple, 337 00:17:39,692 --> 00:17:41,625 What's going on behind closed doors. 338 00:17:41,627 --> 00:17:45,396 But they--they had their game face on for me. 339 00:17:45,465 --> 00:17:47,865 - There's two people involved in this. 340 00:17:47,933 --> 00:17:51,669 One of them is deceased and one of them is not talking. 341 00:17:51,737 --> 00:17:54,005 Based on the physical evidence that we're seeing, 342 00:17:54,273 --> 00:17:55,973 This wasn't a total self-defense. 343 00:17:56,041 --> 00:18:01,112 So you have to look further to try to find out the truth. 344 00:18:01,247 --> 00:18:02,747 That was our job. 345 00:18:02,749 --> 00:18:04,848 [dramatic music] 346 00:18:04,917 --> 00:18:08,419 - ♪ come home to the gallows pole ♪ 347 00:18:13,058 --> 00:18:16,727 - ♪ judgment day shall come ♪ 348 00:18:16,796 --> 00:18:19,797 [suspenseful music] 349 00:18:19,799 --> 00:18:24,001 ♪ ♪ 350 00:18:24,203 --> 00:18:28,439 [horse neighs] 351 00:18:28,508 --> 00:18:30,307 - Following her arrest for the murder 352 00:18:30,376 --> 00:18:32,844 Of polo star roberto villegas, 353 00:18:32,912 --> 00:18:36,580 Susan cummings continues to plead the fifth. 354 00:18:36,582 --> 00:18:38,982 Leading investigators look into the victim's 355 00:18:38,984 --> 00:18:42,453 Autopsy results for answers. 356 00:18:42,521 --> 00:18:43,987 - At that point in time, mr. Villegas 357 00:18:44,057 --> 00:18:46,090 Was a piece of evidence. 358 00:18:46,358 --> 00:18:47,791 I met with the medical examiner. 359 00:18:47,860 --> 00:18:49,526 I don't like to give a lot of information 360 00:18:49,595 --> 00:18:51,195 To them because I want them to tell me 361 00:18:51,330 --> 00:18:52,864 What they're seeing so that the evidence 362 00:18:52,932 --> 00:18:55,599 Is telling a story. 363 00:18:55,601 --> 00:18:57,668 - The autopsy reveals that roberto 364 00:18:57,737 --> 00:19:02,673 Was shot four times with fatal wounds to his neck and chest. 365 00:19:02,742 --> 00:19:05,442 But it's a more concealed finding 366 00:19:05,511 --> 00:19:07,811 That piques detectives' interest. 367 00:19:07,880 --> 00:19:09,847 - The medical examiner found there was food not only 368 00:19:09,915 --> 00:19:11,982 In his mouth, but there was food 369 00:19:12,051 --> 00:19:14,652 Between his teeth and his lips, 370 00:19:14,720 --> 00:19:20,057 Which indicates that he was eating when he was shot. 371 00:19:20,126 --> 00:19:25,629 It gave us the affirmation that we were on the right track. 372 00:19:25,631 --> 00:19:30,167 That verified what we were seeing within the scene, 373 00:19:30,369 --> 00:19:34,438 That our victim was sitting in a chair eating, 374 00:19:34,507 --> 00:19:37,408 And he was shot. 375 00:19:37,476 --> 00:19:41,512 That's no longer self-defense, plain and simple. 376 00:19:44,850 --> 00:19:46,950 - With mounting evidence supporting 377 00:19:47,019 --> 00:19:50,788 The possibility of murder, and susan still not talking, 378 00:19:50,856 --> 00:19:54,658 Investigators need to uncover all they can about the couple. 379 00:19:54,660 --> 00:19:56,760 - The reason why something happened 380 00:19:56,829 --> 00:20:00,598 Is what you get from your interviews, ok? 381 00:20:00,666 --> 00:20:02,733 And in the social circuits, 382 00:20:02,735 --> 00:20:05,236 Especially the tight-knit polo circuit, 383 00:20:05,371 --> 00:20:07,805 Both of them were very well-known. 384 00:20:07,873 --> 00:20:09,974 And everybody that I personally interviewed 385 00:20:10,042 --> 00:20:12,276 Was pretty forthcoming. 386 00:20:12,412 --> 00:20:19,349 ♪ ♪ 387 00:20:19,351 --> 00:20:25,022 - Susan met roberto villegas at the willow run polo club, 388 00:20:25,091 --> 00:20:29,693 Which was a local place where you'd learn how to play polo. 389 00:20:29,762 --> 00:20:34,865 Up until then, she was literally a reclusive mystery. 390 00:20:34,934 --> 00:20:37,101 Her and her sister kept to themselves. 391 00:20:37,169 --> 00:20:38,769 They didn't really make an effort 392 00:20:38,838 --> 00:20:41,605 To become a part of the community 393 00:20:41,607 --> 00:20:45,275 Until susan decided to pursue polo. 394 00:20:45,278 --> 00:20:48,178 - Roberto gave her polo lessons, 395 00:20:48,314 --> 00:20:51,381 Taught her about the sport. 396 00:20:51,384 --> 00:20:53,717 One thing led to another. 397 00:20:53,786 --> 00:20:58,956 - It was a very quick romance. 398 00:20:59,025 --> 00:21:01,224 And it was very strong. 399 00:21:01,327 --> 00:21:03,727 It was real. It was genuine. 400 00:21:03,729 --> 00:21:08,032 - But this wasn't just a romantic relationship. 401 00:21:08,100 --> 00:21:10,467 In the spring of 1997, 402 00:21:10,536 --> 00:21:12,603 They fired up a business partnership. 403 00:21:12,672 --> 00:21:16,540 Susan started her very own polo team. 404 00:21:16,542 --> 00:21:18,108 - She started the club with roberto, 405 00:21:18,177 --> 00:21:21,279 Ashland farms polo club. 406 00:21:21,413 --> 00:21:23,247 Roberto not only becomes her star player, 407 00:21:23,315 --> 00:21:26,650 But it makes ashland farms a cool team. 408 00:21:26,719 --> 00:21:29,753 Roberto provided susan with a way into 409 00:21:29,755 --> 00:21:33,024 This very insular southern subculture 410 00:21:33,092 --> 00:21:36,059 Of the polo world. 411 00:21:36,128 --> 00:21:41,264 She was now at beautiful events with beautiful people. 412 00:21:41,266 --> 00:21:44,067 - They were the new power couple in polo, by far. 413 00:21:44,137 --> 00:21:47,237 And we were all excited and happy for them. 414 00:21:47,306 --> 00:21:50,007 - But investigators discover that not everyone 415 00:21:50,075 --> 00:21:52,576 In the community felt the same. 416 00:21:52,645 --> 00:21:54,578 - People would talk to us about, you know, 417 00:21:54,647 --> 00:21:57,047 Well, why is he with her? 418 00:21:57,116 --> 00:21:59,850 [pensive music] 419 00:21:59,919 --> 00:22:02,853 - Personality-wise, roberto villegas 420 00:22:02,921 --> 00:22:06,790 Was incredibly outgoing, charismatic. 421 00:22:06,792 --> 00:22:10,293 And susan cummings was incredibly introverted 422 00:22:10,295 --> 00:22:14,064 And had a hard time connecting with people. 423 00:22:14,133 --> 00:22:16,867 There are a lot of southern etiquette things 424 00:22:16,936 --> 00:22:19,303 That go on here in fauquier county. 425 00:22:19,372 --> 00:22:20,871 It's very friendly. 426 00:22:20,873 --> 00:22:22,106 You would wave at your neighbors 427 00:22:22,174 --> 00:22:25,142 And talk to your neighbors on pretty much a daily basis. 428 00:22:25,211 --> 00:22:27,845 But not susan. 429 00:22:27,913 --> 00:22:30,113 - You could actually argue that he was more southern 430 00:22:30,183 --> 00:22:31,949 Because he was affable, 431 00:22:32,017 --> 00:22:34,552 He was funny, he was endearing-- 432 00:22:34,620 --> 00:22:37,120 The real southern qualities of sociability. 433 00:22:37,189 --> 00:22:38,989 She stayed an outsider. 434 00:22:39,058 --> 00:22:41,758 - Their differences fuel speculation 435 00:22:41,760 --> 00:22:45,128 On what really was driving this relationship. 436 00:22:45,130 --> 00:22:47,598 - Let's face it. His wallet was thin. 437 00:22:47,666 --> 00:22:49,833 She took care of him. 438 00:22:49,835 --> 00:22:53,837 She treated him to all the fine things in life. 439 00:22:53,839 --> 00:22:58,809 And he was leading a lifestyle that he aspired to 440 00:22:58,878 --> 00:23:01,879 And never would have been able to do on his own. 441 00:23:01,881 --> 00:23:04,081 - Roberto was renting a room from an elderly female 442 00:23:04,150 --> 00:23:06,383 In warrenton. 443 00:23:06,518 --> 00:23:08,352 And I went and interviewed her. 444 00:23:08,420 --> 00:23:11,589 She told me that susan was paying for that room. 445 00:23:11,591 --> 00:23:14,057 He was relying a lot on, you know, 446 00:23:14,059 --> 00:23:16,726 What she was providing or what she was giving. 447 00:23:16,728 --> 00:23:18,729 - But word around town is that 448 00:23:18,797 --> 00:23:21,198 This upgrade came with a price. 449 00:23:21,266 --> 00:23:23,901 - It was pretty widely known that susan 450 00:23:23,969 --> 00:23:27,871 Kept a tight grip on roberto. 451 00:23:27,940 --> 00:23:29,873 - Detectives probe friends 452 00:23:29,875 --> 00:23:31,942 On whether this could be a motive. 453 00:23:32,011 --> 00:23:35,846 - Whether that led to his demise, I can't swear to. 454 00:23:35,915 --> 00:23:40,951 But yes, susan was very possessive. 455 00:23:41,020 --> 00:23:44,355 And he was very freewheeling. 456 00:23:44,623 --> 00:23:48,225 And she did not like that about him. 457 00:23:48,294 --> 00:23:50,561 - From what I understood from all of roberto's friends, 458 00:23:50,696 --> 00:23:53,830 He was a playboy who did play the field. 459 00:23:53,832 --> 00:23:58,168 She wanted roberto for herself. 460 00:23:58,237 --> 00:24:00,203 - Coming up-- 461 00:24:00,272 --> 00:24:01,839 - The relationship had started to head 462 00:24:01,907 --> 00:24:03,240 In a different direction. 463 00:24:03,308 --> 00:24:05,809 - She had roberto under her thumb. 464 00:24:05,878 --> 00:24:09,312 - Gregarious, outgoing, this great big smile-- 465 00:24:09,314 --> 00:24:13,817 But that wasn't the real roberto villegas. 466 00:24:13,886 --> 00:24:17,588 - ♪ come home to the gallows pole ♪ 467 00:24:22,260 --> 00:24:25,729 - ♪ judgment day shall come ♪ 468 00:24:25,798 --> 00:24:27,664 [tense music] 469 00:24:27,733 --> 00:24:30,133 - Investigators are piecing together 470 00:24:30,202 --> 00:24:32,769 That the relationship of polo power couple 471 00:24:32,838 --> 00:24:35,272 Susan cummings and roberto villegas 472 00:24:35,340 --> 00:24:37,240 Wasn't as it appeared. 473 00:24:37,309 --> 00:24:38,976 - We would have a roundtable because 474 00:24:39,044 --> 00:24:40,411 I would have detectives out 475 00:24:40,679 --> 00:24:42,145 Doing things and doing interviews. 476 00:24:42,147 --> 00:24:44,315 So I would bring them all in and they would 477 00:24:44,650 --> 00:24:45,749 Go over what they had heard. 478 00:24:45,818 --> 00:24:47,885 And I learned that the relationship 479 00:24:47,953 --> 00:24:52,089 Had started to head in a different direction. 480 00:24:52,157 --> 00:24:55,092 - My mom and roberto stayed very close 481 00:24:55,160 --> 00:24:58,095 And called each other probably daily. 482 00:24:58,163 --> 00:25:00,030 ♪ ♪ 483 00:25:00,099 --> 00:25:03,634 She told me that he was planning on leaving susan 484 00:25:03,769 --> 00:25:06,670 And was going to ask for the title to the truck 485 00:25:06,805 --> 00:25:08,439 And some of his horses. 486 00:25:08,707 --> 00:25:09,940 - She had roberto under her thumb. 487 00:25:10,009 --> 00:25:11,575 And he was trying to get away from that. 488 00:25:11,643 --> 00:25:13,210 And she wasn't going to let him. 489 00:25:13,278 --> 00:25:17,314 - The only person who knows the truth is behind bars 490 00:25:17,382 --> 00:25:19,650 And still not talking. 491 00:25:19,785 --> 00:25:23,220 And on September 10, three days after the shooting, 492 00:25:23,288 --> 00:25:27,590 Susan's released on a piddling $75,000 bond. 493 00:25:27,593 --> 00:25:30,994 - There was a lot of grumbling in the community about that. 494 00:25:31,063 --> 00:25:34,798 She just got to go back to her sister and her horses 495 00:25:34,800 --> 00:25:36,734 And wait for the trial. 496 00:25:36,802 --> 00:25:40,437 ♪ ♪ 497 00:25:40,505 --> 00:25:42,673 - What was circulated through the polo community 498 00:25:42,808 --> 00:25:45,242 Was that she killed roberto and he was just 499 00:25:45,311 --> 00:25:47,944 Having his breakfast sitting at the table. 500 00:25:48,013 --> 00:25:49,947 [suspenseful music] 501 00:25:50,015 --> 00:25:53,016 And he didn't do anything wrong. 502 00:25:53,085 --> 00:25:55,152 I took a step back saying, well, wait a second, 503 00:25:55,220 --> 00:25:58,121 I know susan much more than any of you. 504 00:25:58,123 --> 00:26:00,958 And that doesn't make sense to me. 505 00:26:01,026 --> 00:26:04,295 I know her to be that kind, gentle person 506 00:26:04,363 --> 00:26:05,829 That's very loving. 507 00:26:05,898 --> 00:26:08,866 Let's listen to what she has to say. 508 00:26:08,934 --> 00:26:12,569 - And there are many clamoring to hear exactly that. 509 00:26:12,771 --> 00:26:15,806 - The media got very, very interested 510 00:26:15,874 --> 00:26:19,977 Because of her father and the extensive wealth. 511 00:26:20,045 --> 00:26:21,712 - With reporters swarming, 512 00:26:21,847 --> 00:26:24,414 Susan's team gives a statement. 513 00:26:24,416 --> 00:26:26,083 - I said, it's self-defense. 514 00:26:26,151 --> 00:26:30,487 I said, this guy had taken a knife out and threatened her. 515 00:26:30,756 --> 00:26:32,423 - Susan had the best legal defense 516 00:26:32,491 --> 00:26:33,991 You could buy at the time. 517 00:26:34,059 --> 00:26:35,859 And as the story went through the media, 518 00:26:35,928 --> 00:26:38,661 She became the victim. 519 00:26:38,797 --> 00:26:41,231 And he was painted as a bully. 520 00:26:41,299 --> 00:26:43,133 - This statement had been made of, 521 00:26:43,202 --> 00:26:45,502 Basically, he was assaulting her with a knife. 522 00:26:45,570 --> 00:26:48,471 So if that's what the version from the defensive side 523 00:26:48,541 --> 00:26:49,840 Is going to be, well, then, 524 00:26:49,908 --> 00:26:51,942 Now I have to start looking at that. 525 00:26:52,010 --> 00:26:54,011 - To dig into this claim, 526 00:26:54,079 --> 00:26:56,947 Investigators enlist the help of forensic specialist 527 00:26:57,016 --> 00:26:59,416 Sergeant robert zinn. 528 00:26:59,418 --> 00:27:01,819 - I consult with all the photographs from 529 00:27:01,821 --> 00:27:04,254 The crime scene, the autopsy report, 530 00:27:04,323 --> 00:27:06,289 And the reports from 531 00:27:06,291 --> 00:27:08,325 The virginia department of forensic science. 532 00:27:08,394 --> 00:27:10,260 ♪ ♪ 533 00:27:10,329 --> 00:27:12,763 - Zinn focuses on the knife, which had been found 534 00:27:12,831 --> 00:27:15,466 In the crook of roberto's arm. 535 00:27:15,534 --> 00:27:21,204 - The knife was laying against the shirt. 536 00:27:21,206 --> 00:27:24,107 And we have significant soaking blood 537 00:27:24,109 --> 00:27:27,210 That's present in the-- in the sleeve of the shirt 538 00:27:27,212 --> 00:27:29,512 And on the body portion of the shirt. 539 00:27:29,582 --> 00:27:31,148 Yet we don't have any blood 540 00:27:31,216 --> 00:27:34,117 That's been transferred from the shirt to the handle 541 00:27:34,186 --> 00:27:36,920 Or the hilt of the knife. 542 00:27:36,989 --> 00:27:39,156 - The blood separation at the crime scene 543 00:27:39,224 --> 00:27:41,525 Had investigators speculating 544 00:27:41,593 --> 00:27:44,694 That susan hadn't called 911 right away. 545 00:27:44,763 --> 00:27:48,865 And now this finding further strengthens the notion 546 00:27:48,867 --> 00:27:50,634 That something suspicious occurred 547 00:27:50,836 --> 00:27:53,537 During that time frame. 548 00:27:53,673 --> 00:27:55,638 - The lack of any wet blood 549 00:27:55,640 --> 00:27:58,375 Transferring from the clothing to the knife 550 00:27:58,443 --> 00:28:03,013 Indicate the knife came to rest in that position 551 00:28:03,082 --> 00:28:08,485 A period of time after mr. Villegas went to the floor. 552 00:28:08,554 --> 00:28:11,855 - That knife appeared to have been placed there. 553 00:28:11,990 --> 00:28:14,725 [dramatic music] 554 00:28:14,860 --> 00:28:16,493 ♪ ♪ 555 00:28:16,561 --> 00:28:20,030 - Sergeant zinn also points out a mighty peculiar detail 556 00:28:20,099 --> 00:28:23,967 In those injuries susan got from the knife. 557 00:28:24,036 --> 00:28:28,171 - All of those marks were parallel to one another, 558 00:28:28,173 --> 00:28:32,909 Which would support the notion that the arm was stationary 559 00:28:32,911 --> 00:28:35,612 At the time and was not actually 560 00:28:35,748 --> 00:28:39,115 Moving as part of a defensive mechanism 561 00:28:39,184 --> 00:28:43,153 Or action on her part. 562 00:28:43,222 --> 00:28:45,989 - Just common sense, if somebody is holding you 563 00:28:45,991 --> 00:28:47,424 And running a knife across your arm, 564 00:28:47,493 --> 00:28:51,461 Your first reaction as a human is fight or flight, ok? 565 00:28:51,530 --> 00:28:53,196 So you're going to pull away. 566 00:28:53,198 --> 00:28:57,100 And in pulling away, you're going to get jagged-edged cuts. 567 00:28:57,169 --> 00:29:01,572 But susan's wounds are more in line with self-inflicted. 568 00:29:01,640 --> 00:29:04,875 - All these pieces together have investigators thinking 569 00:29:05,010 --> 00:29:07,778 That susan was surely up to something. 570 00:29:07,913 --> 00:29:11,481 - It was an attempt to stage evidence, 571 00:29:11,550 --> 00:29:13,783 To mislead investigators, 572 00:29:13,852 --> 00:29:15,952 Or to advance 573 00:29:16,021 --> 00:29:20,690 A contrary narrative as to what occurred. 574 00:29:20,759 --> 00:29:24,527 - As investigators digest this startling finding, 575 00:29:24,597 --> 00:29:26,063 Six days after his death, 576 00:29:26,131 --> 00:29:30,033 Roberto's loved ones come together to mourn. 577 00:29:30,102 --> 00:29:33,970 - Roberto's funeral was really sad. 578 00:29:34,039 --> 00:29:39,409 I remember like yesterday the pallbearers crying. 579 00:29:39,478 --> 00:29:42,312 Everybody loved him. 580 00:29:42,381 --> 00:29:45,448 - He is dead. This is actually my life now. 581 00:29:45,517 --> 00:29:47,050 [somber music] 582 00:29:47,052 --> 00:29:49,553 I feel robbed to grow up having a father, 583 00:29:49,621 --> 00:29:53,290 Because that's extremely important in this world. 584 00:29:53,358 --> 00:29:55,292 What did I do to deserve this, you know? 585 00:29:55,360 --> 00:29:57,194 What did I do in my past life? 586 00:29:57,262 --> 00:30:00,063 Little boy think--why does god hate me so much? 587 00:30:00,132 --> 00:30:03,466 ♪ ♪ 588 00:30:03,535 --> 00:30:07,938 - I would be remiss if I hadn't attended. 589 00:30:08,006 --> 00:30:10,173 You can gain a lot of information 590 00:30:10,175 --> 00:30:11,809 From people that you meet. 591 00:30:11,943 --> 00:30:16,112 So I got four or five friends that we talked to. 592 00:30:16,181 --> 00:30:19,082 - As police gather information, 593 00:30:19,084 --> 00:30:20,350 The tight-knit polo community 594 00:30:20,419 --> 00:30:23,286 Trade their own notes on susan. 595 00:30:23,355 --> 00:30:26,990 - We wanted to know what happened to our friends. 596 00:30:27,125 --> 00:30:29,226 And the story started coming out. 597 00:30:29,294 --> 00:30:32,663 - And roberto's close friend, jean marie turon, 598 00:30:32,731 --> 00:30:34,564 Shares a story of his own. 599 00:30:34,633 --> 00:30:36,566 - Jean marie turon ran the polo school. 600 00:30:36,635 --> 00:30:39,135 And before roberto, 601 00:30:39,204 --> 00:30:42,205 Jean marie was the original instructor 602 00:30:42,274 --> 00:30:43,806 For susan. 603 00:30:43,843 --> 00:30:48,511 And she actually initially took interest in jean marie, 604 00:30:48,513 --> 00:30:51,915 But he was in a relationship, spurned her advances. 605 00:30:52,051 --> 00:30:53,416 [suspenseful music] 606 00:30:53,485 --> 00:30:55,686 Jean marie saw something in susan 607 00:30:55,754 --> 00:31:00,323 That the rest of us didn't, and that she might be trouble. 608 00:31:00,325 --> 00:31:04,795 At the funeral, I remember jean marie come to me and say, 609 00:31:05,063 --> 00:31:07,197 I told him to stay away from that girl. 610 00:31:09,768 --> 00:31:13,370 - ♪ come home to the gallows pole ♪ 611 00:31:18,276 --> 00:31:21,712 - ♪ judgment day shall come ♪ 612 00:31:21,947 --> 00:31:24,614 [pensive music] 613 00:31:24,616 --> 00:31:27,284 - As roberto villegas is laid to rest, 614 00:31:27,352 --> 00:31:30,019 His close friend jean marie turon 615 00:31:30,022 --> 00:31:32,088 Confides in his inner circle 616 00:31:32,090 --> 00:31:35,258 That he'd been pursued relentlessly by susan cummings 617 00:31:35,327 --> 00:31:39,162 Before she got involved with roberto. 618 00:31:39,231 --> 00:31:43,667 - She became fixated on him beyond the polo lessons, 619 00:31:43,735 --> 00:31:46,503 To where she would show up at a restaurant 620 00:31:46,571 --> 00:31:48,905 And he would be with his girlfriend, 621 00:31:48,973 --> 00:31:52,409 And then susan would come in and kind of stare at them. 622 00:31:52,477 --> 00:31:53,777 [indistinct chatter] 623 00:31:53,845 --> 00:31:56,012 It was almost a "single white female" stalking 624 00:31:56,148 --> 00:31:58,314 Kind of obsession. 625 00:31:58,383 --> 00:32:01,218 So that really freaked the guy out. 626 00:32:01,286 --> 00:32:02,552 I remember turon was saying, 627 00:32:02,621 --> 00:32:05,222 That was an original red flag for him. 628 00:32:05,290 --> 00:32:06,889 [tense music] 629 00:32:06,959 --> 00:32:10,326 - When it became clear jean marie was a no-go, 630 00:32:10,395 --> 00:32:12,963 Susan set her sights on roberto, 631 00:32:12,965 --> 00:32:16,799 Leading some to wonder if this was actually love, 632 00:32:16,801 --> 00:32:18,936 Or she'd been looking for a ticket into a world 633 00:32:19,070 --> 00:32:22,005 That she long envied. 634 00:32:22,141 --> 00:32:25,008 - She wanted a polo star like him 635 00:32:25,076 --> 00:32:27,544 As an entrée into that community. 636 00:32:27,546 --> 00:32:29,479 She didn't have to change her personality at all 637 00:32:29,548 --> 00:32:32,315 To get into the social circles now, 638 00:32:32,317 --> 00:32:36,419 Because roberto was her way of interacting. 639 00:32:36,421 --> 00:32:39,155 - And now, as the trial nears, 640 00:32:39,157 --> 00:32:41,692 The rumor mill goes into overdrive 641 00:32:41,760 --> 00:32:44,427 And even more information about their relationship 642 00:32:44,429 --> 00:32:47,530 Spills out from the community. 643 00:32:47,599 --> 00:32:49,666 - Somebody told me along the way of her being 644 00:32:49,735 --> 00:32:52,102 Frugal or penny-pinching. 645 00:32:52,170 --> 00:32:54,104 - There was talk about how susan was always 646 00:32:54,172 --> 00:32:56,807 A very tight person with her money. 647 00:32:56,875 --> 00:32:58,641 And the more you look into the arrangements 648 00:32:58,710 --> 00:33:02,746 Between susan and roberto, the stranger it gets. 649 00:33:02,814 --> 00:33:05,948 This is a woman with billions in her family, 650 00:33:06,117 --> 00:33:09,319 Gobs of money, an heiress. 651 00:33:09,387 --> 00:33:11,387 He was her star polo player, 652 00:33:11,456 --> 00:33:15,525 And the hired hand without being paid. 653 00:33:15,594 --> 00:33:18,128 - Roberto would be getting up in the morning, 654 00:33:18,196 --> 00:33:21,764 Feeding the horses, starting to exercise them, 655 00:33:21,833 --> 00:33:26,536 Grooming the horses, and then having team meetings. 656 00:33:26,605 --> 00:33:29,739 Like, what's our strategy going to be? 657 00:33:29,808 --> 00:33:32,375 - He did the horses, the polo, 658 00:33:32,377 --> 00:33:35,512 The transportation, the trailer. 659 00:33:35,580 --> 00:33:38,348 - But with such a favorable arrangement, 660 00:33:38,417 --> 00:33:40,883 What drove susan to pull the trigger 661 00:33:40,953 --> 00:33:43,786 On that fateful fall morning? 662 00:33:43,855 --> 00:33:45,255 - There were just the two of them 663 00:33:45,323 --> 00:33:46,623 In the kitchen that morning. 664 00:33:46,691 --> 00:33:51,328 So how did we know what they are arguing about? 665 00:33:51,396 --> 00:33:53,230 Was it speculation? 666 00:33:53,298 --> 00:33:57,700 Or was it fact? 667 00:33:57,769 --> 00:34:00,871 - I heard they had been to a polo match in pittsburgh 668 00:34:00,939 --> 00:34:02,772 The day or two before. 669 00:34:02,841 --> 00:34:05,708 And he told his friends, 670 00:34:05,777 --> 00:34:08,778 Susan doesn't want me to take the horses to the benefit, 671 00:34:08,847 --> 00:34:12,515 The big polo benefit for argentina. 672 00:34:12,517 --> 00:34:14,484 - She claimed that they were burnt out, 673 00:34:14,553 --> 00:34:17,119 That they had already played too many days in a row. 674 00:34:17,255 --> 00:34:18,788 - Susan bought the horses. 675 00:34:18,857 --> 00:34:20,223 They were her horses. 676 00:34:20,358 --> 00:34:22,259 - So she felt like 677 00:34:22,261 --> 00:34:23,960 She was entitled to call the final shot. 678 00:34:24,096 --> 00:34:27,030 - He was adamant on taking them. 679 00:34:27,166 --> 00:34:28,698 He said, that's my country. 680 00:34:28,767 --> 00:34:30,667 - That would have been the most important thing in the world 681 00:34:30,735 --> 00:34:33,035 To him based on people that I've talked with, 682 00:34:33,105 --> 00:34:35,905 That he got to play with the argentine national team 683 00:34:35,907 --> 00:34:40,210 In front of the argentine national ambassador. 684 00:34:40,278 --> 00:34:43,213 - When roberto dared to defy susan's orders, 685 00:34:43,281 --> 00:34:46,649 Did she murder him in a fit of rage and wrath? 686 00:34:46,651 --> 00:34:49,252 [gunshots] 687 00:34:49,320 --> 00:34:51,420 Without solid proof, 688 00:34:51,490 --> 00:34:54,291 Investigators can't say for sure. 689 00:34:54,293 --> 00:34:55,525 And though the media's been pounding 690 00:34:55,594 --> 00:34:57,560 At her grand old estate door, 691 00:34:57,629 --> 00:35:00,630 Susan's more closed off than ever. 692 00:35:00,699 --> 00:35:03,566 - She declined all the cameras, 693 00:35:03,568 --> 00:35:05,535 The magazines, "vanity fair" and so forth. 694 00:35:05,604 --> 00:35:08,971 She didn't have any interest in that. 695 00:35:09,041 --> 00:35:12,408 She would tend to the horses and spend time with her sister. 696 00:35:12,477 --> 00:35:15,278 And that was about it. 697 00:35:15,280 --> 00:35:16,913 - Though she's not saying a word, 698 00:35:16,982 --> 00:35:18,781 Her defense attorney, blair howard, 699 00:35:18,850 --> 00:35:23,552 Insists susan is the real victim in this nasty affair. 700 00:35:23,554 --> 00:35:26,589 And he's prepared to prove it. 701 00:35:26,591 --> 00:35:30,260 - We put in months of work. 702 00:35:30,395 --> 00:35:33,029 The strategy was to locate people, 703 00:35:33,031 --> 00:35:35,999 Particularly women, that had been involved 704 00:35:36,067 --> 00:35:39,636 With him that had similar abuse. 705 00:35:39,704 --> 00:35:45,142 I've got the investigators out there looking for these people. 706 00:35:46,711 --> 00:35:50,580 There was a lot of people in the community who had 707 00:35:50,649 --> 00:35:55,985 Spoken out about what a wonderful fellow villegas was, 708 00:35:56,054 --> 00:36:00,957 But that wasn't the real roberto villegas. 709 00:36:01,026 --> 00:36:03,560 He was a violent person. 710 00:36:03,628 --> 00:36:06,997 And I'm going to call witnesses who will testify 711 00:36:07,199 --> 00:36:10,700 To his violent behavior. 712 00:36:10,769 --> 00:36:14,604 - ♪ come home to the gallows pole ♪ 713 00:36:21,145 --> 00:36:24,914 - ♪ judgment day shall come ♪ 714 00:36:24,983 --> 00:36:26,716 [country music] 715 00:36:26,785 --> 00:36:28,551 - ♪ my goodness gracious ♪ 716 00:36:28,620 --> 00:36:30,020 ♪ let me tell you the news ♪ 717 00:36:30,088 --> 00:36:32,888 ♪ my head's been wiped with the midnight dew ♪ 718 00:36:32,958 --> 00:36:36,526 - As the trial started, every network was in fauquier county. 719 00:36:36,595 --> 00:36:40,162 I mean, they had to close off main street to the courthouse. 720 00:36:40,164 --> 00:36:45,001 There had to have been two dozen bands of media. 721 00:36:45,070 --> 00:36:47,137 - With a lineup of experts, 722 00:36:47,339 --> 00:36:50,907 Prosecutors lay out their case against susan. 723 00:36:50,976 --> 00:36:55,411 - In trial, we knew, you can't refute the physical evidence. 724 00:36:55,480 --> 00:36:57,747 It is what it is, and it tells a story. 725 00:36:57,816 --> 00:37:01,150 - As a reporter sitting in the courtroom, 726 00:37:01,219 --> 00:37:04,353 You're thinking, there's much more to this case 727 00:37:04,356 --> 00:37:07,523 Than a woman traumatized by her boyfriend 728 00:37:07,592 --> 00:37:10,526 And shooting him in self-defense. 729 00:37:10,595 --> 00:37:12,929 - It looks like a cold-blooded murder. 730 00:37:12,997 --> 00:37:18,168 - That is, until blair howard steps up to the plate. 731 00:37:18,370 --> 00:37:20,570 - If they can't attack the physical evidence, 732 00:37:20,638 --> 00:37:23,105 They're going to attack the victim. 733 00:37:23,107 --> 00:37:25,975 - And that's exactly what howard does, 734 00:37:26,044 --> 00:37:29,512 With witnesses painting roberto not as a victim, 735 00:37:29,581 --> 00:37:31,247 But a villain. 736 00:37:31,316 --> 00:37:36,386 - We had two men who both, independently of each other, 737 00:37:36,521 --> 00:37:39,656 Say that they had an experience in which 738 00:37:39,724 --> 00:37:43,493 Roberto pulled a knife on them. 739 00:37:43,561 --> 00:37:45,595 - One of roberto's former flames 740 00:37:45,664 --> 00:37:48,398 Also testifies to his sinful behavior 741 00:37:48,466 --> 00:37:51,968 When she decided to end their relationship. 742 00:37:52,037 --> 00:37:55,071 - She said that he became very, very angry 743 00:37:55,139 --> 00:37:59,542 And that he tried to run her off the road 744 00:37:59,544 --> 00:38:02,078 And scared her to death. 745 00:38:02,146 --> 00:38:04,213 - Howard solidifies his case 746 00:38:04,282 --> 00:38:06,616 With firsthand witness accounts 747 00:38:06,684 --> 00:38:10,086 Of roberto abusing susan. 748 00:38:10,154 --> 00:38:13,623 - Now a ferrier, who was someone who came out 749 00:38:13,691 --> 00:38:18,428 And shoed susan's horses with regularity, 750 00:38:18,496 --> 00:38:22,298 Saw roberto verbally abuse susan. 751 00:38:22,367 --> 00:38:25,501 And on one occasion, he actually saw 752 00:38:25,503 --> 00:38:29,406 Roberto slap her in the back. 753 00:38:29,540 --> 00:38:33,509 And he said roberto told him, 754 00:38:33,511 --> 00:38:36,979 I treat my women just like my horses. 755 00:38:37,048 --> 00:38:40,850 If they refuse to do what I want, I'll kill them. 756 00:38:40,919 --> 00:38:43,019 [dramatic music] 757 00:38:43,087 --> 00:38:45,187 - Roberto wasn't an angel. 758 00:38:45,257 --> 00:38:49,492 People told me that he liked to play head games emotionally, 759 00:38:49,560 --> 00:38:51,293 Whatever it may be. 760 00:38:51,295 --> 00:38:55,197 But I had nobody tell me that he was physically violent. 761 00:38:55,199 --> 00:38:57,600 ♪ ♪ 762 00:38:57,669 --> 00:39:01,871 - He was being kind of painted as a victimizer postmortem. 763 00:39:01,940 --> 00:39:05,007 And he couldn't defend himself at that point. 764 00:39:05,076 --> 00:39:07,810 - After eight days of testimony, 765 00:39:07,879 --> 00:39:09,979 The jury heads into deliberation 766 00:39:10,048 --> 00:39:12,715 To decide susan's fate. 767 00:39:12,717 --> 00:39:15,618 - We were confident with our case. 768 00:39:15,686 --> 00:39:17,353 - The evidence that we presented, 769 00:39:17,421 --> 00:39:22,192 That we gave to the jury, shows mr. Villegas was shot 770 00:39:22,260 --> 00:39:24,560 While he was sitting in that chair eating breakfast. 771 00:39:24,629 --> 00:39:25,928 That's where I stand. 772 00:39:25,997 --> 00:39:27,197 [dramatic music] 773 00:39:27,265 --> 00:39:29,499 - After nearly nine hours, 774 00:39:29,567 --> 00:39:32,769 The jury finally emerges with their verdict. 775 00:39:32,837 --> 00:39:36,072 - When I heard, "we, the members of the jury, 776 00:39:36,140 --> 00:39:40,209 Find the defendant guilty," it's not good news. 777 00:39:40,211 --> 00:39:42,278 [soft music] 778 00:39:42,346 --> 00:39:45,181 But then I heard "manslaughter" 779 00:39:45,250 --> 00:39:48,851 And I was somewhat relieved. 780 00:39:48,853 --> 00:39:50,286 - Based on what I had, 781 00:39:50,355 --> 00:39:51,821 She should have been convicted 782 00:39:51,890 --> 00:39:54,857 Of at least second-degree murder. 783 00:39:54,926 --> 00:39:56,859 Do I think she got what she deserved? 784 00:39:56,928 --> 00:39:58,227 No, I don't. 785 00:39:58,430 --> 00:40:00,296 ♪ ♪ 786 00:40:00,364 --> 00:40:02,999 - A manslaughter verdict limits susan's sentence 787 00:40:03,067 --> 00:40:06,302 To a maximum of 10 years, removing the prospect 788 00:40:06,537 --> 00:40:08,537 Of life in prison. 789 00:40:08,540 --> 00:40:11,207 It takes the jury exactly 40 minutes 790 00:40:11,275 --> 00:40:15,912 To decide what punishment to dole out for susan's sins. 791 00:40:15,980 --> 00:40:17,247 - She was sentenced to 60 days 792 00:40:17,315 --> 00:40:21,484 In jail, a $2,500 fine. 793 00:40:21,619 --> 00:40:22,952 - There's no other way 794 00:40:23,021 --> 00:40:25,087 To interpret that other than, 795 00:40:25,089 --> 00:40:26,255 You did wrong. 796 00:40:26,324 --> 00:40:29,025 You took another person's life. 797 00:40:29,093 --> 00:40:34,630 But because of the egregious activity toward you, 798 00:40:34,699 --> 00:40:38,835 The threats to do you physical harm, 799 00:40:38,903 --> 00:40:42,638 We think it appropriate to 800 00:40:42,707 --> 00:40:47,410 Get your attention with some time in jail. 801 00:40:47,478 --> 00:40:51,614 I was obviously relieved for her 802 00:40:51,750 --> 00:40:56,352 And pleased at the verdict that was returned. 803 00:40:56,421 --> 00:40:59,222 - Not everyone's as pleased. 804 00:40:59,290 --> 00:41:00,456 - You just murdered someone. 805 00:41:00,525 --> 00:41:03,193 That's not how this should go at all. 806 00:41:03,261 --> 00:41:07,129 - The polo community was universally outraged by that. 807 00:41:07,131 --> 00:41:08,564 - There was a sense that she had definitely 808 00:41:08,700 --> 00:41:10,567 Gotten away with something. 809 00:41:13,572 --> 00:41:17,106 - Though many felt susan got off easy in the criminal case, 810 00:41:17,175 --> 00:41:20,076 Five years later, she's back in court. 811 00:41:20,144 --> 00:41:23,680 This time, it's a $15.35 million 812 00:41:23,748 --> 00:41:25,582 Civil wrongful death suit. 813 00:41:25,716 --> 00:41:27,449 The plaintiff? 814 00:41:27,451 --> 00:41:30,386 Roberto's now 10-year-old son. 815 00:41:30,588 --> 00:41:32,221 - My mother initiated it. 816 00:41:32,223 --> 00:41:36,358 And they end up making me the plaintiff on it 817 00:41:36,360 --> 00:41:40,096 Because they felt the beneficiary should be me. 818 00:41:40,164 --> 00:41:43,633 We flew to the civil suit, to virginia. 819 00:41:43,701 --> 00:41:47,070 And that's the first time I saw susan. 820 00:41:47,138 --> 00:41:50,172 I was just staring at her as hard as I could 821 00:41:50,174 --> 00:41:51,607 Because I wanted her to feel that, 822 00:41:51,743 --> 00:41:53,275 You know, I'm still here, you know. 823 00:41:53,344 --> 00:41:55,745 I'm half my father. 824 00:41:55,813 --> 00:41:59,749 But she refused to make eye contact with me. 825 00:41:59,817 --> 00:42:01,784 - Before the new trial begins, 826 00:42:01,853 --> 00:42:03,986 Her legal team opts for a settlement. 827 00:42:03,988 --> 00:42:06,456 - I'm not allowed to talk about the amount, 828 00:42:06,724 --> 00:42:09,826 But money can't replace family. 829 00:42:09,894 --> 00:42:12,862 But I let her know what she did to me. 830 00:42:12,930 --> 00:42:15,632 Now I'd like to move on and find god 831 00:42:15,766 --> 00:42:18,401 And live a happy life. 832 00:42:18,469 --> 00:42:22,171 - And for those in roberto's tight-knit southern enclave, 833 00:42:22,240 --> 00:42:25,374 His memory will always live on. 834 00:42:25,376 --> 00:42:29,011 - In that polo community of virginia, 835 00:42:29,013 --> 00:42:30,846 He was such a beloved figure. 836 00:42:30,915 --> 00:42:35,284 And that's why the tragedy was so immense. 837 00:42:35,353 --> 00:42:39,155 - He was full of charisma, generous heart. 838 00:42:39,223 --> 00:42:42,058 And he was everybody's best friend. 839 00:42:42,126 --> 00:42:44,994 [somber music]