1 00:00:13,087 --> 00:00:15,464 - Female narrator: In 2016, "snapped" featured 2 00:00:15,540 --> 00:00:18,925 The troubling story of sabrina zunich, 3 00:00:19,002 --> 00:00:23,513 Who had been taken in by foster parents lisa and kevin knoefel. 4 00:00:23,524 --> 00:00:26,641 - Being placed with the knoefels was a dream come true for her. 5 00:00:26,676 --> 00:00:28,351 - Narrator: But in little more than a year, 6 00:00:28,362 --> 00:00:31,655 Sabrina's dream would end in a nightmare. 7 00:00:36,037 --> 00:00:37,527 - It was a slaughterhouse. 8 00:00:37,538 --> 00:00:40,414 - An unstable foster child snapped. 9 00:00:41,525 --> 00:00:43,992 - Narrator: Now serving 30 years to life at ohio's 10 00:00:44,069 --> 00:00:47,829 Dayton correctional institute, sabrina is finally ready 11 00:00:47,906 --> 00:00:52,000 To reveal on camera the intimate details of her story. 12 00:00:52,077 --> 00:00:54,961 - We're the picture-perfect family on the outside, 13 00:00:55,038 --> 00:00:58,340 But on the inside, it was completely different. 14 00:00:58,416 --> 00:01:00,842 - She was right at the age where 15 00:01:00,919 --> 00:01:04,012 You're looking for intimate relationships. 16 00:01:04,089 --> 00:01:06,681 - I was in a very delicate state. 17 00:01:06,716 --> 00:01:10,727 I was in love with this man. What I thought was love. 18 00:01:10,738 --> 00:01:14,406 - He's 43 years old and sabrina's foster father. 19 00:01:14,483 --> 00:01:16,024 He is manipulating her, 20 00:01:16,059 --> 00:01:18,860 Saying they can lead this blissful life together. 21 00:01:18,895 --> 00:01:21,530 - This fantasy of living happily ever after 22 00:01:21,565 --> 00:01:23,698 Pushed her over the edge. 23 00:01:23,775 --> 00:01:26,543 - If you want love, you're gonna do anything to get it. 24 00:01:27,946 --> 00:01:31,706 - Narrator: But how did love turn into rage? 25 00:01:31,783 --> 00:01:34,760 - I was convinced that I was gonna lose everything 26 00:01:34,837 --> 00:01:38,839 That I've ever dreamed of if this didn't happen. 27 00:01:38,915 --> 00:01:42,175 - This story is not as simple as a young woman 28 00:01:42,252 --> 00:01:44,427 Snapping and killing someone. 29 00:01:44,438 --> 00:01:46,605 - And I can't undo what's already been done. 30 00:01:46,682 --> 00:01:49,391 I was selfish and I'm sorry. 31 00:01:49,467 --> 00:01:52,945 - The situation is a perfect storm. 32 00:01:53,021 --> 00:01:54,938 Textbook predator move. 33 00:01:54,949 --> 00:01:57,241 - He said, "you could stab her." 34 00:01:59,769 --> 00:02:08,877 - ♪ 35 00:02:10,706 --> 00:02:18,253 - ♪ 36 00:02:18,288 --> 00:02:21,256 - Sabrina: I'm sabrina ann zunich. 37 00:02:21,291 --> 00:02:23,925 I chose to do this interview because I wanted 38 00:02:24,002 --> 00:02:26,928 My side of the story to be told in depth. 39 00:02:27,005 --> 00:02:31,766 This is eight years after the initial, um, incident, 40 00:02:31,843 --> 00:02:36,271 And I believe I have a different perspective now. 41 00:02:36,306 --> 00:02:37,772 I'm not a monster. 42 00:02:37,849 --> 00:02:39,983 I'm an individual who made a mistake 43 00:02:39,994 --> 00:02:41,702 That affected a lot of lives. 44 00:02:44,665 --> 00:02:47,449 - Bob: This story has a lot of tentacles to it. 45 00:02:47,484 --> 00:02:50,502 The depth of the story, and all the different people 46 00:02:50,579 --> 00:02:53,622 That have been affected by this, it's a bit staggering. 47 00:02:53,657 --> 00:02:55,591 So this--this story goes very deep. 48 00:02:58,536 --> 00:03:01,963 - Narrator: On the night of November 16, 2012, 49 00:03:01,998 --> 00:03:04,466 The willoughby hills, ohio police department 50 00:03:04,542 --> 00:03:07,311 Received a terrifying 911 call. 51 00:03:28,116 --> 00:03:31,835 - You can hear on the 911 call where she's screaming. 52 00:03:36,574 --> 00:03:39,042 - I've been doing this about 20 years, it is by far 53 00:03:39,053 --> 00:03:41,069 The worst 911 call I have heard. 54 00:03:44,058 --> 00:03:46,892 - Narrator: The dispatcher routed all available units 55 00:03:46,969 --> 00:03:47,976 To the scene. 56 00:03:51,139 --> 00:03:53,181 - Narrator: When the first patrol car arrived, 57 00:03:53,216 --> 00:03:56,985 A 13-year-old girl burst from the house, terrified. 58 00:03:58,647 --> 00:04:00,572 - Debra: She's saying, you know, "she's stabbing my mother, 59 00:04:00,649 --> 00:04:02,691 There's blood all over." 60 00:04:02,726 --> 00:04:04,693 - Gary: The officers did not know what they were getting into 61 00:04:04,728 --> 00:04:06,653 When they came on the scene. 62 00:04:06,730 --> 00:04:09,364 Uh, all they knew is something very terrible was happening. 63 00:04:09,399 --> 00:04:11,032 - Narrator: The officer could see someone 64 00:04:11,109 --> 00:04:13,368 Inside the master bedroom. 65 00:04:13,403 --> 00:04:17,256 - He voiced the command to come out, um, more than once, 66 00:04:17,332 --> 00:04:18,873 With her hands up. 67 00:04:18,908 --> 00:04:22,585 - Narrator: Finally, someone emerged: Sabrina zunich, 68 00:04:22,596 --> 00:04:26,381 Who had turned 18 just three weeks before. 69 00:04:26,416 --> 00:04:28,049 - Gary: The officer does see that she has a knife 70 00:04:28,084 --> 00:04:31,094 In her hand and she is covered in blood from head to toe, 71 00:04:31,105 --> 00:04:33,388 And you know, at that point in time she's probably lucky 72 00:04:33,423 --> 00:04:36,891 That the officer didn't kill her right there. 73 00:04:36,968 --> 00:04:41,396 - What was most shocking and most interesting to me was 74 00:04:41,431 --> 00:04:44,899 That she was young, 75 00:04:44,976 --> 00:04:49,070 And everyone would ask: What would have an 18-year-old 76 00:04:49,147 --> 00:04:52,165 In a quiet suburb do something like that? 77 00:04:56,446 --> 00:05:00,123 - I had a very troubling childhood. 78 00:05:00,134 --> 00:05:02,801 Because I always wanted love and I wanted love from my parents 79 00:05:02,878 --> 00:05:06,805 And when I didn't-- wasn't able to get that, 80 00:05:06,882 --> 00:05:10,091 I looked for it in any place that I could. 81 00:05:10,126 --> 00:05:13,094 - Sabrina was born into a family that, uh, she had alcoholic 82 00:05:13,129 --> 00:05:15,263 And drug-addicted parents. 83 00:05:15,340 --> 00:05:18,266 She struggled very early in life. 84 00:05:18,343 --> 00:05:21,102 She had related a story to me that at one point when she was 85 00:05:21,137 --> 00:05:24,272 Still being bottle fed, to get her to go to sleep, 86 00:05:24,349 --> 00:05:27,609 They would put vodka in her bottle to get her to pass out 87 00:05:27,685 --> 00:05:30,445 So they could go about their lives. 88 00:05:30,522 --> 00:05:32,906 She had lots of challenges. 89 00:05:32,982 --> 00:05:36,993 - I was diagnosed when I was, uh, four years old with adhd. 90 00:05:37,004 --> 00:05:40,672 And, uh, growing up, throughout my life, 91 00:05:40,749 --> 00:05:45,418 I was diagnosed with, uh, odd, adhd, 92 00:05:45,495 --> 00:05:49,464 Bipolar, anxiety, depression. 93 00:05:49,499 --> 00:05:51,132 - Bob: The state came in and... 94 00:05:51,167 --> 00:05:53,769 She was taken out of the-- out of her home. 95 00:05:56,172 --> 00:05:59,849 - Sabrina: When I was 14, that's when I got into 96 00:05:59,860 --> 00:06:04,104 The actual system and was placed into group homes and... 97 00:06:04,180 --> 00:06:06,689 It was traumatic, to be honest with you. 98 00:06:06,700 --> 00:06:09,701 Because it was like the realization that I was never 99 00:06:09,778 --> 00:06:11,111 Gonna live with my parents, 100 00:06:11,187 --> 00:06:13,154 Like they were never gonna change. 101 00:06:13,231 --> 00:06:17,992 And it was me having to get a--a reality check 102 00:06:18,027 --> 00:06:19,994 Early on in life. 103 00:06:20,071 --> 00:06:23,123 - Narrator: The trauma of being removed from her family home 104 00:06:23,199 --> 00:06:25,834 Was only heightened by the unstable life 105 00:06:25,910 --> 00:06:28,294 Of the foster care system. 106 00:06:28,371 --> 00:06:31,214 - There's so many years there of bouncing back and forth 107 00:06:31,225 --> 00:06:33,508 Through the different places that she lived, 108 00:06:33,543 --> 00:06:37,020 The different people that were in her life. 109 00:06:38,214 --> 00:06:41,683 - Narrator: In July 2011, after 2 years of being 110 00:06:41,718 --> 00:06:43,902 Shuffled around the foster system, 111 00:06:43,979 --> 00:06:47,689 Social services placed then-16-year-old sabrina 112 00:06:47,724 --> 00:06:51,076 With a new family: The knoefels. 113 00:06:51,153 --> 00:06:53,695 - Tracey: Lisa and kevin knoefel appeared to have it all. 114 00:06:53,771 --> 00:06:56,698 They had a beautiful house, um, in willoughby hills. 115 00:06:56,774 --> 00:06:59,492 They had, uh, lovely children. 116 00:06:59,569 --> 00:07:02,871 - There's two daughters, it-- one from lisa's first marriage, 117 00:07:02,947 --> 00:07:07,208 And one from lisa and kevin's marriage, who is younger. 118 00:07:07,285 --> 00:07:10,336 - Narrator: Kevin drove a truck for a food service company, 119 00:07:10,413 --> 00:07:14,766 And lisa had made a career out of helping troubled kids. 120 00:07:14,843 --> 00:07:17,927 - Lisa knoefel was a social worker for cuyahoga county. 121 00:07:17,938 --> 00:07:22,941 - Lisa's job was to, uh, provide ongoing services 122 00:07:23,018 --> 00:07:26,227 For children who are in counseling and treatment. 123 00:07:26,304 --> 00:07:29,898 - She was really good with kids put in bad situations. 124 00:07:29,933 --> 00:07:33,568 - Lisa loved children and she loved to help people. 125 00:07:33,603 --> 00:07:37,238 - Lisa was a very caring individual. 126 00:07:37,315 --> 00:07:40,116 She--she always put others before herself. 127 00:07:40,127 --> 00:07:44,120 When she had foster children, she treated them like her own. 128 00:07:44,131 --> 00:07:47,582 She made sure she went the extra mile 129 00:07:47,617 --> 00:07:50,084 To--to be a good parent. 130 00:07:50,119 --> 00:07:51,920 - My first impressions of lisa and kevin 131 00:07:51,955 --> 00:07:54,589 Were that they were loving, they were caring. 132 00:07:54,624 --> 00:07:57,383 That they were into doing foster care 133 00:07:57,460 --> 00:08:00,428 For the betterment of the child. 134 00:08:00,463 --> 00:08:03,097 - Sidney: After everything that sabrina had gone through 135 00:08:03,174 --> 00:08:08,102 Up to that point, their home felt like a dream, 136 00:08:08,137 --> 00:08:11,606 With stability, love, and with siblings. 137 00:08:11,641 --> 00:08:13,608 - Narrator: Sabrina immediately connected 138 00:08:13,643 --> 00:08:16,277 With the knoefels' two girls. 139 00:08:16,354 --> 00:08:20,615 - We started off as friends, and then, uh, 140 00:08:20,650 --> 00:08:24,410 We moved into...Sisters. 141 00:08:24,487 --> 00:08:26,162 We'd do each other's hair, 142 00:08:26,173 --> 00:08:28,790 We'd get dressed and we'd take pictures. 143 00:08:28,866 --> 00:08:31,084 We all, like, connected. 144 00:08:31,160 --> 00:08:36,297 Me and lisa's relationship was good at first, 145 00:08:36,332 --> 00:08:40,635 And me and kevin had a very close relationship. 146 00:08:40,670 --> 00:08:44,189 I could be open with him and it was a very, um, 147 00:08:44,266 --> 00:08:46,349 Easy relationship. 148 00:08:46,360 --> 00:08:50,779 - She was a teenager who hadn't had that type of love before. 149 00:08:55,685 --> 00:08:56,859 - Sabrina: In the beginning, 150 00:08:56,870 --> 00:08:58,778 I felt like I finally had a family, 151 00:08:58,855 --> 00:09:02,156 One that I could go to school, come home, 152 00:09:02,233 --> 00:09:03,992 Get help with homework and, you know, 153 00:09:04,068 --> 00:09:08,830 Have dinner on the table and just have a family, 154 00:09:08,865 --> 00:09:11,332 Like that bond that I've never had 155 00:09:11,409 --> 00:09:13,334 And I never knew existed. 156 00:09:13,411 --> 00:09:15,470 It was everything that I've ever wanted. 157 00:09:16,706 --> 00:09:20,675 - Her grades improved and she was just doing great. 158 00:09:20,710 --> 00:09:22,343 - She fits in fine. 159 00:09:22,420 --> 00:09:24,679 She gets in no problems, she doesn't skip school. 160 00:09:24,756 --> 00:09:28,558 - Narrator: Sabrina also started making friends in the area. 161 00:09:28,569 --> 00:09:31,019 - We had two classes together. 162 00:09:31,054 --> 00:09:36,524 Sabrina was outgoing and very friendly and just kind of cocky. 163 00:09:36,559 --> 00:09:40,695 "nobody can really hold me back" type of attitude. 164 00:09:40,730 --> 00:09:42,655 - Tracey: She had dreams, she had goals, 165 00:09:42,732 --> 00:09:46,200 And she wanted to be a massage therapist. 166 00:09:46,277 --> 00:09:49,704 - Narrator: In October 2012, after living with the knoefels 167 00:09:49,739 --> 00:09:54,042 For over a year, sabrina turned 18. 168 00:09:54,118 --> 00:09:57,337 Normally, 18-year-olds leave foster care, 169 00:09:57,413 --> 00:09:59,088 Unless they're still in high school 170 00:09:59,099 --> 00:10:02,258 And want to remain in the system. 171 00:10:02,269 --> 00:10:04,552 - School was going great, she was in a family 172 00:10:04,587 --> 00:10:07,889 That was doing things and would go on vacations together. 173 00:10:07,965 --> 00:10:11,351 So, she was wanting to stay with the family. 174 00:10:11,427 --> 00:10:13,945 - Narrator: Sabrina petitioned to be allowed to remain 175 00:10:14,022 --> 00:10:16,064 In the knoefel home. 176 00:10:16,099 --> 00:10:18,524 - Sabrina: I was doing two grades at once at high school. 177 00:10:18,601 --> 00:10:21,069 They had gotten me there 178 00:10:21,145 --> 00:10:23,404 With the structure that they provided, 179 00:10:23,439 --> 00:10:28,793 And to uproot and be by myself and alone, 180 00:10:28,870 --> 00:10:31,129 That was a big risk that I was taking. 181 00:10:33,282 --> 00:10:36,042 - Narrator: But just three weeks after sabrina petitioned 182 00:10:36,119 --> 00:10:40,472 To stay, the seemingly perfect image of the family shattered 183 00:10:40,548 --> 00:10:42,766 With a chilling 911 call. 184 00:10:49,149 --> 00:10:52,266 - Sabrina is probably alive today because when the officer 185 00:10:52,343 --> 00:10:55,770 Ordered her to drop that bloody knife, she did, 186 00:10:55,805 --> 00:10:58,147 And was safely taken into custody. 187 00:10:58,158 --> 00:11:00,825 - I didn't realize I came out calm. 188 00:11:00,902 --> 00:11:04,112 Like, that was a part where I guess I just-- 189 00:11:04,188 --> 00:11:06,989 I was not mentally there. 190 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:09,250 I was in and out the whole time. 191 00:11:10,578 --> 00:11:11,786 - Narrator: Coming up, 192 00:11:11,821 --> 00:11:15,289 Details of a horrific attack emerge. 193 00:11:15,324 --> 00:11:18,793 - There were 178 knife wounds. 194 00:11:18,828 --> 00:11:22,296 That is definitely a long, sustained attack. 195 00:11:22,373 --> 00:11:24,966 Where'd she get all that rage from? 196 00:11:25,042 --> 00:11:28,970 - Narrator: And police discover unintended victims. 197 00:11:29,005 --> 00:11:30,939 - I can only imagine what she went through. 198 00:11:32,550 --> 00:11:35,485 - ♪ 199 00:11:40,716 --> 00:11:43,493 - ♪ 200 00:11:45,539 --> 00:11:46,621 - ♪ 201 00:11:55,573 --> 00:11:58,791 - Narrator: On November 16, 2012, police 202 00:11:58,868 --> 00:12:02,879 In willoughby hills, ohio, had 18-year-old sabrina zunich 203 00:12:02,889 --> 00:12:07,267 In custody for ruthlessly attacking her foster mother. 204 00:12:08,895 --> 00:12:11,637 - At the time... 205 00:12:11,714 --> 00:12:14,849 I didn't register it. I--I couldn't. 206 00:12:14,926 --> 00:12:18,227 I was blacking in and out. 207 00:12:18,238 --> 00:12:20,822 I wasn't coherent for everything. 208 00:12:23,100 --> 00:12:24,567 - Narrator: With sabrina secured, 209 00:12:24,578 --> 00:12:27,361 Police entered the master bedroom, 210 00:12:27,438 --> 00:12:31,908 Where they found 41-year-old lisa knoefel. 211 00:12:31,918 --> 00:12:37,213 - They tried to do, uh, cpr. And she was just gone. 212 00:12:38,574 --> 00:12:40,917 - Narrator: In the closet, police made another 213 00:12:40,927 --> 00:12:42,543 Shocking discovery: 214 00:12:42,578 --> 00:12:45,513 Lisa and kevin's three-year-old daughter. 215 00:12:46,749 --> 00:12:50,718 - I don't even want to know how much she heard. 216 00:12:50,795 --> 00:12:53,387 - Doug g: Sabrina was in no state to answer any questions, 217 00:12:53,422 --> 00:12:55,607 Or at least acting that way. 218 00:12:55,683 --> 00:12:59,393 And during the attack, she had suffered some cuts as well 219 00:12:59,428 --> 00:13:00,770 As lisa fought back. 220 00:13:00,781 --> 00:13:03,397 So they had to take her to the hospital. 221 00:13:03,474 --> 00:13:06,734 Kevin, lisa's husband, isn't there. 222 00:13:06,811 --> 00:13:10,238 The only other people in the house were the girls. 223 00:13:10,314 --> 00:13:11,739 And the three-year-old wasn't gonna be able 224 00:13:11,774 --> 00:13:14,283 To give the police any details. 225 00:13:14,294 --> 00:13:15,785 She's just too young. 226 00:13:15,796 --> 00:13:18,913 So it all falls on the 13-year-old. 227 00:13:18,948 --> 00:13:21,582 - Sidney: This is a teenage girl whose been awakened 228 00:13:21,659 --> 00:13:23,960 In the middle of the night by screaming, 229 00:13:23,970 --> 00:13:29,966 Who just witnessed her foster sister stabbing her mother. 230 00:13:29,976 --> 00:13:32,802 - I have a lot of regret 231 00:13:32,813 --> 00:13:37,482 And sorrow because I can only imagine what she went through. 232 00:13:37,559 --> 00:13:39,317 And she shouldn't have had to gone through that, 233 00:13:39,394 --> 00:13:41,986 Nobody did in that situation. [sniffling] 234 00:13:45,158 --> 00:13:46,274 - Sidney: But kids are more resilient 235 00:13:46,309 --> 00:13:47,984 Than we give them credit for, 236 00:13:47,994 --> 00:13:52,238 And she was able to tell police what happened. 237 00:13:52,315 --> 00:13:55,283 - Narrator: Megan found the strength to tell investigators 238 00:13:55,318 --> 00:13:58,327 The harrowing details of that evening. 239 00:13:58,338 --> 00:14:00,788 - Gary: She walks into her mother's bedroom, 240 00:14:00,865 --> 00:14:05,793 Probably being awoken from the screams, uh, of--of lisa. 241 00:14:05,828 --> 00:14:08,629 What she's seeing is the very gruesome, 242 00:14:08,706 --> 00:14:11,007 Graphic murder of her own mother. 243 00:14:11,017 --> 00:14:14,677 - She is begging sabrina to spare her mother's life, 244 00:14:14,688 --> 00:14:17,597 To stop what-- "you're killing my mother," 245 00:14:17,673 --> 00:14:20,433 And she just doesn't stop. 246 00:14:20,509 --> 00:14:22,193 - Gary: She's just repeatedly stabbing her, 247 00:14:22,270 --> 00:14:24,770 One stab after another stab. 248 00:14:24,847 --> 00:14:27,315 - The assault was so violent that the knife was bent 249 00:14:27,350 --> 00:14:28,816 At some degree of an angle. 250 00:14:28,893 --> 00:14:31,277 - Debra it appeared that lisa fought for her life, 251 00:14:31,354 --> 00:14:35,540 There was things knocked over, there was blood everywhere. 252 00:14:37,452 --> 00:14:40,378 - Michael: She ultimately sustained 178 stab 253 00:14:40,455 --> 00:14:42,005 And slashing wounds. 254 00:14:43,240 --> 00:14:45,008 There were serious defensive wounds. 255 00:14:47,578 --> 00:14:49,721 - Narrator: Lisa's frightened daughter explained why 256 00:14:49,797 --> 00:14:54,225 Her stepfather, 43-year-old kevin knoefel, wasn't there. 257 00:14:54,302 --> 00:14:57,896 - Carol: Kevin was a truck driver and he was on the road, 258 00:14:57,972 --> 00:14:59,513 He worked third shift. 259 00:14:59,590 --> 00:15:01,724 - Detectives tell kevin to rush home. 260 00:15:01,735 --> 00:15:03,225 They would have someone stay with the girls 261 00:15:03,236 --> 00:15:04,569 Until he gets there. 262 00:15:06,931 --> 00:15:09,065 At the hospital, they tried to interview sabrina, 263 00:15:09,075 --> 00:15:12,526 But she wasn't able to give them much at the time. 264 00:15:12,603 --> 00:15:15,029 - Sabrina: I guess the reality just--it--it hit 265 00:15:15,106 --> 00:15:16,581 When I started crying. 266 00:15:16,658 --> 00:15:21,869 I--I didn't--I didn't grasp what happened, 267 00:15:21,946 --> 00:15:25,423 And when I did, I just couldn't do anything but cry. 268 00:15:26,909 --> 00:15:29,418 - Narrator: When kevin finally arrived home, 269 00:15:29,429 --> 00:15:33,047 He appeared more curious than grief-stricken. 270 00:15:33,082 --> 00:15:34,674 - Tracey: He wanted to see the bedroom for himself, 271 00:15:34,750 --> 00:15:35,883 After she was killed, 272 00:15:35,960 --> 00:15:39,095 The police thought that was strange. 273 00:15:39,105 --> 00:15:41,430 - Narrator: The next day, when loved ones gathered 274 00:15:41,441 --> 00:15:43,724 To console kevin and the girls, 275 00:15:43,801 --> 00:15:47,895 They also noticed he was acting strange. 276 00:15:47,930 --> 00:15:51,732 - His demeanor was so-- I don't know. 277 00:15:51,809 --> 00:15:54,402 I can't say how a person should appear when their wife's 278 00:15:54,478 --> 00:15:55,778 Been brutally murdered, 279 00:15:55,789 --> 00:15:58,906 But he just didn't appear to be fazed by it. 280 00:15:58,941 --> 00:16:01,742 - Carol: He was greeting people and shaking their hand. 281 00:16:01,777 --> 00:16:04,704 There was not really that emotion that you would see 282 00:16:04,780 --> 00:16:09,125 From someone that just lost their--their wife tragically. 283 00:16:09,135 --> 00:16:13,129 - People said kevin wasn't displaying emotions we think 284 00:16:13,139 --> 00:16:14,922 Somebody should display. 285 00:16:14,999 --> 00:16:18,810 Regardless of their claims about that, 286 00:16:18,886 --> 00:16:22,605 There's no--no question who did that horrific crime. 287 00:16:25,509 --> 00:16:27,143 - Narrator: But the question was: 288 00:16:27,153 --> 00:16:29,988 Why would sabrina attack lisa? 289 00:16:30,064 --> 00:16:32,606 As police began their investigation, 290 00:16:32,641 --> 00:16:34,316 They asked lisa's loved ones 291 00:16:34,327 --> 00:16:36,944 About the dynamics of the family. 292 00:16:36,979 --> 00:16:39,163 - Carol: At first, lisa had only positive things 293 00:16:39,240 --> 00:16:40,948 To say about sabrina. 294 00:16:40,983 --> 00:16:44,452 That she was getting great grades in school 295 00:16:44,528 --> 00:16:46,454 And that therapy was working really well, 296 00:16:46,530 --> 00:16:48,956 And she was such a sweetheart. 297 00:16:49,033 --> 00:16:51,625 - Narrator: But six months into sabrina's stay, 298 00:16:51,702 --> 00:16:53,961 Things began to change. 299 00:16:54,038 --> 00:16:58,174 - We're the picture-perfect family on the outside. 300 00:16:58,184 --> 00:17:01,635 On the inside, it was completely different. 301 00:17:01,712 --> 00:17:05,014 - The development of the relationship between 302 00:17:05,025 --> 00:17:09,685 Lisa and sabrina had some typical features 303 00:17:09,696 --> 00:17:13,105 Of a parent-child relationship, like arguments, 304 00:17:13,182 --> 00:17:17,443 And sabrina thinking that another child may have 305 00:17:17,520 --> 00:17:21,822 More attention from lisa than she did. 306 00:17:21,899 --> 00:17:25,493 - There wasn't attention provided for all the children. 307 00:17:25,569 --> 00:17:27,203 It was always focused. 308 00:17:27,213 --> 00:17:29,830 I didn't-- I didn't see it as fair, 309 00:17:29,907 --> 00:17:33,718 And they got so much more freedom than I did. 310 00:17:33,795 --> 00:17:37,004 I felt like I wasn't really a part of the family. 311 00:17:37,081 --> 00:17:39,006 - I think the problem is that sabrina didn't quite 312 00:17:39,041 --> 00:17:42,343 Understand the dynamics of a family household. 313 00:17:42,378 --> 00:17:46,230 She'd never been in one, so she interpreted the issues 314 00:17:46,307 --> 00:17:48,057 She would have with lisa as... 315 00:17:48,068 --> 00:17:50,151 A bigger deal than it really was. 316 00:17:51,554 --> 00:17:54,563 - Sabrina: It definitely put a gap in between me and lisa 317 00:17:54,574 --> 00:17:57,691 Because of the abandonment that I had to deal with, 318 00:17:57,768 --> 00:17:59,744 Because of the rejection I've dealt with. 319 00:17:59,821 --> 00:18:03,030 And so, even if it's not intentional, 320 00:18:03,065 --> 00:18:08,878 I--I picked up on what I perceived as...Closing me out. 321 00:18:10,281 --> 00:18:13,749 - Narrator: Sabrina began to argue more and more with lisa, 322 00:18:13,760 --> 00:18:15,835 And soon lost her initial feeling 323 00:18:15,911 --> 00:18:18,587 Of safety and acceptance. 324 00:18:18,598 --> 00:18:20,756 - It wasn't what I always hoped for. 325 00:18:20,767 --> 00:18:24,844 It wasn't the dream family that I've always wanted. 326 00:18:24,920 --> 00:18:29,390 That mother-daughter relationship changed immensely. 327 00:18:29,466 --> 00:18:34,562 - However, kevin and sabrina began to get closer and closer 328 00:18:34,638 --> 00:18:37,731 The longer that sabrina was in the home. 329 00:18:37,808 --> 00:18:40,618 - I told kevin that I was feeling like an outsider, 330 00:18:40,695 --> 00:18:43,955 That I don't believe she treated me the same way. 331 00:18:44,031 --> 00:18:47,533 I didn't necessarily had to hide anything and I could be real, 332 00:18:47,610 --> 00:18:50,795 And so it made it easy to talk to him. 333 00:18:50,872 --> 00:18:56,917 He was open and he was-- he was my friend and my father. 334 00:18:56,994 --> 00:19:02,473 Kevin was there to catch me because he never judged me 335 00:19:02,550 --> 00:19:04,267 And he always made me feel wanted. 336 00:19:06,003 --> 00:19:08,646 And he was always everything that I needed. 337 00:19:11,342 --> 00:19:13,726 - Narrator: But as police questioned friends and family 338 00:19:13,802 --> 00:19:15,936 Of the knoefels, they soon learned 339 00:19:16,013 --> 00:19:21,108 That as kevin comforted sabrina, lisa sensed trouble. 340 00:19:21,143 --> 00:19:24,162 - Sidney: Lisa may have been feeling some of the same things 341 00:19:24,238 --> 00:19:26,947 That sabrina had felt at some point, 342 00:19:27,024 --> 00:19:30,993 And that would be feeling abandoned, feeling unloved, 343 00:19:31,004 --> 00:19:34,496 Feeling unwanted or neglected by his developing 344 00:19:34,507 --> 00:19:36,924 Relationship with sabrina. 345 00:19:38,202 --> 00:19:40,169 - Narrator: Friends told authorities that lisa 346 00:19:40,180 --> 00:19:43,130 Wasn't the only one who became suspicious 347 00:19:43,207 --> 00:19:46,759 Of sabrina's relationship with her foster father. 348 00:19:46,835 --> 00:19:49,020 - Sabrina would always tell me that whenever she needed 349 00:19:49,096 --> 00:19:51,189 Something, she would just go to kevin for it. 350 00:19:51,265 --> 00:19:53,191 - People called the relationship kind of creepy. 351 00:19:53,267 --> 00:19:57,269 - They were too friendly, they were too close. 352 00:19:57,346 --> 00:20:01,482 They would make sexual jokes towards each other. 353 00:20:01,558 --> 00:20:04,193 - Narrator: Investigators also learned that, recently, 354 00:20:04,204 --> 00:20:07,488 Lisa had reached her breaking point. 355 00:20:07,564 --> 00:20:12,710 - Lisa did call me and express she wanted her out of the house. 356 00:20:12,787 --> 00:20:14,703 - Michael: She was told flat out that sh--you know, 357 00:20:14,714 --> 00:20:17,706 "as of January 1, you're no longer welcome here." 358 00:20:17,717 --> 00:20:22,053 - Narrator: This ultimatum came three weeks before the murder. 359 00:20:22,129 --> 00:20:25,047 - Lisa stormed out and said, "if you think you're gonna turn 360 00:20:25,058 --> 00:20:27,341 My husband against me, you have another thing coming." 361 00:20:27,376 --> 00:20:31,637 And I started crying and, uh, 'cause I knew from there 362 00:20:31,714 --> 00:20:33,681 That that was the beginning of the end. 363 00:20:33,757 --> 00:20:35,808 But I'm not gonna-- I'm not gonna say 364 00:20:35,884 --> 00:20:37,393 That she's the villain in this story, 365 00:20:37,403 --> 00:20:39,395 I'm not gonna say that. 366 00:20:39,405 --> 00:20:42,231 - Sidney: Lisa's reaction was totally justified. 367 00:20:42,242 --> 00:20:45,526 She sees her husband getting close to her 368 00:20:45,602 --> 00:20:47,403 In an inappropriate way. 369 00:20:47,413 --> 00:20:51,958 Remember he's 43 years old and sabrina's foster father. 370 00:20:53,327 --> 00:20:54,268 - Narrator: Coming up, 371 00:20:54,345 --> 00:20:58,089 Sabrina admits to a twisted relationship. 372 00:20:58,165 --> 00:21:03,335 - It started with massages. And it gradually went to more. 373 00:21:03,412 --> 00:21:06,430 - Narrator: And describes a troubling psychology. 374 00:21:06,507 --> 00:21:08,674 - Sabrina: If you want love, if you wanna feel that 375 00:21:08,751 --> 00:21:11,719 You're not just a throwaway, 376 00:21:11,754 --> 00:21:13,729 You're gonna do anything to get it, right? 377 00:21:15,441 --> 00:21:18,442 - ♪ 378 00:21:23,598 --> 00:21:26,409 - ♪ 379 00:21:28,604 --> 00:21:31,572 - Narrator: Investigating the murder of lisa knoefel, 380 00:21:31,648 --> 00:21:35,200 Ohio police began to focus on the relationship between 381 00:21:35,277 --> 00:21:36,952 Lisa's husband, kevin, 382 00:21:36,963 --> 00:21:40,289 And the couple's foster daughter, sabrina zunich, 383 00:21:40,300 --> 00:21:43,417 Who stabbed lisa to death. 384 00:21:43,494 --> 00:21:45,636 - Autumn: The vibe that I got from kevin and sabrina's 385 00:21:45,713 --> 00:21:49,140 Relationship was that they were more boyfriend and girlfriend 386 00:21:49,216 --> 00:21:51,759 Than they were father and daughter. 387 00:21:51,835 --> 00:21:55,429 I believe sabrina was attracted to kevin because 388 00:21:55,464 --> 00:21:59,600 She had daddy issues and a lot of abandonment issues. 389 00:21:59,676 --> 00:22:01,935 - Narrator: Investigators needed to determine: 390 00:22:01,970 --> 00:22:04,655 Had sabrina acted alone? 391 00:22:04,732 --> 00:22:07,107 As detectives interviewed more people, 392 00:22:07,184 --> 00:22:10,611 They learned sabrina had actually tried to find help 393 00:22:10,687 --> 00:22:13,822 In carrying out the attack on her foster mother. 394 00:22:13,833 --> 00:22:16,784 - She came to me and said she wanted to know 395 00:22:16,860 --> 00:22:18,952 If I knew any hitmen. 396 00:22:18,987 --> 00:22:20,504 And I think she might have actually thought 397 00:22:20,581 --> 00:22:23,466 I could help her, but I couldn't. 398 00:22:24,868 --> 00:22:27,002 - Narrator: And during investigators' conversation 399 00:22:27,013 --> 00:22:31,090 With autumn, she made a startling accusation. 400 00:22:31,166 --> 00:22:34,468 - Autumn: I knew kevin was involved because when sabrina 401 00:22:34,503 --> 00:22:36,470 Would talk about needing help, 402 00:22:36,547 --> 00:22:39,014 She would refer to the both of them, 403 00:22:39,025 --> 00:22:41,984 You know, "me and kevin need to get rid of lisa." 404 00:22:43,679 --> 00:22:46,355 - Narrator: But when authorities initially pressed sabrina 405 00:22:46,366 --> 00:22:49,817 About kevin's involvement, she denied it. 406 00:22:49,893 --> 00:22:52,203 - Bob: Sabrina was gonna take the fall for it, 407 00:22:52,279 --> 00:22:54,822 She kept her mouth shut for six months because kevin 408 00:22:54,898 --> 00:22:58,659 Had promised that he was gonna take care of her. 409 00:22:58,694 --> 00:22:59,827 After several months went by, 410 00:22:59,903 --> 00:23:02,996 She realized that she had been had, 411 00:23:03,031 --> 00:23:06,592 And that was when she decided that she's gonna tell the truth. 412 00:23:08,221 --> 00:23:09,837 - Narrator: Once she decided to talk, 413 00:23:09,913 --> 00:23:12,840 Sabrina confirmed to police that she had begun 414 00:23:12,916 --> 00:23:15,509 An inappropriate relationship with kevin 415 00:23:15,586 --> 00:23:18,846 Ten months after moving in with the family. 416 00:23:18,922 --> 00:23:20,389 - Sabrina: It started with massages. 417 00:23:20,400 --> 00:23:22,850 I wanted to be a massotherapist. 418 00:23:22,926 --> 00:23:28,313 I wanted to, um, help people all my life and so, 419 00:23:28,390 --> 00:23:31,150 He said, "you can practice on me." 420 00:23:31,226 --> 00:23:35,529 And it w--started on the legs, because he was a truck driver 421 00:23:35,606 --> 00:23:37,489 And, you know, had cramps in his legs. 422 00:23:37,566 --> 00:23:41,869 And, uh, it gradually went to more-- 423 00:23:41,945 --> 00:23:45,873 From father-daughter to significant others. 424 00:23:45,949 --> 00:23:50,752 Me and kevin ended up being in a sexual relationship. 425 00:23:50,763 --> 00:23:54,923 - Sidney: The situation is a perfect storm because 426 00:23:54,934 --> 00:24:00,554 Sabrina feels like she is getting 427 00:24:00,631 --> 00:24:04,349 The dream family that she wants, 428 00:24:04,426 --> 00:24:08,353 But then he is manipulating her. 429 00:24:08,430 --> 00:24:11,064 - I realize today that it was unhealthy, 430 00:24:11,141 --> 00:24:14,776 That I should have never entered into that relationship. 431 00:24:14,787 --> 00:24:19,781 I also know that I was in a very, um, delicate state 432 00:24:19,792 --> 00:24:22,910 Because of everything that I've lacked growing up. 433 00:24:22,986 --> 00:24:25,296 - She was so young; she was a teenager. 434 00:24:25,372 --> 00:24:30,584 And sexual predators tend to slowly convince the person 435 00:24:30,661 --> 00:24:31,802 That they love them, 436 00:24:31,879 --> 00:24:34,588 And that only they love them, 437 00:24:34,665 --> 00:24:36,599 And that they can take care of them. 438 00:24:39,336 --> 00:24:42,262 - Narrator: Investigators ask sabrina about what led 439 00:24:42,339 --> 00:24:43,931 To lisa's killing. 440 00:24:44,007 --> 00:24:46,433 - Sabrina: Kevin shared the problems in the marriage 441 00:24:46,510 --> 00:24:48,435 That they were having. 442 00:24:48,512 --> 00:24:52,648 He told me that he really didn't wanna be married to her anymore, 443 00:24:52,658 --> 00:24:54,775 That he was not in love with her anymore, 444 00:24:54,851 --> 00:24:59,613 And that, um...He just is in the marriage 445 00:24:59,690 --> 00:25:01,782 Because of the children. 446 00:25:01,817 --> 00:25:05,118 He said, "I want her gone." 447 00:25:05,195 --> 00:25:08,455 And I said, "why not just divorce her?" 448 00:25:08,532 --> 00:25:11,792 And he said, "because I can't do it. 449 00:25:11,868 --> 00:25:13,969 The girls would end up going to her." 450 00:25:15,539 --> 00:25:19,967 - Narrator: Sabrina told police kevin lured her into helping. 451 00:25:20,043 --> 00:25:21,969 - Sabrina: It was about the promises that he made me 452 00:25:22,045 --> 00:25:26,640 That I was gonna have a life that I wanted to live. 453 00:25:26,717 --> 00:25:30,694 A future that I never thought I could have. 454 00:25:30,771 --> 00:25:33,272 - Bob: Some of the things that kevin had discussed 455 00:25:33,348 --> 00:25:36,984 With sabrina and dangled in front of her were things 456 00:25:37,060 --> 00:25:40,946 Like going to modeling school, having their own home together, 457 00:25:41,023 --> 00:25:44,157 Maybe in florida where they could spend time at the beach. 458 00:25:44,234 --> 00:25:46,868 - He laid the foundation that he is the answer 459 00:25:46,879 --> 00:25:49,663 To all of sabrina's prayers. 460 00:25:49,740 --> 00:25:51,832 They can lead this blissful life together-- 461 00:25:51,908 --> 00:25:55,002 A life that she's craved forever. 462 00:25:55,078 --> 00:25:57,721 - What I keep thinking about as I listen to this story 463 00:25:57,798 --> 00:26:01,967 Is that...It is a story. 464 00:26:02,044 --> 00:26:03,010 Her story. 465 00:26:03,086 --> 00:26:05,846 She's claiming he wanted lisa dead. 466 00:26:05,922 --> 00:26:08,056 Pretty convenient from someone found holding 467 00:26:08,067 --> 00:26:10,851 The bloody murder weapon. 468 00:26:10,886 --> 00:26:12,686 - Sabrina: He started breaking down crying. 469 00:26:12,763 --> 00:26:14,855 He said that, "I can't do this anymore. 470 00:26:14,890 --> 00:26:17,649 I'm going to kill myself if she's not gone." 471 00:26:17,726 --> 00:26:20,235 - Sidney: Another textbook predator move. 472 00:26:20,246 --> 00:26:22,029 He's going to kill himself, 473 00:26:22,105 --> 00:26:26,033 Preying on her sense of loss and abandonment. 474 00:26:26,068 --> 00:26:28,410 And now sabrina has to contend with that 475 00:26:28,421 --> 00:26:30,921 She might lose him too. 476 00:26:30,998 --> 00:26:33,373 - Sabrina: I said, "well, what do you want me to do?" 477 00:26:33,450 --> 00:26:36,051 And he said, "you could stab her." 478 00:26:38,339 --> 00:26:42,049 I was in love with this man. What I thought was love. 479 00:26:42,084 --> 00:26:45,886 And so I was gonna do anything for the man that I loved. 480 00:26:45,921 --> 00:26:48,555 That's when the planning started and he picked out the knife, 481 00:26:48,590 --> 00:26:50,223 He told me how to do it, 482 00:26:50,300 --> 00:26:54,394 What position if she was sleeping, to go and stab her 483 00:26:54,471 --> 00:26:57,856 And to make it look like a burglary, 484 00:26:57,933 --> 00:27:01,785 To knock everything down, and to take all her jewelry. 485 00:27:01,862 --> 00:27:04,780 - Narrator: Sabrina told police that kevin convinced her 486 00:27:04,790 --> 00:27:07,741 It was the only way they could be together. 487 00:27:07,818 --> 00:27:10,911 So on November 16, 2012, 488 00:27:10,987 --> 00:27:13,538 While kevin was safely out of town, 489 00:27:13,615 --> 00:27:19,252 She picked up the knife he chose and crept into lisa's bedroom. 490 00:27:19,287 --> 00:27:21,088 - Sabrina: My heart was pumping out of my chest, 491 00:27:21,164 --> 00:27:23,256 I could see it through my clothing. 492 00:27:23,333 --> 00:27:25,092 Like, I was going to do it and then I was like, 493 00:27:25,168 --> 00:27:27,594 "no, you can't do it. Do it, don't do it." 494 00:27:27,671 --> 00:27:32,474 It was a constant...Fight. 495 00:27:32,485 --> 00:27:37,029 And when she woke up, I had no choice. 496 00:27:38,140 --> 00:27:41,158 She called out, "bree, stop." 497 00:27:44,521 --> 00:27:46,830 She was on top of me at one time. 498 00:27:46,907 --> 00:27:48,957 She had the knife at one time. 499 00:27:51,653 --> 00:27:53,045 She fought for her life. 500 00:27:54,990 --> 00:27:57,791 When megan made the 911 call, 501 00:27:57,826 --> 00:28:00,502 That's when I knew that this wasn't gonna be 502 00:28:00,513 --> 00:28:03,004 How he told me it was going to, 503 00:28:03,015 --> 00:28:06,299 That, uh, the plan fell apart. 504 00:28:06,376 --> 00:28:09,469 Megan put her hand on me, I remember that, um, 505 00:28:09,504 --> 00:28:13,857 She said, "bree, stop," and I just sh--shrugged her off. 506 00:28:15,886 --> 00:28:19,104 I didn't know hailey was in the closet. 507 00:28:19,181 --> 00:28:21,865 When I found out, I broke down and cried. 508 00:28:26,229 --> 00:28:29,114 - Doug g: According to sabrina's story now, 509 00:28:29,191 --> 00:28:32,367 When she was taken into custody, she knew exactly what to say 510 00:28:32,378 --> 00:28:34,002 Because kevin had coached her. 511 00:28:36,531 --> 00:28:38,165 - Doug b: Kevin told sabrina to tell the authorities 512 00:28:38,241 --> 00:28:40,667 That she had no clue what ha--she didn't remember 513 00:28:40,744 --> 00:28:42,002 What happened, she blacked out. 514 00:28:42,037 --> 00:28:46,056 - Sabrina would be declared mentally ill and serve some time 515 00:28:46,133 --> 00:28:49,009 In a mental health facility and--and get out, 516 00:28:49,085 --> 00:28:51,887 Do no hard time; that's what he told her. 517 00:28:51,897 --> 00:28:54,898 - Sabrina believed that they would be together. 518 00:28:54,975 --> 00:28:56,850 - Sabrina: If you want love, if you wanna feel that 519 00:28:56,927 --> 00:28:59,361 You're not just a throwaway... 520 00:29:02,766 --> 00:29:05,484 You're gonna do anything to get it. 521 00:29:05,560 --> 00:29:08,195 I just kept on thinking that everything is gonna be okay 522 00:29:08,230 --> 00:29:09,696 Like he said. 523 00:29:09,773 --> 00:29:10,831 That, um-- 524 00:29:14,086 --> 00:29:17,704 That, "no matter what, he's gonna be there for you." 525 00:29:17,781 --> 00:29:19,581 - Sidney: If her story is true, 526 00:29:19,592 --> 00:29:22,709 She is still a victim in this case, 527 00:29:22,786 --> 00:29:25,003 Because she was manipulated into 528 00:29:25,080 --> 00:29:27,506 Taking the actions that she did. 529 00:29:27,582 --> 00:29:31,435 - My first thought was someone not owning up to what they did. 530 00:29:31,512 --> 00:29:34,554 Trying to shift the investigation and the blame 531 00:29:34,631 --> 00:29:36,223 To someone else. 532 00:29:36,299 --> 00:29:38,225 - She did it and it was horrible, 533 00:29:38,260 --> 00:29:40,769 But I believe in my soul that she was a 100% 534 00:29:40,780 --> 00:29:43,772 Manipulated into doing it. 535 00:29:43,783 --> 00:29:45,398 - Narrator: Based on sabrina's statement, 536 00:29:45,475 --> 00:29:48,068 And on the witness statements about an inappropriate 537 00:29:48,144 --> 00:29:52,405 Relationship, authorities decided to arrest kevin knoefel 538 00:29:52,440 --> 00:29:54,950 For conspiracy to murder. 539 00:29:54,960 --> 00:29:56,910 - Carol: When I heard that kevin was arrested, 540 00:29:56,987 --> 00:29:59,412 I thought to myself, "I knew it. 541 00:29:59,489 --> 00:30:03,250 I--I knew that he had something to do with this." 542 00:30:03,326 --> 00:30:06,211 - Narrator: Kevin denied having an illicit relationship 543 00:30:06,288 --> 00:30:10,140 With sabrina or any involvement in his wife's murder, 544 00:30:10,217 --> 00:30:13,593 And his defense team was confident sabrina's statement 545 00:30:13,670 --> 00:30:15,470 Was nothing but lies. 546 00:30:15,481 --> 00:30:17,889 - There's no evidence that kevin had ever done 547 00:30:17,966 --> 00:30:20,141 Anything inappropriate with sabrina. 548 00:30:20,152 --> 00:30:23,779 No dna, no videotapes, nothing. 549 00:30:25,348 --> 00:30:26,606 - Narrator: Coming up... 550 00:30:26,683 --> 00:30:29,159 Sabrina's riveting testimony. 551 00:30:29,236 --> 00:30:31,278 - He just needed me to do his dirty work. 552 00:30:31,354 --> 00:30:34,498 - Narrator: And a brand-new motive emerges. 553 00:30:34,575 --> 00:30:36,959 - He said, "she's worth more dead than alive." 554 00:30:38,528 --> 00:30:41,380 - ♪ 555 00:30:46,678 --> 00:30:49,179 - ♪ 556 00:30:51,016 --> 00:30:53,675 - Narrator: After confessing to the aggravated murder 557 00:30:53,686 --> 00:30:56,511 Of her foster mother lisa knoefel, 558 00:30:56,522 --> 00:30:59,639 Sabrina zunich agreed to be the star witness 559 00:30:59,716 --> 00:31:03,360 Against the man she claimed orchestrated the slaying: 560 00:31:03,437 --> 00:31:06,521 Her foster father, kevin knoefel. 561 00:31:06,532 --> 00:31:09,816 - Tracey: Sabrina agrees to testify against kevin 562 00:31:09,893 --> 00:31:12,027 In exchange for the prosecutors' deal 563 00:31:12,037 --> 00:31:17,657 Of life with parole eligibility in 30 years. 564 00:31:17,734 --> 00:31:22,963 - Narrator: On may 29, 2014, kevin knoefel's trial began. 565 00:31:24,074 --> 00:31:25,999 - I had never seen a case like this before; 566 00:31:26,034 --> 00:31:28,719 Foster daughter kills foster mother 567 00:31:28,795 --> 00:31:30,804 At the foster father's wishes. 568 00:31:40,215 --> 00:31:41,648 - Kevin pretty much played her. 569 00:31:50,910 --> 00:31:53,911 - He told her they could finally be together if lisa was gone. 570 00:32:03,163 --> 00:32:04,179 - Narrator: Kevin's defense team 571 00:32:04,181 --> 00:32:07,582 Argued that the case against him was weak. 572 00:32:07,593 --> 00:32:09,551 - The only evidence they had was sabrina. 573 00:32:14,099 --> 00:32:17,175 - Gary: It was completely sabrina's story-- 574 00:32:17,252 --> 00:32:20,020 This whole fairy-tale fantasy. 575 00:32:25,611 --> 00:32:28,103 - Narrator: The defense also argued that the murder 576 00:32:28,113 --> 00:32:32,107 And sabrina's claim of an affair with kevin were both connected 577 00:32:32,117 --> 00:32:35,827 To the mental illness she was diagnosed with as a child. 578 00:32:45,872 --> 00:32:49,633 - Sabrina's upbringing definitely plays a part 579 00:32:49,710 --> 00:32:52,627 In her mental health. 580 00:32:52,638 --> 00:32:56,923 Being removed from family is a traumatic event 581 00:32:57,000 --> 00:32:58,258 In and of itself, 582 00:32:58,334 --> 00:33:02,095 And being placed in foster care increases the vulnerability 583 00:33:02,172 --> 00:33:06,433 That a child has, their attachment to people, 584 00:33:06,468 --> 00:33:10,988 And often results in behavioral issues. 585 00:33:11,064 --> 00:33:15,108 - I'm sure it was a rough life, but a lot of people who had 586 00:33:15,185 --> 00:33:18,996 Rough lives don't end up stabbing someone to death. 587 00:33:19,072 --> 00:33:22,615 The prosecution leaned into what they argued 588 00:33:22,692 --> 00:33:24,951 Was kevin's motivation for wanting sabrina 589 00:33:25,028 --> 00:33:28,997 To kill lisa: Life insurance money. 590 00:33:29,008 --> 00:33:31,166 - Well, it was all financial. If he got a divorce, 591 00:33:31,176 --> 00:33:35,170 He was going to have to pay child support and share custody. 592 00:33:35,180 --> 00:33:39,674 If she was murdered, he stood to get a lot of money. 593 00:33:39,685 --> 00:33:42,427 - Sabrina: He said, "she's worth more dead than alive," 594 00:33:42,504 --> 00:33:43,928 And he brought out two policies: 595 00:33:44,005 --> 00:33:47,474 One for $500,000, one for $250,000, 596 00:33:47,550 --> 00:33:51,936 And I said, "oh, that's what you mean." 597 00:33:52,013 --> 00:33:57,701 - Bob: That was the dream that kevin was dangling to sabrina, 598 00:33:57,778 --> 00:34:01,154 That, "once we get out of this, this is our future, 599 00:34:01,231 --> 00:34:03,031 We're gonna have our own home together." 600 00:34:03,042 --> 00:34:06,701 - It was like that devil/angel on your shoulders, 601 00:34:06,712 --> 00:34:11,164 And, uh, I said, "if-- 602 00:34:11,241 --> 00:34:13,500 "if I want this love, then I have to do this, 603 00:34:13,576 --> 00:34:15,877 Because he's gonna kill himself if not," 604 00:34:15,888 --> 00:34:19,890 And I wasn't gonna risk losing him. 605 00:34:19,966 --> 00:34:22,884 - Narrator: The defense called autumn pavlik to the stand, 606 00:34:22,895 --> 00:34:27,972 Who testified about sabrina wanting to hire a hitman. 607 00:34:28,049 --> 00:34:32,185 - On cross-examination, she was forced to acknowledge that kevin 608 00:34:32,262 --> 00:34:34,896 Had never been a part of any of those conversations. 609 00:34:34,907 --> 00:34:38,358 - Narrator: Under oath, autumn also made a surprising admission 610 00:34:38,393 --> 00:34:42,529 About the alleged affair between sabrina and kevin. 611 00:34:42,564 --> 00:34:45,365 - Sabrina never told me they were sexual. 612 00:34:45,441 --> 00:34:48,034 - There was no evidence whatsoever that kevin had 613 00:34:48,069 --> 00:34:50,870 Any type of sexual relationship with her. 614 00:34:50,947 --> 00:34:52,747 - Narrator: As for the night of the murder, 615 00:34:52,758 --> 00:34:55,166 Prosecutors argued that kevin and sabrina 616 00:34:55,243 --> 00:34:58,753 Made their final plans via text message. 617 00:34:58,764 --> 00:35:00,880 - The night before lisa was killed, sabrina and kevin 618 00:35:00,915 --> 00:35:02,766 Had been texting a lot. 619 00:35:02,843 --> 00:35:05,718 They had been in constant contact through the whole night. 620 00:35:05,795 --> 00:35:08,096 - Michael: The content of the text messages is unknown, 621 00:35:08,107 --> 00:35:10,390 And the fbi were unable to retrieve 622 00:35:10,425 --> 00:35:13,768 Any of the text messages off of sabrina's phone. 623 00:35:13,779 --> 00:35:18,115 - Narrator: However, sabrina was ready to testify about the texts 624 00:35:18,191 --> 00:35:19,774 And everything else, 625 00:35:19,785 --> 00:35:23,194 In her own words and under oath. 626 00:35:23,271 --> 00:35:26,030 - The state was hanging its hat on sabrina. 627 00:35:26,107 --> 00:35:28,783 - Narrator: Sabrina testified about the sordid details 628 00:35:28,794 --> 00:35:32,879 Of the insidious relationship from the first massage-- 629 00:35:40,973 --> 00:35:42,797 - Narrator: --To how he asked her to pleasure him 630 00:35:42,808 --> 00:35:45,642 As he drove her to school each day. 631 00:35:50,298 --> 00:35:53,099 - Erika: I was appalled, and I still am. 632 00:35:53,134 --> 00:35:56,486 He was working in the capacity of a foster parent, you know? 633 00:35:56,563 --> 00:35:59,814 That makes it even more, um, unacceptable. 634 00:35:59,825 --> 00:36:03,109 - Narrator: She explained how, once kevin groomed her, 635 00:36:03,186 --> 00:36:05,662 He dangled a fantasy life with him 636 00:36:05,739 --> 00:36:07,747 In front of the troubled teen. 637 00:36:16,008 --> 00:36:18,625 - Narrator: At one point, the prosecutor directly 638 00:36:18,660 --> 00:36:21,428 Asked sabrina why she killed lisa. 639 00:36:32,215 --> 00:36:33,848 - Narrator: As for what sabrina claimed 640 00:36:33,859 --> 00:36:36,684 Was in the 70 unrecovered text messages 641 00:36:36,695 --> 00:36:39,103 Sent between them that day... 642 00:36:39,180 --> 00:36:43,200 - What we were discussing in the text messages was, um, 643 00:36:43,276 --> 00:36:47,695 What I should wear, um, if she had gone to sleep. 644 00:36:47,706 --> 00:36:49,864 I--I was giving him a play-by-play, 645 00:36:49,875 --> 00:36:52,867 When did she lay hailey down to rest, 646 00:36:52,878 --> 00:36:54,869 Wh--if megan went to sleep. 647 00:36:54,880 --> 00:36:59,540 - There were some details involved about the knife again, 648 00:36:59,551 --> 00:37:01,167 How to use it. 649 00:37:01,202 --> 00:37:04,170 - Narrator: And the last text sabrina sent kevin? 650 00:37:04,247 --> 00:37:09,550 - "I'm about to do it. I love you, I'll see you soon." 651 00:37:09,561 --> 00:37:12,679 I didn't want lisa dead. 652 00:37:12,714 --> 00:37:15,482 I did it because he told me that he was gonna kill himself. 653 00:37:16,926 --> 00:37:21,896 Why didn't I stop? Because...I was convinced 654 00:37:21,907 --> 00:37:24,565 That I was gonna lose everything that I've ever dreamed of 655 00:37:24,576 --> 00:37:27,410 If this didn't happen. 656 00:37:27,487 --> 00:37:29,862 - Narrator: Kevin and his defense team disputed 657 00:37:29,897 --> 00:37:32,249 Sabrina's description of the text messages, 658 00:37:32,325 --> 00:37:35,910 And denied kevin ever threatened suicide. 659 00:37:35,921 --> 00:37:38,746 - Whether or not he told her to do it, 660 00:37:38,757 --> 00:37:41,374 Sabrina is the one that did it. 661 00:37:41,451 --> 00:37:44,094 Sabrina walked into the bedroom where the woman 662 00:37:44,170 --> 00:37:47,422 Who had taken her into her home was sleeping-- 663 00:37:47,432 --> 00:37:51,935 The mother of the two girls that sabrina called sisters-- 664 00:37:52,012 --> 00:37:57,432 And stabbed her over and over and over again. 665 00:37:57,442 --> 00:38:02,270 - I realize today that it was a plan and that he wanted me 666 00:38:02,281 --> 00:38:05,398 To get caught and he wanted to live the life 667 00:38:05,433 --> 00:38:08,401 That he couldn't live without lisa, 668 00:38:08,478 --> 00:38:10,453 And he just needed me to do his dirty work. 669 00:38:12,198 --> 00:38:16,075 - Under cross-examination, the defense team attempted to... 670 00:38:16,152 --> 00:38:21,205 Discredit sabrina as a... Unstable, evil, psychotic woman. 671 00:38:21,282 --> 00:38:25,418 - I think sabrina zunich is a seriously flawed human being. 672 00:38:25,453 --> 00:38:27,587 The number of medical evaluations she had, 673 00:38:27,622 --> 00:38:31,632 She testified she had heard voices for about a month, 674 00:38:31,643 --> 00:38:33,217 Which she blamed on a medication. 675 00:38:33,294 --> 00:38:35,303 - Not only was she hearing voices, 676 00:38:35,314 --> 00:38:38,264 But the voices were telling her to harm other people. 677 00:38:38,299 --> 00:38:40,317 - Tracey: There was no real physical evidence 678 00:38:40,393 --> 00:38:41,934 Against kevin knoefel, 679 00:38:41,969 --> 00:38:45,155 It really wasn't a slam dunk for prosecutors. 680 00:38:45,231 --> 00:38:47,815 The whole thing kind of hinged on sabrina zunich and whether 681 00:38:47,826 --> 00:38:49,909 A jury would believe her statement. 682 00:38:51,163 --> 00:38:53,738 - Narrator: Coming up, the jury must decide 683 00:38:53,815 --> 00:38:56,783 Whether or not to trust a killer. 684 00:38:56,818 --> 00:38:58,785 - Maybe she was a manipulated victim. 685 00:38:58,820 --> 00:39:01,454 But what if she's a psychopath? 686 00:39:01,489 --> 00:39:03,664 - Narrator: And sabrina faces her demons 687 00:39:03,675 --> 00:39:06,417 After eight years behind bars. 688 00:39:06,494 --> 00:39:09,471 - I know no matter what I say, I can't bring her back. 689 00:39:11,833 --> 00:39:14,976 - ♪ 690 00:39:19,707 --> 00:39:22,275 - ♪ 691 00:39:24,863 --> 00:39:27,355 - Narrator: After two days of deliberations, 692 00:39:27,366 --> 00:39:30,149 The jury in kevin knoefel's murder trial 693 00:39:30,184 --> 00:39:33,203 Announced that it had reached a verdict. 694 00:39:33,279 --> 00:39:35,822 The tension in the courtroom was thick. 695 00:39:35,898 --> 00:39:38,783 Had the jury believed sabrina zunich 696 00:39:38,860 --> 00:39:41,452 That kevin made her do it? 697 00:39:41,529 --> 00:39:46,124 - I did not see how any person could find her credible, 698 00:39:46,200 --> 00:39:49,552 Let alone credible enough beyond a reasonable doubt 699 00:39:49,629 --> 00:39:51,504 To convict kevin knoefel. 700 00:39:51,581 --> 00:39:53,840 - Narrator: Debra gutowski had led the jury 701 00:39:53,875 --> 00:39:55,508 Through deliberations. 702 00:39:55,585 --> 00:39:57,677 - We were aware that she had some issues and that 703 00:39:57,712 --> 00:39:59,303 She had some problems, 704 00:39:59,380 --> 00:40:01,356 But she was a very credible witness. 705 00:40:02,717 --> 00:40:06,644 - The verdict was guilty on all eleven counts. 706 00:40:06,721 --> 00:40:09,572 - When the verdict was read, I was elated. 707 00:40:09,649 --> 00:40:13,985 - We were very emotional, and we cried, and we hugged. 708 00:40:14,061 --> 00:40:15,987 - Tracey: Kevin was sentenced to life in prison 709 00:40:16,063 --> 00:40:18,656 With parole eligibility in 42 years. 710 00:40:18,733 --> 00:40:21,826 - It'll be in his 80s before he's eligible. 711 00:40:21,903 --> 00:40:25,163 - The judge told me that, um, 712 00:40:25,239 --> 00:40:27,999 If it weren't for my testimony, 713 00:40:28,075 --> 00:40:30,710 That kevin would have not been convicted. 714 00:40:30,786 --> 00:40:34,881 I just pray that whatever help he needs, he gets. 715 00:40:34,916 --> 00:40:39,552 'cause I know I'm broken, but he's gotta be broken as well. 716 00:40:39,587 --> 00:40:42,763 - Narrator: Sabrina pled guilty to murder and was sentenced 717 00:40:42,774 --> 00:40:47,694 To life with the possibility of parole after 30 years. 718 00:40:49,263 --> 00:40:51,355 - Sabrina: I believe that the responsibility 719 00:40:51,432 --> 00:40:56,286 For this crime is divided between two people, 720 00:40:56,362 --> 00:40:57,695 And that's me and kevin. 721 00:40:57,772 --> 00:41:00,031 I--I committed the crime. 722 00:41:00,107 --> 00:41:03,626 And I won't--never deflect from that because... 723 00:41:03,703 --> 00:41:05,912 I did it, and I was wrong. 724 00:41:05,988 --> 00:41:08,623 I believe that I should do time, 725 00:41:08,633 --> 00:41:11,134 Because I know they deserve justice, 726 00:41:11,211 --> 00:41:14,754 And the only justice they can get is me behind bars. 727 00:41:14,830 --> 00:41:18,549 - Sabrina is very aware of the damage she's done, 728 00:41:18,626 --> 00:41:21,052 And she couldn't be more remorseful. 729 00:41:21,128 --> 00:41:23,804 She's horrified by her acts. 730 00:41:23,815 --> 00:41:29,560 She knows that these girls have no mom to move forward with. 731 00:41:29,637 --> 00:41:31,562 - Sabrina: And I realize that there's more than one victim 732 00:41:31,639 --> 00:41:33,323 In this story. 733 00:41:33,399 --> 00:41:38,620 If it means anything, I truly do apologize. 734 00:41:40,499 --> 00:41:43,407 If I had a chance, I would tell them 735 00:41:43,484 --> 00:41:47,495 That I was selfish, and that I'm sorry, 736 00:41:47,506 --> 00:41:50,173 And that I never meant to hurt them, 737 00:41:50,250 --> 00:41:52,959 And I know, how can I say that 738 00:41:53,035 --> 00:41:57,013 When I w-- when I killed their mother? 739 00:41:57,090 --> 00:41:59,098 I was in a place that... 740 00:42:01,594 --> 00:42:04,428 I wasn't thinking about anybody but myself, 741 00:42:04,505 --> 00:42:07,598 And that was wrong, and it doesn't make it right. 742 00:42:07,675 --> 00:42:10,768 I know no matter what I say, I can't bring her back. 743 00:42:10,845 --> 00:42:12,645 [crying] 744 00:42:12,722 --> 00:42:14,647 And I can't undo what's already been done, 745 00:42:14,682 --> 00:42:16,107 And what they've saw. 746 00:42:19,186 --> 00:42:21,862 Am I remorseful? Absolutely. 747 00:42:21,864 --> 00:42:24,824 If I could go back, I would have left the home. 748 00:42:24,826 --> 00:42:26,251 I would have... 749 00:42:27,379 --> 00:42:30,788 I would have told lisa what kevin was doing. 750 00:42:30,790 --> 00:42:35,126 - Bob: Might not be a popular opinion, but I believe sabrina. 751 00:42:35,128 --> 00:42:37,128 As sure as I am sitting here, 752 00:42:37,130 --> 00:42:41,465 He was the 100% mastermind of this plan. 753 00:42:41,467 --> 00:42:43,467 - Narrator: However, not everyone 754 00:42:43,469 --> 00:42:46,345 Believes sabrina's story. 755 00:42:46,347 --> 00:42:49,140 - Doug g: Sabrina may have had an ulterior motive 756 00:42:49,142 --> 00:42:53,570 For faking remorse to get her sentence lessened, 757 00:42:53,572 --> 00:42:57,857 To get the sympathy of the courts to--I don't know-- 758 00:42:57,859 --> 00:42:59,692 Reduce her time. 759 00:42:59,694 --> 00:43:01,652 Maybe she was a manipulated victim, 760 00:43:01,654 --> 00:43:06,749 But what if-- what if...She's a psychopath? 761 00:43:08,036 --> 00:43:09,744 - Sabrina: I'm more than a murderer. 762 00:43:09,746 --> 00:43:12,830 I'm somebody that has learned from their mistakes. 763 00:43:12,832 --> 00:43:16,167 I want a chance to do right. 764 00:43:16,169 --> 00:43:19,887 I want a chance to live a life. 765 00:43:21,341 --> 00:43:23,674 And I'm not saying that I deserve it, 766 00:43:23,676 --> 00:43:26,352 But I'm saying everybody should get a second chance. 767 00:43:28,348 --> 00:43:31,182 I've changed and I've worked on myself, 768 00:43:31,184 --> 00:43:36,321 So I believe one day, hopefully, I'll get free. 769 00:43:40,610 --> 00:43:48,875 - ♪