1 00:00:12,545 --> 00:00:14,847 - Female narrator: He was a dedicated plastic surgeon 2 00:00:14,915 --> 00:00:18,718 Who gave his patients new hope and confidence. 3 00:00:18,786 --> 00:00:19,918 - Mark: He had a great reputation. 4 00:00:19,987 --> 00:00:22,055 There are a number of plastic surgeons in the area. 5 00:00:22,122 --> 00:00:26,558 And I would certainly say he is in the top 10%. 6 00:00:26,627 --> 00:00:29,394 - Sandy: He was a good doctor and friendly. 7 00:00:29,463 --> 00:00:33,365 You could just tell when you met him that he wanted to help you. 8 00:00:34,435 --> 00:00:36,535 - Narrator: But tragedy suddenly strikes, 9 00:00:36,603 --> 00:00:38,203 When this revered doctor 10 00:00:38,272 --> 00:00:42,041 Is viciously murdered at his own practice. 11 00:00:42,110 --> 00:00:44,943 - Our whole building was surrounded by police officers. 12 00:00:44,945 --> 00:00:46,344 We didn't know what was going on. 13 00:00:46,413 --> 00:00:48,213 - Danny: I saw blood splatter on the floor 14 00:00:48,282 --> 00:00:50,615 And some blood splatter on the wall. 15 00:00:50,684 --> 00:00:52,951 - Patrick: It was a very brazen crime. 16 00:00:53,020 --> 00:00:55,220 Somebody came in, in broad daylight. 17 00:00:55,222 --> 00:00:58,089 - Debra: It was just very surreal. 18 00:00:58,159 --> 00:01:00,626 How can that happen at his own office? 19 00:01:00,694 --> 00:01:03,829 - Narrator: As homicide investigators begin to dig in, 20 00:01:03,897 --> 00:01:09,267 They uncover a life riddled with deep wounds that never healed. 21 00:01:09,336 --> 00:01:12,437 - She was, in her mind, horribly disfigured. 22 00:01:12,506 --> 00:01:14,573 - It was very clear from her demeanor 23 00:01:14,575 --> 00:01:16,142 That she was not stable. 24 00:01:16,209 --> 00:01:20,178 - She was just angry at so many people. 25 00:01:20,247 --> 00:01:22,115 - And that was the beginning of this thing, 26 00:01:22,182 --> 00:01:24,850 Which just went from bad to worse. 27 00:01:24,852 --> 00:01:26,152 - Virginia: She wasn't insane. 28 00:01:27,588 --> 00:01:29,088 She was just evil. 29 00:01:31,391 --> 00:01:39,765 - ♪ 30 00:01:42,736 --> 00:01:47,040 - Narrator: July 3, 1997. Petaluma, california. 31 00:01:48,342 --> 00:01:51,943 At 8 a.M., business owners and their employees begin arriving 32 00:01:52,012 --> 00:01:54,713 At the medical complex on lynch creek way. 33 00:01:55,916 --> 00:01:58,416 - Debra: It was a Thursday morning, we started our day. 34 00:01:58,485 --> 00:02:00,953 We work at a physical therapy facility, 35 00:02:01,021 --> 00:02:02,822 So we had patients coming in. 36 00:02:02,890 --> 00:02:08,828 And me and two other therapists heard some popping noises. 37 00:02:08,896 --> 00:02:13,432 This was July 3, so we just assumed it was firecrackers. 38 00:02:13,434 --> 00:02:15,267 We didn't really think anything of it. 39 00:02:17,104 --> 00:02:19,504 - Narrator: Minutes later, petaluma police receive 40 00:02:19,573 --> 00:02:24,242 A frantic 911 call from a woman named deborah tavis. 41 00:02:24,311 --> 00:02:25,777 She says there has been a shooting 42 00:02:25,846 --> 00:02:28,513 In her husband's office. 43 00:02:28,515 --> 00:02:33,585 - Debra: Dr. Mike tavis ran a plastic surgery office. 44 00:02:33,587 --> 00:02:36,655 He worked with his wife, deborah tavis, 45 00:02:36,657 --> 00:02:38,957 And their building was right next door 46 00:02:39,026 --> 00:02:42,394 To our physical therapy facility. 47 00:02:42,462 --> 00:02:46,598 - Danny: When a potential "shots fired" call happens in petaluma, 48 00:02:46,667 --> 00:02:48,333 It's not ordinary. 49 00:02:48,402 --> 00:02:51,736 So, typically, all available officers 50 00:02:51,805 --> 00:02:53,605 Will respond to that area. 51 00:02:53,607 --> 00:02:55,374 - [siren wailing] 52 00:02:58,145 --> 00:03:01,613 - The police, uh, arrive at these medical offices 53 00:03:01,682 --> 00:03:06,351 And they come with the full cavalry, so to speak. 54 00:03:06,420 --> 00:03:09,488 - Debra: Our receptionist noticed that there were officers 55 00:03:09,490 --> 00:03:11,356 Outside with their guns drawn, 56 00:03:11,358 --> 00:03:14,159 That our whole building was surrounded by police officers. 57 00:03:14,161 --> 00:03:16,361 We didn't know what was going on. 58 00:03:16,430 --> 00:03:17,896 - Narrator: According to deborah tavis, 59 00:03:17,965 --> 00:03:21,300 There are at least two people inside: Her husband, 60 00:03:21,368 --> 00:03:24,369 53-year-old dr. Michael tavis, 61 00:03:24,438 --> 00:03:28,908 And his office manager, 59-year-old kay carter. 62 00:03:28,976 --> 00:03:31,109 - Officers could tell from talking to her 63 00:03:31,178 --> 00:03:32,644 That she was scared, 64 00:03:32,713 --> 00:03:35,480 She was frantic about her husband's safety 65 00:03:35,549 --> 00:03:38,483 Because her husband had not exited the building. 66 00:03:40,988 --> 00:03:42,320 Based on the circumstances, 67 00:03:42,389 --> 00:03:45,123 The decision was made to enter the building. 68 00:03:45,192 --> 00:03:46,325 - Patrick: We have to be careful. 69 00:03:46,327 --> 00:03:48,526 We don't know if there's still a shooter in the building. 70 00:03:48,595 --> 00:03:51,596 Two things we're doing is looking for the injured and 71 00:03:51,665 --> 00:03:53,265 We're looking for the suspect. 72 00:03:55,002 --> 00:03:58,203 - Danny: As the team entered the rear of the building, 73 00:03:58,205 --> 00:03:59,739 You enter a kitchen area 74 00:03:59,806 --> 00:04:03,476 And then you make a turn down a hallway. 75 00:04:03,543 --> 00:04:07,479 And as I came around the corner, I immediately saw feet 76 00:04:07,548 --> 00:04:12,884 And the parts of a man's legs laying on the ground. 77 00:04:12,953 --> 00:04:14,619 I saw blood splatter on the floor 78 00:04:14,621 --> 00:04:16,956 And some blood splatter on the wall. 79 00:04:17,024 --> 00:04:19,458 And I immediately called out to the rest of the team 80 00:04:19,460 --> 00:04:21,494 That I had somebody down. 81 00:04:23,363 --> 00:04:25,631 - Clark: They found two people laying on the floor. 82 00:04:25,699 --> 00:04:29,101 They were almost right next to each other. 83 00:04:29,169 --> 00:04:31,570 - Danny: We immediately could identify 84 00:04:31,572 --> 00:04:33,838 Dr. Tavis and kay carter laying on the ground, 85 00:04:33,907 --> 00:04:37,375 Because there was a picture of them in the reception area 86 00:04:37,444 --> 00:04:40,713 With deborah as the group that worked in the office. 87 00:04:42,249 --> 00:04:43,783 - Narrator: The scene is violent, 88 00:04:43,850 --> 00:04:46,251 But there is still hope that the injuries, 89 00:04:46,253 --> 00:04:50,055 While life threatening, are not yet fatal. 90 00:04:50,123 --> 00:04:52,590 - Danny: His office manager, kay carter, appeared to have 91 00:04:52,659 --> 00:04:55,460 Sustained a single gunshot wound to the head. 92 00:04:55,529 --> 00:05:00,532 She was not moving, but she was making sound, moaning. 93 00:05:00,600 --> 00:05:03,201 Dr. Tavis was laying on his back 94 00:05:03,270 --> 00:05:05,304 With multiple gunshot wounds. 95 00:05:07,875 --> 00:05:10,608 - Narrator: Outside, police speak with deborah tavis to 96 00:05:10,677 --> 00:05:15,213 Piece together how the tragic scene unfolded. 97 00:05:15,282 --> 00:05:17,816 - When we first come into contact with deborah 98 00:05:17,885 --> 00:05:21,086 At the scene, she's clearly distraught. 99 00:05:21,154 --> 00:05:22,821 She's clearly upset. 100 00:05:24,825 --> 00:05:27,492 - Narrator: Deborah tells police she and her husband arrived late 101 00:05:27,561 --> 00:05:30,628 For an appointment with a patient. 102 00:05:30,630 --> 00:05:34,966 - Clark: Deborah tavis and her husband arrived at the back door 103 00:05:35,035 --> 00:05:37,136 And, uh, went inside. 104 00:05:37,204 --> 00:05:41,707 And deborah tavis stopped in the back there to apply her makeup 105 00:05:41,775 --> 00:05:44,642 While her husband went towards the front. 106 00:05:44,711 --> 00:05:47,880 And she then heard a conversation between 107 00:05:47,948 --> 00:05:50,882 Her husband--between dr. Michael tavis and a woman. 108 00:05:53,220 --> 00:05:56,988 - The last thing that she heard was the voice of her husband 109 00:05:56,990 --> 00:06:00,325 And then she heard shots from within that office. 110 00:06:00,327 --> 00:06:01,727 - [two gunshots] 111 00:06:01,795 --> 00:06:03,661 - She became frightened when the gunfire stopped 112 00:06:03,730 --> 00:06:05,930 And ran out of the building. 113 00:06:05,999 --> 00:06:08,333 - Patrick: Deborah was in great fear for her safety 114 00:06:08,335 --> 00:06:10,135 And the safety of her husband. 115 00:06:10,203 --> 00:06:12,337 She ran next door to another office. 116 00:06:12,339 --> 00:06:14,306 She called 911. 117 00:06:16,610 --> 00:06:19,544 - Narrator: Inside, police and paramedics desperately try to 118 00:06:19,613 --> 00:06:22,680 Save the lives of the victims. 119 00:06:22,749 --> 00:06:25,217 - Danny: The medical staff from the fire department entered 120 00:06:25,285 --> 00:06:26,951 The building the minute we told them 121 00:06:27,020 --> 00:06:30,021 That we had cleared it and that we needed help. 122 00:06:30,090 --> 00:06:33,291 The paramedics transported kay carter to memorial hospital. 123 00:06:33,360 --> 00:06:35,660 And they pronounced dr. Tavis dead at the scene. 124 00:06:38,265 --> 00:06:40,098 - ♪ 125 00:06:40,167 --> 00:06:44,837 - Narrator: Michael james tavis was born on April 14, 1944, 126 00:06:44,905 --> 00:06:47,807 In los angeles county, california. 127 00:06:47,874 --> 00:06:52,110 He grew up in the city of orange and attended orange high school 128 00:06:52,179 --> 00:06:56,514 Where he played football, ran track, and loved racing. 129 00:06:56,583 --> 00:07:00,619 His classmates nicknamed him "racer brown." 130 00:07:00,687 --> 00:07:02,587 - Clark: He graduated from high school down there, 131 00:07:02,656 --> 00:07:06,257 And he was kind of trying to find his way, 132 00:07:06,259 --> 00:07:07,592 Like any young man does. 133 00:07:07,594 --> 00:07:12,263 And his uncle had a club up in south tahoe. 134 00:07:12,332 --> 00:07:16,367 He went up there and worked, uh, parking cars for a while. 135 00:07:16,436 --> 00:07:17,870 And then at some point, 136 00:07:17,938 --> 00:07:21,006 He decided he wanted to become a doctor. 137 00:07:21,074 --> 00:07:23,842 He went to school at ucla. 138 00:07:26,613 --> 00:07:30,615 - Narrator: Michael became a licensed physician in 1975 and 139 00:07:30,684 --> 00:07:34,620 Built up a private practice as a reconstructive surgeon. 140 00:07:34,688 --> 00:07:38,891 In 1978, he also started a family. 141 00:07:38,959 --> 00:07:41,759 - Michael tavis married a well-respected attorney 142 00:07:41,828 --> 00:07:43,562 In sonoma county. 143 00:07:43,630 --> 00:07:45,997 And they were kind of a power couple. 144 00:07:47,768 --> 00:07:49,367 - Narrator: The couple had two children 145 00:07:49,436 --> 00:07:51,971 And settled on a ranch in petaluma. 146 00:07:52,038 --> 00:07:54,973 For a while, they seemed to have it all. 147 00:07:55,909 --> 00:07:58,042 But the marriage didn't last. 148 00:07:58,111 --> 00:08:00,979 The couple divorced in 1995, 149 00:08:00,981 --> 00:08:05,583 And michael had to readjust to life as a single man. 150 00:08:05,652 --> 00:08:07,585 - Clark: I know that he wanted to be an artist 151 00:08:07,654 --> 00:08:08,786 In his other life. 152 00:08:08,855 --> 00:08:10,455 He liked to do still painting. 153 00:08:10,457 --> 00:08:13,625 He enrolled in a pottery class 154 00:08:13,694 --> 00:08:16,661 And he happened to meet this woman 155 00:08:16,730 --> 00:08:18,630 Who would become his future wife. 156 00:08:19,800 --> 00:08:21,666 - Narrator: When michael met deborah siegmund, 157 00:08:21,735 --> 00:08:26,071 He knew he had found the woman of his dreams. 158 00:08:26,073 --> 00:08:30,676 - Deborah, was recently divorced and raising a child of her own. 159 00:08:30,744 --> 00:08:35,413 Deborah was extremely outgoing and exuberant, good-looking. 160 00:08:35,482 --> 00:08:37,949 And she loved him, and they were happy. 161 00:08:37,951 --> 00:08:40,119 - They had been married in paris, 162 00:08:40,186 --> 00:08:42,487 With a kind of a lavish ceremony. 163 00:08:44,691 --> 00:08:47,425 - Narrator: After their wedding in 1996, 164 00:08:47,494 --> 00:08:48,960 Michael and deborah tavis 165 00:08:49,029 --> 00:08:53,164 Formed a powerful partnership back in california. 166 00:08:53,166 --> 00:08:56,234 - Dr. Tavis ran that office with his wife, deborah, 167 00:08:56,303 --> 00:08:58,903 And they work together there. 168 00:08:58,905 --> 00:09:00,505 - Danny: Deborah's job in the office, uh, 169 00:09:00,507 --> 00:09:03,241 Was best categorized as a consultant. 170 00:09:03,310 --> 00:09:07,312 She would oftentimes consult with dr. Tavis's patients to 171 00:09:07,380 --> 00:09:09,915 Discuss aftercare, 172 00:09:09,983 --> 00:09:13,184 Psychological effects of plastic surgery, 173 00:09:13,253 --> 00:09:16,655 Um, the reasons to have it and to not have it. 174 00:09:18,525 --> 00:09:20,326 - Narrator: With deborah by his side-- 175 00:09:20,393 --> 00:09:22,260 And in a decade where plastic surgery 176 00:09:22,262 --> 00:09:24,463 Was becoming all the rage-- 177 00:09:24,531 --> 00:09:27,665 Michael's business flourished. 178 00:09:27,734 --> 00:09:32,003 - Mark: He did abdominoplasties, liposuction, facelifts, 179 00:09:32,005 --> 00:09:34,672 Brow lifts, rhinoplasties, breast augmentations. 180 00:09:34,741 --> 00:09:36,341 He had a great reputation. 181 00:09:36,409 --> 00:09:38,611 There are a number of plastic surgeons in the area. 182 00:09:38,678 --> 00:09:43,148 And I would certainly say he is in the top 10%. 183 00:09:44,551 --> 00:09:47,353 - Sandy: He was a good doctor and friendly. 184 00:09:47,420 --> 00:09:53,158 You could just tell when you met him, that he wanted to help you. 185 00:09:53,226 --> 00:09:57,161 It wasn't just like, "sign here, you know, pay the money, 186 00:09:57,230 --> 00:09:59,031 I'm done." 187 00:09:59,099 --> 00:10:03,702 And also his wife, deborah, was extremely nice. 188 00:10:03,770 --> 00:10:06,571 - He had a steady growing clientele. 189 00:10:06,573 --> 00:10:09,841 And he also lived in a very nice home. 190 00:10:09,910 --> 00:10:13,378 There was a big swimming pool, so he had all the accouterments 191 00:10:13,446 --> 00:10:15,647 Of a, you know, comfortable lifestyle. 192 00:10:18,052 --> 00:10:20,184 - Narrator: In the summer of 1997, 193 00:10:20,253 --> 00:10:23,254 The newlyweds were thriving. 194 00:10:23,256 --> 00:10:26,258 - Mark: They seemed to get along quite well, very playful, 195 00:10:26,326 --> 00:10:28,726 Very collegial and respectful. 196 00:10:28,795 --> 00:10:31,196 I think that he really valued her judgment 197 00:10:31,264 --> 00:10:34,133 And her participation with his patients. 198 00:10:37,037 --> 00:10:41,507 - Narrator: But on July 3, 1997, the couple's successful practice 199 00:10:41,574 --> 00:10:45,410 Has become the scene of a violent attack. 200 00:10:45,478 --> 00:10:49,348 Dr. Michael tavis has been pronounced dead on the scene 201 00:10:49,416 --> 00:10:53,752 And officer manager kay carter, is left fighting for her life. 202 00:10:55,288 --> 00:10:57,890 - We were able to immediately determine that 203 00:10:57,957 --> 00:11:01,559 This was not a murder-suicide, because there was no weapon. 204 00:11:01,628 --> 00:11:04,195 The weapon that was used to shoot kay carter 205 00:11:04,197 --> 00:11:08,633 And kill dr. Tavis left the scene with the suspect. 206 00:11:08,635 --> 00:11:10,168 - [siren wailing] 207 00:11:10,237 --> 00:11:13,105 - Narrator: As kay carter is rushed to an area hospital, 208 00:11:13,173 --> 00:11:18,443 Police lock down the surrounding area in search of the shooter. 209 00:11:18,511 --> 00:11:20,044 - It was a very brazen crime. 210 00:11:20,113 --> 00:11:21,946 Somebody came in in broad daylight. 211 00:11:21,948 --> 00:11:25,450 So, this received some immediate media attention. 212 00:11:25,519 --> 00:11:27,452 - Next thing you know, there's a helicopter overhead. 213 00:11:27,520 --> 00:11:29,253 We're getting all these phone calls. 214 00:11:29,322 --> 00:11:31,489 People are calling in to tell us what's going on-- 215 00:11:31,558 --> 00:11:33,659 That someone was at large. 216 00:11:33,727 --> 00:11:36,327 - Clark: They basically told everybody to stay inside. 217 00:11:36,396 --> 00:11:40,866 So, it was really a tense situation of not knowing exactly 218 00:11:40,934 --> 00:11:43,201 What they were dealing with and whether that person 219 00:11:43,269 --> 00:11:46,171 Who had done this was still armed and dangerous. 220 00:11:47,407 --> 00:11:48,574 - Narrator: Coming up... 221 00:11:48,641 --> 00:11:51,276 As detectives race to find a killer, 222 00:11:51,344 --> 00:11:56,681 Deborah tavis reveals a short list of dissatisfied clients. 223 00:11:56,683 --> 00:12:00,151 - Deborah provided five names of recent patients 224 00:12:00,153 --> 00:12:03,087 That were angry with dr. Tavis. 225 00:12:03,089 --> 00:12:07,026 - She heard her husband say, "I'm sorry, I care." 226 00:12:07,093 --> 00:12:10,162 And then the gunfire erupted. - [gunshot] 227 00:12:10,230 --> 00:12:12,964 - Narrator: And police find a piece of evidence that suggests 228 00:12:13,032 --> 00:12:16,234 This is only the beginning. 229 00:12:16,303 --> 00:12:19,838 - Danny: It definitely gives you the idea that this notebook that 230 00:12:19,906 --> 00:12:23,241 She was carrying was a hit list. 231 00:12:23,243 --> 00:12:25,443 - They didn't know if someone was just going around 232 00:12:25,512 --> 00:12:26,945 Shooting doctors. 233 00:12:28,982 --> 00:12:32,384 - ♪ 234 00:12:41,528 --> 00:12:44,262 - Narrator: July 3, 1997. 235 00:12:44,331 --> 00:12:46,931 Police officers in petaluma, california, 236 00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:49,601 Have an office complex on lockdown 237 00:12:49,669 --> 00:12:52,203 After a shooting claimed the life of 238 00:12:52,272 --> 00:12:57,008 53-year-old plastic surgeon michael tavis. 239 00:12:57,010 --> 00:13:02,281 - Dr. Tavis has been murdered in his petaluma office 240 00:13:02,348 --> 00:13:05,550 And his office assistant kay carter has been transported to 241 00:13:05,552 --> 00:13:08,687 Memorial hospital, gravely injured. 242 00:13:08,755 --> 00:13:09,954 - We're all just very nervous. 243 00:13:10,023 --> 00:13:11,956 None of us, the patients or employees, 244 00:13:11,958 --> 00:13:13,291 Were allowed to leave. 245 00:13:13,293 --> 00:13:17,629 It was hard to believe that it was dr. Tavis who was murdered 246 00:13:17,697 --> 00:13:20,098 Because he was such a well-liked doctor. 247 00:13:20,100 --> 00:13:23,301 It was just very surreal. 248 00:13:23,369 --> 00:13:25,837 How can that happen at his own office? 249 00:13:27,774 --> 00:13:29,841 - Narrator: With the assailant still at large, 250 00:13:29,909 --> 00:13:33,311 Lead investigator danny fish assigns officers to search 251 00:13:33,313 --> 00:13:36,781 The area, knowing every second counts. 252 00:13:37,984 --> 00:13:39,951 - Danny: We went from office to office, 253 00:13:40,020 --> 00:13:43,388 They were either closed and locked up completely and secured 254 00:13:43,456 --> 00:13:46,791 Or the owners of the businesses were there and were able to 255 00:13:46,793 --> 00:13:48,960 Easily tell us, "no, nobody's come in here." 256 00:13:50,396 --> 00:13:52,997 The area where the doctor's office complex 257 00:13:53,066 --> 00:13:54,599 Is called lynch creek, 258 00:13:54,667 --> 00:13:57,268 Because there's a small creek that runs 259 00:13:57,337 --> 00:14:00,873 Parallel to the office complex near the parking lot. 260 00:14:00,940 --> 00:14:04,343 So, if somebody was to perhaps discard a weapon, 261 00:14:04,410 --> 00:14:08,247 That would be a logical place for somebody to throw a gun. 262 00:14:08,314 --> 00:14:12,117 It would also be a logical place for somebody to hide. 263 00:14:12,185 --> 00:14:16,088 We did assign officers to check the entire creek pathway. 264 00:14:16,155 --> 00:14:18,623 We were unsuccessful in locating any weapons, 265 00:14:18,691 --> 00:14:20,825 And we were not successful in 266 00:14:20,893 --> 00:14:23,562 Really gathering any kind of investigative leads 267 00:14:23,630 --> 00:14:26,965 During the time that we were checking out the creek area. 268 00:14:28,435 --> 00:14:30,502 - Patrick: We are getting with potential witnesses 269 00:14:30,570 --> 00:14:34,305 In other offices, people who may have passed by, 270 00:14:34,307 --> 00:14:36,574 People arriving to work all those folks had to be 271 00:14:36,643 --> 00:14:39,578 Interviewed to see if they saw anything unusual, 272 00:14:39,646 --> 00:14:41,979 If they heard anything unusual. 273 00:14:42,048 --> 00:14:44,082 Any information that will lead us to a suspect. 274 00:14:47,120 --> 00:14:50,054 - Narrator: Inside the office of dr. Michael tavis, 275 00:14:50,056 --> 00:14:53,124 Homicide investigators survey the crime scene. 276 00:14:55,061 --> 00:14:58,997 - Danny: We did not find any signs of a struggle anywhere. 277 00:14:58,999 --> 00:15:01,532 For instance, we didn't find any chairs knocked over 278 00:15:01,601 --> 00:15:03,001 In the waiting room 279 00:15:03,003 --> 00:15:06,203 That would indicate maybe a scuffle had occurred. 280 00:15:06,272 --> 00:15:08,072 - Patrick: There was no sign of forced entry. 281 00:15:08,074 --> 00:15:11,343 No pry marks on the door, nothing unusual there. 282 00:15:13,146 --> 00:15:15,479 - Narrator: Detective fish and his colleagues theorize 283 00:15:15,548 --> 00:15:19,417 The shooter likely entered the rear employee entrance, 284 00:15:19,419 --> 00:15:24,289 And that kay carter was shot first. 285 00:15:24,357 --> 00:15:27,425 - Kay carter was found, uh, near her de--desk. 286 00:15:27,427 --> 00:15:31,495 She was just shot in the face, uh, very deliberately, uh, 287 00:15:31,564 --> 00:15:33,632 In a very brazen way. 288 00:15:33,700 --> 00:15:36,434 - Based on the blood spatter evidence that we could see 289 00:15:36,503 --> 00:15:40,238 At the time, it was readily apparent that dr. Tavis was 290 00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:44,975 Confronted somewhere in the hallway. 291 00:15:45,045 --> 00:15:48,112 Dr. Tavis was shot one time in the chest 292 00:15:48,114 --> 00:15:50,114 And then one time in the side 293 00:15:50,116 --> 00:15:53,652 As he turned to run, and as he ran towards 294 00:15:53,720 --> 00:15:57,889 The waiting room area, shot two more times in the back. 295 00:16:00,259 --> 00:16:03,394 - Narrator: The extent of dr. Tavis' injuries suggests 296 00:16:03,463 --> 00:16:07,399 He may have been the primary target. 297 00:16:07,467 --> 00:16:12,069 - Danny: In my opinion, shooting kay carter one time in the head 298 00:16:12,138 --> 00:16:17,007 And then shooting dr. Tavis four times would be more of 299 00:16:17,077 --> 00:16:20,011 The emotional type of reaction 300 00:16:20,079 --> 00:16:23,081 To a person who really wanted dr. Tavis dead. 301 00:16:24,751 --> 00:16:25,883 - Clark: It pointed to the fact 302 00:16:25,952 --> 00:16:28,953 That this was not a random occurrence. 303 00:16:28,955 --> 00:16:30,355 So, it certainly narrowed 304 00:16:30,423 --> 00:16:34,426 The list of possible motives and suspects. 305 00:16:38,297 --> 00:16:40,965 - Narrator: Investigators circle back to the victim's wife, 306 00:16:41,033 --> 00:16:44,369 Deborah tavis, to get more insight. 307 00:16:44,437 --> 00:16:47,505 - Danny: Deborah said they had an 8:30 appointment 308 00:16:47,573 --> 00:16:49,841 On the books, but it had been unconfirmed. 309 00:16:49,909 --> 00:16:51,108 And so, they were not sure if 310 00:16:51,177 --> 00:16:54,178 That patient was showing up or had shown up. 311 00:16:54,180 --> 00:16:55,513 And because they were running late, 312 00:16:55,581 --> 00:16:58,049 They were trying to reach kay carter to find out 313 00:16:58,117 --> 00:17:00,651 Of that patient was in fact coming to the appointment 314 00:17:00,720 --> 00:17:04,256 Or whether that patient had arrived at the appointment. 315 00:17:04,323 --> 00:17:06,258 - Narrator: Deborah says when they finally arrived at 316 00:17:06,325 --> 00:17:10,461 The office that dr. Tavis walked towards the reception area, 317 00:17:10,530 --> 00:17:14,999 While she stayed in the back to apply her makeup. 318 00:17:15,001 --> 00:17:17,668 There was no indication of anything amiss... 319 00:17:17,737 --> 00:17:21,073 Until she heard a voice speaking to her husband. 320 00:17:23,543 --> 00:17:26,011 - Danny: At first, deborah believed that dr. Tavis 321 00:17:26,079 --> 00:17:27,945 Was probably talking to kay carter. 322 00:17:28,014 --> 00:17:31,149 But then when she listened more closely, 323 00:17:31,217 --> 00:17:33,317 It sounded like a voice that she didn't recognize. 324 00:17:34,754 --> 00:17:38,622 - She described the woman's voice as very calm, 325 00:17:38,691 --> 00:17:40,825 Controlled, deliberate. 326 00:17:40,893 --> 00:17:43,061 And she heard the woman say, 327 00:17:43,129 --> 00:17:48,766 "I've seen 28 surgeons," or words to that effect. 328 00:17:48,768 --> 00:17:54,105 She heard her husband say, "I'm sorry, I care," 329 00:17:54,107 --> 00:17:56,741 And then the gunfire erupted. 330 00:17:56,743 --> 00:17:57,975 - [gunshot] 331 00:17:57,977 --> 00:18:00,511 - Narrator: Detectives press deborah for anybody she could 332 00:18:00,580 --> 00:18:04,648 Think of who might have wanted her husband dead. 333 00:18:04,717 --> 00:18:08,652 - Danny: She was able to recall that there had been a number of 334 00:18:08,721 --> 00:18:12,056 Patients who were unhappy with the surgical procedures 335 00:18:12,125 --> 00:18:14,258 That they had received from dr. Tavis. 336 00:18:14,260 --> 00:18:17,862 - Dr. Tavis had had, I think, about a dozen lawsuits 337 00:18:17,930 --> 00:18:20,599 Over perhaps the same amount of years 338 00:18:20,666 --> 00:18:22,233 That involved patients. 339 00:18:24,337 --> 00:18:25,937 - Danny: She gave it some thought, and she's like, 340 00:18:26,005 --> 00:18:29,808 "these are the top five people that were really the angriest 341 00:18:29,876 --> 00:18:31,810 About things that I can think of." 342 00:18:31,878 --> 00:18:33,177 Our very next step is to 343 00:18:33,179 --> 00:18:35,679 Identify who these five people are, 344 00:18:35,748 --> 00:18:38,082 Do background investigation on all of them and find out 345 00:18:38,151 --> 00:18:41,285 Where they live, what their issue is. 346 00:18:41,354 --> 00:18:45,756 At this particular point, deborah is not a suspect. 347 00:18:45,758 --> 00:18:50,428 She was legitimately distraught, she was legitimately frantic. 348 00:18:50,430 --> 00:18:53,631 She was what you see in a victim 349 00:18:53,699 --> 00:18:55,967 Who has just had a traumatic thing happen 350 00:18:56,035 --> 00:18:58,902 And is trying to grapple with the aftermath. 351 00:18:59,840 --> 00:19:01,840 - Narrator: With a list of names to follow up on, 352 00:19:01,908 --> 00:19:06,344 Police release deborah and shift gears to secure the scene. 353 00:19:09,448 --> 00:19:11,448 - Danny: We had created the perimeter which kept people 354 00:19:11,517 --> 00:19:15,252 Out of the immediate vicinity for their own safety. 355 00:19:15,321 --> 00:19:18,556 We interviewed as many of the occupants of the offices 356 00:19:18,624 --> 00:19:21,392 In this office complex as possible. 357 00:19:21,460 --> 00:19:23,928 - Narrator: Investigators get a new lead when they speak 358 00:19:23,996 --> 00:19:26,864 To a witness in a neighboring building. 359 00:19:26,933 --> 00:19:30,868 - One of our officers was able to contact a witness 360 00:19:30,937 --> 00:19:34,872 Who observed a small pickup truck 361 00:19:34,941 --> 00:19:37,141 Backed into a parking stall 362 00:19:37,210 --> 00:19:40,077 Facing the rear of dr. Tavis' office 363 00:19:40,146 --> 00:19:41,880 On the morning of July 3. 364 00:19:44,851 --> 00:19:47,419 - Debra: I arrived at work, 365 00:19:47,486 --> 00:19:52,356 And I saw a woman in a truck. 366 00:19:52,425 --> 00:19:53,691 And I thought it was odd because 367 00:19:53,693 --> 00:19:55,459 Usually no one's back there at that time. 368 00:19:57,897 --> 00:20:01,165 Something just struck me really strange about her. 369 00:20:01,233 --> 00:20:03,901 Because exactly a week before, 370 00:20:03,970 --> 00:20:08,772 I had left for my lunch break at about 1 o'clock 371 00:20:08,841 --> 00:20:12,577 And came back and she was in the parking lot. 372 00:20:12,645 --> 00:20:15,312 But what was really strange was by the end of the day, 373 00:20:15,381 --> 00:20:17,715 At 5 o'clock, she was still there. 374 00:20:17,784 --> 00:20:21,719 Same position and just staring out our building. 375 00:20:21,721 --> 00:20:25,924 One week later--the day of the shooting--I get there early 376 00:20:25,992 --> 00:20:27,892 In the morning, and here she is again. 377 00:20:29,462 --> 00:20:30,928 - Narrator: Coming up... 378 00:20:30,930 --> 00:20:35,266 Key details about dr. Tavis's life come to light. 379 00:20:35,268 --> 00:20:37,402 - Dr. Tavis had at one point, uh, 380 00:20:37,470 --> 00:20:39,870 Considered a restraining order. 381 00:20:39,872 --> 00:20:42,439 - Narrator: And detectives discover the secret life of 382 00:20:42,508 --> 00:20:46,143 A potential serial killer. 383 00:20:46,212 --> 00:20:49,279 - She had taken great care to know exactly what 384 00:20:49,349 --> 00:20:52,951 These potential victims were doing with their lives. 385 00:20:54,954 --> 00:20:58,522 - ♪ 386 00:21:07,266 --> 00:21:09,834 - Narrator: July 3, 1997. 387 00:21:09,902 --> 00:21:11,369 Petaluma police officers 388 00:21:11,371 --> 00:21:14,105 Continue canvassing the office complex 389 00:21:14,173 --> 00:21:17,841 Where dr. Michael tavis was shot and killed. 390 00:21:17,910 --> 00:21:21,045 And investigators have a list of disgruntled patients 391 00:21:21,113 --> 00:21:24,249 That may lead to a suspect. 392 00:21:24,317 --> 00:21:27,319 - Harry: Any doctor who's performing cosmetic surgeries 393 00:21:27,386 --> 00:21:30,254 Is probably gonna have dissatisfied clients. 394 00:21:30,323 --> 00:21:32,656 Not every medical procedure of any kind 395 00:21:32,725 --> 00:21:35,792 Works out 100% perfect every time. 396 00:21:35,794 --> 00:21:38,196 And if it doesn't work out, they could be upset. 397 00:21:41,934 --> 00:21:44,468 - Narrator: Detectives wrap up their last interviews with 398 00:21:44,537 --> 00:21:49,039 Potential witnesses, including debra sojka who had been trapped 399 00:21:49,108 --> 00:21:52,510 In a neighboring office building since the police arrived. 400 00:21:53,812 --> 00:21:56,747 - Debra: When we were finally allowed to leave that day, 401 00:21:56,749 --> 00:22:02,219 I notice as we're leaving and entering the parking lot that 402 00:22:02,288 --> 00:22:05,423 They had the crime scene tape up, 403 00:22:05,425 --> 00:22:08,092 And it was blocking my car in. 404 00:22:08,094 --> 00:22:12,229 And if I'd parked in the normal spot where I would usually park, 405 00:22:12,231 --> 00:22:14,666 I could have left and I was kinda kicking myself thinking, 406 00:22:14,734 --> 00:22:17,334 "oh, jeez, why did I park in this different spot? 407 00:22:17,336 --> 00:22:19,437 I just want to go home." 408 00:22:19,505 --> 00:22:21,705 And then it dawned on me that that woman was there 409 00:22:21,774 --> 00:22:25,709 That morning, in the truck, and that's why I didn't park there 410 00:22:25,778 --> 00:22:28,313 And so I let the police know about that. 411 00:22:30,716 --> 00:22:34,051 - Danny: The person sitting in it would be looking basically 412 00:22:34,120 --> 00:22:37,921 Directly at the entry point where dr. Tavis and deborah 413 00:22:37,990 --> 00:22:40,925 Typically entered and exited for their workday. 414 00:22:43,562 --> 00:22:47,331 - Debra: I recall telling police that she had brown hair, and 415 00:22:47,399 --> 00:22:50,534 I could see this round face through the windshield, 416 00:22:50,536 --> 00:22:53,070 But I really couldn't get any details 417 00:22:53,139 --> 00:22:54,839 Or any good description. 418 00:22:58,144 --> 00:23:01,111 - Narrator: Soon after their interview with debra sojka, 419 00:23:01,180 --> 00:23:02,813 Investigators receive an update 420 00:23:02,815 --> 00:23:05,950 On the status of the second victim of the shooting: 421 00:23:06,019 --> 00:23:11,489 Dr. Tavis' 59-year-old office manager kay carter. 422 00:23:11,491 --> 00:23:14,024 - Kay carter was treated at the hospital, 423 00:23:14,093 --> 00:23:16,694 And she never regained her speech. 424 00:23:16,696 --> 00:23:19,297 She had a traumatic brain injury. 425 00:23:19,365 --> 00:23:22,099 - Narrator: As kay endures the fight of her life, 426 00:23:22,168 --> 00:23:25,570 Detective fish and his team focus on their list of potential 427 00:23:25,638 --> 00:23:29,606 Suspects provided by deborah tavis. 428 00:23:29,675 --> 00:23:31,642 - Patrick: Our investigators began working actively 429 00:23:31,710 --> 00:23:34,379 To follow up on them to see if there was anything unusual 430 00:23:34,447 --> 00:23:35,646 In their behavior. 431 00:23:35,648 --> 00:23:37,449 Do they have criminal arrest records? 432 00:23:37,516 --> 00:23:39,718 Had they made prior threats? 433 00:23:39,785 --> 00:23:42,586 And so they began working on each of these people 434 00:23:42,655 --> 00:23:45,255 As potential suspects. 435 00:23:45,324 --> 00:23:47,057 - Danny: Just by knowing their names, 436 00:23:47,126 --> 00:23:51,795 We were able to put detectives and officers on the task of 437 00:23:51,797 --> 00:23:54,999 Locating each and every one of them for an interview. 438 00:23:55,001 --> 00:23:57,134 We ask them if they know even that dr. Tavis 439 00:23:57,203 --> 00:23:58,335 Has been murdered, 440 00:23:58,337 --> 00:24:02,673 Find out what their relationship was, and, in some cases, 441 00:24:02,742 --> 00:24:05,008 Perhaps even eliminate them as being suspects. 442 00:24:05,077 --> 00:24:08,278 And we were able to do that with four of the five names because 443 00:24:08,347 --> 00:24:10,949 They had legitimate alibis. 444 00:24:11,016 --> 00:24:15,819 There was a fifth that we had not be able to contact yet. 445 00:24:15,888 --> 00:24:18,722 And that particular name was theresa ramirez. 446 00:24:20,759 --> 00:24:23,560 - Patrick: Officers did go to the home of theresa ramirez. 447 00:24:23,629 --> 00:24:25,829 She was not at home when they arrived. 448 00:24:25,831 --> 00:24:29,433 They left a message for her to contact them, she did not. 449 00:24:29,501 --> 00:24:31,468 That caused them some concern. 450 00:24:31,537 --> 00:24:34,939 So she became somewhat of a focus at that point. 451 00:24:39,111 --> 00:24:42,379 - Narrator: Theresa mary ramirez was born in san francisco 452 00:24:42,448 --> 00:24:46,116 On February 8, 1952. 453 00:24:46,118 --> 00:24:50,120 The oldest of three children of a fireman and a homemaker, 454 00:24:50,189 --> 00:24:52,256 She grew up to be a strong-willed, 455 00:24:52,258 --> 00:24:54,792 Independent woman. 456 00:24:54,794 --> 00:24:57,595 - Theresa was--she was a little, tiny thing. 457 00:24:57,597 --> 00:24:59,129 Very outspoken. 458 00:24:59,198 --> 00:25:01,399 She'd tell you what she thought, never smoked, drank, 459 00:25:01,467 --> 00:25:06,203 Swore or anything. Just a pleasant person. 460 00:25:06,272 --> 00:25:08,072 - Harry: She got her nursing degree, 461 00:25:08,074 --> 00:25:12,276 She had been working at the kaiser hospital in santa rosa 462 00:25:12,278 --> 00:25:14,479 For a number of years. 463 00:25:14,547 --> 00:25:18,949 - Terry opened up the orthopedic department in 1985, 464 00:25:18,951 --> 00:25:21,485 I believe, when she started working there. 465 00:25:21,487 --> 00:25:23,587 So, she was one of the originals. 466 00:25:26,091 --> 00:25:29,426 - Deborah l: Theresa and I attended the same college 467 00:25:29,495 --> 00:25:31,228 In san francisco. 468 00:25:31,297 --> 00:25:35,766 She never talked about any relationships, any kids, 469 00:25:35,768 --> 00:25:38,770 Any siblings, nothing like that. 470 00:25:38,837 --> 00:25:43,074 She never revealed any part of herself to us. 471 00:25:44,176 --> 00:25:48,245 - I never knew theresa to be friendly in the way of 472 00:25:48,314 --> 00:25:51,248 Interacting with other co-workers and colleagues. 473 00:25:51,317 --> 00:25:55,619 I worked there probably--down the hall from her for 10 years, 474 00:25:55,621 --> 00:25:58,789 And I really didn't know a whole lot about her. 475 00:25:58,858 --> 00:26:00,758 - John: I heard that when theresa 476 00:26:00,760 --> 00:26:02,460 Was in south san francisco 477 00:26:02,528 --> 00:26:06,798 Her dad had fixed her up with another fireman. 478 00:26:06,865 --> 00:26:08,800 That was supposed to be a good relationship and all. 479 00:26:08,867 --> 00:26:10,934 But evidently it fell apart. 480 00:26:11,003 --> 00:26:14,005 It devastated her, so she never got into another relationship. 481 00:26:16,475 --> 00:26:19,376 - Narrator: In 1988, theresa's solitary life 482 00:26:19,445 --> 00:26:21,379 Was turned upside down 483 00:26:21,447 --> 00:26:25,015 When she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 484 00:26:25,017 --> 00:26:27,217 - Harry: She had a relatively minor finding 485 00:26:27,286 --> 00:26:28,886 On one of her breasts, 486 00:26:28,888 --> 00:26:32,290 And there was gonna be some minor surgery performed 487 00:26:32,358 --> 00:26:33,625 In that regard. 488 00:26:33,692 --> 00:26:38,428 Certainly not a mastectomy but maybe a lumpectomy or some other 489 00:26:38,497 --> 00:26:41,231 Relatively minor version of it. 490 00:26:41,300 --> 00:26:44,368 - Clark: She had had several members of her family that 491 00:26:44,436 --> 00:26:45,836 Had come down with cancer. 492 00:26:45,838 --> 00:26:50,707 Some that had died from it and so she was very concerned that 493 00:26:50,776 --> 00:26:54,177 She would have the same fate. 494 00:26:54,246 --> 00:26:57,715 - She volunteered and elected to have a bilateral 495 00:26:57,717 --> 00:27:00,784 Or a double mastectomy. 496 00:27:00,853 --> 00:27:02,653 - John: Being a nurse, she knew, I mean this is, you know, 497 00:27:02,721 --> 00:27:04,254 Life threatening. 498 00:27:04,256 --> 00:27:07,057 So, she decided, you know, to have them both taken off. 499 00:27:07,059 --> 00:27:10,227 And after that's when everything started, uh, going south. 500 00:27:13,465 --> 00:27:14,999 - Narrator: According to deborah tavis, 501 00:27:15,067 --> 00:27:17,535 Her husband performed reconstructive surgery 502 00:27:17,603 --> 00:27:19,736 On theresa. 503 00:27:19,805 --> 00:27:22,939 - Clark: She went to dr. Tavis because she wanted to have 504 00:27:23,008 --> 00:27:27,811 Silicone implants, so she'd have a matching pair of breasts. 505 00:27:27,880 --> 00:27:29,613 Dr. Tavis, in his medical notes, 506 00:27:29,681 --> 00:27:31,681 He said that the results were excellent, 507 00:27:31,751 --> 00:27:35,286 And that theresa ramirez was ecstatic with the results, 508 00:27:35,354 --> 00:27:40,691 But that proved to be, uh, overly optimistic because, 509 00:27:40,693 --> 00:27:42,893 Within a week she was complaining about 510 00:27:42,962 --> 00:27:45,896 The surgery and wanted more. 511 00:27:46,832 --> 00:27:47,966 - Danny: She was unhappy. 512 00:27:48,033 --> 00:27:50,167 She felt like that they weren't even. 513 00:27:50,235 --> 00:27:52,903 And she ultimately ended up complaining to dr. Tavis 514 00:27:52,972 --> 00:27:55,772 Multiple times and had multiple surgeries 515 00:27:55,841 --> 00:27:58,910 To try to correct these flaws. 516 00:28:01,113 --> 00:28:03,380 - Clark: I believe she had a half dozen in all. 517 00:28:03,449 --> 00:28:07,584 Dr. Tavis had at one point considered a restraining order. 518 00:28:07,653 --> 00:28:09,187 You know, there's always a question of whether 519 00:28:09,254 --> 00:28:12,923 A restraining order can really protect someone against someone 520 00:28:12,992 --> 00:28:15,459 Who really wants to do them harm. 521 00:28:15,527 --> 00:28:16,928 - Virginia: She did have some anger issues 522 00:28:16,995 --> 00:28:20,264 And some passive-aggressive issues. 523 00:28:20,332 --> 00:28:23,701 - Theresa was dis--disgrunted about everything. 524 00:28:25,004 --> 00:28:26,804 - When I found out that 525 00:28:26,872 --> 00:28:30,807 She had so many reconstructive surgeries, 526 00:28:30,876 --> 00:28:33,211 I was just, you know, kind of blown away. 527 00:28:33,278 --> 00:28:36,880 She wasn't somebody that wore sexy outfits. 528 00:28:36,949 --> 00:28:41,952 She wore her closed-in clothes, and so it surprised me that 529 00:28:42,021 --> 00:28:45,355 She was so fixated on reconstruction. 530 00:28:45,357 --> 00:28:49,026 - ♪ 531 00:28:49,028 --> 00:28:51,828 - Danny: Theresa ramirez was our most promising lead 532 00:28:51,897 --> 00:28:53,897 So we did put the house under surveillance. 533 00:28:53,966 --> 00:28:57,167 We did watch it for a full 24-hour period 534 00:28:57,169 --> 00:28:59,303 All through the night to see if anybody came or went 535 00:28:59,305 --> 00:29:02,105 And, uh, nobody did. 536 00:29:02,107 --> 00:29:05,308 The fact that she had not come back to her house on any of 537 00:29:05,377 --> 00:29:08,979 The days, or answered any of our attempts at contact, 538 00:29:09,048 --> 00:29:12,650 Made us concerned that she may have fled. 539 00:29:15,387 --> 00:29:16,587 - Narrator: Coming up... 540 00:29:16,655 --> 00:29:20,257 An urgent tip launches the case into high gear. 541 00:29:20,325 --> 00:29:22,926 - This is a life-threatening situation. 542 00:29:22,928 --> 00:29:24,661 - Narrator: And an unnerving discovery 543 00:29:24,730 --> 00:29:27,864 Shakes the entire community. 544 00:29:27,933 --> 00:29:31,668 - They found two guns in her purse 545 00:29:31,737 --> 00:29:35,273 And also a small notebook 546 00:29:35,340 --> 00:29:37,741 With names of people. 547 00:29:37,809 --> 00:29:42,012 - It was pretty obvious that I was her first target. 548 00:29:42,080 --> 00:29:44,415 I was numero uno on her list. 549 00:29:46,018 --> 00:29:49,720 - ♪ 550 00:29:58,163 --> 00:30:01,631 - Narrator: Investigators have identified theresa ramirez as 551 00:30:01,633 --> 00:30:06,570 Their primary lead in the July 3 murder of dr. Michael tavis 552 00:30:06,572 --> 00:30:10,373 And the attempted murder of his office manager kay carter, 553 00:30:10,442 --> 00:30:13,244 Who is left unable to speak. 554 00:30:13,312 --> 00:30:17,014 But so far, theresa has eluded authorities. 555 00:30:18,250 --> 00:30:24,187 - On July 7, I was in my office going over all of 556 00:30:24,256 --> 00:30:27,324 The notes on this case and I received a call 557 00:30:27,393 --> 00:30:30,327 From the san francisco police department. 558 00:30:30,329 --> 00:30:32,996 They put me in touch with an officer who said, 559 00:30:32,998 --> 00:30:36,099 "hey, I might have something here to help with your case." 560 00:30:37,269 --> 00:30:41,671 - A woman had checked into a hotel in san francisco. 561 00:30:41,740 --> 00:30:43,540 The hotel staff went into the room 562 00:30:43,609 --> 00:30:47,611 And the woman in the room was passed out. 563 00:30:47,679 --> 00:30:49,946 - The paramedics were called, and the police were called 564 00:30:50,015 --> 00:30:52,950 As well, and she was taken to the hospital. 565 00:30:54,152 --> 00:30:56,353 - Narrator: It's at the hospital where they learn the woman has 566 00:30:56,355 --> 00:30:59,089 A pre-existing condition. 567 00:30:59,158 --> 00:31:00,424 - This is a life-threatening situation. 568 00:31:00,492 --> 00:31:03,760 She was a diabetic and she was in a diabetic coma. 569 00:31:06,231 --> 00:31:08,164 - Narrator: Hotel records indicate that the woman 570 00:31:08,233 --> 00:31:12,302 Checked into the hotel at 5 p.M. On July 3-- 571 00:31:12,372 --> 00:31:14,905 Hours after michael tavis was murdered-- 572 00:31:14,973 --> 00:31:18,041 Under the name theresa brew. 573 00:31:18,110 --> 00:31:22,112 - Police officers arrived at the hotel and they were able to look 574 00:31:22,180 --> 00:31:25,515 Around the hotel room to try to find the person's identity. 575 00:31:25,584 --> 00:31:29,987 And in doing so, police officers located her identification. 576 00:31:30,055 --> 00:31:31,721 - Narrator: But the name on the driver's license 577 00:31:31,790 --> 00:31:33,723 Isn't theresa brew. 578 00:31:33,792 --> 00:31:36,226 It's theresa ramirez. 579 00:31:37,596 --> 00:31:40,196 - Danny: The officers who had responded to the hotel took 580 00:31:40,265 --> 00:31:43,033 Items of evidence that they had collected at her hotel room. 581 00:31:45,704 --> 00:31:48,606 - Narrator: When police examine the items at the station, 582 00:31:48,674 --> 00:31:51,975 A disturbing picture begins to emerge. 583 00:31:54,013 --> 00:31:57,214 - Danny: She was carrying $5,000 in cash. 584 00:31:57,216 --> 00:32:00,150 People who are, quote, "on the run," 585 00:32:00,218 --> 00:32:02,285 Tend to use cash because it can't be traced 586 00:32:02,354 --> 00:32:05,222 Like a credit card could be traced. 587 00:32:05,224 --> 00:32:08,626 Also in her belongings was a train ticket 588 00:32:08,694 --> 00:32:11,228 To van nuys, california. 589 00:32:11,230 --> 00:32:15,165 - Clark: They found two guns in her purse 590 00:32:15,234 --> 00:32:20,770 And also a small notebook with names of people, 591 00:32:20,839 --> 00:32:23,073 Including the name of dr. Tavis. 592 00:32:25,244 --> 00:32:27,244 - Davis: The san francisco police department provided us 593 00:32:27,246 --> 00:32:30,114 With the items that they had gathered from the hotel room, 594 00:32:30,182 --> 00:32:33,451 Including her identification, the guns, cash, 595 00:32:33,518 --> 00:32:37,254 And the booklet that had dr. Tavis's name in it 596 00:32:37,256 --> 00:32:41,057 And we then made arrangements to go to the hospital 597 00:32:41,126 --> 00:32:43,894 To try to interview theresa ramirez. 598 00:32:46,865 --> 00:32:48,264 - Narrator: Petaluma investigators make 599 00:32:48,266 --> 00:32:51,135 The 40-mile drive to san francisco, 600 00:32:51,203 --> 00:32:55,071 And with theresa ramirez in a diabetic coma, 601 00:32:55,140 --> 00:32:58,009 They prioritize looking at the evidence found 602 00:32:58,076 --> 00:33:01,178 In her hotel room, starting with the notebook. 603 00:33:02,814 --> 00:33:05,682 - Each page has personal identifying information about 604 00:33:05,751 --> 00:33:09,986 A number of people, including dr. Tavis--his address, 605 00:33:09,988 --> 00:33:14,491 His office address, his wife's name, kay carter, 606 00:33:14,493 --> 00:33:17,428 Kay carter's address, her license plate number, 607 00:33:17,496 --> 00:33:19,430 The name of multiple other doctors 608 00:33:19,498 --> 00:33:22,566 That she has had contact with in the past. 609 00:33:22,634 --> 00:33:24,834 It definitely gives you the idea 610 00:33:24,903 --> 00:33:26,704 That this notebook that she was carrying 611 00:33:26,772 --> 00:33:32,275 Was a hit list type notebook of the people she means harm to. 612 00:33:34,846 --> 00:33:37,447 - Clark: There were about 20 names. 613 00:33:37,449 --> 00:33:39,583 It's definitely a big development, 614 00:33:39,651 --> 00:33:42,219 A huge significance for her to have this notebook 615 00:33:42,287 --> 00:33:44,922 There in her own handwriting. 616 00:33:47,059 --> 00:33:49,060 - Danny: As I'm looking at the notebook, 617 00:33:49,127 --> 00:33:52,262 I am definitely solid in my belief 618 00:33:52,330 --> 00:33:56,666 That we have the right person identified as a suspect. 619 00:33:56,735 --> 00:34:00,937 And I am also flabbergasted and relieved to know 620 00:34:01,006 --> 00:34:03,140 That she wasn't able to carry out 621 00:34:03,208 --> 00:34:05,442 What I think she was planning to carry out. 622 00:34:07,346 --> 00:34:09,479 - Narrator: One of the names in theresa's notebook 623 00:34:09,481 --> 00:34:11,281 Is dr. Robert fies, 624 00:34:11,350 --> 00:34:13,616 Who was tasked with approving theresa's requests 625 00:34:13,685 --> 00:34:17,753 For further surgeries through her insurance provider. 626 00:34:17,755 --> 00:34:19,656 - Bob: She had a very unfortunate history 627 00:34:19,725 --> 00:34:22,091 Of surgeries. 628 00:34:22,161 --> 00:34:23,360 As a medical director, 629 00:34:23,362 --> 00:34:26,630 I was required to give a, uh, 630 00:34:26,698 --> 00:34:28,832 A thumbs up or a thumbs down. 631 00:34:28,900 --> 00:34:31,234 And I asked her to come in. 632 00:34:31,303 --> 00:34:36,039 She came in rather tense, nervous and sat down abruptly. 633 00:34:36,041 --> 00:34:39,509 She fidgeted and her eyes darted all over the room. 634 00:34:39,578 --> 00:34:43,113 I explained to her why I asked her to see a psychiatrist, 635 00:34:43,181 --> 00:34:47,585 That I was concerned that she's been having poor results. 636 00:34:47,652 --> 00:34:52,656 And I wanted to get clearance that she would be a good patient 637 00:34:52,724 --> 00:34:53,790 For future surgery. 638 00:34:53,859 --> 00:34:59,062 And what happened was she looked at me and glared 639 00:34:59,131 --> 00:35:01,264 And said, "I'll show you why." 640 00:35:01,266 --> 00:35:04,801 And put her hands on her blouse and... 641 00:35:04,870 --> 00:35:09,005 Made the motion as if she was going to rip open her blouse. 642 00:35:09,074 --> 00:35:12,209 So, I told her, "theresa, that's not appropriate, 643 00:35:12,211 --> 00:35:14,344 "because we can no longer do it here. 644 00:35:14,412 --> 00:35:17,748 You'll have to accede to this or not do surgery." 645 00:35:17,816 --> 00:35:19,683 And she just glared at me. 646 00:35:20,986 --> 00:35:23,820 - Narrator: When investigators contact dr. Fies he explains 647 00:35:23,889 --> 00:35:28,558 That theresa was unlike any patient he'd ever encountered, 648 00:35:28,627 --> 00:35:34,631 Especially once he decided she needed a psychiatric evaluation. 649 00:35:34,633 --> 00:35:37,635 - She had been operated on by multiple surgeons, 650 00:35:37,702 --> 00:35:41,304 Most of whom refused to do more than one operation, 651 00:35:41,373 --> 00:35:44,107 Because they found her too difficult. 652 00:35:44,175 --> 00:35:47,444 And one particular surgeon, dr. Michael tavis, 653 00:35:47,446 --> 00:35:51,247 Who was a very generous and compassionate service, 654 00:35:51,316 --> 00:35:53,750 Kept giving in to her requests. 655 00:35:56,621 --> 00:35:59,389 - Narrator: Dr. Fies says he denied theresa's request for 656 00:35:59,458 --> 00:36:04,661 Further surgery, but she refused to leave the room. 657 00:36:04,729 --> 00:36:08,999 - Bob: I picked up the phone and I asked for our security 658 00:36:09,067 --> 00:36:12,203 To come in and have her leave the building. 659 00:36:12,270 --> 00:36:17,073 It was very clear f-- obviously from her demeanor 660 00:36:17,075 --> 00:36:19,076 That she was not stable. 661 00:36:21,012 --> 00:36:22,879 - Narrator: Unbeknownst to dr. Fies, 662 00:36:22,948 --> 00:36:27,685 The most disturbing visit came on the morning of July 3. 663 00:36:27,752 --> 00:36:30,153 - We determined that theresa ramirez showed up at 664 00:36:30,155 --> 00:36:33,356 The doorstep of dr. Fies in santa rosa 665 00:36:33,425 --> 00:36:37,894 The same morning that she murdered dr. Tavis. 666 00:36:37,896 --> 00:36:41,765 - I was away from town. 667 00:36:41,767 --> 00:36:47,370 So, I was not present on the day that dr. Tavis was killed. 668 00:36:47,439 --> 00:36:50,307 But she came first to my own door. 669 00:36:50,309 --> 00:36:54,911 And it was pretty obvious that I was her first target. 670 00:36:54,980 --> 00:36:57,448 I was numero uno on her list. 671 00:37:01,253 --> 00:37:03,721 - Narrator: On July 8, 1997, 672 00:37:03,788 --> 00:37:06,656 Detectives obtain the physical evidence they need 673 00:37:06,725 --> 00:37:11,661 To move forward with charges against theresa ramirez. 674 00:37:11,730 --> 00:37:14,197 - The final piece of the puzzle came in the form 675 00:37:14,265 --> 00:37:17,735 Of the forensic testing of her five-shot revolver, 676 00:37:17,802 --> 00:37:21,638 Which was in her possession the day she was found in the hotel. 677 00:37:23,008 --> 00:37:27,544 - Those handguns were taken to the state, uh, crime laboratory. 678 00:37:27,546 --> 00:37:32,381 They took the bullets from the bodies and compared them to 679 00:37:32,451 --> 00:37:35,085 Bullets that they fired from the handgun in their laboratory, 680 00:37:35,153 --> 00:37:36,954 And they showed that they were actually fired 681 00:37:37,022 --> 00:37:38,622 From the same gun. 682 00:37:40,225 --> 00:37:41,759 - Narrator: Coming up... 683 00:37:41,826 --> 00:37:44,695 Prosecutors have compiled a mountain of evidence against 684 00:37:44,763 --> 00:37:46,763 Theresa ramirez... 685 00:37:46,831 --> 00:37:49,499 But will justice prevail? 686 00:37:49,568 --> 00:37:51,834 - We felt that that showed the foundation of 687 00:37:51,903 --> 00:37:54,704 An insanity defense. 688 00:37:54,773 --> 00:37:57,641 - Clark: She had this body dysmorphic disorder. 689 00:37:57,709 --> 00:38:02,311 And this was something that really drove her and was the, 690 00:38:02,381 --> 00:38:04,814 Uh, basis of her mental illness. 691 00:38:07,986 --> 00:38:11,588 - ♪ 692 00:38:20,799 --> 00:38:25,134 - Narrator: On July 9, 1997, investigator danny fish 693 00:38:25,203 --> 00:38:28,137 Arrives at san francisco general hospital 694 00:38:28,139 --> 00:38:30,673 To interview theresa ramirez, 695 00:38:30,742 --> 00:38:34,277 The prime suspect in the murder of dr. Michael tavis 696 00:38:34,345 --> 00:38:38,181 And attempted murder of office manager, kay carter. 697 00:38:39,417 --> 00:38:43,219 - I introduced myself at her bedside, 698 00:38:43,288 --> 00:38:45,755 Told her I was there to interview her, 699 00:38:45,757 --> 00:38:49,225 Asked her name and asked a number of questions, 700 00:38:49,227 --> 00:38:51,829 And she refused to answer any of them. 701 00:38:51,896 --> 00:38:55,832 She simply turned her head away every time I talked to her. 702 00:38:55,901 --> 00:38:58,167 - Patrick: She pretended she couldn't talk 703 00:38:58,169 --> 00:38:59,268 From her medical condition, 704 00:38:59,337 --> 00:39:00,703 I mean, that would be understandable, 705 00:39:00,705 --> 00:39:03,173 But they felt that she was able to talk. 706 00:39:03,241 --> 00:39:05,208 She just was choosing not to. 707 00:39:06,445 --> 00:39:09,646 - Danny: So, I read her her miranda rights at that point 708 00:39:09,648 --> 00:39:12,582 And placed her into custody by telling her she was under arrest 709 00:39:12,584 --> 00:39:15,251 For the murder of dr. Tavis 710 00:39:15,253 --> 00:39:19,722 And the shooting injury of kay carter. 711 00:39:19,791 --> 00:39:23,393 - She was charged with first-degree murder 712 00:39:23,461 --> 00:39:25,428 And attempted murder. 713 00:39:28,300 --> 00:39:30,399 - Narrator: In January 1999, 714 00:39:30,469 --> 00:39:34,538 Theresa ramirez's trial gets underway. 715 00:39:34,606 --> 00:39:37,073 - Debra: We were asked to testify at the trial-- 716 00:39:37,142 --> 00:39:39,142 Me and a couple of co-workers 717 00:39:39,144 --> 00:39:43,413 Heard the first shots that struck kay. 718 00:39:43,415 --> 00:39:46,550 And so, we were able to set up a timeline. 719 00:39:46,618 --> 00:39:49,352 We could say when those shots happened. 720 00:39:49,421 --> 00:39:53,156 We did not hear the second shots that hit mike tavis, 721 00:39:53,158 --> 00:39:59,096 But by setting up this timeline, we were able to show the jury 722 00:39:59,164 --> 00:40:00,831 That she was lying in wait. 723 00:40:04,803 --> 00:40:05,703 - Clark: What they were able to piece together 724 00:40:05,770 --> 00:40:09,239 Was that kay carter came in and turned on a computer 725 00:40:09,307 --> 00:40:11,975 And also started some coffee, 726 00:40:11,977 --> 00:40:15,378 And then theresa ramirez came in through the back door 727 00:40:15,447 --> 00:40:18,515 And shot her. - [gunshot] 728 00:40:18,517 --> 00:40:20,883 - Danny: I believe she hid in one of the offices 729 00:40:20,885 --> 00:40:22,919 For the 15 or 20 minutes 730 00:40:22,921 --> 00:40:25,923 That it took dr. Tavis and deborah to get there. 731 00:40:25,990 --> 00:40:29,927 And when dr. Tavis walked in and down the hallway to go find kay, 732 00:40:29,994 --> 00:40:32,995 I think that theresa ramirez stepped out into the hallway 733 00:40:33,064 --> 00:40:39,001 Behind them, said what she said, shot him in the chest. 734 00:40:39,070 --> 00:40:43,473 As he turned to run, I believe she started firing again 735 00:40:43,475 --> 00:40:47,910 And hit him in the side and then twice in the back. 736 00:40:47,979 --> 00:40:50,880 And then I think she ran out the back shortly 737 00:40:50,949 --> 00:40:53,983 After deborah had run to the other office. 738 00:40:56,021 --> 00:40:59,522 - Theresa's defense at trial was that she was 739 00:40:59,524 --> 00:41:00,957 Criminally insane and therefore 740 00:41:01,025 --> 00:41:04,827 Could not be held accountable for her actions. 741 00:41:04,896 --> 00:41:06,896 - When I spoke to her, all she would ever talk about 742 00:41:06,965 --> 00:41:09,298 Is the problem she had with her breast surgeries. 743 00:41:09,367 --> 00:41:11,300 That was her focus all of the time. 744 00:41:11,369 --> 00:41:14,571 She was, in her mind, horribly disfigured. 745 00:41:14,573 --> 00:41:17,307 We felt that that showed 746 00:41:17,375 --> 00:41:21,177 The foundation of an insanity defense. 747 00:41:21,246 --> 00:41:24,348 - Clark: Some of the people that evaluated theresa ramirez said 748 00:41:24,415 --> 00:41:27,717 That she had this body dysmorphic disorder. 749 00:41:27,786 --> 00:41:32,589 And, uh, that this was something that really drove her 750 00:41:32,591 --> 00:41:36,859 And was the basis of her mental illness. 751 00:41:36,861 --> 00:41:38,962 - Deborah l: Theresa's body disorder. 752 00:41:40,598 --> 00:41:44,467 It--it makes sense that she dressed in layers 753 00:41:44,535 --> 00:41:47,738 And she covered her body pretty much. 754 00:41:47,805 --> 00:41:50,873 You would not see any of her skin. 755 00:41:50,875 --> 00:41:56,379 Just her hands and forearms and even her neck would be covered. 756 00:41:57,482 --> 00:42:00,517 - Narrator: On February 11, 1999, 757 00:42:00,586 --> 00:42:05,087 A jury finds theresa ramirez guilty of first-degree murder 758 00:42:05,156 --> 00:42:07,023 And attempted murder. 759 00:42:07,091 --> 00:42:10,027 She is sentenced to two consecutive life terms 760 00:42:10,094 --> 00:42:12,762 In prison without parole. 761 00:42:12,830 --> 00:42:15,031 - Harry: Theresa has a stone-faced reaction 762 00:42:15,033 --> 00:42:17,033 To all of this. She doesn't say anything. 763 00:42:17,101 --> 00:42:21,371 She just sits there and stares straight ahead. 764 00:42:21,439 --> 00:42:22,906 - Virginia: She wasn't insane. 765 00:42:24,643 --> 00:42:26,443 She was just evil. 766 00:42:26,511 --> 00:42:30,780 Just because she wanted her breasts to look perfect. 767 00:42:30,848 --> 00:42:33,983 - Sandy: She should spend the rest of her life behind bars. 768 00:42:33,985 --> 00:42:37,587 Dr. Tavis was just being a good doctor and a good person. 769 00:42:39,858 --> 00:42:41,792 - Narrator: But the verdict is little consolation 770 00:42:41,859 --> 00:42:44,661 To the loved ones of dr. Michael tavis 771 00:42:44,663 --> 00:42:48,599 And kay carter, who passed away in 2012 772 00:42:48,666 --> 00:42:51,267 Due to her injuries. 773 00:42:51,336 --> 00:42:55,137 - Kay carter had four kids and her husband had previously died. 774 00:42:55,206 --> 00:42:56,939 She ruined their lives. 775 00:42:56,941 --> 00:43:00,077 He was married, he has kids. 776 00:43:00,144 --> 00:43:01,411 She ruined their lives. 777 00:43:01,479 --> 00:43:03,746 Nurses are nurses for a reason. 778 00:43:03,815 --> 00:43:05,948 We're out there to help people. 779 00:43:06,017 --> 00:43:08,617 And here she was, a registered nurse, 780 00:43:08,687 --> 00:43:12,689 That was taking someone's life because of her own 781 00:43:12,691 --> 00:43:16,159 Dissatisfaction with her body image. 782 00:43:16,161 --> 00:43:18,027 It was just so sad. 783 00:43:18,096 --> 00:43:20,631 - Debra: Dr. Tavis has always been remembered 784 00:43:20,698 --> 00:43:25,034 As a very well-liked, compassionate doctor 785 00:43:25,103 --> 00:43:29,104 Who was very skilled and did excellent work. 786 00:43:29,106 --> 00:43:31,574 And he was taken from us way too soon. 787 00:43:31,643 --> 00:43:34,677 He did not deserve this and neither did kay. 788 00:43:36,948 --> 00:43:47,957 - ♪