1 00:00:12,578 --> 00:00:15,447 - Narrator: He was a high-flying air force reserve pilot 2 00:00:15,449 --> 00:00:17,249 Dedicated to his job 3 00:00:17,318 --> 00:00:19,985 And beloved by his fellow servicemen. 4 00:00:19,987 --> 00:00:23,655 - He flew logistical missions and rescue missions, 5 00:00:23,724 --> 00:00:26,858 He flew in combat zones. 6 00:00:26,927 --> 00:00:29,728 - Narrator: However, unexpectedly the true danger 7 00:00:29,797 --> 00:00:32,931 For this wartime pilot was not overseas, 8 00:00:33,000 --> 00:00:34,933 But in his own home. 9 00:00:35,002 --> 00:00:36,468 - He was shot twice in the back 10 00:00:36,537 --> 00:00:38,937 And once in the head at close range. 11 00:00:39,006 --> 00:00:40,873 - It was clear that this person, 12 00:00:40,941 --> 00:00:44,543 This killer, wanted him dead. 13 00:00:44,545 --> 00:00:47,079 - Narrator: As the murder investigation takes off, 14 00:00:47,147 --> 00:00:49,282 A house full of twisted secrets 15 00:00:49,349 --> 00:00:52,618 Is revealed behind closed doors. 16 00:00:52,686 --> 00:00:54,953 - It was the first time in my, 25 plus year career 17 00:00:55,022 --> 00:00:57,690 That I had ever seen a crime scene booby trapped. 18 00:00:57,758 --> 00:01:00,692 It was staged in such a way that had somebody 19 00:01:00,694 --> 00:01:03,361 Opened the closet door not carefully, 20 00:01:03,430 --> 00:01:05,164 They would have been shot. 21 00:01:05,232 --> 00:01:06,631 There was just something going on in that house 22 00:01:06,700 --> 00:01:08,501 That was getting worse and worse. 23 00:01:08,569 --> 00:01:09,968 - Narrator: And detectives will uncover 24 00:01:10,037 --> 00:01:13,639 How far someone is willing to go to break free. 25 00:01:19,913 --> 00:01:23,382 - She knew this relationship was over, 26 00:01:23,384 --> 00:01:27,186 And it's almost like she wanted it to end on her terms. 27 00:01:29,256 --> 00:01:34,159 - ♪ 28 00:01:40,467 --> 00:01:45,270 - Narrator: March 15, 2007. Trumbull county, ohio. 29 00:01:45,339 --> 00:01:47,539 Airman gary dodge arrives at the 30 00:01:47,608 --> 00:01:49,875 Youngstown air force reserve station 31 00:01:49,943 --> 00:01:52,812 Looking forward to connecting with fellow pilot, 32 00:01:52,880 --> 00:01:57,015 44-year-old karl hoerig, before a busy day of work. 33 00:01:57,084 --> 00:02:01,820 There's only one problem... Karl is nowhere to be found. 34 00:02:01,822 --> 00:02:05,290 - It was not common for karl to miss work, 35 00:02:05,359 --> 00:02:08,360 So gary dodge placed a call to 911 36 00:02:08,428 --> 00:02:12,064 To check the welfare of his friend karl hoerig. 37 00:02:13,434 --> 00:02:14,567 - Narrator: The responding officer 38 00:02:14,635 --> 00:02:17,836 Finds one vehicle in karl's driveway. 39 00:02:17,905 --> 00:02:21,374 But a knock on the door goes unanswered. 40 00:02:21,441 --> 00:02:23,909 - They tried to get in but because there was no answer, 41 00:02:23,977 --> 00:02:26,712 They ended up contacting his father. 42 00:02:26,780 --> 00:02:28,780 - I think that gave the friends and family 43 00:02:28,849 --> 00:02:31,583 Grave concern right from the beginning. 44 00:02:31,652 --> 00:02:35,254 - His father arrived and was able to let them into the home. 45 00:02:35,322 --> 00:02:38,657 And that's when they made the discovery. 46 00:02:38,725 --> 00:02:42,260 - Police discovered karl's body at the bottom of the steps 47 00:02:42,329 --> 00:02:44,996 Near the front door 48 00:02:45,065 --> 00:02:48,300 Covered in a comforter and he was deceased. 49 00:02:50,938 --> 00:02:55,007 - He was the obvious victim of a homicide with gunshot wounds. 50 00:02:55,075 --> 00:02:57,677 At that point, the officer secured the scene, 51 00:02:57,744 --> 00:03:00,278 Made the calls to the detective bureau, 52 00:03:00,347 --> 00:03:03,416 The prosecutor's office, and the coroner's office. 53 00:03:05,686 --> 00:03:08,086 - Narrator: Outside, karl's father learns 54 00:03:08,155 --> 00:03:11,089 The shocking fate of his son. 55 00:03:11,158 --> 00:03:16,629 - For a parent to be there when a child's body is discovered, 56 00:03:16,697 --> 00:03:19,764 As you can imagine, it-it was just heartbreaking 57 00:03:19,833 --> 00:03:21,233 Ah, they did not want the father 58 00:03:21,301 --> 00:03:24,736 To come into the home to see that. 59 00:03:28,976 --> 00:03:30,976 - Narrator: Karl hoerig entered the world 60 00:03:30,978 --> 00:03:35,847 On christmas eve 1963. The second of three sons, 61 00:03:35,916 --> 00:03:38,284 Karl enjoyed an idyllic childhood 62 00:03:38,351 --> 00:03:40,986 In newton falls, ohio. 63 00:03:41,054 --> 00:03:44,522 - It was just a really nice 64 00:03:44,591 --> 00:03:47,860 Middle america place to grow up in. 65 00:03:47,928 --> 00:03:51,129 His mother and father, both very sweet, 66 00:03:51,198 --> 00:03:53,332 Honorable, hard-working people. 67 00:03:53,400 --> 00:03:55,801 Just wonderful. 68 00:03:55,803 --> 00:03:59,605 - His father taught him the trades and woodworking 69 00:03:59,673 --> 00:04:02,474 And karl was a fantastic woodworker 70 00:04:02,542 --> 00:04:05,143 And was also good with automobiles 71 00:04:05,145 --> 00:04:06,412 And anything mechanical 72 00:04:06,480 --> 00:04:09,281 Was definitely a strong area for karl. 73 00:04:10,884 --> 00:04:14,120 - Narrator: After graduating high school in 1982, 74 00:04:14,187 --> 00:04:16,822 Karl enlisted in the military. 75 00:04:16,890 --> 00:04:19,625 It was during karl's early years in the military 76 00:04:19,693 --> 00:04:23,962 That he met his first wife, rhonda sharpe. 77 00:04:24,031 --> 00:04:27,633 - I believe they met at an army formal ball. 78 00:04:27,701 --> 00:04:31,370 Karl ended up taking the sister 79 00:04:31,438 --> 00:04:34,439 Of one of his closest friends 80 00:04:34,508 --> 00:04:37,042 And that sister was rhonda. 81 00:04:37,044 --> 00:04:40,779 And they ended up eventually getting married. 82 00:04:41,982 --> 00:04:43,582 - Narrator: Over the next decade, 83 00:04:43,584 --> 00:04:47,252 Karl and rhonda raised two children together. 84 00:04:47,254 --> 00:04:51,924 But the romance faded, and the couple divorced in 1998. 85 00:04:51,992 --> 00:04:53,458 The split was amicable, 86 00:04:53,460 --> 00:04:56,729 And karl remained a dedicated father. 87 00:04:56,797 --> 00:05:00,333 - He loved both of his children, uh, eva and brent, 88 00:05:00,400 --> 00:05:03,668 Very, very much and talked about them 89 00:05:03,737 --> 00:05:08,674 And uh, was very supportive of both of them. 90 00:05:10,277 --> 00:05:13,411 - Narrator: Following the end of his active service career, 91 00:05:13,480 --> 00:05:18,149 Karl landed a well-paying job as a pilot for southwest airlines. 92 00:05:18,151 --> 00:05:20,685 He also joined the air force reserves, 93 00:05:20,754 --> 00:05:24,155 Where he eventually rose to the rank of major. 94 00:05:24,157 --> 00:05:27,560 - He flew logistical missions and rescue missions, 95 00:05:27,627 --> 00:05:30,028 He flew in combat zones. This was a guy 96 00:05:30,097 --> 00:05:32,531 That dedicated his life to his community, 97 00:05:32,599 --> 00:05:34,466 His country, his family. 98 00:05:35,969 --> 00:05:37,635 - Narrator: It was on a flight abroad 99 00:05:37,704 --> 00:05:40,171 Where karl met the woman he considered to be 100 00:05:40,173 --> 00:05:42,841 The love of his life. 101 00:05:42,843 --> 00:05:46,644 - Karl was on a routine mission to peru 102 00:05:46,713 --> 00:05:48,446 And while he was there, 103 00:05:48,515 --> 00:05:52,651 He met a young peruvian girl named karla. 104 00:05:52,719 --> 00:05:54,119 And they kept in touch, and they started 105 00:05:54,187 --> 00:05:56,988 Writing letters, and eventually, she came to visit him, 106 00:05:57,057 --> 00:05:58,457 And they fell in love. 107 00:06:00,727 --> 00:06:02,193 - Narrator: For the next two years, 108 00:06:02,195 --> 00:06:04,530 The couple lived together in a small town 109 00:06:04,598 --> 00:06:07,866 Outside of youngstown, ohio. 110 00:06:07,935 --> 00:06:11,469 - Karl was absolutely head over heels in love 111 00:06:11,538 --> 00:06:15,140 With karla, just adored her to no end. 112 00:06:15,208 --> 00:06:18,944 After some time, things started to get a little bit complicated. 113 00:06:19,012 --> 00:06:24,349 Karla wanted to get married and wanted to have children. 114 00:06:24,351 --> 00:06:28,486 And karl wasn't sure that he wanted to have any more kids, 115 00:06:28,555 --> 00:06:32,391 So he decided to break up with karla. 116 00:06:34,761 --> 00:06:38,497 It didn't take karl very long, maybe six months or so 117 00:06:38,499 --> 00:06:42,567 To realize that he had made a terrible, terrible mistake 118 00:06:42,636 --> 00:06:45,704 But unfortunately, um, 119 00:06:45,706 --> 00:06:49,941 Karla decided not to come back. She had moved on. 120 00:06:51,311 --> 00:06:54,646 - Narrator: In April of 2005, cupid struck again 121 00:06:54,714 --> 00:06:57,650 When karl met 40-year-old claudia sobral 122 00:06:57,717 --> 00:06:59,652 On a dating website. 123 00:06:59,719 --> 00:07:02,520 Friends of karl's instantly noticed how closely 124 00:07:02,589 --> 00:07:05,256 Claudia resembled karla. 125 00:07:05,258 --> 00:07:07,526 - He told me all about this girl from new york city, 126 00:07:07,594 --> 00:07:09,394 And that, uh, that he really liked her. 127 00:07:09,463 --> 00:07:13,731 But one of my first impressions when I met claudia 128 00:07:13,800 --> 00:07:17,670 Was that she reminded me so much of karla. 129 00:07:20,007 --> 00:07:22,207 - Narrator: Born and raised in rio de janeiro, 130 00:07:22,275 --> 00:07:24,409 Claudia immigrated to the united states 131 00:07:24,411 --> 00:07:28,547 From brazil in the mid-1980s. 132 00:07:28,549 --> 00:07:30,748 - Claudia came to the united states 133 00:07:30,817 --> 00:07:34,085 When she was fairly young, uh, maybe early 20s. 134 00:07:34,154 --> 00:07:39,224 She went to new york city. She was an accountant 135 00:07:39,292 --> 00:07:42,628 And so that's how she made a living in new york city. 136 00:07:44,030 --> 00:07:46,831 - Narrator: Claudia's upbringing in brazil was difficult, 137 00:07:46,833 --> 00:07:50,235 And she rarely discussed her past with friends. 138 00:07:50,303 --> 00:07:53,238 By 1999, 35-year-old claudia 139 00:07:53,306 --> 00:07:56,509 Was ready to leave life in brazil behind her 140 00:07:56,576 --> 00:07:59,712 And put down permanent roots in america. 141 00:07:59,779 --> 00:08:01,913 - Although she was born in brazil, 142 00:08:01,982 --> 00:08:05,417 She had become a naturalized us citizen. 143 00:08:06,987 --> 00:08:09,387 - Narrator: With a solid career in the big apple, 144 00:08:09,456 --> 00:08:13,791 Claudia found herself longing for a romantic connection. 145 00:08:13,860 --> 00:08:17,263 In 2005, she found her match online 146 00:08:17,330 --> 00:08:19,865 With karl hoerig. 147 00:08:19,933 --> 00:08:24,003 - So, from there things went amazingly fast 148 00:08:24,070 --> 00:08:29,742 In the relationship, just almost mind-bogglingly fast. 149 00:08:29,809 --> 00:08:33,078 I don't think it was even two to three weeks or so later 150 00:08:33,146 --> 00:08:36,949 That he was talking about possibly marrying her. 151 00:08:39,753 --> 00:08:41,019 - Narrator: Though claudia remained 152 00:08:41,021 --> 00:08:43,088 Something of a mystery to friends, 153 00:08:43,156 --> 00:08:47,692 Karl saw nothing but bright skies on the horizon. 154 00:08:47,761 --> 00:08:52,565 Six weeks after they met, karl proposed to claudia. 155 00:08:52,632 --> 00:08:55,367 - When karl first got engaged to claudia, 156 00:08:55,435 --> 00:08:58,770 There is no doubt that I tried to talk him out of it. 157 00:08:58,772 --> 00:09:02,507 I said, "why, there's just- there's no reason 158 00:09:02,509 --> 00:09:06,110 "to move this fast. You-you-you don't even know her, 159 00:09:06,179 --> 00:09:07,645 "you haven't even known her that long. 160 00:09:07,714 --> 00:09:09,314 Why- why get married?" 161 00:09:09,382 --> 00:09:14,019 And his response was, "I can't lose this one." 162 00:09:16,523 --> 00:09:18,190 - Narrator: In June of 2005, 163 00:09:18,258 --> 00:09:21,794 Karl and claudia married in las vegas. 164 00:09:21,861 --> 00:09:24,395 After the ceremony, the couple set up their home 165 00:09:24,464 --> 00:09:27,666 On a quiet tree-lined street in karl's hometown 166 00:09:27,734 --> 00:09:30,569 Of newton falls, ohio. 167 00:09:30,638 --> 00:09:32,270 - It's where his mom and dad were, 168 00:09:32,339 --> 00:09:34,673 It's near where his brothers were. 169 00:09:34,741 --> 00:09:38,009 He found a really nice house in a really nice neighborhood 170 00:09:38,078 --> 00:09:40,878 That, that he absolutely loved. 171 00:09:40,880 --> 00:09:45,483 - This was a whirlwind romance for karl hoerig an-and claudia. 172 00:09:45,552 --> 00:09:47,152 - All of his friends were worried that 173 00:09:47,220 --> 00:09:50,222 He'd only known her for two months, 174 00:09:50,290 --> 00:09:51,824 And here he was married. 175 00:09:51,891 --> 00:09:54,593 Those are all pretty scary signs if you're his friends. 176 00:09:56,329 --> 00:09:59,164 - Narrator: And on March 15, 2007, 177 00:09:59,232 --> 00:10:02,967 Less than two years after they exchanged "I do's", 178 00:10:02,969 --> 00:10:06,639 Karl is found shot to death inside his home. 179 00:10:06,706 --> 00:10:10,075 When authorities learn karl shares the home with claudia, 180 00:10:10,143 --> 00:10:12,111 Questions immediately surface, 181 00:10:12,178 --> 00:10:15,747 Since karl's wife is nowhere in sight. 182 00:10:16,983 --> 00:10:19,517 - And so, at that time, they're wondering 183 00:10:19,586 --> 00:10:21,186 What is going on here? 184 00:10:21,254 --> 00:10:25,557 Is claudia, a victim, has something happened to her? 185 00:10:27,461 --> 00:10:30,128 - Narrator: As the search begins for claudia hoerig, 186 00:10:30,197 --> 00:10:31,929 Detectives arrive on scene 187 00:10:31,998 --> 00:10:35,334 And try to piece together what happened. 188 00:10:35,402 --> 00:10:39,003 - They observed karl's body at the bottom of the steps, 189 00:10:39,072 --> 00:10:41,806 And it appeared he had been there at least for several days. 190 00:10:41,808 --> 00:10:45,077 - Karl had been shot twice in the back and once in the head. 191 00:10:48,181 --> 00:10:49,547 - Narrator: Detectives next 192 00:10:49,616 --> 00:10:52,417 Make their way into the master bedroom. 193 00:10:52,419 --> 00:10:54,619 But when they open the closet door, 194 00:10:54,621 --> 00:10:56,287 Investigators find themselves 195 00:10:56,356 --> 00:11:00,625 Staring down the barrel of a gun, literally. 196 00:11:03,697 --> 00:11:06,497 - It was the first time in my 25 plus year career 197 00:11:06,566 --> 00:11:09,635 That I had ever seen a crime scene booby trapped. 198 00:11:10,904 --> 00:11:12,570 - Narrator: Coming up: 199 00:11:12,639 --> 00:11:16,108 A deadly contraption raises investigators' suspicions. 200 00:11:17,310 --> 00:11:20,311 - It was something none of us had seen before. 201 00:11:20,380 --> 00:11:24,649 - Narrator: And police uncover evidence of a rocky marriage. 202 00:11:24,651 --> 00:11:27,119 - He didn't have very many good things 203 00:11:27,187 --> 00:11:29,520 To say about claudia at all. 204 00:11:29,589 --> 00:11:32,624 They had lots of trouble at home. 205 00:11:34,261 --> 00:11:36,795 - ♪ 206 00:11:46,606 --> 00:11:49,207 - Narrator: March 15, 2007. 207 00:11:49,275 --> 00:11:53,077 After finding the body of 44-year-old karl hoerig 208 00:11:53,079 --> 00:11:55,847 In his newton falls, ohio, home, 209 00:11:55,849 --> 00:11:57,882 Police are unpacking the crime scene 210 00:11:57,951 --> 00:11:59,952 When they make a disturbing discovery 211 00:12:00,019 --> 00:12:03,221 In the master bedroom closet. 212 00:12:03,289 --> 00:12:05,490 - When that closet door was opened, what you saw 213 00:12:05,492 --> 00:12:08,826 Was the two-by-four going across the frame, 214 00:12:08,895 --> 00:12:12,029 And then a gun suspended in midair 215 00:12:12,098 --> 00:12:15,032 With just the barrel sticking through the hole 216 00:12:15,101 --> 00:12:17,936 That had been bored out in that two-by-four. 217 00:12:20,440 --> 00:12:24,642 - It was a firearm that was staged in such a way 218 00:12:24,711 --> 00:12:28,446 That had somebody opened the closet door not carefully, 219 00:12:28,448 --> 00:12:30,783 And the booby trap would have worked properly that, 220 00:12:30,850 --> 00:12:32,650 That person who opened that door, 221 00:12:32,719 --> 00:12:37,054 Most likely law enforcement, would have been shot. 222 00:12:37,123 --> 00:12:40,525 - It was something none of us had seen before. 223 00:12:40,593 --> 00:12:42,393 - If they're willing to- to leave a booby trap, 224 00:12:42,462 --> 00:12:45,663 That could kill un-you know, some unknown person 225 00:12:45,732 --> 00:12:48,000 Who just opens a closet door. 226 00:12:48,067 --> 00:12:49,600 What are they gonna do when they're confronted 227 00:12:49,669 --> 00:12:52,603 By law enforcement? 228 00:12:52,672 --> 00:12:54,873 - Narrator: Thankfully, the device is quickly 229 00:12:54,875 --> 00:12:58,276 And safely disassembled. 230 00:12:58,345 --> 00:13:00,811 - Once they find this .357 magnum 231 00:13:00,881 --> 00:13:04,682 And this booby trap set up, they immediately question 232 00:13:04,751 --> 00:13:08,619 Whether this could be the actual murder weapon in this case. 233 00:13:08,621 --> 00:13:10,688 So, they take it as evidence and they send it to 234 00:13:10,757 --> 00:13:14,625 The states crime lab to investigate, to try and see 235 00:13:14,627 --> 00:13:18,497 If it matches the bullets that karl was shot with. 236 00:13:20,233 --> 00:13:22,034 - Narrator: Detectives head back downstairs 237 00:13:22,101 --> 00:13:25,703 To survey karl's body and gather more evidence. 238 00:13:25,705 --> 00:13:29,640 - He was the obvious victim of a homicide with gunshot wounds 239 00:13:29,709 --> 00:13:33,245 That his body was covered with some type of a sheet. 240 00:13:33,313 --> 00:13:35,179 When you find a body that's covered up, 241 00:13:35,248 --> 00:13:39,450 That often means that the person who committed that homicide 242 00:13:39,452 --> 00:13:42,988 Had some type of a relationship 243 00:13:43,056 --> 00:13:46,390 With the victim and didn't wanna view the body, 244 00:13:46,459 --> 00:13:49,795 Just didn't wanna have to look at it. 245 00:13:51,598 --> 00:13:53,598 - Narrator: In addition to the close-range shot 246 00:13:53,666 --> 00:13:56,601 That ended karl's life, four more bullets 247 00:13:56,669 --> 00:13:59,938 Were fired from a distance in his direction. 248 00:14:00,006 --> 00:14:02,540 Two landed in a wall, the other two 249 00:14:02,542 --> 00:14:05,943 Struck karl in the back and neck. 250 00:14:06,012 --> 00:14:08,680 - From what police could tell is that this appeared to be 251 00:14:08,748 --> 00:14:11,349 A surprise attack on karl. 252 00:14:11,351 --> 00:14:15,119 The fact that he was sitting at the bottom of the stairs, 253 00:14:15,121 --> 00:14:18,823 His shoes untied, a water bottle there. 254 00:14:18,825 --> 00:14:21,293 It appeared as if he was getting ready to go somewhere, 255 00:14:21,361 --> 00:14:24,796 Which was most likely work at that time. 256 00:14:27,767 --> 00:14:30,167 - Narrator: When detectives search the rest of the home, 257 00:14:30,236 --> 00:14:32,169 One possible motive for the murder 258 00:14:32,238 --> 00:14:34,705 Is soon ruled out. 259 00:14:34,707 --> 00:14:37,708 - There was not signs that the house had been burglarized, 260 00:14:37,777 --> 00:14:40,378 The house was not ransacked or anything of that nature 261 00:14:40,447 --> 00:14:42,514 With the exception of karl's body being covered 262 00:14:42,582 --> 00:14:44,782 In a comforter at the bottom of the steps 263 00:14:44,851 --> 00:14:47,252 The house was in good order. 264 00:14:50,323 --> 00:14:52,590 - Narrator: As the crime scene search continues, 265 00:14:52,659 --> 00:14:54,191 Detectives step outside 266 00:14:54,260 --> 00:14:57,128 And examine karl's car in the driveway 267 00:14:57,130 --> 00:15:00,731 With a hastily packed suitcase in the back seat. 268 00:15:00,800 --> 00:15:02,333 - Looking into that vehicle, 269 00:15:02,335 --> 00:15:06,138 They could see some clothes in a bag, his cell phone. 270 00:15:06,205 --> 00:15:08,706 Those are also things that they didn't think 271 00:15:08,708 --> 00:15:13,811 He would just leave basically out in the open like that. 272 00:15:13,813 --> 00:15:16,280 - That would indicate to me that 273 00:15:16,349 --> 00:15:18,482 Somebody was leaving. Somebody was either in fear 274 00:15:18,551 --> 00:15:20,818 For their safety or they were 275 00:15:20,887 --> 00:15:22,287 Gettin' ready to get out of there 276 00:15:22,355 --> 00:15:24,423 And something bad happened 277 00:15:24,490 --> 00:15:27,425 That would raise red flags right away. 278 00:15:27,427 --> 00:15:29,360 - Narrator: Law enforcement also notices 279 00:15:29,429 --> 00:15:34,365 That both claudia and her bmw are nowhere to be found. 280 00:15:34,434 --> 00:15:35,901 - The father and family members 281 00:15:35,969 --> 00:15:37,769 Who are all responding to the scene 282 00:15:37,837 --> 00:15:39,770 Immediately told the detectives 283 00:15:39,839 --> 00:15:43,574 That her vehicle and her were both missing from the residence. 284 00:15:43,643 --> 00:15:45,978 - None of the neighbors really knew anything 285 00:15:46,045 --> 00:15:49,381 About what happened. They didn't seem to 286 00:15:49,449 --> 00:15:51,683 Hear anything or see anything odd. 287 00:15:51,751 --> 00:15:54,453 But one man did say that on the 12th, 288 00:15:54,520 --> 00:15:58,422 He saw the bmw peel out of the driveway. 289 00:15:58,491 --> 00:15:59,790 - Narrator: The neighbor's timeline 290 00:15:59,792 --> 00:16:02,327 Would seem to line up with the approximate date 291 00:16:02,395 --> 00:16:05,463 Of karl's death, which means karl's killer 292 00:16:05,465 --> 00:16:09,300 Could have a three-day head start. 293 00:16:11,604 --> 00:16:13,271 - When a person is married and they are 294 00:16:13,339 --> 00:16:16,274 Found deceased in their home, especially alone, 295 00:16:16,276 --> 00:16:18,676 The first thought for concern is, 296 00:16:18,678 --> 00:16:21,680 Where is the spouse? Is the spouse alive? 297 00:16:21,748 --> 00:16:25,683 Has the spouse been kidnapped or hurt, 298 00:16:25,752 --> 00:16:28,219 Or are they a suspect? 299 00:16:28,288 --> 00:16:31,023 - So, police are doing everything they can 300 00:16:31,090 --> 00:16:35,159 To find this bmw that the couple owned. 301 00:16:35,228 --> 00:16:37,895 They put out the be on the look out for- 302 00:16:37,964 --> 00:16:42,533 Bolo alert to authorities trying to find the vehicle. 303 00:16:42,535 --> 00:16:44,636 - You see the totality of the crime scene, 304 00:16:44,704 --> 00:16:49,373 The number one, the area that is not known for violent crime, 305 00:16:49,375 --> 00:16:52,577 You then see that the occupant appeared to have been 306 00:16:52,579 --> 00:16:56,313 Packing their vehicle to leave, the residence is locked, 307 00:16:56,382 --> 00:16:59,316 The body's covered, somebody took the time 308 00:16:59,385 --> 00:17:02,254 To place this booby trap in a closet. 309 00:17:02,321 --> 00:17:04,789 All of that really indicates and leads to the fact 310 00:17:04,857 --> 00:17:08,460 That this is most likely a domestic incident. 311 00:17:11,798 --> 00:17:14,065 - Narrator: With the bolo out for the bmw 312 00:17:14,133 --> 00:17:15,900 And karl's current wife, 313 00:17:15,968 --> 00:17:18,936 Investigators look into the health of his relationship 314 00:17:19,005 --> 00:17:21,473 With his ex-wife, rhonda. 315 00:17:21,541 --> 00:17:24,009 - Ed hoerig who was karl's father 316 00:17:24,077 --> 00:17:26,277 Told police that there was 317 00:17:26,346 --> 00:17:28,546 No possibility that it was his ex-wife. 318 00:17:28,615 --> 00:17:31,148 They were extremely close, and she also lived 319 00:17:31,217 --> 00:17:33,284 In north carolina. 320 00:17:33,352 --> 00:17:35,353 - Narrator: A phone call to rhonda at her home 321 00:17:35,421 --> 00:17:38,023 In north carolina supports ed's assertion 322 00:17:38,091 --> 00:17:40,826 That she and karl were on good terms. 323 00:17:40,893 --> 00:17:42,893 In fact, she tells detectives 324 00:17:42,895 --> 00:17:48,566 She had just seen her ex-husband a few days before his murder. 325 00:17:48,635 --> 00:17:51,503 - They learned that he had been in north carolina 326 00:17:51,571 --> 00:17:55,239 Visiting his ex-wife and his children 327 00:17:55,308 --> 00:17:59,610 And had just gotten back to newton falls. 328 00:18:01,447 --> 00:18:04,248 - Narrator: With his ex-wife ruled out as a suspect, 329 00:18:04,317 --> 00:18:06,951 Investigators dive deeper into the dynamic 330 00:18:07,019 --> 00:18:09,654 Between karl and claudia. 331 00:18:09,722 --> 00:18:13,091 - Karl did share that he was having difficulty 332 00:18:13,160 --> 00:18:17,728 In the marriage and, uh, was in the middle of a difficult time. 333 00:18:17,730 --> 00:18:19,997 Didn't talk much about it, but you could see 334 00:18:20,066 --> 00:18:23,200 He was troubled by it. 335 00:18:23,269 --> 00:18:26,003 - He didn't have very many good things 336 00:18:26,005 --> 00:18:28,139 To say about claudia at all. 337 00:18:28,207 --> 00:18:32,611 Claudia was complaining that karl was comparing claudia 338 00:18:32,678 --> 00:18:37,147 To other girls at times, like specifically his ex-carla. 339 00:18:37,217 --> 00:18:40,484 They had lots of trouble at home. 340 00:18:40,553 --> 00:18:43,020 - Karl's family and friends were concerned because, 341 00:18:43,089 --> 00:18:47,091 Obviously now, karl's body is found, uh, shot 342 00:18:47,159 --> 00:18:49,627 And claudia is nowhere to be found. 343 00:18:49,629 --> 00:18:53,364 So, the first goal is to figure out 344 00:18:53,432 --> 00:18:55,533 Where claudia is. 345 00:18:55,601 --> 00:18:58,837 Is she responsible for this? And where did she go? 346 00:19:02,308 --> 00:19:04,308 - Narrator: Unable to contact claudia, 347 00:19:04,377 --> 00:19:06,443 Detectives consider the possibility 348 00:19:06,512 --> 00:19:09,046 That she's on the run and quickly bring in 349 00:19:09,115 --> 00:19:12,183 U.S. Marshals to track her down. 350 00:19:12,251 --> 00:19:14,119 - The primary role of the u.S. Marshals 351 00:19:14,187 --> 00:19:16,388 Is to find the fugitive, 352 00:19:16,455 --> 00:19:18,322 Find the person who committed this crime 353 00:19:18,391 --> 00:19:20,692 So they can be brought back to justice. 354 00:19:22,428 --> 00:19:23,861 - Narrator: Coming up: 355 00:19:23,930 --> 00:19:26,997 Investigators learn the true depth of the discord 356 00:19:26,999 --> 00:19:28,633 In the hoerig household. 357 00:19:34,207 --> 00:19:35,473 - Narrator: And a manhunt becomes 358 00:19:35,541 --> 00:19:38,475 An international incident. 359 00:19:38,544 --> 00:19:41,812 - And then at that point, everything just stopped, 360 00:19:41,881 --> 00:19:46,117 And it turned into a legal and political issue. 361 00:19:47,954 --> 00:19:50,621 - ♪ 362 00:20:00,566 --> 00:20:02,499 - Narrator: The investigation into the murder 363 00:20:02,568 --> 00:20:06,338 Of 44-year-old karl hoerig is quickly pointing 364 00:20:06,405 --> 00:20:08,873 In the direction of his brazilian born wife 365 00:20:08,941 --> 00:20:12,777 Of two years, 42-year-old, claudia. 366 00:20:12,779 --> 00:20:14,511 - When the detectives took the information 367 00:20:14,580 --> 00:20:17,247 From friends and family saying he was involved in 368 00:20:17,317 --> 00:20:20,517 A tumultuous relationship with his wife, 369 00:20:20,586 --> 00:20:22,920 And they said right away if something happened to him, 370 00:20:22,989 --> 00:20:26,924 They felt she was responsible. So based on that information, 371 00:20:26,993 --> 00:20:29,059 She quickly became a person of interest 372 00:20:29,061 --> 00:20:31,662 And a suspect in his death. 373 00:20:31,731 --> 00:20:33,464 - Narrator: According to friends and family, 374 00:20:33,532 --> 00:20:35,667 The couple's marital problems began 375 00:20:35,735 --> 00:20:38,736 Shortly after they exchanged vows. 376 00:20:38,805 --> 00:20:42,006 - After they came back from las vegas, 377 00:20:42,074 --> 00:20:44,541 She went back to brooklyn where all her things were. 378 00:20:44,610 --> 00:20:48,145 And of course, he went to his house in newton falls 379 00:20:48,147 --> 00:20:52,082 And he had a terrible time getting her to agree 380 00:20:52,151 --> 00:20:53,685 To come to newton falls. 381 00:20:53,753 --> 00:20:55,753 I remember after two or three weeks, 382 00:20:55,821 --> 00:20:58,289 I-I think he had to say, look, you're my wife 383 00:20:58,357 --> 00:21:01,459 And yo-you have to come. 384 00:21:03,095 --> 00:21:05,931 - Narrator: But it seems their problems ran much deeper 385 00:21:05,998 --> 00:21:09,767 Than deciding where to call home. 386 00:21:09,835 --> 00:21:13,637 - Within weeks or- or possibly a month or two 387 00:21:13,639 --> 00:21:15,439 Of them getting married, uh, 388 00:21:15,508 --> 00:21:17,575 Karl already was-was complaining. 389 00:21:17,643 --> 00:21:19,910 They had trouble in 390 00:21:19,979 --> 00:21:23,313 Just about every area that you can imagine. 391 00:21:23,383 --> 00:21:25,383 They would try to make it work for a while 392 00:21:25,385 --> 00:21:26,450 And it kind of went back and forth, 393 00:21:26,519 --> 00:21:27,918 And back and forth, which was 394 00:21:27,920 --> 00:21:30,788 Probably very, very hard on both of them. 395 00:21:30,857 --> 00:21:34,258 - Narrator: Friends say karl's infatuation with his ex, carla, 396 00:21:34,327 --> 00:21:38,796 Caused him to jump too quickly into marriage with claudia. 397 00:21:38,865 --> 00:21:41,265 - In my opinion, I think what happened was 398 00:21:41,333 --> 00:21:44,668 After he got married and she came back to newton falls, 399 00:21:44,737 --> 00:21:47,271 Karl started to realize that she wasn't karla. 400 00:21:47,339 --> 00:21:50,809 She was nothing like karla. All she did was look like karla. 401 00:21:50,876 --> 00:21:54,278 She did not have the same personality at all. 402 00:21:55,648 --> 00:21:58,482 - Narrator: Apparently, the pressure to fill carla's shoes 403 00:21:58,551 --> 00:22:01,753 Was having a noticeable effect on claudia. 404 00:22:01,821 --> 00:22:05,956 - The family was describing her as having erratic behavior 405 00:22:06,025 --> 00:22:09,760 That she seemed like she was unstable. 406 00:22:09,829 --> 00:22:12,096 - Narrator: During their search of the hoerig home, 407 00:22:12,098 --> 00:22:14,164 Police find a recording on a computer 408 00:22:14,233 --> 00:22:18,635 Of a family meeting from February 5, 2007. 409 00:22:18,704 --> 00:22:21,371 It's clear that claudia called the surprise meeting 410 00:22:21,441 --> 00:22:23,841 To address the tension in her marriage. 411 00:22:23,909 --> 00:22:26,643 And while karl and his parents were present, 412 00:22:26,712 --> 00:22:30,849 No one knew claudia recorded the entire exchange. 413 00:22:49,501 --> 00:22:52,870 - Narrator: It's not long before karl's former flame, carla, 414 00:22:52,939 --> 00:22:55,674 Becomes the focus of the discussion. 415 00:23:40,052 --> 00:23:41,785 - Narrator: Through the fiery dispute, 416 00:23:41,854 --> 00:23:43,987 It becomes clear to investigators 417 00:23:44,056 --> 00:23:46,557 That the marriage was nearing its end. 418 00:24:22,495 --> 00:24:24,728 - ♪ 419 00:24:24,797 --> 00:24:27,731 - Karl hoerig's family was under the understanding 420 00:24:27,800 --> 00:24:29,833 That he was going to leave claudia. 421 00:24:29,835 --> 00:24:32,169 In fact, he had already found another place 422 00:24:32,238 --> 00:24:36,441 That he was planning to move into. 423 00:24:36,509 --> 00:24:38,242 - Narrator: After hearing how hostile 424 00:24:38,310 --> 00:24:40,911 Karl and claudia's marriage had become, 425 00:24:40,913 --> 00:24:44,381 Authorities crack down on locating claudia. 426 00:24:44,383 --> 00:24:49,453 Luckily on March 16th, they get their next lead. 427 00:24:49,521 --> 00:24:54,125 - We learn that claudia's bmw was located in a parking area 428 00:24:54,193 --> 00:24:56,728 At the pittsburgh international airport. 429 00:24:56,795 --> 00:24:59,730 - Obviously, we were excited that the car was found. 430 00:24:59,798 --> 00:25:02,866 But now the next problem that is presented to us is 431 00:25:02,935 --> 00:25:05,469 Where did she go? Did she board a plane? 432 00:25:07,406 --> 00:25:09,473 - Narrator: Detectives suspicions are heightened 433 00:25:09,541 --> 00:25:12,543 When they comb over the couple's financial records 434 00:25:12,611 --> 00:25:15,812 And discover a major red flag. 435 00:25:15,881 --> 00:25:18,816 - They find out that claudia hoerig 436 00:25:18,818 --> 00:25:20,884 Cleaned out a bank account and basically dumped 437 00:25:20,953 --> 00:25:24,354 All of her money into an account in brazil. 438 00:25:24,423 --> 00:25:28,892 - The amount of money was nearly $10,000 in us currency. 439 00:25:28,961 --> 00:25:31,495 - Narrator: To verify that it was actually claudia 440 00:25:31,563 --> 00:25:33,764 Who authorized the transaction, 441 00:25:33,832 --> 00:25:36,366 They check the bank surveillance footage 442 00:25:36,435 --> 00:25:38,835 And clear as day, on March 12th, 443 00:25:38,904 --> 00:25:41,772 Three days before karl was found dead, 444 00:25:41,774 --> 00:25:44,374 Claudia is caught on camera. 445 00:25:44,443 --> 00:25:46,376 - This was right around the same time 446 00:25:46,378 --> 00:25:48,912 That the homicide obviously occurred. 447 00:25:48,981 --> 00:25:51,915 So, that led investigators to believe that, 448 00:25:51,917 --> 00:25:53,250 You know, this was something 449 00:25:53,252 --> 00:25:56,053 That was premeditated, this was planned. 450 00:25:56,121 --> 00:25:59,190 She had this money withdrawn before the homicide occurred. 451 00:25:59,258 --> 00:26:00,991 - The thought going through our head is, 452 00:26:01,060 --> 00:26:03,061 She's wiring money down to brazil, 453 00:26:03,128 --> 00:26:05,597 So she will have money when she gets there. 454 00:26:05,664 --> 00:26:07,064 It sure would lead one to believe 455 00:26:07,133 --> 00:26:10,735 That she was heading back to her home country. 456 00:26:11,937 --> 00:26:13,003 - Narrator: And when investigators 457 00:26:13,072 --> 00:26:15,206 Scrutinize claudia's cell records, 458 00:26:15,274 --> 00:26:17,541 They determine that claudia's travel plans 459 00:26:17,609 --> 00:26:19,943 Were highly coordinated. 460 00:26:19,945 --> 00:26:22,346 First, leaving her car in pittsburgh 461 00:26:22,348 --> 00:26:27,018 And then flying to laguardia airport in new york. 462 00:26:27,086 --> 00:26:30,020 - We were then able to see that she traveled from laguardia 463 00:26:30,089 --> 00:26:33,758 Across town to jfk airport, 464 00:26:33,826 --> 00:26:36,828 Where her phone was again turned off. 465 00:26:36,895 --> 00:26:40,364 And her last known location was at jfk. 466 00:26:40,432 --> 00:26:43,033 - So, the next part of that then becomes now we gotta start 467 00:26:43,102 --> 00:26:46,903 Tracking flying information and, and her- her, uh, 468 00:26:46,972 --> 00:26:49,240 Ticket information to determine where 469 00:26:49,308 --> 00:26:52,643 She may possibly be so we can locate her. 470 00:26:52,645 --> 00:26:55,112 - We discovered that she had actually 471 00:26:55,181 --> 00:26:59,183 Boarded that flight from jfk to brazil, 472 00:26:59,185 --> 00:27:02,452 We had the ticket. We knew she was on that plane. 473 00:27:02,521 --> 00:27:05,455 Then that's when the next- the next stage of the investigation, 474 00:27:05,524 --> 00:27:08,025 You know, really kicked off. 475 00:27:09,995 --> 00:27:11,528 - Narrator: Back in trumbull county, 476 00:27:11,597 --> 00:27:14,665 A forensic analysis is conducted on the handgun 477 00:27:14,667 --> 00:27:17,200 Found inside the hoerig's closet, 478 00:27:17,269 --> 00:27:21,338 And it's determined to be the weapon used to kill karl. 479 00:27:21,340 --> 00:27:25,876 And what's more, the gun was purchased by claudia. 480 00:27:25,878 --> 00:27:27,878 - Police learned that it, in fact, 481 00:27:27,880 --> 00:27:30,681 Was the murder weapon and that it was purchased 482 00:27:30,749 --> 00:27:32,750 By claudia hoerig, karl's wife, 483 00:27:32,818 --> 00:27:35,485 Just two days before the murder. 484 00:27:35,554 --> 00:27:39,757 - We talked to the employees at the indoor gun range. 485 00:27:39,759 --> 00:27:41,491 They remember claudia being there 486 00:27:41,560 --> 00:27:44,227 And I talked to the subject who sold her the weapon. 487 00:27:44,296 --> 00:27:49,499 Claudia had laser sight grips installed on that weapon 488 00:27:49,568 --> 00:27:52,035 When she bought it. That way when you hold the gun, 489 00:27:52,037 --> 00:27:53,703 The laser comes on and, you know, shows you where 490 00:27:53,773 --> 00:27:55,172 The bullet's gonna hit. 491 00:27:55,241 --> 00:27:57,507 Claudia bought ammunition and actually practiced 492 00:27:57,576 --> 00:28:01,312 Shooting that weapon with the laser grips on it. 493 00:28:02,581 --> 00:28:04,381 - Narrator: With proof that claudia purchased 494 00:28:04,383 --> 00:28:07,451 The same weapon used to kill karl, 495 00:28:07,519 --> 00:28:09,454 On April 12, 2007, 496 00:28:09,521 --> 00:28:13,657 Authorities file murder charges against her. 497 00:28:13,725 --> 00:28:15,125 But with their prime suspect 498 00:28:15,194 --> 00:28:18,796 More than 4,500 miles away in brazil, 499 00:28:18,864 --> 00:28:21,264 Bringing her home to face justice 500 00:28:21,333 --> 00:28:24,401 Will not be easy. 501 00:28:24,470 --> 00:28:27,737 - Brazil was putting up a fight regarding the extradition. 502 00:28:27,807 --> 00:28:29,673 - The brazilian constitution says, 503 00:28:29,741 --> 00:28:31,275 If they are a brazilian citizen, 504 00:28:31,277 --> 00:28:33,311 They're not gonna extradite back to our country. 505 00:28:33,378 --> 00:28:37,013 There is never, ever a brazilian citizen 506 00:28:37,082 --> 00:28:39,683 Extradited back to the united states of america 507 00:28:39,751 --> 00:28:41,418 In our history. 508 00:28:41,420 --> 00:28:44,621 - And then at that point, everything just, you know, 509 00:28:44,623 --> 00:28:48,091 The law enforcement side of things really just stopped, 510 00:28:48,160 --> 00:28:52,262 And it turned into a legal and political issue. 511 00:28:54,500 --> 00:28:55,432 - Narrator: Coming up: 512 00:28:55,501 --> 00:28:57,167 As the decade-long fight 513 00:28:57,236 --> 00:29:00,103 To bring claudia to justice continues... 514 00:29:00,105 --> 00:29:03,307 ...It's claudia who finally taps out. 515 00:29:03,309 --> 00:29:05,243 - The two of us are sitting there and she says, 516 00:29:05,310 --> 00:29:09,213 "you know, a wife doesn't kill her husband for no reason." 517 00:29:11,851 --> 00:29:14,719 - ♪ 518 00:29:24,129 --> 00:29:26,797 - Narrator: On April 12, 2007, 519 00:29:26,865 --> 00:29:29,534 Ohio authorities obtained an arrest warrant 520 00:29:29,601 --> 00:29:34,338 For claudia hoerig for the murder of her husband, karl. 521 00:29:34,406 --> 00:29:37,875 But now that she's fled to her home country of brazil, 522 00:29:37,877 --> 00:29:39,876 Extraditing her back to the states 523 00:29:39,945 --> 00:29:43,146 Poses a challenge to us marshals. 524 00:29:43,148 --> 00:29:46,750 - We quickly learned that the brazilian constitution 525 00:29:46,819 --> 00:29:50,420 Does not allow for the extradition of their citizens 526 00:29:50,422 --> 00:29:53,424 To foreign countries, and because claudia 527 00:29:53,492 --> 00:29:56,960 Had been born in brazil, they were considering her 528 00:29:56,962 --> 00:29:59,496 Still a citizen of their country, 529 00:29:59,498 --> 00:30:02,933 So the extradition process did not even start. 530 00:30:04,837 --> 00:30:06,771 But she took an oath of citizenship 531 00:30:06,839 --> 00:30:11,241 To the united states. And in that oath of citizenship, 532 00:30:11,310 --> 00:30:13,845 It clearly states that you renounce 533 00:30:13,912 --> 00:30:17,747 Your citizenship in any other country 534 00:30:17,749 --> 00:30:20,184 When you become a us citizen. 535 00:30:20,252 --> 00:30:22,519 - She commits a murder here in the united states, 536 00:30:22,588 --> 00:30:25,188 Flees to her home country of brazil, 537 00:30:25,257 --> 00:30:28,458 And brazil tells us they're not giving her back to us. 538 00:30:28,460 --> 00:30:30,861 So that- that- that's very frustrating. 539 00:30:30,863 --> 00:30:33,330 She needs to face charges for this. 540 00:30:33,398 --> 00:30:37,000 - No one expected this battle between the courts 541 00:30:37,002 --> 00:30:39,270 And a battle between two countries. 542 00:30:41,673 --> 00:30:45,308 - Narrator: For nine years, us authorities look for a way 543 00:30:45,377 --> 00:30:47,878 To cut through international red tape 544 00:30:47,947 --> 00:30:50,881 And find justice for karl hoerig. 545 00:30:50,883 --> 00:30:56,620 As for claudia, life in brazil was treating her all too well. 546 00:30:56,688 --> 00:31:00,490 - Throughout this entire process after she was initially located, 547 00:31:00,492 --> 00:31:03,761 Uh, the us marshals international investigators, 548 00:31:03,829 --> 00:31:06,763 With the assistance of our partners down in brazil, 549 00:31:06,832 --> 00:31:09,233 Were keeping, I don't want to say constant tabs 550 00:31:09,301 --> 00:31:11,468 But random tabs on claudia. 551 00:31:11,470 --> 00:31:14,438 We were making sure we knew where she lived, 552 00:31:14,506 --> 00:31:18,909 We were keeping an eye on her. We find out, she bought a house, 553 00:31:18,911 --> 00:31:22,814 She started her own business, she actually got remarried. 554 00:31:22,881 --> 00:31:25,883 These were all things that, you know, smack in the face 555 00:31:25,952 --> 00:31:28,452 To the- to the victim, to the family 556 00:31:28,520 --> 00:31:31,388 And really, really frustrating to the- 557 00:31:31,457 --> 00:31:34,358 The detectives and the marshals involved in the case. 558 00:31:36,528 --> 00:31:39,463 - Narrator: After nearly 10 years of appeals 559 00:31:39,465 --> 00:31:43,667 To officials in 3 different us presidential administrations, 560 00:31:43,735 --> 00:31:47,939 In April of 2016, the fight to bring claudia back 561 00:31:48,006 --> 00:31:50,407 Finally pays off. 562 00:31:50,409 --> 00:31:53,343 - One of the avenues that was pursued vigorously 563 00:31:53,412 --> 00:31:58,481 Was the fact that because she became a united states citizen, 564 00:31:58,550 --> 00:32:02,218 That means she had to renounce her citizenship in brazil, 565 00:32:02,287 --> 00:32:04,688 And she shouldn't have those protections 566 00:32:04,756 --> 00:32:06,423 Of being a brazilian citizen. 567 00:32:06,425 --> 00:32:08,625 She tried to use this loophole 568 00:32:08,694 --> 00:32:12,028 As a way to get away with murder. 569 00:32:12,097 --> 00:32:14,764 - And that little nuance, the way I understand it, 570 00:32:14,833 --> 00:32:17,767 Went all the way to the supreme court of brazil 571 00:32:17,769 --> 00:32:20,437 Where she lost by one vote. 572 00:32:20,439 --> 00:32:23,173 - So, the brazilian federal police arrest her 573 00:32:23,242 --> 00:32:26,710 And then begins the next legal process, 574 00:32:26,778 --> 00:32:31,114 Which is the formal order of extradition 575 00:32:31,116 --> 00:32:35,318 Ordering her removed from the country. 576 00:32:35,387 --> 00:32:37,855 - At that point, I was able to work with my headquarters 577 00:32:37,923 --> 00:32:40,524 And- and get a private plane. 578 00:32:40,592 --> 00:32:43,194 And I flew three of my deputy us marshals, 579 00:32:43,261 --> 00:32:46,063 An fbi agent, and a state department agent 580 00:32:46,065 --> 00:32:49,333 Over there to brazil to pick her up. 581 00:32:49,401 --> 00:32:50,734 - We were at the airport police station, 582 00:32:50,736 --> 00:32:53,203 And we were told she was in the next room over. 583 00:32:53,272 --> 00:32:55,405 It was kind of a surreal moment. 584 00:32:55,474 --> 00:32:59,275 We, you know, we had spent, you know, over a decade 585 00:32:59,344 --> 00:33:02,111 Trying to find her and then trying to get her 586 00:33:02,181 --> 00:33:04,915 Brought back to justice in the us. 587 00:33:06,485 --> 00:33:08,886 - Narrator: But perhaps no one is more surprised 588 00:33:08,954 --> 00:33:12,023 Than claudia herself. 589 00:33:12,090 --> 00:33:13,556 - Myself and the, uh, 590 00:33:13,625 --> 00:33:15,626 State department agent entered the room. 591 00:33:15,694 --> 00:33:18,161 We identified ourselves in english 592 00:33:18,230 --> 00:33:19,763 And asked if she understood us, 593 00:33:19,765 --> 00:33:21,564 And you- you could see the look on her face. 594 00:33:21,633 --> 00:33:26,102 I mean, she went from, you know, kind of having a normal day, 595 00:33:26,171 --> 00:33:27,837 You could see that look come over her face 596 00:33:27,839 --> 00:33:31,575 When she realized who we were and- and where she was going. 597 00:33:34,379 --> 00:33:36,246 - Narrator: After an 8-hour flight, 598 00:33:36,314 --> 00:33:39,315 Claudia arrives back in ohio and is escorted 599 00:33:39,384 --> 00:33:42,051 To the police station for an interview. 600 00:33:42,121 --> 00:33:43,653 During the car ride, 601 00:33:43,722 --> 00:33:47,657 She makes a shocking statement to the us marshals. 602 00:33:47,726 --> 00:33:49,927 - The two of us are sitting there and she says, 603 00:33:49,995 --> 00:33:54,364 "you know, a wife doesn't kill her husband for no reason." 604 00:33:57,202 --> 00:33:59,269 - Narrator: Claudia's bombshell confession 605 00:33:59,337 --> 00:34:02,340 Leads investigators straight to an interrogation room 606 00:34:02,407 --> 00:34:05,075 To see what else she'll share. 607 00:34:05,143 --> 00:34:07,278 And her list of grievances against karl 608 00:34:07,345 --> 00:34:11,615 Starts with his regret over his lost love, carla. 609 00:34:23,562 --> 00:34:26,364 - She began talking, trying to describe 610 00:34:26,431 --> 00:34:29,866 An abusive relationship, not physically abusive, 611 00:34:29,935 --> 00:34:31,435 But what she described as 612 00:34:31,503 --> 00:34:34,137 Emotionally and sexually abusive. 613 00:34:48,253 --> 00:34:49,719 - Narrator: According to claudia, 614 00:34:49,788 --> 00:34:51,387 The breaking point in the marriage 615 00:34:51,456 --> 00:34:54,324 Came down to the fact that claudia wanted children 616 00:34:54,326 --> 00:34:56,459 And karl did not. 617 00:34:56,461 --> 00:34:59,129 After suffering from two miscarriages, 618 00:34:59,131 --> 00:35:01,465 Claudia became suicidal. 619 00:35:11,543 --> 00:35:13,776 - Narrator: On March 9, 2007, 620 00:35:13,846 --> 00:35:16,546 Just three days before the murder, 621 00:35:16,548 --> 00:35:18,882 Claudia claims she took a pregnancy test, 622 00:35:18,950 --> 00:35:22,352 And it came back positive. The next day, 623 00:35:22,354 --> 00:35:25,356 Claudia made a surprising purchase. 624 00:35:45,343 --> 00:35:48,912 - Narrator: To show how serious she was about her intentions, 625 00:35:48,980 --> 00:35:52,515 Claudia claims that when she told karl she was pregnant 626 00:35:52,584 --> 00:35:56,419 She held the newly purchased .357 to her head. 627 00:36:55,647 --> 00:37:00,117 - She said that those statements infuriated her so bad 628 00:37:00,185 --> 00:37:01,585 That when he turned his back 629 00:37:01,653 --> 00:37:04,554 That instead of killing herself, she shot him. 630 00:37:24,676 --> 00:37:26,810 - Narrator: For detectives, claudia's confession 631 00:37:26,878 --> 00:37:30,680 Appears to be the damning final piece of evidence. 632 00:37:30,749 --> 00:37:32,882 Less certain is whether a jury 633 00:37:32,951 --> 00:37:36,219 Will interpret her admission the same way. 634 00:37:36,221 --> 00:37:38,488 - Getting her back here and having her sitting in, 635 00:37:38,556 --> 00:37:42,225 In, in, in the county jail isn't the final step, 636 00:37:42,294 --> 00:37:43,693 There's still a trial. 637 00:37:43,762 --> 00:37:45,862 This thing's not over till the trial's over. 638 00:37:48,233 --> 00:37:49,433 - Narrator: Coming up: 639 00:37:49,501 --> 00:37:52,502 Claudia makes her case to the jury... 640 00:37:52,504 --> 00:37:56,305 - The one thing that everyone wanted to see 641 00:37:56,375 --> 00:37:58,241 Was whether or not claudia hoerig 642 00:37:58,310 --> 00:38:00,143 Would take the stand. 643 00:38:00,211 --> 00:38:03,480 And when she did, everyone wanted a front row seat. 644 00:38:07,986 --> 00:38:10,721 - ♪ 645 00:38:20,632 --> 00:38:23,900 - Narrator: January 24, 2019. 646 00:38:23,969 --> 00:38:26,803 After more than a decade on the run, 647 00:38:26,871 --> 00:38:30,073 Claudia hoerig is led into an ohio courtroom 648 00:38:30,141 --> 00:38:33,811 To stand trial for the murder of her husband, karl. 649 00:38:50,161 --> 00:38:51,895 - Narrator: Claudia's defense team 650 00:38:51,897 --> 00:38:55,032 Acknowledges that she fired the shots that killed karl, 651 00:38:55,100 --> 00:38:58,034 But they insist it was provoked by abuse 652 00:38:58,103 --> 00:39:01,705 Suffered at the hands of her spouse. 653 00:39:01,773 --> 00:39:05,642 - Her defense was basically she had suffered so much 654 00:39:05,644 --> 00:39:08,978 Emotional abuse and sexual abuse 655 00:39:09,047 --> 00:39:13,116 That she wasn't responsible for her actions 656 00:39:13,184 --> 00:39:16,853 Or that her, her actions were justified. 657 00:39:16,921 --> 00:39:19,255 - Narrator: And in an attempt to sway the jury 658 00:39:19,324 --> 00:39:24,461 On the provocative allegations, claudia makes a stunning move. 659 00:39:24,463 --> 00:39:26,863 - During this trial, the one thing 660 00:39:26,931 --> 00:39:30,700 That everyone wanted to see was whether or not 661 00:39:30,769 --> 00:39:33,369 Claudia hoerig would take the stand. 662 00:39:33,371 --> 00:39:36,606 And when she did, everyone wanted a front row seat. 663 00:39:36,674 --> 00:39:39,442 The court room was packed. 664 00:39:39,511 --> 00:39:42,745 - Narrator: On the stand, claudia repeats the same story 665 00:39:42,747 --> 00:39:45,849 She told investigators following her extradition. 666 00:39:58,229 --> 00:40:01,030 - Narrator: In fact, claudia tells the court 667 00:40:01,099 --> 00:40:03,633 That the booby trap found inside her bedroom closet 668 00:40:03,702 --> 00:40:07,103 Was actually designed to harm her... 669 00:40:07,172 --> 00:40:08,872 - She said she researched suicide 670 00:40:08,940 --> 00:40:12,443 And- and she said when some people try to commit suicide, 671 00:40:12,510 --> 00:40:14,177 They hesitate at the last second, 672 00:40:14,245 --> 00:40:17,380 Move the- the barrel of the gun and then they don't 673 00:40:17,449 --> 00:40:19,116 Kill themselves and they survive. 674 00:40:19,184 --> 00:40:20,917 And she didn't want that to happen. 675 00:40:20,919 --> 00:40:22,785 So that's why she built that thinking that it would 676 00:40:22,854 --> 00:40:25,788 Keep the weapon in place and when she pulled the trigger, 677 00:40:25,857 --> 00:40:28,425 She would accomplish her goal of killing herself. 678 00:40:30,929 --> 00:40:32,863 - Narrator: The prosecution is quick to point out 679 00:40:32,931 --> 00:40:36,399 One glaring hole in claudia's story, 680 00:40:36,401 --> 00:40:40,803 The lack of evidence she has to support her allegations. 681 00:40:40,872 --> 00:40:42,939 - We did not hear any information 682 00:40:43,007 --> 00:40:46,809 That would lead us to believe that karl acted in a way 683 00:40:46,878 --> 00:40:48,879 That claudia said he did. 684 00:40:48,947 --> 00:40:53,483 - There were things that just did not add up to his ex-wife, 685 00:40:53,485 --> 00:40:56,752 To his brother, to his parents, 686 00:40:56,821 --> 00:40:58,688 Knowing the man that he was. 687 00:40:58,757 --> 00:41:00,756 They felt that everything she was saying 688 00:41:00,758 --> 00:41:04,961 Was totally going against everything that karl was. 689 00:41:05,029 --> 00:41:07,697 - Frankly, I've forgotten most of that nonsense 690 00:41:07,766 --> 00:41:09,765 That she brought up. 691 00:41:09,834 --> 00:41:11,835 It was just ridiculous. 692 00:41:11,903 --> 00:41:14,772 - She had made some comments about being pregnant 693 00:41:14,839 --> 00:41:17,840 On several occasions and having miscarriages. 694 00:41:17,909 --> 00:41:20,309 She was not able to provide doctors, hospitals, 695 00:41:20,311 --> 00:41:22,579 She couldn't provide any information whatsoever 696 00:41:22,647 --> 00:41:24,981 To support those claims. 697 00:41:26,117 --> 00:41:28,851 - Narrator: Nor did claudia ever give birth to another child 698 00:41:28,853 --> 00:41:31,787 After karl's death, suggesting her claims 699 00:41:31,856 --> 00:41:35,791 Of a positive pregnancy test were false. 700 00:41:35,860 --> 00:41:38,128 - The prosecution was able to prove 701 00:41:38,196 --> 00:41:41,864 That this crime had been planned by claudia, 702 00:41:41,933 --> 00:41:44,268 Mostly because of the purchase of the firearm 703 00:41:44,335 --> 00:41:46,804 A few days in advance of karl's shooting, 704 00:41:46,871 --> 00:41:49,740 The laser grips that were installed on that weapon. 705 00:41:49,807 --> 00:41:51,607 Obviously, if you're gonna kill yourself, 706 00:41:51,676 --> 00:41:53,209 Uh, you don't need a laser sight 707 00:41:53,278 --> 00:41:54,243 To accomplish that goal. 708 00:42:05,223 --> 00:42:08,658 - He was preparing to leave to avoid confrontation. 709 00:42:08,727 --> 00:42:10,826 She wasn't gonna let that happen. 710 00:42:10,895 --> 00:42:12,696 She knew he was getting ready to leave, 711 00:42:12,764 --> 00:42:14,997 And if she couldn't convince him to stay, 712 00:42:15,066 --> 00:42:17,901 Then she was going to kill him. I think that was something 713 00:42:17,969 --> 00:42:20,369 That she had already decided in her mind. 714 00:42:20,371 --> 00:42:23,207 That if he tried to leave, I have to kill him, 715 00:42:23,274 --> 00:42:25,575 And I'm going back home to brazil. 716 00:42:25,643 --> 00:42:28,712 - She knew this relationship was over, 717 00:42:28,780 --> 00:42:30,714 And it's almost like she wanted it to end 718 00:42:30,782 --> 00:42:32,849 On her terms. 719 00:42:37,388 --> 00:42:40,390 - Narrator: On January 24, 2019, 720 00:42:40,458 --> 00:42:43,326 After less than 4 hours of deliberation, 721 00:42:43,394 --> 00:42:46,029 The jury's verdict is announced... 722 00:42:57,675 --> 00:43:00,409 - Narrator: On February 8th, 2019, 723 00:43:00,411 --> 00:43:04,280 Claudia hoerig is sentenced to life in prison. 724 00:43:04,282 --> 00:43:07,183 Nearly 12 years since the crime occurred, 725 00:43:07,251 --> 00:43:10,252 Karl's wife is finally held accountable 726 00:43:10,321 --> 00:43:12,155 For her actions. 727 00:43:12,157 --> 00:43:14,190 - Karl, we got justice for you. 728 00:43:14,258 --> 00:43:17,827 And I'm hoping that you have found peace 729 00:43:17,896 --> 00:43:21,697 And that your family has found peace as well. 730 00:43:21,766 --> 00:43:24,301 - It ended way, way too soon for karl, 731 00:43:24,369 --> 00:43:27,970 And I'm sure if he were here, he would tell me, 732 00:43:28,039 --> 00:43:30,039 "hey, I didn't get to live as long as you, you know. 733 00:43:30,108 --> 00:43:32,541 "enjoy it, buddy. Enjoy it as best you can 734 00:43:32,543 --> 00:43:34,912 Because you never know when it's all going to end." 735 00:43:36,848 --> 00:43:41,851 - ♪