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♪♪
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Narrator: This is the story
of the girl next door
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Who caught the eye
of an eligible stranger...
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She was instantly
attracted to him
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Narrator:
...And fell madly in love.
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[ laughter ]
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As their family grows larger...
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Yeah, mommy.
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...A dark secret threatens
to break them.
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I didn't really sense
that anything was going on.
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Narrator: But a love this
strong doesn't surrender.
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He found the door
to be forced open.
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Some type of struggle
had taken place.
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Narrator: It kills everything
in its place.
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Say goodbye.
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♪♪
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♪♪
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-- Captions by vitac --
www.Vitac.Com
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Captions paid for by
discovery communications
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It's October of 2015
in montrose, michigan.
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Bride to be mary hinkle
is feeling jittery.
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Luckily for her, best friend
and maid of honor,
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Melissa thornton
is there to reassure her.
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The 24-year-old,
known by friends
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As missy,
takes her role seriously,
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Making sure everything goes off
without a hitch.
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Prestigiacamo:
Melissa was very helpful the day
of the wedding,
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Answering my phone for me,
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Just making sure everybody knew
where they were going.
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And I'm glad that I have
her there for my special day.
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Narrator: Missy and her fellow
bridesmaids wrestle
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With mary's bridal train.
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Melissa, "what am I supposed
to be doing?"
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Feel free to like, two people,
hold it like
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Good and open over here.
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Prestigiacamo: That's when they
were trying to fix my train.
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And you match them up.
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I didn't know how to do it,
so we were all
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Trying to figure it out.
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When mary asked melissa
to be her maid of honor,
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It didn't surprise me a bit
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Because they've
always been close.
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Prestigiacamo:
I was like, "you are my maid
of honor, you know that, right?"
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And she's like,
"well, of course."
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So I never really asked.
She just new.
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Her and I made a special date,
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Just the two of us
going to pick out the dresses,
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And so she did pick out
the bridesmaids dresses.
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It was a plum color.
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It was off the shoulders,
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So she looked beautiful.
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♪♪
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Narrator:
Missy and mary have remained
so close over the years.
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They're still like sisters,
which is no small feat
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Considering
missy already has two.
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As the youngest of three,
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Missing is the baby
of the thornton family.
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Barbara:
She was born August 29, 1991,
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A beautiful little thing
with big brown eyes,
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Lots of dark hair.
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Her sisters, who are just over
the moon with her
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And my husband and I,
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We felt like our family
was complete.
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Narrator: When missy is born,
angie is 11,
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And stefanie is just four.
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Despite the age gaps,
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The three girls
are incredibly close.
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Angie was a lot older
than us,
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So angie played more of like
a mother figure role,
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Always watching out for us
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And making sure we weren't doing
things we weren't supposed to.
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And me and missy were...
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I don't know, she was like
my best friend growing up.
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Barbara: They always
did stuff together.
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Stefanie and missy
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Always wanted to be
where angie was,
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So she always had them with her.
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[ sighs ]
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It was --
it was wonderful chaos.
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I called them
the three musketeers.
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Narrator: If there were
a fourth musketeer,
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It would be missy's
best friend, mary.
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They first met back
in ninth grade
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When both were high school
freshman in montrose.
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[ camera shutter clicks ]
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Prestigiacamo:
Melissa was a sister to me.
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I met her in high school.
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She was just so fun
and outgoing,
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And her and I
just clicked right away
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And we were inseparable.
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She was my best friend.
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Narrator: At 19 years old,
missy decides
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To leave the family home,
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Joining her sisters
20 minutes up the road
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In the city of saginaw.
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Barbara: I guess she grew up
too fast for me.
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She was my last baby,
but she was closer to the things
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That she needed to be closer to,
like work and everything.
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Prestigiacamo: When melissa
moved back to saginaw,
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She loved it because
she always wanted to be with,
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You know, stefanie and angie.
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So, I think that helped.
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She loved the city.
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It was fun when she moved
back to saginaw
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Because we've seen
each other more and more.
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She lived with my older sister,
angela
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For about a couple months
before she moved
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Across the street from me.
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Narrator: The next step
for missy is to find a job.
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And following in the footsteps
of her mother and two sisters,
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She looks for work
as a health care provider.
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Stefanie: Melissa worked
doing home healthcare with me,
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And eventually she took on like
a private case of home care.
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She had a special client
named eva that she just adored,
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And I know she really enjoyed
her time together with her.
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She would always tell me about,
you know,
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Different conversations
that they would share together.
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And she really
looked up to her.
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Narrator: For 10 years
missy and mary have been
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The best of friends.
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They share everything,
including the most important
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Occasion of mary's life.
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[ laughter ]
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They usually confident missy
finds herself
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Overcome with emotion.
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[ laughter ]
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She was nervous
about giving her speech.
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[ laughs ]
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She didn't want to do it,
but I told her you have to.
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So, you know, that was
very courageous of her.
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She was nervous, but she did it.
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[ applause ]
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Narrator: It's a poignant moment
for the two.
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Stefanie: Her toast was very
cute and very heartfelt.
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It made me cry.
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It was like funny
at the same time
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Because we were laughing
while we were crying.
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Narrator: By the time of mary's
wedding in 2015,
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Missy is settled and happy.
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Hey, mary. Hey, tom.
It's libby.
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Narrator: As guest toast the
bride and groom on camera,
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It also captures the final piece
of missy's jigsaw,
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Her boyfriend robert propp.
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They've been together
for five years,
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And there's no one else
she'd want
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By her side at a wedding.
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Although missy's happy to desert
him when the dancing starts.
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We loved to go out
dancing all the time.
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♪♪
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I think we were dancing
to the "cha cha slide" maybe.
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Looks like it. [ laughs ]
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Narrator:
It's obvious to everyone
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That missy thornton
couldn't be happier.
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Look at how beautiful
melissa is.
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Aww.
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♪♪
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Narrator: In October of 2015,
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Missy thornton invites
boyfriend robert propp
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To the wedding
of her best friend.
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♪♪
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The story of how they met
begins five years earlier.
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Man: Oh, you got balloons.
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In July 2010,
missy and her family
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Are celebrating the birthdays
of her niece and nephew.
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The party is being held in
her sister stefanie's backyard.
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Stefanie: My son dominic
and my daughter olivia,
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They're almost
three years apart.
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But since their birthdays
were so close,
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We did a double birthday party
every year for them.
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And we usually just did
like a barbecue in the backyard
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And let them have
some friends over.
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Barbara: It was sunny.
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The kids were
all playing in the pool
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And having fun
and getting cooled off.
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And we were sitting
in the lawn chairs
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And having something to drink,
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And we had food on the barbecue.
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It was a perfect day.
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Narrator: During the party,
missy spots two kids
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Roughly the age of her niece
and nephew.
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They were looking through
the shrubs at the party,
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And missy saw them and said,
"why don't you see
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If it's all right,
if you can come over
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And have some ice cream
and cake?"
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I'm missy.
I don't think we've met.
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I'm robert propp.
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Narrator: The children
from next door arrive
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With a handsome guy in tow,
their father, robert propp.
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-Thank you very much.
-Cheers.
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00:10:39,539 --> 00:10:41,640
Cheers.
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Robert only recently moved
in next door with his parents
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After going through a divorce.
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00:10:47,147 --> 00:10:50,849
His son and daughter
visit him on weekends.
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00:10:50,851 --> 00:10:56,154
Robert and stefanie's kids
seem to get along well together,
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And missy starts
to think she might want
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To get more friendly
with the neighbors, too.
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00:11:03,063 --> 00:11:06,498
Stefanie:
I remember them hitting it
off right away.
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Melissa was probably instantly
attracted to him.
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00:11:09,836 --> 00:11:11,670
She thought he was very cute,
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00:11:11,672 --> 00:11:14,139
And he seemed like
he was really good dad.
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00:11:14,141 --> 00:11:16,107
She wanted to have
a little bonfire
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00:11:16,109 --> 00:11:17,409
And a few drinks in the backyard
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00:11:17,411 --> 00:11:19,010
And she wanted
to invite him over,
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So that's what we did.
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00:11:23,350 --> 00:11:25,283
Narrator: Robert propp
has his own business
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00:11:25,285 --> 00:11:27,619
Propp auto,
providing car owners
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00:11:27,621 --> 00:11:32,023
With factory
and custom paint jobs.
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00:11:32,025 --> 00:11:37,962
Missy's drawn to his maturity,
something she finds appealing.
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00:11:37,964 --> 00:11:40,765
I think she enjoyed the fact
that she thought he had
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00:11:40,767 --> 00:11:42,634
A really good head
on his shoulders
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00:11:42,636 --> 00:11:44,703
And he had a lot of dreams
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00:11:44,705 --> 00:11:47,972
And seemed like
he was moving forward with them.
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00:11:50,977 --> 00:11:53,144
She liked that he had things
in his life
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00:11:53,146 --> 00:11:55,547
Figured out
a little bit more.
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00:11:55,549 --> 00:11:57,415
Okay.
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00:11:57,417 --> 00:11:58,950
Well, hey.
I wasn't expecting you.
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00:11:58,952 --> 00:12:01,486
Hi.
Yeah, I hope it's okay.
218
00:12:01,488 --> 00:12:04,489
This is mary.
She's having car trouble.
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00:12:04,491 --> 00:12:07,292
Prestigiacamo: The first time
I met rob probably
220
00:12:07,294 --> 00:12:09,394
Wasn't long after they met
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00:12:09,396 --> 00:12:12,330
And there was something wrong
with my car,
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00:12:12,332 --> 00:12:15,266
And he fixed it
because it was a simple fix.
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00:12:15,268 --> 00:12:17,669
So, anything?
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00:12:17,671 --> 00:12:18,870
I was kind of wooed by that.
225
00:12:18,872 --> 00:12:20,972
I was like, "oh, wow, melissa.
That's great."
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00:12:20,974 --> 00:12:24,409
You know?
I thought he was a good guy.
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00:12:24,411 --> 00:12:26,845
Narrator: Within two weeks
of the party,
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00:12:26,847 --> 00:12:28,813
The pair are going out.
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00:12:28,815 --> 00:12:30,849
The more time they spend
together,
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00:12:30,851 --> 00:12:35,587
The more missy is convinced
that he could be the one.
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00:12:35,589 --> 00:12:39,023
He seemed nice and everything,
and it seemed exciting for her,
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00:12:39,025 --> 00:12:42,594
But I was a little concerned
about the age difference.
233
00:12:42,596 --> 00:12:44,796
Melissa wasn't bothered
by the age gap at all.
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00:12:44,798 --> 00:12:47,031
She thought that he was going
to be a family guy
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00:12:47,033 --> 00:12:48,500
And just settle down.
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00:12:48,502 --> 00:12:52,103
I think she saw stability
and a future.
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00:12:52,105 --> 00:12:54,539
[ indistinct conversations ]
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00:12:57,577 --> 00:13:00,245
Narrator: By christmas of 2011,
missy and robert
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00:13:00,247 --> 00:13:02,614
Have been dating
for over a year,
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00:13:02,616 --> 00:13:04,682
And while robert is
with his parents,
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00:13:04,684 --> 00:13:05,950
Paul and barbara thornton
242
00:13:05,952 --> 00:13:08,920
Are hosting
their three daughters.
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00:13:08,922 --> 00:13:14,559
That's missy there on the couch.
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00:13:14,561 --> 00:13:17,695
The oldest, angie,
is in the red sweater
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00:13:17,697 --> 00:13:22,667
♪♪
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00:13:22,669 --> 00:13:26,204
While stefanie watches her kids
deliver presents.
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00:13:26,206 --> 00:13:28,840
-Wow!
-It's bird house!
248
00:13:28,842 --> 00:13:34,112
Oh, thank you.
249
00:13:34,114 --> 00:13:36,714
Having the kids
for christmas dinner
250
00:13:36,716 --> 00:13:43,421
And opening up presents,
we always had a great time.
251
00:13:43,423 --> 00:13:45,356
Narrator: This is the last time
missy and robert
252
00:13:45,358 --> 00:13:47,358
Will spend
the christmas apart...
253
00:13:47,360 --> 00:13:48,393
Man:
There's the dollhouse.
254
00:13:48,395 --> 00:13:49,494
[ speaks indistinctly ]
255
00:13:49,496 --> 00:13:51,029
Yeah.
256
00:13:51,031 --> 00:13:56,568
Narrator:
...Because in summer 2012,
they move in together.
257
00:13:56,570 --> 00:13:59,170
They got a house that was right
across the street
258
00:13:59,172 --> 00:14:01,840
From my daughter, stefanie.
259
00:14:01,842 --> 00:14:03,441
That's when I thought --
I was like, "oh, well,
260
00:14:03,443 --> 00:14:07,445
Maybe, you know,
you guys have a future."
261
00:14:07,447 --> 00:14:09,881
I was excited for her.
I was happy.
262
00:14:12,185 --> 00:14:14,552
Narrator: But by christmas 2013,
263
00:14:14,554 --> 00:14:17,522
Their relationship
begins to waver.
264
00:14:17,524 --> 00:14:20,592
I think it got worse after
they moved in together.
265
00:14:20,594 --> 00:14:26,164
Barbara:
His shop was maybe a mile or two
from where they were living,
266
00:14:26,166 --> 00:14:29,267
And he spent
a lot of time there.
267
00:14:29,269 --> 00:14:33,738
She was happy he had the work,
but she was worried
268
00:14:33,740 --> 00:14:38,243
That he was doing
other things, too.
269
00:14:38,245 --> 00:14:40,111
I don't know what he was doing
with his time,
270
00:14:40,113 --> 00:14:42,947
And melissa didn't either.
271
00:14:42,949 --> 00:14:45,650
Narrator: But just as the cracks
start to show,
272
00:14:45,652 --> 00:14:48,486
Missy finds out she's pregnant
273
00:14:48,488 --> 00:14:51,589
And things
with robert get worse.
274
00:14:51,591 --> 00:14:53,491
Stefanie: I noticed a change
in the relationship
275
00:14:53,493 --> 00:14:55,627
When she was pregnant.
276
00:14:55,629 --> 00:14:59,731
It was when he would start
taking off for days at a time.
277
00:14:59,733 --> 00:15:01,266
She was very disappointed.
278
00:15:01,268 --> 00:15:05,069
She thought things
would be different.
279
00:15:05,071 --> 00:15:08,606
Narrator:
But nothing gets in the way
of a and family christmas,
280
00:15:08,608 --> 00:15:13,478
And missy puts on a brave face
for the camera.
281
00:15:13,480 --> 00:15:16,981
Even robert makes an appearance
as the two families get together
282
00:15:16,983 --> 00:15:19,150
For a christmas dance party.
283
00:15:21,354 --> 00:15:22,887
Barbara:
There's grandpa dancing.
284
00:15:22,889 --> 00:15:26,491
[ laughs ]
285
00:15:26,493 --> 00:15:28,960
There's stefie dancing.
286
00:15:28,962 --> 00:15:31,095
The kids are having
a great time.
287
00:15:31,097 --> 00:15:32,664
Aww.
288
00:15:34,668 --> 00:15:37,468
Narrator:
That's robert's daughter
in the aqua top dancing
289
00:15:37,470 --> 00:15:40,571
With stefanie's daughter
in the red,
290
00:15:40,573 --> 00:15:43,074
While robert goofs around
with missy.
291
00:15:43,076 --> 00:15:47,445
♪♪
292
00:15:47,447 --> 00:15:49,681
Woman: Get the family moving.
293
00:15:49,683 --> 00:15:51,449
Narrator: Angie,
behind the camera,
294
00:15:51,451 --> 00:15:53,017
Encourages the now eight months
295
00:15:53,019 --> 00:15:55,253
Pregnant missy
to bust a move.
296
00:15:55,255 --> 00:15:58,323
Get the belly going.
297
00:15:58,325 --> 00:16:02,694
Stefanie:
Melissa was very happy, fun.
She'd like to dance.
298
00:16:02,696 --> 00:16:04,862
I don't even
remember this video.
299
00:16:07,534 --> 00:16:11,970
Barbara:
Christmas of 2013, she was
probably eight months along
300
00:16:11,972 --> 00:16:15,673
And I was a little worried
that she was doing too much,
301
00:16:15,675 --> 00:16:19,344
You know, with all of
the holiday rush and everything.
302
00:16:19,346 --> 00:16:23,881
But she seemed happy
and she was doing really well.
303
00:16:23,883 --> 00:16:30,021
♪♪
304
00:16:30,023 --> 00:16:32,557
Narrator: In January of 2014,
305
00:16:32,559 --> 00:16:37,095
Missy gives birth
to a beautiful little girl, bee.
306
00:16:37,097 --> 00:16:40,131
It's quite an emotional
experience
307
00:16:40,133 --> 00:16:42,900
To see your daughter
with her baby
308
00:16:42,902 --> 00:16:46,637
And the love that they're
feeling right at that moment,
309
00:16:46,639 --> 00:16:50,842
And it makes you feel
a lot of love to.
310
00:16:50,844 --> 00:16:54,278
Narrator: Missy proves
a natural mom, and of course,
311
00:16:54,280 --> 00:16:56,614
Robert is already a pro.
312
00:16:56,616 --> 00:16:58,916
Rob loved bee
from the beginning.
313
00:16:58,918 --> 00:17:01,719
There was no doubt about that.
314
00:17:01,721 --> 00:17:05,156
[ laughs ]
315
00:17:05,158 --> 00:17:07,358
She gonna walk.
316
00:17:09,329 --> 00:17:11,896
Melissa: Oh, my goodness.
317
00:17:11,898 --> 00:17:14,365
She was wonderful with kids.
318
00:17:14,367 --> 00:17:15,933
She was very nurturing.
319
00:17:15,935 --> 00:17:17,535
Bee was her life.
320
00:17:17,537 --> 00:17:20,405
Being a mom,
for her, she just glowed.
321
00:17:20,407 --> 00:17:21,739
She loved it.
322
00:17:26,980 --> 00:17:31,983
♪♪
323
00:17:31,985 --> 00:17:35,386
Narrator: 2014 is a busy year
for robert and missy.
324
00:17:35,388 --> 00:17:37,688
His business is thriving,
and she has
325
00:17:37,690 --> 00:17:41,526
Her hands full with baby bee.
326
00:17:41,528 --> 00:17:43,661
[ vibrating ]
327
00:17:47,167 --> 00:17:49,801
The family is bonding well,
with robert's kids
328
00:17:49,803 --> 00:17:52,437
Keen to entertain
their new little sister.
329
00:17:55,041 --> 00:18:00,111
Missy was very excited
for bee's first christmas.
330
00:18:01,915 --> 00:18:04,749
Stefanie: Melissa was just
so ecstatic about bee.
331
00:18:04,751 --> 00:18:06,918
She just lit up
when she talked about her
332
00:18:06,920 --> 00:18:10,688
And she had
a lot of fun with her,
333
00:18:10,690 --> 00:18:13,991
Narrator: They look like
the perfect blended family.
334
00:18:13,993 --> 00:18:16,094
Yeah, mommy.
335
00:18:16,096 --> 00:18:19,630
♪♪
336
00:18:19,632 --> 00:18:22,633
But behind the scenes,
they're struggling.
337
00:18:22,635 --> 00:18:26,504
In 2015,
missy enrolls in nursing school.
338
00:18:26,506 --> 00:18:31,175
Juggling work,
study and baby falls to her.
339
00:18:31,177 --> 00:18:34,712
Prestigiacamo:
He was at his shop 24/7.
340
00:18:34,714 --> 00:18:37,014
I mean, there were times
he didn't come home
341
00:18:37,016 --> 00:18:39,016
Because he was at the shop.
342
00:18:39,018 --> 00:18:45,890
She didn't seem to have a lot
of support at home from robert.
343
00:18:45,892 --> 00:18:49,127
I don't think that he wanted
her to go to college.
344
00:18:49,129 --> 00:18:50,995
Seriously?
What?
345
00:18:50,997 --> 00:18:53,664
Narrator: Robert claims that his
growing business is forcing him
346
00:18:53,666 --> 00:18:55,433
To work longer hours.
347
00:18:55,435 --> 00:18:57,235
He can't be home
to watch bee,
348
00:18:57,237 --> 00:19:01,806
And he doesn't
have time for chores.
349
00:19:01,808 --> 00:19:05,143
Stefanie: I don't think
rob liked her being away
350
00:19:05,145 --> 00:19:10,381
Because he would refuse to watch
bee when she would go to school.
351
00:19:10,383 --> 00:19:14,785
I think he was feeling
insecure about her
352
00:19:14,787 --> 00:19:16,654
Trying to do something else
with her life
353
00:19:16,656 --> 00:19:18,789
And she might not need him.
354
00:19:20,960 --> 00:19:24,028
Narrator: By the time of mary's
wedding in 2015,
355
00:19:24,030 --> 00:19:28,466
Missy and robert's relationship
is in trouble.
356
00:19:28,468 --> 00:19:31,302
Robert is determined
to make things better
357
00:19:31,304 --> 00:19:35,106
And believes he has the remedy.
358
00:19:35,108 --> 00:19:40,878
Rob asked angie's opinion about
asking melissa to marry him
359
00:19:40,880 --> 00:19:45,082
When they were on
the way home from our wedding.
360
00:19:45,084 --> 00:19:47,919
Narrator:
Robert decides it's time
to make it official...
361
00:19:47,921 --> 00:19:49,287
What's this?
362
00:19:49,289 --> 00:19:53,524
...And he arranges
for a super sweet proposal.
363
00:19:53,526 --> 00:19:59,063
Barbara:
Robert proposed to melissa
with the kids all around,
364
00:19:59,065 --> 00:20:01,766
And it kind of caught
her off guard.
365
00:20:01,768 --> 00:20:04,235
He had one of his children
366
00:20:04,237 --> 00:20:06,671
Bring melissa the ring
in the ring box,
367
00:20:06,673 --> 00:20:09,774
So she felt really
compelled to say yes.
368
00:20:09,776 --> 00:20:12,743
What?
369
00:20:12,745 --> 00:20:15,780
Prestigiacamo: When he proposed
to her, we were all shocked.
370
00:20:15,782 --> 00:20:20,117
She didn't even tell me
for probably over a week,
371
00:20:20,119 --> 00:20:22,053
And she said, "I don't plan
372
00:20:22,055 --> 00:20:27,758
On making any arrangements
any time soon."
373
00:20:27,760 --> 00:20:29,961
Why is that?
374
00:20:29,963 --> 00:20:31,929
Narrator: As missy films
robert watching the kids
375
00:20:31,931 --> 00:20:34,832
Open presents,
not all is as merry
376
00:20:34,834 --> 00:20:36,834
As it might seem.
377
00:20:36,836 --> 00:20:38,970
By christmas of 2015,
378
00:20:38,972 --> 00:20:41,405
They have yet to set a date
for the wedding
379
00:20:41,407 --> 00:20:43,007
And robert is spending more
380
00:20:43,009 --> 00:20:46,377
And more time away
from the family home.
381
00:20:46,379 --> 00:20:47,878
Melissa: Kids, look at me.
382
00:20:47,880 --> 00:20:49,547
Say merry christmas.
383
00:20:49,549 --> 00:20:52,483
Merry christmas.
384
00:20:52,485 --> 00:20:54,185
Stefanie: It was a normal day.
385
00:20:54,187 --> 00:20:58,155
Melissa had rob and his family,
and then later on came over
386
00:20:58,157 --> 00:21:03,928
To my parents to do presents
and spend the day over there.
387
00:21:03,930 --> 00:21:06,297
Narrator:
The real surprise comes later,
388
00:21:06,299 --> 00:21:09,867
Moments after this video
is filmed.
389
00:21:09,869 --> 00:21:12,403
Stefanie:
I remember rob is very quiet.
390
00:21:12,405 --> 00:21:14,772
He seemed like he had
a little bit of attitude,
391
00:21:14,774 --> 00:21:18,442
And he kept disappearing
to go out to his truck.
392
00:21:18,444 --> 00:21:23,080
My fiancee scott went outside
to smoke a cigarette
393
00:21:23,082 --> 00:21:26,884
And he saw rob in his truck
394
00:21:26,886 --> 00:21:29,720
Doing lines of cocaine
off on his dashboard.
395
00:21:29,722 --> 00:21:31,422
[ knock on window ]
396
00:21:31,424 --> 00:21:34,292
Barbara: We were all having
a really nice day.
397
00:21:34,294 --> 00:21:37,561
I didn't really sense
that anything was going on,
398
00:21:37,563 --> 00:21:42,066
But my son-in-law said
that he was snorting coke
399
00:21:42,068 --> 00:21:47,305
Off of the dash of his car.
400
00:21:47,307 --> 00:21:50,675
And I was really livid.
401
00:21:50,677 --> 00:21:55,379
But there's kids playing all
over the house and everything,
402
00:21:55,381 --> 00:21:57,048
And you just want
to keep everything
403
00:21:57,050 --> 00:22:00,251
On an even keel on christmas.
404
00:22:03,423 --> 00:22:06,757
Narrator: When missy finds out,
she confronts him.
405
00:22:06,759 --> 00:22:09,760
Robert admits
that he's been doing cocaine
406
00:22:09,762 --> 00:22:10,728
For over a year.
407
00:22:10,730 --> 00:22:13,531
I know,
and I'm sorry.
408
00:22:13,533 --> 00:22:14,932
Just go.
409
00:22:14,934 --> 00:22:17,568
I believe that after
she found out
410
00:22:17,570 --> 00:22:20,004
That he had a problem
with drugs,
411
00:22:20,006 --> 00:22:21,972
He wasn't the man for her.
412
00:22:21,974 --> 00:22:25,109
I remember her just saying,
you know, she'd break up
413
00:22:25,111 --> 00:22:26,911
With him or, you know,
say I'm gonna leave you.
414
00:22:26,913 --> 00:22:28,713
You know,
I don't want this life.
415
00:22:28,715 --> 00:22:31,449
And he said,
"oh, I'm not doing it anymore."
416
00:22:31,451 --> 00:22:34,985
And she just knew
he was on something.
417
00:22:34,987 --> 00:22:38,956
It scared her.
I know it did.
418
00:22:38,958 --> 00:22:41,792
Narrator: Just weeks after
missy's blow up with robert,
419
00:22:41,794 --> 00:22:44,762
She turns her phone
on herself and bee.
420
00:22:44,764 --> 00:22:48,866
♪♪
421
00:22:48,868 --> 00:22:52,970
Barbara: Bee was close
to being two years old.
422
00:22:52,972 --> 00:22:56,774
Aww, there she is
with her mommy.
423
00:22:56,776 --> 00:22:58,209
Aww.
424
00:23:00,380 --> 00:23:02,146
[ speaking indistinctly ]
425
00:23:06,252 --> 00:23:09,720
[ laughs ]
426
00:23:09,722 --> 00:23:12,723
Narrator: Missy tries to give
robert a chance to change
427
00:23:12,725 --> 00:23:14,225
For bee's sake.
428
00:23:27,540 --> 00:23:31,075
He had promised melissa that
he was going to stop using drugs
429
00:23:31,077 --> 00:23:34,645
And that he was going to start
going to counseling.
430
00:23:34,647 --> 00:23:38,282
And I believe he went once,
431
00:23:38,284 --> 00:23:40,985
But I don't think
he ever went back.
432
00:23:40,987 --> 00:23:45,456
The pressure builds up
until in March of 2016.
433
00:23:45,458 --> 00:23:48,092
Missy finally
gives up on robert.
434
00:23:48,094 --> 00:23:51,328
I believe that was
the last straw.
435
00:23:51,330 --> 00:23:54,365
She had had enough.
436
00:23:54,367 --> 00:23:58,068
You just can't go on like that.
437
00:23:58,070 --> 00:23:59,670
Narrator:
She decides that her and bee
438
00:23:59,672 --> 00:24:02,006
Should move in
with angie for a while.
439
00:24:05,044 --> 00:24:09,747
She called me and told me that
she was going to leave robert.
440
00:24:09,749 --> 00:24:14,084
She asked me if I could come and
help, and of course I said yes.
441
00:24:14,086 --> 00:24:17,822
My dad came over with his truck
and we loaded it
442
00:24:17,824 --> 00:24:21,158
And took it over
to my older sister's house.
443
00:24:21,160 --> 00:24:28,399
I was quite glad that she
was moving away from him.
444
00:24:28,401 --> 00:24:35,473
♪♪
445
00:24:35,475 --> 00:24:38,275
[ speaking indistinctly ]
446
00:24:38,277 --> 00:24:39,710
Narrator: Missy surrounds
herself and bee
447
00:24:39,712 --> 00:24:41,345
With love and family
448
00:24:41,347 --> 00:24:43,113
To help move on from robert.
449
00:24:48,454 --> 00:24:50,721
I think missy was in
a better place
450
00:24:50,723 --> 00:24:54,692
After she moved out
of rob's house.
451
00:24:54,694 --> 00:24:58,863
Narrator: Missy realizes she can
be a single working mom
452
00:24:58,865 --> 00:25:00,631
And still have a life.
453
00:25:00,633 --> 00:25:03,033
Prestigiacamo:
Melissa was much happier.
454
00:25:03,035 --> 00:25:04,702
She was finally coming out
455
00:25:04,704 --> 00:25:07,004
And just being able
to be herself again.
456
00:25:07,006 --> 00:25:10,174
It was so nice seeing her
457
00:25:10,176 --> 00:25:14,812
Happy and free
and excited for her future.
458
00:25:18,784 --> 00:25:23,888
♪♪
459
00:25:23,890 --> 00:25:26,857
Narrator: July 5, 2016,
and big sister, angie,
460
00:25:26,859 --> 00:25:29,894
Has decided missy needs
a fun night out.
461
00:25:32,498 --> 00:25:35,366
Barbara: Missy called me and
said that her and angie
462
00:25:35,368 --> 00:25:37,167
Were going to go out
and have a drink.
463
00:25:37,169 --> 00:25:40,437
I told her that bee can have
a sleepover at grandmas.
464
00:25:40,439 --> 00:25:42,239
Melissa was single,
angie was single,
465
00:25:42,241 --> 00:25:44,909
So they went out
and so she finally could
466
00:25:44,911 --> 00:25:47,444
Just let go,
just be free.
467
00:25:47,446 --> 00:25:50,047
Thank you.
468
00:25:50,049 --> 00:25:53,350
Narrator: Their first stop
is a bar near their home.
469
00:25:53,352 --> 00:25:56,487
Stefanie:
There was a bartender that she
really took a liking to,
470
00:25:56,489 --> 00:25:59,056
And they had gone out
on a couple dates
471
00:25:59,058 --> 00:26:02,426
And she was hoping to bump
into him that night.
472
00:26:02,428 --> 00:26:04,895
Narrator: There's no sign
of the cute bartender,
473
00:26:04,897 --> 00:26:08,832
But that doesn't stop
the sisters having a great time.
474
00:26:08,834 --> 00:26:10,568
Prestigiacamo:
They were just having fun,
475
00:26:10,570 --> 00:26:15,072
Just having a girls night
and just being silly.
476
00:26:15,074 --> 00:26:18,275
Narrator:
Later that evening, the sisters
move on to a different bar.
477
00:26:18,277 --> 00:26:20,344
Okay.
478
00:26:20,346 --> 00:26:23,981
Melissa and angela
were inside of the bar together
479
00:26:23,983 --> 00:26:25,849
When rob showed up.
480
00:26:28,220 --> 00:26:30,821
He sat down at the table
and joined them.
481
00:26:30,823 --> 00:26:33,490
Oh, hey.
482
00:26:33,492 --> 00:26:38,028
I think melissa was just trying
to keep things peaceful.
483
00:26:38,030 --> 00:26:39,930
Narrator: And when angie and
missy decide it's time
484
00:26:39,932 --> 00:26:43,601
To head home,
robert wants to come, too.
485
00:26:43,603 --> 00:26:45,369
[ laughter ]
486
00:26:45,371 --> 00:26:49,406
Angela and melissa went back
to angie's house.
487
00:26:49,408 --> 00:26:52,810
And he ended up
following them home,
488
00:26:52,812 --> 00:26:56,446
And obviously came
inside the house.
489
00:26:56,448 --> 00:27:01,018
They made some tacos.
490
00:27:01,020 --> 00:27:02,586
Angie went to bed,
491
00:27:02,588 --> 00:27:05,022
And melissa and rob
left again
492
00:27:05,024 --> 00:27:07,458
To go to another bar.
493
00:27:07,460 --> 00:27:10,761
[ indistinct conversation ]
494
00:27:10,763 --> 00:27:19,370
♪♪
495
00:27:19,372 --> 00:27:24,108
♪♪
496
00:27:24,110 --> 00:27:25,342
[ man crying on phone ]
497
00:27:40,192 --> 00:27:44,895
July 6th, 10:15 a.M.,
saginaw police department
498
00:27:44,897 --> 00:27:46,897
Receives an erratic
phone call for help.
499
00:27:46,899 --> 00:27:48,432
[ man crying on phone ]
500
00:28:05,051 --> 00:28:07,618
[ siren wailing ]
501
00:28:07,620 --> 00:28:09,853
The caller is robert propp.
502
00:28:43,322 --> 00:28:45,155
First to arrive on scene
503
00:28:45,157 --> 00:28:50,661
Is saginaw police officer
jordan engelhart.
504
00:28:50,663 --> 00:28:54,398
The first thing in your head
is tend to whoever needs help,
505
00:28:54,400 --> 00:28:58,936
So I entered the house
and located her in the bedroom.
506
00:28:58,938 --> 00:29:02,906
I observed the victim
laying on the bed with male
507
00:29:02,908 --> 00:29:07,478
On top of her who was trying
to do chest compressions.
508
00:29:07,480 --> 00:29:10,347
And at that time, I had felt
that she was cold
509
00:29:10,349 --> 00:29:13,450
And her arms were stiff
510
00:29:13,452 --> 00:29:17,888
And it was immediately apparent
that she was deceased.
511
00:29:17,890 --> 00:29:20,624
Narrator: Officer engelhart
breaks the news.
512
00:29:23,763 --> 00:29:26,697
At which time he became
immediately emotional,
513
00:29:26,699 --> 00:29:28,799
Falling to the ground, crying,
514
00:29:28,801 --> 00:29:31,502
He identified the deceased
to be melissa thornton
515
00:29:31,504 --> 00:29:34,972
And himself as robert propp.
516
00:29:34,974 --> 00:29:37,674
He had told me that he had been
out the night
517
00:29:37,676 --> 00:29:39,843
Prior with melissa.
518
00:29:39,845 --> 00:29:42,846
He had left her around 3:00
in the morning
519
00:29:42,848 --> 00:29:46,316
When she went to bed.
520
00:29:46,318 --> 00:29:51,488
Narrator:
Robert tells police missy
was fast asleep when he left.
521
00:29:51,490 --> 00:29:54,658
And when he called her in
the morning, she didn't pick up.
522
00:29:57,096 --> 00:30:01,098
Engelhart:
So, on his way to work,
he drove by to check on her.
523
00:30:03,803 --> 00:30:06,870
Everything was locked up
until he got to the back door,
524
00:30:06,872 --> 00:30:09,873
And he found
the door to be forced open.
525
00:30:09,875 --> 00:30:12,376
Narrator: Robert explains
that the door wouldn't shift.
526
00:30:12,378 --> 00:30:14,912
He had to grab a crowbar himself
527
00:30:14,914 --> 00:30:17,347
To force it
the rest of the way open.
528
00:30:19,819 --> 00:30:22,019
Narrator: He says he rushed
to missy's room
529
00:30:22,021 --> 00:30:26,490
And found her lying
on the bed unresponsive.
530
00:30:26,492 --> 00:30:28,258
That's when he called 911.
531
00:30:33,499 --> 00:30:36,733
Engelhart:
Once it was determined
that there was forced entry,
532
00:30:36,735 --> 00:30:38,769
We got everybody out
of the house,
533
00:30:38,771 --> 00:30:41,572
Secured it
to treat as a crime scene.
534
00:30:45,044 --> 00:30:46,376
And then at that point,
535
00:30:46,378 --> 00:30:49,413
Family of melissa
began arriving on scene.
536
00:30:52,017 --> 00:30:55,018
Police body cam captures
missy's sister, angie.
537
00:31:09,068 --> 00:31:10,367
I remember getting out
of the car
538
00:31:10,369 --> 00:31:11,702
And running up to the house,
539
00:31:11,704 --> 00:31:15,372
And my older sister told --
told me that she was gone.
540
00:31:25,918 --> 00:31:29,019
When I drove up to her house,
541
00:31:29,021 --> 00:31:32,089
There was a yellow tape
around it
542
00:31:32,091 --> 00:31:34,658
And my daughters were holding
each other crying.
543
00:31:36,729 --> 00:31:40,264
My mom arrived and I had
to tell my mom what happened.
544
00:31:47,306 --> 00:31:51,475
It was the worst day
of our lives.
545
00:31:51,477 --> 00:31:53,577
It was the worst day
of our lives.
546
00:31:56,582 --> 00:31:59,383
Narrator: With a dead body
and signs of a break in,
547
00:31:59,385 --> 00:32:03,120
The police treat missy's death
as a potential homicide.
548
00:32:03,122 --> 00:32:06,390
They call in the major crimes
unit to take over the case.
549
00:32:13,165 --> 00:32:15,766
Detective trooper
adam green heads inside
550
00:32:15,768 --> 00:32:17,734
To assess
the crime scene.
551
00:32:20,572 --> 00:32:24,374
Green:
When I got to the bedroom,
melissa was laying in bed,
552
00:32:24,376 --> 00:32:27,711
Partially covered up
with blankets.
553
00:32:27,713 --> 00:32:30,314
And it appeared to me
that some type of struggle
554
00:32:30,316 --> 00:32:32,716
Had taken place
right in that bedroom.
555
00:32:32,718 --> 00:32:39,423
There was a broken lamp
and the room was in disarray.
556
00:32:39,425 --> 00:32:42,993
You do feel bad when you know
that her mother and her sisters
557
00:32:42,995 --> 00:32:44,861
Are sitting outside that house
558
00:32:44,863 --> 00:32:48,131
And melissa's never
going to come back.
559
00:32:48,133 --> 00:32:49,666
It makes you want
to do your job
560
00:32:49,668 --> 00:32:50,834
That much better.
561
00:32:56,241 --> 00:32:59,476
We sat outside
and we just waited.
562
00:32:59,478 --> 00:33:02,479
They were still inside
doing the investigating.
563
00:33:02,481 --> 00:33:05,115
She was still inside.
564
00:33:05,117 --> 00:33:09,753
She was in that house
and I couldn't go to her.
565
00:33:09,755 --> 00:33:12,189
I couldn't go in there
and hold her.
566
00:33:14,793 --> 00:33:17,194
Because it was a crime scene.
567
00:33:22,701 --> 00:33:26,336
I felt like I had to go
save her for something,
568
00:33:26,338 --> 00:33:30,774
You know, like I thought
I still had a chance.
569
00:33:30,776 --> 00:33:33,010
I just wanted to hold her.
570
00:33:37,449 --> 00:33:39,716
Just one last time.
571
00:33:39,718 --> 00:33:48,325
♪♪
572
00:33:53,632 --> 00:33:56,400
[ sobbing ]
573
00:33:56,402 --> 00:33:59,069
Narrator: Signs of forced entry
in missy thornton's home
574
00:33:59,071 --> 00:34:01,772
Suggest her death
was no accident.
575
00:34:04,109 --> 00:34:07,310
And the last person to see
her alive was robert.
576
00:34:08,547 --> 00:34:11,148
Robert had a large black eye
577
00:34:11,150 --> 00:34:14,951
That appeared
to be fresh bruising.
578
00:34:14,953 --> 00:34:17,754
He also had several other marks
on his arms
579
00:34:17,756 --> 00:34:20,023
And on his stomach area.
580
00:34:20,025 --> 00:34:23,794
That's pretty apparent that he
was in some type of a struggle.
581
00:34:28,200 --> 00:34:30,467
Narrator: While they wait
for the autopsy results,
582
00:34:30,469 --> 00:34:32,102
Police talk to robert.
583
00:35:00,432 --> 00:35:09,272
♪♪
584
00:35:09,274 --> 00:35:12,642
At the police department,
robert explains his injuries.
585
00:35:18,317 --> 00:35:20,917
Very shortly into
our interview,
586
00:35:20,919 --> 00:35:23,687
Robert offered up information
about how he got the black eye
587
00:35:23,689 --> 00:35:25,455
Without even being questioned.
588
00:35:50,983 --> 00:35:54,718
Narrator: Robert claims
that he got into a bar fight.
589
00:35:54,720 --> 00:35:57,787
Robert said he was
with melissa having some drinks.
590
00:36:13,906 --> 00:36:17,474
On the way out of the bar,
he made a smart comment
591
00:36:17,476 --> 00:36:20,110
To a gentleman
who then punched him in the eye.
592
00:36:21,680 --> 00:36:23,813
[ glass shatters ]
oh, I'm so sorry.
593
00:36:23,815 --> 00:36:25,448
It was an accident.
594
00:36:34,993 --> 00:36:37,194
Narrator:
The black guy is suspicious,
595
00:36:37,196 --> 00:36:39,930
But without enough evidence
to charge robert,
596
00:36:39,932 --> 00:36:41,698
Police are forced
to let him go.
597
00:36:45,604 --> 00:36:49,606
Green:
It's extremely frustrating
to let a person go free,
598
00:36:49,608 --> 00:36:53,310
Not knowing if they're going
to run hide from you
599
00:36:53,312 --> 00:36:54,978
Or ever be back.
600
00:36:54,980 --> 00:36:57,948
Narrator: Detectives need
to corroborate robert's story
601
00:36:57,950 --> 00:37:00,750
And trace missy's final
movements,
602
00:37:00,752 --> 00:37:03,019
Starting with the bar
where robert says
603
00:37:03,021 --> 00:37:05,188
They had their last drinks.
604
00:37:05,190 --> 00:37:07,457
This particular bar
had cameras pointed
605
00:37:07,459 --> 00:37:09,226
At nearly
every angle inside
606
00:37:09,228 --> 00:37:11,995
And outside the bar.
607
00:37:11,997 --> 00:37:17,634
They watch as robert and missy
head inside and sit down.
608
00:37:17,636 --> 00:37:20,437
Green: And upon reviewing that
surveillance footage,
609
00:37:20,439 --> 00:37:23,740
We found that melissa and robert
had several drinks.
610
00:37:23,742 --> 00:37:27,877
They paid for those drinks
and left.
611
00:37:27,879 --> 00:37:29,546
Narrator:
There's no sign of a fight.
612
00:37:33,585 --> 00:37:35,385
Green:
There was clearly no fighting,
613
00:37:35,387 --> 00:37:37,787
No arguing with anybody else
in the bar.
614
00:37:37,789 --> 00:37:43,393
So we knew he was he was lying
about the black eye.
615
00:37:43,395 --> 00:37:46,529
Narrator:
Detectives are now convinced
that robert was involved
616
00:37:46,531 --> 00:37:49,032
In missy's death.
617
00:37:49,034 --> 00:37:51,534
But without a cause of death,
618
00:37:51,536 --> 00:37:53,403
They can't charge him.
619
00:37:53,405 --> 00:37:56,573
For now, he's a free man.
620
00:37:56,575 --> 00:37:59,876
I was scared to be at my home
because I was worried
621
00:37:59,878 --> 00:38:01,678
About bee's safety,
because I wasn't sure
622
00:38:01,680 --> 00:38:05,181
If someone was going
to come try to take her.
623
00:38:08,820 --> 00:38:13,290
Narrator:
On July 7th, police received
the autopsy results.
624
00:38:15,527 --> 00:38:17,394
Green: The forensic pathologist
determined
625
00:38:17,396 --> 00:38:19,996
That she had died
of neck compression
626
00:38:19,998 --> 00:38:21,598
Where he could actually
see marks
627
00:38:21,600 --> 00:38:24,534
On the rear of her
of her throat
628
00:38:24,536 --> 00:38:27,771
And her esophagus area
that rubbed her spine
629
00:38:27,773 --> 00:38:31,808
And determined that her manner
of death was homicide.
630
00:38:31,810 --> 00:38:36,112
Narrator: The report determines
missy died of strangulation.
631
00:38:36,114 --> 00:38:40,550
They now have enough evidence
to make an arrest.
632
00:38:40,552 --> 00:38:43,553
That same day, robert propp
is charged with the murder
633
00:38:43,555 --> 00:38:46,823
Of melissa thornton
and taken into custody.
634
00:38:49,061 --> 00:38:54,564
At his February 2018 trial,
robert pleads not guilty.
635
00:38:54,566 --> 00:38:57,534
It was horrible to see him
standing there.
636
00:38:57,536 --> 00:39:03,540
He's living and breathing
and my daughter is dead.
637
00:39:03,542 --> 00:39:05,342
Narrator:
Robert takes the stand...
638
00:39:18,590 --> 00:39:22,092
...And to everyone's shock,
changes his story.
639
00:39:22,094 --> 00:39:24,227
It was very offensive.
640
00:39:24,229 --> 00:39:29,065
He said the excuse of her
641
00:39:29,067 --> 00:39:33,370
Liking to be strangled
during sex.
642
00:39:33,372 --> 00:39:35,538
I almost felt like
he was bashing her.
643
00:39:35,540 --> 00:39:40,410
He was making her out
to be something she wasn't.
644
00:39:40,412 --> 00:39:45,548
I had to call on a couple of her
ex-boyfriends up to the stand
645
00:39:45,550 --> 00:39:48,785
To see if she
was really like that,
646
00:39:48,787 --> 00:39:50,787
If she was really into
those things
647
00:39:50,789 --> 00:39:53,690
Which they testified
that she wasn't.
648
00:39:53,692 --> 00:39:54,891
It was humiliating,
649
00:39:54,893 --> 00:39:59,629
And I think it was disrespectful
to my sister.
650
00:39:59,631 --> 00:40:02,132
Narrator: The prosecutors argue
the evidence
651
00:40:02,134 --> 00:40:04,601
Doesn't support roberts story.
652
00:40:04,603 --> 00:40:07,036
They explain that
after leaving the bar
653
00:40:07,038 --> 00:40:12,108
And returning to her home,
he strangled missy in her bed...
654
00:40:12,110 --> 00:40:14,511
[ gasping ]
655
00:40:14,513 --> 00:40:16,980
[ grunting ]
656
00:40:19,384 --> 00:40:24,254
...Just quietly enough
that angie wasn't suspicious.
657
00:40:24,256 --> 00:40:31,227
He only came back later to stage
a break in and feign innocence.
658
00:40:31,229 --> 00:40:34,264
Friends and family testify that
robert was controlling,
659
00:40:34,266 --> 00:40:40,136
Had grown obsessed with missy
and had even begun stalking her.
660
00:40:40,138 --> 00:40:43,706
Barbara: When you have
a gut feeling about somebody,
661
00:40:43,708 --> 00:40:48,578
Get away from that person
and stay away.
662
00:40:50,982 --> 00:40:53,149
Narrator:
After two hours deliberation,
663
00:40:53,151 --> 00:40:57,487
The jury find robert propp
guilty of first degree murder.
664
00:41:00,392 --> 00:41:02,492
Barbara: It was a huge relief.
665
00:41:02,494 --> 00:41:04,427
It's too late
to save my daughter,
666
00:41:04,429 --> 00:41:06,296
But I know that he will pay
for this
667
00:41:06,298 --> 00:41:07,997
With the rest of his life.
668
00:41:07,999 --> 00:41:13,937
And every lie that he told,
they found out about it.
669
00:41:13,939 --> 00:41:17,440
I think you killed her because
670
00:41:17,442 --> 00:41:21,110
He saw that she had a future.
671
00:41:21,112 --> 00:41:23,580
She made a future for herself.
672
00:41:23,582 --> 00:41:25,915
He, I think, was jealous
673
00:41:25,917 --> 00:41:29,486
Because he knew
he couldn't control her.
674
00:41:29,488 --> 00:41:33,056
Narrator: Robert is sentenced
to life without parole.
675
00:41:33,058 --> 00:41:36,226
In 2020,
robert's appeal was denied
676
00:41:36,228 --> 00:41:39,896
Pending review
by the state supreme court.
677
00:41:39,898 --> 00:41:42,232
Robert is a monster.
678
00:41:42,234 --> 00:41:44,734
He's the monster
that killed my daughter.
679
00:41:47,072 --> 00:41:49,339
Stefanie: I think the worst
thing about what happened
680
00:41:49,341 --> 00:41:52,542
Was just her
not being here anymore.
681
00:41:52,544 --> 00:41:54,210
I mean, I don't understand
why he couldn't just
682
00:41:54,212 --> 00:41:57,347
Leave her alone.
683
00:41:57,349 --> 00:42:01,217
Prestigiacamo:
He took away a mother.
684
00:42:01,219 --> 00:42:03,086
He took away a daughter.
685
00:42:03,088 --> 00:42:06,089
He took away a friend,
a sister.
686
00:42:10,161 --> 00:42:13,329
And he didn't care.
687
00:42:13,331 --> 00:42:16,966
He's left
our family heartbroken
688
00:42:16,968 --> 00:42:21,371
Because we miss
melissa every day.
689
00:42:23,642 --> 00:42:25,642
Bee misses her mama.
690
00:42:26,711 --> 00:42:28,645
[ speaks indistinctly ]
691
00:42:28,647 --> 00:42:30,046
[ chuckles ]
692
00:42:30,048 --> 00:42:31,881
Don't pinch my cheeks.
693
00:42:31,883 --> 00:42:33,850
[ laughs ]