1 00:00:12,678 --> 00:00:16,815 I'm kate snow and this is "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 2 00:00:16,817 --> 00:00:18,884 - Paige, this is carol. 3 00:00:18,886 --> 00:00:21,353 I just saw something on tv about you being gone 4 00:00:21,355 --> 00:00:23,222 Since Thursday night. I hope you're all right. 5 00:00:23,224 --> 00:00:26,425 Oh, my god. Oh, my god. 6 00:00:26,427 --> 00:00:29,327 - Paige, if you get this, please, 7 00:00:29,329 --> 00:00:30,796 Please call somebody. 8 00:00:30,798 --> 00:00:32,497 Everybody is worried about you. 9 00:00:32,499 --> 00:00:34,166 Everybody is looking for you. 10 00:00:34,168 --> 00:00:36,301 Please let us know you're okay. 11 00:00:36,303 --> 00:00:39,337 - Paige was a woman with a premonition. 12 00:00:39,339 --> 00:00:42,240 - She said she knew something bad was going to happen. 13 00:00:42,242 --> 00:00:43,909 A couple of days later, she was missing. 14 00:00:43,911 --> 00:00:47,312 - We found out that she had this second life. 15 00:00:47,314 --> 00:00:49,781 - Quite obviously, it's dangerous. 16 00:00:49,783 --> 00:00:52,150 - She'd been playing a risky game. 17 00:00:52,152 --> 00:00:54,586 - That opened up the door to a multitude of people 18 00:00:54,588 --> 00:00:55,821 We needed to start looking at. 19 00:00:57,758 --> 00:00:59,791 - He was a scam artist. - Correct. 20 00:00:59,793 --> 00:01:01,660 - He was a liar, he was manipulative. 21 00:01:01,662 --> 00:01:03,862 - We have a list of names, their bra size 22 00:01:03,864 --> 00:01:05,564 And whether or not they would have sex. 23 00:01:07,668 --> 00:01:09,535 - Could investigators get their man 24 00:01:09,537 --> 00:01:11,603 Before he struck again? 25 00:01:11,605 --> 00:01:13,772 - I turned around and he was just sitting in the dark. 26 00:01:13,774 --> 00:01:23,682 And he said, "I'm going to kill you." 27 00:01:23,684 --> 00:01:26,885 ♪♪ 28 00:01:26,887 --> 00:01:29,020 Paige birgfeld was a single mother 29 00:01:29,022 --> 00:01:31,389 Who found joy in shuttling her kids 30 00:01:31,391 --> 00:01:33,492 From one activity to the next. 31 00:01:33,494 --> 00:01:34,726 When she vanished, 32 00:01:34,728 --> 00:01:37,095 Friends and family feared the worst. 33 00:01:37,097 --> 00:01:40,065 The investigation quickly yielded a stunning clue. 34 00:01:40,067 --> 00:01:43,502 The soccer mom was leading a secret life. 35 00:01:43,504 --> 00:01:46,738 As the seasons passed with no sign of paige, 36 00:01:46,740 --> 00:01:50,075 Police wondered had someone from that other world 37 00:01:50,077 --> 00:01:51,943 Put a target on her back? 38 00:01:51,945 --> 00:01:54,513 Here's keith morrison with "double lives". 39 00:01:58,252 --> 00:02:00,752 - It's been years since she vanished. 40 00:02:00,754 --> 00:02:04,256 But few people in grand junction, colorado, 41 00:02:04,258 --> 00:02:06,525 Have forgotten paige birgfeld. 42 00:02:06,527 --> 00:02:07,959 How could they? 43 00:02:07,961 --> 00:02:10,929 The story of this young mother's disappearance 44 00:02:10,931 --> 00:02:14,499 Has long since woven itself into local lore. 45 00:02:14,501 --> 00:02:16,201 - She's a great mother, a great friend. 46 00:02:16,203 --> 00:02:19,671 - It's a mystery we've been following since it began. 47 00:02:19,673 --> 00:02:24,876 And now, as thunderheads darken the high desert sky, 48 00:02:24,878 --> 00:02:26,945 Finally, a trial. 49 00:02:26,947 --> 00:02:28,780 - What he told me is that 50 00:02:28,782 --> 00:02:31,049 He knew how to get rid of a body 51 00:02:31,051 --> 00:02:33,318 So that nobody could find it. 52 00:02:33,320 --> 00:02:34,886 - He said, "I'm going to kill you." 53 00:02:34,888 --> 00:02:37,189 And then he slapped me repeatedly. 54 00:02:37,191 --> 00:02:39,958 - Finally, rumors and gossip would be dispelled 55 00:02:39,960 --> 00:02:41,826 Or made fact. 56 00:02:41,828 --> 00:02:45,730 And the secrets known not only by the guilty, 57 00:02:45,732 --> 00:02:49,635 But also the shamed, would finally be revealed. 58 00:02:49,637 --> 00:02:53,572 Why so many secrets? Whispers? Rumors? 59 00:02:53,574 --> 00:02:55,107 Because in this town, 60 00:02:55,109 --> 00:02:57,776 Where everybody knows everybody else's business, 61 00:02:57,778 --> 00:03:01,646 There were enough potential suspects to fill a minivan. 62 00:03:01,648 --> 00:03:03,515 - Did you have anything to do with the disappearance 63 00:03:03,517 --> 00:03:05,116 Of paige birgfeld? - No. 64 00:03:05,118 --> 00:03:07,119 - I was put under psychiatric care 65 00:03:07,121 --> 00:03:10,822 For the first 48 hours and then sent to jail. 66 00:03:10,824 --> 00:03:12,257 - I did not kill paige. 67 00:03:12,259 --> 00:03:13,392 I mean, that's the bottom line. 68 00:03:16,997 --> 00:03:19,231 - It was late June, 2007, 69 00:03:19,233 --> 00:03:22,601 When news of paige birgfeld's disappearance first spread 70 00:03:22,603 --> 00:03:24,603 Like the morning sun. 71 00:03:24,605 --> 00:03:27,138 Over the mountains in denver, four hours away, 72 00:03:27,140 --> 00:03:29,808 Frank birgfeld was driving to his office. 73 00:03:29,810 --> 00:03:31,509 The phone rang. 74 00:03:31,511 --> 00:03:33,745 - Voice on the phone says, uh, this is, uh, 75 00:03:33,747 --> 00:03:36,281 Somebody with the mesa county sheriff's office. 76 00:03:36,283 --> 00:03:38,316 Then he said, "are you paige's dad?" 77 00:03:38,318 --> 00:03:39,351 And I said, "yep." 78 00:03:39,353 --> 00:03:41,286 He said, "did you know she's missing?" 79 00:03:41,288 --> 00:03:44,723 - Barbara campbell got the call from her husband, hans, 80 00:03:44,725 --> 00:03:46,892 Who told her-- - "paige is missing." 81 00:03:46,894 --> 00:03:50,362 I was, "what do you mean she's missing?" 82 00:03:50,364 --> 00:03:53,164 - Andrea land got the news in an email. 83 00:03:53,166 --> 00:03:55,500 - It said "paige is missing" in the subject line. 84 00:03:55,502 --> 00:03:58,036 And I knew something horrible had to have happened 85 00:03:58,038 --> 00:03:59,504 Because it didn't make any sense 86 00:03:59,506 --> 00:04:01,106 That she would be missing. 87 00:04:01,108 --> 00:04:03,575 - No way for even a best friend 88 00:04:03,577 --> 00:04:05,377 To prepare for such a thing. 89 00:04:05,379 --> 00:04:07,012 - Stunningly beautiful. 90 00:04:07,014 --> 00:04:09,047 One of those women that was almost 91 00:04:09,049 --> 00:04:10,915 A little bit intimidating at first, 92 00:04:10,917 --> 00:04:14,586 If you were, you know, your more average mom. 93 00:04:14,588 --> 00:04:16,755 - Andrea land and the other young mothers 94 00:04:16,757 --> 00:04:18,757 Of grand junction could have been forgiven 95 00:04:18,759 --> 00:04:20,191 For feeling a little envy. 96 00:04:20,193 --> 00:04:22,994 She had the look, the money, 97 00:04:22,996 --> 00:04:24,663 The big house on the hill 98 00:04:24,665 --> 00:04:26,331 And three attractive kids. 99 00:04:26,333 --> 00:04:29,868 But no, it wasn't like that at all. 100 00:04:29,870 --> 00:04:32,737 - The way she talked, the way she acted, 101 00:04:32,739 --> 00:04:34,372 The way she treated you, 102 00:04:34,374 --> 00:04:37,976 Everything about her was just so wonderful. 103 00:04:37,978 --> 00:04:41,713 - Barbara campbell, andrea, and paige were members 104 00:04:41,715 --> 00:04:44,916 Of grand junction's mom's club international. 105 00:04:44,918 --> 00:04:47,085 A kind of social and support group 106 00:04:47,087 --> 00:04:48,820 For young stay-at-home mothers. 107 00:04:48,822 --> 00:04:51,956 - Woo! It's paige! [cheering] 108 00:04:51,958 --> 00:04:53,625 - Once a year, they'd throw a spring fling, 109 00:04:53,627 --> 00:04:56,394 Sort of put-on prom for moms. 110 00:04:56,396 --> 00:04:59,831 Fancy clothes, red carpet entry, 111 00:04:59,833 --> 00:05:03,101 Even a pretend reporter throwing fashion questions. 112 00:05:03,103 --> 00:05:04,569 - Tell us, who are you wearing? 113 00:05:04,571 --> 00:05:06,771 - Paige was always the star, of course. 114 00:05:06,773 --> 00:05:10,008 And this year the party was held at her place, 115 00:05:10,010 --> 00:05:12,310 Which made it a very special event. 116 00:05:12,312 --> 00:05:16,314 - Most of us did not live in a home that large. 117 00:05:16,316 --> 00:05:18,817 She was just so down to earth and humble about it 118 00:05:18,819 --> 00:05:21,986 That once you got over the artwork on the walls 119 00:05:21,988 --> 00:05:25,390 And how, you know, beautiful a home it was, 120 00:05:25,392 --> 00:05:27,792 Uh, you almost forgot that you were in 121 00:05:27,794 --> 00:05:31,463 This really, um, very high-end home. 122 00:05:31,465 --> 00:05:34,432 - So, the winner is, drumroll please, 123 00:05:34,434 --> 00:05:36,601 [drumrolling] paige birgfeld! 124 00:05:36,603 --> 00:05:37,936 [cheering, applause] 125 00:05:37,938 --> 00:05:40,939 - She was so comfortable hosting people that made it-- 126 00:05:40,941 --> 00:05:43,141 It made anybody there feel comfortable. 127 00:05:43,143 --> 00:05:46,745 Sometimes you meet someone, and you just instantly have 128 00:05:46,747 --> 00:05:48,313 A good feeling about them. - Mm-hmm. 129 00:05:48,315 --> 00:05:50,148 - You're going to be friends with them, 130 00:05:50,150 --> 00:05:52,083 It's just going to be an instant match. 131 00:05:52,085 --> 00:05:56,187 [sniffling] 132 00:05:56,189 --> 00:05:59,924 That's what I had with paige. 133 00:05:59,926 --> 00:06:02,627 - And then that call. 134 00:06:02,629 --> 00:06:04,562 The sheriff's deputy told the birgfelds 135 00:06:04,564 --> 00:06:06,831 That after meeting a friend on the afternoon 136 00:06:06,833 --> 00:06:09,434 Of Thursday, June 28, 2007, 137 00:06:09,436 --> 00:06:11,970 Paige simply didn't come home. 138 00:06:11,972 --> 00:06:14,906 As they drove from denver to grand junction, 139 00:06:14,908 --> 00:06:17,008 Paige's parents tried to understand 140 00:06:17,010 --> 00:06:18,777 What was happening. 141 00:06:18,779 --> 00:06:20,745 - As we started out, I-I don't know that 142 00:06:20,747 --> 00:06:23,315 I was very tense, or I had thought of the worst. 143 00:06:23,317 --> 00:06:25,851 I guess, gee, I wonder where she is. 144 00:06:25,853 --> 00:06:27,185 I hope she's-- 145 00:06:27,187 --> 00:06:29,554 But as-as the drive went on, 146 00:06:29,556 --> 00:06:31,990 It became more and more anxious, 147 00:06:31,992 --> 00:06:33,725 More and more tight, more and more-- 148 00:06:33,727 --> 00:06:36,395 - And I would be calling the kids on the home phone, 149 00:06:36,397 --> 00:06:38,663 Just saying, "we're gonna be there." 150 00:06:38,665 --> 00:06:42,000 You know? And trying to sound reassuring. 151 00:06:42,002 --> 00:06:44,369 - The kids had just a nanny with them 152 00:06:44,371 --> 00:06:47,739 Because paige had parted ways with her husband, rob dixon, 153 00:06:47,741 --> 00:06:49,741 Who had since moved out of state. 154 00:06:49,743 --> 00:06:52,911 Still, as a single mom with three little kids, 155 00:06:52,913 --> 00:06:56,648 Paige had her life well in control, 156 00:06:56,650 --> 00:06:58,917 Due in no small part to her obsessive 157 00:06:58,919 --> 00:07:00,952 Organizational skills. 158 00:07:00,954 --> 00:07:02,821 She ran several small businesses 159 00:07:02,823 --> 00:07:05,457 And kept track of every soccer practice 160 00:07:05,459 --> 00:07:06,925 And dentist appointment 161 00:07:06,927 --> 00:07:10,128 In an old-fashioned handwritten day planner. 162 00:07:10,130 --> 00:07:13,565 - And every page was full and cross-referenced and-- 163 00:07:13,567 --> 00:07:16,134 - And she was always with it. 164 00:07:16,136 --> 00:07:19,638 When she'd come over to visit, it came in the door, 165 00:07:19,640 --> 00:07:20,972 Right there in front of her, 166 00:07:20,974 --> 00:07:24,676 As she was always checking it, phoning. 167 00:07:24,678 --> 00:07:28,180 - Overbooked, divorced, three kids. 168 00:07:28,182 --> 00:07:29,781 The first question, 169 00:07:29,783 --> 00:07:32,150 Is there a chance paige birgfeld 170 00:07:32,152 --> 00:07:34,519 Simply walked out on her life? 171 00:07:34,521 --> 00:07:36,321 - We talked about, boy, 172 00:07:36,323 --> 00:07:37,789 Sometimes I just want to run away. 173 00:07:37,791 --> 00:07:42,126 And she said, you know, "I never feel that way. 174 00:07:42,128 --> 00:07:43,795 I never want to run away. 175 00:07:43,797 --> 00:07:48,066 Even if I did want to run away just to get away from here, 176 00:07:48,068 --> 00:07:50,602 I would want to take my kids with me." 177 00:07:50,604 --> 00:07:52,470 - There was no way she would leave 178 00:07:52,472 --> 00:07:55,907 Without her children. They were her life. 179 00:07:55,909 --> 00:07:57,408 - If she needed to hide, 180 00:07:57,410 --> 00:08:01,145 She would have found a way to do it with them. 181 00:08:01,147 --> 00:08:03,081 - So, what then? 182 00:08:03,083 --> 00:08:05,350 What happened to paige? 183 00:08:05,352 --> 00:08:08,853 Her friends, her parents didn't know what to do 184 00:08:08,855 --> 00:08:10,688 Or where to look. 185 00:08:10,690 --> 00:08:13,091 Maybe a clue could be found 186 00:08:13,093 --> 00:08:15,393 Tucked away in her day planner. 187 00:08:15,395 --> 00:08:18,563 Except it, too, 188 00:08:18,565 --> 00:08:21,766 Was missing. 189 00:08:21,768 --> 00:08:23,101 - Coming up... 190 00:08:31,044 --> 00:08:33,044 - Police piece together the hours 191 00:08:33,046 --> 00:08:35,180 Leading up to paige's disappearance. 192 00:08:45,926 --> 00:08:49,260 - And one encounter grabs their attention. 193 00:08:49,262 --> 00:08:52,664 - We found out that she had been visiting her ex-husband. 194 00:08:52,666 --> 00:08:54,899 Obviously, he was a person of interest. 195 00:08:54,901 --> 00:08:57,669 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 196 00:09:01,807 --> 00:09:06,945 ♪♪ 197 00:09:06,947 --> 00:09:09,748 It was a Thursday, June 28th, 198 00:09:09,750 --> 00:09:12,784 When paige birgfeld of grand junction, colorado, 199 00:09:12,786 --> 00:09:14,953 Quite suddenly went off the radar, 200 00:09:14,955 --> 00:09:17,355 Which was at least a place to start. 201 00:09:17,357 --> 00:09:19,891 So, henry selful and wayne weyler 202 00:09:19,893 --> 00:09:21,492 Of the mesa county sheriff's office 203 00:09:21,494 --> 00:09:23,728 Set out to trace her steps that day. 204 00:09:23,730 --> 00:09:24,963 - We found out that she had been 205 00:09:24,965 --> 00:09:27,865 At eagle visiting her, uh, ex-husband 206 00:09:27,867 --> 00:09:30,268 And they had been reconciling at that point. 207 00:09:30,270 --> 00:09:31,903 - But he, having been the last person 208 00:09:31,905 --> 00:09:33,037 Known to have seen her, 209 00:09:33,039 --> 00:09:35,073 I suppose would be a person of interest in the-- 210 00:09:35,075 --> 00:09:37,475 - Yes, obviously, he was a person of interest. 211 00:09:37,477 --> 00:09:40,712 - This person of interest, ron beigler, 212 00:09:40,714 --> 00:09:42,314 Was paige's first ex-husband. 213 00:09:42,316 --> 00:09:44,916 They married right out of high school. 214 00:09:44,918 --> 00:09:48,320 Young, immature, and soon divorced. 215 00:09:48,322 --> 00:09:51,489 But funny how this works. 216 00:09:51,491 --> 00:09:55,260 Ten years had sanded off their sharp-edged disputes 217 00:09:55,262 --> 00:09:58,463 And they saw anew why they fell in love. 218 00:09:58,465 --> 00:10:01,232 - It seemed like as if no time had passed at all. 219 00:10:01,234 --> 00:10:04,168 - This is ron beigler talking to a "dateline" producer 220 00:10:04,170 --> 00:10:06,071 Soon after paige's disappearance. 221 00:10:06,073 --> 00:10:07,372 - At what point did you start 222 00:10:07,374 --> 00:10:10,208 To, um, rekindle your relationship? 223 00:10:10,210 --> 00:10:11,242 - About six months ago. 224 00:10:11,244 --> 00:10:13,077 We tried to take it slow, but there was-- 225 00:10:13,079 --> 00:10:14,545 There was no denying that-- 226 00:10:14,547 --> 00:10:16,881 That it was just as it was before. 227 00:10:16,883 --> 00:10:20,018 - The problem was beigler lived in denver, 228 00:10:20,020 --> 00:10:22,020 A four-hour drive east. 229 00:10:22,022 --> 00:10:24,089 So, the two lovers would often meet 230 00:10:24,091 --> 00:10:25,690 At some midway point. 231 00:10:25,692 --> 00:10:27,425 On the day of paige's disappearance, 232 00:10:27,427 --> 00:10:29,394 They chose eagle, colorado. 233 00:10:29,396 --> 00:10:32,497 - We're going to have a picnic and hang out together all day. 234 00:10:32,499 --> 00:10:35,700 We went to subway and brought-- brought it back to, um-- 235 00:10:35,702 --> 00:10:38,370 We were sitting outside, down by the river. 236 00:10:38,372 --> 00:10:39,704 It was very familiar. 237 00:10:39,706 --> 00:10:41,372 And, you know, I brought some pictures, you know, 238 00:10:41,374 --> 00:10:44,442 And, um, you know, we just sat there and relaxed 239 00:10:44,444 --> 00:10:46,778 And enjoyed the day and the weather. 240 00:10:46,780 --> 00:10:48,613 It was a special, wonderful day. 241 00:10:48,615 --> 00:10:50,915 - And then around 7 p.M., 242 00:10:50,917 --> 00:10:53,851 They kissed and said goodbye and drove back 243 00:10:53,853 --> 00:10:56,254 To their respective sides of the state. 244 00:10:56,256 --> 00:11:00,925 Two hour later, at 8:57 p.M., paige called beigler. 245 00:11:00,927 --> 00:11:02,527 - To see if I made it back into denver. 246 00:11:02,529 --> 00:11:03,862 - Mm-hmm. 247 00:11:03,864 --> 00:11:07,598 - And then we had a-- a brief conversation. 248 00:11:07,600 --> 00:11:09,400 - Paige told beigler she wasn't home yet. 249 00:11:09,402 --> 00:11:10,535 She was stuck 250 00:11:10,537 --> 00:11:13,171 Behind a bad traffic accident in grand junction. 251 00:11:13,173 --> 00:11:15,540 And, indeed, investigators confirmed 252 00:11:15,542 --> 00:11:18,143 There was a fatal traffic accident 253 00:11:18,145 --> 00:11:19,610 Right here at this intersection. 254 00:11:19,612 --> 00:11:21,613 Somebody saw paige's car here, too, 255 00:11:21,615 --> 00:11:24,248 That very evening. 256 00:11:24,250 --> 00:11:27,952 The thing is, this is five miles past her house. 257 00:11:27,954 --> 00:11:30,088 Why was she here? 258 00:11:30,090 --> 00:11:32,691 - An hour later, 9:56 p.M., 259 00:11:32,693 --> 00:11:34,826 Paige's 8-year-old daughter jess 260 00:11:34,828 --> 00:11:36,694 Left this anxious voicemail message 261 00:11:36,696 --> 00:11:38,029 On her mother's cellphone. 262 00:11:43,637 --> 00:11:45,236 - No response. 263 00:11:45,238 --> 00:11:49,174 Her daughter waited, worried, and called again. 264 00:11:56,583 --> 00:11:58,583 - They slept then, best they could, 265 00:11:58,585 --> 00:11:59,851 All three children. 266 00:11:59,853 --> 00:12:02,186 And they woke the next day, Friday, June 29, 267 00:12:02,188 --> 00:12:04,655 To a whole new kind of anxiety. 268 00:12:04,657 --> 00:12:06,424 She still wasn't home. 269 00:12:14,267 --> 00:12:16,167 - Something in the pit of the stomach. 270 00:12:16,169 --> 00:12:19,671 Paige's old and new love, ron beigler, 271 00:12:19,673 --> 00:12:21,406 Seemed to feel it, too. 272 00:12:28,215 --> 00:12:30,414 - And hour by hour they piled up, 273 00:12:30,416 --> 00:12:33,284 Phone messages, like a normal day. 274 00:12:44,097 --> 00:12:46,230 - Not a single call was returned. 275 00:12:46,232 --> 00:12:48,065 And that night, again, 276 00:12:48,067 --> 00:12:49,700 The children with their nanny 277 00:12:49,702 --> 00:12:51,702 Waited in vain for their mother. 278 00:12:51,704 --> 00:12:54,238 The following day, Saturday, June 30, 279 00:12:54,240 --> 00:12:55,573 Ron beigler called the house 280 00:12:55,575 --> 00:12:59,143 And spoke to paige's 8-year-old daughter, jess. 281 00:12:59,145 --> 00:13:02,046 - She didn't sound particularly that distraught. 282 00:13:02,048 --> 00:13:05,716 I don't think she had an idea what was going on. 283 00:13:05,718 --> 00:13:07,018 Of course, she didn't. 284 00:13:07,020 --> 00:13:11,089 - Beigler's next call was to 911. 285 00:13:34,814 --> 00:13:37,148 - And that's when word of paige's disappearance 286 00:13:37,150 --> 00:13:39,350 Began to spread across colorado. 287 00:13:39,352 --> 00:13:43,154 Investigators didn't have a clue what happened to paige. 288 00:13:43,156 --> 00:13:45,756 But they wondered if beigler did. 289 00:13:45,758 --> 00:13:47,358 - Have police questioned you? 290 00:13:47,360 --> 00:13:48,526 - Yes, they have. 291 00:13:48,528 --> 00:13:51,996 - And have they released you as, um, you know, 292 00:13:51,998 --> 00:13:54,098 A potential suspect or...? 293 00:13:54,100 --> 00:13:57,568 - Um, I don't know what they-- what they've done on that. 294 00:13:57,570 --> 00:14:00,438 Um, I know that I-- that was never a concern 295 00:14:00,440 --> 00:14:02,974 Or worry of mine, you know, having it get pinned on me. 296 00:14:02,976 --> 00:14:05,042 - Mm-hmm. - You know... 297 00:14:05,044 --> 00:14:07,044 - You have an alibi for that night? 298 00:14:07,046 --> 00:14:08,980 - Just, um, I'm confident that 299 00:14:08,982 --> 00:14:10,982 The police know that I had nothing to do with it. 300 00:14:10,984 --> 00:14:13,184 - Do you feel like you have any thoughts 301 00:14:13,186 --> 00:14:16,287 As to what may have happened or what's happening? 302 00:14:16,289 --> 00:14:20,325 - I think it was, uh, a major premeditated abduction 303 00:14:20,327 --> 00:14:22,593 Or a completely random incident. 304 00:14:22,595 --> 00:14:24,462 I think that it's more likely 305 00:14:24,464 --> 00:14:26,964 That it's a premeditated abduction. 306 00:14:26,966 --> 00:14:31,535 - But sometimes those not asking questions find answers. 307 00:14:31,537 --> 00:14:33,137 It was the third day, 308 00:14:33,139 --> 00:14:36,807 Sunday, July 1, 2007, 9:58 p.M. 309 00:14:36,809 --> 00:14:38,542 A woman driving home from work 310 00:14:38,544 --> 00:14:41,613 Slammed on her brakes, called 911. 311 00:14:57,430 --> 00:14:58,763 - Coming up... 312 00:14:58,765 --> 00:15:02,233 Paige's car, what will it reveal? 313 00:15:02,235 --> 00:15:03,501 - Where it was really more intense 314 00:15:03,503 --> 00:15:05,036 Was on the driver's side. 315 00:15:05,038 --> 00:15:08,239 - And then something else belonging to paige. 316 00:15:08,241 --> 00:15:10,641 - It was an awful feeling of dread thinking 317 00:15:10,643 --> 00:15:13,177 How did this get here; what does it mean? 318 00:15:13,179 --> 00:15:14,779 - Either paige's abductor 319 00:15:14,781 --> 00:15:17,381 Was trying to throw them off track or... 320 00:15:17,383 --> 00:15:20,117 - She was in the trunk of a car or something 321 00:15:20,119 --> 00:15:22,620 And dumped these items out to leave a trail. 322 00:15:22,622 --> 00:15:25,356 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 323 00:15:34,767 --> 00:15:36,401 [sirens] 324 00:15:36,403 --> 00:15:38,369 Sunday night, the 1st of July, 325 00:15:38,371 --> 00:15:40,204 The grand junction fire department 326 00:15:40,206 --> 00:15:42,473 Was called to an industrial parking lot. 327 00:15:42,475 --> 00:15:45,309 A little red car was on fire. 328 00:15:45,311 --> 00:15:48,779 Frank birgfeld heard about the fire the morning after, 329 00:15:48,781 --> 00:15:49,981 Roared over there 330 00:15:49,983 --> 00:15:53,484 And could do nothing except watch from a distance 331 00:15:53,486 --> 00:15:56,921 As investigators crawled over his daughter's car. 332 00:15:56,923 --> 00:15:59,357 And that morning frank gave the first 333 00:15:59,359 --> 00:16:03,027 Of what would be many, many interviews. 334 00:16:03,029 --> 00:16:04,929 - We were hopeful when we found the car 335 00:16:04,931 --> 00:16:07,999 Things would fall into place, and maybe they will. 336 00:16:08,001 --> 00:16:09,734 - This interview, though, 337 00:16:09,736 --> 00:16:12,303 Was one frank just couldn't get through. 338 00:16:12,305 --> 00:16:15,306 - You know, it occurred to me I hadn't cried in a long time. 339 00:16:15,308 --> 00:16:18,809 I've learned how to do that. 340 00:16:18,811 --> 00:16:23,114 That's it. 341 00:16:23,116 --> 00:16:24,582 - Firefighter robert thomason 342 00:16:24,584 --> 00:16:26,851 Helped with the arson investigation. 343 00:16:26,853 --> 00:16:30,021 - You can see that the glass itself was all burned out, 344 00:16:30,023 --> 00:16:33,724 And you can see where it's still kind of intact over here. 345 00:16:33,726 --> 00:16:35,092 - Yeah. - It was really obvious to see 346 00:16:35,094 --> 00:16:38,162 The more intense was on the driver's side. 347 00:16:38,164 --> 00:16:40,331 - Meaning that's where the fire started. 348 00:16:40,333 --> 00:16:44,201 That's where the arsonist wanted to be sure to erase evidence. 349 00:16:44,203 --> 00:16:47,605 Under the car, damaged skid plates 350 00:16:47,607 --> 00:16:51,409 And strands of wild grass caught in the suspension, 351 00:16:51,411 --> 00:16:55,680 Meaning somebody had driven off road very recently. 352 00:16:55,682 --> 00:16:58,816 And after, dumped and torched the car 353 00:16:58,818 --> 00:17:00,985 In an industrial area just 1/4 mile 354 00:17:00,987 --> 00:17:03,754 From where paige made her last phone call. 355 00:17:03,756 --> 00:17:05,489 - It was way beyond her house, right? 356 00:17:05,491 --> 00:17:06,424 - Correct. 357 00:17:06,426 --> 00:17:07,558 It didn't fit for the car to be there. 358 00:17:07,560 --> 00:17:10,094 - News of the car fire was a turning point. 359 00:17:10,096 --> 00:17:13,264 No longer did the public suspect this was a case of 360 00:17:13,266 --> 00:17:15,700 An overwhelmed runaway mom. 361 00:17:15,702 --> 00:17:19,403 The response was an outpouring of volunteers, 362 00:17:19,405 --> 00:17:23,707 A spontaneous community project to find paige. 363 00:17:23,709 --> 00:17:26,210 - Just seeing the data on tv and everything like that, 364 00:17:26,212 --> 00:17:27,912 And I have, you know, some children of my own 365 00:17:27,914 --> 00:17:29,246 And I know what I'd be feeling like 366 00:17:29,248 --> 00:17:30,915 If one of my children was gone. 367 00:17:30,917 --> 00:17:33,517 And I just wanted to try to help if I could. 368 00:17:33,519 --> 00:17:35,319 - Paige's dad was there every day, 369 00:17:35,321 --> 00:17:37,721 Greeting a small army of volunteers. 370 00:17:37,723 --> 00:17:38,889 - Thanks for helping us. 371 00:17:38,891 --> 00:17:42,860 You know, it's really tough, you know? 372 00:17:42,862 --> 00:17:45,729 For people to give of themselves to that degree, 373 00:17:45,731 --> 00:17:46,664 I just... 374 00:17:46,666 --> 00:17:47,865 - One of our moms was gone. 375 00:17:47,867 --> 00:17:51,268 And her kids needed her, 376 00:17:51,270 --> 00:17:53,704 And we needed our friend, 377 00:17:53,706 --> 00:17:56,941 And our kids needed to know 378 00:17:56,943 --> 00:18:01,412 That if someone's mom is missing, 379 00:18:01,414 --> 00:18:05,316 That people are going to work hard to find her. 380 00:18:05,318 --> 00:18:09,286 - Paige's brother and his wife came from seattle to help. 381 00:18:09,288 --> 00:18:11,089 - The thing is I know that somebody out there 382 00:18:11,091 --> 00:18:12,490 Knows where she is. 383 00:18:12,492 --> 00:18:15,459 And, you know, we're looking for clues to find that person. 384 00:18:15,461 --> 00:18:19,997 But there's somebody, maybe who's watching this, 385 00:18:19,999 --> 00:18:22,032 Who knows where she is. 386 00:18:22,034 --> 00:18:24,635 - But this seemed odd. 387 00:18:24,637 --> 00:18:27,905 Not helping to find paige was her ex-husband 388 00:18:27,907 --> 00:18:30,674 And current boyfriend ron beigler. 389 00:18:30,676 --> 00:18:32,009 - Do you feel like you wish you could go there 390 00:18:32,011 --> 00:18:34,645 And help search for her? 391 00:18:34,647 --> 00:18:36,847 - A part of me does, definitely. 392 00:18:36,849 --> 00:18:40,384 - What's keeping you away from there? 393 00:18:40,386 --> 00:18:44,421 - Um, I don't know if I can handle being-- 394 00:18:44,423 --> 00:18:47,391 Being right in the situation. 395 00:18:47,393 --> 00:18:49,127 - Then, knowing we were preparing 396 00:18:49,129 --> 00:18:50,528 A report about the case, 397 00:18:50,530 --> 00:18:53,063 Beigler made a strange request. 398 00:18:53,065 --> 00:18:54,865 - Try to keep me out as much as possible. 399 00:18:54,867 --> 00:18:56,867 Like, just a few words here and there. 400 00:18:56,869 --> 00:18:59,603 But I don't want to, like, be on talking about things. 401 00:18:59,605 --> 00:19:01,539 - But hundreds of people, 402 00:19:01,541 --> 00:19:03,741 Many who had never once met paige, 403 00:19:03,743 --> 00:19:06,878 Searched on horseback, on atvs, on foot. 404 00:19:06,880 --> 00:19:08,479 They peered under bushes, 405 00:19:08,481 --> 00:19:10,081 They walked miles of desert brush 406 00:19:10,083 --> 00:19:13,551 In 100-degree heat and nothing. 407 00:19:13,553 --> 00:19:16,453 Truth be told, paige could have been anywhere. 408 00:19:16,455 --> 00:19:20,224 But then, four days after paige's disappearance, 409 00:19:20,226 --> 00:19:24,629 A driver stopped along a lonely stretch of highway 50. 410 00:19:24,631 --> 00:19:27,131 And as he stepped out of his truck, 411 00:19:27,133 --> 00:19:29,300 A piece of litter caught his eye. 412 00:19:29,302 --> 00:19:33,370 A blank check trapped in the roadside weeds. 413 00:19:33,372 --> 00:19:34,905 The name on it? 414 00:19:34,907 --> 00:19:36,707 Paige dixon. 415 00:19:36,709 --> 00:19:39,310 Paige's married name. 416 00:19:39,312 --> 00:19:43,981 So, then the flock of searchers descended on that road. 417 00:19:43,983 --> 00:19:45,583 - Making my way back west, 418 00:19:45,585 --> 00:19:48,052 Along the median I saw a checkbook. 419 00:19:48,054 --> 00:19:51,722 It was an awful feeling of dread thinking how did this get here? 420 00:19:51,724 --> 00:19:53,791 Why is it here? What does it mean? 421 00:19:53,793 --> 00:19:55,693 - Then more. 422 00:19:55,695 --> 00:19:58,796 Paige's wallet, charm bracelet, the shoe. 423 00:19:58,798 --> 00:20:02,800 Various cards, bank registers, and dozens of checks 424 00:20:02,802 --> 00:20:05,936 From both paige's personal and professional accounts, 425 00:20:05,938 --> 00:20:10,007 Nearly 100 items spread along 13 miles of road. 426 00:20:10,009 --> 00:20:13,677 Which left investigators with two very different theories. 427 00:20:13,679 --> 00:20:15,746 Either paige's abductor 428 00:20:15,748 --> 00:20:18,916 Was trying to throw them off track or... 429 00:20:18,918 --> 00:20:21,085 - She was in the trunk of a car or something 430 00:20:21,087 --> 00:20:23,587 And dumped these items out to leave a trail. 431 00:20:23,589 --> 00:20:25,089 - And while volunteers gathered 432 00:20:25,091 --> 00:20:27,725 This sad detritus of paige's life. 433 00:20:27,727 --> 00:20:29,360 A new wrinkle. 434 00:20:29,362 --> 00:20:32,096 - Paige's most recent ex-husband rob dixon 435 00:20:32,098 --> 00:20:35,099 Came back to town to look after the kids 436 00:20:35,101 --> 00:20:37,101 And help out with the search. 437 00:20:37,103 --> 00:20:39,503 And his reappearance 438 00:20:39,505 --> 00:20:42,006 Stopped volunteers in their tracks. 439 00:20:42,008 --> 00:20:45,175 Because of the stories paige told while they were married, 440 00:20:45,177 --> 00:20:48,279 Many thought him the most obvious suspect. 441 00:20:48,281 --> 00:20:50,714 - She was afraid of him. 442 00:20:50,716 --> 00:20:52,183 - Coming up... 443 00:21:03,396 --> 00:21:07,464 - What else paige told loved ones about rob dixon. 444 00:21:07,466 --> 00:21:09,066 - She was afraid he'd kill her. 445 00:21:09,068 --> 00:21:12,136 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 446 00:21:15,875 --> 00:21:20,211 ♪♪ 447 00:21:20,213 --> 00:21:22,747 Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 448 00:21:22,749 --> 00:21:23,948 I'm kate snow. 449 00:21:23,950 --> 00:21:26,016 Where was paige birgfeld? 450 00:21:26,018 --> 00:21:28,986 Investigators hoped the charred remains of her car 451 00:21:28,988 --> 00:21:32,223 Would provide clues, or that a roadside trail 452 00:21:32,225 --> 00:21:34,492 Of blank checks and other personal items 453 00:21:34,494 --> 00:21:36,560 Might lead to the missing mom. 454 00:21:36,562 --> 00:21:39,296 But as family, friends, and even strangers 455 00:21:39,298 --> 00:21:40,764 Continued the search, 456 00:21:40,766 --> 00:21:43,567 Some wondered if the key to the mystery 457 00:21:43,569 --> 00:21:45,569 Lay in paige's past, 458 00:21:45,571 --> 00:21:48,839 One that had recently come back to haunt her. 459 00:21:48,841 --> 00:21:54,378 Here's keith morrison with more of "double lives". 460 00:21:54,380 --> 00:21:57,514 - A wave of whispers spread at the speed of suspicions 461 00:21:57,516 --> 00:22:00,351 Among the searchers looking for the missing single mother, 462 00:22:00,353 --> 00:22:01,719 Paige birgfeld. 463 00:22:01,721 --> 00:22:03,287 The ex was in town. 464 00:22:03,289 --> 00:22:07,124 The most recent ex, that is, rob dixon. 465 00:22:07,126 --> 00:22:09,827 The one paige had all the trouble with. 466 00:22:09,829 --> 00:22:12,396 Of course, the relationship didn't start out that way. 467 00:22:12,398 --> 00:22:13,831 It never does. 468 00:22:13,833 --> 00:22:18,135 - At first, we only saw the-- what we referred to 469 00:22:18,137 --> 00:22:19,737 As the good rob side. 470 00:22:19,739 --> 00:22:21,739 - And that's certainly what paige only saw. 471 00:22:21,741 --> 00:22:24,742 - And-and we-- he was part of our family, 472 00:22:24,744 --> 00:22:29,713 And we loved him as much as an in-law would be. 473 00:22:29,715 --> 00:22:31,849 He was a good guy to have. 474 00:22:31,851 --> 00:22:34,284 - Dixon had been a hard-working paramedic 475 00:22:34,286 --> 00:22:38,522 Until his dad made a one-time fortune in the tech industry 476 00:22:38,524 --> 00:22:40,924 And passed that windfall onto his kids. 477 00:22:40,926 --> 00:22:43,293 And not long after getting his millions, 478 00:22:43,295 --> 00:22:45,096 Dixon met and married paige. 479 00:22:45,098 --> 00:22:46,630 And they had three kids 480 00:22:46,632 --> 00:22:49,433 And moved into a fine, big house. 481 00:22:49,435 --> 00:22:52,837 - He had admitted to having over $10 million. 482 00:22:52,839 --> 00:22:54,972 And I think when you admit to that, 483 00:22:54,974 --> 00:22:57,375 You have maybe twice that much. 484 00:22:57,377 --> 00:23:00,377 - And paige's parents watched him change. 485 00:23:00,379 --> 00:23:03,313 The whole town saw that, actually. 486 00:23:03,315 --> 00:23:08,185 - In his garage, I saw three range rovers, 487 00:23:08,187 --> 00:23:10,320 A jaguar, two porsches, 488 00:23:10,322 --> 00:23:13,624 And then later he had a lemon-yellow ferrari. 489 00:23:13,626 --> 00:23:14,992 If you've been to grand junction, 490 00:23:14,994 --> 00:23:16,660 And you want to fit in, 491 00:23:16,662 --> 00:23:19,763 A lemon-yellow ferrari is not exactly what you do. 492 00:23:19,765 --> 00:23:22,399 - Did he have-- make any effort to meet you or the other guys? 493 00:23:22,401 --> 00:23:23,801 - Um, the mom's club would get together, 494 00:23:23,803 --> 00:23:25,269 They would have occasions 495 00:23:25,271 --> 00:23:27,538 When all the families would get together. 496 00:23:27,540 --> 00:23:28,539 But he would never-- 497 00:23:28,541 --> 00:23:30,574 He would never come to any of them. 498 00:23:30,576 --> 00:23:33,677 Um, I never once saw him attend. 499 00:23:33,679 --> 00:23:36,013 - I was so baffled how someone as upbeat 500 00:23:36,015 --> 00:23:38,415 And just eternally happy as paige 501 00:23:38,417 --> 00:23:41,618 Could have this grump around. 502 00:23:41,620 --> 00:23:45,556 - But in hopes of promoting either goodwill or himself, 503 00:23:45,558 --> 00:23:49,393 Dixon joined the grand junction fire district board 504 00:23:49,395 --> 00:23:52,863 And then donated a brand-new firetruck. 505 00:23:52,865 --> 00:23:54,631 His generosity made news, 506 00:23:54,633 --> 00:23:57,935 Had locals wondering if they'd misjudged him. 507 00:23:57,937 --> 00:24:00,771 But soon it turned to dust. 508 00:24:00,773 --> 00:24:04,975 Dixon got himself in charge of fire district investments, 509 00:24:04,977 --> 00:24:08,212 Put public money in what he said was a sure thing. 510 00:24:08,214 --> 00:24:09,847 It wasn't. 511 00:24:09,849 --> 00:24:11,548 The money vanished. 512 00:24:11,550 --> 00:24:14,218 - Blew away, as I recall, about $750,000 513 00:24:14,220 --> 00:24:16,920 In bad investments for the fire district. 514 00:24:16,922 --> 00:24:20,491 - Peter hautzinger was at that time the mesa county d.A. 515 00:24:20,493 --> 00:24:21,792 - I made the decision 516 00:24:21,794 --> 00:24:26,597 To take that case to the grand jury, 517 00:24:26,599 --> 00:24:30,734 And ultimately the grand jury decided felony stupid, 518 00:24:30,736 --> 00:24:34,238 But not worthy of criminal charges. 519 00:24:34,240 --> 00:24:37,708 - Then, one day a repo man showed up 520 00:24:37,710 --> 00:24:41,178 For that shiny new firetruck dixon had donated. 521 00:24:41,180 --> 00:24:43,447 - It turned out the firetruck was leased, 522 00:24:43,449 --> 00:24:47,218 And they came and took it away from the fire department. 523 00:24:47,220 --> 00:24:51,455 - That's when frank and paige and the whole town 524 00:24:51,457 --> 00:24:55,425 Found out dixon's money was gone, too. 525 00:24:55,427 --> 00:24:59,763 - He gave it to someone who pyramid-schemed it. 526 00:24:59,765 --> 00:25:02,232 - The missing money, the repoed truck, 527 00:25:02,234 --> 00:25:05,569 The grand jury investigation had all kept dixon 528 00:25:05,571 --> 00:25:08,505 On the front pages of the local paper for months. 529 00:25:08,507 --> 00:25:13,176 A series of public humiliations ending with an exclamation point 530 00:25:13,178 --> 00:25:17,714 When he was embarrassingly picked newsmaker of the year. 531 00:25:17,716 --> 00:25:18,849 - It was clear rob; 532 00:25:18,851 --> 00:25:21,351 He was a big deal because he had a lot of money. 533 00:25:21,353 --> 00:25:24,121 And then to lose it and be disgraced 534 00:25:24,123 --> 00:25:26,857 In a relatively small community. 535 00:25:26,859 --> 00:25:28,458 - They're writing about him in the local paper. 536 00:25:28,460 --> 00:25:31,262 - And I said he has taken a gigantic fall, 537 00:25:31,264 --> 00:25:34,798 And he will change dramatically for the worse. 538 00:25:34,800 --> 00:25:37,535 And I think that was very predictable, 539 00:25:37,537 --> 00:25:39,870 And I think for rob that's what happened. 540 00:25:39,872 --> 00:25:41,805 At the end, it was almost always bad rob 541 00:25:41,807 --> 00:25:43,240 That we were dealing with. 542 00:25:43,242 --> 00:25:46,276 She, uh, told friends and we saw an email. 543 00:25:46,278 --> 00:25:47,477 She was afraid he'd kill her. 544 00:25:47,479 --> 00:25:49,680 - He said he would kill her several times. 545 00:25:49,682 --> 00:25:54,318 - In 2004, paige, in the midst of this downward spiral, 546 00:25:54,320 --> 00:25:55,886 Called 911. 547 00:26:07,433 --> 00:26:10,033 - Police were dispatched, but there was no arrest. 548 00:26:10,035 --> 00:26:12,102 According to paige's parents, 549 00:26:12,104 --> 00:26:14,204 The fighting only got worse. 550 00:26:14,206 --> 00:26:16,306 - It was, you know, very ugly, 551 00:26:16,308 --> 00:26:18,909 The psychological, emotional abuse 552 00:26:18,911 --> 00:26:21,912 That she endured all of the time. 553 00:26:21,914 --> 00:26:25,049 And when I was there visiting, 554 00:26:25,051 --> 00:26:27,718 I saw an awful lot of it. 555 00:26:27,720 --> 00:26:30,754 - After a second incident, dixon was arrested 556 00:26:30,756 --> 00:26:33,056 On suspicion of third-degree assault. 557 00:26:33,058 --> 00:26:36,660 - We had a misdemeanor domestic violence case 558 00:26:36,662 --> 00:26:38,729 Against him with paige as the victim. 559 00:26:38,731 --> 00:26:42,099 - Dixon pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of harassment, 560 00:26:42,101 --> 00:26:43,867 Got a deferred sentence. 561 00:26:43,869 --> 00:26:47,071 The entire case, though, was later thrown out. 562 00:26:47,073 --> 00:26:51,575 Anyway, paige filed for divorce, and dixon for bankruptcy 563 00:26:51,577 --> 00:26:55,613 And moved away to philadelphia to work as an ent again. 564 00:26:55,615 --> 00:26:59,449 And paige did what she could to keep the kids 565 00:26:59,451 --> 00:27:02,019 In the only home they'd ever known. 566 00:27:02,021 --> 00:27:05,222 That big place with a mortgage to match. 567 00:27:05,224 --> 00:27:08,025 Close to six grand a month. 568 00:27:08,027 --> 00:27:12,429 - She would just sit and ponder how can a single mom 569 00:27:12,431 --> 00:27:15,499 With three kids make enough money to stay 570 00:27:15,501 --> 00:27:19,236 In the house that her husband used to support? 571 00:27:19,238 --> 00:27:22,439 - She had no lack of ideas or ambition. 572 00:27:22,441 --> 00:27:23,974 She sold cooking products 573 00:27:23,976 --> 00:27:26,176 For a company called the pampered chef 574 00:27:26,178 --> 00:27:28,812 And slings for carrying babies. 575 00:27:28,814 --> 00:27:31,481 She taught dancing classes for little kids. 576 00:27:31,483 --> 00:27:33,216 Anything to turn a buck, 577 00:27:33,218 --> 00:27:36,653 Keeping track of it all in that big day planner of hers. 578 00:27:36,655 --> 00:27:39,256 The one that was almost an hour-to-hour record 579 00:27:39,258 --> 00:27:40,324 Of her life. 580 00:27:40,326 --> 00:27:44,595 And even though he was now far away, 581 00:27:44,597 --> 00:27:47,731 She also kept an eye out for dixon. 582 00:27:47,733 --> 00:27:49,533 - Flat out, she was afraid of him. 583 00:27:49,535 --> 00:27:52,736 Um, she was afraid of him coming back to town. 584 00:27:52,738 --> 00:27:54,338 She was always nervous 585 00:27:54,340 --> 00:27:56,340 He was going to be coming back into town. 586 00:27:56,342 --> 00:28:00,410 - And sure enough, two years later in June, 2007, 587 00:28:00,412 --> 00:28:02,279 The week before she vanished, 588 00:28:02,281 --> 00:28:04,615 Paige got a call from dixon. 589 00:28:04,617 --> 00:28:06,350 He said he missed the kids; 590 00:28:06,352 --> 00:28:08,886 Said he was moving back to colorado. 591 00:28:08,888 --> 00:28:12,756 - She said that she knew 592 00:28:12,758 --> 00:28:14,357 That rob was coming back 593 00:28:14,359 --> 00:28:17,695 And that he was going to do something. 594 00:28:17,697 --> 00:28:21,531 And I was floored. 595 00:28:21,533 --> 00:28:22,866 - Do something? 596 00:28:22,868 --> 00:28:25,001 - I thought, what does "do something" mean? 597 00:28:25,003 --> 00:28:27,838 And she just said she knew 598 00:28:27,840 --> 00:28:29,440 Something bad was going to happen. 599 00:28:29,442 --> 00:28:31,808 But murder did not enter my mind. 600 00:28:31,810 --> 00:28:34,978 Kidnapping did not enter my mind. 601 00:28:34,980 --> 00:28:36,646 - It must have been very strange to hear that. 602 00:28:36,648 --> 00:28:40,984 - It was a staggering conversation. 603 00:28:40,986 --> 00:28:43,553 I mean, we were just two moms with small children 604 00:28:43,555 --> 00:28:46,757 Faced with an unknown situation. 605 00:28:46,759 --> 00:28:51,027 And, um, a couple of days later she was missing. 606 00:28:51,029 --> 00:28:52,596 - Coming up... 607 00:28:52,598 --> 00:28:55,866 Inside the wreckage of paige's burned-out car, 608 00:28:55,868 --> 00:28:57,267 Her day planner. 609 00:28:57,269 --> 00:28:59,302 - It still had the pages intact. 610 00:28:59,304 --> 00:29:03,073 - Inside the planner, a shock for everyone on the case. 611 00:29:03,075 --> 00:29:04,908 - That was stunning. 612 00:29:04,910 --> 00:29:06,777 - Quite obviously, it's dangerous. 613 00:29:06,779 --> 00:29:10,981 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 614 00:29:14,018 --> 00:29:18,889 ♪♪ 615 00:29:18,891 --> 00:29:20,891 It was a dismal clue. 616 00:29:20,893 --> 00:29:23,627 The trail of bits and pieces of paige birgfeld's life 617 00:29:23,629 --> 00:29:25,896 Found scattered by the highway. 618 00:29:25,898 --> 00:29:29,566 But still no paige, alive or dead. 619 00:29:29,568 --> 00:29:32,135 And now, detectives had two ex-husbands 620 00:29:32,137 --> 00:29:33,570 To investigate. 621 00:29:33,572 --> 00:29:37,107 Ron beigler, the last person known to have seen her alive, 622 00:29:37,109 --> 00:29:39,609 And rob dixon, the man she told friends 623 00:29:39,611 --> 00:29:41,311 She lived in fear of. 624 00:29:41,313 --> 00:29:44,548 - Most people that she knew, friends, believed 625 00:29:44,550 --> 00:29:46,716 That rob dixon had something to do with this. 626 00:29:46,718 --> 00:29:48,985 - So, he pops right up to the top of your list? 627 00:29:48,987 --> 00:29:52,923 - Absolutely. He and rob beigler both. 628 00:29:52,925 --> 00:29:55,859 - As for hard evidence, there was very little 629 00:29:55,861 --> 00:29:59,729 Except for the investigators little secret.' 630 00:29:59,731 --> 00:30:00,597 The one bit of evidence 631 00:30:00,599 --> 00:30:02,733 They'd been hiding from everyone, 632 00:30:02,735 --> 00:30:04,601 Even the birgfelds. 633 00:30:04,603 --> 00:30:08,872 Something that by pure luck survived that car fire. 634 00:30:08,874 --> 00:30:11,107 Paige's day planner. 635 00:30:11,109 --> 00:30:15,745 - The melted dash had fallen down onto the floor 636 00:30:15,747 --> 00:30:17,514 Covering up the day planner. 637 00:30:17,516 --> 00:30:19,883 And so, it was protected from the heat 638 00:30:19,885 --> 00:30:21,251 As well as from the fire 639 00:30:21,253 --> 00:30:23,653 Because it had an upper layer on it. 640 00:30:23,655 --> 00:30:25,822 - What sort of condition was it in? 641 00:30:25,824 --> 00:30:27,791 - It was in -- I mean, it was smoke damaged, 642 00:30:27,793 --> 00:30:28,992 And it had heat damage, 643 00:30:28,994 --> 00:30:31,562 But it still had the pages intact. 644 00:30:31,564 --> 00:30:32,896 - The day planner, as you can see, 645 00:30:32,898 --> 00:30:35,566 Still very readable, was full of appointments, 646 00:30:35,568 --> 00:30:37,835 And plans, and contact numbers, 647 00:30:37,837 --> 00:30:40,770 Most mundane, routine. 648 00:30:40,772 --> 00:30:44,174 But, and this was strange, three key pages, 649 00:30:44,176 --> 00:30:46,610 June 26 through 29, 650 00:30:46,612 --> 00:30:49,279 The dates surrounding paige's disappearance, 651 00:30:49,281 --> 00:30:51,048 Had been ripped out. 652 00:30:51,050 --> 00:30:52,883 And there was something else. 653 00:30:52,885 --> 00:30:56,753 One particular business card, that just didn't belong, 654 00:30:56,755 --> 00:31:01,124 For a company called ladies en confidante. 655 00:31:01,126 --> 00:31:03,994 An enterprise that oddly shared the same phone number 656 00:31:03,996 --> 00:31:07,197 With a business called models, inc. 657 00:31:07,199 --> 00:31:09,733 Those cards were found scattered along highway 50 658 00:31:09,735 --> 00:31:12,002 Among paige's personal effects, 659 00:31:12,004 --> 00:31:15,005 Which appeared to support a strange story 660 00:31:15,007 --> 00:31:17,974 Told by ex-husband ron beigler 661 00:31:17,976 --> 00:31:21,077 That paige had clients she would see. 662 00:31:21,079 --> 00:31:23,546 - It was, you know, lonely, older married men 663 00:31:23,548 --> 00:31:26,950 Buying companionship from a really intelligent woman 664 00:31:26,952 --> 00:31:29,219 That they wanted to spend time with. 665 00:31:29,221 --> 00:31:32,289 - As hard as paige tried, what with the dancing classes, 666 00:31:32,291 --> 00:31:35,158 The baby slings, the cooking products, 667 00:31:35,160 --> 00:31:38,094 She simply couldn't keep up with the bills. 668 00:31:38,096 --> 00:31:40,563 And so, paige, investigators learned, 669 00:31:40,565 --> 00:31:42,933 Had taken on one more job. 670 00:31:42,935 --> 00:31:46,803 She started moonlighting as an escort. 671 00:31:46,805 --> 00:31:50,540 - Finding out that paige was running a rather high-class, 672 00:31:50,542 --> 00:31:54,110 High-quality sort of, uh, prostitution business 673 00:31:54,112 --> 00:31:55,512 Was kind of stunning. 674 00:31:55,514 --> 00:31:58,381 I had no idea that that took place in my jurisdiction. 675 00:31:58,383 --> 00:32:01,118 - Living in a very nice house in a nice part of town. 676 00:32:01,120 --> 00:32:04,821 - And known to a number of people that -- 677 00:32:04,823 --> 00:32:05,789 That I knew. 678 00:32:05,791 --> 00:32:06,990 I mean, she was a soccer mom. - Yeah. 679 00:32:06,992 --> 00:32:09,326 - One of my best friends', um, daughter, I believe, 680 00:32:09,328 --> 00:32:12,862 Played on the same soccer team as paige's kids. 681 00:32:12,864 --> 00:32:15,765 - So, how did paige manage to keep her escort service 682 00:32:15,767 --> 00:32:20,403 A secret from everybody but clients for so long? 683 00:32:20,405 --> 00:32:23,006 Well, she went by the name carrie, 684 00:32:23,008 --> 00:32:25,409 Selling her services through a front company she ran 685 00:32:25,411 --> 00:32:27,644 Called models, inc., 686 00:32:27,646 --> 00:32:30,347 A name that implied, intentionally, 687 00:32:30,349 --> 00:32:32,282 That several women worked with her, 688 00:32:32,284 --> 00:32:34,818 When, in fact, it was just her. 689 00:32:34,820 --> 00:32:37,787 Some friends suspected, most didn't. 690 00:32:37,789 --> 00:32:39,622 - It was very hard for me to believe 691 00:32:39,624 --> 00:32:44,094 That she would want to have sex with men for money. 692 00:32:44,096 --> 00:32:45,829 - But she did. 693 00:32:45,831 --> 00:32:47,564 According to this investigative report, 694 00:32:47,566 --> 00:32:50,767 Paige would charge up to $1,000 a session. 695 00:32:50,769 --> 00:32:53,003 You can imagine how these revelations 696 00:32:53,005 --> 00:32:55,572 Hit paige's mom and dad. 697 00:32:55,574 --> 00:32:57,107 They just couldn't believe it. 698 00:32:57,109 --> 00:33:00,377 - If I had known about it, I-I definitely would have tried 699 00:33:00,379 --> 00:33:04,914 To use whatever persuasion I had to turn her away from it. 700 00:33:04,916 --> 00:33:06,216 - Um-hmm. 701 00:33:06,218 --> 00:33:09,453 - I mean, if nothing else, quite obviously it's dangerous. 702 00:33:09,455 --> 00:33:12,622 - So, it was a shock, obviously, 703 00:33:12,624 --> 00:33:15,859 But they said they could understand her motives. 704 00:33:15,861 --> 00:33:19,196 After all, rob dixon's money had run out. 705 00:33:19,198 --> 00:33:22,766 - She was doing what she had to do 706 00:33:22,768 --> 00:33:27,537 To keep life as normal as possible for the children. 707 00:33:27,539 --> 00:33:29,272 - The news spread, of course. 708 00:33:29,274 --> 00:33:31,408 Pretty soon, most people in town knew. 709 00:33:31,410 --> 00:33:33,276 - There were people who wrote to the paper 710 00:33:33,278 --> 00:33:34,644 And said horrible things like, 711 00:33:34,646 --> 00:33:35,812 "why are we spending all this time 712 00:33:35,814 --> 00:33:38,748 "looking for a dead hooker?" - dirt. 713 00:33:38,750 --> 00:33:42,952 Spread, said andrea, by those who didn't even know paige. 714 00:33:42,954 --> 00:33:44,020 - We knew her heart. 715 00:33:44,022 --> 00:33:46,756 We knew who she was everyday with us 716 00:33:46,758 --> 00:33:47,724 And with her kids. 717 00:33:47,726 --> 00:33:50,360 And if anything, it only put us into 718 00:33:50,362 --> 00:33:53,830 Hyper vigilant "defend her" mode 719 00:33:53,832 --> 00:33:56,099 And made us all want to get out there 720 00:33:56,101 --> 00:33:58,835 And talk about what a good person she was 721 00:33:58,837 --> 00:34:00,437 As much as possible. 722 00:34:00,439 --> 00:34:02,238 - A much bigger problem, though, 723 00:34:02,240 --> 00:34:03,640 Was that paige's secret life 724 00:34:03,642 --> 00:34:06,376 Made an already complicated missing person case 725 00:34:06,378 --> 00:34:08,178 Far more difficult. 726 00:34:08,180 --> 00:34:10,914 - We start looking at the phone that she was using 727 00:34:10,916 --> 00:34:12,115 For models, inc., 728 00:34:12,117 --> 00:34:13,450 And you start identifying people 729 00:34:13,452 --> 00:34:16,186 Who had the most recent contact with her. 730 00:34:16,188 --> 00:34:19,522 And you came across multiple people. 731 00:34:19,524 --> 00:34:20,990 - Hello, you've reached models, inc., 732 00:34:20,992 --> 00:34:23,260 Colorado's premiere gentleman's service. 733 00:34:23,262 --> 00:34:26,863 - Now, every client who contacted paige on June 28, 734 00:34:26,865 --> 00:34:30,467 And there were many, was a potential suspect. 735 00:34:30,469 --> 00:34:33,437 Here's just a sampling of her phone messages that day. 736 00:35:07,139 --> 00:35:10,707 - So, they put together a list, called it possible suspects. 737 00:35:10,709 --> 00:35:13,043 The two ex-husbands now joined by 738 00:35:13,045 --> 00:35:15,145 Six of paige's clients. 739 00:35:15,147 --> 00:35:17,314 Nothing to do but check out all of them, 740 00:35:17,316 --> 00:35:20,450 Beginning with the last client paige called. 741 00:35:20,452 --> 00:35:27,190 This guy, george coralluzzo who, the day paige disappeared, 742 00:35:27,192 --> 00:35:29,692 Called her 19 times. 743 00:35:29,694 --> 00:35:31,328 - We're thinking that's our guy. 744 00:35:31,330 --> 00:35:33,429 - I couldn't get rid of him. - Hmm. 745 00:35:33,431 --> 00:35:35,665 - And he's still haunting me. 746 00:35:35,667 --> 00:35:38,902 - Coming up... What this woman saw. 747 00:35:38,904 --> 00:35:40,403 - It just -- it hit me. 748 00:35:40,405 --> 00:35:42,672 - And what she told investigators. 749 00:35:42,674 --> 00:35:44,641 - He totally did this. 750 00:35:44,643 --> 00:35:47,911 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 751 00:35:50,881 --> 00:35:56,953 ♪♪ 752 00:35:56,955 --> 00:36:00,423 Grand junction is a modern town in every way. 753 00:36:00,425 --> 00:36:03,226 But lift your eyes from the humdrum, 754 00:36:03,228 --> 00:36:04,527 Watch a setting sun 755 00:36:04,529 --> 00:36:07,764 Fire the great monument cliffs all around, 756 00:36:07,766 --> 00:36:10,300 And for a moment you're in the old west. 757 00:36:10,302 --> 00:36:13,102 The mystique that clings to the place, 758 00:36:13,104 --> 00:36:16,573 As do the drifters attracted to such things. 759 00:36:16,575 --> 00:36:19,709 Young men who split their time between odd jobs 760 00:36:19,711 --> 00:36:21,578 And the county jail. 761 00:36:21,580 --> 00:36:24,814 Like, for example, george coralluzzo, 762 00:36:24,816 --> 00:36:27,884 Here from new jersey and eager to hustle a buck 763 00:36:27,886 --> 00:36:29,919 Or a woman or whatever. 764 00:36:29,921 --> 00:36:33,389 - George coralluzzo was a conman, a sick person. 765 00:36:33,391 --> 00:36:35,091 - Meagan williams knew coralluzzo 766 00:36:35,093 --> 00:36:38,328 Because he and her then husband had partnered in 767 00:36:38,330 --> 00:36:40,196 A house painting business. 768 00:36:40,198 --> 00:36:43,667 Knowing coralluzzo as she did, she was not surprised by 769 00:36:43,669 --> 00:36:47,137 A visit she got on July 1, 2007. 770 00:36:47,139 --> 00:36:49,405 - Sheriffs came to our house and they said, 771 00:36:49,407 --> 00:36:50,807 "is george coralluzzo here?" 772 00:36:50,809 --> 00:36:52,842 I actually thought they were there to talk about 773 00:36:52,844 --> 00:36:54,611 This kidnapping case. - Yeah. 774 00:36:54,613 --> 00:36:56,746 - To meagan, this kidnapping case 775 00:36:56,748 --> 00:37:00,283 Meant one six months earlier in which coralluzzo 776 00:37:00,285 --> 00:37:03,419 Allegedly took this woman against her will 777 00:37:03,421 --> 00:37:06,189 On a long, scary ride across state lines. 778 00:37:06,191 --> 00:37:09,492 - I spilled to them everything I knew 779 00:37:09,494 --> 00:37:10,493 Up to that point. 780 00:37:10,495 --> 00:37:11,494 - Thinking you were talking about 781 00:37:11,496 --> 00:37:14,330 A different crime altogether. - Correct. 782 00:37:14,332 --> 00:37:16,332 - Deputies didn't let on. 783 00:37:16,334 --> 00:37:18,201 But, of course, they were really looking into 784 00:37:18,203 --> 00:37:20,370 The disappearance of paige birgfeld 785 00:37:20,372 --> 00:37:22,372 Three days earlier. 786 00:37:22,374 --> 00:37:25,275 Where was coralluzzo that day? 787 00:37:25,277 --> 00:37:27,844 "well, very interesting," said meagan. 788 00:37:27,846 --> 00:37:30,380 He'd failed to show up for work, 789 00:37:30,382 --> 00:37:32,048 And later that night 790 00:37:32,050 --> 00:37:34,917 He offered a truly bizarre reason why. 791 00:37:34,919 --> 00:37:37,120 - That his family had been in an accident. 792 00:37:37,122 --> 00:37:38,655 And we said, "what kind of accident?" 793 00:37:38,657 --> 00:37:40,757 Oh, well, my brother and my sister-in-law 794 00:37:40,759 --> 00:37:42,125 And my niece and nephew were beheaded 795 00:37:42,127 --> 00:37:43,793 On the turnpike in new jersey. 796 00:37:43,795 --> 00:37:44,894 He had to go to new jersey; 797 00:37:44,896 --> 00:37:46,796 He had to solidify funeral arrangements. 798 00:37:46,798 --> 00:37:50,133 He was sobbing and hands were flying. 799 00:37:50,135 --> 00:37:51,000 And he was just like, 800 00:37:51,002 --> 00:37:52,269 "I don't know what I'm gonna do!" 801 00:37:52,271 --> 00:37:57,473 And just very upset. And we believed him. 802 00:37:57,475 --> 00:37:58,675 - And she told the detectives 803 00:37:58,677 --> 00:38:01,144 Coralluzzo took the first available flight 804 00:38:01,146 --> 00:38:04,213 Back to new jersey. And that was that. 805 00:38:04,215 --> 00:38:06,249 The detectives thanked her and left. 806 00:38:06,251 --> 00:38:09,218 Didn't mention a thing about paige birgfeld. 807 00:38:09,220 --> 00:38:11,554 And then the very next day, 808 00:38:11,556 --> 00:38:14,123 Megan was watching the news on tv 809 00:38:14,125 --> 00:38:16,759 And saw the story about the burned-out car. 810 00:38:16,761 --> 00:38:20,163 - Her car was found ablaze in this parking lot off 23 road. 811 00:38:20,165 --> 00:38:23,199 - And then I saw paige's face come across the news. 812 00:38:23,201 --> 00:38:25,368 And I looked at my -- my ex-husband tim 813 00:38:25,370 --> 00:38:28,004 And I said, "that's what happened." 814 00:38:28,006 --> 00:38:30,673 I said, "he murdered that woman." 815 00:38:30,675 --> 00:38:32,775 It just -- it hit me. 816 00:38:32,777 --> 00:38:35,311 - Then, of course, she had to know. 817 00:38:35,313 --> 00:38:36,646 Was that wild story 818 00:38:36,648 --> 00:38:39,115 About a decapitating accident in new jersey 819 00:38:39,117 --> 00:38:42,452 Just coralluzzo's excuse to run from what he had done? 820 00:38:42,454 --> 00:38:44,120 To get out of town? 821 00:38:44,122 --> 00:38:46,723 - I scoured the internet and made phone calls. 822 00:38:46,725 --> 00:38:48,325 - Scoured the internet looking for evidence of 823 00:38:48,327 --> 00:38:49,525 A big traffic accident? - Um-hmm. 824 00:38:49,527 --> 00:38:51,260 Nothing there. - So, who'd you phone? 825 00:38:51,262 --> 00:38:53,496 - I called their local gazette newspaper. 826 00:38:53,498 --> 00:38:54,464 - Okay. 827 00:38:54,466 --> 00:38:56,199 - Talked to a reporter. Nothing happened. 828 00:38:56,201 --> 00:38:58,468 I called the coroner. Nothing. 829 00:38:58,470 --> 00:39:01,671 So, newspaper, coroner, hospitals. 830 00:39:01,673 --> 00:39:02,672 Nothing. 831 00:39:02,674 --> 00:39:05,141 - But meagan was able to locate coralluzzo 832 00:39:05,143 --> 00:39:07,277 And passed that tip onto lead investigator, 833 00:39:07,279 --> 00:39:09,112 Beverly jarrell, 834 00:39:09,114 --> 00:39:11,948 Who would end up playing a key role. 835 00:39:11,950 --> 00:39:14,417 You'll hear more about her later. 836 00:39:14,419 --> 00:39:17,153 Jarrell caught up with coralluzzo in new jersey, 837 00:39:17,155 --> 00:39:19,689 Grilled him for five hours. 838 00:39:19,691 --> 00:39:22,058 But coralluzzo denied everything. 839 00:39:22,060 --> 00:39:24,594 More important, he was in new jersey 840 00:39:24,596 --> 00:39:27,029 When paige's car was set ablaze. 841 00:39:27,031 --> 00:39:28,831 So, jarrell let him go. 842 00:39:28,833 --> 00:39:32,101 - If he didn't burn the car, doesn't that let him out? 843 00:39:32,103 --> 00:39:33,403 - No. - Why not? 844 00:39:33,405 --> 00:39:37,173 - Because his actions lead me to believe 845 00:39:37,175 --> 00:39:40,643 That he did something so disgusting and vile 846 00:39:40,645 --> 00:39:41,944 That he had to leave grand junction 847 00:39:41,946 --> 00:39:45,047 And lie about his family dying. Something happened. 848 00:39:45,049 --> 00:39:46,749 - And there was something else, said meagan. 849 00:39:46,751 --> 00:39:50,920 - He told multiple people that he did something so terrible 850 00:39:50,922 --> 00:39:52,889 That he could never take it to the grave. 851 00:39:52,891 --> 00:39:54,857 And that he would never be forgiven. 852 00:39:54,859 --> 00:39:57,727 What was that, besides murdering somebody? 853 00:39:57,729 --> 00:39:58,895 - Um-hmm. 854 00:39:58,897 --> 00:40:01,964 - George was a sketchy person and he totally did this. 855 00:40:01,966 --> 00:40:04,400 - The coralluzzo she knew, she said, 856 00:40:04,402 --> 00:40:07,804 Was cunning enough to have one of his pals help him. 857 00:40:07,806 --> 00:40:13,276 Somebody like this guy, his best friend, jose tavera. 858 00:40:13,278 --> 00:40:16,012 Detectives suspected that, too. 859 00:40:16,014 --> 00:40:19,615 So, they found tavera, brought him in for questioning, 860 00:40:19,617 --> 00:40:21,217 And what do you know? 861 00:40:21,219 --> 00:40:23,620 He'd recently injured his arm. 862 00:40:23,622 --> 00:40:27,056 - I had a bandage on it and, uh, the cop asked me what-- 863 00:40:27,058 --> 00:40:28,090 What is that, you know? 864 00:40:28,092 --> 00:40:29,959 The detective goes, "what happened there?" 865 00:40:29,961 --> 00:40:31,994 Well, I said I burned myself at work. 866 00:40:31,996 --> 00:40:34,297 He was like, well, are you good enough of a friend 867 00:40:34,299 --> 00:40:38,401 To burn a car down for george, you know? 868 00:40:39,871 --> 00:40:43,172 - It was a traumatic time here in grand junction, colorado 869 00:40:43,174 --> 00:40:46,309 That summer of 2007, what with the fruitless search 870 00:40:46,311 --> 00:40:49,645 For the missing mother of three, loved by so many, 871 00:40:49,647 --> 00:40:52,048 Who turned out to have secrets. 872 00:40:52,050 --> 00:40:57,520 And the day planner and voicemails and phone records 873 00:40:57,522 --> 00:41:00,957 That seemed to point eight different ways at once. 874 00:41:00,959 --> 00:41:04,927 Two ex-husbands and six clients. 875 00:41:04,929 --> 00:41:06,128 - Well, I don't think that I've ever seen 876 00:41:06,130 --> 00:41:10,199 A more difficult case in my entire career. 877 00:41:10,201 --> 00:41:12,802 - One by one, the detectives cleared their suspects, 878 00:41:12,804 --> 00:41:14,604 Or tried to. 879 00:41:14,606 --> 00:41:16,439 Ex-husband number one 880 00:41:16,441 --> 00:41:18,975 And current boyfriend, ron beigler... 881 00:41:18,977 --> 00:41:20,610 - We were able to determine that mr. Beigler 882 00:41:20,612 --> 00:41:25,815 Had been in the denver area through cellphone records. 883 00:41:25,817 --> 00:41:27,783 - Second husband rob dixon, 884 00:41:27,785 --> 00:41:30,620 The one man she said she feared... 885 00:41:30,622 --> 00:41:32,855 - We were able to corroborate with his employer 886 00:41:32,857 --> 00:41:34,557 That he was in the philadelphia area 887 00:41:34,559 --> 00:41:35,625 At the time. 888 00:41:35,627 --> 00:41:38,227 - And rob dixon's cellphone connected to a tower 889 00:41:38,229 --> 00:41:41,297 In pennsylvania the night paige disappeared. 890 00:41:41,299 --> 00:41:43,566 And three days later, 891 00:41:43,568 --> 00:41:45,869 When he left his message on paige's phone. 892 00:41:54,312 --> 00:41:58,881 - Still, there were caveats to dixon and beigler's alibis. 893 00:41:58,883 --> 00:42:01,517 - That doesn't eliminate them as far as, um, 894 00:42:01,519 --> 00:42:04,186 Having some involvement and maybe paying somebody. 895 00:42:04,188 --> 00:42:06,589 - Then there was the list of clients, 896 00:42:06,591 --> 00:42:08,391 Coralluzzo at the top of it, 897 00:42:08,393 --> 00:42:10,126 Given he didn't have a solid alibi 898 00:42:10,128 --> 00:42:13,129 And skipped town right after her disappearance. 899 00:42:13,131 --> 00:42:16,666 - Coralluzzo was the one that was most concerning. 900 00:42:16,668 --> 00:42:20,003 - Not to mention coralluzzo's friend, jose tavera, 901 00:42:20,005 --> 00:42:23,039 The one with the big burn on his arm, 902 00:42:23,041 --> 00:42:25,975 Who swore he did not help coralluzzo 903 00:42:25,977 --> 00:42:28,411 By setting fire to paige's car. 904 00:42:28,413 --> 00:42:29,612 - I said I don't care if mother theresa comes 905 00:42:29,614 --> 00:42:30,880 And asks me to burn a car, 906 00:42:30,882 --> 00:42:33,316 I said I'd tell her to go to hell, you know? 907 00:42:33,318 --> 00:42:36,152 - So, they let him go too, for the moment. 908 00:42:36,154 --> 00:42:37,720 The other clients? 909 00:42:37,722 --> 00:42:39,756 Hautzinger knew one of them very well, 910 00:42:39,758 --> 00:42:43,092 A prominent real estate investor named steven hield. 911 00:42:43,094 --> 00:42:46,529 He was almost as well known in town as rob dixon. 912 00:42:46,531 --> 00:42:49,732 And like dixon, for the wrong reasons. 913 00:42:49,734 --> 00:42:51,367 - The first major case I handled 914 00:42:51,369 --> 00:42:52,969 When I came to this jurisdiction 915 00:42:52,971 --> 00:42:55,104 Was his multimillion-dollar fraud case. 916 00:42:55,106 --> 00:42:56,973 I mean, I prosecuted him and sent him to prison 917 00:42:56,975 --> 00:42:59,242 Back in the early 1990s for that. 918 00:42:59,244 --> 00:43:02,445 So, when he came up again as a suspect 919 00:43:02,447 --> 00:43:06,382 In the birgfeld matter, it was interesting. 920 00:43:06,384 --> 00:43:08,117 - When detectives questioned him, 921 00:43:08,119 --> 00:43:10,320 Hield admitted he embezzled money 922 00:43:10,322 --> 00:43:13,389 From his company to pay for dates with paige. 923 00:43:13,391 --> 00:43:17,860 But then he claimed paige turned the tables on him. 924 00:43:17,862 --> 00:43:18,961 - He made allegations that 925 00:43:18,963 --> 00:43:20,663 She was essentially blackmailing him, 926 00:43:20,665 --> 00:43:22,298 Asking for extra money. 927 00:43:22,300 --> 00:43:27,003 - Authorities wondered could this be a motive for murder? 928 00:43:27,005 --> 00:43:28,338 - Coming up... 929 00:43:28,340 --> 00:43:31,674 A startling discovery about one of paige's clients... 930 00:43:31,676 --> 00:43:35,511 - I thought, oh, my god. - ...Triggers a police search. 931 00:43:35,513 --> 00:43:37,146 - He had their phone numbers, bra size, 932 00:43:37,148 --> 00:43:39,248 And whether or not they would have sex. 933 00:43:39,250 --> 00:43:42,752 - Strange, maybe, but did it mean anything? 934 00:43:42,754 --> 00:43:46,055 When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 935 00:43:49,827 --> 00:43:54,364 ♪♪ 936 00:43:54,366 --> 00:43:56,899 Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 937 00:43:56,901 --> 00:43:58,334 I'm kate snow. 938 00:43:58,336 --> 00:44:01,804 Friends said that when paige birgfeld met someone new, 939 00:44:01,806 --> 00:44:03,673 She immediately put them at ease 940 00:44:03,675 --> 00:44:05,441 Like she'd known them for years. 941 00:44:05,443 --> 00:44:07,543 But there was a secret side of paige 942 00:44:07,545 --> 00:44:09,378 Very few people knew. 943 00:44:09,380 --> 00:44:11,914 And detectives suspected it may have led to 944 00:44:11,916 --> 00:44:13,282 Her disappearance. 945 00:44:13,284 --> 00:44:16,352 Now, they were about to receive an intriguing tip 946 00:44:16,354 --> 00:44:18,621 That could tie one of her clients 947 00:44:18,623 --> 00:44:20,990 To someone in paige's personal life. 948 00:44:20,992 --> 00:44:22,892 And also to the crime. 949 00:44:22,894 --> 00:44:26,996 Here again is keith morrison with "double lives". 950 00:44:26,998 --> 00:44:29,031 - Paige birgfeld had disappeared, 951 00:44:29,033 --> 00:44:33,736 Leaving behind three children and a secret life as an escort. 952 00:44:33,738 --> 00:44:35,838 One of paige's clients, steven hield, 953 00:44:35,840 --> 00:44:38,340 Told police she was blackmailing him. 954 00:44:38,342 --> 00:44:40,876 It seemed like a promising lead 955 00:44:40,878 --> 00:44:44,280 Except hield's wife supplied an alibi. 956 00:44:44,282 --> 00:44:47,750 They were home that night reading, watching tv. 957 00:44:47,752 --> 00:44:49,886 So, hield seemed to be in the clear, 958 00:44:49,888 --> 00:44:51,754 Which made it all the more shocking 959 00:44:51,756 --> 00:44:53,856 When after being questioned by detectives, 960 00:44:53,858 --> 00:44:56,625 Hield attempted suicide. 961 00:44:56,627 --> 00:45:01,230 That, d.A. Hautzinger assumed, was not guilt but shame. 962 00:45:01,232 --> 00:45:03,466 - People don't really want to have it out in public 963 00:45:03,468 --> 00:45:08,904 That, uh, yeah, I was patronizing a call girl. 964 00:45:08,906 --> 00:45:11,474 - They checked out a drifter named john livingston 965 00:45:11,476 --> 00:45:15,778 Who, the night paige vanished, called her again and again 966 00:45:15,780 --> 00:45:18,914 From a motel 6, desperate, apparently, 967 00:45:18,916 --> 00:45:20,349 For her attention. 968 00:45:23,087 --> 00:45:27,723 Except there was no evidence paige ever went to see him. 969 00:45:27,725 --> 00:45:31,894 But then there was this client, lester ralph jones. 970 00:45:31,896 --> 00:45:34,864 That's him standing in the shadow of his front door. 971 00:45:34,866 --> 00:45:37,199 Investigators got a tip about jones 972 00:45:37,201 --> 00:45:40,470 From this friend of paige's named carol linderholm. 973 00:45:40,472 --> 00:45:43,139 Paige had scheduled an appointment with jones 974 00:45:43,141 --> 00:45:45,141 The night before she disappeared, 975 00:45:45,143 --> 00:45:47,910 But for some reason didn't want to go, 976 00:45:47,912 --> 00:45:51,013 Asked linderholm to meet jones instead. 977 00:45:51,015 --> 00:45:53,682 - He was expecting her and then I think... 978 00:45:53,684 --> 00:45:55,251 - And then you showed up at his door? 979 00:45:55,253 --> 00:45:56,219 - Right. 980 00:45:56,221 --> 00:45:59,255 - I'm sure he had some expectations, right? 981 00:45:59,257 --> 00:46:02,224 I mean, he called an escort service. 982 00:46:02,226 --> 00:46:06,228 - Well, he let it be known almost immediately 983 00:46:06,230 --> 00:46:08,498 That he wanted sex. 984 00:46:08,500 --> 00:46:11,267 - Linderholm said that didn't happen. 985 00:46:11,269 --> 00:46:15,037 Instead, they talked for an hour or so 986 00:46:15,039 --> 00:46:16,972 And then she left. 987 00:46:16,974 --> 00:46:19,642 A couple of days later she said she called paige. 988 00:46:22,246 --> 00:46:24,213 - Got no response. 989 00:46:24,215 --> 00:46:26,115 - At first, I thought she was just busy, 990 00:46:26,117 --> 00:46:27,683 And she couldn't call back. 991 00:46:27,685 --> 00:46:28,884 And then when I heard on the news 992 00:46:28,886 --> 00:46:30,853 That the kids actually went to 993 00:46:30,855 --> 00:46:32,922 The police department about it, 994 00:46:32,924 --> 00:46:34,890 That's when I knew something terrible 995 00:46:34,892 --> 00:46:36,592 Had happened to her. 996 00:46:43,968 --> 00:46:46,135 - Linderholm mentioned paige's second ex-husband, 997 00:46:46,137 --> 00:46:48,003 Rob dixon, because she knew paige 998 00:46:48,005 --> 00:46:49,472 Was afraid of him. 999 00:46:49,474 --> 00:46:52,008 Then, the next day, linderholm heard about 1000 00:46:52,010 --> 00:46:54,910 Paige's car and the fire. 1001 00:46:54,912 --> 00:46:57,213 - I wanted to go over and-and look at it. 1002 00:46:57,215 --> 00:47:00,349 And I arrived just in time for -- 1003 00:47:00,351 --> 00:47:03,085 It was put on a platform on a trailer 1004 00:47:03,087 --> 00:47:04,386 And it was being hauled away. 1005 00:47:04,388 --> 00:47:06,155 When it passed me, I just-- 1006 00:47:06,157 --> 00:47:09,024 It just left me with this horrible feeling. 1007 00:47:09,026 --> 00:47:10,025 - As she drove away, 1008 00:47:10,027 --> 00:47:12,661 Something across the road caught her eye. 1009 00:47:12,663 --> 00:47:16,699 It was a sign for bob scott rv's. 1010 00:47:16,701 --> 00:47:18,267 - Lester jones had told me 1011 00:47:18,269 --> 00:47:21,771 That he worked for bob scott rv's. 1012 00:47:21,773 --> 00:47:26,542 And when I drove around, I saw a car in the parking lot 1013 00:47:26,544 --> 00:47:28,311 That was the same one that was in the driveway 1014 00:47:28,313 --> 00:47:31,847 When I walked up to lester jones' house. 1015 00:47:31,849 --> 00:47:34,149 And I thought, "oh, my god." 1016 00:47:34,151 --> 00:47:36,518 - Right away, carol went to the sheriff's office, 1017 00:47:36,520 --> 00:47:40,022 Told them all she knew about lester ralph jones. 1018 00:47:40,024 --> 00:47:42,057 - How much credence did you give that story? 1019 00:47:42,059 --> 00:47:43,659 Or did you? 1020 00:47:43,661 --> 00:47:45,261 - We gave it a lot of credence. 1021 00:47:45,263 --> 00:47:48,064 - In fact, a week after paige disappeared, 1022 00:47:48,066 --> 00:47:50,132 They brought jones in for questioning. 1023 00:47:52,403 --> 00:47:55,938 - Jones was once chief of a rural fire department, 1024 00:47:55,940 --> 00:47:59,308 Which is where his story gets strange. 1025 00:48:01,412 --> 00:48:04,647 - Rob dixon, paige's ex-husband. 1026 00:48:13,491 --> 00:48:17,526 - And had also met dixon's then-wife, paige. 1027 00:48:23,901 --> 00:48:26,068 - And was taken aback, jones claimed, 1028 00:48:26,070 --> 00:48:27,536 When a couple of years later 1029 00:48:27,538 --> 00:48:30,239 He went to the models, inc. Massage parlor 1030 00:48:30,241 --> 00:48:34,010 And was greeted by rob dixon's ex-wife. 1031 00:48:52,330 --> 00:48:54,763 - While jones answered questions downtown, 1032 00:48:54,765 --> 00:48:58,634 Investigators scoured his house and bob scott rv's 1033 00:48:58,636 --> 00:48:59,802 Where he worked. 1034 00:48:59,804 --> 00:49:01,403 - What did you find when you searched 1035 00:49:01,405 --> 00:49:04,239 Bob scott's rv location? 1036 00:49:04,241 --> 00:49:06,942 - A list of names of escorts that we knew 1037 00:49:06,944 --> 00:49:09,144 In the grand junction area where he had their names, 1038 00:49:09,146 --> 00:49:10,779 Phone numbers, bra size 1039 00:49:10,781 --> 00:49:13,182 And whether or not they would have sex. 1040 00:49:13,184 --> 00:49:16,552 And some viagra, also some, uh, condoms. 1041 00:49:16,554 --> 00:49:22,959 - Along with wigs, a black bra, and in a locked cabinet, 1042 00:49:22,961 --> 00:49:26,562 This old scale from pampered chef, 1043 00:49:26,564 --> 00:49:29,331 One of paige's many businesses. 1044 00:49:29,333 --> 00:49:32,702 Creepy. Certainly suspicious. 1045 00:49:32,704 --> 00:49:35,504 But not necessarily incriminating. 1046 00:49:35,506 --> 00:49:38,173 Besides, jones had no reason to kill paige. 1047 00:49:38,175 --> 00:49:39,641 No motive. 1048 00:49:39,643 --> 00:49:42,712 Which led investigators to a new theory. 1049 00:49:49,887 --> 00:49:51,453 - Coming up... 1050 00:49:51,455 --> 00:49:54,991 Investigators get lester ralph jones on the phone 1051 00:49:54,993 --> 00:49:57,526 For a very strange call. 1052 00:50:00,264 --> 00:50:01,497 - Which came out of nowhere. 1053 00:50:01,499 --> 00:50:02,965 - Because nobody had asked him where he buried the body. 1054 00:50:02,967 --> 00:50:04,066 - Nobody. 1055 00:50:04,068 --> 00:50:07,336 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1056 00:50:09,873 --> 00:50:16,445 ♪♪ 1057 00:50:18,449 --> 00:50:20,449 - Detectives investigating the disappearance 1058 00:50:20,451 --> 00:50:24,019 Of paige birgfeld had a big hunch. 1059 00:50:24,021 --> 00:50:26,055 There just had to be some connection between 1060 00:50:26,057 --> 00:50:27,389 Lester ralph jones 1061 00:50:27,391 --> 00:50:30,326 And paige's second husband, rob dixon. 1062 00:50:32,363 --> 00:50:34,096 - They already knew dixon 1063 00:50:34,098 --> 00:50:35,764 Had been looking for dirt about paige, 1064 00:50:35,766 --> 00:50:37,967 Something he could use in family court 1065 00:50:37,969 --> 00:50:40,302 As a way of getting custody of their kids. 1066 00:50:40,304 --> 00:50:44,039 So, as the cops saw it, rob dixon had the motive 1067 00:50:44,041 --> 00:50:46,708 While lester ralph jones had the means. 1068 00:50:46,710 --> 00:50:50,245 So, maybe murder for hire. 1069 00:50:50,247 --> 00:50:52,214 But -- big but-- 1070 00:50:52,216 --> 00:50:54,850 They couldn't find evidence of any contact 1071 00:50:54,852 --> 00:50:57,719 Between jones and dixon before paige vanished. 1072 00:50:57,721 --> 00:51:00,255 No phone calls, no wire transfers, 1073 00:51:00,257 --> 00:51:03,192 Nothing suspicious. Nothing at all, really. 1074 00:51:03,194 --> 00:51:06,095 Jones himself, on the other hand, 1075 00:51:06,097 --> 00:51:09,198 Oh, there were just too many holes in his story. 1076 00:51:09,200 --> 00:51:12,768 For starters, no alibi the night paige went missing. 1077 00:51:12,770 --> 00:51:15,070 And even worse, jones admitted that 1078 00:51:15,072 --> 00:51:17,073 When paige's car was set on fire, 1079 00:51:17,075 --> 00:51:21,243 He was at bob scott rv's, practically across the street. 1080 00:51:31,088 --> 00:51:33,755 - And guess what they found at jones' worksite? 1081 00:51:33,757 --> 00:51:36,658 A discarded package that once contained 1082 00:51:36,660 --> 00:51:39,194 A prepaid tracfone. 1083 00:51:39,196 --> 00:51:40,829 The disposable kind 1084 00:51:40,831 --> 00:51:43,632 That doesn't reveal the identity of the user. 1085 00:51:43,634 --> 00:51:48,670 Except on the package was the phone's serial number. 1086 00:51:48,672 --> 00:51:50,172 - And from that, we were able to determine 1087 00:51:50,174 --> 00:51:53,208 That the phone was bought at walmart on north avenue. 1088 00:51:53,210 --> 00:51:55,244 - So, they got the security camera video 1089 00:51:55,246 --> 00:51:57,613 And well, well, well. 1090 00:51:57,615 --> 00:52:01,583 The buyer looked a lot like lester ralph jones. 1091 00:52:01,585 --> 00:52:03,719 Why was that important? 1092 00:52:03,721 --> 00:52:06,589 Because someone using that particular tracfone 1093 00:52:06,591 --> 00:52:09,758 Called paige at model's, inc. Five times 1094 00:52:09,760 --> 00:52:11,660 The night she disappeared. 1095 00:52:11,662 --> 00:52:14,396 - If there was one thing that rose above all else, 1096 00:52:14,398 --> 00:52:17,800 It was the video of him buying the tracfone, um, 1097 00:52:17,802 --> 00:52:22,070 That was used to call her that evening. 1098 00:52:22,072 --> 00:52:26,442 - Except jones denied that was him in the video. 1099 00:52:36,420 --> 00:52:39,288 - Jones, as you can see, was unflappable. 1100 00:52:39,290 --> 00:52:41,557 Talked for five hours. 1101 00:52:41,559 --> 00:52:43,892 And then they had to let him go. 1102 00:52:43,894 --> 00:52:45,828 A couple of days later, a detective called jones 1103 00:52:45,830 --> 00:52:48,463 To say his two cars, which had been impounded, 1104 00:52:48,465 --> 00:52:50,566 Were now free to pick up. 1105 00:52:50,568 --> 00:52:52,735 And jones' wife answered the phone. 1106 00:53:29,573 --> 00:53:31,673 - Which came out of nowhere, which surprised us. 1107 00:53:31,675 --> 00:53:33,342 - Because nobody had asked him where he buried the body? 1108 00:53:33,344 --> 00:53:35,577 - Nobody had asked him about where he buried the body. 1109 00:53:35,579 --> 00:53:38,413 We were calling him about, uh, his vehicle. 1110 00:53:38,415 --> 00:53:39,348 And the day before, 1111 00:53:39,350 --> 00:53:41,450 We never talked about burying the body. 1112 00:53:41,452 --> 00:53:43,852 - Very, very strange. 1113 00:53:43,854 --> 00:53:46,154 And most certainly interesting. 1114 00:53:46,156 --> 00:53:49,424 When they found out why jones seemed so out of it, 1115 00:53:49,426 --> 00:53:53,595 He'd just taken an overdose of sleeping pills. 1116 00:53:53,597 --> 00:53:55,697 After leaving for his wife 1117 00:53:55,699 --> 00:53:57,866 What appeared to be a suicide note. 1118 00:53:57,868 --> 00:54:01,470 "my dearest love," he wrote, "I've prayed all night 1119 00:54:01,472 --> 00:54:02,304 "and this morning. 1120 00:54:02,306 --> 00:54:04,406 "I've asked for his forgiveness. 1121 00:54:04,408 --> 00:54:06,441 "I want you to know how much I love you. 1122 00:54:06,443 --> 00:54:08,443 "you're the best thing that has happened to me. 1123 00:54:08,445 --> 00:54:10,179 "please forgive me." 1124 00:54:10,181 --> 00:54:12,047 And then he added this. 1125 00:54:12,049 --> 00:54:13,782 Tell the cops to get -- I never did it, 1126 00:54:13,784 --> 00:54:17,786 But I can't be railroaded. 1127 00:54:17,788 --> 00:54:21,223 Jones recovered quickly, but his actions that day 1128 00:54:21,225 --> 00:54:22,591 Remained a mystery 1129 00:54:22,593 --> 00:54:26,128 Because he wasn't talking anymore to investigators. 1130 00:54:26,130 --> 00:54:28,197 - The evidence was definitely pointing toward, uh, 1131 00:54:28,199 --> 00:54:29,398 Lester jones. 1132 00:54:29,400 --> 00:54:31,800 But we still had to keep an eye open on mr. Livingston, 1133 00:54:31,802 --> 00:54:34,002 Mr. Hield, mr. Coralluzzo. 1134 00:54:34,004 --> 00:54:36,405 And remember that these are the ones we knew about. 1135 00:54:36,407 --> 00:54:37,339 Is there somebody else out there 1136 00:54:37,341 --> 00:54:38,874 We don't even know about yet? 1137 00:54:38,876 --> 00:54:41,143 - Didn't help with lab results from paige's car 1138 00:54:41,145 --> 00:54:42,444 Came back negative. 1139 00:54:42,446 --> 00:54:46,048 The fire burned it clean of evidence. 1140 00:54:46,050 --> 00:54:48,216 So, the sheriff's office turned to a volunteer 1141 00:54:48,218 --> 00:54:51,286 Search dog team for help. 1142 00:54:51,288 --> 00:54:53,789 And sure enough, the dogs appeared to 1143 00:54:53,791 --> 00:54:57,292 Hit on jones' scent in paige's charred car. 1144 00:54:57,294 --> 00:55:01,797 And along highway 50 where all those items were found. 1145 00:55:01,799 --> 00:55:04,433 And then they sniffed their way down this gravel road 1146 00:55:04,435 --> 00:55:07,169 That dead ends at the gunnison river. 1147 00:55:07,171 --> 00:55:09,972 When given paige's scent, the dogs followed 1148 00:55:09,974 --> 00:55:13,108 Exactly the same path along highway 50, 1149 00:55:13,110 --> 00:55:16,745 Down the gravel road, into the gunnison river. 1150 00:55:16,747 --> 00:55:20,115 So, was paige's body in here somewhere? 1151 00:55:20,117 --> 00:55:21,983 They called in divers. 1152 00:55:21,985 --> 00:55:24,186 - Basically, we go across the river about 100 feet. 1153 00:55:24,188 --> 00:55:25,387 They let us out five feet, 1154 00:55:25,389 --> 00:55:27,389 We come back across the river 100 feet. 1155 00:55:27,391 --> 00:55:29,825 And basically, just searching by feel. 1156 00:55:29,827 --> 00:55:30,859 I just got out of there 1157 00:55:30,861 --> 00:55:32,461 And it is pitch black at the bottom. 1158 00:55:32,463 --> 00:55:35,464 - But there just wasn't a body down there. 1159 00:55:35,466 --> 00:55:37,866 Swept away by the river, perhaps? 1160 00:55:37,868 --> 00:55:40,402 Anyway, the labor-intensive search of the countryside 1161 00:55:40,404 --> 00:55:43,305 Which had been going on for two long months, 1162 00:55:43,307 --> 00:55:45,474 Now seemed rather pointless. 1163 00:55:45,476 --> 00:55:49,411 So, at summer's end, the command post closed. 1164 00:55:49,413 --> 00:55:51,613 - I guess that's the only thing, at this point, to do 1165 00:55:51,615 --> 00:55:54,950 Because there aren't any more volunteers coming out 1166 00:55:54,952 --> 00:55:58,220 And people do have to return to their own lives. 1167 00:55:58,222 --> 00:56:01,490 - But that was not an option for paige's family. 1168 00:56:01,492 --> 00:56:03,458 Her parents rented an apartment in town 1169 00:56:03,460 --> 00:56:05,594 And carried on the search alone. 1170 00:56:05,596 --> 00:56:07,096 - This is my life now. 1171 00:56:07,098 --> 00:56:10,699 And I really wish I could get in a different line of work. 1172 00:56:10,701 --> 00:56:14,903 - Even offered a $15,000 reward, no questions asked. 1173 00:56:14,905 --> 00:56:18,707 - It's about 100 days and, uh, if she's out there, 1174 00:56:18,709 --> 00:56:20,442 We need to find her and, uh, 1175 00:56:20,444 --> 00:56:24,246 If this will help stimulate that, so be it. 1176 00:56:24,248 --> 00:56:27,383 - But no useful tips. Not a one. 1177 00:56:27,385 --> 00:56:29,785 Even though frank stayed on in grand junction 1178 00:56:29,787 --> 00:56:32,254 For a whole fruitless year. 1179 00:56:32,256 --> 00:56:33,789 - At some point, you have to say, 1180 00:56:33,791 --> 00:56:36,859 "do I want to stay here doing this 1181 00:56:36,861 --> 00:56:39,394 "or is it time to go back to denver?" 1182 00:56:39,396 --> 00:56:40,996 - What was it like on the way back to denver 1183 00:56:40,998 --> 00:56:43,799 As you realized you were leaving for good? 1184 00:56:43,801 --> 00:56:47,402 - Uh, I-I would say kind of a heaviness to it. 1185 00:56:47,404 --> 00:56:51,273 That, uh, somewhere she's back there 1186 00:56:51,275 --> 00:56:55,010 And I'm-I'm leaving her. 1187 00:56:55,012 --> 00:56:58,980 - But while no one knew where paige was, 1188 00:56:58,982 --> 00:57:00,682 There was one woman who had an idea 1189 00:57:00,684 --> 00:57:04,553 As to what may have happened to her. 1190 00:57:04,555 --> 00:57:09,291 This is lisa nance, who was rather briefly married 1191 00:57:09,293 --> 00:57:13,361 Once upon a time to lester ralph jones. 1192 00:57:13,363 --> 00:57:18,633 Lisa will always remember him. 1193 00:57:18,635 --> 00:57:21,837 - Coming up... The ex-wife's tale. 1194 00:57:21,839 --> 00:57:24,206 - He looked at me and he said, "I'm going to kill you." 1195 00:57:24,208 --> 00:57:28,410 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1196 00:57:30,847 --> 00:57:34,416 ♪♪ 1197 00:57:36,620 --> 00:57:38,053 - My kids really liked him. 1198 00:57:38,055 --> 00:57:39,721 - No doubt about it, thought lisa nance, 1199 00:57:39,723 --> 00:57:41,923 Lester ralph jones was a catch. 1200 00:57:41,925 --> 00:57:45,460 Tall, strong, a firefighter, for heaven's sake. 1201 00:57:45,462 --> 00:57:46,761 And... 1202 00:57:46,763 --> 00:57:48,664 - He was a really nice person. 1203 00:57:48,666 --> 00:57:49,664 - Really nice, huh? 1204 00:57:49,666 --> 00:57:51,132 What do you mean by really nice? Nice how? 1205 00:57:51,134 --> 00:57:55,604 - He just seemed really nice, and genuine, and sweet. 1206 00:57:55,606 --> 00:57:58,206 - Well, you know how people are, 1207 00:57:58,208 --> 00:58:00,409 Caught up in the blinding glare of new love. 1208 00:58:00,411 --> 00:58:04,346 And then in a month or two or six, 1209 00:58:04,348 --> 00:58:07,148 Disturbing things began to occur. 1210 00:58:07,150 --> 00:58:09,751 Unimagined traits emerged. 1211 00:58:09,753 --> 00:58:12,921 And sometimes a nightmarish story. 1212 00:58:12,923 --> 00:58:15,690 Like the one lisa nance told us 1213 00:58:15,692 --> 00:58:18,293 About lester ralph jones. 1214 00:58:18,295 --> 00:58:21,196 - I caught him, you know, watching me and stuff, 1215 00:58:21,198 --> 00:58:22,564 You know. - What do you mean? 1216 00:58:22,566 --> 00:58:24,299 - Like watching me where I was going 1217 00:58:24,301 --> 00:58:26,034 And stuff like that. 1218 00:58:26,036 --> 00:58:27,869 - He tapped her phone, she said. 1219 00:58:27,871 --> 00:58:30,505 He hid secret recording devices. 1220 00:58:30,507 --> 00:58:31,640 - If I talked to any of my friends 1221 00:58:31,642 --> 00:58:33,241 Or anything like that and I didn't tell him, 1222 00:58:33,243 --> 00:58:37,112 You know, he would already know that I had talked to whoever. 1223 00:58:37,114 --> 00:58:39,381 - It just wasn't working for lisa. 1224 00:58:39,383 --> 00:58:40,248 She ended it. 1225 00:58:40,250 --> 00:58:41,850 Better sooner than later, she thought. 1226 00:58:41,852 --> 00:58:43,752 And she moved on. 1227 00:58:43,754 --> 00:58:45,787 But, of course, it wasn't over. 1228 00:58:45,789 --> 00:58:49,124 And one morning as she was driving her new boyfriend to work, 1229 00:58:49,126 --> 00:58:52,260 A car drew up beside her car. 1230 00:58:52,262 --> 00:58:55,330 It was him, jones. 1231 00:58:55,332 --> 00:58:58,467 - He, um, got up beside me and hit my car, 1232 00:58:58,469 --> 00:59:00,602 Which knocked me over into a ditch. 1233 00:59:00,604 --> 00:59:03,004 And then he pulled up and backed up really hard 1234 00:59:03,006 --> 00:59:04,573 And rammed my car. 1235 00:59:04,575 --> 00:59:07,542 And it caused the airbags and stuff to go off. 1236 00:59:07,544 --> 00:59:10,078 - The new boyfriend took off running, 1237 00:59:10,080 --> 00:59:13,114 But jones had a gun. 1238 00:59:13,116 --> 00:59:15,083 - He shot at him twice. 1239 00:59:15,085 --> 00:59:16,618 One bullet hole went through his cap, 1240 00:59:16,620 --> 00:59:18,853 And I think the other one grazed his head. 1241 00:59:18,855 --> 00:59:20,021 - And you were going to be next? 1242 00:59:20,023 --> 00:59:21,923 - Mm-hmm, I thought. 1243 00:59:21,925 --> 00:59:22,891 I thought that. 1244 00:59:22,893 --> 00:59:24,159 - You must have been shaking like a leaf. 1245 00:59:24,161 --> 00:59:25,160 - It was scary. 1246 00:59:25,162 --> 00:59:27,162 I asked him to put the gun down, you know, 1247 00:59:27,164 --> 00:59:28,697 Because he had it pointed right at me. 1248 00:59:28,699 --> 00:59:30,432 And finally, he put it in the back seat, 1249 00:59:30,434 --> 00:59:32,233 The back floorboard. 1250 00:59:32,235 --> 00:59:34,469 And then, you know, I talked to him 1251 00:59:34,471 --> 00:59:37,439 And tried to calm him down, you know. 1252 00:59:37,441 --> 00:59:38,506 - What was he saying to you? 1253 00:59:38,508 --> 00:59:39,708 - That I didn't love him anymore 1254 00:59:39,710 --> 00:59:42,444 And I didn't want him anymore, stuff like that. 1255 00:59:42,446 --> 00:59:45,146 And I was trying to convince him otherwise. 1256 00:59:45,148 --> 00:59:47,515 - Eventually, he left. She called the police. 1257 00:59:47,517 --> 00:59:51,152 He was arrested, but in no time made bail. 1258 00:59:51,154 --> 00:59:55,057 And then lisa was at home a few weeks later. 1259 00:59:55,059 --> 00:59:57,692 - I came out of my room and I went to the kitchen 1260 00:59:57,694 --> 00:59:58,660 And I turned around 1261 00:59:58,662 --> 01:00:00,095 And he was just sitting on the couch. 1262 01:00:00,097 --> 01:00:01,563 I mean, just sitting in the dark. 1263 01:00:01,565 --> 01:00:04,666 My stomach just, you know, sank. 1264 01:00:04,668 --> 01:00:06,268 I mean, I asked him what on earth 1265 01:00:06,270 --> 01:00:07,869 Are you doing here, you know? 1266 01:00:07,871 --> 01:00:09,404 And he didn't say anything. 1267 01:00:09,406 --> 01:00:10,672 And that's when I really got scared 1268 01:00:10,674 --> 01:00:12,274 Because he just didn't look like himself. 1269 01:00:12,276 --> 01:00:13,541 And he wouldn't say anything. 1270 01:00:13,543 --> 01:00:14,943 - He had something on his mind? 1271 01:00:14,945 --> 01:00:16,911 - I think so. It seemed like it anyways. 1272 01:00:16,913 --> 01:00:18,213 I didn't know what it was. 1273 01:00:18,215 --> 01:00:21,716 He just didn't-- and I wanted to get out of the house, 1274 01:00:21,718 --> 01:00:23,451 You know, as quick as we could. 1275 01:00:23,453 --> 01:00:24,619 I just wanted to get out in public, 1276 01:00:24,621 --> 01:00:26,021 Around other people. 1277 01:00:26,023 --> 01:00:27,623 - She said what came into her head. 1278 01:00:27,625 --> 01:00:29,057 "let's go out to dinner." 1279 01:00:29,059 --> 01:00:31,826 And he agreed, got behind the wheel, started driving. 1280 01:00:31,828 --> 01:00:36,097 But then she realized he wasn't going to dinner. 1281 01:00:36,099 --> 01:00:38,834 He was headed out of town toward the mountains. 1282 01:00:38,836 --> 01:00:40,268 - I was like where are we going? 1283 01:00:40,270 --> 01:00:41,903 And he wouldn't say anything. 1284 01:00:41,905 --> 01:00:43,505 He just kept rubbing the back of my head 1285 01:00:43,507 --> 01:00:44,939 Saying it's gonna be okay. 1286 01:00:44,941 --> 01:00:46,775 - Rubbing the back of your head? - Mm-hmm. 1287 01:00:46,777 --> 01:00:48,176 - What sort of tone did he have in his voice 1288 01:00:48,178 --> 01:00:49,177 When he said that? 1289 01:00:49,179 --> 01:00:50,979 - He wasn't being loud; he wasn't yelling 1290 01:00:50,981 --> 01:00:52,180 Or anything like that. 1291 01:00:52,182 --> 01:00:53,382 He was just really, really quiet. 1292 01:00:53,384 --> 01:00:55,383 - That's a little creepy. - Mm-hmm. 1293 01:00:55,385 --> 01:00:57,052 And I looked at him and I said, 1294 01:00:57,054 --> 01:00:58,153 "we're not gonna eat, are we?" 1295 01:00:58,155 --> 01:00:59,754 And he looked at me and he said, "no." 1296 01:00:59,756 --> 01:01:01,356 And I said, "what are we gonna do?" 1297 01:01:01,358 --> 01:01:03,191 And he's like, "I'm going to kill you." 1298 01:01:03,193 --> 01:01:06,294 And then he just started slapping me over and over. 1299 01:01:06,296 --> 01:01:07,396 - The moment had come for you. 1300 01:01:07,398 --> 01:01:09,464 - Mm-hmm. That's what I thought. 1301 01:01:09,466 --> 01:01:10,965 Because all I could think about was my kids, 1302 01:01:10,967 --> 01:01:12,267 You know, not seeing them. - Yeah. 1303 01:01:12,269 --> 01:01:13,635 - But I was like trying to talk to him, you know, 1304 01:01:13,637 --> 01:01:17,272 And trying to get him to talk to me, 1305 01:01:17,274 --> 01:01:19,207 Listen to me, you know? 1306 01:01:19,209 --> 01:01:21,509 He's like, "you don't love me anymore. 1307 01:01:21,511 --> 01:01:22,410 "you don't want me." 1308 01:01:22,412 --> 01:01:23,878 And I said, "no, that's not true." 1309 01:01:23,880 --> 01:01:27,549 You know? And he's like, "well, then prove it." 1310 01:01:27,551 --> 01:01:28,817 And I said, "how?" you know? 1311 01:01:28,819 --> 01:01:31,953 And he wanted me to make love to him in the car. 1312 01:01:31,955 --> 01:01:36,124 And so, I tried, you know, but there wasn't no room. 1313 01:01:38,228 --> 01:01:41,029 So, I asked him if we could just go get a room 1314 01:01:41,031 --> 01:01:42,163 And talk, you know. 1315 01:01:42,165 --> 01:01:44,599 And so finally, he agreed to that. 1316 01:01:44,601 --> 01:01:46,301 - So, what happened when you got to the-- 1317 01:01:46,303 --> 01:01:47,702 Got to town? 1318 01:01:47,704 --> 01:01:51,940 - Um, we went to that motel and he pulled in there 1319 01:01:51,942 --> 01:01:53,174 And he looked at me. 1320 01:01:53,176 --> 01:01:55,143 He's like, 'you'll be waiting here when I come back?" 1321 01:01:55,145 --> 01:01:57,579 And I said yes. So, he goes in. 1322 01:01:57,581 --> 01:01:59,180 As soon as he went in that second door 1323 01:01:59,182 --> 01:02:01,015 And he was out of sight, I took off. 1324 01:02:01,017 --> 01:02:02,784 I started driving back toward town. 1325 01:02:02,786 --> 01:02:04,385 And I was going really fast, hoping that... 1326 01:02:04,387 --> 01:02:05,720 - I should think so. 1327 01:02:05,722 --> 01:02:07,288 - Hoping that someone would pull me over. 1328 01:02:07,290 --> 01:02:08,323 And they did. 1329 01:02:08,325 --> 01:02:09,924 And finally, I told him what was happening 1330 01:02:09,926 --> 01:02:12,927 And then they took me back to the police station. 1331 01:02:12,929 --> 01:02:14,796 - Some officers went to the motel 1332 01:02:14,798 --> 01:02:17,799 To arrest jones, but... 1333 01:02:17,801 --> 01:02:18,633 - They said they couldn't find him. 1334 01:02:18,635 --> 01:02:19,734 He wasn't there. 1335 01:02:19,736 --> 01:02:21,202 - Where was he? 1336 01:02:21,204 --> 01:02:26,141 Lisa, still shaken, still terrified, went home. 1337 01:02:26,143 --> 01:02:28,543 And he called. 1338 01:02:28,545 --> 01:02:30,879 - The first thing he said was, "where are you?" 1339 01:02:30,881 --> 01:02:36,284 And I just hung up and I called 911. 1340 01:02:36,286 --> 01:02:38,219 And they took me to a safe house. 1341 01:02:38,221 --> 01:02:40,889 - And did they catch him? 1342 01:02:40,891 --> 01:02:41,823 What? 1343 01:02:41,825 --> 01:02:43,958 - No, they didn't know where to look. 1344 01:02:43,960 --> 01:02:46,261 - A few days later, somebody broke into 1345 01:02:46,263 --> 01:02:48,697 Lisa's mother's house in oklahoma. 1346 01:02:48,699 --> 01:02:51,099 - She called me later that day 1347 01:02:51,101 --> 01:02:53,468 And said when she was leaving work 1348 01:02:53,470 --> 01:02:55,837 That she noticed this car was following her. 1349 01:02:55,839 --> 01:02:56,972 And she said it was ralph. 1350 01:02:56,974 --> 01:02:58,440 And she called the sheriff's department. 1351 01:02:58,442 --> 01:03:01,176 And she's like, "he's here. He's following me." 1352 01:03:01,178 --> 01:03:03,378 And they arrested him. 1353 01:03:03,380 --> 01:03:05,180 My mom said she asked him what was he doing 1354 01:03:05,182 --> 01:03:07,783 And he said looking for your daughter. 1355 01:03:07,785 --> 01:03:10,051 - Lester ralph jones was convicted of assault 1356 01:03:10,053 --> 01:03:12,287 And kidnapping and served three years. 1357 01:03:12,289 --> 01:03:15,790 But now, he was out and remarried. 1358 01:03:15,792 --> 01:03:17,659 And by the fall of 2007, 1359 01:03:17,661 --> 01:03:19,994 A pile of circumstantial evidence connected him 1360 01:03:19,996 --> 01:03:22,997 To paige birgfeld's disappearance. 1361 01:03:22,999 --> 01:03:24,566 - Why didn't you just go arrest him? 1362 01:03:24,568 --> 01:03:26,134 - My job is to gather the facts 1363 01:03:26,136 --> 01:03:28,837 And then present it to the district attorney's office 1364 01:03:28,839 --> 01:03:30,605 And they make that determination. 1365 01:03:30,607 --> 01:03:32,273 You want to add? Because he had to fight 1366 01:03:32,275 --> 01:03:33,942 That battle constantly for years. 1367 01:03:33,944 --> 01:03:36,077 - I think you hit it-- you hit it right on. 1368 01:03:36,079 --> 01:03:38,880 - Meaning they were ready to pick up jones, 1369 01:03:38,882 --> 01:03:41,115 But d.A. Hautzinger was not. 1370 01:03:41,117 --> 01:03:43,818 - Why didn't you decide to pull the pin 1371 01:03:43,820 --> 01:03:46,221 On lester ralph jones. - We didn't have a body. 1372 01:03:46,223 --> 01:03:47,755 - And that was the defining thing? 1373 01:03:47,757 --> 01:03:49,524 - Absolutely. That was really... 1374 01:03:49,526 --> 01:03:50,558 - I mean, there are lots of no body cases 1375 01:03:50,560 --> 01:03:51,559 That go to trial. 1376 01:03:51,561 --> 01:03:53,361 - Not a lot of no body cases 1377 01:03:53,363 --> 01:03:55,363 Where the victim has a double life 1378 01:03:55,365 --> 01:03:58,733 And has been lying to her family and friends. 1379 01:03:58,735 --> 01:04:03,037 Because of her double life, the possibility that 1380 01:04:03,039 --> 01:04:04,739 The defense attorney could throw out there 1381 01:04:04,741 --> 01:04:06,908 That she ran off with some rich client 1382 01:04:06,910 --> 01:04:10,712 And is living on a beach in brazil or something... 1383 01:04:10,714 --> 01:04:13,681 - And as the years passed, paige's story went from 1384 01:04:13,683 --> 01:04:16,184 The front of the paper 1385 01:04:16,186 --> 01:04:19,988 To being filed away on microfiche. 1386 01:04:19,990 --> 01:04:22,357 Where was she? 1387 01:04:24,761 --> 01:04:26,861 - They were about to find out. 1388 01:04:26,863 --> 01:04:29,430 And it would transform the case. 1389 01:04:29,432 --> 01:04:32,400 - Now, we need to make a critical decision. 1390 01:04:32,402 --> 01:04:36,204 - And then a brand-new theory of what happened to paige. 1391 01:04:36,206 --> 01:04:38,406 - I think that triggered something 1392 01:04:38,408 --> 01:04:39,874 And something went wrong. 1393 01:04:39,876 --> 01:04:42,711 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1394 01:04:51,554 --> 01:04:52,687 - Welcome back. 1395 01:04:52,689 --> 01:04:55,089 Paige birgfeld had been missing for seven years. 1396 01:04:55,091 --> 01:04:58,126 But she was never far from investigators' minds. 1397 01:04:58,128 --> 01:05:00,695 They had no shortage of possible suspects, 1398 01:05:00,697 --> 01:05:02,764 But without a body, the prosecutor 1399 01:05:02,766 --> 01:05:05,199 Was reluctant to bring charges. 1400 01:05:05,201 --> 01:05:08,536 Now, detectives were about to get the break they needed. 1401 01:05:08,538 --> 01:05:12,307 A bombshell discovery that would finally unlock the secret 1402 01:05:12,309 --> 01:05:14,442 Of what happened to paige. 1403 01:05:14,444 --> 01:05:22,517 Here again is keith morrison with "double lives". 1404 01:05:22,519 --> 01:05:24,953 - Grand junction, colorado has been a boom-and-bust 1405 01:05:24,955 --> 01:05:26,254 Sort of place over the years, 1406 01:05:26,256 --> 01:05:29,925 But the great majestic cliffs are eternal. 1407 01:05:29,927 --> 01:05:33,494 The monument, they call this, guardian of the rugged 1408 01:05:33,496 --> 01:05:35,463 And beautiful places that have drawn bikers 1409 01:05:35,465 --> 01:05:38,533 And hikers and rafters for years. 1410 01:05:38,535 --> 01:05:41,235 Like the couple trekking through the wells gulch 1411 01:05:41,237 --> 01:05:44,405 On March 6, 2012. 1412 01:05:44,407 --> 01:05:46,541 And pretty soon, paige's dad got 1413 01:05:46,543 --> 01:05:48,443 Another one of those phone calls. 1414 01:05:48,445 --> 01:05:51,112 This time, from a local reporter. 1415 01:05:51,114 --> 01:05:54,482 - And he said, "did you know they found paige's remains 1416 01:05:54,484 --> 01:05:58,086 "this morning?" and he-- 1417 01:05:58,088 --> 01:05:59,955 He asked if anybody had called me. 1418 01:05:59,957 --> 01:06:01,923 And I said you're the-- you're the first one. 1419 01:06:04,060 --> 01:06:07,295 - It took time, though, to be certain it was her. 1420 01:06:07,297 --> 01:06:09,664 - In a couple of weeks or so it was verified 1421 01:06:09,666 --> 01:06:11,966 That it was, in fact, paige's remains. 1422 01:06:11,968 --> 01:06:14,302 - She was just a few miles south of the place 1423 01:06:14,304 --> 01:06:17,706 Where all those documents were found along the roadside. 1424 01:06:17,708 --> 01:06:20,642 So it had to have been paige who left that trail, 1425 01:06:20,644 --> 01:06:21,642 Said the police. 1426 01:06:21,644 --> 01:06:24,045 A call for help or an arrow pointing 1427 01:06:24,047 --> 01:06:25,981 To where to find her. 1428 01:06:25,983 --> 01:06:27,548 And all that while restrained. 1429 01:06:27,550 --> 01:06:29,584 They found remnants of duct tape 1430 01:06:29,586 --> 01:06:33,154 Still wrapped around her jaw. 1431 01:06:33,156 --> 01:06:35,457 - And we really think the searchers were here. 1432 01:06:35,459 --> 01:06:38,059 To miss it, you know, it's like, 1433 01:06:38,061 --> 01:06:40,528 "darn, how did that happen?" 1434 01:06:40,530 --> 01:06:43,431 - Probably, said the detectives, her killer buried her 1435 01:06:43,433 --> 01:06:46,234 Five years earlier, way back in 2007 1436 01:06:46,236 --> 01:06:48,536 When she first disappeared. 1437 01:06:48,538 --> 01:06:50,071 And eventually, what was left of her 1438 01:06:50,073 --> 01:06:52,373 Was unearthed by a heavy spring runoff. 1439 01:06:52,375 --> 01:06:54,809 And so, said d.A. Hautzinger... 1440 01:06:54,811 --> 01:06:56,144 - Here we go! 1441 01:06:56,146 --> 01:06:57,712 This is what I've been waiting for! 1442 01:06:57,714 --> 01:07:01,482 Um, now we need to really put the pedal to the metal 1443 01:07:01,484 --> 01:07:03,985 And make a critical decision. 1444 01:07:03,987 --> 01:07:07,688 - So now, finally with a body, investigators once again 1445 01:07:07,690 --> 01:07:09,223 Attempted to fashion a murder case 1446 01:07:09,225 --> 01:07:12,293 Against one of the eight possible suspects. 1447 01:07:12,295 --> 01:07:14,962 The two ex-husbands, rob dixon and ron beigler, 1448 01:07:14,964 --> 01:07:17,298 Had what looked like solid alibis, 1449 01:07:17,300 --> 01:07:20,234 What with both their cellphones being hundreds of miles away 1450 01:07:20,236 --> 01:07:22,270 When paige was kidnapped and killed. 1451 01:07:22,272 --> 01:07:24,839 So, that left the six clients. 1452 01:07:24,841 --> 01:07:28,443 Of course, lester ralph jones was at the top of the list. 1453 01:07:28,445 --> 01:07:31,179 But george coralluzzo, remember him? 1454 01:07:31,181 --> 01:07:34,182 - Coralluzzo was the alternate suspect 1455 01:07:34,184 --> 01:07:36,050 That gave me, as the d.A., 1456 01:07:36,052 --> 01:07:40,688 Heartburn and concerns. 1457 01:07:40,690 --> 01:07:42,056 - That's because coralluzzo's alibi 1458 01:07:42,058 --> 01:07:44,258 Was so hard to pin down. 1459 01:07:44,260 --> 01:07:46,861 Multiple witnesses said he was partying that night 1460 01:07:46,863 --> 01:07:48,930 At joes tavera's apartment. 1461 01:07:48,932 --> 01:07:51,332 But what time exactly? 1462 01:07:51,334 --> 01:07:53,401 Well, that depended on who you spoke to. 1463 01:07:53,403 --> 01:07:57,004 But what everybody did agree was this: 1464 01:07:57,006 --> 01:07:59,240 Coralluzzo was out of control. 1465 01:07:59,242 --> 01:08:00,808 - Uh, he was intoxicated. 1466 01:08:00,810 --> 01:08:03,812 Like slurring his words, you know, 1467 01:08:03,814 --> 01:08:05,280 And not being able to focus. 1468 01:08:05,282 --> 01:08:08,282 He wouldn't have been able to-to, you know, murder her 1469 01:08:08,284 --> 01:08:10,017 And then go get rid of the body. 1470 01:08:10,019 --> 01:08:12,887 You know, he was incapable of it. 1471 01:08:12,889 --> 01:08:14,555 - Of course, tavera might have been lying 1472 01:08:14,557 --> 01:08:16,224 To protect his friend. 1473 01:08:16,226 --> 01:08:19,494 Detectives wanted to talk to coralluzzo himself, 1474 01:08:19,496 --> 01:08:21,095 But they couldn't find him. 1475 01:08:21,097 --> 01:08:23,297 So, they asked tavera for help. 1476 01:08:23,299 --> 01:08:25,933 - They're like well, do you know where george is? 1477 01:08:25,935 --> 01:08:28,103 I said george is dead. 1478 01:08:28,105 --> 01:08:30,972 - Drowned the year before while swimming 1479 01:08:30,974 --> 01:08:33,174 In a river in new jersey. 1480 01:08:33,176 --> 01:08:37,311 Still, to satisfy the d.A., investigators had to make a case 1481 01:08:37,313 --> 01:08:40,782 That coralluzzo was either guilty or innocent. 1482 01:08:40,784 --> 01:08:43,951 But because dead men don't talk, 1483 01:08:43,953 --> 01:08:47,188 It meant they had to slog through seven years of reports, 1484 01:08:47,190 --> 01:08:50,391 And interviews, and statements. 1485 01:08:50,393 --> 01:08:54,095 And it was two years after paige's body was discovered, 1486 01:08:54,097 --> 01:08:57,131 While wading through that mountain of material, 1487 01:08:57,133 --> 01:09:00,268 An investigator stumbled on an overlooked piece of evidence 1488 01:09:00,270 --> 01:09:02,403 That would change the whole case. 1489 01:09:02,405 --> 01:09:06,507 It was security camera video of coralluzzo's friends, 1490 01:09:06,509 --> 01:09:10,678 Including tavera, at a market the night paige disappeared. 1491 01:09:10,680 --> 01:09:14,248 Coralluzzo wasn't in the video, mind you, but the timestamp 1492 01:09:14,250 --> 01:09:16,617 Backed up the story, minute by minute, 1493 01:09:16,619 --> 01:09:18,920 That tavera had been telling the cops. 1494 01:09:18,922 --> 01:09:20,955 Suddenly, lifting his credibility 1495 01:09:20,957 --> 01:09:23,057 And, in turn, helping to establish 1496 01:09:23,059 --> 01:09:26,694 Coralluzzo's whereabouts the night paige disappeared. 1497 01:09:26,696 --> 01:09:28,229 - That video helped to corroborate 1498 01:09:28,231 --> 01:09:29,997 What the witness was saying. 1499 01:09:29,999 --> 01:09:34,635 It was piecing together a timeline of where he was, 1500 01:09:34,637 --> 01:09:36,837 Where we could prove he was during 1501 01:09:36,839 --> 01:09:38,973 The relevant window of opportunity. 1502 01:09:38,975 --> 01:09:40,175 - Right. 1503 01:09:40,177 --> 01:09:43,378 - That evening and the next day when paige went missing. 1504 01:09:43,380 --> 01:09:46,781 And by interviewing lots of different people 1505 01:09:46,783 --> 01:09:50,384 Who had been with coralluzzo or had talked to him, 1506 01:09:50,386 --> 01:09:53,621 We were able to painstakingly, 1507 01:09:53,623 --> 01:09:55,523 Essentially alibi him. 1508 01:09:55,525 --> 01:09:58,192 - Hautzinger felt he finally had enough 1509 01:09:58,194 --> 01:10:00,194 To take the case to a jury. 1510 01:10:00,196 --> 01:10:03,531 And in November 2014, seven and one-half years 1511 01:10:03,533 --> 01:10:06,334 After paige vanished, police arrested 1512 01:10:06,336 --> 01:10:08,836 Lester ralph jones for her murder. 1513 01:10:08,838 --> 01:10:12,039 But did they know the whole story now? 1514 01:10:12,041 --> 01:10:15,276 Oh, no, they certainly did not. 1515 01:10:15,278 --> 01:10:19,247 They didn't know where or even how paige was killed. 1516 01:10:19,249 --> 01:10:21,215 - It would have been nice to have 1517 01:10:21,217 --> 01:10:22,850 That additional piece of evidence 1518 01:10:22,852 --> 01:10:25,419 Or additional puzzle piece 1519 01:10:25,421 --> 01:10:26,988 To put into the jigsaw. 1520 01:10:26,990 --> 01:10:28,556 - Well, it would help you tell the story, too. 1521 01:10:28,558 --> 01:10:29,657 - Exactly. 1522 01:10:29,659 --> 01:10:30,491 - And telling the story is an important thing 1523 01:10:30,493 --> 01:10:31,659 For a prosecutor to be able to do. 1524 01:10:31,661 --> 01:10:34,095 - It's really the entire thing. 1525 01:10:34,097 --> 01:10:38,032 I don't have to prove motive, for example, um... 1526 01:10:38,034 --> 01:10:41,402 But I usually try to anyway because the jury wants to know, 1527 01:10:41,404 --> 01:10:43,571 Why did this person do this. 1528 01:10:43,573 --> 01:10:44,639 - So, tell us the story. 1529 01:10:44,641 --> 01:10:45,974 What happened, in your view? 1530 01:10:45,976 --> 01:10:48,643 - I think, uh, lester jones 1531 01:10:48,645 --> 01:10:50,177 Was obsessed with paige 1532 01:10:50,179 --> 01:10:54,448 And she had not enjoyed her time with him 1533 01:10:54,450 --> 01:10:55,984 And was putting him off. 1534 01:10:55,986 --> 01:10:58,219 And I think that triggered something. 1535 01:10:58,221 --> 01:10:59,787 - Mm-hmm. - That's why he got the tracfone. 1536 01:10:59,789 --> 01:11:01,689 And something went wrong. 1537 01:11:01,691 --> 01:11:06,394 My guess is that he physically subdued her 1538 01:11:06,396 --> 01:11:10,464 And drove her down to where her body was found, 1539 01:11:10,466 --> 01:11:12,000 But she was conscious and had the ability 1540 01:11:12,002 --> 01:11:14,101 To throw some of the things out the window or the trunk 1541 01:11:14,103 --> 01:11:17,071 Or whatever it was leaving that trail going down to delta. 1542 01:11:17,073 --> 01:11:21,342 And that she was ultimately killed wherever-- 1543 01:11:21,344 --> 01:11:24,011 Not far from where her body was found. 1544 01:11:24,013 --> 01:11:28,283 - But the defense had its own compelling story to tell. 1545 01:11:28,285 --> 01:11:30,818 Or rather stories. 1546 01:11:30,820 --> 01:11:34,622 A separate tale for each of those alternate suspects. 1547 01:11:34,624 --> 01:11:36,490 A waste of time? 1548 01:11:36,492 --> 01:11:38,959 Well, maybe not. 1549 01:11:38,961 --> 01:11:42,630 Remember, it takes just one juror with reasonable doubt 1550 01:11:42,632 --> 01:11:47,135 To throw a whole case into-- well, you'll see. 1551 01:11:50,840 --> 01:11:52,840 At trial, the defense goes hard 1552 01:11:52,842 --> 01:11:55,710 At the original lead detective in the case. 1553 01:11:55,712 --> 01:11:58,846 - Did you actually receive an official reprimand 1554 01:11:58,848 --> 01:12:02,116 For the poor quality of work you did in this case? 1555 01:12:02,118 --> 01:12:05,786 - Maybe the case against jones never stood a chance. 1556 01:12:05,788 --> 01:12:07,922 - If you're doing shoddy work in the beginning, 1557 01:12:07,924 --> 01:12:09,790 Your investigation becomes sick. 1558 01:12:09,792 --> 01:12:12,059 It's almost impossible to make it well again. 1559 01:12:12,061 --> 01:12:15,029 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1560 01:12:24,807 --> 01:12:26,807 - In a town with zero degrees of separation, 1561 01:12:26,809 --> 01:12:28,609 Paige birgfeld's disappearance and murder 1562 01:12:28,611 --> 01:12:30,845 Impacted many here. 1563 01:12:30,847 --> 01:12:32,747 If they didn't know paige personally, 1564 01:12:32,749 --> 01:12:34,548 Then they were in on the search, 1565 01:12:34,550 --> 01:12:38,452 Or were a potential witness, or knew somebody who was. 1566 01:12:38,454 --> 01:12:41,155 Or in the worst case, 1567 01:12:41,157 --> 01:12:43,691 Knew one of the possible suspects. 1568 01:12:43,693 --> 01:12:47,228 So, when the trial finally got underway, 1569 01:12:47,230 --> 01:12:49,530 The town's attention was very much focused 1570 01:12:49,532 --> 01:12:51,165 On this courtroom. 1571 01:12:51,167 --> 01:12:53,701 - We're on the record in 1401432 mr. Jones... 1572 01:12:53,703 --> 01:12:56,337 - But the trouble began before a single witness 1573 01:12:56,339 --> 01:12:57,371 Could be called. 1574 01:12:57,373 --> 01:13:00,241 Ron beigler was angry, wound up. 1575 01:13:00,243 --> 01:13:02,610 The new district attorney, dan rubenstein, 1576 01:13:02,612 --> 01:13:04,845 Was set to call paige's first husband. 1577 01:13:04,847 --> 01:13:06,514 He was a key witness. 1578 01:13:06,516 --> 01:13:09,283 But was afraid he might actually attack jones 1579 01:13:09,285 --> 01:13:10,484 In the courtroom 1580 01:13:10,486 --> 01:13:13,187 Because beigler had actually threatened to kill him. 1581 01:13:13,189 --> 01:13:16,190 - And indicated that he wanted mr. Jones 1582 01:13:16,192 --> 01:13:20,261 To be found not guilty so that he could kill him 1583 01:13:20,263 --> 01:13:22,397 And feed him his genitals, 1584 01:13:22,399 --> 01:13:24,532 But used a different word than that. 1585 01:13:24,534 --> 01:13:26,667 - Proceedings ground to a sudden halt. 1586 01:13:26,669 --> 01:13:29,069 Beigler was hauled before the judge. 1587 01:13:29,071 --> 01:13:31,739 - If you have any outbursts or you do anything 1588 01:13:31,741 --> 01:13:34,141 In an attempt to harm anybody in the courtroom, 1589 01:13:34,143 --> 01:13:37,278 That that will result in serious consequences. 1590 01:13:37,280 --> 01:13:38,345 - I think it's overexaggerated. 1591 01:13:38,347 --> 01:13:40,648 Or council may be taken out of context. 1592 01:13:40,650 --> 01:13:44,084 - Chastened, but still insisting it was all a misunderstanding, 1593 01:13:44,086 --> 01:13:47,021 Beigler took the stand and testified 1594 01:13:47,023 --> 01:13:49,156 About his last day with paige. 1595 01:13:49,158 --> 01:13:52,760 - We talked about me moving into her house in grand junction. 1596 01:13:52,762 --> 01:13:55,496 We talked about her quitting that business. 1597 01:13:55,498 --> 01:13:57,031 - Which business? 1598 01:13:57,033 --> 01:13:58,933 - The adult entertainment business. 1599 01:13:58,935 --> 01:14:00,768 - Did you give her reasons why you wanted her to quit? 1600 01:14:00,770 --> 01:14:04,038 - Mm-hmm. - What were the reasons you said? 1601 01:14:05,107 --> 01:14:07,608 - Because she could get killed, for one. 1602 01:14:07,610 --> 01:14:09,110 - The jury heard about it all. 1603 01:14:09,112 --> 01:14:11,745 The day planner, items along the roadside, 1604 01:14:11,747 --> 01:14:14,515 The bits of paper left along the highway. 1605 01:14:14,517 --> 01:14:17,651 The search dogs who scented on jones. 1606 01:14:17,653 --> 01:14:20,455 The tracfone jones bought then lied about. 1607 01:14:20,457 --> 01:14:25,393 And the apparent suicide note he'd left for his wife. 1608 01:14:25,395 --> 01:14:28,596 And the jury heard that strange call jones had 1609 01:14:28,598 --> 01:14:30,832 With the deputy when jones said... 1610 01:14:33,269 --> 01:14:35,803 - Lisa nance told the jury the harrowing tale 1611 01:14:35,805 --> 01:14:38,939 Of the night jones took her into the mountains. 1612 01:14:38,941 --> 01:14:39,807 - And he looked at me and he said, 1613 01:14:39,809 --> 01:14:41,275 "I'm going to kill you." 1614 01:14:41,277 --> 01:14:42,710 - And there was this. 1615 01:14:46,482 --> 01:14:49,150 - The prosecution played the fearful phone messages 1616 01:14:49,152 --> 01:14:52,052 Paige's then eight-year-old daughter jess left 1617 01:14:52,054 --> 01:14:53,554 On her mother's cellphone. 1618 01:14:55,825 --> 01:14:59,694 - And here was jess today, a senior in high school 1619 01:14:59,696 --> 01:15:02,496 But still able to give a child's perspective 1620 01:15:02,498 --> 01:15:05,166 Of a very loving mother. 1621 01:15:05,168 --> 01:15:08,903 - She was pretty much a typical soccer mom. 1622 01:15:08,905 --> 01:15:12,439 She, uh, we did everything with her. 1623 01:15:12,441 --> 01:15:13,975 We all slept in the same bed with her 1624 01:15:13,977 --> 01:15:17,511 And we always went shopping together. 1625 01:15:17,513 --> 01:15:19,780 And she took us to all of our soccer games 1626 01:15:19,782 --> 01:15:23,851 And to school and she provided us with everything 1627 01:15:23,853 --> 01:15:27,121 That we needed, whatever that may have been. 1628 01:15:29,058 --> 01:15:32,259 - A procession of witnesses that lasted for weeks. 1629 01:15:32,261 --> 01:15:34,728 And the defense team's response? 1630 01:15:34,730 --> 01:15:36,931 That this was all so much show 1631 01:15:36,933 --> 01:15:39,934 To distract from a shoddy investigation 1632 01:15:39,936 --> 01:15:42,536 That focused on jones from the start, 1633 01:15:42,538 --> 01:15:46,373 Despite the lack of any physical evidence. 1634 01:15:46,375 --> 01:15:47,608 - Do you solemnly swear... 1635 01:15:47,610 --> 01:15:50,077 - And they drove that theory home by boldly calling 1636 01:15:50,079 --> 01:15:53,347 Former lead investigator beverly jarrell. 1637 01:15:53,349 --> 01:15:54,282 Remember her? 1638 01:15:54,284 --> 01:15:55,750 She was in charge of the investigation 1639 01:15:55,752 --> 01:15:58,218 And all those detectives from the beginning. 1640 01:15:58,220 --> 01:15:59,420 - Good afternoon. 1641 01:15:59,422 --> 01:16:01,989 - Yet was never called to testify for the prosecution. 1642 01:16:01,991 --> 01:16:04,559 Perhaps for good reason. 1643 01:16:04,561 --> 01:16:06,294 - Would you agree, investigator jarrell, 1644 01:16:06,296 --> 01:16:08,963 That you made some mistakes in this investigation? 1645 01:16:08,965 --> 01:16:11,765 - Uh, yes. - Okay. 1646 01:16:11,767 --> 01:16:14,902 Has it come to your attention that you did, in fact, 1647 01:16:14,904 --> 01:16:19,773 Forget to book in a few recordings into evidence? 1648 01:16:19,775 --> 01:16:20,841 - Yes. 1649 01:16:20,843 --> 01:16:23,043 - Jarrell admitted reports had gone unwritten 1650 01:16:23,045 --> 01:16:25,212 And evidence was actually lost. 1651 01:16:25,214 --> 01:16:28,515 Like jose tavera's first police interview. 1652 01:16:28,517 --> 01:16:32,786 - And did you actually receive an official reprimand 1653 01:16:32,788 --> 01:16:36,290 For the poor quality of work you did in this case? 1654 01:16:36,292 --> 01:16:38,058 - Um, I don't remember that. 1655 01:16:38,060 --> 01:16:41,128 - You don't remember getting a major disciplinary action 1656 01:16:41,130 --> 01:16:45,399 Because you kept evidence from this case in your office? 1657 01:16:45,401 --> 01:16:46,967 - In writing? No. 1658 01:16:46,969 --> 01:16:48,569 - Jarrell said her memory has been fuzzy 1659 01:16:48,571 --> 01:16:51,505 Since a 2010 horse-riding accident. 1660 01:16:51,507 --> 01:16:54,541 Something that happened three years after the slipups 1661 01:16:54,543 --> 01:16:57,645 On the birgfeld case. 1662 01:16:57,647 --> 01:16:59,813 And then came the alternate suspects. 1663 01:16:59,815 --> 01:17:02,583 The guy who called paige from that motel 6. 1664 01:17:02,585 --> 01:17:06,487 - And in that storage unit, you had numerous guns, right? 1665 01:17:06,489 --> 01:17:07,821 - I did have. 1666 01:17:07,823 --> 01:17:11,759 - This former client who allegedly discussed killing paige. 1667 01:17:11,761 --> 01:17:14,995 - Did you tell ms. Whalen that you had killed ms. Birgfeld 1668 01:17:14,997 --> 01:17:18,298 By putting ms. Birgfeld through a woodchipper? 1669 01:17:18,300 --> 01:17:19,533 - No, ma'am. 1670 01:17:19,535 --> 01:17:22,636 Somebody said something about did you do this to paige, 1671 01:17:22,638 --> 01:17:26,073 Or did you murder paige, and I said, 1672 01:17:26,075 --> 01:17:28,643 Just out of context, had I-- had I, 1673 01:17:28,645 --> 01:17:30,044 Uh, they wouldn't find her 1674 01:17:30,046 --> 01:17:31,812 Because I'd have used a woodchipper. 1675 01:17:31,814 --> 01:17:34,181 And it was totally out of context. 1676 01:17:34,183 --> 01:17:36,650 - The client who admitted embezzling his company's money 1677 01:17:36,652 --> 01:17:38,118 To pay paige. 1678 01:17:38,120 --> 01:17:40,220 - Did you kill ms. Birgfeld? - No. 1679 01:17:40,222 --> 01:17:41,922 - Are you responsible for her disappearance? 1680 01:17:41,924 --> 01:17:43,323 - Absolutely not. 1681 01:17:43,325 --> 01:17:45,860 - And then the defense went after jose tavera, 1682 01:17:45,862 --> 01:17:49,029 Who admitted he was so tight with coralluzzo 1683 01:17:49,031 --> 01:17:52,533 He would have done just about anything for his friend. 1684 01:17:52,535 --> 01:17:55,836 - Including burning a car to help him 1685 01:17:55,838 --> 01:17:58,472 If he needed that done? - I wouldn't do that. 1686 01:17:58,474 --> 01:17:59,573 - You wouldn't do that? - No, I would not. 1687 01:17:59,575 --> 01:18:00,675 - That's the one thing you wouldn't do? 1688 01:18:00,677 --> 01:18:01,742 - Yeah. 1689 01:18:01,744 --> 01:18:04,378 - Meagan williams told the jury she was sure 1690 01:18:04,380 --> 01:18:06,146 The killer was really coralluzzo. 1691 01:18:06,148 --> 01:18:09,083 - He was a pathological liar and anything that came out 1692 01:18:09,085 --> 01:18:10,551 Of his mouth was a lie. 1693 01:18:10,553 --> 01:18:13,754 And any story that he made up was made up. 1694 01:18:13,756 --> 01:18:16,390 - So many suspects, said the defense. 1695 01:18:16,392 --> 01:18:18,759 And they put on a retired detective 1696 01:18:18,761 --> 01:18:21,295 To accuse the police of tunnel vision. 1697 01:18:21,297 --> 01:18:23,464 - Because if you're doing shoddy work in the beginning 1698 01:18:23,466 --> 01:18:25,966 And you're not paying attention to all the details 1699 01:18:25,968 --> 01:18:28,635 And all of the information and vetting all of the leads, 1700 01:18:28,637 --> 01:18:30,270 Your investigation becomes sick. 1701 01:18:30,272 --> 01:18:32,773 It's almost impossible to make it well again. 1702 01:18:32,775 --> 01:18:35,509 - As for forensic evidence, said the defense, 1703 01:18:35,511 --> 01:18:36,777 Forget about it. 1704 01:18:36,779 --> 01:18:39,980 They called an expert to say there is no way 1705 01:18:39,982 --> 01:18:42,717 A dog can follow a month-old scent. 1706 01:18:42,719 --> 01:18:44,985 - My opinion is that it's not possible. 1707 01:18:44,987 --> 01:18:48,055 - If true, that meant there was no proof jones 1708 01:18:48,057 --> 01:18:51,091 Had ever been in paige's car or along the highway 1709 01:18:51,093 --> 01:18:53,260 Where her belongings were found. 1710 01:18:53,262 --> 01:18:54,828 By the end of the six-week trial, 1711 01:18:54,830 --> 01:18:57,731 The jury had heard from more than a hundred witnesses, 1712 01:18:57,733 --> 01:19:00,601 Testifying about a nine-year investigation 1713 01:19:00,603 --> 01:19:03,103 Involving multiple suspects. 1714 01:19:03,105 --> 01:19:06,406 So, it wasn't surprising, during deliberations, 1715 01:19:06,408 --> 01:19:10,010 The jury came back with one question after the other. 1716 01:19:10,012 --> 01:19:12,446 Prosecutor dan rubenstein... 1717 01:19:12,448 --> 01:19:13,414 - I started to get worried 1718 01:19:13,416 --> 01:19:15,516 And the question popped into my mind, 1719 01:19:15,518 --> 01:19:18,085 Is it possible to ever convince 12 people 1720 01:19:18,087 --> 01:19:20,354 Beyond a reasonable doubt, unanimously, 1721 01:19:20,356 --> 01:19:22,356 As to an answer on this case? 1722 01:19:22,358 --> 01:19:23,958 And I started to worry about that. 1723 01:19:23,960 --> 01:19:25,025 - Please rise for the jury. 1724 01:19:25,027 --> 01:19:26,894 - On day three, the judge called the hurry 1725 01:19:26,896 --> 01:19:28,729 Into his courtroom to ask... 1726 01:19:28,731 --> 01:19:30,765 - Is there a likelihood of progress towards 1727 01:19:30,767 --> 01:19:32,866 A unanimous verdict? 1728 01:19:32,868 --> 01:19:34,067 - After getting this far, 1729 01:19:34,069 --> 01:19:37,304 Is the prosecution's case coming undone? 1730 01:19:40,309 --> 01:19:43,310 - Jurors speaking out saying the case went wrong 1731 01:19:43,312 --> 01:19:46,446 From the start with the original lead detective. 1732 01:19:46,448 --> 01:19:48,382 - She just boggled me when she was just, 1733 01:19:48,384 --> 01:19:49,950 "I don't remember. I don't know." 1734 01:19:49,952 --> 01:19:51,718 And you're a lead investigator? 1735 01:19:51,720 --> 01:19:54,855 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1736 01:20:04,200 --> 01:20:05,733 - By day three of deliberations, 1737 01:20:05,735 --> 01:20:08,135 The jury sent word to the judge. 1738 01:20:08,137 --> 01:20:09,737 They were deadlocked. 1739 01:20:09,739 --> 01:20:11,872 - Is there a likelihood of progress towards 1740 01:20:11,874 --> 01:20:13,874 A unanimous verdict? 1741 01:20:13,876 --> 01:20:15,976 - No. - No? All right. 1742 01:20:15,978 --> 01:20:17,177 Thank you. 1743 01:20:17,179 --> 01:20:19,880 - The judge ordered them back to deliberate further. 1744 01:20:19,882 --> 01:20:21,882 But now, of course, there was concern. 1745 01:20:21,884 --> 01:20:24,284 - So, they will make it- make another effort, 1746 01:20:24,286 --> 01:20:26,019 Considering each other's opinions further. 1747 01:20:26,021 --> 01:20:28,655 And if they're unable to reach a verdict, 1748 01:20:28,657 --> 01:20:31,024 We'll declare a mistrial and reset the trial. 1749 01:20:31,026 --> 01:20:32,960 - Less than two hours later, 1750 01:20:32,962 --> 01:20:35,496 Another message from the jury. 1751 01:20:35,498 --> 01:20:36,630 - And it states as follows: 1752 01:20:36,632 --> 01:20:40,034 "the jury remains in the same position. 1753 01:20:40,036 --> 01:20:43,370 "we are not unanimous in our decision. 1754 01:20:43,372 --> 01:20:45,906 "we do not feel any further discussion 1755 01:20:45,908 --> 01:20:49,243 "will change our current state." 1756 01:20:49,245 --> 01:20:51,111 - And that was it. 1757 01:20:51,113 --> 01:20:54,715 The judge had no option but to declare a mistrial. 1758 01:20:54,717 --> 01:20:57,117 Minutes later, paige's dad frank 1759 01:20:57,119 --> 01:20:59,753 Tried to keep it positive. 1760 01:20:59,755 --> 01:21:02,456 - Listen, if we hadn't had a trial, 1761 01:21:02,458 --> 01:21:04,191 That would have been a problem. 1762 01:21:04,193 --> 01:21:06,260 This was a massive effort. 1763 01:21:06,262 --> 01:21:08,329 It was well done. 1764 01:21:08,331 --> 01:21:11,765 I am grateful they gave us a shot at it. 1765 01:21:11,767 --> 01:21:13,667 - But like so many times in the past, 1766 01:21:13,669 --> 01:21:16,970 Frank's façade cracked just a bit 1767 01:21:16,972 --> 01:21:19,106 And the pain slipped through. 1768 01:21:19,108 --> 01:21:22,476 - At the end, they showed a nice picture of paige. 1769 01:21:22,478 --> 01:21:25,012 That all kind of came down. 1770 01:21:25,014 --> 01:21:27,147 - In my heart, I believed he was guilty. 1771 01:21:27,149 --> 01:21:29,016 - A handful of jurors spoke to us afterwards 1772 01:21:29,018 --> 01:21:32,586 To explain how the trial played out for them. 1773 01:21:32,588 --> 01:21:35,556 This man, william sullivan, voted guilty. 1774 01:21:35,558 --> 01:21:37,424 - Because of the evidence. You know? 1775 01:21:37,426 --> 01:21:39,893 Nobody has that bad of luck in one week. 1776 01:21:39,895 --> 01:21:43,263 - And this man, judd swihart, was disturbed 1777 01:21:43,265 --> 01:21:46,233 By lead investigator beverly jarrell's testimony. 1778 01:21:46,235 --> 01:21:48,735 - She just, uh, just boggled me 1779 01:21:48,737 --> 01:21:50,637 When she was on the stand and just, 1780 01:21:50,639 --> 01:21:51,672 "I don't remember; I don't know." 1781 01:21:51,674 --> 01:21:52,506 Or whatever. 1782 01:21:52,508 --> 01:21:54,041 And you're a lead investigator? 1783 01:21:54,043 --> 01:21:57,444 You-- they should have replaced her immediately. 1784 01:21:57,446 --> 01:22:00,647 - Still, he voted guilty. But there were others. 1785 01:22:00,649 --> 01:22:04,351 Three, all told, who couldn't overcome their doubts. 1786 01:22:04,353 --> 01:22:06,520 One of them was bobbi sanabria, 1787 01:22:06,522 --> 01:22:08,622 Who spoke for the three dissenters. 1788 01:22:08,624 --> 01:22:10,524 - The fact that there was not enough evidence for them 1789 01:22:10,526 --> 01:22:12,726 To get past the reasonable doubt. 1790 01:22:12,728 --> 01:22:17,598 - Prosecutor dan rubenstein said in a way he understood. 1791 01:22:17,600 --> 01:22:20,134 - The biggest weakness of the case, in my opinion, 1792 01:22:20,136 --> 01:22:22,736 Was that there was just no eyewitnesses 1793 01:22:22,738 --> 01:22:25,339 That placed mr. Jones with ms. Birgfeld that night 1794 01:22:25,341 --> 01:22:29,076 And we really didn't know exactly how she was killed. 1795 01:22:29,078 --> 01:22:32,479 - And he conceded the defense did an admirable job 1796 01:22:32,481 --> 01:22:34,148 Protecting jones. 1797 01:22:34,150 --> 01:22:36,283 - I think the point that they were trying to make 1798 01:22:36,285 --> 01:22:39,486 Was a good one, which is it could be anyone. 1799 01:22:39,488 --> 01:22:42,622 It could be somebody we never thought of. 1800 01:22:42,624 --> 01:22:44,425 - So, the seasons slip by, 1801 01:22:44,427 --> 01:22:47,894 And now with the leaves gone and snow falling, 1802 01:22:47,896 --> 01:22:49,429 A retrial. 1803 01:22:49,431 --> 01:22:51,098 - Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. 1804 01:22:51,100 --> 01:22:54,301 - And with time and money tight, all knew this would be 1805 01:22:54,303 --> 01:22:57,070 Rubenstein's last shot at jones. 1806 01:22:57,072 --> 01:23:00,707 Another mistrial would be just as good as an acquittal. 1807 01:23:00,709 --> 01:23:02,409 - Do you solemnly swear... 1808 01:23:02,411 --> 01:23:04,311 - And so, it all played out as before. 1809 01:23:04,313 --> 01:23:06,847 - You have a track record of being dishonest. 1810 01:23:06,849 --> 01:23:07,915 - Yes. 1811 01:23:07,917 --> 01:23:09,349 - The same witnesses. 1812 01:23:09,351 --> 01:23:10,917 - Did you kill ms. Birgfeld? 1813 01:23:10,919 --> 01:23:11,919 - No, ma'am. 1814 01:23:11,921 --> 01:23:13,387 - The same testimony. 1815 01:23:13,389 --> 01:23:16,323 - I have never been able to run a dog on a trail 1816 01:23:16,325 --> 01:23:17,624 That's a month old. 1817 01:23:17,626 --> 01:23:19,059 - The same alternate suspects. 1818 01:23:19,061 --> 01:23:22,429 - In your opinion, did the sheriff's office conduct 1819 01:23:22,431 --> 01:23:24,198 An objective investigation? 1820 01:23:24,200 --> 01:23:25,265 - No. 1821 01:23:25,267 --> 01:23:27,334 - The same closing argument from the defense. 1822 01:23:27,336 --> 01:23:30,337 - This man is innocent, and he stays that way 1823 01:23:30,339 --> 01:23:34,274 Unless these people can convince you otherwise, 1824 01:23:34,276 --> 01:23:36,209 Beyond a reasonable doubt. 1825 01:23:36,211 --> 01:23:38,211 - But what was different this time 1826 01:23:38,213 --> 01:23:40,347 Was rubenstein's closing argument. 1827 01:23:40,349 --> 01:23:43,383 Taking the alternate suspects seriously, 1828 01:23:43,385 --> 01:23:47,421 He went after each theory one by one with attitude. 1829 01:23:47,423 --> 01:23:50,223 - And to think that somebody who's so drunk 1830 01:23:50,225 --> 01:23:52,426 That three different people have to cart them around, 1831 01:23:52,428 --> 01:23:54,361 Who's probably also on cocaine, 1832 01:23:54,363 --> 01:23:57,664 Is capable of doing this, carefully doing it, 1833 01:23:57,666 --> 01:23:59,833 And then going back and cleaning it up, 1834 01:23:59,835 --> 01:24:02,302 Carefully, with a car fire 1835 01:24:02,304 --> 01:24:04,471 That's specifically targeted to get the evidence. 1836 01:24:04,473 --> 01:24:06,506 To tear pages out of a day planner. 1837 01:24:06,508 --> 01:24:09,710 I mean, does this sound like george coralluzzo at all? 1838 01:24:09,712 --> 01:24:11,278 No. 1839 01:24:11,280 --> 01:24:12,746 - But would that make a difference 1840 01:24:12,748 --> 01:24:14,514 To this new jury? 1841 01:24:14,516 --> 01:24:15,849 Few thought so. 1842 01:24:15,851 --> 01:24:18,585 And so, while deliberations went on from one day 1843 01:24:18,587 --> 01:24:22,856 To the next, paige's parents braced themselves. 1844 01:24:22,858 --> 01:24:24,925 - I think there's a reasonable chance 1845 01:24:24,927 --> 01:24:26,660 It could be another mistrial. 1846 01:24:26,662 --> 01:24:28,395 If it is a mistrial, I expect jones 1847 01:24:28,397 --> 01:24:30,263 Will walk out a free man. 1848 01:24:30,265 --> 01:24:32,666 - And just as in the first trial, 1849 01:24:32,668 --> 01:24:34,935 The jury deliberated for three days 1850 01:24:34,937 --> 01:24:38,138 Before sending a note to the judge. 1851 01:24:38,140 --> 01:24:39,573 Please be seated. 1852 01:24:39,575 --> 01:24:42,742 - But this time, there was a verdict. 1853 01:24:42,744 --> 01:24:44,144 - We, the jury, find the defendant 1854 01:24:44,146 --> 01:24:47,748 Lester ralph jones guilty of count one, 1855 01:24:47,750 --> 01:24:49,616 Murder in the first degree. 1856 01:24:49,618 --> 01:24:52,886 - The jury also found jones guilty of second-degree murder 1857 01:24:52,888 --> 01:24:54,888 And second-degree kidnapping. 1858 01:24:54,890 --> 01:24:56,957 The judge sentenced him to life without parole 1859 01:24:56,959 --> 01:24:58,291 For the murder, 1860 01:24:58,293 --> 01:25:01,428 Plus an additional 12 years for second-degree kidnapping. 1861 01:25:01,430 --> 01:25:03,430 Jones has filed an appeal. 1862 01:25:03,432 --> 01:25:05,099 - When the verdict came in, 1863 01:25:05,101 --> 01:25:08,302 I think we were supposed to feel elated, 1864 01:25:08,304 --> 01:25:11,972 Like the home team kicked a field goal 1865 01:25:11,974 --> 01:25:14,841 With two seconds left and we just won. 1866 01:25:14,843 --> 01:25:17,844 And to be honest, I didn't feel that. 1867 01:25:17,846 --> 01:25:21,115 Uh, there were no winners in this case. 1868 01:25:21,117 --> 01:25:24,284 Uh, none of this brings paige back to us. 1869 01:25:24,286 --> 01:25:26,253 - What about you? 1870 01:25:26,255 --> 01:25:28,421 - This is about paige. 1871 01:25:28,423 --> 01:25:32,425 This is about paige who has been gone 1872 01:25:32,427 --> 01:25:36,296 And will not be able to come back to her friends, 1873 01:25:36,298 --> 01:25:40,667 Her brother, her parents, her kids. 1874 01:25:40,669 --> 01:25:44,070 - Who moved to pennsylvania soon after paige vanished. 1875 01:25:44,072 --> 01:25:46,139 The birgfelds tried to get custody, 1876 01:25:46,141 --> 01:25:49,075 But a judge ruled against them and in favor 1877 01:25:49,077 --> 01:25:51,611 Of the father, rob dixon. 1878 01:25:51,613 --> 01:25:54,080 - It's been the book of job for you two. 1879 01:25:54,082 --> 01:25:56,983 - Just trying to get back to our normal lives. 1880 01:25:56,985 --> 01:25:58,451 And we won't. 1881 01:25:58,453 --> 01:26:01,254 We never will be what we were. 1882 01:26:01,256 --> 01:26:03,890 It's changed, I think, each of us. 1883 01:26:03,892 --> 01:26:08,695 But we're working at trying to get back to normal and... 1884 01:26:08,697 --> 01:26:10,097 - Or something like it. 1885 01:26:10,099 --> 01:26:13,433 - A big word that always hangs over the room is closure. 1886 01:26:13,435 --> 01:26:17,437 And, um, I'm not sure what that means. 1887 01:26:17,439 --> 01:26:19,306 - Paige birgfeld was kidnapped. 1888 01:26:19,308 --> 01:26:21,041 - There were difficult moments for the birgfelds 1889 01:26:21,043 --> 01:26:22,909 During the murder trial. 1890 01:26:22,911 --> 01:26:24,244 Like the first time they heard 1891 01:26:24,246 --> 01:26:26,346 The frightened voicemail messages 1892 01:26:26,348 --> 01:26:27,948 Of their grandchildren. 1893 01:26:35,858 --> 01:26:38,358 - And I would tell you that was a hard part. 1894 01:26:38,360 --> 01:26:39,926 - That was the hardest for me. 1895 01:26:39,928 --> 01:26:43,997 - There is almost a recognition that you're in trouble. 1896 01:26:43,999 --> 01:26:45,332 Please don't be in trouble. 1897 01:26:45,334 --> 01:26:48,768 Please come home to us. 1898 01:26:48,770 --> 01:26:51,471 - And then there was the day planner 1899 01:26:51,473 --> 01:26:54,007 When the sweet, mundane details of paige's life 1900 01:26:54,009 --> 01:26:57,043 And those of her children were made real once more. 1901 01:26:57,045 --> 01:26:59,746 The family nights, soccer games, 1902 01:26:59,748 --> 01:27:02,649 The dance recitals and birthday parties 1903 01:27:02,651 --> 01:27:04,551 And library visits. 1904 01:27:04,553 --> 01:27:06,219 They were all there. 1905 01:27:06,221 --> 01:27:10,090 The precious, chaotic rhythms of a family that once was. 1906 01:27:10,092 --> 01:27:14,428 Proof that there was a time when all was as it should be. 1907 01:27:16,164 --> 01:27:19,800 Proof also, that time is gone forever. 1908 01:27:23,171 --> 01:27:24,404 - That's all for this edition 1909 01:27:24,406 --> 01:27:26,706 Of "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 1910 01:27:26,708 --> 01:27:29,176 I'm kate snow. Thank you for watching.