1 00:00:13,213 --> 00:00:14,813 - I'm craig melvin, and this is 2 00:00:14,815 --> 00:00:18,283 "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 3 00:00:18,285 --> 00:00:20,619 - The plot was hatched. 4 00:00:20,621 --> 00:00:23,488 This dreadful plot. 5 00:00:23,490 --> 00:00:25,491 - I mean, it's like a movie script, 6 00:00:25,493 --> 00:00:29,761 It's family rivalries, and betrayal, and murder. 7 00:00:29,763 --> 00:00:32,764 - It was so horrific. 8 00:00:32,766 --> 00:00:36,134 What were the last hours on earth like for her? 9 00:00:36,136 --> 00:00:38,704 - It lurks here on this 10 00:00:38,706 --> 00:00:40,706 Storied family estate, 11 00:00:40,708 --> 00:00:43,241 A mystery as tangled and gnarled 12 00:00:43,243 --> 00:00:45,310 As the trees that reach for the sky. 13 00:00:47,581 --> 00:00:49,181 - It eats at me, 14 00:00:49,183 --> 00:00:51,250 I can't sleep most of the time. 15 00:00:51,252 --> 00:00:53,785 - A crime like a storm. 16 00:00:53,787 --> 00:00:55,487 Everyone could see it coming. 17 00:00:55,489 --> 00:00:57,589 - Everybody in the town has their suspicions. 18 00:00:57,591 --> 00:00:59,792 - She was missing, the matriarch with 19 00:00:59,794 --> 00:01:02,861 A grip on her powerful family's fortune. 20 00:01:02,863 --> 00:01:06,598 Did someone have a powerful motive to do her harm? 21 00:01:06,600 --> 00:01:09,868 - I saw bruises on bonnie's arms 22 00:01:09,870 --> 00:01:11,537 Like somebody had grabbed her. 23 00:01:11,539 --> 00:01:13,638 - She looked at him and said, "you tried to kill me." 24 00:01:13,640 --> 00:01:15,541 - Who was behind this? 25 00:01:15,543 --> 00:01:17,142 A search in the dark. 26 00:01:17,144 --> 00:01:18,176 - Right there. - That's all right, 27 00:01:18,178 --> 00:01:19,411 It's all right. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. 28 00:01:19,413 --> 00:01:23,014 - A secret in the family and a jailhouse interview 29 00:01:23,016 --> 00:01:25,016 To make your jaw drop. 30 00:01:25,018 --> 00:01:26,852 - You said you wished she were dead, 31 00:01:26,854 --> 00:01:28,487 And then later, she became dead. 32 00:01:28,489 --> 00:01:32,357 - This is a twisted tale deep in the heart of texas. 33 00:01:32,359 --> 00:01:35,093 - People who are desperate will do desperate things. 34 00:01:35,095 --> 00:01:43,569 ♪♪ 35 00:01:43,571 --> 00:01:47,372 - Hello, and welcome to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 36 00:01:47,374 --> 00:01:51,243 In their small texas town, the harkey name 37 00:01:51,245 --> 00:01:53,912 Was synonymous with success. 38 00:01:53,914 --> 00:01:57,115 Bonnie harkey was the forming family's matriarch, 39 00:01:57,117 --> 00:01:59,985 And her attendance at Sunday morning church services 40 00:01:59,987 --> 00:02:03,188 Was as regular as harvest season. 41 00:02:03,190 --> 00:02:06,358 But one Sunday, something very irregular 42 00:02:06,360 --> 00:02:08,660 Was happening at the harkey homestead, 43 00:02:08,662 --> 00:02:10,228 And it had many wondering 44 00:02:10,230 --> 00:02:13,832 If a not-so-secret family feud 45 00:02:13,834 --> 00:02:16,268 Had reached its boiling point. 46 00:02:16,270 --> 00:02:19,371 Here's josh mankiewicz with "queen of the county." 47 00:02:21,609 --> 00:02:23,742 - In this country, we've always loved 48 00:02:23,744 --> 00:02:26,478 Stories about power, money, 49 00:02:26,480 --> 00:02:29,615 And the struggle to get our hands on both. 50 00:02:31,351 --> 00:02:35,153 "dallas" was the saga of a proud texas family, 51 00:02:35,155 --> 00:02:37,088 Rich and ruthless. 52 00:02:37,090 --> 00:02:39,758 The story you're about to hear is like that, 53 00:02:39,760 --> 00:02:42,827 Maybe less glitz and less glamor. 54 00:02:42,829 --> 00:02:46,665 But then, j.R. Ewing was never as coldhearted 55 00:02:46,667 --> 00:02:50,569 As some of the people you're about to meet. 56 00:02:50,571 --> 00:02:53,572 This epic tale of greed and betrayal 57 00:02:53,574 --> 00:02:57,376 Is set not in dallas, but in san saba. 58 00:02:57,378 --> 00:03:00,679 A tiny town in the texas hill country, 59 00:03:00,681 --> 00:03:03,715 And it stars a family that learned 60 00:03:03,717 --> 00:03:07,919 How to make money grow on trees. 61 00:03:07,921 --> 00:03:10,822 Pecan trees. 62 00:03:10,824 --> 00:03:11,924 At the heart of the matter, 63 00:03:11,926 --> 00:03:15,727 A feud fueled by a lust for land, 64 00:03:15,729 --> 00:03:19,064 Stoked by a battle of generations. 65 00:03:19,066 --> 00:03:20,465 And front and center, 66 00:03:20,467 --> 00:03:23,001 The life and times of the matriarch, 67 00:03:23,003 --> 00:03:26,705 Bonnie harkey, who controlled a family fortune 68 00:03:26,707 --> 00:03:28,707 A century in the making. 69 00:03:28,709 --> 00:03:31,076 - Well, I always say she was queen of the county 70 00:03:31,078 --> 00:03:32,077 Because she was-- 71 00:03:32,079 --> 00:03:34,479 She really was a big fish in a small pond. 72 00:03:34,481 --> 00:03:37,683 - This is teresa cook, bonnie harkey's niece. 73 00:03:37,685 --> 00:03:40,051 - They were well off and, 74 00:03:40,053 --> 00:03:42,053 Um, they were property owners. 75 00:03:42,055 --> 00:03:43,888 - And by local standards, very wealthy? 76 00:03:43,890 --> 00:03:46,024 - By local standards, sure. 77 00:03:46,026 --> 00:03:47,826 - They were so prominent, in fact, 78 00:03:47,828 --> 00:03:51,029 That the harkey name is carved on monuments, 79 00:03:51,031 --> 00:03:53,898 Painted on road signs in san saba. 80 00:03:53,900 --> 00:03:56,868 - I'm the sixth generation in my family 81 00:03:56,870 --> 00:03:58,370 Here in the county. 82 00:03:58,372 --> 00:04:01,306 - Dwight harkey says all the harkeys descended from 83 00:04:01,308 --> 00:04:05,711 Two brothers who came to the hill country in the 1850s. 84 00:04:05,713 --> 00:04:07,446 - Well, there was two boys 85 00:04:07,448 --> 00:04:09,581 That came, and they were cavalry scouts. 86 00:04:09,583 --> 00:04:12,251 And they found this country, and nobody lived here. 87 00:04:12,253 --> 00:04:14,920 - A proud family history to be sure, 88 00:04:14,922 --> 00:04:17,856 But on March 25th, 2012, 89 00:04:17,858 --> 00:04:21,793 A new and bloody chapter was added. 90 00:04:21,795 --> 00:04:23,862 - I remember that Sunday morning because of 91 00:04:23,864 --> 00:04:26,931 What happened the rest of the day. 92 00:04:26,933 --> 00:04:29,735 - The events that would forever fix that day 93 00:04:29,737 --> 00:04:32,537 In the reverend sam crosby's memory, 94 00:04:32,539 --> 00:04:35,540 Centered on 85-year-old bonnie harkey, 95 00:04:35,542 --> 00:04:39,944 An active member of the first baptist church of san saba. 96 00:04:39,946 --> 00:04:41,846 - You could set your watch by 97 00:04:41,848 --> 00:04:44,115 Bonnie harkey coming to church? 98 00:04:44,117 --> 00:04:45,850 - You could. - She'd be right here? 99 00:04:45,852 --> 00:04:47,419 - She'd be right here, right. 100 00:04:47,421 --> 00:04:50,822 And even after, she had to have 24-hour care. 101 00:04:50,824 --> 00:04:53,191 Her caretaker would bring her. 102 00:04:53,193 --> 00:04:55,694 - The trouble began a few hours after church, 103 00:04:55,696 --> 00:04:58,897 Out at the harkey place a few miles west of town. 104 00:05:01,234 --> 00:05:04,303 It was about 5:30 when the san saba sheriff's department 105 00:05:04,305 --> 00:05:07,572 Dispatcher received this call from a young boy. 106 00:05:15,649 --> 00:05:18,850 Turns out, the 11-year-old's mother was karen johnson, 107 00:05:18,852 --> 00:05:20,452 Bonnie harkey's caretaker. 108 00:05:35,669 --> 00:05:38,203 Within minutes, the san saba sheriff's department 109 00:05:38,205 --> 00:05:39,671 Head deputy is on the way. 110 00:05:46,713 --> 00:05:49,547 In a rural area where locals listen closely 111 00:05:49,549 --> 00:05:52,351 To police scanners, some worry deputies 112 00:05:52,353 --> 00:05:55,220 Might be chasing some dangerous desperado. 113 00:06:05,699 --> 00:06:07,932 The harkey place was a local landmark, 114 00:06:07,934 --> 00:06:09,267 And john wilkerson, 115 00:06:09,269 --> 00:06:12,904 A san saba sheriff's deputy in 2012, 116 00:06:12,906 --> 00:06:15,707 Was among the first investigators to arrive. 117 00:06:15,709 --> 00:06:17,675 - When I walked in, of course, uh, 118 00:06:17,677 --> 00:06:20,112 Karen johnson's body was laying face down 119 00:06:20,114 --> 00:06:22,580 In the doorway, which raised some suspicion. 120 00:06:22,582 --> 00:06:23,815 - Sign of a struggle? 121 00:06:23,817 --> 00:06:25,683 - There really wasn't any clear signs of struggle. 122 00:06:25,685 --> 00:06:28,253 There was some questionable, uh, 123 00:06:28,255 --> 00:06:30,355 Issues that were at play. - Like what? 124 00:06:30,357 --> 00:06:32,524 - The fact that she was dead right by the front door, 125 00:06:32,526 --> 00:06:34,459 That just didn't make a whole lot of sense. 126 00:06:34,461 --> 00:06:36,661 The fact that I found a broken fingernail 127 00:06:36,663 --> 00:06:38,096 On her hand. 128 00:06:38,098 --> 00:06:41,966 - Karen johnson's son, the boy who'd called 911, 129 00:06:41,968 --> 00:06:44,402 Told investigators he'd been playing a video game 130 00:06:44,404 --> 00:06:47,138 In a spare bedroom all afternoon 131 00:06:47,140 --> 00:06:51,009 And had not heard or seen anything unusual. 132 00:06:51,011 --> 00:06:54,546 Strange, but what also concerned the lawman 133 00:06:54,548 --> 00:06:57,015 Was the fact that bonnie harkey 134 00:06:57,017 --> 00:06:58,883 Was not there. 135 00:06:58,885 --> 00:07:01,419 So, you're thinkin' bonnie harkey is out there somewhere, 136 00:07:01,421 --> 00:07:02,821 Maybe in the orchards? 137 00:07:02,823 --> 00:07:06,558 - That was the thought with, uh-- with sheriff brown. 138 00:07:06,560 --> 00:07:08,827 - Bonnie had serious health problems. 139 00:07:08,829 --> 00:07:12,030 She was frail, suffered from dementia. 140 00:07:12,032 --> 00:07:15,634 In short, she had to be found, and fast. 141 00:07:15,636 --> 00:07:17,368 - Sheriff brown had called in prison dogs, 142 00:07:17,370 --> 00:07:18,937 He had the dps helicopter out. 143 00:07:18,939 --> 00:07:20,839 - She can't have gone very far. 144 00:07:20,841 --> 00:07:23,241 - Correct, that's-that's what our thoughts were. 145 00:07:23,243 --> 00:07:25,343 - By nightfall, word of bonnie harkey's 146 00:07:25,345 --> 00:07:28,580 Disappearance had spread far and wide. 147 00:07:28,582 --> 00:07:30,982 Her stepson, bruce harkey, who had been visiting 148 00:07:30,984 --> 00:07:33,618 His brother in fort worth that weekend, 149 00:07:33,620 --> 00:07:36,521 Called the sheriff's office wanting to know some details. 150 00:07:52,706 --> 00:07:55,006 Even bonnie's niece, teresa in memphis, 151 00:07:55,008 --> 00:07:59,244 Heard the news within a few hours of that first 911 call. 152 00:07:59,246 --> 00:08:01,613 - My mother and I always speak on Sunday nights, 153 00:08:01,615 --> 00:08:03,815 And, um, she had called me and said, 154 00:08:03,817 --> 00:08:06,551 "bonnie's missing." 155 00:08:06,553 --> 00:08:08,553 And, um... 156 00:08:08,555 --> 00:08:11,923 We both kind of went, "oh, no!" 157 00:08:11,925 --> 00:08:14,726 - Teresa cook may have been hundreds of miles from 158 00:08:14,728 --> 00:08:17,896 Where searchers were looking for bonnie harkey, 159 00:08:17,898 --> 00:08:21,900 But she says she knew right away her aunt's disappearance 160 00:08:21,902 --> 00:08:24,702 Was connected to the decades-long battle 161 00:08:24,704 --> 00:08:27,105 Over the remains of the harkey fortune. 162 00:08:27,107 --> 00:08:28,973 Not home invasion? 163 00:08:28,975 --> 00:08:31,910 - No, her family. 164 00:08:33,914 --> 00:08:36,248 - The search for the missing matriarch. 165 00:08:36,250 --> 00:08:39,784 - I saw bruises on bonnie's arms 166 00:08:39,786 --> 00:08:41,453 Like somebody had grabbed her. 167 00:08:41,455 --> 00:08:44,623 - And somebody sure seemed to know something. 168 00:08:51,164 --> 00:08:52,764 - When you hear that that calls come in, 169 00:08:52,766 --> 00:08:54,365 You're thinkin', oh, this is-- what? 170 00:08:54,367 --> 00:08:57,469 - Well, uh, I was definitely concerned. 171 00:08:57,471 --> 00:09:00,805 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 172 00:09:10,215 --> 00:09:12,283 - If the harkey's of san saba 173 00:09:12,285 --> 00:09:15,320 Were ever made into a television drama, 174 00:09:15,322 --> 00:09:19,090 It would be chock-full of character actors. 175 00:09:19,092 --> 00:09:21,459 There'd be a gentleman farmer, 176 00:09:21,461 --> 00:09:25,163 A pair of impatient heirs-in-waiting, 177 00:09:25,165 --> 00:09:27,699 A ne'er-do-well grandson, 178 00:09:27,701 --> 00:09:30,368 His enabling girlfriend, 179 00:09:30,370 --> 00:09:32,304 And the rock of the family would be 180 00:09:32,306 --> 00:09:35,707 A white-haired matriarch named bonnie harkey. 181 00:09:35,709 --> 00:09:38,242 - She had book clubs, she was red hat society, 182 00:09:38,244 --> 00:09:41,846 She was just constantly, you know, socializing. 183 00:09:41,848 --> 00:09:43,982 - There were roughly 200 acres 184 00:09:43,984 --> 00:09:46,451 To the harkey spread 185 00:09:46,453 --> 00:09:49,787 With valuable water rides along the san saba river, 186 00:09:49,789 --> 00:09:51,656 A rambling farmhouse, 187 00:09:51,658 --> 00:09:54,692 And nearly 3,000 pecan trees. 188 00:09:54,694 --> 00:09:56,061 - When people hear the harkey name in that 189 00:09:56,063 --> 00:09:58,463 Part of the country, what do they think? 190 00:09:58,465 --> 00:10:02,867 - I mean, the harkeys were the somebodies in town. 191 00:10:02,869 --> 00:10:05,937 And, you know, I know bonnie enjoyed that. 192 00:10:05,939 --> 00:10:08,873 - And maybe that was just the way she pictured it 193 00:10:08,875 --> 00:10:11,009 Back in 1963 when bonnie 194 00:10:11,011 --> 00:10:13,945 Met and married riley harkey. 195 00:10:13,947 --> 00:10:16,681 At the time, riley was a recently divorced father 196 00:10:16,683 --> 00:10:19,751 With two boys, bonnie a single mom 197 00:10:19,753 --> 00:10:21,886 With a teenage daughter of her own. 198 00:10:21,888 --> 00:10:23,121 - It was a coup, you know? 199 00:10:23,123 --> 00:10:26,157 It was a coup, especially for a-a single mother 200 00:10:26,159 --> 00:10:29,027 Who was really looking at having to either find a husband 201 00:10:29,029 --> 00:10:30,695 Or-or work for the rest of her life. 202 00:10:30,697 --> 00:10:31,763 In the early 60s, 203 00:10:31,765 --> 00:10:33,398 It was tough to be a divorcee, 204 00:10:33,400 --> 00:10:36,034 It was tough to be a single mother. 205 00:10:36,036 --> 00:10:38,369 - Now, nearly 50 years later, 206 00:10:38,371 --> 00:10:41,506 The queen of the county was missing. 207 00:10:41,508 --> 00:10:43,241 Searchers were still out in the orchards 208 00:10:43,243 --> 00:10:46,077 Looking for bonnie harkey when a resident 209 00:10:46,079 --> 00:10:48,513 Who'd been listening to the police scanner 210 00:10:48,515 --> 00:10:50,348 Called with a vital clue. 211 00:10:57,724 --> 00:11:00,625 The caller said she knew that bonnie harkey's 212 00:11:00,627 --> 00:11:04,328 28-year-old grandson, carl, had visited her 213 00:11:04,330 --> 00:11:05,930 That very afternoon. 214 00:11:12,405 --> 00:11:13,871 Who's carl pressley? 215 00:11:13,873 --> 00:11:17,575 - Carl pressley is the adopted 216 00:11:17,577 --> 00:11:20,745 Grandson of bonnie harkey. 217 00:11:20,747 --> 00:11:22,947 Bonnie harkey had a daughter, connie. 218 00:11:22,949 --> 00:11:26,617 Connie adopted carl pressley at a very young age. 219 00:11:26,619 --> 00:11:28,252 - When you hear that that call's come in, 220 00:11:28,254 --> 00:11:29,754 You're thinkin', oh, this is, what? 221 00:11:29,756 --> 00:11:33,157 - Well, uh, I was definitely concerned. 222 00:11:33,159 --> 00:11:35,860 - Why so much concern over a grandson's visit 223 00:11:35,862 --> 00:11:38,563 To his elderly grandmother? 224 00:11:38,565 --> 00:11:40,832 That's a tangled tale, really, 225 00:11:40,834 --> 00:11:43,601 That begins with the way carl pressley came 226 00:11:43,603 --> 00:11:47,505 To join the harkey clan in the first place. 227 00:11:47,507 --> 00:11:49,574 - Connie said that she adopted him 228 00:11:49,576 --> 00:11:50,908 From a homeless woman-- 229 00:11:50,910 --> 00:11:53,211 A homeless couple that were living in a car. 230 00:11:53,213 --> 00:11:54,312 - From a homeless couple? 231 00:11:54,314 --> 00:11:56,715 - Yeah, and that they couldn't take care of him, 232 00:11:56,717 --> 00:11:59,651 And so they were willing to give him up for adoption. 233 00:11:59,653 --> 00:12:01,252 That's what I know. 234 00:12:01,254 --> 00:12:03,121 - Teresa says there was always something 235 00:12:03,123 --> 00:12:05,523 A little bit off about carl, 236 00:12:05,525 --> 00:12:08,926 Something that tended to make other people uncomfortable. 237 00:12:08,928 --> 00:12:11,662 - It was very odd and very sad at the same time, 238 00:12:11,664 --> 00:12:15,099 As he seemed to be a very lonely, needy child. 239 00:12:15,101 --> 00:12:16,868 Very clingy child. 240 00:12:16,870 --> 00:12:20,872 And nobody really seemed to want him to cling to them. 241 00:12:20,874 --> 00:12:22,607 - But teresa says, there was nothing 242 00:12:22,609 --> 00:12:25,276 Bonnie wouldn't do for carl. 243 00:12:25,278 --> 00:12:28,679 - She'd buy carl a truck, and he'd wreck the truck, 244 00:12:28,681 --> 00:12:30,815 And then she'd buy him another one. 245 00:12:30,817 --> 00:12:33,751 And, um, he'd get a job, he'd lose a job. 246 00:12:33,753 --> 00:12:36,487 She'd house him, um, 247 00:12:36,489 --> 00:12:38,890 He was stealing pecans from 248 00:12:38,892 --> 00:12:41,759 The-the harvest and selling them. 249 00:12:41,761 --> 00:12:44,295 I mean, she was constantly bailing him out 250 00:12:44,297 --> 00:12:46,030 Of one situation or another. 251 00:12:46,032 --> 00:12:48,032 You know, giving him money. 252 00:12:48,034 --> 00:12:50,868 - In spite of that, carl, who had a harder shell 253 00:12:50,870 --> 00:12:53,938 Than anything that came out of these trees, 254 00:12:53,940 --> 00:12:56,641 Was known to be verbally abusive to his grandmother 255 00:12:56,643 --> 00:12:59,310 If he didn't get what he wanted. 256 00:12:59,312 --> 00:13:01,379 Teresa says that once when she dropped by 257 00:13:01,381 --> 00:13:03,715 To visit bonnie, she had an unsettling 258 00:13:03,717 --> 00:13:06,784 Encounter with carl, who was also there. 259 00:13:06,786 --> 00:13:09,687 - Everything I said he'd argue against. 260 00:13:09,689 --> 00:13:11,122 He just fought with me, fought with me, 261 00:13:11,124 --> 00:13:14,125 It was like he couldn't get along with anybody. 262 00:13:14,127 --> 00:13:17,729 And I saw bruises on bonnie's arms, 263 00:13:17,731 --> 00:13:19,664 Like somebody had grabbed her. 264 00:13:19,666 --> 00:13:22,867 A-and little old ladies bruise so easily 265 00:13:22,869 --> 00:13:25,870 That I said to my mother on the phone, I said, 266 00:13:25,872 --> 00:13:27,972 "I would not be surprised if carl 267 00:13:27,974 --> 00:13:30,274 Pushed her down the basement stairs." 268 00:13:30,276 --> 00:13:32,376 - Given that history, it was understandable, 269 00:13:32,378 --> 00:13:35,613 Then, that investigators ears perked up 270 00:13:35,615 --> 00:13:37,081 Once they learned that the last person 271 00:13:37,083 --> 00:13:38,549 To have seen bonnie harkey 272 00:13:38,551 --> 00:13:42,153 The day she went missing was carl pressley. 273 00:13:42,155 --> 00:13:44,622 - We were pretty sure that if we were able to find carl, 274 00:13:44,624 --> 00:13:46,691 We were gonna be able to find bonnie harkey. 275 00:13:46,693 --> 00:13:48,492 - According to the tipster, 276 00:13:48,494 --> 00:13:51,629 Carl was with his girlfriend, lillian king. 277 00:13:51,631 --> 00:13:53,164 They were riding in her car. 278 00:13:58,438 --> 00:14:00,905 Soon, just about every lawman in texas 279 00:14:00,907 --> 00:14:04,709 Was on the lookout for that 2004 mustang, 280 00:14:04,711 --> 00:14:06,110 But in the meantime, 281 00:14:06,112 --> 00:14:09,113 Deputy wilkerson says the san saba sheriff 282 00:14:09,115 --> 00:14:10,849 Took a more personal approach. 283 00:14:10,851 --> 00:14:12,316 - He's trying to call his cellphone, 284 00:14:12,318 --> 00:14:14,586 He's sending him multiple text messages. 285 00:14:14,588 --> 00:14:15,920 - You have carl's number because of his 286 00:14:15,922 --> 00:14:17,789 Numerous brushes with law enforcement. 287 00:14:17,791 --> 00:14:20,024 - Oh, absolutely, absolutely. 288 00:14:20,026 --> 00:14:21,792 - Wouldn't it be great if police could just 289 00:14:21,794 --> 00:14:24,862 Text suspects and get them to come in? 290 00:14:24,864 --> 00:14:26,931 But the world doesn't work like that. 291 00:14:26,933 --> 00:14:29,934 Except, perhaps, in san saba. 292 00:14:29,936 --> 00:14:33,671 Just after midnight, carl pressley responded. 293 00:14:33,673 --> 00:14:36,341 He was in normangee, texas, he told the sheriff, 294 00:14:36,343 --> 00:14:38,943 Where he and his girlfriend lived in a trailer 295 00:14:38,945 --> 00:14:41,212 At an rv campground. 296 00:14:41,214 --> 00:14:45,116 Though normangee is more than 3 hours from san saba, 297 00:14:45,118 --> 00:14:48,353 Carl promised the sheriff he would be back by daybreak. 298 00:14:48,355 --> 00:14:51,422 - I think, maybe about the time my eyeballs closed, 299 00:14:51,424 --> 00:14:53,691 Um, my phone rang. 300 00:14:53,693 --> 00:14:57,295 It was 'bout-'bout 7:00 in the morning. 301 00:14:57,297 --> 00:14:59,363 And dispatch told me that carl pressley 302 00:14:59,365 --> 00:15:01,432 Had showed up to the sheriff's office, 303 00:15:01,434 --> 00:15:04,635 And sheriff brown needed me up there asap. 304 00:15:04,637 --> 00:15:06,771 - And so, with little or no sleep, 305 00:15:06,773 --> 00:15:10,074 Deputy wilkerson says he headed back to the office 306 00:15:10,076 --> 00:15:12,843 And a face-to-face encounter with the man 307 00:15:12,845 --> 00:15:16,381 Most likely to know where bonnie harkey was. 308 00:15:19,686 --> 00:15:21,452 - A devoted caretaker dead 309 00:15:21,454 --> 00:15:23,721 And the family matriarch missing. 310 00:15:23,723 --> 00:15:26,257 Now, another life in danger? 311 00:15:27,861 --> 00:15:29,593 - He had three knives on him, 312 00:15:29,595 --> 00:15:31,862 So I had to do what he said. 313 00:15:31,864 --> 00:15:34,432 - And the dark secret down by the creek. 314 00:15:38,471 --> 00:15:41,072 When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 315 00:15:50,148 --> 00:15:53,217 - Here's the thing about lawmen in rural texas: 316 00:15:53,219 --> 00:15:55,486 They don't have all the gadgets and gizmos 317 00:15:55,488 --> 00:15:58,156 That come with working in a big city. 318 00:15:58,158 --> 00:15:59,323 - It's a different world. 319 00:15:59,325 --> 00:16:00,825 Uh, you're workin' with limited budgets. 320 00:16:00,827 --> 00:16:02,160 - So, you have to improvise? 321 00:16:02,162 --> 00:16:04,261 - Y-yes, yes, you have to improvise. 322 00:16:04,263 --> 00:16:07,732 - And that's what san saba deputy john wilkerson did 323 00:16:07,734 --> 00:16:10,034 When carl pressley, the chief suspect 324 00:16:10,036 --> 00:16:11,869 In the disappearance of bonnie harkey 325 00:16:11,871 --> 00:16:13,904 And the death of her caretaker 326 00:16:13,906 --> 00:16:15,773 Came in for questioning. 327 00:16:15,775 --> 00:16:18,242 Wilkerson used the video recorder 328 00:16:18,244 --> 00:16:19,844 Embedded in his car. 329 00:16:21,781 --> 00:16:22,947 And that's your interrogation? 330 00:16:22,949 --> 00:16:24,182 - And that's my interrogation. 331 00:16:24,184 --> 00:16:25,316 Right there in the sally port. 332 00:16:26,987 --> 00:16:28,553 [coughing] 333 00:16:32,025 --> 00:16:34,025 - He was not under arrest, 334 00:16:34,027 --> 00:16:36,427 But carl pressley wore prison stripes 335 00:16:36,429 --> 00:16:39,630 For his interview because investigators had 336 00:16:39,632 --> 00:16:43,134 Taken his clothes so they can run tests on them. 337 00:16:43,136 --> 00:16:45,670 - I'm not makin' any accusations at this point, 338 00:16:45,672 --> 00:16:47,671 I'm just trying to-to get him locked down 339 00:16:47,673 --> 00:16:49,540 In-into his original story. 340 00:16:49,542 --> 00:16:52,176 - From the beginning, carl pressley admitted 341 00:16:52,178 --> 00:16:54,478 He and his girlfriend lillian king had gone out 342 00:16:54,480 --> 00:16:57,181 To his grandmother's house for a visit that Sunday. 343 00:17:04,157 --> 00:17:05,556 - During the interview, he started to, 344 00:17:05,558 --> 00:17:07,358 Uh, you know, try to pretend like 345 00:17:07,360 --> 00:17:09,093 He couldn't remember certain things. 346 00:17:09,095 --> 00:17:12,296 - Eventually, carl's memory improved. 347 00:17:12,298 --> 00:17:13,964 He remembered how he took his grandmother 348 00:17:13,966 --> 00:17:16,167 Out of the house to protect her 349 00:17:16,169 --> 00:17:18,736 From some tough guys he owed money to. 350 00:17:18,738 --> 00:17:21,672 - The story is, is he-- t-to protect his grandmother, 351 00:17:21,674 --> 00:17:23,774 He picks her up in the evening and drives her 352 00:17:23,776 --> 00:17:25,709 To rainey crossing-- raney's crossing 353 00:17:25,711 --> 00:17:27,945 And drops her off in the-- in the bushes. 354 00:17:27,947 --> 00:17:30,381 - An 85-year-old woman? - Correct, yeah. 355 00:17:30,383 --> 00:17:31,983 - Wilkerson wasn't buying, 356 00:17:31,985 --> 00:17:34,452 But officers did search that location. 357 00:17:34,454 --> 00:17:36,254 Then carl told another story. 358 00:17:36,256 --> 00:17:37,855 He said he'd taken bonnie back to 359 00:17:37,857 --> 00:17:40,357 His trailer home in normangee. 360 00:17:40,359 --> 00:17:41,459 - He misses his grandmother 361 00:17:41,461 --> 00:17:43,728 And-and he wanted to see her. 362 00:17:43,730 --> 00:17:46,197 Uh, which again, didn't make a whole lot of sense. 363 00:17:46,199 --> 00:17:47,732 - That was because investigators 364 00:17:47,734 --> 00:17:49,467 Knew nothing to suggest that 365 00:17:49,469 --> 00:17:52,537 Carl pressley had ever missed anyone 366 00:17:52,539 --> 00:17:55,139 During his 28 years on planet earth. 367 00:18:14,760 --> 00:18:17,862 In short order, texas rangers and local lawman 368 00:18:17,864 --> 00:18:20,832 Near normangee were combing carl's trailer 369 00:18:20,834 --> 00:18:24,435 And the surrounding campground for clues. 370 00:18:24,437 --> 00:18:25,603 But they found nothing, 371 00:18:25,605 --> 00:18:28,372 Until carl was flown to normangee. 372 00:19:03,543 --> 00:19:04,942 - Hang on a second. 373 00:19:07,280 --> 00:19:09,146 - Bonnie harkey was dead, 374 00:19:09,148 --> 00:19:12,750 Her body lying in a creekbed near carl's trailer, 375 00:19:12,752 --> 00:19:16,220 Buried beneath a pile of sticks and leaves. 376 00:19:16,222 --> 00:19:17,822 - So, carl admits that 377 00:19:17,824 --> 00:19:21,525 He pushed her on the back of her head. 378 00:19:21,527 --> 00:19:23,827 Um, holding her face underwater 379 00:19:23,829 --> 00:19:26,197 Until she no longer moved. 380 00:19:26,199 --> 00:19:28,098 - It was the same story lillian king 381 00:19:28,100 --> 00:19:31,902 Had already given to lawmen back in san saba. 382 00:19:31,904 --> 00:19:33,404 She'd been there, she said, 383 00:19:33,406 --> 00:19:35,306 When the caretaker was killed. 384 00:19:35,308 --> 00:19:37,041 And she'd stood idly by 385 00:19:37,043 --> 00:19:39,410 While carl killed his grandmother. 386 00:19:39,412 --> 00:19:41,979 But in lillian's telling of the story, 387 00:19:41,981 --> 00:19:44,115 She could very well have been carl pressley's 388 00:19:44,117 --> 00:19:46,984 Third murder victim that day. 389 00:19:46,986 --> 00:19:49,453 - He had three knives on him. 390 00:19:49,455 --> 00:19:51,455 Three. 391 00:19:51,457 --> 00:19:55,392 You know, so I had to do what he said. 392 00:19:55,394 --> 00:19:57,661 - What had driven carl pressley to kill 393 00:19:57,663 --> 00:19:59,863 One of the few people on earth 394 00:19:59,865 --> 00:20:01,966 Who had ever loved him? 395 00:20:01,968 --> 00:20:03,200 That was a question to which 396 00:20:03,202 --> 00:20:05,669 No one could supply an answer. 397 00:20:05,671 --> 00:20:09,073 She doted on carl? - She did dote on him. 398 00:20:09,075 --> 00:20:11,275 No one could quite understand why. 399 00:20:11,277 --> 00:20:12,610 - And I'll bet she couldn't in the last 400 00:20:12,612 --> 00:20:14,211 Four or five hours of her life. 401 00:20:14,213 --> 00:20:16,647 - Yeah. 402 00:20:16,649 --> 00:20:18,416 Yeah. 403 00:20:18,418 --> 00:20:21,085 - Investigators didn't know why carl pressley 404 00:20:21,087 --> 00:20:22,820 Killed his grandmother, 405 00:20:22,822 --> 00:20:24,288 But they were pretty sure there was 406 00:20:24,290 --> 00:20:27,024 More to this murder than met the eye. 407 00:20:27,026 --> 00:20:29,627 And that there could be clues 408 00:20:29,629 --> 00:20:31,696 In the harkey family history. 409 00:20:35,368 --> 00:20:38,002 - A million-dollar inheritance, 410 00:20:38,004 --> 00:20:39,970 A neighbor from hollywood, 411 00:20:39,972 --> 00:20:43,507 And a harkey with a handful of ex-wives. 412 00:20:43,509 --> 00:20:44,842 - He's just a solid jerk. 413 00:20:44,844 --> 00:20:46,977 - Just constant drama! 414 00:20:46,979 --> 00:20:50,248 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 415 00:20:58,657 --> 00:21:01,525 - Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 416 00:21:01,527 --> 00:21:02,960 I'm craig melvin. 417 00:21:02,962 --> 00:21:07,265 Carl pressley's dark secrets were pouring out. 418 00:21:07,267 --> 00:21:08,399 In a stunning confession, 419 00:21:08,401 --> 00:21:10,334 He admitted to murdering his grandmother, 420 00:21:10,336 --> 00:21:12,936 Bonnie harkey, and led authorities 421 00:21:12,938 --> 00:21:15,406 To the creek where he left her body. 422 00:21:15,408 --> 00:21:19,476 But investigators would soon learn that carl was not 423 00:21:19,478 --> 00:21:23,380 The only member of the family who wanted bonnie gone. 424 00:21:23,382 --> 00:21:25,549 Once again, here's josh mankiewicz with 425 00:21:25,551 --> 00:21:29,153 "queen of the county." 426 00:21:29,155 --> 00:21:30,754 - The matriarch of a prominent, 427 00:21:30,756 --> 00:21:33,924 Pecan-growing family had been brutally murdered 428 00:21:33,926 --> 00:21:36,727 By a member of that family. 429 00:21:36,729 --> 00:21:38,429 But why? 430 00:21:38,431 --> 00:21:40,864 The more investigators pondered that, 431 00:21:40,866 --> 00:21:42,766 The more they came to believe the answer 432 00:21:42,768 --> 00:21:46,470 Might be found in a long-running family feud. 433 00:21:46,472 --> 00:21:48,172 - The first time I met the harkey family, 434 00:21:48,174 --> 00:21:49,673 I was bailiffing in court 435 00:21:49,675 --> 00:21:51,309 Because we were short-handed. 436 00:21:51,311 --> 00:21:54,178 And I got to sit through, uh, a little hearing 437 00:21:54,180 --> 00:21:56,514 Where the harkey's were trying to-to 438 00:21:56,516 --> 00:21:58,349 Gain control of the property, 439 00:21:58,351 --> 00:22:01,185 And you could tell it was a very heated situation. 440 00:22:01,187 --> 00:22:02,986 Uh, very heated. 441 00:22:02,988 --> 00:22:06,090 - That pot had been at a slow-boil 442 00:22:06,092 --> 00:22:08,359 Ever since that day in 1963 when 443 00:22:08,361 --> 00:22:11,062 Bonnie harkey became stepmother to her 444 00:22:11,064 --> 00:22:13,130 Husband riley's two boys, 445 00:22:13,132 --> 00:22:15,199 Bruce and john. 446 00:22:15,201 --> 00:22:19,269 - Bruce and johnny just didn't like bonnie. 447 00:22:19,271 --> 00:22:21,004 They didn't like her at all. 448 00:22:21,006 --> 00:22:23,040 And so, almost from the beginning, 449 00:22:23,042 --> 00:22:24,408 It was acrimonious. 450 00:22:24,410 --> 00:22:26,510 - What form did that acrimony take? 451 00:22:26,512 --> 00:22:29,313 - Bruce and johnny were just rude to bonnie, 452 00:22:29,315 --> 00:22:30,948 Openly insulting her. 453 00:22:30,950 --> 00:22:32,249 - And riley put up with that--? - Let it go. 454 00:22:32,251 --> 00:22:34,418 He just let it go. 455 00:22:34,420 --> 00:22:37,888 - A lot of blended families have rough starts, 456 00:22:37,890 --> 00:22:39,890 But this newly grafted branch 457 00:22:39,892 --> 00:22:44,028 Of the harkey family tree never had a chance. 458 00:22:44,030 --> 00:22:45,195 - And I don't think riley made 459 00:22:45,197 --> 00:22:49,032 A real effort with his boys to say, 460 00:22:49,034 --> 00:22:51,702 "this is a wonderful woman, I want you to grow to love her 461 00:22:51,704 --> 00:22:54,037 "like I love her," I think he just said, 462 00:22:54,039 --> 00:22:54,972 "here you go." 463 00:22:54,974 --> 00:22:56,307 - Riley seems to have been 464 00:22:56,309 --> 00:22:58,776 Better with pecans than people. 465 00:22:58,778 --> 00:23:01,078 - Yeah. Yeah. 466 00:23:01,080 --> 00:23:03,380 - Soon enough, john was off to college 467 00:23:03,382 --> 00:23:04,982 And bruce was shuttled off 468 00:23:04,984 --> 00:23:07,451 To live with his mother in nevada for a while. 469 00:23:07,453 --> 00:23:10,988 That left only bonnie's teenage daughter, connie, 470 00:23:10,990 --> 00:23:12,189 At home. 471 00:23:12,191 --> 00:23:14,324 - Riley never adopted connie, 472 00:23:14,326 --> 00:23:16,827 She was an afterthought, she was just never brought 473 00:23:16,829 --> 00:23:17,995 Into the family. 474 00:23:17,997 --> 00:23:19,630 - This is sounding less like "the brady bunch" 475 00:23:19,632 --> 00:23:21,365 And more like the ewings, every day. 476 00:23:21,367 --> 00:23:22,666 - Oh, uh, you know, 477 00:23:22,668 --> 00:23:25,369 Just ewings without the-the culture. 478 00:23:25,371 --> 00:23:30,074 You know, it was really, um, just constant drama. 479 00:23:30,076 --> 00:23:33,677 - The boys took different career paths. 480 00:23:33,679 --> 00:23:36,213 John became a businessman. 481 00:23:36,215 --> 00:23:39,150 Bruce had a number of different jobs. 482 00:23:39,152 --> 00:23:42,753 At various times, he was a cop in reno, 483 00:23:42,755 --> 00:23:44,588 A medicaid fraud investigator 484 00:23:44,590 --> 00:23:47,224 For the texas attorney general's office. 485 00:23:47,226 --> 00:23:50,494 And, a nursing home administrator. 486 00:23:50,496 --> 00:23:54,231 Along the way, he married and divorced eight-- 487 00:23:54,233 --> 00:23:57,301 Count them, eight women. 488 00:23:57,303 --> 00:23:59,636 Still, as the years rolled by, 489 00:23:59,638 --> 00:24:03,407 The brothers' feelings for bonnie seemed to fester. 490 00:24:03,409 --> 00:24:05,309 There were a lot of reasons for that, 491 00:24:05,311 --> 00:24:08,378 But maybe the biggest one was a will their father riley 492 00:24:08,380 --> 00:24:12,716 Had drawn up shortly before he died in 1997. 493 00:24:12,718 --> 00:24:18,522 - Riley's will specifically said that, um, 494 00:24:18,524 --> 00:24:20,858 Bonnie could live on that property 495 00:24:20,860 --> 00:24:23,060 As long as she was alive. 496 00:24:23,062 --> 00:24:27,731 And then, when she died, the land would go to the boys. 497 00:24:27,733 --> 00:24:32,403 And then, there was a small, uh, inheritance for connie, 498 00:24:32,405 --> 00:24:33,937 And if connie died, then there would be 499 00:24:33,939 --> 00:24:35,806 A trust for carl. 500 00:24:35,808 --> 00:24:39,209 But, the majority of the inheritance went to, 501 00:24:39,211 --> 00:24:41,078 Uh, bruce and johnny. 502 00:24:41,080 --> 00:24:42,546 - Though the property alone 503 00:24:42,548 --> 00:24:44,548 Was worth more than $1,000,000, 504 00:24:44,550 --> 00:24:47,084 For the harkey brothers, it wasn't worth a dime 505 00:24:47,086 --> 00:24:49,453 Because they could neither farm it 506 00:24:49,455 --> 00:24:53,090 Nor sell it until bonnie died. 507 00:24:53,092 --> 00:24:56,694 Bruce especially seemed to chafe at the thought of that. 508 00:24:56,696 --> 00:24:57,728 - He said he was the, uh, 509 00:24:57,730 --> 00:25:00,163 Poorest millionaire in san saba county. 510 00:25:00,165 --> 00:25:02,232 - Local pecan merchant, shawn oliver, 511 00:25:02,234 --> 00:25:06,170 Says bruce harkey was down and out in late 2007 512 00:25:06,172 --> 00:25:08,372 When he resettled in san saba 513 00:25:08,374 --> 00:25:10,674 After being away for many years. 514 00:25:10,676 --> 00:25:12,576 - He had no income coming in 515 00:25:12,578 --> 00:25:14,845 And every time he drove by that property, 516 00:25:14,847 --> 00:25:17,915 All he could see was the millions that-- 517 00:25:17,917 --> 00:25:21,351 What he thought was millions that he was missing out on. 518 00:25:21,353 --> 00:25:22,452 - By then, 519 00:25:22,454 --> 00:25:24,955 Bonnie harkey was becoming increasingly frail. 520 00:25:24,957 --> 00:25:28,458 Her dementia made her vulnerable to phone scams, 521 00:25:28,460 --> 00:25:31,528 She was unable to manage her daily affairs. 522 00:25:31,530 --> 00:25:34,565 So, her daughter connie became her guardian. 523 00:25:34,567 --> 00:25:37,901 After connie died in 2011, bruce harkey thought 524 00:25:37,903 --> 00:25:41,539 Carl pressley should be bonnie's guardian. 525 00:25:41,541 --> 00:25:43,674 When a judge tried to appoint someone else, 526 00:25:43,676 --> 00:25:46,810 Bruce and john challenged that in court. 527 00:25:46,812 --> 00:25:49,947 - Bonnie asked the judge if she could speak, 528 00:25:49,949 --> 00:25:51,682 And the judge said yes. 529 00:25:51,684 --> 00:25:54,051 And she said, "I don't want them to be my guardians, 530 00:25:54,053 --> 00:25:55,285 I'm a-afraid of them." 531 00:25:55,287 --> 00:25:56,954 - Her stepsons? - Yeah. 532 00:25:56,956 --> 00:25:57,955 - That had to be about the last thing 533 00:25:57,957 --> 00:25:59,890 Bruce and john wanted to hear. 534 00:25:59,892 --> 00:26:04,194 - It delayed any inheritance, certainly. 535 00:26:04,196 --> 00:26:06,863 - A lawyer named darryl spinx was chosen 536 00:26:06,865 --> 00:26:09,766 To manage her business and financial affairs. 537 00:26:09,768 --> 00:26:12,770 Bonnie's longtime friend, betty ann johnson, 538 00:26:12,772 --> 00:26:16,840 Was asked to make sure bonnie's daily needs were met. 539 00:26:16,842 --> 00:26:20,477 It was betty ann who'd hired karen johnson, no relation, 540 00:26:20,479 --> 00:26:22,379 The in-home caretaker who was killed 541 00:26:22,381 --> 00:26:24,648 The day bonnie was kidnapped. 542 00:26:24,650 --> 00:26:26,784 You felt safe with karen taking care of bonnie. 543 00:26:26,786 --> 00:26:28,185 - I did. 544 00:26:28,187 --> 00:26:30,621 What bruce wanted me to do was to put her in the nursing home. 545 00:26:30,623 --> 00:26:32,656 - He told you that? - Yes, and I said, 546 00:26:32,658 --> 00:26:37,060 "as long as we can have help 24/7, 547 00:26:37,062 --> 00:26:38,862 "she's not going anywhere." 548 00:26:38,864 --> 00:26:40,931 - Bonnie's financial guardian, darryl spinx, 549 00:26:40,933 --> 00:26:44,067 Said he also butted heads with bruce harkey. 550 00:26:44,069 --> 00:26:46,003 - The best way I can explain bruce harkey 551 00:26:46,005 --> 00:26:50,674 Is greedy and, for lack of a better word, 552 00:26:50,676 --> 00:26:52,876 Just a jerk. 553 00:26:52,878 --> 00:26:54,745 He's just a solid jerk. 554 00:26:54,747 --> 00:26:56,079 - According to spinx, 555 00:26:56,081 --> 00:26:59,549 Bruce not only accused him of mismanaging the harkey estate, 556 00:26:59,551 --> 00:27:02,953 But also tried to bully him into accepting 557 00:27:02,955 --> 00:27:05,956 The sale of a chunk of land to their neighbor, 558 00:27:05,958 --> 00:27:10,027 The actor tommy lee jones, for half a million dollars. 559 00:27:10,029 --> 00:27:14,164 It was good for bruce, but spinx says not for bonnie. 560 00:27:14,166 --> 00:27:15,633 So, he killed it. 561 00:27:15,635 --> 00:27:17,834 - He wanted bonnie to get virtually nothing, 562 00:27:17,836 --> 00:27:19,336 I know it was less than $50,000 563 00:27:19,338 --> 00:27:21,372 In what he wanted-wanted her to get. 564 00:27:21,374 --> 00:27:22,305 - And the rest of the money 565 00:27:22,307 --> 00:27:23,206 Was, uh, would have gone to bruce? 566 00:27:23,208 --> 00:27:24,174 - The rest of it would have gone 567 00:27:24,176 --> 00:27:25,742 To bruce and john, yes. 568 00:27:25,744 --> 00:27:28,545 - And so, you said to bruce, 569 00:27:28,547 --> 00:27:29,746 "I'm not for this." 570 00:27:29,748 --> 00:27:31,915 - And that sent him in orbit. 571 00:27:31,917 --> 00:27:36,153 I mean, he just became irate and cussed me out and said, 572 00:27:36,155 --> 00:27:38,989 "I'm gonna do everything I can to-to get at you--" 573 00:27:38,991 --> 00:27:41,792 - Investigators were getting a pretty good taste 574 00:27:41,794 --> 00:27:46,730 Of the river of bad blood that ran through the harkey family. 575 00:27:46,732 --> 00:27:49,133 Bonnie harkey's grandson, carl pressley, 576 00:27:49,135 --> 00:27:51,501 And his girlfriend, lillian king, 577 00:27:51,503 --> 00:27:53,870 Were in the county jail. 578 00:27:53,872 --> 00:27:55,673 And now, men with badges 579 00:27:55,675 --> 00:27:59,510 Decided to take a harder look at bruce harkey. 580 00:28:02,414 --> 00:28:03,513 - We good now? 581 00:28:03,515 --> 00:28:06,216 - We had some questions for bruce harkey, too! 582 00:28:06,218 --> 00:28:07,784 - You didn't put carl up to it? 583 00:28:07,786 --> 00:28:08,752 - Would you really hire 584 00:28:08,754 --> 00:28:10,353 "forrest gump" to commit murder? 585 00:28:10,355 --> 00:28:11,354 - "forrest gump?" 586 00:28:11,356 --> 00:28:13,824 Then, this jailhouse interview was like 587 00:28:13,826 --> 00:28:15,292 A box of chocolates. 588 00:28:15,294 --> 00:28:17,695 We didn't know what we were going to get! 589 00:28:17,697 --> 00:28:18,862 - Because you said you wished 590 00:28:18,864 --> 00:28:21,832 She were dead, and then later, she became dead. 591 00:28:21,834 --> 00:28:24,935 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 592 00:28:28,639 --> 00:28:34,912 ♪♪ 593 00:28:34,914 --> 00:28:37,414 - The final decision to kill bonnie harkey 594 00:28:37,416 --> 00:28:41,918 Was made on a Friday, two days before the murder. 595 00:28:41,920 --> 00:28:45,055 As carl pressley laid it out for investigators, 596 00:28:45,057 --> 00:28:48,659 His uncle bruce was broke and couldn't wait any longer 597 00:28:48,661 --> 00:28:49,893 For his inheritance. 598 00:28:58,537 --> 00:29:00,604 [indistinct auctioneering] 599 00:29:00,606 --> 00:29:03,140 - Texans are generally thought to be pretty hard-nosed 600 00:29:03,142 --> 00:29:07,043 When it comes to business. But carl pressley? 601 00:29:07,045 --> 00:29:08,445 Hm, not so much. 602 00:29:27,199 --> 00:29:28,231 - They argued for a little bit, 603 00:29:28,233 --> 00:29:30,300 According to carl. They argued about the price. 604 00:29:30,302 --> 00:29:32,836 Bruce wanted-- he was adamant he was gonna pay him $500, 605 00:29:32,838 --> 00:29:35,639 And carl was adamant he only needed to pay him $250. 606 00:29:35,641 --> 00:29:37,908 - In the end, carl says, 607 00:29:37,910 --> 00:29:40,644 Bruce agreed to pay him $100 down 608 00:29:40,646 --> 00:29:44,448 And another $150 once the job was down. 609 00:29:44,450 --> 00:29:45,882 - We find out he stopped by his bank 610 00:29:45,884 --> 00:29:49,186 And made a withdrawal for $200, 611 00:29:49,188 --> 00:29:51,388 Which was great because that's date and timestamped, 612 00:29:51,390 --> 00:29:53,723 And now I've got you on video. 613 00:29:53,725 --> 00:29:56,026 Then he leaves there, and about 30 minutes later 614 00:29:56,028 --> 00:29:59,196 He shows back up in front of lillian king's house. 615 00:29:59,198 --> 00:30:02,933 And carl runs out the door, uh, 616 00:30:02,935 --> 00:30:07,771 To-to collect the $100 down, uh, from-from bruce harkey. 617 00:30:07,773 --> 00:30:12,175 - The idea that bruce harkey was in cahoots with carl pressley 618 00:30:12,177 --> 00:30:14,945 Seemed odd to some. - Evidently, 619 00:30:14,947 --> 00:30:18,715 Bruce detested the fact that carl would refer to bruce 620 00:30:18,717 --> 00:30:22,552 As uncle bruce, but yet carl was always seemingly 621 00:30:22,554 --> 00:30:27,490 S-seeking approval and acceptance from bruce. 622 00:30:27,492 --> 00:30:28,592 - Jack schumacher, 623 00:30:28,594 --> 00:30:30,760 One of the investigators on the case, 624 00:30:30,762 --> 00:30:34,164 Believes bruce may have used that bit of psychology 625 00:30:34,166 --> 00:30:35,765 To his advantage 626 00:30:35,767 --> 00:30:38,068 When he decided it was long past time 627 00:30:38,070 --> 00:30:41,104 For bonnie harkey to meet her maker. 628 00:30:41,106 --> 00:30:42,739 - And so, when bruce says, "hey, I want you in 629 00:30:42,741 --> 00:30:45,542 "on my murder plot..." 630 00:30:45,544 --> 00:30:47,444 What, happiest day of carl's life? 631 00:30:47,446 --> 00:30:49,546 [sighing] 632 00:30:49,548 --> 00:30:51,448 - Ya know, could be that carl thought 633 00:30:51,450 --> 00:30:53,283 He was finally gonna receive that acceptance 634 00:30:53,285 --> 00:30:57,187 He'd been seekin'. - A theory, perhaps. 635 00:30:57,189 --> 00:31:00,056 But then, investigators also knew that bruce harkey 636 00:31:00,058 --> 00:31:02,492 Had never made any secret about how he felt 637 00:31:02,494 --> 00:31:04,794 About his stepmother, bonnie. 638 00:31:04,796 --> 00:31:07,397 - Excuse my, uh, language, 639 00:31:07,399 --> 00:31:09,333 But this is exactly what he said. 640 00:31:09,335 --> 00:31:10,400 He said, "that old (bleep) 641 00:31:10,402 --> 00:31:13,703 "doesn't have the decency to die." 642 00:31:13,705 --> 00:31:14,938 - Investigators didn't know 643 00:31:14,940 --> 00:31:18,275 If bruce paid carl, or just manipulated him 644 00:31:18,277 --> 00:31:20,477 Into killing bonnie harkey. 645 00:31:20,479 --> 00:31:23,613 But they were sure he was involved. 646 00:31:23,615 --> 00:31:27,617 So, two days after carl led investigators to bonnie's body, 647 00:31:27,619 --> 00:31:32,289 Bruce harkey was arrested and charged with murder. 648 00:31:32,291 --> 00:31:35,225 When lawmen came to question bruce in jail, 649 00:31:35,227 --> 00:31:37,160 He did not mince words. 650 00:31:52,277 --> 00:31:53,777 According to bruce, 651 00:31:53,779 --> 00:31:55,645 Carl pressley had his own motives 652 00:31:55,647 --> 00:31:58,248 For killing bonnie harkey. 653 00:31:58,250 --> 00:32:00,717 That's because a year earlier, 654 00:32:00,719 --> 00:32:04,054 Carl had sold his future interest of the harkey estate 655 00:32:04,056 --> 00:32:05,922 To the harkey brothers 656 00:32:05,924 --> 00:32:09,225 For a fraction of what it was worth. 657 00:32:09,227 --> 00:32:12,662 But here's the thing: The brothers only gave him 658 00:32:12,664 --> 00:32:15,799 A fraction of the money they owed him! 659 00:32:15,801 --> 00:32:17,734 Bruce says he told carl 660 00:32:17,736 --> 00:32:19,636 The brothers would pay him the rest, 661 00:32:19,638 --> 00:32:25,008 Around $55,000, once they inherited the orchards. 662 00:32:25,010 --> 00:32:28,245 This is how bruce says carl responded. 663 00:32:41,226 --> 00:32:43,093 - According to bruce, the money he gave carl 664 00:32:43,095 --> 00:32:47,397 Shortly before bonnie's death was gas money, nothing more. 665 00:32:47,399 --> 00:32:51,301 Then, bruce harkey turned the tables on the lawmen, 666 00:32:51,303 --> 00:32:53,636 And asked them a question that would become central 667 00:32:53,638 --> 00:32:55,806 To his defense. 668 00:33:10,989 --> 00:33:12,355 - When we spoke with bruce harkey 669 00:33:12,357 --> 00:33:15,592 Through a thick pane of glass, 670 00:33:15,594 --> 00:33:18,461 He insisted he was an innocent man. 671 00:33:18,463 --> 00:33:19,596 - I had nothing to do with it. 672 00:33:19,598 --> 00:33:21,197 - You didn't put carl up to it? 673 00:33:21,199 --> 00:33:23,066 - Absolutely not, sir, no. 674 00:33:23,068 --> 00:33:25,535 That's exactly the first question my attorney asked me, 675 00:33:25,537 --> 00:33:26,870 He said, "would you--" he said, "I have to ask you, 676 00:33:26,872 --> 00:33:28,638 "would you really hire forrest gump 677 00:33:28,640 --> 00:33:30,206 To commit murder?" 678 00:33:30,208 --> 00:33:33,743 I said, "I wouldn't hire anybody to commit murder." 679 00:33:33,745 --> 00:33:36,146 - So, your argument is contrary to what carl told investigators, 680 00:33:36,148 --> 00:33:38,281 He did this all on his own? 681 00:33:38,283 --> 00:33:39,849 - I don't know that he did it all on his own, 682 00:33:39,851 --> 00:33:42,285 I know that there's at least two people involved in it, 683 00:33:42,287 --> 00:33:45,055 And that would be carl and lillian, his girlfriend! 684 00:33:45,057 --> 00:33:48,024 Other than that, I'm not gonna attest to anything 685 00:33:48,026 --> 00:33:49,993 Because I don't know! 686 00:33:49,995 --> 00:33:51,061 - How many times in your life 687 00:33:51,063 --> 00:33:55,632 Did you say you wished bonnie harkey were dead? 688 00:33:55,634 --> 00:33:59,236 - Oh, I don't know. Several? 689 00:33:59,238 --> 00:34:01,838 - I mean-- - I can't give you a number. 690 00:34:01,840 --> 00:34:02,772 - That's one of the reasons 691 00:34:02,774 --> 00:34:03,640 You're in here. 692 00:34:03,642 --> 00:34:06,309 - I understand that, okay? 693 00:34:06,311 --> 00:34:07,410 - Because you said you wished 694 00:34:07,412 --> 00:34:11,114 She were dead, and then later she became dead. 695 00:34:11,116 --> 00:34:14,417 - But I didn't have anything to do with it. 696 00:34:14,419 --> 00:34:16,586 You can't wish someone dead, and then have it happen 697 00:34:16,588 --> 00:34:18,021 And then get blamed for it. 698 00:34:18,023 --> 00:34:20,056 It's not against the law to have wishes, 699 00:34:20,058 --> 00:34:23,359 It's not against the law to make comments. 700 00:34:23,361 --> 00:34:24,728 - Maybe not, 701 00:34:24,730 --> 00:34:27,397 But when bruce harkey's murder trial rolled around, 702 00:34:27,399 --> 00:34:32,702 He would have to answer for all of them and more. 703 00:34:34,439 --> 00:34:36,473 - I will simply say that, 704 00:34:36,475 --> 00:34:38,341 That's a devastating bit of evidence. 705 00:34:38,343 --> 00:34:41,277 - The past comes back to haunt bruce harkey 706 00:34:41,279 --> 00:34:45,182 When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 707 00:34:49,753 --> 00:34:54,190 ♪♪ 708 00:34:54,192 --> 00:34:55,291 - Welcome back. 709 00:34:55,293 --> 00:34:58,228 Carl pressley told police his grandmother's murder 710 00:34:58,230 --> 00:35:00,363 Was a family affair 711 00:35:00,365 --> 00:35:03,366 That his uncle bruce hired him to get rid of the woman 712 00:35:03,368 --> 00:35:07,103 Standing between him and his inheritance. 713 00:35:07,105 --> 00:35:09,405 Investigators said the motive was clear, 714 00:35:09,407 --> 00:35:13,710 Bruce stood to gain his share of the valuable harkey land 715 00:35:13,712 --> 00:35:15,678 When the deed was done. 716 00:35:15,680 --> 00:35:18,181 But this family drama still had 717 00:35:18,183 --> 00:35:20,783 A couple more twists in store. 718 00:35:20,785 --> 00:35:23,253 Here's josh mankiewicz with the conclusion of 719 00:35:23,255 --> 00:35:24,988 "queen of the county." 720 00:35:27,425 --> 00:35:29,058 - In the years after bonnie harkey 721 00:35:29,060 --> 00:35:31,661 Took her place along the other harkeys 722 00:35:31,663 --> 00:35:34,230 In the san saba cemetery, 723 00:35:34,232 --> 00:35:37,967 Life in the texas hill country got back to normal. 724 00:35:37,969 --> 00:35:40,136 Most people could only speculate 725 00:35:40,138 --> 00:35:41,571 About what really happened 726 00:35:41,573 --> 00:35:43,874 On the day bonnie harkey and her caretaker, 727 00:35:43,876 --> 00:35:46,509 Karen johnson, were killed. 728 00:35:46,511 --> 00:35:50,246 But jack schumacher says he knows. 729 00:35:50,248 --> 00:35:51,681 - This is where karen johnson 730 00:35:51,683 --> 00:35:53,083 Was laying when she was murdered, 731 00:35:53,085 --> 00:35:56,419 Right here in this doorway. - How was she killed? 732 00:35:56,421 --> 00:35:57,720 - Choked, smothered, 733 00:35:57,722 --> 00:36:00,156 Just bulldogged down by carl. 734 00:36:00,158 --> 00:36:02,158 - Jack schumacher says he knows that 735 00:36:02,160 --> 00:36:04,294 Because carl pressley told him 736 00:36:04,296 --> 00:36:07,497 How it all went down that weekend. 737 00:36:07,499 --> 00:36:11,067 He also knows that bruce harkey wanted everyone in san saba 738 00:36:11,069 --> 00:36:13,503 To know that he was going out of town. 739 00:36:13,505 --> 00:36:15,572 Jack vaughn, a local businessman, 740 00:36:15,574 --> 00:36:18,842 Says he had only a nodding acquaintance with bruce harkey, 741 00:36:18,844 --> 00:36:19,910 And yet... 742 00:36:19,912 --> 00:36:21,611 - Bruce started telling me how the-- 743 00:36:21,613 --> 00:36:24,781 He was gonna be out of town all weekend long. 744 00:36:24,783 --> 00:36:26,716 Stressed that, all weekend long. 745 00:36:26,718 --> 00:36:29,986 From-- "I'm leavin' town early on Saturday morning, 746 00:36:29,988 --> 00:36:32,722 I won't be back in 'til late Sunday night. 747 00:36:32,724 --> 00:36:35,124 It might even be Monday before I make it back in, 748 00:36:35,126 --> 00:36:37,393 'cause I'm gonna be gone all weekend long!" 749 00:36:37,395 --> 00:36:38,862 - By the time bruce harkey 750 00:36:38,864 --> 00:36:43,133 Went on trial in April of 2014, his nephew, 751 00:36:43,135 --> 00:36:47,003 Carl pressley had confessed to his part in killing 752 00:36:47,005 --> 00:36:50,139 Bonnie harkey and her caretaker. 753 00:36:50,141 --> 00:36:52,208 And carl's girlfriend, lillian king, 754 00:36:52,210 --> 00:36:54,711 Had admitted her involvement. 755 00:36:54,713 --> 00:36:56,479 With the two of them set to testify 756 00:36:56,481 --> 00:36:58,181 Against bruce harkey 757 00:36:58,183 --> 00:37:00,884 In exchange for lighter sentences. 758 00:37:00,886 --> 00:37:03,953 Prosecutor sunny mcafee felt confident 759 00:37:03,955 --> 00:37:07,157 That he had a solid case against bruce. 760 00:37:07,159 --> 00:37:08,324 - The facts of the crime were 761 00:37:08,326 --> 00:37:12,095 So horrendous that, uh, 762 00:37:12,097 --> 00:37:14,464 I didn't think-- once the jury believed 763 00:37:14,466 --> 00:37:16,699 That he was a party to the crime 764 00:37:16,701 --> 00:37:19,502 They'd have any difficulty at all finding him guilty. 765 00:37:19,504 --> 00:37:20,503 - Lillian told the jury 766 00:37:20,505 --> 00:37:22,906 She had heard bruce harkey and carl pressley 767 00:37:22,908 --> 00:37:26,910 Talk about killing bonnie harkey many times. 768 00:37:26,912 --> 00:37:29,712 And she told us, she didn't learn the plot had actually 769 00:37:29,714 --> 00:37:34,050 Been set in motion until the Friday before the murder. 770 00:37:34,052 --> 00:37:34,917 That's when lillian says 771 00:37:34,919 --> 00:37:37,454 She overheard a phone conversation 772 00:37:37,456 --> 00:37:40,523 Between bruce harkey and carl pressley. 773 00:37:40,525 --> 00:37:41,858 - Because after he got off the phone 774 00:37:41,860 --> 00:37:43,559 With bruce, he looked at me and said that 775 00:37:43,561 --> 00:37:46,462 Bruce was gonna pay him to kill his grandmother. 776 00:37:46,464 --> 00:37:47,330 - Lillian testified 777 00:37:47,332 --> 00:37:49,065 That while bonnie and her caretaker 778 00:37:49,067 --> 00:37:51,735 Were in church that Sunday morning, 779 00:37:51,737 --> 00:37:55,071 Carl slipped into the house and hid. 780 00:37:55,073 --> 00:37:57,940 Once bonnie returned home, lillian says, 781 00:37:57,942 --> 00:37:59,609 Carl sent her a text, 782 00:37:59,611 --> 00:38:02,612 Telling her to come distract karen johnson 783 00:38:02,614 --> 00:38:05,682 While he smothered his grandmother. 784 00:38:05,684 --> 00:38:07,550 - So, I rang the doorbell because the door was open, 785 00:38:07,552 --> 00:38:10,486 But the storm door was closed. 786 00:38:10,488 --> 00:38:14,691 Um, ms. Johnson came and answered the door. 787 00:38:14,693 --> 00:38:16,559 I was in the process of stepping in and closing 788 00:38:16,561 --> 00:38:18,761 The storm door when I see this flash. 789 00:38:18,763 --> 00:38:21,030 - Inside the house-- - coming from the den. 790 00:38:21,032 --> 00:38:23,366 - So, coming up behind ms. Johnson? 791 00:38:23,368 --> 00:38:25,435 - Yes. 792 00:38:25,437 --> 00:38:27,870 Yes, and I saw that it was carl, 793 00:38:27,872 --> 00:38:31,508 And he was yelling at me to close the door, get in here, 794 00:38:31,510 --> 00:38:33,242 Go in there with his grandmother. 795 00:38:33,244 --> 00:38:34,777 - Once karen johnson was dead, 796 00:38:34,779 --> 00:38:38,281 Lillian says, carl lead bonnie to her bedroom, 797 00:38:38,283 --> 00:38:41,784 Where she says carl asked her to pray. 798 00:38:41,786 --> 00:38:42,785 - I see the pillow, 799 00:38:42,787 --> 00:38:44,187 And then while they're praying, 800 00:38:44,189 --> 00:38:46,456 He starts pushing her down on his bed. 801 00:38:46,458 --> 00:38:49,392 She fought him, she did. 802 00:38:49,394 --> 00:38:54,331 But the doorbell rang, and it scared carl. 803 00:38:54,333 --> 00:38:57,400 So, he jumped up 804 00:38:57,402 --> 00:38:59,802 And he told me to go look and see who it was. 805 00:38:59,804 --> 00:39:01,538 - Lillian says that whoever it was 806 00:39:01,540 --> 00:39:04,173 Left after about five minutes. 807 00:39:04,175 --> 00:39:06,076 It was then, lillian told the jury, 808 00:39:06,078 --> 00:39:09,279 That carl decided to drive his grandmother 809 00:39:09,281 --> 00:39:11,347 To normangee. 810 00:39:11,349 --> 00:39:13,816 In your mind, was it clear that she knew that carl 811 00:39:13,818 --> 00:39:15,952 Was trying to kill her, then? - Yes. 812 00:39:15,954 --> 00:39:16,753 - What'd she say? 813 00:39:16,755 --> 00:39:17,554 - She looked at him and said, 814 00:39:17,556 --> 00:39:20,556 "you tried to kill me." 815 00:39:20,558 --> 00:39:21,424 - And carl said, "no, grandma. 816 00:39:21,426 --> 00:39:23,159 "I wasn't doing that." 817 00:39:23,161 --> 00:39:24,761 - Lillian says the last time 818 00:39:24,763 --> 00:39:28,765 She saw bonnie harkey alive was later that night, 819 00:39:28,767 --> 00:39:33,403 When she says, she say carl leading bonnie to her death. 820 00:39:33,405 --> 00:39:35,305 - I went to the bathroom again 821 00:39:35,307 --> 00:39:40,610 And, uh, when I was coming out, I saw him and her, 822 00:39:40,612 --> 00:39:44,080 Uh, walking into the trees. 823 00:39:44,082 --> 00:39:45,582 - You knew what was coming. 824 00:39:45,584 --> 00:39:47,917 How'd you let that happen? 825 00:39:47,919 --> 00:39:50,086 - It's hard for me. 826 00:39:50,088 --> 00:39:51,855 I mean, you know, if he did it to her, 827 00:39:51,857 --> 00:39:53,790 He's gonna do it to me, too. 828 00:39:53,792 --> 00:39:55,458 - The prosecutor knew a jury 829 00:39:55,460 --> 00:39:57,794 Would not vote to convict bruce harkey 830 00:39:57,796 --> 00:40:02,064 On the testimony of lillian king and carl pressley alone. 831 00:40:02,066 --> 00:40:06,469 So, he used bruce harkey's own words against him. 832 00:40:06,471 --> 00:40:07,703 - He talked about how 833 00:40:07,705 --> 00:40:10,740 He couldn't get his land until she was dead, 834 00:40:10,742 --> 00:40:13,676 And that he just doesn't have the decency to die. 835 00:40:13,678 --> 00:40:14,677 And he said all of these 836 00:40:14,679 --> 00:40:17,080 In the weeks leading up to the murder. 837 00:40:17,082 --> 00:40:19,715 - Richard davis was bruce harkey's attorney. 838 00:40:19,717 --> 00:40:23,619 He told the jury, carl pressley wanted to kill bonnie harkey 839 00:40:23,621 --> 00:40:25,354 Because he wanted the inheritance 840 00:40:25,356 --> 00:40:29,058 And needed no prompting from his uncle. 841 00:40:29,060 --> 00:40:30,160 Davis reminded jurors 842 00:40:30,162 --> 00:40:33,630 How many times carl had changed his story 843 00:40:33,632 --> 00:40:37,366 Before telling police bruce was part of the plot. 844 00:40:37,368 --> 00:40:38,835 - My theory is it's all carl, 845 00:40:38,837 --> 00:40:41,304 And that was essentially our testimony. 846 00:40:41,306 --> 00:40:46,676 And, uh, the testimony of carl in the trial makes it clear 847 00:40:46,678 --> 00:40:51,647 That this guy was, uh, an erratic personality. 848 00:40:51,649 --> 00:40:54,717 He gave numerous different descriptions 849 00:40:54,719 --> 00:40:57,587 Of what the events were. 850 00:40:57,589 --> 00:41:00,923 How he did it, why he did it, and it was, uh-- 851 00:41:00,925 --> 00:41:02,925 - And originally, that he didn't do it. 852 00:41:02,927 --> 00:41:04,060 - Well, right. 853 00:41:04,062 --> 00:41:05,128 "I didn't do it, I did do it, and if I did do it, 854 00:41:05,130 --> 00:41:06,329 "it was because of this." 855 00:41:06,331 --> 00:41:08,064 - And finally, he names bruce. 856 00:41:08,066 --> 00:41:09,098 - Exactly. 857 00:41:09,100 --> 00:41:11,267 - Sort of at the point where 858 00:41:11,269 --> 00:41:12,869 Prosecutors and police are starting to talk 859 00:41:12,871 --> 00:41:14,604 About the death penalty. 860 00:41:14,606 --> 00:41:18,174 - And my question, I-in any case 861 00:41:18,176 --> 00:41:20,176 Where there's a statement from a witness 862 00:41:20,178 --> 00:41:23,746 Who has a lot to lose, what's the most-likely 863 00:41:23,748 --> 00:41:26,616 To be, uh, the truth? 864 00:41:26,618 --> 00:41:30,186 - Jurors might question carl pressley's credibility, 865 00:41:30,188 --> 00:41:33,756 But the prosecutor had a bombshell in his arsenal. 866 00:41:33,758 --> 00:41:38,160 Turns out, this was not bruce harkey's first rodeo. 867 00:41:38,162 --> 00:41:40,963 Mcafee told the jurors that ten years earlier, 868 00:41:40,965 --> 00:41:42,832 Bruce had done prison time 869 00:41:42,834 --> 00:41:46,202 For his role in another murder plot. 870 00:41:46,204 --> 00:41:49,172 An unsuccessful one that targeted one 871 00:41:49,174 --> 00:41:51,541 Of his many ex-wives. 872 00:41:51,543 --> 00:41:52,575 - I think that there's a lot of things 873 00:41:52,577 --> 00:41:54,977 That are extremely similar in it. 874 00:41:54,979 --> 00:41:59,549 Uh, and the main one is that he gets somebody else to do 875 00:41:59,551 --> 00:42:04,253 What he wants done, and he does it through influence. 876 00:42:04,255 --> 00:42:06,489 - I will simply say that, 877 00:42:06,491 --> 00:42:07,924 That's a devastating bit of evidence. 878 00:42:07,926 --> 00:42:09,292 - Yeah, 'cause that makes me think, well, 879 00:42:09,294 --> 00:42:10,993 They probably got the right guy. 880 00:42:10,995 --> 00:42:12,995 - And just hypothetically speaking, 881 00:42:12,997 --> 00:42:14,931 Let's say the case is purely circumstantial 882 00:42:14,933 --> 00:42:17,466 And looks kind of bad, 883 00:42:17,468 --> 00:42:19,569 And then there's proof in front of the jury that says, 884 00:42:19,571 --> 00:42:22,272 "and by the way, he did it before." 885 00:42:22,274 --> 00:42:23,339 That makes all the other evidence 886 00:42:23,341 --> 00:42:26,008 Seem much more important. 887 00:42:26,010 --> 00:42:28,811 - If you're a prosecutor-- - that's great stuff. 888 00:42:28,813 --> 00:42:30,146 That's the end of the story, whether it should be 889 00:42:30,148 --> 00:42:31,480 Or shouldn't. 890 00:42:31,482 --> 00:42:33,616 - It took the jury only one hour 891 00:42:33,618 --> 00:42:35,484 To reach a guilty verdict. 892 00:42:35,486 --> 00:42:37,853 Bruce harkey received a life sentence, 893 00:42:37,855 --> 00:42:40,523 As did carl pressley. 894 00:42:40,525 --> 00:42:43,492 Lillian king was sentenced to 45 years 895 00:42:43,494 --> 00:42:46,362 For her role in the murders. 896 00:42:46,364 --> 00:42:50,967 - I'm not a violent person, I'm not. 897 00:42:50,969 --> 00:42:53,736 And I loved ms. Harkey like she was my own grandmother. 898 00:42:53,738 --> 00:42:56,572 - And yet? 899 00:42:56,574 --> 00:43:01,210 - I know, I keep kicking myself... 900 00:43:01,212 --> 00:43:05,648 You know, hoping I can do something different, 901 00:43:05,650 --> 00:43:08,417 But it's not gonna change. 902 00:43:08,419 --> 00:43:10,420 You know, it eats at me. 903 00:43:17,362 --> 00:43:22,198 I'm-- I can't sleep most of the time. 904 00:43:22,200 --> 00:43:23,332 - As for the estate 905 00:43:23,334 --> 00:43:27,003 Bruce harkey had so fervently hoped to inherit, 906 00:43:27,005 --> 00:43:31,107 That seems to be gone with the texas wind. 907 00:43:31,109 --> 00:43:32,842 In the wake of bonnie's death, 908 00:43:32,844 --> 00:43:37,146 The orchards faded and there were no longer any harkeys 909 00:43:37,148 --> 00:43:41,817 Living in the harkey home. 910 00:43:41,819 --> 00:43:43,019 - That's all for this edition 911 00:43:43,021 --> 00:43:45,621 Of "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 912 00:43:45,623 --> 00:43:48,291 I'm craig melvin, thank you for watching.