1 00:00:13,348 --> 00:00:16,682 And this is "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 2 00:00:16,684 --> 00:00:18,051 - I knew she would never leave her kids 3 00:00:18,053 --> 00:00:19,918 In the middle of a hurricane, 4 00:00:19,920 --> 00:00:22,521 So I always knew it wasn't gonna be good. 5 00:00:22,523 --> 00:00:24,322 - Crystal was gone, 6 00:00:24,324 --> 00:00:26,992 And there were lots of reasons to worry. 7 00:00:26,994 --> 00:00:30,529 - She had numerous lovers, men and women. 8 00:00:30,531 --> 00:00:32,664 - You have both the husband and the boyfriend 9 00:00:32,666 --> 00:00:33,432 Failing their polys. 10 00:00:33,434 --> 00:00:34,733 - All in the same day, yes, sir. 11 00:00:34,735 --> 00:00:36,601 - I'm like, what the hell is goin' on? 12 00:00:36,603 --> 00:00:38,670 - But the answer would have to wait. 13 00:00:38,672 --> 00:00:40,405 - Hurricane harvey is moving in this direction. 14 00:00:40,407 --> 00:00:42,075 We were doin' high water rescues. 15 00:00:42,077 --> 00:00:43,141 - We're stuck in the house. 16 00:00:43,143 --> 00:00:45,343 Immediately, we went to social media. 17 00:00:45,345 --> 00:00:46,479 - What kinds of things do you put up on it? 18 00:00:46,481 --> 00:00:48,347 - Pictures of her, her license plate. 19 00:00:48,349 --> 00:00:50,750 - Someone knew where she was, 20 00:00:50,752 --> 00:00:53,018 Someone who liked to play games. 21 00:00:53,020 --> 00:00:54,820 - He thought he was smarter than we were. 22 00:00:54,822 --> 00:00:56,721 - Willing to trade one night of freedom. 23 00:00:56,723 --> 00:00:58,123 - He said, "I'm ready to talk." 24 00:00:58,125 --> 00:01:00,159 - "let me go home, and tomorrow morning, 25 00:01:00,161 --> 00:01:01,493 "I will tell you everything." 26 00:01:01,495 --> 00:01:04,730 - In exchange for the terrible truth. 27 00:01:05,899 --> 00:01:07,700 - He couldn't have her, nobody could. 28 00:01:07,702 --> 00:01:15,974 ♪♪ 29 00:01:15,976 --> 00:01:19,111 - Hello and welcome to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 30 00:01:19,113 --> 00:01:21,246 After a messy divorce, 31 00:01:21,248 --> 00:01:24,517 Crystal mcdowell's life was finally moving 32 00:01:24,519 --> 00:01:25,917 In the right direction. 33 00:01:25,919 --> 00:01:29,989 She was devoted to her kids and dating a new man 34 00:01:29,991 --> 00:01:31,323 When she vanished. 35 00:01:31,325 --> 00:01:34,260 Then hurricane harvey swept through crystal's town 36 00:01:34,262 --> 00:01:37,529 Threatening to wash away the clues to her disappearance, 37 00:01:37,531 --> 00:01:42,467 But the same deadly storm that slowed the investigation 38 00:01:42,469 --> 00:01:45,670 Would also flush out a killer's secrets. 39 00:01:45,672 --> 00:01:49,441 Here's dennis murphy with "before the storm." 40 00:01:51,411 --> 00:01:53,378 - The woman captured on security camera 41 00:01:53,380 --> 00:01:55,847 Moving ghostlike from one room to the next 42 00:01:55,849 --> 00:01:58,418 Is 37-year-old crystal mcdowell, 43 00:01:58,420 --> 00:02:01,353 A real estate agent from baytown, texas. 44 00:02:01,355 --> 00:02:04,556 It's Thursday, August 25, 2017. 45 00:02:04,558 --> 00:02:08,828 At 7:35 a.M., crystal gets into her black mercedes coupe 46 00:02:08,830 --> 00:02:10,963 And backs out of the driveway. 47 00:02:10,965 --> 00:02:12,832 Looks like she's on her way to work, 48 00:02:12,834 --> 00:02:16,167 But crystal never makes it to the office that day. 49 00:02:16,169 --> 00:02:20,606 Texts, phone calls, and emails go unanswered. 50 00:02:20,608 --> 00:02:23,442 When crystal's extended family gathers later that evening 51 00:02:23,444 --> 00:02:25,511 To watch a pay-per-view boxing match, 52 00:02:25,513 --> 00:02:27,979 Cousin jade cherry says they aren't sure 53 00:02:27,981 --> 00:02:30,916 If they should be annoyed or concerned. 54 00:02:30,918 --> 00:02:32,151 - It was the night 55 00:02:32,153 --> 00:02:35,187 Of the mayweather and mcgregor fight, 56 00:02:35,189 --> 00:02:36,856 And my whole family is here, 57 00:02:36,858 --> 00:02:38,723 And my brother comes up to me immediately, 58 00:02:38,725 --> 00:02:42,061 And he's like, "crystal is missing." 59 00:02:42,063 --> 00:02:44,262 But in my head, I'm like, what? 60 00:02:44,264 --> 00:02:45,398 Like, you don't think. 61 00:02:45,400 --> 00:02:47,065 You know, you're like, well, find her. 62 00:02:47,067 --> 00:02:47,999 Like, what do you mean? - Yeah, that doesn't-- 63 00:02:48,001 --> 00:02:48,934 That doesn't make sense. - Yeah. 64 00:02:48,936 --> 00:02:51,336 And he's like, "no. Like, she's missing. 65 00:02:51,338 --> 00:02:54,205 "no one has talked to her since 7:00 in the morning." 66 00:02:54,207 --> 00:02:55,675 I was like, "well, that-- that doesn't mean anything. 67 00:02:55,677 --> 00:02:58,344 Like, her phone is-- her phone could be broke. 68 00:02:58,346 --> 00:03:00,545 "she's busy. She works a lot." 69 00:03:00,547 --> 00:03:03,849 - Crystal's aunt, cindy seratte, a local beautician, 70 00:03:03,851 --> 00:03:06,751 Was also dismissive when her son called to say 71 00:03:06,753 --> 00:03:08,153 Crystal was missing. 72 00:03:08,155 --> 00:03:09,288 - He calls me. He said, "mom, mom, 73 00:03:09,290 --> 00:03:10,422 "have you heard crystal is missin'?" 74 00:03:10,424 --> 00:03:12,557 And I'm like, "whatever." 75 00:03:12,559 --> 00:03:13,491 I'm like, "she's not missin'." 76 00:03:13,493 --> 00:03:15,093 And so, I text her and ask her. 77 00:03:15,095 --> 00:03:17,629 I say, "hey, babe, how are you? Where are you at?" 78 00:03:17,631 --> 00:03:18,964 I waited. Just kinda blew it off. 79 00:03:18,966 --> 00:03:20,432 Started watchin' tv. 80 00:03:20,434 --> 00:03:21,900 Tried to call her, no answer. 81 00:03:21,902 --> 00:03:23,435 Then that's when I started to worry. 82 00:03:23,437 --> 00:03:24,903 ♪♪ 83 00:03:24,905 --> 00:03:28,039 - Blessed with a trifecta of looks, smarts, and charm, 84 00:03:28,041 --> 00:03:30,976 Crystal was a favorite with both her real estate clients 85 00:03:30,978 --> 00:03:33,712 And coworkers. - I had a lady one night, 86 00:03:33,714 --> 00:03:36,581 Walked up, and told me, "your niece, your niece, 87 00:03:36,583 --> 00:03:38,984 She sold my family several houses," 88 00:03:38,986 --> 00:03:41,653 And she said, "I want you to know I really loved her." 89 00:03:41,655 --> 00:03:42,988 She said, "my dad was sick, 90 00:03:42,990 --> 00:03:45,790 "and every day she took him lunch," 91 00:03:45,792 --> 00:03:47,727 And that was her. She loved people. 92 00:03:47,729 --> 00:03:49,261 She didn't care about your money. 93 00:03:49,263 --> 00:03:50,796 She didn't care about your status. 94 00:03:50,798 --> 00:03:53,298 She just loved people and wanted to be a blessing. 95 00:03:53,300 --> 00:03:55,735 Her main passion, though, was her two children. 96 00:03:55,737 --> 00:03:57,470 - I love you. - I love you. 97 00:03:57,472 --> 00:03:59,805 - The love she had for them is obvious to see. 98 00:03:59,807 --> 00:04:02,275 The love for her husband, though, wasn't as strong. 99 00:04:02,277 --> 00:04:04,010 After ten years of marriage, 100 00:04:04,012 --> 00:04:06,745 Crystal split with husband steve mcdowell, 101 00:04:06,747 --> 00:04:09,414 But the remodel of her new home ended up 102 00:04:09,416 --> 00:04:11,149 Taking longer than the divorce, 103 00:04:11,151 --> 00:04:13,619 And this is where crystal's life story 104 00:04:13,621 --> 00:04:14,820 Gets complicated. 105 00:04:14,822 --> 00:04:17,889 While she waited to get the keys to a place of her own, 106 00:04:17,891 --> 00:04:21,159 Crystal continued to live with her now ex-husband. 107 00:04:21,161 --> 00:04:23,028 Like I said, complicated. 108 00:04:23,030 --> 00:04:24,463 Tell me about the divorce, jade. 109 00:04:24,465 --> 00:04:26,164 Who wanted out? Which one of them? 110 00:04:26,166 --> 00:04:28,434 - Crystal, for sure and-- 111 00:04:28,436 --> 00:04:30,368 - So, she gave him his walking papers. 112 00:04:30,370 --> 00:04:33,438 - Yes. - And how did he take it? 113 00:04:33,440 --> 00:04:34,506 - Not well. 114 00:04:34,508 --> 00:04:35,307 - So, even though they're divorced, 115 00:04:35,309 --> 00:04:36,508 They're spending nights together. 116 00:04:36,510 --> 00:04:38,043 - Right, right. 117 00:04:38,045 --> 00:04:40,145 - Now, after 24 hours of silence, the family called 118 00:04:40,147 --> 00:04:42,582 The chambers county sheriff's department 119 00:04:42,584 --> 00:04:44,449 To report crystal missing. 120 00:04:44,451 --> 00:04:45,784 - Any time we get a call like that, 121 00:04:45,786 --> 00:04:47,452 Automatically take it serious. 122 00:04:47,454 --> 00:04:49,521 - First stop for deputy cody hammes 123 00:04:49,523 --> 00:04:52,791 Was the mcdowell house to see if crystal's ex-husband, steve, 124 00:04:52,793 --> 00:04:53,992 Had heard from her. 125 00:04:53,994 --> 00:04:58,463 - And his-his immediate response was, you know, 126 00:04:58,465 --> 00:05:00,198 "did something happen? 127 00:05:00,200 --> 00:05:02,368 "uh, is there something I should know of?" 128 00:05:02,370 --> 00:05:04,269 - Then mcdowell threw hammes a curve. 129 00:05:04,271 --> 00:05:06,739 He said crystal had a new boyfriend, 130 00:05:06,741 --> 00:05:10,743 And there were nights when crystal just never came home. 131 00:05:10,745 --> 00:05:13,946 An awkward tale for any recent ex-husband to share, 132 00:05:13,948 --> 00:05:15,948 But to deputy hammes, it wasn't so much 133 00:05:15,950 --> 00:05:19,017 What mcdowell said but how he said it. 134 00:05:19,019 --> 00:05:21,219 - Just in a real kinda strange tone of voice, 135 00:05:21,221 --> 00:05:23,422 And I'm just asking a general question, 136 00:05:23,424 --> 00:05:25,824 And my instincts were just really kickin' off 137 00:05:25,826 --> 00:05:28,560 That-that whole moment. 138 00:05:28,562 --> 00:05:31,329 - That the husband had sort of a fishy story or 139 00:05:31,331 --> 00:05:33,031 Response to what you were askin' him? 140 00:05:33,033 --> 00:05:34,165 - Just his whole mannerism. 141 00:05:34,167 --> 00:05:38,970 Just didn't appear to be actin' normal per se. 142 00:05:38,972 --> 00:05:40,373 - That's when deputy hammes asked for backup 143 00:05:40,375 --> 00:05:42,774 To help figure out this mess. 144 00:05:42,776 --> 00:05:45,110 Detective donny walters got the call. 145 00:05:45,112 --> 00:05:46,845 - The first I noticed that bothered me 146 00:05:46,847 --> 00:05:48,847 Was they had been divorced for six months. 147 00:05:48,849 --> 00:05:49,981 - Yeah. 148 00:05:49,983 --> 00:05:51,116 - But yet, he's still wearin' a wedding ring. 149 00:05:51,118 --> 00:05:52,183 Why? 150 00:05:52,185 --> 00:05:54,920 That's not normal-- normal behavior. 151 00:05:54,922 --> 00:05:57,590 - What was his demeanor like as you're talkin' to him? 152 00:05:57,592 --> 00:06:01,193 - Almost... 153 00:06:01,195 --> 00:06:03,361 Cocky. - Ahh. 154 00:06:03,363 --> 00:06:05,664 - He put his self out that he was a whole lot smarter 155 00:06:05,666 --> 00:06:07,199 Than we were. 156 00:06:07,201 --> 00:06:09,134 - And just like that, the search for crystal 157 00:06:09,136 --> 00:06:11,636 Slingshotted from a simple well-being check 158 00:06:11,638 --> 00:06:13,471 To a possible homicide, 159 00:06:13,473 --> 00:06:16,375 Which meant looping d.A. Cheryl lieck. 160 00:06:16,377 --> 00:06:18,877 Early on in this investigation, like hours into it, 161 00:06:18,879 --> 00:06:20,146 When you went-- went around the table 162 00:06:20,148 --> 00:06:21,680 With all your investigators-- - mm-hmm. 163 00:06:21,682 --> 00:06:23,481 - Who did you think the suspect was? 164 00:06:23,483 --> 00:06:25,417 - A pissed off ex-husband. 165 00:06:25,419 --> 00:06:27,352 When I heard that she was divorced 166 00:06:27,354 --> 00:06:29,421 But still living with her ex-husband 167 00:06:29,423 --> 00:06:31,223 And that she had a boyfriend, 168 00:06:31,225 --> 00:06:34,225 The first thing I thought was the husband did it. 169 00:06:34,227 --> 00:06:36,628 - But those suspicions seemed less certain 170 00:06:36,630 --> 00:06:38,897 After detectives spoke to crystal's boyfriend, 171 00:06:38,899 --> 00:06:41,767 Who struck them as being as off kilter as the husband. 172 00:06:41,769 --> 00:06:43,102 - He was cooperative, 173 00:06:43,104 --> 00:06:45,570 But he just kinda had that air about him, also. 174 00:06:45,572 --> 00:06:47,706 - You know, the husband has given us suspicion. 175 00:06:47,708 --> 00:06:50,175 Now, the new boyfriend has given us suspicion. 176 00:06:50,177 --> 00:06:52,044 Even though they were both bein' very cooperative, 177 00:06:52,046 --> 00:06:54,445 It was cooperative to a point 178 00:06:54,447 --> 00:06:57,249 That it was almost, uh, questionable. 179 00:06:57,251 --> 00:06:58,517 I guess. - Hmm. 180 00:06:58,519 --> 00:06:59,652 You wonder why they were bein' so helpful. 181 00:06:59,654 --> 00:07:00,986 - Yes, sir. 182 00:07:00,988 --> 00:07:02,987 - So, what was going on? 183 00:07:02,989 --> 00:07:05,124 It was certainly suspicious that crystal's ex-husband 184 00:07:05,126 --> 00:07:07,258 Never reported crystal missing, 185 00:07:07,260 --> 00:07:09,962 But the boyfriend, whose house crystal stayed at 186 00:07:09,964 --> 00:07:12,163 The night before she disappeared, 187 00:07:12,165 --> 00:07:14,833 The place where these surveillance videos were recorded, 188 00:07:14,835 --> 00:07:19,938 Well, he never filed a missing person report either. 189 00:07:19,940 --> 00:07:22,073 - Crystal's boyfriend did something else 190 00:07:22,075 --> 00:07:25,010 That attracted the attention of investigators. 191 00:07:25,012 --> 00:07:27,412 He gave those surveillance videos 192 00:07:27,414 --> 00:07:30,115 To the media before police. 193 00:07:32,052 --> 00:07:33,218 - It's being played on cable tv 194 00:07:33,220 --> 00:07:34,752 Before your guys have even seen it. 195 00:07:34,754 --> 00:07:35,687 - That is correct. 196 00:07:35,689 --> 00:07:37,288 Bottom line is, the jeweler was a-- 197 00:07:37,290 --> 00:07:38,891 Was a prime suspect for me. 198 00:07:38,893 --> 00:07:40,825 - And there could be many more. 199 00:07:40,827 --> 00:07:43,094 - She had numerous lovers 200 00:07:43,096 --> 00:07:46,232 Throughout her marriage, men and women. 201 00:07:46,234 --> 00:07:49,034 - And if she's been intimate with people here and there, 202 00:07:49,036 --> 00:07:50,236 You gotta wonder. 203 00:07:50,238 --> 00:07:51,437 We got an angry husband here, an angry wife, right? 204 00:07:51,439 --> 00:07:52,638 - That-that is correct. 205 00:07:52,640 --> 00:07:52,704 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 206 00:07:52,905 --> 00:08:05,984 ♪♪ 207 00:08:05,986 --> 00:08:09,321 - Baytown is a notch in texas' bayou belt. 208 00:08:09,323 --> 00:08:11,923 It's a land of pumpjacks and refineries 209 00:08:11,925 --> 00:08:13,725 The size of cities. 210 00:08:13,727 --> 00:08:15,861 Fortunes ebb and flow with the price of crude, 211 00:08:15,863 --> 00:08:18,463 And, in August 2017, 212 00:08:18,465 --> 00:08:22,066 The price per barrel was on the rise. 213 00:08:22,068 --> 00:08:24,569 Banks were lending, houses were being flipped, 214 00:08:24,571 --> 00:08:27,739 And luxury items like diamonds were in demand. 215 00:08:27,741 --> 00:08:31,276 Baytown's oldest and biggest jewelry store, robson's. 216 00:08:31,278 --> 00:08:33,312 Paul hargrave managed the store. 217 00:08:33,314 --> 00:08:36,816 He was crystal's date the night before she went missing. 218 00:08:36,818 --> 00:08:39,150 - Seemed to be a casual dinner just like any of us would have 219 00:08:39,152 --> 00:08:42,555 At a-- at a nice restaurant over there, uh, in houston. 220 00:08:42,557 --> 00:08:45,624 - Chambers county sheriff brian hawthrone. 221 00:08:45,626 --> 00:08:47,626 Her companion that night, how would you describe him? 222 00:08:47,628 --> 00:08:49,027 Is he kind of a new boyfriend? 223 00:08:49,029 --> 00:08:50,828 - Yes, very new boyfriend. 224 00:08:50,830 --> 00:08:52,832 - And he's a guy who is a well-known name in the county. 225 00:08:52,834 --> 00:08:54,499 - Correct. - Big jeweler. 226 00:08:54,501 --> 00:08:55,634 - The jewelry store has been there 227 00:08:55,636 --> 00:08:58,102 For probably 50-plus years. 228 00:08:58,104 --> 00:08:59,772 - So, she's had dinner that night, 229 00:08:59,774 --> 00:09:02,174 And then she goes home to spend the night at his place? 230 00:09:02,176 --> 00:09:03,308 - That is correct. 231 00:09:03,310 --> 00:09:04,842 He told us the last time he had seen her is, 232 00:09:04,844 --> 00:09:06,844 He was getting in the shower, 233 00:09:06,846 --> 00:09:09,381 And-and she had gotten dressed and left. 234 00:09:09,383 --> 00:09:11,583 - That makes him the last person known to have seen her alive. 235 00:09:11,585 --> 00:09:12,917 - That is correct. 236 00:09:12,919 --> 00:09:15,788 - Which puts him in something of an investigative jam, right? 237 00:09:15,790 --> 00:09:18,056 - Well, it obviously puts him as a person of interest. 238 00:09:18,058 --> 00:09:19,791 That's for sure. 239 00:09:19,793 --> 00:09:23,796 - But hargrave's investigative status was soon upgraded. 240 00:09:23,798 --> 00:09:26,799 Remember that security camera footage of crystal 241 00:09:26,801 --> 00:09:27,900 Leaving for work. 242 00:09:27,902 --> 00:09:31,102 Those videos were recorded at hargrave's home. 243 00:09:31,104 --> 00:09:32,837 We know that because he gave us 244 00:09:32,839 --> 00:09:35,406 And other news organizations the footage, 245 00:09:35,408 --> 00:09:37,475 But the sheriff said hargrave didn't give those videos 246 00:09:37,477 --> 00:09:39,010 To his investigators. 247 00:09:39,012 --> 00:09:41,813 Didn't even tell them about it, not at first. 248 00:09:41,815 --> 00:09:44,215 - They released some of the video and pictures 249 00:09:44,217 --> 00:09:46,085 To the national media 250 00:09:46,087 --> 00:09:48,553 Before our detectives even had it. 251 00:09:48,555 --> 00:09:49,554 So... - So, it's-it-- 252 00:09:49,556 --> 00:09:50,755 It's bein' played on cable tv 253 00:09:50,757 --> 00:09:51,824 Before your guys have even seen it. 254 00:09:51,826 --> 00:09:53,024 - That is correct. 255 00:09:53,026 --> 00:09:54,894 - And that didn't sit well with the sheriff. 256 00:09:54,896 --> 00:09:57,362 - The bottom line is, the jeweler was a-- 257 00:09:57,364 --> 00:09:59,364 Was a prime suspect for me. 258 00:09:59,366 --> 00:10:01,566 - But d.A. Lieck had the opposite take 259 00:10:01,568 --> 00:10:03,568 When it came to the surveillance footage. 260 00:10:03,570 --> 00:10:05,370 She thought the timestamped videos 261 00:10:05,372 --> 00:10:07,372 Backed up the boyfriend's alibi. 262 00:10:07,374 --> 00:10:10,041 - All that did was really confirm what I already thought. 263 00:10:10,043 --> 00:10:12,043 I really didn't think he had anything to do with it. 264 00:10:12,045 --> 00:10:13,244 I really didn't. 265 00:10:13,246 --> 00:10:14,513 - So, you weren't lookin' at the boyfriend that good. 266 00:10:14,515 --> 00:10:16,382 - Nah, because he wouldn't have had a motive. 267 00:10:16,384 --> 00:10:18,716 The-the motive is gonna rest with the ex-husband 268 00:10:18,718 --> 00:10:21,919 Because any logical person is sayin', okay, 269 00:10:21,921 --> 00:10:23,788 They're divorced. 270 00:10:23,790 --> 00:10:25,657 She spends the night with new boyfriend, 271 00:10:25,659 --> 00:10:27,892 And she comes home the next mornin', 272 00:10:27,894 --> 00:10:30,129 And ex-husband is supposed to be okay with that? 273 00:10:30,131 --> 00:10:32,197 No. I don't care who ya are. 274 00:10:32,199 --> 00:10:33,599 You're not okay with that. 275 00:10:33,601 --> 00:10:36,668 - So, the d.A. Was looking hard at the husband 276 00:10:36,670 --> 00:10:38,936 While the sheriff was betting on the boyfriend. 277 00:10:38,938 --> 00:10:41,272 It had to be one or the other, right? 278 00:10:41,274 --> 00:10:42,675 Well, maybe not. 279 00:10:42,677 --> 00:10:46,011 Did I mention that crystal's life was complicated? 280 00:10:46,013 --> 00:10:47,880 - Her name is crystal because her parents named her 281 00:10:47,882 --> 00:10:49,948 After crystal meth. - You're kidding. 282 00:10:49,950 --> 00:10:50,816 - No. 283 00:10:50,818 --> 00:10:54,153 And her parents both died when she was 11. 284 00:10:54,155 --> 00:10:57,021 They died within six months of each other, 285 00:10:57,023 --> 00:11:00,158 Um, from aids from, uh, drug use. 286 00:11:00,160 --> 00:11:03,561 At one point, around 13, she was abducted, 287 00:11:03,563 --> 00:11:07,699 Um, by a man, and he kept her hostage, 288 00:11:07,701 --> 00:11:10,101 Kept her in a chicken coop. - Oh, you're kidding. 289 00:11:10,103 --> 00:11:12,370 - Uh, sexually assaulted her. - How awful. 290 00:11:12,372 --> 00:11:15,773 - She managed to escape and then eventually ended up 291 00:11:15,775 --> 00:11:18,777 Down here in baytown with her grandmother 292 00:11:18,779 --> 00:11:21,614 And a paternal aunt. 293 00:11:21,616 --> 00:11:23,448 - Crystal eventually ended up living 294 00:11:23,450 --> 00:11:26,719 With her cousin jade's family and somehow clawed her way 295 00:11:26,721 --> 00:11:29,454 Back from the abuse she suffered as a child, 296 00:11:29,456 --> 00:11:32,257 Which could explain all those photos and videos 297 00:11:32,259 --> 00:11:34,460 Crystal took with her own daughter. 298 00:11:34,462 --> 00:11:36,861 She may have wanted the world to see just how much 299 00:11:36,863 --> 00:11:40,531 Her own little girl was loved, wanted, and protected. 300 00:11:40,533 --> 00:11:44,669 - When I think of crystal, I think of loving. 301 00:11:44,671 --> 00:11:49,274 She was very, very loving and a hard worker. 302 00:11:49,276 --> 00:11:52,210 Those are the two things I think of when I think of crystal. 303 00:11:52,212 --> 00:11:54,145 - It was jade's parents who introduced crystal 304 00:11:54,147 --> 00:11:56,482 To her eventual husband, steve. 305 00:11:56,484 --> 00:11:59,217 - And my dad has been friends with steve since, 306 00:11:59,219 --> 00:12:01,486 You know, childhood friends, since forever, 307 00:12:01,488 --> 00:12:02,354 From high school, 308 00:12:02,356 --> 00:12:04,355 So I've always grown up around steve. 309 00:12:04,357 --> 00:12:05,723 - Tell me about steve first. 310 00:12:05,725 --> 00:12:07,291 Who was the guy that you remember? 311 00:12:07,293 --> 00:12:09,227 - Very childlike-- he's like a big kid. 312 00:12:09,229 --> 00:12:11,964 - And like a big kid, he loved his toys, 313 00:12:11,966 --> 00:12:15,767 Video games, and muscled ford mustangs. 314 00:12:15,769 --> 00:12:17,302 - I remember the day she told me she had met him. 315 00:12:17,304 --> 00:12:19,704 - Okay, tell me that story. - And she was very smitten. 316 00:12:19,706 --> 00:12:21,840 "I found somebody I love, aunt cindy. 317 00:12:21,842 --> 00:12:25,176 "he's perfect. He's funny. We talk a lot." 318 00:12:25,178 --> 00:12:27,645 And I really thought she had met the man of her dreams. 319 00:12:27,647 --> 00:12:29,380 - And then you met him. - And then I met him. 320 00:12:29,382 --> 00:12:30,314 - And what did you think? 321 00:12:30,316 --> 00:12:32,317 - I thought he was the nicest, 322 00:12:32,319 --> 00:12:34,452 Most passionate, kind person I'd ever met. 323 00:12:34,454 --> 00:12:36,187 - We were always at their house playing. 324 00:12:36,189 --> 00:12:37,655 All of us kids were over there, 325 00:12:37,657 --> 00:12:39,724 And they're goofy and silly, 326 00:12:39,726 --> 00:12:43,127 And they would go on trips and things like that. 327 00:12:43,129 --> 00:12:44,930 - The trips were a job perk. 328 00:12:44,932 --> 00:12:47,131 Shortly after her marriage to steve, 329 00:12:47,133 --> 00:12:49,201 Crystal landed a flight attendant position 330 00:12:49,203 --> 00:12:52,538 With expressjet, and with her outgoing personality, 331 00:12:52,540 --> 00:12:55,006 Crystal was soon an airline favorite, 332 00:12:55,008 --> 00:12:58,476 And that's when her life became even more complicated. 333 00:12:58,478 --> 00:13:03,082 - She had, um, numerous lovers 334 00:13:03,084 --> 00:13:04,817 Throughout her marriage, 335 00:13:04,819 --> 00:13:06,150 Men and women. 336 00:13:06,152 --> 00:13:07,418 - She was very social, 337 00:13:07,420 --> 00:13:09,488 And because she had traveled all over the united states 338 00:13:09,490 --> 00:13:11,389 With expressjet, she had flight attendant friends 339 00:13:11,391 --> 00:13:13,825 And pilots all over the country. 340 00:13:13,827 --> 00:13:15,094 So, there were a lotta players 341 00:13:15,096 --> 00:13:17,495 And a-a lot of different directions 342 00:13:17,497 --> 00:13:19,764 That we found ourselves going in the first week. 343 00:13:19,766 --> 00:13:22,233 - And if she's been intimate with people here and there, 344 00:13:22,235 --> 00:13:23,434 You gotta wonder. 345 00:13:23,436 --> 00:13:24,837 Have we got an angry husband, an angry wife, right? 346 00:13:24,839 --> 00:13:27,372 - That-that is correct. And in fact, that was-- 347 00:13:27,374 --> 00:13:28,773 Some of the avenue that we were looking at 348 00:13:28,775 --> 00:13:31,376 Was other angry spouses. 349 00:13:31,378 --> 00:13:33,778 - Crystal mcdowell had been missing just two days 350 00:13:33,780 --> 00:13:36,247 By the time the chambers county sherrif's office 351 00:13:36,249 --> 00:13:39,017 Had uncovered all of these promising leads to pursue. 352 00:13:41,187 --> 00:13:46,124 But suddenly, pursuing leads became next to impossible 353 00:13:46,126 --> 00:13:47,793 As little baytown suffered a disaster 354 00:13:47,795 --> 00:13:49,861 Of epic proportions. 355 00:13:49,863 --> 00:13:52,129 - It was a biblical storm. It really was. 356 00:13:52,131 --> 00:13:54,232 I felt like I was on noah's ark. 357 00:13:57,604 --> 00:13:59,004 - It just kept raining, and kept raining. 358 00:13:59,006 --> 00:14:00,939 It just kinda changed everything. 359 00:14:00,941 --> 00:14:03,941 - A hurricane puts a homicide case on hold, 360 00:14:03,943 --> 00:14:06,010 But not forever. 361 00:14:06,012 --> 00:14:08,012 - Immediately, we went to social media. 362 00:14:08,014 --> 00:14:09,414 - What kinds of things do you put up on it? 363 00:14:09,416 --> 00:14:12,617 - We put pictures of her, her license plate. 364 00:14:12,619 --> 00:14:12,683 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 365 00:14:12,752 --> 00:14:26,564 ♪♪ 366 00:14:26,566 --> 00:14:29,166 - Record-breaking, epic, biblical, 367 00:14:29,168 --> 00:14:32,437 All words to describe hurricane harvey, 368 00:14:32,439 --> 00:14:34,839 Meaning it was a storm like few had ever seen. 369 00:14:35,909 --> 00:14:38,309 Harvey was not only massive, but slow moving, 370 00:14:38,311 --> 00:14:40,378 And once it hit houston and baytown, 371 00:14:40,380 --> 00:14:42,247 It weirdly just stopped. 372 00:14:42,249 --> 00:14:44,582 - It just kept raining, and kept raining. 373 00:14:44,584 --> 00:14:46,652 Half of the county was going underwater. 374 00:14:46,654 --> 00:14:47,718 Five o'clock in the morning 375 00:14:47,720 --> 00:14:50,054 And we were already doin' high water rescues. 376 00:14:50,056 --> 00:14:51,389 - It seemed no one was talking about 377 00:14:51,391 --> 00:14:53,725 A missing woman any longer. 378 00:14:53,727 --> 00:14:55,460 The whole community and everyone in it 379 00:14:55,462 --> 00:14:57,995 Was now fighting just to survive. 380 00:14:57,997 --> 00:15:00,665 What was the scariest moment for ya in harvey? 381 00:15:00,667 --> 00:15:03,335 - Well, when the water started coming down my walls 382 00:15:03,337 --> 00:15:06,003 In my house, and it was overflowing, 383 00:15:06,005 --> 00:15:07,873 And I was watching to see if-- 384 00:15:07,875 --> 00:15:09,807 Which way it was gonna come in first, 385 00:15:09,809 --> 00:15:11,075 Either the front door or the back door. 386 00:15:11,077 --> 00:15:13,678 I've never experienced that before. 387 00:15:13,680 --> 00:15:15,746 It just never stopped. 388 00:15:15,748 --> 00:15:18,115 - There were boats actually traveling the roads, 389 00:15:18,117 --> 00:15:20,151 And the only communication we had was through our phones. 390 00:15:20,153 --> 00:15:22,353 Thank god our phones were working. 391 00:15:22,355 --> 00:15:24,088 - Crystal's cousin, jade cherry, 392 00:15:24,090 --> 00:15:27,224 Was stranded in her mom's home with a pair of newborns. 393 00:15:27,226 --> 00:15:29,827 - I have two screaming twins. 394 00:15:29,829 --> 00:15:32,430 They're four months old, half breastfeeding, 395 00:15:32,432 --> 00:15:33,632 Half formula. 396 00:15:33,634 --> 00:15:35,500 Wasn't makin' breast milk. 397 00:15:35,502 --> 00:15:38,903 Scared to run out of formula. 398 00:15:38,905 --> 00:15:40,638 - With the entire country in peril, 399 00:15:40,640 --> 00:15:42,173 The search for crystal mcdowell 400 00:15:42,175 --> 00:15:44,575 Was no longer an investigative priority 401 00:15:44,577 --> 00:15:46,711 For the chambers county sheriff's office. 402 00:15:46,713 --> 00:15:48,646 - I had no other choice but to, uh, 403 00:15:48,648 --> 00:15:53,250 Divert some of the resources to rescuing our citizens. 404 00:15:53,252 --> 00:15:54,585 - You don't have the manpower. 405 00:15:54,587 --> 00:15:55,654 You just don't have the resources 406 00:15:55,656 --> 00:15:56,654 For an event like this. 407 00:15:56,656 --> 00:15:57,989 - When you have this kind of a storm 408 00:15:57,991 --> 00:15:59,524 And this much devastation, 409 00:15:59,526 --> 00:16:01,859 You could never have enough manpower. 410 00:16:01,861 --> 00:16:03,761 - So jade picked up the slack. 411 00:16:03,763 --> 00:16:06,598 Housebound with twins, she did the only thing 412 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:09,200 She could think of to find crystal. 413 00:16:09,202 --> 00:16:11,135 - Immediately, we went to social media. 414 00:16:11,137 --> 00:16:13,003 - What kinds of things do you put up on it? 415 00:16:13,005 --> 00:16:16,407 - We put pictures of her, her license plate. 416 00:16:16,409 --> 00:16:17,409 Anyone seen her? - 'cause her car was missing. 417 00:16:17,411 --> 00:16:18,609 - Yes. - Nice car. 418 00:16:18,611 --> 00:16:20,244 - Beautiful black mercedes, yeah. 419 00:16:20,246 --> 00:16:21,812 And we're posting, and we're sharing, 420 00:16:21,814 --> 00:16:23,214 And I'm just, you know, repeatedly, 421 00:16:23,216 --> 00:16:25,083 Like, keep sharing it. Keep sharing it. 422 00:16:25,085 --> 00:16:26,350 Keep sharing it. 423 00:16:26,352 --> 00:16:29,019 - Jade was crowdsourcing the search for crystal, 424 00:16:29,021 --> 00:16:31,255 And what do you know? 425 00:16:31,257 --> 00:16:34,825 - I get a text from someone, 426 00:16:34,827 --> 00:16:35,960 And it said, "hey, jade, 427 00:16:35,962 --> 00:16:38,296 "I don't know if they found your cousin, 428 00:16:38,298 --> 00:16:39,430 "uh, or her car yet, 429 00:16:39,432 --> 00:16:42,300 "but her car is at motel 6 off 146." 430 00:16:42,302 --> 00:16:44,503 And I'm like, "how-how do you know that it's her car? 431 00:16:44,505 --> 00:16:46,103 "do you have a picture of it?" 432 00:16:46,105 --> 00:16:49,774 And she said, "my friend posted it on snapchat 433 00:16:49,776 --> 00:16:51,842 "and was like, 'wow, like, 434 00:16:51,844 --> 00:16:53,377 "'this mercedes about to be flooded. 435 00:16:53,379 --> 00:16:56,847 "'I would be so mad if this was my car.'" 436 00:16:56,849 --> 00:17:00,384 - Jade's friend then forwarded this picture of the car. 437 00:17:00,386 --> 00:17:04,188 - It's just the car and water, 438 00:17:04,190 --> 00:17:05,990 And the water is right underneath 439 00:17:05,992 --> 00:17:07,192 The license plate. 440 00:17:07,194 --> 00:17:08,459 - And it's crystal's. - And it's crystal's car. 441 00:17:08,461 --> 00:17:10,728 So, the first thing I did was call my dad, 442 00:17:10,730 --> 00:17:14,732 And I tell my dad, "crystal's car is at motel 6 on 146." 443 00:17:14,734 --> 00:17:17,035 He's like, "what? Like, how do you know?" 444 00:17:17,037 --> 00:17:19,470 So, I sent him the picture while I'm on the phone with him, 445 00:17:19,472 --> 00:17:21,205 And his reaction was the same as mine. 446 00:17:21,207 --> 00:17:23,007 Like, holy crap, this is her car. 447 00:17:23,009 --> 00:17:24,208 - This is her. - Mm-hmm. 448 00:17:24,210 --> 00:17:26,344 - But with the roads and fields flooded, 449 00:17:26,346 --> 00:17:30,014 Jade's family could only get to the motel 6 by boat. 450 00:17:30,016 --> 00:17:32,483 Same with the detectives from the sheriff's department. 451 00:17:32,485 --> 00:17:34,552 - We had to commandeer an airboat 452 00:17:34,554 --> 00:17:35,619 That was actually out in the neighborhoods 453 00:17:35,621 --> 00:17:38,689 Doin' rescues to get up to the hotel. 454 00:17:38,691 --> 00:17:40,157 - So, this motel 6 is goin' under, too. 455 00:17:40,159 --> 00:17:40,826 - It's completely under. 456 00:17:40,828 --> 00:17:41,759 - It's out on I-10. 457 00:17:41,761 --> 00:17:42,893 - Yes, sir. 458 00:17:42,895 --> 00:17:44,962 Get in the airboat, make a route around the motel, 459 00:17:44,964 --> 00:17:46,497 And, sure enough, there's her car. 460 00:17:46,499 --> 00:17:49,567 - Finding crystal's car was a huge break, 461 00:17:49,569 --> 00:17:51,168 But one wrapped in a riddle. 462 00:17:51,170 --> 00:17:54,171 Did crystal leave her mercedes at the motel 6 463 00:17:54,173 --> 00:17:56,107 Or did someone else? 464 00:17:56,109 --> 00:17:58,909 - You could tell that it had been haphazardly parked. 465 00:17:58,911 --> 00:18:00,377 - And the keys were inside. 466 00:18:00,379 --> 00:18:01,445 [chuckles] - yeah, it's-- 467 00:18:01,447 --> 00:18:02,580 - Connect the dots. What's-- what's goin' on? 468 00:18:02,582 --> 00:18:03,981 - It's-- it's like, come and get it. This is-- 469 00:18:03,983 --> 00:18:05,316 I want somebody to take this car 470 00:18:05,318 --> 00:18:07,051 Because somethin' happened. So-- 471 00:18:07,053 --> 00:18:08,186 - This is a tasty prize. Steal me, huh? 472 00:18:08,188 --> 00:18:10,322 - Oh, absolutely, absolutely. 473 00:18:10,324 --> 00:18:11,455 - But nobody seemed to have taken the bait. 474 00:18:11,457 --> 00:18:14,125 - Uh, we-- well, there was a couple that tried, 475 00:18:14,127 --> 00:18:16,795 But the problem is, the water was too high. 476 00:18:17,798 --> 00:18:19,930 - Crystal's car was later towed to a garage 477 00:18:19,932 --> 00:18:21,799 Where a csi team went through it. 478 00:18:21,801 --> 00:18:23,935 Forensically, what happens in that case? 479 00:18:23,937 --> 00:18:26,071 If the crime scene techs were gonna process that vehicle, 480 00:18:26,073 --> 00:18:27,738 They gonna come up with anything? 481 00:18:27,740 --> 00:18:29,073 - Uh-uh. Yeah, nothin'. 482 00:18:29,075 --> 00:18:31,609 - That's when "dateline" posted a missing in america report 483 00:18:31,611 --> 00:18:34,378 Viewed more than 100,000 times online, 484 00:18:34,380 --> 00:18:37,816 But the story generated no usable leads. 485 00:18:37,818 --> 00:18:41,085 By the time the last remnants of the storm 486 00:18:41,087 --> 00:18:43,821 Howled out of texas, a week had gone by. 487 00:18:43,823 --> 00:18:46,490 With his county in shambles, sheriff hawthrone knew 488 00:18:46,492 --> 00:18:49,294 He needed an outside assist on the mcdowell case, 489 00:18:49,296 --> 00:18:51,295 And he put out a call for help, 490 00:18:51,297 --> 00:18:54,565 One answered by texas ranger steven jeter. 491 00:18:54,567 --> 00:18:56,967 So, what do you do? 492 00:18:56,969 --> 00:18:58,969 - Ground zero, um, 493 00:18:58,971 --> 00:19:01,440 Went back in like nothin' had been done before. 494 00:19:01,442 --> 00:19:04,041 - On day one of this investigative reboot, 495 00:19:04,043 --> 00:19:06,577 Jeter had ex-husband, mcdowell, sitting in a chair 496 00:19:06,579 --> 00:19:08,646 For his first formal interview. 497 00:19:08,648 --> 00:19:10,247 - I told him, "hey, look, we're-- you're ex-husband. 498 00:19:10,249 --> 00:19:13,117 "we're gonna take your story, and, uh, 499 00:19:13,119 --> 00:19:14,985 "I gotta rule you out as a suspect." 500 00:19:14,987 --> 00:19:16,587 - So, he's a cooperative guy, I think, right? 501 00:19:16,589 --> 00:19:17,722 - Oh, yeah. 502 00:19:17,724 --> 00:19:19,924 Once you reached out to him, he was very cooperative. 503 00:19:19,926 --> 00:19:22,459 - Mcdowell told jeter the same story he told 504 00:19:22,461 --> 00:19:24,396 The sheriff's deputies a week earlier. 505 00:19:24,398 --> 00:19:26,997 He hadn't seen crystal since Thursday night 506 00:19:26,999 --> 00:19:28,666 When she left for her date. 507 00:19:28,668 --> 00:19:29,934 - According to him, 508 00:19:29,936 --> 00:19:31,535 That was the last time he saw her alive. 509 00:19:31,537 --> 00:19:34,138 - You woefully underestimate a texas ranger 510 00:19:34,140 --> 00:19:35,940 If you see just an elite gunslinger 511 00:19:35,942 --> 00:19:37,608 In hat and boots. 512 00:19:37,610 --> 00:19:39,944 Jeter has gone through extensive training 513 00:19:39,946 --> 00:19:41,613 On how best to interview a suspect 514 00:19:41,615 --> 00:19:45,283 By reading both behavior and body language. 515 00:19:45,285 --> 00:19:46,884 So, tell me about his demeanor. 516 00:19:46,886 --> 00:19:48,085 Tell me about what you're seeing 517 00:19:48,087 --> 00:19:49,687 As much as what he's saying to ya, ranger. 518 00:19:49,689 --> 00:19:53,225 - Probably lack of concern or sincere concern, 519 00:19:53,227 --> 00:19:57,061 Even for what we know is an ex-wife, so I asked him, 520 00:19:57,063 --> 00:19:59,130 "hey, let's take a lie detector test." 521 00:19:59,132 --> 00:20:01,565 - Mcdowell said, sure, he'd be happy to. 522 00:20:01,567 --> 00:20:03,033 And? 523 00:20:03,035 --> 00:20:04,101 - He failed. 524 00:20:04,103 --> 00:20:05,770 - How badly did he flunk the poly? 525 00:20:05,772 --> 00:20:07,504 - He couldn't have failed it any worse. 526 00:20:07,506 --> 00:20:09,241 - Which naturally would have made mcdowell 527 00:20:09,243 --> 00:20:12,109 The prime suspect except that it didn't jive 528 00:20:12,111 --> 00:20:14,812 With everything else jeter was hearing about him. 529 00:20:14,814 --> 00:20:16,780 - From the family members that he had been talkin' to, 530 00:20:16,782 --> 00:20:19,116 You know, they were all in steve's corner. 531 00:20:19,118 --> 00:20:22,386 Um, they all thought that steve treated crystal right 532 00:20:22,388 --> 00:20:24,755 And was a good person for-for crystal. 533 00:20:24,757 --> 00:20:28,526 - And all agreed that steven was an involved and loving dad. 534 00:20:28,528 --> 00:20:30,628 According to jeter, crystal's boyfriend, 535 00:20:30,630 --> 00:20:33,797 Paul hargrave, was the one the family pointed fingers at. 536 00:20:33,799 --> 00:20:36,801 - This is a new guy on the block, you know, 537 00:20:36,803 --> 00:20:38,869 A new romance, and doin' some different things, and-- 538 00:20:38,871 --> 00:20:40,604 And they didn't know anything about him, 539 00:20:40,606 --> 00:20:42,006 So he was the boogeyman. 540 00:20:42,008 --> 00:20:44,275 - Then the boyfriend was brought in for questioning, 541 00:20:44,277 --> 00:20:45,809 And he, too, cooperated. 542 00:20:45,811 --> 00:20:48,078 Handed over those videos, his cell phone, 543 00:20:48,080 --> 00:20:50,881 And agreed to be strapped to the polygraph. 544 00:20:50,883 --> 00:20:52,416 And? - Failed miserably. 545 00:20:52,418 --> 00:20:53,617 - He did, too. - Yes, sir. 546 00:20:53,619 --> 00:20:55,353 - So, that's a dilemma. You have both the husband 547 00:20:55,355 --> 00:20:57,621 And the boyfriend failing the polys. 548 00:20:57,623 --> 00:20:59,123 - On the same day, yes, sir. 549 00:20:59,125 --> 00:21:00,157 Both of them on Saturday. 550 00:21:00,159 --> 00:21:02,026 - I'm like, what the hell is goin' on? 551 00:21:02,028 --> 00:21:04,028 I mean, I just-- I couldn't believe it, 552 00:21:04,030 --> 00:21:06,364 And I thought, well, maybe they're in it together, 553 00:21:06,366 --> 00:21:07,631 You know? 554 00:21:07,633 --> 00:21:09,834 So, that really threw us off, really threw us off. 555 00:21:09,836 --> 00:21:11,769 ♪♪ 556 00:21:11,771 --> 00:21:13,637 - The skies may have cleared, but that didn't mean 557 00:21:13,639 --> 00:21:16,574 Any new light was shed on the investigation. 558 00:21:16,576 --> 00:21:19,977 Everything seemed just as dark and confusing as before. 559 00:21:19,979 --> 00:21:23,714 It looked as though the only way to solve this mystery 560 00:21:23,716 --> 00:21:26,317 Was to find crystal or her body. 561 00:21:29,588 --> 00:21:30,587 - For two weeks, we were goin', 562 00:21:30,589 --> 00:21:32,357 How in the hell did he do this? 563 00:21:32,359 --> 00:21:33,825 How did he get back home? 564 00:21:33,827 --> 00:21:37,094 - Caught on camera, a rider in the storm. 565 00:21:37,096 --> 00:21:38,862 - When we saw him ridin' a bike, we said, 566 00:21:38,864 --> 00:21:40,630 "ha, that's what he did." 567 00:21:40,632 --> 00:21:43,167 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 568 00:21:51,612 --> 00:21:53,944 ♪ welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 569 00:21:53,946 --> 00:21:55,612 I'm craig melvin. 570 00:21:55,614 --> 00:21:57,616 Detectives investigating the disappearance 571 00:21:57,618 --> 00:22:00,484 Of crystal mcdowell were dumbfounded 572 00:22:00,486 --> 00:22:02,886 After her ex-husband, steven, and new boyfriend, 573 00:22:02,888 --> 00:22:07,624 Paul hargrove, each failed a lie detector test. 574 00:22:07,626 --> 00:22:11,829 They wondered if the men formed an unlikely bond 575 00:22:11,831 --> 00:22:15,165 And a diabolical plot, 576 00:22:15,167 --> 00:22:17,369 But a series of electronic clues captured 577 00:22:17,371 --> 00:22:19,771 During hurricane harvey's blinding rains 578 00:22:19,773 --> 00:22:24,375 Was about to pull this investigation into focus. 579 00:22:24,377 --> 00:22:28,112 Once again, here's dennis murphy with "before the storm." 580 00:22:29,281 --> 00:22:31,249 ♪♪ 581 00:22:31,251 --> 00:22:33,183 - By Tuesday, September the 5th, 582 00:22:33,185 --> 00:22:36,053 The sky was clear and the water down. 583 00:22:36,055 --> 00:22:37,187 With the break in weather, 584 00:22:37,189 --> 00:22:39,257 Texans took to ripping up carpets, 585 00:22:39,259 --> 00:22:40,824 Tearing out drywall, 586 00:22:40,826 --> 00:22:43,794 And hauling flooded cars to the salvage yard, 587 00:22:43,796 --> 00:22:46,263 But there was no break in the hunt for crystal. 588 00:22:46,265 --> 00:22:50,735 She'd been missing for 11 days and was now presumed dead. 589 00:22:50,737 --> 00:22:51,936 Bodies become evidence, don't they? 590 00:22:51,938 --> 00:22:54,671 - And she-and she tells her story from the grave. 591 00:22:54,673 --> 00:22:57,942 - So, you need the remains. - Gotta have the remains. 592 00:22:57,944 --> 00:22:59,743 - But where were they? 593 00:22:59,745 --> 00:23:02,813 If crystal's body had been dumped in one of these bayous, 594 00:23:02,815 --> 00:23:05,215 The receding floodwaters would almost certainly have 595 00:23:05,217 --> 00:23:07,684 Swept it out to the gulf of mexico. 596 00:23:07,686 --> 00:23:10,087 Nevertheless, a call went out for volunteers 597 00:23:10,089 --> 00:23:12,891 For what many thought was a futile search. 598 00:23:12,893 --> 00:23:16,160 A local group, texas equusearch, took the lead. 599 00:23:16,162 --> 00:23:18,829 On the first day out, Wednesday, September the 9th, 600 00:23:18,831 --> 00:23:21,632 More than 100 people systemically worked grids 601 00:23:21,634 --> 00:23:25,035 By foot, atv, and airboat. 602 00:23:25,037 --> 00:23:27,204 But as light waned on that first day, 603 00:23:27,206 --> 00:23:29,907 Equusearch founder tim miller wasn't hopeful. 604 00:23:29,909 --> 00:23:32,509 - You know, at this point, it-it doesn't look good. 605 00:23:32,511 --> 00:23:34,912 You know, it doesn't look good at all. 606 00:23:34,914 --> 00:23:36,847 - While volunteers worked the wetlands 607 00:23:36,849 --> 00:23:39,650 In search of crystal, ranger jeter worked to solve 608 00:23:39,652 --> 00:23:42,386 The central dilemma of his investigation. 609 00:23:42,388 --> 00:23:44,455 He had two men in his crosshairs, 610 00:23:44,457 --> 00:23:47,191 The ex-husband and the new boyfriend. 611 00:23:47,193 --> 00:23:50,194 He needed to focus on one or the other. 612 00:23:50,196 --> 00:23:51,395 So, you started to ask the question 613 00:23:51,397 --> 00:23:52,596 Who's got a camera around here, huh? 614 00:23:52,598 --> 00:23:53,931 - That's right. 615 00:23:53,933 --> 00:23:56,867 - He had investigators check businesses near the motel 6 616 00:23:56,869 --> 00:23:58,936 In search of surveillance footage. 617 00:23:58,938 --> 00:24:00,137 What'd you come up with? 618 00:24:00,139 --> 00:24:02,674 - Well, uh, fortunately, a lot of people had some. 619 00:24:02,676 --> 00:24:06,210 - Almost too much, hours upon hours of footage, 620 00:24:06,212 --> 00:24:09,646 But buried deep within this investigative chore, 621 00:24:09,648 --> 00:24:11,816 Detectives uncovered gold, images of the man 622 00:24:11,818 --> 00:24:15,620 They believed killed crystal mcdowell. 623 00:24:15,622 --> 00:24:17,554 The first clip they found was this footage 624 00:24:17,556 --> 00:24:21,959 Recorded Saturday, August 26th at 6:37 a.M. 625 00:24:21,961 --> 00:24:23,627 The outer bands of hurricane harvey 626 00:24:23,629 --> 00:24:26,263 Are starting to hit baytown. 627 00:24:26,265 --> 00:24:27,665 Near the top of your screen, 628 00:24:27,667 --> 00:24:30,401 You can see the taillights of crystal's mercedes 629 00:24:30,403 --> 00:24:33,770 As its being backed into the motel 6 parking lot. 630 00:24:33,772 --> 00:24:36,140 - And we can see somebody walk from the car. 631 00:24:36,142 --> 00:24:38,842 - Five hours later, a different security camera 632 00:24:38,844 --> 00:24:41,111 At a gas station next to the motel 633 00:24:41,113 --> 00:24:44,314 Shows this blue car pull in next to a pump. 634 00:24:44,316 --> 00:24:47,051 This one caught the eye of a watchful investigator 635 00:24:47,053 --> 00:24:51,790 Because it's a rare mustang gt just like steven mcdowell's. 636 00:24:51,792 --> 00:24:53,323 And he couldn't have had a more distinctive car 637 00:24:53,325 --> 00:24:54,858 Than a shelby, but, boy, 638 00:24:54,860 --> 00:24:56,193 It's hard to mistake that vehicle. 639 00:24:56,195 --> 00:24:57,794 - Yeah, without a doubt. 640 00:24:57,796 --> 00:25:00,331 - The driver, who looks just like steven mcdowell, 641 00:25:00,333 --> 00:25:01,932 Does something odd. 642 00:25:01,934 --> 00:25:03,467 Rather than pumping gas, 643 00:25:03,469 --> 00:25:06,738 He instead walks towards the motel 6. 644 00:25:06,740 --> 00:25:09,407 - And appears to be looking at his wife's ditch-- 645 00:25:09,409 --> 00:25:11,341 Ditched car. 646 00:25:11,343 --> 00:25:13,877 - Investigators were now certain mcdowell was the one 647 00:25:13,879 --> 00:25:15,814 Who ditched crystal's car 648 00:25:15,816 --> 00:25:20,284 And did so with the expectation it would conveniently disappear. 649 00:25:20,286 --> 00:25:21,820 In the thought balloon, nobody stole it yet. 650 00:25:21,822 --> 00:25:24,021 - I think that's exactly what went through his head. 651 00:25:24,023 --> 00:25:27,157 Oh, (bleep), the car is still here. 652 00:25:27,159 --> 00:25:29,026 - But now they had a puzzle to solve. 653 00:25:29,028 --> 00:25:32,230 If mcdowell was acting alone, once he left the car, 654 00:25:32,232 --> 00:25:35,834 He would have been on foot miles from his house. 655 00:25:35,836 --> 00:25:38,736 - For two weeks, we're goin' how in the hell did he do this? 656 00:25:38,738 --> 00:25:40,837 How did he get back home? 657 00:25:40,839 --> 00:25:42,941 - To find out, they pulled security camera footage 658 00:25:42,943 --> 00:25:46,911 Along all the roads in the area, and they found this video of 659 00:25:46,913 --> 00:25:49,614 A man riding a bike in the driving rain 660 00:25:49,616 --> 00:25:52,049 Along the I-10 feeder road. 661 00:25:52,051 --> 00:25:55,085 The video was timestamped at 7:05 a.M., 662 00:25:55,087 --> 00:25:58,889 25 minutes after crystal's car was dropped off, 663 00:25:58,891 --> 00:26:01,726 And that's when the pieces all fell into place. 664 00:26:01,728 --> 00:26:04,728 - When we were at his house, we saw a bicycle in the garage, 665 00:26:04,730 --> 00:26:06,597 And the thing about this bike is, 666 00:26:06,599 --> 00:26:08,465 It has unique mag wheels. 667 00:26:08,467 --> 00:26:10,935 - Then jeter remembered mcdowell's alibi 668 00:26:10,937 --> 00:26:12,336 For that Saturday morning was 669 00:26:12,338 --> 00:26:14,605 That he'd been shopping at this walmart 670 00:26:14,607 --> 00:26:17,407 Across the freeway from the motel 6. 671 00:26:17,409 --> 00:26:20,577 So, jeter had the security camera footage pulled. 672 00:26:20,579 --> 00:26:22,679 A guy looking like steven mcdowell, 673 00:26:22,681 --> 00:26:24,915 Dressed in a sweatshirt with a hoodie up, 674 00:26:24,917 --> 00:26:26,750 Is seen paying cash for a bike 675 00:26:26,752 --> 00:26:28,553 With unique mag wheels. 676 00:26:28,555 --> 00:26:30,488 It's just minutes after crystal's mercedes 677 00:26:30,490 --> 00:26:31,755 Was abandoned. 678 00:26:31,757 --> 00:26:33,824 - When we saw him ridin' a bike, we said, 679 00:26:33,826 --> 00:26:35,359 "ha, that's what he did." 680 00:26:35,361 --> 00:26:38,562 He walked across the interstate to walmart. 681 00:26:38,564 --> 00:26:40,364 He bought the bike, a red bull, 682 00:26:40,366 --> 00:26:42,366 And a pack of cigarettes. 683 00:26:42,368 --> 00:26:44,167 - Ironically, the storm that brought 684 00:26:44,169 --> 00:26:48,506 The investigation to a halt also led to its biggest break. 685 00:26:48,508 --> 00:26:50,574 The floodwaters prevented crystal's car 686 00:26:50,576 --> 00:26:52,043 From being stolen, 687 00:26:52,045 --> 00:26:53,577 Which in turn led detectives 688 00:26:53,579 --> 00:26:55,245 To focus on the surveillance cameras 689 00:26:55,247 --> 00:26:57,014 Near the motel 6. 690 00:26:57,016 --> 00:26:59,316 Had that not happened, they never would have found 691 00:26:59,318 --> 00:27:01,184 These videos of mcdowell. 692 00:27:01,186 --> 00:27:02,786 - His plan fell apart with the rain. 693 00:27:02,788 --> 00:27:04,855 - So, he was a victim of hurricane harvey, too. 694 00:27:04,857 --> 00:27:07,725 - Mm-hmm, in more ways than one. 695 00:27:07,727 --> 00:27:09,860 - But when confronted with all this evidence, 696 00:27:09,862 --> 00:27:12,330 Mcdowell denied it was him. 697 00:27:23,676 --> 00:27:25,944 - Mcdowell eventually admitted this footage 698 00:27:25,946 --> 00:27:29,446 At the gas station was him, but the walmart clips? 699 00:27:29,448 --> 00:27:31,415 "no way," he said. 700 00:27:31,417 --> 00:27:33,350 By now, investigators were convinced 701 00:27:33,352 --> 00:27:35,352 Mcdowell was crystal's killer. 702 00:27:35,354 --> 00:27:37,721 As for the boyfriend, an innocent man 703 00:27:37,723 --> 00:27:41,291 Who had nothing to do with crystal's disappearance. 704 00:27:41,293 --> 00:27:43,428 D.A. Lieck, by then, had enough evidence 705 00:27:43,430 --> 00:27:46,163 To charge mcdowell with murder, but she believed 706 00:27:46,165 --> 00:27:48,098 She needed one more piece of evidence 707 00:27:48,100 --> 00:27:50,100 To ensure a conviction. 708 00:27:50,102 --> 00:27:51,268 - I wanted that body. 709 00:27:51,270 --> 00:27:52,702 - Why is that important? [sighs] 710 00:27:52,704 --> 00:27:56,440 - Well, it's important for a lot of reasons. 711 00:27:56,442 --> 00:27:58,308 It's easier to try a murder trial 712 00:27:58,310 --> 00:28:00,944 When you've got a dead body. It just is. 713 00:28:00,946 --> 00:28:03,513 But, you know... [sighs] 714 00:28:03,515 --> 00:28:06,316 She deserved to be found, you know? 715 00:28:06,318 --> 00:28:08,185 She deserved to be found. 716 00:28:08,187 --> 00:28:10,921 Her kids deserved for her body to be found. 717 00:28:10,923 --> 00:28:13,657 Her family deserved for her to be found. 718 00:28:13,659 --> 00:28:15,058 - Investigators all believed 719 00:28:15,060 --> 00:28:17,394 Mcdowell knew where the body was, 720 00:28:17,396 --> 00:28:20,130 But he steadfastly denied any involvement 721 00:28:20,132 --> 00:28:22,065 In crystal's disappearance. 722 00:28:22,067 --> 00:28:24,000 After an hour of getting nowhere, 723 00:28:24,002 --> 00:28:27,204 Mcdowell was allowed to go home to his children, 724 00:28:27,206 --> 00:28:29,873 But now district attorney lieck and ranger jeter 725 00:28:29,875 --> 00:28:32,743 Had a whole new problem on their hands. 726 00:28:32,745 --> 00:28:34,244 - I had found some folks that I had 727 00:28:34,246 --> 00:28:36,079 Interviewed throughout the week that had said 728 00:28:36,081 --> 00:28:38,548 He'd actually talked about murder-suicide, 729 00:28:38,550 --> 00:28:40,150 Um, sometime earlier. 730 00:28:40,152 --> 00:28:42,819 - Right after the divorce, mcdowell had reportedly 731 00:28:42,821 --> 00:28:45,689 Threatened to destroy the entire family. 732 00:28:45,691 --> 00:28:47,958 - It was like, "I'm gonna kill myself. 733 00:28:47,960 --> 00:28:48,693 "I'm gonna kill the kids." 734 00:28:48,695 --> 00:28:49,960 - Him-- him to her. - Yeah. 735 00:28:49,962 --> 00:28:51,161 - You're gonna be blamed for the ruination for my life. 736 00:28:51,163 --> 00:28:52,596 - Yes, yes. 737 00:28:52,598 --> 00:28:55,032 - Now that he was once again under stress, 738 00:28:55,034 --> 00:28:57,434 Lieck worried that mcdowell might finally decide to 739 00:28:57,436 --> 00:29:02,372 Bring his whole world crumbling down around him. 740 00:29:02,374 --> 00:29:04,908 - But she was not going to let that happen. 741 00:29:04,910 --> 00:29:06,977 The tough prosecutor was about to 742 00:29:06,979 --> 00:29:08,845 Play hardball with steven mcdowell, 743 00:29:08,847 --> 00:29:12,616 And the stakes could not have been higher. 744 00:29:12,618 --> 00:29:14,417 Coming up... 745 00:29:14,419 --> 00:29:15,752 - You tell him that we're not lettin' him 746 00:29:15,754 --> 00:29:18,655 See his children until he takes us to the body. 747 00:29:18,657 --> 00:29:20,858 - A gamble that pays off. 748 00:29:20,860 --> 00:29:22,359 - He said, "I'm ready to talk." 749 00:29:22,361 --> 00:29:22,426 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 750 00:29:22,560 --> 00:29:34,137 ♪♪ 751 00:29:34,139 --> 00:29:36,206 - Worried that steven mcdowell might snap 752 00:29:36,208 --> 00:29:38,875 And kill his children along with himself, 753 00:29:38,877 --> 00:29:40,745 District attorney cheryl lieck turned to 754 00:29:40,747 --> 00:29:43,413 An old high school classmate for help, 755 00:29:43,415 --> 00:29:45,348 Crystal's aunt cindy. 756 00:29:45,350 --> 00:29:49,821 - Cindy serrate, she was good enough to stay close. 757 00:29:49,823 --> 00:29:52,890 - Cindy said she felt duty bound to watch over the kids, 758 00:29:52,892 --> 00:29:54,958 Just five and eight at the time, 759 00:29:54,960 --> 00:29:57,295 As the rangers closed in on steven. 760 00:29:57,297 --> 00:29:58,829 - I had told my husband I was goin' over there, 761 00:29:58,831 --> 00:29:59,696 And he said, 762 00:29:59,698 --> 00:30:00,964 "I don't think that's a good idea," 763 00:30:00,966 --> 00:30:02,500 And I'm like, "well, I truly feel he's gonna kill the kids. 764 00:30:02,502 --> 00:30:03,633 "I feel he's gonna kill himself. 765 00:30:03,635 --> 00:30:04,501 "he's gonna kill the kids." 766 00:30:04,503 --> 00:30:05,368 - What was in your head, cindy? 767 00:30:05,370 --> 00:30:06,436 What was your mission about this-- 768 00:30:06,438 --> 00:30:08,038 This I've gotta go over to steve's idea? 769 00:30:08,040 --> 00:30:08,972 - Protect the kids. 770 00:30:08,974 --> 00:30:10,907 I just knew if I could stay close, 771 00:30:10,909 --> 00:30:13,978 Talk to him, that's what hairdressers do best. 772 00:30:13,980 --> 00:30:16,446 I mean, keep him calm or try to get him to confess. 773 00:30:16,448 --> 00:30:18,782 - Yeah, you're-- is he frightening you at that point? 774 00:30:18,784 --> 00:30:19,717 - No. 775 00:30:19,719 --> 00:30:21,719 I mean, I carried a gun the whole time. 776 00:30:21,721 --> 00:30:22,586 - When you were over to his house? 777 00:30:22,588 --> 00:30:23,453 - Oh, yeah. 778 00:30:23,455 --> 00:30:24,255 I had a gun on me at all times. 779 00:30:24,257 --> 00:30:25,655 - Why? 780 00:30:25,657 --> 00:30:27,824 - Because I really felt like he was gonna snap at any moment. 781 00:30:27,826 --> 00:30:31,528 The texas rangers were really getting under his skin. 782 00:30:31,530 --> 00:30:35,532 - Even so, mcdowell returned for further questioning. 783 00:30:35,534 --> 00:30:36,800 - You could see literally 784 00:30:36,802 --> 00:30:39,437 He's losin' weight before your eyes. 785 00:30:39,439 --> 00:30:42,205 - The rangers laid out all the evidence against him, 786 00:30:42,207 --> 00:30:46,142 The polygraph, the videos, the lies they caught him in, 787 00:30:46,144 --> 00:30:49,247 But mcdowell held tight. Would not confess. 788 00:30:49,249 --> 00:30:52,416 And by evening time, lieck was getting nervous. 789 00:30:52,418 --> 00:30:54,018 I just can't get these kids off my mind 790 00:30:54,020 --> 00:30:55,685 That somethin' is gonna happen. 791 00:30:55,687 --> 00:30:57,587 So, lieck decided to put the kids 792 00:30:57,589 --> 00:30:58,989 Into protective custody 793 00:30:58,991 --> 00:31:01,224 With child protective services. 794 00:31:01,226 --> 00:31:03,627 Once the children were safely secured, 795 00:31:03,629 --> 00:31:06,363 Lieck sent a message to their dad. 796 00:31:06,365 --> 00:31:07,297 - You tell him that 797 00:31:07,299 --> 00:31:08,965 We're not lettin' him see his children 798 00:31:08,967 --> 00:31:10,700 Until he takes us to the body, 799 00:31:10,702 --> 00:31:12,369 And I said, "I'm done. I'm done." 800 00:31:12,371 --> 00:31:13,837 I said, "he's dickin' us around, 801 00:31:13,839 --> 00:31:14,838 "and I'm sick of it." 802 00:31:14,840 --> 00:31:16,239 And he's not gonna get away with, 803 00:31:16,241 --> 00:31:17,607 "I'm not telling you where she's at," 804 00:31:17,609 --> 00:31:19,509 If I can help it. I'm sorry. 805 00:31:19,511 --> 00:31:20,911 You're just not gonna get-- get away with it. 806 00:31:20,913 --> 00:31:21,845 You killed her, 807 00:31:21,847 --> 00:31:22,913 You don't have the right to do that, 808 00:31:22,915 --> 00:31:25,783 And now you don't have the right to leave her somewhere 809 00:31:25,785 --> 00:31:27,919 Where nobody is ever gonna know 810 00:31:27,921 --> 00:31:30,253 If she's gonna just wash up somewhere, 811 00:31:30,255 --> 00:31:31,855 And everybody that loves her is sittin' around 812 00:31:31,857 --> 00:31:34,192 Wonderin' where is she. 813 00:31:34,194 --> 00:31:36,060 - That night, an exhausted mcdowell 814 00:31:36,062 --> 00:31:37,927 Asked ranger jeter and his partner, 815 00:31:37,929 --> 00:31:40,731 Ranger james holland, to present a counteroffer 816 00:31:40,733 --> 00:31:42,132 To d.A. Lieck. 817 00:31:42,134 --> 00:31:44,534 - He told holland, "let me go home, 818 00:31:44,536 --> 00:31:47,604 "and then tomorrow morning, I will tell you everything, 819 00:31:47,606 --> 00:31:48,739 "and I'll take-- 820 00:31:48,741 --> 00:31:50,840 "I'll take to where she-- crystal is at." 821 00:31:50,842 --> 00:31:53,076 - With that verbal agreement, the district attorney 822 00:31:53,078 --> 00:31:55,278 And ranger jeter allowed mcdowell 823 00:31:55,280 --> 00:31:57,481 To walk out of the sheriff's office 824 00:31:57,483 --> 00:31:59,416 Knowing it was a risky decision. 825 00:31:59,418 --> 00:32:01,885 Did you feel at all weird about lettin' him walk that night? 826 00:32:01,887 --> 00:32:02,686 - Yes, I did. 827 00:32:02,688 --> 00:32:04,454 I felt like he's fixin' to break 828 00:32:04,456 --> 00:32:05,656 'cause I thought he was goin' home 829 00:32:05,658 --> 00:32:09,225 For probably to ultimately take himself out. 830 00:32:09,227 --> 00:32:11,628 - On the morning of Saturday, September the 9th, 831 00:32:11,630 --> 00:32:13,831 Rangers jeter and holland went knocking on 832 00:32:13,833 --> 00:32:17,300 Steven mcdowell's door, not sure what they'd find. 833 00:32:17,302 --> 00:32:20,638 But to jeter's surprise, mcdowell answered the door. 834 00:32:20,640 --> 00:32:23,039 - He said, "I'm ready to talk." 835 00:32:23,041 --> 00:32:26,576 - At 12:45 p.M., mcdowell was back in the chair 836 00:32:26,578 --> 00:32:29,180 And made good on his promise to talk. 837 00:32:29,182 --> 00:32:36,820 Mcdowell said he knew crystal had a long string of affairs. 838 00:32:47,266 --> 00:32:50,867 - Pretending to be sympathetic, ranger holland slowly teased out 839 00:32:50,869 --> 00:32:53,204 The details of crystal's death. 840 00:32:53,206 --> 00:32:56,239 It was slow and brutal. 841 00:33:41,987 --> 00:33:44,454 - Mcdowell said he then wrapped her in trash bags 842 00:33:44,456 --> 00:33:47,291 And hid her body in the trunk of the mercedes. 843 00:33:47,293 --> 00:33:49,926 He said he dumped her body the following morning, 844 00:33:49,928 --> 00:33:54,330 But before he revealed where, mcdowell said he wanted a deal. 845 00:33:54,332 --> 00:33:56,065 - He wants the death penalty off the table. 846 00:33:56,067 --> 00:33:57,200 - What's the calculus that 847 00:33:57,202 --> 00:33:59,202 Your prosecutor has to go through here, your d.A.? 848 00:33:59,204 --> 00:34:03,274 - We don't find crystal without his help. 849 00:34:03,276 --> 00:34:04,541 - That's just flat not gonna happen. 850 00:34:04,543 --> 00:34:06,476 - It's not gonna happen. This isn't a forensic case. 851 00:34:06,478 --> 00:34:10,013 This isn't a dna case. This is a whodunit. 852 00:34:10,015 --> 00:34:12,049 We now know who done it. 853 00:34:12,051 --> 00:34:15,051 Now, take me to where she's at. 854 00:34:15,053 --> 00:34:16,185 - No arrest, so I think that's a-- 855 00:34:16,187 --> 00:34:17,687 - District attorney lieck was on the same page, 856 00:34:17,689 --> 00:34:19,557 And with jeter as her go between, 857 00:34:19,559 --> 00:34:22,826 She agreed to forgo the death penalty. 858 00:34:26,232 --> 00:34:27,832 - Shortly thereafter, he agreed. 859 00:34:27,834 --> 00:34:30,700 "all right, I'll take you to crystal's location." 860 00:34:30,702 --> 00:34:32,969 - They retraced mcdowell's route, 861 00:34:32,971 --> 00:34:35,905 Which eventually led to this short, narrow strip of blacktop 862 00:34:35,907 --> 00:34:38,175 Known as needlepoint road. 863 00:34:38,177 --> 00:34:40,944 - It's heavily wooded, next to a ravine. 864 00:34:40,946 --> 00:34:43,580 - Ranger, would you ever have gone down that road? 865 00:34:43,582 --> 00:34:44,714 - Never. 866 00:34:44,716 --> 00:34:48,385 That place was four to five foot under water, uh, 867 00:34:48,387 --> 00:34:49,520 Two weeks earlier. 868 00:34:49,522 --> 00:34:52,223 - At a seemingly random spot, mcdowell said, "stop. 869 00:34:52,225 --> 00:34:53,890 "this is the place." 870 00:34:53,892 --> 00:34:55,726 - Jeter and holland then set off on foot 871 00:34:55,728 --> 00:34:57,060 Into the thicket. 872 00:34:57,062 --> 00:34:59,963 - Within a short period of time, we found what we believed 873 00:34:59,965 --> 00:35:01,865 The remains of crystal mcdowell. 874 00:35:01,867 --> 00:35:03,266 There was not much left of her. 875 00:35:03,268 --> 00:35:07,070 She was pretty much, uh, decomposed. 876 00:35:07,072 --> 00:35:09,072 - Steven mcdowell had not only confessed 877 00:35:09,074 --> 00:35:12,676 But given up the body. So, case closed, right? 878 00:35:12,678 --> 00:35:15,479 Well, not in texas because a murder defendant here 879 00:35:15,481 --> 00:35:18,348 Can claim sudden passion, that the victim 880 00:35:18,350 --> 00:35:20,483 Somehow played a role in their own death 881 00:35:20,485 --> 00:35:22,418 By provoking the killer, 882 00:35:22,420 --> 00:35:25,288 And mcdowell wanted to make that argument before a jury, 883 00:35:25,290 --> 00:35:28,159 Hoping he could drastically reduce his sentence. 884 00:35:28,161 --> 00:35:29,760 - I can tell a jury, look, 885 00:35:29,762 --> 00:35:33,230 If you find this story of sudden passion, 886 00:35:33,232 --> 00:35:34,565 Then the only thing-- 887 00:35:34,567 --> 00:35:36,967 The maximum you can give him is 20. 888 00:35:36,969 --> 00:35:39,836 He can get out in as little as two. 889 00:35:39,838 --> 00:35:41,771 - What worried district attorney lieck was 890 00:35:41,773 --> 00:35:43,806 That there were even some in law enforcement 891 00:35:43,808 --> 00:35:46,910 Who thought that this was a sudden passion case. 892 00:35:46,912 --> 00:35:48,378 Were you under courthouse pressure, 893 00:35:48,380 --> 00:35:50,780 Law enforcement pressure, from this take on the case 894 00:35:50,782 --> 00:35:53,216 That this is a poor, henpecked guy? 895 00:35:53,218 --> 00:35:53,884 - Mm-hmm. 896 00:35:53,886 --> 00:35:55,318 - And he snapped. - Mm-hmm. 897 00:35:55,320 --> 00:35:57,320 - And we're really in manslaughter country here. 898 00:35:57,322 --> 00:35:58,521 - Mm-hmm. 899 00:35:58,523 --> 00:36:00,189 - And-and why are you guys goin' for the full ride? 900 00:36:00,191 --> 00:36:03,660 - Because I don't care how henpecked somebody might be 901 00:36:03,662 --> 00:36:06,396 Or how much they say they are, which, in my opinion, 902 00:36:06,398 --> 00:36:09,165 He was not-- that was a ploy-- 903 00:36:09,167 --> 00:36:10,868 It's still no excuse to kill anybody. 904 00:36:10,870 --> 00:36:12,402 I mean, that's what divorce is for, 905 00:36:12,404 --> 00:36:13,938 And they were already divorced. 906 00:36:13,940 --> 00:36:15,672 Half of this country is divorced, 907 00:36:15,674 --> 00:36:17,006 And you just don't go around killin' people 908 00:36:17,008 --> 00:36:19,609 Because you're hurt. You just can't do that. 909 00:36:19,611 --> 00:36:23,079 - A popular prosecutor who is also a single mom. 910 00:36:23,081 --> 00:36:25,816 Lieck has built a reputation as a fierce advocate 911 00:36:25,818 --> 00:36:28,219 For women and children, and on this case, 912 00:36:28,221 --> 00:36:31,354 She was going to be the voice of crystal mcdowell. 913 00:36:31,356 --> 00:36:33,958 - She was begging him, "please stop fighting with me. 914 00:36:33,960 --> 00:36:36,426 "I've been in an unhappy marriage for ten years. 915 00:36:36,428 --> 00:36:38,896 "please stop using the kids as pawns. 916 00:36:38,898 --> 00:36:42,098 "you've used me long enough. Please, please, please. 917 00:36:42,100 --> 00:36:43,766 "I don't-- I'm tired. I'm exhausted. 918 00:36:43,768 --> 00:36:45,803 "I can't fight with you anymore." 919 00:36:45,805 --> 00:36:47,903 - To lieck, the killing of crystal mcdowell 920 00:36:47,905 --> 00:36:51,508 Was a black and white case of premeditated murder. 921 00:36:51,510 --> 00:36:54,477 The big question, though, would all 12 members of a jury 922 00:36:54,479 --> 00:36:58,147 See it that way? - Coming up... 923 00:36:58,149 --> 00:37:01,985 - Two shockingly young witnesses take the stand. 924 00:37:01,987 --> 00:37:03,053 - Why'd you bring the kids in? 925 00:37:03,055 --> 00:37:04,854 - They wanted to talk about it. 926 00:37:04,856 --> 00:37:08,124 - And the jury makes a worrying request. 927 00:37:08,126 --> 00:37:09,859 - I'm like, oh, god, where are they going with this? 928 00:37:09,861 --> 00:37:09,926 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 929 00:37:10,127 --> 00:37:20,804 ♪♪ 930 00:37:20,806 --> 00:37:22,005 Welcome back. 931 00:37:22,007 --> 00:37:25,608 Steven mcdowell was done keeping secrets. 932 00:37:25,610 --> 00:37:28,145 He confessed to strangling his ex-wife, crystal, 933 00:37:28,147 --> 00:37:33,016 And as part of a plea deal, led authorities to her body, 934 00:37:33,018 --> 00:37:35,151 But if a jury believed 935 00:37:35,153 --> 00:37:38,221 Crystal had somehow provoked him to kill, 936 00:37:38,223 --> 00:37:40,558 He could receive a reduced sentence. 937 00:37:40,560 --> 00:37:43,894 Prosecutors were convinced crystal was the victim of 938 00:37:43,896 --> 00:37:49,032 Premeditated murder, and they had stunning proof, 939 00:37:49,034 --> 00:37:52,769 An eyewitness who saw everything. 940 00:37:52,771 --> 00:37:55,239 Here's dennis murphy with the conclusion of 941 00:37:55,241 --> 00:37:58,841 "before the storm." 942 00:37:58,843 --> 00:38:01,178 - After a year of court hearings and motions, 943 00:38:01,180 --> 00:38:03,379 Steven mcdowell finally went on trial 944 00:38:03,381 --> 00:38:07,984 For the murder of his ex-wife, crystal, in June 2019. 945 00:38:07,986 --> 00:38:10,853 D.A. Cheryl lieck made sure she was well-armed with evidence 946 00:38:10,855 --> 00:38:12,990 Depicting the extent to which mcdowell 947 00:38:12,992 --> 00:38:15,259 Tried to cover up the crime. 948 00:38:15,261 --> 00:38:17,860 She showed the jury mcdowell's confession, 949 00:38:17,862 --> 00:38:20,229 The video of him dumping crystal's mercedes, 950 00:38:20,231 --> 00:38:22,665 And buying that bicycle at walmart, 951 00:38:22,667 --> 00:38:26,502 And later checking on the car to see if it had been stolen, 952 00:38:26,504 --> 00:38:30,006 But the video that really got the court's attention, 953 00:38:30,008 --> 00:38:34,277 Prerecorded testimony of crystal and steven's two children. 954 00:38:34,279 --> 00:38:36,746 Why'd you bring the kids in? - Well, I didn't want to. 955 00:38:36,748 --> 00:38:38,214 - Tender age. - Yes. 956 00:38:38,216 --> 00:38:40,616 I spoke to their guardian, and I said, 957 00:38:40,618 --> 00:38:43,820 "look, if-- if you don't think that this is gonna be somethin' 958 00:38:43,822 --> 00:38:44,887 "that they can handle, 959 00:38:44,889 --> 00:38:47,291 "I will absolutely not put them on the stand. 960 00:38:47,293 --> 00:38:48,758 "it's just not worth it to me." 961 00:38:48,760 --> 00:38:50,760 But they wanted to talk about it. 962 00:38:50,762 --> 00:38:53,030 - It being their mother's murder. 963 00:38:53,032 --> 00:38:57,300 The daughter, now seven, said she saw it happen. 964 00:38:57,302 --> 00:38:58,701 No cameras were allowed in court, 965 00:38:58,703 --> 00:39:00,436 So we turned to the trial transcript 966 00:39:00,438 --> 00:39:03,440 On the daughter's testimony. She told the court, 967 00:39:03,442 --> 00:39:06,443 "they were arguing about her going with another man, 968 00:39:06,445 --> 00:39:09,046 "and she said, 'I'm going to take my children with me,' 969 00:39:09,048 --> 00:39:11,981 "and then he pushed on the bed and said, 'no, you're not.' 970 00:39:11,983 --> 00:39:14,117 "and then he started putting his hands like that." 971 00:39:14,119 --> 00:39:15,651 The daughter demonstrated for the jury 972 00:39:15,653 --> 00:39:18,454 By putting her own hands over her nose and mouth. 973 00:39:18,456 --> 00:39:20,256 The daughter continued. 974 00:39:20,258 --> 00:39:22,725 "and she tried to put her hands up and her feet up, 975 00:39:22,727 --> 00:39:25,128 "so dad wouldn't have so much weight on her, 976 00:39:25,130 --> 00:39:28,031 "and then he glanced at me, really mad at me, 977 00:39:28,033 --> 00:39:31,134 "and then mom glanced at me and tried to say, 'help.' 978 00:39:31,136 --> 00:39:34,137 "and then when he was done, he told me to go in my room. 979 00:39:34,139 --> 00:39:35,606 "'don't tell anyone.'" 980 00:39:35,608 --> 00:39:38,074 Damning testimony from a child. 981 00:39:38,076 --> 00:39:39,877 The defense tried to undercut it, 982 00:39:39,879 --> 00:39:42,012 Contending the daughter had heard about the killing 983 00:39:42,014 --> 00:39:44,213 From relatives and just made up a story 984 00:39:44,215 --> 00:39:46,949 To fill in the blanks. Then, in rebuttal, 985 00:39:46,951 --> 00:39:49,218 The defense called their own star witness, 986 00:39:49,220 --> 00:39:50,686 Steven mcdowell. 987 00:39:50,688 --> 00:39:52,755 When he was on the stand, did he do himself any good? 988 00:39:52,757 --> 00:39:54,158 - Uh-uh. No. 989 00:39:54,160 --> 00:39:55,692 - Who did the jury meet? [sighs] 990 00:39:55,694 --> 00:40:00,096 - They met a conniving, manipulative crybaby. 991 00:40:00,098 --> 00:40:02,899 - Through his tears, mcdowell told an entirely new 992 00:40:02,901 --> 00:40:05,502 And strange story about how he killed crystal. 993 00:40:05,504 --> 00:40:07,837 It was nothing more than a freak accident. 994 00:40:07,839 --> 00:40:10,841 In the midst of their argument, he said, crystal got hysterical, 995 00:40:10,843 --> 00:40:13,509 So he put her in a bear hug to calm her down. 996 00:40:13,511 --> 00:40:15,511 "I just wanted to hug her," he told the court. 997 00:40:15,513 --> 00:40:17,313 "I just wanted to stop fighting. 998 00:40:17,315 --> 00:40:19,315 "I wanted to quit going back and forth 999 00:40:19,317 --> 00:40:22,118 "because it was going nowhere, and I was frustrated, 1000 00:40:22,120 --> 00:40:24,120 "and I was upset, and I was mad." 1001 00:40:24,122 --> 00:40:26,389 His lawyer asked, "what happened next?" 1002 00:40:26,391 --> 00:40:30,193 Mcdowell responded, "she became limp, and she fell." 1003 00:40:30,195 --> 00:40:32,795 D.A. Lieck couldn't believe what she was hearing. 1004 00:40:32,797 --> 00:40:34,797 - "I hugged her to death." yeah, that's a new one on me. 1005 00:40:34,799 --> 00:40:35,999 Yeah, that was-- that was fun. 1006 00:40:36,001 --> 00:40:37,401 - That-that had not been told before. 1007 00:40:37,403 --> 00:40:38,801 - No, and there's no way. 1008 00:40:38,803 --> 00:40:41,070 And then we were actually looking it up on-- 1009 00:40:41,072 --> 00:40:42,471 You know, we're googlin' it, you know, at-- 1010 00:40:42,473 --> 00:40:43,807 At dinner that night goin', 1011 00:40:43,809 --> 00:40:46,409 "how do you hug somebody to death?" 1012 00:40:46,411 --> 00:40:47,944 - When the case went to the jury, 1013 00:40:47,946 --> 00:40:49,479 Lieck thought an outright acquittal 1014 00:40:49,481 --> 00:40:50,881 Seemed unlikely, 1015 00:40:50,883 --> 00:40:54,684 But a hung jury was a distinct possibility. 1016 00:40:54,686 --> 00:40:57,887 - Just one, just one juror, that's all it needs, 1017 00:40:57,889 --> 00:41:01,357 And I thought, god, if one believes his story, 1018 00:41:01,359 --> 00:41:02,959 You know, we're cooked. 1019 00:41:02,961 --> 00:41:05,094 - And sure enough, during deliberations, 1020 00:41:05,096 --> 00:41:06,562 One of the jurors asked to see 1021 00:41:06,564 --> 00:41:08,899 Mcdowell's confession tape, again. 1022 00:41:08,901 --> 00:41:10,233 Does it make you nervous? 1023 00:41:10,235 --> 00:41:12,168 - It always makes me nervous because I'm like, "oh, god, 1024 00:41:12,170 --> 00:41:13,569 "where are they going with this?" 1025 00:41:13,571 --> 00:41:15,905 - An hour after re-watching the confession, 1026 00:41:15,907 --> 00:41:20,577 The jury came back with a verdict, guilty, 1027 00:41:20,579 --> 00:41:23,447 But now came the penalty phase when the jury would decide 1028 00:41:23,449 --> 00:41:25,648 If this was a premeditated killing 1029 00:41:25,650 --> 00:41:28,384 Or one of sudden passion. 1030 00:41:28,386 --> 00:41:29,919 How stressful was this case for ya? 1031 00:41:29,921 --> 00:41:32,188 - Oh, it was real stressful. I mean, when you get a-- 1032 00:41:32,190 --> 00:41:36,927 A case like this where you have the perpetrator 1033 00:41:36,929 --> 00:41:40,664 Who can convince even some members of law enforcement 1034 00:41:40,666 --> 00:41:44,133 That he might have been the victim in all of this, 1035 00:41:44,135 --> 00:41:48,404 Then you worry about what's a jury gonna think, 1036 00:41:48,406 --> 00:41:49,339 You know? 1037 00:41:49,341 --> 00:41:50,541 - How do you straddle this-- this thing? 1038 00:41:50,543 --> 00:41:52,808 And, you know, forgive the-- the thought, but it's like, 1039 00:41:52,810 --> 00:41:55,144 "how do you not get seen as a hardass woman?" 1040 00:41:55,146 --> 00:41:56,013 Do you know what I mean? 1041 00:41:56,015 --> 00:41:57,213 - I don't know, and I think that-- 1042 00:41:57,215 --> 00:41:58,881 - 'cause-- 'cause somebody-- you could be judged and-- 1043 00:41:58,883 --> 00:42:02,152 - Right, absolutely, and I think I am seen like that 1044 00:42:02,154 --> 00:42:03,286 By a lot of jurors 1045 00:42:03,288 --> 00:42:04,822 And there's nothin' I can do about it. 1046 00:42:04,824 --> 00:42:08,824 I mean, if I tried to be anything different than I am, 1047 00:42:08,826 --> 00:42:12,563 It would come across as-- as-as insincere. 1048 00:42:12,565 --> 00:42:14,698 - That authenticity apparently resonated 1049 00:42:14,700 --> 00:42:16,899 With the jury in crystal's case. 1050 00:42:16,901 --> 00:42:19,702 They rejected the sudden passion argument 1051 00:42:19,704 --> 00:42:23,172 And found that crystal's murder was premeditated. 1052 00:42:23,174 --> 00:42:29,045 They sentenced steven mcdowell to 50 years in prison. 1053 00:42:29,047 --> 00:42:31,380 Aunt cindy wasn't in court that day. 1054 00:42:31,382 --> 00:42:35,084 Instead, she distracted the kids with a trip to the multiplex. 1055 00:42:35,086 --> 00:42:37,053 - Then we went to the movie and just had a really good day. 1056 00:42:37,055 --> 00:42:38,121 - So, the kids are at the movie, 1057 00:42:38,123 --> 00:42:39,455 And dad is goin' away virtually forever. 1058 00:42:39,457 --> 00:42:42,858 - Exactly and they never asked a question. 1059 00:42:42,860 --> 00:42:46,462 They know he had got 50 years, and it was almost a relief. 1060 00:42:46,464 --> 00:42:47,930 I mean, I'm actually for the death penalty 1061 00:42:47,932 --> 00:42:48,864 For this kinda stuff, 1062 00:42:48,866 --> 00:42:50,734 But, I mean, it's better than 20. 1063 00:42:50,736 --> 00:42:52,069 It's better than two. 1064 00:42:52,071 --> 00:42:54,071 - Crystal's children are now being raised 1065 00:42:54,073 --> 00:42:55,271 By an old friend 1066 00:42:55,273 --> 00:42:58,407 Whose own parents had once given crystal a home. 1067 00:42:58,409 --> 00:43:00,677 - She makes 'em stay focused in school. 1068 00:43:00,679 --> 00:43:02,545 They have regiments. They have routines. 1069 00:43:02,547 --> 00:43:03,746 She loves 'em. 1070 00:43:03,748 --> 00:43:07,950 She truly loves them and she is honored to raise them. 1071 00:43:07,952 --> 00:43:10,487 - They are, I mean, they're just-- 1072 00:43:10,489 --> 00:43:12,489 They're phenomenal kids. 1073 00:43:12,491 --> 00:43:15,091 - As for crystal, lieck hopes she'll be remembered 1074 00:43:15,093 --> 00:43:17,960 More as a loving mom than an up by the bootstraps 1075 00:43:17,962 --> 00:43:20,097 Survivor of awful abuse. 1076 00:43:20,099 --> 00:43:21,364 - She wanted a family. 1077 00:43:21,366 --> 00:43:23,232 She wanted that family that she never had. 1078 00:43:23,234 --> 00:43:24,300 She wanted children. 1079 00:43:24,302 --> 00:43:27,037 She wanted to love something unconditionally 1080 00:43:27,039 --> 00:43:31,307 And have some-somebody love her unconditionally. 1081 00:43:31,309 --> 00:43:32,308 - I love you. - I love you. 1082 00:43:32,310 --> 00:43:33,876 - And she was still looking for that love 1083 00:43:33,878 --> 00:43:37,047 Right until the hours before the winds began howling 1084 00:43:37,049 --> 00:43:40,183 And the waters rose. 1085 00:43:42,521 --> 00:43:45,988 - That's all for this edition of "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 1086 00:43:45,990 --> 00:43:49,559 I'm craig melvin. Thank you for watching.