1 00:00:12,378 --> 00:00:14,012 - I'm craig melvin and this is 2 00:00:14,014 --> 00:00:16,916 "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 3 00:00:16,918 --> 00:00:18,850 - I didn't wanna believe it. 4 00:00:18,852 --> 00:00:22,921 My sister's dead, and I just-- 5 00:00:22,923 --> 00:00:24,290 Sorry. 6 00:00:26,393 --> 00:00:28,159 I just kinda fell apart. 7 00:00:28,161 --> 00:00:32,131 - Inside a silent home, an eerie scene: 8 00:00:32,133 --> 00:00:34,399 Water pouring through the rooms. 9 00:00:34,401 --> 00:00:35,534 - You heard the water running? 10 00:00:35,536 --> 00:00:37,269 - Yes, it was just, like, gushing. 11 00:00:37,271 --> 00:00:39,071 I saw her in the bathtub. 12 00:00:39,073 --> 00:00:40,139 - Face-down. - Right. 13 00:00:40,141 --> 00:00:41,740 - Drowned? No. 14 00:00:41,742 --> 00:00:43,408 - She was badly beaten. - Mm-hmm. 15 00:00:43,410 --> 00:00:44,610 - Lots of bruising. 16 00:00:44,612 --> 00:00:47,413 - But clues would be hard to come by. 17 00:00:47,415 --> 00:00:50,550 - Detective sanchez claims that by leaving her 18 00:00:50,552 --> 00:00:53,519 In the water, that washed away any dna evidence. 19 00:00:53,521 --> 00:00:54,619 - I thought it was over. 20 00:00:54,621 --> 00:00:56,555 She was just dead, and nothing was ever 21 00:00:56,557 --> 00:00:57,823 Gonna be done about it. 22 00:00:57,825 --> 00:00:59,692 - Not if this family could help it. 23 00:00:59,694 --> 00:01:02,327 - We started lookin'. Lookin' for what happened. 24 00:01:02,329 --> 00:01:04,029 There was still water in the tub. 25 00:01:04,031 --> 00:01:07,232 We pulled the drain and saw black scuff marks. 26 00:01:07,234 --> 00:01:10,569 - A case that would see a key suspect skip town. 27 00:01:10,571 --> 00:01:12,904 - I was like, "wow, he's goin' to alaska." 28 00:01:12,906 --> 00:01:14,172 - But that's exactly what people do! 29 00:01:14,174 --> 00:01:15,373 They get in trouble, they take off. 30 00:01:15,375 --> 00:01:18,711 - And unearthed dark deeds from the past. 31 00:01:18,713 --> 00:01:20,712 - She would wake up and he'd be standing over her 32 00:01:20,714 --> 00:01:22,113 Watching her. - That's creepy. 33 00:01:22,115 --> 00:01:23,648 - Sinister stories. 34 00:01:23,650 --> 00:01:26,386 - She told me that he was following her. 35 00:01:26,388 --> 00:01:29,454 - Yet justice was anything but certain. 36 00:01:29,456 --> 00:01:30,923 - You want that smoking gun. - Uh-huh. 37 00:01:30,925 --> 00:01:32,190 - And there's just not one. 38 00:01:32,192 --> 00:01:39,931 ♪♪ 39 00:01:39,933 --> 00:01:41,434 - Hello, and welcome to 40 00:01:41,436 --> 00:01:43,535 "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 41 00:01:43,537 --> 00:01:47,005 Cassy farrington dreamed of medical school. 42 00:01:47,007 --> 00:01:51,077 A baby soon changed her focus, but not her drive. 43 00:01:51,079 --> 00:01:54,279 She became a nurse, helping to save lives. 44 00:01:54,281 --> 00:01:56,548 Yet no one could save cassy 45 00:01:56,550 --> 00:01:59,351 From the person who took her life. 46 00:01:59,353 --> 00:02:01,019 Unsatisfied with the investigation, 47 00:02:01,021 --> 00:02:03,089 Her parents set out to solve this mystery, 48 00:02:03,091 --> 00:02:06,758 Uncovering secrets police missed. 49 00:02:06,760 --> 00:02:09,895 But could they catch their daughter's killer? 50 00:02:09,897 --> 00:02:13,932 Here's keith morrison with "suspicion in silver city." 51 00:02:13,934 --> 00:02:19,838 ♪♪ 52 00:02:19,840 --> 00:02:22,407 - Out in the middle of new mexico, hours of 53 00:02:22,409 --> 00:02:25,977 Desert highway from better known haunts like santa fe, 54 00:02:25,979 --> 00:02:29,314 Is an old mining town called silver city. 55 00:02:29,316 --> 00:02:32,050 And such an unusual place it is. 56 00:02:32,052 --> 00:02:34,187 Quirky would be a good word. 57 00:02:34,189 --> 00:02:35,721 - Very old west. 58 00:02:35,723 --> 00:02:39,058 There's a lot of history in silver city. 59 00:02:41,662 --> 00:02:44,329 - A vast, arid desert one way outta town, 60 00:02:44,331 --> 00:02:45,831 Lush green mountains the other. 61 00:02:50,205 --> 00:02:52,871 Fourth, fifth, sixth generation ranchers 62 00:02:52,873 --> 00:02:56,541 And silver miners coexist with artists and hippies 63 00:02:56,543 --> 00:02:58,543 And wide-eyed newcomers. 64 00:02:58,545 --> 00:03:01,948 As we say, quirky. 65 00:03:01,950 --> 00:03:05,418 - It's just lots of different perspectives, 66 00:03:05,420 --> 00:03:08,420 Which is always fascinating. 67 00:03:08,422 --> 00:03:12,958 - But of course, this is not a travelogue, no. 68 00:03:12,960 --> 00:03:16,461 No, this is about what happened here. 69 00:03:16,463 --> 00:03:21,032 Or more precisely, what happened in there, 70 00:03:21,034 --> 00:03:25,470 Inside that little house, to her. 71 00:03:27,574 --> 00:03:29,374 - She was beaten from head to toe. 72 00:03:29,376 --> 00:03:33,179 She had bruises from top of her head down to her feet. 73 00:03:35,682 --> 00:03:37,849 - Her name was cassy farrington, 74 00:03:37,851 --> 00:03:40,318 And what was done to her in the bathtub 75 00:03:40,320 --> 00:03:43,522 Of her own house was dreadful. 76 00:03:48,595 --> 00:03:51,463 - It was also, for a very long time, 77 00:03:51,465 --> 00:03:53,365 An unsolved mystery. 78 00:04:00,273 --> 00:04:02,341 Cassy brooks was her name then. 79 00:04:02,343 --> 00:04:05,143 Her mom and dad darlene and chuck. 80 00:04:05,145 --> 00:04:07,212 - She was very, very outgoing, 81 00:04:07,214 --> 00:04:09,014 Uh, driven, motivated. 82 00:04:09,016 --> 00:04:10,215 - From when she was a little kid? 83 00:04:10,217 --> 00:04:12,083 - Yes, from the time she was little. 84 00:04:12,085 --> 00:04:13,352 Straight as, all the way through. 85 00:04:13,354 --> 00:04:14,285 Perfect grades. 86 00:04:14,287 --> 00:04:15,820 - Wow. - She worked hard. 87 00:04:15,822 --> 00:04:19,091 - Cassy seemed to be good at pretty much everything. 88 00:04:19,093 --> 00:04:21,493 - She lettered in five sports her senior year, too. 89 00:04:21,495 --> 00:04:26,297 And she was in the national honor society, 90 00:04:26,299 --> 00:04:28,299 Future business leaders of america. 91 00:04:28,301 --> 00:04:29,769 - What sports did she play? 92 00:04:29,771 --> 00:04:33,238 - Volleyball, basketball, softball, track, and poms. 93 00:04:33,240 --> 00:04:35,907 - You must've been amazed. - She never quit. 94 00:04:35,909 --> 00:04:38,243 I would have to make her take down time, 95 00:04:38,245 --> 00:04:40,378 Take a weekend, a Saturday or something. 96 00:04:40,380 --> 00:04:42,113 And I'd just tell her, "okay, you're not doin' anything, 97 00:04:42,115 --> 00:04:43,115 "you're goin' to town with me." 98 00:04:43,117 --> 00:04:44,315 "no, dad, I have this." 99 00:04:44,317 --> 00:04:46,184 "nope, it's time for a break." 100 00:04:46,186 --> 00:04:48,653 'cause she just pushed herself so hard. 101 00:04:48,655 --> 00:04:51,856 - She aced high school in just three years, 102 00:04:51,858 --> 00:04:55,327 Announced to her family that she was going to be a doctor. 103 00:04:55,329 --> 00:04:59,131 And then, she was 16 years old. 104 00:04:59,133 --> 00:05:01,533 She tried to hide what happened, 105 00:05:01,535 --> 00:05:03,735 But of course, couldn't. 106 00:05:03,737 --> 00:05:05,603 She was pregnant. 107 00:05:05,605 --> 00:05:06,739 How'd you find out? 108 00:05:06,741 --> 00:05:08,673 - We were at her basketball game, and she couldn't 109 00:05:08,675 --> 00:05:11,010 Keep up with the other girls on the court. 110 00:05:11,012 --> 00:05:13,211 She was slowin' down. 111 00:05:13,213 --> 00:05:17,415 And she's still tryin' to hide her stomach, the baby. 112 00:05:17,417 --> 00:05:19,084 And I just told my wife, I said, 113 00:05:19,086 --> 00:05:21,219 "I know she's pregnant. Just take her to the doctor. 114 00:05:21,221 --> 00:05:23,155 "make sure she's okay." 115 00:05:23,157 --> 00:05:25,691 - Med school was not going to happen. 116 00:05:28,096 --> 00:05:31,429 And then, said cassy's siblings elizabeth and beau, 117 00:05:31,431 --> 00:05:33,699 Events kind of whizzed by. 118 00:05:33,701 --> 00:05:36,235 - She had a baby, got out of the hospital, 119 00:05:36,237 --> 00:05:39,304 Graduated high school, got married, 120 00:05:39,306 --> 00:05:41,373 And moved out in one month. 121 00:05:41,375 --> 00:05:42,907 - Wow. - Yeah. 122 00:05:42,909 --> 00:05:45,777 - Super fast. 123 00:05:45,779 --> 00:05:49,514 - But the marriage didn't last. 124 00:05:49,516 --> 00:05:52,851 And by 22, cassy, now cassy farrington, 125 00:05:52,853 --> 00:05:54,652 Was on her own in silver city 126 00:05:54,654 --> 00:05:58,923 With two small kids, working as a nurse. 127 00:05:58,925 --> 00:06:01,860 In fact, she moved into a house owned by one of 128 00:06:01,862 --> 00:06:05,331 Her nursing professors-- this woman, charnelle lee. 129 00:06:05,333 --> 00:06:08,566 Was she a good tenant? - Oh, yes-- like, the best. 130 00:06:08,568 --> 00:06:11,469 - Spit spot, all the time. - Always. 131 00:06:11,471 --> 00:06:14,339 - Hmm. - Yeah, she was awesome. 132 00:06:14,341 --> 00:06:17,942 - Just around that time, charnelle was heading toward 133 00:06:17,944 --> 00:06:20,012 A breakup with her husband, billy. 134 00:06:20,014 --> 00:06:24,182 Billy was also a nurse, maybe a mentor of sorts 135 00:06:24,184 --> 00:06:27,485 To cassy, and he seemed to be very fond of her. 136 00:06:27,487 --> 00:06:31,022 Saw her a lot-- at work, around the house. 137 00:06:31,024 --> 00:06:35,361 Then, pretty soon, a serious boyfriend came along 138 00:06:35,363 --> 00:06:38,229 For cassy-- david berry. 139 00:06:38,231 --> 00:06:41,099 - He was wonderful with the children, and that was 140 00:06:41,101 --> 00:06:43,101 Something that she really liked about him. 141 00:06:43,103 --> 00:06:46,038 - Cassy's friend and coworker, mary flores. 142 00:06:46,040 --> 00:06:51,042 - They had a relationship that was fun. 143 00:06:51,044 --> 00:06:53,445 They were just building a life together. 144 00:06:53,447 --> 00:06:58,383 - Especially on the morning of March 24th, 2014. 145 00:06:58,385 --> 00:07:01,453 Something billy lee had been trying to arrange for her 146 00:07:01,455 --> 00:07:02,921 Came through. 147 00:07:02,923 --> 00:07:05,256 - She had just been notified by billy lee-- 148 00:07:05,258 --> 00:07:06,325 - Yeah. 149 00:07:06,327 --> 00:07:07,992 - That she was getting off of the med search floor, 150 00:07:07,994 --> 00:07:09,928 Goin' to the er, the job she wanted. 151 00:07:09,930 --> 00:07:12,530 - Cassy had just finished her graveyard shift 152 00:07:12,532 --> 00:07:16,001 At this silver city hospital when she called her mom 153 00:07:16,003 --> 00:07:17,736 To tell her the news. 154 00:07:17,738 --> 00:07:20,004 That was the plum job, the one she always wanted. 155 00:07:20,006 --> 00:07:21,140 - Yes. 156 00:07:21,142 --> 00:07:23,008 - Then she went home to get the kids off to school 157 00:07:23,010 --> 00:07:27,879 And have a nap before meeting her friend mary again later. 158 00:07:27,881 --> 00:07:31,683 - I had heard that the shift was particularly difficult, 159 00:07:31,685 --> 00:07:36,354 So I texted her and told her to go home and get some rest, 160 00:07:36,356 --> 00:07:39,491 And then when she got up to get the kids from school, 161 00:07:39,493 --> 00:07:41,759 We could all-- they could come by, 162 00:07:41,761 --> 00:07:43,761 We'd go get ice cream or something. 163 00:07:43,763 --> 00:07:47,899 - The afternoon came. No cassy. 164 00:07:47,901 --> 00:07:51,302 - I understand you have kids, and, who knows. 165 00:07:51,304 --> 00:07:53,638 I mean, a million things could've come up. 166 00:07:53,640 --> 00:07:56,040 - And when cassy's parents got a call 167 00:07:56,042 --> 00:07:57,576 From their grandson's school to say 168 00:07:57,578 --> 00:07:59,444 She didn't show to pick him up, 169 00:07:59,446 --> 00:08:01,446 They weren't really worried. 170 00:08:01,448 --> 00:08:04,449 - I was hopin' that she'd just slept through her phone, 171 00:08:04,451 --> 00:08:06,118 Because she'd worked graveyards the night before 172 00:08:06,120 --> 00:08:07,720 At the hospital. 173 00:08:07,722 --> 00:08:10,989 - But eventually, a request to charnelle, the landlord-- 174 00:08:10,991 --> 00:08:13,591 Could she check on cassy, please? 175 00:08:13,593 --> 00:08:16,995 - So I drove down, um, from my house up at the hill. 176 00:08:16,997 --> 00:08:18,863 - Up there. - Down-down this way, 177 00:08:18,865 --> 00:08:21,666 And up here to go in and check on her 178 00:08:21,668 --> 00:08:22,734 Through the back door. 179 00:08:22,736 --> 00:08:26,204 - Which is where she noticed the strangest thing. 180 00:08:26,206 --> 00:08:29,073 - I looked through the door, and there was water-- 181 00:08:29,075 --> 00:08:30,609 You could see through the door that there was just 182 00:08:30,611 --> 00:08:31,609 Water rolling out. 183 00:08:31,611 --> 00:08:32,812 And I knocked. 184 00:08:32,814 --> 00:08:34,279 - Was it coming out under the door? 185 00:08:34,281 --> 00:08:36,347 - No, it was just rolling out into the kitchen 186 00:08:36,349 --> 00:08:38,816 Right there. - Just over there-- weird. 187 00:08:38,818 --> 00:08:40,018 That would be very strange to see. 188 00:08:40,020 --> 00:08:41,085 - Yeah, it was very strange. 189 00:08:41,087 --> 00:08:43,889 And then I-- as soon as I saw that and I knocked, 190 00:08:43,891 --> 00:08:48,027 And I called for cassy and nothing happened, and then-- 191 00:08:48,029 --> 00:08:50,762 So I had to go back up to the other house to get the key. 192 00:08:50,764 --> 00:08:52,565 - And then just came right back here. 193 00:08:52,567 --> 00:08:54,699 - Yeah, and then-then I unlocked the door. 194 00:08:54,701 --> 00:08:57,503 - Dread gripped her then. 195 00:08:57,505 --> 00:08:59,337 Something bad in there. 196 00:08:59,339 --> 00:09:04,575 And where was cassy? 197 00:09:04,577 --> 00:09:07,913 - A home full of water, an ominous sight. 198 00:09:07,915 --> 00:09:11,517 But nothing compared to what came next. 199 00:09:11,519 --> 00:09:12,850 Coming up-- 200 00:09:12,852 --> 00:09:14,620 - I've never seen anything like it. 201 00:09:14,622 --> 00:09:18,056 It was heaped up, and the waves were just, like, cresting. 202 00:09:18,058 --> 00:09:19,457 - That's a deep-- big, deep bathtub. 203 00:09:19,459 --> 00:09:20,458 - Yeah, it was, like, cresting. 204 00:09:20,460 --> 00:09:21,926 - You're a nurse, you've seen lots of things. 205 00:09:21,928 --> 00:09:22,862 - Yeah. 206 00:09:22,864 --> 00:09:24,329 - But that can't have been easy. 207 00:09:24,331 --> 00:09:25,463 - No. 208 00:09:25,730 --> 00:09:32,203 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 209 00:09:32,204 --> 00:09:38,677 ♪♪ 210 00:09:38,679 --> 00:09:41,946 - Something was clearly wrong inside this small home 211 00:09:41,948 --> 00:09:44,015 On the outskirts of silver city, new mexico. 212 00:09:44,017 --> 00:09:45,683 - Very strange. 213 00:09:45,685 --> 00:09:48,187 - Charnelle lee, checking on her tenant, 214 00:09:48,189 --> 00:09:50,021 Cassy farrington, opened the back door 215 00:09:50,023 --> 00:09:53,091 And was confronted by water everywhere. 216 00:09:53,093 --> 00:09:54,626 And you heard the water running? 217 00:09:54,628 --> 00:09:56,961 - Yes, it was just, like, gushing. 218 00:09:56,963 --> 00:09:59,430 - Coming from? - The bathtub. 219 00:09:59,432 --> 00:10:01,366 - So she ran to the master bedroom, 220 00:10:01,368 --> 00:10:03,368 Intending to turn off the water. 221 00:10:03,370 --> 00:10:06,771 And there she was. 222 00:10:06,773 --> 00:10:08,374 - I saw her in the bathtub. 223 00:10:08,376 --> 00:10:10,375 It was like-- I've never seen anything like it. 224 00:10:10,377 --> 00:10:12,910 It was heaped up, and the waves 225 00:10:12,912 --> 00:10:13,912 Were just like cresting. 226 00:10:13,914 --> 00:10:15,246 - That's a deep-- big, deep bathtub. 227 00:10:15,248 --> 00:10:16,314 - Yeah, it was, like cresting. 228 00:10:16,316 --> 00:10:19,117 And she was on the top. - Ooh, in the water. 229 00:10:19,119 --> 00:10:21,053 - And she was-- yeah, she was upside down, 230 00:10:21,055 --> 00:10:22,920 And-and it was-- - face-face-down. 231 00:10:22,922 --> 00:10:24,589 - Right. - I mean, you're a nurse. 232 00:10:24,591 --> 00:10:26,057 You've seen lots of things. - Yeah. 233 00:10:26,059 --> 00:10:27,926 - But that can't have been easy. 234 00:10:27,928 --> 00:10:28,926 - No. 235 00:10:28,928 --> 00:10:30,461 Well, at the time, you know, you're just in, 236 00:10:30,463 --> 00:10:33,198 Um, like, emergency mode. 237 00:10:33,200 --> 00:10:35,533 You know, you just-- you don't even stop to think. 238 00:10:35,535 --> 00:10:37,268 And so I just went and grabbed her, 239 00:10:37,270 --> 00:10:41,139 And pulled her over to here, and turned her over 240 00:10:41,141 --> 00:10:43,842 To see if there was something I could do to help her. 241 00:10:46,580 --> 00:10:48,313 I mean, it was kind of horrifying. 242 00:10:48,315 --> 00:10:50,849 Because she was still in her nursing scrubs. 243 00:10:50,851 --> 00:10:51,883 - Mm-hmm. 244 00:10:51,885 --> 00:10:53,217 - And then I checked to see if she was-- 245 00:10:53,219 --> 00:10:55,687 Had a pulse and she didn't. 246 00:10:55,689 --> 00:10:57,823 - Nothing to do now but call 9-1-1. 247 00:11:08,668 --> 00:11:11,302 - As charnelle talked to the 9-1-1 dispatcher, 248 00:11:11,304 --> 00:11:13,204 She turned off the faucet, and... 249 00:11:17,378 --> 00:11:19,711 - I heard water running in the extra bathroom. 250 00:11:19,713 --> 00:11:21,379 - At the other end of the house? 251 00:11:21,381 --> 00:11:22,581 - Yes. 252 00:11:22,583 --> 00:11:25,250 - So charnelle ran back there and discovered 253 00:11:25,252 --> 00:11:27,518 Water running in the other bathtub, too. 254 00:11:27,520 --> 00:11:30,221 No flooding-- that drain was unplugged. 255 00:11:30,223 --> 00:11:32,123 When she turned off the water, 256 00:11:32,125 --> 00:11:35,993 Charnelle noticed that the towel rack was broken. 257 00:11:35,995 --> 00:11:38,063 It was this bit right up here? - Yes. 258 00:11:38,065 --> 00:11:39,397 - It was just yanked off the wall, then? 259 00:11:39,399 --> 00:11:41,667 - Totally yanked off the wall. - Huh. 260 00:11:41,669 --> 00:11:43,601 - And then, that's her-- 261 00:11:43,603 --> 00:11:46,271 - Like leaving a gaping hole or something. 262 00:11:46,273 --> 00:11:47,872 - Right, yes. 263 00:11:47,874 --> 00:11:50,408 - By then, the grant county sheriff's deputies were 264 00:11:50,410 --> 00:11:53,012 Arriving, and they asked charnelle to leave. 265 00:11:53,014 --> 00:11:54,212 What'd you see? 266 00:11:54,214 --> 00:11:56,615 - I saw water on the ground on the north side 267 00:11:56,617 --> 00:11:58,884 That had been coming out of the trailer. 268 00:11:58,886 --> 00:12:01,018 It was still dripping, in fact. 269 00:12:01,020 --> 00:12:05,223 - Lieutenant ray tavizon was the supervising chief deputy, 270 00:12:05,225 --> 00:12:08,559 And while his lead detective, jose sanchez, 271 00:12:08,561 --> 00:12:11,030 Took charge of the scene and the investigation, 272 00:12:11,032 --> 00:12:13,298 Tavizon had a look around. 273 00:12:13,300 --> 00:12:15,633 Any sign of forced entry anywhere? 274 00:12:15,635 --> 00:12:17,435 - No, no. - No sorta footprints 275 00:12:17,437 --> 00:12:19,504 Or tire marks or anything else? 276 00:12:19,506 --> 00:12:21,172 - No, the-the way the ground is, 277 00:12:21,174 --> 00:12:23,842 The gravel and stuff, there wasn't any. 278 00:12:23,844 --> 00:12:26,978 - Hmm. And inside the house? 279 00:12:26,980 --> 00:12:29,181 - We saw that there had been what looked like 280 00:12:29,183 --> 00:12:31,583 Maybe a scuffle in that bathroom. 281 00:12:31,585 --> 00:12:32,518 - What told you that? 282 00:12:32,520 --> 00:12:34,852 - Well, there was a broken towel rack 283 00:12:34,854 --> 00:12:36,855 Laying on the floor. - Hmm. 284 00:12:36,857 --> 00:12:38,657 - There was a pair of glasses laying on the floor. 285 00:12:38,659 --> 00:12:40,191 And then from there, 286 00:12:40,193 --> 00:12:41,993 We went to the north end of the trailer. 287 00:12:41,995 --> 00:12:45,129 Her bed was made, hadn't been slept in. 288 00:12:45,131 --> 00:12:49,667 Her lunch box, her backpack, and her purse were 289 00:12:49,669 --> 00:12:51,602 All on the foot of the bed. 290 00:12:51,604 --> 00:12:53,137 - In other words, this was not a robbery. 291 00:12:53,139 --> 00:12:55,072 - Apparently not, no, no. 292 00:12:55,074 --> 00:12:56,275 - Didn't look like it. They would've taken that stuff. 293 00:12:56,277 --> 00:12:57,275 - Correct. 294 00:12:57,277 --> 00:12:59,410 There was a laptop in the bathroom. 295 00:12:59,412 --> 00:13:01,080 - Uh-huh. - And then she was laying 296 00:13:01,082 --> 00:13:03,080 On the floor. And at that point, 297 00:13:03,082 --> 00:13:06,617 I went out and called my superiors 298 00:13:06,619 --> 00:13:10,221 To inform them what we had. 299 00:13:10,223 --> 00:13:13,891 - There is no getting over the phone call 300 00:13:13,893 --> 00:13:17,161 Cassy's parents got then. 301 00:13:17,163 --> 00:13:20,765 - All I remember is she started screaming, "no." 302 00:13:20,767 --> 00:13:23,901 And then she told me they found cassy dead 303 00:13:23,903 --> 00:13:26,037 In her home. And I just grabbed 304 00:13:26,039 --> 00:13:28,306 My car keys and we were out the door and gone, 305 00:13:28,308 --> 00:13:30,042 Headed to silver. 306 00:13:30,044 --> 00:13:31,643 - What was that drive like? 307 00:13:31,645 --> 00:13:32,911 - Seemed like it took forever, but it was 308 00:13:32,913 --> 00:13:34,913 The fastest I'd ever made that trip. 309 00:13:34,915 --> 00:13:36,581 - What goes through your minds? 310 00:13:36,583 --> 00:13:37,516 What-what do you say to each other? 311 00:13:37,518 --> 00:13:38,382 - We're just hoping that they're wrong. 312 00:13:38,384 --> 00:13:41,586 - Yeah, hoping they were wrong. 313 00:13:41,588 --> 00:13:46,457 - But, they arrived in time to watch 314 00:13:46,459 --> 00:13:49,594 Cassy being carried away in a bodybag. 315 00:13:49,596 --> 00:13:54,266 But then, traumatic as that was, as they stood 316 00:13:54,268 --> 00:13:57,002 There, lieutenant tavizon approached them 317 00:13:57,004 --> 00:14:01,339 And seemed to say it looked like she'd taken her own life. 318 00:14:01,341 --> 00:14:04,542 - Lieutenant tavizon mentioned to you 319 00:14:04,544 --> 00:14:05,743 How many times? Three times? 320 00:14:05,745 --> 00:14:07,478 - Three times in that evening. 321 00:14:07,480 --> 00:14:10,482 He brought up suicide and-and I said, 322 00:14:10,484 --> 00:14:12,417 "she wasn't suicidal." - as if, what, 323 00:14:12,419 --> 00:14:13,885 He's trying to persuade you that that's what-- 324 00:14:13,887 --> 00:14:14,819 - Yes. 325 00:14:14,821 --> 00:14:16,621 - It wasn't a suggestion that was made. 326 00:14:16,623 --> 00:14:18,223 It was a question that was asked. 327 00:14:18,225 --> 00:14:19,891 - But sitting here all this time later, 328 00:14:19,893 --> 00:14:21,492 Lieutenant tavizon told us 329 00:14:21,494 --> 00:14:24,095 They must have misunderstood him. 330 00:14:24,097 --> 00:14:26,697 You heard that they eventually decided that 331 00:14:26,699 --> 00:14:29,168 What you had done was suggested it was suicide. 332 00:14:29,170 --> 00:14:31,769 - Well, yeah, they were-- they were upset 333 00:14:31,771 --> 00:14:33,237 Because I asked the question. 334 00:14:33,239 --> 00:14:34,640 - Did you think so at the time? 335 00:14:34,642 --> 00:14:35,773 - No. 336 00:14:35,775 --> 00:14:38,042 - So what did the lieutenant think? 337 00:14:38,044 --> 00:14:40,112 - A young lady just doesn't die, you know, 338 00:14:40,114 --> 00:14:41,713 Just outta the blue. 339 00:14:41,715 --> 00:14:45,716 We consider it a homicide until we're proven otherwise. 340 00:14:45,718 --> 00:14:47,585 - Sure. 341 00:14:47,587 --> 00:14:50,121 Of course, there was that other matter 342 00:14:50,123 --> 00:14:55,460 That needed proving... Who did this? 343 00:14:55,462 --> 00:14:58,496 - Coming up... After just a few hours 344 00:14:58,498 --> 00:15:01,532 At the house, detectives leave the scene. 345 00:15:01,534 --> 00:15:02,533 - How can you be done 346 00:15:02,535 --> 00:15:04,268 With your investigation that quick? 347 00:15:04,270 --> 00:15:05,870 - So the family decides 348 00:15:05,872 --> 00:15:08,272 To do a little detecting of its own. 349 00:15:08,274 --> 00:15:09,874 - There was still water in the tub. 350 00:15:09,876 --> 00:15:13,078 We pulled the drain and we saw black scuff marks, 351 00:15:13,080 --> 00:15:15,680 Like from shoes, rubber-- black rubber shoes. 352 00:15:15,682 --> 00:15:17,014 - In the tub? - In the tub. 353 00:15:17,016 --> 00:15:18,684 - And where did those scuff marks come from? 354 00:15:18,686 --> 00:15:19,883 - From a struggle. 355 00:15:19,885 --> 00:15:31,963 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 356 00:15:31,965 --> 00:15:34,832 ♪♪ - it's a terrible thing to encounter. 357 00:15:34,834 --> 00:15:40,839 Cop or not, so young, just 23 and a mother of two. 358 00:15:40,841 --> 00:15:45,043 But there she was and what happened to her, 359 00:15:45,045 --> 00:15:46,911 As the deputies could clearly see, 360 00:15:46,913 --> 00:15:51,182 Was close up and intense, and murder. 361 00:15:51,184 --> 00:15:54,118 Did you see any obvious injuries on her body? 362 00:15:54,120 --> 00:15:55,787 - Well, there was some bruising on her arms. 363 00:15:55,789 --> 00:15:58,256 There was some bruising around her neck. 364 00:15:58,258 --> 00:16:00,726 - What was less clear, however, was 365 00:16:00,728 --> 00:16:03,394 Exactly how her death was caused. 366 00:16:03,396 --> 00:16:06,465 Although... Did it leap out at you, though, 367 00:16:06,467 --> 00:16:09,067 And say, "somebody beat this girl or strangled her?" 368 00:16:09,069 --> 00:16:12,537 - It was suspicious, very suspicious. 369 00:16:12,539 --> 00:16:15,106 - Sort of thing could keep crime scene investigators 370 00:16:15,108 --> 00:16:19,477 Busy all night, swiping for dna, taking fingerprints, 371 00:16:19,479 --> 00:16:21,713 Collecting all the bits of evidence. 372 00:16:21,715 --> 00:16:25,150 And yet-- and this was very strange-- 373 00:16:25,152 --> 00:16:27,152 After just a few hours, during which 374 00:16:27,154 --> 00:16:30,955 They didn't do those things, the deputies left 375 00:16:30,957 --> 00:16:34,825 And told cassy's family, "go on in if you want." 376 00:16:34,827 --> 00:16:36,561 - Yeah, they released the house. 377 00:16:36,563 --> 00:16:38,029 "you can go in." 378 00:16:38,031 --> 00:16:39,497 - They-they-- and they put their hand to-- 379 00:16:39,499 --> 00:16:41,165 At the door. "you can all go in now." 380 00:16:41,167 --> 00:16:42,901 - How can you be done 381 00:16:42,903 --> 00:16:46,037 With your investigation that quick? 382 00:16:46,039 --> 00:16:49,306 - Odd. Not exactly normal protocol, 383 00:16:49,308 --> 00:16:52,243 Especially since once people start walking in and out, 384 00:16:52,245 --> 00:16:54,513 The scene becomes highly compromised. 385 00:16:54,515 --> 00:16:56,214 Did you go into the house that day? 386 00:16:56,216 --> 00:16:58,583 - Yeah, when-when they said, 387 00:16:58,585 --> 00:16:59,985 "you can go in the house," we went in. 388 00:16:59,987 --> 00:17:04,956 - They were hoping to find some sign or clue 389 00:17:04,958 --> 00:17:07,591 To explain what happened to cassy, 390 00:17:07,593 --> 00:17:10,995 But they never imagined they'd find evidence 391 00:17:10,997 --> 00:17:14,932 That the deputies just left behind. 392 00:17:14,934 --> 00:17:17,535 - There was still water in the tub, 393 00:17:17,537 --> 00:17:20,337 So we pulled the drain, and when we pulled the drain, 394 00:17:20,339 --> 00:17:22,473 Then we saw black scuff marks, 395 00:17:22,475 --> 00:17:25,476 Like from shoes, rubber-- black rubber shoes. 396 00:17:25,478 --> 00:17:27,011 - In the tub? - In the tub. 397 00:17:27,013 --> 00:17:28,879 - And where did those scuff marks come from? 398 00:17:28,881 --> 00:17:30,214 - From a struggle. 399 00:17:30,216 --> 00:17:33,684 - They also found cassy's glasses 400 00:17:33,686 --> 00:17:37,221 And a hair ribbon near the broken towel rack. 401 00:17:37,223 --> 00:17:38,589 No one had bothered 402 00:17:38,591 --> 00:17:41,125 To collect them as evidence, so they did. 403 00:17:41,127 --> 00:17:42,693 So strange to have the family 404 00:17:42,695 --> 00:17:44,495 As a kind of csi group. 405 00:17:44,497 --> 00:17:47,099 - Yeah, we gathered up the hair with a bobby pin, 406 00:17:47,101 --> 00:17:49,700 And the ribbon, her glasses. We were gathering evidence. 407 00:17:49,702 --> 00:17:51,101 - Did it seem shocking to you that you were 408 00:17:51,103 --> 00:17:52,903 Gathering evidence as not-- and not the police? 409 00:17:52,905 --> 00:17:54,306 - That was frustrating. - Yeah. 410 00:17:54,308 --> 00:17:56,640 - Kind of like a tell right off the top 411 00:17:56,642 --> 00:17:59,511 This isn't gonna necessarily go well. 412 00:17:59,513 --> 00:18:02,313 Deputies did return to the house the next day, 413 00:18:02,315 --> 00:18:04,715 Though, and discovered 414 00:18:04,717 --> 00:18:08,887 The carpet in her bedroom was gone. 415 00:18:08,889 --> 00:18:10,388 - Billy lee, the landlord, goes in 416 00:18:10,390 --> 00:18:11,722 And starts ripping the carpet up. 417 00:18:11,724 --> 00:18:13,991 - Wait a minute. - Yeah. 418 00:18:13,993 --> 00:18:16,327 - You got a guy going in right after, 419 00:18:16,329 --> 00:18:17,929 And the first thing he does is rip the carpet 420 00:18:17,931 --> 00:18:19,597 Out of the master bedroom? - Well, it's soaking wet. 421 00:18:19,599 --> 00:18:22,800 - And that finally seemed to get the attention 422 00:18:22,802 --> 00:18:25,270 Of the lead investigator, sergeant sanchez, 423 00:18:25,272 --> 00:18:28,673 Who by then already had a few reservations 424 00:18:28,675 --> 00:18:29,941 About mr. Lee. 425 00:18:29,943 --> 00:18:32,209 Why would he remove the carpet? 426 00:18:32,211 --> 00:18:33,410 To get rid of evidence? 427 00:18:33,412 --> 00:18:36,481 And what was his relationship with cassy? 428 00:18:36,483 --> 00:18:39,750 - Mr. Lee told him that 429 00:18:39,752 --> 00:18:43,220 He really didn't have any dealings with cassy. 430 00:18:43,222 --> 00:18:46,290 Then later found out that she had applied for 431 00:18:46,292 --> 00:18:48,826 A position in the-- in the emergency room, 432 00:18:48,828 --> 00:18:51,430 And billy lee was the one that was helping her, 433 00:18:51,432 --> 00:18:53,364 And that's what threw red flags up 434 00:18:53,366 --> 00:18:55,366 For-for sanchez. - Why? 435 00:18:55,368 --> 00:18:59,169 - Well, because he was thinking maybe he was there 436 00:18:59,171 --> 00:19:01,505 To try to collect a favor 437 00:19:01,507 --> 00:19:05,175 For-for getting her the job. 438 00:19:05,177 --> 00:19:10,047 - Did cassy reject billy lee and pay a terrible price? 439 00:19:10,049 --> 00:19:13,585 A few days after cassy's death, the investigating deputy 440 00:19:13,587 --> 00:19:16,521 Set out to officially question billy, 441 00:19:16,523 --> 00:19:21,225 But billy was gone, 442 00:19:21,227 --> 00:19:24,161 Had quit his job, left town, 443 00:19:24,163 --> 00:19:29,468 Was far, far away, in alaska, without his wife. 444 00:19:29,470 --> 00:19:31,669 - I was like, "wow, he's going to alaska. 445 00:19:31,671 --> 00:19:34,271 "maybe-maybe sanchez is on to something." 446 00:19:34,273 --> 00:19:35,806 - That's exactly what people do, you know. 447 00:19:35,808 --> 00:19:36,941 - Yeah. - They get in trouble, 448 00:19:36,943 --> 00:19:38,609 They take off for alaska or someplace like that. 449 00:19:38,611 --> 00:19:42,747 Or mexico or something. - Yeah, that's right. 450 00:19:42,749 --> 00:19:45,149 - But, for whatever reason, no effort was made 451 00:19:45,151 --> 00:19:47,085 To bring billy lee back to silver city 452 00:19:47,087 --> 00:19:49,887 For questioning, and investigators quickly 453 00:19:49,889 --> 00:19:53,023 Turned their attention to another man in cassy's life, 454 00:19:53,025 --> 00:19:56,161 Her live-in boyfriend, david berry. 455 00:19:56,163 --> 00:19:59,830 - His behavior the first few days after her-her death 456 00:19:59,832 --> 00:20:01,765 Was very strange and peculiar to me. 457 00:20:01,767 --> 00:20:03,033 - How? How so? 458 00:20:03,035 --> 00:20:05,703 - I myself never really saw him shed a tear, 459 00:20:05,705 --> 00:20:07,438 But I was suspect of 460 00:20:07,440 --> 00:20:10,575 Everyone that had any contact with her. 461 00:20:10,577 --> 00:20:13,177 I didn't trust anyone. 462 00:20:13,179 --> 00:20:16,914 - At the funeral, cassy's casket was left open 463 00:20:16,916 --> 00:20:19,850 To tell the world what was done to her, 464 00:20:19,852 --> 00:20:20,918 Said her siblings. 465 00:20:20,920 --> 00:20:22,987 - Her face was covered in bruises. 466 00:20:22,989 --> 00:20:26,390 Her neck was a giant bruise and swollen. 467 00:20:26,392 --> 00:20:29,259 Her hands were black. 468 00:20:29,261 --> 00:20:32,129 - But who had done it? For months, 469 00:20:32,131 --> 00:20:35,934 All anyone could do was speculate. 470 00:20:35,936 --> 00:20:37,402 - I thought it was over. 471 00:20:37,404 --> 00:20:41,472 I thought she was just dead and-and that was it, 472 00:20:41,474 --> 00:20:44,341 And nothing was ever gonna be done about it. 473 00:20:44,343 --> 00:20:47,878 - At the sheriff's office, investigative supervisor tavizon 474 00:20:47,880 --> 00:20:50,415 Questioned his deputy, sanchez. 475 00:20:50,417 --> 00:20:54,285 Why hadn't he even dusted for fingerprints? 476 00:20:54,287 --> 00:20:56,020 - He says, "no," he said, "it's too clean." 477 00:20:56,022 --> 00:20:59,024 I-- it-- to him, it wasn't anything that would've been 478 00:20:59,026 --> 00:21:02,226 Helpful to the-- to the investigation. 479 00:21:02,228 --> 00:21:03,894 - Kind of an assumption there, huh? 480 00:21:03,896 --> 00:21:06,830 - Well, I guess I would-- that's what you could call it. 481 00:21:06,832 --> 00:21:07,898 - What's the old expression, 482 00:21:07,900 --> 00:21:09,500 To assume makes an ass out of you and me? 483 00:21:09,502 --> 00:21:12,570 - It makes both-- yeah, exactly. 484 00:21:12,572 --> 00:21:17,508 - So with zero physical evidence to point to anyone, 485 00:21:17,510 --> 00:21:22,247 The case of the murder in the bathtub went cold. 486 00:21:22,249 --> 00:21:26,785 Until... Until six months later, 487 00:21:26,787 --> 00:21:30,087 A particular friend, once suddenly gone, 488 00:21:30,089 --> 00:21:32,891 Just as suddenly reappeared. 489 00:21:32,893 --> 00:21:38,128 Time for a pertinent question or two. 490 00:21:38,130 --> 00:21:39,163 - Coming up... 491 00:21:45,606 --> 00:21:48,339 - Billy lee back from alaska, admitting 492 00:21:48,341 --> 00:21:50,608 He and cassy were close. 493 00:21:52,144 --> 00:21:54,645 - But what will he say to this? 494 00:21:59,118 --> 00:21:59,183 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 495 00:21:59,351 --> 00:22:10,761 ♪♪ 496 00:22:10,763 --> 00:22:13,297 - Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 497 00:22:13,299 --> 00:22:14,298 I'm craig melvin. 498 00:22:14,300 --> 00:22:16,901 In the aftermath of cassy farrington's murder, 499 00:22:16,903 --> 00:22:20,371 Investigators wondered if her landlord's husband, 500 00:22:20,373 --> 00:22:23,375 Billy lee, was keeping secrets. 501 00:22:23,377 --> 00:22:26,311 Why would he rip up the carpet at the crime scene, 502 00:22:26,313 --> 00:22:28,913 Then hightail it to alaska? 503 00:22:28,915 --> 00:22:32,916 Now, billy was back, ready to face some tough questions. 504 00:22:32,918 --> 00:22:36,587 And nobody wanted answers more than cassy's family. 505 00:22:36,589 --> 00:22:38,989 Once again, here's keith morrison 506 00:22:38,991 --> 00:22:42,726 With "suspicion in silver city." 507 00:22:42,728 --> 00:22:46,130 - Cassy farrington's parents, chuck and darlene brooks, 508 00:22:46,132 --> 00:22:50,335 Were in pain-- deep, endless, searing pain. 509 00:22:50,337 --> 00:22:53,938 About cassy's murder, of course, but also 510 00:22:53,940 --> 00:22:56,473 About the long wait for justice. 511 00:22:56,475 --> 00:22:58,943 That period of waiting? - Hard. 512 00:22:58,945 --> 00:23:02,146 - Very difficult. Difficult on us, between us. 513 00:23:02,148 --> 00:23:03,481 - Yes. - How come? 514 00:23:03,483 --> 00:23:05,349 - I was crying all the time. 515 00:23:05,351 --> 00:23:10,020 - Few things eat at a marriage quite like grief. 516 00:23:10,022 --> 00:23:12,556 Even the best marriages. 517 00:23:12,558 --> 00:23:15,893 - All she wanted to talk about was cassy's case. 518 00:23:15,895 --> 00:23:20,097 - And when months went by with no arrest... 519 00:23:20,099 --> 00:23:22,499 - And I finally got to the point where I just told her, 520 00:23:22,501 --> 00:23:25,435 "I can't do this anymore." I thought about it, too, 521 00:23:25,437 --> 00:23:27,638 But I didn't wanna talk about it all evening with her. 522 00:23:27,640 --> 00:23:30,574 - But the topic was unavoidable. 523 00:23:30,576 --> 00:23:34,044 Any new lead or development had to be discussed. 524 00:23:34,046 --> 00:23:37,047 The medical examiner's report, for instance. 525 00:23:37,049 --> 00:23:39,184 That didn't come out for four months. 526 00:23:39,186 --> 00:23:43,954 And when it finally did, it was vague. 527 00:23:43,956 --> 00:23:47,224 - It was homicide by undetermined means. 528 00:23:47,226 --> 00:23:49,459 - Undetermined means? 529 00:23:49,461 --> 00:23:51,261 You saw bruises all over her body, 530 00:23:51,263 --> 00:23:53,598 And apparent strangulation? 531 00:23:53,600 --> 00:23:56,600 - And they wouldn't classify it as 532 00:23:56,602 --> 00:23:58,670 Strangulation was the cause of death. 533 00:23:58,672 --> 00:24:03,140 Multiple mechanisms is what caused the death. 534 00:24:03,142 --> 00:24:05,142 - They knew that if the case ever went to trial, 535 00:24:05,144 --> 00:24:07,077 That vagueness could be a problem. 536 00:24:07,079 --> 00:24:09,813 That is, if it went to trial, 537 00:24:09,815 --> 00:24:12,549 Because the investigation seemed to be going nowhere. 538 00:24:12,551 --> 00:24:14,686 The family found things out, 539 00:24:14,688 --> 00:24:17,821 Like how boyfriend david had a solid alibi. 540 00:24:17,823 --> 00:24:20,959 So why wasn't he officially cleared? 541 00:24:20,961 --> 00:24:24,361 Why did darlene seem to be a more active investigator 542 00:24:24,363 --> 00:24:26,965 Than the deputy? - She drove me nuts, 543 00:24:26,967 --> 00:24:29,299 Tryin' to play crime scene investigator. 544 00:24:29,301 --> 00:24:33,237 But it also helped me to push the cops. 545 00:24:33,239 --> 00:24:35,639 - Too hard, maybe? 546 00:24:35,641 --> 00:24:38,108 - Detective sanchez said, you know, "I'm tired of 547 00:24:38,110 --> 00:24:40,911 "mrs. Brooks calling me all hours of the night." 548 00:24:40,913 --> 00:24:44,181 - But they kept pushing anyway. 549 00:24:44,183 --> 00:24:46,049 - I asked, "well, did you get billy lee down here 550 00:24:46,051 --> 00:24:48,719 "from alaska and have him do his polygraph?" 551 00:24:48,721 --> 00:24:50,387 He said yes. 552 00:24:50,389 --> 00:24:53,590 - Remember, billy lee lived on the same property 553 00:24:53,592 --> 00:24:56,927 As cassy, and was married to her landlord. 554 00:24:56,929 --> 00:24:58,463 And hours after the murder, 555 00:24:58,465 --> 00:25:01,266 He ripped out cassy's bedroom carpet, 556 00:25:01,268 --> 00:25:04,735 And then decamped for alaska. 557 00:25:04,737 --> 00:25:07,271 The question was, why? 558 00:25:07,273 --> 00:25:11,276 Months after he left, billy returned. 559 00:25:15,148 --> 00:25:17,415 - And sergeant sanchez finally had his chance 560 00:25:17,417 --> 00:25:18,349 To question him. 561 00:25:24,523 --> 00:25:28,158 - But curiously, sanchez did not ask why 562 00:25:28,160 --> 00:25:29,893 Billy removed the carpet, 563 00:25:29,895 --> 00:25:32,230 Or why he suddenly took off for alaska. 564 00:25:32,232 --> 00:25:34,698 But he did ask about the nature of 565 00:25:34,700 --> 00:25:37,035 Billy's relationship with cassy. 566 00:25:50,716 --> 00:25:51,782 - Really? 567 00:25:51,784 --> 00:25:53,517 Back at the crime scene, day of the murder, 568 00:25:53,519 --> 00:25:55,919 At least as sanchez told his supervisor, 569 00:25:55,921 --> 00:25:58,322 Billy claimed to barely know cassy. 570 00:25:58,324 --> 00:26:01,191 Now they were pretty close. 571 00:26:01,193 --> 00:26:02,860 Too close? 572 00:26:02,862 --> 00:26:05,595 Billy told the detective he had an alibi. 573 00:26:05,597 --> 00:26:07,397 He and a buddy were out in the country 574 00:26:07,399 --> 00:26:08,666 Working on his cabin. 575 00:26:16,276 --> 00:26:19,543 - But of course, as any detective could tell you, 576 00:26:19,545 --> 00:26:22,947 People lie all the time about alibis. 577 00:26:22,949 --> 00:26:26,417 Sanchez asked billy to take a polygraph. 578 00:26:32,559 --> 00:26:36,226 - The results were inconclusive. 579 00:26:36,228 --> 00:26:38,296 Not so good for billy. 580 00:26:38,298 --> 00:26:43,834 And that alibi just kinda sat there unchecked. 581 00:26:43,836 --> 00:26:48,706 Until finally, a year later, lieutenant tavizon himself 582 00:26:48,708 --> 00:26:51,109 Did some checking and confirmed that billy's alibi 583 00:26:51,111 --> 00:26:53,645 Was absolutely solid. 584 00:26:53,647 --> 00:26:56,647 Though, when we tracked him down, he said this. 585 00:26:56,649 --> 00:26:59,649 - They never did, in my mind, ever really 586 00:26:59,651 --> 00:27:03,655 Truly suspect me, because I had such an alibi. 587 00:27:03,657 --> 00:27:04,721 - I hate to say it, 588 00:27:04,723 --> 00:27:07,324 But I've looked at what they were sayin'. 589 00:27:07,326 --> 00:27:10,394 You were their number one person of interest. 590 00:27:10,396 --> 00:27:12,529 At least, one investigator's 591 00:27:12,531 --> 00:27:13,997 Number one person of interest. 592 00:27:13,999 --> 00:27:15,866 - They never told me that. 593 00:27:15,868 --> 00:27:17,868 - Billy also found any suggestion he was 594 00:27:17,870 --> 00:27:22,005 Too close to cassy particularly offensive. 595 00:27:22,007 --> 00:27:24,342 - Absolutely never even a thought in my mind 596 00:27:24,344 --> 00:27:26,477 To have had a relationship with cassy. 597 00:27:26,479 --> 00:27:28,212 Not even a little bit. 598 00:27:28,214 --> 00:27:29,880 Treated her like a daughter. 599 00:27:29,882 --> 00:27:32,883 - So why take off for alaska after the murder? 600 00:27:32,885 --> 00:27:35,485 - I had my alaska license since the day 601 00:27:35,487 --> 00:27:37,020 I got outta nursin' school. 602 00:27:37,022 --> 00:27:39,223 I love alaska, been up there multiple times. 603 00:27:39,225 --> 00:27:40,824 Wanted to live there. 604 00:27:40,826 --> 00:27:44,161 Got a lucrative job offer up there, so I took it, 605 00:27:44,163 --> 00:27:46,631 Not even thinkin' of-- - that it would look bad. 606 00:27:46,633 --> 00:27:48,565 - Yeah. Why would it look bad? 607 00:27:48,567 --> 00:27:51,268 - And he felt the same about that carpet he ripped up 608 00:27:51,270 --> 00:27:52,703 In cassy's bedroom. 609 00:27:52,705 --> 00:27:54,971 - I didn't know what to do, so I call one of those 610 00:27:54,973 --> 00:27:58,975 Professional carpet cleaner guys to come in to clean it. 611 00:27:58,977 --> 00:28:01,179 He says, "I can get all the water out of it, 612 00:28:01,181 --> 00:28:03,647 "but it's still gonna have a lotta moisture. 613 00:28:03,649 --> 00:28:07,585 "so you need to take this one up, and lay it out to dry." 614 00:28:07,587 --> 00:28:09,053 So that's why we took it out. 615 00:28:09,055 --> 00:28:10,253 - There were some people who thought, 616 00:28:10,255 --> 00:28:12,322 "billy took that outta there 617 00:28:12,324 --> 00:28:14,659 "because billy didn't want evidence to be found." 618 00:28:14,661 --> 00:28:17,328 - Well, what kinda evidence woulda been in the carpet 619 00:28:17,330 --> 00:28:20,464 More than woulda been somewhere else? 620 00:28:20,466 --> 00:28:22,133 - You knew that question was being asked about you. 621 00:28:22,135 --> 00:28:24,402 - After the fact. - Yeah. 622 00:28:24,404 --> 00:28:26,137 - Yeah, oh, sanchez, he said, 623 00:28:26,139 --> 00:28:27,338 "well, why did you take the carpet out?" 624 00:28:27,340 --> 00:28:30,340 - I says, "uh, 'cause you released the place 625 00:28:30,342 --> 00:28:32,075 "and we needed to save that flooring." 626 00:28:32,077 --> 00:28:34,544 - But what about that polygraph? 627 00:28:34,546 --> 00:28:37,547 Why that inconclusive result? 628 00:28:37,549 --> 00:28:39,149 - I can tell you why. 629 00:28:39,151 --> 00:28:41,284 They said, "have you ever been in the house?" 630 00:28:41,286 --> 00:28:43,620 - Uh-huh. - I said, "yes." 631 00:28:43,622 --> 00:28:46,423 And she kinda raised her eyebrows when that happened, 632 00:28:46,425 --> 00:28:47,691 'cause that was our rental house. 633 00:28:47,693 --> 00:28:48,892 Of course I've been in the house. 634 00:28:48,894 --> 00:28:50,294 Multiple times. 635 00:28:50,296 --> 00:28:53,297 - Maybe they should've asked cassy's family, 636 00:28:53,299 --> 00:28:56,633 Who didn't for a minute suspect billy lee. 637 00:28:56,635 --> 00:28:58,769 They would've told the deputies it was 638 00:28:58,771 --> 00:29:01,372 Long past time to focus on someone new. 639 00:29:01,374 --> 00:29:03,573 And who could that be? 640 00:29:03,575 --> 00:29:07,845 The person the family had suspected all along. 641 00:29:07,847 --> 00:29:09,513 - He did it. He killed her. 642 00:29:09,515 --> 00:29:12,115 We know he did. 643 00:29:12,117 --> 00:29:13,250 - Coming up... 644 00:29:13,252 --> 00:29:14,785 - Didn't you wanna call the police? 645 00:29:14,787 --> 00:29:18,054 - Yes, but I felt like if I did anything, 646 00:29:18,056 --> 00:29:19,323 He would hurt her. 647 00:29:19,325 --> 00:29:21,458 - Disturbing stories about one of the men 648 00:29:21,460 --> 00:29:23,727 In cassy's life. - She would wake up 649 00:29:23,729 --> 00:29:26,062 And he'd be in the dark standing over her watching her. 650 00:29:26,064 --> 00:29:26,998 - That's creepy. 651 00:29:27,000 --> 00:29:29,966 - And then, a new theory of the case. 652 00:29:29,968 --> 00:29:33,137 - He said a cop did this, that this had been done 653 00:29:33,139 --> 00:29:36,940 By someone who had been trained in police tactics. 654 00:29:37,074 --> 00:29:43,046 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 655 00:29:43,047 --> 00:29:49,019 ♪♪ 656 00:29:49,021 --> 00:29:53,290 - A dreadful whispered suspicion was making 657 00:29:53,292 --> 00:29:56,693 Its corrosive way around silver city, new mexico. 658 00:29:56,695 --> 00:30:00,765 That somehow, cops were protecting cops. 659 00:30:00,767 --> 00:30:03,300 The blue code, they called it. 660 00:30:03,302 --> 00:30:07,371 - At first, I didn't wanna believe it, but as time went on, 661 00:30:07,373 --> 00:30:09,440 It became more apparent that it seemed that way. 662 00:30:09,442 --> 00:30:11,174 - Why? 663 00:30:11,176 --> 00:30:13,044 Maybe because the investigation 664 00:30:13,046 --> 00:30:14,978 Of cassy farrington's murder had been 665 00:30:14,980 --> 00:30:16,781 Going nowhere for so long, 666 00:30:16,783 --> 00:30:20,183 Even while the family kept trying to tell the detective, 667 00:30:20,185 --> 00:30:24,187 Sanchez, that a particular silver city cop 668 00:30:24,189 --> 00:30:25,989 Killed cassy. 669 00:30:25,991 --> 00:30:29,326 But the detective hadn't done a thing about it. 670 00:30:29,328 --> 00:30:30,528 He never questioned him? 671 00:30:30,530 --> 00:30:31,863 - Uh-uh, and I asked him that. 672 00:30:31,865 --> 00:30:34,998 And he said he was trying to eliminate everyone else 673 00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:36,800 That could be possibly a suspect, 674 00:30:36,802 --> 00:30:39,069 And then he was gonna talk to him. 675 00:30:39,071 --> 00:30:43,273 - But sanchez's supervisor, lieutenant tavizon, 676 00:30:43,275 --> 00:30:46,409 Had already confirmed billy lee's alibi. 677 00:30:46,411 --> 00:30:49,946 Boyfriend david's, too. - We know he was at work. 678 00:30:49,948 --> 00:30:52,682 He left at 5:00 in the morning to go to work 679 00:30:52,684 --> 00:30:55,152 In deming, and all that was verified. 680 00:30:55,154 --> 00:30:57,687 - And still nothing happened. 681 00:30:57,689 --> 00:31:00,024 Till one day, months after the murder, 682 00:31:00,026 --> 00:31:04,160 The anger cassy's family was feeling boiled over. 683 00:31:04,162 --> 00:31:07,898 - I called the da's office, asked for a meeting 684 00:31:07,900 --> 00:31:10,100 To complain about the sheriff's department. 685 00:31:10,102 --> 00:31:12,636 - And complain he did. 686 00:31:12,638 --> 00:31:15,506 Forcefully, said then chief deputy district attorney 687 00:31:15,508 --> 00:31:16,907 George zsoka. 688 00:31:16,909 --> 00:31:19,109 - People got a little hot under the collar. 689 00:31:19,111 --> 00:31:21,646 The-the sheriff, the undersheriff were there. 690 00:31:21,648 --> 00:31:22,646 - Uh-huh. 691 00:31:22,648 --> 00:31:24,581 - And lieutenant tavizon was also there. 692 00:31:24,583 --> 00:31:27,183 - He and the others had to admit that 693 00:31:27,185 --> 00:31:30,588 Lead detective jose sanchez had made mistakes. 694 00:31:30,590 --> 00:31:32,190 Many mistakes. 695 00:31:32,192 --> 00:31:35,058 - I had no reason to doubt him, but I should have. 696 00:31:35,060 --> 00:31:37,727 I should've micromanaged him. 697 00:31:37,729 --> 00:31:40,730 - So maybe the whispers about some blue code 698 00:31:40,732 --> 00:31:44,134 Were understandable, said deputy tavizon. 699 00:31:44,136 --> 00:31:46,670 Just not true. 700 00:31:46,672 --> 00:31:48,538 - We do not protect officers. 701 00:31:48,540 --> 00:31:51,341 If an officer makes a mistake or commits a crime, 702 00:31:51,343 --> 00:31:54,678 We treat them just as we would any other person. 703 00:31:54,680 --> 00:31:58,349 - The real reason behind a stalled investigation? 704 00:31:58,351 --> 00:32:01,818 - Just, um, laziness. 705 00:32:01,820 --> 00:32:05,889 - The decision was swift, sanchez was off the case. 706 00:32:05,891 --> 00:32:11,162 And this ranch owner and veteran detective stepped in. 707 00:32:11,164 --> 00:32:15,298 - I came in one day and I was told, "hey, we're goin' 708 00:32:15,300 --> 00:32:18,769 "to assign you to the-- to the cassy farrington case." 709 00:32:18,771 --> 00:32:21,705 - Sergeant jess watkins. 710 00:32:21,707 --> 00:32:24,507 "see what you can find," they told him. 711 00:32:24,509 --> 00:32:26,509 - First thing I did was sit down, read through 712 00:32:26,511 --> 00:32:28,778 All the interviews, read through all the reports. 713 00:32:28,780 --> 00:32:32,382 - And then he listened as cassy's family told him 714 00:32:32,384 --> 00:32:35,318 About the city police officer who had never even 715 00:32:35,320 --> 00:32:37,588 Been questioned about the murder. 716 00:32:37,590 --> 00:32:39,390 - I knew it was farrington that did it. 717 00:32:39,392 --> 00:32:43,594 - Brad farrington, cassy's estranged husband. 718 00:32:43,596 --> 00:32:46,529 When cassy died, the two had been separated 719 00:32:46,531 --> 00:32:47,931 For more than a year. 720 00:32:47,933 --> 00:32:50,934 They were going through a nasty custody battle. 721 00:32:50,936 --> 00:32:53,036 - As soon as we found out she was dead, 722 00:32:53,038 --> 00:32:56,473 We all thought it was him. 723 00:32:56,475 --> 00:32:58,542 - Cassy's family told detective watkins that 724 00:32:58,544 --> 00:33:01,278 Cassy had been living in fear of brad for years 725 00:33:01,280 --> 00:33:03,413 And wasn't shy about saying so. 726 00:33:03,415 --> 00:33:05,682 - He had her convinced he was gonna kill her. 727 00:33:05,684 --> 00:33:10,087 - Watkins listened to their stories, many stories. 728 00:33:10,089 --> 00:33:13,891 One, when cassy's mom was right there, watching. 729 00:33:13,893 --> 00:33:17,027 - He has her against the wall on her side, 730 00:33:17,029 --> 00:33:19,562 But he has her in a headlock. 731 00:33:19,564 --> 00:33:20,897 - Didn't you wanna call the police? 732 00:33:20,899 --> 00:33:24,033 - Yes, but I felt like if I did anything 733 00:33:24,035 --> 00:33:25,235 He would hurt her. 734 00:33:25,237 --> 00:33:26,570 - And she would wake up during the night 735 00:33:26,572 --> 00:33:27,570 And he'd be in the dark 736 00:33:27,572 --> 00:33:29,039 Standing over her, watching her. 737 00:33:29,041 --> 00:33:30,441 - That's creepy. - Yeah. 738 00:33:30,443 --> 00:33:33,176 That is the first time she said, 739 00:33:33,178 --> 00:33:34,844 "he's going to kill me." 740 00:33:34,846 --> 00:33:36,179 - And she really believed this? 741 00:33:36,181 --> 00:33:38,182 - Yes. - The first time. 742 00:33:38,184 --> 00:33:39,983 - Mm-hmm. - How many times? 743 00:33:39,985 --> 00:33:42,385 - Oh, she told me at least three times. 744 00:33:42,387 --> 00:33:45,589 - And then there was what brad did to the kids-- 745 00:33:45,591 --> 00:33:48,191 Binding their hands and feet together, 746 00:33:48,193 --> 00:33:50,728 Even taping the baby's mouth. 747 00:33:50,730 --> 00:33:53,997 Cassy told her mom about it, said he called it a game. 748 00:33:53,999 --> 00:33:57,400 They were relieved when the couple finally split, 749 00:33:57,402 --> 00:33:59,869 And they liked her new boyfriend, david berry. 750 00:33:59,871 --> 00:34:02,806 - I thought when she moved in with david that maybe 751 00:34:02,808 --> 00:34:05,809 She'd be more safe, could get on with life. 752 00:34:05,811 --> 00:34:07,477 - The kids loved him. - Mm-hmm. 753 00:34:07,479 --> 00:34:09,346 - Well, triston actually started calling him 754 00:34:09,348 --> 00:34:11,949 "daddy david," which cassy would be like, 755 00:34:11,951 --> 00:34:14,951 "you can't call him that. Your dad's gonna get mad." 756 00:34:14,953 --> 00:34:19,290 - And sure enough, said cassy's sister, he did. 757 00:34:19,292 --> 00:34:22,093 - He expressed to cassy that he didn't like it, 758 00:34:22,095 --> 00:34:25,029 That the kids better not call him that. 759 00:34:25,031 --> 00:34:26,830 - He blamed cassy for it. - Yeah. 760 00:34:26,832 --> 00:34:29,699 - And a few weeks before cassy's death, 761 00:34:29,701 --> 00:34:32,503 She told her parents son triston came home 762 00:34:32,505 --> 00:34:36,172 From a visit with brad utterly terrified. 763 00:34:36,174 --> 00:34:38,107 - I ask him, "what's wrong triston?" 764 00:34:38,109 --> 00:34:40,378 He says, "daddy said he's gonna kill 765 00:34:40,380 --> 00:34:43,446 "mommy and david." he was five years old. 766 00:34:43,448 --> 00:34:47,117 I don't think a five year-old makes that up. 767 00:34:47,119 --> 00:34:51,054 - By then, brad was no longer on the police force 768 00:34:51,056 --> 00:34:53,724 And things weren't going so well for him. 769 00:34:53,726 --> 00:34:57,794 When sergeant watkins finished reviewing it all, 770 00:34:57,796 --> 00:35:00,531 The police reports, his own interviews, 771 00:35:00,533 --> 00:35:04,334 What he felt was something like amazement. 772 00:35:04,336 --> 00:35:08,338 - Wow, nobody in this world is pointed out 773 00:35:08,340 --> 00:35:10,141 As having any reason to want to harm her 774 00:35:10,143 --> 00:35:12,209 Other than brad. 775 00:35:12,211 --> 00:35:16,013 - As long as she was alive, cassy had the kids, 776 00:35:16,015 --> 00:35:19,083 And a new man, and a great job. 777 00:35:19,085 --> 00:35:23,019 And he was losing everything. 778 00:35:23,021 --> 00:35:26,690 - He no longer working at the police department. 779 00:35:26,692 --> 00:35:28,892 You know, they hadn't reached any agreements 780 00:35:28,894 --> 00:35:31,428 On these kids. I think that was his way 781 00:35:31,430 --> 00:35:34,097 To take what he could from her. 782 00:35:34,099 --> 00:35:36,099 To say, "hey, look, those kids are gonna-- 783 00:35:36,101 --> 00:35:37,434 "they're not gonna have you." 784 00:35:37,436 --> 00:35:40,838 - Was watkins right? We asked to hear 785 00:35:40,840 --> 00:35:42,372 The farrington side of the story 786 00:35:42,374 --> 00:35:44,308 From brad or his family or both. 787 00:35:44,310 --> 00:35:47,243 We asked multiple times, but they told us 788 00:35:47,245 --> 00:35:49,445 They didn't want to be interviewed. 789 00:35:49,447 --> 00:35:52,315 Anyway, for sergeant watkins, the evidence was 790 00:35:52,317 --> 00:35:55,051 Too compelling to ignore, especially what came 791 00:35:55,053 --> 00:35:56,720 Right outta the autopsy. 792 00:35:56,722 --> 00:35:59,522 Photos, which the detective said to the prosecutor, 793 00:35:59,524 --> 00:36:01,858 Told an unmistakable story. 794 00:36:01,860 --> 00:36:05,161 - He said, a cop did this. That this had been done 795 00:36:05,163 --> 00:36:07,330 By someone who had been trained in 796 00:36:07,332 --> 00:36:09,399 Police defensive tactics. 797 00:36:09,401 --> 00:36:10,800 - What'd you think when you heard that? 798 00:36:10,802 --> 00:36:13,536 - Well, I thought, uh, we now have 799 00:36:13,538 --> 00:36:16,539 The evidence we need to charge bradley farrington. 800 00:36:16,541 --> 00:36:19,810 - Five weeks after sergeant watkins took over 801 00:36:19,812 --> 00:36:23,146 The case, and a year and a half after cassy was killed, 802 00:36:23,148 --> 00:36:26,015 Law enforcement tracked down brad farrington 803 00:36:26,017 --> 00:36:29,219 In tucson, arizona, where he had taken the children, 804 00:36:29,221 --> 00:36:32,488 And they arrested him and charged him 805 00:36:32,490 --> 00:36:36,225 With first degree murder. Just one nagging worry: 806 00:36:36,227 --> 00:36:38,695 There was no evidence at all 807 00:36:38,697 --> 00:36:41,031 To put brad at the murder scene. 808 00:36:41,033 --> 00:36:45,435 And without that, odds of conviction weren't good. 809 00:36:45,437 --> 00:36:49,439 - I was scared that he was gonna get off. 810 00:36:49,441 --> 00:36:50,773 - Coming up... 811 00:36:50,775 --> 00:36:54,177 At trial, the defense comes out swinging. 812 00:36:54,179 --> 00:36:57,247 - It will be clear that other people had access, 813 00:36:57,249 --> 00:37:00,583 Motive, and ability to complete this crime. 814 00:37:00,585 --> 00:37:02,518 - What will the jury think? 815 00:37:02,520 --> 00:37:03,586 - Oh, I was so nervous. 816 00:37:03,588 --> 00:37:05,255 I just paced up and down the halls, in and out. 817 00:37:05,257 --> 00:37:05,321 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 818 00:37:05,523 --> 00:37:16,733 ♪♪ 819 00:37:16,735 --> 00:37:17,800 - Welcome back. 820 00:37:17,802 --> 00:37:20,671 It was no secret darlene and chuck brooks believed 821 00:37:20,673 --> 00:37:23,539 Brad farrington killed their daughter cassy. 822 00:37:23,541 --> 00:37:25,942 Now, more than a year later, 823 00:37:25,944 --> 00:37:27,810 They hoped a jury would agree. 824 00:37:27,812 --> 00:37:30,079 Brad was about to stand trial for murder, 825 00:37:30,081 --> 00:37:33,617 And his relationship with cassy would take center stage, 826 00:37:33,619 --> 00:37:37,153 But the defense had a surprise in store, 827 00:37:37,155 --> 00:37:41,958 A star witness with an unexpected revelation. 828 00:37:41,960 --> 00:37:44,093 Here's keith morrison with the conclusion 829 00:37:44,095 --> 00:37:48,264 Of "suspicion in silver city." 830 00:37:48,266 --> 00:37:50,633 - It was the day the brooks family feared 831 00:37:50,635 --> 00:37:52,169 They'd never see, 832 00:37:52,171 --> 00:37:56,039 Brad farrington on trial for murdering cassy. 833 00:37:56,041 --> 00:37:58,374 - I never thought we would get this far. 834 00:37:58,376 --> 00:38:01,844 - Too far? The prosecutor's opening 835 00:38:01,846 --> 00:38:04,448 Argument was a warning to the jury. 836 00:38:04,450 --> 00:38:06,649 "we don't have a lot." 837 00:38:06,651 --> 00:38:08,651 - No one saw the defendant enter 838 00:38:08,653 --> 00:38:10,253 Cassy farrington's home. 839 00:38:10,255 --> 00:38:13,189 No one saw the defendant strangle her. 840 00:38:13,191 --> 00:38:16,125 - No, and there was absolutely no evidence 841 00:38:16,127 --> 00:38:17,795 From the crime scene to help their case. 842 00:38:17,797 --> 00:38:20,998 The prosecution didn't even call the now retired 843 00:38:21,000 --> 00:38:23,667 Detective jose sanchez as a witness. 844 00:38:23,669 --> 00:38:26,803 - What we were rather brief on was the scene. 845 00:38:26,805 --> 00:38:28,271 - That was a weakness, actually. 846 00:38:28,273 --> 00:38:30,473 - Well, I don't know if I would call it 847 00:38:30,475 --> 00:38:33,343 A weakness, uh, but it wasn't a strength. 848 00:38:33,345 --> 00:38:36,880 - You should be in the diplomatic corps. 849 00:38:36,882 --> 00:38:39,550 - Well, there just, uh, there just wasn't anything 850 00:38:39,552 --> 00:38:42,685 There that was terribly useful, so we showed the scene 851 00:38:42,687 --> 00:38:44,687 So the jury could see, you know, 852 00:38:44,689 --> 00:38:46,890 "this is where it happened." 853 00:38:46,892 --> 00:38:51,695 - It was unilluminating, and that was a problem, 854 00:38:51,697 --> 00:38:56,032 Until the prosecutor argued for the right to present 855 00:38:56,034 --> 00:38:58,636 Hearsay evidence, normally disallowed, 856 00:38:58,638 --> 00:39:00,904 And he won. 857 00:39:00,906 --> 00:39:04,373 - Brad was being verbally and physically abusive 858 00:39:04,375 --> 00:39:05,308 Toward her. 859 00:39:05,310 --> 00:39:08,111 - So one by one, cassy's friends repeated 860 00:39:08,113 --> 00:39:12,048 Stories cassy told them about her fear of brad. 861 00:39:12,050 --> 00:39:14,917 - There would be times where he-- she felt like 862 00:39:14,919 --> 00:39:16,453 He was following her. 863 00:39:16,455 --> 00:39:19,389 - And then cassy's mom told the jury 864 00:39:19,391 --> 00:39:22,592 What she saw when brad was with cassy. 865 00:39:22,594 --> 00:39:26,462 - And he had her in the choke hold on the bed. 866 00:39:26,464 --> 00:39:29,333 - When you say a choke hold, can you describe for us 867 00:39:29,335 --> 00:39:31,134 Just how he was holding her? 868 00:39:31,136 --> 00:39:33,069 - His arm was up on her neck, like this. 869 00:39:33,071 --> 00:39:35,304 He had her neck. 870 00:39:35,306 --> 00:39:39,609 - To frighten, control-- darlene wasn't sure. 871 00:39:39,611 --> 00:39:42,479 But shortly before she died, said her mom, 872 00:39:42,481 --> 00:39:46,149 Cassy confessed there was another reason, too. 873 00:39:46,151 --> 00:39:51,087 - He liked to choke her during sex. 874 00:39:51,089 --> 00:39:53,556 - How did that relate to murder? 875 00:39:53,558 --> 00:39:56,292 Remember, the medical examiner was vague about 876 00:39:56,294 --> 00:39:59,096 The cause of death, but not this guy. 877 00:39:59,098 --> 00:40:01,964 Dr. Michael hunter, then chief medical examiner 878 00:40:01,966 --> 00:40:03,299 In san francisco. 879 00:40:03,301 --> 00:40:04,901 - We were seeing bleeding 880 00:40:04,903 --> 00:40:07,103 Within, uh, some of the muscles. 881 00:40:07,105 --> 00:40:09,305 - He made it crystal clear to the jury 882 00:40:09,307 --> 00:40:11,974 That cassy's killer strangled her. 883 00:40:11,976 --> 00:40:14,710 - Once you see injuries to the neck, 884 00:40:14,712 --> 00:40:19,649 Petechial hemorrhages, evidence of assault, um, that 885 00:40:19,651 --> 00:40:23,119 You can form an opinion and I have formed an opinion 886 00:40:23,121 --> 00:40:24,987 That this represents strangulation. 887 00:40:24,989 --> 00:40:28,992 - But why should the jury decide brad did that? 888 00:40:28,994 --> 00:40:32,062 - He was in the academy from January 2006-- 889 00:40:32,064 --> 00:40:34,463 - This is ed reynolds, retired silver city 890 00:40:34,465 --> 00:40:36,465 Police chief, and also once 891 00:40:36,467 --> 00:40:39,736 Brad's police academy instructor. 892 00:40:39,738 --> 00:40:43,339 The man who taught him the choke hold. 893 00:40:43,341 --> 00:40:46,409 - [indistinct] and you pull back. 894 00:40:46,411 --> 00:40:50,346 - So eerily similar to what darlene demonstrated. 895 00:40:50,348 --> 00:40:53,015 - His arm was up on her neck, like this. 896 00:40:53,017 --> 00:40:56,219 - All of which was interesting, said 897 00:40:56,221 --> 00:40:58,889 Defense attorney nathan gonzales, but did not 898 00:40:58,891 --> 00:41:01,158 Prove that brad was the killer. 899 00:41:01,160 --> 00:41:05,628 In fact, he told the jury, they arrested the wrong man. 900 00:41:05,630 --> 00:41:09,166 - It will be clear that other people had access, 901 00:41:09,168 --> 00:41:12,635 Motive, and ability to complete this crime. 902 00:41:12,637 --> 00:41:16,172 - But their star witness to drive that point home 903 00:41:16,174 --> 00:41:19,509 Was none other than retired grant county deputy 904 00:41:19,511 --> 00:41:23,280 Jose sanchez, and what he said on the stand... 905 00:41:23,282 --> 00:41:24,747 Oh, my. 906 00:41:24,749 --> 00:41:26,716 - Mr. Farrington, a suspect in your-- 907 00:41:26,718 --> 00:41:27,650 In your investigation? - No, he was not. 908 00:41:27,652 --> 00:41:28,985 Not my suspect, no. 909 00:41:28,987 --> 00:41:31,921 - Now that was shocking, because sanchez had told 910 00:41:31,923 --> 00:41:34,323 Cassy's parents that brad was a suspect. 911 00:41:34,325 --> 00:41:36,525 - He believed there was an altercation, a fight, 912 00:41:36,527 --> 00:41:38,929 And that he killed her, and then took her 913 00:41:38,931 --> 00:41:40,596 And put her in the other tub. 914 00:41:40,598 --> 00:41:43,066 He told us that the day after her death. 915 00:41:43,068 --> 00:41:45,601 - This is sanchez? - This is what sanchez said. 916 00:41:45,603 --> 00:41:48,871 - Bur now, in court, sanchez told a different story 917 00:41:48,873 --> 00:41:51,541 Altogether, which if the jury believed it, 918 00:41:51,543 --> 00:41:54,611 Could undermine the prosecution's entire case. 919 00:41:54,613 --> 00:41:56,345 - I was focused already on-- 920 00:41:56,347 --> 00:41:58,048 - Mr. Lee. - Mr. Lee. 921 00:41:58,050 --> 00:42:00,750 - Mr. Billy lee. 922 00:42:00,752 --> 00:42:04,353 - Why did you choose to focus on mr. Lee? 923 00:42:04,355 --> 00:42:07,224 - There was just too many discrepancies. 924 00:42:07,226 --> 00:42:11,228 - Remember, billy was cleared, had a solid alibi. 925 00:42:11,230 --> 00:42:13,897 But now the defense was using sanchez 926 00:42:13,899 --> 00:42:17,633 To raise doubt about who the real killer was. 927 00:42:17,635 --> 00:42:21,838 - There's a lot of smoke here, but, um, no-no fire. 928 00:42:21,840 --> 00:42:22,840 - Muddles it up. 929 00:42:22,842 --> 00:42:26,710 - And that I believe was the defense strategy, 930 00:42:26,712 --> 00:42:29,312 That if you have enough of that, then 931 00:42:29,314 --> 00:42:31,848 The jury won't see through it. 932 00:42:31,850 --> 00:42:34,383 - The jury retired to consider. 933 00:42:34,385 --> 00:42:35,451 - Oh, I was so nervous. 934 00:42:35,453 --> 00:42:38,387 I just paced up and down the halls, in and out. 935 00:42:38,389 --> 00:42:41,858 - Four hours later they were called back into court. 936 00:42:41,860 --> 00:42:43,659 - Has the jury reached a verdict? 937 00:42:43,661 --> 00:42:44,794 - We have, your honor. 938 00:42:44,796 --> 00:42:48,465 - Okay, and the defendant shall please rise. 939 00:42:48,467 --> 00:42:51,133 We find the defendant, bradley farrington, 940 00:42:51,135 --> 00:42:53,336 Guilty of first degree murder. 941 00:42:53,338 --> 00:42:55,539 - When they announced their verdict? 942 00:42:55,541 --> 00:42:58,808 - There was a lot of tears, lot of sighs of relief. 943 00:42:58,810 --> 00:43:01,545 One of the deputy attorneys says, "thank you 944 00:43:01,547 --> 00:43:03,679 "for not giving up. Thank you for pushing." 945 00:43:03,681 --> 00:43:07,283 And I said, "how could I? It was my little girl." 946 00:43:07,285 --> 00:43:10,553 - Brad farrington was sentenced to life. 947 00:43:10,555 --> 00:43:13,957 No parole for at least 30 years. 948 00:43:13,959 --> 00:43:19,295 Cassy is but a memory now, and so her parents remember 949 00:43:19,297 --> 00:43:22,765 Their way through their pain to the good in her life. 950 00:43:22,767 --> 00:43:25,302 The kids live with brad's family now, 951 00:43:25,304 --> 00:43:28,238 And when we last spoke to chuck and darlene, 952 00:43:28,240 --> 00:43:32,041 Their one hope was to see their grandchildren again. 953 00:43:32,043 --> 00:43:34,577 - They don't allow us to see or talk to 'em. 954 00:43:34,579 --> 00:43:36,846 - Anything you'd wanna say to them if you could? 955 00:43:36,848 --> 00:43:38,981 - That we love 'em. 956 00:43:38,983 --> 00:43:42,252 - That their mama loved 'em, unconditionally. 957 00:43:42,254 --> 00:43:45,254 - That's all for this edition 958 00:43:45,256 --> 00:43:47,189 Of "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 959 00:43:47,191 --> 00:43:49,492 I'm craig melvin. Thank you for watching.