1 00:00:12,279 --> 00:00:13,545 - I'm kate snow, 2 00:00:13,547 --> 00:00:16,148 And this is "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 3 00:00:17,952 --> 00:00:19,519 - The desert is a strange place. 4 00:00:21,055 --> 00:00:22,788 So isolated. 5 00:00:22,790 --> 00:00:25,424 Somebody got lost out there. 6 00:00:25,426 --> 00:00:27,794 A marine's wife had gone missing. 7 00:00:27,796 --> 00:00:30,328 I never expected to be a part of this. 8 00:00:30,330 --> 00:00:33,266 A huge piece of a murder case. 9 00:00:33,268 --> 00:00:34,933 - A treacherous journey. 10 00:00:34,935 --> 00:00:37,936 - One wrong turn can be your last. 11 00:00:37,938 --> 00:00:39,505 - To solve a mystery. 12 00:00:39,507 --> 00:00:42,340 A shy young wife who vanished. 13 00:00:42,342 --> 00:00:45,077 - My heart just sunk. 14 00:00:45,079 --> 00:00:46,812 Something had happened. 15 00:00:46,814 --> 00:00:47,879 I know my daughter. 16 00:00:47,881 --> 00:00:49,281 - She was headed, she said, 17 00:00:49,283 --> 00:00:51,750 To joshua tree national park. 18 00:00:51,752 --> 00:00:54,019 Desolate and vast. 19 00:00:54,021 --> 00:00:56,087 - We don't know if she's stranded in the desert 20 00:00:56,089 --> 00:00:58,023 Or if she's being held somewhere. 21 00:00:58,025 --> 00:01:00,292 Can we find her before she meets a horrible end? 22 00:01:00,294 --> 00:01:02,160 - Police questioned her husband. 23 00:01:02,162 --> 00:01:04,029 - They treated me like a suspect. 24 00:01:04,031 --> 00:01:06,398 - Then they discovered her lover. 25 00:01:09,303 --> 00:01:11,504 Were there more secrets to uncover? 26 00:01:11,506 --> 00:01:13,238 - There was something big going on there. 27 00:01:13,240 --> 00:01:15,975 - We didn't realize that there would be a predator. 28 00:01:15,977 --> 00:01:18,511 - What would they find deep in the desert? 29 00:01:19,913 --> 00:01:21,513 - It makes me think of "indiana jones." 30 00:01:21,515 --> 00:01:23,649 - I had no idea what we were getting into. 31 00:01:23,651 --> 00:01:24,916 - She's dealing with the devil. 32 00:01:24,918 --> 00:01:27,153 - My heart aches so bad. 33 00:01:27,155 --> 00:01:28,920 This really can't be happening. 34 00:01:28,922 --> 00:01:36,795 ♪♪ 35 00:01:36,797 --> 00:01:39,866 - Hello, and welcome to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 36 00:01:39,868 --> 00:01:41,399 Though shy as a child, 37 00:01:41,401 --> 00:01:43,736 Erin heavilin grew up fast. 38 00:01:43,738 --> 00:01:45,338 By 19, she was married, 39 00:01:45,340 --> 00:01:46,938 Had moved across the country, 40 00:01:46,940 --> 00:01:48,541 And wanted to start a family. 41 00:01:48,543 --> 00:01:50,742 Then she vanished. 42 00:01:50,744 --> 00:01:52,677 Investigators believed the desert 43 00:01:52,679 --> 00:01:55,280 Was holding the secret of her disappearance 44 00:01:55,282 --> 00:01:57,216 And assembled an elite search team 45 00:01:57,218 --> 00:02:00,686 Willing to push the limits to unearth the truth. 46 00:02:00,688 --> 00:02:02,888 But would they find erin? 47 00:02:02,890 --> 00:02:04,424 Here's andrea canning with "the last day." 48 00:02:08,896 --> 00:02:10,763 - They say if you're feeling down, 49 00:02:10,765 --> 00:02:12,831 It's time to saddle up. 50 00:02:12,833 --> 00:02:15,668 With a little love, trust, and respect, 51 00:02:15,670 --> 00:02:17,703 These majestic creatures can emerge 52 00:02:17,705 --> 00:02:20,172 As loyal and gentle companions. 53 00:02:20,174 --> 00:02:23,508 For both horse and rider, there's nothing like it. 54 00:02:23,510 --> 00:02:27,380 - She transformed into this awesome horse handler, 55 00:02:27,382 --> 00:02:28,780 And she knew what she was doing 56 00:02:28,782 --> 00:02:30,115 And what she was talking about. 57 00:02:30,117 --> 00:02:33,653 - If only romantic relationships were that simple. 58 00:02:33,655 --> 00:02:36,054 This is the story of a young woman, 59 00:02:36,056 --> 00:02:38,523 So gentle, so vulnerable. 60 00:02:38,525 --> 00:02:41,326 She may have understood what makes horses tick, 61 00:02:41,328 --> 00:02:42,462 But humans? 62 00:02:42,464 --> 00:02:44,396 A different beast indeed. 63 00:02:46,334 --> 00:02:49,301 - This doesn't happen to people we know. 64 00:02:49,303 --> 00:02:50,735 It just doesn't. 65 00:02:50,737 --> 00:02:51,737 - It was crushing. 66 00:02:51,739 --> 00:02:53,139 I cried. I cried for days. 67 00:02:53,141 --> 00:02:54,739 I still cry when I think about it. 68 00:02:54,741 --> 00:02:56,342 We weren't really sure what type of person 69 00:02:56,344 --> 00:02:57,309 It takes to do that. 70 00:03:00,614 --> 00:03:01,814 - Oak ridge, tennessee. 71 00:03:01,816 --> 00:03:04,283 Nestled along the beautiful clinch river 72 00:03:04,285 --> 00:03:07,085 Is an unassuming place with a big story. 73 00:03:07,087 --> 00:03:08,453 - Atomic capital of the world, 74 00:03:08,455 --> 00:03:10,089 Oak ridge, tennessee, home of-- 75 00:03:10,091 --> 00:03:12,023 - They call it the secret city 76 00:03:12,025 --> 00:03:13,758 For its part in the manhattan project, 77 00:03:13,760 --> 00:03:16,161 Which produced the first atomic bomb. 78 00:03:16,163 --> 00:03:19,097 Oak ridge still prides itself on being a community 79 00:03:19,099 --> 00:03:20,899 That values science and education 80 00:03:20,901 --> 00:03:23,568 And it's a good place to raise a family. 81 00:03:23,570 --> 00:03:26,037 This is where erin heavilin grew up. 82 00:03:26,039 --> 00:03:28,206 - When erin was three weeks old, 83 00:03:28,208 --> 00:03:30,643 She joined our family as a foster child. 84 00:03:30,645 --> 00:03:32,377 - Erin's mom, lore. 85 00:03:32,379 --> 00:03:34,780 - She was a teeny, tiny little thing. 86 00:03:34,782 --> 00:03:37,315 I think she was five pounds, three ounces when we got her. 87 00:03:37,317 --> 00:03:38,384 - That's small. 88 00:03:38,386 --> 00:03:41,319 - Oh, we thought she was the sweetest little thing. 89 00:03:41,321 --> 00:03:43,322 Our oldest girls were 16 90 00:03:43,324 --> 00:03:44,589 And they carried her around. 91 00:03:44,591 --> 00:03:45,924 - She was like their little doll. 92 00:03:45,926 --> 00:03:47,459 - Yeah. They loved her. 93 00:03:47,461 --> 00:03:48,460 - Lore and her husband 94 00:03:48,462 --> 00:03:50,530 Officially adopted their little doll 95 00:03:50,532 --> 00:03:51,930 When she was three. 96 00:03:51,932 --> 00:03:54,399 Erin grew into a shy little girl, 97 00:03:54,401 --> 00:03:56,601 Reserved around those she didn't know. 98 00:03:56,603 --> 00:03:58,269 But with the horses she cared for 99 00:03:58,271 --> 00:04:00,071 At the east tennessee riding club, 100 00:04:00,073 --> 00:04:01,906 That was a different story. 101 00:04:01,908 --> 00:04:04,176 - When I think of erin with horses, 102 00:04:04,178 --> 00:04:06,144 I think of her as a bigger-- 103 00:04:06,146 --> 00:04:08,613 She's very confident. 104 00:04:08,615 --> 00:04:10,415 She knows exactly what she wants 105 00:04:10,417 --> 00:04:11,950 And what she's going to do. 106 00:04:11,952 --> 00:04:14,152 - Erin's friend, abby gouge. 107 00:04:14,154 --> 00:04:19,090 - But with people, she was much meeker, 108 00:04:19,092 --> 00:04:22,661 Much quieter, calmer. 109 00:04:22,663 --> 00:04:25,498 - Horses would always be erin's first love. 110 00:04:25,500 --> 00:04:27,499 But as she entered her teen years, 111 00:04:27,501 --> 00:04:29,769 A certain young man caught her eye. 112 00:04:29,771 --> 00:04:31,970 His name is john corwin. 113 00:04:31,972 --> 00:04:33,572 What was it about you 114 00:04:33,574 --> 00:04:36,574 That could kind of break through to erin? 115 00:04:36,576 --> 00:04:38,443 Because her mom says how shy she was 116 00:04:38,445 --> 00:04:40,578 And she was better with horses than people. 117 00:04:40,580 --> 00:04:42,181 So what was it about you? 118 00:04:42,183 --> 00:04:44,182 - I guess it's my charming personality. 119 00:04:44,184 --> 00:04:45,117 [laughs] 120 00:04:45,119 --> 00:04:47,452 I-I have no idea. 121 00:04:47,454 --> 00:04:49,120 It still surprises me today. 122 00:04:49,122 --> 00:04:50,522 - Really? - Yes. 123 00:04:50,524 --> 00:04:51,323 I guess that I'm-- 124 00:04:51,325 --> 00:04:53,792 I was always able to talk to her, 125 00:04:53,794 --> 00:04:55,593 Figure out what she was feeling. 126 00:04:55,595 --> 00:04:57,530 - Erin's parents had strict rules 127 00:04:57,532 --> 00:04:59,398 About when she could start dating. 128 00:04:59,400 --> 00:05:02,600 - We were those parents. We were the mean parents. 129 00:05:02,602 --> 00:05:05,937 - John was sure to get their blessing first. 130 00:05:05,939 --> 00:05:08,207 - I ended up driving over to her parents house 131 00:05:08,209 --> 00:05:10,008 And asking if I could date their daughter. 132 00:05:10,010 --> 00:05:12,345 - That's very chivalrous of you 133 00:05:12,347 --> 00:05:13,745 To go to her parents. 134 00:05:13,747 --> 00:05:15,146 - That's the way I was raised, 135 00:05:15,148 --> 00:05:16,749 You should always get the parents' permission 136 00:05:16,751 --> 00:05:18,149 Before anything. 137 00:05:18,151 --> 00:05:19,819 - After graduating from high school, 138 00:05:19,821 --> 00:05:21,753 John joined the marines. 139 00:05:21,755 --> 00:05:25,223 He asked erin to marry him when she was just 18 years old 140 00:05:25,225 --> 00:05:27,225 With an unusual proposal. 141 00:05:27,227 --> 00:05:28,293 There was no champagne, 142 00:05:28,295 --> 00:05:30,762 But there was a cup of sprite. 143 00:05:30,764 --> 00:05:32,630 - Hands are clammy and everything, 144 00:05:32,632 --> 00:05:34,032 Nervous as heck. 145 00:05:34,034 --> 00:05:35,700 And so, I go grab the sprite, 146 00:05:35,702 --> 00:05:36,835 I put the ring on top of it, 147 00:05:36,837 --> 00:05:38,104 And asked her to marry me. 148 00:05:38,106 --> 00:05:39,572 - So the ring was around the straw. 149 00:05:39,574 --> 00:05:41,106 - Yes. - Did she see it right away? 150 00:05:41,108 --> 00:05:42,040 - No. 151 00:05:42,042 --> 00:05:43,508 I told her, "hey, look at your drink." 152 00:05:43,510 --> 00:05:44,976 - Oh! 153 00:05:44,978 --> 00:05:46,044 And what did she-- 154 00:05:46,046 --> 00:05:48,513 What was her reaction when she finally looked down? 155 00:05:48,515 --> 00:05:51,917 - She was crying tears of joy, ecstatic. 156 00:05:51,919 --> 00:05:54,252 And just screaming, "yes, yes, yes, 157 00:05:54,254 --> 00:05:55,587 I would love to." 158 00:05:55,589 --> 00:05:58,323 - Erin's mom had heard that being a military wife 159 00:05:58,325 --> 00:05:59,991 Comes with sacrifice. 160 00:05:59,993 --> 00:06:01,993 I'm a marine corps wife myself 161 00:06:01,995 --> 00:06:06,064 And I know that it can be a very lonely life 162 00:06:06,066 --> 00:06:08,000 For people and it's not easy. 163 00:06:08,002 --> 00:06:10,468 Did you try to warn her? 164 00:06:10,470 --> 00:06:11,536 - Oh, yes. 165 00:06:11,538 --> 00:06:13,405 - And did she listen? 166 00:06:13,407 --> 00:06:15,874 - "I know, mom. I know, mom." 167 00:06:15,876 --> 00:06:17,476 You know, and of course, when I was 18, 168 00:06:17,478 --> 00:06:20,012 I knew also. 169 00:06:20,014 --> 00:06:22,347 You know, you probably couldn't tell me a whole lot. 170 00:06:22,349 --> 00:06:25,016 - The couple decided to elope to las vegas 171 00:06:25,018 --> 00:06:28,219 And tied the knot after an annual formal celebration 172 00:06:28,221 --> 00:06:29,821 Known as the marine corps ball. 173 00:06:29,823 --> 00:06:31,090 Okay, so my husband and I 174 00:06:31,092 --> 00:06:33,024 Have had a lot of fun at marine balls. 175 00:06:33,026 --> 00:06:35,093 However, I never thought about getting married 176 00:06:35,095 --> 00:06:36,696 At one of them. 177 00:06:36,698 --> 00:06:38,963 Why did you guys decide to get married there? 178 00:06:38,965 --> 00:06:41,299 - Because we were young, it was vegas. 179 00:06:41,301 --> 00:06:43,368 We honestly didn't plan on a lot of things. 180 00:06:43,370 --> 00:06:45,437 It was more like spur of the moment type deal, 181 00:06:45,439 --> 00:06:47,038 And that's how we lived. 182 00:06:47,040 --> 00:06:49,975 - John was assigned to the 29 palms marine base 183 00:06:49,977 --> 00:06:51,676 Out in the california desert. 184 00:06:51,678 --> 00:06:53,779 In September, 2013, 185 00:06:53,781 --> 00:06:56,381 Erin packed up for her move to join him. 186 00:06:56,383 --> 00:06:58,783 Her mom saw her off at the airport. 187 00:06:58,785 --> 00:07:01,252 - She's very directionally challenged 188 00:07:01,254 --> 00:07:03,788 And she had two layovers. 189 00:07:03,790 --> 00:07:06,191 And I'm like, "when you get off that plane, 190 00:07:06,193 --> 00:07:08,993 You ask somebody where you need to go 191 00:07:08,995 --> 00:07:11,396 And you let me know as soon as you get there." 192 00:07:11,398 --> 00:07:12,730 - What emotions were you feeling 193 00:07:12,732 --> 00:07:16,467 Letting your baby go to start her new life? 194 00:07:16,469 --> 00:07:18,269 - It was scary for me. 195 00:07:18,271 --> 00:07:21,339 You know, I knew that 196 00:07:21,341 --> 00:07:23,208 It was gonna be harder than she ever dreamt. 197 00:07:23,210 --> 00:07:24,610 - Like any parent, 198 00:07:24,612 --> 00:07:26,277 Lore worried about her daughter 199 00:07:26,279 --> 00:07:28,479 Finding her place in this new life. 200 00:07:28,481 --> 00:07:30,548 - She's very shy 201 00:07:30,550 --> 00:07:33,952 And I did have concerns about her making friends. 202 00:07:33,954 --> 00:07:37,155 We felt like base housing would be safer for her, 203 00:07:37,157 --> 00:07:39,691 Because her husband was out in the field so often. 204 00:07:39,693 --> 00:07:42,160 - It wasn't long before john and erin learned 205 00:07:42,162 --> 00:07:44,363 They were expecting a baby. 206 00:07:44,365 --> 00:07:47,432 - She was very excited. I was excited for her. 207 00:07:47,434 --> 00:07:50,101 - Sadly, her excitement was short-lived. 208 00:07:50,103 --> 00:07:51,903 In early 2014, 209 00:07:51,905 --> 00:07:54,106 She suffered a miscarriage. 210 00:07:54,108 --> 00:07:57,041 Was it hard for both of you to hear that news? 211 00:07:57,043 --> 00:07:58,176 - It was very hard. 212 00:07:58,178 --> 00:08:00,044 I was actually in the middle of a training exercise 213 00:08:00,046 --> 00:08:02,847 Out in the field and, um, 214 00:08:02,849 --> 00:08:06,317 I received the message over the radio. 215 00:08:06,319 --> 00:08:09,521 My co called me down to his vehicle 216 00:08:09,523 --> 00:08:11,389 And said that, "your wife had just had a miscarriage 217 00:08:11,391 --> 00:08:13,658 When she was in the hospital." 218 00:08:13,660 --> 00:08:15,461 So, it was kind of shocking. 219 00:08:15,463 --> 00:08:17,128 And that night, 220 00:08:17,130 --> 00:08:19,330 I got drove back to the hospital 221 00:08:19,332 --> 00:08:24,202 And I met up with her and she was in tears. 222 00:08:24,204 --> 00:08:25,871 - After she lost the baby, 223 00:08:25,873 --> 00:08:29,140 You know, part of me wanted to go out there 224 00:08:29,142 --> 00:08:31,076 And be with her, 225 00:08:31,078 --> 00:08:34,879 But I felt like they would do a better job 226 00:08:34,881 --> 00:08:36,682 Of getting through their grief 227 00:08:36,684 --> 00:08:39,818 If they didn't have to worry about entertaining mom. 228 00:08:39,820 --> 00:08:41,419 - Wanting desperately to be a mother, 229 00:08:41,421 --> 00:08:43,355 Erin vowed to try again. 230 00:08:43,357 --> 00:08:46,291 Around four months later, in June of that same year, 231 00:08:46,293 --> 00:08:48,159 During a visit to the hospital for nausea, 232 00:08:48,161 --> 00:08:50,361 The couple got good news. 233 00:08:50,363 --> 00:08:52,397 Erin was pregnant again. 234 00:08:52,399 --> 00:08:54,098 Here you are again. 235 00:08:54,100 --> 00:08:56,167 How did it feel this time? 236 00:08:56,169 --> 00:08:58,236 - We were happy. 237 00:08:58,238 --> 00:09:00,438 But we were also fearful. 238 00:09:00,440 --> 00:09:03,041 Um, afraid that it was gonna happen again. 239 00:09:03,043 --> 00:09:03,975 - Yeah. 240 00:09:03,977 --> 00:09:05,443 Were you cautiously optimistic? 241 00:09:05,445 --> 00:09:06,844 - Yes. 242 00:09:06,846 --> 00:09:09,915 - She decided to wait to surprise her mom with the news. 243 00:09:09,917 --> 00:09:11,983 Lore already had a trip planned to visit 244 00:09:11,985 --> 00:09:13,252 The following month. 245 00:09:13,254 --> 00:09:15,386 - We had, you know, plans of, like, 246 00:09:15,388 --> 00:09:17,255 Just going for walks. 247 00:09:17,257 --> 00:09:19,457 We were gonna go to san diego to go to seaworld 248 00:09:19,459 --> 00:09:21,393 And, uh, san diego zoo. 249 00:09:21,395 --> 00:09:23,529 But mostly to spend time together. 250 00:09:23,531 --> 00:09:25,863 - You both must've been really wanting, 251 00:09:25,865 --> 00:09:28,399 Needing this trip. - Absolutely. 252 00:09:28,401 --> 00:09:30,535 - In anticipation of her mother's visit, 253 00:09:30,537 --> 00:09:32,804 Erin told her husband she was going to scout out 254 00:09:32,806 --> 00:09:34,373 Some good hiking locations 255 00:09:34,375 --> 00:09:36,874 At nearby joshua tree national park. 256 00:09:36,876 --> 00:09:39,877 - She had woke up and gotten dressed 257 00:09:39,879 --> 00:09:41,279 And gave me a kiss goodbye and said, 258 00:09:41,281 --> 00:09:43,948 "hey, I'm heading out for the day and I love you." 259 00:09:43,950 --> 00:09:45,016 Told her, "I love you, too," 260 00:09:45,018 --> 00:09:47,352 And I rolled back over and went to sleep. 261 00:09:47,354 --> 00:09:50,089 - A routine goodbye, or so it seemed. 262 00:09:50,091 --> 00:09:55,693 Until erin corwin vanished without a trace. 263 00:09:55,695 --> 00:09:57,161 Coming up... 264 00:09:57,163 --> 00:09:59,565 What had happened to erin? 265 00:09:59,567 --> 00:10:00,698 - Called her throughout the night. 266 00:10:00,700 --> 00:10:02,567 - How many times would you say you tried to call her 267 00:10:02,569 --> 00:10:03,635 Or text her? 268 00:10:03,637 --> 00:10:05,103 - At least 50 times. 269 00:10:05,105 --> 00:10:07,839 - John was concerned, but he was withdrawn. 270 00:10:07,841 --> 00:10:10,376 When you have a spouse who's not extremely frantic, 271 00:10:10,378 --> 00:10:11,376 You've gotta question, 272 00:10:11,378 --> 00:10:13,511 Why aren't they super upset? 273 00:10:13,513 --> 00:10:13,578 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 274 00:10:13,712 --> 00:10:30,261 - 19 year old erin corwin couldn't wait. 275 00:10:30,263 --> 00:10:32,397 Her mom would soon be making her first trip 276 00:10:32,399 --> 00:10:34,665 To see erin and her husband, john, 277 00:10:34,667 --> 00:10:37,202 At their new home in twentynine palms, california. 278 00:10:37,204 --> 00:10:41,272 At the marine base in the middle of the mojave desert. 279 00:10:41,274 --> 00:10:43,742 Around seven in the morning, erin said goodbye to john 280 00:10:43,744 --> 00:10:45,343 And told him she was coming here, 281 00:10:45,345 --> 00:10:46,946 To joshua tree national park 282 00:10:46,948 --> 00:10:48,414 To scout out hiking trails 283 00:10:48,416 --> 00:10:50,749 For her mother's upcoming visit. 284 00:10:50,751 --> 00:10:53,218 John expected her home that afternoon, 285 00:10:53,220 --> 00:10:54,519 But she didn't show. 286 00:10:54,521 --> 00:10:55,820 He tried her phone. 287 00:10:55,822 --> 00:10:57,021 No answer. 288 00:10:57,023 --> 00:10:57,890 Did you keep calling? 289 00:10:57,892 --> 00:10:59,091 - Called her throughout the night. 290 00:10:59,093 --> 00:11:00,892 - How many times would you say you tried to call her 291 00:11:00,894 --> 00:11:01,759 Or text her? 292 00:11:01,761 --> 00:11:03,094 - At least 50 times. 293 00:11:03,096 --> 00:11:04,697 I was just so stressed and worried. 294 00:11:04,699 --> 00:11:07,165 - Hours passed, and by the next morning, 295 00:11:07,167 --> 00:11:08,966 John was frantic. 296 00:11:08,968 --> 00:11:12,770 - John calls and he said, "erin's missing." 297 00:11:12,772 --> 00:11:14,172 - Lore heavilin got the call 298 00:11:14,174 --> 00:11:15,507 Back home in tennessee. 299 00:11:15,509 --> 00:11:17,308 - He said, "she left yesterday morning 300 00:11:17,310 --> 00:11:19,310 And I haven't seen her since." 301 00:11:19,312 --> 00:11:20,446 My first question was, 302 00:11:20,448 --> 00:11:22,914 "how much water did she have with her?" 303 00:11:22,916 --> 00:11:23,782 - You're thinking this is, like, 304 00:11:23,784 --> 00:11:25,850 Maybe a hiking situation. 305 00:11:25,852 --> 00:11:27,051 She's gotten-- - well, you know, 306 00:11:27,053 --> 00:11:28,986 This is the child that has no sense of direction. 307 00:11:28,988 --> 00:11:31,856 You know, so I'm assuming she's lost. 308 00:11:31,858 --> 00:11:33,859 - John reported his wife's disappearance 309 00:11:33,861 --> 00:11:35,560 To the local police station. 310 00:11:35,562 --> 00:11:37,662 The san bernardino county sheriff's department 311 00:11:37,664 --> 00:11:38,863 Was soon notified 312 00:11:38,865 --> 00:11:41,599 And trevis newport was assigned to the case. 313 00:11:41,601 --> 00:11:44,002 - Obviously, we were concerned, can we find her 314 00:11:44,004 --> 00:11:47,071 Before something, you know, horrible-- 315 00:11:47,073 --> 00:11:48,339 Before she meets a horrible end. 316 00:11:48,341 --> 00:11:49,741 You don't know if she's being held somewhere, 317 00:11:49,743 --> 00:11:52,478 We don't know if she's stranded in the desert still. 318 00:11:52,480 --> 00:11:54,212 - Lore's phone rang again. 319 00:11:54,214 --> 00:11:56,215 This time, it was a deputy. 320 00:11:56,217 --> 00:11:59,350 He had another idea about what might've happened to erin. 321 00:11:59,352 --> 00:12:00,753 - One of his first questions was, 322 00:12:00,755 --> 00:12:02,488 "do you think she's driving home?" 323 00:12:02,490 --> 00:12:04,289 - To tennessee? - Yes. 324 00:12:04,291 --> 00:12:06,157 And-- - so maybe she's just left. 325 00:12:06,159 --> 00:12:07,026 - Yes. 326 00:12:07,028 --> 00:12:10,228 And I about laughed 327 00:12:10,230 --> 00:12:12,964 Because I know how much she hates to drive, 328 00:12:12,966 --> 00:12:14,633 Has no sense of direction. 329 00:12:14,635 --> 00:12:16,701 And there's absolutely no way she would give up 330 00:12:16,703 --> 00:12:18,237 A trip to seaworld. 331 00:12:18,239 --> 00:12:19,038 And the zoo. 332 00:12:21,442 --> 00:12:22,974 - Back at twentynine palms, 333 00:12:22,976 --> 00:12:24,976 John rounded up some of his marine buddies 334 00:12:24,978 --> 00:12:27,446 And headed into the national park. 335 00:12:27,448 --> 00:12:31,183 It's a vast expanse of nearly 800,000 acres 336 00:12:31,185 --> 00:12:32,918 Of rugged rock formations, 337 00:12:32,920 --> 00:12:34,585 Twisted joshua trees, 338 00:12:34,587 --> 00:12:37,054 And desolate open desert, 339 00:12:37,056 --> 00:12:40,658 Where summer temperatures climb well past 100 degrees. 340 00:12:40,660 --> 00:12:41,727 - We literally drove around 341 00:12:41,729 --> 00:12:43,394 Joshua tree national park all day 342 00:12:43,396 --> 00:12:46,131 Trying to find any signs, any clues 343 00:12:46,133 --> 00:12:47,665 Of where she might've been. 344 00:12:47,667 --> 00:12:50,068 - Do you see anything? Any signs of her? 345 00:12:50,070 --> 00:12:51,135 Her car? 346 00:12:51,137 --> 00:12:52,737 A piece of clothing, anything? 347 00:12:52,739 --> 00:12:53,638 - Nothing. 348 00:12:56,009 --> 00:12:57,910 - There's a certain protocol detectives follow 349 00:12:57,912 --> 00:13:00,745 When investigating a missing person. 350 00:13:00,747 --> 00:13:03,215 Start small and close to home. 351 00:13:03,217 --> 00:13:05,283 That inner circle of friends and family, 352 00:13:05,285 --> 00:13:07,485 The ones who know the person best. 353 00:13:07,487 --> 00:13:09,353 So when john corwin reported 354 00:13:09,355 --> 00:13:11,422 That his wife, erin, had disappeared, 355 00:13:11,424 --> 00:13:14,158 It was natural they'd look at him. 356 00:13:14,160 --> 00:13:15,560 - So, like, with any investigation, 357 00:13:15,562 --> 00:13:18,162 We start closest to the source of a missing person. 358 00:13:18,164 --> 00:13:20,364 So we had a lot of questions for john. 359 00:13:20,366 --> 00:13:23,835 - Investigators learned that once childhood sweethearts, 360 00:13:23,837 --> 00:13:26,504 Erin and john, settled in twentynine palms, 361 00:13:26,506 --> 00:13:28,706 Things were far from perfect. 362 00:13:28,708 --> 00:13:30,909 - Their relationship wasn't intertwined. 363 00:13:30,911 --> 00:13:32,343 We knew that it was a relationship 364 00:13:32,345 --> 00:13:35,713 That was probably starting to dwindle. 365 00:13:35,715 --> 00:13:38,916 - There was her miscarriage in early 2014. 366 00:13:38,918 --> 00:13:40,651 John says it was heartbreaking 367 00:13:40,653 --> 00:13:43,054 And erin had trouble coping. 368 00:13:43,056 --> 00:13:45,189 - She became very enclosed and depressed 369 00:13:45,191 --> 00:13:47,325 And would stay at home. 370 00:13:47,327 --> 00:13:49,394 And I'm definitely not the one that actually 371 00:13:49,396 --> 00:13:50,795 Speaks out on his emotions. 372 00:13:50,797 --> 00:13:53,064 I've always kept 'em bottled up my whole life. 373 00:13:53,066 --> 00:13:55,333 She felt like I didn't care about him, 374 00:13:55,335 --> 00:13:57,536 And I did. 375 00:13:57,538 --> 00:13:59,670 It actually hurt me a whole lot. 376 00:13:59,672 --> 00:14:01,806 It really took a toll on our relationship. 377 00:14:01,808 --> 00:14:03,741 - And erin's mom, lore, 378 00:14:03,743 --> 00:14:05,209 Knew that the young married couple 379 00:14:05,211 --> 00:14:07,211 Also had money problems. 380 00:14:07,213 --> 00:14:08,213 - We gave each of our kids 381 00:14:08,215 --> 00:14:10,014 A certain amount of money when they got married 382 00:14:10,016 --> 00:14:11,349 And they kept just buying things 383 00:14:11,351 --> 00:14:12,417 And all of a sudden, 384 00:14:12,419 --> 00:14:14,885 I think that huge chunk of money was not there. 385 00:14:14,887 --> 00:14:16,087 - You struggled with finances? 386 00:14:16,089 --> 00:14:16,955 - Definitely. 387 00:14:16,957 --> 00:14:18,689 The pay is not that great, 388 00:14:18,691 --> 00:14:20,959 But we had food on the table. 389 00:14:20,961 --> 00:14:24,161 We just didn't have any money for extracurriculars. 390 00:14:24,163 --> 00:14:25,363 - Was that hard for erin? 391 00:14:25,365 --> 00:14:27,833 I know there was an issue with her credit card. 392 00:14:27,835 --> 00:14:29,500 - Yes. It was hard. 393 00:14:29,502 --> 00:14:32,504 Um, we ended up racking up debt. 394 00:14:32,506 --> 00:14:34,305 I ended up having to take away the card. 395 00:14:34,307 --> 00:14:35,239 - Times were lean? 396 00:14:35,241 --> 00:14:37,108 - Yes, very lean. 397 00:14:37,110 --> 00:14:38,777 - They were grown up problems 398 00:14:38,779 --> 00:14:41,379 For a couple barely out of high school. 399 00:14:41,381 --> 00:14:44,181 Erin shared her worries with her friend, abby. 400 00:14:44,183 --> 00:14:45,917 - It's just hard to transition from 401 00:14:45,919 --> 00:14:47,785 Being on your own to being married. 402 00:14:47,787 --> 00:14:51,055 And sometimes a hard hand is what you need. 403 00:14:51,057 --> 00:14:53,324 And I think that's what john was teaching her 404 00:14:53,326 --> 00:14:54,859 And she didn't like it. 405 00:14:54,861 --> 00:14:57,996 - Detective newport and his colleague, jonathan woods 406 00:14:57,998 --> 00:14:59,864 Wondered about john's behavior 407 00:14:59,866 --> 00:15:01,733 When his wife didn't return home. 408 00:15:01,735 --> 00:15:04,402 Why did he wait a whole day to call police? 409 00:15:04,404 --> 00:15:08,339 - It was a little suspicious that he waited till the next day 410 00:15:08,341 --> 00:15:10,007 To report her as missing. 411 00:15:10,009 --> 00:15:12,009 - John said he explained to the investigators 412 00:15:12,011 --> 00:15:14,546 He thought that was how these things worked. 413 00:15:14,548 --> 00:15:16,947 - You see these common things on television now, 414 00:15:16,949 --> 00:15:18,417 You can't report a missing person until 415 00:15:18,419 --> 00:15:20,551 24 hours after they've been missing. 416 00:15:20,553 --> 00:15:23,021 And I truly believed that. 417 00:15:23,023 --> 00:15:25,289 - Made sense, maybe. 418 00:15:25,291 --> 00:15:27,491 But detectives noticed something. 419 00:15:27,493 --> 00:15:30,128 - John was kind of withdrawn. 420 00:15:30,130 --> 00:15:32,430 He was concerned, but he was withdrawn. 421 00:15:32,432 --> 00:15:34,098 And at times, we wondered is it his, 422 00:15:34,100 --> 00:15:36,168 You know, his military background? 423 00:15:36,170 --> 00:15:37,168 You know, when you have a spouse 424 00:15:37,170 --> 00:15:38,836 Who's not extremely frantic, 425 00:15:38,838 --> 00:15:39,905 You-you've gotta question, 426 00:15:39,907 --> 00:15:42,773 You know, why-why aren't they super excited? 427 00:15:42,775 --> 00:15:45,009 Why aren't they super upset? 428 00:15:45,011 --> 00:15:48,513 - John had gone into the park to search for his wife. 429 00:15:48,515 --> 00:15:51,916 Sign of a concerned husband, or something else? 430 00:15:51,918 --> 00:15:53,050 - Well, obviously as an investigator, 431 00:15:53,052 --> 00:15:54,385 You have to wonder, 432 00:15:54,387 --> 00:15:56,587 Is this person trying to put themselves there? 433 00:15:56,589 --> 00:15:59,123 Is this person trying to give us a reason 434 00:15:59,125 --> 00:16:00,325 Why they would be there 435 00:16:00,327 --> 00:16:03,260 Where the last person was seen or was possibly contacted? 436 00:16:03,262 --> 00:16:06,230 - You were seriously looking at him. 437 00:16:06,232 --> 00:16:07,399 - Yes. 438 00:16:07,401 --> 00:16:09,266 - I did think maybe john. 439 00:16:09,268 --> 00:16:11,335 And I think that's normal. 440 00:16:11,337 --> 00:16:12,670 That doesn't make it right, 441 00:16:12,672 --> 00:16:16,407 But I think that it's a normal human response 442 00:16:16,409 --> 00:16:18,476 To think the spouse. 443 00:16:18,478 --> 00:16:19,543 - But really, 444 00:16:19,545 --> 00:16:21,479 They might've been getting ahead of themselves. 445 00:16:21,481 --> 00:16:22,747 Erin was missing 446 00:16:22,749 --> 00:16:24,882 And could well've run off on her own. 447 00:16:24,884 --> 00:16:26,550 There was no reason yet to believe 448 00:16:26,552 --> 00:16:28,686 Any harm had come to her, 449 00:16:28,688 --> 00:16:31,655 Much less that john was responsible. 450 00:16:31,657 --> 00:16:33,758 There were other people to talk to, 451 00:16:33,760 --> 00:16:36,160 And a new place to explore. 452 00:16:36,162 --> 00:16:39,164 A sanctuary for erin right here in the desert, 453 00:16:39,166 --> 00:16:42,834 One that would prove to be full of clues and secrets. 454 00:16:45,005 --> 00:16:46,304 Coming up... 455 00:16:46,306 --> 00:16:48,105 - They were laughing and carrying on. 456 00:16:48,107 --> 00:16:49,507 - Anything flirtatious? 457 00:16:49,509 --> 00:16:50,375 - Giggly. 458 00:16:50,377 --> 00:16:52,110 I hadn't seen her act like that. 459 00:16:52,112 --> 00:16:54,579 It was like a-a kid in a candy store. 460 00:16:54,581 --> 00:16:57,382 I wasn't used to it, so it stuck out. 461 00:16:57,384 --> 00:16:59,717 - Erin, the shy young wife. 462 00:16:59,719 --> 00:17:02,987 Exactly what kind of secret was she keeping? 463 00:17:02,989 --> 00:17:04,923 - Any time you have a spouse who's missing 464 00:17:04,925 --> 00:17:07,792 And you hear that there might be some infidelity there, 465 00:17:07,794 --> 00:17:09,860 It's just human nature, not just as an investigator, 466 00:17:09,862 --> 00:17:11,796 But as a human being to question whether or not 467 00:17:11,798 --> 00:17:14,933 That person might possibly be involved in 468 00:17:14,935 --> 00:17:17,401 The significant other's missing. 469 00:17:17,536 --> 00:17:24,275 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 470 00:17:24,276 --> 00:17:31,015 - When erin corwin went missing 471 00:17:31,017 --> 00:17:33,485 After a trip to joshua tree national park, 472 00:17:33,487 --> 00:17:37,388 Detectives started out by questioning her husband, john. 473 00:17:37,390 --> 00:17:39,057 Then they widened the circle, 474 00:17:39,059 --> 00:17:40,891 Trying to learn as much as they could 475 00:17:40,893 --> 00:17:42,394 About her life at the marine base 476 00:17:42,396 --> 00:17:44,128 Here in twentynine palms. 477 00:17:44,130 --> 00:17:46,564 They discovered that erin had been lonely 478 00:17:46,566 --> 00:17:48,232 When she first moved to the base, 479 00:17:48,234 --> 00:17:51,236 But quickly bonded with other military families. 480 00:17:51,238 --> 00:17:53,304 It was, like, kind of like melrose place in there. 481 00:17:53,306 --> 00:17:54,305 - That is a perfect description 482 00:17:54,307 --> 00:17:55,573 Of that apartment complex. 483 00:17:55,575 --> 00:17:57,107 - Everybody's friends. 484 00:17:57,109 --> 00:17:59,111 - Everybody's door's ten foot away 485 00:17:59,113 --> 00:18:00,912 From the next couple's door. 486 00:18:00,914 --> 00:18:02,647 - Erin and john grew close 487 00:18:02,649 --> 00:18:04,316 With their fellow marine corps neighbors, 488 00:18:04,318 --> 00:18:06,550 Including nicole and chris lee, 489 00:18:06,552 --> 00:18:08,720 A couple originally from alaska. 490 00:18:08,722 --> 00:18:10,121 Erin's mom, lore. 491 00:18:10,123 --> 00:18:12,923 - Chris and nicole and john and erin 492 00:18:12,925 --> 00:18:14,992 Cooked out together all the time. 493 00:18:14,994 --> 00:18:18,662 I was happy, you know, 494 00:18:18,664 --> 00:18:20,865 That she had this. 495 00:18:20,867 --> 00:18:24,068 - Erin and nicole shared a common passion for horses. 496 00:18:24,070 --> 00:18:26,937 - I was excited when erin and nicole met 497 00:18:26,939 --> 00:18:28,606 Because nicole was into horses, 498 00:18:28,608 --> 00:18:32,310 And I knew erin needed the horses. 499 00:18:32,312 --> 00:18:36,080 - Nicole introduced erin to the white rock horse rescue ranch 500 00:18:36,082 --> 00:18:37,949 And its owner, isabel megli. 501 00:18:37,951 --> 00:18:40,217 You're not very far away from twentynine palms, 502 00:18:40,219 --> 00:18:41,019 The marine corps base. - No. 503 00:18:41,021 --> 00:18:42,086 45 minutes. 504 00:18:42,088 --> 00:18:44,021 - So, is this not only kind of 505 00:18:44,023 --> 00:18:45,223 A sanctuary for the animals, 506 00:18:45,225 --> 00:18:47,225 But maybe a little bit for the marine corps wives? 507 00:18:47,227 --> 00:18:48,092 - Yeah. 508 00:18:48,094 --> 00:18:50,561 - Isabelle started the ranch in 2004. 509 00:18:50,563 --> 00:18:52,530 - The spouses come to the ranch 510 00:18:52,532 --> 00:18:55,567 When their husbands or their fiances or boyfriends 511 00:18:55,569 --> 00:18:56,835 Are out in the field. 512 00:18:56,837 --> 00:19:00,171 They have nothing to do. Most of them don't work. 513 00:19:00,173 --> 00:19:01,906 And they get very lonely. 514 00:19:01,908 --> 00:19:05,509 Loneliness is probably the biggest problem that they have. 515 00:19:05,511 --> 00:19:07,311 - And this is where erin 516 00:19:07,313 --> 00:19:08,512 Had her horse. - This-- yes. 517 00:19:08,514 --> 00:19:09,214 - Named? 518 00:19:09,216 --> 00:19:10,314 - Cassie. - Cassie. 519 00:19:10,316 --> 00:19:11,249 - Uh-huh. 520 00:19:11,251 --> 00:19:12,650 - And that was very special to her. 521 00:19:12,652 --> 00:19:13,517 - Yes it was. 522 00:19:13,519 --> 00:19:15,720 - Come here, cassie. 523 00:19:15,722 --> 00:19:16,922 Come here. 524 00:19:16,924 --> 00:19:18,055 Hi. 525 00:19:18,057 --> 00:19:19,657 So you're erin's horse. 526 00:19:19,659 --> 00:19:20,991 - She picked a horse 527 00:19:20,993 --> 00:19:23,862 That I would never have chosen for her. 528 00:19:23,864 --> 00:19:25,195 - Why, what was-- what was with the horse? 529 00:19:25,197 --> 00:19:27,731 - The horse was standoffish. 530 00:19:27,733 --> 00:19:30,067 It didn't like anybody. 531 00:19:30,069 --> 00:19:31,735 And sh-- it liked her. 532 00:19:31,737 --> 00:19:34,272 This horse was so bonded to her. 533 00:19:34,274 --> 00:19:35,673 And we couldn't believe it. 534 00:19:35,675 --> 00:19:36,941 - Before long, 535 00:19:36,943 --> 00:19:39,076 Erin and john, chris and nicole 536 00:19:39,078 --> 00:19:41,679 Were spending more and more time at the ranch together. 537 00:19:41,681 --> 00:19:43,147 - We'd go shooting. 538 00:19:43,149 --> 00:19:45,149 Go out in the desert and shoot our guns 539 00:19:45,151 --> 00:19:48,219 And, um, we'd go out to the horse ranch 540 00:19:48,221 --> 00:19:50,689 And typical shenanigans. 541 00:19:50,691 --> 00:19:53,023 I had a little dune buggy 542 00:19:53,025 --> 00:19:54,558 That we'd all go take off road in 543 00:19:54,560 --> 00:19:57,261 While the girls were doing their horse stuff. 544 00:19:57,263 --> 00:19:59,563 - Isabelle said, when the couples were together, 545 00:19:59,565 --> 00:20:02,099 Chris was always the life of the party. 546 00:20:02,101 --> 00:20:03,567 - At the ranch, 547 00:20:03,569 --> 00:20:05,970 Chris was very funny. 548 00:20:05,972 --> 00:20:07,838 He was a real soft individual 549 00:20:07,840 --> 00:20:09,107 And he talked about his daughter, 550 00:20:09,109 --> 00:20:11,842 His wife, his family. 551 00:20:11,844 --> 00:20:18,516 But he also had the, uh, ability to be very stern. 552 00:20:18,518 --> 00:20:20,917 - The ranch was clearly an escape for chris, 553 00:20:20,919 --> 00:20:22,753 Who struggled after returning from deployment 554 00:20:22,755 --> 00:20:24,188 In afghanistan. 555 00:20:24,190 --> 00:20:26,390 - There was something that-- 556 00:20:26,392 --> 00:20:28,926 You just stayed away from that subject. 557 00:20:28,928 --> 00:20:30,595 - So he might've had a rough time overseas. 558 00:20:30,597 --> 00:20:32,998 - Yes, he did. Had a very hard time. 559 00:20:33,000 --> 00:20:35,667 - But, said isabelle, chris was a loving father 560 00:20:35,669 --> 00:20:38,069 To his and nicole's daughter, liberty. 561 00:20:38,071 --> 00:20:39,938 Erin took to the little girl, too, 562 00:20:39,940 --> 00:20:41,006 And would help out her friends 563 00:20:41,008 --> 00:20:43,008 By babysitting the six year old. 564 00:20:43,010 --> 00:20:45,809 Erin's mom said she was always good with children. 565 00:20:45,811 --> 00:20:47,478 - Gentle, very gentle. 566 00:20:47,480 --> 00:20:49,814 The younger kids at the barn. 567 00:20:49,816 --> 00:20:53,217 You know, they knew that she cared about them. 568 00:20:53,219 --> 00:20:55,085 - So erin had found her place here, 569 00:20:55,087 --> 00:20:57,888 Surrounded by friends and horses. 570 00:20:57,890 --> 00:21:01,158 But isabelle said that around christmas of 2013, 571 00:21:01,160 --> 00:21:05,229 She started to see a connection between chris and erin 572 00:21:05,231 --> 00:21:07,765 That seemed a little too close for comfort. 573 00:21:07,767 --> 00:21:09,434 - They were laughing and carrying on 574 00:21:09,436 --> 00:21:12,036 About something on the computer. 575 00:21:12,038 --> 00:21:14,171 - Was there anything flirtatious about it? 576 00:21:14,173 --> 00:21:16,707 Or was it just too close for you? 577 00:21:16,709 --> 00:21:17,442 - Giggly. 578 00:21:17,444 --> 00:21:19,044 I hadn't seen her act like that. 579 00:21:19,046 --> 00:21:21,446 It was like a-a kid in a candy store. 580 00:21:21,448 --> 00:21:24,715 I wasn't used to it, so it stuck out. 581 00:21:24,717 --> 00:21:27,485 - Isabelle said she found the behavior so alarming, 582 00:21:27,487 --> 00:21:30,187 She mentioned it to chris's wife, nicole. 583 00:21:30,189 --> 00:21:32,189 - I said, "nicole... 584 00:21:32,191 --> 00:21:33,592 "something's wrong." 585 00:21:33,594 --> 00:21:35,793 I said, "the way they're acting." 586 00:21:35,795 --> 00:21:37,127 She says, "no, no. 587 00:21:37,129 --> 00:21:38,529 "there's nothing going on." 588 00:21:38,531 --> 00:21:41,331 She says, "they-- they connect." 589 00:21:41,333 --> 00:21:44,135 - What was it that they could relate to each other about? 590 00:21:44,137 --> 00:21:47,638 - She said they could relate to being sad. 591 00:21:47,640 --> 00:21:49,306 She said chris was sad. 592 00:21:49,308 --> 00:21:50,741 And that, uh, 593 00:21:50,743 --> 00:21:52,811 When he came back from the service, 594 00:21:52,813 --> 00:21:54,612 He was a different person 595 00:21:54,614 --> 00:21:57,948 And that he just wasn't himself. 596 00:21:57,950 --> 00:22:01,353 And erin could understand depression. 597 00:22:01,355 --> 00:22:03,687 She said they were just friends. 598 00:22:03,689 --> 00:22:05,155 - But two months later, 599 00:22:05,157 --> 00:22:07,092 Nicole told erin's husband, john, 600 00:22:07,094 --> 00:22:09,093 She needed to talk to him. 601 00:22:09,095 --> 00:22:10,895 And by then, she was singing 602 00:22:10,897 --> 00:22:14,098 A very different tune about erin corwin. 603 00:22:14,100 --> 00:22:15,900 - Nicole had found out that chris had been having 604 00:22:15,902 --> 00:22:17,434 An affair with erin. 605 00:22:17,436 --> 00:22:20,771 I didn't actually get specifics at the time. 606 00:22:20,773 --> 00:22:22,106 - You're totally clueless. 607 00:22:22,108 --> 00:22:23,508 - Yes. 608 00:22:23,510 --> 00:22:25,709 - Is this just a bombshell to hear this news? 609 00:22:25,711 --> 00:22:29,646 - Yes, it was a bombshell. It was earth shattering. 610 00:22:29,648 --> 00:22:31,982 - But john said he still loved his wife 611 00:22:31,984 --> 00:22:34,051 And was committed to his marriage. 612 00:22:34,053 --> 00:22:36,387 - I tried my hardest to make it work. 613 00:22:36,389 --> 00:22:38,456 - Were you in this for life? 614 00:22:38,458 --> 00:22:40,391 - Yes. - This marriage? 615 00:22:40,393 --> 00:22:41,458 - Definitely. 616 00:22:41,460 --> 00:22:43,327 There's-- you should always try to fix something 617 00:22:43,329 --> 00:22:44,528 Instead of just replacing it, 618 00:22:44,530 --> 00:22:47,798 And I was trying everything I could to fix it. 619 00:22:47,800 --> 00:22:50,468 - He says that over time, he and erin reconciled 620 00:22:50,470 --> 00:22:53,070 And even patched things up with chris and nicole. 621 00:22:53,072 --> 00:22:54,805 - They started hanging back out with us. 622 00:22:54,807 --> 00:22:55,873 - Really? - Yes. 623 00:22:55,875 --> 00:22:58,275 - You were able to accept them in, 624 00:22:58,277 --> 00:23:00,344 Knowing what chris had done 625 00:23:00,346 --> 00:23:01,612 With erin? - Yes. 626 00:23:01,614 --> 00:23:04,549 It wasn't the same that it was before, but... 627 00:23:06,753 --> 00:23:09,019 You always give somebody a second chance. 628 00:23:09,021 --> 00:23:10,287 - Or do you? 629 00:23:10,289 --> 00:23:12,222 Erin was now missing. 630 00:23:12,224 --> 00:23:15,026 And the fact that she'd been unfaithful to her husband 631 00:23:15,028 --> 00:23:18,295 Just added to investigator's suspicions about him. 632 00:23:18,297 --> 00:23:21,299 - Any time you have a-a spouse who's missing 633 00:23:21,301 --> 00:23:22,499 And you hear that there might be some 634 00:23:22,501 --> 00:23:25,170 Infidelity there involved, 635 00:23:25,172 --> 00:23:26,770 You're-- it's just human nature, 636 00:23:26,772 --> 00:23:28,639 Not just as an investigator, but as a human being 637 00:23:28,641 --> 00:23:31,775 To question whether or not that person 638 00:23:31,777 --> 00:23:35,379 Might possibly be involved in the significant other's missing. 639 00:23:35,381 --> 00:23:38,048 - But then detectives found out something 640 00:23:38,050 --> 00:23:40,384 That made the potential pool of suspects 641 00:23:40,386 --> 00:23:43,687 A whole lot deeper. 642 00:23:43,689 --> 00:23:44,855 Coming up... 643 00:23:44,857 --> 00:23:46,323 - It wasn't just your friendship, 644 00:23:46,325 --> 00:23:48,392 Slight infidelity, it was full on 645 00:23:48,394 --> 00:23:51,395 They were completely involved with each other. 646 00:23:51,397 --> 00:23:52,796 - Stunner number one, 647 00:23:52,798 --> 00:23:54,732 The secret affair with the neighbor 648 00:23:54,734 --> 00:23:56,801 Wasn't exactly over. 649 00:23:56,803 --> 00:23:59,069 - How betrayed did you feel? 650 00:23:59,071 --> 00:24:00,805 - Felt like somebody just stuck a-- 651 00:24:00,807 --> 00:24:02,873 Literally stuck a knife in my back. 652 00:24:02,875 --> 00:24:04,875 - And stunner number two... 653 00:24:04,877 --> 00:24:06,944 This baby might not even be his? 654 00:24:06,946 --> 00:24:10,080 I mean, that's heavy stuff for someone to deal with. 655 00:24:10,082 --> 00:24:11,281 - Absolutely. 656 00:24:11,283 --> 00:24:13,618 And john realized that it was very likely not his kid, 657 00:24:13,620 --> 00:24:17,821 Which again, that brings motive to a spouse. 658 00:24:17,823 --> 00:24:17,888 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 659 00:24:18,089 --> 00:24:29,299 ♪♪ 660 00:24:29,301 --> 00:24:31,768 - Detectives in san bernardino, california 661 00:24:31,770 --> 00:24:33,104 Were working around the clock 662 00:24:33,106 --> 00:24:36,240 To figure out what had happened to 19 year old marine wife, 663 00:24:36,242 --> 00:24:37,909 Erin corwin. 664 00:24:37,911 --> 00:24:40,777 They soon learned that erin had had an affair, 665 00:24:40,779 --> 00:24:43,380 And that made them suspect that her husband, john 666 00:24:43,382 --> 00:24:46,183 May have had something to do with her disappearance. 667 00:24:46,185 --> 00:24:49,186 Some of the detectives thought that your behavior was strange, 668 00:24:49,188 --> 00:24:53,258 That you weren't acting sad enough. 669 00:24:53,260 --> 00:24:56,260 Do you get why they were thinking that? 670 00:24:56,262 --> 00:24:57,262 - I understand. 671 00:24:57,264 --> 00:24:59,062 I'm a very inclusive kind of person. 672 00:24:59,064 --> 00:25:00,865 I don't show emotions at all. 673 00:25:00,867 --> 00:25:04,268 - Did you worry at all in the moment that, 674 00:25:04,270 --> 00:25:05,469 They're looking at me? 675 00:25:05,471 --> 00:25:07,137 - No, I did not. 676 00:25:07,139 --> 00:25:08,305 - John told detectives 677 00:25:08,307 --> 00:25:10,742 That his wife said the affair was over. 678 00:25:10,744 --> 00:25:12,609 He and erin had reconciled 679 00:25:12,611 --> 00:25:14,878 And he'd even reestablished his friendship 680 00:25:14,880 --> 00:25:17,314 With erin's former lover, chris lee, 681 00:25:17,316 --> 00:25:20,084 And chris's wife, nicole. 682 00:25:20,086 --> 00:25:22,486 But in the first days of their investigation, 683 00:25:22,488 --> 00:25:25,690 Detectives learned that erin's relationship with chris 684 00:25:25,692 --> 00:25:27,557 Seemed to be going strong 685 00:25:27,559 --> 00:25:29,694 Right up until the day she disappeared. 686 00:25:29,696 --> 00:25:31,094 - It wasn't just your friendship, 687 00:25:31,096 --> 00:25:33,297 Slight infidelity, it was full on 688 00:25:33,299 --> 00:25:36,300 They were completely involved with each other. 689 00:25:36,302 --> 00:25:38,635 - One of erin's close friends back in tennessee 690 00:25:38,637 --> 00:25:41,573 Told investigators she talked and texted with erin 691 00:25:41,575 --> 00:25:43,440 Nearly every day. 692 00:25:43,442 --> 00:25:44,909 Erin, the friend said, 693 00:25:44,911 --> 00:25:47,644 Was making plans for a life with chris lee. 694 00:25:47,646 --> 00:25:49,513 - Erin had expressed to this friend 695 00:25:49,515 --> 00:25:51,649 That she was going to get married to chris. 696 00:25:51,651 --> 00:25:53,317 - The friend told investigators 697 00:25:53,319 --> 00:25:56,386 Erin said that chris was taking her on a special trip 698 00:25:56,388 --> 00:25:58,322 The morning she disappeared 699 00:25:58,324 --> 00:26:00,758 And she texted her all about it. 700 00:26:00,760 --> 00:26:03,160 Erin wrote... 701 00:26:08,467 --> 00:26:10,535 Erin told her friend she didn't know what plans 702 00:26:10,537 --> 00:26:12,503 Chris had in store. 703 00:26:22,881 --> 00:26:25,182 The friend responded with a series of emojis, 704 00:26:25,184 --> 00:26:29,019 Including a diamond ring, hearts, and question marks, 705 00:26:29,021 --> 00:26:31,955 Suggesting perhaps an engagement? 706 00:26:31,957 --> 00:26:33,824 Erin responded, "maybe!" 707 00:26:33,826 --> 00:26:36,093 And mentioned, "he was mysteriously playing 708 00:26:36,095 --> 00:26:37,894 With my ring the other night." 709 00:26:37,896 --> 00:26:40,697 Erin added, "we shall see! 710 00:26:40,699 --> 00:26:43,100 This day cannot come quick enough!" 711 00:26:43,102 --> 00:26:47,037 And, "it apparently takes two hours just to get there. 712 00:26:47,039 --> 00:26:48,105 A long, slow drive. 713 00:26:48,107 --> 00:26:50,107 Good talking time, though." 714 00:26:50,109 --> 00:26:51,308 After erin went missing, 715 00:26:51,310 --> 00:26:53,577 That same friend spoke to john. 716 00:26:53,579 --> 00:26:56,113 - She had told me that erin had supposedly 717 00:26:56,115 --> 00:27:00,651 Went out with chris that day and... 718 00:27:00,653 --> 00:27:03,320 That she was expecting that chris was supposed to 719 00:27:03,322 --> 00:27:05,256 Propose to her that day. 720 00:27:05,258 --> 00:27:09,126 - How betrayed did you feel? 721 00:27:09,128 --> 00:27:11,796 - It was earth shattering. I was... 722 00:27:11,798 --> 00:27:13,597 Felt like somebody had just stuck a-- 723 00:27:13,599 --> 00:27:15,799 Literally stuck a knife in my back. 724 00:27:15,801 --> 00:27:19,470 I was honestly ready to about strangle chris. 725 00:27:19,472 --> 00:27:21,005 - But detectives soon learned 726 00:27:21,007 --> 00:27:23,607 Something even more explosive. 727 00:27:23,609 --> 00:27:27,344 Remember, erin had recently found out she was pregnant. 728 00:27:27,346 --> 00:27:28,812 She told her friend that she believed 729 00:27:28,814 --> 00:27:32,149 The father of her baby was her lover, chris, 730 00:27:32,151 --> 00:27:34,151 Not her husband. 731 00:27:34,153 --> 00:27:35,886 Did you think that the possibility existed 732 00:27:35,888 --> 00:27:37,421 That he did find out 733 00:27:37,423 --> 00:27:40,091 That this affair had not ended like he had thought? 734 00:27:40,093 --> 00:27:42,893 And that this baby might not even be his? 735 00:27:42,895 --> 00:27:46,096 I mean, that's heavy stuff for someone to deal with. 736 00:27:46,098 --> 00:27:47,164 - Absolutely. 737 00:27:47,166 --> 00:27:48,765 That's why we wanted to question him so much. 738 00:27:48,767 --> 00:27:51,569 Did john realize that it was very likely not his kid? 739 00:27:51,571 --> 00:27:52,436 Which again, 740 00:27:52,438 --> 00:27:55,305 That brings motive to a spouse. 741 00:27:55,307 --> 00:27:56,506 - Did you have anything to do 742 00:27:56,508 --> 00:27:57,908 With your wife's disappearance? 743 00:27:57,910 --> 00:27:59,376 - No, I did not. 744 00:27:59,378 --> 00:28:00,977 Everybody that knew me personally 745 00:28:00,979 --> 00:28:04,248 Knew that there was no way I could do that. 746 00:28:04,250 --> 00:28:05,916 - But john says marines on the base 747 00:28:05,918 --> 00:28:08,919 Who didn't know him well seemed suspicious. 748 00:28:08,921 --> 00:28:10,854 - You could tell that they would look at me differently 749 00:28:10,856 --> 00:28:13,457 And I eventually ended up staying home because of it. 750 00:28:13,459 --> 00:28:15,325 - Were you not able to do your job then? 751 00:28:15,327 --> 00:28:16,928 If you didn't wanna leave the house? 752 00:28:16,930 --> 00:28:17,661 - No. 753 00:28:17,663 --> 00:28:19,463 At the time, 754 00:28:19,465 --> 00:28:22,266 They considered me to be mentally unstable 755 00:28:22,268 --> 00:28:26,803 And, um, they took me away from everything pretty much, 756 00:28:26,805 --> 00:28:29,139 Because we handle firearms every day. 757 00:28:29,141 --> 00:28:31,541 And so, I stayed at home. 758 00:28:31,543 --> 00:28:32,609 - But now, 759 00:28:32,611 --> 00:28:35,545 John wasn't the only one on detectives' radar. 760 00:28:35,547 --> 00:28:37,314 If his fellow marine, chris lee 761 00:28:37,316 --> 00:28:39,749 Might be the father of erin's baby 762 00:28:39,751 --> 00:28:42,152 And the person she was going to meet that day, 763 00:28:42,154 --> 00:28:46,957 Then chris, too, might have a motive and an opportunity. 764 00:28:46,959 --> 00:28:50,828 - Did you look at both chris and john as suspects? 765 00:28:50,830 --> 00:28:53,163 - Yes. Absolutely. 766 00:28:53,165 --> 00:28:55,832 - There was at least one other possibility, 767 00:28:55,834 --> 00:28:59,103 That erin, naive and just 19 years old 768 00:28:59,105 --> 00:29:02,706 Had simply decided to run away from her troubles. 769 00:29:02,708 --> 00:29:03,974 Whatever happened, 770 00:29:03,976 --> 00:29:06,576 There was still no sign of her. 771 00:29:06,578 --> 00:29:09,914 That is, until this woman noticed something strange. 772 00:29:09,916 --> 00:29:13,450 Something she had never seen before. 773 00:29:13,452 --> 00:29:15,519 - I didn't know if somebody was doing drugs in there 774 00:29:15,521 --> 00:29:18,789 Or if somebody was just up to no good. 775 00:29:18,791 --> 00:29:21,159 And I knew that it wasn't supposed to be there. 776 00:29:22,594 --> 00:29:23,960 Coming up... 777 00:29:23,962 --> 00:29:25,863 A breakthrough new clue. 778 00:29:25,865 --> 00:29:28,599 - As we were driving down the road there, 779 00:29:28,601 --> 00:29:31,635 I noticed a car parked off to the left hand side of the road 780 00:29:31,637 --> 00:29:33,270 That wasn't there the night before. 781 00:29:33,272 --> 00:29:35,205 - There were shoe impressions, tire impressions. 782 00:29:35,207 --> 00:29:36,740 - Something had happened. 783 00:29:36,742 --> 00:29:37,875 I know my daughter. 784 00:29:37,877 --> 00:29:41,411 I couldn't get to twentynine palms quick enough. 785 00:29:41,413 --> 00:29:41,478 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 786 00:29:41,679 --> 00:29:55,092 ♪♪ 787 00:29:55,094 --> 00:29:56,494 - Twentynine palms is definitely-- 788 00:29:56,496 --> 00:29:59,229 It's an experience to live out there. 789 00:29:59,231 --> 00:30:00,430 The desert is one of those places 790 00:30:00,432 --> 00:30:02,032 That you go out to find yourself 791 00:30:02,034 --> 00:30:04,034 And then after you've found yourself, 792 00:30:04,036 --> 00:30:07,237 You're really happy to leave the place behind. 793 00:30:07,239 --> 00:30:08,839 - Debbie valek and her family 794 00:30:08,841 --> 00:30:10,907 Lived just outside the marine corps base 795 00:30:10,909 --> 00:30:13,076 In twentynine palms, california. 796 00:30:13,078 --> 00:30:14,444 - It's pretty barren. 797 00:30:14,446 --> 00:30:15,580 It's really flat. 798 00:30:15,582 --> 00:30:18,282 You can see for hundreds of miles in every direction. 799 00:30:19,985 --> 00:30:21,719 - It was so remote, in fact, 800 00:30:21,721 --> 00:30:23,787 That a Saturday morning doughnut craving 801 00:30:23,789 --> 00:30:27,191 Meant an eight-mile drive to the nearest grocery store. 802 00:30:27,193 --> 00:30:31,195 So around 8:30 on June 28th, 2014, 803 00:30:31,197 --> 00:30:33,263 Debbie and her daughter set off. 804 00:30:33,265 --> 00:30:35,532 - And we were gonna go get doughnuts together. 805 00:30:35,534 --> 00:30:37,534 And my daughter was all excited. 806 00:30:37,536 --> 00:30:39,402 - They took their typical path into town 807 00:30:39,404 --> 00:30:41,004 Via ranch road. 808 00:30:41,006 --> 00:30:44,341 - And as we were driving down the road there, 809 00:30:44,343 --> 00:30:46,677 I noticed a car parked off to the left-hand side 810 00:30:46,679 --> 00:30:49,413 Of the road that wasn't there the night before. 811 00:30:49,415 --> 00:30:51,282 - Debbie said it was extremely rare 812 00:30:51,284 --> 00:30:53,550 To ever see cars parked near their home in this 813 00:30:53,552 --> 00:30:56,821 Desolate stretch of desert outside the national park, 814 00:30:56,823 --> 00:30:59,556 A full five miles from the entrance. 815 00:30:59,558 --> 00:31:01,758 - I thought it was odd because there was no reason 816 00:31:01,760 --> 00:31:03,094 For it to be there. 817 00:31:03,096 --> 00:31:05,829 There's no hiking trails near my property. 818 00:31:05,831 --> 00:31:07,465 There's nothing to do out there, 819 00:31:07,467 --> 00:31:08,632 And if you don't live out there, 820 00:31:08,634 --> 00:31:11,502 There's no reason for the car to be there. 821 00:31:11,504 --> 00:31:14,838 - About 30 minutes later, on their return drive from town, 822 00:31:14,840 --> 00:31:16,039 Debbie said she was surprised 823 00:31:16,041 --> 00:31:18,508 To see the vehicle still sitting there. 824 00:31:18,510 --> 00:31:21,311 - And I decided to drive up behind the car 825 00:31:21,313 --> 00:31:23,247 And take some pictures with my cell phone. 826 00:31:23,249 --> 00:31:24,715 [cell phone camera snapping] - from inside her truck, 827 00:31:24,717 --> 00:31:27,484 She took three photos of the back of the car. 828 00:31:27,486 --> 00:31:28,719 - I didn't wanna get out of my truck, 829 00:31:28,721 --> 00:31:31,789 Because I didn't know what was inside the car, 830 00:31:31,791 --> 00:31:34,324 And who it belonged to. 831 00:31:34,326 --> 00:31:35,926 - She had no idea at the time 832 00:31:35,928 --> 00:31:38,795 How important those photos would become. 833 00:31:38,797 --> 00:31:40,363 Debbie and her daughter went home, 834 00:31:40,365 --> 00:31:43,067 Enjoyed those doughnuts, and got on with their day. 835 00:31:43,069 --> 00:31:44,068 She said she thought about 836 00:31:44,070 --> 00:31:46,337 Reporting the car to police, but... 837 00:31:46,339 --> 00:31:48,471 - I think I thought my imagination was just 838 00:31:48,473 --> 00:31:51,007 Getting the better of me, and somebody had probably 839 00:31:51,009 --> 00:31:52,877 Parked it out there with good reason. 840 00:31:52,879 --> 00:31:56,013 - So there it sat, until two days later. 841 00:31:56,015 --> 00:31:59,550 9:00 am, Monday, June 30th. Debbie and her family 842 00:31:59,552 --> 00:32:02,285 Were eating breakfast, when to their surprise 843 00:32:02,287 --> 00:32:04,020 They heard choppers overhead. 844 00:32:04,022 --> 00:32:05,755 - I guess it dawned on me at that moment 845 00:32:05,757 --> 00:32:08,425 That I probably should have called the police, um, 846 00:32:08,427 --> 00:32:10,627 Because it-- you could tell there was something big 847 00:32:10,629 --> 00:32:12,362 Going on there. 848 00:32:12,364 --> 00:32:14,230 - Someone else had called police, 849 00:32:14,232 --> 00:32:16,566 Who quickly determined the abandoned vehicle 850 00:32:16,568 --> 00:32:18,902 Was erin corwin's. 851 00:32:18,904 --> 00:32:21,738 Debbie's photos showed it had been there for two days, 852 00:32:21,740 --> 00:32:23,973 Since the morning erin disappeared. 853 00:32:23,975 --> 00:32:25,909 What's more, next to erin's car, 854 00:32:25,911 --> 00:32:29,913 Detectives noticed tire tracks and shoe prints. 855 00:32:29,915 --> 00:32:31,948 Those tire impressions made what appeared to be a loop 856 00:32:31,950 --> 00:32:34,851 Back towards the vehicle, erin's vehicle. 857 00:32:34,853 --> 00:32:36,653 And there were shoe impressions that appeared to walk from 858 00:32:36,655 --> 00:32:38,922 The driver's side of erin's vehicle 859 00:32:38,924 --> 00:32:41,058 To those tire impressions that came through that area. 860 00:32:41,060 --> 00:32:43,060 - It appeared to detectives that erin had driven 861 00:32:43,062 --> 00:32:46,329 To this spot, and possibly switched into another car 862 00:32:46,331 --> 00:32:49,032 And gone off. - I realized, at that point, 863 00:32:49,034 --> 00:32:51,268 We were dealing with a situation where... 864 00:32:51,270 --> 00:32:53,269 We're being led into one direction, 865 00:32:53,271 --> 00:32:56,073 Which is the joshua tree national park, 866 00:32:56,075 --> 00:32:58,341 Whereas in fact, now her car is several miles north 867 00:32:58,343 --> 00:33:01,278 Of that location, so I'm obviously 868 00:33:01,280 --> 00:33:03,947 Very concerned that we hadn't been searching the right area. 869 00:33:03,949 --> 00:33:06,150 - That's a daunting task. 870 00:33:06,152 --> 00:33:08,017 Joshua tree national park is huge, 871 00:33:08,019 --> 00:33:10,019 And then now you're adding on 872 00:33:10,021 --> 00:33:12,423 This new area. 873 00:33:12,425 --> 00:33:14,891 Is it like finding a needle in a haystack? 874 00:33:14,893 --> 00:33:16,025 Did it feel like that? 875 00:33:16,027 --> 00:33:18,696 - It's like finding a needle in a thousand haystacks. 876 00:33:18,698 --> 00:33:20,964 - When erin's mom heard about the car, 877 00:33:20,966 --> 00:33:23,967 Her mind went to the worst possible place. 878 00:33:23,969 --> 00:33:28,171 - When they found her car, without her... 879 00:33:28,173 --> 00:33:30,640 That's when I knew... 880 00:33:30,642 --> 00:33:33,109 Something else... 881 00:33:33,111 --> 00:33:36,047 Had happened, and I think at that point in time 882 00:33:36,049 --> 00:33:38,915 I knew she was not with us anymore. 883 00:33:38,917 --> 00:33:41,919 - You knew, just from the car? - Yeah. 884 00:33:41,921 --> 00:33:44,121 I know my daughter. 885 00:33:44,123 --> 00:33:45,989 And it was just... 886 00:33:45,991 --> 00:33:48,258 I couldn't get... 887 00:33:48,260 --> 00:33:51,127 To 29 palms quick enough. 888 00:33:51,129 --> 00:33:53,530 - What's that like getting on a plane, 889 00:33:53,532 --> 00:33:57,200 You've had this revelation, the worst... 890 00:33:57,202 --> 00:33:59,869 Kind of revelation, and there-- 891 00:33:59,871 --> 00:34:02,606 - You have to turn your phone off. 892 00:34:02,608 --> 00:34:06,409 You know? You can't get any communication, 893 00:34:06,411 --> 00:34:09,146 Until you get back on the ground. 894 00:34:09,148 --> 00:34:10,413 I mean, it was... 895 00:34:10,415 --> 00:34:12,816 - Must be excruciating. - It was. 896 00:34:12,818 --> 00:34:16,019 The plane could not fly fast enough. 897 00:34:16,021 --> 00:34:18,421 - But detectives had to keep an open mind. 898 00:34:18,423 --> 00:34:21,491 They had no way to know yet whether erin had run away, 899 00:34:21,493 --> 00:34:22,759 Or gotten lost, 900 00:34:22,761 --> 00:34:25,296 Or was the victim of a crime. 901 00:34:25,298 --> 00:34:27,364 - We had to bifurcate the investigation. 902 00:34:27,366 --> 00:34:29,899 We had to turn it into a search and rescue mission, 903 00:34:29,901 --> 00:34:32,168 And potential homicide investigation. 904 00:34:32,170 --> 00:34:35,372 One was to try and look for a live and well, hopefully, 905 00:34:35,374 --> 00:34:38,842 Erin corwin. And the other was to work another angle 906 00:34:38,844 --> 00:34:41,244 Whereas, unfortunately, we might be looking for 907 00:34:41,246 --> 00:34:43,113 A deceased erin corwin. 908 00:34:43,115 --> 00:34:45,582 Whichever course the investigation took, 909 00:34:45,584 --> 00:34:47,651 They knew they needed to check out a key piece 910 00:34:47,653 --> 00:34:50,787 Of information. Erin had told her friend 911 00:34:50,789 --> 00:34:53,590 Back in tennessee that she was supposed to meet up with someone 912 00:34:53,592 --> 00:34:55,192 The day she vanished. 913 00:34:55,194 --> 00:34:58,262 Her neighbor, and lover, chris lee. 914 00:34:58,264 --> 00:35:00,330 Deputies first knocked on chris' door 915 00:35:00,332 --> 00:35:02,665 The day erin was reported missing. 916 00:35:02,667 --> 00:35:05,202 Christopher lee told the deputies 917 00:35:05,204 --> 00:35:08,406 The extent of any contact he had ever had with erin corwin 918 00:35:08,408 --> 00:35:11,474 Was waving hi in passing in a hallway 919 00:35:11,476 --> 00:35:13,143 Of the apartment complex. 920 00:35:13,145 --> 00:35:15,145 - Apparently, that wasn't true. 921 00:35:15,147 --> 00:35:17,881 But it wasn't necessarily incriminating, either. 922 00:35:17,883 --> 00:35:19,884 Chris had every reason to downplay 923 00:35:19,886 --> 00:35:21,619 His relationship with erin. 924 00:35:21,621 --> 00:35:25,054 Nevertheless, detectives knew it was time 925 00:35:25,056 --> 00:35:27,257 To talk to chris lee again. 926 00:35:32,497 --> 00:35:35,565 He seemed surprised that we found the car. 927 00:35:35,567 --> 00:35:38,701 - Did he start to tense up after this reveal? 928 00:35:38,703 --> 00:35:39,969 - Yes. 929 00:35:39,971 --> 00:35:43,507 I could see definitely, him more tense in his body. 930 00:35:43,509 --> 00:35:46,343 - Marine corporal chris lee prepares for battle. 931 00:35:57,722 --> 00:36:00,456 - It was just a very unusual, wild story 932 00:36:00,458 --> 00:36:01,658 That he was telling me. 933 00:36:01,660 --> 00:36:01,724 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 934 00:36:02,059 --> 00:36:12,603 ♪♪ 935 00:36:12,605 --> 00:36:15,205 - Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 936 00:36:15,207 --> 00:36:16,474 I'm kate snow. 937 00:36:16,476 --> 00:36:20,810 Detectives weren't sure if erin corwin was missing or dead, 938 00:36:20,812 --> 00:36:23,680 But they did know the newlywed had fallen hard 939 00:36:23,682 --> 00:36:25,682 For her neighbor, chris lee. 940 00:36:25,684 --> 00:36:28,685 Erin told a friend chris was planning a secret date 941 00:36:28,687 --> 00:36:31,755 In the desert, and hoped he might propose. 942 00:36:31,757 --> 00:36:34,357 But under interrogation, chris would share 943 00:36:34,359 --> 00:36:38,895 A different tale, of a romance riddled with lies. 944 00:36:38,897 --> 00:36:41,699 Back to andrea canning with "the last day." 945 00:36:41,701 --> 00:36:43,333 ♪♪ 946 00:36:43,335 --> 00:36:45,568 - Two days after erin corwin disappeared, 947 00:36:45,570 --> 00:36:49,105 Chris lee sat down for a formal interview. 948 00:36:49,107 --> 00:36:50,374 Was he being cooperative? 949 00:36:50,376 --> 00:36:52,175 - Yes, he was. 950 00:36:52,177 --> 00:36:53,176 - How you doin'? 951 00:36:53,178 --> 00:36:55,179 - Detective daniel hanke was part of the team 952 00:36:55,181 --> 00:36:57,715 Investigating erin corwin's disappearance. 953 00:36:57,717 --> 00:37:00,783 He wanted to know why chris didn't admit to police 954 00:37:00,785 --> 00:37:04,020 Right away that he and erin were more than just friends. 955 00:37:10,462 --> 00:37:12,328 But now chris began to open up. 956 00:37:12,330 --> 00:37:16,133 He said his relationship with erin started innocently enough. 957 00:37:16,135 --> 00:37:20,137 He was depressed after his 2013 tour in afghanistan. 958 00:37:20,139 --> 00:37:22,739 Erin was someone he could talk to. 959 00:37:34,420 --> 00:37:36,887 He said erin confided in him as well, 960 00:37:36,889 --> 00:37:39,889 A terrible secret, that she suffered physical abuse 961 00:37:39,891 --> 00:37:41,658 At the hands of her husband john. 962 00:37:49,701 --> 00:37:52,435 The way chris told it, erin's story of john's abuse 963 00:37:52,437 --> 00:37:54,170 Is what brought them together. 964 00:38:04,916 --> 00:38:07,451 Chris said that bonding soon turned to love. 965 00:38:12,791 --> 00:38:15,191 Remember, police had heard from a friend of erin's 966 00:38:15,193 --> 00:38:17,927 That she thought she was pregnant with chris's baby, 967 00:38:17,929 --> 00:38:19,863 But chris insisted the relationship 968 00:38:19,865 --> 00:38:22,032 Had stayed pretty pg. 969 00:38:36,081 --> 00:38:38,014 Chris said they talked about running away together, 970 00:38:38,016 --> 00:38:40,550 But he didn't want to risk losing his daughter liberty. 971 00:38:47,492 --> 00:38:49,359 He said the affair ended abruptly 972 00:38:49,361 --> 00:38:51,561 When his wife nicole found out about it. 973 00:38:51,563 --> 00:38:54,497 Chris also said that's when he learned a big part 974 00:38:54,499 --> 00:38:57,133 Of his bonding with erin was based on lies. 975 00:39:02,775 --> 00:39:05,241 He said he never talked to erin again after that. 976 00:39:05,243 --> 00:39:07,310 But detectives had those text messages 977 00:39:07,312 --> 00:39:10,046 Between erin and her friend back in tennessee, 978 00:39:10,048 --> 00:39:13,516 Which seemed to show the affair was far from over. 979 00:39:13,518 --> 00:39:16,253 Detective travis newport confronted chris. 980 00:39:27,398 --> 00:39:29,666 Chris suggested erin had overheard his plans 981 00:39:29,668 --> 00:39:30,801 For a trip to the desert, 982 00:39:30,803 --> 00:39:33,469 And, upset that she wasn't invited, 983 00:39:33,471 --> 00:39:35,606 Lied to her friends, saying chris planned 984 00:39:35,608 --> 00:39:37,207 To meet her that day. 985 00:39:42,747 --> 00:39:44,280 We all know cheating in the military, 986 00:39:44,282 --> 00:39:46,150 That can be a dishonorable discharge. 987 00:39:46,152 --> 00:39:47,417 Did you think that that could be 988 00:39:47,419 --> 00:39:49,486 A possible reason he didn't want to talk about it? 989 00:39:49,488 --> 00:39:52,021 - Yes, and it's not uncommon to see 990 00:39:52,023 --> 00:39:55,358 A military personnel deny such a relationship 991 00:39:55,360 --> 00:39:58,094 Because they know that it could lead to repercussions. 992 00:39:58,096 --> 00:40:01,164 - Still, they pressed chris on his whereabouts 993 00:40:01,166 --> 00:40:02,700 The day she went missing. 994 00:40:02,702 --> 00:40:05,636 He told them he'd taken a drive to joshua tree national park 995 00:40:05,638 --> 00:40:07,570 To hunt coyotes, 996 00:40:07,572 --> 00:40:10,106 And that he'd shot his .22 caliber rifle 997 00:40:10,108 --> 00:40:12,308 Four to five times at some rocks, 998 00:40:12,310 --> 00:40:14,445 And at one point, he said he encountered 999 00:40:14,447 --> 00:40:16,346 Another man with a gun. 1000 00:40:25,723 --> 00:40:28,859 - He was very descriptive about, um, this guy 1001 00:40:28,861 --> 00:40:31,461 And his clothing, and where he was out 1002 00:40:31,463 --> 00:40:35,064 On a ridgeline, and you know, that he was reloading, 1003 00:40:35,066 --> 00:40:37,067 And he fired, you know, four rounds at him. 1004 00:40:54,152 --> 00:40:56,220 It was just a very unusual, wild story 1005 00:40:56,222 --> 00:40:58,421 That I thought he was telling me. 1006 00:40:58,423 --> 00:41:00,423 - So detective hanke tried to shake chris up 1007 00:41:00,425 --> 00:41:01,791 With new information. 1008 00:41:06,364 --> 00:41:09,499 - He seemed surprised that we had found the car. 1009 00:41:09,501 --> 00:41:12,635 - Did he start to tense up after this reveal? 1010 00:41:12,637 --> 00:41:14,170 - Yes. 1011 00:41:14,172 --> 00:41:16,439 I could see it-- definitely him more tense, 1012 00:41:16,441 --> 00:41:18,242 Uh, in his body. 1013 00:41:18,244 --> 00:41:20,511 - And then, hanke tried bluffing. 1014 00:41:27,919 --> 00:41:29,652 - But you didn't know for sure. 1015 00:41:29,654 --> 00:41:31,855 - I didn't know for sure, but I had a suspicion. 1016 00:41:31,857 --> 00:41:35,057 - Under pressure now, chris changed his story, 1017 00:41:35,059 --> 00:41:37,860 Slightly, saying that while he didn't see erin 1018 00:41:37,862 --> 00:41:40,931 The day she disappeared, he did see her car. 1019 00:41:49,742 --> 00:41:52,075 That didn't ring true to hanke, 1020 00:41:52,077 --> 00:41:55,044 And his ears perked up even more when chris said this. 1021 00:42:04,023 --> 00:42:07,090 You heard that word, "we." - yes, yes. 1022 00:42:07,092 --> 00:42:08,826 Yeah, that was a big tell for me. 1023 00:42:08,828 --> 00:42:11,360 He had told me this entire time that he was by himself. 1024 00:42:11,362 --> 00:42:14,297 - Detectives interviewed chris for nine hours, 1025 00:42:14,299 --> 00:42:16,832 And thought they'd caught him in numerous lies, 1026 00:42:16,834 --> 00:42:19,236 But they didn't have proof he'd committed a crime, 1027 00:42:19,238 --> 00:42:20,303 Or, for that matter, 1028 00:42:20,305 --> 00:42:23,373 That anything bad had even happened to erin. 1029 00:42:23,375 --> 00:42:26,375 So detective hanke drove chris home. 1030 00:42:26,377 --> 00:42:28,911 Anything telling from that car ride? 1031 00:42:28,913 --> 00:42:32,182 - Yes, so it was, uh, pretty chilling, actually, 1032 00:42:32,184 --> 00:42:34,117 Some of the questions he asked me. 1033 00:42:34,119 --> 00:42:36,052 - Like what? What was he asking you? 1034 00:42:36,054 --> 00:42:38,921 - He asked me how good I was at my job, 1035 00:42:38,923 --> 00:42:42,525 And how good, um, our detective team was. 1036 00:42:42,527 --> 00:42:43,794 - What did you tell him? Really good? 1037 00:42:43,796 --> 00:42:45,461 - I told him we were very good. 1038 00:42:45,463 --> 00:42:47,797 He asked me specifically how many bodies 1039 00:42:47,799 --> 00:42:49,666 Have we not found in the desert. 1040 00:42:49,668 --> 00:42:52,268 - That's a freaky conversation. - Yeah. 1041 00:42:52,270 --> 00:42:53,804 - It wouldn't be long before investigators 1042 00:42:53,806 --> 00:42:57,808 Heard another strange thing, this time from chris's wife, 1043 00:42:57,810 --> 00:43:01,210 Nicole, about something out at isabelle megli's horse ranch. 1044 00:43:01,212 --> 00:43:03,446 Nicole told you that something was hidden 1045 00:43:03,448 --> 00:43:05,615 In isabelle's closet. - Yes. 1046 00:43:05,617 --> 00:43:07,551 - What was that? - It was a rifle. 1047 00:43:07,553 --> 00:43:10,286 A .22 caliber rifle. 1048 00:43:11,923 --> 00:43:14,591 - Chris lee's wife. - Extremely uncooperative. 1049 00:43:14,593 --> 00:43:17,093 Angry, just not what you would expect 1050 00:43:17,095 --> 00:43:21,097 Of somebody who's trying to assist in an investigation. 1051 00:43:21,099 --> 00:43:23,099 - A chilling morning. 1052 00:43:23,101 --> 00:43:26,035 - Tell erin that if she ever had anything else 1053 00:43:26,037 --> 00:43:28,704 To do with her husband, she'd kill her herself. 1054 00:43:28,706 --> 00:43:30,306 - That is a very strong statement 1055 00:43:30,308 --> 00:43:32,041 And now very relevant. - Yes. 1056 00:43:32,043 --> 00:43:35,244 - Did you have to consider her as a possible suspect as well? 1057 00:43:35,246 --> 00:43:36,246 - Well, of course we did. 1058 00:43:36,248 --> 00:43:38,514 Hearing a statement like that, obviously, 1059 00:43:38,516 --> 00:43:41,117 Just raises all kinds of red flags, 1060 00:43:41,119 --> 00:43:43,719 Really makes you wonder, did this person pay somebody 1061 00:43:43,721 --> 00:43:46,455 To harm erin? 1062 00:43:46,457 --> 00:43:46,522 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1063 00:43:46,590 --> 00:43:57,933 ♪♪ 1064 00:43:57,935 --> 00:44:00,469 - Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 1065 00:44:00,471 --> 00:44:04,006 Chris lee admitted to an affair with erin corwin, 1066 00:44:04,008 --> 00:44:07,009 But denied any involvement in her disappearance. 1067 00:44:07,011 --> 00:44:11,280 Detectives found his story about the day she vanished bizarre. 1068 00:44:11,282 --> 00:44:15,084 Even stranger, he then asked detectives how good they were 1069 00:44:15,086 --> 00:44:17,687 At finding bodies in the desert. 1070 00:44:17,689 --> 00:44:20,691 Chris, they suspected, knew more about erin's fate 1071 00:44:20,693 --> 00:44:22,491 Than he led on, and soon, they'd wonder 1072 00:44:22,493 --> 00:44:27,229 If he was the only one keeping secrets. 1073 00:44:27,231 --> 00:44:28,898 Once again, here's andrea canning 1074 00:44:28,900 --> 00:44:32,235 With "the last day." 1075 00:44:32,237 --> 00:44:34,370 - Three days had passed since erin corwin 1076 00:44:34,372 --> 00:44:36,406 Told her husband she was going out to scout 1077 00:44:36,408 --> 00:44:39,542 Hiking locations in joshua tree national park. 1078 00:44:39,544 --> 00:44:42,245 But there was still no sign of her, 1079 00:44:42,247 --> 00:44:45,649 And so detectives turned their attention back here, 1080 00:44:45,651 --> 00:44:47,850 The horse rescue ranch that seemed to hold 1081 00:44:47,852 --> 00:44:49,852 So many secrets. 1082 00:44:49,854 --> 00:44:53,123 - Erin corwin and john, chris lee, his wife, 1083 00:44:53,125 --> 00:44:55,324 They were all tied to that ranch. 1084 00:44:55,326 --> 00:44:57,727 - You conducted a search of that entire ranch? 1085 00:44:57,729 --> 00:44:59,462 - Yes. - Looking, possibly, 1086 00:44:59,464 --> 00:45:00,797 For a body on that ranch? 1087 00:45:00,799 --> 00:45:01,997 - Not just a body, but we were looking for 1088 00:45:01,999 --> 00:45:04,066 Any piece of evidence that we could. 1089 00:45:04,068 --> 00:45:07,403 You know, anything linking anybody to erin's disappearance. 1090 00:45:07,405 --> 00:45:09,939 - I said, "she's not here." 1091 00:45:09,941 --> 00:45:12,475 But they said they had to follow every lead 1092 00:45:12,477 --> 00:45:14,745 That they thought might be possible, 1093 00:45:14,747 --> 00:45:16,345 So that's what they did. 1094 00:45:16,347 --> 00:45:19,415 - Detectives knew one thing they were looking for. 1095 00:45:19,417 --> 00:45:21,884 Nicole told them she had stashed a rifle 1096 00:45:21,886 --> 00:45:23,753 In isabelle's bedroom closet. 1097 00:45:23,755 --> 00:45:25,087 - You had no idea it was there. 1098 00:45:25,089 --> 00:45:26,356 - Had no idea. 1099 00:45:26,358 --> 00:45:29,625 - It was the .22 caliber rifle that chris had told detectives 1100 00:45:29,627 --> 00:45:32,695 He took with him to the park the day erin went missing. 1101 00:45:32,697 --> 00:45:34,631 - I was very disturbed. 1102 00:45:34,633 --> 00:45:38,901 I-I can't imagine somebody hiding something in my house 1103 00:45:38,903 --> 00:45:41,904 And not tellin' me, so I was starting to get 1104 00:45:41,906 --> 00:45:44,173 More angry at chris and nicole, 1105 00:45:44,175 --> 00:45:48,378 Because now I'm part of it, and I didn't even know 1106 00:45:48,380 --> 00:45:50,045 I was part of it. - And you don't allow guns here. 1107 00:45:50,047 --> 00:45:51,647 - No, I don't. 1108 00:45:51,649 --> 00:45:54,350 - Now isabelle told detectives that the day erin disappeared, 1109 00:45:54,352 --> 00:45:56,585 She received a text from nicole saying 1110 00:45:56,587 --> 00:45:58,922 She and chris wouldn't be at the ranch that day 1111 00:45:58,924 --> 00:46:00,524 Because she was sick. 1112 00:46:00,526 --> 00:46:02,725 The next morning, chris and nicole 1113 00:46:02,727 --> 00:46:04,460 Were back at the ranch. 1114 00:46:04,462 --> 00:46:07,797 By then, isabelle had received a call that erin was missing. 1115 00:46:07,799 --> 00:46:12,001 - And I kinda blew it off, because I-I couldn't believe it. 1116 00:46:12,003 --> 00:46:13,002 They'll find her. 1117 00:46:13,004 --> 00:46:14,603 - Isabelle noticed things were tense 1118 00:46:14,605 --> 00:46:16,739 Between chris and nicole that day, 1119 00:46:16,741 --> 00:46:20,242 And that nicole had nothing good to say about her missing friend. 1120 00:46:20,244 --> 00:46:23,746 - Nicole was telling me that erin is probably 1121 00:46:23,748 --> 00:46:27,683 Hiding out somewhere to make chris's life miserable. 1122 00:46:27,685 --> 00:46:31,887 That-- she's setting us up. She's trying to hurt our family. 1123 00:46:31,889 --> 00:46:34,157 Erin's doing this just to get even. 1124 00:46:34,159 --> 00:46:37,827 Uh, she's trying to get sympathy. 1125 00:46:37,829 --> 00:46:41,430 - Chris was about to be discharged from the marines, 1126 00:46:41,432 --> 00:46:43,499 And planned to move back to alaska. 1127 00:46:43,501 --> 00:46:45,267 Isabelle had lent them her suv 1128 00:46:45,269 --> 00:46:47,102 To move some of their belongings. 1129 00:46:47,104 --> 00:46:51,173 Detectives searched the suv and found a potato launcher 1130 00:46:51,175 --> 00:46:52,308 Like this one, 1131 00:46:52,310 --> 00:46:55,377 A sort of homemade cannon that shoots chunks of potato 1132 00:46:55,379 --> 00:46:57,347 Or other small objects. 1133 00:46:57,349 --> 00:46:59,916 - And the officer said, "you didn't know that's a-- 1134 00:46:59,918 --> 00:47:02,518 "that's a-- that's a weapon?" 1135 00:47:02,520 --> 00:47:05,988 I said I had no idea it was even in my car. 1136 00:47:05,990 --> 00:47:09,859 - A weapon, as it happens, that is illegal in california. 1137 00:47:09,861 --> 00:47:12,595 Detectives were already suspicious of chris. 1138 00:47:12,597 --> 00:47:15,064 Now, they used that potato launcher 1139 00:47:15,066 --> 00:47:16,865 To get some leverage on him. 1140 00:47:16,867 --> 00:47:19,735 - He was arrested here. - This patio we're sitting on. 1141 00:47:19,737 --> 00:47:20,803 - Yes. - Is where chris was arrested? 1142 00:47:20,805 --> 00:47:23,606 - He was handcuffed to a chair. 1143 00:47:23,608 --> 00:47:26,476 - The charge, possession of a destructive device. 1144 00:47:26,478 --> 00:47:29,345 Chris had already spoken to detectives at length, 1145 00:47:29,347 --> 00:47:31,680 But now that he was under arrest, 1146 00:47:31,682 --> 00:47:35,217 Isabelle noticed that nicole seemed to be getting nervous, 1147 00:47:35,219 --> 00:47:37,419 And she started to say some odd things. 1148 00:47:37,421 --> 00:47:39,755 - She was very concerned 1149 00:47:39,757 --> 00:47:44,427 That he would get his story confused. 1150 00:47:44,429 --> 00:47:49,298 Because he wasn't in control of the facts 1151 00:47:49,300 --> 00:47:51,700 As much as she was. 1152 00:47:51,702 --> 00:47:55,237 Detectives had already noticed nicole didn't seem interested 1153 00:47:55,239 --> 00:47:57,440 In helping to find her friend erin. 1154 00:47:57,442 --> 00:48:00,977 - Extremely uncooperative, angry, just not what 1155 00:48:00,979 --> 00:48:03,980 You would expect of somebody who's trying to assist 1156 00:48:03,982 --> 00:48:05,447 In an investigation. 1157 00:48:05,449 --> 00:48:08,117 - Isabelle told them chris and nicole had also 1158 00:48:08,119 --> 00:48:11,988 Searched the internet for some very specific information. 1159 00:48:11,990 --> 00:48:16,325 - They had researched how to-- how to dispose of a body, 1160 00:48:16,327 --> 00:48:17,594 A dead body. 1161 00:48:17,596 --> 00:48:20,863 She said that, um... 1162 00:48:20,865 --> 00:48:23,399 "we've watched enough of those csi movies 1163 00:48:23,401 --> 00:48:27,069 "to know no body, no case." 1164 00:48:27,071 --> 00:48:31,074 - Remember, it was nicole who told john about the affair. 1165 00:48:31,076 --> 00:48:32,408 According to isabelle, 1166 00:48:32,410 --> 00:48:35,345 Nicole said that she then confronted erin. 1167 00:48:35,347 --> 00:48:40,216 - It was very important to her to tell erin 1168 00:48:40,218 --> 00:48:43,019 That if she every had anything else to do 1169 00:48:43,021 --> 00:48:45,421 With her husband, she'd kill her herself. 1170 00:48:45,423 --> 00:48:46,957 - Given that erin has disappeared, 1171 00:48:46,959 --> 00:48:50,225 That is a very strong statement, and now very relevant. 1172 00:48:50,227 --> 00:48:51,560 - Yes. 1173 00:48:51,562 --> 00:48:53,829 - Did you have to consider her as a possible suspect as well? 1174 00:48:53,831 --> 00:48:54,831 - Well, of course we did. 1175 00:48:54,833 --> 00:48:58,100 Hearing a statement like that, obviously, 1176 00:48:58,102 --> 00:49:00,303 Just raises all kinds of red flags. 1177 00:49:00,305 --> 00:49:02,237 - Nicole lee had an alibi. 1178 00:49:02,239 --> 00:49:04,441 Detectives learned she was at home with her child 1179 00:49:04,443 --> 00:49:07,576 The day erin disappeared, but even if she wasn't out 1180 00:49:07,578 --> 00:49:10,112 In the desert that day, investigators believed 1181 00:49:10,114 --> 00:49:11,780 She still could have played a role 1182 00:49:11,782 --> 00:49:14,317 In arranging erin's disappearance. 1183 00:49:14,319 --> 00:49:16,720 - Really makes you wonder, you know, 1184 00:49:16,722 --> 00:49:21,056 Did this person pay somebody to harm erin? 1185 00:49:21,058 --> 00:49:24,259 - Erin's mom lore had suspicions of her own. 1186 00:49:24,261 --> 00:49:27,264 In those initial days following erin's disappearance, 1187 00:49:27,266 --> 00:49:29,331 Lore stayed at erin and john's apartment 1188 00:49:29,333 --> 00:49:30,532 On the base. 1189 00:49:30,534 --> 00:49:32,534 - I went for a walk, and I come back, 1190 00:49:32,536 --> 00:49:38,875 And nicole's sitting on their walkway, and... 1191 00:49:38,877 --> 00:49:41,678 If looks could kill. - Toward you? 1192 00:49:41,680 --> 00:49:43,146 - Towards me. 1193 00:49:43,148 --> 00:49:44,614 - Must have been an odd moment. 1194 00:49:44,616 --> 00:49:47,282 - I guess it, for some reason, didn't surprise me. 1195 00:49:47,284 --> 00:49:49,752 - Instead of shrinking, the suspect pool 1196 00:49:49,754 --> 00:49:52,021 Seemed to be growing, 1197 00:49:52,023 --> 00:49:55,424 But there was still no proof any crime had even occurred, 1198 00:49:55,426 --> 00:49:58,495 Except, maybe, possession of a potato gun. 1199 00:49:58,497 --> 00:50:02,031 Chris bailed out on July 5th, 2014, 1200 00:50:02,033 --> 00:50:05,167 One week after erin disappeared. 1201 00:50:05,169 --> 00:50:07,437 Two days later, he was officially discharged 1202 00:50:07,439 --> 00:50:08,772 From the marines, 1203 00:50:08,774 --> 00:50:11,107 And the lees returned to alaska. 1204 00:50:11,109 --> 00:50:12,107 - People kept having a fit 1205 00:50:12,109 --> 00:50:15,111 Because they let him go to alaska. 1206 00:50:15,113 --> 00:50:17,045 - Meanwhile, detectives in san bernardino 1207 00:50:17,047 --> 00:50:18,782 Continued to hunt for clues 1208 00:50:18,784 --> 00:50:21,917 As to where erin corwin might be found. 1209 00:50:21,919 --> 00:50:23,852 And they learned something that would launch them 1210 00:50:23,854 --> 00:50:26,723 On a massive, treacherous search in the desert. 1211 00:50:28,727 --> 00:50:30,793 - Coming up... 1212 00:50:30,795 --> 00:50:33,529 Danger in the heart of the desert. 1213 00:50:33,531 --> 00:50:35,264 - It makes me think of indiana jones. 1214 00:50:35,266 --> 00:50:37,800 - What would investigators find? 1215 00:50:37,802 --> 00:50:37,866 When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1216 00:50:38,068 --> 00:50:53,015 - Was erin corwin still alive somewhere in the desert, 1217 00:50:53,017 --> 00:50:55,684 Or was she the victim of foul play? 1218 00:50:55,686 --> 00:50:57,953 This is a huge operation, 1219 00:50:57,955 --> 00:50:59,288 Trying to find erin corwin. 1220 00:50:59,290 --> 00:51:00,423 - Yes. 1221 00:51:00,425 --> 00:51:01,957 - Yeah, we had, uh, hundreds of searchers 1222 00:51:01,959 --> 00:51:04,093 From four different counties. 1223 00:51:04,095 --> 00:51:06,563 - But with such an enormous area to cover, 1224 00:51:06,565 --> 00:51:08,364 The search dragged on, 1225 00:51:08,366 --> 00:51:10,299 And in the withering desert heat, 1226 00:51:10,301 --> 00:51:13,368 The odds of finding erin alive dwindled. 1227 00:51:13,370 --> 00:51:16,839 Her parents had long ago returned home to tennessee. 1228 00:51:16,841 --> 00:51:18,173 It must've been so hard getting on that plane. 1229 00:51:18,175 --> 00:51:19,508 - It-it was. 1230 00:51:19,510 --> 00:51:22,111 - Was there any part of you that felt like, 1231 00:51:22,113 --> 00:51:24,314 Of course it's reasonable, but did you feel guilt, 1232 00:51:24,316 --> 00:51:26,115 Or that you shouldn't be leaving? - Oh, yes. 1233 00:51:26,117 --> 00:51:28,283 - Or what if they find her tonight or tomorrow, or... 1234 00:51:28,285 --> 00:51:30,452 - Right, right. 1235 00:51:30,454 --> 00:51:33,055 - The investigation had narrowed in one way. 1236 00:51:33,057 --> 00:51:35,123 Detectives cleared erin's husband jon 1237 00:51:35,125 --> 00:51:38,461 Of any wrongdoing in connection with her disappearance. 1238 00:51:38,463 --> 00:51:41,398 Cell phone and computer records show jon was on the base 1239 00:51:41,400 --> 00:51:44,400 The entire day that erin went missing. 1240 00:51:44,402 --> 00:51:46,603 They also concluded chris was lying 1241 00:51:46,605 --> 00:51:49,671 When he said erin claimed jon had been abusive. 1242 00:51:49,673 --> 00:51:51,640 - Over the period of the investigation, 1243 00:51:51,642 --> 00:51:54,276 Jon was interviewed multiple times. 1244 00:51:54,278 --> 00:51:58,013 Uh, jon submitted to a polygraph test. 1245 00:51:58,015 --> 00:52:00,816 I mean, e-easily 20 hours total 1246 00:52:00,818 --> 00:52:02,151 We had spoken with jon. 1247 00:52:02,153 --> 00:52:03,485 - Did he pass the polygraph? 1248 00:52:03,487 --> 00:52:04,820 - Yes. 1249 00:52:04,822 --> 00:52:06,155 - I knew what was true, 1250 00:52:06,157 --> 00:52:10,425 And I gave them my honest answers 1251 00:52:10,427 --> 00:52:11,961 And I never lied to them. 1252 00:52:11,963 --> 00:52:14,764 And the light shined through. 1253 00:52:14,766 --> 00:52:16,965 - But chris lee had lied to them, 1254 00:52:16,967 --> 00:52:20,236 And seemed interested in how to dispose of a body. 1255 00:52:20,238 --> 00:52:21,503 - Come on, baby. 1256 00:52:21,505 --> 00:52:23,772 - And isabel told them he'd taken a trip to the desert 1257 00:52:23,774 --> 00:52:26,776 With a friend the week before erin disappeared. 1258 00:52:26,778 --> 00:52:30,813 - We-we found a lot of mines, but I found this one mine... 1259 00:52:30,815 --> 00:52:33,315 No one will ever find. 1260 00:52:33,317 --> 00:52:36,018 - Detectives believed it was all adding up. 1261 00:52:36,020 --> 00:52:39,454 Chris killed erin and then dumped her body in a mine shaft. 1262 00:52:39,456 --> 00:52:41,823 So they decided to start searching, 1263 00:52:41,825 --> 00:52:43,392 But here was the problem: 1264 00:52:43,394 --> 00:52:45,527 The mojave desert is pockmarked 1265 00:52:45,529 --> 00:52:47,529 With hundreds of mine shafts. 1266 00:52:47,531 --> 00:52:49,665 Detectives knew they needed help. 1267 00:52:49,667 --> 00:52:51,868 - The search and rescue folks explained 1268 00:52:51,870 --> 00:52:55,470 That there was a guy who knew a lot about the desert, 1269 00:52:55,472 --> 00:52:57,673 Knew a lot about the caves. 1270 00:52:57,675 --> 00:53:00,343 You know, would be a-a great resource to us. 1271 00:53:01,545 --> 00:53:03,946 - This is the man they were talking about. 1272 00:53:03,948 --> 00:53:07,149 Doug billings. Cave doug to his pals, 1273 00:53:07,151 --> 00:53:09,352 As much desert rat as the gold miners 1274 00:53:09,354 --> 00:53:12,654 Who used to roam the mojave a century ago. 1275 00:53:12,656 --> 00:53:15,124 But instead of a pickaxe and a mule, 1276 00:53:15,126 --> 00:53:17,893 He's outfitted with gps and a hummer. 1277 00:53:17,895 --> 00:53:19,629 - I've been down every one of these mines 1278 00:53:19,631 --> 00:53:22,764 Including the one we're standing in front of right now. 1279 00:53:22,766 --> 00:53:25,701 I-I know how deep they are. I know what's inside 'em. 1280 00:53:25,703 --> 00:53:27,636 - When other kids were playing little league, 1281 00:53:27,638 --> 00:53:30,773 Billings was hanging off a rope catching rattlers. 1282 00:53:30,775 --> 00:53:32,241 By the time he was an adult, 1283 00:53:32,243 --> 00:53:34,109 Billings was traveling the globe 1284 00:53:34,111 --> 00:53:35,912 Exploring the underworld, 1285 00:53:35,914 --> 00:53:38,114 But the mojave is his home. 1286 00:53:38,116 --> 00:53:41,216 So detective newport and billings started talking, 1287 00:53:41,218 --> 00:53:43,452 And a relationship quickly formed. 1288 00:53:43,454 --> 00:53:45,387 - Almost every day, doug and I would talk on the phone, 1289 00:53:45,389 --> 00:53:47,556 And he would send me photographs, 1290 00:53:47,558 --> 00:53:49,057 Aerial images, satellite images, 1291 00:53:49,059 --> 00:53:52,327 And say, "check these mine shafts." 1292 00:53:52,329 --> 00:53:54,530 You know, "these are more than I have located." 1293 00:53:54,532 --> 00:53:56,999 - Just getting to a mine shaft could be an ordeal 1294 00:53:57,001 --> 00:53:58,934 As we discovered. 1295 00:53:58,936 --> 00:54:00,135 Billings took us out 1296 00:54:00,137 --> 00:54:02,271 To one of the high priority search areas, 1297 00:54:02,273 --> 00:54:05,273 But the road got so rugged and treacherous, 1298 00:54:05,275 --> 00:54:07,743 We were forced to leave behind our suv, 1299 00:54:07,745 --> 00:54:09,846 Along with two members of the crew. 1300 00:54:11,182 --> 00:54:13,348 And carry on in billings's hummer. 1301 00:54:13,350 --> 00:54:14,883 - This is really hard to get around. 1302 00:54:14,885 --> 00:54:16,018 - Yes, yeah. - I mean, this is sort of, 1303 00:54:16,020 --> 00:54:17,153 At times, white knuckle driving. 1304 00:54:17,155 --> 00:54:19,188 - Yeah, yeah, this is-- - I have to admit. 1305 00:54:19,190 --> 00:54:20,556 Yeah, I mean, you look straight down, 1306 00:54:20,558 --> 00:54:22,558 You don't wanna make one wrong little turn. 1307 00:54:22,560 --> 00:54:25,861 - Yeah, yeah, one wrong turn can be, uh, your last turn. 1308 00:54:27,898 --> 00:54:29,564 - So th-this is one of the mines that was searched? 1309 00:54:29,566 --> 00:54:30,766 - Yes. 1310 00:54:30,768 --> 00:54:32,101 - Billings and the other volunteers checked off 1311 00:54:32,103 --> 00:54:34,703 One dangerous mine shaft after the next. 1312 00:54:34,705 --> 00:54:37,039 - We're monitoring the oxygen, so it's all clear. 1313 00:54:37,041 --> 00:54:38,307 The next step we do is we also will always 1314 00:54:38,309 --> 00:54:39,709 Throw in a little bit of rocks. 1315 00:54:39,711 --> 00:54:42,177 And you listen quietly for a rattlesnake. 1316 00:54:42,179 --> 00:54:44,046 It's kind of a general protocol. 1317 00:54:44,048 --> 00:54:45,514 Uh, this part of the desert, 1318 00:54:45,516 --> 00:54:47,783 They love to come and hide out in these mines 1319 00:54:47,785 --> 00:54:49,251 To get out of the sun. - It's cool in here. 1320 00:54:49,253 --> 00:54:51,787 - Yeah, you see the temperature drop. 1321 00:54:51,789 --> 00:54:55,590 And, uh, as we walk in here, click your light on. 1322 00:54:55,592 --> 00:54:57,293 - Ooh, that could be scary, the drop down. 1323 00:54:57,295 --> 00:54:59,461 - Yeah, yeah, so this could be a false floor here. 1324 00:54:59,463 --> 00:55:00,796 - Yeah. - We'll stay on this side here. 1325 00:55:00,798 --> 00:55:02,164 - It makes me think of indiana jones. 1326 00:55:02,166 --> 00:55:03,065 - Yeah. - Kind of the-- 1327 00:55:03,067 --> 00:55:04,867 The unknown trap, almost. - Uh-huh. 1328 00:55:04,869 --> 00:55:07,936 Well, I've seen that in real life. 1329 00:55:07,938 --> 00:55:09,337 We would send this down. 1330 00:55:09,339 --> 00:55:11,873 - These are the most dangerous shafts to search, 1331 00:55:11,875 --> 00:55:13,942 Vertical ones that go straight down 1332 00:55:13,944 --> 00:55:15,711 Into a crumbling abyss. 1333 00:55:15,713 --> 00:55:17,313 - Originally, we were dropping mine shafts. 1334 00:55:17,315 --> 00:55:19,381 We were physically going down the shaft. 1335 00:55:19,383 --> 00:55:20,882 We rigged the ropes, rappel in, 1336 00:55:20,884 --> 00:55:23,086 Check it, clear it, and move on. 1337 00:55:23,088 --> 00:55:26,088 Um, but it became not feasible 1338 00:55:26,090 --> 00:55:28,557 With the amount of mines we had to search. 1339 00:55:28,559 --> 00:55:31,560 - So they outfitted buckets with cameras. 1340 00:55:31,562 --> 00:55:33,228 - And then you just begin feeding it down the shaft. 1341 00:55:33,230 --> 00:55:35,331 - It sped up the process to be sure, 1342 00:55:35,333 --> 00:55:37,566 But with hundreds of mines to explore, 1343 00:55:37,568 --> 00:55:39,636 The search dragged on for days, 1344 00:55:39,638 --> 00:55:41,703 Then weeks. 1345 00:55:41,705 --> 00:55:43,839 Detectives were often side by side 1346 00:55:43,841 --> 00:55:46,575 With the hundreds of searchers looking for erin. 1347 00:55:46,577 --> 00:55:48,977 - We were digging holes, we were searching. 1348 00:55:48,979 --> 00:55:51,780 Um, I was wearing a t-shirt and jeans 1349 00:55:51,782 --> 00:55:54,182 Going into mine shafts. We wanted to find her. 1350 00:55:54,184 --> 00:55:56,385 So we were doing everything we could to help. 1351 00:55:56,387 --> 00:56:00,422 - And yet, there was no sign of erin corwin anywhere. 1352 00:56:00,424 --> 00:56:04,259 No clothing, no footprints, nothing. 1353 00:56:04,261 --> 00:56:07,463 But then, detectives caught a break. 1354 00:56:07,465 --> 00:56:09,598 Remember that trip chris took with a friend 1355 00:56:09,600 --> 00:56:11,033 To look at mines? 1356 00:56:11,035 --> 00:56:14,603 Turns out chris's friend had taken pictures. 1357 00:56:14,605 --> 00:56:16,271 Detectives obtained the photos. 1358 00:56:16,273 --> 00:56:18,073 And seven weeks into the search, 1359 00:56:18,075 --> 00:56:20,275 Showed them to cave doug. 1360 00:56:20,277 --> 00:56:21,610 Without skipping a beat, 1361 00:56:21,612 --> 00:56:23,745 Mr. Billings almost immediately began 1362 00:56:23,747 --> 00:56:25,347 Identifying each photograph, 1363 00:56:25,349 --> 00:56:27,482 And we began plotting them on the topographical map. 1364 00:56:27,484 --> 00:56:28,650 - The first picture they showed me 1365 00:56:28,652 --> 00:56:29,818 Was of the mine across here, 1366 00:56:29,820 --> 00:56:31,519 Immediately recognized the tower. 1367 00:56:31,521 --> 00:56:33,688 They showed the-the shaft-- going down the shaft. 1368 00:56:33,690 --> 00:56:34,957 I recognized that. 1369 00:56:34,959 --> 00:56:36,792 Second, they showed me the cabin. 1370 00:56:38,228 --> 00:56:39,695 And then-and then the next picture was of 1371 00:56:39,697 --> 00:56:41,464 Actually the mine we're standing next to. 1372 00:56:42,866 --> 00:56:44,900 - So they bet on billings's memory, 1373 00:56:44,902 --> 00:56:46,669 And focused their efforts here, 1374 00:56:46,671 --> 00:56:49,571 Around what's known as the rose of peru mine. 1375 00:56:49,573 --> 00:56:51,373 Around the rose of peru mine 1376 00:56:51,375 --> 00:56:54,109 Are hundreds of other abandoned mines like this one. 1377 00:56:54,111 --> 00:56:55,712 And any one of them could have been 1378 00:56:55,714 --> 00:56:58,114 A potential burial site. 1379 00:56:58,116 --> 00:57:00,283 Investigators had high hopes that 1380 00:57:00,285 --> 00:57:03,251 They were finally targeting the right area. 1381 00:57:03,253 --> 00:57:06,054 But after an exhaustive and expensive search 1382 00:57:06,056 --> 00:57:08,391 That lasted for weeks and weeks, 1383 00:57:08,393 --> 00:57:10,792 They decided this was it. 1384 00:57:10,794 --> 00:57:13,729 Saturday, August 16th, 2014 1385 00:57:13,731 --> 00:57:16,465 Would be the last day of the search. 1386 00:57:16,467 --> 00:57:18,633 - We felt we had one more shot at it. 1387 00:57:18,635 --> 00:57:20,535 - In the early evening, they headed 1388 00:57:20,537 --> 00:57:23,405 For the very last mine on their list. 1389 00:57:23,407 --> 00:57:26,074 - And as nighttime falls out there, 1390 00:57:26,076 --> 00:57:27,343 We don't want anybody out there still, 1391 00:57:27,345 --> 00:57:29,611 So we began to really collect our thoughts 1392 00:57:29,613 --> 00:57:31,546 And decide, you know, any minute now 1393 00:57:31,548 --> 00:57:33,548 We need to start calling this search. 1394 00:57:33,550 --> 00:57:35,951 - A member of the san bernardino cave rescue team, 1395 00:57:35,953 --> 00:57:38,921 A doctor in fact, came upon this mine, 1396 00:57:38,923 --> 00:57:41,756 And right away noticed a strange smell. 1397 00:57:41,758 --> 00:57:44,026 It was the stench of gasoline. 1398 00:57:44,028 --> 00:57:45,628 There was also a shell casing 1399 00:57:45,630 --> 00:57:47,497 Resting near the mouth of the mine. 1400 00:57:47,499 --> 00:57:49,798 The searchers lowered a bucket cam. 1401 00:57:49,800 --> 00:57:53,168 - We received a phone call from one of the satellite phones 1402 00:57:53,170 --> 00:57:54,636 That was out there with the search team. 1403 00:57:54,638 --> 00:57:56,505 And they could see what appeared to be 1404 00:57:56,507 --> 00:57:59,841 A leg or some sort of a body part, 1405 00:57:59,843 --> 00:58:02,377 Uh, down at the very bottom of the mine shaft. 1406 00:58:02,379 --> 00:58:05,180 - That is unbelievable... 1407 00:58:05,182 --> 00:58:08,049 That this search was minutes away 1408 00:58:08,051 --> 00:58:10,986 From being called off after weeks and weeks, 1409 00:58:10,988 --> 00:58:12,654 And you find something. 1410 00:58:12,656 --> 00:58:14,956 - It was very unbelievable. 1411 00:58:14,958 --> 00:58:16,726 - A full exploration of the mine 1412 00:58:16,728 --> 00:58:19,362 Would have to wait until daybreak. 1413 00:58:19,364 --> 00:58:22,330 - Detective hanke, he called me at roughly, 1414 00:58:22,332 --> 00:58:26,668 Um, 9:00 or 10:00 that night 1415 00:58:26,670 --> 00:58:29,071 And said that we had found a body 1416 00:58:29,073 --> 00:58:30,805 At the bottom of this mine shaft. 1417 00:58:30,807 --> 00:58:32,541 - Did you sleep at all that night? 1418 00:58:32,543 --> 00:58:35,076 - I did not, no. 1419 00:58:35,078 --> 00:58:36,345 - Coming up... 1420 00:58:36,347 --> 00:58:38,748 - I had no idea what we were getting into. 1421 00:58:38,750 --> 00:58:42,284 Do I want to put my life in danger? 1422 00:58:42,286 --> 00:58:45,120 - Journey to the bottom of the mine. 1423 00:58:45,122 --> 00:58:45,186 When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1424 00:58:45,321 --> 00:59:00,302 - A massive search effort that once spread 1425 00:59:00,304 --> 00:59:03,172 Across 2,000 square miles of desert 1426 00:59:03,174 --> 00:59:07,108 Was now focused on a single 4x6 foot hole. 1427 00:59:07,110 --> 00:59:10,646 - I had no idea what we were getting into. 1428 00:59:10,648 --> 00:59:12,514 - Paul anastasia and brenton baum 1429 00:59:12,516 --> 00:59:14,884 Are with the san bernardino county fire department's 1430 00:59:14,886 --> 00:59:17,720 Elite urban search and rescue team. 1431 00:59:17,722 --> 00:59:20,923 - I was told they had found a body 1432 00:59:20,925 --> 00:59:23,960 Approximately 140 feet in a mine shaft. 1433 00:59:23,962 --> 00:59:25,794 - But there were problems. 1434 00:59:25,796 --> 00:59:28,931 - They detected propane gasoline fumes. 1435 00:59:28,933 --> 00:59:30,766 - The bucket cam used the day before 1436 00:59:30,768 --> 00:59:33,668 Picked up images of a gas can and propane tank 1437 00:59:33,670 --> 00:59:36,104 Which were venting fumes into the shaft. 1438 00:59:37,808 --> 00:59:40,075 That's why anastasia and baum were called. 1439 00:59:40,077 --> 00:59:42,344 They're trained to work inside tight spaces 1440 00:59:42,346 --> 00:59:45,480 While using sophisticated breathing equipment. 1441 00:59:45,482 --> 00:59:47,216 The two regularly risk their lives 1442 00:59:47,218 --> 00:59:49,617 To rescue people in danger, 1443 00:59:49,619 --> 00:59:51,786 But in this case, taking a grave risk 1444 00:59:51,788 --> 00:59:55,824 In order to recover a dead body gave them pause. 1445 00:59:55,826 --> 00:59:57,760 - It was risk versus gain. 1446 00:59:57,762 --> 01:00:01,429 Do I want to put my life in danger? 1447 01:00:01,431 --> 01:00:03,031 - After talking it over 1448 01:00:03,033 --> 01:00:05,033 And knowing how important their recovery efforts 1449 01:00:05,035 --> 01:00:07,502 Could be to solving erin's disappearance, 1450 01:00:07,504 --> 01:00:09,105 They agreed to go. 1451 01:00:09,107 --> 01:00:12,107 Baum, who's admittedly claustrophobic 1452 01:00:12,109 --> 01:00:15,877 Got the short straw and was first in the hole. 1453 01:00:15,879 --> 01:00:17,913 - I started descending down. 1454 01:00:17,915 --> 01:00:19,381 - How deep were you going in? 1455 01:00:19,383 --> 01:00:21,116 - About 100, 140 feet. 1456 01:00:21,118 --> 01:00:22,918 You know, it's a lot deeper than I'd ever been. 1457 01:00:22,920 --> 01:00:24,854 - And what are you seeing as you're on your way down, 1458 01:00:24,856 --> 01:00:26,254 How-how tight is it? How--? 1459 01:00:26,256 --> 01:00:27,522 - It-it was eerie. 1460 01:00:27,524 --> 01:00:31,059 Rock collapsing, um, uh, snakes. 1461 01:00:31,061 --> 01:00:32,527 Uh, yeah. - Rattlesnakes. 1462 01:00:32,529 --> 01:00:33,663 - And also, just the heat. 1463 01:00:33,665 --> 01:00:35,997 It was about 110 degrees, topside. 1464 01:00:35,999 --> 01:00:38,066 I believe it was about 90 degrees downside. 1465 01:00:38,068 --> 01:00:39,467 So work in that environment, you only have 1466 01:00:39,469 --> 01:00:41,003 A limited amount of time effectiveness 1467 01:00:41,005 --> 01:00:43,071 Before you're quickly fatigued. 1468 01:00:43,073 --> 01:00:44,673 - What did you see? 1469 01:00:44,675 --> 01:00:46,541 - The, uh, sprite bottle. 1470 01:00:46,543 --> 01:00:48,677 Um, a rope. 1471 01:00:48,679 --> 01:00:50,412 A tire down there, propane tank. 1472 01:00:50,414 --> 01:00:53,348 Um, some plastic jugs. 1473 01:00:53,350 --> 01:00:57,419 Um, a lot of rock and rock debris. 1474 01:00:57,421 --> 01:00:59,422 Some-some [indistinct]. 1475 01:00:59,424 --> 01:01:02,858 - And then, he saw it. A human body. 1476 01:01:02,860 --> 01:01:05,894 That sounds like out of s-- a horror movie. 1477 01:01:05,896 --> 01:01:07,163 I mean, I hate to say it like that, 1478 01:01:07,165 --> 01:01:08,898 But to-to rappel down and then to see 1479 01:01:08,900 --> 01:01:10,966 A decomposing body. - Yeah, yeah. 1480 01:01:10,968 --> 01:01:13,501 Obviously we see a lot of death in this line of work. 1481 01:01:13,503 --> 01:01:14,970 Over time, you just develop a method 1482 01:01:14,972 --> 01:01:17,305 Where you-you just ignore your emotions 1483 01:01:17,307 --> 01:01:18,707 For a little while and you just focus 1484 01:01:18,709 --> 01:01:20,776 On the task that you need to do. 1485 01:01:20,778 --> 01:01:23,645 And then, you know, face up with your emotions later. 1486 01:01:23,647 --> 01:01:25,647 - Baum first took photos while suspended 1487 01:01:25,649 --> 01:01:27,849 Above the grisly crime scene, 1488 01:01:27,851 --> 01:01:30,319 Then, methodically set about gathering evidence 1489 01:01:30,321 --> 01:01:32,720 And sending it back to the surface. 1490 01:01:32,722 --> 01:01:35,657 - The original plan was for me to do the whole operation, 1491 01:01:35,659 --> 01:01:38,126 But I had been down there about 45 minutes, 1492 01:01:38,128 --> 01:01:39,727 And I was pretty fatigued. 1493 01:01:39,729 --> 01:01:41,063 So our captain made the decision 1494 01:01:41,065 --> 01:01:42,731 To go ahead and rotate us out. 1495 01:01:42,733 --> 01:01:44,466 - How did you feel when-when you finally 1496 01:01:44,468 --> 01:01:45,801 Got out of that mine? 1497 01:01:45,803 --> 01:01:46,802 - I took my mask off. 1498 01:01:46,804 --> 01:01:48,203 I was hit with the smell all of a sudden. 1499 01:01:48,205 --> 01:01:49,537 What I-what I had been immersed in 1500 01:01:49,539 --> 01:01:51,207 And didn't smell in the shaft, 1501 01:01:51,209 --> 01:01:52,407 I smelled on the topside, 1502 01:01:52,409 --> 01:01:54,542 'cause it was all saturating my clothes. 1503 01:01:54,544 --> 01:01:55,810 I started dry heaving. 1504 01:01:55,812 --> 01:01:58,012 - Then, it was anastasia's turn. 1505 01:01:58,014 --> 01:02:00,482 His assignment, get the body. 1506 01:02:00,484 --> 01:02:02,417 - I would be lying if I said I was excited 1507 01:02:02,419 --> 01:02:04,486 About going down in that mine shaft. 1508 01:02:04,488 --> 01:02:08,223 Uh, I never put the body in a bag. 1509 01:02:08,225 --> 01:02:10,492 - Once in the mine, anastasia realized 1510 01:02:10,494 --> 01:02:12,160 Retrieving the body was going to be 1511 01:02:12,162 --> 01:02:14,362 Far harder than expected. 1512 01:02:14,364 --> 01:02:16,765 - I did a little assessment with my flashlight, 1513 01:02:16,767 --> 01:02:19,235 And I-I realized that that was a false bottom, 1514 01:02:19,237 --> 01:02:21,303 And then I got a little more concerned 1515 01:02:21,305 --> 01:02:23,838 With some rocks coming down 1516 01:02:23,840 --> 01:02:25,640 And knocking out that false bottom, 1517 01:02:25,642 --> 01:02:27,041 Or loosening it up. 1518 01:02:27,043 --> 01:02:28,510 - 'cause then, everything would be gone. 1519 01:02:28,512 --> 01:02:29,978 - Yeah, I had no-- - it would go to the bottom of the mine. 1520 01:02:29,980 --> 01:02:32,180 - I had no idea how deep that shaft was. 1521 01:02:32,182 --> 01:02:34,549 - So suspended in mid-air, 1522 01:02:34,551 --> 01:02:37,019 Anastasia began placing the body in the bag 1523 01:02:37,021 --> 01:02:38,619 Without disturbing the false bottom 1524 01:02:38,621 --> 01:02:40,355 On which it rested. 1525 01:02:40,357 --> 01:02:43,024 Once that was done, he found something else. 1526 01:02:43,026 --> 01:02:46,195 - A torch, uh, in the corner of the mine. 1527 01:02:46,197 --> 01:02:48,330 - Had it been lit? 1528 01:02:48,332 --> 01:02:50,198 - It didn't look like it had been lit to me. 1529 01:02:50,200 --> 01:02:52,000 It looked like it was brand new, 1530 01:02:52,002 --> 01:02:54,068 Like someone had just made it. 1531 01:02:54,070 --> 01:02:56,604 - Ever so carefully, anastasia made his way 1532 01:02:56,606 --> 01:02:58,607 Back up the mine shaft with that torch 1533 01:02:58,609 --> 01:03:00,675 And with the body. 1534 01:03:00,677 --> 01:03:04,346 Back on the surface, detectives made a positive id. 1535 01:03:04,348 --> 01:03:06,147 After eight weeks of searching, 1536 01:03:06,149 --> 01:03:08,817 On the day they decided would be their last, 1537 01:03:08,819 --> 01:03:12,353 They had finally found erin corwin. 1538 01:03:12,355 --> 01:03:13,821 - All these hours we had worked 1539 01:03:13,823 --> 01:03:16,958 And just thinking, deep down inside, 1540 01:03:16,960 --> 01:03:19,160 "she's gotta be somewhere in one of these last caves. 1541 01:03:19,162 --> 01:03:20,763 "she just has to be." 1542 01:03:20,765 --> 01:03:22,631 And then actually having that confirmed, 1543 01:03:22,633 --> 01:03:25,500 Just over-- overwhelming emotion. 1544 01:03:25,502 --> 01:03:27,970 - A few minutes before midnight, 1545 01:03:27,972 --> 01:03:30,705 The phone rings again. 1546 01:03:30,707 --> 01:03:34,110 Wakes us up, and it's detective dan. 1547 01:03:35,779 --> 01:03:38,847 He says it's her. 1548 01:03:38,849 --> 01:03:42,617 It's like this really can't be happening to us. 1549 01:03:44,387 --> 01:03:46,921 You know, not that child. 1550 01:03:46,923 --> 01:03:48,990 - The cause of erin's death, 1551 01:03:48,992 --> 01:03:50,925 Possible blunt force head injury 1552 01:03:50,927 --> 01:03:55,263 And apparently strangulation with a sinister tool. 1553 01:03:55,265 --> 01:03:57,665 - The pathologist, uh, discovered, 1554 01:03:57,667 --> 01:04:00,335 Uh, what's known as a garrote. 1555 01:04:00,337 --> 01:04:02,604 I was unfamiliar with that at the time. 1556 01:04:02,606 --> 01:04:04,339 I quickly learned what that was. 1557 01:04:04,341 --> 01:04:09,544 It was a-a paracord with two rebar handles. 1558 01:04:09,546 --> 01:04:12,380 And it was-- it circled her neck. 1559 01:04:12,382 --> 01:04:14,215 - Isabel from the horse ranch said 1560 01:04:14,217 --> 01:04:18,086 Nicole lee once told her no body, no case. 1561 01:04:18,088 --> 01:04:20,689 Now detectives finally had the body, 1562 01:04:20,691 --> 01:04:23,291 And soon, they had an arrest warrant. 1563 01:04:23,293 --> 01:04:26,461 The charge, murder. 1564 01:04:26,463 --> 01:04:28,062 - Coming up... 1565 01:04:28,064 --> 01:04:29,765 - Ladies and gentlemen, at its core 1566 01:04:29,767 --> 01:04:32,166 This is really a very simple case. 1567 01:04:32,168 --> 01:04:35,103 - An accused killer on trial 1568 01:04:35,137 --> 01:04:41,092 When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1569 01:04:41,093 --> 01:04:47,048 - Welcome back. 1570 01:04:47,050 --> 01:04:48,783 The quest investigators described as 1571 01:04:48,785 --> 01:04:51,452 Finding a needle in a thousand haystacks 1572 01:04:51,454 --> 01:04:54,322 Was completed, a search team recovered 1573 01:04:54,324 --> 01:04:57,459 Erin corwin's body in an abandoned mine 1574 01:04:57,461 --> 01:04:59,662 Along with a torch, a sprite bottle, 1575 01:04:59,664 --> 01:05:01,129 And a propane tank. 1576 01:05:01,131 --> 01:05:03,666 Chris lee was immediately arrested. 1577 01:05:03,668 --> 01:05:06,801 Now, prosecutors were about to argue that each of those 1578 01:05:06,803 --> 01:05:11,339 Items revealed a chilling secret about erin's killer. 1579 01:05:11,341 --> 01:05:13,207 Here again is andrea canning with 1580 01:05:13,209 --> 01:05:14,676 "the last day." 1581 01:05:19,749 --> 01:05:22,150 - Ladies and gentlemen, at its core, uh, 1582 01:05:22,152 --> 01:05:24,419 This is really a very simple case. 1583 01:05:24,421 --> 01:05:27,088 - October, 2016, two and a half years 1584 01:05:27,090 --> 01:05:29,891 After erin corwin's death, a jury gathered 1585 01:05:29,893 --> 01:05:32,160 In the san bernardino court room. 1586 01:05:32,162 --> 01:05:34,763 The person on trial? Chris lee. 1587 01:05:34,765 --> 01:05:37,433 The charge? First degree murder. 1588 01:05:37,435 --> 01:05:39,301 Prosecutor, sean daugherty. 1589 01:05:39,303 --> 01:05:42,170 - All of the evidence in this case 1590 01:05:42,172 --> 01:05:45,240 Points to one person. 1591 01:05:45,242 --> 01:05:49,711 One person who prepared, planned, studied, 1592 01:05:49,713 --> 01:05:52,380 And executed the murder of erin corwin. 1593 01:05:52,382 --> 01:05:55,650 There was so much, um, connecting him 1594 01:05:55,652 --> 01:05:57,453 Out there at that mine shaft, 1595 01:05:57,455 --> 01:06:00,455 Even the very location of that particular mine, 1596 01:06:00,457 --> 01:06:02,857 That tied him to the crime, um, 1597 01:06:02,859 --> 01:06:05,060 That for him not to have done it he would be-- 1598 01:06:05,062 --> 01:06:07,062 Probably be the unluckiest man ever. 1599 01:06:07,064 --> 01:06:09,130 - The prosecutor used friends and family of 1600 01:06:09,132 --> 01:06:10,666 The lee's and corwin's 1601 01:06:10,668 --> 01:06:12,867 To lay out the case against chris. 1602 01:06:12,869 --> 01:06:14,670 Several people who knew chris, 1603 01:06:14,672 --> 01:06:16,604 Including this fellow marine, 1604 01:06:16,606 --> 01:06:18,740 Testified he'd shown a lot of interest 1605 01:06:18,742 --> 01:06:20,809 In how to dispose of a body. 1606 01:06:20,811 --> 01:06:24,479 - He did mention the benefits of, uh, hiding a body 1607 01:06:24,481 --> 01:06:27,015 In a vertical position so ground penetrating radar 1608 01:06:27,017 --> 01:06:29,217 Wouldn't be able to see the outline of a body. 1609 01:06:29,219 --> 01:06:32,053 - Former downstairs neighbor and one time friend, 1610 01:06:32,055 --> 01:06:34,722 Aisling malakie, also took the stand. 1611 01:06:34,724 --> 01:06:37,759 - How many times prior to June 28th did you hear 1612 01:06:37,761 --> 01:06:41,096 The defendant talking about murder? 1613 01:06:41,098 --> 01:06:43,164 - More than I can count. 1614 01:06:43,166 --> 01:06:45,433 - Aisling also told the jury about chris's wife 1615 01:06:45,435 --> 01:06:47,835 Nicole's odd and cold response 1616 01:06:47,837 --> 01:06:49,771 When she heard erin was missing. 1617 01:06:49,773 --> 01:06:53,375 - I called nicole and said, "where's your husband? 1618 01:06:53,377 --> 01:06:55,043 "'cause people here are looking for her. 1619 01:06:55,045 --> 01:06:58,447 "you know, erin's missing." 1620 01:06:58,449 --> 01:07:02,250 She replied with, "I don't care what happened 1621 01:07:02,252 --> 01:07:03,985 "to that little bitch." 1622 01:07:03,987 --> 01:07:04,919 And she laughed at me 1623 01:07:04,921 --> 01:07:07,588 And told me to mind my own business. 1624 01:07:07,590 --> 01:07:10,725 And then I hung up on her. 1625 01:07:10,727 --> 01:07:12,794 - And aisling's husband, conor malakie, 1626 01:07:12,796 --> 01:07:15,463 Testified he saw chris lee around 6:00 1627 01:07:15,465 --> 01:07:17,666 The morning erin disappeared, 1628 01:07:17,668 --> 01:07:20,468 And in the back of his jeep he noticed something. 1629 01:07:20,470 --> 01:07:22,870 - I saw a bunch of items covered by a tarp 1630 01:07:22,872 --> 01:07:24,672 And I saw a white propane cylinder. 1631 01:07:24,674 --> 01:07:27,409 - White propane cylinder? - Correct. 1632 01:07:27,411 --> 01:07:29,812 - Like a-- for a barbecue? - Yes. 1633 01:07:29,814 --> 01:07:32,480 - Conor said the propane tank he saw on the jeep 1634 01:07:32,482 --> 01:07:34,483 Looked like the one recovered from the mine. 1635 01:07:34,485 --> 01:07:35,683 - I asked him why it was in there, 1636 01:07:35,685 --> 01:07:37,819 What he was planning on doing with it. 1637 01:07:37,821 --> 01:07:39,353 - What was the defendant's response? 1638 01:07:39,355 --> 01:07:42,290 - That he was going to blow up a mineshaft with it. 1639 01:07:42,292 --> 01:07:44,025 - Isabel megli, from the horse ranch, 1640 01:07:44,027 --> 01:07:46,894 Told the jury she also recognized the tank 1641 01:07:46,896 --> 01:07:48,563 Pulled up from the mine. 1642 01:07:48,565 --> 01:07:51,300 She said chris had borrowed it from her the day before 1643 01:07:51,302 --> 01:07:53,435 Erin disappeared. 1644 01:07:53,437 --> 01:07:56,171 - I asked him if he was gonna have a barbecue. 1645 01:07:56,173 --> 01:07:57,505 - And what was his response? 1646 01:07:57,507 --> 01:08:00,908 - He said no, he was gonna use it to play games. 1647 01:08:00,910 --> 01:08:03,911 - Did the defendant ever return the propane tank? 1648 01:08:03,913 --> 01:08:05,513 - No. 1649 01:08:05,515 --> 01:08:07,583 - And detective woods testified that a search of 1650 01:08:07,585 --> 01:08:10,785 The suv chris was driving at the time of his arrest 1651 01:08:10,787 --> 01:08:13,054 Yielded another piece of evidence. 1652 01:08:13,056 --> 01:08:14,589 - That is the garrote that was located 1653 01:08:14,591 --> 01:08:17,125 Underneath the front passenger seat. 1654 01:08:17,127 --> 01:08:19,260 I'd only seen one of those in my life and that was 1655 01:08:19,262 --> 01:08:21,329 The one that was wrapped around miss corwin's neck. 1656 01:08:21,331 --> 01:08:23,931 And for the second time in the same week 1657 01:08:23,933 --> 01:08:26,601 I saw the second one. 1658 01:08:26,603 --> 01:08:29,871 - And there was another link to chris, that shell casing 1659 01:08:29,873 --> 01:08:32,074 Found near the mouth of the mineshaft, 1660 01:08:32,076 --> 01:08:34,942 It matched chris's rifle. 1661 01:08:34,944 --> 01:08:37,479 The jury also got to hear from erin's confidant 1662 01:08:37,481 --> 01:08:38,913 Back in tennessee. 1663 01:08:38,915 --> 01:08:41,282 Jessica trentham was erin's close friend 1664 01:08:41,284 --> 01:08:43,418 And secret keeper. 1665 01:08:43,420 --> 01:08:45,219 She's the one who told detectives everything 1666 01:08:45,221 --> 01:08:48,756 She knew about erin's affair with chris. 1667 01:08:48,758 --> 01:08:51,559 - Did she tell you how she felt 1668 01:08:51,561 --> 01:08:53,628 About christopher lee? 1669 01:08:53,630 --> 01:08:55,563 - She made it known that she loved him 1670 01:08:55,565 --> 01:08:57,565 More than her husband. 1671 01:08:57,567 --> 01:08:59,834 - Jessica said erin had plans for a future 1672 01:08:59,836 --> 01:09:01,836 With chris. 1673 01:09:01,838 --> 01:09:04,305 - She stated that she believed 1674 01:09:04,307 --> 01:09:07,375 She would be divorcing her husband, 1675 01:09:07,377 --> 01:09:09,310 Or that a divorce would come, 1676 01:09:09,312 --> 01:09:12,914 And that she was hoping to be able to stay with him. 1677 01:09:12,916 --> 01:09:14,582 - She said chris told erin he had 1678 01:09:14,584 --> 01:09:16,051 A special trip planned for her 1679 01:09:16,053 --> 01:09:18,586 The weekend she disappeared. 1680 01:09:18,588 --> 01:09:20,388 - She said that he was going to surprise her 1681 01:09:20,390 --> 01:09:23,925 With a trip out to the desert. 1682 01:09:23,927 --> 01:09:25,326 - How'd she sound? 1683 01:09:25,328 --> 01:09:26,928 What was her feelings about it? 1684 01:09:26,930 --> 01:09:27,930 What-what'd she sound like to you? 1685 01:09:27,932 --> 01:09:30,732 - She was excited to get to spend time with him. 1686 01:09:30,734 --> 01:09:33,301 - Jessica also testified about a text she got 1687 01:09:33,303 --> 01:09:34,536 From erin. 1688 01:09:34,538 --> 01:09:35,871 "my mother comes in a week. 1689 01:09:35,873 --> 01:09:37,338 "I'm excited!" 1690 01:09:37,340 --> 01:09:40,174 Jessica responded, "are you gonna tell her?" 1691 01:09:40,176 --> 01:09:42,543 - What did you mean when you sent the text, 1692 01:09:42,545 --> 01:09:46,481 "are you gonna tell her?" - that she was pregnant. 1693 01:09:46,483 --> 01:09:47,850 - Erin texted back, 1694 01:09:47,852 --> 01:09:50,551 "well, chris wanted to tell everyone next week..." 1695 01:09:50,553 --> 01:09:53,221 On June 28th, 2014, 1696 01:09:53,223 --> 01:09:56,424 Jessica spoke to her friend for the last time. 1697 01:09:56,426 --> 01:09:58,960 At 7:19 am, california time, 1698 01:09:58,962 --> 01:10:01,429 Erin called jessica back in tennessee. 1699 01:10:01,431 --> 01:10:03,966 - She said that she was getting ready 1700 01:10:03,968 --> 01:10:07,168 And about to leave the apartment, 1701 01:10:07,170 --> 01:10:09,838 Um, to go meet chris to have their special date. 1702 01:10:11,775 --> 01:10:15,042 - Did, um-- what was your response to that? 1703 01:10:15,044 --> 01:10:16,378 - I was excited for her. 1704 01:10:16,380 --> 01:10:18,446 I-- - why? 1705 01:10:18,448 --> 01:10:21,916 - I wanted her to be happy. 1706 01:10:21,918 --> 01:10:24,719 - Did you guys make plans or talk about, uh, 1707 01:10:24,721 --> 01:10:28,055 Her calling you later? 1708 01:10:28,057 --> 01:10:32,059 - She was supposed to call and let me know how it went. 1709 01:10:32,061 --> 01:10:33,061 - Did you ever get that phone call? 1710 01:10:33,063 --> 01:10:34,462 - No. 1711 01:10:34,464 --> 01:10:36,263 - Do you think she was planning to start 1712 01:10:36,265 --> 01:10:39,133 This new life with him, with the baby in alaska? 1713 01:10:39,135 --> 01:10:42,470 - Seemed-seemed so. It seemed so. 1714 01:10:42,472 --> 01:10:45,006 It was really hard to hear that. 1715 01:10:45,008 --> 01:10:47,341 Um, I think one of the harder things 1716 01:10:47,343 --> 01:10:49,944 Is to know that she was going through all that 1717 01:10:49,946 --> 01:10:51,546 And she did not share it. 1718 01:10:51,548 --> 01:10:53,615 It just makes me wonder 1719 01:10:53,617 --> 01:10:56,350 The level of his manipulation, 1720 01:10:56,352 --> 01:11:01,490 'cause obviously he was leading her on. 1721 01:11:01,492 --> 01:11:03,424 - But perhaps the most damning evidence 1722 01:11:03,426 --> 01:11:05,360 Came from this dna expert 1723 01:11:05,362 --> 01:11:07,295 Who analyzed the items that were pulled out of 1724 01:11:07,297 --> 01:11:10,164 The mineshaft where erin's body was recovered. 1725 01:11:10,166 --> 01:11:12,366 - In this case I chose to go with the more 1726 01:11:12,368 --> 01:11:14,703 Substantial testing. 1727 01:11:14,705 --> 01:11:16,437 - Remember that homemade torch? 1728 01:11:16,439 --> 01:11:19,440 It consisted of a piece of wood with a green tee shirt 1729 01:11:19,442 --> 01:11:21,175 Wrapped around one end. 1730 01:11:21,177 --> 01:11:24,045 On the shirt's collar, dna. 1731 01:11:24,047 --> 01:11:27,581 - In this particular case, we have a major dna profile 1732 01:11:27,583 --> 01:11:30,986 Which includes christopher, uh, christopher lee. 1733 01:11:30,988 --> 01:11:33,321 - There was also dna around the mouth of 1734 01:11:33,323 --> 01:11:35,323 The sprite bottle found in the mine. 1735 01:11:35,325 --> 01:11:37,992 - I have a mixture of two individuals, uh, 1736 01:11:37,994 --> 01:11:41,529 Christopher brandon lee and erin corwin. 1737 01:11:41,531 --> 01:11:42,731 - Erin and chris, it appeared, 1738 01:11:42,733 --> 01:11:45,199 Had been sharing a sprite that day. 1739 01:11:45,201 --> 01:11:47,935 The same drink her husband had once used 1740 01:11:47,937 --> 01:11:49,271 To propose marriage. 1741 01:11:49,273 --> 01:11:51,606 - I believe christopher lee took erin corwin 1742 01:11:51,608 --> 01:11:53,607 Out to the desert to kill her that day 1743 01:11:53,609 --> 01:11:56,010 Because she was a hurdle between 1744 01:11:56,012 --> 01:11:57,878 Him and the rest of his life. 1745 01:11:57,880 --> 01:12:00,482 By the end of this entire investigation, 1746 01:12:00,484 --> 01:12:02,618 We realized christopher lee 1747 01:12:02,620 --> 01:12:06,087 Didn't care about anybody but himself. 1748 01:12:06,089 --> 01:12:09,291 - The prosecution said chris took erin out to the mine, 1749 01:12:09,293 --> 01:12:10,891 Strangled her with the garrote, 1750 01:12:10,893 --> 01:12:12,361 And dropped her in. 1751 01:12:12,363 --> 01:12:15,430 He may have intended to use the propane tank and torch 1752 01:12:15,432 --> 01:12:17,765 To blow up the mine and conceal her body, 1753 01:12:17,767 --> 01:12:21,369 Although he apparently didn't follow through. 1754 01:12:21,371 --> 01:12:23,771 Their conclusion, it was a carefully planned, 1755 01:12:23,773 --> 01:12:25,907 Cold-blooded murder. 1756 01:12:25,909 --> 01:12:27,976 The evidence seemed overwhelming. 1757 01:12:27,978 --> 01:12:30,512 But now, it was the defense's turn 1758 01:12:30,514 --> 01:12:33,180 And jurors were in for a surprise. 1759 01:12:33,182 --> 01:12:36,151 Chris lee was about to testify and no one 1760 01:12:36,153 --> 01:12:39,687 Was prepared for the dark tale he would tell. 1761 01:12:41,391 --> 01:12:43,324 - Coming up... 1762 01:12:43,326 --> 01:12:46,193 A story from the stand that stuns the court. 1763 01:12:46,195 --> 01:12:48,596 - I couldn't live with myself if I kept this 1764 01:12:48,598 --> 01:12:50,666 A secret any longer. 1765 01:12:50,668 --> 01:12:50,731 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1766 01:12:50,932 --> 01:13:00,809 ♪♪ 1767 01:13:02,011 --> 01:13:04,012 - I need to tell the truth. 1768 01:13:04,014 --> 01:13:07,481 - Chris lee, a husband, father, and decorated marine 1769 01:13:07,483 --> 01:13:09,618 Would be the first and only witness 1770 01:13:09,620 --> 01:13:11,486 In his defense. 1771 01:13:11,488 --> 01:13:12,954 His attorney, david kaloyanides, 1772 01:13:12,956 --> 01:13:15,289 Took chris through his version of events. 1773 01:13:15,291 --> 01:13:17,425 - I couldn't live with myself if I kept this 1774 01:13:17,427 --> 01:13:19,360 A secret any longer. 1775 01:13:19,362 --> 01:13:21,295 - By June, 2014, 1776 01:13:21,297 --> 01:13:23,564 Chris was preparing to leave the marines. 1777 01:13:23,566 --> 01:13:25,299 He told the jury that he knew it was time 1778 01:13:25,301 --> 01:13:27,502 To end his relationship with erin. 1779 01:13:27,504 --> 01:13:30,304 - Did you have any plans after leaving the corps? 1780 01:13:30,306 --> 01:13:31,839 - Uh, yes. 1781 01:13:31,841 --> 01:13:35,643 Me, nicole, and liberty were planning on, uh, 1782 01:13:35,645 --> 01:13:37,712 Moving back up to alaska. 1783 01:13:37,714 --> 01:13:40,182 - Had you told erin this? - I did. 1784 01:13:40,184 --> 01:13:42,983 - Chris said that he had planned a hunting trip 1785 01:13:42,985 --> 01:13:45,720 And that he invited erin along so they could talk. 1786 01:13:45,722 --> 01:13:47,988 - Was it just gonna be you and erin? 1787 01:13:47,990 --> 01:13:49,323 - No, it wasn't. 1788 01:13:49,325 --> 01:13:51,525 - Chris had asked two friends to 1789 01:13:51,527 --> 01:13:53,327 Join him, including his neighbor conor. 1790 01:13:53,329 --> 01:13:55,730 - Why were you inviting all these other friends 1791 01:13:55,732 --> 01:13:58,866 Of yours if you needed to talk to erin? 1792 01:13:58,868 --> 01:14:02,471 - Because I didn't really wanna have 1793 01:14:02,473 --> 01:14:05,407 Lengthy conversations, so I wanted to be able 1794 01:14:05,409 --> 01:14:07,475 To go hang out with my friends 1795 01:14:07,477 --> 01:14:09,877 And actually do some hunting, um, 1796 01:14:09,879 --> 01:14:12,881 In case the conversation got too deep or became 1797 01:14:12,883 --> 01:14:15,016 To the point where I was uncomfortable with it. 1798 01:14:15,018 --> 01:14:17,952 - But chris said by the morning of June 28th, 1799 01:14:17,954 --> 01:14:19,753 He found out his friends had bailed, 1800 01:14:19,755 --> 01:14:22,289 So he and erin set out for the park, 1801 01:14:22,291 --> 01:14:23,658 Just the two of them. 1802 01:14:23,660 --> 01:14:26,627 Chris had a propane tank and he said he wanted 1803 01:14:26,629 --> 01:14:29,897 To blow off some steam, literally. 1804 01:14:29,899 --> 01:14:31,833 - Had you told erin that you were going to 1805 01:14:31,835 --> 01:14:33,501 Actually try to blow up this mine? 1806 01:14:33,503 --> 01:14:36,437 - On the way there. 1807 01:14:36,439 --> 01:14:38,172 - Do you remember what her reaction was? 1808 01:14:38,174 --> 01:14:39,306 - Uh, she wasn't happy about it. 1809 01:14:39,308 --> 01:14:41,842 She thought it was stupid, unsafe. 1810 01:14:41,844 --> 01:14:43,578 Um, you know, she thought this trip 1811 01:14:43,580 --> 01:14:45,646 Was gonna be about us talking 1812 01:14:45,648 --> 01:14:47,448 And I told her that it was, but, you know, 1813 01:14:47,450 --> 01:14:49,317 That I wanted to try and do this too. 1814 01:14:49,319 --> 01:14:51,318 - When they arrived, chris began unloading 1815 01:14:51,320 --> 01:14:52,720 His supplies. 1816 01:14:52,722 --> 01:14:55,256 - I took the tires out of my jeep 1817 01:14:55,258 --> 01:14:57,258 And I tossed 'em down the mine shaft. 1818 01:14:57,260 --> 01:14:58,993 - What was erin doing during this time? 1819 01:14:58,995 --> 01:15:00,794 - Uh, she was sitting in the jeep, 1820 01:15:00,796 --> 01:15:01,796 Listening to music. 1821 01:15:01,798 --> 01:15:04,131 She didn't want to be near any of this. 1822 01:15:04,133 --> 01:15:06,333 - All right, so what did you do next 1823 01:15:06,335 --> 01:15:08,603 To blow the mine? 1824 01:15:08,605 --> 01:15:11,739 - I went to the back of the jeep to grab my torch 1825 01:15:11,741 --> 01:15:15,142 And I realized I had not doused it in gasoline. 1826 01:15:15,144 --> 01:15:16,377 - Feeling frustrated, 1827 01:15:16,379 --> 01:15:18,279 Chris said he returned to his jeep. 1828 01:15:18,281 --> 01:15:21,216 - We started having a conversation, uh, about-- 1829 01:15:21,218 --> 01:15:24,419 - About what? - About plans. 1830 01:15:24,421 --> 01:15:26,954 Uh, she wanted to come to alaska. 1831 01:15:26,956 --> 01:15:31,226 She wanted to be part of liberty's life. 1832 01:15:31,228 --> 01:15:33,160 Um, I had told her, you know, 1833 01:15:33,162 --> 01:15:35,830 I-I didn't want that. 1834 01:15:35,832 --> 01:15:39,901 Told her, you know, I had decided that, you know, 1835 01:15:39,903 --> 01:15:42,304 You can't be a part of liberty's life 1836 01:15:42,306 --> 01:15:44,639 And she said that she wanted to, 1837 01:15:44,641 --> 01:15:46,373 That she loved liberty. 1838 01:15:46,375 --> 01:15:49,109 You know, and I told her, 1839 01:15:49,111 --> 01:15:49,977 You know, "it's not your choice. 1840 01:15:49,979 --> 01:15:50,978 "it's not your daughter. 1841 01:15:50,980 --> 01:15:54,915 "you don't get to love her, she's mine." 1842 01:15:54,917 --> 01:15:58,118 - What were you thinking at that point? 1843 01:15:58,120 --> 01:15:59,253 - I was thinking there's no reason 1844 01:15:59,255 --> 01:16:00,455 For erin to love liberty. 1845 01:16:00,457 --> 01:16:01,388 She's not hers. 1846 01:16:01,390 --> 01:16:02,389 She shouldn't have any kind of 1847 01:16:02,391 --> 01:16:04,993 Emotional attachment to her. 1848 01:16:04,995 --> 01:16:06,328 - And then, chris said, 1849 01:16:06,330 --> 01:16:08,729 He remembered something else. 1850 01:16:08,731 --> 01:16:11,132 A story that would be central to his defense 1851 01:16:11,134 --> 01:16:13,868 And would stun this courtroom. 1852 01:16:13,870 --> 01:16:15,135 He said he recalled something his wife 1853 01:16:15,137 --> 01:16:16,804 Had shown him one night 1854 01:16:16,806 --> 01:16:18,605 When she was giving liberty a bath. 1855 01:16:18,607 --> 01:16:20,808 Signs, chris said, that nicole believed 1856 01:16:20,810 --> 01:16:22,810 Showed sexual abuse. 1857 01:16:22,812 --> 01:16:26,747 - That she thought maybe erin had molested liberty 1858 01:16:26,749 --> 01:16:28,415 Because she was uncomfortable with the way 1859 01:16:28,417 --> 01:16:32,087 She was around her when she had been watching her. 1860 01:16:32,089 --> 01:16:34,822 - What was your reaction to that? 1861 01:16:34,824 --> 01:16:37,025 - I felt so safe in my little community 1862 01:16:37,027 --> 01:16:38,894 That I-I didn't think it was possible. 1863 01:16:38,896 --> 01:16:40,361 - So you didn't believe nicole? 1864 01:16:40,363 --> 01:16:42,096 - No, not at the time. 1865 01:16:42,098 --> 01:16:44,298 - But now, as they talked at the mine, he said 1866 01:16:44,300 --> 01:16:47,636 Erin seemed way too attached to liberty. 1867 01:16:47,638 --> 01:16:49,637 - When erin told me she loved liberty 1868 01:16:49,639 --> 01:16:52,506 And that she wanted to be with her, 1869 01:16:52,508 --> 01:16:54,441 You know, something clicked. 1870 01:16:54,443 --> 01:16:57,177 It turned a gear in my head and I said, 1871 01:16:57,179 --> 01:16:59,113 "why do you care about liberty so much? 1872 01:16:59,115 --> 01:17:01,583 "why-why do you want to be part of her life?" 1873 01:17:01,585 --> 01:17:04,519 And erin-erin told me, you know, 1874 01:17:04,521 --> 01:17:06,320 "I just-- I just love her." 1875 01:17:06,322 --> 01:17:07,655 And I-- and I stood up and I stopped her 1876 01:17:07,657 --> 01:17:11,860 And I said, "did you touch liberty?" 1877 01:17:11,862 --> 01:17:15,062 And she reeled back a little bit and started stuttering 1878 01:17:15,064 --> 01:17:17,732 Of her words and she was saying, "you know, I-I--" 1879 01:17:17,734 --> 01:17:20,067 And I stopped her again 1880 01:17:20,069 --> 01:17:21,736 And I yelled at her this time. 1881 01:17:21,738 --> 01:17:25,272 I said, "did you molest my daughter?" 1882 01:17:25,274 --> 01:17:28,410 And she said, "yes, but--" 1883 01:17:28,412 --> 01:17:31,346 And that was the last thing I heard her say. 1884 01:17:31,348 --> 01:17:33,280 - What an explosive allegation against 1885 01:17:33,282 --> 01:17:34,948 The victim. 1886 01:17:34,950 --> 01:17:36,083 - Did you worry that that could really 1887 01:17:36,085 --> 01:17:38,485 Turn off the jury? - Absolutely. 1888 01:17:38,487 --> 01:17:41,755 But it was what chris insisted was the truth. 1889 01:17:41,757 --> 01:17:44,958 - Erin's husband said it simply wasn't possible. 1890 01:17:44,960 --> 01:17:50,697 - She was nurturing, caring, and never did anything 1891 01:17:50,699 --> 01:17:54,902 Loose or crude or harmful. 1892 01:17:54,904 --> 01:17:56,171 Nobody that personally knows erin 1893 01:17:56,173 --> 01:17:57,972 Or has even heard of erin 1894 01:17:57,974 --> 01:17:59,507 Would believe that. 1895 01:17:59,509 --> 01:18:01,709 - And for detectives... 1896 01:18:01,711 --> 01:18:04,312 - I personally felt disgusted. 1897 01:18:04,314 --> 01:18:06,914 From all the people we've talked to that knew erin, 1898 01:18:06,916 --> 01:18:09,316 Um, we didn't think this was even an angle that 1899 01:18:09,318 --> 01:18:11,452 Christopher lee would play. 1900 01:18:11,454 --> 01:18:12,986 It just came outta left field. 1901 01:18:12,988 --> 01:18:14,988 - But chris said it was hearing what he believed to 1902 01:18:14,990 --> 01:18:17,725 Be a confession from erin that caused the horrible 1903 01:18:17,727 --> 01:18:21,395 Events he now recounted in chilling detail. 1904 01:18:21,397 --> 01:18:26,600 - I stumbled back and I sat on the edge of my jeep 1905 01:18:26,602 --> 01:18:29,203 And caught myself with my hands. 1906 01:18:29,205 --> 01:18:33,340 And in my right hand I felt the metal from the garrote. 1907 01:18:33,342 --> 01:18:34,942 It-it set me off. 1908 01:18:34,944 --> 01:18:40,547 I just felt so much hate, so much rage. 1909 01:18:40,549 --> 01:18:43,418 And I grabbed it and I stood up and I came up behind her 1910 01:18:43,420 --> 01:18:45,886 And I put it around her neck. 1911 01:18:45,888 --> 01:18:47,087 Training took over then. 1912 01:18:47,089 --> 01:18:50,290 I turned around and I started pulling. 1913 01:18:50,292 --> 01:18:54,428 Nothing would've stopped me from doing what I was doing. 1914 01:18:54,430 --> 01:18:58,832 I told myself while I was doing this, "never again." 1915 01:18:58,834 --> 01:19:01,435 I wasn't gonna let anybody hurt my daughter again. 1916 01:19:01,437 --> 01:19:04,305 I had let her into my daughter's life. 1917 01:19:04,307 --> 01:19:08,308 It was my fault that my daughter was hurt. 1918 01:19:08,310 --> 01:19:10,645 I just kept choking her. 1919 01:19:10,647 --> 01:19:12,380 I don't know how long it was. 1920 01:19:12,382 --> 01:19:13,581 Might've been five minutes, 1921 01:19:13,583 --> 01:19:14,649 Ten minutes. 1922 01:19:14,651 --> 01:19:16,717 It felt like forever. 1923 01:19:16,719 --> 01:19:21,054 And I just kept choking her. 1924 01:19:21,056 --> 01:19:26,127 And then, the anger, that feeling of disgust 1925 01:19:26,129 --> 01:19:29,730 And hate ebbed a little bit, and I let go 1926 01:19:29,732 --> 01:19:31,733 And she dropped to the ground. 1927 01:19:31,735 --> 01:19:33,934 - Christopher lee was describing for the jury 1928 01:19:33,936 --> 01:19:37,337 How he had killed erin corwin. 1929 01:19:37,339 --> 01:19:38,539 - After a few minutes my body realized 1930 01:19:38,541 --> 01:19:40,008 What happened. 1931 01:19:40,010 --> 01:19:42,476 I know I killed her. 1932 01:19:42,478 --> 01:19:46,480 And so, the garrote was still around her neck, 1933 01:19:46,482 --> 01:19:48,550 So I grabbed it and I dragged her 1934 01:19:48,552 --> 01:19:50,285 To the edge of the mineshaft 1935 01:19:50,287 --> 01:19:52,085 And I pushed her in. 1936 01:19:52,087 --> 01:19:55,088 - His story accounted for all the physical evidence 1937 01:19:55,090 --> 01:19:57,092 And portrayed the killing as a crime of passion 1938 01:19:57,094 --> 01:20:00,227 Committed by an outraged father. 1939 01:20:00,229 --> 01:20:02,362 But now, the prosecution took over 1940 01:20:02,364 --> 01:20:06,266 And shocked the courtroom all over again. 1941 01:20:06,268 --> 01:20:08,402 - Coming up... 1942 01:20:08,404 --> 01:20:09,837 A heart stopping moment. 1943 01:20:09,839 --> 01:20:10,705 - So, for the record, 1944 01:20:10,707 --> 01:20:11,705 You could've stopped there, right? 1945 01:20:11,707 --> 01:20:12,841 - No. - You couldn't have stopped? 1946 01:20:12,843 --> 01:20:14,841 - No. - Why not? 1947 01:20:14,843 --> 01:20:16,177 - Nothing would've stopped me at this point. 1948 01:20:16,179 --> 01:20:17,946 I was too angry. 1949 01:20:17,948 --> 01:20:18,011 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 1950 01:20:18,213 --> 01:20:29,557 ♪♪ 1951 01:20:30,459 --> 01:20:32,059 - Chris lee had shocked the courtroom, 1952 01:20:32,061 --> 01:20:35,262 Telling the jury that he did kill erin corwin, 1953 01:20:35,264 --> 01:20:37,064 But it wasn't premeditated. 1954 01:20:37,066 --> 01:20:38,999 Instead, he said, he snapped when 1955 01:20:39,001 --> 01:20:41,134 He claimed erin confessed to him 1956 01:20:41,136 --> 01:20:43,271 That she'd been molesting his daughter. 1957 01:20:43,273 --> 01:20:45,272 Now, prosecutor, sean daugherty, 1958 01:20:45,274 --> 01:20:47,808 Cross examined chris, confronting him 1959 01:20:47,810 --> 01:20:50,211 On those allegations against erin. 1960 01:20:50,213 --> 01:20:53,080 - You heard these accusations from your wife, 1961 01:20:53,082 --> 01:20:55,616 Who you loved, right? - Yes. 1962 01:20:55,618 --> 01:20:57,217 - So you needed to pick up and call the police. 1963 01:20:57,219 --> 01:20:58,887 - No. 1964 01:20:58,889 --> 01:21:02,022 - Nicole immediately picked up and called the police? 1965 01:21:02,024 --> 01:21:03,223 - No. 1966 01:21:03,225 --> 01:21:05,158 - So you're still having sex with the woman who your wife 1967 01:21:05,160 --> 01:21:07,361 Thought was molesting your daughter, right? 1968 01:21:07,363 --> 01:21:08,695 - Yes. 1969 01:21:08,697 --> 01:21:11,031 - The prosecution's mission, show the jury that 1970 01:21:11,033 --> 01:21:13,100 They could not believe chris 1971 01:21:13,102 --> 01:21:15,369 Because he'd lied, claiming not to know 1972 01:21:15,371 --> 01:21:17,305 Where erin was through all eight weeks 1973 01:21:17,307 --> 01:21:18,506 She was missing. 1974 01:21:18,508 --> 01:21:20,107 - People lie for a reason. 1975 01:21:20,109 --> 01:21:21,909 It was important that I point out that 1976 01:21:21,911 --> 01:21:23,311 He lies to protect himself. 1977 01:21:23,313 --> 01:21:25,512 You had a choice to tell the truth, right? 1978 01:21:25,514 --> 01:21:26,380 - I did. 1979 01:21:26,382 --> 01:21:27,648 - You knew erin had a mother? 1980 01:21:27,650 --> 01:21:28,715 - Yes. 1981 01:21:28,717 --> 01:21:30,584 - You knew she had people that loved her? 1982 01:21:30,586 --> 01:21:31,652 - Yes. 1983 01:21:31,654 --> 01:21:32,519 - You knew a lot of people were looking for her? 1984 01:21:32,521 --> 01:21:33,587 - Yes, I did. 1985 01:21:33,589 --> 01:21:34,855 - You essentially made the decision to 1986 01:21:34,857 --> 01:21:38,859 Hold them hostage, right? - Yes. 1987 01:21:38,861 --> 01:21:40,727 - Perhaps the biggest moment in court came 1988 01:21:40,729 --> 01:21:42,929 When the prosecutor found a striking way 1989 01:21:42,931 --> 01:21:46,466 To demonstrate how chris had killed erin. 1990 01:21:46,468 --> 01:21:48,268 - Okay, so for the record, what you did was you put it 1991 01:21:48,270 --> 01:21:49,670 Around the dummy's neck that I'm holding. 1992 01:21:49,672 --> 01:21:51,538 You twisted around 1993 01:21:51,540 --> 01:21:52,739 And then you turned backwards. 1994 01:21:52,741 --> 01:21:53,875 So you're actually back to back with her. 1995 01:21:53,877 --> 01:21:55,075 - Yes, sir. 1996 01:21:55,077 --> 01:21:56,343 - Okay, and you testified earlier that you pulled 1997 01:21:56,345 --> 01:21:57,879 Really, really hard. - Yes, sir. 1998 01:21:57,881 --> 01:21:59,013 - You could've stopped there, right? 1999 01:21:59,015 --> 01:22:00,481 - No. - You couldn't have stopped? 2000 01:22:00,483 --> 01:22:01,349 - No. 2001 01:22:01,351 --> 01:22:02,349 - You already made the decision to kill her? 2002 01:22:02,351 --> 01:22:03,550 - Yes. 2003 01:22:03,552 --> 01:22:04,285 - And you were gonna follow through on that decision? 2004 01:22:04,287 --> 01:22:05,686 - Yes. - Okay. 2005 01:22:05,688 --> 01:22:08,489 My goal was to show the jury 2006 01:22:08,491 --> 01:22:10,557 How long it takes to kill somebody like that 2007 01:22:10,559 --> 01:22:12,493 And to show them the brutality 2008 01:22:12,495 --> 01:22:13,493 Of what was done. 2009 01:22:13,495 --> 01:22:15,762 It's one thing to say as he did on-on direct, 2010 01:22:15,764 --> 01:22:17,164 "well, then I strangled her 2011 01:22:17,166 --> 01:22:18,232 "and I pushed her down the hole." 2012 01:22:18,234 --> 01:22:20,100 It's another thing for him to actually 2013 01:22:20,102 --> 01:22:22,102 Show us what you did. 2014 01:22:22,104 --> 01:22:25,907 So, I think the jury was entitled to see that. 2015 01:22:25,909 --> 01:22:27,040 It was heavy. 2016 01:22:27,042 --> 01:22:29,843 It was one of the heavier moments I've had in court. 2017 01:22:29,845 --> 01:22:31,712 That's about ten seconds in. 2018 01:22:31,714 --> 01:22:35,650 You could've stopped, right? - No. 2019 01:22:41,457 --> 01:22:43,190 - Twenty seconds, you could've stopped. 2020 01:22:43,192 --> 01:22:45,459 - No. - Why not? 2021 01:22:45,461 --> 01:22:46,860 - Nothing would've stopped me at this point. 2022 01:22:46,862 --> 01:22:47,795 I was too angry. 2023 01:22:47,797 --> 01:22:50,331 - I saw the reactions of the jurors, 2024 01:22:50,333 --> 01:22:53,333 Uh, it was pained. 2025 01:22:53,335 --> 01:22:54,535 Their expressions were pained. 2026 01:22:54,537 --> 01:22:56,871 So we're about 40 seconds in, you're still doing it? 2027 01:22:56,873 --> 01:22:58,405 - Yes, sir. 2028 01:22:58,407 --> 01:23:01,541 - That's about a minute in, still doing it? 2029 01:23:01,543 --> 01:23:03,143 - Yes, sir. 2030 01:23:03,145 --> 01:23:04,678 - And your testimony is you couldn't have stop? 2031 01:23:04,680 --> 01:23:06,279 You couldn't have just let go of those handles. 2032 01:23:06,281 --> 01:23:07,247 - No. 2033 01:23:13,889 --> 01:23:15,756 - A minute 20, still no, huh? 2034 01:23:15,758 --> 01:23:17,691 - No. - Okay. 2035 01:23:17,693 --> 01:23:18,825 You can let go. 2036 01:23:18,827 --> 01:23:20,961 Can you let go now? - Yes, sir. 2037 01:23:20,963 --> 01:23:22,497 - Then you threw her down a mineshaft, didn't you? 2038 01:23:22,499 --> 01:23:25,700 - I did. - Like a piece of trash. 2039 01:23:25,702 --> 01:23:27,101 - I threw her down the mineshaft, yes. 2040 01:23:27,103 --> 01:23:30,638 - Like a piece of trash. 2041 01:23:30,640 --> 01:23:32,339 Right? - Is that a question? 2042 01:23:32,341 --> 01:23:35,575 - Yes. - Yes. 2043 01:23:35,577 --> 01:23:38,178 - The jurors had heard a confession from chris lee. 2044 01:23:38,180 --> 01:23:40,714 Would they think it was voluntary manslaughter? 2045 01:23:40,716 --> 01:23:43,117 A killing carried out in the heat of passion? 2046 01:23:43,119 --> 01:23:45,652 Or was it premeditated murder? 2047 01:23:45,654 --> 01:23:47,989 The prosecutor made his final appeal 2048 01:23:47,991 --> 01:23:49,055 To the jury. 2049 01:23:49,057 --> 01:23:49,857 - You think the defendant testified 2050 01:23:49,859 --> 01:23:52,659 To express remorse. 2051 01:23:52,661 --> 01:23:54,128 Ladies and gentlemen, if you do 2052 01:23:54,130 --> 01:23:56,931 That is your mistake. 2053 01:23:56,933 --> 01:23:58,933 The defendant is not remorseful. 2054 01:23:58,935 --> 01:24:02,002 He didn't care. 2055 01:24:02,004 --> 01:24:03,937 He didn't care when search and rescue 2056 01:24:03,939 --> 01:24:06,140 And homicide and people in fire departments 2057 01:24:06,142 --> 01:24:08,409 Are putting their life at risk looking for erin. 2058 01:24:08,411 --> 01:24:13,213 He didn't care that he was holding her mother hostage. 2059 01:24:13,215 --> 01:24:17,684 He didn't care one bit until it came time to talk to you, 2060 01:24:17,686 --> 01:24:18,752 The people who are going to decide 2061 01:24:18,754 --> 01:24:22,055 What crime he's guilty of. 2062 01:24:22,057 --> 01:24:24,191 - Defense attorney, david kaloyanides, 2063 01:24:24,193 --> 01:24:26,493 Asked the jury to consider this case 2064 01:24:26,495 --> 01:24:28,495 As a tragic crime of passion, 2065 01:24:28,497 --> 01:24:31,431 Not one of premeditated murder. 2066 01:24:31,433 --> 01:24:33,901 - Mr. Lee was provoked. 2067 01:24:33,903 --> 01:24:35,969 Only you can decide whether that provocation 2068 01:24:35,971 --> 01:24:41,107 Was sufficient to justify a lesser included 2069 01:24:41,109 --> 01:24:45,546 Not justify the killing because it wasn't justified. 2070 01:24:47,983 --> 01:24:52,252 But, was it murder? 2071 01:24:52,254 --> 01:24:57,591 Was it deliberate willful premeditated 2072 01:24:57,593 --> 01:24:59,893 Lying in wait murder? 2073 01:25:02,531 --> 01:25:07,133 Or was it a tragic killing 2074 01:25:07,135 --> 01:25:09,069 That shouldn't have happened? 2075 01:25:09,071 --> 01:25:11,605 - The jurors pondered those questions 2076 01:25:11,607 --> 01:25:13,808 For just an hour and a half. 2077 01:25:13,810 --> 01:25:16,410 Then, they reached a verdict. 2078 01:25:16,412 --> 01:25:18,745 - We the jury find the defendant, 2079 01:25:18,747 --> 01:25:20,013 Christopher brandon lee, 2080 01:25:20,015 --> 01:25:21,816 Guilty of first degree murder. 2081 01:25:21,818 --> 01:25:24,351 The defendant intentionally killed the victim 2082 01:25:24,353 --> 01:25:25,685 By means of lying in wait. 2083 01:25:25,687 --> 01:25:28,822 - Christopher lee was convicted on all counts. 2084 01:25:28,824 --> 01:25:31,291 He will spend the rest of his life in prison 2085 01:25:31,293 --> 01:25:34,828 Without the possibility of parole. 2086 01:25:34,830 --> 01:25:36,296 - What was that moment like for you? 2087 01:25:36,298 --> 01:25:39,099 That-that was pretty final at that point, guilty. 2088 01:25:39,101 --> 01:25:42,169 - It was like taking a breath of fresh air. 2089 01:25:42,171 --> 01:25:43,571 - Although jon corwin still feels 2090 01:25:43,573 --> 01:25:45,906 The lasting pain of regret. 2091 01:25:45,908 --> 01:25:49,509 - I sure wish I could've been there for her more. 2092 01:25:49,511 --> 01:25:52,445 I tried my hardest but it wasn't enough. 2093 01:25:52,447 --> 01:25:54,047 - Erin was a kid. 2094 01:25:54,049 --> 01:25:57,384 She had her whole life ahead of her. 2095 01:25:57,386 --> 01:26:01,454 She just didn't know that, in my opinion, 2096 01:26:01,456 --> 01:26:03,890 She was dealing with the devil. 2097 01:26:03,892 --> 01:26:06,127 - Chris's wife, nicole, told detectives she had 2098 01:26:06,129 --> 01:26:08,461 Nothing to do with erin's disappearance 2099 01:26:08,463 --> 01:26:11,264 And she has not been charged with any crime. 2100 01:26:11,266 --> 01:26:12,265 Is there still a chance? 2101 01:26:12,267 --> 01:26:13,934 Is nicole out of the woods? 2102 01:26:13,936 --> 01:26:15,936 - Not every door has been closed. 2103 01:26:15,938 --> 01:26:17,003 - But for erin's mom, 2104 01:26:17,005 --> 01:26:19,472 The door on chris lee is closed 2105 01:26:19,474 --> 01:26:22,543 And she breathes a little easier knowing it. 2106 01:26:22,545 --> 01:26:23,743 - Every time there's a hearing 2107 01:26:23,745 --> 01:26:27,013 Your emotional scab gets ripped off. 2108 01:26:27,015 --> 01:26:28,416 And to know that I'm not gonna have to 2109 01:26:28,418 --> 01:26:29,883 Deal with that. 2110 01:26:29,885 --> 01:26:31,952 - Lore finds comfort here, 2111 01:26:31,954 --> 01:26:34,122 Way out in the joshua tree desert 2112 01:26:34,124 --> 01:26:38,458 Where doug billings, cave doug, created this. 2113 01:26:38,460 --> 01:26:41,362 In the desolate place where erin's life was cut short 2114 01:26:41,364 --> 01:26:44,298 A garden now grows in her memory. 2115 01:26:48,237 --> 01:26:49,836 - When you look at that desert garden, 2116 01:26:49,838 --> 01:26:52,105 What are you thinking? 2117 01:26:52,107 --> 01:26:56,910 - It's beautiful, like my girl. 2118 01:26:56,912 --> 01:26:58,512 It's a peaceful place. 2119 01:27:01,116 --> 01:27:04,184 I have a peace that can't be explained. 2120 01:27:04,186 --> 01:27:07,922 I decided I couldn't be bitter and angry. 2121 01:27:07,924 --> 01:27:10,523 He's already taken enough from me 2122 01:27:10,525 --> 01:27:11,992 And if I'm bitter and angry he's taking 2123 01:27:11,994 --> 01:27:14,127 My mind, my soul, and my heart, 2124 01:27:14,129 --> 01:27:15,495 And I'm not giving him that. 2125 01:27:22,938 --> 01:27:24,137 - That's all for this edition of 2126 01:27:24,139 --> 01:27:26,273 "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 2127 01:27:26,275 --> 01:27:28,575 I'm kate snow, thank you for watching.