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Narrator: A high-powered lawyer
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Tries to balance
her family and her career.
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Debra: She loved those girls.
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She wanted great things
for them.
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Worried about them like
if they were her own children.
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Carrie: After making partner,
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Her goal and the next step
was to be a judge.
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Narrator:
But when she disappears...
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Debra: She's usually the first
one in the office every day.
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I started thinking
something's wrong here.
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Carrie: This is not good.
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Lizzie would never not show up.
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Narrator: The possibilities
are frightening.
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It was, uh,
a home invasion robbery
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Or even possibly a carjacking.
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We're looking for people
that may have heard screams,
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Gunshots, uh, cry for help.
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Narrator: Investigators
uncover a criminal conspiracy.
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Det. Kendall: Principal
law partner was subject
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Of a significant criminal
ponzi scheme investigation.
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Ended up being a $50 billion
criminal enterprise.
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Narrator: But do the clues lead
to a motive much closer to home?
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An evil person
didn't get his way.
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[♪♪]
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Narrator: Plantation, florida
is built on everglade wetlands
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Drained by developers to create
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What they called
the city of the future.
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The region's watery past
is ever present in the series
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Of managed canals
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That snake through
the community's lush backyards.
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Carrie: In plantation is an
upper scale middle class area.
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The houses are larger.
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They actually have a, you know,
maybe a half an acre of land.
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South florida as a whole
is built on swamp land.
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And so, it is not
at all uncommon
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To have your backyard
a bunch of canal.
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These canals are part
of our everyday life.
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They're everywhere.
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Narrator:
Early one Friday morning,
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A maintenance worker
is checking the pump station
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On a canal that runs through
the backyards of several homes.
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He went out to do
his morning review
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And site maintenance
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To make sure
that the water is flowing
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Through the grates and going
out towards the everglades.
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Narrator: That's when
the worker notices something
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Obstructing one of the grates.
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Shari: Normally,
it's just weeds, trash,
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Things of that nature that will
clog up the grating system.
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He noticed that it was something
unusual and went to inspect it.
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He at first thought
it was a mannequin.
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He had found mannequins
floating there before
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That the clothing stores nearby
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Had discarded
in the canals as trash.
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As he tried to clear,
uh, the area,
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He realized that
this is not a mannequin.
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This was in fact a human body.
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Narrator: The worker
immediately shuts down the pump
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And calls 911.
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[♪♪]
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Det. Kendall:
When I arrived at the canal,
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I'm brought down to a landing
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Which was the best location
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To visually observe
the body in the water.
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It was a white female.
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She had a brown hair.
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She was wearing a-- it was like
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A flowery colored blouse,
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Dress pants, slacks.
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Um, she had no shoes on.
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In plantation, they don't have
a huge crime rate
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And when something happens
of this nature,
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It's almost always
a big deal because it's, uh,
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Extremely unusual discovery
for that area.
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Obviously, it is the number one
burning question,
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Who is this person
buried in this backyard canal?
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[♪♪]
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Narrator: South florida's
beautiful beaches
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Attract sun worshippers
from around the world.
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But that's not
why melissa lewis came here.
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After earning her law degree,
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She saw an opportunity
in the sunshine state's
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Rapidly growing
legal profession.
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Carrie:
Lizzie liked to help people.
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So, she wanted to implement law.
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Lizzie was working
at rothstein rosenfeldt adler
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With debra, her best friend.
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Debra: Melissa was a very
high energy, motivated person.
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If she set her mind
towards something,
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She accomplished the goal.
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Narrator: 39-year-old melissa
charts an ambitious course
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At rothstein rosenfeldt adler
and her efforts are rewarded.
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She was the-the first woman
to make a partnership,
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Which was, kind of, a big deal.
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It was life-changing for her.
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She was very proud of that.
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Um, after making partner,
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Her goal and the next step
was to be a judge.
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She was just a very giving,
fun-loving person.
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Carrie:
Lizzie was, um, an advocate
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For victims
of domestic violence.
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She would donate things
for women in distress.
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Debra:
I was going through my divorce.
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I had left my ex-husband
for many years
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Because I was worried
of what he might do
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To me and the children.
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And melissa was there for me.
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My children loved her
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Because I didn't have sisters.
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She was like an aunt to them.
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Carrie: She had debra,
and she had her family,
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Her dogs, her career.
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She had the life,
she was loving it.
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Narrator:
In her professional life
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Melissa is all business,
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Known for being
punctual and prepared.
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So when she doesn't arrive
for a morning meeting
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On March 6th, 2008,
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Her co-workers
immediately become concerned.
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I got to work
and melissa's assistant
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Comes to me and she's like,
"do you know where melissa is?"
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I said, "she's not here?"
uh, she's like, "no."
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She's usually the first one
in the office every day.
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I'm calling her and texting her.
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And she didn't answer.
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I started thinking
something's wrong here.
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So, I called her sister.
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Carrie: Lizzie would never
not show up to something
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That she's expected
to, uh, to be there.
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You just get that
unsettling feeling.
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This is not good.
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Debra: So then,
I talked to the police officers
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That I knew in plantation
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And I said,
"hey, could you do me a favor,
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You know, melissa seems to be,
kind of, missing.
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Can you drive by her house
to make sure she's okay?"
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Narrator: Unable to shake
their feelings of dread,
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Debra and carrie meet
the officer at melissa's house.
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We walk in and just,
you know, looking around,
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Calling her name.
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Melissa's dogs were there
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And that they were like hyper
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And carrie's like, you know,
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"she'd never leave
the dogs like this."
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Obviously,
you start looking closer
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And then every
little thing at that point.
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And then when we got
to the garage and her--
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Her car's not in the garage.
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And there was some yellow stuff,
kind of, sprayed
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All over the garage door
on the inside
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Of the garage
all over the garage door.
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And the officer was like,
"okay, nobody touch anything."
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And I'm like-- I said,
"what? What is this?"
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And the officer told me,
"that's pepper spray."
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It was all over the garage.
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00:09:03,977 --> 00:09:05,711
And then I looked down
literally right under my feet,
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I looked down and it's
a button off of her suit.
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And I just looked
at the officer and I just--
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It's a confirmation that some
things got really, really wrong.
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Det. Kendall:
We are looking for people
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That may have heard screams,
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Gunshots, cry for help.
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Maybe she's still alive,
time is of the essence.
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Last time that we spoke to her
she was going into publix.
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Maybe she was abducted
in the parking lot.
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[♪♪]
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Narrator: When florida
attorney melissa lewis
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Is a no show
for an important meeting,
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Police officers
find her home empty
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And discover evidence
of an attack.
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00:10:06,639 --> 00:10:09,274
They immediately called
detectives to the scene.
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Det. Kendall: When I first
arrived at melissa lewis' house,
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Her groceries is in the garage
that have not been unpacked
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And had been recently purchased.
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The dog door to the residence
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Had what look like
pepper spray on it.
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Melissa's close friend debra
said that melissa
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00:10:27,461 --> 00:10:29,728
Did have pepper spray
on her normally.
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Um, carried it in her purse.
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We started coming up
with different theories
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On what could've happened.
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Could somebody
have followed her in
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To commit a home burglary,
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A home invasion robbery,
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Or even possibly a carjacking?
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Maybe she's in the car,
maybe she's still alive.
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Time is of the essence.
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Luckily for us,
it was a newer model cadillac.
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It was equipped
with an onstar system.
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We were able to have
onstar provide us
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00:11:01,428 --> 00:11:05,564
With a gps location
for the vehicle.
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00:11:06,366 --> 00:11:07,832
Shari: They located it,
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00:11:07,834 --> 00:11:14,006
Um, within walking distance
to lewis-- lewis' home.
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00:11:14,008 --> 00:11:16,608
Parked, um, on the other side
of the community
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That melissa lewis lived in.
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00:11:18,746 --> 00:11:24,616
Narrator: The car is there,
but not melissa.
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00:11:24,618 --> 00:11:27,151
We opened up
the rear hatch of the vehicle.
198
00:11:27,153 --> 00:11:30,823
Inside of there
we found her shoes.
199
00:11:30,825 --> 00:11:33,525
We found her suit jacket.
200
00:11:33,527 --> 00:11:36,628
And the button
that we had seen earlier
201
00:11:36,630 --> 00:11:38,129
On her garage floor
202
00:11:38,131 --> 00:11:41,000
Looked like it came
from this jacket.
203
00:11:41,802 --> 00:11:44,001
There's substances
on the jacket.
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00:11:44,003 --> 00:11:47,004
Det. Kendall: If you're sprayed
with pepper spray,
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00:11:47,006 --> 00:11:49,942
You may spit, cough, sneeze, um,
206
00:11:49,944 --> 00:11:54,779
That type of fluid
was on her jacket.
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00:11:55,749 --> 00:11:57,949
Shari:
So just in case there's dna,
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00:11:57,951 --> 00:11:59,685
Great care is taken
209
00:11:59,687 --> 00:12:02,755
To preserve all of those things.
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00:12:06,359 --> 00:12:07,492
They transport the car
211
00:12:07,494 --> 00:12:10,628
To broward sheriff's
office crime lab.
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00:12:10,630 --> 00:12:13,065
Narrator: Hoping to track
melissa's movements,
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00:12:13,067 --> 00:12:15,501
Investigators
immediately request
214
00:12:15,503 --> 00:12:16,934
Her cell phone records
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00:12:16,936 --> 00:12:19,304
Knowing it will take some time.
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00:12:19,306 --> 00:12:21,906
In the meantime, they turned
to her sister carrie.
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00:12:21,908 --> 00:12:24,576
She tells detectives
that she spoke to melissa
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00:12:24,578 --> 00:12:28,146
By phone the previous evening.
219
00:12:30,383 --> 00:12:32,950
Carrie: Um, she go went
to publix almost every night
220
00:12:32,952 --> 00:12:34,452
On the way home from work.
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00:12:34,454 --> 00:12:36,688
So that was the last time
that we spoke to her,
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00:12:36,690 --> 00:12:39,123
She was going into publix.
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00:12:39,125 --> 00:12:42,260
Det. Kendall:
We obtained surveillance video
224
00:12:42,262 --> 00:12:44,295
From inside of publix.
225
00:12:46,933 --> 00:12:50,335
They were able to see
the suit that she was wearing,
226
00:12:50,337 --> 00:12:54,539
What kind of purse
she was wearing.
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00:12:54,541 --> 00:12:55,874
It was a designer purse.
228
00:12:55,876 --> 00:13:00,078
Rafael: Because melissa
was known to wear nice jewelry
229
00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:03,080
And carry designer handbags
230
00:13:03,082 --> 00:13:04,448
And things of that nature.
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00:13:04,450 --> 00:13:08,252
It was a natural theory
for police to suspect
232
00:13:08,254 --> 00:13:12,690
That this was
a robbery gone bad.
233
00:13:12,692 --> 00:13:16,294
Narrator: But the video
doesn't show anything suspicious
234
00:13:16,296 --> 00:13:17,295
Inside the supermarket
235
00:13:17,297 --> 00:13:19,831
And there are no
surveillance cameras
236
00:13:19,833 --> 00:13:22,034
Outside the store.
237
00:13:22,036 --> 00:13:25,637
Investigators check to see
if one of melissa's neighbors
238
00:13:25,639 --> 00:13:28,807
Might have seen
something unusual.
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00:13:28,809 --> 00:13:31,510
Det. Kendall: Patrol officers
canvass the area.
240
00:13:31,512 --> 00:13:34,845
We are looking for people
that may have heard screams,
241
00:13:34,847 --> 00:13:38,050
Gunshots, uh, cry for help.
242
00:13:38,052 --> 00:13:40,853
Unfortunately, after canvassing,
243
00:13:40,855 --> 00:13:42,553
Um, that afternoon,
244
00:13:42,555 --> 00:13:45,056
Nobody saw
any suspicious vehicles,
245
00:13:45,058 --> 00:13:47,725
Any suspicious people nearby.
246
00:13:49,128 --> 00:13:51,462
Narrator:
Investigators are still leaning
247
00:13:51,464 --> 00:13:52,797
Towards a robbery.
248
00:13:52,799 --> 00:13:54,698
But there's one thing
that doesn't fit.
249
00:13:54,700 --> 00:13:59,605
Det. Kendall: Usually in those
carjacking robbery scenarios,
250
00:13:59,607 --> 00:14:01,240
The body's not missing.
251
00:14:01,242 --> 00:14:02,473
In my experience,
252
00:14:02,475 --> 00:14:05,009
People aren't put
in the back of a stolen vehicle
253
00:14:05,011 --> 00:14:06,744
Then driven away somewhere.
254
00:14:06,746 --> 00:14:11,783
Um, so her disappearance
was really unusual.
255
00:14:20,760 --> 00:14:22,093
Narrator: It's now the morning
256
00:14:22,095 --> 00:14:23,494
After melissa
is reported missing.
257
00:14:23,496 --> 00:14:25,697
An engineer is clearing
pumping machinery
258
00:14:25,699 --> 00:14:28,366
In a backyard canal
in plantation
259
00:14:28,368 --> 00:14:31,703
When he spots what appears
to be a mannequin
260
00:14:31,705 --> 00:14:33,705
Buried in the debris.
261
00:14:33,707 --> 00:14:35,307
But as he gets closer,
262
00:14:35,309 --> 00:14:38,242
He realizes
it is a woman's body.
263
00:14:38,244 --> 00:14:40,979
Det. Kendall:
It was a little after 7:00 am.
264
00:14:40,981 --> 00:14:43,081
I was driving into work
that day.
265
00:14:43,083 --> 00:14:46,183
Um, I heard a report over
the police radio
266
00:14:46,185 --> 00:14:47,419
That a body
had been discovered.
267
00:14:47,421 --> 00:14:50,087
Based on a brief description
over the radio,
268
00:14:50,089 --> 00:14:53,991
I thought, uh, the body
that they had discovered
269
00:14:53,993 --> 00:14:56,161
Could be melissa lewis.
270
00:14:59,799 --> 00:15:01,666
When she was brought out
of the water
271
00:15:01,668 --> 00:15:06,938
There was very minor indications
of trauma at that time,
272
00:15:06,940 --> 00:15:08,773
Nothing obvious, no stab wounds,
273
00:15:08,775 --> 00:15:11,542
Uh, gunshot wounds,
things of that nature.
274
00:15:11,544 --> 00:15:14,478
And because of the good
condition of the body,
275
00:15:14,480 --> 00:15:18,850
Um, we were able to make
that identification ourself,
276
00:15:18,852 --> 00:15:21,285
Uh, based on
recent photographs,
277
00:15:21,287 --> 00:15:22,953
Driver's license picture,
278
00:15:22,955 --> 00:15:24,856
Um, clothing being worn.
279
00:15:25,959 --> 00:15:28,493
That it was melissa lewis.
280
00:15:32,832 --> 00:15:34,231
Narrator:
Melissa's body is sent
281
00:15:34,233 --> 00:15:37,802
To the medical examiner's office
for an autopsy
282
00:15:37,804 --> 00:15:40,339
As investigators begin
the sad task
283
00:15:40,341 --> 00:15:44,242
Of notifying her family
and friends.
284
00:15:44,244 --> 00:15:47,178
Debra: I've got a call
from one of the detectives
285
00:15:47,180 --> 00:15:51,049
And that's when
everything changed.
286
00:15:51,051 --> 00:15:53,518
And all the hope was gone.
287
00:15:53,520 --> 00:15:56,488
[♪♪]
288
00:15:56,490 --> 00:16:02,526
Debra: It was just--
it was unbelievable.
289
00:16:02,528 --> 00:16:07,399
I just slowly started
fading down to the floor.
290
00:16:14,208 --> 00:16:17,876
I didn't have a sister
growing up
291
00:16:18,878 --> 00:16:20,211
And just all women are
supposed to have
292
00:16:20,213 --> 00:16:21,612
That friend in their life,
you know?
293
00:16:21,614 --> 00:16:26,617
And just all of a sudden
they're just gone.
294
00:16:26,619 --> 00:16:29,654
I was just devastated.
295
00:16:33,827 --> 00:16:36,027
I know I did a lot of crying.
296
00:16:36,029 --> 00:16:39,296
And, um, basically
just focused on,
297
00:16:39,298 --> 00:16:41,031
You know, stayed with my family,
298
00:16:41,033 --> 00:16:44,002
Focused on my kids.
299
00:16:44,772 --> 00:16:47,005
They were everything to her.
300
00:16:48,108 --> 00:16:51,977
My kids were
just like her own.
301
00:16:52,678 --> 00:16:54,913
They were devastated.
302
00:16:55,915 --> 00:16:58,383
Devastated.
303
00:17:08,594 --> 00:17:10,261
[♪♪]
304
00:17:10,263 --> 00:17:12,930
Narrator: The autopsy
results come in
305
00:17:12,932 --> 00:17:18,069
And the findings are chilling.
306
00:17:18,071 --> 00:17:20,605
Det. Kendall:
There is obvious trauma
307
00:17:20,607 --> 00:17:23,073
To her neck area.
308
00:17:23,910 --> 00:17:25,476
Uh, the medical examiner
determined that
309
00:17:25,478 --> 00:17:31,282
The cause of death
was manual strangulation.
310
00:17:32,752 --> 00:17:37,588
At that point, we knew that
this case was a homicide.
311
00:17:38,826 --> 00:17:42,160
Shari: A death like the one
that melissa lewis suffered
312
00:17:42,162 --> 00:17:47,766
Would be one of the most
horrific ways a person can die.
313
00:17:47,768 --> 00:17:49,300
Manual strangulation.
314
00:17:49,302 --> 00:17:52,537
It's a drawn out
way to kill someone.
315
00:17:52,539 --> 00:17:56,974
Um, it's not something
that happens instantaneously.
316
00:17:56,976 --> 00:17:59,911
It takes minutes
for someone to die.
317
00:17:59,913 --> 00:17:59,977
It's a very personal way
to kill somebody.
318
00:18:00,178 --> 00:18:15,326
[♪♪]
319
00:18:15,328 --> 00:18:17,995
Narrator: After the body
of missing attorney
320
00:18:17,997 --> 00:18:19,230
Melissa lewis is found floating
321
00:18:19,232 --> 00:18:21,432
In a backyard canal
in plantation, florida.
322
00:18:21,434 --> 00:18:25,003
Police have determined
that she was likely strangled
323
00:18:25,005 --> 00:18:29,140
The same evening
she was last seen.
324
00:18:29,142 --> 00:18:30,708
Det. Kendall: So at this point,
325
00:18:30,710 --> 00:18:33,512
Her death is classified
as a murder case, a homicide,
326
00:18:33,514 --> 00:18:37,382
Uh, which really ramps up
the level of investigation.
327
00:18:37,384 --> 00:18:41,385
Narrator: The canal is
four miles from melissa's home.
328
00:18:41,387 --> 00:18:46,790
Investigators begin
an intensive search of the area.
329
00:18:46,792 --> 00:18:49,093
[♪♪]
330
00:18:49,095 --> 00:18:50,962
Det. Kendall:
Our theory was that
331
00:18:50,964 --> 00:18:52,496
She was transported there
332
00:18:52,498 --> 00:18:54,366
And in her own vehicle.
333
00:18:54,368 --> 00:18:57,601
And then dumped by somebody
into the canal.
334
00:18:57,603 --> 00:19:00,739
So we were looking
for access areas.
335
00:19:01,841 --> 00:19:04,241
There was a dirt road behind
336
00:19:04,243 --> 00:19:06,610
A small, uh, strip mall.
337
00:19:06,612 --> 00:19:11,415
Um, where a car could drive up
into that area.
338
00:19:11,417 --> 00:19:16,187
It was pretty concealed
from the main road.
339
00:19:16,189 --> 00:19:18,322
Someone could've easily
at night
340
00:19:18,324 --> 00:19:20,824
Open up
the hatch of the vehicle
341
00:19:20,826 --> 00:19:25,730
And either kick them down,
push them down into the canal.
342
00:19:25,732 --> 00:19:27,398
Narrator: But the search
of the dirt road
343
00:19:27,400 --> 00:19:32,070
And access ramp proves
fruitless.
344
00:19:32,072 --> 00:19:34,338
Det. Kendall: At first,
I was leaning
345
00:19:34,340 --> 00:19:35,839
Towards the carjacking
robbery scenario.
346
00:19:35,841 --> 00:19:40,278
But the crime took place
in the garage of her house.
347
00:19:40,280 --> 00:19:43,147
Her pepper spray had been used.
348
00:19:43,149 --> 00:19:46,418
Her body was found miles away
349
00:19:46,420 --> 00:19:50,922
And then her car was found
near her house.
350
00:19:50,924 --> 00:19:52,156
In my career,
351
00:19:52,158 --> 00:19:55,326
This was highly unusual
for a carjacking.
352
00:19:58,431 --> 00:20:00,498
Narrator: The best clue
at the moment
353
00:20:00,500 --> 00:20:03,133
Is the nature of the killing.
354
00:20:03,135 --> 00:20:06,370
Melissa lewis was strangled.
355
00:20:07,506 --> 00:20:10,374
And because strangulation
is so intimate,
356
00:20:10,376 --> 00:20:13,445
The investigators conclude
it's very likely
357
00:20:13,447 --> 00:20:16,114
This crime was not random,
358
00:20:16,116 --> 00:20:17,616
But personal.
359
00:20:17,618 --> 00:20:20,651
So they begin to dig
into melissa's personal life
360
00:20:20,653 --> 00:20:25,156
Looking for someone
with motive to harm her.
361
00:20:25,158 --> 00:20:26,291
We talked to her best friend
362
00:20:26,293 --> 00:20:29,226
Who identified
as debra villegas,
363
00:20:29,228 --> 00:20:30,828
A co-worker of hers,
364
00:20:30,830 --> 00:20:33,897
And her sister,
who's also very close with her.
365
00:20:33,899 --> 00:20:38,235
And we asked them everything
going on in melissa's life.
366
00:20:38,237 --> 00:20:40,137
Debra: They wanted to know
everything,
367
00:20:40,139 --> 00:20:41,672
Anybody that she came
in contact with,
368
00:20:41,674 --> 00:20:44,208
Anybody who might be upset
with her.
369
00:20:44,210 --> 00:20:47,379
Det. Kendall:
They repeatedly told us, no.
370
00:20:48,414 --> 00:20:51,016
No relationship issues,
371
00:20:51,018 --> 00:20:52,484
Uh, no,
372
00:20:52,486 --> 00:20:55,853
Uh, issues at work
with clients,
373
00:20:55,855 --> 00:20:57,855
Things of that nature.
374
00:20:59,091 --> 00:21:03,360
Carrie: I think I was grasping
at straws at that point.
375
00:21:03,362 --> 00:21:06,630
I remembered lizzie
was an advocate
376
00:21:06,632 --> 00:21:10,768
For, um, domestic violence
because of debra.
377
00:21:10,770 --> 00:21:14,038
And I remembered my sister
telling me
378
00:21:14,040 --> 00:21:17,274
That debra's husband, tony,
379
00:21:17,276 --> 00:21:21,612
Um, had threatened
to set debra on fire
380
00:21:21,614 --> 00:21:23,614
In front of her children.
381
00:21:23,616 --> 00:21:25,015
[♪♪]
382
00:21:25,017 --> 00:21:28,052
Carrie: And that he had
slashed her tires.
383
00:21:28,054 --> 00:21:30,254
So I called them,
384
00:21:30,256 --> 00:21:31,789
This man's abusive.
385
00:21:33,125 --> 00:21:34,258
Debra: So then, they wanted all
386
00:21:34,260 --> 00:21:35,827
The information
about my ex-husband
387
00:21:35,829 --> 00:21:38,162
And they asked, you know,
would he be upset about anything
388
00:21:38,164 --> 00:21:41,532
And I said, "oh, he's
very upset about everything."
389
00:21:41,534 --> 00:21:43,834
I told them that we were going
through a divorce.
390
00:21:43,836 --> 00:21:46,203
And gave them the details of
our situation as well.
391
00:21:46,205 --> 00:21:49,473
So they could see that
it really didn't relate to her.
392
00:21:49,475 --> 00:21:54,144
He would, you know,
call and leave threats and--
393
00:21:54,146 --> 00:21:56,480
But I just kept moving forward.
394
00:21:56,482 --> 00:21:59,283
You know,
don't antagonize him,
395
00:21:59,285 --> 00:22:00,517
Don't argue with him,
396
00:22:00,519 --> 00:22:03,887
Stay positive,
and move forward.
397
00:22:03,889 --> 00:22:07,157
And I told them
if I were the one murdered,
398
00:22:07,159 --> 00:22:08,759
You know,
he would be your guy,
399
00:22:08,761 --> 00:22:10,695
But he has no reason
to be upset with melissa.
400
00:22:10,697 --> 00:22:13,764
He didn't even know her
very well.
401
00:22:13,766 --> 00:22:15,699
Narrator: Based on
deborah's description,
402
00:22:15,701 --> 00:22:18,069
The detectives don't consider
her ex-husband
403
00:22:18,071 --> 00:22:21,272
To be high on the list
of suspects.
404
00:22:21,274 --> 00:22:23,974
They decide to search elsewhere
in melissa's life
405
00:22:23,976 --> 00:22:28,479
For someone who might
have motive to attack her.
406
00:22:30,083 --> 00:22:31,716
Det. Kendall:
During an interview of carrie,
407
00:22:31,718 --> 00:22:35,319
She mentioned her
ex-husband anthony godinez
408
00:22:35,321 --> 00:22:39,090
As someone that has
a, um, criminal history.
409
00:22:39,092 --> 00:22:43,662
Carrie: Anthony, uh, is father
of my two oldest children.
410
00:22:43,664 --> 00:22:47,365
And we were married
for 11 years.
411
00:22:48,001 --> 00:22:48,932
He was a drug addict
412
00:22:48,934 --> 00:22:51,969
And had been in prison
for armed robbery.
413
00:22:51,971 --> 00:22:55,406
He-- he wouldn't have killed
her, I don't think.
414
00:22:55,408 --> 00:22:59,376
But he had also been involved
in an armed robbery.
415
00:22:59,378 --> 00:23:03,248
So, you know,
uh, you just never know.
416
00:23:03,250 --> 00:23:06,550
So I did throw it out there.
417
00:23:06,552 --> 00:23:08,019
I told the police
418
00:23:08,021 --> 00:23:09,753
Melissa helped me
fill out the divorce papers
419
00:23:09,755 --> 00:23:12,556
And then she told me
that he came to her house.
420
00:23:12,558 --> 00:23:16,961
And, you know,
it startled her a little bit.
421
00:23:18,497 --> 00:23:20,764
Det. Kendall:
We believe she was strangled
422
00:23:20,766 --> 00:23:23,734
By someone
who personally knew her
423
00:23:23,736 --> 00:23:26,504
On the floor of her garage.
424
00:23:26,506 --> 00:23:29,207
And anthony godinez is a felon.
425
00:23:29,209 --> 00:23:32,176
Uh, he had committed
an armed robbery years earlier.
426
00:23:32,178 --> 00:23:36,047
Um, he spent some
significant time in prison.
427
00:23:37,517 --> 00:23:39,950
So at that point, mr. Godinez is
428
00:23:39,952 --> 00:23:43,754
A significant suspect
in this case.
429
00:23:43,756 --> 00:23:45,890
We need to find him.
430
00:23:49,462 --> 00:23:52,529
Shari: If that melissa was
going to expose
431
00:23:52,531 --> 00:23:55,967
His criminal episode
at the law firm
432
00:23:55,969 --> 00:23:57,634
That set off alarm bells.
433
00:23:57,636 --> 00:24:00,737
Det. Kendall:
The crime lab contacted us ,
434
00:24:00,739 --> 00:24:02,172
We have an exact match.
435
00:24:02,174 --> 00:24:03,573
Two dna collected
436
00:24:03,575 --> 00:24:06,944
From melissa lewis' jacket.
437
00:24:08,414 --> 00:24:08,479
[♪♪]
438
00:24:08,680 --> 00:24:18,989
[♪♪]
439
00:24:20,160 --> 00:24:21,925
Narrator: Florida detectives
have identified
440
00:24:21,927 --> 00:24:24,695
Their first solid suspect
in the murder of melissa lewis,
441
00:24:24,697 --> 00:24:29,867
Her former brother-in-law,
anthony godinez.
442
00:24:31,670 --> 00:24:33,738
Det. Kendall: We learned
anthony godinez was a felon.
443
00:24:33,740 --> 00:24:36,507
He had been arrested
years earlier
444
00:24:36,509 --> 00:24:37,808
For an armed robbery.
445
00:24:37,810 --> 00:24:40,311
He was released from prison
about three years
446
00:24:40,313 --> 00:24:42,746
Prior to this day.
447
00:24:43,916 --> 00:24:46,149
I told him,
really in my heart,
448
00:24:46,151 --> 00:24:50,054
I knew that he didn't have
anything to do with it.
449
00:24:51,190 --> 00:24:53,757
Narrator: Detectives stake out
anthony's home
450
00:24:53,759 --> 00:24:55,192
Four and a half miles
from mellissa's
451
00:24:55,194 --> 00:25:00,297
Hoping to corner him
and speak with him.
452
00:25:00,299 --> 00:25:01,965
Det. Kendall:
We've conducted a surveillance
453
00:25:01,967 --> 00:25:05,270
At mr. Godinez's residence,
454
00:25:06,606 --> 00:25:10,941
Where we found, uh, that
he wasn't physically able.
455
00:25:12,778 --> 00:25:14,145
Shari: Investigators learned
456
00:25:14,147 --> 00:25:17,114
Anthony recently has been
diagnosed with ms.
457
00:25:17,116 --> 00:25:21,285
And based on what they were
able to piece together
458
00:25:21,287 --> 00:25:23,254
Up to that point,
459
00:25:23,256 --> 00:25:25,555
He would not have been able
to carry out
460
00:25:25,557 --> 00:25:29,426
That type of abduction.
461
00:25:29,428 --> 00:25:31,029
Det. Kendall:
We spoke with him,
462
00:25:31,031 --> 00:25:34,065
Uh, and he had
a reasonable alibi,
463
00:25:34,067 --> 00:25:37,936
Um, on the night
that she went missing.
464
00:25:40,306 --> 00:25:42,773
Narrator: With their initial
suspect now cleared,
465
00:25:42,775 --> 00:25:46,977
Investigators dig back
into the evidence.
466
00:25:46,979 --> 00:25:49,846
Melissa was
a successful attorney
467
00:25:49,848 --> 00:25:51,148
And the detectives consider
468
00:25:51,150 --> 00:25:54,017
Whether her work
might have played a role
469
00:25:54,019 --> 00:25:56,754
In her violent death.
470
00:25:57,523 --> 00:25:59,589
Scott rothstein,
the founding partner
471
00:25:59,591 --> 00:26:01,258
Of the law firm she worked for,
was interviewed.
472
00:26:01,260 --> 00:26:06,531
Shari: Scott rothstein was
very close to melissa lewis.
473
00:26:06,533 --> 00:26:08,332
She had interned
in the past for him.
474
00:26:08,334 --> 00:26:12,403
Um, he had
a close relationship with her
475
00:26:12,405 --> 00:26:14,939
And knew her very well.
476
00:26:15,475 --> 00:26:17,174
Scott rothstein was
477
00:26:17,176 --> 00:26:20,510
A, uh, a very well
connected lawyer.
478
00:26:20,512 --> 00:26:26,583
When this happened, his firm
put up a $250,000 reward,
479
00:26:26,585 --> 00:26:30,555
Uh, for information.
480
00:26:30,557 --> 00:26:34,157
She was a very well thought
of attorney in broward county.
481
00:26:34,159 --> 00:26:38,563
Maybe there were cases
where someone would have an axe
482
00:26:38,565 --> 00:26:40,397
To grind with her.
483
00:26:40,399 --> 00:26:43,567
Narrator: But there are
no promising suspects
484
00:26:43,569 --> 00:26:46,136
In melissa's caseload.
485
00:26:48,808 --> 00:26:51,441
[♪♪]
486
00:26:51,443 --> 00:26:54,444
Narrator: Then, after
a frustrating three-day wait,
487
00:26:54,446 --> 00:26:59,117
Detectives finally receive
melissa's phone records.
488
00:26:59,119 --> 00:27:02,052
Det. Kendall: The data showed
when she left work.
489
00:27:02,054 --> 00:27:04,755
Uh, we could show her traveling
490
00:27:04,757 --> 00:27:06,923
From, uh, downtown fort
lauderdale
491
00:27:06,925 --> 00:27:09,093
On the evening of March 5th.
492
00:27:09,095 --> 00:27:13,663
Arriving in the vicinity
of the publix grocery store
493
00:27:13,665 --> 00:27:15,532
At about 7:00.
494
00:27:15,534 --> 00:27:20,003
Arriving home a little bit
after 8:00 pm that night.
495
00:27:21,540 --> 00:27:23,106
Narrator: At that point,
the signal is stationary
496
00:27:23,108 --> 00:27:26,576
At melissa's house
for almost an hour.
497
00:27:26,578 --> 00:27:29,946
Police believe
it is during this time period
498
00:27:29,948 --> 00:27:31,549
That melissa is murdered.
499
00:27:31,551 --> 00:27:37,021
But oddly after that,
her cell phone is on the move.
500
00:27:37,023 --> 00:27:40,625
Det. Kendall: The phone travels
at about 9:00 pm that night
501
00:27:40,627 --> 00:27:43,693
From the cell tower
and melissa's neighborhood,
502
00:27:43,695 --> 00:27:45,629
Out to the area
where we now know
503
00:27:45,631 --> 00:27:49,900
Where she, uh, was dumped
in a canal.
504
00:27:49,902 --> 00:27:53,604
And then it travels back,
um, towards her home,
505
00:27:53,606 --> 00:27:55,639
Back to her home cell tower.
506
00:27:55,641 --> 00:27:58,809
And then it travels down
507
00:27:58,811 --> 00:28:00,011
Through broward county,
508
00:28:00,013 --> 00:28:02,746
Through interstate, the 595,
509
00:28:02,748 --> 00:28:04,815
Along interstate 75
510
00:28:04,817 --> 00:28:07,651
Into, uh, dade county,
511
00:28:07,653 --> 00:28:09,419
Uh, northern miami area
512
00:28:09,421 --> 00:28:13,056
Where it finally settles
at one cell tower
513
00:28:13,058 --> 00:28:15,759
Between 10:00 and 11:00
that night
514
00:28:15,761 --> 00:28:17,695
In the city of hialeah.
515
00:28:17,697 --> 00:28:20,196
Narrator: The phone
stays in that location
516
00:28:20,198 --> 00:28:23,100
Until 6:00 am the next morning.
517
00:28:23,102 --> 00:28:25,636
Then, it hits the road again.
518
00:28:25,638 --> 00:28:29,873
The early morning hours
of March 6th, 2008,
519
00:28:29,875 --> 00:28:32,109
The phone travels
520
00:28:32,111 --> 00:28:34,211
In a very direct straight line,
521
00:28:34,213 --> 00:28:38,549
Um, up towards
palm beach county.
522
00:28:38,551 --> 00:28:40,717
And then it disappears.
523
00:28:40,719 --> 00:28:42,552
[♪♪]
524
00:28:42,554 --> 00:28:46,590
Narrator: Detectives believe
that whoever attacked melissa
525
00:28:46,592 --> 00:28:47,924
Kept her phone.
526
00:28:47,926 --> 00:28:50,260
Since the phone spent
the night in hialeah,
527
00:28:50,262 --> 00:28:53,497
They conclude
so did the killer.
528
00:28:55,134 --> 00:28:57,834
Det. Kendall: Unfortunately,
it wasn't precise
529
00:28:57,836 --> 00:29:00,504
Gps lat and long coordinates
530
00:29:00,506 --> 00:29:04,040
Being provided,
but it was at a cell tower.
531
00:29:04,042 --> 00:29:05,643
It could be one to three miles
532
00:29:05,645 --> 00:29:08,012
In either direction
of the tower,
533
00:29:08,014 --> 00:29:10,481
Which is a lot
of area to search.
534
00:29:11,418 --> 00:29:13,183
Narrator: The cell tower
data isn't specific
535
00:29:13,185 --> 00:29:17,721
Enough to pinpoint
their suspect.
536
00:29:17,723 --> 00:29:19,623
But because she was strangled,
537
00:29:19,625 --> 00:29:22,225
Investigators believe
melissa knew her attacker.
538
00:29:22,227 --> 00:29:24,761
And now they know
that person likely
539
00:29:24,763 --> 00:29:29,634
Has a connection to hialeah.
540
00:29:29,636 --> 00:29:33,103
Det. Kendall: The best way
to get additional information
541
00:29:33,105 --> 00:29:37,174
Was to talk to debra
and carrie again.
542
00:29:37,176 --> 00:29:39,176
So we brought them both back in
543
00:29:39,178 --> 00:29:41,845
And we told them
what the data showed.
544
00:29:41,847 --> 00:29:44,381
[♪♪]
545
00:29:44,383 --> 00:29:48,752
Narrator: Melissa's best friend
and company-worker debra
546
00:29:48,754 --> 00:29:51,955
Is staggered by the information.
547
00:29:52,758 --> 00:29:55,126
[ sniffles ]
548
00:29:57,896 --> 00:29:59,396
It was just horrible,
549
00:29:59,398 --> 00:30:03,767
Because it was then
when I realized that--
550
00:30:03,769 --> 00:30:03,833
That she's gone because of me.
551
00:30:03,968 --> 00:30:21,318
-[birds chirping]
-[♪♪]
552
00:30:22,388 --> 00:30:24,988
My divorce was very,
very ugly over
553
00:30:24,990 --> 00:30:28,726
The course of--
of the first year.
554
00:30:28,728 --> 00:30:30,260
Tony was--
was very angry
555
00:30:30,262 --> 00:30:32,996
And he's just not
a very stable person.
556
00:30:32,998 --> 00:30:35,066
He broke into my truck
a couple of times
557
00:30:35,068 --> 00:30:36,366
And put water in my gas tank.
558
00:30:36,368 --> 00:30:40,804
Left dead animals
on my front porch.
559
00:30:40,806 --> 00:30:42,572
Just bizarre things.
560
00:30:42,574 --> 00:30:45,809
Narrator: When police
asked melissa's best friend
561
00:30:45,811 --> 00:30:47,945
Debra villegas about a suspect
562
00:30:47,947 --> 00:30:49,312
With a connection to hialeah,
563
00:30:49,314 --> 00:30:53,717
She's stunned to realize
who it might be.
564
00:30:53,719 --> 00:30:56,720
Det. Kendall: Debra said
he had recently moved in
565
00:30:56,722 --> 00:30:58,688
With a friend in hialeah
566
00:30:58,690 --> 00:31:01,392
Within the, uh, area
of the cell tower
567
00:31:01,394 --> 00:31:03,193
Where the listed phone
was pinging
568
00:31:03,195 --> 00:31:06,130
The night of melissa's murder.
569
00:31:06,132 --> 00:31:08,031
Narrator: Deborah
initially told police
570
00:31:08,033 --> 00:31:12,235
Her ex-husband had
no reason to harm melissa.
571
00:31:12,237 --> 00:31:15,772
But now she's not sure
that's true.
572
00:31:15,774 --> 00:31:18,309
Debra: Melissa
was my dearest friend
573
00:31:18,311 --> 00:31:20,844
And somebody to make me
happy and to laugh with.
574
00:31:20,846 --> 00:31:26,283
Her support was just helping me
move forward in a positive way.
575
00:31:27,420 --> 00:31:29,352
Det. Kendall:
She then went on to tell us
576
00:31:29,354 --> 00:31:30,720
Her husband is a,
577
00:31:30,722 --> 00:31:32,924
Uh, conductor on a train...
578
00:31:32,926 --> 00:31:34,491
[train horn blaring]
579
00:31:34,493 --> 00:31:36,393
Det. Kendall: ...Uh,
florida east coast railways
580
00:31:36,395 --> 00:31:40,998
That run from downtown
fort lauderdale
581
00:31:41,000 --> 00:31:43,567
Up into pompano.
582
00:31:45,237 --> 00:31:46,569
The track of the cell phone
583
00:31:46,571 --> 00:31:50,174
Is mirroring where
tony villegas would be.
584
00:31:50,176 --> 00:31:52,677
Where he lives
and where he works.
585
00:31:52,679 --> 00:31:58,348
Police now subpoena
tony villegas' phone records.
586
00:31:59,851 --> 00:32:02,486
On the night that
melissa lewis was killed,
587
00:32:02,488 --> 00:32:04,888
Wherever melissa lewis'
phone was,
588
00:32:04,890 --> 00:32:09,460
So was tony villegas' phone.
589
00:32:09,462 --> 00:32:11,195
Narrator: The phone evidence
connecting tony to melissa
590
00:32:11,197 --> 00:32:15,333
Is the lead law enforcement
has been waiting for.
591
00:32:15,335 --> 00:32:19,803
But it's not concrete
proof he killed her.
592
00:32:19,805 --> 00:32:21,137
Hoping to find that proof,
593
00:32:21,139 --> 00:32:22,673
Detectives obtained
a search warrant
594
00:32:22,675 --> 00:32:27,211
For the apartment tony
shares with a roommate.
595
00:32:28,481 --> 00:32:30,113
Det. Kendall: We were looking
for obvious items of evidence
596
00:32:30,115 --> 00:32:33,416
Such as pepper spray,
melissa's cell phone,
597
00:32:33,418 --> 00:32:38,723
Or any other items that could
link him to the load.
598
00:32:38,725 --> 00:32:40,858
But we didn't find
anything unusual.
599
00:32:40,860 --> 00:32:42,493
[♪♪]
600
00:32:42,495 --> 00:32:45,795
Shari: His roommate said
that on the night
601
00:32:45,797 --> 00:32:47,231
That melissa lewis went missing,
602
00:32:47,233 --> 00:32:49,867
Um, tony villegas vegas
came home late that night
603
00:32:49,869 --> 00:32:52,936
And had asked
if he knew of a way
604
00:32:52,938 --> 00:32:55,805
To wash it off or get rid of,
605
00:32:55,807 --> 00:32:59,610
Um, pepper spray
that was on your body.
606
00:33:02,081 --> 00:33:05,249
That sent off alarm bells.
607
00:33:07,419 --> 00:33:10,888
Our theory was
that he wanted to hurt debra
608
00:33:10,890 --> 00:33:12,256
In the deepest way possible,
609
00:33:12,258 --> 00:33:15,426
But it was his ultimate way
to hurt debra,
610
00:33:15,428 --> 00:33:19,230
"I'm gonna kill and take away
your best friend,
611
00:33:19,232 --> 00:33:21,297
Your support person."
612
00:33:21,299 --> 00:33:24,167
Narrator: Even more alarms
go off a few days later
613
00:33:24,169 --> 00:33:26,369
When police received
dna test results
614
00:33:26,371 --> 00:33:29,372
For the small stain
on melissa's jacket
615
00:33:29,374 --> 00:33:31,441
That was recovered from her car.
616
00:33:31,443 --> 00:33:33,843
Det. Kendall:
The evidence dna collected
617
00:33:33,845 --> 00:33:36,914
From melissa lewis' jacket,
618
00:33:36,916 --> 00:33:40,683
That dna belonged
to tony villegas.
619
00:33:40,685 --> 00:33:43,788
[♪♪]
620
00:33:43,790 --> 00:33:45,455
Narrator: A week after
her death,
621
00:33:45,457 --> 00:33:48,958
A judge issues an arrest
warrant for tony villegas
622
00:33:48,960 --> 00:33:54,231
On the same day melissa
is laid to rest.
623
00:33:59,472 --> 00:34:03,840
Carrie: Melissa's
funeral was surreal.
624
00:34:03,842 --> 00:34:07,144
The reporters outside,
and I remember scott,
625
00:34:07,146 --> 00:34:11,482
Uh, scott rothstein, um,
speaking at her funeral.
626
00:34:11,484 --> 00:34:17,355
And the firm,
they paid for the funeral.
627
00:34:17,889 --> 00:34:19,656
Everything.
628
00:34:20,960 --> 00:34:23,961
Debra: It was so hard
because to--
629
00:34:23,963 --> 00:34:26,964
To look at the family of her
630
00:34:26,966 --> 00:34:30,066
Knowing that she's gone
because of me,
631
00:34:30,068 --> 00:34:33,204
Because tony knew
that it would torture me,
632
00:34:33,206 --> 00:34:37,040
Because I would have to live
with this pain and sadness
633
00:34:37,042 --> 00:34:38,675
The rest of my life.
634
00:34:38,677 --> 00:34:41,010
It was just--
635
00:34:41,012 --> 00:34:44,648
It was--
it's just overwhelming.
636
00:34:47,552 --> 00:34:49,285
[♪♪]
637
00:34:49,287 --> 00:34:51,054
Narrator: While melissa
is being buried,
638
00:34:51,056 --> 00:34:55,058
Police are zeroing
in on tony villegas.
639
00:34:55,060 --> 00:34:59,929
Later that day, they find him
hiding in his mother's house.
640
00:34:59,931 --> 00:35:03,266
Det. Kendall: Investigators
and other special response units
641
00:35:03,268 --> 00:35:07,103
Were down outside of the home
642
00:35:07,105 --> 00:35:10,207
And tony peacefully surrendered.
643
00:35:10,209 --> 00:35:12,475
Carrie: When they found
her murderer,
644
00:35:12,477 --> 00:35:14,711
Uh, that was a huge relief.
645
00:35:14,713 --> 00:35:16,313
[♪♪]
646
00:35:16,315 --> 00:35:19,282
Narrator: Tony villegas
is arraigned on a charge
647
00:35:19,284 --> 00:35:22,385
Of first degree murder.
648
00:35:22,387 --> 00:35:23,587
He insists he's innocent,
649
00:35:23,589 --> 00:35:27,056
And that he's being
set up by someone.
650
00:35:27,058 --> 00:35:28,225
But he refuses to say who.
651
00:35:28,227 --> 00:35:31,362
Det. Kendall: He gave
no other information
652
00:35:31,364 --> 00:35:32,897
To investigators.
653
00:35:32,899 --> 00:35:35,933
Nothing else to say about
what happened that night.
654
00:35:35,935 --> 00:35:38,669
He was stoic.
655
00:35:40,839 --> 00:35:44,841
Narrator: Defense attorneys
stall that judicial process
656
00:35:44,843 --> 00:35:48,444
For more than a year.
657
00:35:48,446 --> 00:35:50,046
Then a stunning new development
658
00:35:50,048 --> 00:35:54,585
Threatens to derail
the prosecution's entire case.
659
00:35:54,587 --> 00:36:00,156
Det. Kendall: Scott rothstein,
melissa's principal law partner,
660
00:36:00,158 --> 00:36:04,061
Was subject
of a very significant
661
00:36:04,063 --> 00:36:06,462
Criminal ponzi scheme
investigation.
662
00:36:06,464 --> 00:36:09,065
One of the most significant
ponzi schemes
663
00:36:09,067 --> 00:36:13,269
In the history
of the united states.
664
00:36:13,271 --> 00:36:15,071
Rafael: He was running a--
665
00:36:15,073 --> 00:36:18,309
What ended up being
a $50 billion
666
00:36:18,311 --> 00:36:19,642
Criminal enterprise.
667
00:36:19,644 --> 00:36:21,711
Det. Kendall:
We learned, uh, he had fled
668
00:36:21,713 --> 00:36:23,447
The country to morocco.
669
00:36:23,449 --> 00:36:26,383
Narrator: An fbi probe reveals
that one of scott's partners
670
00:36:26,385 --> 00:36:28,484
In the massive financial fraud
671
00:36:28,486 --> 00:36:32,323
Is the law firm's
office manager,
672
00:36:32,325 --> 00:36:35,292
Debra villegas.
673
00:36:37,862 --> 00:36:39,396
[♪♪]
674
00:36:39,398 --> 00:36:41,130
Narrator: Detectives
are forced to wonder,
675
00:36:41,132 --> 00:36:43,467
Could this multibillion
dollar crime
676
00:36:43,469 --> 00:36:47,503
Be the real reason
for melissa's murder?
677
00:36:47,505 --> 00:36:49,672
Shari: As prosecutors
in the case,
678
00:36:49,674 --> 00:36:53,676
The ponzi scheme
could not be ignored.
679
00:36:53,678 --> 00:36:56,111
Rafael: The time
of melissa's murder,
680
00:36:56,113 --> 00:36:59,115
She was working
for an enterprise
681
00:36:59,117 --> 00:37:01,684
That was--
was criminal.
682
00:37:01,686 --> 00:37:03,520
There's no evidence
that she was tied
683
00:37:03,522 --> 00:37:06,456
To any criminal
behavior or activity.
684
00:37:06,458 --> 00:37:09,059
But the idea
that melissa's death
685
00:37:09,061 --> 00:37:13,130
Had absolutely nothing
to do with any of that,
686
00:37:13,132 --> 00:37:16,132
It seemed to lack credibility.
687
00:37:16,134 --> 00:37:20,203
Det. Kendall: If melissa
had learned of the ponzi scheme,
688
00:37:20,205 --> 00:37:21,938
Or was directly
involved herself,
689
00:37:22,072 --> 00:37:30,396
Scott rothstein may have
wanted to have her eliminated.
690
00:37:30,397 --> 00:37:38,721
[♪♪]
691
00:37:38,723 --> 00:37:40,590
Narrator: Tony villegas
is awaiting trial
692
00:37:40,592 --> 00:37:42,058
For the murder of melissa lewis.
693
00:37:42,060 --> 00:37:46,029
But the case has been upended
by an fbi investigation.
694
00:37:46,031 --> 00:37:49,099
Melissa's law firm has been
charged with financial fraud
695
00:37:49,101 --> 00:37:52,702
And tangled up
in the massive ponzi scheme
696
00:37:52,704 --> 00:37:54,704
Is her boss, scott rothstein,
697
00:37:54,706 --> 00:37:57,641
And best friend
and office manager,
698
00:37:57,643 --> 00:37:59,742
Debra villegas.
699
00:37:59,744 --> 00:38:03,079
Tony's lawyer suggests
that scott and debra
700
00:38:03,081 --> 00:38:05,781
May be melissa's real killers.
701
00:38:05,783 --> 00:38:08,719
Shari: Debra being best
friends with melissa lewis,
702
00:38:08,721 --> 00:38:12,089
Obviously the questions
started coming out
703
00:38:12,091 --> 00:38:13,657
About was there any connection
704
00:38:13,659 --> 00:38:16,994
Between any
of the illegal activities
705
00:38:16,996 --> 00:38:18,462
Of scott rothstein,
706
00:38:18,464 --> 00:38:21,097
Um, any illegal activities
that debra
707
00:38:21,099 --> 00:38:22,666
May have been involved in
708
00:38:22,668 --> 00:38:26,470
And the murder of melissa lewis.
709
00:38:26,472 --> 00:38:31,474
If melissa lewis had found out
and was going to expose
710
00:38:31,476 --> 00:38:34,077
This very large criminal episode
711
00:38:34,079 --> 00:38:35,745
That was happening
at the law firm,
712
00:38:35,747 --> 00:38:37,747
Then they needed
to eliminate melissa
713
00:38:37,749 --> 00:38:43,553
Before she exposed
it to law enforcement.
714
00:38:43,555 --> 00:38:45,455
Narrator: The prosecutor's
theory has been
715
00:38:45,457 --> 00:38:49,025
That tony villegas killed
melissa in a fit of anger.
716
00:38:49,027 --> 00:38:51,794
But detectives must now
examine whether melissa
717
00:38:51,796 --> 00:38:54,897
Was the victim
of a sinister plot
718
00:38:54,899 --> 00:38:56,499
To keep her silent.
719
00:38:56,501 --> 00:38:58,502
Shari: It would be negligent
on the investigator's part,
720
00:38:58,504 --> 00:39:02,705
It would be negligent
on our part not to make sure
721
00:39:02,707 --> 00:39:05,108
That it wasn't scott
rothstein.
722
00:39:05,110 --> 00:39:08,745
Det. Kendall: We had the fbi
and the florida department
723
00:39:08,747 --> 00:39:13,783
Of law enforcement assist
us in our investigation.
724
00:39:13,785 --> 00:39:16,018
Narrator: Every piece
of evidence,
725
00:39:16,020 --> 00:39:17,921
Every document, every interview
726
00:39:17,923 --> 00:39:19,121
Is picked apart,
727
00:39:19,123 --> 00:39:23,459
Looking for any connection
728
00:39:23,461 --> 00:39:25,929
And the murder
of melissa lewis.
729
00:39:25,931 --> 00:39:29,199
Det. Kendall: There was no
evidence of that.
730
00:39:29,201 --> 00:39:34,737
To think that for all
the available people
731
00:39:34,739 --> 00:39:36,774
To go out and hire
to commit a murder,
732
00:39:36,776 --> 00:39:40,243
Would scott rothstein
use tony villegas,
733
00:39:40,245 --> 00:39:41,744
The estranged husband
734
00:39:41,746 --> 00:39:44,247
Of his confidant
in his ponzi scheme
735
00:39:44,249 --> 00:39:47,483
To kill somebody else
in the law firm? No.
736
00:39:47,485 --> 00:39:49,586
That theory didn't hold up.
737
00:39:49,588 --> 00:39:51,221
There was no connection
738
00:39:51,223 --> 00:39:54,290
From scott rothstein's activity
739
00:39:54,292 --> 00:39:57,227
To the death
of melissa lewis.
740
00:39:57,229 --> 00:40:00,164
Debra: Melissa
would've been horrified.
741
00:40:00,166 --> 00:40:02,632
It was humiliating, it was--
742
00:40:02,634 --> 00:40:06,903
It was just the worst,
743
00:40:06,905 --> 00:40:10,239
And it's just
the guilt that I guess
744
00:40:10,241 --> 00:40:12,175
I live with forever.
745
00:40:12,177 --> 00:40:14,710
[♪♪]
746
00:40:14,712 --> 00:40:17,814
Shari: We were confident
we had the right person arrested
747
00:40:17,816 --> 00:40:21,585
And we were prosecuting
the right person.
748
00:40:23,723 --> 00:40:26,856
Narrator: The case
is finally back on track.
749
00:40:26,858 --> 00:40:29,659
The tony villegas
murder trial begins
750
00:40:29,661 --> 00:40:32,462
Eight years after melissa's
body was found
751
00:40:32,464 --> 00:40:34,997
Buried in a backyard canal.
752
00:40:34,999 --> 00:40:38,000
Prosecutors tell the jury
that tony was a controlling
753
00:40:38,002 --> 00:40:41,338
And obsessive husband
enraged by what he saw
754
00:40:41,340 --> 00:40:44,473
As melissa's interference
in his marriage.
755
00:40:44,475 --> 00:40:47,610
Shari: Melissa and debra
were best friends.
756
00:40:47,612 --> 00:40:49,513
Melissa, in his eyes,
757
00:40:49,515 --> 00:40:50,881
Figuratively
moved into his spot.
758
00:40:50,883 --> 00:40:54,485
He felt that melissa
had advised debra
759
00:40:54,487 --> 00:40:58,688
To get the divorce
and that it was her fault.
760
00:41:01,926 --> 00:41:04,393
The investigation led us
to believe
761
00:41:04,395 --> 00:41:06,262
That that night,
tony villegas had driven
762
00:41:06,264 --> 00:41:11,401
To the parking lot
near melissa's neighborhood.
763
00:41:12,404 --> 00:41:14,337
Det. Kendall: He walked
less than a quarter mile
764
00:41:14,339 --> 00:41:15,638
To melissa's house
765
00:41:15,640 --> 00:41:20,277
Where he waited
for her to return home.
766
00:41:20,279 --> 00:41:22,679
When she opened the garage,
767
00:41:22,681 --> 00:41:24,447
He entered the garage.
768
00:41:24,449 --> 00:41:26,716
[♪♪]
769
00:41:26,718 --> 00:41:30,720
Det. Kendall:
She probably saw him coming.
770
00:41:32,424 --> 00:41:35,992
Used pepper spray
in self-defense.
771
00:41:37,262 --> 00:41:39,095
He was a strong guy.
772
00:41:39,097 --> 00:41:43,901
He strangled her right
on the floor of her garage.
773
00:41:52,578 --> 00:41:56,746
Shari: He puts her body
in the back of the suv,
774
00:41:56,748 --> 00:41:59,682
And then he drives it
through the canal,
775
00:41:59,684 --> 00:42:03,353
Takes her body out
of the back of the suv,
776
00:42:03,355 --> 00:42:06,022
Throws it down into canal.
777
00:42:06,024 --> 00:42:10,693
Drives back to where
his corvette was parked.
778
00:42:11,730 --> 00:42:15,665
Drives his corvette
back down to miami.
779
00:42:20,573 --> 00:42:23,306
Narrator: The trial
lasts a week.
780
00:42:23,308 --> 00:42:25,374
It takes the jury just two hours
781
00:42:25,376 --> 00:42:26,809
To reach a verdict.
782
00:42:26,811 --> 00:42:29,612
Shari: The verdict
was guilty as charged
783
00:42:29,614 --> 00:42:31,047
Of first degree murder.
784
00:42:31,049 --> 00:42:36,653
And he was consequently
sentenced to life in prison.
785
00:42:40,259 --> 00:42:41,758
[♪♪]
786
00:42:41,760 --> 00:42:45,662
Debra: She was just
a very special person
787
00:42:45,664 --> 00:42:48,765
Taken away from us because of...
788
00:42:49,401 --> 00:42:50,466
An evil person
789
00:42:50,468 --> 00:42:53,203
Who didn't get his way.
790
00:42:54,939 --> 00:42:57,207
It's senseless.
791
00:42:58,543 --> 00:43:01,711
[ sighs ] I miss my sister
792
00:43:01,713 --> 00:43:07,917
Being able to share
the excitement in my kids,
793
00:43:08,687 --> 00:43:11,621
And their achievements.
794
00:43:12,423 --> 00:43:14,390
She was humble, and kind,
795
00:43:14,392 --> 00:43:16,358
And giving,
796
00:43:16,360 --> 00:43:17,493
Selfless,
797
00:43:17,495 --> 00:43:19,662
Just...
798
00:43:22,300 --> 00:43:23,366
A great person.
799
00:43:23,368 --> 00:43:27,203
[♪♪]