1 00:00:13,480 --> 00:00:14,580 Narrator: A quaint getaway 2 00:00:14,582 --> 00:00:16,582 On an island paradise. 3 00:00:16,584 --> 00:00:19,518 Ursula: It wasn't on the beach, but it was kind of funky 4 00:00:19,520 --> 00:00:21,720 Because it always had pink flamingos up front. 5 00:00:21,722 --> 00:00:25,992 Narrator: Becomes the center of a mysterious disappearance. 6 00:00:27,194 --> 00:00:29,995 Art: He reported that she left the apartment. 7 00:00:30,664 --> 00:00:32,332 [♪♪] 8 00:00:32,334 --> 00:00:35,701 Narrator: A strange incident on the mainland 9 00:00:35,703 --> 00:00:37,269 Deepens the mystery. 10 00:00:37,271 --> 00:00:40,272 Art: He said he ran into a couple 11 00:00:40,274 --> 00:00:42,808 And that in exchange for crack, 12 00:00:42,810 --> 00:00:44,543 They gave him the use of the vehicle. 13 00:00:44,545 --> 00:00:46,111 [tires screeching] 14 00:00:46,113 --> 00:00:47,279 Barbara: She wouldn't have left the car there. 15 00:00:47,281 --> 00:00:49,781 [♪♪] 16 00:00:49,783 --> 00:00:51,683 Narrator: And leads to a desperate hunt 17 00:00:51,685 --> 00:00:54,487 To find a beloved motel owner. 18 00:01:02,364 --> 00:01:05,363 Narrator: Police comb every inch of beach. 19 00:01:05,365 --> 00:01:08,101 Art: An extensive digging operation commenced. 20 00:01:08,103 --> 00:01:10,670 Narrator: At for years, an island community 21 00:01:10,672 --> 00:01:13,638 Is left to wonder, could the answers 22 00:01:13,640 --> 00:01:15,741 Be right beneath their feet 23 00:01:15,743 --> 00:01:17,310 Buried in the sand? 24 00:01:17,312 --> 00:01:19,312 Bonner: That's where people watch the sunset. 25 00:01:27,354 --> 00:01:31,389 [♪♪] 26 00:01:31,391 --> 00:01:34,192 Narrator: Anna maria island is a pristine jewel 27 00:01:34,194 --> 00:01:38,263 Tucked away on the southwest coast of florida. 28 00:01:38,265 --> 00:01:39,798 With miles of unspoiled beaches, 29 00:01:39,800 --> 00:01:42,535 And the turquoise water of the gulf of mexico, 30 00:01:42,537 --> 00:01:44,203 It's a little slice of heaven 31 00:01:44,205 --> 00:01:47,539 For residents and visitors alike. 32 00:01:47,541 --> 00:01:49,275 Ursula: It's mayberry in paradise, 33 00:01:49,277 --> 00:01:50,810 Is the way we like to describe it. 34 00:01:50,812 --> 00:01:52,545 It's a sand barrier island, 35 00:01:52,547 --> 00:01:54,213 Five blocks wide, 36 00:01:54,215 --> 00:01:55,481 Eight miles long. 37 00:01:56,818 --> 00:01:58,483 Tina: You feel good all the time, 38 00:01:58,485 --> 00:02:00,619 And you wanna be outdoors. 39 00:02:00,621 --> 00:02:04,756 It's a beautiful spot with amazing sunsets. 40 00:02:04,758 --> 00:02:07,793 I still pinch myself sometimes living here. 41 00:02:15,335 --> 00:02:19,838 Narrator: But on a sunny October morning in 2015, 42 00:02:19,840 --> 00:02:23,308 Something unusual is stirring on the beach. 43 00:02:23,310 --> 00:02:24,710 Barbara: I was at home 44 00:02:24,712 --> 00:02:27,380 And my husband came in 45 00:02:27,382 --> 00:02:30,115 And he said, "barbara there are 46 00:02:30,117 --> 00:02:34,320 Three sheriff's trucks at the end of our street. 47 00:02:34,322 --> 00:02:37,455 And fox news is in our driveway. 48 00:02:37,457 --> 00:02:39,324 Something's happening." 49 00:02:39,326 --> 00:02:43,828 This was unusual for anna maria island. 50 00:02:43,830 --> 00:02:46,198 Narrator: Island residents hear rumors that police 51 00:02:46,200 --> 00:02:47,799 Are following up on a tip 52 00:02:47,801 --> 00:02:50,636 About a woman's body supposedly buried 53 00:02:50,638 --> 00:02:52,470 Beneath the white sand. 54 00:02:52,472 --> 00:02:54,472 Sheriff brad: When I drove out here this morning, 55 00:02:54,474 --> 00:02:56,342 It was a different place that we've never dug before. 56 00:02:56,344 --> 00:02:58,610 It was like, "yes, I think we've got the right spot." 57 00:02:58,612 --> 00:03:00,812 But we'll find that out in a couple hours. 58 00:03:00,814 --> 00:03:03,649 It's extremely important we find that body. 59 00:03:04,952 --> 00:03:06,818 Det. John: Our forensic people went in 60 00:03:06,820 --> 00:03:11,123 With the medical examiner and worked through the day. 61 00:03:13,627 --> 00:03:17,196 We wanted to be meticulous in how we did it. 62 00:03:17,898 --> 00:03:19,598 In a grid pattern. 63 00:03:24,638 --> 00:03:27,272 And I started seeing bones 64 00:03:28,041 --> 00:03:29,442 And then the skeleton. 65 00:03:31,311 --> 00:03:34,146 It was buried in the sand on the beach. 66 00:03:35,449 --> 00:03:36,982 Bonner: I heard the news in the morning 67 00:03:36,984 --> 00:03:39,384 From holmes beach police chief, 68 00:03:39,386 --> 00:03:41,920 And I stood straight up out of my chair 69 00:03:41,922 --> 00:03:44,524 With goose bumps from my head to my toes. 70 00:03:47,394 --> 00:03:49,729 That's the pavilion where people go and watch the sunset. 71 00:03:49,731 --> 00:03:52,598 No one suspected that she would be buried there. 72 00:03:59,607 --> 00:04:02,341 [♪♪] 73 00:04:07,014 --> 00:04:09,014 Bonner: Anna maria island is more of a mom-and-pop 74 00:04:09,016 --> 00:04:11,950 Kind of a town, motels, 75 00:04:11,952 --> 00:04:15,553 Restaurants, and the stores are basically locally-owned. 76 00:04:15,555 --> 00:04:18,289 Narrator: Places like haley's motel. 77 00:04:18,291 --> 00:04:20,225 Ursula: Haley's motel has always been 78 00:04:20,227 --> 00:04:21,826 A very nice motel. 79 00:04:21,828 --> 00:04:23,428 Reasonable prices. 80 00:04:23,430 --> 00:04:24,964 It wasn't on the beach 81 00:04:24,966 --> 00:04:27,366 But it was kind of funky because it always had 82 00:04:27,368 --> 00:04:29,434 Pink flamingos up front. 83 00:04:29,436 --> 00:04:32,371 Narrator: In 2002, the motel has new owners, 84 00:04:32,373 --> 00:04:35,440 Tom buehler and his german-born wife, 85 00:04:35,442 --> 00:04:36,842 Sabine musil-buehler, 86 00:04:36,844 --> 00:04:39,478 Or sabina as her friends call her. 87 00:04:43,518 --> 00:04:45,383 Barbara: Tom did the repairs, 88 00:04:45,385 --> 00:04:47,452 Tom did the yard work, 89 00:04:47,454 --> 00:04:50,321 And sabina did the books. 90 00:04:50,323 --> 00:04:52,390 Tina: Sabina was really in her element. 91 00:04:52,392 --> 00:04:54,860 She just felt very comfortable there. 92 00:04:54,862 --> 00:04:58,597 And she was on the go all the time. 93 00:04:58,599 --> 00:05:00,865 Narrator: Sabina manages the small bungalows 94 00:05:00,867 --> 00:05:03,735 With her unique personal style. 95 00:05:03,737 --> 00:05:07,540 Sabine really was aggressive about marketing the hotel. 96 00:05:07,542 --> 00:05:10,241 Det. John: She used to have island-renowned 97 00:05:10,243 --> 00:05:12,878 Halloween parties and, uh, to be honest, 98 00:05:12,880 --> 00:05:15,414 I was like, "why aren't you enlightened with me?" 99 00:05:15,416 --> 00:05:17,716 [ chuckles ] and also, uh... 100 00:05:20,020 --> 00:05:22,420 Narrator: Sabina is also a passionate 101 00:05:22,422 --> 00:05:24,622 Environmentalist and animal advocate. 102 00:05:24,624 --> 00:05:27,293 Barbara: She never saw a bird with a broken wing 103 00:05:27,295 --> 00:05:29,428 That she didn't help. 104 00:05:29,430 --> 00:05:34,032 She really wanted to help animals that were in distress. 105 00:05:34,034 --> 00:05:37,235 And she hated people who smoke and eat meat. 106 00:05:37,237 --> 00:05:39,572 [ laughs ] 107 00:05:39,574 --> 00:05:41,973 At one point, I ordered my chicken salad 108 00:05:41,975 --> 00:05:43,708 And she goes, "I'm not sitting 109 00:05:43,710 --> 00:05:46,644 At that table with you, if you're eating that." 110 00:05:46,646 --> 00:05:49,048 So yeah, it was pretty extreme. 111 00:05:49,050 --> 00:05:51,383 [ laughs ] 112 00:05:51,385 --> 00:05:53,251 Barbara: She had strong opinions. 113 00:05:53,253 --> 00:05:57,056 I remember that well before hotels and motels 114 00:05:57,058 --> 00:05:59,524 Were going non-smoking, 115 00:05:59,526 --> 00:06:01,126 She decided 116 00:06:01,128 --> 00:06:04,062 Nobody was going to smoke there anymore. 117 00:06:04,064 --> 00:06:05,998 I know that they lost business, 118 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:09,467 But she believed it was not good for anybody. 119 00:06:09,469 --> 00:06:11,503 And it wasn't going to happen there. 120 00:06:14,842 --> 00:06:17,943 Narrator: Always guided by her strong convictions, 121 00:06:17,945 --> 00:06:19,744 Sabina finds a new cause 122 00:06:19,746 --> 00:06:22,448 To get behind in October 2008 123 00:06:22,450 --> 00:06:24,883 When she begins working on barack obama's 124 00:06:24,885 --> 00:06:26,684 Presidential campaign. 125 00:06:26,686 --> 00:06:28,887 Barbara: She was really involved 126 00:06:28,889 --> 00:06:32,190 In campaigning for him. 127 00:06:32,192 --> 00:06:34,492 Ursula: She was doing canvassing, knocking on doors 128 00:06:34,494 --> 00:06:36,961 Just before the election. 129 00:06:36,963 --> 00:06:38,363 I know the night of the election, 130 00:06:38,365 --> 00:06:42,168 She was so jazzed up that he won. 131 00:06:42,170 --> 00:06:44,769 Barbara: She had asked me if I was going to go 132 00:06:44,771 --> 00:06:47,105 To the party that the island democrats 133 00:06:47,107 --> 00:06:48,973 Were having, and I told her no. 134 00:06:48,975 --> 00:06:52,645 But I know she was looking forward to it. 135 00:06:54,714 --> 00:06:58,183 And she didn't show up for the party. 136 00:06:58,185 --> 00:07:00,718 Missing an election night party when a person 137 00:07:00,720 --> 00:07:02,787 You're supporting wins, 138 00:07:02,789 --> 00:07:06,525 I mean, that-- that doesn't fit. 139 00:07:10,263 --> 00:07:13,131 [♪♪] 140 00:07:13,133 --> 00:07:15,934 Barbara: The day after the election, 141 00:07:15,936 --> 00:07:18,203 I walked over to haley's, I said, "where's sabina?" 142 00:07:18,205 --> 00:07:20,873 And they said, "we don't know where she is." 143 00:07:21,742 --> 00:07:23,375 I started to worry. 144 00:07:26,947 --> 00:07:29,347 Narrator: As the day fades and sabina's friends 145 00:07:29,349 --> 00:07:31,550 Become more and more concerned, 146 00:07:31,552 --> 00:07:34,419 Just across the bay in bradenton, 147 00:07:34,421 --> 00:07:36,888 Sheriff's deputies conduct what seems to be 148 00:07:36,890 --> 00:07:38,891 A routine traffic stop. 149 00:07:38,893 --> 00:07:41,092 Art: On November the 6th 150 00:07:41,094 --> 00:07:44,029 At about 2:25 in the morning, 151 00:07:44,031 --> 00:07:46,465 Now deputy of the manatee sheriff's department 152 00:07:46,467 --> 00:07:48,633 Attempts to stop a pontiac sunbird 153 00:07:48,635 --> 00:07:51,002 -For traffic infraction. -[indistinct radio chatter] 154 00:07:51,004 --> 00:07:53,871 Art: When the deputy attempts to stop the vehicle, 155 00:07:53,873 --> 00:07:57,242 The driver flees, uh, from the area. 156 00:07:57,244 --> 00:07:59,545 Narrator: In the middle of the chase, 157 00:07:59,547 --> 00:08:01,179 The driver jumps out of the car 158 00:08:01,181 --> 00:08:04,215 And takes off on foot. 159 00:08:04,217 --> 00:08:06,284 He doesn't get far before officers 160 00:08:06,286 --> 00:08:07,952 Take him into custody. 161 00:08:07,954 --> 00:08:11,790 He's identified as 38-year-old robert corona, 162 00:08:11,792 --> 00:08:15,494 A man with numerous convictions for auto theft. 163 00:08:17,931 --> 00:08:20,065 Art: Robert corona tells officers 164 00:08:20,067 --> 00:08:22,668 That he ran into a couple 165 00:08:22,670 --> 00:08:25,603 And that in exchange for crack, 166 00:08:25,605 --> 00:08:28,339 Uh, they gave him the use of the vehicle. 167 00:08:28,341 --> 00:08:31,643 Mr. Corona's story was not unfathomable. 168 00:08:31,645 --> 00:08:34,078 Certainly it's been known to happen to people 169 00:08:34,080 --> 00:08:37,749 Trade the use of their vehicles for drugs. 170 00:08:40,754 --> 00:08:43,221 Narrator: Police discover that the pontiac sunfire 171 00:08:43,223 --> 00:08:46,091 Is registered to sabina musil-buehler, 172 00:08:46,093 --> 00:08:49,661 The owner of haley's motel on anna maria island. 173 00:08:52,200 --> 00:08:54,700 When officers call the motel, 174 00:08:54,702 --> 00:08:59,103 Tom buehler confirms it's his wife's car. 175 00:08:59,105 --> 00:09:01,773 Det. John: There's very tough areas in bradenton 176 00:09:01,775 --> 00:09:03,441 And manatee county 177 00:09:03,443 --> 00:09:06,244 And he did say that she wouldn't have been 178 00:09:06,246 --> 00:09:08,113 In that area of town 179 00:09:08,115 --> 00:09:09,714 2:30 in the morning, 180 00:09:09,716 --> 00:09:12,985 And let mr. Corona, you know, borrow her car. 181 00:09:12,987 --> 00:09:16,287 Art: Tom was concerned about sabine. 182 00:09:16,289 --> 00:09:19,123 Det. John: Nobody had filed a missing person's report 183 00:09:19,125 --> 00:09:21,926 Until corona got caught, 184 00:09:21,928 --> 00:09:23,796 You know, in the stolen car. 185 00:09:23,798 --> 00:09:27,332 So we had no idea that anybody was missing 186 00:09:27,334 --> 00:09:29,200 Up until that point. 187 00:09:29,202 --> 00:09:33,671 It was now apparent upon us to find sabine. 188 00:09:33,673 --> 00:09:36,207 The first step was starting to look at what evidence we had. 189 00:09:36,209 --> 00:09:38,409 From the car that was recovered. 190 00:09:38,411 --> 00:09:41,212 Barbara: At the moment that they found the car, 191 00:09:41,214 --> 00:09:44,015 The immediate thing that went into my head 192 00:09:44,017 --> 00:09:47,151 Was, "she wouldn't have been there. 193 00:09:47,153 --> 00:09:48,953 She wouldn't have left the car there. 194 00:09:48,955 --> 00:09:51,023 She must be dead." 195 00:09:53,628 --> 00:09:55,694 Art: The lady hasn't been seen 196 00:09:55,696 --> 00:09:58,897 And we found blood in her car. 197 00:09:59,933 --> 00:10:02,567 Tina: And they were naked, 198 00:10:02,569 --> 00:10:04,569 So it was obvious what was going on. 199 00:10:04,571 --> 00:10:06,571 Det. John: She could have just said, "I just wanna 200 00:10:06,573 --> 00:10:08,973 Get out of anna maria. I'll just take cash 201 00:10:08,975 --> 00:10:10,709 And just take off." 202 00:10:10,711 --> 00:10:12,244 -[siren wailing] -tina: My phone rang 203 00:10:12,246 --> 00:10:12,310 And she said, "tina, there's a fire at the hotel." 204 00:10:12,511 --> 00:10:26,292 [♪♪] 205 00:10:26,294 --> 00:10:27,925 Narrator: A routine traffic stop 206 00:10:27,927 --> 00:10:29,260 Has unexpectedly become 207 00:10:29,262 --> 00:10:31,796 A missing persons case. 208 00:10:31,798 --> 00:10:34,065 Robert corona, a convicted felon 209 00:10:34,067 --> 00:10:37,268 Is under arrest for driving a stolen car. 210 00:10:37,270 --> 00:10:39,937 But there's no sign of the car's owner 211 00:10:39,939 --> 00:10:41,806 Sabina musil-buehler. 212 00:10:41,808 --> 00:10:44,008 In fact, no one has seen her 213 00:10:44,010 --> 00:10:46,345 For the past 48 hours. 214 00:10:46,347 --> 00:10:48,946 [♪♪] 215 00:10:48,948 --> 00:10:50,749 Art: The first thing law enforcement does 216 00:10:50,751 --> 00:10:52,083 Is they question, 217 00:10:52,085 --> 00:10:54,685 Uh, the missing person's associates 218 00:10:54,687 --> 00:10:56,154 And spouse 219 00:10:56,156 --> 00:10:59,958 To find out when they've last seen her. 220 00:10:59,960 --> 00:11:01,292 Officers spoke to mr. Buehler. 221 00:11:01,294 --> 00:11:03,094 He indicated to them 222 00:11:03,096 --> 00:11:04,763 That he hadn't seen her 223 00:11:04,765 --> 00:11:08,367 Since November the 4th and he was concerned. 224 00:11:10,770 --> 00:11:13,906 Mr. Buehler was extremely cooperative. 225 00:11:13,908 --> 00:11:16,374 He was willing to give information 226 00:11:16,376 --> 00:11:19,645 And, uh, allow police to search anywhere 227 00:11:19,647 --> 00:11:21,914 On his premises that they thought 228 00:11:21,916 --> 00:11:24,816 Might yield evidence. 229 00:11:24,818 --> 00:11:26,984 Narrator: A search of the motel doesn't give detectives 230 00:11:26,986 --> 00:11:29,053 Any reason to doubt what tom buehler 231 00:11:29,055 --> 00:11:30,988 Has been telling them. 232 00:11:30,990 --> 00:11:32,391 But when detectives press tom 233 00:11:32,393 --> 00:11:35,727 About his relationship with sabina, 234 00:11:35,729 --> 00:11:39,263 He admits something that surprises them. 235 00:11:39,265 --> 00:11:42,735 The marriage is not on solid ground. 236 00:11:42,737 --> 00:11:45,069 Art: Ms. Musil-buehler and tom buehler 237 00:11:45,071 --> 00:11:49,841 Had been married for approximately 10 years. 238 00:11:49,843 --> 00:11:52,009 But at that time, they were simply friends 239 00:11:52,011 --> 00:11:53,411 And business partners. 240 00:11:53,413 --> 00:11:56,215 They were not romantically involved. 241 00:11:56,217 --> 00:11:58,015 Tina: I don't think their relationship 242 00:11:58,017 --> 00:11:59,685 Was more than, you know, 243 00:11:59,687 --> 00:12:02,687 "we're business partners and we're friends." 244 00:12:02,689 --> 00:12:04,689 They weren't hugging and kissing at any point 245 00:12:04,691 --> 00:12:07,026 That I can remember. 246 00:12:07,028 --> 00:12:09,093 Narrator: Tom suggests that detectives talk 247 00:12:09,095 --> 00:12:10,828 With a former motel employee 248 00:12:10,830 --> 00:12:12,497 Named bill cumber. 249 00:12:12,499 --> 00:12:14,499 He tells them sabina has been spending 250 00:12:14,501 --> 00:12:17,902 More time with bill than him recently. 251 00:12:17,904 --> 00:12:20,171 He explains that he and sabina met bill, 252 00:12:20,173 --> 00:12:23,208 A woodworker, three years earlier. 253 00:12:25,478 --> 00:12:27,980 [♪♪] 254 00:12:27,982 --> 00:12:31,048 Ursula: Bill came on the property looking for work 255 00:12:31,050 --> 00:12:34,051 And sabina being the kindhearted 256 00:12:34,053 --> 00:12:36,321 Kind of person that she was said, 257 00:12:36,323 --> 00:12:40,258 "we've got a handyman work that you can do." 258 00:12:40,260 --> 00:12:42,327 Narrator: Thirty-year-old bill performs chores 259 00:12:42,329 --> 00:12:44,730 Around the motel grounds... 260 00:12:45,532 --> 00:12:47,398 [♪♪] 261 00:12:47,400 --> 00:12:49,400 Narrator: ...And instantly draws the attention 262 00:12:49,402 --> 00:12:52,204 Of guests and sabina's friends. 263 00:12:53,072 --> 00:12:54,872 Bill cumber 264 00:12:54,874 --> 00:12:58,075 Was an extremely attractive man 265 00:12:58,077 --> 00:13:03,281 And knew how to flaunt it. 266 00:13:03,283 --> 00:13:05,349 You're not used to going out of your house 267 00:13:05,351 --> 00:13:08,020 And seeing somebody in tight jeans 268 00:13:08,022 --> 00:13:11,422 And no shirt that's young. 269 00:13:11,424 --> 00:13:14,492 [ laughs ] that's-- 270 00:13:14,494 --> 00:13:19,497 I mean, it was like, "who the heck is he?" 271 00:13:19,499 --> 00:13:22,033 Narrator: But after just a few weeks on the job, 272 00:13:22,035 --> 00:13:25,102 Bill draws some unwanted attention 273 00:13:25,104 --> 00:13:27,372 From the police. 274 00:13:27,374 --> 00:13:29,875 They arrive with an arrest warrant for arson, 275 00:13:29,877 --> 00:13:32,910 A crime committed two months earlier. 276 00:13:32,912 --> 00:13:36,048 Art: Mr. Cumber had been socializing 277 00:13:36,050 --> 00:13:37,916 With some people at a house. 278 00:13:37,918 --> 00:13:41,319 There was a woman apparently he took a fancy to. 279 00:13:41,321 --> 00:13:43,588 At some point, he became disruptive 280 00:13:43,590 --> 00:13:46,057 And the woman asked him to leave 281 00:13:46,059 --> 00:13:49,126 And he retaliated by setting the house on fire 282 00:13:49,128 --> 00:13:51,362 With the occupants still inside. 283 00:13:52,199 --> 00:13:53,532 No one was hurt. 284 00:13:53,534 --> 00:13:56,334 Mr. Cumber ultimately admitted 285 00:13:56,336 --> 00:13:58,336 That he had done it 286 00:13:58,338 --> 00:14:01,005 Because the woman had scorned him. 287 00:14:01,007 --> 00:14:03,408 Det. John: And after his arrest, 288 00:14:03,410 --> 00:14:07,145 He was ultimately convicted and sent to prison. 289 00:14:10,917 --> 00:14:13,819 Narrator: After three years in prison for arson, 290 00:14:15,555 --> 00:14:18,390 Bill cumber is released on probation. 291 00:14:18,392 --> 00:14:20,225 Tom and sabina are there to help him 292 00:14:20,227 --> 00:14:22,026 Get back on his feet. 293 00:14:22,028 --> 00:14:23,895 Barbara: I thought, "okay, 294 00:14:23,897 --> 00:14:25,430 Now she's trying to help him 295 00:14:25,432 --> 00:14:27,999 Like she helps birds with broken wings." 296 00:14:29,235 --> 00:14:31,035 Narrator: By the fall of 2008, 297 00:14:31,037 --> 00:14:34,472 With bill out of prison only a month, 298 00:14:34,474 --> 00:14:36,108 It's clear to some of her friends 299 00:14:36,110 --> 00:14:37,975 That sabina's attraction to bill 300 00:14:37,977 --> 00:14:41,045 Is more than just friendship. 301 00:14:41,047 --> 00:14:44,383 Suddenly, you know, you can tell she would dress differently, 302 00:14:44,385 --> 00:14:46,484 And she was made up more. 303 00:14:49,990 --> 00:14:54,192 Narrator: Then one day when tom is cleaning rooms at the motel, 304 00:14:54,194 --> 00:14:58,963 He stumbles upon sabina and bill together. 305 00:15:00,133 --> 00:15:04,002 And they were naked. 306 00:15:04,004 --> 00:15:08,072 And, you know, so it was obvious what was going on. 307 00:15:08,074 --> 00:15:11,009 But I think tom had already figured it out. 308 00:15:11,011 --> 00:15:12,877 This was just like the confirmation, 309 00:15:12,879 --> 00:15:15,480 "okay, she's now with this guy." 310 00:15:15,482 --> 00:15:17,415 Barbara: I never saw him angry. 311 00:15:17,417 --> 00:15:20,618 But one thing he did say to me was, 312 00:15:20,620 --> 00:15:23,554 "I never knew she was that unhappy." 313 00:15:23,556 --> 00:15:25,590 [♪♪] 314 00:15:28,128 --> 00:15:30,596 Narrator: Within days of tom's discovery, 315 00:15:30,598 --> 00:15:34,365 Sabina rents an apartment and moves into it with bill. 316 00:15:35,502 --> 00:15:38,170 But just a few weeks later, 317 00:15:38,172 --> 00:15:40,238 Sabina is missing. 318 00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:43,107 Tom insists to detectives that although his wife 319 00:15:43,109 --> 00:15:45,042 Left him for another man, 320 00:15:45,044 --> 00:15:48,513 He bears her no ill will. 321 00:15:48,515 --> 00:15:50,915 Police find bill at the apartment. 322 00:15:52,519 --> 00:15:54,919 Det. John: Bill cumber was cooperative. 323 00:15:54,921 --> 00:15:57,254 He wanted to do everything he could 324 00:15:57,256 --> 00:16:00,057 To help find sabine. 325 00:16:00,059 --> 00:16:01,660 Narrator: Bill tells police he hasn't seen sabina 326 00:16:01,662 --> 00:16:04,529 Since election night two days ago. 327 00:16:07,133 --> 00:16:09,668 Art: Mr. Cumber reported to law enforcement 328 00:16:09,670 --> 00:16:12,269 That on the night of November 4th, 329 00:16:12,271 --> 00:16:14,338 He and sabine cooked dinner. 330 00:16:14,340 --> 00:16:19,076 They then sat down to watch the election returns. 331 00:16:19,078 --> 00:16:23,748 At some point, he went to smoke a cigarette. 332 00:16:23,750 --> 00:16:27,485 This was a point of dispute between him and sabine. 333 00:16:27,487 --> 00:16:29,554 She did not like him to smoke. 334 00:16:29,556 --> 00:16:32,590 They did have an argument and he reported 335 00:16:32,592 --> 00:16:37,094 That she left the apartment at that point. 336 00:16:37,096 --> 00:16:39,031 He described the clothing she was wearing, 337 00:16:39,033 --> 00:16:40,631 Flowered shirt, jeans, 338 00:16:40,633 --> 00:16:43,568 A silver necklace he had given her and sneakers. 339 00:16:43,570 --> 00:16:47,071 [♪♪] 340 00:16:48,575 --> 00:16:50,308 Art: Mr. Cumber allowed the police 341 00:16:50,310 --> 00:16:52,644 To search the apartment he shared with sabine. 342 00:16:52,646 --> 00:16:55,246 They didn't see anything out of the ordinary. 343 00:16:57,450 --> 00:17:01,019 Det. John: Sabina's purse is not found in the apartment. 344 00:17:01,021 --> 00:17:02,654 It's a possibility that she could have just 345 00:17:02,656 --> 00:17:04,655 Driven off the island. 346 00:17:04,657 --> 00:17:07,059 His story about sabine could have happened. 347 00:17:07,061 --> 00:17:10,861 [♪♪] 348 00:17:10,863 --> 00:17:13,531 Narrator: Detectives fan out across the island 349 00:17:13,533 --> 00:17:15,233 And speak to sabina's friends 350 00:17:15,235 --> 00:17:18,202 Hoping someone has heard from her. 351 00:17:18,204 --> 00:17:22,206 She wasn't in contact with anybody. 352 00:17:22,208 --> 00:17:23,541 Tina: We had made some photocopies 353 00:17:23,543 --> 00:17:26,177 Of pictures of sabina 354 00:17:26,179 --> 00:17:28,746 And we literally walked around 355 00:17:28,748 --> 00:17:30,214 From place to place and said, 356 00:17:30,216 --> 00:17:33,151 "hey, have you seen this lady?" 357 00:17:33,153 --> 00:17:34,553 Narrator: With no sign of sabina 358 00:17:34,555 --> 00:17:37,255 Three days after her disappearance, 359 00:17:37,257 --> 00:17:38,656 Detectives press harder 360 00:17:38,658 --> 00:17:40,724 On the man found with sabina's car, 361 00:17:40,726 --> 00:17:44,563 Convicted felon, robert corona. 362 00:17:44,565 --> 00:17:49,166 Art: The police were concerned that ms. Buehler 363 00:17:49,168 --> 00:17:51,168 Had not simply disappeared, 364 00:17:51,170 --> 00:17:52,571 Uh, of her own accord. 365 00:17:52,573 --> 00:17:54,705 And so they were contemplating 366 00:17:54,707 --> 00:17:57,174 This was a possible homicide investigation. 367 00:17:57,176 --> 00:17:57,241 [♪♪] 368 00:17:57,442 --> 00:18:12,456 Narrator: Sabina musil-buehler has been missing 369 00:18:12,458 --> 00:18:13,757 From her home on florida's picturesque, 370 00:18:13,759 --> 00:18:18,497 Anna maria island for three days. 371 00:18:18,499 --> 00:18:23,400 Her friends in the small beach community fear the worst. 372 00:18:23,402 --> 00:18:26,437 Bonner: She was on her way to a celebration for obama. 373 00:18:26,439 --> 00:18:28,139 And that was downtown. 374 00:18:28,141 --> 00:18:29,673 The democratic headquarters were downtown 375 00:18:29,675 --> 00:18:32,276 So maybe she stopped at a red light, 376 00:18:32,278 --> 00:18:36,414 Gave someone a ride and it just didn't go well. 377 00:18:36,416 --> 00:18:38,416 I thought somebody carjacked her and took her out 378 00:18:38,418 --> 00:18:41,185 To the interstate and left her there. 379 00:18:41,187 --> 00:18:43,754 And I was thinking maybe someday we'd find her body in a ditch 380 00:18:43,756 --> 00:18:45,190 Next to the interstate. 381 00:18:48,828 --> 00:18:52,496 Narrator: Detectives also suspect foul play is possible. 382 00:18:52,498 --> 00:18:55,132 Their strongest lead is the convicted felon 383 00:18:55,134 --> 00:19:01,105 Arrested for driving sabina's stolen car, robert corona. 384 00:19:01,107 --> 00:19:04,109 And what the forensics team discovers while processing 385 00:19:04,111 --> 00:19:07,712 Sabina's pontiac sunbird is troubling. 386 00:19:10,117 --> 00:19:11,849 Art: When the car was found, 387 00:19:11,851 --> 00:19:15,720 They noted that there was a round hole 388 00:19:15,722 --> 00:19:18,390 In the back seat that had been apparently 389 00:19:18,392 --> 00:19:22,794 Dug out and, uh, that aroused suspicion 390 00:19:22,796 --> 00:19:26,430 On the part of law enforcement. 391 00:19:26,432 --> 00:19:28,866 Det. John: Whoever did it used a knife and-- 392 00:19:28,868 --> 00:19:30,735 And cut it around 393 00:19:30,737 --> 00:19:33,271 And then took out the padding and the leather. 394 00:19:33,273 --> 00:19:35,806 We surmised that they tried to clean up the car 395 00:19:35,808 --> 00:19:39,243 As best they could and, uh, cut that-- that part out. 396 00:19:40,747 --> 00:19:43,414 The forensics unit used luminol on the car 397 00:19:43,416 --> 00:19:46,685 And they found blood evidence around that padding. 398 00:19:46,687 --> 00:19:49,220 [♪♪] 399 00:19:49,222 --> 00:19:54,892 Art: The blood is taken and processed for dna. 400 00:19:54,894 --> 00:19:57,428 A couple of days after his first interrogation , 401 00:19:57,430 --> 00:20:00,432 Robert corona is interrogated a second time. 402 00:20:00,434 --> 00:20:03,567 At that point, law enforcement told mr. Corona 403 00:20:03,569 --> 00:20:05,302 The lady hasn't been seen 404 00:20:05,304 --> 00:20:08,406 And that we found blood in her car. 405 00:20:09,575 --> 00:20:11,576 At that time, he changes his story. 406 00:20:15,181 --> 00:20:17,948 Once he heard that, mr. Corona fessed up 407 00:20:17,950 --> 00:20:20,552 That he had in fact stolen the car. 408 00:20:22,256 --> 00:20:24,723 Narrator: Robert corona's first version of events 409 00:20:24,725 --> 00:20:26,657 May have been a lie. 410 00:20:26,659 --> 00:20:28,659 But detectives wonder whether the story 411 00:20:28,661 --> 00:20:32,730 He tells them next is also a stretch. 412 00:20:32,732 --> 00:20:34,466 Art: Mr. Corona did say he stole the car 413 00:20:34,468 --> 00:20:36,467 From the gator lounge. 414 00:20:36,469 --> 00:20:39,269 Det. John: Gator lounge is an area of known prostitution 415 00:20:39,271 --> 00:20:40,872 Back in 2008. 416 00:20:42,408 --> 00:20:46,211 It is as rough and as-- as bad as it gets. 417 00:20:47,347 --> 00:20:49,279 [♪♪] 418 00:20:49,281 --> 00:20:51,615 Art: The car according to mr. Corona 419 00:20:51,617 --> 00:20:55,287 Was found with the driver side window down 420 00:20:55,289 --> 00:20:58,322 As if someone's begging for it to be stolen. 421 00:20:59,826 --> 00:21:01,826 Narrator: Detectives head to the gator lounge 422 00:21:01,828 --> 00:21:04,962 To check out corona's strange tale. 423 00:21:04,964 --> 00:21:07,364 Art: The bar owner said he left some time probably 424 00:21:07,366 --> 00:21:10,502 Between 10:00 and midnight and saw the car in the lot. 425 00:21:10,504 --> 00:21:12,903 And then the bartendress said 426 00:21:12,905 --> 00:21:14,705 She saw it approximately 2:15 427 00:21:14,707 --> 00:21:16,641 As she was closing up the bar. 428 00:21:16,643 --> 00:21:21,512 And that's just shortly before mr. Corona is seen driving it. 429 00:21:21,514 --> 00:21:24,315 Narrator: The sightings placed the car at the gator lounge 430 00:21:24,317 --> 00:21:25,849 More than 24 hours 431 00:21:25,851 --> 00:21:27,718 After sabina left her apartment 432 00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:29,954 The night of November 4th. 433 00:21:31,891 --> 00:21:34,826 Although robert corona admits he's a car thief, 434 00:21:34,828 --> 00:21:38,295 He insists he's not a killer, 435 00:21:38,297 --> 00:21:41,600 And claims to have an alibi to prove it. 436 00:21:41,602 --> 00:21:43,801 Art: Mr. Corona said at some point 437 00:21:43,803 --> 00:21:48,739 He had two passengers in his car at the time sabine went missing. 438 00:21:48,741 --> 00:21:51,942 The police spoke to them and they corroborated him 439 00:21:51,944 --> 00:21:54,378 As to where he had picked them up. 440 00:21:55,948 --> 00:21:58,749 There was another woman who said 441 00:21:58,751 --> 00:22:00,484 That she had been with mr. Corona 442 00:22:00,486 --> 00:22:01,952 Earlier that evening 443 00:22:01,954 --> 00:22:04,288 That he'd had an argument with his girlfriend 444 00:22:04,290 --> 00:22:06,023 And then he said he was going to, 445 00:22:06,025 --> 00:22:08,326 "borrow a car." 446 00:22:08,328 --> 00:22:11,094 So that tended to corroborate the premise 447 00:22:11,096 --> 00:22:14,699 That he just came upon the car and stole it. 448 00:22:14,701 --> 00:22:16,767 Mr. Corona lied because he presumably 449 00:22:16,769 --> 00:22:18,602 Didn't wanna go to prison. 450 00:22:20,474 --> 00:22:24,108 So robert corona was prosecuted for the theft 451 00:22:24,110 --> 00:22:27,578 Of ms. Musil-buehler's car and convicted. 452 00:22:29,715 --> 00:22:33,251 [♪♪] 453 00:22:35,522 --> 00:22:38,756 Det. John: At that point, a missing persons case 454 00:22:38,758 --> 00:22:40,725 Was getting national attention. 455 00:22:40,727 --> 00:22:43,794 We were getting tips from around the country. 456 00:22:43,796 --> 00:22:47,531 And we had to send leads to different agencies to say, 457 00:22:47,533 --> 00:22:49,333 You know, "hey, could you vet this-- 458 00:22:49,335 --> 00:22:52,336 This investigative lead for us?" 459 00:22:52,338 --> 00:22:56,540 We must have vetted hundreds and hundreds of tips 460 00:22:56,542 --> 00:22:58,075 Of what could have happened, 461 00:22:58,077 --> 00:23:00,478 You know, where she should have been. 462 00:23:00,480 --> 00:23:02,680 But we just kept hitting dead ends. 463 00:23:03,616 --> 00:23:05,082 We couldn't find sabine. 464 00:23:05,084 --> 00:23:08,386 [♪♪] 465 00:23:11,090 --> 00:23:14,692 Narrator: Then almost two weeks after sabina was last seen, 466 00:23:14,694 --> 00:23:16,560 Police get a tip that suggests 467 00:23:16,562 --> 00:23:20,097 All the worry about her may be for nothing. 468 00:23:20,099 --> 00:23:22,833 Art: There was a woman who thought 469 00:23:22,835 --> 00:23:25,436 She'd seen her at the airport. 470 00:23:25,438 --> 00:23:27,004 Narrator: The sighting seems credible enough 471 00:23:27,006 --> 00:23:28,973 To make detectives wonder. 472 00:23:28,975 --> 00:23:31,443 Could sabina have been angry with her boyfriend, bill, 473 00:23:31,445 --> 00:23:34,511 And just run off? 474 00:23:34,513 --> 00:23:36,513 Det. John: It's a possibility that she could have just said, 475 00:23:36,515 --> 00:23:38,716 "I just wanna get out of anna maria. 476 00:23:38,718 --> 00:23:42,119 I'll just take cash and just take off." 477 00:23:42,121 --> 00:23:45,457 We had to vet hundreds of hours of videotape looking for her. 478 00:23:48,594 --> 00:23:51,528 But we couldn't find her and she wasn't there. 479 00:23:51,530 --> 00:23:56,534 [♪♪] 480 00:23:56,536 --> 00:23:57,702 Det. John: We did a search warrant 481 00:23:57,704 --> 00:23:59,803 On her safety deposit box 482 00:23:59,805 --> 00:24:02,606 Hoping to find things in that. 483 00:24:02,608 --> 00:24:05,409 And sabine's passport was in there. 484 00:24:06,579 --> 00:24:09,080 We exhausted every lead that we had 485 00:24:09,082 --> 00:24:13,751 Showing that she just didn't up and leave. 486 00:24:13,753 --> 00:24:16,920 Narrator: As hope of finding sabina alive dwindles. 487 00:24:16,922 --> 00:24:18,522 -[siren wailing] -narrator: There's a stunning 488 00:24:18,524 --> 00:24:20,525 Turn of events that sends everyone 489 00:24:20,527 --> 00:24:22,793 On the tiny island reeling. 490 00:24:22,795 --> 00:24:24,462 Tina: My phone rang and it was 491 00:24:24,464 --> 00:24:26,030 A really good friend of sabina's. 492 00:24:26,032 --> 00:24:28,900 She said, "tina, there's a fire at the hotel." 493 00:24:31,571 --> 00:24:33,203 [♪♪] 494 00:24:33,205 --> 00:24:34,873 Det. John: We dug up trash. 495 00:24:34,875 --> 00:24:37,174 We drug up carcasses from sea turtles 496 00:24:37,176 --> 00:24:39,544 Where we thought she might be. 497 00:24:39,546 --> 00:24:41,712 Art: He did intend to kill her. 498 00:24:41,714 --> 00:24:43,515 Det. John: They were business partners. 499 00:24:43,517 --> 00:24:44,781 There was life insurance. 500 00:24:44,783 --> 00:24:44,848 So there was motive. 501 00:24:44,983 --> 00:24:57,594 [siren wailing] 502 00:24:57,596 --> 00:25:00,063 Narrator: As investigators continue to search 503 00:25:00,065 --> 00:25:03,935 For sabina musil-buehler, on November 16th, 2008, 504 00:25:03,937 --> 00:25:06,604 12 days after she's reported missing, 505 00:25:06,606 --> 00:25:09,606 Residents and police on anna maria island 506 00:25:09,608 --> 00:25:11,208 Received another shock. 507 00:25:11,210 --> 00:25:16,080 Barbara: It was a hot fire and it was going strong. 508 00:25:16,082 --> 00:25:18,682 Narrator: The close knit island community wonders, 509 00:25:18,684 --> 00:25:20,618 "could the blaze at haley's motel 510 00:25:20,620 --> 00:25:24,889 And sabina's disappearance be connected?" 511 00:25:24,891 --> 00:25:27,024 When the flames are extinguished, 512 00:25:27,026 --> 00:25:30,862 Investigators begin sifting through the ashes for clues. 513 00:25:33,166 --> 00:25:37,569 Art: It was highly suspicious to law enforcement. 514 00:25:37,571 --> 00:25:40,772 It was determined that the origin 515 00:25:40,774 --> 00:25:42,773 Was that it had been intentionally set 516 00:25:42,775 --> 00:25:44,108 Through the use of accelerants. 517 00:25:44,110 --> 00:25:47,377 [♪♪] 518 00:25:47,379 --> 00:25:49,379 Narrator: Investigators are unable to determine 519 00:25:49,381 --> 00:25:53,016 Why the fire was set or who might have done it. 520 00:25:53,018 --> 00:25:56,186 But that doesn't stop the island rumor mill. 521 00:25:56,188 --> 00:25:58,656 Barbara: Knowing cumber's background 522 00:25:58,658 --> 00:26:01,059 And his previous arson, 523 00:26:01,061 --> 00:26:03,193 I immediately thought cumber. 524 00:26:03,195 --> 00:26:07,631 [♪♪] 525 00:26:09,569 --> 00:26:11,201 Det. John: You look at all the clues 526 00:26:11,203 --> 00:26:12,736 That were presented to us 527 00:26:12,738 --> 00:26:14,872 And that tom and sabine 528 00:26:14,874 --> 00:26:17,074 Were having problems in their marriage. 529 00:26:17,076 --> 00:26:18,875 They were business partners. 530 00:26:18,877 --> 00:26:20,210 There was life insurance. 531 00:26:20,212 --> 00:26:23,880 So there was motive that tom may have had. 532 00:26:23,882 --> 00:26:27,284 Narrator: And some islanders whisper that if tom set the fire 533 00:26:27,286 --> 00:26:29,320 To collect an insurance payout, 534 00:26:29,322 --> 00:26:32,956 He knew how he could throw police off his trail. 535 00:26:32,958 --> 00:26:36,093 Tina: Tom was the one who told me that bill cumber 536 00:26:36,095 --> 00:26:38,762 Had set a fire to another house. 537 00:26:38,764 --> 00:26:41,766 Clearly, everybody would think it was bill. 538 00:26:43,803 --> 00:26:48,105 Narrator: And there's another potential motive...Jealousy. 539 00:26:48,107 --> 00:26:50,240 Tina: That was the building 540 00:26:50,242 --> 00:26:53,844 That tom found sabina and bill 541 00:26:53,846 --> 00:26:56,780 Together the first time. 542 00:26:56,782 --> 00:26:59,182 I just was like, "oh, my gosh." 543 00:26:59,184 --> 00:27:03,720 I-- I-- to me, that's just seemed like 544 00:27:03,722 --> 00:27:06,123 The obvious thing. 545 00:27:06,125 --> 00:27:07,657 Bonner: I felt like people on the island 546 00:27:07,659 --> 00:27:09,260 Were looking at tom 50% he did it 547 00:27:09,262 --> 00:27:10,862 And 50% cumber did it. 548 00:27:10,864 --> 00:27:13,131 There was no one percent off. 549 00:27:15,801 --> 00:27:17,634 Art: The arson was still unsolved, 550 00:27:17,636 --> 00:27:20,070 But in the interest of thoroughness, 551 00:27:20,072 --> 00:27:24,876 Tom buehler's story was checked out and examined. 552 00:27:24,878 --> 00:27:27,144 He was no longer considered a suspect 553 00:27:27,146 --> 00:27:30,214 In the fire at the motel because he has a history 554 00:27:30,216 --> 00:27:33,017 Of being a respected businessman. 555 00:27:33,019 --> 00:27:35,018 Det. John: I interviewed tom at length 556 00:27:35,020 --> 00:27:38,021 And vetted him out, and we believed 557 00:27:38,023 --> 00:27:43,126 That tom wasn't responsible for sabine being missing. 558 00:27:43,128 --> 00:27:45,095 Art: Although mr. Cumber was a suspect 559 00:27:45,097 --> 00:27:46,697 Based on his history 560 00:27:46,699 --> 00:27:49,232 And based on the surrounding circumstances, 561 00:27:49,234 --> 00:27:53,705 There was no forensic evidence that could tie him to it. 562 00:27:53,707 --> 00:27:55,172 Narrator: But given bill cumber's 563 00:27:55,174 --> 00:27:56,940 Previous conviction for arson, 564 00:27:56,942 --> 00:27:59,776 Detectives decided to keep him under surveillance 565 00:27:59,778 --> 00:28:02,179 To see if something shakes loose. 566 00:28:02,181 --> 00:28:04,248 Art: Sabine was footing the entire bill, 567 00:28:04,250 --> 00:28:06,316 Uh, and really was paying for his life. 568 00:28:06,318 --> 00:28:09,319 So when sabine went missing, 569 00:28:09,321 --> 00:28:12,189 She was no longer there to provide for his needs, 570 00:28:12,191 --> 00:28:14,792 He had to, uh, leave town. 571 00:28:14,794 --> 00:28:16,460 Narrator: When bill can no longer pay the rent 572 00:28:16,462 --> 00:28:19,864 And is forced to move out of the apartment, 573 00:28:19,866 --> 00:28:21,798 It gives investigators an opening 574 00:28:21,800 --> 00:28:25,835 To conduct a detailed search of the place. 575 00:28:25,837 --> 00:28:28,872 Art: Law enforcement used a device called luma-lite, 576 00:28:28,874 --> 00:28:35,079 Which when you darken a room, uh, blood will luminesce. 577 00:28:35,081 --> 00:28:38,016 And when they did that, they found sabine's blood 578 00:28:38,018 --> 00:28:40,851 On the couch cushion and on the armrest. 579 00:28:42,354 --> 00:28:45,355 They also found blood later identified 580 00:28:45,357 --> 00:28:51,394 To mr. Cumber on the floor of the apartment. 581 00:28:51,396 --> 00:28:53,830 Det. John: There was also a little bit of blood evidence 582 00:28:53,832 --> 00:28:56,166 That was found on the wall. 583 00:28:56,168 --> 00:28:59,869 So it is possible that some type of struggle took place there, 584 00:28:59,871 --> 00:29:04,307 But the problem was we couldn't prove what happened. 585 00:29:04,309 --> 00:29:06,910 Narrator: But when the dna results from sabina's car 586 00:29:06,912 --> 00:29:10,413 Are compared to the findings in her apartment, 587 00:29:10,415 --> 00:29:13,783 Detectives start to get a better picture. 588 00:29:13,785 --> 00:29:17,921 Art: Ultimately, they find sabine's blood in the car 589 00:29:17,923 --> 00:29:21,759 And they find mr. Cumber's fingerprints, 590 00:29:21,761 --> 00:29:24,995 In areas that his prints should not have been 591 00:29:24,997 --> 00:29:27,932 Given that he did not drive the car routinely. 592 00:29:27,934 --> 00:29:30,334 [♪♪] 593 00:29:30,336 --> 00:29:33,203 Art: Law enforcement came to look at mr. Cumber 594 00:29:33,205 --> 00:29:35,072 As the most likely suspect, 595 00:29:35,074 --> 00:29:39,943 But we didn't have enough evidence for a conviction. 596 00:29:39,945 --> 00:29:42,412 And at that point, without a body, 597 00:29:42,414 --> 00:29:46,250 We couldn't definitively say if sabine was murdered. 598 00:29:49,154 --> 00:29:52,289 Narrator: Without a body or any concrete evidence, 599 00:29:52,291 --> 00:29:55,326 The case seems to be running out of steam. 600 00:29:55,328 --> 00:29:56,861 But a few weeks later, 601 00:29:56,863 --> 00:29:59,129 Bill cumber makes a little mistake 602 00:29:59,131 --> 00:30:02,299 That has a major impact on the investigation. 603 00:30:02,301 --> 00:30:04,568 Det. John: He was driving without a driver's license, 604 00:30:04,570 --> 00:30:08,438 Left the county without notifying his parole officer. 605 00:30:08,440 --> 00:30:11,408 So he was arrested. 606 00:30:11,410 --> 00:30:13,311 Art: It was fortunate for law enforcement 607 00:30:13,313 --> 00:30:16,980 That mr. Cumber violated probation 608 00:30:16,982 --> 00:30:19,249 Because it sent him back to prison 609 00:30:19,251 --> 00:30:22,787 For a period of an additional seven years. 610 00:30:24,323 --> 00:30:27,524 Det. John: So now we could take the time that we needed 611 00:30:27,526 --> 00:30:29,926 To put all the pieces together 612 00:30:29,928 --> 00:30:31,261 And try to find the body 613 00:30:31,263 --> 00:30:35,333 Or try to do a bodiless conviction. 614 00:30:35,335 --> 00:30:37,935 Narrator: The detectives know that to make a murder case, 615 00:30:37,937 --> 00:30:40,604 They need to prove sabina is dead, 616 00:30:40,606 --> 00:30:44,341 But they just can't find any solid evidence. 617 00:30:44,343 --> 00:30:46,476 [♪♪] 618 00:30:46,478 --> 00:30:49,346 Ursula: A year after she went missing, 619 00:30:49,348 --> 00:30:53,283 We had a memorial for her. 620 00:30:53,285 --> 00:30:55,086 It wasn't much we could say 621 00:30:55,088 --> 00:30:57,454 'cause there wasn't much we knew. 622 00:30:59,359 --> 00:31:01,157 Narrator: For three years, 623 00:31:01,159 --> 00:31:04,162 Detectives are unable to find any new evidence 624 00:31:04,164 --> 00:31:07,230 In sabina's disappearance. 625 00:31:07,232 --> 00:31:11,369 Then they get a call that changes everything. 626 00:31:11,371 --> 00:31:12,636 Det. John: There was a gentleman 627 00:31:12,638 --> 00:31:14,237 That was selling his house 628 00:31:14,239 --> 00:31:15,372 And he was clearing out the brush 629 00:31:15,374 --> 00:31:17,173 To try to get a better view. 630 00:31:17,175 --> 00:31:20,344 And he came across sabine's purse. 631 00:31:21,580 --> 00:31:23,246 Her driver's license 632 00:31:23,248 --> 00:31:26,116 And other items of evidentiary value 633 00:31:26,118 --> 00:31:28,186 Were recovered inside the purse. 634 00:31:29,655 --> 00:31:33,523 Art: And this house was only in a couple of blocks of 635 00:31:33,525 --> 00:31:38,328 The apartment that ms. Buehler and william cumber shared. 636 00:31:38,330 --> 00:31:38,395 [♪♪] 637 00:31:38,463 --> 00:31:53,476 Narrator: Sabina musil-buehler's purse 638 00:31:53,478 --> 00:31:54,544 Has been found near the beach 639 00:31:54,546 --> 00:31:56,212 On anna maria island, 640 00:31:56,214 --> 00:31:59,282 The first solid clue in her disappearance 641 00:31:59,284 --> 00:32:01,017 In three years. 642 00:32:01,019 --> 00:32:05,088 It likely confirms sabina never left the island, 643 00:32:05,090 --> 00:32:06,958 At least not alive. 644 00:32:06,960 --> 00:32:09,225 [♪♪] 645 00:32:09,227 --> 00:32:12,096 Art: It was a pretty momentous episode 646 00:32:12,098 --> 00:32:14,164 In the investigation. 647 00:32:14,166 --> 00:32:17,567 We know there was no evidence of sabine's activity 648 00:32:17,569 --> 00:32:20,236 On any of her accounts for three years. 649 00:32:20,238 --> 00:32:22,240 There was no evidence that sabine 650 00:32:22,242 --> 00:32:25,977 Is still living after the evening of November 4th. 651 00:32:25,979 --> 00:32:28,578 We were convinced beyond reasonable doubt at that point 652 00:32:28,580 --> 00:32:30,514 That's sabine was dead. 653 00:32:33,051 --> 00:32:35,385 It's very challenging for a prosecutor 654 00:32:35,387 --> 00:32:37,787 To prosecute a murder without a body. 655 00:32:37,789 --> 00:32:40,056 It can be done, it's legal to do it, 656 00:32:40,058 --> 00:32:42,459 You have to put on extensive evidence 657 00:32:42,461 --> 00:32:46,463 To show that the victim is dead. 658 00:32:46,465 --> 00:32:50,333 And you have to have some evidence pointing to foul play. 659 00:32:50,335 --> 00:32:53,471 So we were able to prove that, you know, 660 00:32:53,473 --> 00:32:56,106 She's not with us anymore. 661 00:32:58,278 --> 00:33:02,612 Okay, she's not here, so where's the body? 662 00:33:02,614 --> 00:33:04,481 Well, we can't find the body. 663 00:33:04,483 --> 00:33:07,550 In anna maria, there's not many places to hide a body, 664 00:33:07,552 --> 00:33:11,188 But to bury a body there's tons of places on the island. 665 00:33:13,058 --> 00:33:16,826 Chances of finding the body is slim to none. 666 00:33:16,828 --> 00:33:19,163 Narrator: If detectives can't find sabina's body, 667 00:33:19,165 --> 00:33:21,565 They risk not being able to convict 668 00:33:21,567 --> 00:33:25,035 Their prime suspect bill cumber. 669 00:33:25,037 --> 00:33:28,371 He's currently behind bars for a parole violation. 670 00:33:28,373 --> 00:33:31,574 But there's only a few years left on his sentence. 671 00:33:31,576 --> 00:33:33,276 [♪♪] 672 00:33:33,278 --> 00:33:34,811 Det. John: We were thinking, 673 00:33:34,813 --> 00:33:38,147 "well, maybe he buried the body on the beach 674 00:33:38,149 --> 00:33:41,285 Near where the purse was ultimately recovered." 675 00:33:43,188 --> 00:33:47,491 We dug the beach meticulously trying to find her. 676 00:33:50,796 --> 00:33:52,796 We were using cadaver dogs 677 00:33:52,798 --> 00:33:55,398 From sarasota search and rescue 678 00:33:55,400 --> 00:33:58,735 And ground-penetrating radar. 679 00:33:58,737 --> 00:34:01,605 We did a lot of digging all over the beach. 680 00:34:01,607 --> 00:34:04,274 We dug up trash, shoes, 681 00:34:04,276 --> 00:34:08,078 We dug up carcasses from sea turtles. 682 00:34:08,080 --> 00:34:09,612 It was quite a big task of searching 683 00:34:09,614 --> 00:34:12,549 Where we thought she might be. 684 00:34:12,551 --> 00:34:16,220 We dug there like it seemed forever for weeks 685 00:34:16,222 --> 00:34:19,423 And ultimately we didn't find anything. 686 00:34:23,361 --> 00:34:25,295 Narrator: The failed search leaves detectives 687 00:34:25,297 --> 00:34:28,231 More determined than ever to find sabina. 688 00:34:28,233 --> 00:34:31,634 Art: Given his fingerprints in her car 689 00:34:31,636 --> 00:34:35,105 And blood in the apartment, 690 00:34:35,107 --> 00:34:39,576 The most likely suspect in sabine's disappearance 691 00:34:39,578 --> 00:34:40,643 Was william cumber. 692 00:34:40,645 --> 00:34:42,445 [♪♪] 693 00:34:42,447 --> 00:34:44,581 Narrator: They are sure bill cumber is a killer. 694 00:34:44,583 --> 00:34:46,316 But without sabina's body, 695 00:34:46,318 --> 00:34:49,652 The case against him is only circumstantial. 696 00:34:49,654 --> 00:34:52,388 Art: We had exhausted all the known possibilities 697 00:34:52,390 --> 00:34:55,258 For looking for her body in and around the beach 698 00:34:55,260 --> 00:34:58,461 And so, it didn't seem like we were gonna get 699 00:34:58,463 --> 00:35:01,931 Any more evidence at that point. 700 00:35:01,933 --> 00:35:05,435 The body was never found but we were going forward. 701 00:35:06,406 --> 00:35:09,906 [♪♪] 702 00:35:09,908 --> 00:35:12,375 Narrator: No single bit of circumstantial evidence 703 00:35:12,377 --> 00:35:14,144 Can win a case. 704 00:35:14,146 --> 00:35:17,947 But the collective paints a damning picture. 705 00:35:17,949 --> 00:35:21,352 Art: After conferring with law enforcement 706 00:35:21,354 --> 00:35:23,286 And the medical examiner, 707 00:35:23,288 --> 00:35:25,688 We made a decision to charge mr. Cumber 708 00:35:25,690 --> 00:35:27,657 With second-degree murder. 709 00:35:29,228 --> 00:35:30,960 Narrator: With cumber facing a potential 710 00:35:30,962 --> 00:35:35,232 22-year prison sentence on the murder charges, 711 00:35:35,234 --> 00:35:38,568 His lawyers caused delay after delay. 712 00:35:38,570 --> 00:35:40,904 But after years of legal wrangling, 713 00:35:40,906 --> 00:35:44,241 He realizes his chances of avoiding conviction 714 00:35:44,243 --> 00:35:46,209 Are slim to none. 715 00:35:47,579 --> 00:35:49,446 Art: Ultimately, I was approached 716 00:35:49,448 --> 00:35:50,914 By mr. Cumber's attorney 717 00:35:50,916 --> 00:35:54,384 Who said that mr. Cumber was interested 718 00:35:54,386 --> 00:35:57,187 In a plea offer. 719 00:35:57,189 --> 00:35:58,788 [♪♪] 720 00:35:58,790 --> 00:36:01,858 Narrator: On October 15th, 2015, 721 00:36:01,860 --> 00:36:05,328 Nearly seven years since sabina's disappearance, 722 00:36:05,330 --> 00:36:08,998 Bill cumber pleads guilty to second-degree murder. 723 00:36:09,000 --> 00:36:12,335 Sheriff brad: This morning, mr. Cumber appeared in court 724 00:36:12,337 --> 00:36:15,139 And entered a plea agreement 725 00:36:15,141 --> 00:36:18,341 To 22 years in state prison 726 00:36:18,343 --> 00:36:21,744 And there was a opportunity for him 727 00:36:21,746 --> 00:36:23,413 To provide two other things 728 00:36:23,415 --> 00:36:25,615 And he could get that reduced to 20 years. 729 00:36:25,617 --> 00:36:27,617 And those two other things that he would have to provide 730 00:36:27,619 --> 00:36:31,221 Would be a detailed interview with us 731 00:36:31,223 --> 00:36:32,822 As to what he did 732 00:36:32,824 --> 00:36:35,593 And then to show us or tell us 733 00:36:35,595 --> 00:36:37,227 Where her body was located. 734 00:36:37,229 --> 00:36:40,563 Art: Following his plea, I and a couple 735 00:36:40,565 --> 00:36:42,366 Of members of law enforcement 736 00:36:42,368 --> 00:36:45,435 Went into a room at the courthouse, 737 00:36:45,437 --> 00:36:47,304 With mr. Cumber and his attorney 738 00:36:47,306 --> 00:36:50,173 And I took a recorded interview with him. 739 00:36:51,510 --> 00:36:53,743 [♪♪] 740 00:37:04,522 --> 00:37:06,856 Narrator: In a slow, emotionless voice, 741 00:37:06,858 --> 00:37:10,593 Bill cumber reveals step by awful step 742 00:37:10,595 --> 00:37:15,498 What actually happened on the night of November 4th, 2008. 743 00:37:27,012 --> 00:37:28,745 The argument with, sabine 744 00:37:28,747 --> 00:37:31,681 Was over his smoking in the apartment 745 00:37:31,683 --> 00:37:33,917 And his constant drinking. 746 00:37:50,469 --> 00:37:53,770 Art: He said that he had struck her 747 00:37:53,772 --> 00:37:55,839 Twice in the face 748 00:37:55,841 --> 00:37:59,243 And that she bled from those injuries. 749 00:38:08,520 --> 00:38:08,584 [♪♪] 750 00:38:08,786 --> 00:39:05,375 Art: I believe he did intend to kill her. 751 00:39:05,377 --> 00:39:07,711 Strangulation takes some time. 752 00:39:07,713 --> 00:39:09,579 It's not like firing a gun 753 00:39:09,581 --> 00:39:12,582 Or stabbing somebody one time in the heart, 754 00:39:12,584 --> 00:39:16,319 It takes concerted effort. 755 00:39:16,321 --> 00:39:19,389 Mr. Cumber had a lot of issues with rejection. 756 00:39:19,391 --> 00:39:20,790 By his own admission, 757 00:39:20,792 --> 00:39:22,926 Sabine's essentially breaking up with him 758 00:39:22,928 --> 00:39:24,795 The night of November 4th 759 00:39:24,797 --> 00:39:27,864 And sabine has been the one funding his life 760 00:39:27,866 --> 00:39:31,568 Since he's gotten out of prison. 761 00:39:31,570 --> 00:39:33,469 Det. John: I think he just lost his temper 762 00:39:33,471 --> 00:39:36,473 And that his meal ticket 763 00:39:36,475 --> 00:39:37,840 Was walking out the door. 764 00:39:37,842 --> 00:39:40,277 [♪♪] 765 00:39:48,421 --> 00:39:52,489 Narrator: After dragging sabina's body to her car 766 00:39:52,491 --> 00:39:54,791 And putting her in the back seat, 767 00:39:56,427 --> 00:39:58,094 He drove to the beach access path 768 00:39:58,096 --> 00:40:01,531 Just down the road from haley's motel. 769 00:40:03,769 --> 00:40:06,036 Art: He then has to take her out of the car, 770 00:40:06,038 --> 00:40:08,505 Drag her along the wooden walkway, 771 00:40:08,507 --> 00:40:11,174 Take her to the location 772 00:40:11,176 --> 00:40:13,076 To bury her in the sand. 773 00:40:16,981 --> 00:40:19,048 Mr. Cumber's thought process 774 00:40:19,050 --> 00:40:22,519 Was that mr. Buehler would be a potential suspect 775 00:40:22,521 --> 00:40:25,722 If the body is found that close to haley's motel. 776 00:40:25,724 --> 00:40:28,659 Narrator: After burying sabina in the sand, 777 00:40:32,864 --> 00:40:35,132 Cumber says he drove back to their apartment 778 00:40:35,134 --> 00:40:38,502 And cleaned up. 779 00:40:38,504 --> 00:40:41,404 The next day, he drove her car to bradenton 780 00:40:41,406 --> 00:40:43,607 And left it at the gator lounge. 781 00:40:55,220 --> 00:40:57,720 [♪♪] 782 00:41:00,959 --> 00:41:02,893 Narrator: Word of the shocking confession 783 00:41:02,895 --> 00:41:05,828 Spreads quickly across anna maria island. 784 00:41:05,830 --> 00:41:08,499 Barbara: Cumber was an extremely vicious, 785 00:41:08,501 --> 00:41:10,633 Talented conman. 786 00:41:10,635 --> 00:41:12,702 I have no doubt that she was in love 787 00:41:12,704 --> 00:41:15,773 With the person he pretended to be. 788 00:41:15,775 --> 00:41:18,776 And unfortunately for her, 789 00:41:18,778 --> 00:41:22,078 It wasn't the person that he actually was. 790 00:41:22,847 --> 00:41:24,814 [♪♪] 791 00:41:24,816 --> 00:41:27,617 Narrator: After confessing to her murder, 792 00:41:29,120 --> 00:41:33,656 Cumber in shackles leads investigators to the beach, 793 00:41:33,658 --> 00:41:35,825 Fulfilling his promise to reveal 794 00:41:35,827 --> 00:41:37,928 Where he buried sabina. 795 00:41:41,132 --> 00:41:42,933 Det. John: It was one beach access down 796 00:41:42,935 --> 00:41:45,968 From where haley's motel was. 797 00:41:45,970 --> 00:41:48,539 He took us to a small rain pavilion, 798 00:41:48,541 --> 00:41:51,909 And he said that was their special place. 799 00:41:51,911 --> 00:41:55,144 Bill and sabine would go down here 800 00:41:55,146 --> 00:41:57,815 And have a glass of wine and watch the sunset. 801 00:42:00,352 --> 00:42:03,520 [♪♪] 802 00:42:12,832 --> 00:42:16,232 Art: Ultimately after several hours of digging, 803 00:42:16,234 --> 00:42:19,536 They did find skeletonized remains 804 00:42:21,506 --> 00:42:23,039 Closed in a flowered shirt, 805 00:42:23,041 --> 00:42:24,907 Jeans, silver necklace, 806 00:42:24,909 --> 00:42:26,944 Just as he had described. 807 00:42:29,647 --> 00:42:31,981 [♪♪] 808 00:42:31,983 --> 00:42:33,849 Narrator: Sabina's loved ones are grateful. 809 00:42:33,851 --> 00:42:37,887 The long search for answers is finally over. 810 00:42:38,591 --> 00:42:40,623 Barbara: I've often thought 811 00:42:40,625 --> 00:42:44,860 I sat watching the sunset 812 00:42:44,862 --> 00:42:47,730 With our neighbors and friends 813 00:42:47,732 --> 00:42:49,599 That she was buried 814 00:42:49,601 --> 00:42:52,134 In the sand underneath us 815 00:42:52,136 --> 00:42:54,103 And we didn't know it. 816 00:42:57,008 --> 00:42:58,609 Narrator: The beach on anna maria island 817 00:42:58,611 --> 00:43:01,945 Is a place of beauty and of peace, 818 00:43:01,947 --> 00:43:05,081 A place sabina's friends are comforted to know 819 00:43:05,083 --> 00:43:07,984 Where her spirit lives on. 820 00:43:11,156 --> 00:43:14,091 Tina: She was a free spirit. 821 00:43:14,959 --> 00:43:17,093 When sabina was happy, 822 00:43:17,095 --> 00:43:18,861 There was nobody 823 00:43:18,863 --> 00:43:21,764 That you would rather wanna be with. 824 00:43:25,670 --> 00:43:28,171 And I wish she was still here. 825 00:43:31,776 --> 00:43:35,045 [♪♪]