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00:00:13,480 --> 00:00:14,580
Narrator: A quaint getaway
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00:00:14,582 --> 00:00:16,582
On an island paradise.
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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.
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00:00:21,722 --> 00:00:25,992
Narrator: Becomes the center
of a mysterious disappearance.
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Art: He reported
that she left the apartment.
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[♪♪]
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00:00:32,334 --> 00:00:35,701
Narrator: A strange incident
on the mainland
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00:00:35,703 --> 00:00:37,269
Deepens the mystery.
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00:00:37,271 --> 00:00:40,272
Art: He said
he ran into a couple
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00:00:40,274 --> 00:00:42,808
And that in exchange for crack,
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They gave him
the use of the vehicle.
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[tires screeching]
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Barbara: She wouldn't have
left the car there.
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[♪♪]
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00:00:49,783 --> 00:00:51,683
Narrator: And leads
to a desperate hunt
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00:00:51,685 --> 00:00:54,487
To find a beloved motel owner.
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Narrator: Police comb
every inch of beach.
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00:01:05,365 --> 00:01:08,101
Art: An extensive digging
operation commenced.
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Narrator: At for years,
an island community
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Is left to wonder,
could the answers
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Be right beneath their feet
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Buried in the sand?
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Bonner: That's where people
watch the sunset.
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[♪♪]
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Narrator: Anna maria island
is a pristine jewel
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Tucked away on the southwest
coast of florida.
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With miles of unspoiled beaches,
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And the turquoise water
of the gulf of mexico,
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It's a little slice of heaven
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For residents
and visitors alike.
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Ursula: It's mayberry
in paradise,
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Is the way we like
to describe it.
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It's a sand barrier island,
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Five blocks wide,
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Eight miles long.
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Tina: You feel good
all the time,
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And you wanna be outdoors.
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It's a beautiful spot
with amazing sunsets.
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I still pinch myself
sometimes living here.
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Narrator: But on a sunny
October morning in 2015,
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Something unusual is
stirring on the beach.
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Barbara: I was at home
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And my husband came in
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And he said, "barbara there are
46
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Three sheriff's trucks
at the end of our street.
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And fox news is in our driveway.
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Something's happening."
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This was unusual
for anna maria island.
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Narrator: Island residents
hear rumors that police
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Are following up on a tip
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About a woman's body
supposedly buried
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Beneath the white sand.
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Sheriff brad: When I drove
out here this morning,
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It was a different place
that we've never dug before.
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It was like, "yes, I think
we've got the right spot."
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But we'll find that out
in a couple hours.
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It's extremely important
we find that body.
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Det. John:
Our forensic people went in
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00:03:06,820 --> 00:03:11,123
With the medical examiner
and worked through the day.
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We wanted to be meticulous
in how we did it.
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In a grid pattern.
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And I started seeing bones
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And then the skeleton.
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It was buried in the sand
on the beach.
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Bonner: I heard
the news in the morning
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From holmes beach police chief,
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And I stood straight up
out of my chair
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With goose bumps
from my head to my toes.
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That's the pavilion where people
go and watch the sunset.
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No one suspected
that she would be buried there.
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[♪♪]
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Bonner: Anna maria island
is more of a mom-and-pop
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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.
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Ursula: Haley's motel
has always been
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00:04:20,227 --> 00:04:21,826
A very nice motel.
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00:04:21,828 --> 00:04:23,428
Reasonable prices.
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00:04:23,430 --> 00:04:24,964
It wasn't on the beach
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00:04:24,966 --> 00:04:27,366
But it was kind of funky
because it always had
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Pink flamingos up front.
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00:04:29,436 --> 00:04:32,371
Narrator: In 2002,
the motel has new owners,
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00:04:32,373 --> 00:04:35,440
Tom buehler
and his german-born wife,
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00:04:35,442 --> 00:04:36,842
Sabine musil-buehler,
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00:04:36,844 --> 00:04:39,478
Or sabina
as her friends call her.
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00:04:43,518 --> 00:04:45,383
Barbara: Tom did the repairs,
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Tom did the yard work,
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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.
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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.
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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."
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So yeah, it was pretty extreme.
111
00:05:49,050 --> 00:05:51,383
[ laughs ]
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Barbara:
She had strong opinions.
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I remember that well
before hotels and motels
114
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Were going non-smoking,
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She decided
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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.
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00:06:14,842 --> 00:06:17,943
Narrator: Always guided
by her strong convictions,
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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
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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.
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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.
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00:06:36,963 --> 00:06:38,363
I know the night
of the election,
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00:06:38,365 --> 00:06:42,168
She was so jazzed up
that he won.
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00:06:42,170 --> 00:06:44,769
Barbara: She had asked me
if I was going to go
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00:06:44,771 --> 00:06:47,105
To the party
that the island democrats
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00:06:47,107 --> 00:06:48,973
Were having, and I told her no.
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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.
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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
[♪♪]