1 00:00:13,513 --> 00:00:17,449 Narrator: A rugged rodeo cowboy lives his old west dream life. 2 00:00:17,451 --> 00:00:19,651 Allan sr.: He wanted to ride bulls. 3 00:00:19,653 --> 00:00:21,254 He loved riding bucking horses. 4 00:00:21,256 --> 00:00:24,456 Lisa: He was like clint eastwood 5 00:00:24,458 --> 00:00:25,657 Since the day I met him. 6 00:00:25,659 --> 00:00:27,526 Narrator: But when he disappears 7 00:00:27,528 --> 00:00:28,861 From a dusty desert town 8 00:00:28,863 --> 00:00:30,395 Without a word... 9 00:00:30,397 --> 00:00:31,997 Lisa: He should have already been in my house, 10 00:00:31,999 --> 00:00:33,299 Should have already texted me. 11 00:00:33,301 --> 00:00:38,170 Narrator: ...A strange call to 911 deepens the mystery. 12 00:00:44,745 --> 00:00:46,144 Narrator: Police discover 13 00:00:46,146 --> 00:00:48,247 He has more enemies than friends. 14 00:00:48,249 --> 00:00:51,483 Lisa: People were saying that he had stolen money 15 00:00:51,485 --> 00:00:53,720 Or he didn't do what he said he was supposed to do 16 00:00:53,722 --> 00:00:55,487 With the horses. 17 00:00:55,489 --> 00:00:58,290 Justin: She said he was sleeping with your girlfriend. 18 00:00:58,292 --> 00:01:02,260 I have seen people killed for a lot less. 19 00:01:02,262 --> 00:01:03,562 Allan sr.: And I told him, 20 00:01:03,564 --> 00:01:06,499 "you're upsetting the wrong people." 21 00:01:06,501 --> 00:01:09,168 Narrator: Investigators search for answers stretches 22 00:01:09,170 --> 00:01:12,105 Across the desert and across the west. 23 00:01:12,107 --> 00:01:13,706 Det. Kirby: We're basically chasing a ghost. 24 00:01:13,708 --> 00:01:16,408 Narrator: But the truth could lie buried 25 00:01:16,410 --> 00:01:20,846 Beneath the hot sands of the mojave. 26 00:01:20,848 --> 00:01:26,618 Allan sr.: People disappear in the desert real easy. 27 00:01:31,258 --> 00:01:32,991 [♪♪] 28 00:01:32,993 --> 00:01:36,227 Narrator: The mojave desert in southern california 29 00:01:36,229 --> 00:01:40,232 Is a barren yet beautiful landscape. 30 00:01:41,835 --> 00:01:44,469 Trevor: It's vast. It's rural. 31 00:01:44,471 --> 00:01:47,272 It's dirt roads. 32 00:01:47,274 --> 00:01:50,075 It's big sky, beautiful sunsets. 33 00:01:50,077 --> 00:01:53,346 Shawn: Looks like the moon sometimes. 34 00:01:53,348 --> 00:01:54,680 And it's hot. 35 00:01:54,682 --> 00:01:56,348 And it's windy. 36 00:01:56,350 --> 00:02:00,485 And it makes you old quick. 37 00:02:00,487 --> 00:02:02,688 Trevor: One of my favorite things to do 38 00:02:02,690 --> 00:02:04,556 Ever since I've lived in the desert 39 00:02:04,558 --> 00:02:07,360 Is get on my dirt bike, point at a direction, 40 00:02:07,362 --> 00:02:08,528 And you just go. 41 00:02:08,530 --> 00:02:09,562 [engine revs] 42 00:02:09,564 --> 00:02:11,029 Trevor: You get to explore, 43 00:02:11,031 --> 00:02:13,766 And it was just absolutely beautiful. 44 00:02:13,768 --> 00:02:16,701 Narrator: On a crisp, early December afternoon, 45 00:02:16,703 --> 00:02:18,503 Trevor is biking through a familiar trail 46 00:02:18,505 --> 00:02:23,776 In the high desert when he notices something strange. 47 00:02:23,778 --> 00:02:25,845 [♪♪] 48 00:02:25,847 --> 00:02:27,479 Trevor: What caught my eye 49 00:02:27,481 --> 00:02:30,515 Was a no trespassing sign just off the road, 50 00:02:30,517 --> 00:02:33,185 Out in the middle of the desert. 51 00:02:33,187 --> 00:02:35,387 And I thought, "wow, that's weird. 52 00:02:35,389 --> 00:02:36,922 That's never been there before. 53 00:02:36,924 --> 00:02:40,826 What doesn't somebody want me to see?" 54 00:02:41,863 --> 00:02:43,295 Right across the way there 55 00:02:43,297 --> 00:02:45,465 From where the no trespassing sign 56 00:02:45,467 --> 00:02:47,266 Was-- was a couch. 57 00:02:47,268 --> 00:02:49,868 So looking at it a little bit closer, 58 00:02:49,870 --> 00:02:55,373 I saw ripped blue jean levis buried in the sand. 59 00:02:55,375 --> 00:02:59,945 It appeared that there was blood on the levis. 60 00:02:59,947 --> 00:03:03,282 And then I noticed a human leg bone. 61 00:03:04,284 --> 00:03:06,718 I was a little freaked out. 62 00:03:07,422 --> 00:03:09,888 It was surreal. 63 00:03:09,890 --> 00:03:12,624 There was no doubt this is a human body 64 00:03:12,626 --> 00:03:13,792 Buried in the sand. 65 00:03:16,297 --> 00:03:18,863 Yeah, I didn't touch anything that was in that area. 66 00:03:18,865 --> 00:03:23,702 And I went back to my dirt bike and I called 911. 67 00:03:23,704 --> 00:03:25,303 [siren wailing] 68 00:03:25,305 --> 00:03:27,806 Narrator: Investigators arrive at the scene 69 00:03:27,808 --> 00:03:31,743 Just as the sun sets over the desert. 70 00:03:33,981 --> 00:03:37,450 Det. Kirby: The male victim was placed facedown 71 00:03:37,452 --> 00:03:39,317 Into the grave. 72 00:03:39,319 --> 00:03:40,719 Justin: He was hogtied. 73 00:03:40,721 --> 00:03:43,589 His arms tied behind his back with a rope 74 00:03:43,591 --> 00:03:48,527 That went from his hands up around his throat area 75 00:03:48,529 --> 00:03:51,329 And tied his wrist together. 76 00:03:51,331 --> 00:03:52,864 Det. Kirby: He also had a big piece of duct tape 77 00:03:52,866 --> 00:03:59,304 Around his entire head and over his nose and his mouth. 78 00:04:02,309 --> 00:04:04,944 It was extremely upsetting. 79 00:04:07,681 --> 00:04:11,750 Justin: There was no identification in the grave. 80 00:04:11,752 --> 00:04:13,551 No wallet or cellphone 81 00:04:13,553 --> 00:04:19,591 Or anything that would indicate who this person was. 82 00:04:19,593 --> 00:04:21,826 Det. Kirby: He was wearing blue jeans. 83 00:04:21,828 --> 00:04:24,463 We also found a belt buckle. 84 00:04:24,465 --> 00:04:28,333 It appeared to be a rodeo-style belt buckle. 85 00:04:28,335 --> 00:04:30,469 There was also a ring 86 00:04:30,471 --> 00:04:33,905 And a necklace in the shape of a cross. 87 00:04:33,907 --> 00:04:36,576 Justin: The first question that investigators have is, 88 00:04:36,578 --> 00:04:40,779 "who is this person that's buried in the sand?" 89 00:04:46,787 --> 00:04:52,057 Kelly: Phelan, california is a small horse community, 90 00:04:52,059 --> 00:04:53,959 Ranching town. 91 00:04:53,961 --> 00:04:57,262 Narrator: Located in the heart of california's high desert, 92 00:04:57,264 --> 00:05:01,934 The town of phelan seems like a place from another time. 93 00:05:03,404 --> 00:05:04,936 It's a rugged community, 94 00:05:04,938 --> 00:05:06,872 Luring a special breed of folks 95 00:05:06,874 --> 00:05:08,807 With the call of the old west. 96 00:05:08,809 --> 00:05:11,610 Trevor: Phelan definitely has more than its fair share 97 00:05:11,612 --> 00:05:16,415 Of horse people, cowboys, ropers, bull riders. 98 00:05:22,155 --> 00:05:24,155 Shawn: Rodeo, cowboy's life 99 00:05:24,157 --> 00:05:30,462 Is about the relationship between a man and his horse. 100 00:05:32,265 --> 00:05:34,700 [♪♪] 101 00:05:37,838 --> 00:05:41,940 Shawn: Training horses, bronc riding, shoeing horses, 102 00:05:41,942 --> 00:05:45,511 If you wanna do it, it's a passion. 103 00:05:47,849 --> 00:05:49,614 Narrator: It's the love of horses 104 00:05:49,616 --> 00:05:53,952 That brought allan godfrey jr. To phelan. 105 00:05:55,890 --> 00:05:58,590 Allan sr.: Allan was a cowboy. 106 00:05:58,592 --> 00:06:00,793 He loved being in the rodeo. 107 00:06:00,795 --> 00:06:03,194 He wanted to ride bulls. 108 00:06:03,196 --> 00:06:06,064 He loved riding bucking horses. 109 00:06:06,066 --> 00:06:07,932 That was his thrill. 110 00:06:07,934 --> 00:06:12,104 That's where his heart was. 111 00:06:12,106 --> 00:06:13,939 Narrator: Even though he was born back east, 112 00:06:13,941 --> 00:06:19,611 Allan idolized the open west and the cowboy life. 113 00:06:19,613 --> 00:06:20,945 He grew up in new york, 114 00:06:20,947 --> 00:06:25,617 A small town on the outside of poughkeepsie. 115 00:06:25,619 --> 00:06:27,152 Narrator: When his parents divorced, 116 00:06:27,154 --> 00:06:31,022 Allan found solace in tales of the old west. 117 00:06:31,024 --> 00:06:34,626 Allan sr.: At one point, he was staying 118 00:06:34,628 --> 00:06:36,862 With his uncle in kentucky, 119 00:06:38,098 --> 00:06:40,433 And they had a horse farm. 120 00:06:40,435 --> 00:06:44,170 So I believe the wild west thing 121 00:06:44,172 --> 00:06:47,072 Started when he was there. 122 00:06:49,576 --> 00:06:51,176 Narrator: By his mid-30s, 123 00:06:51,178 --> 00:06:54,112 Allan's years as a bronc rider on the pro rodeo circuit 124 00:06:54,114 --> 00:06:55,713 Have taken a physical toll. 125 00:06:55,715 --> 00:06:59,050 He retires and finds work as a horse trainer 126 00:06:59,052 --> 00:07:02,053 Roaming from montana to new mexico, 127 00:07:02,055 --> 00:07:03,555 From texas to wyoming, 128 00:07:03,557 --> 00:07:06,525 And starts using his middle name, rick. 129 00:07:08,162 --> 00:07:11,796 Rick was very talented as a cowboy. 130 00:07:11,798 --> 00:07:13,766 Narrator: Kelly kapko saw that firsthand 131 00:07:13,768 --> 00:07:16,401 When she hired rick to help with her horses. 132 00:07:16,403 --> 00:07:18,269 Kelly: And there was a little wild mustang 133 00:07:18,271 --> 00:07:20,805 That I was have-- I was having trouble with. 134 00:07:20,807 --> 00:07:23,541 He went out there and worked with that mustang, 135 00:07:23,543 --> 00:07:26,744 And I'm not kidding, within 30 minutes 136 00:07:26,746 --> 00:07:28,546 Of him showing up, 137 00:07:28,548 --> 00:07:29,815 He was riding him. 138 00:07:29,817 --> 00:07:33,885 He just had genuine talent with the horses. 139 00:07:33,887 --> 00:07:37,088 Narrator: The handsome horseman also earned himself 140 00:07:37,090 --> 00:07:39,657 Another kind of reputation. 141 00:07:39,659 --> 00:07:43,228 Allan sr.: He made a lot of friends in the rodeo. 142 00:07:43,230 --> 00:07:45,363 Mostly females. 143 00:07:45,365 --> 00:07:48,166 He must had quite the charm. 144 00:07:48,168 --> 00:07:52,170 It seemed to attract a lot of women. 145 00:07:52,172 --> 00:07:54,706 Narrator: But rick life isn't always charmed. 146 00:07:54,708 --> 00:07:58,710 And not all his ranch bosses are impressed with him. 147 00:07:58,712 --> 00:08:00,111 Whenever there's conflict, 148 00:08:00,113 --> 00:08:03,648 Rick's response is to move on down the road 149 00:08:03,650 --> 00:08:04,983 And start again. 150 00:08:04,985 --> 00:08:06,784 That's what he's hoping to do in phelan 151 00:08:06,786 --> 00:08:11,056 When he lands a job on a ranch just outside town. 152 00:08:11,058 --> 00:08:13,893 Allan sr.: Debbie harris and dale brewster 153 00:08:13,895 --> 00:08:15,927 Were his landlords. 154 00:08:15,929 --> 00:08:17,996 He rented a small mobile trailer 155 00:08:17,998 --> 00:08:21,534 And he was shoeing horses, 156 00:08:21,536 --> 00:08:23,268 Doing ranch work. 157 00:08:23,270 --> 00:08:25,637 And debbie had party horses 158 00:08:25,639 --> 00:08:28,139 She took to birthday parties and stuff. 159 00:08:28,141 --> 00:08:33,011 And he helped out with her horses. 160 00:08:33,013 --> 00:08:35,880 Narrator: Dale and debbie's ranch is the perfect place 161 00:08:35,882 --> 00:08:39,451 To settle down with his loyal dog, zip. 162 00:08:40,954 --> 00:08:43,955 Rick is also in a new relationship with a woman 163 00:08:43,957 --> 00:08:47,625 Who lives on the coast a couple hours away. 164 00:08:47,627 --> 00:08:50,161 Lisa: Rick and I met on a dating website 165 00:08:50,163 --> 00:08:51,897 Around the beginning of February. 166 00:08:51,899 --> 00:08:54,699 He was a total cowboy, 167 00:08:54,701 --> 00:08:56,802 Like clint eastwood, 168 00:08:56,804 --> 00:08:59,170 Since the day I met him. 169 00:08:59,172 --> 00:09:02,174 Narrator: On a Thursday night in April 2015, 170 00:09:02,176 --> 00:09:04,108 Rick makes the drive to lisa's place 171 00:09:04,110 --> 00:09:09,180 To help her move to a new apartment over the weekend. 172 00:09:09,182 --> 00:09:10,915 Lisa: And then the next morning, 173 00:09:10,917 --> 00:09:12,850 He was really upset because he had received 174 00:09:12,852 --> 00:09:15,087 A text message from his landlord, dale, 175 00:09:15,089 --> 00:09:18,657 That he had to return the truck that he borrowed to move me. 176 00:09:18,659 --> 00:09:21,927 And they got in a little bit of an argument, 177 00:09:21,929 --> 00:09:24,929 And dale said, "you have to come home right now," 178 00:09:24,931 --> 00:09:26,732 Which is about a two-hour drive. 179 00:09:26,734 --> 00:09:30,034 And I said, "just go home and come back." 180 00:09:30,036 --> 00:09:32,704 And so he left. 181 00:09:38,078 --> 00:09:41,814 I got off work around 5:00, 5:30 pm, 182 00:09:41,816 --> 00:09:44,148 And nothing. Radio silence. 183 00:09:44,150 --> 00:09:46,685 Like he should have already been at my house, 184 00:09:46,687 --> 00:09:48,888 Should have already texted me. 185 00:09:49,623 --> 00:09:50,822 I was concerned. 186 00:09:50,824 --> 00:09:52,223 I knew him enough that if he said 187 00:09:52,225 --> 00:09:53,992 He was gonna show up, he'd show up. 188 00:09:55,830 --> 00:09:57,895 Narrator: By the time Saturday rolls around, 189 00:09:57,897 --> 00:10:00,165 Lisa decides she's waited long enough 190 00:10:00,167 --> 00:10:02,902 And calls rick's father allan sr. 191 00:10:02,904 --> 00:10:04,302 Who lives in a nearby town. 192 00:10:04,304 --> 00:10:07,038 Allan sr.: I tried calling my son's phone. 193 00:10:07,040 --> 00:10:08,840 It just kept going to voicemail. 194 00:10:08,842 --> 00:10:12,844 And I kept calling and I kept calling and I kept calling. 195 00:10:12,846 --> 00:10:14,712 Det. Kirby: Allan godfrey sr. Called 196 00:10:14,714 --> 00:10:20,653 In a missing persons report on April 18th, 2015. 197 00:10:22,322 --> 00:10:24,856 Narrator: Investigators head to the ranch in phelan. 198 00:10:24,858 --> 00:10:28,092 When they get there, rick's landlord, dale, 199 00:10:28,094 --> 00:10:30,061 Makes a surprising confession. 200 00:10:30,063 --> 00:10:32,330 Justin: Dale brewster told the sheriff deputy 201 00:10:32,332 --> 00:10:34,999 That he had gotten into a physical fight 202 00:10:35,001 --> 00:10:37,735 With allan godfrey jr., who went by rick. 203 00:10:37,737 --> 00:10:40,104 Brewster said that he beat rick up, 204 00:10:40,106 --> 00:10:43,841 And that rick took off, jumped brewster's fence, 205 00:10:43,843 --> 00:10:46,411 And said he hadn't seen him since. 206 00:10:46,413 --> 00:10:49,814 Narrator: Dale doesn't go into details about why they fought, 207 00:10:49,816 --> 00:10:53,951 But he tells the officers that he actually called 911 208 00:10:53,953 --> 00:10:55,286 Himself to report the brawl. 209 00:10:55,288 --> 00:10:57,356 He says he wanted to make sure police 210 00:10:57,358 --> 00:11:01,826 Knew about it in case there was any fallout. 211 00:11:21,882 --> 00:11:24,315 Narrator: Police know phelan is a rough and tumble community 212 00:11:24,317 --> 00:11:28,053 Of ranch folk who tend to settle their own disputes, 213 00:11:28,055 --> 00:11:32,057 But they hear something concerning in dale's story. 214 00:11:32,059 --> 00:11:33,792 Justin: Mr. Brewster also indicated 215 00:11:33,794 --> 00:11:37,195 That when rick jumped the fence to leave the property, 216 00:11:37,197 --> 00:11:39,998 He also saw rick hit his head 217 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:44,569 On the ground as he jumped over the fence. 218 00:11:44,571 --> 00:11:46,437 Det. Kirby: We have somebody who's missing 219 00:11:46,439 --> 00:11:51,076 And possibly maybe, um, left the area hurt, 220 00:11:51,078 --> 00:11:54,479 And maybe laid down and possibly died 221 00:11:54,481 --> 00:11:56,080 From injuries in the desert. 222 00:11:58,051 --> 00:12:01,753 We need to find allan godfrey jr. 223 00:12:05,358 --> 00:12:08,727 Allan sr.: Something wasn't adding up. 224 00:12:08,729 --> 00:12:10,895 Det. Kirby: There was a lot of people out there 225 00:12:10,897 --> 00:12:14,033 Who may want to settle the score 226 00:12:14,035 --> 00:12:15,701 With allan godfrey jr. 227 00:12:15,703 --> 00:12:19,170 Kelly: She responded with a vengeance 228 00:12:19,172 --> 00:12:19,237 That I've never seen come out of a person. 229 00:12:19,305 --> 00:12:33,451 [♪♪] 230 00:12:33,453 --> 00:12:35,319 Narrator: Concerns are growing for horse trainer, 231 00:12:35,321 --> 00:12:37,455 Allan rick godfrey jr. 232 00:12:37,457 --> 00:12:40,291 The rancher he works for says rick ran off 233 00:12:40,293 --> 00:12:42,326 Into california's mojave desert 234 00:12:42,328 --> 00:12:44,162 After they got into a big fight. 235 00:12:44,164 --> 00:12:46,398 That was two days ago. 236 00:12:46,400 --> 00:12:48,599 Det. Kirby: The fact that nobody ever heard 237 00:12:48,601 --> 00:12:51,302 From allan godfrey jr. Again, 238 00:12:51,304 --> 00:12:52,470 That was unusual. 239 00:12:53,740 --> 00:12:56,208 Narrator: Investigators press rick's landlord, 240 00:12:56,210 --> 00:12:59,210 Dale brewster, for an explanation 241 00:12:59,212 --> 00:13:00,545 Of exactly what happened. 242 00:13:00,547 --> 00:13:03,348 He tells them the day rick disappeared 243 00:13:03,350 --> 00:13:05,149 Started with an unexpected visit 244 00:13:05,151 --> 00:13:09,221 From another rancher who came by looking for rick. 245 00:13:09,223 --> 00:13:13,224 Det. Kirby: Dale explains that a lady named laura vasquez 246 00:13:13,226 --> 00:13:16,395 Showed up and that she was very upset 247 00:13:16,397 --> 00:13:18,163 With allan godfrey jr. 248 00:13:19,699 --> 00:13:21,232 Justin: She told dale brewster 249 00:13:21,234 --> 00:13:23,736 That rick godfrey owed her a lot of money 250 00:13:23,738 --> 00:13:26,637 And that she was trying to locate him. 251 00:13:26,639 --> 00:13:28,372 Det. Kirby: Laura was explaining to dale, 252 00:13:28,374 --> 00:13:31,243 "hey, you don't know who's living on your property." 253 00:13:31,245 --> 00:13:32,711 She tells dale, 254 00:13:32,713 --> 00:13:34,179 "he stole a bunch of money from me, 255 00:13:34,181 --> 00:13:36,214 Thousands and thousands of dollars." 256 00:13:37,851 --> 00:13:41,653 She also shows dale brewster a photograph of a-- 257 00:13:41,655 --> 00:13:46,692 A bracelet that rick godfrey had stolen from her property. 258 00:13:49,295 --> 00:13:51,797 Narrator: Dale tells the police he found laura's accusations 259 00:13:51,799 --> 00:13:53,865 So disturbing that he texted rick 260 00:13:53,867 --> 00:13:55,733 Demanding he leave his girlfriend 261 00:13:55,735 --> 00:13:59,470 And return with dale's truck to the ranch immediately. 262 00:13:59,472 --> 00:14:01,472 Det. Kirby: When allan godfrey jr. 263 00:14:01,474 --> 00:14:02,807 Returns to the residence, 264 00:14:02,809 --> 00:14:05,410 Dale brewster notices that godfrey 265 00:14:05,412 --> 00:14:09,480 Is wearing the very bracelet that laura vasquez 266 00:14:09,482 --> 00:14:11,516 Said was stolen from her. 267 00:14:13,219 --> 00:14:15,353 Justin: Brewster told detectives 268 00:14:15,355 --> 00:14:17,289 That he confronted rick 269 00:14:17,291 --> 00:14:22,461 About whether or not he had stolen from laura vasquez. 270 00:14:22,463 --> 00:14:27,765 He said that rick godfrey threw a bracelet at him 271 00:14:27,767 --> 00:14:30,635 And that the fight was on. 272 00:14:30,637 --> 00:14:32,604 Det. Kirby: Dale was very egotistical. 273 00:14:32,606 --> 00:14:35,440 We understood his personality to be 274 00:14:35,442 --> 00:14:38,443 "I'm the man and if you don't do what I say, 275 00:14:38,445 --> 00:14:41,913 You're going to get the worst end of what I have to give you." 276 00:14:41,915 --> 00:14:44,882 Justin: Dale indicated that he clearly won the fight 277 00:14:44,884 --> 00:14:50,355 And left rick bloody as rick ran away from the property. 278 00:14:52,459 --> 00:14:54,393 Detectives also spoke to debbie harris 279 00:14:54,395 --> 00:14:56,327 Who was dale brewster's girlfriend. 280 00:14:56,329 --> 00:14:58,729 She said she was not home at the time 281 00:14:58,731 --> 00:15:02,600 Of the altercation between brewster and rick. 282 00:15:02,602 --> 00:15:03,836 She didn't know where rick was. 283 00:15:03,838 --> 00:15:06,671 She hadn't talked to him. She hadn't seen him. 284 00:15:06,673 --> 00:15:09,273 Narrator: It's a strange story, 285 00:15:09,275 --> 00:15:10,541 But in cowboy towns like phelan, 286 00:15:10,543 --> 00:15:14,745 Investigators have heard taller tales. 287 00:15:14,747 --> 00:15:17,949 Dale allows the police to search his property 288 00:15:17,951 --> 00:15:20,251 And they find nothing unusual. 289 00:15:22,221 --> 00:15:24,555 Justin: Although there were some red flags 290 00:15:24,557 --> 00:15:26,624 About what brewster was saying, 291 00:15:26,626 --> 00:15:28,626 There certainly wasn't enough to conclude 292 00:15:28,628 --> 00:15:31,329 That a crime had necessarily occurred. 293 00:15:32,965 --> 00:15:35,767 Allan sr.: It wasn't unusual for my son 294 00:15:35,769 --> 00:15:37,368 To just pick up and leave. 295 00:15:37,370 --> 00:15:39,570 But something wasn't adding up. 296 00:15:39,572 --> 00:15:42,640 Why doesn't he answer his cellphone? 297 00:15:42,642 --> 00:15:45,710 My son, if he was in trouble, 298 00:15:45,712 --> 00:15:50,415 Would have made contact with me right away. 299 00:15:51,451 --> 00:15:54,486 So he's gotta be hurt. 300 00:15:56,256 --> 00:15:58,824 Det. Kirby: At that time, the deputies took 301 00:15:58,826 --> 00:16:00,791 The initial missing persons report. 302 00:16:00,793 --> 00:16:03,729 They spoke with allan godfrey sr. 303 00:16:03,731 --> 00:16:05,596 And he saying, 304 00:16:05,598 --> 00:16:07,865 "hey, my son would have never left his dog here. 305 00:16:07,867 --> 00:16:11,535 My son has all of his belongings at the ranch." 306 00:16:11,537 --> 00:16:14,005 Something was not right. 307 00:16:14,007 --> 00:16:16,474 Lisa: He always had that dog with him. 308 00:16:16,476 --> 00:16:18,343 If he didn't have his dog, it was like not having 309 00:16:18,345 --> 00:16:19,611 Your six-month-old child. 310 00:16:21,281 --> 00:16:23,482 Justin: Dale brewster didn't indicate that anything 311 00:16:23,484 --> 00:16:26,817 Out of the ordinary occurred after the fight, 312 00:16:26,819 --> 00:16:28,686 Or that he saw rick ever again, 313 00:16:28,688 --> 00:16:30,354 Or that there was anything else 314 00:16:30,356 --> 00:16:32,990 That he could add to the detectives' search 315 00:16:32,992 --> 00:16:36,661 For rick godfrey and what happened to him. 316 00:16:39,899 --> 00:16:41,632 Narrator: To confirm dale's story, 317 00:16:41,634 --> 00:16:44,835 Investigators subpoena the cellphone records 318 00:16:44,837 --> 00:16:46,437 For both rick and dale, 319 00:16:46,439 --> 00:16:48,573 But they won't get them from the phone company 320 00:16:48,575 --> 00:16:50,041 For several weeks. 321 00:16:50,043 --> 00:16:52,877 In the meantime, all investigators know for sure 322 00:16:52,879 --> 00:16:56,781 Is that rick's phone is turned off. 323 00:16:56,783 --> 00:16:59,318 Justin: Law enforcement puts a search party together, 324 00:16:59,320 --> 00:17:01,919 A search and rescue, and they do a search 325 00:17:01,921 --> 00:17:03,788 In the area out there 326 00:17:03,790 --> 00:17:05,589 To locate rick godfrey 327 00:17:05,591 --> 00:17:08,393 And, uh, find him alive or dead. 328 00:17:09,796 --> 00:17:11,730 Nothing. 329 00:17:16,069 --> 00:17:17,668 When you have a missing persons 330 00:17:17,670 --> 00:17:19,670 And you're thinking that potentially 331 00:17:19,672 --> 00:17:22,006 It could lead to a larger investigation, 332 00:17:22,008 --> 00:17:23,941 You wanna start to look into anybody 333 00:17:23,943 --> 00:17:27,946 Who could have a motive to hurt that person. 334 00:17:27,948 --> 00:17:29,480 You have laura vasquez admitting 335 00:17:29,482 --> 00:17:31,949 That rick godfrey owed her a lot of money. 336 00:17:31,951 --> 00:17:36,020 And, certainly, I have seen people killed for a lot less. 337 00:17:36,022 --> 00:17:39,023 Det. Kirby: So the next logical thing to do 338 00:17:39,025 --> 00:17:42,460 Was to go speak with laura vasquez. 339 00:17:44,031 --> 00:17:47,665 Justin: Laura vasquez tells detectives that rick 340 00:17:47,667 --> 00:17:52,670 Was a business partner that lived with her for a time. 341 00:17:52,672 --> 00:17:55,906 Ms. Vasquez said that she had lent rick up 342 00:17:55,908 --> 00:17:59,510 To $25,000 that rick still owed her, 343 00:17:59,512 --> 00:18:00,845 And that, at some point, 344 00:18:00,847 --> 00:18:02,848 Ms. Vasquez called the sheriff's department 345 00:18:02,850 --> 00:18:07,852 To get rick godfrey removed from her property. 346 00:18:07,854 --> 00:18:09,787 Keely: I guess they had an agreement. 347 00:18:09,789 --> 00:18:12,123 They were gonna get this ranch going, 348 00:18:12,125 --> 00:18:13,457 All those other stuff. 349 00:18:13,459 --> 00:18:14,992 I don't know if there was romance involved 350 00:18:14,994 --> 00:18:18,062 But there could have been. And then things went really bad. 351 00:18:18,064 --> 00:18:21,932 Laura responded with a vengeance 352 00:18:21,934 --> 00:18:26,837 That I have never seen come out of a person. 353 00:18:26,839 --> 00:18:29,540 She put out so much 354 00:18:29,542 --> 00:18:33,077 Just frightening threats to him 355 00:18:33,079 --> 00:18:36,614 That I think she-- 356 00:18:36,616 --> 00:18:39,416 She really-- I don't know. 357 00:18:39,418 --> 00:18:39,483 She wanted something to happen to him. 358 00:18:39,552 --> 00:18:51,563 [♪♪] 359 00:18:51,565 --> 00:18:54,131 Narrator: Police are searching for allan rick godfrey, 360 00:18:54,133 --> 00:18:57,035 Who may be on the run after getting into a fistfight 361 00:18:57,037 --> 00:18:59,637 With his landlord. But they've also learned 362 00:18:59,639 --> 00:19:02,173 That he's in the middle of a heated dispute 363 00:19:02,175 --> 00:19:05,310 With another ranch owner named laura vasquez. 364 00:19:05,312 --> 00:19:09,513 She claims he stole $25,000 from her 365 00:19:09,515 --> 00:19:11,382 In a partnership gone bad. 366 00:19:11,384 --> 00:19:15,320 Police wonder whether she could be looking for revenge. 367 00:19:15,322 --> 00:19:17,322 Justin: Detectives asked laura vasquez 368 00:19:17,324 --> 00:19:21,392 About where she was in the late afternoon hours 369 00:19:21,394 --> 00:19:25,129 Of April 17th when rick godfrey had gone missing. 370 00:19:25,131 --> 00:19:28,199 Ms. Vasquez told them that she was at home, 371 00:19:28,201 --> 00:19:30,267 Which is about 40 minutes away 372 00:19:30,269 --> 00:19:34,205 From the dale brewster residence. 373 00:19:34,207 --> 00:19:35,673 Det. Kirby: We checked everything. 374 00:19:35,675 --> 00:19:38,743 We did request cellphone search warrant 375 00:19:38,745 --> 00:19:40,544 Information from laura vasquez, 376 00:19:40,546 --> 00:19:42,546 And then we have to wait for them. 377 00:19:42,548 --> 00:19:45,349 Narrator: Meanwhile, rick's phone records 378 00:19:45,351 --> 00:19:49,153 Are now available and investigators spot 379 00:19:49,155 --> 00:19:50,221 A possible lead. 380 00:19:50,223 --> 00:19:51,622 Justin: After he returned home 381 00:19:51,624 --> 00:19:53,190 To the brewster residence, 382 00:19:53,192 --> 00:19:55,093 Rick had made a phone call to a cab company. 383 00:19:55,095 --> 00:19:57,362 Det. Kirby: If the cab company did come and pick him up, 384 00:19:57,364 --> 00:20:00,698 He really could have floated to any area of the high desert 385 00:20:00,700 --> 00:20:06,638 Or even possibly got himself out of state. 386 00:20:07,641 --> 00:20:09,508 We contacted the cab company 387 00:20:09,510 --> 00:20:14,245 To see if they did give allan a ride. 388 00:20:14,247 --> 00:20:16,481 Allan had refused to give his address 389 00:20:16,483 --> 00:20:19,450 But said he insisted that they come out and pick him up 390 00:20:19,452 --> 00:20:22,253 On the corner of wilson ranch road. 391 00:20:23,657 --> 00:20:27,324 The cab company didn't feel comfortable 392 00:20:27,326 --> 00:20:30,127 Going out to an unknown location 393 00:20:30,129 --> 00:20:31,662 And just a corner of this street 394 00:20:31,664 --> 00:20:35,199 And this street so they denied him. 395 00:20:35,201 --> 00:20:37,501 They told us that they did not pick up allan 396 00:20:37,503 --> 00:20:42,373 And that nobody ever saw him or drove him anywhere. 397 00:20:44,410 --> 00:20:45,609 At this point in time, 398 00:20:45,611 --> 00:20:47,745 We realize that he's nowhere to be found 399 00:20:47,747 --> 00:20:54,285 And that we're basically chasing a ghost. 400 00:20:54,287 --> 00:21:01,759 Allan sr.: There was just a strong sense my son is gone. 401 00:21:01,761 --> 00:21:04,295 Is he gonna be the one that, you know, everybody says, 402 00:21:04,297 --> 00:21:06,764 "you know, I wonder what happened to him? 403 00:21:06,766 --> 00:21:09,767 Where is he?" you know what I mean? 404 00:21:09,769 --> 00:21:12,570 So I wanted that answer. 405 00:21:14,341 --> 00:21:17,641 Narrator: After several days with no sign of rick, 406 00:21:17,643 --> 00:21:20,845 There's news that gives his family new hope. 407 00:21:20,847 --> 00:21:24,782 Debbie harris, the girlfriend of ranch owner, 408 00:21:24,784 --> 00:21:26,717 Dale brewster, tells the police 409 00:21:26,719 --> 00:21:28,386 That rick's beloved dog, zip, 410 00:21:28,388 --> 00:21:31,789 Is suddenly gone from their ranch. 411 00:21:31,791 --> 00:21:34,658 Det. Kirby: It was always the understanding that 412 00:21:34,660 --> 00:21:36,528 If allan godfrey had left the property, 413 00:21:36,530 --> 00:21:40,464 He would be coming back fairly quickly for his dog 414 00:21:40,466 --> 00:21:43,134 Because that dog was his whole entire world. 415 00:21:45,172 --> 00:21:48,205 And after allan godfrey jr. Went missing, 416 00:21:48,207 --> 00:21:52,176 The dog also went missing from the property, 417 00:21:53,880 --> 00:21:58,349 And there was a possibility that allan godfrey jr. 418 00:21:58,351 --> 00:22:01,018 Came back for it. 419 00:22:01,020 --> 00:22:03,687 Narrator: While detectives puzzle over the disappearance 420 00:22:03,689 --> 00:22:05,289 Of rick's dog, zip, 421 00:22:05,291 --> 00:22:07,424 The phone records of their potential suspect, 422 00:22:07,426 --> 00:22:09,427 Laura vasquez, finally come in, 423 00:22:09,429 --> 00:22:12,363 And they begin pouring through them. 424 00:22:14,367 --> 00:22:16,500 Justin: Records show that ms. Vasquez' phone, at least, 425 00:22:16,502 --> 00:22:20,705 Was near her home and not near the brewster residence 426 00:22:20,707 --> 00:22:23,541 During those hours on April 17th. 427 00:22:23,543 --> 00:22:28,578 Narrator: It seems to support laura's alibi. 428 00:22:28,580 --> 00:22:29,781 Laura immediately points them 429 00:22:29,783 --> 00:22:32,917 In a different direction, social media. 430 00:22:32,919 --> 00:22:34,718 Det. Kirby: As we started really looking 431 00:22:34,720 --> 00:22:36,720 Into some of the social media outlets, 432 00:22:36,722 --> 00:22:39,723 We understood that there was a lot of people out there 433 00:22:39,725 --> 00:22:44,327 Who may want to settle the score 434 00:22:44,329 --> 00:22:45,563 With allan godfrey jr. 435 00:22:45,565 --> 00:22:47,865 Keely: People in facebook groups, 436 00:22:47,867 --> 00:22:49,299 People up here in the desert, 437 00:22:49,301 --> 00:22:51,335 People that are in with the horses, 438 00:22:51,337 --> 00:22:55,405 It's all very, um, interwoven. 439 00:22:55,407 --> 00:22:58,008 We all know each other. 440 00:22:58,010 --> 00:22:59,544 Like the instant he went missing, 441 00:22:59,546 --> 00:23:01,813 Messages were coming up all over facebook, 442 00:23:01,815 --> 00:23:04,348 On his pages or other people's pages like, 443 00:23:04,350 --> 00:23:08,285 "I hope he's dead." you know, it just-- 444 00:23:08,287 --> 00:23:10,421 There was no remorse 445 00:23:10,423 --> 00:23:12,724 Of this one section of the community 446 00:23:12,726 --> 00:23:14,558 That just was like, you know, 447 00:23:14,560 --> 00:23:15,692 "hope he's gone. Hope he's dead. 448 00:23:15,694 --> 00:23:17,862 Hope someone murdered him. Don't care." 449 00:23:17,864 --> 00:23:20,332 Keely: I started to read the posts being put 450 00:23:20,334 --> 00:23:24,702 On our local horse groups about how he had ripped people off, 451 00:23:24,704 --> 00:23:27,371 How he had burned them for money. 452 00:23:27,373 --> 00:23:30,241 He was always accused of it all 453 00:23:30,243 --> 00:23:32,976 But I don't know about any of that. 454 00:23:33,847 --> 00:23:36,514 Lisa: And, honestly, since I met him, 455 00:23:36,516 --> 00:23:37,781 He had a community of people 456 00:23:37,783 --> 00:23:40,385 Who disliked him and were saying bad things, 457 00:23:40,387 --> 00:23:42,052 Saying that he had stolen money 458 00:23:42,054 --> 00:23:44,922 Or he didn't do what he was supposed to do with the horses. 459 00:23:44,924 --> 00:23:47,391 He was always stealing and-- and sleeping with women. 460 00:23:47,393 --> 00:23:48,859 I don't know. 461 00:23:48,861 --> 00:23:50,461 Keely: Anything rick has been accused of, 462 00:23:50,463 --> 00:23:52,863 He turned around and accused them of it, 463 00:23:52,865 --> 00:23:54,731 And they were pissed. 464 00:23:54,733 --> 00:23:56,533 People were after him. 465 00:23:56,535 --> 00:23:58,669 Then comments started getting posted, 466 00:23:58,671 --> 00:24:01,873 "give me his address. Where is he at?" 467 00:24:01,875 --> 00:24:04,408 Narrator: The deeper investigators dig 468 00:24:04,410 --> 00:24:05,809 Into the online mob, 469 00:24:05,811 --> 00:24:07,011 The more hate messages 470 00:24:07,013 --> 00:24:08,612 And death threats they find. 471 00:24:08,614 --> 00:24:13,017 Their suspect pool has just exploded. 472 00:24:13,019 --> 00:24:16,287 Keely: There were over 45 people that had 473 00:24:16,289 --> 00:24:19,690 Put it on facebook that they would kill him. 474 00:24:21,427 --> 00:24:24,362 Allan sr.: I told him I'm concerned... 475 00:24:25,965 --> 00:24:29,768 Because I believe you're upsetting 476 00:24:29,770 --> 00:24:31,936 Some of the wrong people. 477 00:24:32,905 --> 00:24:35,606 They live in the desert. 478 00:24:36,909 --> 00:24:42,379 People disappear in the desert real easy. 479 00:24:43,383 --> 00:24:46,917 Justin: The person who did this to this victim 480 00:24:46,919 --> 00:24:50,120 Thought of them like trash. 481 00:24:50,122 --> 00:24:51,722 Det. Kirby: We know who committed this crime 482 00:24:51,724 --> 00:24:56,527 And every time they just disappear on us. 483 00:24:57,364 --> 00:24:57,427 [♪♪] 484 00:24:57,563 --> 00:25:07,337 Narrator: Police in california's high desert 485 00:25:07,339 --> 00:25:10,140 Have been searching for allan rick godfrey 486 00:25:10,142 --> 00:25:11,409 For more than two months. 487 00:25:11,411 --> 00:25:14,144 Their investigation has unearthed 488 00:25:14,146 --> 00:25:15,479 A nest of online vipers, 489 00:25:15,481 --> 00:25:17,648 Fellow ranchers and cowboys, 490 00:25:17,650 --> 00:25:18,750 Who have taken to social media 491 00:25:18,752 --> 00:25:20,585 To claim rick has done them wrong 492 00:25:20,587 --> 00:25:25,323 And are vocal about their desire for revenge. 493 00:25:25,325 --> 00:25:27,025 Lisa: This is hateful. 494 00:25:27,027 --> 00:25:29,693 "I hope he's dead. If he's not dead, he should be." 495 00:25:29,695 --> 00:25:32,596 Like it just was the grossest-- grossest stuff ever. 496 00:25:32,598 --> 00:25:37,901 Narrator: But are the threats big talking old west bravado 497 00:25:37,903 --> 00:25:43,073 Or a sign of something more sinister. 498 00:25:45,011 --> 00:25:48,845 Det. Kirby: Investigators followed every social media lead 499 00:25:48,847 --> 00:25:50,247 We possibly could. 500 00:25:50,249 --> 00:25:52,516 And as we spoke with each person, 501 00:25:52,518 --> 00:25:54,585 What we realized was none of these people 502 00:25:54,587 --> 00:25:58,356 Had anything to do with his disappearance. 503 00:25:58,358 --> 00:26:00,658 We were easily able to rule all of them out, 504 00:26:00,660 --> 00:26:03,394 Mostly because they were all several states away. 505 00:26:05,197 --> 00:26:06,930 Narrator: Although phone records seem to clear 506 00:26:06,932 --> 00:26:10,467 Laura vasquez, investigators meet with her again 507 00:26:10,469 --> 00:26:13,338 To see if there's anything else she can tell them. 508 00:26:13,340 --> 00:26:18,342 And she reveals a new detail about her talk with dale 509 00:26:18,344 --> 00:26:20,077 On the day rick vanished. 510 00:26:20,079 --> 00:26:24,682 Justin: She indicates that she told dale brewster 511 00:26:24,684 --> 00:26:27,352 That any woman rick is living with, 512 00:26:27,354 --> 00:26:28,885 He's sleeping with. 513 00:26:28,887 --> 00:26:30,621 She told dale brewster 514 00:26:30,623 --> 00:26:32,489 That that means he's also sleeping 515 00:26:32,491 --> 00:26:36,593 With your girlfriend, debbie harris. 516 00:26:38,298 --> 00:26:41,164 Narrator: Dale failed to mention laura's accusations 517 00:26:41,166 --> 00:26:42,499 When he talked to police. 518 00:26:42,501 --> 00:26:44,701 The detectives know that jealousy 519 00:26:44,703 --> 00:26:46,637 Can be a powerful motive. 520 00:26:46,639 --> 00:26:48,238 Whether or not it's true, 521 00:26:48,240 --> 00:26:53,243 Laura's allegation could have enraged dale. 522 00:26:53,245 --> 00:26:55,312 But with no evidence of a crime, 523 00:26:55,314 --> 00:26:57,448 All they have is suspicion. 524 00:26:59,451 --> 00:27:01,219 [♪♪] 525 00:27:01,221 --> 00:27:05,255 Narrator: Another six months passed with no new leads. 526 00:27:05,257 --> 00:27:08,525 And then the sprawling high desert 527 00:27:08,527 --> 00:27:12,297 Finally gets up its secret. 528 00:27:15,534 --> 00:27:17,735 Det. Kirby: On December 8th, 2015, 529 00:27:17,737 --> 00:27:21,238 Trevor thompson is riding his off-road motorcycle 530 00:27:21,240 --> 00:27:24,341 And he comes across the remains of a body 531 00:27:24,343 --> 00:27:26,444 In a shallow grave. 532 00:27:29,248 --> 00:27:30,748 San bernardino county sheriff's department 533 00:27:30,750 --> 00:27:32,750 Immediately recognized that that sounds like 534 00:27:32,752 --> 00:27:35,887 Our missing person from eight months prior. 535 00:27:35,889 --> 00:27:39,823 Narrator: Authorities obtain dna swabs from rick's dad 536 00:27:39,825 --> 00:27:42,559 And send them to the lab for comparison. 537 00:27:43,729 --> 00:27:47,497 Det. Kirby: The dna samples from his father proved 538 00:27:47,499 --> 00:27:52,770 That it was allan godfrey jr. That was buried in the sand. 539 00:27:58,577 --> 00:28:01,411 Allan sr.: Waiting is a hard thing to do. 540 00:28:01,413 --> 00:28:05,749 For months, some part of me was hoping he'd come to me 541 00:28:05,751 --> 00:28:09,853 In a dream and tell me where he was, you know? 542 00:28:09,855 --> 00:28:12,489 Tell me something. 543 00:28:13,460 --> 00:28:14,991 Uh, when I got the phone call 544 00:28:14,993 --> 00:28:20,364 That they found my son's body in the desert, 545 00:28:22,501 --> 00:28:25,235 My heart just sank. 546 00:28:31,477 --> 00:28:33,009 Narrator: Because of decomposition, 547 00:28:33,011 --> 00:28:36,413 It's unclear exactly how rick died, 548 00:28:36,415 --> 00:28:39,749 So the investigators call in a forensic anthropologist. 549 00:28:39,751 --> 00:28:43,788 She carefully combs through the skeletal remains 550 00:28:43,790 --> 00:28:46,824 And discovers a tiny detail. 551 00:28:46,826 --> 00:28:51,027 Det. Kirby: The decedent's body had a break in the hyoid bone 552 00:28:51,029 --> 00:28:52,496 Located in the neck, 553 00:28:52,498 --> 00:28:54,898 Which indicated that allan godfrey jr. 554 00:28:54,900 --> 00:28:56,500 Was strangled. 555 00:28:57,736 --> 00:29:01,438 And since we ruled out all others, 556 00:29:01,440 --> 00:29:03,707 Our main suspect was dale brewster. 557 00:29:03,709 --> 00:29:06,643 Narrator: And as they take a deeper look at him, 558 00:29:06,645 --> 00:29:11,314 The detectives learned dale is no stranger to violence. 559 00:29:11,316 --> 00:29:13,984 Justin: Dale brewster had a prior conviction 560 00:29:13,986 --> 00:29:15,719 For a-- a serious felony 561 00:29:15,721 --> 00:29:20,357 And assault with a deadly weapon in 1991. 562 00:29:20,359 --> 00:29:23,393 Det. Kirby: In speaking with his ex-wife, 563 00:29:23,395 --> 00:29:24,729 We understood also that 564 00:29:24,731 --> 00:29:26,863 He was physically assaultive to her as well. 565 00:29:26,865 --> 00:29:28,932 Justin: When he spoke to the police, 566 00:29:28,934 --> 00:29:30,868 He indicates that he's like mike tyson 567 00:29:30,870 --> 00:29:33,770 And that if you put your finger in his mouth, 568 00:29:33,772 --> 00:29:35,071 He'll bite it off. 569 00:29:35,073 --> 00:29:37,607 That gave me a very, very good glimpse 570 00:29:37,609 --> 00:29:39,409 Into who dale brewster was. 571 00:29:39,411 --> 00:29:42,379 Det. Kirby: But we needed to get enough evidence 572 00:29:42,381 --> 00:29:44,348 That he had committed this murder. 573 00:29:45,784 --> 00:29:47,684 Narrator: That's proving to be difficult. 574 00:29:47,686 --> 00:29:50,554 Eight months exposed to the harsh dry 575 00:29:50,556 --> 00:29:52,489 Desert environment has degraded 576 00:29:52,491 --> 00:29:55,559 All the evidence found with rick's body. 577 00:29:56,628 --> 00:29:58,763 Det. Kirby: I had the duct tape sent to csi 578 00:29:58,765 --> 00:30:00,631 To see if we had a fingerprint on it. 579 00:30:00,633 --> 00:30:03,433 I was hoping that a fingerprint would come back to anybody else 580 00:30:03,435 --> 00:30:06,904 Who was wrapping that tape around the victim's head. 581 00:30:06,906 --> 00:30:09,040 That came back with nothing. 582 00:30:09,042 --> 00:30:10,908 I also had the rope sent 583 00:30:10,910 --> 00:30:12,442 To see if there was any dna 584 00:30:12,444 --> 00:30:14,644 From the person who tied the knots. 585 00:30:14,646 --> 00:30:17,315 That came back with nothing. 586 00:30:19,018 --> 00:30:20,918 Narrator: But their interviews with people connected to dale 587 00:30:20,920 --> 00:30:24,521 Help convince them that they have the right suspect, 588 00:30:24,523 --> 00:30:30,461 And that his girlfriend, debbie, may also be involved. 589 00:30:31,663 --> 00:30:33,663 Det. Kirby: Debbie harris made several statements 590 00:30:33,665 --> 00:30:36,132 In her interviews to investigators 591 00:30:36,134 --> 00:30:37,502 That zip was gone, 592 00:30:37,504 --> 00:30:39,469 And it led investigators to believe 593 00:30:39,471 --> 00:30:41,404 That allan godfrey jr. Came back for his dog. 594 00:30:41,406 --> 00:30:46,410 However, later, in speaking to debbie's daughter, 595 00:30:46,412 --> 00:30:48,678 It was found out that it was actually debbie 596 00:30:48,680 --> 00:30:51,414 Who had driven the dog off and let it go 597 00:30:51,416 --> 00:30:56,620 Just in the middle of the desert to get rid of it. 598 00:30:56,622 --> 00:30:59,556 And if there was a possibility that allan godfrey jr. 599 00:30:59,558 --> 00:31:00,958 Was alive, there would be no reason 600 00:31:00,960 --> 00:31:04,628 For her to dispose of this dog in this manner. 601 00:31:04,630 --> 00:31:06,763 So dale brewster and debbie harris knew 602 00:31:06,765 --> 00:31:09,666 That godfrey was gone and he was not coming back 603 00:31:09,668 --> 00:31:13,803 For any of his belongings. 604 00:31:13,805 --> 00:31:16,506 Narrator: With dale and debbie in their sights, 605 00:31:16,508 --> 00:31:18,174 Investigators head to his ranch 606 00:31:18,176 --> 00:31:19,943 Hoping to catch them off guard. 607 00:31:19,945 --> 00:31:26,083 But it's the investigators who were caught by surprise. 608 00:31:26,085 --> 00:31:27,951 Det. Kirby: One of the neighbors told me that 609 00:31:27,953 --> 00:31:33,056 Dale brewster collected all of his belongings fairly quickly. 610 00:31:33,058 --> 00:31:35,659 And when I arrived, 611 00:31:35,727 --> 00:31:44,134 Dale had already left town. 612 00:31:44,135 --> 00:31:52,542 Narrator: With all other suspects in the murder 613 00:31:52,544 --> 00:31:54,377 Of allan rick godfrey cleared, 614 00:31:54,379 --> 00:31:57,681 Investigators zero in on ranch owner, dale brewster, 615 00:31:57,683 --> 00:32:01,218 And his girlfriend, debbie harris. 616 00:32:01,220 --> 00:32:03,153 But dale and debbie have fled. 617 00:32:03,155 --> 00:32:04,622 And as they search for them, 618 00:32:04,624 --> 00:32:08,692 Detectives are coming up empty on hard evidence. 619 00:32:11,096 --> 00:32:13,563 Det. Kirby: I went looking for physical evidence 620 00:32:13,565 --> 00:32:15,700 And I just kept coming up with nothing. 621 00:32:17,769 --> 00:32:20,437 Then another sergeant investigator said, 622 00:32:20,439 --> 00:32:23,608 "hey, try this google search warrant." 623 00:32:23,610 --> 00:32:26,509 Narrator: The technology is so new at the time 624 00:32:26,511 --> 00:32:29,212 That few people even know it exists. 625 00:32:29,214 --> 00:32:32,849 Det. Kirby: It's only been done one other time in our division, 626 00:32:32,851 --> 00:32:34,551 So it's a big deal. 627 00:32:34,553 --> 00:32:36,853 When you have a gmail account like dale, 628 00:32:36,855 --> 00:32:40,658 Basically it means that google is running on your phone. 629 00:32:40,660 --> 00:32:43,526 The gps coordinates that come off of google 630 00:32:43,528 --> 00:32:45,329 Is much more extensive 631 00:32:45,331 --> 00:32:47,397 Than what you would get off a cellphone tower. 632 00:32:47,399 --> 00:32:51,535 You basically can get hits every three meters, 633 00:32:51,537 --> 00:32:55,105 Depending on if you're in a rural or an urban area. 634 00:32:55,107 --> 00:32:58,341 Narrator: Investigators obtain a warrant for dale's phone, 635 00:32:58,343 --> 00:33:00,610 Hoping they can use the newly-available 636 00:33:00,612 --> 00:33:04,080 State-of-the-art tech to precisely reveal 637 00:33:04,082 --> 00:33:05,483 His every movement 638 00:33:05,485 --> 00:33:08,251 Around the time of rick's disappearance. 639 00:33:09,554 --> 00:33:12,155 Det. Kirby: Dale told investigators he was at home 640 00:33:12,157 --> 00:33:13,456 The whole day of the 17th 641 00:33:13,458 --> 00:33:15,760 And really didn't leave his house much the 18th or the 19th. 642 00:33:15,762 --> 00:33:19,429 Justin: But when we looked at the google records 643 00:33:19,431 --> 00:33:23,166 For dale brewster's phone on April 17th, 644 00:33:23,168 --> 00:33:24,501 The records clearly showed him 645 00:33:24,503 --> 00:33:26,236 Moving from his home in phelan 646 00:33:26,238 --> 00:33:31,675 Out to the highway towards where rick's body was found. 647 00:33:35,681 --> 00:33:38,648 Det. Kirby: We could track his car 648 00:33:38,650 --> 00:33:39,849 Traveling a path 649 00:33:39,851 --> 00:33:43,554 That went straight out to the gravesite. 650 00:33:43,556 --> 00:33:45,588 We're able to determine that 651 00:33:45,590 --> 00:33:47,924 He goes out there for enough time 652 00:33:47,926 --> 00:33:50,927 To possibly dig this grave site, 653 00:33:50,929 --> 00:33:54,598 Put allan godfrey jr. In it, and then return home. 654 00:33:54,600 --> 00:33:57,467 And that was on April 17th, 2015, 655 00:33:57,469 --> 00:34:01,604 The date that rick went missing. 656 00:34:01,606 --> 00:34:04,208 We didn't have a whole lot of forensic evidence with dna. 657 00:34:04,210 --> 00:34:08,411 What we did have was a very conclusive timeline 658 00:34:08,413 --> 00:34:13,616 Stamped by cellphone workups and gps coordinates. 659 00:34:13,618 --> 00:34:18,221 And that's what put dale and allan godfrey jr. 660 00:34:18,223 --> 00:34:19,622 Together the day he went missing 661 00:34:19,624 --> 00:34:22,358 And dale brewster out of the gravesite 662 00:34:22,360 --> 00:34:25,229 Where he was disposed of. 663 00:34:27,499 --> 00:34:30,634 Narrator: Now able to definitively link dale 664 00:34:30,636 --> 00:34:32,370 To rick's burial site, 665 00:34:32,372 --> 00:34:35,371 The investigators piece together their theory 666 00:34:35,373 --> 00:34:38,441 Of what happened the day rick godfrey 667 00:34:38,443 --> 00:34:40,310 Vanished in the desert. 668 00:34:42,047 --> 00:34:46,384 Det. Kirby: Laura vasquez went to dale brewster's property 669 00:34:46,386 --> 00:34:49,519 To find allan godfrey jr. 670 00:34:49,521 --> 00:34:50,987 But she found dale brewster. 671 00:34:50,989 --> 00:34:54,792 She painted a really clear picture of allan godfrey 672 00:34:54,794 --> 00:34:57,660 Based on who she believed him to be, 673 00:34:57,662 --> 00:35:02,266 A thief, fraud, a womanizer, 674 00:35:02,268 --> 00:35:04,067 And that there's a good chance 675 00:35:04,069 --> 00:35:06,903 That "he's also probably sleeping with your girlfriend." 676 00:35:08,673 --> 00:35:13,477 That caused dale to become enraged, 677 00:35:15,013 --> 00:35:17,481 And when he came in contact with alan godfrey, 678 00:35:17,483 --> 00:35:22,385 That things very quickly spun out of control. 679 00:35:23,489 --> 00:35:26,756 Once dale brewster was able to get rick 680 00:35:26,758 --> 00:35:28,759 Down on the ground, 681 00:35:33,098 --> 00:35:35,532 He then took the rope, 682 00:35:35,534 --> 00:35:38,067 Hogtied him with his hands behind his back 683 00:35:38,069 --> 00:35:41,672 And the rope around rick's throat. 684 00:35:43,508 --> 00:35:46,844 Det. Kirby: He was scared. He was alone. 685 00:35:46,846 --> 00:35:48,578 I don't think allan godfrey knew 686 00:35:48,580 --> 00:35:51,248 This was gonna be his last moments. 687 00:36:02,060 --> 00:36:04,361 Justin: Anytime you have a homicide 688 00:36:04,363 --> 00:36:07,530 Where a victim has been left out in the desert 689 00:36:07,532 --> 00:36:09,466 And buried in the sand, 690 00:36:11,303 --> 00:36:15,472 It tells you that the person who did this to this victim 691 00:36:15,474 --> 00:36:17,941 Thought of them like trash and something that they could 692 00:36:17,943 --> 00:36:24,248 Throw out, and nobody would care and nobody would find them. 693 00:36:28,820 --> 00:36:30,420 Narrator: For those who loved rick 694 00:36:30,422 --> 00:36:34,290 Knowing just how much he likely suffered 695 00:36:34,292 --> 00:36:36,660 Is hard to bear. 696 00:36:38,964 --> 00:36:40,764 Lisa: This is a human being 697 00:36:40,766 --> 00:36:43,434 Who I cared about and was in my life, 698 00:36:43,436 --> 00:36:46,836 And he didn't just pass away. 699 00:36:46,838 --> 00:36:48,838 Like people went after him. 700 00:36:48,840 --> 00:36:50,640 And that's just horrifying. 701 00:36:50,642 --> 00:36:53,877 I don't care who you are, it's just a horrifying thought. 702 00:36:55,780 --> 00:36:58,715 Allan sr.: My son was in a lot of pain. 703 00:36:58,717 --> 00:37:00,717 He was probably panicking 704 00:37:00,719 --> 00:37:04,455 'cause he knew he was about to die. 705 00:37:07,192 --> 00:37:11,328 That just filled me with rage, 706 00:37:12,597 --> 00:37:15,765 Because my heart says, 707 00:37:15,767 --> 00:37:16,800 "this is my son. 708 00:37:16,802 --> 00:37:19,469 I love him for whatever-- 709 00:37:19,471 --> 00:37:21,605 I love him," you know? 710 00:37:21,607 --> 00:37:25,743 He didn't deserve to die. 711 00:37:30,348 --> 00:37:31,681 Justin: A decision was made by 712 00:37:31,683 --> 00:37:33,683 The district attorney's office at that point 713 00:37:33,685 --> 00:37:36,019 That there was enough to file murder charges 714 00:37:36,021 --> 00:37:39,757 And a warrant was issued for dale brewster's arrest. 715 00:37:39,759 --> 00:37:43,026 Det. Kirby: We had enough probable cause to obtain 716 00:37:43,028 --> 00:37:46,463 An arrest warrant for debbie harris as well. 717 00:37:46,465 --> 00:37:48,031 Justin: Once the arrest warrant is signed, 718 00:37:48,033 --> 00:37:49,700 Then the detectives turned their attention 719 00:37:49,702 --> 00:37:55,038 To locating and placing dale brewster under arrest. 720 00:37:55,040 --> 00:37:57,574 Det. Kirby: We learned that debbie and dale 721 00:37:57,576 --> 00:37:58,908 Have moved to kingman, arizona. 722 00:37:58,910 --> 00:38:02,712 We decided to travel up to arizona, 723 00:38:02,714 --> 00:38:05,181 And with the help of the local authorities 724 00:38:05,183 --> 00:38:08,785 Make the arrest on dale and debbie. 725 00:38:08,787 --> 00:38:14,557 Narrator: But that might not be as easy as it sounds. 726 00:38:16,729 --> 00:38:20,129 We didn't know how debbie and dale knew 727 00:38:20,131 --> 00:38:22,131 That we were honing in on them, 728 00:38:22,133 --> 00:38:24,602 But it seemed like every time 729 00:38:24,604 --> 00:38:29,406 We were getting really close to arresting them, 730 00:38:29,408 --> 00:38:31,874 They were gone. 731 00:38:31,876 --> 00:38:33,609 We know who committed this crime. 732 00:38:33,611 --> 00:38:35,612 We want to bring them to justice. 733 00:38:35,614 --> 00:38:38,948 And every time, they just disappear on us. 734 00:38:39,017 --> 00:38:47,023 [♪♪] 735 00:38:47,024 --> 00:38:55,030 Narrator: Homicide suspects, dale brewster and debbie harris, 736 00:38:55,033 --> 00:38:56,799 Have fled from california 737 00:38:56,801 --> 00:38:58,736 And managed to stay a step ahead of the police. 738 00:38:58,738 --> 00:39:03,439 Eight months after the murder of allan rick godfrey jr., 739 00:39:03,441 --> 00:39:06,243 Authorities believe they've traced the pair 740 00:39:06,245 --> 00:39:08,911 To kingman, arizona. 741 00:39:08,913 --> 00:39:10,913 Det. Kirby: They were turning off their phones. 742 00:39:10,915 --> 00:39:14,817 Once your phone goes off, you can't track anybody 743 00:39:14,819 --> 00:39:16,186 Because the signal is gone. 744 00:39:16,188 --> 00:39:19,122 After three days of playing cat and mouse, 745 00:39:19,124 --> 00:39:23,793 We'd make the decision to go back to california. 746 00:39:23,795 --> 00:39:26,729 As we're packing up to leave, 747 00:39:26,731 --> 00:39:29,265 All of a sudden we start getting information 748 00:39:29,267 --> 00:39:32,802 That their phones are back on and we can see where they're at. 749 00:39:32,804 --> 00:39:35,271 Narrator: According to the phone data, 750 00:39:35,273 --> 00:39:37,875 Dale and debbie are holed up in a motel 751 00:39:37,877 --> 00:39:40,943 In nearby seligman, arizona. 752 00:39:40,945 --> 00:39:45,214 California detectives meet up with their arizona counterparts 753 00:39:45,216 --> 00:39:46,883 And rush to the location. 754 00:39:48,420 --> 00:39:50,119 Dale and debbie were pretty surprised 755 00:39:50,121 --> 00:39:52,855 To see that law enforcement was there at their door 756 00:39:52,857 --> 00:39:54,891 To arrest them. They thought that maybe 757 00:39:54,893 --> 00:39:57,060 They eluded police once again. 758 00:39:59,364 --> 00:40:02,832 Allan sr.: Detective kirby told me, "we found them. 759 00:40:02,834 --> 00:40:03,966 They were in a motel. 760 00:40:03,968 --> 00:40:06,168 We're bringing them back to california." 761 00:40:06,170 --> 00:40:08,771 And I was like, "yes. 762 00:40:08,773 --> 00:40:11,108 We got the sob." 763 00:40:12,977 --> 00:40:15,445 Narrator: But prosecutors eventually determined 764 00:40:15,447 --> 00:40:21,150 There is not enough evidence to try debbie as an accomplice. 765 00:40:21,152 --> 00:40:23,953 Det. Kirby: We really couldn't place her 766 00:40:23,955 --> 00:40:25,321 In disposing of the body 767 00:40:25,323 --> 00:40:28,691 Or the actual murder of allan godfrey jr. 768 00:40:29,929 --> 00:40:33,397 Narrator: The murder trial of dale brewster is set to begin 769 00:40:33,399 --> 00:40:35,799 Almost three years to the day 770 00:40:35,801 --> 00:40:37,934 After rick godfrey vanished. 771 00:40:37,936 --> 00:40:40,269 Justin: To strangle someone to death, 772 00:40:40,271 --> 00:40:42,740 To then bury them and throw them away 773 00:40:42,742 --> 00:40:44,340 Like trash in the sand, 774 00:40:44,342 --> 00:40:47,009 I need to show that there is some motive 775 00:40:47,011 --> 00:40:49,947 For that type of anger and hatred. 776 00:40:49,949 --> 00:40:52,148 And you see that coming from the statements 777 00:40:52,150 --> 00:40:54,483 That laura vasquez made to dale brewster 778 00:40:54,485 --> 00:40:57,019 Insinuating that dale's girlfriend 779 00:40:57,021 --> 00:41:00,289 Was having an affair with rick. 780 00:41:00,291 --> 00:41:04,294 This was willful, deliberate, and premeditated. 781 00:41:10,902 --> 00:41:15,238 Narrator: But when the defense calls dale himself to the stand, 782 00:41:15,240 --> 00:41:20,843 He offers a very different story about the night rick died. 783 00:41:20,845 --> 00:41:24,380 Justin: Brewster testified that after the fight with rick, 784 00:41:24,382 --> 00:41:25,781 He was feeling stressed out. 785 00:41:25,783 --> 00:41:27,317 He said that there were some tires 786 00:41:27,319 --> 00:41:31,254 On his property that he'd been meaning to throw away. 787 00:41:31,256 --> 00:41:33,991 Narrator: Dale doesn't deny that he drove into the desert 788 00:41:33,993 --> 00:41:36,525 That night as shown by the google data 789 00:41:36,527 --> 00:41:41,864 But he claims it was only to toss out the tires. 790 00:41:41,866 --> 00:41:44,533 Justin: The jury was out for several days. 791 00:41:44,535 --> 00:41:46,469 That's a nerve-racking moment 792 00:41:46,471 --> 00:41:48,337 As investigators and myself 793 00:41:48,339 --> 00:41:50,007 And the victim's family think about 794 00:41:50,009 --> 00:41:52,041 What they're gonna do with the case. 795 00:41:53,545 --> 00:41:54,945 Narrator: With tensions high, 796 00:41:54,947 --> 00:41:58,314 The jury finally returns with a verdict. 797 00:42:00,218 --> 00:42:02,218 Justin: The verdict was read 798 00:42:02,220 --> 00:42:06,322 And dale brewster was convicted of the first degree murder 799 00:42:06,324 --> 00:42:08,725 Of rick godfrey. 800 00:42:11,197 --> 00:42:17,467 Allan sr.: It was definitely a moment of elation. 801 00:42:18,970 --> 00:42:20,569 It was-- 802 00:42:20,571 --> 00:42:23,039 It was a weight lifted off of me. 803 00:42:23,041 --> 00:42:30,513 It was-- it was like a blessing, you know? 804 00:42:30,515 --> 00:42:32,915 Narrator: Rick godfrey lived his childhood dream 805 00:42:32,917 --> 00:42:35,384 To become a cowboy, a bronc rider, 806 00:42:35,386 --> 00:42:39,922 Part of the rough and tumble world of the american west. 807 00:42:39,924 --> 00:42:42,458 But a vicious rumor in a desert town 808 00:42:42,460 --> 00:42:45,127 And an evil attempt at frontier justice 809 00:42:45,129 --> 00:42:50,800 Brought a senseless end to the cowboy life he loved. 810 00:42:54,105 --> 00:42:56,072 [♪♪] 811 00:42:56,074 --> 00:42:58,240 Allan sr.: I look at his pictures 812 00:42:58,242 --> 00:43:02,512 And I try to remember him in good light. 813 00:43:02,514 --> 00:43:05,615 Never seems to be long enough 814 00:43:05,617 --> 00:43:09,485 'cause I always see the after, you know? 815 00:43:09,487 --> 00:43:15,292 I'm missing out on one thing I want in my life, 816 00:43:15,294 --> 00:43:19,296 And that's all my kids together 817 00:43:19,298 --> 00:43:22,366 One place with me 818 00:43:22,368 --> 00:43:25,268 Just enjoying life, you know? 819 00:43:26,571 --> 00:43:28,437 That'll never happen. 820 00:43:28,439 --> 00:43:32,575 There will always be one that's missing. 821 00:43:36,447 --> 00:43:42,018 [♪♪]