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Narrator: A rugged rodeo cowboy
lives his old west dream life.
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Allan sr.:
He wanted to ride bulls.
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He loved riding bucking horses.
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Lisa: He was like
clint eastwood
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Since the day I met him.
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Narrator:
But when he disappears
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From a dusty desert town
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Without a word...
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Lisa: He should have
already been in my house,
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Should have already texted me.
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Narrator: ...A strange call
to 911 deepens the mystery.
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Narrator: Police discover
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He has more enemies
than friends.
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Lisa: People were saying
that he had stolen money
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Or he didn't do what he said
he was supposed to do
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With the horses.
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Justin: She said he was
sleeping with your girlfriend.
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I have seen people killed
for a lot less.
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Allan sr.: And I told him,
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"you're upsetting
the wrong people."
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Narrator: Investigators search
for answers stretches
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Across the desert
and across the west.
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Det. Kirby: We're basically
chasing a ghost.
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Narrator: But the truth
could lie buried
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Beneath the hot sands
of the mojave.
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Allan sr.: People disappear
in the desert real easy.
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[♪♪]
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Narrator: The mojave desert
in southern california
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Is a barren
yet beautiful landscape.
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Trevor: It's vast. It's rural.
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It's dirt roads.
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It's big sky, beautiful sunsets.
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Shawn: Looks like
the moon sometimes.
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And it's hot.
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And it's windy.
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And it makes you old quick.
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Trevor: One
of my favorite things to do
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Ever since I've lived
in the desert
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Is get on my dirt bike,
point at a direction,
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And you just go.
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[engine revs]
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Trevor: You get to explore,
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And it was just
absolutely beautiful.
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Narrator: On a crisp,
early December afternoon,
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Trevor is biking
through a familiar trail
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In the high desert when
he notices something strange.
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[♪♪]
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Trevor: What caught my eye
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Was a no trespassing sign
just off the road,
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Out in the middle of the desert.
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And I thought,
"wow, that's weird.
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That's never been there before.
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What doesn't somebody
want me to see?"
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Right across the way there
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From where
the no trespassing sign
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Was-- was a couch.
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So looking at it
a little bit closer,
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I saw ripped blue jean levis
buried in the sand.
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It appeared that there was
blood on the levis.
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And then I noticed
a human leg bone.
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I was a little freaked out.
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It was surreal.
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There was no doubt
this is a human body
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Buried in the sand.
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Yeah, I didn't touch anything
that was in that area.
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And I went back to my dirt bike
and I called 911.
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[siren wailing]
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Narrator: Investigators
arrive at the scene
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Just as the sun
sets over the desert.
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Det. Kirby: The male victim
was placed facedown
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Into the grave.
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Justin: He was hogtied.
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His arms tied
behind his back with a rope
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That went from his hands
up around his throat area
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And tied his wrist together.
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Det. Kirby: He also had
a big piece of duct tape
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Around his entire head
and over his nose and his mouth.
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It was extremely upsetting.
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Justin: There was no
identification in the grave.
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No wallet or cellphone
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Or anything that would indicate
who this person was.
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Det. Kirby:
He was wearing blue jeans.
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We also found a belt buckle.
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It appeared to be
a rodeo-style belt buckle.
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There was also a ring
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And a necklace
in the shape of a cross.
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Justin: The first question
that investigators have is,
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"who is this person
that's buried in the sand?"
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Kelly: Phelan, california
is a small horse community,
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Ranching town.
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Narrator: Located in the heart
of california's high desert,
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The town of phelan seems
like a place from another time.
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It's a rugged community,
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Luring a special breed of folks
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With the call of the old west.
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Trevor: Phelan definitely
has more than its fair share
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Of horse people,
cowboys, ropers, bull riders.
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Shawn: Rodeo, cowboy's life
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Is about the relationship
between a man and his horse.
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[♪♪]
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Shawn: Training horses,
bronc riding, shoeing horses,
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If you wanna do it,
it's a passion.
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Narrator:
It's the love of horses
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That brought
allan godfrey jr. To phelan.
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Allan sr.: Allan was a cowboy.
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He loved being in the rodeo.
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He wanted to ride bulls.
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He loved riding bucking horses.
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That was his thrill.
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That's where his heart was.
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Narrator: Even though
he was born back east,
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Allan idolized the open west
and the cowboy life.
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He grew up in new york,
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A small town
on the outside of poughkeepsie.
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Narrator:
When his parents divorced,
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Allan found solace
in tales of the old west.
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Allan sr.: At one point,
he was staying
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With his uncle in kentucky,
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And they had a horse farm.
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So I believe the wild west thing
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Started when he was there.
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Narrator: By his mid-30s,
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Allan's years as a bronc rider
on the pro rodeo circuit
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Have taken a physical toll.
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He retires and finds work
as a horse trainer
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Roaming from montana
to new mexico,
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From texas to wyoming,
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And starts using
his middle name, rick.
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Rick was very talented
as a cowboy.
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Narrator: Kelly kapko
saw that firsthand
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When she hired rick
to help with her horses.
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Kelly: And there
was a little wild mustang
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That I was have--
I was having trouble with.
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He went out there
and worked with that mustang,
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And I'm not kidding,
within 30 minutes
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Of him showing up,
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He was riding him.
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He just had genuine talent
with the horses.
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Narrator: The handsome horseman
also earned himself
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Another kind of reputation.
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Allan sr.: He made a lot
of friends in the rodeo.
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Mostly females.
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He must had quite the charm.
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It seemed to attract
a lot of women.
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Narrator: But rick life
isn't always charmed.
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And not all his ranch bosses
are impressed with him.
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Whenever there's conflict,
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Rick's response
is to move on down the road
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And start again.
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That's what
he's hoping to do in phelan
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When he lands a job
on a ranch just outside town.
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Allan sr.: Debbie harris
and dale brewster
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Were his landlords.
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He rented a small mobile trailer
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And he was shoeing horses,
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Doing ranch work.
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And debbie had party horses
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She took to birthday parties
and stuff.
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And he helped out
with her horses.
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Narrator: Dale and debbie's
ranch is the perfect place
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To settle down
with his loyal dog, zip.
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Rick is also in a new
relationship with a woman
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Who lives on the coast
a couple hours away.
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Lisa: Rick and I met
on a dating website
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Around the beginning
of February.
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He was a total cowboy,
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Like clint eastwood,
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Since the day I met him.
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Narrator: On a Thursday night
in April 2015,
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Rick makes the drive
to lisa's place
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To help her move to a new
apartment over the weekend.
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Lisa: And then
the next morning,
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He was really upset
because he had received
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A text message
from his landlord, dale,
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That he had to return the truck
that he borrowed to move me.
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And they got in a little bit
of an argument,
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And dale said, "you have
to come home right now,"
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Which is about a two-hour drive.
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And I said,
"just go home and come back."
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And so he left.
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I got off work
around 5:00, 5:30 pm,
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And nothing.
Radio silence.
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Like he should have
already been at my house,
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Should have already texted me.
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I was concerned.
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I knew him enough
that if he said
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He was gonna show up,
he'd show up.
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Narrator: By the time
Saturday rolls around,
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Lisa decides
she's waited long enough
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00:10:00,167 --> 00:10:02,902
And calls
rick's father allan sr.
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00:10:02,904 --> 00:10:04,302
Who lives in a nearby town.
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00:10:04,304 --> 00:10:07,038
Allan sr.: I tried
calling my son's phone.
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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.
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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.
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00:10:22,322 --> 00:10:24,856
Narrator: Investigators
head to the ranch in phelan.
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00:10:24,858 --> 00:10:28,092
When they get there,
rick's landlord, dale,
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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,
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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.
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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.
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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
[♪♪]
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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.
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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,
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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
[♪♪]