1 00:00:01,535 --> 00:00:04,269 [dramatic music] 2 00:00:04,338 --> 00:00:10,141 ♪ ♪ 3 00:00:10,210 --> 00:00:13,679 - Hi, everyone, I'm dan abrams, and this is "courtcam." 4 00:00:13,747 --> 00:00:15,414 - You ready to take the plea? 5 00:00:15,482 --> 00:00:17,348 [group shouting] 6 00:00:17,418 --> 00:00:19,284 - [bleep] you! 7 00:00:19,352 --> 00:00:19,952 ♪ ♪ 8 00:00:20,020 --> 00:00:21,686 - I'll kill all you [bleep]. 9 00:00:21,756 --> 00:00:24,222 - I hope you die in prison as well. 10 00:00:24,291 --> 00:00:28,627 ♪ ♪ 11 00:00:28,695 --> 00:00:30,696 - That the drugs were there. 12 00:00:30,898 --> 00:00:32,364 I did not put the narcotics there. 13 00:00:32,433 --> 00:00:34,099 [dramatic music] 14 00:00:34,167 --> 00:00:36,768 - First up, we head to jackson county, florida, 15 00:00:36,837 --> 00:00:38,236 For the trial of zachary wester. 16 00:00:38,305 --> 00:00:40,906 ♪ ♪ 17 00:00:40,975 --> 00:00:41,706 The former sheriff's deputy was charged 18 00:00:41,776 --> 00:00:43,909 With 67 counts of racketeering, 19 00:00:44,111 --> 00:00:46,912 Fabricating evidence, false imprisonment, 20 00:00:46,981 --> 00:00:49,314 And possession of controlled substances. 21 00:00:49,382 --> 00:00:51,783 ♪ ♪ 22 00:00:51,852 --> 00:00:52,985 Wester's accused of planting drugs 23 00:00:53,187 --> 00:00:56,989 In a dozen vehicles during random traffic stops. 24 00:01:05,065 --> 00:01:06,865 - All of the drivers denied owning the drugs, 25 00:01:07,067 --> 00:01:09,801 But yet, most were subsequently arrested. 26 00:01:09,870 --> 00:01:12,004 - You have the right to remain silent. 27 00:01:12,072 --> 00:01:13,338 - The arrests caused suspicion internally, 28 00:01:13,407 --> 00:01:15,540 And in 2018, 29 00:01:15,609 --> 00:01:17,942 Wester was suspended. 30 00:01:18,011 --> 00:01:20,879 Three years later, the case went to trial. 31 00:01:20,948 --> 00:01:23,348 He pleaded not guilty to all charges. 32 00:01:23,417 --> 00:01:24,750 - This is a case 33 00:01:24,952 --> 00:01:28,820 About an abuse of an incredible power. 34 00:01:28,889 --> 00:01:32,824 About the abuse of the incredible trust 35 00:01:32,893 --> 00:01:34,693 That we all put-- and we have to put-- 36 00:01:34,762 --> 00:01:37,496 In law enforcement in a society. 37 00:01:37,565 --> 00:01:38,897 - The prosecution relied 38 00:01:38,966 --> 00:01:40,565 On the defendant's own bodycam footage 39 00:01:40,634 --> 00:01:42,434 To help argue their case. 40 00:01:42,502 --> 00:01:46,838 [dramatic music] 41 00:01:46,907 --> 00:01:48,773 - Steven vann, a convicted felon, 42 00:01:48,842 --> 00:01:50,175 Had recently gotten out of jail 43 00:01:50,244 --> 00:01:54,313 When wester supposedly found methamphetamine in his car. 44 00:01:54,381 --> 00:01:55,013 ♪ ♪ 45 00:02:12,399 --> 00:02:13,265 [dramatic music] 46 00:02:13,334 --> 00:02:15,133 - Like the other drivers who testified, 47 00:02:15,202 --> 00:02:17,870 Vann gave the officer permission to search his car 48 00:02:18,072 --> 00:02:21,006 Because he claims he had nothing to hide. 49 00:02:25,212 --> 00:02:28,947 - While the jury got to watch most of the traffic stops, 50 00:02:29,149 --> 00:02:33,018 Some recordings had mysteriously disappeared. 51 00:02:33,086 --> 00:02:35,554 - Why in the world would that have been deleted? 52 00:02:35,623 --> 00:02:37,422 - I wish I knew that answer. 53 00:02:37,490 --> 00:02:38,623 [dramatic music] 54 00:02:38,692 --> 00:02:39,758 - Ironically, bodycam footage 55 00:02:39,960 --> 00:02:41,626 Would become the strongest element 56 00:02:41,695 --> 00:02:43,895 In the prosecution's case-- 57 00:02:43,964 --> 00:02:46,231 Especially when it came to teresa odom. 58 00:02:46,300 --> 00:02:48,700 ♪ ♪ 59 00:02:48,769 --> 00:02:50,235 - Hi, how are you? - I'm good. 60 00:02:50,304 --> 00:02:51,770 ♪ ♪ 61 00:02:51,972 --> 00:02:53,438 - At first, the officer's polite-- 62 00:02:53,506 --> 00:02:55,007 Even playful. 63 00:03:01,916 --> 00:03:03,582 - While odom stands behind the vehicle, 64 00:03:03,651 --> 00:03:05,450 Wester begins his search. 65 00:03:05,519 --> 00:03:08,187 [suspenseful music] 66 00:03:08,389 --> 00:03:09,254 ♪ ♪ 67 00:03:09,456 --> 00:03:11,856 Notice as he prepares to put his gloves on, 68 00:03:11,926 --> 00:03:14,193 There's a small item in his left hand. 69 00:03:14,395 --> 00:03:17,929 ♪ ♪ 70 00:03:17,998 --> 00:03:19,464 Prosecutors argue that wester is palming 71 00:03:19,533 --> 00:03:21,532 A small bag of meth 72 00:03:21,602 --> 00:03:23,669 Which he claims to find 73 00:03:23,871 --> 00:03:25,403 Next to a spoon in the vehicle. 74 00:03:25,472 --> 00:03:28,006 [dramatic music] 75 00:03:37,550 --> 00:03:39,151 [soft music playing] 76 00:03:39,353 --> 00:03:40,419 - Now... 77 00:03:40,487 --> 00:03:43,955 The white, small plastic baggie that was in that spoon 78 00:03:44,024 --> 00:03:46,825 That the deputy just showed you on this video, 79 00:03:46,894 --> 00:03:48,760 Had you ever seen that before? - No, sir. 80 00:03:48,829 --> 00:03:51,229 - Was that in your car? - No, sir. 81 00:03:51,298 --> 00:03:53,432 ♪ ♪ 82 00:03:53,634 --> 00:03:54,566 - As far as motive? 83 00:03:54,634 --> 00:03:55,901 The prosecution claims 84 00:03:55,969 --> 00:03:58,770 The 28-year-old officer was ambitious 85 00:03:58,839 --> 00:04:00,572 And wanted to move to narcotics 86 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:01,973 As quickly as possible. 87 00:04:02,042 --> 00:04:05,510 Wester testified he never planted any drugs. 88 00:04:05,579 --> 00:04:06,778 - The drugs were there. 89 00:04:06,847 --> 00:04:08,447 I did not put the narcotics there. 90 00:04:08,515 --> 00:04:10,048 [dramatic music] 91 00:04:10,116 --> 00:04:12,851 - And after five days and several witnesses, 92 00:04:12,920 --> 00:04:15,854 The jury was asked to render a verdict. 93 00:04:16,056 --> 00:04:17,789 If wester is found guilty on all charges, 94 00:04:17,858 --> 00:04:19,391 He could spend the rest of his life 95 00:04:19,459 --> 00:04:21,459 Behind bars. 96 00:04:21,528 --> 00:04:22,794 After seven hours, 97 00:04:22,863 --> 00:04:24,996 The jury returns with its verdict. 98 00:04:25,065 --> 00:04:27,666 - In the state of florida v. Zachary tyler wester, 99 00:04:27,734 --> 00:04:29,935 We, the jury, found as follows 100 00:04:30,003 --> 00:04:32,271 As to the counts charged and the information: 101 00:04:32,473 --> 00:04:33,805 Count one-- 102 00:04:33,873 --> 00:04:35,874 Guilty of racketeering as charged. 103 00:04:36,076 --> 00:04:37,475 - The clerk went on to read the verdicts 104 00:04:37,544 --> 00:04:40,411 On all 67 charges. 105 00:04:40,480 --> 00:04:41,947 - Count seven-- 106 00:04:42,015 --> 00:04:45,016 Guilty of official misconduct as charged. 107 00:04:45,085 --> 00:04:47,419 - In total, the crooked officer was found guilty 108 00:04:47,487 --> 00:04:49,354 On 19 charges... 109 00:04:49,423 --> 00:04:50,822 - Count nine-- 110 00:04:51,024 --> 00:04:53,291 Guilty of official misconduct as charged. 111 00:04:53,360 --> 00:04:54,826 Count ten-- 112 00:04:55,028 --> 00:04:57,295 Guilty of official misconduct as charged. 113 00:04:57,364 --> 00:04:57,829 ♪ ♪ 114 00:04:57,898 --> 00:04:58,897 - Including misconduct 115 00:04:58,965 --> 00:05:01,566 In the arrests of vann and teresa odom. 116 00:05:01,635 --> 00:05:02,434 [emotional music playing] 117 00:05:02,636 --> 00:05:04,836 11 of the 12 drivers 118 00:05:04,905 --> 00:05:06,371 Filed civil lawsuits against wester. 119 00:05:06,440 --> 00:05:09,040 In July 2021, 120 00:05:09,109 --> 00:05:12,010 He was sentenced to 12.5 years in a state prison. 121 00:05:17,050 --> 00:05:18,717 - Next we head dy to butler county, ohio, 122 00:05:18,919 --> 00:05:19,851 For the trial of daniel french. 123 00:05:19,919 --> 00:05:22,454 He's charged with aggravated murder, 124 00:05:22,656 --> 00:05:24,055 Burglary, and robbery 125 00:05:24,124 --> 00:05:26,191 In the brutal death of 87-year-old barbara howe. 126 00:05:26,393 --> 00:05:28,994 ♪ ♪ 127 00:05:29,196 --> 00:05:30,996 French allegedly posed as a maintenance worker-- 128 00:05:31,198 --> 00:05:33,798 A job he once held at the retirement community-- 129 00:05:33,867 --> 00:05:36,601 To get inside the victim's home. 130 00:05:36,804 --> 00:05:37,869 The plan was a simple robbery, 131 00:05:37,937 --> 00:05:41,005 But that plan went horribly wrong. 132 00:05:41,074 --> 00:05:43,674 And after french's own brother notified police, 133 00:05:43,744 --> 00:05:46,211 French confessed to the crime. 134 00:05:46,413 --> 00:05:48,013 ♪ ♪ 135 00:06:27,054 --> 00:06:29,588 - To avoid the possibility of the death penalty, 136 00:06:29,790 --> 00:06:31,589 French agreed to plead guilty. 137 00:06:31,658 --> 00:06:32,590 The state said, "no deal," 138 00:06:32,659 --> 00:06:34,926 And the case went to trial. 139 00:06:35,128 --> 00:06:37,662 The defense argued the murder was accidental. 140 00:06:37,730 --> 00:06:38,930 But the prosecution claimed 141 00:06:38,999 --> 00:06:42,401 That french knew exactly what he was doing. 142 00:06:42,603 --> 00:06:43,468 - This defendant had 143 00:06:43,537 --> 00:06:45,003 No intention of harming her or killing her. 144 00:06:45,071 --> 00:06:48,539 His opportunity at that moment was to do what? 145 00:06:48,608 --> 00:06:49,341 Scoot right out the door. 146 00:06:49,543 --> 00:06:51,610 [dramatic music] 147 00:06:51,812 --> 00:06:52,944 - In addition to dna evidence, 148 00:06:53,146 --> 00:06:55,614 The prosecution relied on french's own words 149 00:06:55,816 --> 00:06:57,215 From an interview with police. 150 00:06:57,417 --> 00:06:57,983 ♪ ♪ 151 00:07:22,509 --> 00:07:25,010 [intense music] 152 00:07:30,117 --> 00:07:32,984 - The defense didn't call a single witness, 153 00:07:33,053 --> 00:07:35,520 And took the jury only an hour and 20 minutes 154 00:07:35,589 --> 00:07:36,321 To reach its verdict. 155 00:07:36,523 --> 00:07:37,989 - We, the jury, 156 00:07:38,057 --> 00:07:41,392 Find the defendant guilty of aggravated murder. 157 00:07:41,461 --> 00:07:42,594 [intense music] 158 00:07:42,796 --> 00:07:44,129 - Before french was sentenced, 159 00:07:44,197 --> 00:07:47,065 The victim's family delivered impact statements-- 160 00:07:47,133 --> 00:07:50,936 None more powerful than howe's daughter, donna. 161 00:07:51,004 --> 00:07:53,471 - I wanted everybody to hear what you did. 162 00:07:53,540 --> 00:07:55,273 I wanted to make sure 163 00:07:55,342 --> 00:07:56,608 They knew 164 00:07:56,810 --> 00:07:59,411 What a deviant monster you are. 165 00:07:59,613 --> 00:08:01,346 [emotional music] 166 00:08:01,415 --> 00:08:02,680 You beat her. 167 00:08:02,749 --> 00:08:06,284 You stripped her of her dignity. 168 00:08:06,352 --> 00:08:07,552 ♪ ♪ 169 00:08:07,621 --> 00:08:11,356 You stuffed her naked body 170 00:08:11,425 --> 00:08:13,758 In a crawl space. 171 00:08:13,826 --> 00:08:16,294 And you almost took her head off. 172 00:08:16,362 --> 00:08:17,362 ♪ ♪ 173 00:08:17,431 --> 00:08:19,898 She loved living! 174 00:08:19,966 --> 00:08:25,437 And you robbed her and us of many years. 175 00:08:25,639 --> 00:08:27,639 I will never forgive you 176 00:08:27,707 --> 00:08:30,308 And you better rot in hell. 177 00:08:30,376 --> 00:08:31,776 ♪ ♪ 178 00:08:31,845 --> 00:08:33,912 - As per the jury's recommendation, 179 00:08:33,980 --> 00:08:35,847 French was spared the death penalty. 180 00:08:36,049 --> 00:08:38,517 But he was sentenced to life in prison 181 00:08:38,719 --> 00:08:40,384 With no chance of parole. 182 00:08:40,453 --> 00:08:43,188 [dramatic music] 183 00:08:43,390 --> 00:08:44,856 ♪ ♪ 184 00:08:44,925 --> 00:08:46,525 Next, we're in grand rapids, michigan, 185 00:08:46,727 --> 00:08:48,259 For a video court hearing. 186 00:08:48,328 --> 00:08:49,194 ♪ ♪ 187 00:08:49,396 --> 00:08:52,263 The defendant, identified as vaughn foote 188 00:08:52,332 --> 00:08:55,200 Was charged with drunk driving and is about to be arraigned. 189 00:08:55,402 --> 00:08:56,001 ♪ ♪ 190 00:08:57,737 --> 00:08:59,871 - That is, if he and the judge 191 00:09:00,073 --> 00:09:02,540 Can work out some technical difficulties. 192 00:09:02,609 --> 00:09:04,009 - Can you hear me, sir? 193 00:09:05,479 --> 00:09:08,079 We cannot hear you. 194 00:09:08,147 --> 00:09:11,082 - After some awkward silence and blank stares, 195 00:09:11,151 --> 00:09:13,751 Judge sara smolenski offers up some tech support. 196 00:09:13,820 --> 00:09:15,620 - I don't know if you can hear us, 197 00:09:15,822 --> 00:09:17,989 But you have to unmute yourself. 198 00:09:19,759 --> 00:09:20,625 There's a microphone-like device 199 00:09:20,693 --> 00:09:21,492 With a red line through it. 200 00:09:21,561 --> 00:09:22,994 You have to click on it. 201 00:09:24,498 --> 00:09:25,496 - Solid advice. 202 00:09:25,565 --> 00:09:27,365 Should do the trick. 203 00:09:27,434 --> 00:09:28,366 And then... 204 00:09:28,435 --> 00:09:29,300 [dramatic music] 205 00:09:29,369 --> 00:09:30,234 Nothing. 206 00:09:30,304 --> 00:09:31,636 ♪ ♪ 207 00:09:31,705 --> 00:09:32,904 With technology failing her, 208 00:09:32,972 --> 00:09:36,107 The judge decides to go old-school, 209 00:09:36,176 --> 00:09:38,242 And presents the defendant with a hand-written note. 210 00:09:38,312 --> 00:09:39,978 ♪ ♪ 211 00:09:40,047 --> 00:09:42,380 But when the defendant still doesn't respond, 212 00:09:42,449 --> 00:09:43,982 Judge smolenski 213 00:09:44,051 --> 00:09:46,184 Tries to open another line of communication. 214 00:09:46,386 --> 00:09:47,519 ♪ ♪ 215 00:09:47,721 --> 00:09:48,853 To help sell the request, 216 00:09:48,922 --> 00:09:51,990 She even plays charades from the bench. 217 00:09:55,862 --> 00:09:57,928 - Perhaps the swinging of the phone 218 00:09:57,998 --> 00:09:59,998 Is the judge's way of saying, "tick tock" 219 00:10:00,066 --> 00:10:03,001 As the silence is approaching six minutes. 220 00:10:04,404 --> 00:10:06,737 Finally, it appears something gets through to the defendant. 221 00:10:06,806 --> 00:10:09,007 And he stands up and walks away. 222 00:10:13,613 --> 00:10:14,813 - In the background, 223 00:10:14,881 --> 00:10:17,015 A good boy makes a quick cameo. 224 00:10:19,886 --> 00:10:21,019 - Eventually, the defendant returns 225 00:10:21,221 --> 00:10:23,488 With his phone number written on a piece of paper. 226 00:10:23,557 --> 00:10:25,991 [upbeat music playing] 227 00:10:28,428 --> 00:10:29,227 [phone ringing] 228 00:10:29,296 --> 00:10:31,563 And judge smolenski makes the call. 229 00:10:31,765 --> 00:10:34,498 - Hello? - Okay, mr. Foote. 230 00:10:34,567 --> 00:10:36,233 Finally, we can talk. 231 00:10:36,302 --> 00:10:36,968 ♪ ♪ 232 00:10:37,036 --> 00:10:37,902 - After connecting by phone, 233 00:10:37,971 --> 00:10:40,972 Vaughn foote pleaded guilty to operating 234 00:10:41,040 --> 00:10:43,842 With a blood alcohol level of .17 or higher 235 00:10:44,044 --> 00:10:45,844 And was sentenced to two days in jail 236 00:10:46,046 --> 00:10:48,580 With credit for two days' time served 237 00:10:48,648 --> 00:10:50,315 And one year probation. 238 00:10:50,383 --> 00:10:50,982 ♪ ♪ 239 00:11:01,528 --> 00:11:03,461 [suspenseful music] 240 00:11:03,663 --> 00:11:04,595 - We're in canton, ohio, 241 00:11:04,665 --> 00:11:05,330 For the case of 73-year-old 242 00:11:05,532 --> 00:11:07,198 Philip snider. 243 00:11:07,400 --> 00:11:08,532 ♪ ♪ 244 00:11:08,601 --> 00:11:10,869 Seven months earlier, 245 00:11:10,937 --> 00:11:12,937 Snider said his wife of 53 years died 246 00:11:13,006 --> 00:11:15,606 During a road trip the couple were taking 247 00:11:15,675 --> 00:11:17,542 To graceland in tennessee. 248 00:11:17,610 --> 00:11:20,277 [police radio chatter] 249 00:11:20,346 --> 00:11:21,746 ♪ ♪ 250 00:11:21,948 --> 00:11:23,748 But when his story didn't add up, 251 00:11:23,950 --> 00:11:25,550 Family members contacted police, 252 00:11:25,619 --> 00:11:27,285 And they paid him a visit. 253 00:11:27,353 --> 00:11:28,987 ♪ ♪ 254 00:11:32,425 --> 00:11:33,357 - You guys okay? 255 00:11:33,426 --> 00:11:34,692 - I'm okay, yes. 256 00:11:34,761 --> 00:11:36,428 - Okay. - My wife passed away. 257 00:11:36,630 --> 00:11:37,896 [suspenseful music] 258 00:11:38,098 --> 00:11:39,831 - Snider claimed that just four days earlier, 259 00:11:39,900 --> 00:11:42,366 His wife died of a medical emergency 260 00:11:42,436 --> 00:11:44,002 Near graceland. 261 00:11:45,772 --> 00:11:47,238 - She choked on-- on her phlegm. 262 00:11:47,440 --> 00:11:48,707 She kept-- 263 00:11:48,909 --> 00:11:49,373 She had been choking for quite a-- 264 00:11:49,442 --> 00:11:51,576 About a year. 265 00:11:51,644 --> 00:11:53,044 - Okay. - And, uh... 266 00:11:53,113 --> 00:11:56,447 She wanted to go down one more time before she died. 267 00:11:56,516 --> 00:11:57,715 She thought that-- 268 00:11:57,784 --> 00:11:59,450 I think she knew she was gonna die. 269 00:11:59,519 --> 00:12:03,254 [suspenseful music] 270 00:12:03,323 --> 00:12:04,588 ♪ ♪ 271 00:12:04,657 --> 00:12:06,458 - The already fishy story 272 00:12:06,660 --> 00:12:08,593 Became more questionable 273 00:12:08,795 --> 00:12:09,861 When snider claimed he simply 274 00:12:09,929 --> 00:12:12,197 Gave his wife's body to paramedics. 275 00:12:12,399 --> 00:12:13,798 ♪ ♪ 276 00:12:14,000 --> 00:12:14,932 - Well, so what happened-- [phone buzzes] 277 00:12:15,001 --> 00:12:16,468 So where's your wife now? What happened to her? 278 00:12:16,670 --> 00:12:17,669 - They took her to a, uh, 279 00:12:17,871 --> 00:12:21,005 Place where they cremate people. 280 00:12:21,074 --> 00:12:22,207 - Okay, and you don't know where that is either? 281 00:12:22,409 --> 00:12:23,875 - No, no. 282 00:12:23,943 --> 00:12:25,610 - Police became even more suspicious 283 00:12:25,679 --> 00:12:26,945 During follow-up interviews 284 00:12:27,013 --> 00:12:29,080 When details of snider's story changed 285 00:12:29,149 --> 00:12:32,817 And they were unable to find any record of his wife 286 00:12:32,886 --> 00:12:35,353 Being admitted to a cremation facility 287 00:12:35,422 --> 00:12:36,287 In tennessee. 288 00:12:36,355 --> 00:12:37,889 ♪ ♪ 289 00:12:37,958 --> 00:12:38,689 Investigators didn't have enough evidence 290 00:12:38,759 --> 00:12:41,292 To charge snider with any crime. 291 00:12:41,494 --> 00:12:42,560 So for him, 292 00:12:42,628 --> 00:12:43,895 Life continued as usual, 293 00:12:43,963 --> 00:12:46,698 Including daily coffee and conversation 294 00:12:46,766 --> 00:12:49,233 With other locals around town. 295 00:12:49,302 --> 00:12:50,568 ♪ ♪ 296 00:12:50,637 --> 00:12:52,303 - You enjoying this weather? 297 00:12:52,371 --> 00:12:53,504 - Yeah. 298 00:12:53,573 --> 00:12:54,972 - But unknown to snider, 299 00:12:55,041 --> 00:12:58,042 The person indulging him in conversation today 300 00:12:58,111 --> 00:13:00,845 Is actually undercover police officer joan bauer 301 00:13:00,914 --> 00:13:04,315 Who's been sent in to crack the case. 302 00:13:04,383 --> 00:13:04,849 ♪ ♪ 303 00:13:04,917 --> 00:13:06,317 - What's your name? 304 00:13:06,385 --> 00:13:07,652 I'm missy. 305 00:13:07,720 --> 00:13:08,386 Yeah. - Nice to meet you. 306 00:13:08,588 --> 00:13:10,654 - Nice to meet you. 307 00:13:10,723 --> 00:13:11,989 - In the weeks that followed, 308 00:13:12,058 --> 00:13:14,391 Bauer befriended snider and earned his trust. 309 00:13:14,460 --> 00:13:15,526 All the while, 310 00:13:15,595 --> 00:13:17,528 Their conversations 311 00:13:17,597 --> 00:13:18,596 Were being recorded. 312 00:13:18,665 --> 00:13:19,730 - It's gonna be nice tomorrow. 313 00:13:19,799 --> 00:13:21,266 You wanna go for a walk tomorrow? 314 00:13:21,334 --> 00:13:22,132 - Maybe. 315 00:13:22,202 --> 00:13:24,134 - Over time, bauer got him to open up 316 00:13:24,204 --> 00:13:27,005 About his wife's death and the story he told police. 317 00:13:36,415 --> 00:13:37,615 - Oh, okay. 318 00:13:37,684 --> 00:13:39,617 - Officer bauer continued 319 00:13:39,686 --> 00:13:41,686 Pressing snider for details. 320 00:13:41,754 --> 00:13:42,753 But no one could have imagined 321 00:13:42,823 --> 00:13:44,989 What came out of his mouth next. 322 00:13:53,299 --> 00:13:54,999 - Okay. 323 00:14:06,513 --> 00:14:08,913 [dramatic music] 324 00:14:08,981 --> 00:14:10,981 The recorded conversation is enough 325 00:14:11,050 --> 00:14:12,983 For police to make an arrest later that day, 326 00:14:13,052 --> 00:14:15,853 Believing snider killed his wife in their home 327 00:14:15,922 --> 00:14:18,790 Before ever leaving for a road trip. 328 00:14:18,858 --> 00:14:20,592 - Step out for me. - You're kidding. 329 00:14:20,794 --> 00:14:22,660 - Step out. - You're kidding. 330 00:14:22,728 --> 00:14:24,195 - The fun and games are over. 331 00:14:24,397 --> 00:14:27,064 ♪ ♪ 332 00:14:27,133 --> 00:14:29,600 - Philip snider was charged with aggravated murder 333 00:14:29,669 --> 00:14:32,871 And gross abuse of a corpse. 334 00:14:33,073 --> 00:14:35,807 No motive was established for the killing. 335 00:14:36,009 --> 00:14:38,742 Now in court, he's looking to solidify 336 00:14:38,811 --> 00:14:40,077 A plea agreement with the state 337 00:14:40,146 --> 00:14:42,479 Which calls for him to disclose the whereabouts 338 00:14:42,548 --> 00:14:44,015 Of his wife's body 339 00:14:44,083 --> 00:14:45,883 In exchange for a recommended life sentence 340 00:14:45,952 --> 00:14:49,820 With parole eligibility after 20 years. 341 00:14:49,889 --> 00:14:51,355 - To the charge of aggravated murder, 342 00:14:51,424 --> 00:14:52,991 How do you plead? 343 00:14:54,294 --> 00:14:55,960 - Guilty. 344 00:14:56,029 --> 00:14:58,495 - Is there anything that you would like to say 345 00:14:58,564 --> 00:14:59,430 Prior to the sentencing? 346 00:14:59,632 --> 00:15:02,000 [suspenseful music] 347 00:15:08,842 --> 00:15:09,907 - All right, so you're telling me 348 00:15:09,976 --> 00:15:12,310 You put your wife in the tennessee river? 349 00:15:12,379 --> 00:15:13,911 - Yes, sir. 350 00:15:13,980 --> 00:15:15,513 - Are you willing to take law enforcement 351 00:15:15,582 --> 00:15:17,848 To the area where you-- 352 00:15:17,917 --> 00:15:19,984 You placed her in the tennessee river? 353 00:15:21,320 --> 00:15:23,187 Yes, sir. 354 00:15:23,390 --> 00:15:24,455 - Well... 355 00:15:24,524 --> 00:15:25,790 In this particular case, 356 00:15:25,859 --> 00:15:27,992 I'm going to make sure that you do it. 357 00:15:34,801 --> 00:15:36,400 - For the charge of aggravated murder, 358 00:15:36,469 --> 00:15:37,201 How do you plead? 359 00:15:37,404 --> 00:15:38,268 ♪ ♪ 360 00:15:38,338 --> 00:15:39,937 - Guilty. 361 00:15:40,006 --> 00:15:41,739 - He's pled guilty to killing his wife. 362 00:15:41,941 --> 00:15:43,741 But before he learns his sentence, 363 00:15:43,943 --> 00:15:45,543 A member of the victim's family 364 00:15:45,611 --> 00:15:46,944 Has asked the court 365 00:15:47,013 --> 00:15:48,413 If he could give a victim impact statement. 366 00:15:48,615 --> 00:15:49,747 [emotional music] 367 00:15:49,949 --> 00:15:53,284 That family member is his own son. 368 00:15:53,352 --> 00:15:54,619 ♪ ♪ 369 00:15:54,687 --> 00:15:56,487 - The man sitting before you 370 00:15:56,556 --> 00:15:58,222 Is not the father I know. 371 00:15:58,291 --> 00:15:59,023 ♪ ♪ 372 00:15:59,092 --> 00:16:01,492 He is not the man who raised me-- 373 00:16:01,561 --> 00:16:02,827 Teaching me many things, 374 00:16:03,029 --> 00:16:05,296 Of which one was to have honor and respect. 375 00:16:05,364 --> 00:16:06,297 ♪ ♪ 376 00:16:06,499 --> 00:16:07,832 I see no honor 377 00:16:07,900 --> 00:16:10,501 And certainly no respect in his actions 378 00:16:10,569 --> 00:16:12,904 Leading up to today. 379 00:16:12,972 --> 00:16:14,905 - And finally, judge frank forchione 380 00:16:14,975 --> 00:16:17,308 Has some harsh words of his own to share. 381 00:16:17,376 --> 00:16:18,309 ♪ ♪ 382 00:16:18,511 --> 00:16:19,777 - Now, to me, 383 00:16:19,979 --> 00:16:21,846 To accept this agreement between the state 384 00:16:21,915 --> 00:16:25,516 And your counsel and you-- it sickens me. 385 00:16:25,585 --> 00:16:27,585 This is one of the most 386 00:16:27,654 --> 00:16:30,655 Ghastly crimes I've ever seen. 387 00:16:30,723 --> 00:16:32,323 You're going to die in prison. 388 00:16:32,525 --> 00:16:33,991 [dramatic music] 389 00:16:34,060 --> 00:16:36,194 That's the legacy that you've left this family. 390 00:16:36,396 --> 00:16:38,195 ♪ ♪ 391 00:16:38,264 --> 00:16:40,598 And the last comment that I will make to you, sir, is this, 392 00:16:40,800 --> 00:16:42,533 And I hope you think about this 393 00:16:42,602 --> 00:16:43,267 For the rest of your life. 394 00:16:43,336 --> 00:16:44,535 ♪ ♪ 395 00:16:44,604 --> 00:16:45,670 The hottest places in hell 396 00:16:45,872 --> 00:16:48,206 Are reserved for people like you. 397 00:16:48,408 --> 00:16:49,673 ♪ ♪ 398 00:16:49,742 --> 00:16:51,008 As seeing you committed murder, 399 00:16:51,077 --> 00:16:54,212 I'm going to sentence you to life imprisonment... 400 00:16:54,414 --> 00:16:55,546 ♪ ♪ 401 00:16:55,615 --> 00:16:56,747 With a parole eligibility 402 00:16:56,816 --> 00:16:59,951 After serving 20 years in prison. 403 00:17:00,153 --> 00:17:02,286 Like I said before, you're going to die in prison. 404 00:17:02,354 --> 00:17:04,555 ♪ ♪ 405 00:17:04,623 --> 00:17:05,356 - Following the hearing, 406 00:17:05,424 --> 00:17:07,758 Snider changed his story again, 407 00:17:07,827 --> 00:17:09,627 Claiming he dumped his wife's body 408 00:17:09,695 --> 00:17:11,829 In a dumpster in kentucky. 409 00:17:11,898 --> 00:17:14,832 Her remains have yet to be found. 410 00:17:14,900 --> 00:17:16,901 Joining us now is officer joan bauer 411 00:17:17,103 --> 00:17:18,702 Who you didn't see there, but you heard her voice. 412 00:17:18,772 --> 00:17:19,370 Thank you so much for joining us. 413 00:17:19,439 --> 00:17:20,505 We appreciate it. 414 00:17:20,707 --> 00:17:22,773 - Thank you for having me. 415 00:17:22,842 --> 00:17:23,374 - So have you done undercover work 416 00:17:23,443 --> 00:17:25,309 Like this before? 417 00:17:25,378 --> 00:17:26,243 - Yes, um, 418 00:17:26,312 --> 00:17:27,979 I've been a police officer for 31 years, 419 00:17:28,181 --> 00:17:32,049 And I'd say probably 26, 27 of them where undercover. 420 00:17:32,118 --> 00:17:34,986 - And how long did it take you to--to gain his trust? 421 00:17:35,054 --> 00:17:36,587 - You know what? It really didn't take too long. 422 00:17:36,656 --> 00:17:37,788 It was about four weeks total. 423 00:17:37,857 --> 00:17:40,458 - Now, take us through that moment 424 00:17:40,527 --> 00:17:41,458 Where he's, you know, 425 00:17:41,527 --> 00:17:43,527 Basically confessing 426 00:17:43,596 --> 00:17:46,730 To how he killed his wife. 427 00:17:46,800 --> 00:17:48,532 - Honestly, when he first told me, 428 00:17:48,601 --> 00:17:49,467 I was sick to my stomach. 429 00:17:49,669 --> 00:17:50,668 Like, I honestly thought, 430 00:17:50,870 --> 00:17:52,603 "he has to see this on my face," 431 00:17:52,672 --> 00:17:53,871 'cause I think I turned green. 432 00:17:53,940 --> 00:17:56,073 I mean it--it really was sort of revolting. 433 00:17:56,142 --> 00:17:58,009 And I wasn't expecting it the way he told it. 434 00:18:11,958 --> 00:18:14,691 It's still sort of spine-tingling to me. 435 00:18:14,760 --> 00:18:16,761 - It sounds like this confession 436 00:18:16,829 --> 00:18:18,629 Was almost worse than you expected. 437 00:18:18,698 --> 00:18:20,565 - It definitely was worse, uh-- 438 00:18:20,767 --> 00:18:21,632 It was worse because it--it-- 439 00:18:21,834 --> 00:18:23,768 It came so, like, matter-of-fact 440 00:18:23,970 --> 00:18:26,103 When he said, "imagine this," you know? 441 00:18:26,172 --> 00:18:28,973 And it was almost like he was excited to tell me. 442 00:18:29,175 --> 00:18:30,774 Like I said, I've done undercover for a long time, 443 00:18:30,844 --> 00:18:33,644 But I've never had someone like that. 444 00:18:33,713 --> 00:18:34,645 It was pretty much a shock. 445 00:18:34,713 --> 00:18:36,514 It was pretty much a shock. 446 00:18:36,583 --> 00:18:38,115 - So did I hear correctly 447 00:18:38,184 --> 00:18:40,852 That he thought the two of you were gonna get married 448 00:18:41,054 --> 00:18:43,721 - Yes, I told him that he had to be truthful. 449 00:18:43,789 --> 00:18:45,389 You know, how can I marry somebody 450 00:18:45,592 --> 00:18:46,590 Who isn't truthful, 451 00:18:46,659 --> 00:18:49,727 That I trusted him, and I was okay with his answer. 452 00:18:49,796 --> 00:18:51,796 And so that is-- that's why he con-- 453 00:18:51,998 --> 00:18:53,797 And I also agreed to kiss him on the cheek. 454 00:18:53,866 --> 00:18:56,467 - So you said, "you have to be truthful 455 00:18:56,669 --> 00:18:57,802 And then I'll marry you"? 456 00:18:58,004 --> 00:19:01,939 And that's how it led to him confessing? 457 00:19:02,008 --> 00:19:02,940 - He thought that we were gonna get married. 458 00:19:03,009 --> 00:19:06,076 He actually-- it's pretty interesting because 459 00:19:06,145 --> 00:19:09,146 He somewhat was thinking, uh, in the state of ohio, 460 00:19:09,215 --> 00:19:11,882 You can't make a spouse testify against another spouse. 461 00:19:11,951 --> 00:19:15,419 And he felt like that was gonna keep me safe. 462 00:19:15,622 --> 00:19:16,888 He was worried about me. 463 00:19:17,090 --> 00:19:18,622 He was worried about the police questioning me. 464 00:19:18,691 --> 00:19:20,024 He was worried about all that. 465 00:19:20,092 --> 00:19:22,026 He sort of thought that that would keep him safe. 466 00:19:22,095 --> 00:19:24,829 So at least that's the way I like to think about it-- 467 00:19:24,897 --> 00:19:26,564 That that was what he was thinking. 468 00:19:26,633 --> 00:19:29,567 But there was never any, um, 469 00:19:29,769 --> 00:19:31,636 Any romantic talk of marriage. 470 00:19:31,704 --> 00:19:33,504 It was convenience for him. 471 00:19:33,573 --> 00:19:34,839 He was all about phil. 472 00:19:34,907 --> 00:19:36,574 He didn't care what he had done. 473 00:19:36,643 --> 00:19:37,441 He would have done it again. 474 00:19:37,644 --> 00:19:38,842 He made that very clear. 475 00:19:38,912 --> 00:19:40,444 - So you agreed to kiss him on the cheek? 476 00:19:40,512 --> 00:19:41,512 - Right, I know. 477 00:19:41,581 --> 00:19:42,847 I mean, but hey, it was-- 478 00:19:42,915 --> 00:19:44,582 I mean it was a life-- I mean, it was-- 479 00:19:44,650 --> 00:19:45,916 He said I had to agree. 480 00:19:45,985 --> 00:19:48,586 And to tell you the truth, after he confessed, 481 00:19:48,655 --> 00:19:50,854 And he asked me for the kiss, 482 00:19:50,924 --> 00:19:52,789 And I was really sort of sick to my stomach. 483 00:19:52,858 --> 00:19:53,658 But at the same time, I didn't know 484 00:19:53,726 --> 00:19:55,592 If I had the audio and video. 485 00:19:55,661 --> 00:19:56,527 What if I didn't, you know? 486 00:19:56,729 --> 00:19:58,996 So I can't say no, you know? 487 00:19:59,065 --> 00:20:00,731 What if I have to come back at him later that day 488 00:20:00,800 --> 00:20:03,534 And that the audio and video failed? 489 00:20:03,602 --> 00:20:04,669 - Officer joan bauer, 490 00:20:04,871 --> 00:20:05,536 Thank you so much for joining us. 491 00:20:05,604 --> 00:20:06,270 Really appreciate it. 492 00:20:06,472 --> 00:20:07,938 - Thank you. 493 00:20:08,007 --> 00:20:10,407 - That's it for this edition of "courtcam." 494 00:20:10,476 --> 00:20:11,475 I'm dan abrams. 495 00:20:11,544 --> 00:20:12,409 Thanks for watching. 496 00:20:12,478 --> 00:20:17,014 [dramatic music]