1 00:00:12,546 --> 00:00:13,412 [water gurgling] 2 00:00:13,414 --> 00:00:16,449 [somber piano music] 3 00:00:16,451 --> 00:00:18,650 - It's just the saddest thing in the world 4 00:00:18,652 --> 00:00:23,322 To think that tom and larry lasted such a short time. 5 00:00:23,324 --> 00:00:27,126 - This was one of the most graphic crime scenes 6 00:00:27,128 --> 00:00:29,195 I've ever been to. 7 00:00:29,197 --> 00:00:31,563 - There was blood everywhere. 8 00:00:31,565 --> 00:00:33,598 - Seeing the two dead bodies downstairs 9 00:00:33,600 --> 00:00:36,535 And the footprints upstairs--bloody, 10 00:00:36,537 --> 00:00:40,138 Leaving the area--we definitely had a killer on the loose. 11 00:00:40,908 --> 00:00:42,474 - We have to think about whether or not 12 00:00:42,476 --> 00:00:45,110 This could be a crime of passion. 13 00:00:45,112 --> 00:00:48,214 - I mean, how do you stab someone 28 times? 14 00:00:48,216 --> 00:00:50,415 - How could this happen to our friends? 15 00:00:50,417 --> 00:00:54,252 We were in--in total disbelief that it could have happened. 16 00:00:54,254 --> 00:00:57,090 - We found a whole slew of cards, 17 00:00:57,092 --> 00:00:58,957 A card for every day in February. 18 00:00:58,959 --> 00:01:00,959 - When the bodies were brought into the coroner's office, 19 00:01:00,961 --> 00:01:04,830 The question as to whether or not this was a love triangle. 20 00:01:04,832 --> 00:01:06,599 He seems to be obsessed. 21 00:01:06,601 --> 00:01:09,335 I want this guy dead, and I want him to suffer. 22 00:01:09,337 --> 00:01:11,636 - That was the saddest day of our lives. 23 00:01:11,638 --> 00:01:14,406 [tense music] 24 00:01:14,408 --> 00:01:17,542 [man sobbing] 25 00:01:17,544 --> 00:01:22,114 ♪ ♪ 26 00:01:22,116 --> 00:01:25,050 [dramatic music] 27 00:01:25,052 --> 00:01:32,057 ♪ ♪ 28 00:01:32,059 --> 00:01:35,194 [waves crashing] 29 00:01:37,064 --> 00:01:40,866 [atmospheric music] 30 00:01:40,868 --> 00:01:44,970 - Quintessential family-oriented community. 31 00:01:44,972 --> 00:01:46,605 - It's a beautiful city. 32 00:01:46,607 --> 00:01:48,540 They have beautiful homes, lovely homes. 33 00:01:48,542 --> 00:01:50,075 - And we could go down to balboa 34 00:01:50,077 --> 00:01:51,677 And walk around and dream about having a wonderful-- 35 00:01:51,679 --> 00:01:54,746 A little house on balboa island. 36 00:01:54,748 --> 00:01:56,882 - It has been the number one safest city 37 00:01:56,884 --> 00:01:58,884 For numerous years in a row. 38 00:01:58,886 --> 00:02:02,020 - I think if people had money and they had a choice, 39 00:02:02,022 --> 00:02:05,091 I think many of them wanted to go and live in irvine. 40 00:02:05,093 --> 00:02:09,962 - It's a beautiful, beautiful, wonderful place to live. 41 00:02:09,964 --> 00:02:14,133 - Bad things don't happen very often here. 42 00:02:14,135 --> 00:02:17,435 But they do happen. 43 00:02:17,437 --> 00:02:20,173 Narrator: It's easy to imagine growing old 44 00:02:20,175 --> 00:02:22,975 Under the golden california sun. 45 00:02:22,977 --> 00:02:26,011 But life in this stunning part of orange county 46 00:02:26,013 --> 00:02:28,513 Isn't always so pretty. 47 00:02:28,515 --> 00:02:31,950 In the summer of 1999, dark clouds 48 00:02:31,952 --> 00:02:35,388 Roll over the irvine community of solana. 49 00:02:35,390 --> 00:02:36,855 - I'm larry montgomery. 50 00:02:36,857 --> 00:02:40,325 In 1999, I was an investigator in charge of 51 00:02:40,327 --> 00:02:41,660 The crimes against persons unit 52 00:02:41,662 --> 00:02:44,262 At irvine police department. 53 00:02:44,264 --> 00:02:47,065 On the 20th of July, 1999, 54 00:02:47,067 --> 00:02:50,603 Police department was called because a man and his daughter 55 00:02:50,605 --> 00:02:54,472 Had gone to a house in irvine to take a piano lesson 56 00:02:54,474 --> 00:02:57,677 And the people in the house did not respond. 57 00:02:57,679 --> 00:02:59,011 [tense music] 58 00:02:59,013 --> 00:03:00,779 The gentleman opened the door 59 00:03:00,781 --> 00:03:03,081 And he smelled natural gas in the house. 60 00:03:03,083 --> 00:03:05,017 He still was able to come in a short distance 61 00:03:05,019 --> 00:03:06,952 And look down a staircase 62 00:03:06,954 --> 00:03:08,754 Where he saw what looked like a dead body 63 00:03:08,756 --> 00:03:11,490 And immediately called the police department. 64 00:03:11,492 --> 00:03:14,426 [eerie music] 65 00:03:14,428 --> 00:03:16,628 ♪ ♪ 66 00:03:16,630 --> 00:03:18,331 - My name is mike hamel, the chief of police 67 00:03:18,333 --> 00:03:19,898 For the city of irvine in california. 68 00:03:19,900 --> 00:03:22,968 In 1999, I was a police detective 69 00:03:22,970 --> 00:03:24,769 Assigned to crimes against persons 70 00:03:24,771 --> 00:03:25,837 Here at the irvine police department. 71 00:03:25,839 --> 00:03:29,741 A call came out over the radio of a possible 187, 72 00:03:29,743 --> 00:03:31,677 Which is a murder. 73 00:03:31,679 --> 00:03:33,111 When I arrived there, there were about 74 00:03:33,113 --> 00:03:35,046 Four other officers on scene. 75 00:03:35,048 --> 00:03:37,316 The paramedics were there. Fire was there. 76 00:03:37,318 --> 00:03:39,918 We knew that we had to go inside the residence 77 00:03:39,920 --> 00:03:41,119 To check on victims, 78 00:03:41,121 --> 00:03:44,989 To ensure there were no suspects that were still there. 79 00:03:44,991 --> 00:03:47,860 - Once it's determined that there's gas inside that house, 80 00:03:47,862 --> 00:03:51,730 You now have to be very careful opening windows, opening doors, 81 00:03:51,732 --> 00:03:54,199 And without giving it any source of ignition 82 00:03:54,201 --> 00:03:56,134 Like a static electricity. 83 00:03:56,136 --> 00:03:58,036 They cordoned off the area. 84 00:03:58,038 --> 00:04:00,739 And they were able to shut the gas off in hopes of 85 00:04:00,741 --> 00:04:02,942 Airing out the house before they could enter 86 00:04:02,944 --> 00:04:06,112 Safely to help out with the investigation. 87 00:04:06,114 --> 00:04:08,079 - So the first thing that I noticed as we were 88 00:04:08,081 --> 00:04:11,683 Approaching the front door is this red brick porch area. 89 00:04:11,685 --> 00:04:15,087 And I could see what appeared to be bloody footprints. 90 00:04:15,089 --> 00:04:16,888 We got inside the house, we began to walk 91 00:04:16,890 --> 00:04:18,957 Around the different areas-- into the kitchen, 92 00:04:18,959 --> 00:04:20,293 Into the laundry room. 93 00:04:20,295 --> 00:04:22,927 We began to see these bloody footprints 94 00:04:22,929 --> 00:04:25,397 All over the house, 95 00:04:25,399 --> 00:04:27,766 Eventually making our way down the stairs. 96 00:04:27,768 --> 00:04:31,203 - Going down those stairs to the first body, 97 00:04:31,205 --> 00:04:34,506 That particular individual was on his back 98 00:04:34,508 --> 00:04:37,743 And he had numerous stab wounds that we could see-- 99 00:04:37,745 --> 00:04:39,911 At least, they appeared to be stab wounds on his body. 100 00:04:39,913 --> 00:04:42,514 Passing him, there was a door to the right, 101 00:04:42,516 --> 00:04:45,183 And that was the entranceway to the master bedroom. 102 00:04:45,185 --> 00:04:47,452 [tense music] 103 00:04:47,454 --> 00:04:48,953 - We enter the master bedroom 104 00:04:48,955 --> 00:04:51,056 And went around the side of the bed. 105 00:04:51,058 --> 00:04:53,658 And that's where we saw the second victim. 106 00:04:53,660 --> 00:04:55,961 [camera shutter clicking] 107 00:04:55,963 --> 00:04:58,897 He too had sustained multiple stab wounds. 108 00:04:58,899 --> 00:05:01,800 - I don't think I recall a scene that I've been to 109 00:05:01,802 --> 00:05:05,870 That had more blood splatter on the walls, on the ceilings. 110 00:05:05,872 --> 00:05:10,843 - This was one of the most, uh... 111 00:05:10,845 --> 00:05:13,111 Graphic crime scenes I've ever been to. 112 00:05:13,113 --> 00:05:16,181 ♪ ♪ 113 00:05:16,183 --> 00:05:17,916 One of the things that's standard for us 114 00:05:17,918 --> 00:05:20,585 During these cases is to do a neighborhood canvass-- 115 00:05:20,587 --> 00:05:21,854 Talk to all the neighbors. 116 00:05:21,856 --> 00:05:24,122 So myself, other detectives did this, 117 00:05:24,124 --> 00:05:25,858 And we really came up empty. 118 00:05:25,860 --> 00:05:28,728 No one that heard anything that night. 119 00:05:28,730 --> 00:05:31,229 Based upon how the crime occurred, 120 00:05:31,231 --> 00:05:33,164 There was no sign of forced entry. 121 00:05:33,166 --> 00:05:35,233 ♪ ♪ 122 00:05:35,235 --> 00:05:37,469 One of the things that's always important for us to do 123 00:05:37,471 --> 00:05:40,939 Is to positively identify the victims. 124 00:05:40,941 --> 00:05:43,175 - When we got down to the second body 125 00:05:43,177 --> 00:05:46,444 In the bedroom, there was actually some clothing there. 126 00:05:46,446 --> 00:05:48,313 And in the clothing, there was id 127 00:05:48,315 --> 00:05:49,914 For a lawrence wong. 128 00:05:49,916 --> 00:05:52,584 [ominous music] 129 00:05:52,586 --> 00:05:54,652 - We had the name of the primary resident 130 00:05:54,654 --> 00:05:56,122 To verify the person that we found 131 00:05:56,124 --> 00:05:59,624 Deceased inside the residence as tom whitney. 132 00:05:59,626 --> 00:06:02,928 We found his wallet and his identification card. 133 00:06:02,930 --> 00:06:04,929 - Tom whitney, he played the piano; 134 00:06:04,931 --> 00:06:06,399 He played a number of instruments. 135 00:06:06,401 --> 00:06:08,401 He was 60 years old. 136 00:06:08,403 --> 00:06:10,602 And he seemed like a nice individual 137 00:06:10,604 --> 00:06:12,537 From everything we learned about him. 138 00:06:12,539 --> 00:06:15,841 [sentimental music] 139 00:06:15,843 --> 00:06:17,809 - My name is joan rutkowski. 140 00:06:17,811 --> 00:06:20,478 Tom whitney was my friend-- 141 00:06:20,480 --> 00:06:24,950 My friend for a long, long time--1965. 142 00:06:24,952 --> 00:06:26,885 ♪ ♪ 143 00:06:26,887 --> 00:06:29,687 We first met while we were graduate students 144 00:06:29,689 --> 00:06:32,157 In the music department at usc. 145 00:06:32,159 --> 00:06:34,359 He was a happy person. He loved to laugh. 146 00:06:34,361 --> 00:06:36,429 We used to laugh so much. 147 00:06:36,431 --> 00:06:38,563 He was a really good soul-- 148 00:06:38,565 --> 00:06:41,299 That kind of good person, that kind of good friend. 149 00:06:41,301 --> 00:06:42,834 You pick up the phone and call him, 150 00:06:42,836 --> 00:06:45,770 Tom would listen for hours. 151 00:06:45,772 --> 00:06:48,373 - My name is bolen high. 152 00:06:48,375 --> 00:06:49,707 I met tom in new york. 153 00:06:49,709 --> 00:06:51,977 He was introduced to me through a mutual friend. 154 00:06:51,979 --> 00:06:54,980 He was a very accomplished pianist. 155 00:06:54,982 --> 00:06:56,981 He was also a musical director. 156 00:06:56,983 --> 00:06:59,651 And he was a wonderful teacher. 157 00:06:59,653 --> 00:07:02,921 He loved to teach piano. 158 00:07:02,923 --> 00:07:05,658 That was one of the--one of the gifts that he was given 159 00:07:05,660 --> 00:07:08,493 Is the joy of "helping people turn on to music," 160 00:07:08,495 --> 00:07:10,395 Is the way he put it. 161 00:07:10,397 --> 00:07:12,130 And it gave him great joy. 162 00:07:12,132 --> 00:07:13,732 ♪ ♪ 163 00:07:13,734 --> 00:07:17,135 - Tom had these incredible eyes. 164 00:07:17,137 --> 00:07:19,138 And they were very blue. 165 00:07:19,140 --> 00:07:21,307 He looks a little sad here. 166 00:07:21,309 --> 00:07:24,409 Being gay was not something that was approved 167 00:07:24,411 --> 00:07:25,910 In his family. 168 00:07:25,912 --> 00:07:28,848 It was hard. Those days were difficult. 169 00:07:28,850 --> 00:07:31,683 Now it's a totally different world we live in. 170 00:07:31,685 --> 00:07:34,285 - In our conversation, tom said, 171 00:07:34,287 --> 00:07:38,423 "you know, I've met someone that I think could really work. 172 00:07:38,425 --> 00:07:40,558 His name is larry wong." 173 00:07:40,560 --> 00:07:43,562 - Larry was on the same plane as tom. 174 00:07:43,564 --> 00:07:47,966 Larry was a fabulous musician and a classical musician 175 00:07:47,968 --> 00:07:51,770 And a wonderful pianist and coach for opera singers. 176 00:07:51,772 --> 00:07:55,040 - Larry wong, somebody who I got to know his character 177 00:07:55,042 --> 00:07:59,010 Through working this case and interviewing people 178 00:07:59,012 --> 00:08:00,912 That were his friends and family 179 00:08:00,914 --> 00:08:02,447 And coming to learn that larry, too, 180 00:08:02,449 --> 00:08:04,650 Was a caring and gentle man. 181 00:08:04,652 --> 00:08:07,786 Larry worked at la harbor college, 182 00:08:07,788 --> 00:08:09,588 And I believe that's how tom and larry met 183 00:08:09,590 --> 00:08:11,322 Was through their love of music. 184 00:08:11,324 --> 00:08:14,026 - And I said, "well, it sounds like you met someone 185 00:08:14,028 --> 00:08:18,030 That maybe will turn out to be a lasting relationship." 186 00:08:18,032 --> 00:08:20,499 He said, "I think it might very well." 187 00:08:20,501 --> 00:08:22,233 - He was a good match. 188 00:08:22,235 --> 00:08:25,069 And it's just the saddest thing in the world to think 189 00:08:25,071 --> 00:08:28,139 That it-- it lasted such a short time. 190 00:08:28,141 --> 00:08:31,042 [waves roaring] 191 00:08:35,049 --> 00:08:37,348 Narrator: At the crime scene, detectives continue 192 00:08:37,350 --> 00:08:40,118 To sort out the pieces of the puzzle. 193 00:08:40,120 --> 00:08:44,623 - As part of our overall survey of the entire residence, 194 00:08:44,625 --> 00:08:46,190 We look in every nook and cranny, 195 00:08:46,192 --> 00:08:49,662 One of the things that we located was a knife block. 196 00:08:49,664 --> 00:08:51,496 And in this knife block, 197 00:08:51,498 --> 00:08:54,834 It looked like there was a knife that had blood on it. 198 00:08:54,836 --> 00:08:56,969 Crime scene investigators had discovered 199 00:08:56,971 --> 00:08:59,971 That there were actually two large kitchen knives 200 00:08:59,973 --> 00:09:02,041 That were in the knife block that were covered in blood. 201 00:09:02,043 --> 00:09:03,107 [dramatic tone] 202 00:09:03,109 --> 00:09:05,043 - Does that mean there's more than one person? 203 00:09:05,045 --> 00:09:08,513 Does that mean they'd used both hands? 204 00:09:08,515 --> 00:09:10,281 I don't know. 205 00:09:10,283 --> 00:09:13,752 When we looked at the victims, tom had 36 stab wounds, 206 00:09:13,754 --> 00:09:16,454 Which is a hefty amount of stab wounds. 207 00:09:16,456 --> 00:09:20,525 Larry wong had 25. That's overkill. 208 00:09:20,527 --> 00:09:22,127 Whoever did this, 209 00:09:22,129 --> 00:09:24,330 Are they more angry with one over the other? 210 00:09:24,332 --> 00:09:28,066 One thing we did notice is there were bloody footprints 211 00:09:28,068 --> 00:09:31,202 On the actual tile-- really distinct, 212 00:09:31,204 --> 00:09:35,273 Very accurately placed footprints 213 00:09:35,275 --> 00:09:39,812 Coming in and out of the areas of the house. 214 00:09:39,814 --> 00:09:41,546 If you're looking at this crime scene, 215 00:09:41,548 --> 00:09:43,715 Seeing the bloody footprints upstairs, 216 00:09:43,717 --> 00:09:45,651 Away from the victims, 217 00:09:45,653 --> 00:09:47,485 We knew we had a killer on the loose 218 00:09:47,487 --> 00:09:49,754 And we don't know who it is. 219 00:09:49,756 --> 00:09:52,725 Narrator: Detectives find a trail of bloody footprints 220 00:09:52,727 --> 00:09:54,792 Around tom's home. 221 00:09:54,794 --> 00:09:56,662 Could these gruesome missteps 222 00:09:56,664 --> 00:10:00,032 Reveal the secret identity of tom and larry's killer? 223 00:10:00,034 --> 00:10:03,302 - The fact that we only saw one set of bloody footprints 224 00:10:03,304 --> 00:10:07,772 Probably would limit it to one person using two knives. 225 00:10:07,774 --> 00:10:09,507 We now know the size of the foot, 226 00:10:09,509 --> 00:10:12,977 We know if we find somebody that knew these people 227 00:10:12,979 --> 00:10:14,446 And had a grudge against them, 228 00:10:14,448 --> 00:10:16,115 And they had the same size foot, 229 00:10:16,117 --> 00:10:18,583 That gives us something to look at. 230 00:10:18,585 --> 00:10:20,719 Basically, if the sock doesn't fit, 231 00:10:20,721 --> 00:10:22,120 It's not gonna be that person. 232 00:10:22,122 --> 00:10:25,190 [dramatic music] 233 00:10:25,192 --> 00:10:27,325 ♪ ♪ 234 00:10:27,327 --> 00:10:30,061 - He perhaps met some people that he would not have ever 235 00:10:30,063 --> 00:10:32,997 Had any contact with under different circumstances. 236 00:10:32,999 --> 00:10:36,234 - Larry's sister mentioned that larry wong had been 237 00:10:36,236 --> 00:10:39,071 In a previous relationship that was a long-term relationship. 238 00:10:39,073 --> 00:10:41,807 - Please, I want to go home. 239 00:10:41,809 --> 00:10:43,208 I want to go home. 240 00:10:43,210 --> 00:10:46,411 - When the policed call me, I explained to them, 241 00:10:46,413 --> 00:10:49,480 "I don't know his name. But I think I know who did it." 242 00:10:49,482 --> 00:10:52,384 [tense music] 243 00:10:52,386 --> 00:10:52,450 ♪ ♪ 244 00:10:52,652 --> 00:11:01,226 [somber music] 245 00:11:01,228 --> 00:11:02,761 ♪ ♪ 246 00:11:02,763 --> 00:11:05,830 [waves crashing] 247 00:11:05,832 --> 00:11:08,700 [somber music] 248 00:11:08,702 --> 00:11:10,501 ♪ ♪ 249 00:11:10,503 --> 00:11:13,505 - We received a telephone call from a family friend 250 00:11:13,507 --> 00:11:15,206 Very early in the morning 251 00:11:15,208 --> 00:11:18,643 Saying that tom and larry had been killed. 252 00:11:19,446 --> 00:11:22,914 And we didn't know how, and we didn't really... 253 00:11:22,916 --> 00:11:25,550 Understand what possibly could have happened. 254 00:11:25,552 --> 00:11:27,486 [tense music] 255 00:11:27,488 --> 00:11:29,520 It was so shocking. 256 00:11:29,522 --> 00:11:32,825 The barbarity, the anger, 257 00:11:32,827 --> 00:11:35,626 The cruelty, 258 00:11:35,628 --> 00:11:37,996 Something I've never seen or-- 259 00:11:37,998 --> 00:11:40,332 Or ever experienced ever. 260 00:11:40,334 --> 00:11:43,601 Tremendous sadness. 261 00:11:43,603 --> 00:11:45,303 Anger. 262 00:11:45,305 --> 00:11:47,739 How could this happen to our friends? 263 00:11:47,741 --> 00:11:49,874 ♪ ♪ 264 00:11:49,876 --> 00:11:51,944 - My name is sam allevato. 265 00:11:51,946 --> 00:11:55,147 In 1999, I was the lieutenant 266 00:11:55,149 --> 00:11:57,348 In charge of the investigative bureau 267 00:11:57,350 --> 00:12:00,051 For the city of irvine police department. 268 00:12:00,053 --> 00:12:02,087 Because of the fact that it appeared 269 00:12:02,089 --> 00:12:06,525 That there was no forced entry into the residence, 270 00:12:06,527 --> 00:12:08,060 Initially, you would think, 271 00:12:08,062 --> 00:12:11,028 "okay, this is not a stranger to these two victims. 272 00:12:11,030 --> 00:12:12,630 Someone they knew." 273 00:12:12,632 --> 00:12:15,633 So that kind of lessens the opinion 274 00:12:15,635 --> 00:12:18,436 That this would have been a random attack. 275 00:12:18,438 --> 00:12:21,572 Stab wounds on the victims is very personal. 276 00:12:21,574 --> 00:12:26,378 That indicates a very heat-of-passion type of crime. 277 00:12:26,380 --> 00:12:28,446 ♪ ♪ 278 00:12:28,448 --> 00:12:31,182 - When we're looking at a crime scene like this, 279 00:12:31,184 --> 00:12:34,086 We have to look at exactly what's going on inside 280 00:12:34,088 --> 00:12:35,988 And who would have done it. 281 00:12:35,990 --> 00:12:38,322 ♪ ♪ 282 00:12:38,324 --> 00:12:40,659 Narrator: The brutal murders of newly coupled 283 00:12:40,661 --> 00:12:44,128 Larry wong and tom whitney has cast a dark shadow 284 00:12:44,130 --> 00:12:48,232 Over their cheery irvine, california, neighborhood. 285 00:12:48,234 --> 00:12:50,668 While evidence suggests the slayings were committed 286 00:12:50,670 --> 00:12:52,137 By someone who knew them, 287 00:12:52,139 --> 00:12:54,405 Neighbors still feel their loss 288 00:12:54,407 --> 00:12:58,076 And wonder when their killer will be found. 289 00:12:58,078 --> 00:13:01,078 The murderer left a mess at the crime scene, 290 00:13:01,080 --> 00:13:03,615 Providing a treasure trove of evidence. 291 00:13:03,617 --> 00:13:06,585 ♪ ♪ 292 00:13:06,587 --> 00:13:09,088 - Since we looked at this crime from the point of view 293 00:13:09,090 --> 00:13:12,356 Of who would do this horrendous amount of stabbing 294 00:13:12,358 --> 00:13:14,625 And knew that there was probably consistent 295 00:13:14,627 --> 00:13:16,327 With somebody with passion, 296 00:13:16,329 --> 00:13:18,496 You could be hurt very easily if the person 297 00:13:18,498 --> 00:13:20,364 Finds another weapon to come back at you 298 00:13:20,366 --> 00:13:22,434 'cause they don't die right away, 299 00:13:22,436 --> 00:13:25,102 'cause--unless you hit something like a heart 300 00:13:25,104 --> 00:13:27,372 Or something that'll kill them. 301 00:13:27,374 --> 00:13:29,707 But a lot of things won't kill you right away. 302 00:13:29,709 --> 00:13:35,213 So this is just not something you plan to do as a crime 303 00:13:35,215 --> 00:13:37,281 To get something from the house. 304 00:13:37,283 --> 00:13:40,185 It is something you would do if you're passionate about, 305 00:13:40,187 --> 00:13:43,054 "I want this guy dead and I want him to suffer." 306 00:13:43,056 --> 00:13:46,524 So that's what this scene tells us-- 307 00:13:46,526 --> 00:13:48,793 We may want to look that way. Not guaranteed, 308 00:13:48,795 --> 00:13:50,863 But we may want to look that way first. 309 00:13:50,865 --> 00:13:52,397 That's where it's pointing towards 310 00:13:52,399 --> 00:13:54,600 From the evidence we saw at the scene. 311 00:13:54,602 --> 00:13:58,202 We're looking for somebody that had passion 312 00:13:58,204 --> 00:14:01,505 Either on larry's side or on tom's side. 313 00:14:01,507 --> 00:14:03,541 [dramatic music] 314 00:14:03,543 --> 00:14:05,410 - We did have somebody reach out to us-- 315 00:14:05,412 --> 00:14:09,180 Larry's sister-- that mentioned that larry wong 316 00:14:09,182 --> 00:14:11,215 Had been in a previous relationship 317 00:14:11,217 --> 00:14:12,550 That was a long-term relationship 318 00:14:12,552 --> 00:14:16,153 With someone by the name of john rarick. 319 00:14:16,155 --> 00:14:18,223 And then digging a bit deeper and finding out 320 00:14:18,225 --> 00:14:21,092 That john actually had a life insurance policy on larry 321 00:14:21,094 --> 00:14:24,229 And the fact that larry was killed-- 322 00:14:24,231 --> 00:14:26,497 John was going to be the recipient 323 00:14:26,499 --> 00:14:28,699 Of a large sum of money. 324 00:14:28,701 --> 00:14:33,104 We need to ask more questions, dig deeper, examine motives, 325 00:14:33,106 --> 00:14:34,973 See if john has an alibi. 326 00:14:34,975 --> 00:14:37,174 [waves crashing] 327 00:14:37,176 --> 00:14:40,279 - John was obviously heartbroken at the time 328 00:14:40,281 --> 00:14:41,913 When the breakup occurred. 329 00:14:41,915 --> 00:14:45,249 He was angry. He was depressed. 330 00:14:45,251 --> 00:14:49,520 But when we gave him the news 331 00:14:49,522 --> 00:14:51,989 That the pair had been murdered, 332 00:14:51,991 --> 00:14:56,128 He was not overly dramatic. 333 00:14:58,064 --> 00:15:00,331 - So one of the things that john conveyed to us 334 00:15:00,333 --> 00:15:04,035 Is that larry had left him to be with tom 335 00:15:04,037 --> 00:15:06,737 And that that did pain him a lot. 336 00:15:06,739 --> 00:15:09,373 But john told us that he was not responsible 337 00:15:09,375 --> 00:15:12,576 And knew nothing about the murder of larry or tom. 338 00:15:12,578 --> 00:15:14,412 Narrator: Sure seems like john rarick 339 00:15:14,414 --> 00:15:17,281 Had plenty to gain from larry's death. 340 00:15:17,283 --> 00:15:19,685 But does that make him a murderer? 341 00:15:19,687 --> 00:15:22,320 - John's alibi for the crime was he was in a chatroom 342 00:15:22,322 --> 00:15:23,754 In north hollywood somewhere. 343 00:15:23,756 --> 00:15:26,957 Whether you can prove the alibi or not is another thing. 344 00:15:26,959 --> 00:15:28,959 - So we interviewed john rarick 345 00:15:28,961 --> 00:15:32,997 And we asked him where he was between these hours. 346 00:15:32,999 --> 00:15:34,765 He was able to produce documents 347 00:15:34,767 --> 00:15:38,035 That were date and time stamped that showed his name 348 00:15:38,037 --> 00:15:39,638 And the fact that he was in this chatroom. 349 00:15:39,640 --> 00:15:42,373 And of course, we followed up with the internet service 350 00:15:42,375 --> 00:15:45,810 Provider to be sure that these were genuine documents. 351 00:15:46,680 --> 00:15:49,248 One of the things we did ruling john rarick out 352 00:15:49,250 --> 00:15:51,716 As a suspect is we looked at his feet 353 00:15:51,718 --> 00:15:53,384 And we got impressions of his feet. 354 00:15:53,386 --> 00:15:55,386 And his feet were much larger 355 00:15:55,388 --> 00:15:58,656 Than the footprints at the crime scene. 356 00:15:58,658 --> 00:16:02,126 And we knew that there is no way, physically, 357 00:16:02,128 --> 00:16:04,262 That his feet could have made 358 00:16:04,264 --> 00:16:06,430 Those impressions at the crime scene. 359 00:16:06,432 --> 00:16:08,566 And we were certain there was only one person 360 00:16:08,568 --> 00:16:10,468 That left bloody footprints at the crime scene. 361 00:16:12,539 --> 00:16:15,107 Narrator: The ominous trail of bloody footprints 362 00:16:15,109 --> 00:16:17,074 Along with the coroner's findings 363 00:16:17,076 --> 00:16:19,144 Brings investigators one step closer 364 00:16:19,146 --> 00:16:22,613 To the cold-blooded killer's identity. 365 00:16:22,615 --> 00:16:27,451 - The coroner did a autopsy on both victims. 366 00:16:27,453 --> 00:16:31,355 And in terms of the damage done to the victims, 367 00:16:31,357 --> 00:16:34,559 Tom had more stab wounds. 368 00:16:34,561 --> 00:16:37,696 And one of the stab wounds was right into the eye 369 00:16:37,698 --> 00:16:40,164 And another one was real close to the other eye. 370 00:16:40,166 --> 00:16:41,632 [rising tense music] 371 00:16:41,634 --> 00:16:43,568 When you have this violent type of activity, 372 00:16:43,570 --> 00:16:46,571 The possibility of having a past lover 373 00:16:46,573 --> 00:16:49,073 Is certainly somebody you want to look at. 374 00:16:49,075 --> 00:16:51,675 Who are the past lovers of tom whitney? 375 00:16:51,677 --> 00:16:53,278 ♪ ♪ 376 00:16:54,881 --> 00:16:57,915 [tense music] 377 00:16:58,183 --> 00:17:01,685 ♪ ♪ 378 00:17:01,686 --> 00:17:05,188 [tense music] 379 00:17:05,191 --> 00:17:08,392 ♪ ♪ 380 00:17:08,394 --> 00:17:10,128 Narrator: Just a day after lovers 381 00:17:10,130 --> 00:17:11,829 Larry wong and tom whitney 382 00:17:11,831 --> 00:17:14,832 Are found dead in their orange county condominium, 383 00:17:14,834 --> 00:17:17,936 Irvine detectives take a trip down memory lane 384 00:17:17,938 --> 00:17:19,670 In search of a suspect. 385 00:17:19,672 --> 00:17:22,506 - When tom came out in the '90s, 386 00:17:22,508 --> 00:17:24,642 It was a different world. 387 00:17:24,644 --> 00:17:30,281 And I think that tom was almost like a teenager 388 00:17:30,283 --> 00:17:32,716 Because he was excited finding new people, 389 00:17:32,718 --> 00:17:36,555 New people that didn't know him as a serious musician, 390 00:17:36,557 --> 00:17:38,990 Who just knew him as who he was: Tom. 391 00:17:40,927 --> 00:17:43,594 We had known tom for so long. 392 00:17:43,596 --> 00:17:45,596 We were family. 393 00:17:45,598 --> 00:17:47,932 And to lose a family in such a violent way 394 00:17:47,934 --> 00:17:51,001 Is--is, you know, very sad. 395 00:17:51,003 --> 00:17:52,903 [emotional music] 396 00:17:52,905 --> 00:17:55,573 I think that when he was experimenting 397 00:17:55,575 --> 00:17:57,308 And he was meeting new people, 398 00:17:57,310 --> 00:18:00,345 He perhaps met some people that he would not have ever, 399 00:18:00,347 --> 00:18:03,681 Ever had any contact with under different circumstances. 400 00:18:06,854 --> 00:18:09,254 - So now we have a whole team of detectives 401 00:18:09,256 --> 00:18:12,690 That is going to the home, searching for evidence, 402 00:18:12,692 --> 00:18:15,260 Looking for anything related to the crime. 403 00:18:15,262 --> 00:18:17,628 We found a whole slew of cards. 404 00:18:17,630 --> 00:18:21,532 They were greeting cards that were addressed to tom whitney, 405 00:18:21,534 --> 00:18:24,435 And they were signed by someone named choy. 406 00:18:25,271 --> 00:18:27,538 - During this time, we could not figure out who choy was. 407 00:18:27,540 --> 00:18:30,874 We didn't have any name other than choy. 408 00:18:30,876 --> 00:18:34,411 - We had a lot of people calling us and telling us, 409 00:18:34,413 --> 00:18:35,980 "hey, I know tom. 410 00:18:35,982 --> 00:18:37,848 I want to give you information." 411 00:18:37,850 --> 00:18:40,618 And we asked friends if they know who choy was. 412 00:18:40,620 --> 00:18:43,420 [dramatic music] 413 00:18:43,422 --> 00:18:46,924 - When the police call me, I explained to them, 414 00:18:46,926 --> 00:18:51,363 "I don't know his name, but I think I know who did it." 415 00:18:51,365 --> 00:18:54,465 And I said, "I think it was this young asian man 416 00:18:54,467 --> 00:18:56,634 That tom had been dating." 417 00:18:56,636 --> 00:18:58,335 I always called up tom on his birthday, 418 00:18:58,337 --> 00:19:00,204 Which was April 15th. 419 00:19:00,206 --> 00:19:03,542 This young man who he had seen before 420 00:19:03,544 --> 00:19:05,910 Was actually pounding on his doors 421 00:19:05,912 --> 00:19:09,079 And trying to get in when I called him. 422 00:19:09,081 --> 00:19:10,916 And tom was hysterical. 423 00:19:10,918 --> 00:19:12,817 I mean, this guy was screaming. 424 00:19:12,819 --> 00:19:14,285 He was running around the house, 425 00:19:14,287 --> 00:19:16,620 Pounding on the doors, pounding on the windows. 426 00:19:16,622 --> 00:19:21,125 Tom then told me that he had come in before 427 00:19:21,127 --> 00:19:22,694 Through the garage. 428 00:19:22,696 --> 00:19:26,297 And I said, "tom, just call the police." 429 00:19:26,299 --> 00:19:27,431 He said, "no, no. I can't do that. 430 00:19:27,433 --> 00:19:28,966 I can't call the police." 431 00:19:28,968 --> 00:19:30,601 He said, "what would the neighbors say?" 432 00:19:30,603 --> 00:19:32,970 And I said, "this is california. 433 00:19:32,972 --> 00:19:35,071 I mean, things happen." 434 00:19:35,073 --> 00:19:37,474 He said, "no, no, not in this--not where I live," 435 00:19:37,476 --> 00:19:40,945 Which was a very protected community. 436 00:19:40,947 --> 00:19:44,114 - Learning from tom's sister that tom had sold a car 437 00:19:44,116 --> 00:19:45,649 To this person named choy, 438 00:19:45,651 --> 00:19:47,585 We were able to run the license plate 439 00:19:47,587 --> 00:19:49,653 And see who the new owner was, 440 00:19:49,655 --> 00:19:53,123 And through some other checks and some other connections, 441 00:19:53,125 --> 00:19:55,827 Identify the possible owner of this car as vincent cheung. 442 00:20:01,067 --> 00:20:02,666 - My name is dave lopez. 443 00:20:02,668 --> 00:20:05,369 I was a reporter in los angeles, orange county, 444 00:20:05,371 --> 00:20:07,037 Since 1972. 445 00:20:07,039 --> 00:20:08,974 Retired a little over a year ago. 446 00:20:08,976 --> 00:20:13,111 In 1999, I was assigned to the orange county bureau. 447 00:20:13,113 --> 00:20:15,514 What the police were comfortable with is the fact 448 00:20:15,516 --> 00:20:19,484 That they were not dealing with some massive crazy lunatic 449 00:20:19,486 --> 00:20:21,819 Who was gonna go out and do the same thing again. 450 00:20:21,821 --> 00:20:24,456 It wasn't a case where the media, you know, 451 00:20:24,458 --> 00:20:25,891 Said we've got a killer on the loose 452 00:20:25,893 --> 00:20:28,525 And they just had to go and find out who it was. 453 00:20:28,527 --> 00:20:31,862 And cheung, who was known as choy 454 00:20:31,864 --> 00:20:35,667 In all these love letters, he was their suspect. 455 00:20:35,669 --> 00:20:38,402 Narrator: There's a strong probability this double murder 456 00:20:38,404 --> 00:20:40,404 Was a crime of passion. 457 00:20:40,406 --> 00:20:44,208 Now that there's no doubt who the mysterious choy is, 458 00:20:44,210 --> 00:20:48,480 Detectives dig into his former relationship with tom whitney. 459 00:20:48,482 --> 00:20:50,482 - Once we discover who vincent is, 460 00:20:50,484 --> 00:20:54,551 We find that he has a pretty big history of theft. 461 00:20:54,553 --> 00:20:56,488 He likes to steal things. 462 00:20:56,490 --> 00:20:59,357 He's not a really upstanding citizen. 463 00:20:59,359 --> 00:21:01,192 We did discover that vincent cheung 464 00:21:01,194 --> 00:21:04,796 Had a relationship with tom, 465 00:21:04,798 --> 00:21:07,398 And it started about six months earlier. 466 00:21:07,400 --> 00:21:09,233 [ominous piano music] 467 00:21:09,235 --> 00:21:11,436 Vincent and tom are together. 468 00:21:11,438 --> 00:21:14,505 But they break up right about the time 469 00:21:14,507 --> 00:21:18,876 That tom and larry start coming together. 470 00:21:18,878 --> 00:21:20,711 - Tom was not particularly proud 471 00:21:20,713 --> 00:21:23,080 Of that relationship with vincent. 472 00:21:23,082 --> 00:21:26,083 It was not something serious for him. 473 00:21:26,085 --> 00:21:27,618 He was finding who he was 474 00:21:27,620 --> 00:21:29,788 And living a different life for a while. 475 00:21:29,790 --> 00:21:31,922 ♪ ♪ 476 00:21:31,924 --> 00:21:35,759 - When tom said that, you know, "I don't want you anymore," 477 00:21:35,761 --> 00:21:39,663 It was devastating for cheung. It was absolutely devastating. 478 00:21:39,665 --> 00:21:42,466 - When tom ended that relationship 479 00:21:42,468 --> 00:21:44,001 And then subsequently 480 00:21:44,003 --> 00:21:47,038 Started another relationship with another man, 481 00:21:47,040 --> 00:21:49,074 I think that freaked him out. 482 00:21:49,076 --> 00:21:51,975 Narrator: It's clear to detectives that vincent cheung 483 00:21:51,977 --> 00:21:55,979 Couldn't get his pent-up desire for tom off his mind. 484 00:21:55,981 --> 00:21:58,583 - Cheung, he'd always have a camera with him. 485 00:21:58,585 --> 00:22:00,118 And he would just take picture after picture 486 00:22:00,120 --> 00:22:04,089 After picture of him and tom or tom by himself. 487 00:22:04,091 --> 00:22:06,624 You know, he would go into the house, 488 00:22:06,626 --> 00:22:09,459 And he would sit on the piano naked, 489 00:22:09,461 --> 00:22:11,496 Waiting for tom to come home. 490 00:22:11,498 --> 00:22:15,566 Sometimes he would surprise him in the garage. 491 00:22:15,568 --> 00:22:17,468 Tom would drive into the garage 492 00:22:17,470 --> 00:22:19,636 And cheung would be hiding somewhere 493 00:22:19,638 --> 00:22:22,674 And then pop up out of nowhere. 494 00:22:22,676 --> 00:22:25,776 And he just would not leave him alone. 495 00:22:25,778 --> 00:22:28,380 I mean, you talk about an infatuation, that was it. 496 00:22:28,382 --> 00:22:30,514 [ominous music] 497 00:22:30,516 --> 00:22:32,417 - From talking with other friends, 498 00:22:32,419 --> 00:22:34,752 There's information that vincent, 499 00:22:34,754 --> 00:22:36,787 He's seen coming to the house 500 00:22:36,789 --> 00:22:38,123 When he's not supposed to be there, 501 00:22:38,125 --> 00:22:39,457 Knocking on the door, 502 00:22:39,459 --> 00:22:41,325 Leaving presents, leaving gifts. 503 00:22:41,327 --> 00:22:43,128 He seems to be obsessed. 504 00:22:43,130 --> 00:22:46,130 ♪ ♪ 505 00:22:46,132 --> 00:22:51,136 - At this point, vincent cheung became our primary suspect. 506 00:22:51,138 --> 00:22:55,906 ♪ ♪ 507 00:22:55,908 --> 00:22:57,676 - And our goal was to interview him 508 00:22:57,678 --> 00:23:01,146 To see where he was the early morning hours of July 27th. 509 00:23:01,148 --> 00:23:04,248 - I don't know nothing. I don't know nothing. 510 00:23:04,250 --> 00:23:06,016 [sobs] 511 00:23:06,018 --> 00:23:08,153 - He was extremely upset because we were talking 512 00:23:08,155 --> 00:23:11,156 To him about him being involved in this incident 513 00:23:11,158 --> 00:23:12,856 Where these men died. 514 00:23:12,858 --> 00:23:15,959 ♪ ♪ 515 00:23:15,961 --> 00:23:18,962 [tense music] 516 00:23:18,964 --> 00:23:19,029 ♪ ♪ 517 00:23:19,230 --> 00:23:26,537 [tense music] 518 00:23:26,838 --> 00:23:27,839 ♪ ♪ 519 00:23:27,841 --> 00:23:30,842 [waves crashing] 520 00:23:33,980 --> 00:23:37,781 Narrator: Two days after news of a shocking double homicide 521 00:23:37,783 --> 00:23:40,852 Rocked one of california's best places to live, 522 00:23:40,854 --> 00:23:42,953 Eccentric vincent cheung 523 00:23:42,955 --> 00:23:46,658 Tops the irvine police department's suspect list. 524 00:23:46,660 --> 00:23:49,827 But did this obsessed ex really stab tom whitney 525 00:23:49,829 --> 00:23:51,929 And his lover larry wong to death? 526 00:23:51,931 --> 00:23:55,166 - Once the investigators were able to determine 527 00:23:55,168 --> 00:23:58,136 That vincent cheung was available 528 00:23:58,138 --> 00:24:01,138 Possibly to commit the crime, looking into his history, 529 00:24:01,140 --> 00:24:03,106 They discovered he has a warrant for his arrest 530 00:24:03,108 --> 00:24:05,476 For a parole violation basically, 531 00:24:05,478 --> 00:24:06,977 The decision was made to, 532 00:24:06,979 --> 00:24:09,647 "let's get him into custody asap, 533 00:24:09,649 --> 00:24:12,783 "just in case; if he is in fact the guilty party, 534 00:24:12,785 --> 00:24:15,485 "we don't want him absconding and leaving 535 00:24:15,487 --> 00:24:17,855 Or hurting somebody." 536 00:24:17,857 --> 00:24:19,923 - Police knew who they were looking for. 537 00:24:19,925 --> 00:24:22,259 It was just a case now of trying to find him. 538 00:24:22,261 --> 00:24:23,762 [tense music] 539 00:24:23,764 --> 00:24:26,296 - We have enough information that now vincent cheung 540 00:24:26,298 --> 00:24:29,033 Is considered a suspect. 541 00:24:29,035 --> 00:24:32,903 So we now have a location where we think he's living. 542 00:24:32,905 --> 00:24:35,939 At this point, we're talking to the district attorney 543 00:24:35,941 --> 00:24:37,841 And to judges about certain search warrants 544 00:24:37,843 --> 00:24:41,078 That we want to write and obtain for his home 545 00:24:41,080 --> 00:24:44,515 For the 1990 chevy lumina that we were looking for. 546 00:24:44,517 --> 00:24:46,783 ♪ ♪ 547 00:24:46,785 --> 00:24:48,586 Meanwhile, now that we have an address 548 00:24:48,588 --> 00:24:49,820 Where we think he lives, 549 00:24:49,822 --> 00:24:53,457 We have a special team that we sent out to the residence. 550 00:24:53,459 --> 00:24:56,026 It was a residence in san gabriel 551 00:24:56,028 --> 00:24:59,196 Where we believed that he may live with his mother. 552 00:24:59,198 --> 00:25:02,266 - We went to vincent's mother's house 553 00:25:02,268 --> 00:25:05,603 In the san gabriel valley and spoke to her. 554 00:25:06,706 --> 00:25:08,772 - She was very helpful and said 555 00:25:08,774 --> 00:25:11,042 That vincent has had some issues 556 00:25:11,044 --> 00:25:13,977 And hasn't been around the house 557 00:25:13,979 --> 00:25:17,881 And was not--at least she couldn't give him an alibi 558 00:25:17,883 --> 00:25:20,283 For the night of the murder. 559 00:25:20,285 --> 00:25:23,053 But she did say that her son has problems. 560 00:25:23,055 --> 00:25:26,123 ♪ ♪ 561 00:25:26,125 --> 00:25:29,026 She said that he has been in trouble. 562 00:25:29,028 --> 00:25:31,195 He's been incarcerated for theft. 563 00:25:32,364 --> 00:25:33,565 Narrator: Police are confident 564 00:25:33,567 --> 00:25:35,299 They can outsmart vincent cheung 565 00:25:35,301 --> 00:25:37,868 And waste no time trying to track him down. 566 00:25:37,870 --> 00:25:39,270 [radio chatter] 567 00:25:39,272 --> 00:25:42,139 - We had a stakeout on vincent's house... 568 00:25:42,141 --> 00:25:45,042 [radio chatter] 569 00:25:45,044 --> 00:25:46,610 In hopes that maybe he would return 570 00:25:46,612 --> 00:25:48,912 And we could find him. 571 00:25:48,914 --> 00:25:49,814 [radio chatter] 572 00:25:49,816 --> 00:25:51,381 [camera shutter clicking] 573 00:25:51,383 --> 00:25:52,783 - As we are in the stakeout, 574 00:25:52,785 --> 00:25:55,252 There's a motel across the street or nearby. 575 00:25:55,254 --> 00:25:57,754 [dramatic music] 576 00:25:57,756 --> 00:25:59,856 And we noticed, actually, 577 00:25:59,858 --> 00:26:01,992 Vincent had come out of that motel 578 00:26:01,994 --> 00:26:05,829 And was coming across the street to his mom's house. 579 00:26:05,831 --> 00:26:07,898 And so there he was. 580 00:26:07,900 --> 00:26:11,034 And right in front of us. We ended up arresting him. 581 00:26:11,036 --> 00:26:17,242 ♪ ♪ 582 00:26:17,244 --> 00:26:20,345 The arrest was for the parole violation, 583 00:26:20,347 --> 00:26:22,880 And he understood. 584 00:26:22,882 --> 00:26:25,350 He even said, "I figured that would happen." 585 00:26:25,352 --> 00:26:28,019 ♪ ♪ 586 00:26:28,021 --> 00:26:30,754 - So once he's in custody, and we--at this point, 587 00:26:30,756 --> 00:26:32,356 We already have signed search warrants. 588 00:26:32,358 --> 00:26:35,092 And we also were able to associate him 589 00:26:35,094 --> 00:26:37,362 With a hotel room that was across the street 590 00:26:37,364 --> 00:26:39,062 From his residence. 591 00:26:39,064 --> 00:26:42,367 And we found out that he had checked into the hotel room 592 00:26:42,369 --> 00:26:44,234 On the evening of the 27th, 593 00:26:44,236 --> 00:26:47,237 Which would have been the same day 594 00:26:47,239 --> 00:26:49,774 That we discovered the crime scene. 595 00:26:49,776 --> 00:26:51,208 And so we were able to 596 00:26:51,210 --> 00:26:52,643 Do what we call a piggyback warrant 597 00:26:52,645 --> 00:26:54,945 And able to write another warrant 598 00:26:54,947 --> 00:26:56,780 To search the hotel room. 599 00:26:56,782 --> 00:26:57,881 Narrator: Detectives have taken 600 00:26:57,883 --> 00:26:59,851 Vincent cheung into custody. 601 00:26:59,853 --> 00:27:03,053 With search warrants in hand, would they find the evidence 602 00:27:03,055 --> 00:27:05,922 They needed to tie vincent to the scene of the crime? 603 00:27:05,924 --> 00:27:07,057 - Pursuant to the search warrant, 604 00:27:07,059 --> 00:27:08,492 We searched the garage. 605 00:27:08,494 --> 00:27:11,194 We found a car that was under a blue tarp. 606 00:27:11,196 --> 00:27:13,398 Pulled back the blue tarp, and that was 607 00:27:13,400 --> 00:27:17,367 The 1990 chevy lumina that we were looking for. 608 00:27:17,369 --> 00:27:18,936 The car that helped us 609 00:27:18,938 --> 00:27:20,470 Make that initial connection to vincent, 610 00:27:20,472 --> 00:27:22,773 It was in his mom's garage. 611 00:27:22,775 --> 00:27:24,408 And so we had a warrant for that car. 612 00:27:24,410 --> 00:27:26,210 And rather than searching the car there, 613 00:27:26,212 --> 00:27:28,979 We had this car towed to the orange county crime lab 614 00:27:28,981 --> 00:27:30,614 So we could do a better analysis of it. 615 00:27:30,616 --> 00:27:33,617 [dramatic tone] 616 00:27:33,619 --> 00:27:39,489 ♪ ♪ 617 00:27:39,491 --> 00:27:42,192 - During the time-- once vincent's under arrest 618 00:27:42,194 --> 00:27:45,395 And we did a search warrant on the house, 619 00:27:45,397 --> 00:27:47,898 We discovered a few interesting things. 620 00:27:49,602 --> 00:27:51,836 The date on the 27th, 621 00:27:51,838 --> 00:27:54,271 He had "goodbye" written on his calendar. 622 00:27:54,273 --> 00:27:55,872 ♪ ♪ 623 00:27:55,874 --> 00:28:00,477 - This was the date of the murder of tom and larry 624 00:28:00,479 --> 00:28:05,116 And would kind of indicate to you that vincent had 625 00:28:05,118 --> 00:28:08,518 Said his final goodbye to these two individuals. 626 00:28:09,288 --> 00:28:11,488 - Our goal was to interview him to see 627 00:28:11,490 --> 00:28:14,691 Where he was the early morning hours of July 27th. 628 00:28:21,467 --> 00:28:23,434 - He was extremely upset 629 00:28:23,436 --> 00:28:25,168 Because we were talking to him about him 630 00:28:25,170 --> 00:28:29,973 Being involved in this incident where these men died. 631 00:28:29,975 --> 00:28:35,178 And his answers were not consistent with innocence 632 00:28:35,180 --> 00:28:37,647 Of somebody being--'cause they would be able to answer 633 00:28:37,649 --> 00:28:40,317 The questions we were asking regarding the activities 634 00:28:40,319 --> 00:28:42,252 That they were doing at that time. 635 00:28:42,254 --> 00:28:44,622 And he just could not answer. 636 00:28:44,624 --> 00:28:47,925 He would just mumble something or mumble, 637 00:28:47,927 --> 00:28:50,461 "I don't know, I don't know. I don't know," 638 00:28:50,463 --> 00:28:51,996 When the question's pretty simple 639 00:28:51,998 --> 00:28:55,232 And he should know if he was innocent. 640 00:29:02,142 --> 00:29:06,511 - Vincent was very small, kind of demure. 641 00:29:06,513 --> 00:29:08,479 You wouldn't pick him out as, 642 00:29:08,481 --> 00:29:11,215 "oh, I think that guy could kill two people with knives." 643 00:29:11,217 --> 00:29:14,185 He doesn't look like that. He's not a big man. 644 00:29:14,187 --> 00:29:18,221 He's very kind of meek in his speaking and his actions, 645 00:29:18,223 --> 00:29:21,524 So he doesn't match the description 646 00:29:21,526 --> 00:29:24,795 You'd think of a killer who could do this to two people. 647 00:29:24,797 --> 00:29:27,898 [dramatic tone] 648 00:29:30,803 --> 00:29:33,805 [tense music] 649 00:29:33,807 --> 00:29:33,870 ♪ ♪ 650 00:29:34,073 --> 00:29:41,211 [tense music] 651 00:29:41,213 --> 00:29:43,847 ♪ ♪ 652 00:29:43,849 --> 00:29:48,218 - I don't know. [sobbing] 653 00:29:48,220 --> 00:29:50,220 Narrator: Even though police in orange county 654 00:29:50,222 --> 00:29:52,088 Have larry wong and tom whitney's 655 00:29:52,090 --> 00:29:55,159 Suspected killer vincent cheung in custody, 656 00:29:55,161 --> 00:29:56,761 Getting a confession out of him 657 00:29:56,763 --> 00:29:59,095 Might be easier said than done. 658 00:29:59,097 --> 00:30:01,298 - Larry and I went to the jail facility 659 00:30:01,300 --> 00:30:03,300 Where vincent was being held. 660 00:30:03,302 --> 00:30:06,169 And we went there, we mirandized him, 661 00:30:06,171 --> 00:30:07,939 And we had a conversation with him. 662 00:30:21,787 --> 00:30:25,189 - [sobbing] 663 00:30:25,191 --> 00:30:27,457 - It was really unusual because, at first, 664 00:30:27,459 --> 00:30:30,861 Vincent cheung began to become very emotional, 665 00:30:30,863 --> 00:30:32,863 Almost hysterical at times. 666 00:30:32,865 --> 00:30:36,666 He was trying to say he didn't even know 667 00:30:36,668 --> 00:30:39,302 Who tom was. 668 00:30:39,304 --> 00:30:41,271 As we kept on talking to him 669 00:30:41,273 --> 00:30:44,274 Over the course of more than an hour, 670 00:30:44,276 --> 00:30:47,244 Then at that point, he began to talk about the fact 671 00:30:47,246 --> 00:30:49,380 That he did have a relationship with tom 672 00:30:49,382 --> 00:30:52,950 And provided a little more detail about that. 673 00:30:52,952 --> 00:30:56,420 But never admitted to killing tom or larry. 674 00:30:58,957 --> 00:31:01,893 [emotional music] 675 00:31:01,895 --> 00:31:09,033 ♪ ♪ 676 00:31:24,783 --> 00:31:27,418 - So we did ask him about the calendar after we had found it, 677 00:31:27,420 --> 00:31:31,454 And that it said "goodbye" on the calendar on July 27th. 678 00:31:31,456 --> 00:31:33,657 And he explained it that he had 679 00:31:33,659 --> 00:31:35,158 Planned on killing himself. 680 00:31:35,160 --> 00:31:37,794 And so writing "goodbye" on that date 681 00:31:37,796 --> 00:31:40,198 Was a reflection of the fact 682 00:31:40,200 --> 00:31:42,866 That he was going to kill himself. 683 00:31:42,868 --> 00:31:44,534 We thought at the time that the fact 684 00:31:44,536 --> 00:31:47,137 That he said that "goodbye" referenced to the fact 685 00:31:47,139 --> 00:31:48,538 That he was gonna try and kill himself 686 00:31:48,540 --> 00:31:54,011 As a convenient alibi or deflection. 687 00:31:55,647 --> 00:31:58,616 - While interviewing vincent cheung, 688 00:31:58,618 --> 00:32:01,419 It was very interesting because 689 00:32:01,421 --> 00:32:03,020 When you have an innocent person 690 00:32:03,022 --> 00:32:05,022 And you're talking to them about a topic 691 00:32:05,024 --> 00:32:06,289 And they're innocent, 692 00:32:06,291 --> 00:32:08,359 Therefore they can answer your questions 693 00:32:08,361 --> 00:32:11,961 Without worry because they're innocent. 694 00:32:11,963 --> 00:32:13,963 And therefore they will answer your questions 695 00:32:13,965 --> 00:32:18,702 90% to 100% of the time fairly accurately as much as they can. 696 00:32:18,704 --> 00:32:21,271 And it pretty much fits like a puzzle. 697 00:32:34,019 --> 00:32:36,186 - However, if you have a guilty person 698 00:32:36,188 --> 00:32:38,421 And you want to interview them about this incident 699 00:32:38,423 --> 00:32:40,357 That they're guilty of doing something, 700 00:32:40,359 --> 00:32:44,361 Therefore they have to lie, it causes stress 701 00:32:44,363 --> 00:32:46,563 Because they must lie about certain things. 702 00:32:46,565 --> 00:32:49,899 And so what I look for in an interview 703 00:32:49,901 --> 00:32:52,669 Is to see how up front they are, 704 00:32:52,671 --> 00:32:54,972 How easy it is for them to answer questions, 705 00:32:54,974 --> 00:32:58,341 And do they use techniques to avoid answering the questions. 706 00:32:58,343 --> 00:33:01,879 And in this case, with vincent, 707 00:33:01,881 --> 00:33:05,682 That was exactly what you could hear him 708 00:33:05,684 --> 00:33:09,619 Have all kinds of anxiety for answering questions. 709 00:33:09,621 --> 00:33:11,922 - [sobbing] 710 00:33:18,497 --> 00:33:20,630 - We were able to elicit more and more information 711 00:33:20,632 --> 00:33:22,899 That helped us, again, paint a picture 712 00:33:22,901 --> 00:33:25,569 Of the situation to learn more about him. 713 00:33:25,571 --> 00:33:28,638 And at times, he was very matter-of-fact 714 00:33:28,640 --> 00:33:31,107 And he talked about tom 715 00:33:31,109 --> 00:33:32,909 And the relationship in vivid detail. 716 00:33:32,911 --> 00:33:36,446 And he talked about how much they cared for each other, 717 00:33:36,448 --> 00:33:39,383 And he talked about how he was showered with gifts. 718 00:33:53,399 --> 00:33:55,933 - He admitted that he had made, 719 00:33:55,935 --> 00:33:59,570 Oh, 100 plus cards and letters, 720 00:33:59,572 --> 00:34:03,807 And he had given them as a present to tom, 721 00:34:03,809 --> 00:34:06,943 And tom was not happy about getting the present. 722 00:34:06,945 --> 00:34:09,179 And he was very angry 723 00:34:09,181 --> 00:34:13,683 And upset that tom didn't accept his present. 724 00:34:13,685 --> 00:34:16,587 [tense music] 725 00:34:16,589 --> 00:34:22,993 ♪ ♪ 726 00:34:51,324 --> 00:34:54,258 - As we were deep in interrogation of vincent, 727 00:34:54,260 --> 00:34:55,725 He was still talking and... 728 00:34:55,727 --> 00:34:57,894 - [sobbing] 729 00:34:57,896 --> 00:35:00,463 - I know. I know. 730 00:35:00,465 --> 00:35:02,532 - He took responsibility for what we would describe 731 00:35:02,534 --> 00:35:04,902 As stalking behavior, for being obsessive, 732 00:35:04,904 --> 00:35:06,736 And not taking no for an answer. 733 00:35:06,738 --> 00:35:07,804 [ominous music] 734 00:35:07,806 --> 00:35:10,540 - Once in custody, we had vincent 735 00:35:10,542 --> 00:35:12,808 Take his shoes off, put socks on. 736 00:35:12,810 --> 00:35:14,744 ♪ ♪ 737 00:35:14,746 --> 00:35:16,280 - We brought rolls of butcher paper. 738 00:35:16,282 --> 00:35:18,415 And we brought ink with us. 739 00:35:18,417 --> 00:35:20,484 We wet his feet to simulate, 740 00:35:20,486 --> 00:35:22,018 Like, if the socks were wet in blood. 741 00:35:22,020 --> 00:35:24,655 We rolled his feet in ink 742 00:35:24,657 --> 00:35:29,426 And then we had him walk along rolls of butcher paper 743 00:35:29,428 --> 00:35:32,195 And to see what kind of footprint he left. 744 00:35:32,197 --> 00:35:33,564 - And I watched very closely, 745 00:35:33,566 --> 00:35:36,567 And I watched him crinkle up his toes 746 00:35:36,569 --> 00:35:39,636 To make his foot smaller as he walked. 747 00:35:39,638 --> 00:35:41,904 I called him on it and told him to straighten them out. 748 00:35:41,906 --> 00:35:44,241 He was reluctant, and it was very interesting though, 749 00:35:44,243 --> 00:35:46,509 'cause I'm thinking to myself, 750 00:35:46,511 --> 00:35:48,712 "if he is innocent, 751 00:35:48,714 --> 00:35:52,582 "he has no idea who killed these guys 752 00:35:52,584 --> 00:35:55,118 "and he has no idea how big their foot is 753 00:35:55,120 --> 00:35:57,521 "or how small their foot is. 754 00:35:57,523 --> 00:36:02,525 And therefore, why is he crinkling up his toes?" 755 00:36:02,527 --> 00:36:04,794 So that was huge because I watched it 756 00:36:04,796 --> 00:36:07,230 And called him on it. 757 00:36:12,371 --> 00:36:15,439 - [breathing heavily] 758 00:36:21,112 --> 00:36:23,380 - I was there to assist the crime lab 759 00:36:23,382 --> 00:36:24,881 Doing testing on the car, 760 00:36:24,883 --> 00:36:27,150 Telling them that if this is the right suspect 761 00:36:27,152 --> 00:36:30,420 And had this car, that he killed people, 762 00:36:30,422 --> 00:36:32,622 Showed the scene with the blood, 763 00:36:32,624 --> 00:36:34,657 Therefore probably had lots of blood on him. 764 00:36:34,659 --> 00:36:36,759 And so we're looking for any blood 765 00:36:36,761 --> 00:36:38,829 That might be found in that car. 766 00:36:40,498 --> 00:36:44,333 - So we went over that car with a fine-tooth comb, 767 00:36:44,335 --> 00:36:46,235 And in this case, a combination 768 00:36:46,237 --> 00:36:49,739 Of different chemicals were used to try to bring out areas 769 00:36:49,741 --> 00:36:52,175 Where there could be evidence such as blood evidence 770 00:36:52,177 --> 00:36:54,110 That isn't visible to the naked eye. 771 00:36:54,847 --> 00:36:57,081 Narrator: Investigators montgomery and hamel 772 00:36:57,083 --> 00:37:00,450 Suspect vincent isn't telling them the whole truth. 773 00:37:00,452 --> 00:37:02,519 And so detective jacobson steps in 774 00:37:02,521 --> 00:37:04,455 To try to coax a confession from him. 775 00:37:14,666 --> 00:37:16,599 - When the crime lab called and told me 776 00:37:16,601 --> 00:37:19,303 What the results were, my--my jaw dropped. 777 00:37:19,305 --> 00:37:20,837 - [sobbing] 778 00:37:24,042 --> 00:37:26,944 [tense music] 779 00:37:26,946 --> 00:37:27,010 ♪ ♪ 780 00:37:27,212 --> 00:37:34,150 [tense music] 781 00:37:34,152 --> 00:37:35,753 ♪ ♪ 782 00:37:35,755 --> 00:37:37,920 [dramatic music] 783 00:37:37,922 --> 00:37:40,891 Narrator: With telltale dna results back from the lab, 784 00:37:40,893 --> 00:37:43,026 Irvine detectives are determined 785 00:37:43,028 --> 00:37:45,962 To get vincent cheung to finally admit he's to blame 786 00:37:45,964 --> 00:37:49,232 For the murders of tom whitney and larry wong. 787 00:37:49,234 --> 00:37:51,168 - There's a running board that's just-- 788 00:37:51,170 --> 00:37:53,269 Runs right below the driver's seat. 789 00:37:53,271 --> 00:37:54,570 And on that running board, 790 00:37:54,572 --> 00:37:56,773 Again, through enhancing with chemicals, 791 00:37:56,775 --> 00:37:59,676 Crime lab was able to find some blood droplets 792 00:37:59,678 --> 00:38:01,978 That, again, weren't visible to the naked eye. 793 00:38:01,980 --> 00:38:03,714 Crime lab called and they told us that 794 00:38:03,716 --> 00:38:07,384 In that blood sample, they were able to extract dna 795 00:38:07,386 --> 00:38:12,055 From both larry and tom and the suspect. 796 00:38:12,657 --> 00:38:14,224 - That shows that there's a connection 797 00:38:14,226 --> 00:38:15,592 Between the victims. 798 00:38:15,594 --> 00:38:16,993 And we know that night there was a connection 799 00:38:16,995 --> 00:38:18,395 Between the victims. 800 00:38:18,397 --> 00:38:20,863 And whoever did it very possibly 801 00:38:20,865 --> 00:38:24,468 Had both bloods on them in great amounts 802 00:38:24,470 --> 00:38:28,671 Because of the sheer damage done in that house. 803 00:38:28,673 --> 00:38:31,174 - So when we found this out that this blood sample 804 00:38:31,176 --> 00:38:34,711 Contained dna from all three, that, in our opinion, 805 00:38:34,713 --> 00:38:37,847 Was an incredibly important piece of evidence 806 00:38:37,849 --> 00:38:40,651 Because it's showing that there is combined dna 807 00:38:40,653 --> 00:38:43,253 In this blood droplets on the running board of the car 808 00:38:43,255 --> 00:38:45,855 That at this point, we believe, was the getaway vehicle, 809 00:38:45,857 --> 00:38:47,891 So to speak, that was used by the suspect 810 00:38:47,893 --> 00:38:49,859 To drive to the crime scene and leave the crime scene. 811 00:38:51,430 --> 00:38:52,895 Narrator: Before investigators 812 00:38:52,897 --> 00:38:55,165 Confront vincent cheung once again, 813 00:38:55,167 --> 00:38:58,301 Shocking information from one of cheung's friends 814 00:38:58,303 --> 00:39:00,638 Gives them even more ammunition. 815 00:39:00,640 --> 00:39:02,505 - At one point in the investigation, 816 00:39:02,507 --> 00:39:05,141 Before vincent was formally charged with a crime, 817 00:39:05,143 --> 00:39:08,878 We were contacted by his friend named drew messusum. 818 00:39:08,880 --> 00:39:11,715 And drew was a very good friend of vincent's. 819 00:39:11,717 --> 00:39:16,686 And so drew reached out to us after he saw on the news 820 00:39:16,688 --> 00:39:19,055 What had happened to tom and larry. 821 00:39:19,057 --> 00:39:23,025 And drew had shared that vincent had left a message 822 00:39:23,027 --> 00:39:25,261 On his voice recorder. 823 00:39:25,263 --> 00:39:27,831 And this message was left on the 27th. 824 00:39:39,677 --> 00:39:41,677 - Drew was a very good friend of vincent's. 825 00:39:41,679 --> 00:39:44,180 And so thinking back about drew's courage 826 00:39:44,182 --> 00:39:46,617 And what he did to bring this information forward, 827 00:39:46,619 --> 00:39:49,586 It was something that was a pivotal piece of evidence 828 00:39:49,588 --> 00:39:51,555 For which we were grateful that he contacted us. 829 00:40:06,972 --> 00:40:07,971 [phone beeps] 830 00:40:11,776 --> 00:40:12,909 - Due to the fact that we don't have a video 831 00:40:12,911 --> 00:40:15,711 Of everything that happened at the time of the murder, 832 00:40:15,713 --> 00:40:18,716 We can make some reasonable suggestions 833 00:40:18,718 --> 00:40:20,783 As to what might have occurred. 834 00:40:20,785 --> 00:40:23,953 - He probably had a key to the residence still. 835 00:40:23,955 --> 00:40:26,756 He took off his shoes to be quiet. 836 00:40:26,758 --> 00:40:29,292 He grabbed two knives from the butcher block. 837 00:40:29,294 --> 00:40:31,094 [chilling music] 838 00:40:31,096 --> 00:40:33,931 He quietly went downstairs... 839 00:40:33,933 --> 00:40:36,666 ♪ ♪ 840 00:40:36,668 --> 00:40:39,135 And attacked them while they were sleeping. 841 00:40:39,137 --> 00:40:41,604 - Both of them awake, there was a struggle 842 00:40:41,606 --> 00:40:44,907 And the stabbing with both knives. 843 00:40:44,909 --> 00:40:48,912 Tom is not struck in a vital area right away, 844 00:40:48,914 --> 00:40:52,815 So he's able to live longer and fight a little bit longer, 845 00:40:52,817 --> 00:40:55,085 While larry probably was hit in his abdomen 846 00:40:55,087 --> 00:40:58,655 Somewhere where it took him down faster. 847 00:40:58,657 --> 00:41:02,326 Basically, stab, stab, stab until he's tired. 848 00:41:02,328 --> 00:41:05,228 And then he gets to go back and put the knives away and leave. 849 00:41:05,230 --> 00:41:07,263 ♪ ♪ 850 00:41:07,265 --> 00:41:13,102 - He was formally charged with 187 of the penal code-- 851 00:41:13,104 --> 00:41:14,737 Murder. 852 00:41:14,739 --> 00:41:17,407 [atmospheric music] 853 00:41:17,409 --> 00:41:19,443 - I got a call from the assistant 854 00:41:19,445 --> 00:41:21,644 District attorney of orange county. 855 00:41:21,646 --> 00:41:24,180 And they said, "we would like you to testify," 856 00:41:24,182 --> 00:41:28,150 Because I could help them because of this weird 857 00:41:28,152 --> 00:41:31,522 Little phone call to tom on his birthday 858 00:41:31,524 --> 00:41:35,591 That turned into the only person 859 00:41:35,593 --> 00:41:38,528 Who could actually tie vincent to tom. 860 00:41:38,530 --> 00:41:40,697 Not only would I be happy to do it, 861 00:41:40,699 --> 00:41:46,036 I felt that it was the least that I could do... 862 00:41:46,038 --> 00:41:48,004 To help tom. 863 00:41:48,006 --> 00:41:50,072 [emotional music] 864 00:41:50,074 --> 00:41:52,108 - I went down and stayed with my sister 865 00:41:52,110 --> 00:41:54,210 And went to every day of the trial. 866 00:41:54,212 --> 00:41:55,678 ♪ ♪ 867 00:41:55,680 --> 00:41:58,948 It was a strange, strange thing. 868 00:41:58,950 --> 00:42:02,418 Vincent didn't look the least bit vulnerable, 869 00:42:02,420 --> 00:42:04,620 Remiss, remorseful. 870 00:42:04,622 --> 00:42:07,758 He looked like an empty body to me. 871 00:42:07,760 --> 00:42:11,294 He looked like he was dead. 872 00:42:11,296 --> 00:42:14,631 - After I testified, the assistant district attorney 873 00:42:14,633 --> 00:42:16,800 Came up to me said, "went very well." 874 00:42:16,802 --> 00:42:20,838 I said, "well, I just said what I had to do." 875 00:42:20,840 --> 00:42:23,706 - The prosecutor said that, you know, it was a dna case. 876 00:42:23,708 --> 00:42:26,575 And I think it was over a period of four days 877 00:42:26,577 --> 00:42:29,746 That the jury deliberated. 878 00:42:29,748 --> 00:42:32,715 - When I heard the guilty verdict, 879 00:42:32,717 --> 00:42:36,118 There was a tremendous feeling of relief. 880 00:42:36,120 --> 00:42:38,388 And, "it's over." 881 00:42:38,390 --> 00:42:41,224 [emotional music] 882 00:42:41,226 --> 00:42:42,925 ♪ ♪ 883 00:42:42,927 --> 00:42:47,797 - Tom was someone who did not allow life to destroy him. 884 00:42:47,799 --> 00:42:51,200 That's, to me, the thing that I still hold 885 00:42:51,202 --> 00:42:52,669 Was that he was a man 886 00:42:52,671 --> 00:42:56,240 Who had to go through hell to find life. 887 00:42:56,242 --> 00:42:59,108 - Larry and tom would have been very happy. 888 00:42:59,110 --> 00:43:02,545 And I suspect they would have found it possible 889 00:43:02,547 --> 00:43:04,947 To get married in the time that has-- 890 00:43:04,949 --> 00:43:07,750 That has passed from then to now. 891 00:43:07,752 --> 00:43:11,153 It's amazing how much has passed. 892 00:43:11,155 --> 00:43:15,358 - For someone to come and cut their lives short 893 00:43:15,360 --> 00:43:18,827 Just seemed like such a travesty and tragedy 894 00:43:18,829 --> 00:43:21,897 Not only for the gay community 895 00:43:21,899 --> 00:43:25,501 But for the irvine community, irvine family, 896 00:43:25,503 --> 00:43:28,238 Was something that I think resonated 897 00:43:28,240 --> 00:43:31,374 For many years thereafter. 898 00:43:31,376 --> 00:43:34,177 - And, you know, I don't even cry much now. 899 00:43:34,179 --> 00:43:36,579 I think having this kind of an experience 900 00:43:36,581 --> 00:43:40,784 Of going through with tom makes you stronger. 901 00:43:40,786 --> 00:43:43,587 It makes you more aware. 902 00:43:43,589 --> 00:43:45,588 It makes you appreciate things. 903 00:43:45,590 --> 00:43:50,226 ♪ ♪