1 00:00:07,340 --> 00:00:10,075 -It's a day you never forget. The phone rang, 2 00:00:10,143 --> 00:00:12,344 And it was my sister. 3 00:00:16,850 --> 00:00:18,684 She said, "ben's dead." 4 00:00:21,454 --> 00:00:23,422 -Did he fall down and hit his head? 5 00:00:23,490 --> 00:00:26,358 Or did something else happen here? 6 00:00:26,427 --> 00:00:29,361 -Ben amato's death doesn't add up. 7 00:00:31,364 --> 00:00:33,432 -There was a boot print in blood. 8 00:00:33,500 --> 00:00:35,734 -Somebody was there when this was happening. 9 00:00:35,802 --> 00:00:39,237 -There was a lot of questions on what happened to ben amato. 10 00:00:39,306 --> 00:00:42,707 -But when dark secrets come to light... 11 00:00:42,709 --> 00:00:46,645 -Ben caught her and this young guy having sex on the floor. 12 00:00:46,713 --> 00:00:48,647 -He told me several different times 13 00:00:48,715 --> 00:00:51,182 That he would get threatened. 14 00:00:51,252 --> 00:00:53,051 -He wanted it over. 15 00:00:53,120 --> 00:00:56,087 -The truth is stranger than fiction. 16 00:00:56,157 --> 00:00:59,691 -We became aware of a double murder. 17 00:00:59,693 --> 00:01:02,394 -Someone made it look like she was trying to hang herself. 18 00:01:02,462 --> 00:01:03,995 -His immediate response was 19 00:01:04,064 --> 00:01:07,065 "this person hired me to kill ben amato." 20 00:01:07,067 --> 00:01:09,634 -And it all ends... 21 00:01:09,703 --> 00:01:12,404 -If you don't get a conviction, what's the sense of the arrest? 22 00:01:12,473 --> 00:01:15,106 -...With a killer relationship. 23 00:01:15,108 --> 00:01:22,548 ♪♪ 24 00:01:22,616 --> 00:01:28,020 ♪♪ 25 00:01:28,088 --> 00:01:30,822 -We've all heard the term "hopeless romantic" -- a person 26 00:01:30,891 --> 00:01:32,591 Who continues to believe in love 27 00:01:32,659 --> 00:01:35,227 Despite their past relationship struggles. 28 00:01:35,295 --> 00:01:37,562 That is ben amato. 29 00:01:37,564 --> 00:01:39,764 But ben's not just a hopeless romantic. 30 00:01:39,766 --> 00:01:41,165 He's a helper. 31 00:01:41,167 --> 00:01:42,701 As a volunteer firefighter, 32 00:01:42,769 --> 00:01:45,704 He cares about everyone in his small town of effort, 33 00:01:45,772 --> 00:01:49,908 Pennsylvania, and is known to be extremely dependable. 34 00:01:49,976 --> 00:01:52,111 So on November 16, 2001, 35 00:01:52,179 --> 00:01:56,314 When the 52-year-old doesn't follow his normal routine, 36 00:01:56,383 --> 00:01:58,550 People take notice. 37 00:02:00,921 --> 00:02:02,821 [ line ringing ] 38 00:02:24,245 --> 00:02:26,945 [ police radio chatter ] 39 00:02:26,947 --> 00:02:28,380 -Once I got there, 40 00:02:28,448 --> 00:02:30,949 There were two members of the state police there, 41 00:02:31,017 --> 00:02:33,752 Who knew ben amato. 42 00:02:33,820 --> 00:02:35,920 We walked through the door. 43 00:02:35,989 --> 00:02:38,256 It was very dark. 44 00:02:38,258 --> 00:02:40,024 We were in the basement level, 45 00:02:40,094 --> 00:02:43,162 And you could see at the bottom of a set of steps... 46 00:02:45,632 --> 00:02:48,700 ...That ben amato was facedown. 47 00:02:48,769 --> 00:02:51,837 There was a lot of blood pooled around his head. 48 00:02:55,375 --> 00:02:57,241 At the bottom of the set of steps, 49 00:02:57,243 --> 00:03:02,314 Right next to ben amato's body we could see ben amato's wallet. 50 00:03:02,382 --> 00:03:05,650 Within his wallet was $1,000 in cash. 51 00:03:05,652 --> 00:03:07,586 So we didn't think that this was 52 00:03:07,654 --> 00:03:11,222 A robbery or a burglary gone bad. 53 00:03:11,292 --> 00:03:14,226 Did he fall down and hit his head? 54 00:03:14,294 --> 00:03:17,962 Or did something else happen here? 55 00:03:18,031 --> 00:03:20,331 You could see there were some items 56 00:03:20,401 --> 00:03:22,300 That looked like they kind of fell on him. 57 00:03:22,369 --> 00:03:24,669 There was a ceiling tile 58 00:03:24,671 --> 00:03:28,339 That just couldn't have appeared there from a fall. 59 00:03:28,409 --> 00:03:31,075 -The ceiling tile is up in a metal framework. 60 00:03:31,145 --> 00:03:35,280 So there had to be some sort of force that caused that to fall. 61 00:03:36,283 --> 00:03:39,183 -There was a lot of questions on what happened to ben amato. 62 00:03:39,253 --> 00:03:45,190 ♪♪ 63 00:03:45,258 --> 00:03:46,791 -To his family and friends, 64 00:03:46,860 --> 00:03:49,694 Ben amato is known for his warmth and generosity, 65 00:03:49,696 --> 00:03:53,365 The kind of guy you enjoy being around. 66 00:03:53,433 --> 00:03:56,368 -Ben was happy-go-lucky. Just having fun. 67 00:03:56,436 --> 00:03:58,904 Working on cars and things. 68 00:04:00,540 --> 00:04:03,542 -Ben was always giving a hand to help people. 69 00:04:03,610 --> 00:04:05,610 Even if somebody broke down on the side of the road, 70 00:04:05,679 --> 00:04:07,579 He would stop and ask them, "do you need help? 71 00:04:07,648 --> 00:04:09,213 I'll go get you gas." 72 00:04:09,215 --> 00:04:10,849 And he wouldn't ask for the money back for the gas 73 00:04:10,917 --> 00:04:13,252 Or anything -- that's the type of person he was. 74 00:04:14,655 --> 00:04:17,789 -Ben was like a brother to me, loved him. 75 00:04:17,858 --> 00:04:20,258 He was my best man in the wedding 76 00:04:20,326 --> 00:04:23,295 And he was godfather to my son. 77 00:04:23,363 --> 00:04:27,432 We were very close. Very close. 78 00:04:27,500 --> 00:04:29,968 -Ben is in his 20s, working as a mechanic, 79 00:04:30,036 --> 00:04:32,704 When he falls in love for the first time 80 00:04:32,773 --> 00:04:35,774 With a woman named becky. 81 00:04:35,842 --> 00:04:38,877 -Becky was always cracking jokes. 82 00:04:38,945 --> 00:04:42,313 The two of 'em, they were meant for each other. 83 00:04:42,315 --> 00:04:47,486 So, ben and becky got engaged and got married. 84 00:04:47,554 --> 00:04:49,788 It was magical with them. 85 00:04:52,125 --> 00:04:55,359 -Still, we never really know what's going on behind 86 00:04:55,361 --> 00:04:56,928 Closed doors, 87 00:04:56,930 --> 00:04:59,397 Or when that seemingly perfect relationship is 88 00:04:59,466 --> 00:05:01,633 About to go up in flames. 89 00:05:03,103 --> 00:05:08,673 -One day, ben left work early to go home and caught becky 90 00:05:08,742 --> 00:05:11,310 And this young guy having sex on the floor. 91 00:05:13,680 --> 00:05:15,113 And the next thing you know, 92 00:05:15,181 --> 00:05:17,649 They're getting a divorce and everything. 93 00:05:17,718 --> 00:05:20,752 He wouldn't dwell. If he did, he never showed it. 94 00:05:22,522 --> 00:05:24,656 -After ben divorces becky, 95 00:05:24,724 --> 00:05:27,058 He tries to jump back into the dating game, 96 00:05:27,127 --> 00:05:30,595 But his new relationships never seem to work out. 97 00:05:33,734 --> 00:05:36,634 -Ben told me he wants to have somebody, 98 00:05:36,703 --> 00:05:40,639 Have kids, and he's just not finding the right one. 99 00:05:42,308 --> 00:05:45,277 Then he met susan. 100 00:05:45,345 --> 00:05:48,947 He goes, "she's really nice." 101 00:05:49,015 --> 00:05:50,815 -Susan, a copy editor, 102 00:05:50,817 --> 00:05:53,417 Is a recently divorced mother of three. 103 00:05:53,419 --> 00:05:56,220 And ben fits right into the family. 104 00:05:56,222 --> 00:06:00,224 -In June of 1984, I was 18 and my brother was 19. 105 00:06:00,226 --> 00:06:03,161 My sister at the time was only 10 years old. 106 00:06:03,230 --> 00:06:06,498 When my mom first met ben, he was very loving to her. 107 00:06:06,566 --> 00:06:08,867 Pampering her and taking care of her. 108 00:06:08,935 --> 00:06:12,137 So I think my mom was attracted to that. 109 00:06:12,205 --> 00:06:13,972 We all loved ben. 110 00:06:14,040 --> 00:06:16,841 He bought my first car for me and fixed it up. 111 00:06:16,843 --> 00:06:19,978 He was just very thoughtful and generous that way. 112 00:06:20,046 --> 00:06:24,516 -Ben believes he finally found a lasting connection. 113 00:06:24,584 --> 00:06:26,885 -Him and my mom seemed very happy. 114 00:06:26,953 --> 00:06:29,654 And then all of a sudden one day, I just remember them like, 115 00:06:29,723 --> 00:06:32,857 "hey, we got married." and it was, like... 116 00:06:32,859 --> 00:06:34,859 I was speechless. I didn't know what to say 117 00:06:34,861 --> 00:06:36,595 But "hey, I'm happy for you." 118 00:06:38,098 --> 00:06:40,431 -Ben has everything in his second marriage 119 00:06:40,501 --> 00:06:42,534 That he hoped for from the first. 120 00:06:42,602 --> 00:06:46,571 Content at last, he decides to make a big change. 121 00:06:47,474 --> 00:06:49,007 -I was the fire chief at the time. 122 00:06:49,075 --> 00:06:51,543 Benjamin wanted to be a volunteer firefighter 123 00:06:51,611 --> 00:06:53,245 Because he wanted to help the community. 124 00:06:53,313 --> 00:06:54,879 [ siren wails ] 125 00:06:54,881 --> 00:06:58,449 -I knew ben amato from being at the firehouse. 126 00:06:58,451 --> 00:07:00,018 Really nice guy. 127 00:07:00,086 --> 00:07:01,987 If there was an accident in town, 128 00:07:02,055 --> 00:07:05,357 He would be directing traffic. 129 00:07:05,425 --> 00:07:08,160 -It's a 24/7, 360 days a year, 130 00:07:08,228 --> 00:07:10,194 So it was always on alert. 131 00:07:10,264 --> 00:07:12,797 Whenever the alarm went off, he was always there. 132 00:07:12,866 --> 00:07:14,900 We could count on him for showing up. 133 00:07:16,637 --> 00:07:19,437 -That was a problem between my mom and ben. 134 00:07:19,506 --> 00:07:21,072 When their calls come in, like, 135 00:07:21,141 --> 00:07:23,041 If you're in the middle of dinner, 136 00:07:23,109 --> 00:07:25,910 Or it's a holiday, like, he would be out of there. 137 00:07:25,979 --> 00:07:27,579 And I remember my mom saying, "sometimes 138 00:07:27,647 --> 00:07:29,114 I just want to be first." 139 00:07:30,617 --> 00:07:33,351 -Six years later, 140 00:07:33,353 --> 00:07:37,154 And now ben is the reason for an emergency call. 141 00:07:37,224 --> 00:07:40,892 As the day proceeds, csis continue to collect 142 00:07:40,961 --> 00:07:44,128 And analyze evidence found at the scene. 143 00:07:44,197 --> 00:07:47,065 -What was really concerning is we started to find 144 00:07:47,133 --> 00:07:50,035 Impact areas throughout the stairwell. 145 00:07:50,103 --> 00:07:52,103 -There was over 40 impact points 146 00:07:52,172 --> 00:07:55,874 That were visible in the walls and in the wood. 147 00:07:56,776 --> 00:07:59,611 When we started looking at the impact points 148 00:07:59,679 --> 00:08:03,081 We could see a black coloring. 149 00:08:03,149 --> 00:08:08,086 So we knew that was some type of black object with a rounded end. 150 00:08:08,088 --> 00:08:09,788 -It was very clear that someone had to hit 151 00:08:09,856 --> 00:08:13,225 These stationery objects, like the drywall or the door, 152 00:08:13,293 --> 00:08:15,827 With some type of tool. 153 00:08:15,896 --> 00:08:18,396 But at that point we still didn't know 154 00:08:18,465 --> 00:08:20,799 Exactly what was going on. 155 00:08:22,035 --> 00:08:23,635 -It's a tight-knit community. 156 00:08:23,703 --> 00:08:25,469 Ben was involved in the fire department. 157 00:08:25,471 --> 00:08:27,405 The ambulance people, they all lived there. 158 00:08:27,474 --> 00:08:31,375 So it didn't take long before it got out that ben 159 00:08:31,377 --> 00:08:32,811 Was found deceased. 160 00:08:34,614 --> 00:08:36,781 -One of ben amato's stepdaughters 161 00:08:36,850 --> 00:08:39,584 Arrived at the scene, erin stanger, 162 00:08:39,653 --> 00:08:44,523 And she immediately went into panic mode and was very upset. 163 00:08:45,459 --> 00:08:47,324 That's when she he told me that 164 00:08:47,326 --> 00:08:50,462 Ben had been previously married to her mother. 165 00:08:50,530 --> 00:08:55,934 ♪♪ 166 00:08:56,002 --> 00:08:58,436 -The detectives want to know what happened between 167 00:08:58,505 --> 00:09:02,874 Ben and susan that caused the marriage to dissolve. 168 00:09:02,942 --> 00:09:06,678 -Around 1996, the relationship was kind of, 169 00:09:06,746 --> 00:09:08,647 You know, deteriorating. 170 00:09:08,649 --> 00:09:10,648 They drifted apart. 171 00:09:10,650 --> 00:09:12,884 Ben wanted the relationship to work 172 00:09:12,953 --> 00:09:15,820 And then she left him and he was devastated. 173 00:09:17,557 --> 00:09:20,692 I told my mom like, ben's always gonna be a part of my life 174 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:22,260 And my family's life. 175 00:09:22,328 --> 00:09:26,031 He wasn't gonna lose us, he wasn't gonna lose the family. 176 00:09:27,333 --> 00:09:31,169 -Ben's second divorce doesn't shake his faith in love. 177 00:09:31,237 --> 00:09:35,440 Shortly after the breakup, he enters into a new romance. 178 00:09:36,443 --> 00:09:39,310 -From a conversation with erin stanger, his stepdaughter, 179 00:09:39,379 --> 00:09:43,315 I also learned that ben amato had a relationship 180 00:09:43,383 --> 00:09:47,151 With an individual named cheryl kunkle. 181 00:09:47,153 --> 00:09:49,654 They had dated for some time, 182 00:09:49,723 --> 00:09:51,622 And as part of that relationship, 183 00:09:51,692 --> 00:09:54,025 They had a child together. 184 00:09:54,093 --> 00:09:56,894 -Cheryl and ben meet in 1997, 185 00:09:56,963 --> 00:10:00,765 And it's a may-December romance, for sure. 186 00:10:00,833 --> 00:10:05,003 Ben is 48. Cheryl is 20 years younger. 187 00:10:05,071 --> 00:10:06,704 -They started out as friends 188 00:10:06,773 --> 00:10:09,974 And then it evolved into a relationship. 189 00:10:10,043 --> 00:10:13,912 I was happy for him because I wanted him to find somebody. 190 00:10:13,980 --> 00:10:18,650 -He was an older man and he found it very endearing, 191 00:10:18,718 --> 00:10:21,119 You know, this young girl is after him. 192 00:10:23,056 --> 00:10:27,225 -They liked to have a good time and she was so in love with him. 193 00:10:27,293 --> 00:10:29,961 She thought they were gonna have this perfect little life. 194 00:10:31,097 --> 00:10:32,964 -Despite their age difference, 195 00:10:33,033 --> 00:10:35,633 Ben feels the same way about cheryl. 196 00:10:35,702 --> 00:10:40,772 And he also forms a bond with her 12-year-old son, greg rowe. 197 00:10:40,840 --> 00:10:44,742 -He was just a really sweet kid, and ben adored him. 198 00:10:44,744 --> 00:10:46,144 And he loved ben. 199 00:10:47,781 --> 00:10:49,380 Cheryl's like, "wow, look at this. 200 00:10:49,449 --> 00:10:52,383 Like, I have this guy that loves kids, and, you know, 201 00:10:52,452 --> 00:10:54,118 If I have a baby with him, 202 00:10:54,120 --> 00:10:55,987 This is gonna be everything I've ever wanted." 203 00:10:56,055 --> 00:11:00,492 -By February of 1998, cheryl is expecting, 204 00:11:00,560 --> 00:11:02,994 But when she shares the news with ben, 205 00:11:03,063 --> 00:11:06,330 His reaction stuns everyone. 206 00:11:06,399 --> 00:11:08,799 -Ben wasn't really happy about it. 207 00:11:08,869 --> 00:11:10,735 I was kind of surprised 'cause I knew 208 00:11:10,804 --> 00:11:12,270 How much he loved children. 209 00:11:12,338 --> 00:11:14,705 But he's like, "you don't understand, peggy. 210 00:11:14,775 --> 00:11:16,174 If she has this child, 211 00:11:16,242 --> 00:11:19,043 I will never get her out of my life." 212 00:11:19,112 --> 00:11:21,145 He said they weren't getting along. 213 00:11:21,147 --> 00:11:25,283 She would call him and yelled at him the entire time. 214 00:11:26,853 --> 00:11:29,020 -Ben told me several different times 215 00:11:29,088 --> 00:11:31,422 That he would get threatened. 216 00:11:31,491 --> 00:11:33,725 And that he was afraid of cheryl. 217 00:11:33,793 --> 00:11:38,930 -Their relationship was going south. He wanted it over. 218 00:11:38,998 --> 00:11:40,898 Which was surprising, 'cause ben never -- 219 00:11:40,967 --> 00:11:42,200 With the other relationships, 220 00:11:42,268 --> 00:11:43,868 He was the one that was hanging on. 221 00:11:43,870 --> 00:11:45,637 This one, he was not hanging on. 222 00:11:46,206 --> 00:11:49,573 -Ben breaks all ties with cheryl when his son is born. 223 00:11:49,643 --> 00:11:54,278 To everyone's shock, ben continues to keep his distance. 224 00:11:54,347 --> 00:11:57,848 Three years go by and ben remains single. 225 00:11:57,850 --> 00:12:00,385 That's when the unthinkable happens. 226 00:12:02,889 --> 00:12:04,989 -It's a day you never forget. 227 00:12:05,058 --> 00:12:09,460 The phone rang, and it was my sister, erin. 228 00:12:09,529 --> 00:12:11,595 And she said, um... 229 00:12:11,665 --> 00:12:14,465 [ inhales deeply ] 230 00:12:14,534 --> 00:12:16,201 She said, "ben's dead." 231 00:12:19,605 --> 00:12:25,176 [ sniffles ] and just -- I just remember saying, "are you sure?" 232 00:12:27,213 --> 00:12:28,480 She's like, "yes. 233 00:12:28,548 --> 00:12:31,349 The police are here. He's definitely dead." 234 00:12:33,787 --> 00:12:35,286 It's just heartbreaking. 235 00:12:36,956 --> 00:12:39,156 [ sniffles ] I'm sorry. 236 00:12:39,226 --> 00:12:41,793 ♪♪ 237 00:12:41,861 --> 00:12:44,295 [ camera shutter clicking ] 238 00:12:44,364 --> 00:12:47,331 -I stayed at the scene for hours and hours 239 00:12:47,333 --> 00:12:50,068 As more and more investigators arrived. 240 00:12:50,136 --> 00:12:52,036 -As we were processing the scene, 241 00:12:52,105 --> 00:12:54,338 One of the first things that I noticed was 242 00:12:54,340 --> 00:12:56,974 There was a boot print in blood. 243 00:12:57,043 --> 00:13:00,411 It's a regular, like, vibram sole like a hiking boot, 244 00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:02,814 Or maybe a work boot. 245 00:13:02,882 --> 00:13:05,717 -That was one of the biggest moments. 246 00:13:05,785 --> 00:13:07,285 Immediately everybody's head turns 247 00:13:07,353 --> 00:13:09,454 And looks down at ben's feet. 248 00:13:11,057 --> 00:13:13,958 -Ben wasn't wearing boots. He's wearing sneakers. 249 00:13:15,562 --> 00:13:20,398 -Police officers in patrol usually wear boots. 250 00:13:20,466 --> 00:13:22,133 We asked the patrol unit members, 251 00:13:22,202 --> 00:13:25,102 "did any of you come up to the top of the steps here?" 252 00:13:25,171 --> 00:13:27,805 And they told us no. 253 00:13:27,874 --> 00:13:30,441 If they weren't at the top of the steps, 254 00:13:30,443 --> 00:13:31,442 Who would it be? 255 00:13:31,511 --> 00:13:36,714 ♪♪ 256 00:13:36,783 --> 00:13:38,482 -It could be possible that 257 00:13:38,551 --> 00:13:40,884 Another law enforcement officer was involved 258 00:13:40,886 --> 00:13:42,853 In this homicide. 259 00:13:42,855 --> 00:13:47,692 -I just sat across from him and I said, "ben amato sent me." 260 00:13:47,760 --> 00:13:51,296 -How is this person capable of killing another human being? 261 00:13:58,403 --> 00:14:01,105 -When pennsylvania state police find ben amato dead 262 00:14:01,174 --> 00:14:04,575 In his home, they immediately suspect foul play. 263 00:14:04,644 --> 00:14:08,312 Why? A bloody boot print at the top of the stairs, 264 00:14:08,381 --> 00:14:10,548 And ben is wearing sneakers. 265 00:14:10,617 --> 00:14:12,550 So, who does the boot belong to? 266 00:14:13,886 --> 00:14:16,988 -We know for there to have been a foreign boot impression, 267 00:14:17,056 --> 00:14:18,957 It was either somebody that was involved 268 00:14:18,959 --> 00:14:21,659 Or a person that was at least there when this was happening. 269 00:14:21,727 --> 00:14:23,827 -At this point we had a very clear picture 270 00:14:23,829 --> 00:14:25,363 That this was a homicide. 271 00:14:26,833 --> 00:14:28,867 The questions that obviously come to light -- 272 00:14:28,935 --> 00:14:30,868 "did ben amato have any enemies at all? 273 00:14:30,937 --> 00:14:32,736 Who would do this to him?" 274 00:14:32,806 --> 00:14:39,643 ♪♪ 275 00:14:39,712 --> 00:14:42,480 As matt racho was collecting evidence, 276 00:14:42,548 --> 00:14:46,751 He started to notice that he was getting sort of short of breath. 277 00:14:48,154 --> 00:14:53,624 -I was collecting a blue towel and I got quite a reaction, 278 00:14:53,693 --> 00:14:56,394 Which I remember from the state police academy 279 00:14:56,462 --> 00:14:58,263 Seems like it's pepper spray. 280 00:14:59,499 --> 00:15:03,401 -It almost looked as though ben amato came home, 281 00:15:03,469 --> 00:15:06,704 And as he got to the top of the steps, 282 00:15:06,773 --> 00:15:12,142 Someone utilized pepper spray on ben amato to incapacitate him. 283 00:15:12,144 --> 00:15:14,178 -Whoever did it knew that ultimately, 284 00:15:14,246 --> 00:15:16,247 When he came home, he'd have to go up those stairs. 285 00:15:16,316 --> 00:15:19,417 That was the best place for them to attack him. 286 00:15:22,488 --> 00:15:24,222 -We have impacts and blood spatter 287 00:15:24,290 --> 00:15:27,124 All the way down the basement stairs. 288 00:15:27,193 --> 00:15:29,593 So we know it was a frenzied attack, 289 00:15:29,595 --> 00:15:33,697 It was repeated, they were wildly swinging at him. 290 00:15:33,767 --> 00:15:35,933 -This felt very personal. 291 00:15:36,002 --> 00:15:37,801 I have no doubt in my mind that ben amato, 292 00:15:37,803 --> 00:15:40,939 Before he died, knew exactly who did this to him. 293 00:15:42,608 --> 00:15:44,008 -Consider this. 294 00:15:44,010 --> 00:15:47,679 In nearly 75% of murders, some kind of relationship 295 00:15:47,747 --> 00:15:51,415 Exists between the victim and their offender. 296 00:15:51,484 --> 00:15:55,553 In ben's case, he has two ex-wives and an ex-girlfriend. 297 00:15:55,621 --> 00:15:58,822 But did any of them have a motive to kill? 298 00:15:58,892 --> 00:16:03,995 Or is there someone else in ben's life who wanted him dead? 299 00:16:05,465 --> 00:16:07,532 -We started talking to neighbors 300 00:16:07,600 --> 00:16:10,734 And trying to get an opinion on what could have happened. 301 00:16:10,804 --> 00:16:14,272 -We were getting information that the 911 caller, zeke, 302 00:16:14,340 --> 00:16:16,174 Was sort of nosy, sort of odd. 303 00:16:20,146 --> 00:16:22,446 And there were times 304 00:16:22,448 --> 00:16:25,182 When ben amato told his friends and family, 305 00:16:25,251 --> 00:16:27,151 "I think zeke's coming in my house." 306 00:16:28,821 --> 00:16:31,589 It was concerning to us. 307 00:16:31,657 --> 00:16:34,892 So we knew we had to definitely check in to him, 308 00:16:34,961 --> 00:16:36,860 Where he was at the time 309 00:16:36,930 --> 00:16:39,630 And what his relationship was like with ben amato. 310 00:16:39,699 --> 00:16:41,332 We spoke to zeke. 311 00:16:41,401 --> 00:16:43,467 Zeke was adamant that he wasn't in the house, 312 00:16:43,469 --> 00:16:47,538 That he simply made a 911 call because he hadn't seen 313 00:16:47,607 --> 00:16:51,142 Any movement at ben amato's house in several days. 314 00:16:51,210 --> 00:16:53,210 -Zeke seems to be forthcoming, 315 00:16:53,279 --> 00:16:56,514 But there's one thing that can either count him in 316 00:16:56,582 --> 00:16:59,217 Or count him out as a suspect. 317 00:17:01,020 --> 00:17:03,754 -When investigators talk to him, they simply ask zeke, 318 00:17:03,823 --> 00:17:05,856 "hey, zeke, do you have any boots?" 319 00:17:05,858 --> 00:17:08,526 And he had several pairs of work boots 320 00:17:08,594 --> 00:17:12,463 And he voluntarily offered them to the troopers. 321 00:17:12,531 --> 00:17:14,498 -Zeke's boots are sent to the lab 322 00:17:14,500 --> 00:17:17,301 For comparison to the boot print found at the crime scene. 323 00:17:17,370 --> 00:17:19,637 As the detectives speak with more people, 324 00:17:19,705 --> 00:17:22,173 They realize both of ben's former wives 325 00:17:22,241 --> 00:17:24,776 Have been out of the picture for a long time, 326 00:17:24,844 --> 00:17:28,646 But they are intrigued by his estranged ex, the mother 327 00:17:28,714 --> 00:17:32,216 Of his 3-year-old son, cheryl kunkle. 328 00:17:33,919 --> 00:17:38,656 -We did interviews with friends, family, associates, 329 00:17:38,724 --> 00:17:42,526 And we learned that as it got closer 330 00:17:42,528 --> 00:17:46,263 And closer to the child's birth, the relationship soured. 331 00:17:46,332 --> 00:17:48,332 It got worse. 332 00:17:48,401 --> 00:17:50,801 He really shied away from any contact. 333 00:17:50,870 --> 00:17:54,605 This was three years before ben was actually murdered. 334 00:17:54,673 --> 00:17:56,974 -Ben, at the time, he's depressed. 335 00:17:57,043 --> 00:18:01,078 Even if I asked about cheryl or the baby, 336 00:18:01,147 --> 00:18:03,314 He would not answer me. 337 00:18:03,382 --> 00:18:05,383 I'm not getting any conversation out of him. 338 00:18:07,820 --> 00:18:10,921 -He had a breakdown down at the fire company, 339 00:18:10,923 --> 00:18:12,790 And we had to call the ambulance to come to take him 340 00:18:12,859 --> 00:18:15,759 To the hospital -- that's how bad he was. 341 00:18:15,761 --> 00:18:18,829 -While ben struggles with his own mental health, 342 00:18:18,898 --> 00:18:23,400 Cheryl gives birth in November of 1998. 343 00:18:23,469 --> 00:18:27,371 But as the months pass, ben gets the help he needs. 344 00:18:27,841 --> 00:18:32,276 -He got on the right medication. He started to become very happy. 345 00:18:32,278 --> 00:18:33,310 -Ben starts talking about jonathan 346 00:18:33,379 --> 00:18:35,379 Like the ben like I knew. 347 00:18:35,448 --> 00:18:38,248 Like, he wanted to be a part of this boy's life. 348 00:18:38,250 --> 00:18:40,217 -He loved his son, 349 00:18:40,286 --> 00:18:44,255 And at this time he wanted to go for full-term custody. 350 00:18:45,625 --> 00:18:47,525 -As jonathan reaches his toddler years, 351 00:18:47,593 --> 00:18:50,160 Ben is spending more time with him and hopes 352 00:18:50,230 --> 00:18:52,663 For a resolution to his custody petition. 353 00:18:52,732 --> 00:18:56,634 Sadly, ben dies just days before the hearing. 354 00:18:56,702 --> 00:18:59,770 Now, the investigators need to speak with cheryl, 355 00:18:59,839 --> 00:19:03,341 But first, the autopsy results come back. 356 00:19:04,977 --> 00:19:07,110 -As part of the process, 357 00:19:07,112 --> 00:19:11,415 The forensic pathologist does an examination of his head. 358 00:19:11,484 --> 00:19:13,484 Three lacerations were found, 359 00:19:13,553 --> 00:19:15,953 And his skull was completely fractured. 360 00:19:16,822 --> 00:19:20,791 -The medical examiner saw the injuries to ben 361 00:19:20,793 --> 00:19:24,729 And ruled it as blunt-force trauma. 362 00:19:24,797 --> 00:19:27,665 -Based on the size and shape of the wounds, the m.E. 363 00:19:27,733 --> 00:19:30,401 Helps the investigative team hone in on 364 00:19:30,469 --> 00:19:32,203 A possible murder weapon. 365 00:19:33,939 --> 00:19:36,373 -The medical examiner said it seemed 366 00:19:36,442 --> 00:19:38,809 Like some sort of baton type of thing, 367 00:19:38,811 --> 00:19:41,913 A small bat, something like that. 368 00:19:41,981 --> 00:19:45,716 When you look at this case and what kind of evidence 369 00:19:45,785 --> 00:19:48,485 That we found, it's like, "wait a minute. 370 00:19:48,554 --> 00:19:51,389 The asp baton is something that we use." 371 00:19:52,758 --> 00:19:57,428 "our police boots are very similar to the pattern itself. 372 00:19:57,496 --> 00:20:00,964 Obviously, law enforcement uses pepper spray. 373 00:20:01,033 --> 00:20:03,334 Are we investigating another police officer? 374 00:20:03,402 --> 00:20:05,036 What's going on here?" 375 00:20:05,104 --> 00:20:09,674 ♪♪ 376 00:20:12,210 --> 00:20:15,680 ♪♪ 377 00:20:15,748 --> 00:20:17,781 -Two days after the body of ben amato 378 00:20:17,850 --> 00:20:20,283 Is found at the bottom of his staircase, 379 00:20:20,285 --> 00:20:22,085 The medical examiner believes 380 00:20:22,087 --> 00:20:25,823 The murder weapon could be a smooth, baton-like object. 381 00:20:25,891 --> 00:20:27,858 That, coupled with the boot print 382 00:20:27,927 --> 00:20:30,694 And the presence of pepper spray on scene, 383 00:20:30,696 --> 00:20:33,430 Leads the investigators to speculate 384 00:20:33,432 --> 00:20:35,999 Could ben, as a volunteer firefighter, 385 00:20:36,069 --> 00:20:39,437 Be at odds with someone in the police department? 386 00:20:40,773 --> 00:20:44,275 -Talking to his family and friends, 387 00:20:44,343 --> 00:20:46,510 We knew that ben was involved very much 388 00:20:46,579 --> 00:20:48,946 In his volunteer fire company. 389 00:20:49,015 --> 00:20:53,250 But he didn't have any issues with anybody in law enforcement. 390 00:20:53,252 --> 00:20:57,054 -The investigators cross that theory off the list. 391 00:20:57,056 --> 00:20:58,856 In the meantime, 392 00:20:58,924 --> 00:21:01,192 They get the opportunity to sit down with ben's ex, 393 00:21:01,260 --> 00:21:06,130 Cheryl kunkle, hoping to learn more about the custody dispute. 394 00:21:06,198 --> 00:21:08,699 -Investigators went to tell her that something bad 395 00:21:08,768 --> 00:21:12,069 Did happen to ben, that he was murdered. 396 00:21:12,138 --> 00:21:16,807 And she painted a picture that he was this horrible person, 397 00:21:16,876 --> 00:21:20,911 That ben amato never wanted anything to do with jonathan. 398 00:21:20,913 --> 00:21:24,081 And before he died, it was very upsetting to her 399 00:21:24,149 --> 00:21:26,751 That he was gaining ground in this custody dispute. 400 00:21:27,953 --> 00:21:30,754 -Cheryl said she didn't like the kind of parent he was. 401 00:21:30,823 --> 00:21:32,923 She didn't like the kind of person he was. 402 00:21:32,992 --> 00:21:37,094 And you could see her hatred towards the victim. 403 00:21:37,163 --> 00:21:40,798 -Cheryl's older son, 15-year-old greg rowe, 404 00:21:40,866 --> 00:21:44,968 Is also at the house when the investigators interview cheryl. 405 00:21:44,970 --> 00:21:49,006 -We just wanted to get a statement from greg rowe just 406 00:21:49,074 --> 00:21:51,041 Like we wanted to get a statement from everybody else 407 00:21:51,110 --> 00:21:54,045 And we would have even went to the extent 408 00:21:54,113 --> 00:21:57,948 To allow cheryl kunkle to be in on that interview. 409 00:21:57,950 --> 00:22:02,286 -But he was a minor, and she said, "absolutely not." 410 00:22:02,354 --> 00:22:04,055 And she was very in my face. 411 00:22:04,123 --> 00:22:08,159 She was, like, almost putting on a show for greg. 412 00:22:08,227 --> 00:22:11,362 -Why wouldn't you just allow him to just come in and talk to us? 413 00:22:11,430 --> 00:22:13,797 It's odd. 414 00:22:13,866 --> 00:22:16,900 -Also, cheryl could not come up with an alibi, 415 00:22:16,902 --> 00:22:19,303 Where she was on the night of the homicide. 416 00:22:19,371 --> 00:22:22,006 She didn't provide it to us. 417 00:22:22,074 --> 00:22:25,576 So we start focusing more on her. 418 00:22:25,644 --> 00:22:28,479 We start digging into her life at this point. 419 00:22:28,547 --> 00:22:30,547 -Shawn would call me up and I told them 420 00:22:30,616 --> 00:22:33,550 That ben told me that she had this new boyfriend, 421 00:22:33,619 --> 00:22:37,654 And she was obsessed about him. 422 00:22:37,723 --> 00:22:39,957 He specifically said his name was marty. 423 00:22:40,025 --> 00:22:44,661 -Marty reynolds probably had been married 25 years 424 00:22:44,730 --> 00:22:47,898 By the time he had the affair with cheryl. 425 00:22:47,967 --> 00:22:51,001 -It wouldn't be the first time we see a boyfriend kill 426 00:22:51,070 --> 00:22:54,371 A former paramour of the girl that they're with. 427 00:22:54,439 --> 00:22:56,941 So it certainly was taken into consideration. 428 00:22:57,643 --> 00:22:59,977 -There's something else raising eyebrows -- 429 00:23:00,045 --> 00:23:02,546 Marty reynolds' occupation. 430 00:23:03,616 --> 00:23:06,016 -Marty reynolds was a police officer 431 00:23:06,018 --> 00:23:08,351 In a local police department. 432 00:23:08,421 --> 00:23:11,455 -So we certainly gave that weight too, 433 00:23:11,524 --> 00:23:14,625 That marty reynolds could be our guy. 434 00:23:14,693 --> 00:23:17,895 Marty did agree to come in and talk to us. 435 00:23:17,963 --> 00:23:21,365 -He said it was strictly this affair with cheryl. 436 00:23:21,434 --> 00:23:22,900 He wasn't really in her business. 437 00:23:22,968 --> 00:23:25,535 Didn't spend time with her children. 438 00:23:25,605 --> 00:23:27,705 He said, "I never even met ben amato." 439 00:23:27,773 --> 00:23:30,007 And, at the end of that interview, 440 00:23:30,075 --> 00:23:33,444 We asked if we could examine his police baton. 441 00:23:35,248 --> 00:23:36,646 It looked brand-new. 442 00:23:36,648 --> 00:23:38,315 There was no paint removed from it, 443 00:23:38,383 --> 00:23:40,617 Like I had seen at the crime scene. 444 00:23:40,686 --> 00:23:42,652 -There was no indication 445 00:23:42,654 --> 00:23:43,787 That it could have been used in this assault. 446 00:23:43,856 --> 00:23:45,622 -So we left him with his baton 447 00:23:45,691 --> 00:23:47,425 Because we felt the baton was not involved. 448 00:23:47,493 --> 00:23:52,496 -The investigators also leave marty reynolds with his boots. 449 00:23:52,565 --> 00:23:55,232 It turns out they won't be necessary. 450 00:23:55,301 --> 00:23:57,668 -We were able to see that he was actually on duty at the time 451 00:23:57,736 --> 00:23:59,503 When we believed the murder happened. 452 00:23:59,571 --> 00:24:03,040 -So he did have an alibi. 453 00:24:03,108 --> 00:24:04,908 -At that point in the investigation, 454 00:24:04,977 --> 00:24:09,212 By all accounts, ben amato was a beloved figure. 455 00:24:09,282 --> 00:24:12,916 There's nothing that pops out in his life other 456 00:24:12,918 --> 00:24:17,054 Than an issue with an estranged woman 457 00:24:17,122 --> 00:24:19,923 And they were involved in a custody dispute, 458 00:24:19,925 --> 00:24:21,792 A very tumultuous relationship. 459 00:24:21,860 --> 00:24:25,796 That's the one thing that was glaring in ben amato's life. 460 00:24:25,865 --> 00:24:29,766 So we were increasingly suspicious of cheryl kunkle. 461 00:24:30,636 --> 00:24:34,938 -So we got a search warrant for cheryl kunkle's residence, 462 00:24:35,007 --> 00:24:39,342 Looking for evidence that might be involved in this crime. 463 00:24:39,344 --> 00:24:41,211 There was no murder weapon found 464 00:24:41,280 --> 00:24:43,480 But three pair of boots were actually taken 465 00:24:43,549 --> 00:24:45,616 From cheryl kunkle's residence 466 00:24:45,684 --> 00:24:47,084 At the time of the search warrant. 467 00:24:48,287 --> 00:24:50,553 -The investigators hand off cheryl's boots 468 00:24:50,555 --> 00:24:53,991 To the forensics team, who now have more information 469 00:24:54,059 --> 00:24:57,495 About the bloody boot print found in ben's house. 470 00:24:58,864 --> 00:25:01,398 -An expert in the state police came back 471 00:25:01,467 --> 00:25:05,435 And told us that that boot print came from a female boot 472 00:25:05,504 --> 00:25:08,005 And it was a size seven. 473 00:25:08,073 --> 00:25:10,641 So, zeke's boots didn't match. 474 00:25:10,709 --> 00:25:14,578 They were much larger than the ones at our crime scene. 475 00:25:14,646 --> 00:25:17,581 Then cheryl's boots were analyzed 476 00:25:17,583 --> 00:25:19,716 And she had a slim-fitted tread. 477 00:25:19,785 --> 00:25:21,251 But it was a size eight. 478 00:25:22,187 --> 00:25:25,388 Still in my gut, it felt that there was a potential 479 00:25:25,458 --> 00:25:27,858 That cheryl was involved in this. 480 00:25:27,926 --> 00:25:30,160 -As the police consider their next move, 481 00:25:30,229 --> 00:25:34,632 Ben amato's loved ones gather to say their final goodbyes. 482 00:25:36,969 --> 00:25:40,604 -Ben's funeral was very -- it was very sad. 483 00:25:40,673 --> 00:25:42,239 It was a closed casket. 484 00:25:43,042 --> 00:25:44,841 -It was pretty much a full house. 485 00:25:44,910 --> 00:25:46,009 [ siren wails ] 486 00:25:46,078 --> 00:25:47,945 A few fire trucks were outside 487 00:25:48,013 --> 00:25:50,013 From several communities. 488 00:25:50,015 --> 00:25:54,552 And all the firefighters get up to the -- where he's laid out. 489 00:25:54,620 --> 00:25:58,922 We have the 911 dispatch set off the alarm, 490 00:25:58,991 --> 00:26:00,891 Call his name as last call. 491 00:26:04,630 --> 00:26:06,130 It was tough. 492 00:26:06,198 --> 00:26:14,437 ♪♪ 493 00:26:14,439 --> 00:26:16,039 -Three months pass 494 00:26:16,108 --> 00:26:19,309 And the investigators are still searching for hard evidence 495 00:26:19,378 --> 00:26:22,145 To support their hunch that cheryl kunkle 496 00:26:22,147 --> 00:26:24,882 Was involved in ben's death. 497 00:26:24,950 --> 00:26:27,952 -I'm all in. I wanted to keep after the case. 498 00:26:28,020 --> 00:26:29,853 So I start looking outside the box. 499 00:26:29,922 --> 00:26:31,955 I start grabbing police reports 500 00:26:32,024 --> 00:26:36,459 From all area police departments regarding cheryl kunkle. 501 00:26:36,461 --> 00:26:40,597 There was a burglary report that occurred in August of 2001, 502 00:26:40,666 --> 00:26:42,632 Three months before the homicide, 503 00:26:42,634 --> 00:26:44,301 Where she was the victim. 504 00:26:44,369 --> 00:26:48,838 She reported that two people basically entered her residence 505 00:26:48,840 --> 00:26:51,808 And there was a large amount of money stolen. 506 00:26:51,877 --> 00:26:54,711 Cheryl decides within a few weeks, 507 00:26:54,780 --> 00:26:58,581 "I am refusing to prosecute and further this investigation. 508 00:26:58,583 --> 00:27:00,683 I want it dropped." 509 00:27:00,685 --> 00:27:02,152 -There's not gonna be any charges. 510 00:27:02,221 --> 00:27:05,522 Very unusual for that to ever take place. 511 00:27:05,591 --> 00:27:07,958 -So, I look at the bottom of this report 512 00:27:08,026 --> 00:27:10,060 And I see who the author of the police report is, 513 00:27:10,129 --> 00:27:13,864 And it's marty reynolds, her boyfriend. 514 00:27:13,932 --> 00:27:17,400 So, I became very intrigued with this report. 515 00:27:17,470 --> 00:27:19,402 I'm reading through it. 516 00:27:19,471 --> 00:27:21,171 The two individuals that were named as burglarizing her 517 00:27:21,240 --> 00:27:24,541 Were April steinhauser and nathaniel evans. 518 00:27:24,610 --> 00:27:26,877 So, I did an all-out search 519 00:27:26,945 --> 00:27:29,847 For April steinhauser and nathaniel evans. 520 00:27:31,516 --> 00:27:34,151 -We were fortunate because nate evans was in prison 521 00:27:34,219 --> 00:27:39,022 In another county on unrelated charges. 522 00:27:39,090 --> 00:27:44,527 -So, myself and my partner, we go up to the prison, 523 00:27:44,529 --> 00:27:49,866 And we call him to come down to an interview room. 524 00:27:49,935 --> 00:27:53,536 He came in, sat down, never met him before, 525 00:27:53,538 --> 00:27:59,276 And I could tell from nate that he wanted to talk to us. 526 00:28:00,613 --> 00:28:02,112 -We were pretty much just asking him, you know, 527 00:28:02,181 --> 00:28:04,214 "do you have any idea why we're here?" 528 00:28:04,283 --> 00:28:06,349 His immediate response was, 529 00:28:06,351 --> 00:28:09,319 "because that lady hired me to kill ben amato." 530 00:28:09,388 --> 00:28:13,824 ♪♪ 531 00:28:16,261 --> 00:28:18,729 ♪♪ 532 00:28:18,797 --> 00:28:21,564 -It seems like an unrelated twist. 533 00:28:21,566 --> 00:28:23,900 Three months before ben amato's murder, 534 00:28:23,969 --> 00:28:25,836 His ex-girlfriend, cheryl kunkle, 535 00:28:25,904 --> 00:28:27,971 Is the victim of a burglary. 536 00:28:28,040 --> 00:28:30,173 But this was no random break-in. 537 00:28:30,242 --> 00:28:35,178 In fact, the burglar, a man named nate evans, tells police 538 00:28:35,180 --> 00:28:37,447 In a prison interview that cheryl kunkle 539 00:28:37,516 --> 00:28:41,318 Once made him a shocking business proposition. 540 00:28:44,756 --> 00:28:50,293 -He threw this out about cheryl paying him to murder ben amato. 541 00:28:50,295 --> 00:28:52,595 I didn't expect him to say that. 542 00:28:52,665 --> 00:28:56,333 I expected him to talk about this burglary. 543 00:28:56,401 --> 00:28:58,735 But he said that his girlfriend, April, 544 00:28:58,803 --> 00:29:00,503 Was approached by cheryl a few months 545 00:29:00,573 --> 00:29:03,507 Before ben was actually murdered and said, 546 00:29:03,575 --> 00:29:06,476 "hey, do you know anybody that would help me out? 547 00:29:06,545 --> 00:29:10,714 I have this problem, ben amato, and I want him killed." 548 00:29:10,782 --> 00:29:12,983 Nate said it made cheryl furious 549 00:29:13,051 --> 00:29:17,755 That ben was attempting to gain custody of their son jonathan. 550 00:29:19,391 --> 00:29:23,660 Nate says he never had any plan to kill ben amato. 551 00:29:23,729 --> 00:29:27,564 So, he concocts this scheme to get money out of cheryl 552 00:29:27,632 --> 00:29:31,368 And not let her know what his true intention is. 553 00:29:31,436 --> 00:29:33,370 He says, "yeah, you go back to cheryl 554 00:29:33,438 --> 00:29:36,639 And you tell her you found a guy." 555 00:29:36,709 --> 00:29:38,241 We want $3,000." 556 00:29:38,310 --> 00:29:40,643 Cheryl gives a partial payment. 557 00:29:40,713 --> 00:29:42,846 $1,500 is exchanged. 558 00:29:42,915 --> 00:29:45,548 Cheryl also gives a picture to April, 559 00:29:45,617 --> 00:29:48,251 So they could identify who ben was. 560 00:29:48,253 --> 00:29:50,788 And says, "I'm paying for this. Just kill him." 561 00:29:52,457 --> 00:29:55,392 Nate says, "well, now that I know she has money, 562 00:29:55,460 --> 00:29:58,428 I'm gonna break into cheryl's house." 563 00:29:58,497 --> 00:30:00,797 -Nate evans had gone into her house 564 00:30:00,865 --> 00:30:03,733 And stole $6,500 out of a safe. 565 00:30:03,802 --> 00:30:06,669 -She comes home, flips out, 566 00:30:06,671 --> 00:30:09,472 Eventually finds April within the same day, 567 00:30:09,474 --> 00:30:11,874 Corners her, and gets information that 568 00:30:11,876 --> 00:30:13,944 Yeah, they burglarized the house. 569 00:30:14,012 --> 00:30:17,280 And when nate is faced one-on-one with cheryl, 570 00:30:17,349 --> 00:30:21,118 He says, "listen, I'm the one that you paid to murder the guy. 571 00:30:21,186 --> 00:30:23,654 I got the picture that you gave April." 572 00:30:23,722 --> 00:30:26,723 And she gets very nervous and scared and says, 573 00:30:26,792 --> 00:30:27,925 "I want it dropped." 574 00:30:30,662 --> 00:30:34,597 -One thing is certain -- nate evans didn't kill ben amato. 575 00:30:34,667 --> 00:30:37,634 He was in a jail cell on unrelated charges 576 00:30:37,702 --> 00:30:39,002 On the night of the murder. 577 00:30:39,070 --> 00:30:40,337 So, who did? 578 00:30:41,573 --> 00:30:43,306 -After talking to nate, 579 00:30:43,308 --> 00:30:47,911 We really believed that cheryl kunkle is an evil person, 580 00:30:47,979 --> 00:30:53,182 That she was going to stop at nothing until ben was dead. 581 00:30:53,184 --> 00:30:55,986 -But we needed essentially a confession 582 00:30:56,054 --> 00:30:58,721 To ultimately make the arrest for the solicitation 583 00:30:58,723 --> 00:31:00,757 To commit murder. 584 00:31:00,825 --> 00:31:04,861 We're working long hours, months and months of hard work, 585 00:31:04,930 --> 00:31:07,464 And we got a plan together. 586 00:31:07,532 --> 00:31:09,166 -We actually did a consensual wiretap 587 00:31:09,234 --> 00:31:11,301 Where April steinhauser cooperated with us 588 00:31:11,370 --> 00:31:14,504 And made a phone call to cheryl. 589 00:31:14,573 --> 00:31:17,007 And during that phone call 590 00:31:17,075 --> 00:31:18,908 Cheryl kunkle actually acknowledged 591 00:31:18,978 --> 00:31:23,646 That nate evans had a photograph of ben amato from cheryl kunkle 592 00:31:23,715 --> 00:31:25,248 And it was pretty much to point out 593 00:31:25,317 --> 00:31:26,884 "this is the guy that I want murdered." 594 00:31:28,253 --> 00:31:32,322 -At that point we felt that we had enough to make that arrest. 595 00:31:32,391 --> 00:31:36,693 So on July 23, 2003, we went to her house. 596 00:31:36,762 --> 00:31:38,128 We knock on her door, 597 00:31:38,196 --> 00:31:40,263 Cheryl kunkle answers, 598 00:31:40,332 --> 00:31:43,200 And I told her she was under arrest for the solicitation 599 00:31:43,268 --> 00:31:45,602 Of the murder of benjamin amato. 600 00:31:45,670 --> 00:31:48,871 She was taken and placed in the monroe county prison. 601 00:31:48,873 --> 00:31:56,379 ♪♪ 602 00:31:56,381 --> 00:31:58,916 -I let her in my house and babysit my kids. 603 00:32:00,185 --> 00:32:02,519 There was so much emotion involved. 604 00:32:02,587 --> 00:32:05,388 But, I was just happy at that point that she got arrested. 605 00:32:05,390 --> 00:32:07,357 We all knew she did it. 606 00:32:07,426 --> 00:32:08,891 Even though it was just a conspiracy to commit homicide, 607 00:32:08,961 --> 00:32:10,127 It was something. 608 00:32:11,630 --> 00:32:14,431 -At that point in the investigation, 609 00:32:14,433 --> 00:32:15,732 We still didn't have enough evidence 610 00:32:15,801 --> 00:32:18,068 To prove she killed ben amato. 611 00:32:19,604 --> 00:32:22,305 -Solicitation to commit murder is very different 612 00:32:22,374 --> 00:32:24,341 From an actual murder charge. 613 00:32:24,409 --> 00:32:27,410 And while investigators try to gather enough evidence 614 00:32:27,412 --> 00:32:31,481 To make the homicide charge stick, the unthinkable happens. 615 00:32:31,550 --> 00:32:36,086 After just three months behind bars, cheryl kunkle makes bail. 616 00:32:37,222 --> 00:32:40,691 -After cheryl was released from prison, months go by, 617 00:32:40,759 --> 00:32:44,327 And all of a sudden I get this call from some counterparts 618 00:32:44,396 --> 00:32:46,296 Up in blooming grove station, 619 00:32:46,365 --> 00:32:48,431 Of the pennsylvania state police, 620 00:32:48,500 --> 00:32:51,334 And they inform me they're working on a double homicide 621 00:32:51,403 --> 00:32:55,138 Of a 17-year-old girl and a 7-month-old. 622 00:32:55,206 --> 00:32:56,606 As they're telling me this, 623 00:32:56,675 --> 00:32:58,608 I'm wondering why they wanted to contact me, 624 00:32:58,610 --> 00:33:00,610 But they ultimately tell me, 625 00:33:00,679 --> 00:33:05,148 "well, you're the resident expert on cheryl kunkle, right?" 626 00:33:05,216 --> 00:33:06,817 And I said, "yeah." 627 00:33:06,885 --> 00:33:09,119 And they said, "well, this girl that was murdered, 628 00:33:09,187 --> 00:33:12,455 She was in a relationship with greg rowe, 629 00:33:12,457 --> 00:33:16,760 Cheryl kunkle's son, and the child 630 00:33:16,828 --> 00:33:19,796 Is actually greg rowe's child." 631 00:33:19,864 --> 00:33:22,031 It felt like history was repeating itself. 632 00:33:22,033 --> 00:33:26,603 ♪♪ 633 00:33:26,671 --> 00:33:29,706 -There was an internet page located that indicated 634 00:33:29,775 --> 00:33:33,242 How to tie a hangman's noose. 635 00:33:33,244 --> 00:33:35,779 -I thought, "how awful. 636 00:33:35,847 --> 00:33:38,482 The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." 637 00:33:44,422 --> 00:33:48,758 ♪♪ 638 00:33:48,827 --> 00:33:50,493 -In may, 2004, 639 00:33:50,495 --> 00:33:53,630 Two and a half years after ben amato's horrific murder, 640 00:33:53,698 --> 00:33:56,899 Pennsylvania state police look into a double homicide 641 00:33:56,901 --> 00:34:00,236 In a nearby town which may involve cheryl kunkle's 642 00:34:00,305 --> 00:34:03,340 18-year-old son, greg rowe. 643 00:34:04,843 --> 00:34:08,611 -It's explained to me that the state police initially respond 644 00:34:08,680 --> 00:34:12,515 To the scene, they found kristin fisher deceased, 645 00:34:12,584 --> 00:34:14,484 And a rope was around her neck. 646 00:34:16,755 --> 00:34:18,521 Right off the bat they had suspicions 647 00:34:18,590 --> 00:34:21,090 That it was a staged suicide. 648 00:34:21,160 --> 00:34:24,194 Someone made it look like she was trying to hang herself 649 00:34:24,262 --> 00:34:27,297 And that the baby was deceased in a bathtub. 650 00:34:27,365 --> 00:34:28,565 [ police radio chatter ] 651 00:34:28,633 --> 00:34:31,033 -Kristin fisher's mother, kathleen, 652 00:34:31,103 --> 00:34:34,938 Is inconsolable as she speaks to the responding officers. 653 00:34:35,006 --> 00:34:38,675 But what she reveals sounds shockingly familiar. 654 00:34:41,946 --> 00:34:43,846 -Gregory rowe and kristin fisher 655 00:34:43,916 --> 00:34:46,917 Had a child-support conference scheduled the day 656 00:34:46,985 --> 00:34:48,818 After the murder. 657 00:34:48,887 --> 00:34:53,556 -I thought, "how awful. Just like cheryl and ben. 658 00:34:53,625 --> 00:34:55,692 The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." 659 00:34:58,296 --> 00:35:00,129 -I was thinking there's a potential 660 00:35:00,199 --> 00:35:03,800 That greg rowe knew something about ben's murder. 661 00:35:06,237 --> 00:35:07,970 -Armed with a search warrant, 662 00:35:08,040 --> 00:35:11,107 The detectives enter greg rowe's house looking for anything 663 00:35:11,176 --> 00:35:16,246 To connect him to the double homicide or ben's murder. 664 00:35:16,314 --> 00:35:18,648 -Investigators were looking for items, 665 00:35:18,717 --> 00:35:21,684 If there was anything in a computer, 666 00:35:21,686 --> 00:35:25,589 Or any books about how to commit murders or how to stage scenes. 667 00:35:27,192 --> 00:35:28,858 Within gregory rowe's computer, 668 00:35:28,927 --> 00:35:32,128 There was an internet page located that indicated 669 00:35:32,197 --> 00:35:34,330 How to tie a hangman's noose. 670 00:35:34,399 --> 00:35:37,567 At that time, greg rowe was arrested in the crime 671 00:35:37,636 --> 00:35:39,469 Of killing kaylee and kristin fisher. 672 00:35:41,106 --> 00:35:43,906 -Greg rowe now is in a world of trouble 673 00:35:43,975 --> 00:35:46,743 Because he's being charged with a double homicide. 674 00:35:47,980 --> 00:35:51,213 -And greg's alleged involvement in the double homicide 675 00:35:51,215 --> 00:35:55,285 Only makes the detectives on ben's case more suspicious. 676 00:35:55,353 --> 00:35:57,687 Is greg connected to ben's murder? 677 00:35:57,756 --> 00:36:00,690 And, if so, will he be willing to talk? 678 00:36:02,060 --> 00:36:05,027 -There's a potential that he might be involved. 679 00:36:05,097 --> 00:36:08,765 I knew that he looked to ben amato sort of like a father, 680 00:36:08,833 --> 00:36:11,968 A person he cared about, and I wanted to play on that emotion. 681 00:36:12,037 --> 00:36:15,538 I just sat across him and I said, "you know who sent me?" 682 00:36:15,607 --> 00:36:19,176 And he said, "who?" and I said, "ben amato." 683 00:36:20,478 --> 00:36:22,311 As soon as I said, "ben amato," 684 00:36:22,313 --> 00:36:24,948 I knew I struck a huge chord. 685 00:36:26,651 --> 00:36:30,553 That's when he told me that, "yeah, I was there. 686 00:36:30,555 --> 00:36:33,155 And I was sort of the getaway driver, 687 00:36:33,225 --> 00:36:35,858 If you will, of cheryl kunkle." 688 00:36:35,860 --> 00:36:40,330 ♪♪ 689 00:36:40,398 --> 00:36:42,965 He said, "I didn't know what my mother was going to do, 690 00:36:43,035 --> 00:36:48,237 But one day when I was 15, we drove down to ben's place. 691 00:36:48,239 --> 00:36:51,208 She told me, 'hey, come back in like an hour.'" 692 00:36:52,611 --> 00:36:55,645 -Greg said when he came back, she jumped in the back of 693 00:36:55,714 --> 00:36:57,780 The car with a bloody baseball bat 694 00:36:57,782 --> 00:37:00,650 And she had on bloody clothes. 695 00:37:00,719 --> 00:37:04,354 -As they continued to go down country roads in monroe county, 696 00:37:04,422 --> 00:37:05,989 She started to throw her clothing 697 00:37:06,057 --> 00:37:07,857 And the bat out the window. 698 00:37:07,926 --> 00:37:11,427 Ultimately, they return home and they don't talk about anything. 699 00:37:11,496 --> 00:37:15,865 ♪♪ 700 00:37:15,934 --> 00:37:18,134 He's a 15-year-old kid at that time 701 00:37:18,203 --> 00:37:21,103 And his mother is this aggressive individual 702 00:37:21,173 --> 00:37:22,872 That was controlling. 703 00:37:22,941 --> 00:37:25,508 So we kind of understood what he was faced with, 704 00:37:25,577 --> 00:37:27,410 With a mother like that. 705 00:37:29,614 --> 00:37:31,013 -When we asked him, 706 00:37:31,083 --> 00:37:32,849 "would anybody else know about this?" 707 00:37:32,917 --> 00:37:35,685 Greg rowe gives us the name of gerry terlesky. 708 00:37:35,754 --> 00:37:39,222 Gerry is friends of cheryl kunkle's father. 709 00:37:39,291 --> 00:37:43,993 Gerry terlesky said cheryl had come to him for assistance. 710 00:37:43,995 --> 00:37:46,262 -Cheryl shows up and says, "I need you to go up here 711 00:37:46,331 --> 00:37:49,031 And I need you to collect some stuff along the road." 712 00:37:49,101 --> 00:37:50,533 There were her clothes, 713 00:37:50,602 --> 00:37:53,970 Some boots, and a smaller baseball bat 714 00:37:54,039 --> 00:37:55,572 That were discarded. 715 00:37:57,175 --> 00:37:58,574 Gerry terlesky said 716 00:37:58,643 --> 00:38:02,111 That they find the baseball bat along the road. 717 00:38:02,113 --> 00:38:04,614 They go up to an area called hypsie gap, 718 00:38:04,683 --> 00:38:08,218 Which is a very, very desolate area of monroe county, 719 00:38:08,286 --> 00:38:11,754 And she lights it on fire to destroy the evidence. 720 00:38:11,823 --> 00:38:17,994 ♪♪ 721 00:38:18,062 --> 00:38:19,996 -It became clearer and clearer to us 722 00:38:20,064 --> 00:38:21,931 That cheryl kunkle stops at nothing 723 00:38:21,933 --> 00:38:24,401 To do what cheryl kunkle wants. 724 00:38:25,870 --> 00:38:29,306 Cheryl was gonna stop at nothing until ben amato was dead. 725 00:38:30,708 --> 00:38:32,875 -We were finally going to be able to contact ben's 726 00:38:32,944 --> 00:38:37,513 Family and friends and tell them, "we're arresting her." 727 00:38:37,582 --> 00:38:39,015 -But if you don't get a conviction, 728 00:38:39,084 --> 00:38:40,950 What's the sense of the arrest? 729 00:38:48,125 --> 00:38:50,927 -Nearly three years after ben amato's murder, 730 00:38:50,995 --> 00:38:54,464 The investigative team learns from two different eyewitnesses 731 00:38:54,532 --> 00:38:58,067 That cheryl kunkle bludgeoned ben amato to death. 732 00:38:58,136 --> 00:39:00,470 The detectives finally have enough to file 733 00:39:00,538 --> 00:39:02,705 Murder charges against cheryl. 734 00:39:02,774 --> 00:39:06,343 But do they have enough to convict her in a court of law? 735 00:39:08,747 --> 00:39:11,714 -A homicide investigation does not end with an arrest. 736 00:39:11,783 --> 00:39:13,983 We continue to work that case. 737 00:39:13,985 --> 00:39:17,153 -Four years of my life, I worked on this case, 738 00:39:17,221 --> 00:39:21,557 Greg rowe and gerry terlesky were very strong witnesses. 739 00:39:21,626 --> 00:39:23,359 [ siren wails ] 740 00:39:23,428 --> 00:39:25,395 On November 3, 2005, 741 00:39:25,463 --> 00:39:29,366 We arrested cheryl kunkle for the murder of benjamin amato. 742 00:39:33,037 --> 00:39:34,971 -She finally got what she deserved. 743 00:39:35,039 --> 00:39:37,473 But you just think, how is this person capable 744 00:39:37,542 --> 00:39:39,509 Of killing another human being? 745 00:39:39,577 --> 00:39:41,544 How do you do that to somebody? 746 00:39:43,081 --> 00:39:47,784 -Before cheryl has her day in court, her son greg rowe 747 00:39:47,852 --> 00:39:51,454 Faces a jury of his peers for the heinous murders 748 00:39:51,523 --> 00:39:54,691 Of his young daughter and ex-girlfriend. 749 00:39:54,759 --> 00:39:57,860 -On January 25, 2006, 750 00:39:57,862 --> 00:40:01,331 Greg rowe was convicted of the double homicide 751 00:40:01,399 --> 00:40:04,066 Of kristin and kaylee fisher. 752 00:40:04,068 --> 00:40:05,401 -And he was sentenced to life in prison 753 00:40:05,470 --> 00:40:07,036 Without the chance of parole. 754 00:40:08,072 --> 00:40:10,773 -In this case of gregory rowe and cheryl kunkle, 755 00:40:10,775 --> 00:40:13,643 It's like mother, like son. 756 00:40:13,711 --> 00:40:16,278 He was shown to dispose of problems 757 00:40:16,348 --> 00:40:18,748 By murdering other people. 758 00:40:20,084 --> 00:40:24,320 -On February 6, 2007, more than five years 759 00:40:24,388 --> 00:40:26,656 After the murder of ben amato, 760 00:40:26,724 --> 00:40:29,726 Cheryl kunkle finally goes on trial. 761 00:40:29,794 --> 00:40:32,061 -Cheryl, if you didn't kill benjamin amato, who did? 762 00:40:35,900 --> 00:40:37,534 -Seeing her in shackles... 763 00:40:40,138 --> 00:40:41,571 ...Was the highlight of my [laughs] 764 00:40:41,639 --> 00:40:42,939 Of that whole trial. 765 00:40:44,275 --> 00:40:47,444 -Cheryl, in the courtroom, just looked mean. 766 00:40:47,512 --> 00:40:50,814 She had just a nasty face. 767 00:40:52,650 --> 00:40:55,084 -She's diabolical. She really was. 768 00:40:57,121 --> 00:40:59,521 -Greg rowe testified against his mom 769 00:40:59,523 --> 00:41:05,461 And said he was outside the night that cheryl went in 770 00:41:05,529 --> 00:41:06,663 And killed ben amato. 771 00:41:09,467 --> 00:41:10,667 -Do you hate your mother, greg? 772 00:41:14,272 --> 00:41:17,773 -The investigators don't believe greg willingly participated 773 00:41:17,842 --> 00:41:21,543 In ben's murder, and he is never charged. 774 00:41:21,545 --> 00:41:23,646 Cheryl's trial lasts five days. 775 00:41:26,251 --> 00:41:29,852 -It was about four or five hours of deliberation. 776 00:41:29,921 --> 00:41:32,288 You hope they hear it the same way you think the case is, 777 00:41:32,357 --> 00:41:33,823 But you don't know. 778 00:41:33,891 --> 00:41:35,057 And then you get the phone call, 779 00:41:35,126 --> 00:41:36,592 "hey, come back to the courthouse. 780 00:41:36,661 --> 00:41:37,927 They're ready." 781 00:41:39,431 --> 00:41:41,631 Cheryl was convicted of first-degree murder, 782 00:41:41,699 --> 00:41:43,099 Life without parole. 783 00:41:44,536 --> 00:41:48,237 -She was not going to escape from this and she didn't. 784 00:41:48,239 --> 00:41:49,973 Cheryl kunkle will die in prison. 785 00:41:54,078 --> 00:41:55,845 -You think there's closure, 786 00:41:55,914 --> 00:41:57,847 But there really is never any closure. 787 00:41:57,915 --> 00:42:00,850 Somebody told me a while ago that you die twice. 788 00:42:02,854 --> 00:42:05,255 You die the first time you physically die 789 00:42:05,323 --> 00:42:07,056 And the second time you die is when the last person 790 00:42:07,125 --> 00:42:09,893 Who knows you mentions your name. 791 00:42:11,762 --> 00:42:14,531 I don't want ben to be forgotten. 792 00:42:14,599 --> 00:42:16,565 I want people to know who he was. 793 00:42:16,635 --> 00:42:20,836 He was just very generous, very caring, very loving, 794 00:42:20,905 --> 00:42:22,872 Like, just the sweetest person in the world. 795 00:42:24,476 --> 00:42:26,175 I miss everything about ben. 796 00:42:28,145 --> 00:42:32,415 -Ben amato's giving spirit drew so many people into his life. 797 00:42:32,483 --> 00:42:34,817 But the hopeless romantic just wanted to find 798 00:42:34,886 --> 00:42:37,419 That one special person to love. 799 00:42:37,421 --> 00:42:39,689 Instead he found cheryl kunkle, 800 00:42:39,757 --> 00:42:42,859 Whose unspeakable cruelty ended in 801 00:42:42,927 --> 00:42:44,861 A killer relationship.