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[atmospheric music]
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- In the early '90s,
lamar jeffcoat built
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Quite a empire of adult
entertainment establishments.
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[upbeat percussive music]
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- Goldrush was definitely
the best club.
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There'd be fifty girls
in there, dancing.
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- It was a fun place to go.
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It was safe to go.
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Lamar was a pioneer.
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Naturally,
people saw the amount
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Of money being made.
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[dramatic musical sting]
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And they were gonna take it,
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One way or another.
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[indistinct radio chatter]
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[dramatic music]
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- We had robberies all over
the city of atlanta.
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- Robberies that have
to do with cash industry,
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You think organized crime.
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[gunshot]
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- And the next thing I know,
they said,
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"lamar got killed last night."
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It was crazy.
- We all felt
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There had to be a connection
between the two events,
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The robbery the year before
and the homicide.
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- Who are our suspects?
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She identified both of them
as police officers.
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- People were killed,
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Careers were destroyed,
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Families were destroyed.
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This is what happens when
officers do the wrong thing
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For the wrong reasons.
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♪ ♪
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[sirens wailing]
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[upbeat percussive music]
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♪ ♪
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- In the early '90s, the city
of atlanta is emerging
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As a place for the world
to keep its eye on.
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- In 1994, atlanta was still
a bustling city.
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We were trying to figure out
how to come into our own
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As the international city
we wanted to be.
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- A lot of the young industry
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From all over
the united states,
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Atlanta was one
of the state hubs,
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Which was growing very quickly
at that time.
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You have money coming in,
businesses move in,
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And there's opportunity
for owners of businesses.
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♪ ♪
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- The community's
entrepreneurial spirit
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Helps nourish
trending businesses,
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And one thriving industry
is quickly helping hotlanta
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Earn its salacious nickname:
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Strip clubs.
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- Atlanta back then
was the mecca, party capital
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Of the country.
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The big fad was "let's go
to the strip club,"
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From the top athletes
to the top actors.
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You had all
the up-and-coming rappers,
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You know, and everybody wanted
to be in a strip club,
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Filming a video
and throwing cash out there.
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- There were three or four
different strip clubs
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On stewart avenue,
and goldrush was at the top.
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- The goldrush was definitely
the biggest, best club
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On the south side of town.
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It's two exits down
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From the busiest airport
in the world,
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And the place stayed packed.
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- But on February 10, 1993,
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An unthinkable crime strikes
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One of the town's most popular
and most provocative clubs.
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- The clayton county
police department received
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Several 911 calls
about shots being fired
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In a residential area
within the city of morrow.
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Morrow's a bedroom community,
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But a really nice,
nice community.
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Morrow's a small city
in clayton county.
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The houses tend to be close
together, smaller homes,
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But this was one of the larger
homes in the community.
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[siren wails]
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- When the call went out,
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My partner and I was working
in that area.
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The dispatcher advised
that there was shots
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In the area,
burglar alarm goin' off.
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Upon our arrival, my partner
and I walk up on foot
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Instead of pulling directly up
to the house.
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And as we come down
the driveway,
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You could see the gun smoke
in the air
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Coming out of the garage area.
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And then in the driveway
there was blood,
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Like a smearing of blood.
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- They could still smell
the gunpowder in the air,
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And they noticed
that the blood was still wet,
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So they knew it was
very, very recent,
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So they could tell that
this had just happened,
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Whatever it was.
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- It's one of those calls
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That you already know
that shots are fired,
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So you already have
your weapon drawn,
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And you're expecting
the unexpected.
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And then, when you see
the gun smoke and the blood
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That is already
in the driveway,
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Now your senses
are super heightened.
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Your adrenaline
is already pumping.
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- Then they found the door
that led into the garage,
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One of the panels kicked out.
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- At that point,
they investigated further,
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Were able to shine lights
into the garage,
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And saw a car in there
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With what appeared
to be blood pooled up
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On the concrete floor
next to the car.
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- Police enter the garage
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And slowly approach
a parked cadillac,
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Where they see someone inside.
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- There was a white male,
a single white male.
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He had numerous gunshot wounds
in his back
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And in the torso area.
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He was not responsive.
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- They confirmed no pulse,
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And at that point,
they entered the home,
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Looking for other victims.
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Officers confirmed
that he was the only victim
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In the home.
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- He was shot as he was sitting
in the driver's seat.
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The window of his vehicle
was partially up.
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He had never gotten out
of his vehicle.
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- He had a glock pistol
in his hand.
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- And he was turned around
in the vehicle
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As if he was shooting
at someone from behind him,
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So it gave that appearance
that there was an ambush
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That took place.
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[dark music]
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[indistinct radio chatter]
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- Once the medical examiner
responded
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To the scene and he authorized
the release of the body,
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We were able to check for id
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And confirmed,
based on his wallet,
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That it was lamar jeffcoat.
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It was his home, and the car
was registered to him.
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- 50-year-old lamar jeffcoat
is the owner
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Of the renowned atlanta
strip club goldrush showbar.
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And now investigators are
trying to piece together
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What happened
to the popular club owner.
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- They were able to lift prints
throughout the garage.
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However, they were not able
to find prints
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That belonged to anyone
except for lamar jeffcoat
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And his family, everyone
that had legal right
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To be inside of that home.
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At this point,
dna was not something
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We were even considering.
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- As the team searches
for ballistics evidence,
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Investigators discover
a critical clue.
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- We called in the gbi
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To collect the shell casings
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In order to do ballistics.
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- There were
multiple shell casings
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Inside of the vehicle
and outside of the vehicle,
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Which indicated
more than one shooter.
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- The casings
inside the car matched
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Lamar's 9-millimeter glock,
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And the casings outside
the vehicle all came
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From a different kind
of 9-millimeter pistol.
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It appears as if this ambush
turned into a shootout
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Between lamar
and his attacker.
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- It was clear
that one person had walked up
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To the driver's side
of mr. Jeffcoat's car,
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And someone else
had been standing
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At the right rear corner
of mr. Jeffcoat's vehicle,
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And that a number
of rounds had been fired
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Into the vehicle
from that position.
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- When police examined
the blood at the scene,
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They realized lamar
was not the only person
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Who'd been shot.
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- We were able to tell
that the blood pool outside
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Of the car was not
lamar jeffcoat's.
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He was shot numerous times
through the back seat
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Of his car.
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There was lots of blood there,
no doubt,
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But that was not the blood
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That was strewn
through the garage.
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This was cranial blood,
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Thicker than normal blood.
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It looked like it was
from a head wound.
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- There was a significant loss
of blood,
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And the trail
of blood was prominent.
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Whoever had been shot
and so grievously injured,
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As this blood suggested,
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Had been able to get away
from the scene,
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So that led us to believe
there were at least two people
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That came into that garage.
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- Investigators now believe
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They are looking
for two killers.
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But did they both survive?
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- Based on the amount
of blood and the fact
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That it looked like it was
from a head wound,
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We believed that
that person was probably dead.
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- Csi gathers the blood
for analysis
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While detectives follow
the killers' trail
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To find them
and determine their fate.
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- There was a wooded lot
as you faced the house,
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Just to the right.
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It was completely dark.
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It was not a lighted street.
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It was not a lighted area.
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They went into the wooded area,
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Looking for whoever was
at the end of this blood trail.
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[tense music]
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00:09:14,120 --> 00:09:16,254
- Other units was arriving
to the home,
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So my partner and I began
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00:09:18,224 --> 00:09:21,326
To immediately follow
the blood trail
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And the location of the blood
coming out from the leaves
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That was on the ground.
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00:09:26,032 --> 00:09:29,800
We were utilizing
our flashlights intermittently,
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00:09:29,870 --> 00:09:32,170
Not to give away your location.
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00:09:32,238 --> 00:09:33,971
It got darker and darker
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00:09:34,041 --> 00:09:36,407
As you proceeded through
to the woodline.
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Somebody could be laying
in wait and waiting on you.
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00:09:39,913 --> 00:09:42,847
You are very conscious
about being ambushed
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00:09:42,916 --> 00:09:45,917
Because you don't know
what you've just walked into.
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- The sheriff's department
fugitive unit,
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That's what they did.
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Their job was
to search for people.
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00:09:51,291 --> 00:09:53,725
They have
a different mentality.
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00:09:53,793 --> 00:09:58,729
They're fearless when it comes
to going looking for someone.
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- I was expecting
to find a body
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00:10:00,933 --> 00:10:03,968
Laying into the woodline,
but we kind of spread out
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00:10:03,970 --> 00:10:05,603
And was following
the blood trail.
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00:10:05,672 --> 00:10:07,739
We lost the trail.
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00:10:07,807 --> 00:10:09,708
But in the distance,
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00:10:09,776 --> 00:10:13,811
We could hear a car start
screeching its tires.
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00:10:13,880 --> 00:10:16,147
But that was
up the embankment.
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00:10:16,149 --> 00:10:17,916
- Officers immediately sprint
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00:10:17,984 --> 00:10:19,651
Towards
the suspicious vehicle.
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00:10:19,719 --> 00:10:22,086
- So now
we're in a different mode.
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00:10:22,155 --> 00:10:24,990
You can't run away from this.
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I'm not stopping
until I got you in handcuffs.
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[suspenseful music]
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♪ ♪
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- Lamar believed
he was a target
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00:10:34,934 --> 00:10:38,203
And had become paranoid.
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- He was kidnapped,
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00:10:39,606 --> 00:10:41,472
Held at gunpoint at his home.
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00:10:41,541 --> 00:10:43,274
- He didn't want really people
knowing about it,
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00:10:43,343 --> 00:10:44,776
'cause it's embarrassing.
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He wished he could get
vengeance on it.
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00:10:47,247 --> 00:10:53,551
♪ ♪
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[tense music]
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- Atlanta strip club owner
lamar jeffcoat was found
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00:11:01,828 --> 00:11:04,028
Shot dead in his garage,
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00:11:04,097 --> 00:11:06,164
And investigators
have discovered
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00:11:06,232 --> 00:11:10,134
A trail of blood they believe
belongs to one of the killers.
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00:11:10,203 --> 00:11:13,371
As they follow the trail
through the nearby woods,
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00:11:13,440 --> 00:11:17,508
They hear what sounds like
a vehicle speeding away.
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00:11:17,510 --> 00:11:19,844
- And I was trying
to make it up the embankment
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00:11:19,846 --> 00:11:21,045
Through the woodline,
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00:11:21,114 --> 00:11:25,583
But that vehicle
was leaving the scene.
256
00:11:25,652 --> 00:11:26,817
- It was unfortunate,
but they were able
257
00:11:26,887 --> 00:11:28,286
To make a getaway.
258
00:11:28,354 --> 00:11:30,321
- Although we heard
the car screeching off,
259
00:11:30,390 --> 00:11:34,458
We still continued to look
in the woodland.
260
00:11:34,527 --> 00:11:36,494
We put it out on the radio,
"be advised there's
261
00:11:36,563 --> 00:11:39,497
"an unidentified vehicle
fleeing the immediate area
262
00:11:39,566 --> 00:11:41,633
Of this location."
263
00:11:41,701 --> 00:11:43,501
Then my partner and I, we began
264
00:11:43,569 --> 00:11:45,770
To start circling
the neighborhood
265
00:11:45,839 --> 00:11:48,239
And looking
for anything unusual.
266
00:11:48,308 --> 00:11:50,741
- While officers
frantically searched
267
00:11:50,811 --> 00:11:52,410
For the getaway vehicle,
268
00:11:52,478 --> 00:11:54,778
Detectives question
lamar's neighbors
269
00:11:54,780 --> 00:11:56,948
Who called 911.
270
00:11:57,016 --> 00:11:59,317
- The callers reported
hearing multiple gunshots
271
00:11:59,385 --> 00:12:02,753
And then a gap
and then more gunshots.
272
00:12:02,823 --> 00:12:05,456
- Two different neighbors
were talked to.
273
00:12:05,525 --> 00:12:10,094
One of them actually said
that he heard the gunshots.
274
00:12:10,163 --> 00:12:12,663
He came outside
to see what was going on.
275
00:12:12,732 --> 00:12:17,068
He heard what sounded like
people in the woods adjacent
276
00:12:17,136 --> 00:12:19,437
To lamar jeffcoat's home.
277
00:12:19,505 --> 00:12:22,173
They was a wooded lot
as you faced the house,
278
00:12:22,242 --> 00:12:22,940
Just to the right.
279
00:12:23,009 --> 00:12:26,077
He saw a car come up.
280
00:12:26,146 --> 00:12:29,213
The people in the woods
hollered at the car.
281
00:12:29,282 --> 00:12:32,083
There were two people
that exited the woods,
282
00:12:32,152 --> 00:12:35,453
Got into the car,
and then the car sped away.
283
00:12:35,521 --> 00:12:36,888
- The neighbors did not see
the vehicle,
284
00:12:36,956 --> 00:12:38,056
Could not describe it.
285
00:12:38,124 --> 00:12:39,857
We knew from that
that we had probably
286
00:12:39,926 --> 00:12:43,227
At least three people involved
and maybe more.
287
00:12:43,296 --> 00:12:45,764
We had no idea who else
may have been in a vehicle.
288
00:12:45,832 --> 00:12:48,767
[ominous music]
289
00:12:48,835 --> 00:12:50,167
♪ ♪
290
00:12:50,237 --> 00:12:51,836
- With no clear description
291
00:12:51,905 --> 00:12:54,105
Of the vehicle
or the suspects,
292
00:12:54,174 --> 00:12:57,575
The team decides to focus
on a compelling clue:
293
00:12:57,643 --> 00:13:00,444
The assailant's gunshot wound.
294
00:13:00,513 --> 00:13:02,480
- I didn't think there was
any way he could have survived
295
00:13:02,548 --> 00:13:03,481
Based on the amount of blood,
296
00:13:03,550 --> 00:13:05,182
So we were waiting on the body
297
00:13:05,251 --> 00:13:07,751
To either turn up,
be discovered,
298
00:13:07,753 --> 00:13:10,054
Be dumped somewhere.
299
00:13:10,122 --> 00:13:12,290
- They looked around
area hospitals or area morgues
300
00:13:12,358 --> 00:13:16,427
Or area emergency rooms to see
if somebody had presented
301
00:13:16,496 --> 00:13:18,262
With that kind of wound
302
00:13:18,264 --> 00:13:21,532
That would have required
emergency care.
303
00:13:21,601 --> 00:13:24,869
- There was one gentleman
who had gone to a hospital.
304
00:13:24,937 --> 00:13:26,504
Obviously, you hope
that's a lead
305
00:13:26,573 --> 00:13:28,873
That might pan out
very quickly for you.
306
00:13:28,941 --> 00:13:30,874
But in this case it did not.
307
00:13:30,876 --> 00:13:32,777
This was unrelated
to our case.
308
00:13:32,845 --> 00:13:35,212
Beyond that, we had no reports
309
00:13:35,281 --> 00:13:37,014
Of anyone going
to a local hospital
310
00:13:37,083 --> 00:13:38,649
To be treated
for a gunshot wound.
311
00:13:38,651 --> 00:13:41,485
[tense music]
312
00:13:41,554 --> 00:13:44,088
♪ ♪
313
00:13:44,157 --> 00:13:46,457
- Two hours
into the investigation,
314
00:13:46,459 --> 00:13:49,560
Lamar's wife and son arrive
on scene,
315
00:13:49,629 --> 00:13:51,095
Desperate for answers.
316
00:13:51,097 --> 00:13:54,031
- Dispatch has a computer,
317
00:13:54,100 --> 00:13:56,667
And so they're able
to pull up all the information
318
00:13:56,669 --> 00:13:58,369
About who lives there.
319
00:13:58,371 --> 00:14:01,805
And so, when they were
contacted from dispatch,
320
00:14:01,875 --> 00:14:04,776
Mrs. Jeffcoat
and her son, dean,
321
00:14:04,844 --> 00:14:06,711
They responded to the scene.
322
00:14:06,779 --> 00:14:13,351
Lamar's wife had been
babysitting her grandchildren.
323
00:14:13,419 --> 00:14:15,453
We have
to make death notification,
324
00:14:15,521 --> 00:14:20,424
Trying as best you can
to comfort the family,
325
00:14:20,426 --> 00:14:23,394
Because there's nothing worse
than being notified
326
00:14:23,463 --> 00:14:26,163
That your close family member
has just passed,
327
00:14:26,232 --> 00:14:28,732
Especially in this type
of situation.
328
00:14:28,734 --> 00:14:31,535
At the same time, we have
to gather information
329
00:14:31,537 --> 00:14:33,204
From them.
330
00:14:33,272 --> 00:14:35,373
- Detectives asked
the jeffcoat family
331
00:14:35,441 --> 00:14:38,676
To give them more information
about the deceased husband
332
00:14:38,744 --> 00:14:40,244
And father.
333
00:14:40,313 --> 00:14:42,413
- He was married
to his childhood sweetheart
334
00:14:42,482 --> 00:14:45,216
For a number of years,
had a family,
335
00:14:45,285 --> 00:14:47,351
And had tried a number
of businesses,
336
00:14:47,353 --> 00:14:50,754
And had some success,
some failure.
337
00:14:50,756 --> 00:14:52,923
- Lamar jeffcoat
did not start out
338
00:14:52,993 --> 00:14:54,792
In the adult entertainment
industry.
339
00:14:54,860 --> 00:14:57,728
He started out
in seafood distribution.
340
00:14:57,730 --> 00:15:00,331
Partway through his career,
someone had actually suggested
341
00:15:00,400 --> 00:15:03,234
To him
that he purchase the goldrush,
342
00:15:03,303 --> 00:15:04,935
And it was already
an established business
343
00:15:05,005 --> 00:15:07,171
When he bought it.
344
00:15:07,240 --> 00:15:09,140
[rhythmic percussive music]
345
00:15:09,208 --> 00:15:11,309
- For somebody, you know,
that really didn't have
346
00:15:11,377 --> 00:15:14,278
The background,
lamar was very innovative.
347
00:15:14,347 --> 00:15:18,216
Lamar was a pioneer
in bringing in centerfolds
348
00:15:18,284 --> 00:15:21,685
And developing
within circuits bookings,
349
00:15:21,755 --> 00:15:23,521
What we refer to as "features."
350
00:15:23,589 --> 00:15:26,257
Goldrush had the reputation
of being one
351
00:15:26,326 --> 00:15:28,392
Of the higher-class
establishments.
352
00:15:28,461 --> 00:15:33,531
It attracted more money,
a more elite clientele.
353
00:15:33,599 --> 00:15:37,268
Goldrush was one of the places
that they wanted to see.
354
00:15:37,336 --> 00:15:39,170
- Lamar took that club
355
00:15:39,238 --> 00:15:42,406
And made it very successful
on the south side.
356
00:15:42,408 --> 00:15:44,675
His staff talked very highly
of him.
357
00:15:44,744 --> 00:15:46,176
All the girls loved him.
358
00:15:46,178 --> 00:15:48,379
Very fair
but firm kind of guy,
359
00:15:48,448 --> 00:15:50,882
Always out there talking
to customers,
360
00:15:50,950 --> 00:15:52,951
And he basically
found the recipe
361
00:15:53,019 --> 00:15:54,652
For a successful club.
362
00:15:54,720 --> 00:15:56,754
- The success
with the goldrush,
363
00:15:56,823 --> 00:15:58,356
Along with the money
being made,
364
00:15:58,424 --> 00:16:01,358
Put him on a road
that he enjoyed.
365
00:16:01,427 --> 00:16:05,029
He loved what he did.
366
00:16:05,097 --> 00:16:06,364
- His door was always open.
367
00:16:06,432 --> 00:16:08,198
He always would listen to you,
368
00:16:08,268 --> 00:16:10,001
Whether it's personal
or business.
369
00:16:10,069 --> 00:16:12,169
Just an all-around nice fella
from what I saw.
370
00:16:12,238 --> 00:16:16,974
It's a sad day
when a husband, a father,
371
00:16:17,043 --> 00:16:19,510
Get taken away from you
that just wanted
372
00:16:19,578 --> 00:16:22,246
To make a nice living
for the family,
373
00:16:22,315 --> 00:16:24,348
And a nice living
for all those employees, too,
374
00:16:24,417 --> 00:16:26,250
That worked for him,
and all the people
375
00:16:26,319 --> 00:16:30,221
That were loyal to him.
376
00:16:30,223 --> 00:16:33,123
- Detectives ask
lamar's family,
377
00:16:33,193 --> 00:16:34,992
Still reeling from their loss,
378
00:16:35,060 --> 00:16:39,129
To help them piece together
a timeline for that evening.
379
00:16:39,131 --> 00:16:41,465
- Mr. Jeffcoat left
the goldrush club
380
00:16:41,467 --> 00:16:45,202
On February 10th, so he was
on the phone with his wife.
381
00:16:45,271 --> 00:16:47,538
- Lamar stayed on the phone
382
00:16:47,607 --> 00:16:50,240
With family members
as he was pulling
383
00:16:50,242 --> 00:16:52,576
Into the neighborhood
at midnight
384
00:16:52,578 --> 00:16:55,646
So that they would know
he was safe.
385
00:16:55,715 --> 00:16:57,214
- When he arrived home,
386
00:16:57,283 --> 00:16:59,350
He'd ended the conversation
387
00:16:59,419 --> 00:17:01,385
Just prior to going
into the garage
388
00:17:01,387 --> 00:17:03,955
To park the vehicle,
so she was not aware
389
00:17:04,023 --> 00:17:05,990
That anything
had happened to him
390
00:17:06,058 --> 00:17:09,393
Once the phone conversation
ended.
391
00:17:09,395 --> 00:17:12,130
- Lamar's family then reveals
the recent events
392
00:17:12,198 --> 00:17:14,532
That explain their concerns
for his safety
393
00:17:14,600 --> 00:17:17,701
And could be a prelude
to his murder.
394
00:17:17,703 --> 00:17:20,337
- We learned that about a year
prior to the homicide,
395
00:17:20,406 --> 00:17:22,507
He'd been victimized
twice before.
396
00:17:22,575 --> 00:17:25,242
There was a robbery
at the club
397
00:17:25,311 --> 00:17:27,145
Where the club had physically
been broken into,
398
00:17:27,147 --> 00:17:28,479
But no one is present,
399
00:17:28,548 --> 00:17:31,449
And before that,
he was kidnapped,
400
00:17:31,517 --> 00:17:33,117
Held at gunpoint at his home.
401
00:17:33,185 --> 00:17:36,187
[tense music]
402
00:17:36,255 --> 00:17:39,490
- Lamar, I hate to say,
was really distressed by that.
403
00:17:39,559 --> 00:17:41,692
He didn't want really people
knowing about it,
404
00:17:41,694 --> 00:17:43,161
'cause it's embarrassing.
405
00:17:43,163 --> 00:17:44,495
He told me
they kind of stripped him
406
00:17:44,564 --> 00:17:46,463
And hogtied him
and held a gun on him
407
00:17:46,532 --> 00:17:49,933
To open up the safe
and empty it out.
408
00:17:49,935 --> 00:17:52,035
- Lamar believed
he was a target
409
00:17:52,105 --> 00:17:54,772
And had become paranoid.
410
00:17:54,840 --> 00:17:57,441
We learned he had started
taking several steps
411
00:17:57,443 --> 00:17:59,042
For his own security.
412
00:17:59,112 --> 00:18:00,611
He was starting
to carry a glock pistol.
413
00:18:00,680 --> 00:18:02,146
When he turned on
to his street,
414
00:18:02,215 --> 00:18:03,881
He actually pulled
the gun out,
415
00:18:03,949 --> 00:18:07,051
Held it in his lap.
416
00:18:07,119 --> 00:18:08,218
- By the look on his face,
417
00:18:08,220 --> 00:18:09,486
I could see he wished
418
00:18:09,555 --> 00:18:10,454
He could get vengeance on it.
419
00:18:10,523 --> 00:18:12,590
But you never think, "oh,
it's gonna happen again."
420
00:18:12,658 --> 00:18:13,825
You know?
421
00:18:13,893 --> 00:18:14,826
- According to his family,
422
00:18:14,894 --> 00:18:16,394
He had become fearful
423
00:18:16,462 --> 00:18:18,896
Because of having been
victimized so often.
424
00:18:18,965 --> 00:18:21,699
And, I mean, that explained
why he was carrying a weapon.
425
00:18:21,701 --> 00:18:24,968
- This new information
changes the course
426
00:18:24,970 --> 00:18:26,370
Of the investigation.
427
00:18:26,439 --> 00:18:28,539
- We're beginning to, okay,
make the connection
428
00:18:28,608 --> 00:18:31,308
Between the prior robbery
and the homicide,
429
00:18:31,377 --> 00:18:35,179
And we felt it could have been
the same people involved.
430
00:18:35,248 --> 00:18:38,216
[suspenseful music]
431
00:18:38,284 --> 00:18:42,286
♪ ♪
432
00:18:45,557 --> 00:18:46,423
[tense music]
433
00:18:46,492 --> 00:18:47,558
- Detectives have just learned
434
00:18:47,627 --> 00:18:51,261
That atlanta strip club owner
lamar jeffcoat
435
00:18:51,331 --> 00:18:53,163
Had been a victim
of two armed robberies
436
00:18:53,165 --> 00:18:57,268
Before he was ultimately
gunned down in his garage.
437
00:18:57,336 --> 00:18:59,737
They must now ask,
"is it possible
438
00:18:59,805 --> 00:19:03,741
That all
of these crimes are related?"
439
00:19:03,809 --> 00:19:05,442
- Several of the things
that we were able
440
00:19:05,511 --> 00:19:09,780
To get from interviewing
mrs. Jeffcoat and dean
441
00:19:09,782 --> 00:19:12,150
Was the fact that after
the previous robbery,
442
00:19:12,218 --> 00:19:13,817
He had become very paranoid.
443
00:19:13,886 --> 00:19:17,454
It had gotten to the point
that he was carrying a pistol.
444
00:19:17,523 --> 00:19:19,056
- As we began
the investigation
445
00:19:19,125 --> 00:19:21,259
Into the homicide,
we all felt there had
446
00:19:21,261 --> 00:19:22,660
To be a connection
between the two events,
447
00:19:22,728 --> 00:19:24,828
The robbery the year before
and the homicide.
448
00:19:24,830 --> 00:19:26,097
- We're still
gathering information,
449
00:19:26,165 --> 00:19:27,098
But at the same time,
450
00:19:27,166 --> 00:19:29,266
We have to be empathetic
451
00:19:29,335 --> 00:19:31,202
To the surviving
family members.
452
00:19:31,270 --> 00:19:32,937
I never make promises
I can't keep.
453
00:19:33,005 --> 00:19:35,773
So the promises I make are:
I'm gonna do my best
454
00:19:35,841 --> 00:19:37,274
To find out who did this.
455
00:19:37,343 --> 00:19:40,778
That's a promise
I will always be able to keep.
456
00:19:40,846 --> 00:19:43,747
- Detectives leave the scene
and pull the case file
457
00:19:43,749 --> 00:19:46,717
On the robbery
that occurred in lamar's home.
458
00:19:46,785 --> 00:19:50,354
- About a year before
mr. Jeffcoat was murdered,
459
00:19:50,422 --> 00:19:54,291
He was kidnapped,
held at gunpoint at his home,
460
00:19:54,360 --> 00:19:56,460
And he was forced
to open a safe.
461
00:19:56,529 --> 00:19:59,997
At the time, he, of course,
reported this to the police.
462
00:20:00,065 --> 00:20:03,867
He claimed that about $70,000
had been taken.
463
00:20:03,869 --> 00:20:06,504
- Unfortunately,
lamar was unable
464
00:20:06,572 --> 00:20:09,172
To provide police
with any description
465
00:20:09,174 --> 00:20:10,607
Of his attackers.
466
00:20:10,676 --> 00:20:13,344
- As far as suspects,
they had nothing,
467
00:20:13,412 --> 00:20:16,613
And the case
just eventually closed.
468
00:20:16,683 --> 00:20:19,317
- After looking
into the home invasion case,
469
00:20:19,319 --> 00:20:21,318
Detectives dig
into the other crime
470
00:20:21,320 --> 00:20:23,487
That preceded lamar's murder:
471
00:20:23,489 --> 00:20:25,022
The robbery at the strip club.
472
00:20:25,090 --> 00:20:27,858
So they decide to talk
to lamar's inner circle
473
00:20:27,927 --> 00:20:29,693
Of employees.
474
00:20:29,695 --> 00:20:31,528
- We interviewed
employees there
475
00:20:31,597 --> 00:20:33,731
As well as some of the girls
that worked there,
476
00:20:33,799 --> 00:20:37,635
And they all spoke very highly
of mr. Jeffcoat.
477
00:20:37,703 --> 00:20:39,903
We asked about the robbery
that occurred at the club,
478
00:20:39,972 --> 00:20:43,707
But they didn't have enough
particular information
479
00:20:43,709 --> 00:20:45,142
About that, except
that it occurred
480
00:20:45,211 --> 00:20:46,244
Very early in the morning
481
00:20:46,312 --> 00:20:48,679
During a time
when no one is present.
482
00:20:48,747 --> 00:20:50,948
- Police also ask
the employees
483
00:20:51,016 --> 00:20:54,585
Who they believe may have
robbed or killed lamar.
484
00:20:54,654 --> 00:20:57,855
- We interviewed the manager,
mr. Donnie kirkland.
485
00:20:57,923 --> 00:21:00,057
We asked him
if he had any ideas,
486
00:21:00,126 --> 00:21:02,593
And he had no information
about who might have
487
00:21:02,661 --> 00:21:04,428
Been targeting mr. Jeffcoat.
488
00:21:04,430 --> 00:21:06,329
The interviews
at the club gave us a sense
489
00:21:06,331 --> 00:21:08,365
Of mr. Jeffcoat,
but did not help us much
490
00:21:08,434 --> 00:21:09,867
In the investigation.
491
00:21:09,935 --> 00:21:12,570
- While the previous robberies
don't offer
492
00:21:12,638 --> 00:21:15,473
Any immediate leads
into lamar's murder,
493
00:21:15,475 --> 00:21:17,641
Detectives decide
to take a closer look
494
00:21:17,710 --> 00:21:19,810
At the motives behind them.
495
00:21:19,879 --> 00:21:22,880
- If it's a robbery,
who are our suspects?
496
00:21:22,948 --> 00:21:25,082
A competitor maybe?
497
00:21:25,151 --> 00:21:26,950
- There were three or four
different strip clubs
498
00:21:27,019 --> 00:21:30,288
On stewart avenue,
and there was competition
499
00:21:30,356 --> 00:21:33,156
Amongst the owners
of these clubs.
500
00:21:33,158 --> 00:21:36,393
The competition was
more or less common knowledge
501
00:21:36,462 --> 00:21:37,961
In the police world.
502
00:21:37,963 --> 00:21:39,963
Even though
we didn't police the area,
503
00:21:40,032 --> 00:21:41,899
A lot of our cases went there,
504
00:21:41,967 --> 00:21:44,135
And a lot of the people
involved in our cases,
505
00:21:44,203 --> 00:21:47,437
So were were always
kind of hearing information.
506
00:21:47,439 --> 00:21:50,774
- And the team learns there
is a history of antagonism
507
00:21:50,776 --> 00:21:53,777
Between lamar
and his fellow club owners.
508
00:21:53,779 --> 00:21:57,447
- One of the things that led
lamar to be more paranoid
509
00:21:57,517 --> 00:21:59,383
Was the fact
that he got information
510
00:21:59,452 --> 00:22:01,852
That people were coming
into his establishment
511
00:22:01,921 --> 00:22:06,457
As spies to steal ideas
for other businesses.
512
00:22:06,525 --> 00:22:08,926
He, in fact, answered that
513
00:22:08,994 --> 00:22:13,530
With sending other spies
into the other establishments.
514
00:22:13,599 --> 00:22:16,533
- It's always a threat
for people to steal your model,
515
00:22:16,602 --> 00:22:18,235
Just like any other business.
516
00:22:18,303 --> 00:22:20,003
If you're a successful model,
517
00:22:20,072 --> 00:22:21,372
People are gonna copy ya.
518
00:22:21,440 --> 00:22:23,240
- If one club is doing well
519
00:22:23,309 --> 00:22:25,609
And drawing the majority
of the clientele,
520
00:22:25,611 --> 00:22:26,777
Then the other clubs
are suffering,
521
00:22:26,845 --> 00:22:28,445
Because, again,
there was a degree
522
00:22:28,514 --> 00:22:31,048
Of quality in these clubs.
523
00:22:31,116 --> 00:22:33,351
- The goldrush was definitely
the best club.
524
00:22:33,419 --> 00:22:35,553
There'd be fifty girls
in there, dancing.
525
00:22:35,555 --> 00:22:38,355
That place would stay packed.
526
00:22:38,424 --> 00:22:40,123
[dark music]
527
00:22:40,125 --> 00:22:42,293
- Knowing about
the intense rivalry
528
00:22:42,361 --> 00:22:43,694
Between club owners,
529
00:22:43,763 --> 00:22:47,231
Detectives approach them
in search of answers.
530
00:22:47,233 --> 00:22:49,032
- Most of the owners
and managers know each other,
531
00:22:49,101 --> 00:22:52,503
So you reach out to the owners
of the other clubs,
532
00:22:52,571 --> 00:22:54,171
Just on the chance
that they may have heard
533
00:22:54,239 --> 00:22:56,974
Something on the street,
they heard scuttlebutt,
534
00:22:57,042 --> 00:22:59,710
Or somebody had come in
and run their mouth.
535
00:22:59,778 --> 00:23:01,512
We didn't get any leads
536
00:23:01,580 --> 00:23:04,347
On the jeffcoat homicide.
537
00:23:04,349 --> 00:23:06,783
But we learned that there
had been some burglaries
538
00:23:06,785 --> 00:23:08,519
At some of the strip clubs.
539
00:23:08,587 --> 00:23:10,788
- They actually let us know
that several
540
00:23:10,856 --> 00:23:13,657
Of the other adult
entertainment establishments
541
00:23:13,659 --> 00:23:15,425
On stewart avenue
had been victimized
542
00:23:15,495 --> 00:23:17,294
At the same time as well.
543
00:23:17,362 --> 00:23:21,265
The other owners of businesses
up and down stewart avenue
544
00:23:21,333 --> 00:23:23,967
Became a little paranoid
themselves.
545
00:23:24,036 --> 00:23:26,904
- Is it possible that a ring
of criminals is preying
546
00:23:26,972 --> 00:23:29,606
On the strip clubs of atlanta?
547
00:23:29,675 --> 00:23:31,108
- If I was in that industry,
yes,
548
00:23:31,176 --> 00:23:34,878
I would feel, one guy's
been targeted, murdered.
549
00:23:34,880 --> 00:23:38,081
Yeah, uh, I need
to be a little more careful
550
00:23:38,150 --> 00:23:40,183
Because there may be more.
551
00:23:40,185 --> 00:23:42,553
♪ ♪
552
00:23:42,621 --> 00:23:44,721
- Robberies that have
to do with cash industry,
553
00:23:44,723 --> 00:23:47,525
You think organized crime,
so at that point,
554
00:23:47,527 --> 00:23:49,760
We got excited and said,
"maybe we have
555
00:23:49,828 --> 00:23:52,396
"some other information
on these other robberies
556
00:23:52,464 --> 00:23:54,231
That will help us solve ours."
557
00:23:54,299 --> 00:23:56,900
[dramatic music]
558
00:23:56,969 --> 00:23:58,903
♪ ♪
559
00:24:01,040 --> 00:24:02,839
We were to the point
where we were close
560
00:24:02,908 --> 00:24:05,976
To the end of obvious suspects.
561
00:24:05,978 --> 00:24:07,911
- One of the owners
of one of the gyms said
562
00:24:07,913 --> 00:24:10,714
She actually overheard them
discussing the planning
563
00:24:10,782 --> 00:24:11,848
Of the robbery.
564
00:24:11,917 --> 00:24:14,551
- And she had put
two and two together
565
00:24:14,620 --> 00:24:16,987
And thinks
that they were talking about
566
00:24:17,056 --> 00:24:20,123
Robbing lamar jeffcoat.
567
00:24:20,192 --> 00:24:27,298
♪ ♪
568
00:24:32,637 --> 00:24:35,138
[dramatic music]
569
00:24:35,207 --> 00:24:37,540
- Detectives investigating
the murder
570
00:24:37,542 --> 00:24:39,242
Of strip club owner
lamar jeffcoat
571
00:24:39,312 --> 00:24:41,845
Have just discovered
that lamar's murder
572
00:24:41,847 --> 00:24:43,814
May be part
of a string of crimes
573
00:24:43,883 --> 00:24:47,885
That has plagued atlanta clubs
over the past several months.
574
00:24:47,953 --> 00:24:51,221
- Being a owner,
we were all kind of paranoid
575
00:24:51,290 --> 00:24:54,725
And pretty much on high alert
for our own particular bars
576
00:24:54,793 --> 00:24:56,693
And establishments.
577
00:24:56,762 --> 00:25:00,063
Everybody made sure they were
ready to defend themselves
578
00:25:00,132 --> 00:25:02,800
If they had to.
579
00:25:02,868 --> 00:25:05,635
- Investigators reach out
to other jurisdictions
580
00:25:05,637 --> 00:25:07,370
To dig for more information
581
00:25:07,372 --> 00:25:10,974
On the numerous thefts
in the last two years.
582
00:25:10,976 --> 00:25:13,443
- During the investigation,
we're working very closely
583
00:25:13,512 --> 00:25:14,911
With the atlanta
police department.
584
00:25:14,913 --> 00:25:18,048
We start looking
into similar crimes,
585
00:25:18,117 --> 00:25:20,817
Especially in the area
of stewart avenue.
586
00:25:20,886 --> 00:25:23,386
- Incidents had occurred
in my business,
587
00:25:23,388 --> 00:25:25,655
And foxx's, they got robbed.
588
00:25:25,657 --> 00:25:28,725
Oasis had just opened up,
and they robbed them,
589
00:25:28,794 --> 00:25:31,094
So they definitely
had a pattern.
590
00:25:31,163 --> 00:25:34,665
- These places typically
stay open till 4:00 back then,
591
00:25:34,733 --> 00:25:36,333
So the burglaries
would've occurred
592
00:25:36,401 --> 00:25:40,603
Very early in the morning,
and there was no confrontation
593
00:25:40,605 --> 00:25:43,240
With anyone on the premises.
594
00:25:43,308 --> 00:25:45,776
- They were breaking in
and stealing the entire safe.
595
00:25:45,844 --> 00:25:48,245
They'd take the safe and go.
596
00:25:48,314 --> 00:25:50,814
[foreboding music]
597
00:25:50,816 --> 00:25:52,749
- It definitely heightened
our awareness
598
00:25:52,818 --> 00:25:55,151
Of what a target we are,
599
00:25:55,221 --> 00:25:58,188
Because back then,
it was 70% cash, you know?
600
00:25:58,257 --> 00:26:00,357
And people knew that.
601
00:26:00,425 --> 00:26:02,025
- Detectives are well aware
602
00:26:02,094 --> 00:26:03,894
That crime
had plagued the strip
603
00:26:03,963 --> 00:26:07,698
Long before the clubs started
getting robbed.
604
00:26:07,766 --> 00:26:10,067
- Stewart avenue had
a terrible reputation.
605
00:26:10,135 --> 00:26:13,070
It was just a place
where you had to be careful.
606
00:26:13,138 --> 00:26:16,006
It was overrun
with street prostitution,
607
00:26:16,075 --> 00:26:16,840
Drugs.
608
00:26:16,908 --> 00:26:19,209
Anything goes
on stewart avenue.
609
00:26:19,278 --> 00:26:23,113
- Most crimes center around
either money or sex,
610
00:26:23,182 --> 00:26:26,383
And so, in that area,
we have both involved there.
611
00:26:26,451 --> 00:26:29,986
The more cash,
the more attractive it is
612
00:26:30,055 --> 00:26:32,122
For people
to come into the area
613
00:26:32,191 --> 00:26:37,494
To try to get that cash without
actually working for it.
614
00:26:37,563 --> 00:26:39,663
- The people who come
to the strip clubs
615
00:26:39,665 --> 00:26:41,398
Have cash on them,
so you got the patrons,
616
00:26:41,466 --> 00:26:44,067
Who are targets.
617
00:26:44,069 --> 00:26:46,337
- In an attempt
to keep their club safe
618
00:26:46,405 --> 00:26:48,806
And prevent their customers
from being robbed,
619
00:26:48,874 --> 00:26:52,075
Owners began pulling
from the same surprising pool
620
00:26:52,144 --> 00:26:53,744
Of enforcers.
621
00:26:53,812 --> 00:26:55,779
- Most of the security guards
622
00:26:55,848 --> 00:26:57,814
In that area
were law enforcement
623
00:26:57,883 --> 00:27:00,517
Who were able to do that
as a part-time job.
624
00:27:00,585 --> 00:27:01,918
- They wanted
law enforcement officers
625
00:27:01,987 --> 00:27:05,022
To be there to kind of be
that barrier, that guard,
626
00:27:05,090 --> 00:27:08,024
To make sure that the patrons
could get in, could get out,
627
00:27:08,093 --> 00:27:09,826
They could get their cash
to the bank safely.
628
00:27:09,895 --> 00:27:12,162
- When they first
robbed the bar,
629
00:27:12,231 --> 00:27:14,164
Lamar did upgrade the security
630
00:27:14,233 --> 00:27:16,499
And had police officers
working there.
631
00:27:16,569 --> 00:27:19,136
It was a sign of the times.
632
00:27:19,204 --> 00:27:22,239
- It was always good to have
a badge at the front door.
633
00:27:22,307 --> 00:27:24,775
It definitely makes people
think twice,
634
00:27:24,843 --> 00:27:28,545
And you seem to trust
those kind of people a lot more
635
00:27:28,613 --> 00:27:30,481
Than you would trust
a civilian.
636
00:27:30,549 --> 00:27:32,983
- But the owners
tell investigators
637
00:27:33,051 --> 00:27:36,186
That even with off-duty cops
working security,
638
00:27:36,255 --> 00:27:39,456
The club robberies have
surprisingly increased
639
00:27:39,524 --> 00:27:41,592
Over the past two years.
640
00:27:41,660 --> 00:27:43,794
- We had
a law enforcement officer
641
00:27:43,862 --> 00:27:46,296
At the front door,
but there were a lot
642
00:27:46,365 --> 00:27:49,733
Of robberies goin' on all over
the city of atlanta,
643
00:27:49,802 --> 00:27:53,437
And we had no idea
who was doin' it.
644
00:27:53,505 --> 00:27:56,740
- And now that lamar jeffcoat
has been killed,
645
00:27:56,809 --> 00:27:58,909
Investigators need
to determine
646
00:27:58,977 --> 00:28:01,144
If these thieves
have suddenly elevated
647
00:28:01,213 --> 00:28:04,181
Their methods
to include murder.
648
00:28:04,249 --> 00:28:08,619
- At this point, we're trying
to tie in any other robberies
649
00:28:08,687 --> 00:28:11,221
To lamar's murder,
650
00:28:11,290 --> 00:28:14,958
But we were unable
to make any connections.
651
00:28:14,960 --> 00:28:17,327
Approximately a week
into this investigation,
652
00:28:17,396 --> 00:28:19,530
We were running out
of people to interview.
653
00:28:19,598 --> 00:28:22,665
We looked at the victim
and then go out
654
00:28:22,667 --> 00:28:27,070
In bigger and bigger circles,
working away from the victim,
655
00:28:27,072 --> 00:28:29,840
And we were to the point
where we were close to the end
656
00:28:29,908 --> 00:28:33,410
Of obvious suspects.
657
00:28:33,479 --> 00:28:35,011
- Despite the dead ends,
658
00:28:35,080 --> 00:28:38,615
Investigators promise
lamar's devastated family
659
00:28:38,683 --> 00:28:40,651
That they will continue
to seek answers
660
00:28:40,719 --> 00:28:44,187
By reaching out
to the public for help.
661
00:28:44,256 --> 00:28:46,756
- So at that point,
you reach out to the media
662
00:28:46,758 --> 00:28:49,159
And ask the media
to put out a blast
663
00:28:49,228 --> 00:28:53,764
Asking for help,
any leads, tips,
664
00:28:53,832 --> 00:28:57,200
Hoping that someone
would have overheard something
665
00:28:57,202 --> 00:28:59,636
Or seen something
and give us a call.
666
00:28:59,705 --> 00:29:03,606
Again, it's showing the family
that you care
667
00:29:03,608 --> 00:29:05,876
And that you're gonna do
everything you can to bring
668
00:29:05,944 --> 00:29:09,345
Those who did this to justice.
669
00:29:09,415 --> 00:29:12,148
- Me and a lot of the girls
have already planned
670
00:29:12,217 --> 00:29:14,084
To help put signs up
on the south side
671
00:29:14,152 --> 00:29:16,086
If we can to all the bars.
672
00:29:16,154 --> 00:29:18,655
I mean, we're gonna do the best
we can to help this club out
673
00:29:18,724 --> 00:29:20,257
To find out who did it.
674
00:29:20,259 --> 00:29:23,026
We're determined.
We won't give up.
675
00:29:23,028 --> 00:29:24,361
[tense music]
676
00:29:24,429 --> 00:29:27,163
- Press releases were made,
but we really didn't even
677
00:29:27,232 --> 00:29:29,032
Have time
to sort of get frustrated
678
00:29:29,034 --> 00:29:30,967
With the fact that
this case wasn't progressing
679
00:29:31,036 --> 00:29:36,139
Because it subsequently
did open up rather quickly.
680
00:29:36,208 --> 00:29:39,109
- The media blast pays off.
681
00:29:39,177 --> 00:29:41,077
One week later,
police get a call
682
00:29:41,146 --> 00:29:44,847
From an unexpected location.
683
00:29:44,849 --> 00:29:47,984
- Tami hurst was an employee
at gold's gym,
684
00:29:48,053 --> 00:29:49,586
And she was relaying
685
00:29:49,654 --> 00:29:51,521
That she overheard
a conversation
686
00:29:51,590 --> 00:29:53,189
Between two gentlemen,
687
00:29:53,191 --> 00:29:54,857
Where they were
actually talking
688
00:29:54,859 --> 00:29:57,260
About robbing someone.
689
00:29:57,262 --> 00:30:00,663
And she had,
since the case happened,
690
00:30:00,665 --> 00:30:02,966
Put two and two together
and thinks
691
00:30:03,034 --> 00:30:06,269
That they were talking
about robbing lamar jeffcoat,
692
00:30:06,271 --> 00:30:08,772
And she relayed us
that information.
693
00:30:08,840 --> 00:30:12,209
- Detectives are thrilled
to finally get a lead.
694
00:30:12,277 --> 00:30:16,246
But what they hear next
turns the entire investigation
695
00:30:16,315 --> 00:30:17,380
On its head.
696
00:30:17,382 --> 00:30:19,349
- She was very concerned
that the two people
697
00:30:19,418 --> 00:30:22,352
In this conversation
discussing the robbery
698
00:30:22,421 --> 00:30:26,356
Were mark mckenna
and jim batsel.
699
00:30:26,425 --> 00:30:29,292
She identified both of them
as police officers.
700
00:30:29,361 --> 00:30:34,197
♪ ♪
701
00:30:34,266 --> 00:30:37,901
- You feel a sense
of disgust, betrayal.
702
00:30:37,969 --> 00:30:41,104
If these were cops that were
ready to take another life,
703
00:30:41,172 --> 00:30:43,473
You know, it doesn't get
any worse than that.
704
00:30:43,475 --> 00:30:50,280
♪ ♪
705
00:30:56,387 --> 00:30:57,654
[tense music]
706
00:30:57,722 --> 00:30:58,956
- One week after the murder
707
00:30:59,024 --> 00:31:01,524
Of atlanta strip club owner
lamar jeffcoat,
708
00:31:01,593 --> 00:31:04,327
Clayton county detectives
receive a tip
709
00:31:04,396 --> 00:31:06,697
From a woman who claims
the men allegedly behind
710
00:31:06,765 --> 00:31:10,801
The robbery and shooting are
police officers mark mckenna
711
00:31:10,869 --> 00:31:12,569
And james batsel.
712
00:31:12,637 --> 00:31:15,005
- One of the owners
of one of the gyms
713
00:31:15,073 --> 00:31:16,339
Where these officers
were working out
714
00:31:16,408 --> 00:31:18,775
Said she actually overheard
them discussing
715
00:31:18,844 --> 00:31:21,945
The planning of the robbery.
716
00:31:22,013 --> 00:31:24,681
- It's a huge lead
for investigators,
717
00:31:24,749 --> 00:31:26,716
But also a bold accusation
718
00:31:26,718 --> 00:31:29,720
Against their fellow
law enforcement officers.
719
00:31:29,788 --> 00:31:33,690
- It's a terrible thing
to have to question your faith
720
00:31:33,758 --> 00:31:36,292
In fellow police officers.
721
00:31:36,361 --> 00:31:39,362
And you can't simply act
on one person's statement.
722
00:31:39,364 --> 00:31:42,165
You seek corroboration
for every element.
723
00:31:42,234 --> 00:31:46,202
- But this was only one
of the phone calls that we got,
724
00:31:46,271 --> 00:31:48,438
So we need to look at this.
725
00:31:48,507 --> 00:31:50,973
- Batsel and mckenna
were uniformed officers,
726
00:31:50,975 --> 00:31:52,843
So we got feedback
from guys on the road.
727
00:31:52,911 --> 00:31:55,478
♪ ♪
728
00:31:55,547 --> 00:31:58,782
- I knew batsel personally.
I knew mckenna.
729
00:31:58,850 --> 00:32:00,049
And I knew
that they were officers
730
00:32:00,051 --> 00:32:02,252
At the city of riverdale.
731
00:32:02,321 --> 00:32:04,888
Mckenna was
a very soft-spoken person.
732
00:32:04,956 --> 00:32:06,556
You'd never know
he's in the room.
733
00:32:06,625 --> 00:32:08,591
Batsel was the opposite.
734
00:32:08,660 --> 00:32:11,861
He was one of those persons
that he come in the door,
735
00:32:11,930 --> 00:32:14,130
All eyes is on him.
736
00:32:14,199 --> 00:32:17,768
- You wonder,
"are they part of this?"
737
00:32:17,836 --> 00:32:19,702
So we contact riverdale.
738
00:32:19,772 --> 00:32:22,873
This is a situation now
where you have to be careful
739
00:32:22,941 --> 00:32:24,474
What kind of information
you release
740
00:32:24,543 --> 00:32:27,010
Because you don't know
whether you're talking
741
00:32:27,078 --> 00:32:29,679
To someone else
who was involved in this.
742
00:32:29,748 --> 00:32:32,348
So that makes it
more interesting,
743
00:32:32,417 --> 00:32:35,919
Where you have
to start editing what you say.
744
00:32:35,987 --> 00:32:37,387
- To avoid suspicion,
745
00:32:37,456 --> 00:32:39,355
Detectives decide to reach out
746
00:32:39,424 --> 00:32:42,092
To only one
of the two suspects.
747
00:32:42,160 --> 00:32:44,327
They plan
to target the officer
748
00:32:44,329 --> 00:32:46,062
Who's more vulnerable.
749
00:32:46,064 --> 00:32:48,264
- We knew that the person
who had been shot
750
00:32:48,333 --> 00:32:51,534
Outside of the car had been
drug away from the scene.
751
00:32:51,603 --> 00:32:54,771
We were going to be able
to identify the cover person
752
00:32:54,839 --> 00:32:59,276
On the back of the car,
so we were very surprised
753
00:32:59,344 --> 00:33:02,579
When we found out that mckenna
has not been to work
754
00:33:02,647 --> 00:33:08,184
In a while, has been sick,
since lamar's murder.
755
00:33:08,253 --> 00:33:10,153
- Batsel shows up at work,
756
00:33:10,222 --> 00:33:11,888
And he's coming
to work every day,
757
00:33:11,890 --> 00:33:13,056
But mckenna is not.
758
00:33:13,124 --> 00:33:13,923
Mckenna hadn't come back
759
00:33:13,992 --> 00:33:15,658
To work since the shooting.
760
00:33:15,727 --> 00:33:18,862
There was a suspicion
that they were involved
761
00:33:18,930 --> 00:33:22,199
In conducting these crimes,
but it was just speculation.
762
00:33:22,201 --> 00:33:23,733
- We were able
to get mckenna's address,
763
00:33:23,801 --> 00:33:26,336
And we made an effort
to reach him at his home,
764
00:33:26,404 --> 00:33:28,071
And he was not there.
765
00:33:28,139 --> 00:33:29,539
We subsequently learned
766
00:33:29,608 --> 00:33:31,274
From the riverdale
police department
767
00:33:31,276 --> 00:33:33,443
Mark mckenna was with his wife
768
00:33:33,512 --> 00:33:36,179
At his in-laws' home.
769
00:33:36,248 --> 00:33:38,481
A telephone call was made.
770
00:33:38,483 --> 00:33:41,751
We reached him, and he agreed
to make a statement.
771
00:33:41,753 --> 00:33:47,357
♪ ♪
772
00:33:47,426 --> 00:33:49,992
- Mckenna agrees
to meet investigators
773
00:33:49,994 --> 00:33:52,395
At the station,
and when he arrives,
774
00:33:52,464 --> 00:33:55,432
They are shocked
by his appearance.
775
00:33:55,500 --> 00:33:59,169
♪ ♪
776
00:33:59,237 --> 00:34:03,072
- His ear was bandaged,
but his face was not,
777
00:34:03,074 --> 00:34:04,707
And he clearly had
a bullet hole.
778
00:34:04,776 --> 00:34:05,842
The bullet hole was very--
779
00:34:05,910 --> 00:34:06,977
It was obvious.
780
00:34:07,045 --> 00:34:10,480
♪ ♪
781
00:34:10,549 --> 00:34:13,516
But we sat down and asked him
what had happened,
782
00:34:13,518 --> 00:34:15,585
And mckenna, I think
at that point, was like,
783
00:34:15,654 --> 00:34:18,255
"yeah, I'm ready to--
I'm ready to give it up."
784
00:34:20,659 --> 00:34:24,194
- Mark mckenna
actually admitted his part
785
00:34:24,262 --> 00:34:28,799
In the robbery and murder
of lamar jeffcoat.
786
00:34:28,867 --> 00:34:34,003
We learned he had been the one
that was shot in the garage,
787
00:34:34,005 --> 00:34:35,839
Which surprised me,
788
00:34:35,907 --> 00:34:37,874
Because the fact
that I was thinking
789
00:34:37,942 --> 00:34:40,277
That person died somewhere
790
00:34:40,279 --> 00:34:42,845
And we were waiting
to find his body.
791
00:34:42,914 --> 00:34:45,882
- It was a miracle shot
that mr. Jeffcoat got off.
792
00:34:45,950 --> 00:34:49,085
I say "miracle" in the fact
that it traveled as it did,
793
00:34:49,154 --> 00:34:51,988
Under mckenna's cheekbone
and out his ear.
794
00:34:52,057 --> 00:34:53,223
If that round
had struck his cheekbone,
795
00:34:53,291 --> 00:34:55,725
He would've been dead.
796
00:34:55,794 --> 00:34:58,228
- Mckenna begins
by telling detectives
797
00:34:58,296 --> 00:35:01,397
Who all was involved
on the night of the murder.
798
00:35:01,466 --> 00:35:05,835
- Mark mckenna said
that himself and jim batsel,
799
00:35:05,904 --> 00:35:10,540
Along with chris grantham,
had set up this robbery.
800
00:35:10,609 --> 00:35:13,643
Christopher grantham.
He was a bouncer
801
00:35:13,712 --> 00:35:16,646
Who was actually working
at the goldrush,
802
00:35:16,715 --> 00:35:20,684
As well as fulton county
deputy, deputy "monclaire."
803
00:35:20,752 --> 00:35:24,454
- Officer mark mckenna finally
reveals to investigators
804
00:35:24,523 --> 00:35:26,656
The blow-by-blow
of what happened
805
00:35:26,725 --> 00:35:30,526
The night lamar jeffcoat
was murdered.
806
00:35:30,595 --> 00:35:32,495
- Fulton county
deputy "monclaire,"
807
00:35:32,564 --> 00:35:35,464
He was on scene
at the goldrush
808
00:35:35,534 --> 00:35:38,668
And sent a page
to mark mckenna
809
00:35:38,737 --> 00:35:40,770
To let him know
that lamar jeffcoat
810
00:35:40,839 --> 00:35:42,839
Had just left the business.
811
00:35:42,907 --> 00:35:45,942
Mckenna and batsel were going
to hide
812
00:35:46,010 --> 00:35:51,948
On the sides
of jeffcoat's garage.
813
00:35:52,016 --> 00:35:56,219
As he drove in, they both
rolled into the garage.
814
00:35:56,288 --> 00:35:58,288
[suspenseful music]
815
00:35:58,356 --> 00:35:59,989
- We learned,
from the interviews we did
816
00:36:00,058 --> 00:36:01,691
With mckenna, mckenna went
817
00:36:01,760 --> 00:36:04,627
To lamar jeffcoat's
driver's door
818
00:36:04,629 --> 00:36:06,195
With a hammer in his hand,
819
00:36:06,197 --> 00:36:07,597
Prepared
to break the window...
820
00:36:07,666 --> 00:36:10,500
♪ ♪
821
00:36:10,568 --> 00:36:13,369
Having no idea
that lamar jeffcoat had a gun.
822
00:36:13,438 --> 00:36:15,171
[gunshots]
- so batsel was
823
00:36:15,240 --> 00:36:19,809
The cover officer who had
actually shot lamar jeffcoat
824
00:36:19,878 --> 00:36:24,281
From the right rear
quarter panel of the car.
825
00:36:24,349 --> 00:36:27,183
It made the crime scene
make more sense
826
00:36:27,252 --> 00:36:30,720
Because that's
a two-police-officer pullover.
827
00:36:30,789 --> 00:36:32,889
You got a police officer
who's a contact officer.
828
00:36:32,957 --> 00:36:35,157
Police officer,
right rear quarter panel.
829
00:36:35,159 --> 00:36:37,494
And so there is some betrayal,
830
00:36:37,562 --> 00:36:40,530
But at that point,
I can't get tied up in that.
831
00:36:40,598 --> 00:36:42,465
What I'm worried about
at this point
832
00:36:42,534 --> 00:36:46,169
Is trying to get the truth.
833
00:36:46,237 --> 00:36:47,370
- According to mckenna,
834
00:36:47,439 --> 00:36:48,838
After the shooting
in the garage,
835
00:36:48,907 --> 00:36:50,072
Where he was wounded,
836
00:36:50,142 --> 00:36:53,209
Batsel got him out
of the garage
837
00:36:53,277 --> 00:36:54,744
And took him
to chris grantham,
838
00:36:54,813 --> 00:36:57,680
Who was the getaway driver
in the car.
839
00:36:57,682 --> 00:37:00,416
[tires squealing]
840
00:37:00,485 --> 00:37:03,553
Once they left the scene,
again, according to mckenna,
841
00:37:03,621 --> 00:37:07,657
Batsel and grantham took him
back to grantham's apartment
842
00:37:07,726 --> 00:37:10,960
So they could begin
to try to treat this wound.
843
00:37:11,029 --> 00:37:13,796
- Batsel had
a former military career.
844
00:37:13,865 --> 00:37:15,865
He was a medic
in the military.
845
00:37:15,933 --> 00:37:19,635
You could really see
that he was applying everything
846
00:37:19,704 --> 00:37:21,671
That he had learned
along the way
847
00:37:21,740 --> 00:37:23,973
Into everything
that transpired
848
00:37:24,042 --> 00:37:25,942
At that crime scene.
849
00:37:25,944 --> 00:37:27,977
- Detectives then ask mckenna
850
00:37:28,046 --> 00:37:29,645
If lamar's murder was related
851
00:37:29,714 --> 00:37:32,315
To any
of the strip club robberies.
852
00:37:32,384 --> 00:37:35,318
- Mark mckenna revealed
to us that, yes,
853
00:37:35,387 --> 00:37:38,188
The robberies and the homicide
were all done
854
00:37:38,256 --> 00:37:40,356
By people involved
in the same group
855
00:37:40,358 --> 00:37:41,524
Or the same crew.
856
00:37:41,593 --> 00:37:43,359
We learned through mr. Mckenna
857
00:37:43,428 --> 00:37:45,127
Of burglaries
that were committed
858
00:37:45,197 --> 00:37:46,329
At the strip clubs.
859
00:37:46,398 --> 00:37:48,431
In addition to that,
there was a robbery
860
00:37:48,500 --> 00:37:50,499
Of a home depot store.
861
00:37:50,569 --> 00:37:54,470
- When investigators ask
if mckenna, batsel, grantham,
862
00:37:54,539 --> 00:37:56,672
And moclaire were
the only four involved
863
00:37:56,741 --> 00:37:58,708
In the string of robberies,
864
00:37:58,777 --> 00:38:01,811
Mckenna drops a bombshell.
865
00:38:01,880 --> 00:38:05,882
- The robberies had
much bigger ramifications
866
00:38:05,950 --> 00:38:09,752
And involved a network
of police officers.
867
00:38:09,821 --> 00:38:12,855
[dramatic music]
868
00:38:12,857 --> 00:38:18,261
♪ ♪
869
00:38:21,531 --> 00:38:24,233
[tense music]
870
00:38:24,235 --> 00:38:25,435
♪ ♪
871
00:38:25,503 --> 00:38:27,170
- Detectives
investigating the murder
872
00:38:27,238 --> 00:38:29,706
Of lamar jeffcoat
and the string of robberies
873
00:38:29,774 --> 00:38:32,409
At atlanta strip clubs
have just learned
874
00:38:32,411 --> 00:38:34,377
That the crime ring was run
875
00:38:34,445 --> 00:38:37,147
By a large group
of police officers.
876
00:38:37,215 --> 00:38:38,815
- It became personal
at that point
877
00:38:38,883 --> 00:38:41,117
Because the fact that
these people were supposed
878
00:38:41,185 --> 00:38:43,386
To be doing the same things
that I was hired to do,
879
00:38:43,455 --> 00:38:44,854
And they weren't.
880
00:38:44,922 --> 00:38:46,923
Upon interviewing
mark mckenna,
881
00:38:46,991 --> 00:38:50,560
We found out that they were,
in fact, part of a group
882
00:38:50,628 --> 00:38:53,696
Of law enforcement
in the atlanta area
883
00:38:53,765 --> 00:38:55,965
Who were tied
into several crimes
884
00:38:56,034 --> 00:38:57,767
In the area.
885
00:38:57,836 --> 00:38:59,636
We were able
to identify officers
886
00:38:59,704 --> 00:39:01,404
From riverdale
police department,
887
00:39:01,472 --> 00:39:03,673
Clayton county
police department,
888
00:39:03,741 --> 00:39:05,742
Atlanta police department,
889
00:39:05,810 --> 00:39:08,111
Fulton county
sheriff's department,
890
00:39:08,179 --> 00:39:11,714
As well as civilians.
891
00:39:11,783 --> 00:39:15,952
- They end up
violently accosting people.
892
00:39:16,020 --> 00:39:18,555
And the net result is,
from what we can tell,
893
00:39:18,557 --> 00:39:21,357
They were responsible
for 18 robberies.
894
00:39:21,426 --> 00:39:24,627
♪ ♪
895
00:39:24,629 --> 00:39:26,963
- In total, nine men
are arrested
896
00:39:27,031 --> 00:39:28,631
In the robbery ring.
897
00:39:28,633 --> 00:39:30,633
Among them are the suspects
being accused
898
00:39:30,635 --> 00:39:31,901
Of lamar's murder,
899
00:39:31,970 --> 00:39:34,837
Who were given
additional charges.
900
00:39:34,839 --> 00:39:36,873
- Four people were arrested
and charged
901
00:39:36,941 --> 00:39:40,276
With the murder
of lamar jeffcoat,
902
00:39:40,345 --> 00:39:41,978
And that would be
mark mckenna,
903
00:39:42,046 --> 00:39:43,479
Jim batsel,
904
00:39:43,548 --> 00:39:45,382
Chris grantham,
905
00:39:45,450 --> 00:39:49,385
And the deputy sheriff
moclaire.
906
00:39:49,454 --> 00:39:51,387
- It was all over the news,
rampant.
907
00:39:51,455 --> 00:39:53,489
It was the makings of a movie,
you know,
908
00:39:53,558 --> 00:39:57,593
That the police had turned bad
and they watched too much tv.
909
00:39:57,662 --> 00:40:00,296
It was just crazy.
910
00:40:00,365 --> 00:40:02,231
- I'm sure
the family resents it.
911
00:40:02,300 --> 00:40:04,467
The dynamics
of the whole thing was--
912
00:40:04,535 --> 00:40:06,602
The shocking part was,
it was a group
913
00:40:06,671 --> 00:40:09,872
Of law enforcement officers
pulling this off.
914
00:40:09,874 --> 00:40:11,808
It was really a kick
in the head.
915
00:40:11,876 --> 00:40:15,311
You can't trust everybody,
including police officers.
916
00:40:15,379 --> 00:40:19,181
- Batsel and mckenna agree
to work with the prosecution
917
00:40:19,251 --> 00:40:21,517
In exchange
for taking the death penalty
918
00:40:21,586 --> 00:40:23,252
Off the table.
919
00:40:23,321 --> 00:40:27,290
They lay out exactly how
the robbery ring operated.
920
00:40:27,292 --> 00:40:29,726
- What we learned
from mckenna and then batsel
921
00:40:29,794 --> 00:40:33,363
Was that they were involved
in some of the other robberies
922
00:40:33,431 --> 00:40:36,799
And burglaries that
this group had done.
923
00:40:36,801 --> 00:40:38,635
- Based on the information
that we had
924
00:40:38,637 --> 00:40:40,503
From interviewing
both mark mckenna
925
00:40:40,572 --> 00:40:42,905
And jim batsel,
926
00:40:42,907 --> 00:40:44,974
We had recovered several safes
927
00:40:45,042 --> 00:40:47,810
That had been opened.
928
00:40:47,879 --> 00:40:49,645
- They drained this lake,
929
00:40:49,714 --> 00:40:51,347
And there was all these safes
in the bottom of this lake.
930
00:40:51,415 --> 00:40:53,917
♪ ♪
931
00:40:53,985 --> 00:40:55,919
So that's where they've been
throwing all the empty safes
932
00:40:55,987 --> 00:40:57,420
Over time.
933
00:40:59,757 --> 00:41:02,525
These guys were
very well organized.
934
00:41:02,593 --> 00:41:04,594
- As prosecutors build
their case
935
00:41:04,662 --> 00:41:07,229
For this massive
criminal conspiracy,
936
00:41:07,298 --> 00:41:11,200
The evidence they accumulate
is overwhelming.
937
00:41:11,269 --> 00:41:13,903
- There were no trials
because everybody we arrested
938
00:41:13,972 --> 00:41:17,907
Agreed to cooperate,
took a plea.
939
00:41:17,976 --> 00:41:19,008
There were a couple
of burglaries
940
00:41:19,077 --> 00:41:21,644
In clayton county,
and that was all wrapped up.
941
00:41:21,646 --> 00:41:23,679
They pled to everything
in one go.
942
00:41:23,748 --> 00:41:25,314
- All nine men,
943
00:41:25,383 --> 00:41:27,283
Including five
police officers,
944
00:41:27,351 --> 00:41:29,118
Are convicted for their parts
945
00:41:29,120 --> 00:41:30,887
In the robbery ring.
946
00:41:30,955 --> 00:41:33,356
- Officers
who were working extra jobs
947
00:41:33,424 --> 00:41:36,559
At strip clubs, primarily,
were involved in this,
948
00:41:36,561 --> 00:41:37,794
So we stopped it.
949
00:41:37,862 --> 00:41:39,896
We said, "no more
will you work extra jobs
950
00:41:39,964 --> 00:41:41,231
At strip clubs."
951
00:41:41,299 --> 00:41:44,633
People were killed,
careers were destroyed,
952
00:41:44,635 --> 00:41:48,604
And families were destroyed.
953
00:41:48,606 --> 00:41:50,740
- With the robbery ring
shut down,
954
00:41:50,808 --> 00:41:53,276
Prosecutors now
focus their energy
955
00:41:53,344 --> 00:41:55,011
On the four men responsible
956
00:41:55,013 --> 00:41:57,814
For the murder
of lamar jeffcoat.
957
00:41:57,882 --> 00:42:02,585
- Mckenna, grantham,
and batsel, all three pled.
958
00:42:02,653 --> 00:42:04,720
The fact that they all pled
959
00:42:04,789 --> 00:42:07,490
Let me know
that we did a very good job
960
00:42:07,558 --> 00:42:09,291
Putting this case together,
961
00:42:09,293 --> 00:42:11,193
And there was no way
for them to attack it.
962
00:42:11,262 --> 00:42:13,863
- Jim batsel, mark mckenna,
963
00:42:13,931 --> 00:42:17,299
And christopher grantham are
sentenced to life in prison
964
00:42:17,368 --> 00:42:19,636
Without parole.
965
00:42:19,704 --> 00:42:22,438
William moclaire
receives 25 years
966
00:42:22,507 --> 00:42:25,675
For sending the page
that ultimately ended the life
967
00:42:25,743 --> 00:42:29,545
Of family- and businessman
lamar jeffcoat.
968
00:42:29,614 --> 00:42:31,714
[somber music]
969
00:42:31,782 --> 00:42:33,516
- The industry lost someone,
970
00:42:33,584 --> 00:42:38,087
In my opinion, who was
a little bit of an icon.
971
00:42:38,089 --> 00:42:40,023
Back then, your friends
in the industry
972
00:42:40,091 --> 00:42:43,293
Were very limited,
so it was disappointing
973
00:42:43,361 --> 00:42:45,828
That he passed away.
974
00:42:45,830 --> 00:42:49,565
- When a group of bad cops
steps outside the badge
975
00:42:49,634 --> 00:42:51,867
And does, you know,
things like this, yeah,
976
00:42:51,869 --> 00:42:54,036
It's a stain on
the entire police community.
977
00:42:54,038 --> 00:42:55,805
You know?
And that's tough.
978
00:42:55,873 --> 00:42:57,206
I mean, it's tough
because you gotta go there
979
00:42:57,275 --> 00:42:58,975
The next day
and face the public,
980
00:42:59,043 --> 00:43:01,077
And they're reading the papers
and watching tv
981
00:43:01,145 --> 00:43:02,678
And saying,
"hey, wait a minute."
982
00:43:02,680 --> 00:43:04,414
You know, "are you one
of these guys?
983
00:43:04,482 --> 00:43:06,316
How do I know to trust you?"
984
00:43:06,384 --> 00:43:11,654
♪ ♪
985
00:43:11,656 --> 00:43:13,589
- The fact that 30 years later,
986
00:43:13,658 --> 00:43:15,457
We're still talking
about this case
987
00:43:15,527 --> 00:43:17,360
Says that it has staying power.
988
00:43:17,428 --> 00:43:19,828
It will always be an example
989
00:43:19,898 --> 00:43:22,231
Of what happens when officers
do the wrong thing
990
00:43:22,300 --> 00:43:24,867
For the wrong reasons.
991
00:43:24,869 --> 00:43:26,869
- Lamar was always there
for everybody,
992
00:43:26,938 --> 00:43:30,473
And treated everybody
very well.
993
00:43:30,541 --> 00:43:33,675
It's a sad day
when your life gets taken
994
00:43:33,677 --> 00:43:35,577
By somebody else's greed.
995
00:43:35,579 --> 00:43:42,585
♪ ♪