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00:00:07,540 --> 00:00:10,408
[tense music]
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00:00:10,410 --> 00:00:15,114
♪ ♪
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00:00:15,182 --> 00:00:20,151
- She loved a party,
and she would dance.
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00:00:20,221 --> 00:00:23,688
- When she went to the
bar that night,
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00:00:23,757 --> 00:00:25,057
That was the last time
we seen her.
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00:00:25,125 --> 00:00:28,393
[suspenseful music]
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00:00:28,395 --> 00:00:33,899
♪ ♪
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00:00:37,971 --> 00:00:39,872
- She's riding
into the night
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00:00:39,940 --> 00:00:44,809
With a mystery man
on a motorcycle.
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00:00:44,879 --> 00:00:46,845
- We knew we needed a break.
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00:00:46,913 --> 00:00:49,948
Who is this individual?
12
00:00:50,017 --> 00:00:51,483
- I know my daughter.
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00:00:51,552 --> 00:00:54,853
She would contact me.
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00:00:54,922 --> 00:00:57,890
- Is she alive somewhere
needing to be rescued?
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00:01:01,061 --> 00:01:03,061
We started to
find more
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What we believed
were human remains.
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00:01:04,831 --> 00:01:09,734
- Somebody knows something,
and you're not telling.
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00:01:09,803 --> 00:01:11,403
And we need to know.
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[dramatic music]
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00:01:16,810 --> 00:01:23,882
♪ ♪
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- October 12, 2012.
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Jacksonville, florida.
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For sherry prather,
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Life can be summed up
with three words--
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Family, fun, and harleys.
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- My mom, she was
definitely a free spirit.
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She wasn't one for rules.
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She did a lot of friends from,
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Like, a lot of different
backgrounds.
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Mom was very
attracted to harleys.
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00:02:01,988 --> 00:02:02,987
She loved motorcycles.
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00:02:03,057 --> 00:02:07,792
So any time she seen one,
she wanted to go for a ride.
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00:02:07,794 --> 00:02:11,262
- She loved a party,
and she would dance.
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00:02:11,332 --> 00:02:13,232
She loved to sing karaoke.
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00:02:13,300 --> 00:02:15,433
She could sing really good.
36
00:02:15,502 --> 00:02:18,670
She had a beautiful voice,
sound just like stevie nicks.
37
00:02:18,739 --> 00:02:23,142
She was not just my daughter,
she was my best friend.
38
00:02:28,048 --> 00:02:30,515
- Norma ellis is
a young single mom
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When her daughter sherry
is born.
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- They laid her on my chest.
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00:02:35,589 --> 00:02:41,693
It was just a shock, like,
our heart became one.
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00:02:41,762 --> 00:02:45,664
And, like, they just beat
in rhythm together.
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00:02:45,732 --> 00:02:49,568
That just stays with me all
the time because it was just,
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00:02:49,636 --> 00:02:52,236
Like, you know, a jolt.
45
00:02:52,238 --> 00:02:56,375
It was like
we just become one.
46
00:02:59,713 --> 00:03:01,646
- Norma strives to give
sherry everything
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00:03:01,715 --> 00:03:04,949
She missed
in her own upbringing.
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00:03:05,019 --> 00:03:08,353
- I didn't have
a real good childhood.
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00:03:08,422 --> 00:03:11,123
We didn't have a loving family.
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00:03:11,191 --> 00:03:14,259
And I wanted her
to be raised to know
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What it felt like to be wanted.
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Big christmas and stuff.
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I tried to cram
all that in for her.
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Anything she said
she wanted it,
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If I had to work two shifts,
I was going to get up for work.
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00:03:36,717 --> 00:03:39,283
- Sherry's childhood
is filled with love,
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But she also has
to grow up fast.
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- She was very caring.
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00:03:44,491 --> 00:03:46,791
If I was in bed sick,
she'd come in there
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00:03:46,793 --> 00:03:50,963
Every 15 or 20 minutes
and put a cold rag on my head.
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00:03:51,031 --> 00:03:54,332
And she always took care of me.
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I didn't have any help
but her, and she was young.
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We had the tightest
relationship.
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00:04:04,310 --> 00:04:06,544
And it was my birthday.
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She brought me roses.
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00:04:10,183 --> 00:04:12,284
Yeah, she brought me roses.
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00:04:14,588 --> 00:04:18,223
- Like her mother, sherry
falls in love at a young age.
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00:04:18,291 --> 00:04:19,691
And by her early 20s,
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00:04:19,760 --> 00:04:22,995
She's married,
with two baby girls.
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00:04:23,063 --> 00:04:28,100
- That's her
holding one of the kids.
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00:04:28,168 --> 00:04:30,135
Young mother.
That's her husband.
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00:04:30,203 --> 00:04:31,803
That was her husband.
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That didn't last too long.
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00:04:33,640 --> 00:04:35,607
[laughs]
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00:04:35,675 --> 00:04:37,508
- I think at the time,
like, when she had us,
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She was so young.
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00:04:38,845 --> 00:04:43,514
She wasn't ready to be a mom,
so she kind of grew up with us.
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00:04:43,584 --> 00:04:45,917
- After five years
of marriage,
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00:04:45,986 --> 00:04:47,619
The relationship falls apart,
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00:04:47,687 --> 00:04:51,089
And sherry finds herself
a single mom.
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She moves in with norma
for support.
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00:04:54,060 --> 00:04:55,560
- It was just the four of us.
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00:04:55,562 --> 00:04:58,497
All women.
We were one.
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00:04:58,499 --> 00:05:02,200
She was close to her girls.
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00:05:02,268 --> 00:05:05,269
She liked the freedom
to come and go.
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00:05:05,339 --> 00:05:08,206
And she knew that
I was going to be there
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To take care of the girls.
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- But after her divorce,
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Despite her mother's support
and unwavering love,
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Sherry hits one rough patch
after another.
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00:05:26,593 --> 00:05:28,860
- I've watched my mom
go through, like,
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00:05:28,929 --> 00:05:31,396
A lot of bad relationships,
where they felt like
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00:05:31,465 --> 00:05:34,632
They could put their hands
on her and stuff like that.
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They tried to control her,
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00:05:36,737 --> 00:05:41,772
Which only made her
pretty much rebel even more.
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00:05:41,774 --> 00:05:44,075
- Through years
of abuse and struggle,
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Sherry turns to alcohol
and drugs to numb the pain.
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00:05:49,182 --> 00:05:53,452
- Her addiction was probably
her biggest, biggest battle.
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00:05:53,520 --> 00:05:56,254
She battled with that
for a very long time.
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00:06:01,495 --> 00:06:03,694
- By the time sherry
is 30 years old,
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00:06:03,696 --> 00:06:06,298
She manages to fight off
her demons.
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00:06:06,366 --> 00:06:09,434
- She was clean and sober.
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00:06:09,503 --> 00:06:11,536
She didn't even drink
or anything anymore,
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00:06:11,538 --> 00:06:16,674
But she was still
a free spirit.
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00:06:16,743 --> 00:06:19,777
- In 2012,
after years of sobriety,
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Sherry is now a 43-year-old
mother of two adult daughters.
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Her youngest,
mandy, is 22,
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And still lives with
sherry and norma.
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00:06:33,827 --> 00:06:36,394
By now, sherry has been clean
long enough
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To feel comfortable
hanging out with friends
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At a local bar
without drinking.
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And on October 12th,
she makes plans
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To meet up with some
friends at a place
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Called boots n bottles.
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- It's a little hole
in the wall.
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More like bikers and like
the older type of crowd.
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- She said,
I am going to walk.
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I said, get in the car,
I will take you,
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00:07:03,056 --> 00:07:06,624
Rather than you walk because
it's a real bad road.
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00:07:06,693 --> 00:07:09,193
And it was dark.
It was 10:00 or 11:00 o'clock.
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00:07:09,263 --> 00:07:13,865
- So me and grandma
actually took mom up there.
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00:07:13,934 --> 00:07:15,467
When she went
to the bar that night,
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She was supposed
to just hang out.
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[tense music]
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00:07:20,841 --> 00:07:22,541
♪ ♪
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And that was the last time
we seen her.
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♪ ♪
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- By the following morning,
when sherry hasn't
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Returned home,
her mother grows concerned.
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- I knew that she was missing
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Because she did not call me.
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I knew something was wrong the
minute she didn't come home.
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- When a day passes with
still no word from sherry,
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Norma and mandy decide to act.
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00:08:00,714 --> 00:08:03,548
- So Monday, I told grandma,
like, I just have a feeling.
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00:08:03,617 --> 00:08:05,217
Like, we need to go
to the police station.
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00:08:08,354 --> 00:08:10,689
But because, like,
her background
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And how old she was,
they really didn't want
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00:08:12,726 --> 00:08:15,026
To file
a missing persons report.
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00:08:15,095 --> 00:08:18,062
So, of course, you know,
my grandma being who she is,
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00:08:18,064 --> 00:08:20,232
It was an uproar in there.
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00:08:20,300 --> 00:08:21,299
- And they kept
trying to tell me,
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00:08:21,367 --> 00:08:23,835
She's a grown woman
and we're not filing--
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00:08:23,903 --> 00:08:26,538
I said, oh, yeah,
oh, yes, you are.
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- Missing person cases,
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00:08:32,779 --> 00:08:34,012
You know, sometimes you hear,
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00:08:34,080 --> 00:08:35,680
Oh, you have 24 hours
to be reported missing.
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00:08:35,749 --> 00:08:37,949
And that's not really the case.
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00:08:38,018 --> 00:08:40,484
Oftentimes,
it's the circumstances
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00:08:40,554 --> 00:08:42,587
Surrounding the individual.
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00:08:42,656 --> 00:08:44,956
You know,
is this uncommon for them?
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00:08:45,025 --> 00:08:48,526
Or, are there foul play,
signs of a struggle?
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00:08:48,594 --> 00:08:51,129
Something like that.
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00:08:51,197 --> 00:08:52,997
- With norma's insistence,
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00:08:53,066 --> 00:08:55,934
The police take
the missing person's report.
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00:08:56,002 --> 00:08:58,502
But they are not
overly concerned yet
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00:08:58,572 --> 00:09:01,873
And don't immediately
begin an investigation.
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00:09:01,942 --> 00:09:06,378
- We don't quite have enough
to where you feel confident
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00:09:06,446 --> 00:09:08,980
That something did occur
that would cause
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00:09:09,049 --> 00:09:12,050
The missing persons team
to react
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00:09:12,118 --> 00:09:16,854
Immediately as opposed to not.
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00:09:16,923 --> 00:09:19,991
- But three days after
norma last saw sherry
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00:09:20,060 --> 00:09:22,494
Walking into the
boots n bottles bar,
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00:09:22,562 --> 00:09:25,697
She's convinced otherwise.
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00:09:25,765 --> 00:09:28,232
- You try to go to sleep
and wake up in the morning
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00:09:28,234 --> 00:09:30,435
And put your feet on the floor
and you think, oh, gosh,
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00:09:30,503 --> 00:09:32,170
That was a horrible dream.
168
00:09:32,238 --> 00:09:34,105
And you start to walk down
the hall and you say,
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00:09:34,174 --> 00:09:35,840
Oh, no, she's not in there.
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00:09:35,909 --> 00:09:40,378
♪ ♪
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00:09:40,446 --> 00:09:42,580
I know my daughter.
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00:09:42,648 --> 00:09:46,050
And I need some help.
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00:09:46,119 --> 00:09:48,520
Somebody is
holding her captive
174
00:09:48,588 --> 00:09:52,123
Or she's laying hurt
somewhere.
175
00:09:52,192 --> 00:09:53,625
Something is wrong.
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00:09:58,031 --> 00:10:01,799
- A relentless mother drives
the investigation forward.
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00:10:01,868 --> 00:10:06,003
- I take all the tips,
pleaded on the internet--
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00:10:06,072 --> 00:10:08,172
Please come forward,
please come forward.
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00:10:08,174 --> 00:10:11,876
- It was really incredible
to see the mother's strength
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00:10:11,878 --> 00:10:15,846
And will to just keep going.
181
00:10:15,916 --> 00:10:18,816
- But it's a long wait
before investigators
182
00:10:18,885 --> 00:10:20,985
Can confront
their prime suspect.
183
00:10:20,987 --> 00:10:23,821
- We were fairly confident
that a confession,
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00:10:23,890 --> 00:10:25,790
It was not going to occur
with this individual
185
00:10:25,792 --> 00:10:28,960
Because he has told
so many lies.
186
00:10:29,029 --> 00:10:32,563
- He stands up the minute
they walk out of the room.
187
00:10:32,632 --> 00:10:36,300
And he bangs his head
on the interview table.
188
00:10:36,302 --> 00:10:37,102
- [grunts]
189
00:10:37,970 --> 00:10:43,641
[dramatic music]
190
00:10:43,709 --> 00:10:48,412
♪ ♪
191
00:10:48,414 --> 00:10:51,182
- Three days after
sherry prather was last seen,
192
00:10:51,251 --> 00:10:53,451
Her mother, norma,
is still struggling
193
00:10:53,519 --> 00:10:55,754
To have jacksonville police
take her daughter's
194
00:10:55,822 --> 00:10:58,590
Missing persons case
seriously.
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00:10:58,658 --> 00:11:01,660
- They kept saying,
she's an adult, we can't--
196
00:11:01,728 --> 00:11:05,096
I said, I want it filed.
197
00:11:05,165 --> 00:11:09,533
I will go downtown
to whoever I have to.
198
00:11:09,603 --> 00:11:11,202
I know my daughter.
199
00:11:11,271 --> 00:11:13,638
She would contact me.
200
00:11:13,706 --> 00:11:18,943
- And eventually,
norma's entreaties pay off.
201
00:11:22,282 --> 00:11:25,249
On October 15th, detectives
start their investigation
202
00:11:25,318 --> 00:11:28,519
At the bar where sherry
was last seen.
203
00:11:28,588 --> 00:11:31,355
- Boots n bottles
is a small establishment.
204
00:11:31,424 --> 00:11:33,925
It's just an
old-fashioned place
205
00:11:33,993 --> 00:11:36,828
To grab a beer in the
neighborhood of oceanway.
206
00:11:36,896 --> 00:11:40,732
But it was popular
at the time.
207
00:11:40,800 --> 00:11:44,101
- It's a small little dive bar
is how I would describe it.
208
00:11:44,170 --> 00:11:46,504
Particularly,
people that ride motorcycles
209
00:11:46,572 --> 00:11:48,405
Would kind of hang out there.
210
00:11:48,475 --> 00:11:50,441
- Sherry prather was
a regular there,
211
00:11:50,510 --> 00:11:52,644
That's what we had heard
from people.
212
00:11:52,712 --> 00:11:55,714
It was kind of the gathering
spot for her and her friends.
213
00:11:58,351 --> 00:12:01,452
- Investigators first talked
to the bar's owner
214
00:12:01,521 --> 00:12:03,788
To see if he noticed
anything unusual
215
00:12:03,857 --> 00:12:06,324
On the night that
sherry vanished.
216
00:12:06,392 --> 00:12:10,027
- We're looking what first-hand
knowledge does he have,
217
00:12:10,096 --> 00:12:11,729
What second-hand
information does
218
00:12:11,797 --> 00:12:14,833
He have from his employees
or people that were there.
219
00:12:14,835 --> 00:12:16,935
So he did tell our
detectives that
220
00:12:16,937 --> 00:12:19,537
He knew sherry prather
was there.
221
00:12:19,605 --> 00:12:21,172
She was there with
a group of friends.
222
00:12:21,241 --> 00:12:23,842
And that's all that
he could really provide.
223
00:12:23,910 --> 00:12:25,876
He was able to say,
hey, these were
224
00:12:25,878 --> 00:12:28,546
Some other people that may
have been here at this time.
225
00:12:28,614 --> 00:12:31,816
That gave us
a direction to go in.
226
00:12:34,754 --> 00:12:39,156
- Investigators also searched
the bar itself for any clues.
227
00:12:39,225 --> 00:12:41,158
- Detectives searched
boots n bottles
228
00:12:41,227 --> 00:12:44,028
For any type of
physical evidence,
229
00:12:44,030 --> 00:12:46,430
Including video footage.
230
00:12:46,499 --> 00:12:49,234
Anything that
could show sherry.
231
00:12:52,538 --> 00:12:56,240
- But unfortunately, the bar
has no surveillance cameras,
232
00:12:56,309 --> 00:13:01,479
And detectives can find no
other evidence of any value.
233
00:13:01,547 --> 00:13:04,215
They know they need to
find potential witnesses,
234
00:13:04,284 --> 00:13:07,285
So they begin reaching out
to the bar patrons mentioned
235
00:13:07,353 --> 00:13:09,587
By the owner,
and any other regulars
236
00:13:09,655 --> 00:13:11,655
They can find who might
have been there
237
00:13:11,725 --> 00:13:14,224
The night sherry disappeared.
238
00:13:14,226 --> 00:13:16,994
- They said she was
there with her friends.
239
00:13:17,063 --> 00:13:22,500
And that's when
she decides to leave.
240
00:13:22,568 --> 00:13:24,468
Little did they know
that was going to be
241
00:13:24,470 --> 00:13:26,805
The last time
that they saw her.
242
00:13:29,275 --> 00:13:31,742
- Sherry left in the
wee hours of the morning
243
00:13:31,811 --> 00:13:32,944
Toward closing time.
244
00:13:33,012 --> 00:13:36,814
[indistinct chatter]
245
00:13:36,816 --> 00:13:39,350
[tense music]
246
00:13:39,419 --> 00:13:41,986
And we did find
there were some
247
00:13:41,988 --> 00:13:44,722
Local gentlemen that
openly articulated
248
00:13:44,791 --> 00:13:46,524
As a motorcycle club.
249
00:13:46,592 --> 00:13:49,060
- Or they were
motorcycle gang members.
250
00:13:49,128 --> 00:13:50,561
The outlaws.
251
00:13:50,630 --> 00:13:52,897
- And we knew the members
of that club didn't even
252
00:13:52,966 --> 00:13:55,934
Want to speak to the police.
253
00:13:57,703 --> 00:14:00,371
- The detectives learned that
the biker gang is listed
254
00:14:00,440 --> 00:14:03,441
By the fbi as
an organized crime ring
255
00:14:03,509 --> 00:14:07,345
Linked to illegal activities,
including drug trafficking,
256
00:14:07,413 --> 00:14:11,248
Prostitution, extortion,
and money laundering.
257
00:14:11,317 --> 00:14:13,717
- So we made contact
with those members.
258
00:14:13,719 --> 00:14:17,888
Eventually, we knew much
of that would be a dead end.
259
00:14:17,890 --> 00:14:20,091
We weren't going to get much
information from those folks.
260
00:14:20,159 --> 00:14:22,994
- Their presence at the
location from which
261
00:14:23,062 --> 00:14:25,096
Sherry disappeared
is worrying.
262
00:14:25,098 --> 00:14:27,231
But police find
no evidence connecting
263
00:14:27,300 --> 00:14:30,301
Her and the biker gang.
264
00:14:33,005 --> 00:14:35,472
Days pass with
no new leads,
265
00:14:35,542 --> 00:14:38,242
And the case seems
to be hitting a wall.
266
00:14:38,311 --> 00:14:41,479
At the same time,
word of sherry's disappearance
267
00:14:41,547 --> 00:14:45,149
Catches the attention
of local news reporters.
268
00:14:45,151 --> 00:14:48,019
- At the time,
I was a field reporter.
269
00:14:48,087 --> 00:14:51,155
And police did not have a
lot of information to go on.
270
00:14:51,157 --> 00:14:53,925
So certainly,
it was a mysterious case.
271
00:14:53,993 --> 00:14:56,326
I wanted to talk to norma.
272
00:14:56,328 --> 00:14:59,463
I went to her house and knocked
and knocked and knocked.
273
00:14:59,532 --> 00:15:02,199
And eventually,
she came to the door,
274
00:15:02,268 --> 00:15:04,635
And you could tell
she was disheveled.
275
00:15:04,637 --> 00:15:06,838
She doesn't know
where her daughter is.
276
00:15:06,906 --> 00:15:10,608
Is she alive somewhere
needing to be rescued?
277
00:15:10,676 --> 00:15:13,477
Obviously, she's going through
all of these emotions.
278
00:15:13,546 --> 00:15:15,579
And there's a lot of family
members that would say,
279
00:15:15,581 --> 00:15:17,581
No, we're not able
to talk right now.
280
00:15:17,650 --> 00:15:19,216
We're too distraught.
281
00:15:19,285 --> 00:15:20,952
There's people that would
slam the door in my face.
282
00:15:21,020 --> 00:15:24,188
Norma came out
283
00:15:24,257 --> 00:15:27,025
And did an interview with me.
284
00:15:27,027 --> 00:15:28,626
- That was my only child.
285
00:15:28,694 --> 00:15:29,861
She was my whole life.
286
00:15:29,929 --> 00:15:34,065
- So now she's pleading that
someone knows something.
287
00:15:34,133 --> 00:15:38,135
- Every night,
I hear her calling me
288
00:15:38,204 --> 00:15:41,639
To unlock the door
to let her in.
289
00:15:41,708 --> 00:15:44,308
And I can't take it anymore.
290
00:15:44,377 --> 00:15:47,078
- I remember she showed
a picture of sherry.
291
00:15:47,146 --> 00:15:49,580
And that was the first time
we really got to see a picture
292
00:15:49,582 --> 00:15:52,350
Of this woman who was
missing besides what
293
00:15:52,418 --> 00:15:54,351
Had been released by police.
294
00:15:54,353 --> 00:15:58,489
She had a flyer, and she
did everything she could.
295
00:15:58,558 --> 00:16:03,094
- If you don't get up
and help,
296
00:16:03,162 --> 00:16:05,096
Your case is not going
to get solved.
297
00:16:05,164 --> 00:16:08,032
It's just going to be
shoved to the bottom.
298
00:16:08,100 --> 00:16:09,633
I went out.
299
00:16:09,635 --> 00:16:13,237
Everybody at the bar
gave me information.
300
00:16:13,306 --> 00:16:16,273
I checked all the tips.
301
00:16:16,342 --> 00:16:19,777
We pleaded on the internet--
please come forward,
302
00:16:19,845 --> 00:16:21,679
Please come forward.
303
00:16:21,747 --> 00:16:25,483
We did a lot of posting
on facebook,
304
00:16:25,551 --> 00:16:29,387
Just about every day,
pleading, any tip.
305
00:16:29,455 --> 00:16:31,555
I just want some information.
306
00:16:31,557 --> 00:16:37,228
- If there was a 1% chance
that sherry was alive,
307
00:16:37,296 --> 00:16:40,397
Norma was going to
use that 1% chance
308
00:16:40,466 --> 00:16:42,600
As motivation to keep going.
309
00:16:42,668 --> 00:16:45,937
And it was really incredible
to see the mother's strength
310
00:16:46,005 --> 00:16:49,273
And will to just keep going.
311
00:16:51,976 --> 00:16:58,115
[dramatic music]
312
00:16:58,184 --> 00:17:01,485
♪ ♪
313
00:17:01,487 --> 00:17:03,654
- It's been three weeks
since sherry prather
314
00:17:03,723 --> 00:17:08,392
Vanished from a jacksonville
bar called boots n bottles.
315
00:17:08,461 --> 00:17:11,095
Missing persons detectives
are failing to gain
316
00:17:11,163 --> 00:17:14,398
Traction in the investigation.
317
00:17:14,467 --> 00:17:16,300
- Obviously, detectives
are going to have to keep
318
00:17:16,369 --> 00:17:19,169
Some things close to the vest.
319
00:17:19,171 --> 00:17:20,504
They were struggling,
and they were
320
00:17:20,506 --> 00:17:22,173
Frustrated too at the time.
321
00:17:22,241 --> 00:17:25,042
They were having
trouble finding leads.
322
00:17:25,111 --> 00:17:29,580
So it did become a whodunit.
323
00:17:29,649 --> 00:17:31,449
- But sherry's mother,
norma,
324
00:17:31,517 --> 00:17:33,384
And her daughter mandy
325
00:17:33,452 --> 00:17:36,120
Refused to let
the investigation wither.
326
00:17:36,189 --> 00:17:40,057
- Me and grandma actually
drove around and went into
327
00:17:40,126 --> 00:17:42,793
A lot of bad, bad houses
and bad areas
328
00:17:42,795 --> 00:17:44,528
Trying to find her just to see
if they've seen her,
329
00:17:44,530 --> 00:17:46,697
If they've talked to her.
330
00:17:46,699 --> 00:17:50,067
- And told people
at gas stations
331
00:17:50,069 --> 00:17:52,870
That looked like dopers,
332
00:17:52,939 --> 00:17:55,706
You know, like,
you seen my daughter?
333
00:17:55,775 --> 00:17:57,542
I never was afraid.
334
00:17:59,645 --> 00:18:03,514
♪ ♪
335
00:18:03,583 --> 00:18:05,349
- She's in high crime areas.
336
00:18:05,418 --> 00:18:07,117
She's talking to people
that could
337
00:18:07,187 --> 00:18:08,586
Be perceived as dangerous.
338
00:18:08,654 --> 00:18:11,589
She's doing everything
to find her daughter.
339
00:18:11,657 --> 00:18:13,791
And she wasn't going to stop.
340
00:18:13,859 --> 00:18:16,393
- We put up posters
every morning--
341
00:18:16,395 --> 00:18:18,362
Please help.
342
00:18:18,431 --> 00:18:20,698
There was a lot of witness.
343
00:18:20,766 --> 00:18:25,002
Somebody knows something
and you're not telling.
344
00:18:25,071 --> 00:18:26,604
And we need to know.
345
00:18:28,941 --> 00:18:32,543
♪ ♪
346
00:18:32,612 --> 00:18:36,580
- I vividly remember begging
with her to please stand down
347
00:18:36,582 --> 00:18:39,717
And not place herself
in a situation
348
00:18:39,785 --> 00:18:43,020
To where harm
could come to her.
349
00:18:43,089 --> 00:18:46,590
I spoke to miss ellis,
reassuring her that
350
00:18:46,592 --> 00:18:49,193
We were doing everything
we can and that
351
00:18:49,262 --> 00:18:51,729
We weren't forgetting her case.
352
00:18:51,797 --> 00:18:54,331
- We did advise her
numerous times to let
353
00:18:54,400 --> 00:18:57,635
The officers and the detectives
in our office
354
00:18:57,637 --> 00:19:00,203
Conduct the investigation,
all the while knowing that
355
00:19:00,205 --> 00:19:02,473
I would probably be doing
the same thing she was doing
356
00:19:02,541 --> 00:19:04,175
If I was in her shoes.
357
00:19:09,982 --> 00:19:12,483
- 30 days into
the investigation,
358
00:19:12,551 --> 00:19:16,387
Police finally get
their first solid lead.
359
00:19:16,455 --> 00:19:19,991
On November 12, 2012,
theresa lenox,
360
00:19:20,059 --> 00:19:22,493
A childhood friend
of sherry's daughter mandy,
361
00:19:22,562 --> 00:19:27,598
Contacts detectives claiming
to have information.
362
00:19:27,667 --> 00:19:29,000
- Can you state your name?
363
00:19:29,068 --> 00:19:30,701
- My name is theresa lenox.
364
00:19:30,703 --> 00:19:34,338
- Investigators bring her in
for an interview.
365
00:19:47,954 --> 00:19:49,887
- Theresa explains that
she has been staying
366
00:19:49,955 --> 00:19:51,789
With her uncle
for a few weeks
367
00:19:51,857 --> 00:19:53,925
While she looks for
an apartment.
368
00:19:53,993 --> 00:19:56,194
He is a regular at
boots n bottles.
369
00:20:37,470 --> 00:20:40,604
- Detectives pressed theresa
for the name of the biker.
370
00:20:40,673 --> 00:20:43,707
She insists she knows nothing.
371
00:20:43,709 --> 00:20:45,743
She says she hasn't
seen her uncle jack
372
00:20:45,811 --> 00:20:48,245
For several days,
and investigators
373
00:20:48,314 --> 00:20:50,381
Are unable to locate him.
374
00:20:57,056 --> 00:20:59,823
Meanwhile, another team from
the missing persons unit
375
00:20:59,825 --> 00:21:03,494
Is deployed to braddock road,
the place theresa claims
376
00:21:03,562 --> 00:21:07,264
Sherry's body was dumped.
377
00:21:07,333 --> 00:21:10,901
- It is in a very rural part
of the city of jacksonville.
378
00:21:10,970 --> 00:21:13,571
It's a heavily-wooded area.
379
00:21:15,941 --> 00:21:19,377
It's not a well-lit area.
It's a local road.
380
00:21:24,183 --> 00:21:26,817
- The investigative team
searches through
381
00:21:26,819 --> 00:21:28,919
Rough terrain,
pulling back branches
382
00:21:28,988 --> 00:21:33,324
And combing through
tall grass.
383
00:21:33,392 --> 00:21:35,425
They find bone fragments.
384
00:21:35,427 --> 00:21:40,263
But at first glance, they
appear to be from an animal.
385
00:21:40,265 --> 00:21:42,032
- There were animal carcasses.
386
00:21:42,101 --> 00:21:46,237
And that particular location
of the woods is known
387
00:21:46,305 --> 00:21:48,906
To be a dump site for hunters.
388
00:21:48,974 --> 00:21:52,910
They dump deer, hog,
wild hog carcasses.
389
00:21:52,978 --> 00:21:56,613
And there's quite a few
scavengers out there.
390
00:21:56,682 --> 00:22:01,318
It was at that time that
we made the decision
391
00:22:01,386 --> 00:22:04,255
To contact
one of our dog handlers,
392
00:22:04,323 --> 00:22:06,724
Who has a dog
that specializes
393
00:22:06,792 --> 00:22:10,027
In locating human remains.
394
00:22:10,096 --> 00:22:12,797
- The highly-trained dog
gets to work,
395
00:22:12,865 --> 00:22:17,968
Scouring the discarded bones
spread across the field.
396
00:22:17,970 --> 00:22:22,940
Then he signals his handler
that he's found something.
397
00:22:24,510 --> 00:22:28,846
- The dog located what they
believed were human remains.
398
00:22:28,914 --> 00:22:33,617
Immediately contacted
the on-call homicide team,
399
00:22:33,686 --> 00:22:37,555
Which was my team,
and we responded to the scene.
400
00:22:41,627 --> 00:22:44,127
We started to find more
what we believed
401
00:22:44,196 --> 00:22:47,631
Were human remains scattered
throughout the woods.
402
00:22:49,869 --> 00:22:52,636
There was a potential body
that could be sherry.
403
00:22:55,073 --> 00:23:00,577
[dramatic music]
404
00:23:00,646 --> 00:23:04,247
♪ ♪
405
00:23:04,317 --> 00:23:08,051
- 30 days after
sherry prather was last seen,
406
00:23:08,053 --> 00:23:10,387
A tip leads detectives
investigating
407
00:23:10,455 --> 00:23:12,556
Her disappearance
to a rugged piece of land
408
00:23:12,624 --> 00:23:14,792
In jacksonville, florida,
409
00:23:14,860 --> 00:23:17,294
Where they have found
human remains.
410
00:23:17,363 --> 00:23:19,496
- We blocked off
a large section,
411
00:23:19,498 --> 00:23:21,165
Shut that area down,
412
00:23:21,233 --> 00:23:23,867
And then brought in teams
of evidence technicians,
413
00:23:23,936 --> 00:23:26,003
Our crime scene
unit detectives,
414
00:23:26,071 --> 00:23:30,141
To assist us in literally
combing the entire woods
415
00:23:30,209 --> 00:23:33,377
From the roadway
all the way into the woods,
416
00:23:33,446 --> 00:23:37,280
Which took several days.
417
00:23:37,282 --> 00:23:39,550
We located some clothing,
some shoes,
418
00:23:39,618 --> 00:23:41,151
Small pieces of jewelry.
419
00:23:41,220 --> 00:23:43,887
With great assistance
from the canine,
420
00:23:43,956 --> 00:23:47,792
We were able to recover
all human remains.
421
00:23:51,531 --> 00:23:54,932
- The office of the medical
examiner here in jacksonville
422
00:23:55,000 --> 00:23:57,668
Were able to locate
some living x-rays
423
00:23:57,736 --> 00:24:00,170
Of sherry prather
and compare them
424
00:24:00,239 --> 00:24:02,940
To the deceased remains
of sherry prather.
425
00:24:03,008 --> 00:24:05,810
And those bones did confirm
it was, in fact, her.
426
00:24:10,649 --> 00:24:15,018
- We were all actually at my
grandma's, and they called.
427
00:24:15,020 --> 00:24:19,457
And they told us over the phone
that they had found remains.
428
00:24:21,660 --> 00:24:25,529
- I felt...
429
00:24:25,597 --> 00:24:27,698
Relieved that
they had found her.
430
00:24:27,766 --> 00:24:30,634
But the thought of animals
431
00:24:30,702 --> 00:24:34,104
Eating her and taking her
432
00:24:34,173 --> 00:24:37,608
Was the hardest part
for me to take.
433
00:24:37,676 --> 00:24:39,977
I thought I was going to die.
434
00:24:40,045 --> 00:24:43,814
I thought, this can't be real.
This can't be real.
435
00:24:43,882 --> 00:24:46,449
[somber music]
436
00:24:46,451 --> 00:24:50,087
- Once they confirmed
that it was her,
437
00:24:50,155 --> 00:24:53,824
Just the thought of,
it was just pieces.
438
00:24:53,893 --> 00:24:55,692
Was it even, like, all of her,
439
00:24:55,761 --> 00:25:00,664
Is I think what truly
broke our family.
440
00:25:07,239 --> 00:25:10,007
- Homicide detectives
take over the case,
441
00:25:10,075 --> 00:25:12,843
But they know they face
a tough task.
442
00:25:12,911 --> 00:25:15,178
Given the condition
of sherry's remains,
443
00:25:15,180 --> 00:25:19,249
Determining how she died
will be difficult.
444
00:25:19,318 --> 00:25:22,319
- We decided early on
to reach out to an expert,
445
00:25:22,388 --> 00:25:25,155
A forensic anthropologist.
446
00:25:25,157 --> 00:25:29,260
We knew she was an expert
at analyzing bones
447
00:25:29,328 --> 00:25:32,830
And determining how they were
broken, if they're broken,
448
00:25:32,898 --> 00:25:34,898
Whether they were
shot with a firearm,
449
00:25:34,900 --> 00:25:37,100
Whether they were stabbed.
450
00:25:37,169 --> 00:25:40,303
- The forensic
anthropologist gets to work,
451
00:25:40,372 --> 00:25:43,573
Decoding the secrets
sherry's remains hold.
452
00:25:43,643 --> 00:25:45,876
- While that is going on,
453
00:25:45,944 --> 00:25:49,679
We're sending detectives
to start backtracking.
454
00:25:49,681 --> 00:25:53,250
We already know she went
missing at boots n bottles.
455
00:25:53,318 --> 00:25:56,019
- Investigators know
boots n bottles
456
00:25:56,021 --> 00:25:58,021
Has no surveillance
cameras,
457
00:25:58,090 --> 00:26:00,691
But they hope
a nearby business might.
458
00:26:00,759 --> 00:26:03,560
They go back and canvass
the strip mall.
459
00:26:03,628 --> 00:26:05,796
They discover that
a nearby cell phone store
460
00:26:05,864 --> 00:26:07,897
Does have a camera,
461
00:26:07,899 --> 00:26:09,499
And it points
in the direction
462
00:26:09,568 --> 00:26:13,036
Of the bar's parking lot.
463
00:26:13,038 --> 00:26:17,608
- When we watched the video
to see if there was anything,
464
00:26:17,676 --> 00:26:20,911
It clearly showed
sherry prather
465
00:26:20,980 --> 00:26:23,013
Walking out
to an individual
466
00:26:23,082 --> 00:26:25,682
Who was standing by
a motorcycle.
467
00:26:25,684 --> 00:26:28,051
She gets on that motorcycle,
468
00:26:28,120 --> 00:26:32,389
And then they leave
the establishment
469
00:26:32,457 --> 00:26:37,260
With sherry on the back
as a passenger.
470
00:26:37,262 --> 00:26:40,597
- Detectives know they are
witnessing sherry prather's
471
00:26:40,666 --> 00:26:45,668
Final moments.
472
00:26:45,670 --> 00:26:47,938
- It was mysterious.
It's not great video.
473
00:26:48,007 --> 00:26:50,441
It's not high quality.
It's dark.
474
00:26:50,509 --> 00:26:53,043
It would be difficult
to identify anyone's
475
00:26:53,112 --> 00:26:56,947
Facial features from it,
but it shows she's riding
476
00:26:57,016 --> 00:26:59,950
Into the night
with a mystery man
477
00:27:00,018 --> 00:27:03,120
On a motorcycle leaving a bar.
478
00:27:06,425 --> 00:27:09,826
- It's their first look at the
person who may be responsible
479
00:27:09,895 --> 00:27:12,129
For sherry's death.
480
00:27:14,967 --> 00:27:18,969
- Is this some sort
of a motorcycle gang?
481
00:27:19,038 --> 00:27:22,405
Is there some bigger
criminal activity here?
482
00:27:22,474 --> 00:27:25,642
Are we dealing with
a serial killer?
483
00:27:25,711 --> 00:27:27,477
There's definitely
an uneasiness
484
00:27:27,479 --> 00:27:29,146
In the neighborhood.
485
00:27:29,214 --> 00:27:31,682
And this is not a neighborhood
that's immune from crime.
486
00:27:35,921 --> 00:27:38,989
- As detectives try to
identify the man in the video,
487
00:27:39,057 --> 00:27:41,624
They get word from
the forensic anthropologist
488
00:27:41,694 --> 00:27:45,996
That she reached a conclusion
on sherry's cause of death.
489
00:27:46,064 --> 00:27:51,234
- When she found a semicircle
beveling in a vertebrae,
490
00:27:51,303 --> 00:27:56,473
That absolutely confirmed to us
that sherry prather was,
491
00:27:56,541 --> 00:27:58,875
In fact, shot.
492
00:27:58,944 --> 00:28:01,144
- But detectives
have nothing pointing
493
00:28:01,146 --> 00:28:04,715
To the identity of her killer.
494
00:28:08,854 --> 00:28:11,488
- We knew we needed a break.
495
00:28:11,556 --> 00:28:14,024
Who is this individual?
496
00:28:14,092 --> 00:28:16,593
- Detectives turn
to the public for help,
497
00:28:16,661 --> 00:28:19,162
Releasing the video
of sherry prather's
498
00:28:19,164 --> 00:28:22,700
Final moments to the media.
499
00:28:25,337 --> 00:28:27,704
As the video hits
the airwaves,
500
00:28:27,772 --> 00:28:31,040
Tips start pouring in.
501
00:28:31,042 --> 00:28:34,444
And one call in particular
stands out.
502
00:28:34,513 --> 00:28:37,114
It's from a woman
named samantha johnson,
503
00:28:37,182 --> 00:28:39,716
Who claims to know
the identity of the man
504
00:28:39,785 --> 00:28:44,054
Seen with sherry on the video.
505
00:28:44,122 --> 00:28:46,089
- We had her come down
to homicide.
506
00:28:46,091 --> 00:28:48,926
♪ ♪
507
00:29:22,460 --> 00:29:25,328
[dramatic music]
508
00:29:25,397 --> 00:29:29,065
♪ ♪
509
00:29:29,134 --> 00:29:30,567
- Surveillance video
has revealed
510
00:29:30,635 --> 00:29:32,569
Sherry's prather's
final moments--
511
00:29:32,637 --> 00:29:38,041
Riding on the back of an
unidentified man's motorcycle.
512
00:29:38,110 --> 00:29:41,745
Now a witness has come forward
claiming to know the identity
513
00:29:41,813 --> 00:29:44,047
Of the biker in the video.
514
00:29:54,259 --> 00:29:56,826
- Samantha johnson
is johnny wayne's wife.
515
00:29:56,896 --> 00:29:58,428
They're still
currently married,
516
00:29:58,497 --> 00:29:59,896
But not living together.
517
00:29:59,898 --> 00:30:01,531
They're separated.
518
00:30:01,600 --> 00:30:04,501
- In addition to identifying
her estranged husband,
519
00:30:04,569 --> 00:30:08,405
Samantha tells investigators
that she also has information
520
00:30:08,473 --> 00:30:11,475
About what happened
to sherry that night.
521
00:30:29,628 --> 00:30:31,828
- Johnny had
a conversation with her
522
00:30:31,897 --> 00:30:34,197
As to what occurred
that evening,
523
00:30:34,266 --> 00:30:38,301
Proved that he, in fact,
killed sherry.
524
00:30:38,303 --> 00:30:42,105
And more importantly, before
her body was ever located,
525
00:30:42,174 --> 00:30:44,040
He gave very
specific information
526
00:30:44,109 --> 00:30:45,976
To where he placed the body.
527
00:30:46,044 --> 00:30:50,046
And she was able to
provide that information.
528
00:30:50,115 --> 00:30:54,351
- Detectives begin a deep dive
into their new prime suspect.
529
00:30:54,419 --> 00:30:56,719
And it's eye-opening.
530
00:30:56,789 --> 00:30:59,189
- He had built
a character of himself
531
00:30:59,258 --> 00:31:01,291
With the local community.
532
00:31:01,360 --> 00:31:02,860
And they were truly
scared of the guy.
533
00:31:05,830 --> 00:31:08,731
But we worked with
our intelligence unit,
534
00:31:08,801 --> 00:31:11,101
Which is the unit that
oversees and monitors
535
00:31:11,169 --> 00:31:15,672
All the various motorcycle
gangs in around the region.
536
00:31:15,741 --> 00:31:18,876
And we had no indication
537
00:31:18,944 --> 00:31:22,713
That he was a gang member.
538
00:31:22,781 --> 00:31:25,748
The guy had told
quite a few stories
539
00:31:25,750 --> 00:31:28,651
To build up his presence.
540
00:31:28,721 --> 00:31:31,888
- Detectives find
johnny johnson's address
541
00:31:31,957 --> 00:31:35,192
And rushed to the location
ready for anything.
542
00:31:37,529 --> 00:31:41,231
To their surprise,
he calmly welcomes them.
543
00:31:41,300 --> 00:31:44,667
- He simply admitted, yeah,
he picked her up at the bar.
544
00:31:44,737 --> 00:31:48,972
And he took her and
dropped her off at a house.
545
00:31:49,041 --> 00:31:52,008
We actually got him
to show us the house
546
00:31:52,077 --> 00:31:54,644
That she was dropped off at.
547
00:31:54,713 --> 00:31:56,913
- But detectives
are suspicious
548
00:31:56,982 --> 00:31:58,649
Of johnny's version of events.
549
00:31:58,717 --> 00:32:01,384
And when they interview
the owners of the house,
550
00:32:01,453 --> 00:32:04,220
They hear a different story.
551
00:32:04,289 --> 00:32:06,956
- We actually were able
to determine that
552
00:32:07,026 --> 00:32:08,425
Nobody ever came
by their house.
553
00:32:08,493 --> 00:32:09,993
They don't know sherry prather.
554
00:32:10,061 --> 00:32:11,761
They don't know
johnny wayne johnson.
555
00:32:11,763 --> 00:32:15,698
That simply didn't occur.
556
00:32:15,767 --> 00:32:18,268
- Detectives suspect
that johnny johnson
557
00:32:18,336 --> 00:32:19,970
Killed sherry prather.
558
00:32:20,038 --> 00:32:21,904
But his estranged wife's
statement
559
00:32:21,906 --> 00:32:23,806
Isn't enough to arrest him.
560
00:32:23,808 --> 00:32:26,143
They need solid proof.
561
00:32:28,047 --> 00:32:30,547
- In a case where you have
very little physical evidence--
562
00:32:30,615 --> 00:32:32,382
There's no dna,
there's no murder weapon,
563
00:32:32,451 --> 00:32:34,484
There's not an intact body,
564
00:32:34,553 --> 00:32:37,854
There's no eyewitnesses--
we needed more evidence.
565
00:32:37,923 --> 00:32:41,424
We asked sergeant farhat,
his team,
566
00:32:41,426 --> 00:32:44,961
To continue
to pursue evidence.
567
00:32:45,030 --> 00:32:47,097
- That is difficult.
568
00:32:47,165 --> 00:32:48,198
Letting them
walk out that door,
569
00:32:48,266 --> 00:32:49,967
It makes the hair on the
back of your neck stand up.
570
00:32:50,035 --> 00:32:52,835
And you're like, my god, this
is--we know this guy did it.
571
00:32:52,905 --> 00:32:54,971
Let's be patient.
572
00:32:55,040 --> 00:32:56,439
Time is on our side.
573
00:32:56,441 --> 00:32:58,709
We're going to continue
and work this case
574
00:32:58,777 --> 00:33:00,978
To the very end.
575
00:33:04,082 --> 00:33:08,251
- But weeks, then months go by
without the homicide team
576
00:33:08,320 --> 00:33:11,053
Able to find the proof
it needs.
577
00:33:11,055 --> 00:33:15,458
- Successfully convicting him
requires us to prove our case
578
00:33:15,460 --> 00:33:17,627
Beyond to the exclusion
of every reasonable doubt.
579
00:33:17,696 --> 00:33:20,129
So we continue
the investigation
580
00:33:20,199 --> 00:33:22,532
To the frustration of us all.
581
00:33:22,601 --> 00:33:26,503
- Then, samantha johnson,
also frustrated that
582
00:33:26,571 --> 00:33:29,406
Her estranged husband
is still a free man,
583
00:33:29,474 --> 00:33:33,377
Agrees to wear a wire to help
with the investigation.
584
00:34:09,648 --> 00:34:12,849
- Samantha is unable
to provoke a confession,
585
00:34:12,918 --> 00:34:17,053
But she does have another lead
to offer the investigators.
586
00:34:17,122 --> 00:34:20,156
She tells them she's learned
that johnny had a girlfriend
587
00:34:20,225 --> 00:34:22,459
Named jordan paris.
588
00:34:22,527 --> 00:34:24,795
And she's heard
through the grapevine
589
00:34:24,863 --> 00:34:28,598
That she may have helped him
dispose of sherry's body.
590
00:34:34,439 --> 00:34:36,806
- We actually
brought her downtown
591
00:34:36,875 --> 00:34:40,577
To the homicide office
and conducted an interview.
592
00:34:47,285 --> 00:34:49,952
- She was not
completely forthcoming.
593
00:34:49,954 --> 00:34:54,557
She did admit pieces that
johnny went out that night.
594
00:34:54,626 --> 00:34:56,426
She knew something happened,
595
00:34:56,495 --> 00:35:00,764
But was terrified to tell us.
596
00:35:30,629 --> 00:35:32,963
- But investigators
continue pressing jordan
597
00:35:33,031 --> 00:35:35,865
For information,
confronting her about claims
598
00:35:35,934 --> 00:35:38,468
That she helped move
sherry's body.
599
00:36:13,138 --> 00:36:17,373
- We took possession
of her car, got a warrant,
600
00:36:17,442 --> 00:36:19,408
And we went through
every square inch
601
00:36:19,478 --> 00:36:21,178
Of that car forensically.
602
00:36:27,452 --> 00:36:30,152
There was no physical
evidence in that car
603
00:36:30,222 --> 00:36:33,523
That indicated that sherry
was ever in that vehicle.
604
00:36:35,594 --> 00:36:38,795
- Jordan paris is cleared
of any involvement with
605
00:36:38,863 --> 00:36:40,964
The disposal of the
body and detectives
606
00:36:41,032 --> 00:36:45,201
Are no closer to finding the
physical evidence they need.
607
00:36:45,270 --> 00:36:49,205
Now, they're forced to wonder
if their main witness
608
00:36:49,273 --> 00:36:52,108
Against johnny,
his estranged wife samantha,
609
00:36:52,176 --> 00:36:54,877
Is telling them the truth
610
00:36:54,879 --> 00:36:56,679
Or if she has ulterior motives
611
00:36:56,748 --> 00:36:59,549
For implicating him
in a murder.
612
00:36:59,618 --> 00:37:02,552
- They were in the
process of separating.
613
00:37:02,620 --> 00:37:05,488
Was she fabricating
these types of statements
614
00:37:05,556 --> 00:37:10,260
By him if she's jealous
of the new girlfriend?
615
00:37:10,328 --> 00:37:12,361
We knew we needed a break.
616
00:37:12,431 --> 00:37:17,433
We needed a witness
or witnesses that,
617
00:37:17,502 --> 00:37:19,969
Sure, may have been close
to the defendant,
618
00:37:19,971 --> 00:37:21,705
But had no motive to lie.
619
00:37:24,443 --> 00:37:27,844
- The detective said
we've got one shot,
620
00:37:27,912 --> 00:37:31,781
Is all we have because they
could not find the gun.
621
00:37:31,850 --> 00:37:34,317
To put this murder charge
on him,
622
00:37:34,386 --> 00:37:36,853
We have to have more evidence.
623
00:37:36,921 --> 00:37:40,723
And I said, I cannot
take this anymore.
624
00:37:40,792 --> 00:37:43,593
- The break they need
eludes the detectives.
625
00:37:43,662 --> 00:37:47,597
And for four years,
there are no new leads.
626
00:37:51,102 --> 00:37:55,805
Then, in 2016, a man named
mike carroll calls police,
627
00:37:55,874 --> 00:37:58,275
Saying he's been too
frightened of johnny johnson
628
00:37:58,343 --> 00:38:01,111
To say anything but has
finally found the courage
629
00:38:01,179 --> 00:38:03,780
To speak up.
630
00:38:03,848 --> 00:38:06,883
He tells investigators that
on the night of the murder,
631
00:38:06,951 --> 00:38:10,020
He received a phone call
from johnny.
632
00:38:10,088 --> 00:38:13,123
- It was the wee hours,
4:00 or 5:00 in the morning
633
00:38:13,191 --> 00:38:15,758
And johnny wayne johnson
told him he messed up
634
00:38:15,760 --> 00:38:17,827
And he needed some help
cleaning something up.
635
00:38:17,895 --> 00:38:20,430
He told him he had dumped
sherry in the woods,
636
00:38:20,498 --> 00:38:24,366
That he wanted help finding
ways to hide the remains.
637
00:38:24,368 --> 00:38:27,269
Of course,
michael carroll refused.
638
00:38:27,339 --> 00:38:30,573
- So that was the critical
piece, the final piece.
639
00:38:32,009 --> 00:38:37,613
[dramatic music]
640
00:38:37,682 --> 00:38:40,850
♪ ♪
641
00:38:40,919 --> 00:38:43,620
- After four years
investigating the murder
642
00:38:43,688 --> 00:38:46,288
Of sherry prather,
authorities have finally
643
00:38:46,290 --> 00:38:48,224
Found the witness they need.
644
00:38:48,293 --> 00:38:51,160
On November 18, 2016,
645
00:38:51,162 --> 00:38:53,863
Armed with the account of
a man who says he was asked
646
00:38:53,932 --> 00:38:56,198
To help dispose
of sherry's body,
647
00:38:56,200 --> 00:38:59,035
Investigators bring
johnny johnson in
648
00:38:59,103 --> 00:39:01,738
For a critical round
of questioning.
649
00:39:01,806 --> 00:39:04,974
- Our goal is simple,
and that's to get a confession.
650
00:39:05,043 --> 00:39:07,877
So we brought him in
to homicide.
651
00:39:29,934 --> 00:39:33,136
- Now, we were fairly confident
that a confession probably was
652
00:39:33,204 --> 00:39:35,071
Not going to occur
with this individual
653
00:39:35,139 --> 00:39:38,240
Because he has told
so many lies,
654
00:39:38,310 --> 00:39:39,709
But we still tried.
655
00:40:00,031 --> 00:40:03,866
- As detectives started
presenting him with the case
656
00:40:03,868 --> 00:40:06,035
And questioned him
on what occurred,
657
00:40:06,104 --> 00:40:07,904
They said, look,
we know you're lying.
658
00:40:20,084 --> 00:40:21,884
- His denials--
I didn't tell him that,
659
00:40:21,953 --> 00:40:23,553
I didn't tell
my girlfriend that,
660
00:40:23,621 --> 00:40:25,255
I didn't tell my wife
that version,
661
00:40:25,323 --> 00:40:26,889
I didn't tell her anything.
662
00:40:26,958 --> 00:40:30,593
It was a multitude of denials
throughout his interview.
663
00:40:40,471 --> 00:40:43,940
- He stands up the minute
they walk out of the room,
664
00:40:44,008 --> 00:40:47,510
And he bangs his head
on the interview table.
665
00:40:47,578 --> 00:40:50,647
- [grunting]
666
00:40:59,824 --> 00:41:01,291
- Hello, bud.
667
00:41:01,359 --> 00:41:06,963
- Detectives call emts
to check johnson out.
668
00:41:07,031 --> 00:41:09,131
Once he's given
the all clear--
669
00:41:09,200 --> 00:41:11,634
- You are good to go.
670
00:41:11,703 --> 00:41:14,070
- They charge him
with murder.
671
00:41:18,342 --> 00:41:21,343
As prosecutors prepare
to bring johnny johnson
672
00:41:21,345 --> 00:41:23,780
To trial,
his lawyers approached them
673
00:41:23,848 --> 00:41:25,715
With a plea offer.
674
00:41:25,783 --> 00:41:28,450
- We reached that
plea agreement of 20.4 years
675
00:41:28,452 --> 00:41:30,019
In prison
to second-degree murder,
676
00:41:30,088 --> 00:41:31,954
Which is what
he was charged with.
677
00:41:31,956 --> 00:41:34,224
We took that offer
to the victim's family.
678
00:41:34,292 --> 00:41:38,394
And as you can imagine,
the family was very happy
679
00:41:38,463 --> 00:41:40,696
To get him
to finally acknowledge
680
00:41:40,765 --> 00:41:43,132
Legally in a courtroom that
he was, in fact, guilty.
681
00:41:45,503 --> 00:41:48,470
[melancholic music]
682
00:41:48,472 --> 00:41:51,140
♪ ♪
683
00:41:51,209 --> 00:41:54,277
- I looked at mandy
and she said...
684
00:41:55,780 --> 00:41:58,581
Grandma, as old as he is,
685
00:41:58,650 --> 00:42:01,250
He got 20.5 years--
686
00:42:01,319 --> 00:42:03,252
And he was supposed
to have already been sick--
687
00:42:03,321 --> 00:42:08,390
She said, he'll never live
to come out of there.
688
00:42:08,460 --> 00:42:11,894
- The only thing that I felt
was I did feel a little relief
689
00:42:11,963 --> 00:42:14,364
Knowing that he wasn't
out there and that
690
00:42:14,432 --> 00:42:15,998
He couldn't do it
to anybody else
691
00:42:16,000 --> 00:42:18,167
And ruin anybody else's family.
692
00:42:18,236 --> 00:42:20,636
But at the same time,
it's like,
693
00:42:20,638 --> 00:42:23,539
You put my family
through a lot.
694
00:42:23,608 --> 00:42:26,008
And in our minds, like,
695
00:42:26,077 --> 00:42:29,211
The sentence that he got
wasn't enough.
696
00:42:29,213 --> 00:42:35,151
♪ ♪
697
00:42:35,219 --> 00:42:38,288
I do remember her
ambition and her fight.
698
00:42:38,356 --> 00:42:40,189
Like, she never gave up.
699
00:42:40,258 --> 00:42:42,458
It didn't matter.
And she's very headstrong.
700
00:42:42,526 --> 00:42:45,027
So when she has, like,
something in her head, like,
701
00:42:45,029 --> 00:42:47,029
She's going to
get to that point
702
00:42:47,031 --> 00:42:48,264
No matter what it takes her.
703
00:42:51,035 --> 00:42:54,436
- This one was just a few days
704
00:42:54,506 --> 00:42:58,174
Before she disappeared,
705
00:42:58,242 --> 00:43:00,643
Because she had just
gotten her glasses.
706
00:43:00,712 --> 00:43:03,045
We're in the backyard.
707
00:43:03,114 --> 00:43:05,081
She never wore glasses before.
708
00:43:05,149 --> 00:43:06,615
And she said, oh,
I'm not going to wear these.
709
00:43:06,685 --> 00:43:10,453
I said, well,
if you want to see.
710
00:43:10,521 --> 00:43:15,958
I didn't know this would be
the very last picture.
711
00:43:16,027 --> 00:43:18,461
She was just sweet.
712
00:43:18,529 --> 00:43:21,864
And that's why
I miss her because
713
00:43:21,933 --> 00:43:24,734
We did so much together.
714
00:43:24,802 --> 00:43:26,735
I didn't want anything
to happen to her.
715
00:43:26,737 --> 00:43:30,840
And I would give anything
716
00:43:30,908 --> 00:43:35,077
If it had happened to me
instead of her.
717
00:43:35,079 --> 00:43:38,548
I wished that a thousand times.
718
00:43:38,616 --> 00:43:45,622
♪ ♪