1 00:00:07,874 --> 00:00:09,874 [narrator] a young father found lying dead 2 00:00:09,876 --> 00:00:12,144 In the middle of a desolate roadway. 3 00:00:12,212 --> 00:00:14,279 - He was shot five times. 4 00:00:14,348 --> 00:00:16,881 It appeared this man was the target. 5 00:00:16,883 --> 00:00:20,686 - He's executed right there on the highway. 6 00:00:22,189 --> 00:00:24,489 - A chill went through my body. 7 00:00:24,491 --> 00:00:28,193 I knew instantly that that was my son. 8 00:00:29,262 --> 00:00:32,131 That chill still is with me. 9 00:00:33,867 --> 00:00:36,168 - [narrator] several possible suspects emerge, 10 00:00:36,236 --> 00:00:39,003 Including members of the victim's family. 11 00:00:39,073 --> 00:00:43,208 - There was a lot of animosity between the two families. 12 00:00:44,711 --> 00:00:47,679 - There were people who hated the victim, but who was it? 13 00:00:47,681 --> 00:00:49,614 - [narrator] later a tip leads investigators 14 00:00:49,616 --> 00:00:52,417 To a drug dealer with an unexpected connection. 15 00:00:52,486 --> 00:00:57,656 - He told the story he was hired to kill the victim. 16 00:00:59,125 --> 00:01:01,193 - What you have at the centre of it is this family feud. 17 00:01:01,261 --> 00:01:02,661 There's a connection. 18 00:01:03,797 --> 00:01:06,598 (dramatic music) 19 00:01:15,876 --> 00:01:18,410 (tense music) 20 00:01:22,816 --> 00:01:25,684 - March 10th, 7:00 p.M. 21 00:01:25,752 --> 00:01:28,587 A couple was driving down interstate 95, 22 00:01:28,589 --> 00:01:33,425 And they get off the connector to rocky neck state park. 23 00:01:33,493 --> 00:01:35,093 As they're coming around the corner, 24 00:01:35,162 --> 00:01:39,364 They see a vehicle parked and the doors open. 25 00:01:41,435 --> 00:01:44,235 As they get closer, they notice something 26 00:01:44,237 --> 00:01:46,271 Lying in the middle of the road. 27 00:01:47,741 --> 00:01:50,609 They realise it's a body. 28 00:01:52,246 --> 00:01:54,613 They immediately call 911. 29 00:01:56,783 --> 00:02:00,585 - I got a call for a man down, probably hit by a car 30 00:02:00,587 --> 00:02:02,988 On the rocky neck connector. 31 00:02:03,056 --> 00:02:06,991 When I pulled up, I observed a body on the ground 32 00:02:07,061 --> 00:02:08,427 In the right-hand lane. 33 00:02:09,896 --> 00:02:12,931 He was slightly to the rear of a pontiac firebird 34 00:02:12,999 --> 00:02:15,667 That was running with the headlights on. 35 00:02:17,137 --> 00:02:20,305 When I walked up to the body, he was laying on his back. 36 00:02:22,576 --> 00:02:26,244 He had blood in his mouth and blood on the shirt, 37 00:02:26,246 --> 00:02:31,150 Which I ripped open, and found a couple of bullet holes, 38 00:02:32,619 --> 00:02:37,422 One in his chest, and one more up towards his armpit. 39 00:02:38,259 --> 00:02:41,359 (tense music) 40 00:02:41,428 --> 00:02:44,296 There was no doubt he was dead. 41 00:02:44,364 --> 00:02:47,799 There was no doubt that it was a murder. 42 00:02:49,036 --> 00:02:52,371 (tense music) 43 00:02:52,439 --> 00:02:54,306 - [narrator] officer dunn calls for assistance 44 00:02:54,374 --> 00:02:56,308 From the connecticut state police, 45 00:02:56,376 --> 00:02:59,878 And soon after makes a disturbing realisation. 46 00:02:59,947 --> 00:03:01,813 - I knew him, the victim. 47 00:03:01,882 --> 00:03:05,350 It was his pontiac firebird on the side of the road. 48 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:09,187 - Officer joe dunn tells the major crimes unit, 49 00:03:09,256 --> 00:03:10,889 "he's a local guy. 50 00:03:10,957 --> 00:03:12,257 "he's a good guy, 51 00:03:12,325 --> 00:03:14,926 "but I've arrested him before for bar fights. 52 00:03:14,995 --> 00:03:16,261 "I know this guy. 53 00:03:16,330 --> 00:03:19,197 "his name is buzz clinton." 54 00:03:19,265 --> 00:03:20,732 - [narrator] the victim's driver's licence 55 00:03:20,801 --> 00:03:23,868 Properly identifies anson buzz clinton. 56 00:03:23,937 --> 00:03:27,472 With that, police begin their investigation of the scene. 57 00:03:28,675 --> 00:03:31,342 - The investigators for major crimes started 58 00:03:31,344 --> 00:03:32,945 Searching the area thoroughly. 59 00:03:33,013 --> 00:03:36,215 - They found a couple of expended bullets. 60 00:03:37,584 --> 00:03:40,319 - They found one bullet that had missed buzz. 61 00:03:40,321 --> 00:03:43,221 They found another one that had passed through. 62 00:03:43,290 --> 00:03:46,358 - From the bullets, it appeared that the murder weapon was 63 00:03:46,426 --> 00:03:48,560 A .38 calibre revolver. 64 00:03:49,930 --> 00:03:52,697 - [narrator] police next speak to potential witnesses. 65 00:03:52,699 --> 00:03:54,967 They hope someone can provide a clue. 66 00:03:55,035 --> 00:03:57,469 - There was probably four, or five people at the scene 67 00:03:57,537 --> 00:03:59,303 When I got there. 68 00:03:59,305 --> 00:04:02,106 One of the people said that when they came up from the scene 69 00:04:02,108 --> 00:04:05,444 From the highway, they saw another car. 70 00:04:06,646 --> 00:04:08,380 - They also stated that 71 00:04:08,448 --> 00:04:10,482 They saw a tall, lanky person 72 00:04:10,550 --> 00:04:12,517 Get into the other car. 73 00:04:13,453 --> 00:04:16,154 The people who saw this believed 74 00:04:16,223 --> 00:04:18,890 That the car was a blue sedan. 75 00:04:20,027 --> 00:04:22,894 - It left the scene at a high rate of speed. 76 00:04:24,698 --> 00:04:26,798 They didn't have a licence plate number, 77 00:04:26,867 --> 00:04:27,733 Or anything like that. 78 00:04:29,303 --> 00:04:31,135 - It was a very non-descript description. 79 00:04:31,205 --> 00:04:34,405 It didn't lend itself to any further investigation, 80 00:04:34,475 --> 00:04:36,441 Unless you came up with a suspect. 81 00:04:37,544 --> 00:04:39,411 - It appeared that he had been shot by someone 82 00:04:39,479 --> 00:04:41,613 Who had immediately taken off. 83 00:04:41,682 --> 00:04:46,518 One possible theory was somebody tried to carjack him, 84 00:04:46,586 --> 00:04:48,019 And he got interrupted, 85 00:04:48,021 --> 00:04:50,889 Because the car was still sitting there. 86 00:04:50,891 --> 00:04:55,326 Another one was somebody wanted him dead and they shot him. 87 00:04:55,396 --> 00:04:56,995 - [narrator] 28-year-old buzz clinton lived 88 00:04:57,063 --> 00:04:59,798 On his parents' property with his wife, kim, 89 00:04:59,866 --> 00:05:01,900 Their eight-month-old daughter, brianna, 90 00:05:01,968 --> 00:05:04,803 And kim's three-year-old daughter, rebecca. 91 00:05:04,871 --> 00:05:08,206 - I got a call from a friend, and he said, 92 00:05:08,274 --> 00:05:10,942 "somebody's been murdered on the connector." 93 00:05:12,179 --> 00:05:16,080 They had a firebird on the side of the road. 94 00:05:16,150 --> 00:05:18,817 (ominous music) 95 00:05:20,353 --> 00:05:22,621 A chill went through my body. 96 00:05:22,689 --> 00:05:27,926 It was like I knew instantly that that was buzz. 97 00:05:29,896 --> 00:05:32,698 That chill still is with me. 98 00:05:36,903 --> 00:05:39,404 - I remember my brother like shaking me, and saying, 99 00:05:39,473 --> 00:05:41,439 "buzz is dead, buzz is dead," 100 00:05:41,508 --> 00:05:42,841 And I was like, "what?" 101 00:05:42,909 --> 00:05:46,244 And that was a really emotional day. 102 00:05:46,313 --> 00:05:47,946 I said I wasn't gonna cry, dad. 103 00:05:49,215 --> 00:05:52,250 (sombre music) 104 00:05:52,319 --> 00:05:56,454 So that was a really emotional day for our family. 105 00:05:56,523 --> 00:05:59,391 (sombre music) 106 00:06:00,560 --> 00:06:03,795 (graphics whirring) 107 00:06:05,565 --> 00:06:08,200 - The clinton family lived in east lyme, 108 00:06:08,268 --> 00:06:11,970 And they had two other children, suzanne and billy, 109 00:06:12,038 --> 00:06:13,972 Who were both considerably younger. 110 00:06:15,175 --> 00:06:17,509 - I was turning 11 when my brother died. 111 00:06:17,577 --> 00:06:21,913 My mother and my father, they were older parents. 112 00:06:21,982 --> 00:06:25,517 They had already had buzz, who was 17 years older than I. 113 00:06:25,585 --> 00:06:29,153 - Buzz was tickled pink when he found out 114 00:06:29,223 --> 00:06:31,456 That he had his sister coming. 115 00:06:31,525 --> 00:06:34,859 Suzanne was his pride and joy. 116 00:06:34,861 --> 00:06:36,361 - Buzz was definitely my idol. 117 00:06:36,429 --> 00:06:37,796 I loved buzz. 118 00:06:37,864 --> 00:06:39,898 Buzz was my everything. 119 00:06:41,335 --> 00:06:46,037 - Buzz was happy-go-lucky, enjoyed people, 120 00:06:46,039 --> 00:06:49,408 Enjoyed laughing, enjoyed fooling. 121 00:06:50,511 --> 00:06:53,912 He did gymnastics, and he did wrestling. 122 00:06:53,980 --> 00:06:57,982 After high school, he was an iron worker for five years. 123 00:06:58,051 --> 00:07:00,384 He had worked in boston for a while. 124 00:07:00,454 --> 00:07:02,854 He worked up in washington. 125 00:07:04,191 --> 00:07:07,592 - [narrator] in 1991, after a slump in construction, 126 00:07:07,660 --> 00:07:10,562 24-year-old buzz clinton returns to east lyme, 127 00:07:10,630 --> 00:07:13,297 And takes odd jobs to make a living. 128 00:07:13,299 --> 00:07:17,169 - He had side jobs towing cars, 129 00:07:17,237 --> 00:07:19,237 And he put together a business, 130 00:07:19,305 --> 00:07:22,073 Where he had a couple people with him. 131 00:07:22,142 --> 00:07:25,610 They would go to small bars in the area 132 00:07:25,678 --> 00:07:28,613 And put on a show, male dancing. 133 00:07:29,816 --> 00:07:32,550 - He's a good looking guy, in good shape. 134 00:07:32,552 --> 00:07:33,752 He was having fun. 135 00:07:33,820 --> 00:07:35,487 He's a guy in his 20s. 136 00:07:35,555 --> 00:07:39,591 - And that's where he was when he met his wife, kim. 137 00:07:39,659 --> 00:07:43,995 Shortly after that, they started a serious relationship. 138 00:07:45,531 --> 00:07:48,933 - Kim was a attractive young lady who had a small child, 139 00:07:48,935 --> 00:07:52,604 Rebecca, who was about two years old at the time. 140 00:07:52,672 --> 00:07:54,939 - When I met kim, I was just so excited. 141 00:07:54,941 --> 00:07:57,842 She was kind, and quiet, and sweet. 142 00:07:57,911 --> 00:08:00,378 Rebecca was bubbly, she was cute. 143 00:08:00,447 --> 00:08:04,483 - Buzz had become very much involved with kim and the child. 144 00:08:05,919 --> 00:08:09,488 - He ended the male dancing, decided to become a nurse. 145 00:08:10,657 --> 00:08:12,957 - Buzz had been going to school to become 146 00:08:12,959 --> 00:08:14,993 A certified nursing assistant, 147 00:08:15,061 --> 00:08:18,229 And was working part-time in a nursing home. 148 00:08:18,298 --> 00:08:22,867 - On January 17th, 1993, buzz and kim marry. 149 00:08:22,936 --> 00:08:26,304 Six months later, they welcomed their daughter, brianna. 150 00:08:26,372 --> 00:08:29,641 - Buzz was proud, 'cause he had a daughter. 151 00:08:29,709 --> 00:08:32,511 He was very happy at the time. 152 00:08:33,846 --> 00:08:36,547 And all of a sudden, few months later, 153 00:08:36,549 --> 00:08:38,783 My son had been murdered. 154 00:08:40,454 --> 00:08:44,022 - All of us were surprised. 155 00:08:45,125 --> 00:08:46,758 Like, "how could this happen to us? 156 00:08:46,826 --> 00:08:48,492 "how could that have happened?" 157 00:08:48,562 --> 00:08:53,732 (tense music) (graphics whirring) 158 00:08:55,201 --> 00:08:56,768 - [narrator] the day after buzz clinton's murder, 159 00:08:56,836 --> 00:08:59,737 The medical examiner performs his autopsy. 160 00:08:59,806 --> 00:09:01,873 - During the autopsy of buzz clinton, 161 00:09:01,942 --> 00:09:05,744 It was determined that he was shot five times. 162 00:09:07,013 --> 00:09:09,013 - Twice, which is what I saw, in the chest, 163 00:09:09,015 --> 00:09:11,850 Twice in the back, and once in the back of the head. 164 00:09:13,487 --> 00:09:14,819 - From the medical examiner, 165 00:09:14,888 --> 00:09:17,255 We learned that based on the trajectories, 166 00:09:17,323 --> 00:09:19,691 It appeared there was only one gunman, 167 00:09:19,759 --> 00:09:21,759 And buzz was initially approaching 168 00:09:21,828 --> 00:09:24,062 The person who was doing the shooting. 169 00:09:25,798 --> 00:09:29,100 - It's likely what happened, based on the wounds, 170 00:09:29,169 --> 00:09:32,603 That someone must've flagged him down in some way 171 00:09:32,673 --> 00:09:34,305 To get him to pull over. 172 00:09:34,307 --> 00:09:37,375 Buzz gets out, he starts going towards the back 173 00:09:37,443 --> 00:09:42,347 Of the vehicle, and that person fires two rounds at him. 174 00:09:43,916 --> 00:09:47,185 - After being shot twice, he had turned to probably flee. 175 00:09:47,253 --> 00:09:49,754 He got hit twice more in the back, 176 00:09:49,822 --> 00:09:51,623 And once in the back of the head. 177 00:09:52,793 --> 00:09:53,858 - [narrator] four bullets are recovered 178 00:09:53,927 --> 00:09:55,659 From buzz clinton's body. 179 00:09:55,661 --> 00:09:58,730 Those, along with the two bullets found at the scene, 180 00:09:58,798 --> 00:10:01,065 Give police a vital clue. 181 00:10:01,067 --> 00:10:03,968 - Clearly, it looked like a six-shot revolver 182 00:10:04,037 --> 00:10:05,737 Had been emptied into him. 183 00:10:06,906 --> 00:10:09,107 - It appeared buzz clinton was a target. 184 00:10:10,443 --> 00:10:13,611 - He's executed right there on the highway. 185 00:10:13,680 --> 00:10:16,548 This person who murdered buzz clinton 186 00:10:16,616 --> 00:10:19,651 Wanted to make sure he was dead. 187 00:10:20,820 --> 00:10:22,153 - [narrator] now that the autopsy confirms 188 00:10:22,222 --> 00:10:25,089 Buzz clinton's death was a targeted attack, 189 00:10:25,091 --> 00:10:27,358 Investigators interview his family to learn 190 00:10:27,427 --> 00:10:29,961 Who might have had motive to kill him. 191 00:10:30,030 --> 00:10:32,764 - They drive over to the clinton household, 192 00:10:32,832 --> 00:10:36,301 And they sit kim down, buzz's wife. 193 00:10:37,503 --> 00:10:40,104 - Kim was asked if she might know who did this. 194 00:10:40,106 --> 00:10:41,973 She had a couple of suspects. 195 00:10:43,109 --> 00:10:44,642 There were people who didn't like him, 196 00:10:44,711 --> 00:10:46,945 Who hated him, but who was it? 197 00:10:47,814 --> 00:10:51,149 (dramatic music) 198 00:10:51,217 --> 00:10:52,850 A year prior to the murder, 199 00:10:52,919 --> 00:10:55,854 They began a torrid love affair. 200 00:10:57,090 --> 00:10:58,756 - He was not the upstanding citizen 201 00:10:58,758 --> 00:11:00,325 That he tried to portray. 202 00:11:01,627 --> 00:11:05,763 - Their relationship was centred around this family feud. 203 00:11:05,832 --> 00:11:07,531 - She wanted him out of the picture, 204 00:11:07,601 --> 00:11:11,836 And he would do anything for her, including murder. 205 00:11:14,541 --> 00:11:16,808 - [narrator] less than 24 hours after the murder 206 00:11:16,876 --> 00:11:18,876 Of buzz clinton, investigators speak 207 00:11:18,945 --> 00:11:22,714 With his devastated wife, kim, hoping for a lead. 208 00:11:22,782 --> 00:11:26,217 - Kim did share that buzz had had issues over a loan 209 00:11:26,219 --> 00:11:28,219 From a gentleman, charlie snyder, 210 00:11:28,288 --> 00:11:32,256 And who owned a junkyard/car dealership. 211 00:11:32,325 --> 00:11:34,692 - Buzz was into charlie snyder 212 00:11:34,761 --> 00:11:37,061 For about 1,500 bucks, 213 00:11:37,063 --> 00:11:38,696 And he hadn't been paying him. 214 00:11:38,765 --> 00:11:41,699 - And in fact, kim says buzz had recently received 215 00:11:41,767 --> 00:11:44,502 A phone call from him threatening physical harm to him 216 00:11:44,571 --> 00:11:47,071 If he didn't get his money back soon. 217 00:11:47,073 --> 00:11:51,075 - Kim also said shawn butterfield, one of his best friends, 218 00:11:51,077 --> 00:11:53,211 Who he'd had a rift with, had accused him 219 00:11:53,279 --> 00:11:55,613 Of stealing his wallet with $100 in it. 220 00:11:55,682 --> 00:11:59,250 - He was angry, thinking buzz stole his wallet, 221 00:11:59,319 --> 00:12:03,822 And I could see it leading to a more serious confrontation. 222 00:12:04,924 --> 00:12:06,590 - [narrator] kim clinton gives investigators 223 00:12:06,660 --> 00:12:10,628 Two potential leads, but buzz clinton's parents suspect 224 00:12:10,696 --> 00:12:12,664 Someone else might be involved. 225 00:12:12,732 --> 00:12:14,398 - The police asked me, 226 00:12:14,467 --> 00:12:16,868 "do you have any idea who might have done this?" 227 00:12:16,936 --> 00:12:21,106 I said I felt that there was an involvement of kim's family. 228 00:12:22,208 --> 00:12:25,243 I told the investigators family feud started 229 00:12:25,311 --> 00:12:29,647 Between buzz and the in-laws over custody 230 00:12:29,715 --> 00:12:32,984 And control of rebecca. 231 00:12:33,052 --> 00:12:35,286 - The clintons tell police this whole history 232 00:12:35,355 --> 00:12:39,357 Behind this family feud between the carpenters and clintons. 233 00:12:41,261 --> 00:12:45,196 - The carpenters seemed like a normal american family. 234 00:12:45,265 --> 00:12:48,366 Richard, the father, had retired from the navy 235 00:12:48,434 --> 00:12:50,334 After 22 years of service, 236 00:12:50,403 --> 00:12:54,372 And he started his own successful landscaping business, 237 00:12:54,440 --> 00:12:57,475 And his wife, cynthia, was a nurse. 238 00:12:58,744 --> 00:13:02,446 They had three children, richard, beth, and kim. 239 00:13:02,515 --> 00:13:05,383 - The carpenter children were very different. 240 00:13:05,451 --> 00:13:08,119 Kim was not terribly successful, 241 00:13:08,187 --> 00:13:11,055 Whereas her sister beth was practising law. 242 00:13:11,124 --> 00:13:14,158 - Kim worked as a clerk at a supermarket. 243 00:13:14,160 --> 00:13:18,129 So in many ways, kim was looked down upon. 244 00:13:19,365 --> 00:13:21,832 Before kim met buzz, she got pregnant, 245 00:13:21,834 --> 00:13:27,205 And the father was really never involved in rebecca's life. 246 00:13:28,575 --> 00:13:32,276 - During that time, kim and her daughter rebecca were living 247 00:13:32,278 --> 00:13:35,679 With richard and cynthia carpenter. 248 00:13:35,749 --> 00:13:37,549 They were basically raising her. 249 00:13:38,951 --> 00:13:42,119 - Kim would leave rebecca with them for days, weeks on end, 250 00:13:42,188 --> 00:13:43,587 And they didn't know where she was, 251 00:13:43,657 --> 00:13:45,990 So they think she's an unfit mother. 252 00:13:47,126 --> 00:13:49,226 - According to the clintons, the feud began 253 00:13:49,295 --> 00:13:51,195 When kim and buzz became serious, 254 00:13:51,197 --> 00:13:53,564 And wanted to create a family with rebecca. 255 00:13:53,633 --> 00:13:56,967 - My son and kim wanted to take care of rebecca, 256 00:13:56,969 --> 00:13:59,037 And take rebecca places. 257 00:14:00,072 --> 00:14:02,473 - However, the carpenter family believes 258 00:14:02,542 --> 00:14:06,377 That kim is incapable of taking care of rebecca. 259 00:14:06,446 --> 00:14:08,245 - And they definitely did not think 260 00:14:08,314 --> 00:14:10,714 Buzz could be a good father figure. 261 00:14:10,716 --> 00:14:12,650 They did not like buzz. 262 00:14:12,718 --> 00:14:14,051 - They mentioned the dancing. 263 00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:15,453 They mentioned drinking, 264 00:14:15,521 --> 00:14:18,188 And he doesn't bring in a lot of money. 265 00:14:18,258 --> 00:14:20,992 - It became very obvious that they didn't want us 266 00:14:21,060 --> 00:14:24,195 To have anything to do with rebecca. 267 00:14:27,133 --> 00:14:30,401 It was in the fall, about 7:00 at night. 268 00:14:30,470 --> 00:14:33,104 Rebecca was playing with our children, 269 00:14:33,106 --> 00:14:34,738 And the call came from the mother. 270 00:14:34,808 --> 00:14:37,675 The mother said, "if you don't have rebecca home, 271 00:14:37,743 --> 00:14:39,944 "we're gonna call the police." 272 00:14:41,447 --> 00:14:44,948 I remember my wife asking, "who has custody of this child?" 273 00:14:44,950 --> 00:14:46,550 And kim said, "I do." 274 00:14:46,619 --> 00:14:50,087 She said, "well, why does your mother control the situation 275 00:14:50,156 --> 00:14:51,555 "if you have custody?" 276 00:14:51,624 --> 00:14:54,726 She said, "because my mother is in control." 277 00:14:56,128 --> 00:14:59,097 My son said to kim, "it's your child. 278 00:14:59,099 --> 00:15:00,564 "we're planning on getting married, 279 00:15:00,633 --> 00:15:04,269 "so let's move forward as a family." 280 00:15:05,405 --> 00:15:07,971 - [narrator] on October 19th, 1992, 281 00:15:07,973 --> 00:15:11,442 Having no way to stop kim and buzz from taking rebecca, 282 00:15:11,511 --> 00:15:14,778 The carpenters file for emergency temporary custody, 283 00:15:14,848 --> 00:15:17,081 Which a judge grants based on their account 284 00:15:17,150 --> 00:15:19,450 Of kim's history as a caregiver. 285 00:15:19,519 --> 00:15:21,985 - The carpenters initially did get 286 00:15:21,987 --> 00:15:23,821 Guardianship of the child. 287 00:15:23,889 --> 00:15:29,294 Then kim and buzz went to court to get custody back. 288 00:15:30,696 --> 00:15:31,929 - They go to family court, they battle it out, 289 00:15:31,997 --> 00:15:34,032 And kim and buzz win. 290 00:15:35,268 --> 00:15:37,935 - My son's arguments that rebecca belonged 291 00:15:38,003 --> 00:15:39,771 With them was successful. 292 00:15:41,207 --> 00:15:43,474 - The carpenters really didn't have any kind of evidence 293 00:15:43,543 --> 00:15:47,278 That was justified taking rebecca away from her mother. 294 00:15:48,514 --> 00:15:51,549 - After the courts had issued custody 295 00:15:51,617 --> 00:15:53,985 To kim and buzz of rebecca, 296 00:15:54,053 --> 00:15:57,355 Mrs. Carpenter petitioned the court with beth, 297 00:15:57,423 --> 00:16:00,124 Kim's sister, for shared custody. 298 00:16:01,294 --> 00:16:03,160 - Kim's parents got visitation rights, 299 00:16:03,229 --> 00:16:04,795 So everybody thought it would end 300 00:16:04,864 --> 00:16:08,466 Once the custody issue was settled, but it didn't end. 301 00:16:10,203 --> 00:16:12,904 - The carpenters wanted their granddaughter 302 00:16:12,972 --> 00:16:14,805 Away from buzz clinton. 303 00:16:14,874 --> 00:16:17,241 The sister, beth, was an attorney, 304 00:16:17,310 --> 00:16:20,244 And tried to help the parents get custody, 305 00:16:20,313 --> 00:16:22,179 But the court system wasn't doing it, 306 00:16:22,248 --> 00:16:24,148 And they were becoming frustrated. 307 00:16:24,216 --> 00:16:28,652 - Mrs. Carpenter again petitioned the court for custody, 308 00:16:28,721 --> 00:16:33,157 And made several charges which were not credible. 309 00:16:34,027 --> 00:16:35,459 - They definitely implied 310 00:16:35,461 --> 00:16:37,195 That my brother was abusing rebecca. 311 00:16:40,934 --> 00:16:45,136 It's really hard to hear the accusations that were made, 312 00:16:45,204 --> 00:16:50,441 Because that's not who he was. 313 00:16:51,010 --> 00:16:53,544 (tense music) 314 00:16:53,613 --> 00:16:55,279 - The carpenters were convinced 315 00:16:55,348 --> 00:16:57,081 That he was abusing the child, 316 00:16:58,350 --> 00:17:00,551 But there wasn't any evidence of that. 317 00:17:00,620 --> 00:17:04,722 - There was a lot of animosity between the two families. 318 00:17:04,791 --> 00:17:08,025 - One night, mr. Carpenter dropped rebecca off 319 00:17:08,094 --> 00:17:09,293 From visitation. 320 00:17:09,362 --> 00:17:10,728 Buzz went over to talk to him, 321 00:17:10,797 --> 00:17:14,732 And they got into a verbal argument. 322 00:17:16,202 --> 00:17:19,370 According to buzz, buzz actually had been threatened 323 00:17:19,438 --> 00:17:22,874 By mr. Carpenter that he would kill him. 324 00:17:24,410 --> 00:17:27,678 - I got a phone call a couple months before buzz was killed. 325 00:17:27,747 --> 00:17:30,581 Buzz felt very threatened by kim's family. 326 00:17:30,650 --> 00:17:33,551 He had just had an argument with his father-in-law. 327 00:17:33,619 --> 00:17:38,156 He said, "if something happens to me, he killed me." 328 00:17:39,592 --> 00:17:42,059 - The carpenters, it seemed like they're just gonna continue 329 00:17:42,127 --> 00:17:47,432 This grasping and legal harassment. 330 00:17:48,267 --> 00:17:50,601 So they researched it, buzz did, 331 00:17:50,670 --> 00:17:54,505 And found that arizona did not have grandparent right law. 332 00:17:56,041 --> 00:17:58,742 - Buzz tells the carpenter family, "I'm gonna take kim, 333 00:17:58,811 --> 00:18:02,013 "I'm gonna take rebecca, and we're gonna move to arizona." 334 00:18:02,081 --> 00:18:03,847 - And the carpenters were afraid 335 00:18:03,917 --> 00:18:06,516 They were never gonna see their granddaughter again. 336 00:18:06,518 --> 00:18:07,919 - What could be a better motive 337 00:18:07,987 --> 00:18:11,288 Than a hatfields and mccoys type of dispute 338 00:18:11,357 --> 00:18:14,926 Going on between families and someone gets murdered? 339 00:18:16,295 --> 00:18:19,096 So immediately, richard carpenter moves to the top 340 00:18:19,164 --> 00:18:21,332 Of the suspect list. 341 00:18:27,973 --> 00:18:29,373 - [narrator] after investigators learn 342 00:18:29,375 --> 00:18:31,809 Of a heated family feud between buzz clinton 343 00:18:31,877 --> 00:18:34,979 And his in-laws, they go to the carpenters' residence 344 00:18:35,047 --> 00:18:37,381 To question them about his murder. 345 00:18:37,383 --> 00:18:40,184 - We meet with richard and cynthia carpenter. 346 00:18:40,253 --> 00:18:44,688 Also present at that time were beth, their daughter, 347 00:18:44,690 --> 00:18:47,758 And her employer, haiman clein. 348 00:18:48,994 --> 00:18:50,361 - Which at the time seemed strange, 349 00:18:50,429 --> 00:18:52,897 Because haiman clein was a real estate lawyer 350 00:18:52,965 --> 00:18:54,532 And banking lawyer. 351 00:18:54,600 --> 00:18:57,601 - Beth and haiman said they just wanted to be there 352 00:18:57,603 --> 00:19:00,371 To be part of the interview. 353 00:19:00,439 --> 00:19:02,873 - The carpenters verified that there was a feud, 354 00:19:02,942 --> 00:19:04,442 And that they were trying to get 355 00:19:04,510 --> 00:19:08,045 Permanent custody of rebecca. 356 00:19:08,113 --> 00:19:09,747 One of the things they also mentioned was 357 00:19:09,815 --> 00:19:12,483 That buzz had been talking about going to arizona. 358 00:19:12,552 --> 00:19:14,852 They really didn't want that to happen. 359 00:19:14,920 --> 00:19:16,954 Then they would totally lose the child. 360 00:19:18,257 --> 00:19:20,491 - Richard carpenter and cynthia carpenter, 361 00:19:20,560 --> 00:19:23,961 They agreed that they didn't really like buzz, 362 00:19:24,030 --> 00:19:26,964 But they really downplayed the interaction 363 00:19:27,032 --> 00:19:30,167 Between buzz and richard carpenter. 364 00:19:30,236 --> 00:19:31,935 They said they didn't think 365 00:19:31,937 --> 00:19:33,371 That the granddaughter should be with him, 366 00:19:33,373 --> 00:19:36,274 But never that they wanted him dead. 367 00:19:36,342 --> 00:19:39,643 - The carpenters claim that they had no idea 368 00:19:39,645 --> 00:19:41,279 What might have happened to him. 369 00:19:42,682 --> 00:19:44,381 - [narrator] after hearing the carpenters' side 370 00:19:44,450 --> 00:19:46,249 Of the story, investigators push for proof 371 00:19:46,251 --> 00:19:48,819 That richard carpenter was not involved. 372 00:19:48,888 --> 00:19:52,123 - Mr. Carpenter gave an alibi that he was home 373 00:19:52,191 --> 00:19:53,524 At the time of the murder, 374 00:19:53,592 --> 00:19:55,793 And his wife backed him up on that. 375 00:19:55,861 --> 00:19:59,330 Richard carpenter showed us the weapons that he had, 376 00:19:59,398 --> 00:20:01,299 But none included a .38. 377 00:20:02,268 --> 00:20:03,867 - It wasn't a strong alibi, 378 00:20:03,936 --> 00:20:06,270 But between that and the firearms, 379 00:20:06,339 --> 00:20:08,839 They're pretty sure that he's in the clear. 380 00:20:10,009 --> 00:20:11,742 - A guy who looked like a great suspect 381 00:20:11,811 --> 00:20:14,178 Right away fizzles out. 382 00:20:15,281 --> 00:20:17,481 But even with dick carpenter eliminated, 383 00:20:17,483 --> 00:20:21,352 There's other good suspects all with motive. 384 00:20:22,822 --> 00:20:24,555 - [narrator] investigators move on from the feud 385 00:20:24,623 --> 00:20:27,491 For the moment, and go after their other leads. 386 00:20:27,493 --> 00:20:29,993 First they look into charlie snyder, 387 00:20:30,062 --> 00:20:33,897 The man who kim claims threatened to harm buzz over money. 388 00:20:33,966 --> 00:20:37,801 - Charlie snyder's business was called blonders junkyard. 389 00:20:37,803 --> 00:20:41,438 - Investigators go to the junkyard to visit charlie snyder, 390 00:20:41,507 --> 00:20:43,006 And he's not there. 391 00:20:43,075 --> 00:20:45,142 - They learned through his employees 392 00:20:45,144 --> 00:20:46,844 That in fact he was out of town, 393 00:20:46,912 --> 00:20:50,114 But he had been around town at the time of the murder. 394 00:20:50,182 --> 00:20:52,583 - The timing was a little strange. 395 00:20:52,651 --> 00:20:54,619 That made him look even more guilty. 396 00:20:55,821 --> 00:20:57,654 - [narrator] a few days later, police learn 397 00:20:57,723 --> 00:20:59,923 That charlie snyder is back in town. 398 00:20:59,992 --> 00:21:02,259 They immediately go to speak with him. 399 00:21:02,328 --> 00:21:04,461 - Investigators sit down with charlie snyder. 400 00:21:04,530 --> 00:21:06,329 Charlie was distraught when he heard 401 00:21:06,331 --> 00:21:08,132 Buzz clinton was murdered. 402 00:21:09,568 --> 00:21:11,468 - Charlie explained he was out of town on a ski trip 403 00:21:11,537 --> 00:21:13,637 When the police initially tried to speak with him. 404 00:21:13,706 --> 00:21:16,140 - And he's like, "look, I said some things to him. 405 00:21:16,208 --> 00:21:17,575 "I threatened him, sure, 406 00:21:17,643 --> 00:21:20,043 "but I was more of a mentor to buzz. 407 00:21:20,045 --> 00:21:23,947 "I wanted buzz to succeed in life." 408 00:21:24,016 --> 00:21:25,415 - While he was ticked off at buzz, 409 00:21:25,485 --> 00:21:27,951 Charlie claimed that he would never hurt him. 410 00:21:28,020 --> 00:21:30,221 He considered him a very close friend. 411 00:21:30,289 --> 00:21:35,058 - Charlie had an alibi for 6:30 the evening of March 10th. 412 00:21:35,127 --> 00:21:36,527 - He was at a doctor's appointment 413 00:21:36,595 --> 00:21:39,664 During the time that buzz was murdered. 414 00:21:40,833 --> 00:21:43,634 He didn't kill buzz clinton, either. 415 00:21:43,702 --> 00:21:46,637 - [narrator] investigators have one more potential suspect, 416 00:21:46,705 --> 00:21:50,507 Buzz clinton's former friend, shawn butterfield. 417 00:21:50,576 --> 00:21:53,210 - About a week, or two prior to the murder, 418 00:21:53,278 --> 00:21:56,980 Butterfield accused buzz clinton of stealing his wallet 419 00:21:57,049 --> 00:22:01,318 With $100 in it, and buzz denied it. 420 00:22:01,387 --> 00:22:03,454 - From the witness who had discovered the body, 421 00:22:03,522 --> 00:22:07,024 Police had a description of a tall, lanky individual 422 00:22:07,092 --> 00:22:08,792 Getting into the car. 423 00:22:08,794 --> 00:22:11,728 - Charlie snyder, he's not tall and lanky, 424 00:22:11,797 --> 00:22:14,364 But buzz's friend shawn butterfield 425 00:22:14,434 --> 00:22:16,934 Does fit that description. 426 00:22:18,403 --> 00:22:20,671 Detectives go over to shawn butterfield's work. 427 00:22:20,740 --> 00:22:23,406 He's working as a clerk in a hotel, 428 00:22:23,408 --> 00:22:26,577 And they say, "look, you had a motive, you know? 429 00:22:26,645 --> 00:22:30,013 "you alleged that buzz stole your wallet." 430 00:22:30,082 --> 00:22:32,149 - Shawn said, "yeah, I was upset with buzz, 431 00:22:32,217 --> 00:22:34,317 "because I thought he stole my wallet, 432 00:22:34,387 --> 00:22:36,553 "but I wouldn't hurt him, though." 433 00:22:36,622 --> 00:22:40,090 - Shawn said that his alibi for the night of the murder was 434 00:22:40,159 --> 00:22:43,493 That he was in fact working at the hotel. 435 00:22:43,563 --> 00:22:45,395 - And that was verified that he was on the clock 436 00:22:45,465 --> 00:22:47,064 At the time of the murder, 437 00:22:47,132 --> 00:22:49,633 So he was eliminated as a potential suspect. 438 00:22:50,736 --> 00:22:52,469 - Once you run through all your suspects, 439 00:22:52,538 --> 00:22:55,238 You have to go back to square one, 440 00:22:55,308 --> 00:22:58,609 And try and dig out another suspect. 441 00:22:58,677 --> 00:23:03,314 - They interviewed everybody within buzz and kim's circle. 442 00:23:04,450 --> 00:23:06,850 - We're hoping to find a lead that would put us 443 00:23:06,852 --> 00:23:11,322 In the right direction of who killed buzz clinton. 444 00:23:12,858 --> 00:23:15,592 - The investigators, they would call occasionally, 445 00:23:15,661 --> 00:23:19,596 Keeping us informed that things are happening, 446 00:23:19,665 --> 00:23:21,698 Progress is being made. 447 00:23:21,767 --> 00:23:27,171 I stuck to the theory that the carpenters had been involved. 448 00:23:28,740 --> 00:23:30,273 Kim was staying with us, 449 00:23:30,343 --> 00:23:34,345 And it puts kim in a very difficult situation. 450 00:23:34,413 --> 00:23:36,813 As a daughter, of course, you don't wanna believe 451 00:23:36,882 --> 00:23:39,716 That your family might be involved. 452 00:23:39,785 --> 00:23:41,885 - The clintons continued to insist 453 00:23:41,887 --> 00:23:44,121 That the carpenters were responsible, 454 00:23:44,189 --> 00:23:45,522 And that the police had to continue 455 00:23:45,524 --> 00:23:48,025 To follow up with that, and they did. 456 00:23:49,128 --> 00:23:51,128 - Richard carpenter, he consented 457 00:23:51,196 --> 00:23:53,164 To have his bank records examined 458 00:23:53,232 --> 00:23:55,332 To see if there was any unusual purchases, 459 00:23:55,401 --> 00:23:58,035 Or payments to a gunman. 460 00:23:58,103 --> 00:23:59,937 None was found. 461 00:24:00,005 --> 00:24:02,172 Nothing substantial had come in 462 00:24:02,241 --> 00:24:05,342 After a month and a half, two months, 463 00:24:06,512 --> 00:24:08,178 - We kind of hit a wall with the investigation, 464 00:24:08,247 --> 00:24:09,880 And then we got lucky. 465 00:24:09,949 --> 00:24:11,414 We got a phone call. 466 00:24:11,484 --> 00:24:13,650 (tense music) (graphics whirring) 467 00:24:13,719 --> 00:24:15,786 - [narrator] on may 25th, 1994, 468 00:24:15,855 --> 00:24:18,522 More than two months after buzz clinton's murder, 469 00:24:18,591 --> 00:24:22,525 Police receive a tip from a woman named cathy white. 470 00:24:22,527 --> 00:24:26,163 - Cathy white says that she wants to share some information 471 00:24:26,231 --> 00:24:29,666 That she has regarding the murder of buzz clinton. 472 00:24:29,735 --> 00:24:34,337 She reveals that a friend of her boyfriend, mark despres, 473 00:24:34,407 --> 00:24:38,342 Was involved in a plan to kill buzz clinton. 474 00:24:39,278 --> 00:24:41,311 After speaking to cathy white, 475 00:24:41,380 --> 00:24:44,415 Detectives did background on mark despres. 476 00:24:44,483 --> 00:24:46,383 - Mark despres has a criminal history, 477 00:24:46,451 --> 00:24:48,218 And is a registered informant 478 00:24:48,287 --> 00:24:51,955 For the state police narcotics squad. 479 00:24:51,957 --> 00:24:54,691 - They know that mark despres is a drug dealer. 480 00:24:54,760 --> 00:24:57,728 He's not a low level guy, he's not a high level guy, 481 00:24:57,796 --> 00:25:00,563 But he's dealing ounces of cocaine. 482 00:25:00,565 --> 00:25:01,932 This guy's trouble. 483 00:25:02,001 --> 00:25:04,567 He's been trouble his whole life. 484 00:25:04,569 --> 00:25:06,169 - He was a potential suspect, 485 00:25:06,171 --> 00:25:09,240 But there wasn't a clear connection between buzz clinton 486 00:25:09,308 --> 00:25:10,241 And mark despres. 487 00:25:10,309 --> 00:25:12,209 There just was none. 488 00:25:12,277 --> 00:25:15,246 - [narrator] the next day, police contact mark despres 489 00:25:15,314 --> 00:25:17,047 And arrange a meeting. 490 00:25:17,116 --> 00:25:19,850 - When mark despres came in to talk to the police, 491 00:25:19,918 --> 00:25:22,185 He was under the impression that he was there 492 00:25:22,254 --> 00:25:26,290 Just to talk about some ci work regarding drugs. 493 00:25:26,358 --> 00:25:27,758 - And then they asked him 494 00:25:27,826 --> 00:25:29,760 What he knew about buzz clinton's murder. 495 00:25:31,196 --> 00:25:32,463 - Mark was kind of taken aback, 496 00:25:32,531 --> 00:25:35,132 And says he wants to call his lawyer. 497 00:25:36,601 --> 00:25:40,237 - And then he says the lawyer's name, haiman clein. 498 00:25:41,473 --> 00:25:43,573 - Which was a name that rang a big bell. 499 00:25:43,643 --> 00:25:45,409 They recognised haiman clein 500 00:25:45,477 --> 00:25:48,445 As the employer of beth carpenter. 501 00:25:48,513 --> 00:25:50,413 Clein was present during the original interview 502 00:25:50,483 --> 00:25:52,683 Of the carpenter family at their home. 503 00:25:54,253 --> 00:25:56,253 - [narrator] after being unable to reach his lawyer, 504 00:25:56,321 --> 00:25:59,790 Haiman clein, mark despres agrees to speak with police 505 00:25:59,858 --> 00:26:01,691 About their connection. 506 00:26:01,761 --> 00:26:03,293 - Despres told the investigators 507 00:26:03,362 --> 00:26:06,030 That he was clein's drug dealer, 508 00:26:06,098 --> 00:26:09,199 That he would bring him cocaine on a weekly basis. 509 00:26:10,535 --> 00:26:13,036 - Haiman clein is a real estate lawyer. 510 00:26:13,038 --> 00:26:14,704 He's this guy in his 50s. 511 00:26:14,774 --> 00:26:18,942 He's married, he's got four kids, lives in a big house, 512 00:26:19,011 --> 00:26:20,777 But according to mark despres, 513 00:26:20,846 --> 00:26:24,615 He also is snorting cocaine all day long. 514 00:26:25,985 --> 00:26:28,185 - It became pretty apparent that haiman clein was not 515 00:26:28,253 --> 00:26:31,554 The upstanding citizen that he tried to portray 516 00:26:31,624 --> 00:26:32,957 In his law office. 517 00:26:34,326 --> 00:26:36,360 - Haiman clein was connected to the carpenters. 518 00:26:36,428 --> 00:26:39,330 Bang, now, we got a connection. 519 00:26:45,104 --> 00:26:47,237 - [narrator] two months after buzz clinton's murder, 520 00:26:47,306 --> 00:26:50,107 Police continue to question mark despres. 521 00:26:50,175 --> 00:26:53,143 - Cathy white calls the police, and says, 522 00:26:53,212 --> 00:26:57,080 "mark despres is involved in buzz clinton's murder." 523 00:26:57,149 --> 00:26:58,915 Mark despres comes in, and says, 524 00:26:58,984 --> 00:27:01,518 "I wanna call my lawyer, haiman clein." 525 00:27:02,721 --> 00:27:05,288 Haiman clein was at the carpenters' house 526 00:27:05,290 --> 00:27:08,258 When they first questioned dick carpenter 527 00:27:08,260 --> 00:27:10,060 About buzz clinton's murder, 528 00:27:10,129 --> 00:27:14,031 And what you have at the centre of it is this family feud. 529 00:27:14,099 --> 00:27:15,833 There's the connection. 530 00:27:15,835 --> 00:27:19,068 - So it looked like the murder was somehow related 531 00:27:19,070 --> 00:27:21,972 To the feud between buzz and the carpenters 532 00:27:22,041 --> 00:27:25,475 Over custody of kim's daughter, rebecca. 533 00:27:25,477 --> 00:27:28,779 Maybe we cleared the carpenters too quick. 534 00:27:30,449 --> 00:27:32,649 - This is potentially a murder for hire. 535 00:27:32,718 --> 00:27:36,052 It's time to start a full court press on despres 536 00:27:36,121 --> 00:27:38,888 And see what's going on here. 537 00:27:38,958 --> 00:27:40,023 We made it clear to him that 538 00:27:40,092 --> 00:27:41,859 If he had been directly involved 539 00:27:41,861 --> 00:27:45,629 That he was in serious trouble, 540 00:27:45,697 --> 00:27:48,799 And that his best deal was to cooperate. 541 00:27:48,867 --> 00:27:51,401 The hope was that we would be able to get him 542 00:27:51,470 --> 00:27:54,471 To roll over and to start talking. 543 00:27:55,440 --> 00:27:57,340 - Hours go by, hours go by, 544 00:27:57,342 --> 00:27:59,943 And finally, mark despres says, "look, haiman clein, 545 00:28:00,012 --> 00:28:02,145 "he's the one who hired me." 546 00:28:02,214 --> 00:28:04,347 - And then eventually, despres told the story 547 00:28:04,416 --> 00:28:09,586 Of how he was hired by haiman clein to kill buzz clinton. 548 00:28:11,590 --> 00:28:13,624 - Several months before the murder, 549 00:28:13,692 --> 00:28:17,494 Haiman clein told despres he had a potential job for him. 550 00:28:17,563 --> 00:28:20,030 - He had met with haiman clein at a christmas party 551 00:28:20,099 --> 00:28:22,099 In haiman clein's office. 552 00:28:22,167 --> 00:28:24,768 Haiman clein talked to mark despres 553 00:28:24,837 --> 00:28:27,237 About killing buzz clinton. 554 00:28:27,306 --> 00:28:29,506 They negotiated a price of $8,500, 555 00:28:30,842 --> 00:28:35,312 And clein gave him $1,500 as a down payment. 556 00:28:36,581 --> 00:28:39,650 Between christmas and March 10th, 557 00:28:39,718 --> 00:28:41,551 Some planning was going on 558 00:28:41,620 --> 00:28:43,420 As to how to best accomplish this. 559 00:28:43,488 --> 00:28:47,023 Despres said that he scoped out buzz clinton, 560 00:28:47,092 --> 00:28:48,458 And he followed him a few times, 561 00:28:48,527 --> 00:28:51,028 But he could never get him alone to kill him. 562 00:28:53,932 --> 00:28:56,533 - [narrator] at about 6:30 p.M. On March 10th, 563 00:28:56,601 --> 00:29:00,070 Mark despres sees an opportunity to kill buzz clinton 564 00:29:00,139 --> 00:29:02,505 On a desolate stretch of road. 565 00:29:02,507 --> 00:29:05,408 - Mark despres told us he's following on buzz clinton 566 00:29:05,477 --> 00:29:08,645 On the highway at the rocky neck connector. 567 00:29:08,713 --> 00:29:10,213 Buzz didn't know who he was, 568 00:29:10,215 --> 00:29:12,683 But mark flashes his headlights 569 00:29:12,751 --> 00:29:14,651 To try and get the attention of buzz 570 00:29:14,719 --> 00:29:17,020 And have him pull over, which he does, 571 00:29:18,323 --> 00:29:20,924 At which point, buzz clinton got out of the car. 572 00:29:22,327 --> 00:29:24,027 - Buzz walked towards him. 573 00:29:24,096 --> 00:29:27,097 Apparently, mark despres got out of the car. 574 00:29:27,166 --> 00:29:29,699 - As buzz was walking toward him, 575 00:29:29,701 --> 00:29:32,469 Mark took the gun out and fired six times. 576 00:29:32,538 --> 00:29:35,472 (suspenseful music) 577 00:29:35,541 --> 00:29:38,709 - At that point, despres says he saw lights coming 578 00:29:38,777 --> 00:29:41,144 On the highway, and quickly got back into the car, 579 00:29:41,146 --> 00:29:42,179 And took off. 580 00:29:43,415 --> 00:29:44,747 - He threw the gun out of the car 581 00:29:44,749 --> 00:29:46,249 Along the highway somewhere, 582 00:29:46,251 --> 00:29:48,151 So it couldn't be identified. 583 00:29:48,220 --> 00:29:50,754 - He went home, notified clein, 584 00:29:50,822 --> 00:29:54,190 And for two months there was nothing 585 00:29:54,259 --> 00:29:56,493 Until cathy white called the police 586 00:29:56,561 --> 00:30:00,063 And told them she had information about the murder. 587 00:30:01,433 --> 00:30:03,099 - [narrator] mark despres then gives detectives 588 00:30:03,168 --> 00:30:05,335 A potentially crucial piece of the conspiracy 589 00:30:05,404 --> 00:30:07,470 To kill buzz clinton. 590 00:30:07,539 --> 00:30:10,240 - Mark despres mentions a meeting one night. 591 00:30:10,309 --> 00:30:14,444 He's in haiman clein's office and beth carpenter is there. 592 00:30:15,914 --> 00:30:19,016 Haiman clien specifically says to beth carpenter 593 00:30:19,084 --> 00:30:20,550 That night before the murder, 594 00:30:20,619 --> 00:30:23,453 "mark is gonna help with that thing," 595 00:30:23,522 --> 00:30:26,689 And mark despres says, "they were an item." 596 00:30:26,759 --> 00:30:28,992 Haiman clein and beth carpenter, 597 00:30:28,994 --> 00:30:30,494 They got an affair going on. 598 00:30:31,696 --> 00:30:34,230 - It was possible that beth was behind it, 599 00:30:34,299 --> 00:30:37,467 And haiman was doing what beth wanted. 600 00:30:38,671 --> 00:30:40,570 - [narrator] with his confession in hand, 601 00:30:40,639 --> 00:30:43,473 Police arrest mark despres for buzz clinton's murder 602 00:30:44,910 --> 00:30:47,344 Investigators turned their attention to haiman clein, 603 00:30:47,412 --> 00:30:50,380 The man despres claims hired him. 604 00:30:50,449 --> 00:30:53,416 - Despres gave the investigators information 605 00:30:53,485 --> 00:30:55,752 That clein was sending him checks. 606 00:30:56,922 --> 00:31:00,290 Investigators got search warrants to verify this. 607 00:31:00,359 --> 00:31:05,028 - They subpoenaed his phone records and his bank records. 608 00:31:05,030 --> 00:31:08,098 The phone records definitely tied clein into despres, 609 00:31:09,368 --> 00:31:13,837 But more damning was the bank records, 610 00:31:13,905 --> 00:31:15,838 Because they matched the story 611 00:31:15,840 --> 00:31:19,142 That the investigators got from despres 612 00:31:19,144 --> 00:31:21,144 Regarding money transfers. 613 00:31:21,213 --> 00:31:23,714 - Now, they need to go after haiman, 614 00:31:23,782 --> 00:31:26,516 Sit him down, and question him. 615 00:31:27,719 --> 00:31:29,252 - Through the records that were obtained, 616 00:31:29,321 --> 00:31:32,122 A warrant was issued for haiman clein. 617 00:31:32,190 --> 00:31:34,958 - But when the police went to arrest him, 618 00:31:35,027 --> 00:31:36,226 He was not at his office. 619 00:31:36,295 --> 00:31:37,894 He was not at his home. 620 00:31:37,962 --> 00:31:39,295 He was nowhere. 621 00:31:39,297 --> 00:31:42,566 - Lo and behold, haiman clein is gone. 622 00:31:49,908 --> 00:31:51,374 - [narrator] with haiman clein on the run, 623 00:31:51,443 --> 00:31:53,243 Investigators turned to his lover 624 00:31:53,311 --> 00:31:55,245 And possible co-conspirator, 625 00:31:55,313 --> 00:31:58,815 Buzz clinton's sister-in-law, beth carpenter. 626 00:31:58,883 --> 00:32:00,250 - They went to talk to beth, 627 00:32:00,318 --> 00:32:03,987 And she was nowhere to be found. 628 00:32:04,055 --> 00:32:06,523 - We became aware shortly thereafter 629 00:32:06,591 --> 00:32:10,060 That beth carpenter had gone to great britain. 630 00:32:11,296 --> 00:32:12,995 - Beth carpenter left the country, 631 00:32:12,997 --> 00:32:16,800 Went to work over in England for a while as an attorney. 632 00:32:18,003 --> 00:32:20,804 That made her look even more guilty. 633 00:32:22,207 --> 00:32:26,543 - They notified us that mark despres was the one 634 00:32:26,611 --> 00:32:28,177 Who did the shooting 635 00:32:28,247 --> 00:32:30,180 And had been arrested, 636 00:32:30,248 --> 00:32:32,615 And it's apparent his co-conspirator 637 00:32:32,617 --> 00:32:36,853 Haiman clein had disappeared from the area, 638 00:32:36,921 --> 00:32:40,923 And beth had disappeared to England. 639 00:32:40,993 --> 00:32:44,027 And so, we surmised, 640 00:32:44,096 --> 00:32:45,996 But we didn't have any information 641 00:32:46,064 --> 00:32:49,366 That she was involved directly. 642 00:32:50,969 --> 00:32:53,470 But that gave great comfort to us, 643 00:32:53,538 --> 00:32:58,175 Because we knew there was headway being made at this point. 644 00:32:59,511 --> 00:33:01,511 - [narrator] police in connecticut through her family 645 00:33:01,580 --> 00:33:04,614 Are able to contact beth carpenter in England. 646 00:33:04,683 --> 00:33:07,250 - We had law enforcement speak with her there, 647 00:33:07,252 --> 00:33:08,618 And she's telling us she doesn't have 648 00:33:08,687 --> 00:33:10,220 Anything to do with this. 649 00:33:10,222 --> 00:33:13,790 - Beth carpenter admits that she had an affair 650 00:33:13,858 --> 00:33:15,058 With haiman clein 651 00:33:15,127 --> 00:33:16,326 , but otherwise she said, 652 00:33:16,395 --> 00:33:18,428 "no, I had nothing to do with this. 653 00:33:18,497 --> 00:33:22,198 "if he did it, he did it on his own." 654 00:33:22,267 --> 00:33:23,666 - She says they broke up, 655 00:33:23,735 --> 00:33:26,403 But haiman clein was so obsessed with her, 656 00:33:26,471 --> 00:33:29,940 He's still communicating with her while he's on the run. 657 00:33:30,008 --> 00:33:31,808 - He kept trying to call her, 658 00:33:31,876 --> 00:33:36,046 So she offered to help us apprehend haiman clein. 659 00:33:37,182 --> 00:33:38,815 - [narrator] law enforcement is sceptical 660 00:33:38,884 --> 00:33:40,550 Of beth carpenter's claim that she is not involved 661 00:33:40,619 --> 00:33:42,719 In the plot to kill buzz clinton, 662 00:33:42,787 --> 00:33:46,089 But accept her offer to help apprehend haiman clein. 663 00:33:46,158 --> 00:33:47,824 - They had a prearranged phone call. 664 00:33:47,892 --> 00:33:51,561 He was gonna speak to her from a payphone in california. 665 00:33:53,031 --> 00:33:57,000 - They were able to get a time and place in california, 666 00:33:57,068 --> 00:34:00,503 Where haiman clein was gonna be at a particular phone booth 667 00:34:00,572 --> 00:34:01,405 To call beth. 668 00:34:02,541 --> 00:34:04,841 The fugitive task force in california 669 00:34:04,909 --> 00:34:07,043 Was waiting at the phone booth. 670 00:34:07,111 --> 00:34:10,280 - Beth makes that call, and haiman picks up, 671 00:34:11,049 --> 00:34:12,682 And he is arrested. 672 00:34:14,453 --> 00:34:16,953 - [narrator] on February 5th, 1996, 673 00:34:17,021 --> 00:34:19,756 Nearly two years after buzz clinton's murder, 674 00:34:19,824 --> 00:34:22,459 Haiman clein is apprehended in california, 675 00:34:22,527 --> 00:34:24,394 And extradited back to connecticut 676 00:34:24,463 --> 00:34:27,129 On charges of capital felony murder 677 00:34:27,131 --> 00:34:29,266 And conspiracy to commit murder. 678 00:34:30,269 --> 00:34:31,634 - They bring haiman in, 679 00:34:31,703 --> 00:34:33,470 And they start to do interviews with him. 680 00:34:33,538 --> 00:34:36,606 - We made it clear to him that we wanted his cooperation, 681 00:34:37,809 --> 00:34:39,009 You know, we could potentially take 682 00:34:39,077 --> 00:34:41,310 The death penalty off the table. 683 00:34:41,312 --> 00:34:43,580 We were convinced that the carpenters, 684 00:34:43,648 --> 00:34:46,016 Certainly beth carpenter, were involved, 685 00:34:46,084 --> 00:34:47,750 But he immediately shut up, 686 00:34:47,752 --> 00:34:49,552 Wasn't gonna tell anybody anything. 687 00:34:49,621 --> 00:34:51,955 He wanted to go forward with this case. 688 00:34:53,157 --> 00:34:55,358 - [narrator] haiman clein pleads not guilty, 689 00:34:55,427 --> 00:34:58,161 But after a year and a half of trial preparation 690 00:34:58,229 --> 00:35:00,496 On June 12th, 1997, 691 00:35:00,565 --> 00:35:02,432 He has a change of heart. 692 00:35:02,501 --> 00:35:04,400 - We ended up starting a trial. 693 00:35:04,469 --> 00:35:06,636 We spent almost a month picking jurors. 694 00:35:06,705 --> 00:35:09,005 - He learned that despres had made a deal, 695 00:35:09,073 --> 00:35:11,307 So he figured that it would be best 696 00:35:11,376 --> 00:35:14,477 For him to make a deal, too. 697 00:35:14,546 --> 00:35:16,613 - He decides to talk, and he says, 698 00:35:16,681 --> 00:35:21,284 "beth carpenter was the mastermind behind this whole thing." 699 00:35:22,520 --> 00:35:24,320 - He told of her involvement, 700 00:35:24,389 --> 00:35:27,490 And how she had persuaded him to hire someone 701 00:35:27,492 --> 00:35:30,327 To kill her brother-in-law, buzz clinton. 702 00:35:31,630 --> 00:35:34,697 - The motive for haiman was to keep beth happy. 703 00:35:34,699 --> 00:35:38,534 - Haiman clein admits he was infatuated with beth carpenter, 704 00:35:38,603 --> 00:35:42,105 And would do anything for her, including murder. 705 00:35:44,175 --> 00:35:46,143 About a year prior to the murder, 706 00:35:46,211 --> 00:35:48,845 They began a torrid love affair. 707 00:35:48,913 --> 00:35:54,284 - Their relationship was centred around this family feud. 708 00:35:55,454 --> 00:35:56,586 This whole plan to murder buzz clinton 709 00:35:56,655 --> 00:35:58,622 Is really hatched in bed. 710 00:36:00,058 --> 00:36:02,392 - Clein said, "she said that buzz was a bad guy." 711 00:36:02,460 --> 00:36:05,695 "he was sexually assaulting little rebecca." 712 00:36:05,764 --> 00:36:09,166 - Buzz denied it, and kim denied it. 713 00:36:10,669 --> 00:36:12,502 - It's all secondhand stuff that beth was telling him, 714 00:36:12,570 --> 00:36:16,173 And we were not able to find any signs of abuse of any kind. 715 00:36:17,342 --> 00:36:19,041 - She wanted him out of the picture. 716 00:36:19,043 --> 00:36:21,477 The only way that she could think of to get rid of him 717 00:36:21,546 --> 00:36:23,213 Is to murder him. 718 00:36:24,482 --> 00:36:27,350 She kept pleading and pleading with haiman to help. 719 00:36:28,853 --> 00:36:32,021 - When beth carpenter heard buzz was moving to arizona, 720 00:36:32,023 --> 00:36:33,657 That was the last straw. 721 00:36:35,460 --> 00:36:39,062 - Ultimately, haiman, he agreed to help. 722 00:36:40,465 --> 00:36:42,665 - Haiman tried to justify it in his own mind 723 00:36:42,734 --> 00:36:46,102 By saying he was protecting this child. 724 00:36:47,605 --> 00:36:49,806 - When the investigators got the confession from clein, 725 00:36:49,874 --> 00:36:51,641 They were able to take that information 726 00:36:51,710 --> 00:36:53,843 Along with what they got from despres, 727 00:36:53,911 --> 00:36:57,681 And get a warrant for beth carpenter. 728 00:36:58,850 --> 00:37:01,417 - [narrator] on August 26th, 1997, 729 00:37:01,486 --> 00:37:03,586 A warrant is issued for beth carpenter 730 00:37:03,654 --> 00:37:07,357 On a capital felony conspiracy to commit murder charge. 731 00:37:07,425 --> 00:37:10,827 If convicted, she could face the death penalty. 732 00:37:10,895 --> 00:37:13,095 - Law enforcement in connecticut is communicating 733 00:37:13,097 --> 00:37:14,164 With scotland yard. 734 00:37:14,232 --> 00:37:16,333 They know where beth is. 735 00:37:16,335 --> 00:37:17,734 They're gonna bring her in. 736 00:37:17,802 --> 00:37:19,535 - We thought she was in great britain, 737 00:37:19,604 --> 00:37:21,470 But they went to get her in great britain, 738 00:37:21,540 --> 00:37:24,307 And found out that she had moved to ireland. 739 00:37:24,375 --> 00:37:27,043 - Ireland was notified by the united states 740 00:37:27,045 --> 00:37:28,544 About the warrant. 741 00:37:28,613 --> 00:37:31,147 The authorities there picked her up. 742 00:37:31,216 --> 00:37:34,284 - Beth carpenter is in custody in ireland, 743 00:37:34,352 --> 00:37:35,952 But there's a problem. 744 00:37:36,020 --> 00:37:40,590 Ireland will not extradite someone facing the death penalty. 745 00:37:45,930 --> 00:37:47,797 - [narrator] while in custody in ireland, 746 00:37:47,866 --> 00:37:49,766 Beth carpenter speaks to authorities, 747 00:37:49,834 --> 00:37:52,268 And continues to claim her innocence. 748 00:37:52,336 --> 00:37:53,936 - Beth carpenter is in ireland, 749 00:37:54,005 --> 00:37:57,073 And ireland will not extradite someone 750 00:37:57,141 --> 00:37:58,908 Facing the death penalty. 751 00:37:58,977 --> 00:38:01,277 So now they gotta cut a deal with beth carpenter 752 00:38:01,346 --> 00:38:02,678 To get her back. 753 00:38:02,747 --> 00:38:05,948 - Her story was, "I had nothing to do with this. 754 00:38:06,017 --> 00:38:08,418 "clein was infatuated with me, 755 00:38:08,486 --> 00:38:12,088 "and did it to prove his love for me." 756 00:38:12,157 --> 00:38:15,825 - If she thought that haiman clein did this on his own, 757 00:38:15,894 --> 00:38:17,794 Then when buzz clinton was murdered 758 00:38:17,862 --> 00:38:19,362 Why didn't she step forward? 759 00:38:19,430 --> 00:38:20,696 She said nothing. 760 00:38:20,765 --> 00:38:22,032 Beth never came forward. 761 00:38:23,235 --> 00:38:25,101 - Beth was held in a jail in ireland 762 00:38:25,169 --> 00:38:27,504 Pending our attempted extradition. 763 00:38:27,572 --> 00:38:29,272 - They went back and forth for a while, 764 00:38:29,340 --> 00:38:32,341 And eventually the prosecutor in connecticut agreed 765 00:38:32,411 --> 00:38:34,944 To not go after the death penalty. 766 00:38:36,147 --> 00:38:38,080 That took a couple of years, actually, 767 00:38:38,082 --> 00:38:39,916 But ultimately, beth carpenter 768 00:38:39,984 --> 00:38:43,420 Was brought back to the united states. 769 00:38:47,191 --> 00:38:48,658 - [narrator] in June of 1999, 770 00:38:48,727 --> 00:38:51,794 More than five years after buzz clinton's murder, 771 00:38:51,796 --> 00:38:54,931 Beth carpenter is extradited back to connecticut, 772 00:38:54,999 --> 00:38:57,467 Where she pleads not guilty to the charges. 773 00:38:57,535 --> 00:39:00,136 - When beth was finally extradited, 774 00:39:00,204 --> 00:39:02,538 We were ecstatic over the fact 775 00:39:02,607 --> 00:39:05,308 That she's coming back to face charges. 776 00:39:06,444 --> 00:39:09,612 The only question we had was with the parents. 777 00:39:09,681 --> 00:39:13,750 If they had knowledge of the entire plot, 778 00:39:13,818 --> 00:39:16,953 Then I feel they should have been charged. 779 00:39:18,122 --> 00:39:20,022 - There was never any evidence that richard, 780 00:39:20,091 --> 00:39:22,658 Or cynthia carpenter knew about this, 781 00:39:22,727 --> 00:39:26,930 Or were involved in the plan to kill buzz clinton. 782 00:39:27,866 --> 00:39:29,999 - The carpenter side of this, 783 00:39:30,068 --> 00:39:33,369 They all of course think beth is innocent, 784 00:39:33,437 --> 00:39:36,472 And that haiman clein did this on his own. 785 00:39:36,474 --> 00:39:40,943 - It was a full eight years after the murder in 2002 786 00:39:41,012 --> 00:39:45,448 Before they started the trial of beth carpenter. 787 00:39:45,516 --> 00:39:49,518 - The prosecution believes beth carpenter masterminded 788 00:39:49,520 --> 00:39:51,854 This whole thing, and they're gonna set up the feud 789 00:39:51,923 --> 00:39:53,956 Between the families. 790 00:39:54,025 --> 00:39:55,958 They're gonna bring in mark despres' statements 791 00:39:56,027 --> 00:39:58,928 That beth carpenter was in the room 792 00:39:58,997 --> 00:40:00,830 When we talked about this murder, 793 00:40:00,899 --> 00:40:04,534 And then they're gonna finally bring in haiman clein. 794 00:40:05,970 --> 00:40:09,205 - Haiman clein came across as a strong witness. 795 00:40:10,341 --> 00:40:13,009 - And then beth carpenter decides 796 00:40:13,077 --> 00:40:15,879 To testify in her own defence. 797 00:40:17,115 --> 00:40:20,149 - We had been forewarned by the prosecution 798 00:40:20,218 --> 00:40:23,386 That this was a 50/50 type case. 799 00:40:25,156 --> 00:40:28,958 - It was all based on accusations by despres, 800 00:40:29,027 --> 00:40:32,529 Drug dealer, and clein, who both got a deal, 801 00:40:33,698 --> 00:40:35,131 And the only reason they got a deal was 802 00:40:35,199 --> 00:40:37,901 Because they turned on beth. 803 00:40:39,403 --> 00:40:41,170 It was he said, she said. 804 00:40:41,239 --> 00:40:44,574 - She could walk, and be found not guilty. 805 00:40:45,777 --> 00:40:47,577 - [narrator] on April 12th, 2002, 806 00:40:47,645 --> 00:40:52,014 Beth carpenter's fate is put into the hands of the jury. 807 00:40:52,083 --> 00:40:54,384 - The jury saw all the evidence 808 00:40:55,319 --> 00:40:57,620 And found beth carpenter guilty 809 00:40:57,689 --> 00:41:01,925 Of first-degree murder, capital felony murder. 810 00:41:03,561 --> 00:41:05,528 - Having waived the death penalty, 811 00:41:05,530 --> 00:41:08,230 The only sentence available for beth carpenter was 812 00:41:08,300 --> 00:41:10,332 Life without the possibility of parole. 813 00:41:10,402 --> 00:41:12,535 That's the sentence that she received. 814 00:41:13,838 --> 00:41:16,005 Haiman clein, who had taken a plea, 815 00:41:16,074 --> 00:41:19,309 Was sentenced to 35 years in prison. 816 00:41:20,678 --> 00:41:22,979 Mark despres was sentenced to 45 years in prison. 817 00:41:25,349 --> 00:41:29,085 - Once the jury had come to the conclusion of guilty, 818 00:41:29,153 --> 00:41:30,954 There was a relief, 819 00:41:32,390 --> 00:41:35,391 I think a bit of joy, maybe, within our family. 820 00:41:36,494 --> 00:41:39,028 - We were so happy that justice was served, 821 00:41:39,097 --> 00:41:42,932 That she was going to face a severe penalty 822 00:41:43,001 --> 00:41:45,635 For my brother's murder. 823 00:41:45,703 --> 00:41:47,637 - Every murder is senseless, obviously, 824 00:41:47,705 --> 00:41:51,608 But here we have a case where buzz clinton 825 00:41:51,676 --> 00:41:53,743 And kim clinton did the right thing. 826 00:41:53,811 --> 00:41:58,047 They took the case of rebecca to court, and they won. 827 00:41:58,116 --> 00:42:01,351 It should've ended there, but it didn't end there. 828 00:42:02,720 --> 00:42:05,922 Beth carpenter decided she was gonna do whatever it took 829 00:42:05,990 --> 00:42:07,323 To get that child, 830 00:42:08,326 --> 00:42:11,094 And in this case it meant murder. 831 00:42:23,407 --> 00:42:27,109 - One of the great ironies in this whole case is that 832 00:42:27,178 --> 00:42:29,145 After all this fighting and violence, 833 00:42:29,213 --> 00:42:31,213 Kim and rebecca ended up 834 00:42:31,215 --> 00:42:33,182 In the care of the carpenter family. 835 00:42:34,618 --> 00:42:36,418 - A few months after the murder, kim decided to move out 836 00:42:36,488 --> 00:42:41,223 With brianna and rebecca, and not really be with our family, 837 00:42:41,292 --> 00:42:43,026 And that was really hard. 838 00:42:44,195 --> 00:42:46,596 But I still talk to rebecca. 839 00:42:46,664 --> 00:42:48,964 You know, brianna, we make sure that, 840 00:42:49,033 --> 00:42:52,535 You know, we stay connected, and we're one family. 841 00:42:55,039 --> 00:42:57,373 (light piano music) 842 00:42:57,441 --> 00:42:59,575 - I still hold an awful lot of anger 843 00:42:59,643 --> 00:43:03,279 Over why it was committed, the murder, 844 00:43:03,348 --> 00:43:08,585 The fact that I was unable to be a protector of my son. 845 00:43:09,954 --> 00:43:14,424 And so, that lives, you know, in my heart as a father. 846 00:43:19,197 --> 00:43:23,700 As the emotion right now is, you relive, and... 847 00:43:31,075 --> 00:43:34,376 - Buzz lived 28 long years. 848 00:43:34,445 --> 00:43:36,745 I think he would want to be remembered as someone 849 00:43:36,747 --> 00:43:39,549 Who had a great heart and a great soul, 850 00:43:39,617 --> 00:43:43,252 And he would've done anything for his family at the time.