He burned his stepsons alive. Then he walked free.

Small town Hewitt, Texas. The Small town Hewitt, Texas. The unthinkable. unthinkable. unthinkable. Two beautiful young boys burned alive in Two beautiful young boys burned alive in Two beautiful young boys burned alive in a backyard shed. a backyard shed. a backyard shed. It all looked like a horrible accident. It all looked like a horrible accident. It all looked like a horrible accident. But as the days and months wore on, But as the days and months wore on, But as the days and months wore on, something else was about to emerge. something else was about to emerge. something else was about to emerge. What exactly happened to those precious What exactly happened to those precious What exactly happened to those precious boys behind the house on Angel Fire boys behind the house on Angel Fire boys behind the house on Angel Fire Drive? Drive? Drive? >> Joby and Jason and I were >> Joby and Jason and I were >> Joby and Jason and I were >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> just best buddies. >> just best buddies. >> just best buddies. We loved our time together. Jason was We loved our time together. Jason was We loved our time together. Jason was just uh full of energy, [music] had a just uh full of energy, [music] had a just uh full of energy, [music] had a personality that would light up the personality that would light up the personality that would light up the room. Joby was more serious. Very rarely room. Joby was more serious. Very rarely room. Joby was more serious. Very rarely did Joby and Jason ever fight. did Joby and Jason ever fight. did Joby and Jason ever fight. And Joby always [music] took up for his And Joby always [music] took up for his And Joby always [music] took up for his little brother. They were best friends. little brother. They were best friends. little brother. They were best friends. >> Claire Bradburn is the boys' mother. >> Claire Bradburn is the boys' mother. >> Claire Bradburn is the boys' mother. Life was good. Claire was a single Life was good. Claire was a single Life was good. Claire was a single mother working as a teacher trying to mother working as a teacher trying to mother working as a teacher trying to make ends meet. make ends meet. make ends meet. They seemed to be the typical American They seemed to be the typical American They seemed to be the typical American family. family. family. That is until that one hot summer day. That is until that one hot summer day. That is until that one hot summer day. >> What happened on that Tuesday in August?

>> What happened on that Tuesday in August? >> What happened on that Tuesday in August? >> It was a typical Tuesday morning. >> It was a typical Tuesday morning. >> It was a typical Tuesday morning. We uh We uh We uh got ready for school. The boys came in got ready for school. The boys came in got ready for school. The boys came in the bedroom. the bedroom. the bedroom. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And we had a wonderful strong hug. >> And we had a wonderful strong hug. >> And we had a wonderful strong hug. And then I was at school. And then I was at school. And then I was at school. And after a day of um After a day of of working After a day of of working >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and having meetings, the principal came >> and having meetings, the principal came >> and having meetings, the principal came into my room and said I needed to go into my room and said I needed to go into my room and said I needed to go home. home. home. There was a fire [music] in the storage There was a fire [music] in the storage There was a fire [music] in the storage building behind the house. building behind the house. building behind the house. >> As Claire approached the house, it was >> As Claire approached the house, it was >> As Claire approached the house, it was utter chaos. utter chaos. utter chaos. >> I saw all the streets lined with people. >> I saw all the streets lined with people. >> I saw all the streets lined with people. Emergency vehicles there already. People Emergency vehicles there already. People Emergency vehicles there already. People already with tears and had their hands already with tears and had their hands already with tears and had their hands up by their face and up by their face and up by their face and and I had this knife in my and I had this knife in my and I had this knife in my heart. heart. heart. >> When Claire got to the front door, she >> When Claire got to the front door, she >> When Claire got to the front door, she was informed of the unimaginable. was informed of the unimaginable. was informed of the unimaginable. 9-year-old Joby and 8-year-old Jason 9-year-old Joby and 8-year-old Jason 9-year-old Joby and 8-year-old Jason were trapped inside the storage were trapped inside the storage were trapped inside the storage building. Claire's husband, Ed Graf Jr., building. Claire's husband, Ed Graf Jr., building. Claire's husband, Ed Graf Jr., was the one who delivered the was the one who delivered the was the one who delivered the devastating news.

devastating news. devastating news. >> I immediately asked Ed, >> I immediately asked Ed, >> I immediately asked Ed, "Where are the boys?" "Where are the boys?" "Where are the boys?" He said, "They're gone." He said, "They're gone." He said, "They're gone." >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And I specifically said, because I "Gone >> And I specifically said, because I "Gone >> And I specifically said, because I "Gone where?" And he said, "Joby and Jason are where?" And he said, "Joby and Jason are where?" And he said, "Joby and Jason are dead." dead." dead." >> When Claire met Ed Graf 3 years before, >> When Claire met Ed Graf 3 years before, >> When Claire met Ed Graf 3 years before, she was a single mom struggling to raise she was a single mom struggling to raise she was a single mom struggling to raise Jason and Joby on her own. Jason and Joby on her own. Jason and Joby on her own. >> Ed was a pillar in the community. He >> Ed was a pillar in the community. He >> Ed was a pillar in the community. He worked at a local bank, a very worked at a local bank, a very worked at a local bank, a very responsible responsible responsible >> Ed treated Claire like a princess. It >> Ed treated Claire like a princess. It >> Ed treated Claire like a princess. It looked like he might be her Prince looked like he might be her Prince looked like he might be her Prince Charming. A year later, they decided to Charming. A year later, they decided to Charming. A year later, they decided to marry. Claire got pregnant after only a marry. Claire got pregnant after only a marry. Claire got pregnant after only a few months, and Ed adopted Jason and few months, and Ed adopted Jason and few months, and Ed adopted Jason and Joby. Their life seemed perfect. Joby. Their life seemed perfect. Joby. Their life seemed perfect. But Claire soon found out Ed wasn't But Claire soon found out Ed wasn't But Claire soon found out Ed wasn't exactly the man he pretended to be. exactly the man he pretended to be. exactly the man he pretended to be. >> He'd been embezzling money from the bank >> He'd been embezzling money from the bank >> He'd been embezzling money from the bank for 12 years and was fired for it. for 12 years and was fired for it. for 12 years and was fired for it. >> And with the baby on the way, their >> And with the baby on the way, their >> And with the baby on the way, their blended family started fracturing.

blended family started fracturing. blended family started fracturing. >> He was a very excited about this baby, >> He was a very excited about this baby, >> He was a very excited about this baby, but my kids were being pushed out of the but my kids were being pushed out of the but my kids were being pushed out of the picture somewhat. picture somewhat. picture somewhat. >> After the birth of their baby, Edward >> After the birth of their baby, Edward >> After the birth of their baby, Edward III, Graf took out life insurance III, Graf took out life insurance III, Graf took out life insurance policies on all three of their sons. policies on all three of their sons. policies on all three of their sons. >> $50,000 life insurance policies in the >> $50,000 life insurance policies in the >> $50,000 life insurance policies in the event [music] of accidental death, event [music] of accidental death, event [music] of accidental death, they would double. they would double. they would double. >> While Ed doted on his newborn son, his >> While Ed doted on his newborn son, his >> While Ed doted on his newborn son, his relationship with Joby and Jason turned. relationship with Joby and Jason turned. relationship with Joby and Jason turned. The boys' personalities changed anytime The boys' personalities changed anytime The boys' personalities changed anytime Ed was around. Ed was around. Ed was around. >> They seemed to me like they were scared >> They seemed to me like they were scared >> They seemed to me like they were scared to death of him. to death of him. to death of him. >> Claire was getting scared, too. >> Claire was getting scared, too. >> Claire was getting scared, too. >> I felt like I needed to leave. Ed told >> I felt like I needed to leave. Ed told >> I felt like I needed to leave. Ed told me I would never take his son away. me I would never take his son away. me I would never take his son away. At that moment, I knew that uh At that moment, I knew that uh At that moment, I knew that uh this was some serious business. That this was some serious business. That this was some serious business. That that was a threat. that was a threat. that was a threat. >> A few weeks later, Claire's world >> A few weeks later, Claire's world >> A few weeks later, Claire's world changed forever. changed forever. changed forever. >> I ached. My heart my whole >> I ached. My heart my whole >> I ached. My heart my whole you know, you know, you know, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I physically hurt inside.

>> I physically hurt inside. >> I physically hurt inside. >> As soon as she walked in, Ed Graf said, >> As soon as she walked in, Ed Graf said, >> As soon as she walked in, Ed Graf said, "We've lost both boys." "We've lost both boys." "We've lost both boys." Now, I don't know how he knew that cuz I Now, I don't know how he knew that cuz I Now, I don't know how he knew that cuz I hadn't told him that. We said that we hadn't told him that. We said that we hadn't told him that. We said that we found a body, our child, not his son, found a body, our child, not his son, found a body, our child, not his son, you know. We didn't say it was We didn't you know. We didn't say it was We didn't you know. We didn't say it was We didn't know who it was. know who it was. know who it was. >> Her sons were dead, and Ed's reaction to >> Her sons were dead, and Ed's reaction to >> Her sons were dead, and Ed's reaction to it seemed odd. it seemed odd. it seemed odd. >> I walked in and I saw Ed first, and I >> I walked in and I saw Ed first, and I >> I walked in and I saw Ed first, and I tried to hug him. tried to hug him. tried to hug him. And I said, "I [music] am so so sorry." And I said, "I [music] am so so sorry." And I said, "I [music] am so so sorry." He said, "It's okay." He said, "Things He said, "It's okay." He said, "Things He said, "It's okay." He said, "Things [music] do happen." [music] do happen." [music] do happen." Which was very unusual. Which was very unusual. Which was very unusual. >> And Ed's explanation of what happened >> And Ed's explanation of what happened >> And Ed's explanation of what happened left more questions than answers. left more questions than answers. left more questions than answers. >> Ed said [music] he was inside the house >> Ed said [music] he was inside the house >> Ed said [music] he was inside the house during the fire changing the baby's during the fire changing the baby's during the fire changing the baby's diaper. He didn't [music] diaper. He didn't [music] diaper. He didn't [music] hear the people beating on the front hear the people beating on the front hear the people beating on the front door. door. door. >> That same terrible night, so Claire >> That same terrible night, so Claire >> That same terrible night, so Claire wouldn't have to look at the charred wouldn't have to look at the charred wouldn't have to look at the charred remains of the shed, the volunteer remains of the shed, the volunteer remains of the shed, the volunteer firefighters had it loaded up and taken firefighters had it loaded up and taken firefighters had it loaded up and taken away to the local dump. away to the local dump. away to the local dump. The fire was ruled accidental. The fire was ruled accidental. The fire was ruled accidental. But a mother's intuition was not to be But a mother's intuition was not to be But a mother's intuition was not to be ignored.

ignored. ignored. >> I knew he was behind it in some way. >> I knew he was behind it in some way. >> I knew he was behind it in some way. >> A fire in a storage tool shed in Hewitt >> A fire in a storage tool shed in Hewitt >> A fire in a storage tool shed in Hewitt late this afternoon claimed the lives of late this afternoon claimed the lives of late this afternoon claimed the lives of two brothers aged eight and nine. two brothers aged eight and nine. two brothers aged eight and nine. >> Days after the funeral, Claire and her >> Days after the funeral, Claire and her >> Days after the funeral, Claire and her family were suspicious. They went to family were suspicious. They went to family were suspicious. They went to talk to McLennan County District talk to McLennan County District talk to McLennan County District Attorney Vic Fazel, hoping to convince Attorney Vic Fazel, hoping to convince Attorney Vic Fazel, hoping to convince him to investigate the fire that killed him to investigate the fire that killed him to investigate the fire that killed the boys. the boys. the boys. Investigate he did. Investigate he did. Investigate he did. And by the end of it, Vic knew what he And by the end of it, Vic knew what he And by the end of it, Vic knew what he had in front of him. had in front of him. had in front of him. >> We had a long list, maybe 20 things >> We had a long list, maybe 20 things >> We had a long list, maybe 20 things enough to convince me that Ed Graf was a enough to convince me that Ed Graf was a enough to convince me that Ed Graf was a murderer of these two children. murderer of these two children. murderer of these two children. >> Two young boys burned to death in their >> Two young boys burned to death in their >> Two young boys burned to death in their own backyard shed. own backyard shed. own backyard shed. But the tragedy soon looked just like But the tragedy soon looked just like But the tragedy soon looked just like murder, and all fingers [music] seemed murder, and all fingers [music] seemed murder, and all fingers [music] seemed to point to their stepfather, Ed Graf, to point to their stepfather, Ed Graf, to point to their stepfather, Ed Graf, Jr. Jr. Jr. >> I >> I >> I felt he was responsible for murdering felt he was responsible for murdering felt he was responsible for murdering Joby and Jason. Joby and Jason. Joby and Jason. >> But what kind of monster would kill his >> But what kind of monster would kill his >> But what kind of monster would kill his own sons? Cops and prosecutors believed own sons? Cops and prosecutors believed own sons? Cops and prosecutors believed Ed Graf was monster enough.

Ed Graf was monster enough. Ed Graf was monster enough. >> The eeriest thing about all of it was >> The eeriest thing about all of it was >> The eeriest thing about all of it was that the address where it happened, that the address where it happened, that the address where it happened, 505 Angel Fire. 505 Angel Fire. 505 Angel Fire. >> 10 months after the fire, Ed Graf, Jr. >> 10 months after the fire, Ed Graf, Jr. >> 10 months after the fire, Ed Graf, Jr. was arrested and indicted for the was arrested and indicted for the was arrested and indicted for the capital murders of 9-year-old Joby and capital murders of 9-year-old Joby and capital murders of 9-year-old Joby and 8-year-old Jason. 8-year-old Jason. 8-year-old Jason. If Ed was found guilty, he could face If Ed was found guilty, he could face If Ed was found guilty, he could face the death penalty. the death penalty. the death penalty. At trial, the prosecution alleged that At trial, the prosecution alleged that At trial, the prosecution alleged that Ed Graf somehow knocked out the boys, Ed Graf somehow knocked out the boys, Ed Graf somehow knocked out the boys, carried them to the shed, then set it on carried them to the shed, then set it on carried them to the shed, then set it on fire. fire. fire. And they believed they had fire science And they believed they had fire science And they believed they had fire science on their side. on their side. on their side. >> There was enough evidence to see where >> There was enough evidence to see where >> There was enough evidence to see where the burn marks were the floors. That was the burn marks were the floors. That was the burn marks were the floors. That was the accelerant. the accelerant. the accelerant. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The doors were closed to the shed. My >> The doors were closed to the shed. My >> The doors were closed to the shed. My feeling was it was not accidental. One feeling was it was not accidental. One feeling was it was not accidental. One of the firemen, he took a picture of the of the firemen, he took a picture of the of the firemen, he took a picture of the debris. So, we had fabulous photographs debris. So, we had fabulous photographs debris. So, we had fabulous photographs to work with. to work with. to work with. >> Former McLennan County District Attorney >> Former McLennan County District Attorney >> Former McLennan County District Attorney Vic Feazell brought in two nationally Vic Feazell brought in two nationally Vic Feazell brought in two nationally renowned fire [music] science experts to renowned fire [music] science experts to renowned fire [music] science experts to review the photos and testify.

review the photos and testify. review the photos and testify. Those experts believed the door to the Those experts believed the door to the Those experts believed the door to the shed was closed, two fires were shed was closed, two fires were shed was closed, two fires were intentionally set, an accelerant was intentionally set, an accelerant was intentionally set, an accelerant was used, and the boys were found on their used, and the boys were found on their used, and the boys were found on their backs in relaxed positions, which backs in relaxed positions, which backs in relaxed positions, which indicated [music] they were unconscious. indicated [music] they were unconscious. indicated [music] they were unconscious. They apparently never attempted to They apparently never attempted to They apparently never attempted to protect themselves or get out. Their protect themselves or get out. Their protect themselves or get out. Their conclusion, it was a clear-cut case of conclusion, it was a clear-cut case of conclusion, it was a clear-cut case of arson. But adding more heat to the case arson. But adding more heat to the case arson. But adding more heat to the case were other circumstantial [music] were other circumstantial [music] were other circumstantial [music] pieces pointing at Graf's involvement. pieces pointing at Graf's involvement. pieces pointing at Graf's involvement. >> There were some things >> There were some things >> There were some things that Ed did that Ed did that Ed did that didn't seem weird at the time, but that didn't seem weird at the time, but that didn't seem weird at the time, but then later became odd to me. then later became odd to me. then later became odd to me. >> There was the boys' cereal and >> There was the boys' cereal and >> There was the boys' cereal and medications he didn't buy. medications he didn't buy. medications he didn't buy. >> He's always so organized and >> He's always so organized and >> He's always so organized and everything's so methodical. The everything's so methodical. The everything's so methodical. The refilling of certain things, our food, refilling of certain things, our food, refilling of certain things, our food, the prescriptions. the prescriptions. the prescriptions. >> And the new school clothes he didn't let >> And the new school clothes he didn't let >> And the new school clothes he didn't let the boys wear. the boys wear. the boys wear. >> He didn't want to shop for school >> He didn't want to shop for school >> He didn't want to shop for school clothes, and we did go, but he didn't clothes, and we did go, but he didn't clothes, and we did go, but he didn't want them to take the tags off. And he want them to take the tags off. And he want them to take the tags off. And he wanted to place the whole sack in our wanted to place the whole sack in our wanted to place the whole sack in our closet, and that was odd.

closet, and that was odd. closet, and that was odd. >> Days after the fire, Ed returned the >> Days after the fire, Ed returned the >> Days after the fire, Ed returned the clothes and got his money back. And then clothes and got his money back. And then clothes and got his money back. And then there were the insurance policies Ed there were the insurance policies Ed there were the insurance policies Ed took out on the boys. took out on the boys. took out on the boys. >> We heard allegations that Ed had >> We heard allegations that Ed had >> We heard allegations that Ed had embezzled money from the bank he had embezzled money from the bank he had embezzled money from the bank he had worked from before, and that then became worked from before, and that then became worked from before, and that then became what I felt was the motive for getting what I felt was the motive for getting what I felt was the motive for getting the insurance policies on these little the insurance policies on these little the insurance policies on these little boys. boys. boys. >> As soon as the insurance policies were >> As soon as the insurance policies were >> As soon as the insurance policies were effective, within days is when he effective, within days is when he effective, within days is when he committed the murders. committed the murders. committed the murders. >> Ed continued to proclaim his innocence >> Ed continued to proclaim his innocence >> Ed continued to proclaim his innocence and reportedly had answers for and reportedly had answers for and reportedly had answers for everything. He said the insurance everything. He said the insurance everything. He said the insurance policies were a way to save money for policies were a way to save money for policies were a way to save money for the boys' college. He kept the tags on the boys' college. He kept the tags on the boys' college. He kept the tags on in case the clothes didn't fit. in case the clothes didn't fit. in case the clothes didn't fit. Ed's defense? Ed's defense? Ed's defense? The boys [music] accidentally set the The boys [music] accidentally set the The boys [music] accidentally set the shed on fire. shed on fire. shed on fire. And there were a lot of people who And there were a lot of people who And there were a lot of people who believed in Ed's innocence. believed in Ed's innocence. believed in Ed's innocence. >> I think he has a winning personality, >> I think he has a winning personality, >> I think he has a winning personality, uh, because he had at least 20 character uh, because he had at least 20 character uh, because he had at least 20 character witnesses come testify on his behalf. I witnesses come testify on his behalf. I witnesses come testify on his behalf. I think Ed is a sociopath.

think Ed is a sociopath. think Ed is a sociopath. >> When I was [music] testifying, >> When I was [music] testifying, >> When I was [music] testifying, Ed did look at me Ed did look at me Ed did look at me and stared. and stared. and stared. Just kind of stared at me. It was his Just kind of stared at me. It was his Just kind of stared at me. It was his intimidation. I had no problem I'm at intimidation. I had no problem I'm at intimidation. I had no problem I'm at him. him. him. Looking right back at him. Looking right back at him. Looking right back at him. >> As the case went to the jury, no one >> As the case went to the jury, no one >> As the case went to the jury, no one felt 100% confident. felt 100% confident. felt 100% confident. >> Did you ever feel this was a slam dunk >> Did you ever feel this was a slam dunk >> Did you ever feel this was a slam dunk case against Ed Graf? case against Ed Graf? case against Ed Graf? >> Oh, heck no. >> Oh, heck no. >> Oh, heck no. No, it was not a slam dunk case. It was No, it was not a slam dunk case. It was No, it was not a slam dunk case. It was It was a [clears throat] circumstantial It was a [clears throat] circumstantial It was a [clears throat] circumstantial case. Almost no case is slam dunk. Look case. Almost no case is slam dunk. Look case. Almost no case is slam dunk. Look at O.J. Simpson. He should have been at O.J. Simpson. He should have been at O.J. Simpson. He should have been convicted and they let him go. convicted and they let him go. convicted and they let him go. >> After hearing 3 weeks of testimony and >> After hearing 3 weeks of testimony and >> After hearing 3 weeks of testimony and spending only 4 hours deliberating, the spending only 4 hours deliberating, the spending only 4 hours deliberating, the jury came back with a verdict. jury came back with a verdict. jury came back with a verdict. >> When the jury [music] said the guilty >> When the jury [music] said the guilty >> When the jury [music] said the guilty verdict, it was it was just the relief. verdict, it was it was just the relief. verdict, it was it was just the relief. It was some peace. It was some peace. It was some peace. >> Guilty. Ed was convicted of capital >> Guilty. Ed was convicted of capital >> Guilty. Ed was convicted of capital murder. The sentence, life in prison. murder. The sentence, life in prison. murder. The sentence, life in prison. He narrowly escaped death. He narrowly escaped death. He narrowly escaped death. Unlike Jobie and Jason. Unlike Jobie and Jason. Unlike Jobie and Jason. And that's where the story would And that's where the story would And that's where the story would normally end.

normally end. normally end. Not this one. Graf's case is being Not this one. Graf's case is being Not this one. Graf's case is being re-examined and so are others in which re-examined and so are others in which re-examined and so are others in which defendants were sent to prison for defendants were sent to prison for defendants were sent to prison for setting fires based on expert testimony setting fires based on expert testimony setting fires based on expert testimony about burn patterns or charring that is about burn patterns or charring that is about burn patterns or charring that is now considered suspect. now considered suspect. now considered suspect. >> 22 years after Ed Graf went to prison, >> 22 years after Ed Graf went to prison, >> 22 years after Ed Graf went to prison, the Innocence Project partnered with the the Innocence Project partnered with the the Innocence Project partnered with the Texas State [music] Fire Marshals' Texas State [music] Fire Marshals' Texas State [music] Fire Marshals' office to conduct a review of previous office to conduct a review of previous office to conduct a review of previous arson convictions. arson convictions. arson convictions. Ed Graf's case was one of the cases the Ed Graf's case was one of the cases the Ed Graf's case was one of the cases the Innocence Project believed warranted Innocence Project believed warranted Innocence Project believed warranted attention. attention. attention. >> If the original investigators had looked >> If the original investigators had looked >> If the original investigators had looked at the photographs objectively, at the photographs objectively, at the photographs objectively, uh and seen they would have seen that uh and seen they would have seen that uh and seen they would have seen that there was not any forensic evidence there was not any forensic evidence there was not any forensic evidence there to support their conclusions. there to support their conclusions. there to support their conclusions. >> 2 years later, the Texas Court [music] >> 2 years later, the Texas Court [music] >> 2 years later, the Texas Court [music] of Criminal Appeals said the scientific of Criminal Appeals said the scientific of Criminal Appeals said the scientific testimony used to find Ed [music] Graf testimony used to find Ed [music] Graf testimony used to find Ed [music] Graf guilty of arson has been proved false. guilty of arson has been proved false. guilty of arson has been proved false. >> I was at some of the hearings. It was >> I was at some of the hearings. It was >> I was at some of the hearings. It was just sort of like opening the wounds just sort of like opening the wounds just sort of like opening the wounds again. again. again. >> Claire's heart nearly stopped. After 25 >> Claire's heart nearly stopped. After 25 >> Claire's heart nearly stopped. After 25 years behind bars, Ed Graf was granted a years behind bars, Ed Graf was granted a years behind bars, Ed Graf was granted a new trial.

new trial. new trial. >> All I can tell them is that, you know, I >> All I can tell them is that, you know, I >> All I can tell them is that, you know, I didn't I didn't do it. didn't I didn't do it. didn't I didn't do it. >> Coming up, for Claire, justice for Joby >> Coming up, for Claire, justice for Joby >> Coming up, for Claire, justice for Joby and Jason had become a never-ending and Jason had become a never-ending and Jason had become a never-ending fight. fight. fight. >> There was a hush over the room. >> There was a hush over the room. >> There was a hush over the room. We knew, knowing Ed, We knew, knowing Ed, We knew, knowing Ed, we knew there was a plan. we knew there was a plan. we knew there was a plan. >> Well, I would say I wanted my freedom >> Well, I would say I wanted my freedom >> Well, I would say I wanted my freedom more than anything. more than anything. more than anything. >> Claire Bradburn thought justice [music] >> Claire Bradburn thought justice [music] >> Claire Bradburn thought justice [music] had been served for the tragic and had been served for the tragic and had been served for the tragic and shocking deaths of her two young boys, shocking deaths of her two young boys, shocking deaths of her two young boys, 9-year-old Joby and 8-year-old Jason. 9-year-old Joby and 8-year-old Jason. 9-year-old Joby and 8-year-old Jason. >> I loved them, and I treated them right. >> I loved them, and I treated them right. >> I loved them, and I treated them right. I tried to treat them like my own. I tried to treat them like my own. I tried to treat them like my own. It's a terrific loss, all those things, It's a terrific loss, all those things, It's a terrific loss, all those things, and especially all at one time. and especially all at one time. and especially all at one time. It It It It's a It's a heavy burden. It's a It's a heavy burden. It's a It's a heavy burden. >> Her ex-husband, Ed Graf Jr., was >> Her ex-husband, Ed Graf Jr., was >> Her ex-husband, Ed Graf Jr., was sentenced to life in prison for the sentenced to life in prison for the sentenced to life in prison for the appalling crime, burning down the family appalling crime, burning down the family appalling crime, burning down the family shed with his two stepsons inside. In an exclusive prison interview, Ed In an exclusive prison interview, Ed Graf spoke with John Carroll from our Graf spoke with John Carroll from our Graf spoke with John Carroll from our affiliate KWTX.

affiliate KWTX. affiliate KWTX. >> You didn't put the boys [music] in there >> You didn't put the boys [music] in there >> You didn't put the boys [music] in there forcefully, close the doors, either lock forcefully, close the doors, either lock forcefully, close the doors, either lock it, padlock it, or whatever, and start it, padlock it, or whatever, and start it, padlock it, or whatever, and start the fire. the fire. the fire. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> No, sir. >> No, sir. >> No, sir. >> And you didn't You didn't kill Jason and >> And you didn't You didn't kill Jason and >> And you didn't You didn't kill Jason and Joby. Joby. Joby. >> No, sir. >> No, sir. >> No, sir. >> But in a cruel twist of fate, Ed Graf >> But in a cruel twist of fate, Ed Graf >> But in a cruel twist of fate, Ed Graf was granted a new trial after the fire was granted a new trial after the fire was granted a new trial after the fire science used to help convict him in the science used to help convict him in the science used to help convict him in the first trial was deemed junk science. first trial was deemed junk science. first trial was deemed junk science. >> There was no [music] evidence that I did >> There was no [music] evidence that I did >> There was no [music] evidence that I did it. it. it. And I wanted my freedom more than And I wanted my freedom more than And I wanted my freedom more than anything. >> Trial number two was going to be full of >> Trial number two was going to be full of twists and turns, and would have an twists and turns, and would have an twists and turns, and would have an outcome nobody could have imagined. outcome nobody could have imagined. outcome nobody could have imagined. McLennan County District Attorney Abel McLennan County District Attorney Abel McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna knew retrying Graf was going to be Reyna knew retrying Graf was going to be Reyna knew retrying Graf was going to be tough, but he was ready. tough, but he was ready. tough, but he was ready. >> Essentially, what you've done is taken a >> Essentially, what you've done is taken a >> Essentially, what you've done is taken a case that was originally an arson case, case that was originally an arson case, case that was originally an arson case, and basically [music] you're pulling it and basically [music] you're pulling it and basically [music] you're pulling it out and just making it a murder case. out and just making it a murder case. out and just making it a murder case. You're now relying on purely You're now relying on purely You're now relying on purely circumstantial evidence, um but there circumstantial evidence, um but there circumstantial evidence, um but there was a lot of it. was a lot of it. was a lot of it. And I felt confident And I felt confident And I felt confident that we had the ability that we had the ability that we had the ability to obtain a conviction on Mr. Graff for to obtain a conviction on Mr. Graff for to obtain a conviction on Mr. Graff for murder.

murder. murder. >> The prosecution may have felt good about >> The prosecution may have felt good about >> The prosecution may have felt good about the circumstantial evidence, but the the circumstantial evidence, but the the circumstantial evidence, but the fire testimony this go around looked fire testimony this go around looked fire testimony this go around looked like a win in the defense's column. Fire like a win in the defense's column. Fire like a win in the defense's column. Fire investigator Thomas Sing was originally investigator Thomas Sing was originally investigator Thomas Sing was originally brought in during the appellate stage. brought in during the appellate stage. brought in during the appellate stage. >> I was hired by the Clinton County DA's >> I was hired by the Clinton County DA's >> I was hired by the Clinton County DA's office. office. office. Uh they were reviewing that Edward Graff Uh they were reviewing that Edward Graff Uh they were reviewing that Edward Graff case. I analyzed that fire. case. I analyzed that fire. case. I analyzed that fire. The DA subsequently did not call me to The DA subsequently did not call me to The DA subsequently did not call me to the court, but uh Walter Reed is the the court, but uh Walter Reed is the the court, but uh Walter Reed is the defense attorney did. defense attorney did. defense attorney did. >> Sing said in his report that because the >> Sing said in his report that because the >> Sing said in his report that because the shed had been taken away the night of shed had been taken away the night of shed had been taken away the night of the fire and investigators [music] the fire and investigators [music] the fire and investigators [music] worked only from photographs, there was worked only from photographs, there was worked only from photographs, there was no way to conclude if the door had been no way to conclude if the door had been no way to conclude if the door had been opened, closed, or even where in the opened, closed, or even where in the opened, closed, or even where in the shed the fire started. Sing also said shed the fire started. Sing also said shed the fire started. Sing also said there were multiple reasons for how the there were multiple reasons for how the there were multiple reasons for how the fire could have started and why the boys fire could have started and why the boys fire could have started and why the boys didn't get out. All of which brought him didn't get out. All of which brought him didn't get out. All of which brought him to rule the fire's cause undetermined. to rule the fire's cause undetermined. to rule the fire's cause undetermined. >> You shouldn't be able to convict someone >> You shouldn't be able to convict someone >> You shouldn't be able to convict someone on speculation. Do I think he did it? on speculation. Do I think he did it? on speculation. Do I think he did it? Personally, I do not. Personally, I do not. Personally, I do not. >> And with that, Graff still proclaiming >> And with that, Graff still proclaiming >> And with that, Graff still proclaiming his innocence, the defense decided his innocence, the defense decided his innocence, the defense decided [music] to stick with the same script.

[music] to stick with the same script. [music] to stick with the same script. The boys accidentally set the fire. The boys accidentally set the fire. The boys accidentally set the fire. For Reina and his team, the fight to For Reina and his team, the fight to For Reina and his team, the fight to keep Graff locked up was personal. keep Graff locked up was personal. keep Graff locked up was personal. >> I'm a twin. Jason and Joby reminded me >> I'm a twin. Jason and Joby reminded me >> I'm a twin. Jason and Joby reminded me They remind me constantly They remind me constantly They remind me constantly uh of my brother. I think that was uh of my brother. I think that was uh of my brother. I think that was always in the back of my mind. always in the back of my mind. always in the back of my mind. These brothers would not have laid down These brothers would not have laid down These brothers would not have laid down and let each other die. And [music] and let each other die. And [music] and let each other die. And [music] that's the that's the that's the that's the garbage that that Graff that's the garbage that that Graff that's the garbage that that Graff wanted the world to believe. wanted the world to believe. wanted the world to believe. >> After 2 weeks of testimony, [music] >> After 2 weeks of testimony, [music] >> After 2 weeks of testimony, [music] the case went to the jury. the case went to the jury. the case went to the jury. A few hours later, a note was sent out A few hours later, a note was sent out A few hours later, a note was sent out saying that the jury was deadlocked 10 saying that the jury was deadlocked 10 saying that the jury was deadlocked 10 to 2. to 2. to 2. Was it 10 to 2 to convict or 10 [music] Was it 10 to 2 to convict or 10 [music] Was it 10 to 2 to convict or 10 [music] to 2 to acquit? With lengthy to 2 to acquit? With lengthy to 2 to acquit? With lengthy deliberations and the possibility of a deliberations and the possibility of a deliberations and the possibility of a hung jury, the defense [music] team hung jury, the defense [music] team hung jury, the defense [music] team started negotiating a plea deal. started negotiating a plea deal. started negotiating a plea deal. Then, as the verdict was about to be Then, as the verdict was about to be Then, as the verdict was about to be handed to the bailiff, something handed to the bailiff, something handed to the bailiff, something happened that sent shockwaves through happened that sent shockwaves through happened that sent shockwaves through the courtroom. the courtroom. the courtroom. >> There was a hush over the room. >> There was a hush over the room. >> There was a hush over the room. We knew, knowing Ed, We knew, knowing Ed, We knew, knowing Ed, we knew there was a plan.

we knew there was a plan. we knew there was a plan. >> And was there ever a plan? >> And was there ever a plan? >> And was there ever a plan? Ed Graff changed his plea from not Ed Graff changed his plea from not Ed Graff changed his plea from not guilty to guilty, guilty to guilty, guilty to guilty, admitting for the first time he killed admitting for the first time he killed admitting for the first time he killed Joanie and Jason. Joanie and Jason. Joanie and Jason. >> The judge sentenced Graff to two 60-year >> The judge sentenced Graff to two 60-year >> The judge sentenced Graff to two 60-year prison terms to run concurrently. prison terms to run concurrently. prison terms to run concurrently. >> The possibility of a deadlocked jury and >> The possibility of a deadlocked jury and >> The possibility of a deadlocked jury and having to come do this all over again in having to come do this all over again in having to come do this all over again in another year, and another year, and another year, and uh I think he just made the decision to uh I think he just made the decision to uh I think he just made the decision to enter a plea now and end it. enter a plea now and end it. enter a plea now and end it. >> It's what everybody had been hoping to >> It's what everybody had been hoping to >> It's what everybody had been hoping to hear for a very long time. hear for a very long time. hear for a very long time. >> The feeling that the courtroom had when >> The feeling that the courtroom had when >> The feeling that the courtroom had when Ed Graff Ed Graff Ed Graff finally admitted guilt, finally admitted guilt, finally admitted guilt, to me was a career moment. to me was a career moment. to me was a career moment. Because Ed Graff Because Ed Graff Because Ed Graff had lied to the world [music] had lied to the world [music] had lied to the world [music] for three decades. for three decades. for three decades. >> Ed Graff's biological son, who had been >> Ed Graff's biological son, who had been >> Ed Graff's biological son, who had been a baby at the time [music] of his a baby at the time [music] of his a baby at the time [music] of his brother's murders, took to the stand to brother's murders, took to the stand to brother's murders, took to the stand to talk directly to Graff.

talk directly to Graff. talk directly to Graff. >> You are not a father. You are not a man. >> You are not a father. You are not a man. >> You are not a father. You are not a man. May God have mercy on your soul cuz no May God have mercy on your soul cuz no May God have mercy on your soul cuz no one on this earth should. one on this earth should. one on this earth should. >> Despite the feeling of relief, there was >> Despite the feeling of relief, there was >> Despite the feeling of relief, there was about to be a second detonation of about to be a second detonation of about to be a second detonation of shockwaves from Graff's plea of guilt. shockwaves from Graff's plea of guilt. shockwaves from Graff's plea of guilt. Just 2 weeks after confessing to killing Just 2 weeks after confessing to killing Just 2 weeks after confessing to killing his two stepsons, his two stepsons, his two stepsons, Ed Graff [music] Ed Graff [music] Ed Graff [music] walked out of prison a free man. walked out of prison a free man. walked out of prison a free man. By admitting guilt, Graff was able to By admitting guilt, Graff was able to By admitting guilt, Graff was able to take advantage of a little-known Texas take advantage of a little-known Texas take advantage of a little-known Texas loophole called the mandatory release loophole called the mandatory release loophole called the mandatory release law. Klaas' worst nightmare became a law. Klaas' worst nightmare became a law. Klaas' worst nightmare became a reality. reality. reality. >> Part of the plea for Ed [music] was not >> Part of the plea for Ed [music] was not >> Part of the plea for Ed [music] was not only that he confessed to murdering only that he confessed to murdering only that he confessed to murdering Derbie and Jason. Derbie and Jason. Derbie and Jason. Part of the package was Part of the package was Part of the package was >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> that he would be able to get credit for >> that he would be able to get credit for >> that he would be able to get credit for the years that he had already [music] the years that he had already [music] the years that he had already [music] served so that he would be eligible for served so that he would be eligible for served so that he would be eligible for mandatory release. mandatory release. mandatory release. >> Mandatory release law was enacted >> Mandatory release law was enacted >> Mandatory release law was enacted primarily to help alleviate prison primarily to help alleviate prison primarily to help alleviate prison overcrowding. overcrowding. overcrowding. >> The Texas law states if a felon >> The Texas law states if a felon >> The Texas law states if a felon committed a violent offense between 1977 committed a violent offense between 1977 committed a violent offense between 1977 and 1987, and 1987, and 1987, that person can be released from prison that person can be released from prison that person can be released from prison after time served and good time credits after time served and good time credits after time served and good time credits total at least a third of their initial total at least a third of their initial total at least a third of their initial sentence.

sentence. sentence. >> There was nothing that can be done to >> There was nothing that can be done to >> There was nothing that can be done to prevent the automatic release prevent the automatic release prevent the automatic release of a double murderer of two young of a double murderer of two young of a double murderer of two young children. And if that doesn't hit home children. And if that doesn't hit home children. And if that doesn't hit home for you as to the serious nature and the for you as to the serious nature and the for you as to the serious nature and the flaws of this law, I don't think flaws of this law, I don't think flaws of this law, I don't think anything else will. anything else will. anything else will. >> Some wonder if Ed Graf fully knew if he >> Some wonder if Ed Graf fully knew if he >> Some wonder if Ed Graf fully knew if he pleaded guilty he would quickly grab pleaded guilty he would quickly grab pleaded guilty he would quickly grab himself a get-out-of-jail-free card. himself a get-out-of-jail-free card. himself a get-out-of-jail-free card. >> If it was a strategic move, then it was >> If it was a strategic move, then it was >> If it was a strategic move, then it was a good one cuz the jury was going to a good one cuz the jury was going to a good one cuz the jury was going to return a guilty verdict. return a guilty verdict. return a guilty verdict. >> Prosecutors aren't buying it and say Ed >> Prosecutors aren't buying it and say Ed >> Prosecutors aren't buying it and say Ed Graf's release is not only an injustice, Graf's release is not only an injustice, Graf's release is not only an injustice, it's a license to kill. it's a license to kill. it's a license to kill. >> I feel that Ed Graf will always be a >> I feel that Ed Graf will always be a >> I feel that Ed Graf will always be a danger [music] to society. danger [music] to society. danger [music] to society. I mean, when you really think about I mean, when you really think about I mean, when you really think about the moments when he's putting them in the moments when he's putting them in the moments when he's putting them in the shed and he's killing them. the shed and he's killing them. the shed and he's killing them. I don't think you can ever fully trust I don't think you can ever fully trust I don't think you can ever fully trust someone who's capable of doing that. someone who's capable of doing that. someone who's capable of doing that. >> Graf is out of prison, but he couldn't >> Graf is out of prison, but he couldn't >> Graf is out of prison, but he couldn't escape all Crime Watch Daily cameras escape all Crime Watch Daily cameras escape all Crime Watch Daily cameras when we tracked him down in Kerrville, when we tracked him down in Kerrville, when we tracked him down in Kerrville, Texas on his way to work.

Texas on his way to work. Texas on his way to work. >> Ed Graf, [music] Jason Mattera with >> Ed Graf, [music] Jason Mattera with >> Ed Graf, [music] Jason Mattera with Crime Watch Daily. How does it feel to Crime Watch Daily. How does it feel to Crime Watch Daily. How does it feel to be a free man? be a free man? be a free man? >> Get out of my face, you. >> Get out of my face, you. >> Get out of my face, you. >> Get out of my face? >> Get out of my face? >> Get out of my face? How come you haven't shown any remorse? How come you haven't shown any remorse? How come you haven't shown any remorse? Why did you kill those boys? Why did you kill those boys? Why did you kill those boys? >> Mr. Graff, >> Mr. Graff, >> Mr. Graff, don't you think you should give Claire don't you think you should give Claire don't you think you should give Claire closure? closure? closure? >> Mr. Graff, come on, we know you hear us. >> Mr. Graff, come on, we know you hear us. >> Mr. Graff, come on, we know you hear us. Don't you think you should give Don't you think you should give Don't you think you should give some sort of an explanation why you some sort of an explanation why you some sort of an explanation why you killed killed killed Jason and Joey? Jason and Joey? Jason and Joey? >> Why'd you burn the shed? >> Claire will always live with the pain of >> Claire will always live with the pain of losing her boys. losing her boys. losing her boys. >> Words can't express [music] >> Words can't express [music] >> Words can't express [music] how much I miss the boys. how much I miss the boys. how much I miss the boys. My children are buried here, but they My children are buried here, but they My children are buried here, but they are with me every day. are with me every day. are with me every day. >> There's a part of her that feels >> There's a part of her that feels >> There's a part of her that feels responsible. responsible. responsible. >> I have guilt over the fact that I >> I have guilt over the fact that I >> I have guilt over the fact that I brought the boys brought the boys brought the boys into a marriage with this guy, into a marriage with this guy, into a marriage with this guy, and they called him their father, and they called him their father, and they called him their father, and he turned on them and he turned on them and he turned on them like a like a like a >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> like a viper.

>> like a viper. >> like a viper. >> And now in Kerrville, Texas, a confessed >> And now in Kerrville, Texas, a confessed >> And now in Kerrville, Texas, a confessed killer walks free. killer walks free. killer walks free. >> If there's one thing [music] I could say >> If there's one thing [music] I could say >> If there's one thing [music] I could say to Ed, to Ed, to Ed, is that is that is that his true judgment has not come. his true judgment has not come. his true judgment has not come. That he will be judged again one day for That he will be judged again one day for That he will be judged again one day for his deeds.