Pregnant wife of marine murdered to hide dark secret

A word of warning, this podcast explores A word of warning, this podcast explores graphic and disturbing stories and graphic and disturbing stories and graphic and disturbing stories and includes some strong language. It includes some strong language. It includes some strong language. It therefore may not be suitable for our therefore may not be suitable for our therefore may not be suitable for our young listeners or other folks who may young listeners or other folks who may young listeners or other folks who may find it disturbing. [music] A young wife vanishes from a remote A young wife vanishes from a remote military base town. Her last [music] military base town. Her last [music] military base town. Her last [music] text, a hidden pregnancy, a crime buried text, a hidden pregnancy, a crime buried text, a hidden pregnancy, a crime buried 140 ft down in the desert and the 140 ft down in the desert and the 140 ft down in the desert and the tell-all interrogation video. tell-all interrogation video. tell-all interrogation video. >> There's no reason to lie to you right >> There's no reason to lie to you right >> There's no reason to lie to you right now. now. now. >> Hello everyone, I'm Alyssa McCarty. This >> Hello everyone, I'm Alyssa McCarty. This >> Hello everyone, I'm Alyssa McCarty. This is a new series from the team at True is a new series from the team at True is a new series from the team at True Crime News. For this first case, I want Crime News. For this first case, I want Crime News. For this first case, I want you to think about the one friend from you to think about the one friend from you to think about the one friend from childhood. The friend who knew you childhood. The friend who knew you childhood. The friend who knew you before life got complicated. The one you before life got complicated. The one you before life got complicated. The one you planned your futures with, made little planned your futures with, made little planned your futures with, made little promises to, and thought would always be promises to, and thought would always be promises to, and thought would always be a part of your life, no matter where you a part of your life, no matter where you a part of your life, no matter where you both ended up. [music] And now, imagine both ended up. [music] And now, imagine both ended up. [music] And now, imagine that friend taking a leap, a risk for that friend taking a leap, a risk for that friend taking a leap, a risk for love at 19. She follows her heart clear love at 19. She follows her heart clear love at 19. She follows her heart clear across the country leaving her small across the country leaving her small across the country leaving her small Tennessee town for a new start in Tennessee town for a new start in Tennessee town for a new start in Southern California. You stay close, Southern California. You stay close, Southern California. You stay close, texting whenever you can, checking in texting whenever you can, checking in texting whenever you can, checking in and making sure the thread of that and making sure the thread of that and making sure the thread of that childhood connection is alive. And then childhood connection is alive. And then childhood connection is alive. And then one day, she sends you a message that one day, she sends you a message that one day, she sends you a message that feels different. She texts, "Seriously, feels different. She texts, "Seriously, feels different. She texts, "Seriously, I don't know why she would drag me to a I don't know why she would drag me to a I don't know why she would drag me to a very special place for a big dumb very special place for a big dumb very special place for a big dumb surprise." You respond in all caps, "Is surprise." You respond in all caps, "Is surprise." You respond in all caps, "Is he going to pop the question?" She he going to pop the question?" She he going to pop the question?" She responds by texting one word, "Maybe."

responds by texting one word, "Maybe." responds by texting one word, "Maybe." That text becomes the last message you That text becomes the last message you That text becomes the last message you ever get from her. ever get from her. ever get from her. Losing a friend at a young age is Losing a friend at a young age is Losing a friend at a young age is life-altering. I know the feeling life-altering. I know the feeling life-altering. I know the feeling because when I was actually 19 years because when I was actually 19 years because when I was actually 19 years old, I lost two friends one year apart old, I lost two friends one year apart old, I lost two friends one year apart and both of them, they were murdered. and both of them, they were murdered. and both of them, they were murdered. And I can tell you that it changed the And I can tell you that it changed the And I can tell you that it changed the way I saw people, the way I looked at way I saw people, the way I looked at way I saw people, the way I looked at life, everything. It's hard to recover life, everything. It's hard to recover life, everything. It's hard to recover from. And so, when I heard about this from. And so, when I heard about this from. And so, when I heard about this story, I could relate because I know the story, I could relate because I know the story, I could relate because I know the feeling when you're expecting that feeling when you're expecting that feeling when you're expecting that friend to call, to text, but they don't. friend to call, to text, but they don't. friend to call, to text, but they don't. They're just gone. They're just gone. They're just gone. And when it comes to this case, after And when it comes to this case, after And when it comes to this case, after two long months, nobody knows where the two long months, nobody knows where the two long months, nobody knows where the 19-year-old is. Her friends, family, all 19-year-old is. Her friends, family, all 19-year-old is. Her friends, family, all left to sit with fear and endless left to sit with fear and endless left to sit with fear and endless questions. And when she is finally questions. And when she is finally questions. And when she is finally found, it is nowhere anyone should ever found, it is nowhere anyone should ever found, it is nowhere anyone should ever be. Her body was discovered at the be. Her body was discovered at the be. Her body was discovered at the bottom of an abandoned mine shaft in the bottom of an abandoned mine shaft in the bottom of an abandoned mine shaft in the middle of the California desert, 140 middle of the California desert, 140 middle of the California desert, 140 feet down into Earth's darkness. This is feet down into Earth's darkness. This is feet down into Earth's darkness. This is a story that I'll never forget because I a story that I'll never forget because I a story that I'll never forget because I went to the exact spot where Erin was went to the exact spot where Erin was went to the exact spot where Erin was found. And just feet from the mine shaft found. And just feet from the mine shaft found. And just feet from the mine shaft sits a stone bench. It's etched with the sits a stone bench. It's etched with the sits a stone bench. It's etched with the words Erin's Garden. It's actually quite words Erin's Garden. It's actually quite words Erin's Garden. It's actually quite beautiful. Her parents built a memorial beautiful. Her parents built a memorial beautiful. Her parents built a memorial there, leaving a note asking anyone who there, leaving a note asking anyone who there, leaving a note asking anyone who stumbled onto the site, friends, hikers, stumbled onto the site, friends, hikers, stumbled onto the site, friends, hikers, anyone wandering by, to sit, learn about anyone wandering by, to sit, learn about anyone wandering by, to sit, learn about their daughter, read, and maybe leave their daughter, read, and maybe leave their daughter, read, and maybe leave something behind.

something behind. something behind. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It was triple digit heat the day I >> It was triple digit heat the day I >> It was triple digit heat the day I visited the desert location. The visited the desert location. The visited the desert location. The registry pages were curled, registry pages were curled, registry pages were curled, sun-bleached, the ink was fading. I read sun-bleached, the ink was fading. I read sun-bleached, the ink was fading. I read every message, and then I added my own. every message, and then I added my own. every message, and then I added my own. And what I learned about Erin, the And what I learned about Erin, the And what I learned about Erin, the daughter, the friend, the young woman daughter, the friend, the young woman daughter, the friend, the young woman that she was, showed me this case is that she was, showed me this case is that she was, showed me this case is nothing like what it first appeared nothing like what it first appeared nothing like what it first appeared [music] to be. So, let's start off with [music] to be. So, let's start off with [music] to be. So, let's start off with who this young woman was from Oak Ridge, who this young woman was from Oak Ridge, who this young woman was from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and how she ended up at the Tennessee, and how she ended up at the Tennessee, and how she ended up at the bottom of a mine shaft. Erin Corwin came bottom of a mine shaft. Erin Corwin came bottom of a mine shaft. Erin Corwin came from a small, tight-knit town where kids from a small, tight-knit town where kids from a small, tight-knit town where kids grow up around front porch grow up around front porch grow up around front porch conversations, the same friends you've conversations, the same friends you've conversations, the same friends you've known since elementary school, a place known since elementary school, a place known since elementary school, a place where most families, they know each where most families, they know each where most families, they know each other, and where a shy, gentle girl like other, and where a shy, gentle girl like other, and where a shy, gentle girl like Erin could spend her childhood feeling Erin could spend her childhood feeling Erin could spend her childhood feeling safe and feeling seen. But during this safe and feeling seen. But during this safe and feeling seen. But during this time, Erin had that one person who was time, Erin had that one person who was time, Erin had that one person who was always lingering in her orbit. It was a always lingering in her orbit. It was a always lingering in her orbit. It was a boy named John. She met him back when boy named John. She met him back when boy named John. She met him back when she was in grade school, so John's she was in grade school, so John's she was in grade school, so John's sister had a horse at the same stable, sister had a horse at the same stable, sister had a horse at the same stable, and that's how they all met. He quickly and that's how they all met. He quickly and that's how they all met. He quickly became someone familiar and steady in became someone familiar and steady in became someone familiar and steady in her life. Their connection followed them her life. Their connection followed them her life. Their connection followed them into the teen years, evolving in the way into the teen years, evolving in the way into the teen years, evolving in the way young love does sometimes, naturally, as young love does sometimes, naturally, as young love does sometimes, naturally, as if everyone around them expected it.

if everyone around them expected it. if everyone around them expected it. Now, John fell really hard for Aaron. He Now, John fell really hard for Aaron. He Now, John fell really hard for Aaron. He knew she was the one, but he also knew knew she was the one, but he also knew knew she was the one, but he also knew what he wanted to be, and as soon as he what he wanted to be, and as soon as he what he wanted to be, and as soon as he turned 18 years old, he enlisted in the turned 18 years old, he enlisted in the turned 18 years old, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, which meant he would have Marine Corps, which meant he would have Marine Corps, which meant he would have to leave Tennessee. He proposed to to leave Tennessee. He proposed to to leave Tennessee. He proposed to Aaron, and the two got married in a Aaron, and the two got married in a Aaron, and the two got married in a small, intimate ceremony, young love small, intimate ceremony, young love small, intimate ceremony, young love conquering life together. Aaron wanted conquering life together. Aaron wanted conquering life together. Aaron wanted to support him the best way she knew to support him the best way she knew to support him the best way she knew how. That meant giving up her life in how. That meant giving up her life in how. That meant giving up her life in Oak Ridge, leaving the horse farm that Oak Ridge, leaving the horse farm that Oak Ridge, leaving the horse farm that she loved, and moving all the way to she loved, and moving all the way to she loved, and moving all the way to Southern California, where Marines are Southern California, where Marines are Southern California, where Marines are stationed at the Marine Corps Combat stationed at the Marine Corps Combat stationed at the Marine Corps Combat Center in 29 Palms. So, it's a remote Center in 29 Palms. So, it's a remote Center in 29 Palms. So, it's a remote military base near Joshua Tree National military base near Joshua Tree National military base near Joshua Tree National Park. Aaron was impressionable, and life on a Aaron was impressionable, and life on a military base, it's its own universe. military base, it's its own universe. military base, it's its own universe. Let's think about that living Let's think about that living Let's think about that living environment for a second because I think environment for a second because I think environment for a second because I think this part matters more than people this part matters more than people this part matters more than people realize. Military bases are isolating by realize. Military bases are isolating by realize. Military bases are isolating by design. It can be overwhelming, and design. It can be overwhelming, and design. It can be overwhelming, and Aaron, she didn't just move states away. Aaron, she didn't just move states away. Aaron, she didn't just move states away. She left her support system, her She left her support system, her She left her support system, her identity, and everything familiar at an identity, and everything familiar at an identity, and everything familiar at an age when most people, well, they're age when most people, well, they're age when most people, well, they're still figuring life out and who they're still figuring life out and who they're still figuring life out and who they're going to be. So, when you remove going to be. So, when you remove going to be. So, when you remove someone's safety net that early in life, someone's safety net that early in life, someone's safety net that early in life, the people around you, they end up the people around you, they end up the people around you, they end up mattering perhaps more than they should.

mattering perhaps more than they should. mattering perhaps more than they should. In Aaron and John's building, their In Aaron and John's building, their In Aaron and John's building, their neighbors were a Marine named Chris Lee, neighbors were a Marine named Chris Lee, neighbors were a Marine named Chris Lee, a little bit older, 24 years old. He was a little bit older, 24 years old. He was a little bit older, 24 years old. He was married to a woman named Nicole, and married to a woman named Nicole, and married to a woman named Nicole, and they had a 4-year-old daughter. Their they had a 4-year-old daughter. Their they had a 4-year-old daughter. Their apartments were just steps away. Small apartments were just steps away. Small apartments were just steps away. Small circles of couples were starting to form circles of couples were starting to form circles of couples were starting to form for these group dinners and movie for these group dinners and movie for these group dinners and movie nights. Another woman named Ashlyn nights. Another woman named Ashlyn nights. Another woman named Ashlyn Malekie became very close to Aaron. She Malekie became very close to Aaron. She Malekie became very close to Aaron. She was a little bit older and wiser, and was a little bit older and wiser, and was a little bit older and wiser, and her husband was actually best friends her husband was actually best friends her husband was actually best friends with Chris Lee. So, you have these three with Chris Lee. So, you have these three with Chris Lee. So, you have these three couples that are starting to form this couples that are starting to form this couples that are starting to form this [music] bond. And the men, they would be [music] bond. And the men, they would be [music] bond. And the men, they would be deployed at various times, away for deployed at various times, away for deployed at various times, away for 6-month periods. The young couples would 6-month periods. The young couples would 6-month periods. The young couples would help each other out to fill the voids, help each other out to fill the voids, help each other out to fill the voids, the absence, especially for Erin because the absence, especially for Erin because the absence, especially for Erin because she was so new to military life. she was so new to military life. she was so new to military life. But underneath the friendships, the But underneath the friendships, the But underneath the friendships, the cookouts, something was brewing. cookouts, something was brewing. cookouts, something was brewing. Something that would eventually unravel Something that would eventually unravel Something that would eventually unravel the peace of that small Marine community the peace of that small Marine community the peace of that small Marine community and shatter Erin's life in a way that and shatter Erin's life in a way that and shatter Erin's life in a way that nobody could have ever projected. Erin nobody could have ever projected. Erin nobody could have ever projected. Erin announced to everyone she was pregnant, announced to everyone she was pregnant, announced to everyone she was pregnant, but not long after she suffered a but not long after she suffered a but not long after she suffered a miscarriage, putting a strain on her miscarriage, putting a strain on her miscarriage, putting a strain on her marriage. She was grieving, and John, marriage. She was grieving, and John, marriage. She was grieving, and John, well, he emoted differently. He wasn't well, he emoted differently. He wasn't well, he emoted differently. He wasn't giving her the kind of comfort she giving her the kind of comfort she giving her the kind of comfort she needed. He worked long hours, and she needed. He worked long hours, and she needed. He worked long hours, and she was alone with her sadness. Now, grief was alone with her sadness. Now, grief was alone with her sadness. Now, grief has a way of pulling you towards anyone has a way of pulling you towards anyone has a way of pulling you towards anyone who makes you feel seen.

who makes you feel seen. who makes you feel seen. So, Erin, she started to get much closer So, Erin, she started to get much closer So, Erin, she started to get much closer to one of her neighbors, Chris Lee. At to one of her neighbors, Chris Lee. At to one of her neighbors, Chris Lee. At the time, it was harmless. Shared the time, it was harmless. Shared the time, it was harmless. Shared hobbies, Chris and his wife Nicole, they hobbies, Chris and his wife Nicole, they hobbies, Chris and his wife Nicole, they would go horseback riding and always would go horseback riding and always would go horseback riding and always invite Erin because they knew how much invite Erin because they knew how much invite Erin because they knew how much she absolutely loved horses. It's a she absolutely loved horses. It's a she absolutely loved horses. It's a shared love that her husband, John, he shared love that her husband, John, he shared love that her husband, John, he didn't really care for. He was also didn't really care for. He was also didn't really care for. He was also deployed a few months at a time, but deployed a few months at a time, but deployed a few months at a time, but what happens when two people want to what happens when two people want to what happens when two people want to escape the monotony of base life, escape the monotony of base life, escape the monotony of base life, lines become blurred quickly. So, Chris lines become blurred quickly. So, Chris lines become blurred quickly. So, Chris would go over to Erin's a few times a would go over to Erin's a few times a would go over to Erin's a few times a week. He says to play Xbox, watch their week. He says to play Xbox, watch their week. He says to play Xbox, watch their favorite show, The Walking Dead, and favorite show, The Walking Dead, and favorite show, The Walking Dead, and then one night they looked at each then one night they looked at each then one night they looked at each other, other, other, and they kissed. and they kissed. and they kissed. He left soon after, but they started He left soon after, but they started He left soon after, but they started texting. They expressed no regrets over texting. They expressed no regrets over texting. They expressed no regrets over the kiss. Instead, it ignited the kiss. Instead, it ignited the kiss. Instead, it ignited excitement, and that's how it all excitement, and that's how it all excitement, and that's how it all started. People around them slowly started. People around them slowly started. People around them slowly started to notice something shifting. started to notice something shifting. started to notice something shifting. And one night, Ashlyn walked into her And one night, Ashlyn walked into her And one night, Ashlyn walked into her living room where they'd all been living room where they'd all been living room where they'd all been hanging out, she actually saw Aaron and hanging out, she actually saw Aaron and hanging out, she actually saw Aaron and Chris on the couch kissing. She didn't Chris on the couch kissing. She didn't Chris on the couch kissing. She didn't say anything to Aaron at the time, but say anything to Aaron at the time, but say anything to Aaron at the time, but she did pull Chris aside and say, "You she did pull Chris aside and say, "You she did pull Chris aside and say, "You need to end this." Aaron's world was need to end this." Aaron's world was need to end this." Aaron's world was becoming complicated and Chris was becoming complicated and Chris was becoming complicated and Chris was dealing with inner turmoil. Many didn't dealing with inner turmoil. Many didn't dealing with inner turmoil. Many didn't know this, but he was drinking heavily know this, but he was drinking heavily know this, but he was drinking heavily and chasing adrenaline.

and chasing adrenaline. and chasing adrenaline. Chris was so out of it he said he would Chris was so out of it he said he would Chris was so out of it he said he would actually fire rockets into the desert actually fire rockets into the desert actually fire rockets into the desert sky at work just to feel something and sky at work just to feel something and sky at work just to feel something and playing Russian roulette with his playing Russian roulette with his playing Russian roulette with his revolver three to four times a week revolver three to four times a week revolver three to four times a week feeling indifferent about life. It was a feeling indifferent about life. It was a feeling indifferent about life. It was a dangerous headspace for any Marine, let dangerous headspace for any Marine, let dangerous headspace for any Marine, let alone somebody who was starting to get alone somebody who was starting to get alone somebody who was starting to get close to a vulnerable 19-year-old. Now, close to a vulnerable 19-year-old. Now, close to a vulnerable 19-year-old. Now, I want you to think about this headspace I want you to think about this headspace I want you to think about this headspace for a minute. You take out your for a minute. You take out your for a minute. You take out your revolver, you load one bullet, you give revolver, you load one bullet, you give revolver, you load one bullet, you give it a spin. it a spin. it a spin. You put it to your head and you pull the You put it to your head and you pull the You put it to your head and you pull the trigger. trigger. trigger. Not knowing if that will be the last Not knowing if that will be the last Not knowing if that will be the last thing that you ever do. And he did so thing that you ever do. And he did so thing that you ever do. And he did so with his wife and child in the with his wife and child in the with his wife and child in the apartment. Gambling his life as though apartment. Gambling his life as though apartment. Gambling his life as though it meant nothing. Now, I've covered a it meant nothing. Now, I've covered a it meant nothing. Now, I've covered a lot of reckless behavior in my career, lot of reckless behavior in my career, lot of reckless behavior in my career, but that kind of apathy towards your own but that kind of apathy towards your own but that kind of apathy towards your own life, it's not just a warning sign, it life, it's not just a warning sign, it life, it's not just a warning sign, it is a cry for help, but it's one that is a cry for help, but it's one that is a cry for help, but it's one that Chris ignored. He says his connection Chris ignored. He says his connection Chris ignored. He says his connection during this time to Aaron intensified. during this time to Aaron intensified. during this time to Aaron intensified. He ignored his problems and decided to He ignored his problems and decided to He ignored his problems and decided to focus on Aaron instead. He was focus on Aaron instead. He was focus on Aaron instead. He was constantly arguing with his wife Nicole.

constantly arguing with his wife Nicole. constantly arguing with his wife Nicole. He wasn't letting her in. He was He wasn't letting her in. He was He wasn't letting her in. He was emotionally detached. He just wouldn't emotionally detached. He just wouldn't emotionally detached. He just wouldn't talk to her. talk to her. talk to her. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> He claimed to be depressed from his >> He claimed to be depressed from his >> He claimed to be depressed from his recent deployment and had a rough time recent deployment and had a rough time recent deployment and had a rough time adjusting to his normal daily routine. adjusting to his normal daily routine. adjusting to his normal daily routine. He struggled with daily responsibility He struggled with daily responsibility He struggled with daily responsibility of what was expected of him as a father, of what was expected of him as a father, of what was expected of him as a father, as a husband. It was more stimulating as a husband. It was more stimulating as a husband. It was more stimulating for him to fixate on Aaron, obsessing for him to fixate on Aaron, obsessing for him to fixate on Aaron, obsessing over the affair and calling it his over the affair and calling it his over the affair and calling it his fantasy life. Their connection was fantasy life. Their connection was fantasy life. Their connection was heating up. They both saw each other as heating up. They both saw each other as heating up. They both saw each other as an escape from the lives that were an escape from the lives that were an escape from the lives that were unhappy and unfulfilling to them. unhappy and unfulfilling to them. unhappy and unfulfilling to them. Chris said Erin would always talk about Chris said Erin would always talk about Chris said Erin would always talk about leaving John, wanting to go home to leaving John, wanting to go home to leaving John, wanting to go home to Tennessee, but not having the money to. Tennessee, but not having the money to. Tennessee, but not having the money to. He said that she didn't want to divorce He said that she didn't want to divorce He said that she didn't want to divorce him, but she just wanted a break. She him, but she just wanted a break. She him, but she just wanted a break. She wanted to get away. The two were texting wanted to get away. The two were texting wanted to get away. The two were texting constantly, several times an hour, constantly, several times an hour, constantly, several times an hour, sharing private thoughts, whispering sharing private thoughts, whispering sharing private thoughts, whispering secrets that they didn't tell anyone secrets that they didn't tell anyone secrets that they didn't tell anyone else. else. else. Erin was grieving her miscarriage, Chris Erin was grieving her miscarriage, Chris Erin was grieving her miscarriage, Chris drowning under the weight of his own drowning under the weight of his own drowning under the weight of his own mental spiral. It grew so intense that mental spiral. It grew so intense that mental spiral. It grew so intense that Chris said John would leave to work at Chris said John would leave to work at Chris said John would leave to work at 5:00 in the morning, and he would sneak 5:00 in the morning, and he would sneak 5:00 in the morning, and he would sneak over to her apartment.

over to her apartment. over to her apartment. He said it was just to kiss her good He said it was just to kiss her good He said it was just to kiss her good morning and spend about [music] 30 morning and spend about [music] 30 morning and spend about [music] 30 minutes with her. And then, he would minutes with her. And then, he would minutes with her. And then, he would sneak back inside his apartment before sneak back inside his apartment before sneak back inside his apartment before his wife and daughter woke up and even his wife and daughter woke up and even his wife and daughter woke up and even knew that he was ever gone. They would knew that he was ever gone. They would knew that he was ever gone. They would go to great lengths to [music] try and go to great lengths to [music] try and go to great lengths to [music] try and see each other, even for a few minutes. see each other, even for a few minutes. see each other, even for a few minutes. But eventually, Nicole, Chris's wife, But eventually, Nicole, Chris's wife, But eventually, Nicole, Chris's wife, she sensed something was off. Now, she sensed something was off. Now, she sensed something was off. Now, Nicole, Nicole, Nicole, she was she was she was savvy. savvy. savvy. Call it woman's intuition. She knew Call it woman's intuition. She knew Call it woman's intuition. She knew something was off. They would talk a something was off. They would talk a something was off. They would talk a little bit too closely, as though they little bit too closely, as though they little bit too closely, as though they shared a secret. Also, Chris guarded his shared a secret. Also, Chris guarded his shared a secret. Also, Chris guarded his phone with multiple passcodes, but phone with multiple passcodes, but phone with multiple passcodes, but Nicole, she was suspicious and clever. Nicole, she was suspicious and clever. Nicole, she was suspicious and clever. She figured out a way to bypass She figured out a way to bypass She figured out a way to bypass everything. When Chris fell asleep one everything. When Chris fell asleep one everything. When Chris fell asleep one night, Nicole removed his SIM card and night, Nicole removed his SIM card and night, Nicole removed his SIM card and put it in her own phone. And suddenly, put it in her own phone. And suddenly, put it in her own phone. And suddenly, every message, every text, every secret every message, every text, every secret every message, every text, every secret popped up on her screen. It was right in popped up on her screen. It was right in popped up on her screen. It was right in front of her. Countless messages, front of her. Countless messages, front of her. Countless messages, countless lies. The affair, it blew up countless lies. The affair, it blew up countless lies. The affair, it blew up [music] instantly.

[music] instantly. [music] instantly. Chris and Nicole, they fought, they Chris and Nicole, they fought, they Chris and Nicole, they fought, they screamed, they cried. The accusations, screamed, they cried. The accusations, screamed, they cried. The accusations, betrayal, betrayal, betrayal, but they kept it behind closed doors but they kept it behind closed doors but they kept it behind closed doors until until until they couldn't anymore. The secret, it they couldn't anymore. The secret, it they couldn't anymore. The secret, it was just too big. It was too painful. was just too big. It was too painful. was just too big. It was too painful. And Nicole, she was ready to explode. And Nicole, she was ready to explode. And Nicole, she was ready to explode. Weeks later, the two couples actually Weeks later, the two couples actually Weeks later, the two couples actually had dinner. had dinner. had dinner. Aaron, John, Chris, and Nicole, and Aaron, John, Chris, and Nicole, and Aaron, John, Chris, and Nicole, and whatever self-control Nicole had left, whatever self-control Nicole had left, whatever self-control Nicole had left, just snapped. just snapped. just snapped. She confronted them right there at the She confronted them right there at the She confronted them right there at the table, [music] exposing the entire table, [music] exposing the entire table, [music] exposing the entire affair to John. affair to John. affair to John. Nicole allegedly looked at Aaron in the Nicole allegedly looked at Aaron in the Nicole allegedly looked at Aaron in the eye and said, "If you ever come near my eye and said, "If you ever come near my eye and said, "If you ever come near my husband again, I'll kill you myself." husband again, I'll kill you myself." husband again, I'll kill you myself." The threat, [music] The threat, [music] The threat, [music] it hung in the air long after the dinner it hung in the air long after the dinner it hung in the air long after the dinner plates were cleared, and then everything plates were cleared, and then everything plates were cleared, and then everything went quiet. went quiet. went quiet. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Both marriages shattered in different >> Both marriages shattered in different >> Both marriages shattered in different ways. Aaron was left feeling ashamed and ways. Aaron was left feeling ashamed and ways. Aaron was left feeling ashamed and exposed. John, absolutely stunned, exposed. John, absolutely stunned, exposed. John, absolutely stunned, trying to process the news. He had no trying to process the news. He had no trying to process the news. He had no idea any of this was happening, idea any of this was happening, idea any of this was happening, completely blindsided, never saw this completely blindsided, never saw this completely blindsided, never saw this coming. But he wanted to work through coming. But he wanted to work through coming. But he wanted to work through it, stay together. He loved Aaron. It it, stay together. He loved Aaron. It it, stay together. He loved Aaron. It was a very high-tension week. Aaron was a very high-tension week. Aaron was a very high-tension week. Aaron trying to stay locked inside of her trying to stay locked inside of her trying to stay locked inside of her apartment, while John went to work. She apartment, while John went to work. She apartment, while John went to work. She was also trying to avoid Nicole. [music] was also trying to avoid Nicole. [music] was also trying to avoid Nicole. [music] And then she got the news that shook her And then she got the news that shook her And then she got the news that shook her world. She was pregnant again.

world. She was pregnant again. world. She was pregnant again. But this time it wasn't her husband's But this time it wasn't her husband's But this time it wasn't her husband's baby. The baby was with Chris Lee. Now, baby. The baby was with Chris Lee. Now, baby. The baby was with Chris Lee. Now, this is where a high-stakes affair tends this is where a high-stakes affair tends this is where a high-stakes affair tends to explode, because a pregnancy doesn't to explode, because a pregnancy doesn't to explode, because a pregnancy doesn't just complicate emotions. It really just complicate emotions. It really just complicate emotions. It really forces reality into a situation, right? forces reality into a situation, right? forces reality into a situation, right? From a person who wanted to escape From a person who wanted to escape From a person who wanted to escape responsibility, escape being held responsibility, escape being held responsibility, escape being held accountable, now has to. And that could accountable, now has to. And that could accountable, now has to. And that could push someone to a dangerous place. What push someone to a dangerous place. What push someone to a dangerous place. What did Chris really think about this baby? did Chris really think about this baby? did Chris really think about this baby? And what would John do when he finds And what would John do when he finds And what would John do when he finds out? So, a few weeks later, Aaron tells out? So, a few weeks later, Aaron tells out? So, a few weeks later, Aaron tells her husband John that she's going to go her husband John that she's going to go her husband John that she's going to go out scouting scenic locations for her out scouting scenic locations for her out scouting scenic locations for her mom's up-and-coming visit. Now, when mom's up-and-coming visit. Now, when mom's up-and-coming visit. Now, when Aaron suffered that miscarriage, her mom Aaron suffered that miscarriage, her mom Aaron suffered that miscarriage, her mom never flew out to see her because she never flew out to see her because she never flew out to see her because she felt it was really important for the two felt it was really important for the two felt it was really important for the two of them to heal as a couple and get of them to heal as a couple and get of them to heal as a couple and get through it together. So, she was always through it together. So, she was always through it together. So, she was always waiting for the right time [music] to waiting for the right time [music] to waiting for the right time [music] to come out. Her mom told me that they come out. Her mom told me that they come out. Her mom told me that they would talk often, and on that day she would talk often, and on that day she would talk often, and on that day she received one last text. I love you, Mom. received one last text. I love you, Mom. received one last text. I love you, Mom. Very simple. She had no idea that that Very simple. She had no idea that that Very simple. She had no idea that that would be the last text that she would would be the last text that she would would be the last text that she would ever receive from her daughter. Erin ever receive from her daughter. Erin ever receive from her daughter. Erin never came home. It was June 28th of never came home. It was June 28th of never came home. It was June 28th of 2014, [music] and from that moment on 2014, [music] and from that moment on 2014, [music] and from that moment on three people Erin's husband, John, three people Erin's husband, John, three people Erin's husband, John, Chrislee, the lover, and his wife, Chrislee, the lover, and his wife, Chrislee, the lover, and his wife, Nicole, who had reportedly threatened Nicole, who had reportedly threatened Nicole, who had reportedly threatened her, all became questions in a story her, all became questions in a story her, all became questions in a story with no answers. When Erin didn't come with no answers. When Erin didn't come with no answers. When Erin didn't come home that day, her husband, John, home that day, her husband, John, home that day, her husband, John, actually delayed in calling police until actually delayed in calling police until actually delayed in calling police until the next day. So, once the call to help the next day. So, once the call to help the next day. So, once the call to help was made, the desert was swarming with was made, the desert was swarming with was made, the desert was swarming with helicopters, dogs, search and rescue

helicopters, dogs, search and rescue helicopters, dogs, search and rescue teams, but they were really limited in teams, but they were really limited in teams, but they were really limited in how long they could look for her because how long they could look for her because how long they could look for her because it was summer time, triple-digit heat. it was summer time, triple-digit heat. it was summer time, triple-digit heat. Now, when I say the heat was soaring, Now, when I say the heat was soaring, Now, when I say the heat was soaring, it's up to 115° it's up to 115° it's up to 115° in that desert. And during the search in that desert. And during the search in that desert. And during the search efforts, combing the desert looking for efforts, combing the desert looking for efforts, combing the desert looking for her, detectives, they started asking her, detectives, they started asking her, detectives, they started asking questions, and that is when suspicions questions, and that is when suspicions questions, and that is when suspicions fell fast. John was questioned by police fell fast. John was questioned by police fell fast. John was questioned by police many times, and he passed a polygraph many times, and he passed a polygraph many times, and he passed a polygraph test, so he was ruled out. When [snorts] test, so he was ruled out. When [snorts] test, so he was ruled out. When [snorts] detectives asked Chris if he'd seen Erin detectives asked Chris if he'd seen Erin detectives asked Chris if he'd seen Erin that day, he insisted he hadn't spoken that day, he insisted he hadn't spoken that day, he insisted he hadn't spoken to her in a month, no calls, nothing. to her in a month, no calls, nothing. to her in a month, no calls, nothing. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Nothing since their affair was exposed. >> Nothing since their affair was exposed. >> Nothing since their affair was exposed. Now, a digital timeline was quickly Now, a digital timeline was quickly Now, a digital timeline was quickly forming once word got out that Erin was forming once word got out that Erin was forming once word got out that Erin was missing. So, the day she disappeared, missing. So, the day she disappeared, missing. So, the day she disappeared, she also sent a text to her childhood she also sent a text to her childhood she also sent a text to her childhood friend. So, the text message revealed friend. So, the text message revealed friend. So, the text message revealed the real reason she was going on that the real reason she was going on that the real reason she was going on that hike. It wasn't to scout locations to hike. It wasn't to scout locations to hike. It wasn't to scout locations to take her mom as she had said. It take her mom as she had said. It take her mom as she had said. It [snorts] was to meet Chris. He wanted to [snorts] was to meet Chris. He wanted to [snorts] was to meet Chris. He wanted to meet up with her, take her on a hike to meet up with her, take her on a hike to meet up with her, take her on a hike to a special place. That's when she sends a special place. That's when she sends a special place. That's when she sends that message, "Seriously, I don't know that message, "Seriously, I don't know that message, "Seriously, I don't know why he would drag me to a very special why he would drag me to a very special why he would drag me to a very special place for a big dumb surprise." And her place for a big dumb surprise." And her place for a big dumb surprise." And her friend responded, "Is he going to pop friend responded, "Is he going to pop friend responded, "Is he going to pop the question?" And she said, "Maybe."

the question?" And she said, "Maybe." the question?" And she said, "Maybe." Having no idea that that random text and Having no idea that that random text and Having no idea that that random text and life update would be a clue and the last life update would be a clue and the last life update would be a clue and the last time she ever hears from her. So, not time she ever hears from her. So, not time she ever hears from her. So, not only did detectives have more background only did detectives have more background only did detectives have more background information on the affair it being information on the affair it being information on the affair it being exposed exposed exposed and the text messages, but other and the text messages, but other and the text messages, but other circumstantial evidence was pointing at circumstantial evidence was pointing at circumstantial evidence was pointing at Chris. While investigators were trying Chris. While investigators were trying Chris. While investigators were trying to piece together Erin's movements that to piece together Erin's movements that to piece together Erin's movements that morning, the people who lived closest to morning, the people who lived closest to morning, the people who lived closest to her, the neighbors, her, the neighbors, her, the neighbors, they saw something that day that really they saw something that day that really they saw something that day that really started to stand out now that she was started to stand out now that she was started to stand out now that she was missing. Chris was seen heading out missing. Chris was seen heading out missing. Chris was seen heading out early that day as well. He told his wife early that day as well. He told his wife early that day as well. He told his wife he was going coyote hunting. he was going coyote hunting. he was going coyote hunting. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And Ashlyn said her husband saw >> And Ashlyn said her husband saw >> And Ashlyn said her husband saw something very odd. He saw Chris loading something very odd. He saw Chris loading something very odd. He saw Chris loading a propane tank into his Jeep. It's odd a propane tank into his Jeep. It's odd a propane tank into his Jeep. It's odd for anyone, let alone doing so on the for anyone, let alone doing so on the for anyone, let alone doing so on the same day that Erin goes missing. same day that Erin goes missing. same day that Erin goes missing. So, he actually planned to do this with So, he actually planned to do this with So, he actually planned to do this with a friend, but ended up ghosting him a friend, but ended up ghosting him a friend, but ended up ghosting him >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and not returning his phone calls that >> and not returning his phone calls that >> and not returning his phone calls that morning. morning. morning. So, later that afternoon, Chris did So, later that afternoon, Chris did So, later that afternoon, Chris did return home about 4:00 p.m. He seemed return home about 4:00 p.m. He seemed return home about 4:00 p.m. He seemed calm, normal, hungry even, calm, normal, hungry even, calm, normal, hungry even, but Erin never returned. As the day but Erin never returned. As the day but Erin never returned. As the day stretched into weeks, investigators knew stretched into weeks, investigators knew stretched into weeks, investigators knew they were no longer searching for a they were no longer searching for a they were no longer searching for a missing girl.

missing girl. missing girl. They were searching for what someone They were searching for what someone They were searching for what someone didn't want found. Now, her mom had to didn't want found. Now, her mom had to didn't want found. Now, her mom had to endure this upsetting phone call from endure this upsetting phone call from endure this upsetting phone call from detectives asking who her dentist was. detectives asking who her dentist was. detectives asking who her dentist was. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> They needed those records in case she >> They needed those records in case she >> They needed those records in case she was found so they can identify her. was found so they can identify her. was found so they can identify her. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> But, that call came just before dinner >> But, that call came just before dinner >> But, that call came just before dinner time on a Saturday. It turned her time on a Saturday. It turned her time on a Saturday. It turned her stomach. stomach. stomach. She was facing fears she had yet to say She was facing fears she had yet to say She was facing fears she had yet to say out loud. But, the real clue came in out loud. But, the real clue came in out loud. But, the real clue came in from Chris's friend. The same friend he from Chris's friend. The same friend he from Chris's friend. The same friend he had plans with but flaked on that day had plans with but flaked on that day had plans with but flaked on that day Erin went missing. Erin went missing. Erin went missing. Detectives found [music] out Chris had Detectives found [music] out Chris had Detectives found [music] out Chris had gone out exploring Joshua Tree the week gone out exploring Joshua Tree the week gone out exploring Joshua Tree the week before Erin disappeared, not to hike, before Erin disappeared, not to hike, before Erin disappeared, not to hike, [music] but with his friend taking [music] but with his friend taking [music] but with his friend taking photos of abandoned mine shafts. So, photos of abandoned mine shafts. So, photos of abandoned mine shafts. So, when they recovered the friend's phone when they recovered the friend's phone when they recovered the friend's phone and found the image, a chilling and found the image, a chilling and found the image, a chilling suspicion formed. But, by the time suspicion formed. But, by the time suspicion formed. But, by the time detectives [music] sat Chris Lee down in detectives [music] sat Chris Lee down in detectives [music] sat Chris Lee down in this interrogation room, this interrogation room, this interrogation room, they already had a troubling picture of they already had a troubling picture of they already had a troubling picture of what went down. what went down. what went down. And then you have Ashlin, the neighbor. And then you have Ashlin, the neighbor. And then you have Ashlin, the neighbor. She wasn't dramatic. She was a straight She wasn't dramatic. She was a straight She wasn't dramatic. She was a straight shooter.

shooter. shooter. But, she had a lot to say about Chris But, she had a lot to say about Chris But, she had a lot to say about Chris and what he capable of. and what he capable of. and what he capable of. She said before Erin disappeared, Chris She said before Erin disappeared, Chris She said before Erin disappeared, Chris had this habit of talking about murder had this habit of talking about murder had this habit of talking about murder casually, repeatedly. He talked about casually, repeatedly. He talked about casually, repeatedly. He talked about snapping necks, about how long it would snapping necks, about how long it would snapping necks, about how long it would take for someone to die, about the best take for someone to die, about the best take for someone to die, about the best ways to get away with killing someone. ways to get away with killing someone. ways to get away with killing someone. Ashlin remembered Chris explaining Ashlin remembered Chris explaining Ashlin remembered Chris explaining something almost like a tutorial, how to something almost like a tutorial, how to something almost like a tutorial, how to hide a body in the desert. And he said hide a body in the desert. And he said hide a body in the desert. And he said that he would bury someone, cover the that he would bury someone, cover the that he would bury someone, cover the grave with dirt, and then place a dead grave with dirt, and then place a dead grave with dirt, and then place a dead coyote on top to throw off search dogs. coyote on top to throw off search dogs. coyote on top to throw off search dogs. He described it with very specific He described it with very specific He described it with very specific detail, as though he put a lot of detail, as though he put a lot of detail, as though he put a lot of thought into it. It wasn't even the kind thought into it. It wasn't even the kind thought into it. It wasn't even the kind of talk that soldiers have, Marines of talk that soldiers have, Marines of talk that soldiers have, Marines have, let alone someone casually have, let alone someone casually have, let alone someone casually debating this with friends. So, when debating this with friends. So, when debating this with friends. So, when detectives walked into this room to detectives walked into this room to detectives walked into this room to confront him, he started off very calm confront him, he started off very calm confront him, he started off very calm and casual, practiced charm. and casual, practiced charm. and casual, practiced charm. And then he said at first, he was close And then he said at first, he was close And then he said at first, he was close to Erin, but it was nothing more, just to Erin, but it was nothing more, just to Erin, but it was nothing more, just friendship. But, push came to shove, and friendship. But, push came to shove, and friendship. But, push came to shove, and he finally admitted to having an affair.

he finally admitted to having an affair. he finally admitted to having an affair. >> Over time, you know, we started getting >> Over time, you know, we started getting >> Over time, you know, we started getting closer, having longer conversations. closer, having longer conversations. closer, having longer conversations. And then we ended up we kissed a few And then we ended up we kissed a few And then we ended up we kissed a few times at her place. times at her place. times at her place. And then And then And then my wife, she found out and she blew up my wife, she found out and she blew up my wife, she found out and she blew up and John, she told John and John, she told John and John, she told John >> How many times did you guys kiss? >> How many times did you guys kiss? >> How many times did you guys kiss? >> Four times. >> Four times. >> Four times. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, you guys kissed four times. Did So, you guys kissed four times. Did So, you guys kissed four times. Did anything else happen other than kissing? anything else happen other than kissing? anything else happen other than kissing? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Okay. Any uh um >> Okay. Any uh um >> Okay. Any uh um touching, groping touching, groping touching, groping >> Maybe some light hands up and down while >> Maybe some light hands up and down while >> Maybe some light hands up and down while we're kissing, but nothing real heavy. we're kissing, but nothing real heavy. we're kissing, but nothing real heavy. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Um nothing under clothes or anything >> Um nothing under clothes or anything >> Um nothing under clothes or anything like that. like that. like that. >> So, [music] Chris claims that they had >> So, [music] Chris claims that they had >> So, [music] Chris claims that they had only kissed four times. That's it. only kissed four times. That's it. only kissed four times. That's it. That's actually what he told detectives. That's actually what he told detectives. That's actually what he told detectives. He said it was all make-believe, a He said it was all make-believe, a He said it was all make-believe, a fantasy, not reality. And he insisted fantasy, not reality. And he insisted fantasy, not reality. And he insisted they hadn't spoken for a month. He they hadn't spoken for a month. He they hadn't spoken for a month. He insisted he had nothing to do with Erin insisted he had nothing to do with Erin insisted he had nothing to do with Erin that day. He wasn't there. that day. He wasn't there. that day. He wasn't there. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> He said he was sucked into Erin's >> He said he was sucked into Erin's >> He said he was sucked into Erin's {quote} lies. Saying that she would {quote} lies. Saying that she would {quote} lies. Saying that she would always talk about John being abusive and always talk about John being abusive and always talk about John being abusive and that she was afraid of him.

that she was afraid of him. that she was afraid of him. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> So, this is very important to mention >> So, this is very important to mention >> So, this is very important to mention for John's sake. These accusations made for John's sake. These accusations made for John's sake. These accusations made by Chris were never documented. No by Chris were never documented. No by Chris were never documented. No witness account. No evidence whatsoever witness account. No evidence whatsoever witness account. No evidence whatsoever that her husband was abusive. And what I that her husband was abusive. And what I that her husband was abusive. And what I think is he was just simply trying to think is he was just simply trying to think is he was just simply trying to throw police off his tracks because they throw police off his tracks because they throw police off his tracks because they were looking at him closely. were looking at him closely. were looking at him closely. >> Chris, believe me, I need you to tell me >> Chris, believe me, I need you to tell me >> Chris, believe me, I need you to tell me the truth. I need you to know why you the truth. I need you to know why you the truth. I need you to know why you met her. There's no reason to lie to me met her. There's no reason to lie to me met her. There's no reason to lie to me right now. right now. right now. There's no reason to lie to me right There's no reason to lie to me right There's no reason to lie to me right now. now. now. >> I didn't see her on Saturday. I just saw >> I didn't see her on Saturday. I just saw >> I didn't see her on Saturday. I just saw her vehicle. her vehicle. her vehicle. >> Detectives at this point knew Erin's >> Detectives at this point knew Erin's >> Detectives at this point knew Erin's secret. They knew that she was pregnant. secret. They knew that she was pregnant. secret. They knew that she was pregnant. Listen to this. Listen to this. Listen to this. >> Because you know she's pregnant with >> Because you know she's pregnant with >> Because you know she's pregnant with your child. your child. your child. >> She wasn't pregnant with my child. Maybe >> She wasn't pregnant with my child. Maybe >> She wasn't pregnant with my child. Maybe you really don't know. I don't know. you really don't know. I don't know. you really don't know. I don't know. That's what she's telling everybody. That's what she's telling everybody. That's what she's telling everybody. >> We know that you were going to meet her >> We know that you were going to meet her >> We know that you were going to meet her on Saturday. on Saturday. on Saturday. We know that. We know that you were We know that. We know that you were We know that. We know that you were going to go take her for a long drive going to go take her for a long drive going to go take her for a long drive and it was going to be a surprise. and it was going to be a surprise. and it was going to be a surprise. We know those things. We know those things. We know those things. Okay? Okay? Okay? We know that you met her at the dry We know that you met her at the dry We know that you met her at the dry outside morning. outside morning. outside morning. The day that she went missing. The day that she went missing. The day that she went missing. >> Chris didn't budge on his story. He >> Chris didn't budge on his story. He >> Chris didn't budge on his story. He actually doubled down. He denied ever actually doubled down. He denied ever actually doubled down. He denied ever seeing Erin that day or even that week.

seeing Erin that day or even that week. seeing Erin that day or even that week. So, search teams had already looked in So, search teams had already looked in So, search teams had already looked in nearly 100 mine shafts at this point. nearly 100 mine shafts at this point. nearly 100 mine shafts at this point. They just really needed a break in this They just really needed a break in this They just really needed a break in this case. They found a mine shaft expert who case. They found a mine shaft expert who case. They found a mine shaft expert who knew the area and was able to use that knew the area and was able to use that knew the area and was able to use that one image Chris's friend had taken a one image Chris's friend had taken a one image Chris's friend had taken a week prior to her disappearance. So, week prior to her disappearance. So, week prior to her disappearance. So, they took this image that he had on his they took this image that he had on his they took this image that he had on his cell phone, gave it to the expert. He cell phone, gave it to the expert. He cell phone, gave it to the expert. He was the only person alive who knew that was the only person alive who knew that was the only person alive who knew that area and knew every mine in it. So, area and knew every mine in it. So, area and knew every mine in it. So, detectives, they finally had a break in detectives, they finally had a break in detectives, they finally had a break in the case. So, at this point, they have the case. So, at this point, they have the case. So, at this point, they have the location. They have a coordinated the location. They have a coordinated the location. They have a coordinated search team assembling so they can go search team assembling so they can go search team assembling so they can go and look down this mine shaft. It was and look down this mine shaft. It was and look down this mine shaft. It was early morning about 3:00 a.m. when the early morning about 3:00 a.m. when the early morning about 3:00 a.m. when the desert heat eased enough for it to be desert heat eased enough for it to be desert heat eased enough for it to be tolerable. tolerable. tolerable. It was pitch black, silent, except for It was pitch black, silent, except for It was pitch black, silent, except for the howling wind. Crews, well, they the howling wind. Crews, well, they the howling wind. Crews, well, they brought ropes, headlamps, harnesses brought ropes, headlamps, harnesses brought ropes, headlamps, harnesses because they needed to make the slow because they needed to make the slow because they needed to make the slow rappel down 140 ft. rappel down 140 ft. rappel down 140 ft. That's when the smell hit. That's when the smell hit. That's when the smell hit. A thick, unmistakable wave of decay that A thick, unmistakable wave of decay that A thick, unmistakable wave of decay that told them what they were about to find told them what they were about to find told them what they were about to find on that desert floor, the body on that desert floor, the body on that desert floor, the body of Erin Corwin, badly decomposed. The of Erin Corwin, badly decomposed. The of Erin Corwin, badly decomposed. The heat had accelerated everything, heat had accelerated everything, heat had accelerated everything, but the scene around her told the story but the scene around her told the story but the scene around her told the story very clearly. A homemade garrote was very clearly. A homemade garrote was very clearly. A homemade garrote was still wrapped around her neck. Thick still wrapped around her neck. Thick still wrapped around her neck. Thick rebar wire twisted into a killing tool, rebar wire twisted into a killing tool, rebar wire twisted into a killing tool, a weapon meant to take someone from a weapon meant to take someone from a weapon meant to take someone from behind with brutal force. Nearby lay the behind with brutal force. Nearby lay the behind with brutal force. Nearby lay the propane tank Chris had been seen loading propane tank Chris had been seen loading propane tank Chris had been seen loading into his Jeep that morning, the same one

into his Jeep that morning, the same one into his Jeep that morning, the same one he told neighbors he planned to use to he told neighbors he planned to use to he told neighbors he planned to use to blow up a mine shaft. There were traces blow up a mine shaft. There were traces blow up a mine shaft. There were traces of accelerant, get this, a homemade of accelerant, get this, a homemade of accelerant, get this, a homemade torture You're not going to believe it. torture You're not going to believe it. torture You're not going to believe it. The torch was made out of a Marine Corps The torch was made out of a Marine Corps The torch was made out of a Marine Corps T-shirt and yarn. DNA in places DNA T-shirt and yarn. DNA in places DNA T-shirt and yarn. DNA in places DNA should never be. This was no accident, should never be. This was no accident, should never be. This was no accident, no misadventure. no misadventure. no misadventure. It was a disposal site, a truth someone It was a disposal site, a truth someone It was a disposal site, a truth someone wanted buried 140 ft below the earth's wanted buried 140 ft below the earth's wanted buried 140 ft below the earth's surface. And now surface. And now surface. And now investigators had the one thing they'd investigators had the one thing they'd investigators had the one thing they'd been missing all along, evidence. been missing all along, evidence. been missing all along, evidence. [music] The most damning, you're not [music] The most damning, you're not [music] The most damning, you're not going to believe this. It was a Sprite going to believe this. It was a Sprite going to believe this. It was a Sprite bottle with the cap still [music] on it. bottle with the cap still [music] on it. bottle with the cap still [music] on it. The Sprite bottle had the DNA of only The Sprite bottle had the DNA of only The Sprite bottle had the DNA of only two people, Chris Lee and Erin Corwin. two people, Chris Lee and Erin Corwin. two people, Chris Lee and Erin Corwin. Cemented he was the last person to see Cemented he was the last person to see Cemented he was the last person to see her. So, they may have had eyes on her. So, they may have had eyes on her. So, they may have had eyes on Chris, but he was still 3,400 miles away Chris, but he was still 3,400 miles away Chris, but he was still 3,400 miles away in Anchorage, Alaska. Now, during the in Anchorage, Alaska. Now, during the in Anchorage, Alaska. Now, during the two months that it took to find her, he two months that it took to find her, he two months that it took to find her, he was actually honorably discharged from was actually honorably discharged from was actually honorably discharged from the Marines and he had moved back to the Marines and he had moved back to the Marines and he had moved back to Alaska where he was from. He was telling Alaska where he was from. He was telling Alaska where he was from. He was telling friends that he wanted to go back to friends that he wanted to go back to friends that he wanted to go back to school and raise his daughter there. So, school and raise his daughter there. So, school and raise his daughter there. So, he actually carried on with his life he actually carried on with his life he actually carried on with his life like nothing.

like nothing. like nothing. And he had no [music] idea. The propane And he had no [music] idea. The propane And he had no [music] idea. The propane tank never exploded. The fire never tank never exploded. The fire never tank never exploded. The fire never ignited. And the evidence against him ignited. And the evidence against him ignited. And the evidence against him was piling up. Soon after Erin was was piling up. Soon after Erin was was piling up. Soon after Erin was found, Chris Lee was arrested. Now, he found, Chris Lee was arrested. Now, he found, Chris Lee was arrested. Now, he did try to fight extradition, but he did try to fight extradition, but he did try to fight extradition, but he failed. He was sent back to California failed. He was sent back to California failed. He was sent back to California >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and he was facing murder charges and a >> and he was facing murder charges and a >> and he was facing murder charges and a trial. Then halfway through, something trial. Then halfway through, something trial. Then halfway through, something must have cracked within him. Maybe he must have cracked within him. Maybe he must have cracked within him. Maybe he realized the evidence against [music] realized the evidence against [music] realized the evidence against [music] him was overwhelming. The weight of the him was overwhelming. The weight of the him was overwhelming. The weight of the truth was too much to carry. truth was too much to carry. truth was too much to carry. But Chris finally But Chris finally But Chris finally confessed. confessed. confessed. He said the words out loud and he He said the words out loud and he He said the words out loud and he admitted to killing Erin Corwin. In admitted to killing Erin Corwin. In admitted to killing Erin Corwin. In court, he said, "I'm no longer scared to court, he said, "I'm no longer scared to court, he said, "I'm no longer scared to tell the truth. People have to know what tell the truth. People have to know what tell the truth. People have to know what I did." He went on to say, "I made the I did." He went on to say, "I made the I did." He went on to say, "I made the decision to kill her. I was controlled decision to kill her. I was controlled decision to kill her. I was controlled by the anger, the hate I felt that day. by the anger, the hate I felt that day. by the anger, the hate I felt that day. It was something I never want to It was something I never want to It was something I never want to experience again." But his confession experience again." But his confession experience again." But his confession wasn't made with dignity. It wasn't a wasn't made with dignity. It wasn't a wasn't made with dignity. It wasn't a way of taking responsibility. He did it way of taking responsibility. He did it way of taking responsibility. He did it while trying to build a case for sudden while trying to build a case for sudden while trying to build a case for sudden instant rage to get out of that instant rage to get out of that instant rage to get out of that premeditation murder charge. So, Chris premeditation murder charge. So, Chris premeditation murder charge. So, Chris claimed he strangled Erin in the state claimed he strangled Erin in the state claimed he strangled Erin in the state of uncontrollable rage and he made this of uncontrollable rage and he made this of uncontrollable rage and he made this grotesque accusation in court that grotesque accusation in court that grotesque accusation in court that nobody believed because he was trying to nobody believed because he was trying to nobody believed because he was trying to smear her reputation even in death. He smear her reputation even in death. He smear her reputation even in death. He said, when they're on this desert hike, said, when they're on this desert hike, said, when they're on this desert hike, he wanted to confront her about marks he wanted to confront her about marks he wanted to confront her about marks that he saw on his daughter. So, he that he saw on his daughter. So, he that he saw on his daughter. So, he asked Aaron, "Did you molest my asked Aaron, "Did you molest my asked Aaron, "Did you molest my daughter?" So, he said when he

daughter?" So, he said when he daughter?" So, he said when he confronted her, she admitted it, said confronted her, she admitted it, said confronted her, she admitted it, said yes she did. He lost his mind, pulled yes she did. He lost his mind, pulled yes she did. He lost his mind, pulled out his garrote and strangled her. He out his garrote and strangled her. He out his garrote and strangled her. He said it took 5 minutes. He even told the said it took 5 minutes. He even told the said it took 5 minutes. He even told the jury it felt like forever while jury it felt like forever while jury it felt like forever while strangling her. But, if it was this strangling her. But, if it was this strangling her. But, if it was this sudden rage without thought, why did he sudden rage without thought, why did he sudden rage without thought, why did he have a garrote in his back pocket? It's have a garrote in his back pocket? It's have a garrote in his back pocket? It's a device meant to kill someone. Weeding a device meant to kill someone. Weeding a device meant to kill someone. Weeding through all these lies, Aaron's mom told through all these lies, Aaron's mom told through all these lies, Aaron's mom told me she is most haunted by her last me she is most haunted by her last me she is most haunted by her last minutes. What her daughter was thinking minutes. What her daughter was thinking minutes. What her daughter was thinking when he wrapped that wire around her when he wrapped that wire around her when he wrapped that wire around her neck. She thought he loved her, but neck. She thought he loved her, but neck. She thought he loved her, but instead in those 5 minutes, she realized instead in those 5 minutes, she realized instead in those 5 minutes, she realized he was a monster that was going to kill he was a monster that was going to kill he was a monster that was going to kill her and her unborn child. The pain, the her and her unborn child. The pain, the her and her unborn child. The pain, the suffering, the fear she must have felt. suffering, the fear she must have felt. suffering, the fear she must have felt. Now, this was so smart of the Now, this was so smart of the Now, this was so smart of the prosecution. So, they actually brought prosecution. So, they actually brought prosecution. So, they actually brought in this human-sized mannequin [music] in this human-sized mannequin [music] in this human-sized mannequin [music] and they made him, given his confession, and they made him, given his confession, and they made him, given his confession, reenact everything. They actually remade reenact everything. They actually remade reenact everything. They actually remade this garrote, makeshift [music] garrote. this garrote, makeshift [music] garrote. this garrote, makeshift [music] garrote. They made him demonstrate to the jury They made him demonstrate to the jury They made him demonstrate to the jury what he did to show them he had control.

what he did to show them he had control. what he did to show them he had control. He could have stopped at any [music] He could have stopped at any [music] He could have stopped at any [music] time. time. time. Now, it took the jurors only 2 hours to Now, it took the jurors only 2 hours to Now, it took the jurors only 2 hours to convict him first-degree murder with convict him first-degree murder with convict him first-degree murder with lying in wait, proving it was lying in wait, proving it was lying in wait, proving it was premeditated. Chris Lee was sentenced to premeditated. Chris Lee was sentenced to premeditated. Chris Lee was sentenced to life [music] in prison without the life [music] in prison without the life [music] in prison without the possibility of parole. Her mom said she possibility of parole. Her mom said she possibility of parole. Her mom said she was actually okay with him not getting was actually okay with him not getting was actually okay with him not getting the death penalty because with that the death penalty because with that the death penalty because with that comes multiple appeals and she just comes multiple appeals and she just comes multiple appeals and she just couldn't live through this over and couldn't live through this over and couldn't live through this over and over, the horror of it all. Two men over, the horror of it all. Two men over, the horror of it all. Two men Aaron loved, one carried the weight of Aaron loved, one carried the weight of Aaron loved, one carried the weight of grief and moved forward with grace. The grief and moved forward with grace. The grief and moved forward with grace. The other carried the weight of guilt and he other carried the weight of guilt and he other carried the weight of guilt and he will never see freedom again. When it will never see freedom again. When it will never see freedom again. When it comes to a motive, why would Chris lead comes to a motive, why would Chris lead comes to a motive, why would Chris lead her on and then just plot to kill her. her on and then just plot to kill her. her on and then just plot to kill her. While reportedly, his motive was quite While reportedly, his motive was quite While reportedly, his motive was quite simple. It was to avoid paying child simple. It was to avoid paying child simple. It was to avoid paying child support, to avoid [music] taking support, to avoid [music] taking support, to avoid [music] taking responsibility over a child that came responsibility over a child that came responsibility over a child that came from their affair. Now, get this, in from their affair. Now, get this, in from their affair. Now, get this, in 2018, Chris actually filed for an appeal 2018, Chris actually filed for an appeal 2018, Chris actually filed for an appeal >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> saying the jury wasn't properly >> saying the jury wasn't properly >> saying the jury wasn't properly instructed by the judge, and if jurors instructed by the judge, and if jurors instructed by the judge, and if jurors believed Chris killed Aaron in this heat believed Chris killed Aaron in this heat believed Chris killed Aaron in this heat of passion without planning it, then of passion without planning it, then of passion without planning it, then they would have convicted him of a they would have convicted him of a they would have convicted him of a lesser charge, but the judge [music] lesser charge, but the judge [music] lesser charge, but the judge [music] denied it, and the first-degree life denied it, and the first-degree life denied it, and the first-degree life sentence stands. And it's interesting sentence stands. And it's interesting sentence stands. And it's interesting because, you know, 4 years later, he was because, you know, 4 years later, he was because, you know, 4 years later, he was still deflecting [music] and not taking still deflecting [music] and not taking still deflecting [music] and not taking any responsibility. Now, just some final any responsibility. Now, just some final any responsibility. Now, just some final thoughts on this case. You know, Aaron thoughts on this case. You know, Aaron thoughts on this case. You know, Aaron was 19 years old when the [music] affair was 19 years old when the [music] affair was 19 years old when the [music] affair began. And sitting with that for a began. And sitting with that for a began. And sitting with that for a moment, I want you to think back to when moment, I want you to think back to when moment, I want you to think back to when you were 19.

you were 19. you were 19. Not who you are now, with the years of Not who you are now, with the years of Not who you are now, with the years of perspective and [music] experience, but perspective and [music] experience, but perspective and [music] experience, but who you were then, what you believed who you were then, what you believed who you were then, what you believed about love, how certain you were in about love, how certain you were in about love, how certain you were in those moments when looking back, they those moments when looking back, they those moments when looking back, they were probably unstable and fleeting. So, were probably unstable and fleeting. So, were probably unstable and fleeting. So, Aaron was far from home, far from Aaron was far from home, far from Aaron was far from home, far from anything familiar, spending long [music] anything familiar, spending long [music] anything familiar, spending long [music] stretches of time alone in a place that stretches of time alone in a place that stretches of time alone in a place that never really truly felt like hers. And never really truly felt like hers. And never really truly felt like hers. And our brains don't even fully develop our brains don't even fully develop our brains don't even fully develop [music] until we're 25 years old. She [music] until we're 25 years old. She [music] until we're 25 years old. She was 19 years old. was 19 years old. was 19 years old. At that [music] age, we're still At that [music] age, we're still At that [music] age, we're still learning how to recognize manipulation, learning how to recognize manipulation, learning how to recognize manipulation, how to set boundaries, emotional how to set boundaries, emotional how to set boundaries, emotional regularity, how to understand when regularity, how to understand when regularity, how to understand when attention feels good, but perhaps it's attention feels good, but perhaps it's attention feels good, but perhaps it's not safe [music] or good for us. I know not safe [music] or good for us. I know not safe [music] or good for us. I know I've made a countless mistakes back I've made a countless mistakes back I've made a countless mistakes back then. I would never do it over, but the then. I would never do it over, but the then. I would never do it over, but the difference is, most of us were given the difference is, most of us were given the difference is, most of us were given the time to grow past [music] those and time to grow past [music] those and time to grow past [music] those and learn from our mistakes and our life learn from our mistakes and our life learn from our mistakes and our life choices. We don't talk enough about how choices. We don't talk enough about how choices. We don't talk enough about how fragile crossroads can be. [music] One fragile crossroads can be. [music] One fragile crossroads can be. [music] One decision, one person we choose to trust, decision, one person we choose to trust, decision, one person we choose to trust, one voice we believe over our own one voice we believe over our own one voice we believe over our own instincts. Sometimes that's all it takes instincts. Sometimes that's all it takes instincts. Sometimes that's all it takes to push someone onto a path they never to push someone onto a path they never to push someone onto a path they never imagined [music] imagined [music] imagined [music] They may never recover from. We all They may never recover from. We all They may never recover from. We all deserve the time life allows us to learn deserve the time life allows us to learn deserve the time life allows us to learn and mature and make mistakes and correct and mature and make mistakes and correct and mature and make mistakes and correct [music] them and become who we're meant [music] them and become who we're meant [music] them and become who we're meant to be. Aaron never got that chance.

to be. Aaron never got that chance. to be. Aaron never got that chance. And I guess that's the loss that will And I guess that's the loss that will And I guess that's the loss that will linger long after the verdict came in. I linger long after the verdict came in. I linger long after the verdict came in. I want to thank all of you for joining me want to thank all of you for joining me want to thank all of you for joining me today. today. today. Until next [music] time, enjoy the Until next [music] time, enjoy the Until next [music] time, enjoy the wonders of your life.