He killed his wife to hide his affair. His mistress told his secret.

It's a world away from the bustle of the It's a world away from the bustle of the big city, the little town of big city, the little town of big city, the little town of Narrowsburg, New York. A rustic little Narrowsburg, New York. A rustic little Narrowsburg, New York. A rustic little hideaway. hideaway. hideaway. >> It's a very beautiful and old town and >> It's a very beautiful and old town and >> It's a very beautiful and old town and built on lumber and dairy farms and now built on lumber and dairy farms and now built on lumber and dairy farms and now is really kind of a second homeowning is really kind of a second homeowning is really kind of a second homeowning hamlet. hamlet. hamlet. >> It's exactly what cheery young mom >> It's exactly what cheery young mom >> It's exactly what cheery young mom Kathern Novak was looking for to raise Kathern Novak was looking for to raise Kathern Novak was looking for to raise her family. She was a devoted mother, her family. She was a devoted mother, her family. She was a devoted mother, very modest, very cheerful, the kind of very modest, very cheerful, the kind of very modest, very cheerful, the kind of mother who would donate her time to the mother who would donate her time to the mother who would donate her time to the classroom, who would donate her time to classroom, who would donate her time to classroom, who would donate her time to watching other people's kids. Catherine watching other people's kids. Catherine watching other people's kids. Catherine is raising her two young kids in this is raising her two young kids in this is raising her two young kids in this old farmhouse along with her husband old farmhouse along with her husband old farmhouse along with her husband Paul, an emergency medical technician Paul, an emergency medical technician Paul, an emergency medical technician still working two hours south in New still working two hours south in New still working two hours south in New York City. when he showed up, he was York City. when he showed up, he was York City. when he showed up, he was usually wearing a uniform, so I thought usually wearing a uniform, so I thought usually wearing a uniform, so I thought perhaps he had done some heroic things. perhaps he had done some heroic things. perhaps he had done some heroic things. I assumed that he was um, you know, a I assumed that he was um, you know, a I assumed that he was um, you know, a fine and upstanding citizen. Paul and fine and upstanding citizen. Paul and fine and upstanding citizen. Paul and Catherine met years before in the Catherine met years before in the Catherine met years before in the hardcore life of the EMT service. She hardcore life of the EMT service. She hardcore life of the EMT service. She was the sweet, shy volunteer. He was the was the sweet, shy volunteer. He was the was the sweet, shy volunteer. He was the first responder with a powerful first responder with a powerful first responder with a powerful presence.

presence. presence. >> The first responder world is not >> The first responder world is not >> The first responder world is not something that people who aren't first something that people who aren't first something that people who aren't first responders really understand. You're responders really understand. You're responders really understand. You're dealing with life and death every dealing with life and death every dealing with life and death every minute. It's kind of a subculture. minute. It's kind of a subculture. minute. It's kind of a subculture. >> But raising kids in the big city is too >> But raising kids in the big city is too >> But raising kids in the big city is too much for Catherine. The family moves much for Catherine. The family moves much for Catherine. The family moves upstate to Narrowsburg to get away from upstate to Narrowsburg to get away from upstate to Narrowsburg to get away from it all. And for Catherine, it's a breath it all. And for Catherine, it's a breath it all. And for Catherine, it's a breath of fresh air. She was a kind of a born of fresh air. She was a kind of a born of fresh air. She was a kind of a born volunteer. She worked at the church. She volunteer. She worked at the church. She volunteer. She worked at the church. She worked at the school. She liked to give worked at the school. She liked to give worked at the school. She liked to give her time to the community, not just her her time to the community, not just her her time to the community, not just her children, but to the community. But Paul children, but to the community. But Paul children, but to the community. But Paul still craves the high adrenaline world still craves the high adrenaline world still craves the high adrenaline world of the first responder. He spends of the first responder. He spends of the first responder. He spends several nights a week in the city rather several nights a week in the city rather several nights a week in the city rather than brave a 4-hour roundtrip commute. than brave a 4-hour roundtrip commute. than brave a 4-hour roundtrip commute. >> But Catherine was not a complainer, and >> But Catherine was not a complainer, and >> But Catherine was not a complainer, and Catherine did not complain to her Catherine did not complain to her Catherine did not complain to her friends about Paul. friends about Paul. friends about Paul. >> But soon enough, the strain between the >> But soon enough, the strain between the >> But soon enough, the strain between the city and country is pulling their city and country is pulling their city and country is pulling their marriage apart. Late one night, it marriage apart. Late one night, it marriage apart. Late one night, it breaks. The phone rings in the middle of breaks. The phone rings in the middle of breaks. The phone rings in the middle of the night and it's a woman on the other the night and it's a woman on the other the night and it's a woman on the other end calling for Paul.

end calling for Paul. end calling for Paul. >> The other woman is Michelle of France, a >> The other woman is Michelle of France, a >> The other woman is Michelle of France, a younger, newer EMT trainee. younger, newer EMT trainee. younger, newer EMT trainee. >> That phone call corroborated what she >> That phone call corroborated what she >> That phone call corroborated what she had suspicions about. had suspicions about. had suspicions about. >> Catherine's suspicions are now crystal >> Catherine's suspicions are now crystal >> Catherine's suspicions are now crystal clear. clear. clear. >> He had told her that he did not want to >> He had told her that he did not want to >> He had told her that he did not want to be with her anymore. He didn't love her be with her anymore. He didn't love her be with her anymore. He didn't love her and he wanted out. Paul heads back to and he wanted out. Paul heads back to and he wanted out. Paul heads back to the hustle of New York City for good, the hustle of New York City for good, the hustle of New York City for good, shacking up with his new girlfriend, shacking up with his new girlfriend, shacking up with his new girlfriend, splitting custody of the kids and splitting custody of the kids and splitting custody of the kids and leaving Catherine a nervous wreck. leaving Catherine a nervous wreck. leaving Catherine a nervous wreck. Catherine was so concerned about her Catherine was so concerned about her Catherine was so concerned about her kids' well-being that she actually took kids' well-being that she actually took kids' well-being that she actually took Michelle out to lunch at the diner in Michelle out to lunch at the diner in Michelle out to lunch at the diner in Narrosburg and was very friendly with Narrosburg and was very friendly with Narrosburg and was very friendly with her just trying to figure out whether her just trying to figure out whether her just trying to figure out whether she was capable, trustworthy, and she was capable, trustworthy, and she was capable, trustworthy, and working out with her how she wanted working out with her how she wanted working out with her how she wanted those children to be taken care of. I those children to be taken care of. I those children to be taken care of. I mean, that's the kind of mother that she mean, that's the kind of mother that she mean, that's the kind of mother that she was, that she would actually sit down was, that she would actually sit down was, that she would actually sit down with this girl and have a conversation with this girl and have a conversation with this girl and have a conversation with her and eat a meal with her, making with her and eat a meal with her, making with her and eat a meal with her, making sure that she knew how to take care of sure that she knew how to take care of sure that she knew how to take care of the children. Then, on a cold December the children. Then, on a cold December the children. Then, on a cold December morning, any chance of an amicable split morning, any chance of an amicable split morning, any chance of an amicable split comes crashing down. It's 6:30 a.m. A comes crashing down. It's 6:30 a.m. A comes crashing down. It's 6:30 a.m. A neighbor awakens to find Catherine's neighbor awakens to find Catherine's neighbor awakens to find Catherine's house consumed in flames.

house consumed in flames. house consumed in flames. >> She looks outside and she can see the >> She looks outside and she can see the >> She looks outside and she can see the entire house is fully engulfed in fire. entire house is fully engulfed in fire. entire house is fully engulfed in fire. The neighbor calls 911. Firefighters The neighbor calls 911. Firefighters The neighbor calls 911. Firefighters race to Catherine's home deep in the race to Catherine's home deep in the race to Catherine's home deep in the woods, but it's too late. The house is woods, but it's too late. The house is woods, but it's too late. The house is obliterated. The burning wreckage obliterated. The burning wreckage obliterated. The burning wreckage collapsed into the basement. collapsed into the basement. collapsed into the basement. >> Just looking at the scene, they weren't >> Just looking at the scene, they weren't >> Just looking at the scene, they weren't able to tell what had happened. The able to tell what had happened. The able to tell what had happened. The house was burned to almost nothing. house was burned to almost nothing. house was burned to almost nothing. >> The big question on everybody's mind, >> The big question on everybody's mind, >> The big question on everybody's mind, fire service, the arson people, the fire service, the arson people, the fire service, the arson people, the neighborhood was where was Catherine? neighborhood was where was Catherine? neighborhood was where was Catherine? Then a terrible sight Then a terrible sight Then a terrible sight >> in the basement lying on the floor. >> in the basement lying on the floor. >> in the basement lying on the floor. Catherine's body severely burnt. Catherine's body severely burnt. Catherine's body severely burnt. >> Thankfully, Catherine's beloved children >> Thankfully, Catherine's beloved children >> Thankfully, Catherine's beloved children are safe at Paul's apartment in New are safe at Paul's apartment in New are safe at Paul's apartment in New York. But Catherine has died in the fire York. But Catherine has died in the fire York. But Catherine has died in the fire alone. alone. alone. >> When her body was found, that was really >> When her body was found, that was really >> When her body was found, that was really catastrophic to the community. When you catastrophic to the community. When you catastrophic to the community. When you have a fire like that, and then when you have a fire like that, and then when you have a fire like that, and then when you have a a death like this, it resonates have a a death like this, it resonates have a a death like this, it resonates very strongly. very strongly. very strongly. Investigators painstakingly search for Investigators painstakingly search for Investigators painstakingly search for the cause of the fire and what remains the cause of the fire and what remains the cause of the fire and what remains of the house.

of the house. of the house. >> They took apart this house for the >> They took apart this house for the >> They took apart this house for the better part of two days, piece by piece better part of two days, piece by piece better part of two days, piece by piece by piece. by piece. by piece. >> It's not long before they uncover some >> It's not long before they uncover some >> It's not long before they uncover some odd clues at the scene. The state of odd clues at the scene. The state of odd clues at the scene. The state of Catherine's body is raising serious red Catherine's body is raising serious red Catherine's body is raising serious red flags. She was found lying on her back, flags. She was found lying on her back, flags. She was found lying on her back, but that's not the way you would find but that's not the way you would find but that's not the way you would find somebody who was killed in a fire somebody who was killed in a fire somebody who was killed in a fire because you would see them in a more because you would see them in a more because you would see them in a more fetal position and also in a position fetal position and also in a position fetal position and also in a position that would reflect that they were that would reflect that they were that would reflect that they were struggling to find a place to get out. struggling to find a place to get out. struggling to find a place to get out. >> And there's something even more >> And there's something even more >> And there's something even more puzzling. In the basement, close to puzzling. In the basement, close to puzzling. In the basement, close to where Catherine's body is found, lies where Catherine's body is found, lies where Catherine's body is found, lies another body, the family dog. another body, the family dog. another body, the family dog. >> The dog had been locked in a kennel and >> The dog had been locked in a kennel and >> The dog had been locked in a kennel and had smoke in its lungs. Had died of had smoke in its lungs. Had died of had smoke in its lungs. Had died of smoke inhalation. Unlike her dog, smoke inhalation. Unlike her dog, smoke inhalation. Unlike her dog, Catherine's autopsy shows no smoke, no Catherine's autopsy shows no smoke, no Catherine's autopsy shows no smoke, no lethal levels of carbon monoxide. lethal levels of carbon monoxide. lethal levels of carbon monoxide. >> Her lungs did not show that she had been >> Her lungs did not show that she had been >> Her lungs did not show that she had been inhaling the smoke. inhaling the smoke. inhaling the smoke. >> That can only mean one thing. Catherine >> That can only mean one thing. Catherine >> That can only mean one thing. Catherine died before the fire even started. died before the fire even started. died before the fire even started. >> And then suddenly, the circumstances >> And then suddenly, the circumstances >> And then suddenly, the circumstances surrounding her death changed surrounding her death changed surrounding her death changed dramatically.

dramatically. dramatically. >> And Catherine's autopsy shows something >> And Catherine's autopsy shows something >> And Catherine's autopsy shows something even more alarming. three dislocated even more alarming. three dislocated even more alarming. three dislocated ribs and a strange pooling of blood. ribs and a strange pooling of blood. ribs and a strange pooling of blood. >> Dead people don't bleed. People who are >> Dead people don't bleed. People who are >> Dead people don't bleed. People who are alive do. Finding the hemorrhage around alive do. Finding the hemorrhage around alive do. Finding the hemorrhage around the fracture sites reflected that she the fracture sites reflected that she the fracture sites reflected that she was injured and bleeding at some point was injured and bleeding at some point was injured and bleeding at some point before she died. It became even clearer before she died. It became even clearer before she died. It became even clearer to us that we had a very highly to us that we had a very highly to us that we had a very highly suspicious death here. >> It's the biggest news ever to hit the >> It's the biggest news ever to hit the tiny town of Narrowburg. the death of tiny town of Narrowburg. the death of tiny town of Narrowburg. the death of quiet unassuming school volunteer quiet unassuming school volunteer quiet unassuming school volunteer Katherine Novak. Katherine Novak. Katherine Novak. >> I picked up the local paper. I saw on >> I picked up the local paper. I saw on >> I picked up the local paper. I saw on the front page a color picture of a the front page a color picture of a the front page a color picture of a burning house and the headline local burning house and the headline local burning house and the headline local woman dies in fire. And in the first woman dies in fire. And in the first woman dies in fire. And in the first paragraph, paragraph, paragraph, I read that it was Catherine. I read that it was Catherine. I read that it was Catherine. >> Catherine is discovered in the ashes of >> Catherine is discovered in the ashes of >> Catherine is discovered in the ashes of a house burned to the ground. Her body a house burned to the ground. Her body a house burned to the ground. Her body scorched almost beyond recognition. But scorched almost beyond recognition. But scorched almost beyond recognition. But was it an accident? right from the was it an accident? right from the was it an accident? right from the start, something's not adding up.

start, something's not adding up. start, something's not adding up. >> My immediate instinct was that she had >> My immediate instinct was that she had >> My immediate instinct was that she had been murdered. Um, just because I'm a been murdered. Um, just because I'm a been murdered. Um, just because I'm a journalist and because I knew that she journalist and because I knew that she journalist and because I knew that she was involved in this divorce and I just was involved in this divorce and I just was involved in this divorce and I just assumed assumed assumed something suspicious about this. something suspicious about this. something suspicious about this. >> Then suspicions turned real with a >> Then suspicions turned real with a >> Then suspicions turned real with a strange bit of forensic evidence, no strange bit of forensic evidence, no strange bit of forensic evidence, no smoke in her lungs, and broken ribs smoke in her lungs, and broken ribs smoke in her lungs, and broken ribs indicating she'd been assaulted before indicating she'd been assaulted before indicating she'd been assaulted before the fire. She had died at some point the fire. She had died at some point the fire. She had died at some point before the fire actually consumed the before the fire actually consumed the before the fire actually consumed the house. house. house. >> This was a highly suspicious death that >> This was a highly suspicious death that >> This was a highly suspicious death that needs to be investigated to its full needs to be investigated to its full needs to be investigated to its full extent because we're probably looking at extent because we're probably looking at extent because we're probably looking at at somebody killing her. at somebody killing her. at somebody killing her. >> But who would kill this quiet and >> But who would kill this quiet and >> But who would kill this quiet and friendly mother of two? friendly mother of two? friendly mother of two? >> There was a lot of pressure on all of us >> There was a lot of pressure on all of us >> There was a lot of pressure on all of us to find out what happened. to find out what happened. to find out what happened. >> New York State Police check for any >> New York State Police check for any >> New York State Police check for any similar crimes in the area. One of the similar crimes in the area. One of the similar crimes in the area. One of the things you would look at is is there an things you would look at is is there an things you would look at is is there an arsonist out there? The answer to that arsonist out there? The answer to that arsonist out there? The answer to that was no. Is there some sex offender was no. Is there some sex offender was no. Is there some sex offender traveling around the area that we need traveling around the area that we need traveling around the area that we need to look at? We there was none of that.

to look at? We there was none of that. to look at? We there was none of that. So all of the usual things that you So all of the usual things that you So all of the usual things that you would start to look at started to come would start to look at started to come would start to look at started to come back empty. back empty. back empty. >> It's no random crime and there is >> It's no random crime and there is >> It's no random crime and there is someone who arouses a lot of suspicion. someone who arouses a lot of suspicion. someone who arouses a lot of suspicion. >> Of course, her husband would be an >> Of course, her husband would be an >> Of course, her husband would be an initial first person to look at. It's initial first person to look at. It's initial first person to look at. It's her aranged husband, Paul Novak, now her aranged husband, Paul Novak, now her aranged husband, Paul Novak, now shacking up in Queens, New York, with shacking up in Queens, New York, with shacking up in Queens, New York, with his new girlfriend, Michelle Le of his new girlfriend, Michelle Le of his new girlfriend, Michelle Le of France, a young EMT trainee. People France, a young EMT trainee. People France, a young EMT trainee. People found odd. found odd. found odd. >> Michelle Le of France was kind of a >> Michelle Le of France was kind of a >> Michelle Le of France was kind of a piece of work. She was a a wild child, a piece of work. She was a a wild child, a piece of work. She was a a wild child, a troubled child diagnosed with some troubled child diagnosed with some troubled child diagnosed with some emotional or mental illness as at a emotional or mental illness as at a emotional or mental illness as at a young age, had attempted suicide. young age, had attempted suicide. young age, had attempted suicide. And both Paul Novak and Michelle of And both Paul Novak and Michelle of And both Paul Novak and Michelle of France might have plenty of reason to France might have plenty of reason to France might have plenty of reason to hold a grudge against Paul's ex-wife. hold a grudge against Paul's ex-wife. hold a grudge against Paul's ex-wife. >> Some people in the town were suspicious >> Some people in the town were suspicious >> Some people in the town were suspicious immediately. Her friends in the town immediately. Her friends in the town immediately. Her friends in the town were very aware of this simmering were very aware of this simmering were very aware of this simmering conflict. conflict. conflict. >> A simmering conflict that many thought >> A simmering conflict that many thought >> A simmering conflict that many thought would boil over. Katherine after the would boil over. Katherine after the would boil over. Katherine after the breakup had changed all of the locks and breakup had changed all of the locks and breakup had changed all of the locks and in the house so that he didn't have in the house so that he didn't have in the house so that he didn't have access to the house.

access to the house. access to the house. >> But remember, Paul says he was at his >> But remember, Paul says he was at his >> But remember, Paul says he was at his apartment in New York with his kids 2 apartment in New York with his kids 2 apartment in New York with his kids 2 hours away when the fire started. And hours away when the fire started. And hours away when the fire started. And his girlfriend Michelle confirms it. his girlfriend Michelle confirms it. his girlfriend Michelle confirms it. >> The spouse had at that point what we >> The spouse had at that point what we >> The spouse had at that point what we viewed as a quote ironclad alibi. He had viewed as a quote ironclad alibi. He had viewed as a quote ironclad alibi. He had his his girlfriend, his significant his his girlfriend, his significant his his girlfriend, his significant other is saying he was with me in Long other is saying he was with me in Long other is saying he was with me in Long Island at the time of the fire. Island at the time of the fire. Island at the time of the fire. >> But cops aren't so sure. They hook Novak >> But cops aren't so sure. They hook Novak >> But cops aren't so sure. They hook Novak up for a polygraph exam. The result, up for a polygraph exam. The result, up for a polygraph exam. The result, Paul passes the test. His answers show Paul passes the test. His answers show Paul passes the test. His answers show no deception. no deception. no deception. >> It was indicative that he passed it. We >> It was indicative that he passed it. We >> It was indicative that he passed it. We were up against the wall. were up against the wall. were up against the wall. >> Cops are stumped. >> Cops are stumped. >> Cops are stumped. He had an alibi and we didn't have any He had an alibi and we didn't have any He had an alibi and we didn't have any other suspects. other suspects. other suspects. >> And with no suspects, the case goes >> And with no suspects, the case goes >> And with no suspects, the case goes cold. cold. cold. >> We know there's something wrong here. We >> We know there's something wrong here. We >> We know there's something wrong here. We know this death is suspicious. We don't know this death is suspicious. We don't know this death is suspicious. We don't have any other leads to look at. have any other leads to look at. have any other leads to look at. >> Despite passing the polygraph, Paul >> Despite passing the polygraph, Paul >> Despite passing the polygraph, Paul Novak still stays a blip on cop's radar Novak still stays a blip on cop's radar Novak still stays a blip on cop's radar for one very glaring reason.

for one very glaring reason. for one very glaring reason. >> And there was substantial money >> And there was substantial money >> And there was substantial money involved, so there's only one person involved, so there's only one person involved, so there's only one person with motive. with motive. with motive. Less than a year after Catherine's Less than a year after Catherine's Less than a year after Catherine's death, the grieving ex collects a hefty death, the grieving ex collects a hefty death, the grieving ex collects a hefty insurance payout. $300,000 for the house insurance payout. $300,000 for the house insurance payout. $300,000 for the house and 500,000 more for the mother of his and 500,000 more for the mother of his and 500,000 more for the mother of his children, Catherine. It's enough to children, Catherine. It's enough to children, Catherine. It's enough to finance Paul and Michelle's move to finance Paul and Michelle's move to finance Paul and Michelle's move to Florida and a comfortable new life. It Florida and a comfortable new life. It Florida and a comfortable new life. It wasn't Palm Beach. It wasn't Mara Lago, wasn't Palm Beach. It wasn't Mara Lago, wasn't Palm Beach. It wasn't Mara Lago, but it was a nice He had some nice digs but it was a nice He had some nice digs but it was a nice He had some nice digs with a swimming pool. I mean, that's with a swimming pool. I mean, that's with a swimming pool. I mean, that's pretty that's pretty nice for somebody pretty that's pretty nice for somebody pretty that's pretty nice for somebody who grew up in an apartment in Queens, who grew up in an apartment in Queens, who grew up in an apartment in Queens, New York. New York. New York. >> And with plenty of cash in their >> And with plenty of cash in their >> And with plenty of cash in their pockets, Paul and Michelle could live pockets, Paul and Michelle could live pockets, Paul and Michelle could live the high life. So, he takes the kids the high life. So, he takes the kids the high life. So, he takes the kids away from their extended family, packs away from their extended family, packs away from their extended family, packs up with his new girlfriend, leaves his up with his new girlfriend, leaves his up with his new girlfriend, leaves his EMT job behind. Away he goes down to EMT job behind. Away he goes down to EMT job behind. Away he goes down to Florida. Florida. Florida. >> We were pretty much at a stalemate of >> We were pretty much at a stalemate of >> We were pretty much at a stalemate of where we could go. where we could go. where we could go. There's still no evidence of murder. And There's still no evidence of murder. And There's still no evidence of murder. And that stalemate goes on for years, that stalemate goes on for years, that stalemate goes on for years, leaving the plot where Catherine's house leaving the plot where Catherine's house leaving the plot where Catherine's house once stood covered by season after once stood covered by season after once stood covered by season after season of snow. It seemed the tragedy of season of snow. It seemed the tragedy of season of snow. It seemed the tragedy of Catherine's death was nearly forgotten, Catherine's death was nearly forgotten, Catherine's death was nearly forgotten, except by one person who places a call except by one person who places a call except by one person who places a call to the New York State Police out of the to the New York State Police out of the to the New York State Police out of the blue. Not only did we get her whole life blue. Not only did we get her whole life blue. Not only did we get her whole life story, but we also got the details of story, but we also got the details of story, but we also got the details of what she said she knew about the murder what she said she knew about the murder what she said she knew about the murder of Catherine.

of Catherine. of Catherine. >> It's been almost 4 years since Katherine >> It's been almost 4 years since Katherine >> It's been almost 4 years since Katherine Novak died horribly in a houseire. The Novak died horribly in a houseire. The Novak died horribly in a houseire. The only one cops ever suspected is her only one cops ever suspected is her only one cops ever suspected is her husband, Paul. husband, Paul. husband, Paul. >> Obviously, there were suspicions and >> Obviously, there were suspicions and >> Obviously, there were suspicions and concerns that we had. concerns that we had. concerns that we had. >> Suspicions and concerns, but no proof >> Suspicions and concerns, but no proof >> Suspicions and concerns, but no proof Paul Nove had anything to do with Paul Nove had anything to do with Paul Nove had anything to do with Catherine's death. At that point, we Catherine's death. At that point, we Catherine's death. At that point, we didn't have a solid lead or a didn't have a solid lead or a didn't have a solid lead or a investigative step that we could follow investigative step that we could follow investigative step that we could follow at that time. at that time. at that time. >> Novak's taken a hefty insurance payout >> Novak's taken a hefty insurance payout >> Novak's taken a hefty insurance payout and moved as far as he can from the and moved as far as he can from the and moved as far as he can from the tragedy. But in that swanky new house in tragedy. But in that swanky new house in tragedy. But in that swanky new house in the Florida coast, Novak's life with the Florida coast, Novak's life with the Florida coast, Novak's life with Michelle Le France isn't so sunny. And Michelle Le France isn't so sunny. And Michelle Le France isn't so sunny. And he wasn't changing. In fact, he was on he wasn't changing. In fact, he was on he wasn't changing. In fact, he was on match.com. He met another woman and he match.com. He met another woman and he match.com. He met another woman and he cheated on Michelle. cheated on Michelle. cheated on Michelle. >> Yeah. Well, he started to cheat on her. >> Yeah. Well, he started to cheat on her. >> Yeah. Well, he started to cheat on her. started to look around and he then went started to look around and he then went started to look around and he then went on match.com. She finds out about it. on match.com. She finds out about it. on match.com. She finds out about it. She decides she's had enough and they She decides she's had enough and they She decides she's had enough and they split up. split up. split up. >> Michelle is out and Novak's internet >> Michelle is out and Novak's internet >> Michelle is out and Novak's internet date in once again. Paul Novak seemingly date in once again. Paul Novak seemingly date in once again. Paul Novak seemingly puts his ex-wife's fate far behind him, puts his ex-wife's fate far behind him, puts his ex-wife's fate far behind him, but someone else is still haunted by the but someone else is still haunted by the but someone else is still haunted by the ghost of Katherine Novak.

ghost of Katherine Novak. ghost of Katherine Novak. >> When did this case take a turn for you? >> When did this case take a turn for you? >> When did this case take a turn for you? In April of 2012, I received a a a In April of 2012, I received a a a In April of 2012, I received a a a voice, a phone call from Michelle Le voice, a phone call from Michelle Le voice, a phone call from Michelle Le France. France. France. >> New York State Police investigator >> New York State Police investigator >> New York State Police investigator Michael Kelly is as surprised as anyone Michael Kelly is as surprised as anyone Michael Kelly is as surprised as anyone when the case suddenly breaks wide open when the case suddenly breaks wide open when the case suddenly breaks wide open all over again by a jolted lover. Do all over again by a jolted lover. Do all over again by a jolted lover. Do >> I need a lawyer? >> I need a lawyer? >> I need a lawyer? >> The New York State Police took her phone >> The New York State Police took her phone >> The New York State Police took her phone call seriously. They went down to call seriously. They went down to call seriously. They went down to Florida and interviewed her on camera Florida and interviewed her on camera Florida and interviewed her on camera for hours. for hours. for hours. Racked by guilt and fear, Michelle tells Racked by guilt and fear, Michelle tells Racked by guilt and fear, Michelle tells a hairraising tale. a hairraising tale. a hairraising tale. >> He had me convinced >> He had me convinced >> He had me convinced that Catherine was the bad guy and he that Catherine was the bad guy and he that Catherine was the bad guy and he was the good parent and these kids are was the good parent and these kids are was the good parent and these kids are abused and these kids are miserable. abused and these kids are miserable. abused and these kids are miserable. >> Do this for the kids. >> Do this for the kids. >> Do this for the kids. >> We need to save the kids. >> We need to save the kids. >> We need to save the kids. >> Novak's sixth solution. Kill Catherine >> Novak's sixth solution. Kill Catherine >> Novak's sixth solution. Kill Catherine using knowledge gleaned from years using knowledge gleaned from years using knowledge gleaned from years working as an EMT. working as an EMT. working as an EMT. >> He was researching things on the >> He was researching things on the >> He was researching things on the internet. He was going to chloroform internet. He was going to chloroform internet. He was going to chloroform her, leave her, and then burn the house her, leave her, and then burn the house her, leave her, and then burn the house down around her, and she was going to down around her, and she was going to down around her, and she was going to die in the fire.

die in the fire. die in the fire. >> She had a lot of mental health issues, >> She had a lot of mental health issues, >> She had a lot of mental health issues, but recollection was incredible. She but recollection was incredible. She but recollection was incredible. She remembered dates, times, places, and remembered dates, times, places, and remembered dates, times, places, and details cuz she was very smart. details cuz she was very smart. details cuz she was very smart. >> Michelle's detailed account of what >> Michelle's detailed account of what >> Michelle's detailed account of what Novak did to Catherine that night is Novak did to Catherine that night is Novak did to Catherine that night is terrifying. Early in the morning on terrifying. Early in the morning on terrifying. Early in the morning on December 17th, he enters Catherine's December 17th, he enters Catherine's December 17th, he enters Catherine's home through the basement, setting off a home through the basement, setting off a home through the basement, setting off a fire alarm, drawing Catherine to the fire alarm, drawing Catherine to the fire alarm, drawing Catherine to the basement where he's lying in weight. basement where he's lying in weight. basement where he's lying in weight. >> And he told me that they were fighting >> And he told me that they were fighting >> And he told me that they were fighting and that they were rolling around on the and that they were rolling around on the and that they were rolling around on the basement st floor for like 45 minutes. basement st floor for like 45 minutes. basement st floor for like 45 minutes. And that's why he is so late. And that's why he is so late. And that's why he is so late. >> And Michelle tells cops Novak's >> And Michelle tells cops Novak's >> And Michelle tells cops Novak's chloroform scheme, it didn't go as chloroform scheme, it didn't go as chloroform scheme, it didn't go as planned. This was supposed to be quick planned. This was supposed to be quick planned. This was supposed to be quick and painless and and painless and and painless and you know, she was supposed to be passed you know, she was supposed to be passed you know, she was supposed to be passed down before she knew what happened. But down before she knew what happened. But down before she knew what happened. But I guess he put it over her mouth and it I guess he put it over her mouth and it I guess he put it over her mouth and it didn't work and she was screaming and didn't work and she was screaming and didn't work and she was screaming and begging for her life. begging for her life. begging for her life. >> That's when Catherine's heartless ex >> That's when Catherine's heartless ex >> That's when Catherine's heartless ex puts an end to their broken family for puts an end to their broken family for puts an end to their broken family for good over Catherine's terrified please.

good over Catherine's terrified please. good over Catherine's terrified please. And he told me that the only thing he And he told me that the only thing he And he told me that the only thing he said to her the entire time that he was said to her the entire time that he was said to her the entire time that he was fighting with her was, "I'm doing this fighting with her was, "I'm doing this fighting with her was, "I'm doing this for the kids." And he said that she had for the kids." And he said that she had for the kids." And he said that she had been wearing a hooded sweatshirt and been wearing a hooded sweatshirt and been wearing a hooded sweatshirt and that he finally just took a sweatshirt that he finally just took a sweatshirt that he finally just took a sweatshirt and wrapped it around her neck and held and wrapped it around her neck and held and wrapped it around her neck and held it until she stopped breathing. it until she stopped breathing. it until she stopped breathing. >> Then in a deranged finishing move, Novak >> Then in a deranged finishing move, Novak >> Then in a deranged finishing move, Novak sets his former house ablaze to cover sets his former house ablaze to cover sets his former house ablaze to cover his tracks. his tracks. his tracks. A horrifying story, but could anyone A horrifying story, but could anyone A horrifying story, but could anyone back it up. That's when Michelle of back it up. That's when Michelle of back it up. That's when Michelle of France drops a bombshell. France drops a bombshell. France drops a bombshell. Novak didn't do it alone. Novak didn't do it alone. Novak didn't do it alone. >> She told us that for the first time, the >> She told us that for the first time, the >> She told us that for the first time, the name that we've never heard before was name that we've never heard before was name that we've never heard before was Scott Sherwood. He was another EMT and Scott Sherwood. He was another EMT and Scott Sherwood. He was another EMT and he was this sort of he was this sort of he was this sort of big emotional guy like 6'7 like a gi a big emotional guy like 6'7 like a gi a big emotional guy like 6'7 like a gi a gentle giant and also had emotional gentle giant and also had emotional gentle giant and also had emotional problems um which were well known to the problems um which were well known to the problems um which were well known to the uh the crew.

uh the crew. uh the crew. >> As far as I know, Scott was left in the >> As far as I know, Scott was left in the >> As far as I know, Scott was left in the car car car and Paul walked down to the house. Paul and Paul walked down to the house. Paul and Paul walked down to the house. Paul identified him as somebody that he could identified him as somebody that he could identified him as somebody that he could manipulate and he asked him to drive him manipulate and he asked him to drive him manipulate and he asked him to drive him up to Narosburg on the night that he was up to Narosburg on the night that he was up to Narosburg on the night that he was going to start this fire at the house going to start this fire at the house going to start this fire at the house and get rid of his wife. and get rid of his wife. and get rid of his wife. >> Cops verify every detail of her >> Cops verify every detail of her >> Cops verify every detail of her statement leading up to a sit down with statement leading up to a sit down with statement leading up to a sit down with that so-called gentle giant Scott that so-called gentle giant Scott that so-called gentle giant Scott Sherwood months later. Sherwood months later. Sherwood months later. >> Let's go from the beginning. Paul, you >> Let's go from the beginning. Paul, you >> Let's go from the beginning. Paul, you meet Paul where? meet Paul where? meet Paul where? >> Turns out Sherwood is also racked with >> Turns out Sherwood is also racked with >> Turns out Sherwood is also racked with guilt and spills everything. guilt and spills everything. guilt and spills everything. >> Who's driving? You and him. >> Who's driving? You and him. >> Who's driving? You and him. >> I I was driving. We were driving up >> I I was driving. We were driving up >> I I was driving. We were driving up towards where his residence was, where towards where his residence was, where towards where his residence was, where Catherine still lived. Catherine still lived. Catherine still lived. >> He claims he drove Novak to Narosburg >> He claims he drove Novak to Narosburg >> He claims he drove Novak to Narosburg and waited in his truck until Novak and waited in his truck until Novak and waited in his truck until Novak returned and said two final words. returned and said two final words. returned and said two final words. >> He said, "It's done."

>> He said, "It's done." >> He said, "It's done." >> And what was he saying? The facts in >> And what was he saying? The facts in >> And what was he saying? The facts in terms of what he alleged happened that terms of what he alleged happened that terms of what he alleged happened that night to Katherine bear out to be very night to Katherine bear out to be very night to Katherine bear out to be very if not exact to what Michelle Francon if not exact to what Michelle Francon if not exact to what Michelle Francon told us a thousand miles away months told us a thousand miles away months told us a thousand miles away months before. before. before. >> So all of these what we call little >> So all of these what we call little >> So all of these what we call little pieces start to form a very big picture pieces start to form a very big picture pieces start to form a very big picture of a very big puzzle that starts to show of a very big puzzle that starts to show of a very big puzzle that starts to show what happened to Katherine Novvin. what happened to Katherine Novvin. what happened to Katherine Novvin. >> At any time during your conversation >> At any time during your conversation >> At any time during your conversation with her, did you think there was an with her, did you think there was an with her, did you think there was an ulterior motive? Paul Novak's ex-girlfriend Michelle of Paul Novak's ex-girlfriend Michelle of France has spun a harrowing tale. How France has spun a harrowing tale. How France has spun a harrowing tale. How the New York City paramedic got rid of the New York City paramedic got rid of the New York City paramedic got rid of his ex-wife Catherine once and for all. his ex-wife Catherine once and for all. his ex-wife Catherine once and for all. >> He was researching things on the >> He was researching things on the >> He was researching things on the internet. He was going to chloroform internet. He was going to chloroform internet. He was going to chloroform her, leave her, and then burn the house her, leave her, and then burn the house her, leave her, and then burn the house down around her and she was going to die down around her and she was going to die down around her and she was going to die in the fire. in the fire. in the fire. >> And Novak's alleged accomplice, Scott >> And Novak's alleged accomplice, Scott >> And Novak's alleged accomplice, Scott Sherwood, now backing up Michelle's Sherwood, now backing up Michelle's Sherwood, now backing up Michelle's story. Word for word. story. Word for word. story. Word for word. >> He said it's done. >> He said it's done. >> He said it's done. Cops know it's time to have another Cops know it's time to have another Cops know it's time to have another heartto-heart with Paul Novak, but heartto-heart with Paul Novak, but heartto-heart with Paul Novak, but Novak's not playing ball.

Novak's not playing ball. Novak's not playing ball. >> How long am I going to be here? >> How long am I going to be here? >> How long am I going to be here? >> Sir, you're under arrest. >> Sir, you're under arrest. >> Sir, you're under arrest. >> I was not aware of that. I'd like to >> I was not aware of that. I'd like to >> I was not aware of that. I'd like to speak to a lawyer, please. speak to a lawyer, please. speak to a lawyer, please. >> And I be advised, you will have every >> And I be advised, you will have every >> And I be advised, you will have every opportunity. Okay. opportunity. Okay. opportunity. Okay. >> In Novak's mind, Catherine's death was >> In Novak's mind, Catherine's death was >> In Novak's mind, Catherine's death was just an accident. But cops now believe just an accident. But cops now believe just an accident. But cops now believe it was a calculated murder. it was a calculated murder. it was a calculated murder. >> We no longer question you about the >> We no longer question you about the >> We no longer question you about the homicide. Okay. But you are under homicide. Okay. But you are under homicide. Okay. But you are under arrest. It was a homicide. Yes, it is, arrest. It was a homicide. Yes, it is, arrest. It was a homicide. Yes, it is, sir. sir. sir. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I think when you realize our purpose for >> I think when you realize our purpose for >> I think when you realize our purpose for being there, he availed himself as an being there, he availed himself as an being there, he availed himself as an attorney. So, he never relayed a story attorney. So, he never relayed a story attorney. So, he never relayed a story to us. to us. to us. >> Detectives play hard ball, tugging at >> Detectives play hard ball, tugging at >> Detectives play hard ball, tugging at Novak's heartstrings. Novak's heartstrings. Novak's heartstrings. >> And now you and I, Scott, have to sit >> And now you and I, Scott, have to sit >> And now you and I, Scott, have to sit down and figure out the why. Because at down and figure out the why. Because at down and figure out the why. Because at some point, your kids are going to ask some point, your kids are going to ask some point, your kids are going to ask it because if you don't explain that to it because if you don't explain that to it because if you don't explain that to them, they're never going to have that them, they're never going to have that them, they're never going to have that answer. They're going to spend the rest answer. They're going to spend the rest answer. They're going to spend the rest of their life searching for it. of their life searching for it. of their life searching for it. >> Still, Novak won't budge. I need a >> Still, Novak won't budge. I need a >> Still, Novak won't budge. I need a lawyer. lawyer. lawyer. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> But prosecutors are convinced they have >> But prosecutors are convinced they have >> But prosecutors are convinced they have enough to charge Paul Novak with enough to charge Paul Novak with enough to charge Paul Novak with firstdegree murder for killing his firstdegree murder for killing his firstdegree murder for killing his ex-wife.

ex-wife. ex-wife. >> This is a person who had an ability to >> This is a person who had an ability to >> This is a person who had an ability to do things, horrible things, and have do things, horrible things, and have do things, horrible things, and have absolutely no conscience about that. absolutely no conscience about that. absolutely no conscience about that. >> Leading up to the trial, Paul Novak >> Leading up to the trial, Paul Novak >> Leading up to the trial, Paul Novak refuses to talk to the cops, but he is refuses to talk to the cops, but he is refuses to talk to the cops, but he is telling his side of the story to telling his side of the story to telling his side of the story to reporters. Did you kill your wife? reporters. Did you kill your wife? reporters. Did you kill your wife? >> No, I did not. I actually found out that >> No, I did not. I actually found out that >> No, I did not. I actually found out that they found a body in in the uh in the they found a body in in the uh in the they found a body in in the uh in the basement from my mother. And I said, "Do basement from my mother. And I said, "Do basement from my mother. And I said, "Do I need a lawyer?" He goes, "We like you. I need a lawyer?" He goes, "We like you. I need a lawyer?" He goes, "We like you. We know you didn't have anything to do We know you didn't have anything to do We know you didn't have anything to do with this, but the DA wants us to ask with this, but the DA wants us to ask with this, but the DA wants us to ask you some questions just to keep you in you some questions just to keep you in you some questions just to keep you in the clear and make everyone feel a lot the clear and make everyone feel a lot the clear and make everyone feel a lot better." better." better." >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, I'm like, "All right. I mean, I >> So, I'm like, "All right. I mean, I >> So, I'm like, "All right. I mean, I don't have anything to hide. You can ask don't have anything to hide. You can ask don't have anything to hide. You can ask me anything you want." me anything you want." me anything you want." And in court, Novak points the finger And in court, Novak points the finger And in court, Novak points the finger right back at his former girlfriend, right back at his former girlfriend, right back at his former girlfriend, Michelle of France, and the man claiming Michelle of France, and the man claiming Michelle of France, and the man claiming to be his partner in crime, Scott to be his partner in crime, Scott to be his partner in crime, Scott Sherwood. Sherwood. Sherwood. >> At the trial, they tried to blame the >> At the trial, they tried to blame the >> At the trial, they tried to blame the murder on Michelle of France and Scott murder on Michelle of France and Scott murder on Michelle of France and Scott Sherwood. But they had no motive to Sherwood. But they had no motive to Sherwood. But they had no motive to commit the murder. And the only person commit the murder. And the only person commit the murder. And the only person that collected around $800,000 as a that collected around $800,000 as a that collected around $800,000 as a result to Katherine's death was Paul result to Katherine's death was Paul result to Katherine's death was Paul Novak. The prosecution claims all the Novak. The prosecution claims all the Novak. The prosecution claims all the evidence pointed at only one person, evidence pointed at only one person, evidence pointed at only one person, Paul Novak. There's a receipt from a Paul Novak. There's a receipt from a Paul Novak. There's a receipt from a nearby Walmart for a hat and duct tape nearby Walmart for a hat and duct tape nearby Walmart for a hat and duct tape placing Paul in the area that morning placing Paul in the area that morning placing Paul in the area that morning and a toll booth easy pass ping on the and a toll booth easy pass ping on the and a toll booth easy pass ping on the way back from Catherine's house shortly way back from Catherine's house shortly way back from Catherine's house shortly after the murder.

after the murder. after the murder. >> The evidence against Paul Novik was >> The evidence against Paul Novik was >> The evidence against Paul Novik was overwhelming once it all came to light overwhelming once it all came to light overwhelming once it all came to light and all the pieces were put together. and all the pieces were put together. and all the pieces were put together. Novak never testifies, but his defense Novak never testifies, but his defense Novak never testifies, but his defense does call his 13-year-old daughter to does call his 13-year-old daughter to does call his 13-year-old daughter to the stand. Hearts are breaking in the the stand. Hearts are breaking in the the stand. Hearts are breaking in the courtroom as the little girl tearfully courtroom as the little girl tearfully courtroom as the little girl tearfully defends her daddy. defends her daddy. defends her daddy. >> The minute that she sat down, everybody >> The minute that she sat down, everybody >> The minute that she sat down, everybody just was ready to burst into tears just was ready to burst into tears just was ready to burst into tears because here she was trying to protect because here she was trying to protect because here she was trying to protect this guy, her daddy. I mean, the only this guy, her daddy. I mean, the only this guy, her daddy. I mean, the only parent left. And she refused to believe parent left. And she refused to believe parent left. And she refused to believe that he had done anything. that he had done anything. that he had done anything. Journalist Nina Berley knew Catherine Journalist Nina Berley knew Catherine Journalist Nina Berley knew Catherine personally, and the daughter's testimony personally, and the daughter's testimony personally, and the daughter's testimony only paints a picture of the parent who only paints a picture of the parent who only paints a picture of the parent who was no longer there. You know, I looked was no longer there. You know, I looked was no longer there. You know, I looked at her and I saw the little girl who had at her and I saw the little girl who had at her and I saw the little girl who had played with my boy with her long big played with my boy with her long big played with my boy with her long big black hair and all I could think about black hair and all I could think about black hair and all I could think about was how Katherine used to brush that was how Katherine used to brush that was how Katherine used to brush that hair and that little girl used to cry as hair and that little girl used to cry as hair and that little girl used to cry as girls do and how that mother loved that girls do and how that mother loved that girls do and how that mother loved that girl. It's just tragic.

girl. It's just tragic. girl. It's just tragic. >> The heartfelt testimony doesn't sway the >> The heartfelt testimony doesn't sway the >> The heartfelt testimony doesn't sway the jury. Paul Novak is found guilty of jury. Paul Novak is found guilty of jury. Paul Novak is found guilty of killing Catherine in cold blood. killing Catherine in cold blood. killing Catherine in cold blood. >> The judge sentenced Paul Novak on the >> The judge sentenced Paul Novak on the >> The judge sentenced Paul Novak on the murder in the first-degree charge to the murder in the first-degree charge to the murder in the first-degree charge to the maximum sentence, which is life in maximum sentence, which is life in maximum sentence, which is life in prison without parole. prison without parole. prison without parole. >> Scott Sherwood pleaded guilty with >> Scott Sherwood pleaded guilty with >> Scott Sherwood pleaded guilty with conspiracy to commit murder, but his conspiracy to commit murder, but his conspiracy to commit murder, but his cooperation gets him just a year and a cooperation gets him just a year and a cooperation gets him just a year and a half in jail. Scott is remorseful, half in jail. Scott is remorseful, half in jail. Scott is remorseful, >> 100%. It's He was caught up in Paul >> 100%. It's He was caught up in Paul >> 100%. It's He was caught up in Paul Novak's plan. Paul manipulated him Novak's plan. Paul manipulated him Novak's plan. Paul manipulated him completely. He was so upset with himself completely. He was so upset with himself completely. He was so upset with himself and how bad he felt, especially for her and how bad he felt, especially for her and how bad he felt, especially for her kids, that he didn't do more. kids, that he didn't do more. kids, that he didn't do more. >> And what about Michelle Lef France, the >> And what about Michelle Lef France, the >> And what about Michelle Lef France, the one who blew the whistle on her one who blew the whistle on her one who blew the whistle on her ex-boyfriend? ex-boyfriend? ex-boyfriend? In a move that stuns many observers of In a move that stuns many observers of In a move that stuns many observers of the case, she walks out of the court the case, she walks out of the court the case, she walks out of the court scot-free, getting no jail time, and at scot-free, getting no jail time, and at scot-free, getting no jail time, and at the end of the day, she gets to walk the end of the day, she gets to walk the end of the day, she gets to walk free. What do you think of that? free. What do you think of that? free. What do you think of that? >> Paul Novak is behind bars for the rest >> Paul Novak is behind bars for the rest >> Paul Novak is behind bars for the rest of his life. and without her testimony of his life. and without her testimony of his life. and without her testimony would have been enough. Sometimes you would have been enough. Sometimes you would have been enough. Sometimes you have to choose between the greater evil have to choose between the greater evil have to choose between the greater evil and the lesser evil.

and the lesser evil. and the lesser evil. >> It's an evil that still haunts everyone >> It's an evil that still haunts everyone >> It's an evil that still haunts everyone left behind and a little town that was a left behind and a little town that was a left behind and a little town that was a refuge to Catherine Novak. refuge to Catherine Novak. refuge to Catherine Novak. >> I drove over just to say my goodbyes to >> I drove over just to say my goodbyes to >> I drove over just to say my goodbyes to her and look at the place and it was her and look at the place and it was her and look at the place and it was sad. I mean you when you have seen a sad. I mean you when you have seen a sad. I mean you when you have seen a family living in a house with children family living in a house with children family living in a house with children and then you come there and you see and then you come there and you see and then you come there and you see what's left is a a garage what's left is a a garage what's left is a a garage and just fl wild flowers and grass where and just fl wild flowers and grass where and just fl wild flowers and grass where the house used to be a little depression the house used to be a little depression the house used to be a little depression in the ground and everything else just in the ground and everything else just in the ground and everything else just gone vanished with with you know a few gone vanished with with you know a few gone vanished with with you know a few years time and it it was just so years time and it it was just so years time and it it was just so terribly sad. Paul Novak appealed his conviction and Paul Novak appealed his conviction and was denied.