Woman dead after revealing high school coach's secret

A forbidden love. A forbidden love. >> I cannot believe you were 29 and I was >> I cannot believe you were 29 and I was >> I cannot believe you were 29 and I was 16. 16. 16. >> A surprised investigation. >> A surprised investigation. >> A surprised investigation. >> I was assigned to one of my sex crimes >> I was assigned to one of my sex crimes >> I was assigned to one of my sex crimes prosecutors. prosecutors. prosecutors. >> And a tragic twist that will leave a >> And a tragic twist that will leave a >> And a tragic twist that will leave a family torn apart. family torn apart. family torn apart. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> No matter how old she got, this was >> No matter how old she got, this was >> No matter how old she got, this was always one of Emily Morris's favorite always one of Emily Morris's favorite always one of Emily Morris's favorite places to be. places to be. places to be. >> Sorry. >> Sorry. >> Sorry. >> It was here on her trampoline where the >> It was here on her trampoline where the >> It was here on her trampoline where the St. Louis, Missouri girl would often St. Louis, Missouri girl would often St. Louis, Missouri girl would often come to [music] work through the extreme come to [music] work through the extreme come to [music] work through the extreme highs and lows that would come to define highs and lows that would come to define highs and lows that would come to define her life. her life. her life. >> Your daughter, who is she? >> Your daughter, who is she? >> Your daughter, who is she? >> She was all [snorts] kinds of things >> She was all [snorts] kinds of things >> She was all [snorts] kinds of things that you hope your daughter would be that you hope your daughter would be that you hope your daughter would be and then some. When she was younger, she and then some. When she was younger, she and then some. When she was younger, she was vivacious, she was uh was vivacious, she was uh was vivacious, she was uh energy personified. energy personified. energy personified. >> And as Emily grew up, she found the >> And as Emily grew up, she found the >> And as Emily grew up, she found the perfect outlet for all that energy. perfect outlet for all that energy. perfect outlet for all that energy. >> Emily was a very gifted athlete. She was >> Emily was a very gifted athlete. She was >> Emily was a very gifted athlete. She was always a very, very competitive. always a very, very competitive. always a very, very competitive. >> Then, when Emily was around 14 years >> Then, when Emily was around 14 years >> Then, when Emily was around 14 years old, she joined her school's cross old, she joined her school's cross old, she joined her school's cross country track team at the encouragement country track team at the encouragement country track team at the encouragement of one of its coaches, a 28-year-old of one of its coaches, a 28-year-old of one of its coaches, a 28-year-old teacher in his first year with the teacher in his first year with the teacher in his first year with the district named James Wilder.

district named James Wilder. district named James Wilder. >> Wilder was this charismatic guy. >> Wilder was this charismatic guy. >> Wilder was this charismatic guy. Everyone wanted to be around him. You Everyone wanted to be around him. You Everyone wanted to be around him. You know, everybody really liked him as a know, everybody really liked him as a know, everybody really liked him as a coach and uh sort of valued the coach and uh sort of valued the coach and uh sort of valued the attention that they got from him. attention that they got from him. attention that they got from him. >> Under Wilder's guidance, Emily seemed to >> Under Wilder's guidance, Emily seemed to >> Under Wilder's guidance, Emily seemed to flourish, winning multiple awards for flourish, winning multiple awards for flourish, winning multiple awards for herself and the school. But then, herself and the school. But then, herself and the school. But then, somewhere along the way, Emily seemed to somewhere along the way, Emily seemed to somewhere along the way, Emily seemed to get off track. It was, her family says, get off track. It was, her family says, get off track. It was, her family says, around her sophomore year of high around her sophomore year of high around her sophomore year of high school. school. school. >> I definitely noticed this this big >> I definitely noticed this this big >> I definitely noticed this this big difference. She seemed just more closed difference. She seemed just more closed difference. She seemed just more closed off and irritable. And And I'd talked to off and irritable. And And I'd talked to off and irritable. And And I'd talked to my parents about it, and they'd say, my parents about it, and they'd say, my parents about it, and they'd say, "Well, this is just, you know, like this "Well, this is just, you know, like this "Well, this is just, you know, like this is just what happens when people become is just what happens when people become is just what happens when people become teenagers." teenagers." teenagers." >> But privately, Emily's parents were just >> But privately, Emily's parents were just >> But privately, Emily's parents were just as concerned. as concerned. as concerned. >> The change in Emily was massive >> The change in Emily was massive >> The change in Emily was massive and inexplicable. We weren't able to and inexplicable. We weren't able to and inexplicable. We weren't able to figure out what had happened, what was figure out what had happened, what was figure out what had happened, what was wrong. We tried therapy, we tried wrong. We tried therapy, we tried wrong. We tried therapy, we tried talking. talking. talking. >> She withdrew into herself, and then she >> She withdrew into herself, and then she >> She withdrew into herself, and then she wouldn't say what what the problem was, wouldn't say what what the problem was, wouldn't say what what the problem was, you know. you know. you know. >> So, you had no idea? >> So, you had no idea? >> So, you had no idea? >> I had no idea.

>> I had no idea. >> I had no idea. >> But Emily's parents say they were about >> But Emily's parents say they were about >> But Emily's parents say they were about to get one very big clue. to get one very big clue. to get one very big clue. >> Tell me about when you were called to >> Tell me about when you were called to >> Tell me about when you were called to the school. the school. the school. >> The principal at the time left a message >> The principal at the time left a message >> The principal at the time left a message on our phone that Emily had been accused on our phone that Emily had been accused on our phone that Emily had been accused of having an affair with a teacher. of having an affair with a teacher. of having an affair with a teacher. >> And not just any teacher, it was Coach >> And not just any teacher, it was Coach >> And not just any teacher, it was Coach Wilder. The accuser claiming they Wilder. The accuser claiming they Wilder. The accuser claiming they stumbled upon Wilder and Emily engaging stumbled upon Wilder and Emily engaging stumbled upon Wilder and Emily engaging in some sort of sex act at the local in some sort of sex act at the local in some sort of sex act at the local park. park. park. >> My husband and I requested a meeting, >> My husband and I requested a meeting, >> My husband and I requested a meeting, and it consisted of James Wilder, Emily, and it consisted of James Wilder, Emily, and it consisted of James Wilder, Emily, my husband, and I in one room together. my husband, and I in one room together. my husband, and I in one room together. And And And it couldn't have been any more tense. it couldn't have been any more tense. it couldn't have been any more tense. Wilder's face was was blotchy from the Wilder's face was was blotchy from the Wilder's face was was blotchy from the suspense. Emily looked straight ahead. suspense. Emily looked straight ahead. suspense. Emily looked straight ahead. >> Both Wilder and Emily denied the claims, >> Both Wilder and Emily denied the claims, >> Both Wilder and Emily denied the claims, and in the end the school determined it and in the end the school determined it and in the end the school determined it was just a vicious rumor. After the was just a vicious rumor. After the was just a vicious rumor. After the meeting, no action was taken. Emily goes meeting, no action was taken. Emily goes meeting, no action was taken. Emily goes on to graduate, and Coach Wilder on to graduate, and Coach Wilder on to graduate, and Coach Wilder continues teaching at the school. But continues teaching at the school. But continues teaching at the school. But then, roughly 10 years after that, Emily then, roughly 10 years after that, Emily then, roughly 10 years after that, Emily suddenly drops a bomb on family and suddenly drops a bomb on family and suddenly drops a bomb on family and friends, saying the allegations were all friends, saying the allegations were all friends, saying the allegations were all true.

true. true. >> She was beginning to have problems, and >> She was beginning to have problems, and >> She was beginning to have problems, and that's when we started to find out. And that's when we started to find out. And that's when we started to find out. And that's when I was stunned to find out that's when I was stunned to find out that's when I was stunned to find out how extensive. how extensive. how extensive. >> Emily's family claims she told them it >> Emily's family claims she told them it >> Emily's family claims she told them it all began when she was 15 and Wilder was all began when she was 15 and Wilder was all began when she was 15 and Wilder was 29, and that in the years since high 29, and that in the years since high 29, and that in the years since high school, she's been haunted by it all. school, she's been haunted by it all. school, she's been haunted by it all. >> Andrea, what's the significance of this >> Andrea, what's the significance of this >> Andrea, what's the significance of this place? Where are we? place? Where are we? place? Where are we? >> Well, this is Four Parks, so cross >> Well, this is Four Parks, so cross >> Well, this is Four Parks, so cross country practices often took place here. country practices often took place here. country practices often took place here. And this is where she was first And this is where she was first And this is where she was first allegedly abused by coach Wilder. allegedly abused by coach Wilder. allegedly abused by coach Wilder. >> How and where? >> How and where? >> How and where? >> Well, they played this game called >> Well, they played this game called >> Well, they played this game called chicken where he basically dared her to chicken where he basically dared her to chicken where he basically dared her to put her hand on his leg and then put her hand on his leg and then put her hand on his leg and then didn't tell her to stop until she didn't tell her to stop until she didn't tell her to stop until she actually had his hand her hand over his actually had his hand her hand over his actually had his hand her hand over his crotch. crotch. crotch. >> Emily would go on to claim that after >> Emily would go on to claim that after >> Emily would go on to claim that after that game, things got more serious with that game, things got more serious with that game, things got more serious with encounters between her and the married encounters between her and the married encounters between her and the married coach becoming a regular thing. In fact, coach becoming a regular thing. In fact, coach becoming a regular thing. In fact, Emily would even admit to carrying on Emily would even admit to carrying on Emily would even admit to carrying on the relationship after high school when the relationship after high school when the relationship after high school when she was a consenting adult. Though her she was a consenting adult. Though her she was a consenting adult. Though her family says that makes little difference family says that makes little difference family says that makes little difference considering when things supposedly considering when things supposedly considering when things supposedly began.

began. began. >> I mean, the reason it's illegal is >> I mean, the reason it's illegal is >> I mean, the reason it's illegal is because of this power issue. You can't because of this power issue. You can't because of this power issue. You can't ever have a regular relationship with a ever have a regular relationship with a ever have a regular relationship with a teacher. They can give you a detention, teacher. They can give you a detention, teacher. They can give you a detention, you know, they can get you in trouble. you know, they can get you in trouble. you know, they can get you in trouble. >> And so, Emily's family encouraged her to >> And so, Emily's family encouraged her to >> And so, Emily's family encouraged her to go public, but by then she had a husband go public, but by then she had a husband go public, but by then she had a husband and two adoring kids she didn't want to and two adoring kids she didn't want to and two adoring kids she didn't want to drag through the mud. Not even when drag through the mud. Not even when drag through the mud. Not even when another girl suddenly comes forward with another girl suddenly comes forward with another girl suddenly comes forward with allegations of her own. This time, allegations of her own. This time, allegations of her own. This time, Wilder is arrested by police, but after Wilder is arrested by police, but after Wilder is arrested by police, but after finding no evidence to support the finding no evidence to support the finding no evidence to support the girl's claims, the charges are dropped girl's claims, the charges are dropped girl's claims, the charges are dropped and Wilder keeps his job. and Wilder keeps his job. and Wilder keeps his job. >> We have to go legally with what was >> We have to go legally with what was >> We have to go legally with what was found and found and found and >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> at that time there was there was no >> at that time there was there was no >> at that time there was there was no case made against him. case made against him. case made against him. >> Emily tries hard to move on after that, >> Emily tries hard to move on after that, >> Emily tries hard to move on after that, but her family says the former track but her family says the former track but her family says the former track star just couldn't [music] outrun her star just couldn't [music] outrun her star just couldn't [music] outrun her demons. demons. demons. >> It had a terrible effect on her on her >> It had a terrible effect on her on her >> It had a terrible effect on her on her psyche. psyche. psyche. >> Depression led to drinking and drinking >> Depression led to drinking and drinking >> Depression led to drinking and drinking to divorce. Emily's life was spiraling to divorce. Emily's life was spiraling to divorce. Emily's life was spiraling out of control, says good friend out of control, says good friend out of control, says good friend Christine Lieber. [music] Christine Lieber. [music] Christine Lieber. [music] >> She said that, you know, in high school >> She said that, you know, in high school >> She said that, you know, in high school her first sexual experience was with her first sexual experience was with her first sexual experience was with coach Wilder.

coach Wilder. coach Wilder. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> I think she went from being a child and >> I think she went from being a child and >> I think she went from being a child and being innocent and being young to being being innocent and being young to being being innocent and being young to being robbed by him of her innocence robbed by him of her innocence robbed by him of her innocence >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and her purity. >> and her purity. >> and her purity. >> This was while her parents thought she >> This was while her parents thought she >> This was while her parents thought she was safe in that school. was safe in that school. was safe in that school. >> An even harder pill to swallow for >> An even harder pill to swallow for >> An even harder pill to swallow for Emily's dad. Emily's dad. Emily's dad. >> I was a teacher, I was a guidance >> I was a teacher, I was a guidance >> I was a teacher, I was a guidance counselor, I was a principal. counselor, I was a principal. counselor, I was a principal. >> And your daughter was hurt at school >> And your daughter was hurt at school >> And your daughter was hurt at school by another educator? by another educator? by another educator? Oh my god, how does that make you feel? Oh my god, how does that make you feel? Oh my god, how does that make you feel? >> Not well. >> Not well. >> Not well. Not well. Not well. Not well. >> But Emily was determined to bounce back >> But Emily was determined to bounce back >> But Emily was determined to bounce back from rock bottom. And with her own kids from rock bottom. And with her own kids from rock bottom. And with her own kids growing older, the 33-year-old suddenly growing older, the 33-year-old suddenly growing older, the 33-year-old suddenly finds the courage to rise. finds the courage to rise. finds the courage to rise. >> Well, we were on the trampoline in her >> Well, we were on the trampoline in her >> Well, we were on the trampoline in her backyard, which was one of her favorite backyard, which was one of her favorite backyard, which was one of her favorite activities. She decided that she wanted activities. She decided that she wanted activities. She decided that she wanted to do something about it to make sure to do something about it to make sure to do something about it to make sure that nobody else endured the pain that that nobody else endured the pain that that nobody else endured the pain that she had she had she had >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> endured the last >> endured the last >> endured the last uh, decade plus of her life. She said uh, decade plus of her life. She said uh, decade plus of her life. She said enough is enough.

>> For over a decade, Emily Moore's kept >> For over a decade, Emily Moore's kept her allegations private. But then, at her allegations private. But then, at her allegations private. But then, at age 33 and with two kids of her own, age 33 and with two kids of her own, age 33 and with two kids of her own, Emily has a change of heart, Emily has a change of heart, Emily has a change of heart, finally deciding to go public with her finally deciding to go public with her finally deciding to go public with her claims. claims. claims. >> I mean, we had encouraged her for years >> I mean, we had encouraged her for years >> I mean, we had encouraged her for years to do that. I think, you know, she had to do that. I think, you know, she had to do that. I think, you know, she had endured enough pain over the years. She endured enough pain over the years. She endured enough pain over the years. She had enough and she just said, "I I want had enough and she just said, "I I want had enough and she just said, "I I want to do this." to do this." to do this." >> Authorities take the claims seriously. >> Authorities take the claims seriously. >> Authorities take the claims seriously. >> They contacted us after doing some >> They contacted us after doing some >> They contacted us after doing some preliminary investigation preliminary investigation preliminary investigation and it was assigned to one of my sex and it was assigned to one of my sex and it was assigned to one of my sex crimes prosecutors at about that same crimes prosecutors at about that same crimes prosecutors at about that same time. time. time. >> But investigators would need more than >> But investigators would need more than >> But investigators would need more than Emily's word alone. Emily's word alone. Emily's word alone. >> They needed evidence. And so, the police >> They needed evidence. And so, the police >> They needed evidence. And so, the police gave her audio recorder and she ended up gave her audio recorder and she ended up gave her audio recorder and she ended up going and meeting up with him. going and meeting up with him. going and meeting up with him. >> After several phone calls, Wilder >> After several phone calls, Wilder >> After several phone calls, Wilder finally agrees to meet with Emily in a finally agrees to meet with Emily in a finally agrees to meet with Emily in a parking lot of a local mall. parking lot of a local mall. parking lot of a local mall. >> Starting recording now. Let's hope this >> Starting recording now. Let's hope this >> Starting recording now. Let's hope this goes well. goes well. goes well. >> But the mission is almost over before it >> But the mission is almost over before it >> But the mission is almost over before it begins.

begins. begins. >> Hey, how are you? >> Hey, how are you? >> Hey, how are you? You're not wired, are you? >> Wilder is immediately suspicious, but >> Wilder is immediately suspicious, but Emily is quick to set his mind at ease. Emily is quick to set his mind at ease. Emily is quick to set his mind at ease. >> Can I just say can I just tell you like >> Can I just say can I just tell you like >> Can I just say can I just tell you like the good news about things? That I the good news about things? That I the good news about things? That I started seeing a new doctor and I'm on started seeing a new doctor and I'm on started seeing a new doctor and I'm on the medication and I just feel the medication and I just feel the medication and I just feel I feel normal for once. I feel normal for once. I feel normal for once. >> Emily tells Wilder she just wanted to >> Emily tells Wilder she just wanted to >> Emily tells Wilder she just wanted to meet because her new therapist suggested meet because her new therapist suggested meet because her new therapist suggested it might be helpful, but that only seems it might be helpful, but that only seems it might be helpful, but that only seems to make him more nervous. to make him more nervous. to make him more nervous. >> Maybe this doctor said bust his >> Maybe this doctor said bust his >> Maybe this doctor said bust his You know what I mean? You know what I mean? You know what I mean? >> not that kind of person. >> not that kind of person. >> not that kind of person. >> After more coaxing from Emily, Wilder >> After more coaxing from Emily, Wilder >> After more coaxing from Emily, Wilder appears to relax. appears to relax. appears to relax. >> You know what? It's here it's a weird >> You know what? It's here it's a weird >> You know what? It's here it's a weird deal because if you go 90% of the world, deal because if you go 90% of the world, deal because if you go 90% of the world, 15's legal. So, if I go over and ba for 15's legal. So, if I go over and ba for 15's legal. So, if I go over and ba for 15-year-old in Spain, I can all day in 15-year-old in Spain, I can all day in 15-year-old in Spain, I can all day in the streets, whatever, and nothing would the streets, whatever, and nothing would the streets, whatever, and nothing would happen. You touch a 16-year-old and you happen. You touch a 16-year-old and you happen. You touch a 16-year-old and you go to jail here.

go to jail here. go to jail here. >> It wasn't an admission of anything, but >> It wasn't an admission of anything, but >> It wasn't an admission of anything, but Emily wasn't done. If what she claimed Emily wasn't done. If what she claimed Emily wasn't done. If what she claimed happened was true, she would need Wilder happened was true, she would need Wilder happened was true, she would need Wilder to discuss details. to discuss details. to discuss details. >> She was really good at like you can tell >> She was really good at like you can tell >> She was really good at like you can tell they kind of gave her hints about how to they kind of gave her hints about how to they kind of gave her hints about how to like guide like guide like guide to have him say certain things. to have him say certain things. to have him say certain things. You know, when I drove by the park and You know, when I drove by the park and You know, when I drove by the park and you know, like all the memories kind of you know, like all the memories kind of you know, like all the memories kind of like flood in. like flood in. like flood in. >> She's talking about the park where she >> She's talking about the park where she >> She's talking about the park where she asserts they [music] had their first asserts they [music] had their first asserts they [music] had their first encounter playing that very adult game encounter playing that very adult game encounter playing that very adult game of chicken. of chicken. of chicken. >> So, up in my I look back and like what >> So, up in my I look back and like what >> So, up in my I look back and like what was I thinking? was I thinking? was I thinking? >> But there were much more serious >> But there were much more serious >> But there were much more serious allegations than that. Emily claims not allegations than that. Emily claims not allegations than that. Emily claims not long after that game of chicken, Wilder long after that game of chicken, Wilder long after that game of chicken, Wilder drove her home and performed oral sex on drove her home and performed oral sex on drove her home and performed oral sex on the then confused and unwilling the then confused and unwilling the then confused and unwilling 15-year-old girl. 15-year-old girl. 15-year-old girl. >> And finally >> And finally >> And finally >> did. >> did. >> did. Not for very long and I could tell by Not for very long and I could tell by Not for very long and I could tell by your your your And I was like, "Okay. Um And I was like, "Okay. Um And I was like, "Okay. Um what did I say? Do you really want to do what did I say? Do you really want to do what did I say? Do you really want to do this?" I think you said yes. this?" I think you said yes. this?" I think you said yes. >> I I don't remember. All I remember is >> I I don't remember. All I remember is >> I I don't remember. All I remember is going out in the trampoline and going out in the trampoline and going out in the trampoline and >> "Let's go outside." And you're like, >> "Let's go outside." And you're like, >> "Let's go outside." And you're like, "Okay."

"Okay." "Okay." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And we went out there, and once we got >> And we went out there, and once we got >> And we went out there, and once we got to the trampoline, I felt like 2,000 to the trampoline, I felt like 2,000 to the trampoline, I felt like 2,000 times better. times better. times better. So, yeah, it would have been kick just So, yeah, it would have been kick just So, yeah, it would have been kick just to have had a non-sexual relationship at to have had a non-sexual relationship at to have had a non-sexual relationship at that time. that time. that time. >> But Emily claims the married father >> But Emily claims the married father >> But Emily claims the married father could have stopped things and didn't. could have stopped things and didn't. could have stopped things and didn't. That the relationship continued for That the relationship continued for That the relationship continued for years even after high school when they years even after high school when they years even after high school when they were both consenting adults. were both consenting adults. were both consenting adults. >> We really didn't do much until you got >> We really didn't do much until you got >> We really didn't do much until you got to college. We did. I mean, we did to college. We did. I mean, we did to college. We did. I mean, we did something that wasn't right according to something that wasn't right according to something that wasn't right according to our laws these days, right? our laws these days, right? our laws these days, right? But you know, I'm not a creeper. I But you know, I'm not a creeper. I But you know, I'm not a creeper. I didn't creep. I didn't try and I see if didn't creep. I didn't try and I see if didn't creep. I didn't try and I see if I can get in her. I can get in her. I can get in her. >> No, we had never >> No, we had never >> No, we had never >> In fact, Wilder seems to imply it was >> In fact, Wilder seems to imply it was >> In fact, Wilder seems to imply it was really Emily who kept things going. really Emily who kept things going. really Emily who kept things going. >> There're times I did not want to do >> There're times I did not want to do >> There're times I did not want to do anything cuz I just didn't think it was anything cuz I just didn't think it was anything cuz I just didn't think it was where we what we should do, but we do it where we what we should do, but we do it where we what we should do, but we do it anyway. anyway. anyway. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And part of it you're persuasive. >> And part of it you're persuasive. >> And part of it you're persuasive. And you know, I do I want to make you And you know, I do I want to make you And you know, I do I want to make you mad? You'd get mad at me, and so I'm mad? You'd get mad at me, and so I'm mad? You'd get mad at me, and so I'm like, "Okay, let's go." You know, and it like, "Okay, let's go." You know, and it like, "Okay, let's go." You know, and it wasn't like it hurt. You know, it was I wasn't like it hurt. You know, it was I wasn't like it hurt. You know, it was I did enjoy the end result.

did enjoy the end result. did enjoy the end result. >> Soon after that comment, Emily tells >> Soon after that comment, Emily tells >> Soon after that comment, Emily tells Wilder she has to pick up her kids and Wilder she has to pick up her kids and Wilder she has to pick up her kids and end the 87-minute recording, but not end the 87-minute recording, but not end the 87-minute recording, but not before Wilder seems to make it clear he before Wilder seems to make it clear he before Wilder seems to make it clear he wouldn't be opposed to reliving their wouldn't be opposed to reliving their wouldn't be opposed to reliving their past. past. past. >> Yeah, one of these days we will have to >> Yeah, one of these days we will have to >> Yeah, one of these days we will have to I'm going to get in shape, and we will I'm going to get in shape, and we will I'm going to get in shape, and we will have to just for fun. have to just for fun. have to just for fun. >> But that day will never come. Emily >> But that day will never come. Emily >> But that day will never come. Emily turns the recording over to authorities, turns the recording over to authorities, turns the recording over to authorities, and just weeks later, James Wilder is and just weeks later, James Wilder is and just weeks later, James Wilder is under arrest. under arrest. under arrest. >> After the the investigation went on, Mr. >> After the the investigation went on, Mr. >> After the the investigation went on, Mr. Wilder was taken into custody, and we Wilder was taken into custody, and we Wilder was taken into custody, and we filed six counts of statutory sodomy. filed six counts of statutory sodomy. filed six counts of statutory sodomy. Each count carries a maximum penalty of Each count carries a maximum penalty of Each count carries a maximum penalty of up to 7 years in the in the up to 7 years in the in the up to 7 years in the in the penitentiary. penitentiary. penitentiary. >> For 47-year-old James Wilder, a >> For 47-year-old James Wilder, a >> For 47-year-old James Wilder, a potential life sentence. For Emily potential life sentence. For Emily potential life sentence. For Emily Morris, an apparent turning point. Morris, an apparent turning point. Morris, an apparent turning point. >> She's in the best place I've ever seen >> She's in the best place I've ever seen >> She's in the best place I've ever seen her. I have so many wonderful pictures her. I have so many wonderful pictures her. I have so many wonderful pictures of our children of our children of our children and of us, and it couldn't have been and of us, and it couldn't have been and of us, and it couldn't have been better.

better. better. >> We even have things that she wrote to >> We even have things that she wrote to >> We even have things that she wrote to friends that say like I feel like I'm friends that say like I feel like I'm friends that say like I feel like I'm finally getting somewhere and I'm finally getting somewhere and I'm finally getting somewhere and I'm finally able to heal now that we're finally able to heal now that we're finally able to heal now that we're starting to go forward to this. starting to go forward to this. starting to go forward to this. >> But going forward was really not so fast >> But going forward was really not so fast >> But going forward was really not so fast with both sides arguing over the details with both sides arguing over the details with both sides arguing over the details of a potential plea deal for months. of a potential plea deal for months. of a potential plea deal for months. >> Our recommendation was that he be >> Our recommendation was that he be >> Our recommendation was that he be sentenced to the penitentiary for 7 sentenced to the penitentiary for 7 sentenced to the penitentiary for 7 years. That he'd have to go through the years. That he'd have to go through the years. That he'd have to go through the sex offender treatment program there. He sex offender treatment program there. He sex offender treatment program there. He would be a registered sex offender and would be a registered sex offender and would be a registered sex offender and have to register for life. have to register for life. have to register for life. >> Then, after nearly 2 years of legal >> Then, after nearly 2 years of legal >> Then, after nearly 2 years of legal wrangling, Emily tells loved ones she wrangling, Emily tells loved ones she wrangling, Emily tells loved ones she thinks they're finally close to thinks they're finally close to thinks they're finally close to resolution. resolution. resolution. >> She had said that she was either going >> She had said that she was either going >> She had said that she was either going to come to a conclusion or go to trial to come to a conclusion or go to trial to come to a conclusion or go to trial um um um November 15th. November 15th. November 15th. >> Instead, November [music] 4th, a >> Instead, November [music] 4th, a >> Instead, November [music] 4th, a Tuesday, after failing to reach his Tuesday, after failing to reach his Tuesday, after failing to reach his daughter on the phone, Emily's [music] daughter on the phone, Emily's [music] daughter on the phone, Emily's [music] dad goes to her apartment. No answer. dad goes to her apartment. No answer. dad goes to her apartment. No answer. >> And when you got [music] there, did you >> And when you got [music] there, did you >> And when you got [music] there, did you call out for her?

call out for her? call out for her? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Front door was locked. Front door was locked. Front door was locked. And so the And so the And so the there was a back door there was a back door there was a back door uh uh uh that was open and I went in. laying next to her bed. laying next to her bed. I said, "Emily." I said, "Emily." I said, "Emily." Oops. "What are you doing there? "What are you doing there? Let me help you Let me help you Let me help you And when I reached down, And when I reached down, And when I reached down, I knew I knew I knew she was gone. >> She was [music] 35 years old. >> She was [music] 35 years old. Friends and family say 35-year-old Emily Friends and family say 35-year-old Emily Friends and family say 35-year-old Emily Morris was finally happy after the man Morris was finally happy after the man Morris was finally happy after the man she claims took advantage of her when she claims took advantage of her when she claims took advantage of her when she was just 15 was arrested and charged she was just 15 was arrested and charged she was just 15 was arrested and charged with six counts of statutory sodomy. with six counts of statutory sodomy. with six counts of statutory sodomy. >> She was very relieved to see that >> She was very relieved to see that >> She was very relieved to see that justice was finally going to be served justice was finally going to be served justice was finally going to be served in this case.

in this case. in this case. And she was in a great place with her And she was in a great place with her And she was in a great place with her children, working out all the time, you children, working out all the time, you children, working out all the time, you know, emailing and daily texting. You know, emailing and daily texting. You know, emailing and daily texting. You know, this is how many days sober and I know, this is how many days sober and I know, this is how many days sober and I mean it was she was in a great spot. mean it was she was in a great spot. mean it was she was in a great spot. >> Then, just weeks before when the St. >> Then, just weeks before when the St. >> Then, just weeks before when the St. Louis mom tells loved ones the case is Louis mom tells loved ones the case is Louis mom tells loved ones the case is set to be resolved, Emily is found dead set to be resolved, Emily is found dead set to be resolved, Emily is found dead on her bedroom floor. on her bedroom floor. on her bedroom floor. >> My dad had found her first. She was >> My dad had found her first. She was >> My dad had found her first. She was laying on the ground laying on the ground laying on the ground um in a blanket with a her head in like um in a blanket with a her head in like um in a blanket with a her head in like a kitchen trash can and it was like a kitchen trash can and it was like a kitchen trash can and it was like wedged up to her elbows. wedged up to her elbows. wedged up to her elbows. >> Was there blood around or what was the >> Was there blood around or what was the >> Was there blood around or what was the scene like? scene like? scene like? >> No blood or anything like that. >> No blood or anything like that. >> No blood or anything like that. >> When police arrived, the family tells >> When police arrived, the family tells >> When police arrived, the family tells investigators about Emily's pending case investigators about Emily's pending case investigators about Emily's pending case against James Wilder, her former track against James Wilder, her former track against James Wilder, her former track coach, but they also mention Emily's coach, but they also mention Emily's coach, but they also mention Emily's ex-husband who quote pays a large amount ex-husband who quote pays a large amount ex-husband who quote pays a large amount of alimony and child care. And they tell of alimony and child care. And they tell of alimony and child care. And they tell [music] cops about an ex-boyfriend with [music] cops about an ex-boyfriend with [music] cops about an ex-boyfriend with whom Emily had just recently broken up.

whom Emily had just recently broken up. whom Emily had just recently broken up. >> So, ultimately, [music] >> So, ultimately, [music] >> So, ultimately, [music] was this a homicide investigation? was this a homicide investigation? was this a homicide investigation? >> I don't think they knew what they were >> I don't think they knew what they were >> I don't think they knew what they were looking into. looking into. looking into. >> In fact, though the initial police >> In fact, though the initial police >> In fact, though the initial police report does list Emily's death as report does list Emily's death as report does list Emily's death as suspicious, there were other clues suspicious, there were other clues suspicious, there were other clues pointing in other directions. Like the pointing in other directions. Like the pointing in other directions. Like the parents' report that Emily had a cold parents' report that Emily had a cold parents' report that Emily had a cold the week before that had turned into an the week before that had turned into an the week before that had turned into an upper respiratory infection. And then upper respiratory infection. And then upper respiratory infection. And then there was the family's own admission there was the family's own admission there was the family's own admission that Emily had a history of alcoholism that Emily had a history of alcoholism that Emily had a history of alcoholism coupled with the empty vodka bottle coupled with the empty vodka bottle coupled with the empty vodka bottle police found next to Emily's bed. police found next to Emily's bed. police found next to Emily's bed. >> I think that they assumed right away >> I think that they assumed right away >> I think that they assumed right away that this was that this was that this was uh she overdosed on alcohol and that was uh she overdosed on alcohol and that was uh she overdosed on alcohol and that was what we were told basically what we were told basically what we were told basically for the first couple months. for the first couple months. for the first couple months. >> The problem with that, she says, >> The problem with that, she says, >> The problem with that, she says, >> We got the autopsy report and the tox >> We got the autopsy report and the tox >> We got the autopsy report and the tox screen ended up being largely clear. screen ended up being largely clear. screen ended up being largely clear. >> Her blood alcohol level was just 0.048. >> Her blood alcohol level was just 0.048. >> Her blood alcohol level was just 0.048. Ultimately, medical examiners find the Ultimately, medical examiners find the Ultimately, medical examiners find the cause of death to be asphyxiation caused cause of death to be asphyxiation caused cause of death to be asphyxiation caused by the plastic trash bag in which her by the plastic trash bag in which her by the plastic trash bag in which her body was found.

body was found. body was found. >> On the death certificate, they the cause >> On the death certificate, they the cause >> On the death certificate, they the cause of death was suffocation and the manner of death was suffocation and the manner of death was suffocation and the manner of death was unknown. of death was unknown. of death was unknown. >> Meaning no one could say for sure just >> Meaning no one could say for sure just >> Meaning no one could say for sure just how Emily got into that trash can. We how Emily got into that trash can. We how Emily got into that trash can. We did reach out to the Baldwin Police did reach out to the Baldwin Police did reach out to the Baldwin Police Department for comment and though they Department for comment and though they Department for comment and though they declined to be interviewed, they did declined to be interviewed, they did declined to be interviewed, they did tell us in part, "During the tell us in part, "During the tell us in part, "During the investigation, detectives worked closely investigation, detectives worked closely investigation, detectives worked closely with the St. Louis County Medical with the St. Louis County Medical with the St. Louis County Medical Examiner's office and the case was Examiner's office and the case was Examiner's office and the case was closed after a thorough investigation closed after a thorough investigation closed after a thorough investigation and review of the medical examiner's and review of the medical examiner's and review of the medical examiner's report with signs pointing to the death report with signs pointing to the death report with signs pointing to the death being accidental in nature." being accidental in nature." being accidental in nature." >> Uh it does not appear there was any foul >> Uh it does not appear there was any foul >> Uh it does not appear there was any foul play. play. play. >> But then Emily's family also says that >> But then Emily's family also says that >> But then Emily's family also says that no matter how she died, what happened no matter how she died, what happened no matter how she died, what happened after was almost as shocking. after was almost as shocking. after was almost as shocking. Remember those charges Emily fought so Remember those charges Emily fought so Remember those charges Emily fought so hard to bring against her former track hard to bring against her former track hard to bring against her former track coach? coach? coach? >> At the funeral, we were let know that >> At the funeral, we were let know that >> At the funeral, we were let know that the charges against Wilder were dropped. the charges against Wilder were dropped. the charges against Wilder were dropped. >> You heard right. All six counts thrown >> You heard right. All six counts thrown >> You heard right. All six counts thrown out.

out. out. >> There's a law that you have to be able >> There's a law that you have to be able >> There's a law that you have to be able to face your accuser. Since she passed to face your accuser. Since she passed to face your accuser. Since she passed away Wilder there able to face her in away Wilder there able to face her in away Wilder there able to face her in court, and so he was released of all court, and so he was released of all court, and so he was released of all charges. charges. charges. >> Even though police had 87 minutes of >> Even though police had 87 minutes of >> Even though police had 87 minutes of Wilder's own words captured covertly by Wilder's own words captured covertly by Wilder's own words captured covertly by Emily before she died. Emily before she died. Emily before she died. >> We did something that wasn't right >> We did something that wasn't right >> We did something that wasn't right according to our laws these days, right? according to our laws these days, right? according to our laws these days, right? But, But, But, you know, I'm not a creeper. you know, I'm not a creeper. you know, I'm not a creeper. >> Now, the problem that we had is once >> Now, the problem that we had is once >> Now, the problem that we had is once Emily tragically passed away, although Emily tragically passed away, although Emily tragically passed away, although we have a statement from Wilder we have a statement from Wilder we have a statement from Wilder essentially acknowledging the essentially acknowledging the essentially acknowledging the relationship, in Missouri that's not relationship, in Missouri that's not relationship, in Missouri that's not enough to make the case. Um, we have to enough to make the case. Um, we have to enough to make the case. Um, we have to be able to prove that the crime be able to prove that the crime be able to prove that the crime occurred, and without her testimony that occurred, and without her testimony that occurred, and without her testimony that was just not possible. was just not possible. was just not possible. >> A hard fact to accept for Emily's >> A hard fact to accept for Emily's >> A hard fact to accept for Emily's grieving loved ones. grieving loved ones. grieving loved ones. >> And she's no longer alive, and so that's >> And she's no longer alive, and so that's >> And she's no longer alive, and so that's it. it. it. >> So, with Emily's death, so went the >> So, with Emily's death, so went the >> So, with Emily's death, so went the case? case? case? >> Exactly. He has zero charges against >> Exactly. He has zero charges against >> Exactly. He has zero charges against him. He is free to do whatever he wants.

him. He is free to do whatever he wants. him. He is free to do whatever he wants. >> But, we wanted to get Wilder's take on >> But, we wanted to get Wilder's take on >> But, we wanted to get Wilder's take on this story, so we went to his home to this story, so we went to his home to this story, so we went to his home to try to get some answers. try to get some answers. try to get some answers. Mr. Wilder? Mr. Wilder? Mr. Wilder? Hi, Mr. Wilder. Nerissa night with Crime Hi, Mr. Wilder. Nerissa night with Crime Hi, Mr. Wilder. Nerissa night with Crime Watch Daily. I have a question for you Watch Daily. I have a question for you Watch Daily. I have a question for you regarding Emily, sir. regarding Emily, sir. regarding Emily, sir. Sir. Sir. Sir. Mr. Wilder, do you have anything to say Mr. Wilder, do you have anything to say Mr. Wilder, do you have anything to say to Emily Morris's family regarding the to Emily Morris's family regarding the to Emily Morris's family regarding the allegations against you? allegations against you? allegations against you? >> No response, and we wouldn't be getting >> No response, and we wouldn't be getting >> No response, and we wouldn't be getting one anytime soon. one anytime soon. one anytime soon. >> As you can see, James Wilder ran into >> As you can see, James Wilder ran into >> As you can see, James Wilder ran into his home through his garage, and when we his home through his garage, and when we his home through his garage, and when we announced who we were, he had nothing to announced who we were, he had nothing to announced who we were, he had nothing to say about that or the allegations. say about that or the allegations. say about that or the allegations. >> Not long after that, Crime Watch Daily >> Not long after that, Crime Watch Daily >> Not long after that, Crime Watch Daily did finally receive a statement from did finally receive a statement from did finally receive a statement from Wilder's attorney, Scott Rosenblum, who Wilder's attorney, Scott Rosenblum, who Wilder's attorney, Scott Rosenblum, who maintains his client is innocent, and maintains his client is innocent, and maintains his client is innocent, and told us, quote, "We were absolutely told us, quote, "We were absolutely told us, quote, "We were absolutely ready to defend the case, and we felt ready to defend the case, and we felt ready to defend the case, and we felt good about the defense." good about the defense." good about the defense." It's a complicated story to be sure. It's a complicated story to be sure. It's a complicated story to be sure. With Emily's death and Wilder not With Emily's death and Wilder not With Emily's death and Wilder not talking. We may never know for sure what talking. We may never know for sure what talking. We may never know for sure what really happened between the two.

really happened between the two. really happened between the two. So for now Emily's family does their So for now Emily's family does their So for now Emily's family does their best to process a number of difficult best to process a number of difficult best to process a number of difficult emotions. The guilt [music] of not emotions. The guilt [music] of not emotions. The guilt [music] of not seeing the alleged pain she was in seeing the alleged pain she was in seeing the alleged pain she was in sooner and the sorrow of no longer sooner and the sorrow of no longer sooner and the sorrow of no longer having her around. having her around. having her around. >> You >> You >> You >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> just don't know. It leaves you so damn >> just don't know. It leaves you so damn >> just don't know. It leaves you so damn empty. empty. empty. >> What needs to happen now? What should >> What needs to happen now? What should >> What needs to happen now? What should happen? happen? happen? >> Oh, I don't know. >> Oh, I don't know. >> Oh, I don't know. >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> Investigate. >> Investigate. >> Investigate. >> know. It doesn't matter how I feel. >> know. It doesn't matter how I feel. >> know. It doesn't matter how I feel. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She'll never come back. She'll never come back. She'll never come back. >> What's the hardest [music] part been? >> What's the hardest [music] part been? >> What's the hardest [music] part been? >> You know, she was so close and I think >> You know, she was so close and I think >> You know, she was so close and I think this could have been so good for her this could have been so good for her this could have been so good for her to finally reach the end of this this to finally reach the end of this this to finally reach the end of this this torture that she felt about something torture that she felt about something torture that she felt about something that happened so long ago. How do you that happened so long ago. How do you that happened so long ago. How do you handle not only the loss of your sister, handle not only the loss of your sister, handle not only the loss of your sister, but knowing that the thing that she was but knowing that the thing that she was but knowing that the thing that she was trying for the hardest went away because trying for the hardest went away because trying for the hardest went away because of her death.