The Betrayal of Linda Slaten | Full Episode

[@48hours]

Click here to watch more full episodes of "48 Hours": kzbin.info/aero/PLcFHkKbd_jTJiRmfUfLX2Ay_hnf5j3cxH

[@cindyhesson9213]

Blessings to that great investigator who took that palm print 💐

[@AlanaHarris-t3w]

Yes definitely

[@cateellington4081]

The final, and REAL question, 48 Hours, should’ve been: “What do YOU think of the answer the Detectives made about NOT thinking they LET Joseph Mills slip away”? The answer by the male & female detectives at the end (NOT Brad or the Hero Fingerprint detective) but the last two was outrageous and the only answer for their allowing Mills to get away with this heinous crime was ingrained bias.

[@Mila-lu4mb]

I wonder how many other women he did this to?

[@julianathomas5423]

​@@cindyhesson9213 ññ😊d😂😮❤

[@drawingwithNyx]

Edgar Pickett, the amazing Fingerprint/Forensic expert died this month at the age of 95. What a guy. He did a great service all those years as a member of the investigation team in Lakeland. RIP sir Edgar

[@moniqueloomis9772]

That's so sad that he died, but what a great legacy.

[@summersojourner]

Thank you for the update. He was an honorable man.

[@justacutepieceofshit]

What a good man. I can’t imagine getting treated like he was and still going on and doing such a good job. RIP❤

[@gardensofthegods]

He looked like he was also a really wonderful person , too .

[@anniemanchett9351]

Rest in peace Edgar, what a guy.

[@kgnsc]

Despite being grown adults with kids of their own, the brothers still look like two very heartbroken kids. It shows how profoundly they were affected by the incident.

[@Choxia]

Was just going to comment that. Losing a mother (especially like this) is jarring.

[@marciajones2993]

Glad the brothers remained close and got some kind of justice. R.I.P to their dear Mum. 💙❤️✨✨🕊

[@marciajones2993]

@@artgarfunkle8779 The fact that he knew they the children made it even worse. I don’t think there’s a word to describe him. 😰😰

[@madhurasrinivas]

That's so true. I guess a part of them remained frozen in their respective ages at the time of the loss. However they have managed to grow up and build their own lives. It's commendable. ❤

[@quickchris10]

Well she looks like she was such a cutie and a sweetheart. Any mother would be tough to lose, but they knew what an angel she was. Why was their dad absent/blaming him for leaving wife and kids unprotected. That house looks vulnerable, too; obviously it was accessible by bedroom window; probably permeable in other ways as well.

[@mrs.liberty7109]

I'm so happy that Sgt. Pickett lived long enough to see how important his work was to this case.

[@The_Witty_Stenographer-mf8hs]

Yezzzzz...that he basically solved the case. Bless his soul. 🙏💜

[@MasterhpIke]

No he didn't, the woman did the research on his family tree. @@The_Witty_Stenographer-mf8hs

[@Ze_Moose]

I hope I reach 95 in old age 🙏🤲

[@JoleneSmart-uy1zm]

My grandad is 91 and still walks five miles a day goes for pub lunches drives etc - he looks after me when I’m poorly with shopping and helped with a deposit on my house after an ex left me in debt and homeless, he’s been there my whole life I’m 44 in a few weeks I dread a day when he’s not around

[@sunnyiesideup7115]

Insane that they relentlessly questioned and targeted her 15 year old son, but didn’t even take that man’s print

[@shortyp1000]

Infuriating!

[@dianet888]

Yeah. They should have put up the fotos of those "wonderful" officers who were that much professional. No matter if dead or alive.

[@hollymcdowell2865]

RIGHT

[@averyj5446]

Racism does that to you, pick on the weak and ignore the strong. They deemed the coach as a respectable member of the community, whilst the child and the black man were considered lesser and untrustworthy

[@BeaTrice10]

Right? They were too busy going after the innocent black men. Disgusting.

[@janicescott6569]

RIP Mr. Pickett. One fine, honorable man that endured gross prejudice but kept his integrity.

[@pixi2209]

Exactly. For him a victims right was more important than r@sists komments from p0lisman.

[@salvatorerizzo8640]

A real American

[@Fangfeaster12]

This had me in tears! Grown men looking like little hurt boys missing their momma… just heartbreaking. You can tell she was a great mom to them & she is so proud of them.

[@Simplelivingslowliving]

As a mom it completely broke my heart. The wounds are deep for these men.

[@Swnsasy]

Absolutely.. It hurt and, as a black woman seeing how his own colleagues treated him as the EXPERT hurts my soul for him and even more for the boys.. This case could have been solved if not for the hate of skin color of Sgt. Pickett.. I remember this case being talked about so much living 20mins away... Just so tired of hearing what one human being can do to another with no remorse..

[@Memg007]

@@SwnsasyHe didn't have a victim mentality like you're displaying here though. He persisted and lived a wonderful life with tremendous contributions to the betterment of this world. God also made him see the fruits of his work, and the case was solved before he died. Stop the victimhood mentality and see the bright side. Yes I'm a black woman myself.

[@ldub288]

@@Memg007 do you know what internalized racism is ? ouch

[@victrola2007]

Because tragically they are. Countless studies proved over and over that childhood trauma is frozen in time while other things change. Total arrested development. This was one of the most heartbreaking things I learned as I went through one paper after another beyond actual crimes. 🖤😔🤦‍♀️

[@uhsaywhatnow]

Between how they treated the fingerprint expert and how they treated the victim’s kids, Lakeland Police have a LOT to be embarrassed about.

[@Jax-jx5uu]

yes. and they treated him terribly while he was doing groundbreaking work.

[@aliway4136]

The current Lakeland police have nothing to do with it

[@SunnyDiegoProduction]

@@aliway4136when question about it by the reporter, they STILL thought they did good back then… so, yes, it seems like things never change in that hillbilly town!

[@wadilotus]

@@SunnyDiegoProduction exactly!!!

[@Bowserthetorttort]

That is why they only have a 2.8 rating on Google.

[@lindal3841]

It's so heartwarming to see that these brothers remained so close and had relatively good lives, despite their horrible ordeal

[@meghanmisaliar]

I agree. They seem like good guys.

[@ceilconstante640]

They're bonded in a way sadly only they can understand.

[@LahainaStrong444]

It makes me cry.

[@mariatsandman]

​@@meghanmisaliar p😊😊😊😊a😊😊😊a8

[@thegrandcanyonisegypt2489]

something told me that coach did it the minute i saw him, he looks like the type that wont take NO 4 an answer

[@dans3182]

The courage of these two young boys who grew into respectable men without falling into the hole of dispair, crime and substance abuse is a testament to their perseverance and love for each other. Also, much praise to the grandparents and aunt who took on the role of parents.

[@okemabell5348]

I was thinking the same thing. My sister and I endured a horrendous tragedy in our past. She happened to get on drugs but I chose to never drink or smoke because I know what I would have done to me.

[@joycecourts7403]

They seem like such nice men. Their mom would be proud.

[@ggall001]

@dans3182 Your comments are right on!

[@ggall001]

​@@joycecourts7403 absolutely she would be so proud of them and how they endured. I'm sure she was a great mother and her memory inspired them along the way.

[@jazamaraz8029]

Great point. That thought never occurred to me. But after you mentioned it, it's so obviously true.

[@chrissyknowsitall5170]

This lady that solves these cold cases is truly amazing. I just love her. She is putting people in prison for their crimes and helping families come to some sort of peace. I hope she knows how she really helps families.

[@iamV10010]

She absolutely is doing important work and I'm sure she's aware the impact she has on people's lives. It's incredible.

[@lunatic5162]

Queen indeed.

[@jimwerther]

CeCe Moore

[@Zorazora1234]

It could have been solved 4 decades ago , they had his finger and palm prints

[@jimwerther]

@@Zorazora1234 No it couldn't, because familial DNA became a thing only in 2018, and they had no basis to suspect the coach.

[@Janettoi]

I can't begin to imagine what other biases Mr. Pickett faced during his career. Shoutout to him and Cece Moore for solving this for the brothers. Rest in peace to Ms. Linda 🕊

[@ballistic350]

U could see the anger in him.. 80s they were still on that bs color shiet...

[@dragonfly961]

I would bet money he was accused of “protecting” Black men because he couldn’t “find” the prints

[@thunderstorm4074]

​@@dragonfly961 That's correct

[@circussounds855]

Lakeland Florida? Racist in 1981? Nooooooo……. 🙄 Makes me mad how a brilliant & dignified man would be spoken to that way! Here’s hoping things have changed over there but……..

[@Natalie-Smith-1111]

@@circussounds855 one day, hopefully sooner rather than later humans will be seen for the good they are capable of doing and not judged for any other reasons.

[@momzforjesus]

The grandpa staying up while his grandchildren slept with a gun to watch them made me cry ! Ugh

[@ladyrazorsharp]

Me too; reminded me of my grandpa, he would've done that. Their granddad was good people, as they say.

[@rebekahwolkiewicz449]

@@ladyrazorsharpTotally. I mean their grandparents saved the 15 year old from the interrogation room.

[@naomideleon8363]

Omg me too ✋️ 😭 my grandpa was the exact 💯 same way. He did everything for us grandchildren! He protected us same way ...would've given his life for ours ! The love of grandparents is something I can't explain only to say ...thank you God for giving me my 4 magnificent loving grandparents ❤️ such blessings 🙌 🙏 😢

[@alfredbonnabel7022]

I felt a pang in my heart.

[@kimberlyhood4095]

Right off the bat they knew it was sexually motivated, why on earth would they subject that boy to that? Absolutely disgusting!

[@boochi7087]

As shocking as it is, it's not impossible. All possibilities had to be considered. This same bias you express is the same ones that allows people get away with murdering their family members and friends.

[@bbjsrevenge1430]

Interesting point.

[@luvvpriyaa]

no seriously let alone his own mother?? that’s horrific.

[@alookabab4810]

It does happen, you know...

[@rebekahwolkiewicz449]

@@alookabab4810Yeah but it’s SO rare. 15 year olds aren’t cunning enough to do that with a hanger wire, and leave a window open with a missing screen door and a palm print that didn’t match. Surely, he would have tried to run away, or he wouldn’t have been in his room. Teens can rarely lie, yet he passed two police polygraphs

[@avondalemama470]

The elderly man who did the fingerprints, what a real Gentleman . It is infuriating how he was treated by his colleagues, shameful. He could have solved this case the next day if those men had acted decently toward the fingerprint expert.

[@KohalaLover]

The gentleman’s name was Sargent Edgar Pickett. He died this year, on April 6. Ninety five years young. Wasn’t he a phenom? 💕

[@JENBARAK]

@@KohalaLover I’m so glad he had some closure with the sons! I’m sure it meant a lot to him. ❤❤

[@monaholt4066]

​@@KohalaLoverwhat an amazing man. RIP 🙏 ❤🙏

[@KohalaLover]

@Mona Nolen. Yes, a true gentleman.

[@jannatufirdous9479]

This is what happens in the workplace ego and racism is placed over truth.

[@Jax-jx5uu]

this man is shameless and downright sociopathic. he really looked those boys in their eyes like nothing while having destroyed their lives. absolute monster.

[@pixi2209]

That monster looked att that boys and remebered crime he did to theirs mom. 👹 What a creature!

[@teresawelter7530]

Everytime I saw her sons in this episode, I kept thinking "She's watching over her boys and she's gotta be so proud of them!" I don't know why. And then her son ends with "I just wanna make her proud." You did buddy, and still do! ❤

[@lokshok]

😢

[@mom2babygkaterad946]

Absolutely!❤️‍🩹

[@Kristenm28]

She's sleeping.

[@bUrRiEdaLiVe6]

I don't know if it's just me wanting to find coincidences, but the grandson that has the detective's name looks a lot like her.

[@betsylaughlin8652]

🙏💕🙏You have a beautiful heart, and yes I agree their mom is proud of them

[@LaeDanielle]

The cops not being able to admit he slipped thru the cracks makes me feel like they still haven’t learned.

[@pixi2209]

No, they didn't learn anything. They a beyond learning and honesty in admitting mistakes.

[@lanyg.6492]

Boiled my blood

[@lanyg.6492]

Like how do you deny a fact

[@healthycathy9782]

Exactly… that tells me it will happen often again.

[@kristidavidson8945]

Interviewer: you sure?… you sure, really? Cop: Nope!🤓 🙈🙈🙈

[@cosmicjoy6874]

Racism is gross. That poor old man dedicated himself to solving crimes and helping others and people still had something ignorant to say.

[@jayesh1212-i3d]

I think the sergeant and geneologist deserve all the credit, had the dept. allowed Pickett to conduct his investigation properly he would've caught the killer much quickly.

[@ImoniFatty]

But the bigotry at the time won’t let him

[@sheribrougham4863]

Totally agree. All he needed was that one print which they should have collected.

[@julieuk5855]

Agreed

[@Stephaniemickle]

But there was a black man to blame so they threw him under the bus. And we wonder why so many people are falsely accused of crimes they didn’t commit.

[@Lisa-hc3uq]

I'm so glad that Mr Pickett lived long enough to see justice for the victim. His role in solving this case was huge. If he didnt help by lifting the palm print from the window, who knows how this case would've turned out. Im glad the two sons stopped by his home to visit him and to share thier feelings with him and his feekings to the brothers. Job well done Mr. Pickett. Thank you for this and other cases you had helped solve. You had quite a notable career. RIP

[@MegaSmk]

It hurt my heart that some racist little sh** of a cop found it more important that a black man not see a naked white victim than letting an expert process the crime scene. *smh* rip mr. pickett, you were a good man!

[@joanne_swck]

As soon as the sons started telling their story I started crying. She was probably so afraid the intruder might harm her boys too, I can't even imagine... I bet she is so proud of what they became, kind and loving men with families and a brother bond that is stronger than ever.

[@rhiannon0717]

I have such a soft spot for our older people, especially those who have provided specific services to society. I’m thankful for Mr Pickett and think it’s shameful he had to deal with such racism.

[@bbe3034]

Yes, definitely! Mr. Pickett seems like a wonderful man!

[@broncotia3125]

💯❤

[@victoriavancartier7379]

Makes me so angry....

[@averyj5446]

Mr Pickett did his job whilst the racist were too busy chasing innocent people and ignoring murderers.

[@adstein631]

Mr. Pickett who sadly passed away recently, but he’s the true hero of this story along with the CeCe Moore, the dna expert. And these boys. For remaining so close and vigilant about finding their Moms killer. They are so understanding of how long it took to catch this killer.

[@sophiar6996]

It is unforgivable that they allowed that little boy to see his mother with the coat hanger wrapped around her neck like that. This poor man can NEVER get that image out of his mind. 😢

[@meghanmisaliar]

You don't have to forgive them. It doesn't matter.

[@nicolee2649]

They definitely and inexcusably drop the ball on that one. Seeing that horrid and gruesome image was 100 percent preventable!

[@GingerNinja1]

​@@nicolee2649 Guess you could've done better eh? 🙄 God forbid a decent detective spend 17 yrs & make a mistake.

[@sophiar6996]

@@GingerNinja1 that’s a pretty bad mistake to make. Did I say the detective was bad and gave up? 🙄😆

[@Mrsbehavin59]

The police still to these days always - scrutinized ….could have done this should have done that ….not allowed to make mistakes….maybe he was in chock …..he probably didn’t know the child was right there….

[@blueplum143]

I wish these detectives admitted what we all can see; RACISM held this case back from being solved earlier! SHAME on them

[@exdamariis]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@monroeglam]

I really thought they would but there was an indication that they were on the defense & wouldn't admit to anything or take accountability was earlier in the video when they were asked 'how was Joseph mills not followed up on more aggressively'. The woman detective quickly jumped to minimize any inclination that he was a suspect by stating the exact reasons he should have been a suspect 😒 And no s!ht he wasn't on "their radar"...they already had an idea of what their perfect suspect looked like. Those detectives egos are way too big to be people of power in those positions they are so blessed to have.

[@daCubanaqt]

@@monroeglam Agreed. Her comment about Coach Joe not slipping through the cracks made me mad. Of course he did. He got away for 40 years when the evidence to include him as a suspect was there all along.

[@jaylaalexis7341]

⁠they are in denial and it’s so sad

[@TheSKT946]

Totally agree. Interviewed the killer by phone and never followed up on him, no excuse, ridiculous! For Edgar who handled fingerprints, you are honored, R.I.P.

[@nyssalambert6972]

As a mom the saddest part is she probably fought silently just to make sure her sons didn't walk in and get hurt as well. 😢 my heart to these kids!

[@TeddyLovesAxl]

Ur more than likely right. 😢

[@nyssalambert6972]

@TeddyLovesAxl🌹 One reason I own dogs is so I'm never caught unprepared for an intruder. But that off chance I am, I know I personally would do everything in my power to make that intruder think I was completely alone. As parents, we will die to do all we can to protect our kids.

[@rachelgooden9981]

Exactly

[@heart_towards_home]

I agree! 😢

[@marybredengerd3404]

In these situations that's usually the case.

[@myaominky]

The fact that her son saw the crime scene and saw his mom like that… I cannot imagine how traumatic that must be. My heart goes out to him.

[@vjhreeves]

HOW COULD NO ONE EVER HAVE SUSPECTED THAT COACH?!?!? JUST his proximity should have put him at the top of the list! By EVERYONE.

[@amanie972]

Ya!!! Which black person was near the house that the racist white detectives kept coming up with black fingerprints???

[@roach7429]

IM SAYING

[@alookabab4810]

Right?

[@iandobbs7823]

You are so correct, as soon as they mentioned him i suspected him.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

Just because he dropped their kid off from football practice and never came in the house? How the hell would that put him at the top of anybody's list? I wonder how many other women he got away with killing over the years.

[@pinklover1160]

Oh my goodness. Just admit that the Police made a grave error in letting the killer get away for almost 4 decades. The killer was the last man who admitted was at the house - whether hes said outside or inside of the house.

[@abunourcalifornia6648]

Indeed!!

[@annburlingham4563]

It's more comfortable to live with bias, unfortunately.

[@Jay_CZ4A]

Racist biased was their problem.

[@adricas1704]

They had the palm print all those years, and not even out of curiosity decided to take a print from the coach 😒

[@ladyhotep5189]

Ummm they were too concerned with a Black man seeing a naked white woman 🙄

[@sheilad6237]

The fact that he said nothing means he didn’t know which one he got caught for, there’s probably more victims!

[@ardensinn8518]

Great point

[@n.g.l.]

Just wow

[@kenya1067]

Seriously! And this could have all been avoided if they didn't act to ignorantly while investigating the case. Smh. Just sad.

[@whatafarce4805]

I couldn't agree with you more! I'll bet he had other victims as well.

[@monicacurtis2586]

I thought so, too. Especially after they said he was a truck driver.

[@surlygirly1926]

They relentlessly targeted the son - and totally turned a blind eye to a 20 yr old young man who had ties to the family and drove there every afternoon. Interviewed only _by phone ... one time!_ Gross negligence, in every meaning of the term.

[@kathyh7215]

Coach Joe should've been on the radar immediately. Anyone who was familiar with the family, giving the son rides to and from football practice. They really dropped the ball.

[@chloedoritoloco8537]

Fixated on the son not the adult who was with her hours before her death 🙄 poor detective work

[@lynnhathorn]

And the fact that they can't admit they dropped the ball, infuriating!!! 😬

[@heart_towards_home]

Absolutely! It shouldn't have taken 40 years.

[@marac9087]

Yes, what if he killed another person during this 40 years and we'll never know? Plus, He was ON the house that night, how he wasn't a suspect??? Incredible.

[@Vanessa-bc7fs]

As soon as they said Coach Joe drove them cause she didnt have a car, I knew it was him. I haven't even watched it yet-I had to come to the comments to see if I was right.

[@daniindie9447]

YES, he did slip through the net! Those two investigators should learn from mistakes instead of covering them up and should apologise to those boys and the police officer who took those crucial prints.

[@scottgilliam8185]

Exactly!!! I'm still trying wrap my head around that every male that was on her life should have been suspect the son was even questioned but not the Coach?? Unbelievable

[@ZombieSazza]

I’m so annoyed they said “no”, because he DID slip through the net, and they’re not gunna learn from their mistakes if they’re so willing to let people slip through the net like that!!!

[@sr2291]

There was no DNA back then.

[@kmik4466]

Don’t blame them. They were not on the original case.

[@factcheck5224]

@@sr2291 They had fingerprints and the palm print from the crime scene, and they fingerprinted a lot of random Black men. They didn’t even bother to talk to Coach Joe in person because he was White! And they just believed him when he said he never got out of his truck. They could have arrested and convicted him based on the fingerprint evidence.

[@lanabills4498]

Those brothers went through so much, and for so long! Heartbreaking...I think they are a beautiful testament to their mum. Huge respect.

[@laurasmith7976]

Thank God for Sergeant Pickett and the fingerprint lady who solved the case.

[@NY_Patriot_Lady]

Yes!!! My thoughts exactly!!! Cannot believe he was not credited directly...show says the cops that came b4...hugh? Racists...

[@jimwerther]

@@NY_Patriot_Lady BS. One cop allegedly said something terrible to him one day 42 years ago. One person, 42 years ago. Move on.

[@moniqueloomis9772]

​@@jimwerther You should take your own advice.

[@shortyp1000]

@Monique Loomis Another story where racist law enforcement fall down on the jobs and target the wrong people (her son and Black men) while that creep lived out his life freely.

[@bridgetsmith6733]

@@jimwerther and then had him only work on checking the fingerprints of black men they rounded up. Sooo...you are wrong.

[@MoroMoro1]

I can only imagine how Edgar Pickett felt doing his best collecting fingerprint evidence while other people were being racist towards him. Glad he was able to collect evidence that helped solve this case. Great episode

[@openthedoor8092]

This whole story was sad. First they tried to blame her kid then they picked up people that had no relationship because they were black

[@branfordmonticello853]

Imagine how it was before black men like Sgt Pickett could even be cops. They routinely rounded up black men and had lynchings or throw one/many in jail like the Central Park 5. Blame anyone but a white guy.

[@flenzy]

He stayed a professional through and through this (very) disturbing part of the investigation.

[@animami-8]

The detectives saying Joe didn’t slip through the cracks back in 81 is sickening. Any male near the apartment should’ve been finger printed. Period.

[@mjblue84]

Exactly!!! They KNOW they failed big time but are too proud to humble themselves to admit their failure.

[@paulrobertson9617]

As a mother I know why her boys couldn't hear the evil going on in that room she was protectecting them. If they woke up she knew they would come to save her so she stayed quiet to protect her boys. There is nothing greater than a mothers love.😢

[@Elhastezy888]

💔

[@magno8390]

Yes, no mothers would want their kids face with the same fate too. 😢

[@Dhi-fe5eu]

I bothers me when killers first say. I never met or seen her before. Then the police tell them, we have DNA. Then the killer turns around and says, oh yea, we had consensual sex.

[@arock7462]

And she had a kink for strangulation. Despicable men .

[@keepitforreally4501]

Brought me to tears when they go. Tell that 94 year old detective thank you.❤

[@9sheri9]

The part about the grandfather, armed & keeping watch at night while the boys slept in the room with their grandmother, totally wrecked me. 😭 The whole story wrecked me, actually, but this piece, in particular, really moved me. So thankful for Sgt Pickett's print captures & work on the case; the racism & hatred he received during his years spent with Lakeland PD are horrific & unforgivable. Incredible that he was finally able to see the fruits of his labor pay off so many years later. Genetic Genealogist, CeCe Moore, is a rock star. You know there will be a a successful resolution when she appears.

[@katrose2350]

All of this ^

[@9sheri9]

@@katrose2350 💕

[@anneperry9014]

I know, made me cry. Ain't it just bloody heart Breaking and wrong!!!😪😪😫

[@karenlennon7800]

She's definitely one of the best!

[@isabellenicaud3725]

You read in my thoughts ! Those people were all amazing, smart, sensitive and they truly wanted to solve the case Mr Pickett would have asked for the finger prints of the coach (he was so meticulous,I love thise kind of people)) if only he would have had the luck to read the interviews... The killer would have never married and so on. Can you imagine the feelings of his family when they have known the dirty truth ? I hope they managed to deal with this nightmare

[@tikitammy573]

"You don't think he slipped through your net." YES HE DID. EVERYONE should have been fingerprinted. Such a sad story and betrayal.

[@gahimbare27]

"we didn't think he had ever been into the house" . Neither did the numerous black guys they rounded up to be fingerprinted. What kind of denial is that? Only by acknowledging reality can we ever have a chance of correcting any system failure

[@cateellington4081]

Exactly. 48 Hours asking the question about “what do you think about Joseph Mills’ story about what happened that night”? Is insulting. The only question 48 Hours SHOULD have asked is what the public thought of the last 2 detectives’ ridiculous Answer.

[@highpowerincontrol9731]

✔️✔️

[@krisquigley4497]

@@cateellington4081 Yes!

[@ronreith5185]

As sad as it is ... 1981 was a much different time than today ... coach Joe would not of slipped thru the cracks TODAY... but back then police work was not as sophisticated... Tammy, you might not have even been born

[@jmo2104]

As a survivor of a murdered brother my heart goes out to these men. It changes your life in a heartbeat. I am glad you finally found out and that there is any small amount of justice. My brother's murderers walks free.

[@vivianespinoza1549]

i’m so sorry for ur loss❤

[@pixi2209]

😢😢😢😖😖😖 I hope att they will pay for that, anyway.

[@hezzi3283]

When a picture containing your mother's killer was your source of strength for years . . . That's messed up

[@factcheck5224]

Except he didn’t know it was his mother’s killer.

[@scotshaver]

@@factcheck5224 I believe the poster’s intent was to point out the irony of that situation.

[@hezzi3283]

@@factcheck5224 I know I mean when he found out

[@hezzi3283]

@@mthomson213 ikr

[@pixiehollow5236]

I agree with you on that.

[@rosemaryvilla7198]

I can’t believe she was his only victim. His life with his wife,kids and grandchildren a lucrative business makes you wonder that you never really know who you are marrying.

[@collywobbles1163]

Indeed 😮

[@Beautyaddixion]

Stay single y'all!

[@lanyg.6492]

💯

[@softlifejasmine]

Probably had more victims while he was a truck driver

[@nolabae]

​@@Beautyaddixionyou must not be on the earth or you would be very away how often singles are ended also. Your relationship status does not exempt you from anything.

[@thecrafteaneighbor5177]

One of the best stories I've seen on 48 Hours. It was a tragedy what happened to these men's lives. To go 38 years without answers and they had known the killer the entire time. Trusted him; looked up to him. How could that man even look at those boys and continue being their coach. And then, when caught, not even apologize?! A family man with his own kids and grandkids! They also have been tragically impacted. Just pure evil. And the man who took the prints. Though there was discrimination in those days, he still did his job well and continued to do so. Which is how one rids society of those racial prejudices. You show you are better than those who discriminate. It makes him a hero in the end.

[@Nclk619]

The scariest thing is not the fact that the cops messed up, but the fact that they still believe the guy was above suspicions and they did their job well. Unbelievable

[@claraclaraj]

Unbelievable.

[@bruh_hahaha]

Yeah they can’t even man up to messing up. Yikes. smh 🤦‍♂️

[@Americanainroma]

Exactly what I was about to comment!!!

[@pixi2209]

Exactly! They neglected evidences in that case, that's why it took 40 years. 🤬 But they feels OK and innocent. As allways. 🤯

[@forpeace1580]

It's the code.

[@JustMomHere]

Your Mom stayed quiet that night to save your lives. You can repay her, NOT by dying to save her but by LIVING. YOU are her salvation.❤❤❤

[@heart_towards_home]

Well said! I agree completely. 😢

[@Monica_Leigh]

It's really enraging that the murderer got to live as a free man for so long. Also, imagine finding out you've been married to someone who had done this. You never know what someone could be hiding.

[@jazamaraz8029]

Holy cow. I didn't think of that. The murderer's own family are victim's too. To find out that their father was a rapist and a murderer. That you grew up with him and interacted with him for 40 years while he hid his secret. That's got to make you question everything you ever thought was good in your life. Is it really good, or is it masking a horrible evil within. The repercussions of this crime affected a lot of innocent people. Ugh.

[@lyncressler2608]

He's a piece of garbage and isn't worth talking about. My heart goes out to those 2 boys who lost their mother... at an age when they needed her the most. So heart breaking.

[@JamesHaalandMichael]

I feel pity for them poor kid's 😓

[@EVERYSTARBELONGSTOSOMEONE]

These type of cases always makes me appreciate my mother more and more.

[@dragonclaws9367]

I feel so sad for her son. Sons. I hope someone has apologized profusely to Mr. Pickett.

[@factcheck5224]

@Jade Ravenwolf Who was right about what?!? Detective Pickett was the Black police officer who did the fingerprinting at the crime scene and found the palm print. Some of the other police officers were more concerned about a Black Law Enforcement officer seeing a half-naked white lady than actually doing their job.

[@amoreamorovic4626]

@Jade Ravenwolf They were right? Really?

[@mom2babygkaterad946]

@@amoreamorovic4626 Please ignore ignorance. It’s the very SAME ignorance which allowed the ACTUAL murderer to roam around freely all of those years. Thankfully Mr. Pickett’s wherewithal to obtain that crucial palm print broke the case wide open. Thank you sir! Rest in peace mom.😔🥀🕊️

[@brandyb2931]

He has a lab named after him. I think he has been admired by the department.

[@PlatinumIrishrose]

I love how Mr. Picket dusted THE FLOOR!! WHAT A BRILLIANT MIND! CRACKED THE CASE! Wish they had actually let him lead the case instead of being 🤡🤡🤡

[@jamesr1703]

The fact that I cannot not even comprehend how this coach could rape and strangle the kid's mother that he coached, must make me a sane human being. That is beyond sick and the kid is right in front of him in the football photo!!!

[@amyshute8937]

Imagine how many more victims he must have had after getting away with it for 40 years.

[@Jkaye13]

It does make one wonder..

[@cdogdragon18]

Imagine how many cold cases they are because of racism

[@lcct635]

Yeah, that Cross my mind too.

[@azeldajoubert2528]

Did anyone check other cold cases in terms of this offender?

[@whatafarce4805]

@@azeldajoubert2528 - If they didn't, they should. I bet there are more!

[@danielbrown1724]

I knew as soon as they mentioned the coach drove the son home that he was the one. I can’t stand these type of men who pursue women and act out of violence when they get rejected. We’ve all been rejected before, move tf on, Jesus 😡😡😡 So sick of hearing about women getting brutalized then strangled. That is beyond cruel.

[@wompwompu]

It’s so frustrating how dumb the police can be at times. The killer is almost always someone who KNOWS the victim. Who’s the one who’s always bringing her kids around?? Who’s not a blood relative always close to their home? HIM!! Smh 🤦‍♀️

[@ldub288]

It's Florida, what do you expect ?🤷‍♂

[@mariamamali7218]

They aren't dumb....The majority of people in Florida are racists! Which is worst than being dumb. They didn't checked the white, straight man...because he was white and straight and with good job. But they had in theirlists the black folks ? I can't believe this obsession and hate towards the different people

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

That woman has solved more cases than any cop on the planet.

[@haydn-db8z]

And this folks, is what "hyperbole" looks like.

[@waynepolo6193]

​@@haydn-db8zis it? What makes it so implausible?

[@southerngirlyyy]

nope@@haydn-db8z

[@southerngirlyyy]

y'all just can't stand it when there's intelligent powerful women@@haydn-db8z

[@claremizusawa]

@@haydn-db8zI mean it’s over 300 at this point so it’s technically possible. That being said, she couldn’t do it without crime scene techs collecting and storing stuff properly

[@jordantrenchard2739]

Sometimes people just do evil things because they can. There is no justifiable reason for what happened to this woman. I’m glad the Slaten brothers have each other and hope they can start healing 🙏

[@kathiward7]

Jeff & Tim. I am impressed that you don't harbor ill will toward the police department. Very kind & understanding.

[@neeladuggal8581]

The detective (Mr. Pickett) makes a good point about unconscious bias overlooking the ultimate killer. All these black men were palm printed, but the good ol' white volunteer coach (who was a reasonable suspect by proximity) wasn't even interviewed in person or finger/palm printed.

[@ItsPouring]

Good point, but they were pretty *conscious* and *deliberate* with their bias.

[@kentuky1233]

Why do people make everything about skin color in the US?

[@ItsPouring]

@@kentuky1233 You really don't know? So, where you're from the "superior" group is based on which ethnic group one is from rather than race?

[@kentuky1233]

@@ItsPouring we don't judge people based on their skin color as most countries do. Get over it already. It's boring.

[@dss-ri5zy]

Ii I’ll update if it’s still you tui IT HAS A BETTER DAY iiii😅

[@Laniece4u2]

The fact that those two had the nerve to say they had no reason to look at the coach cause he didn’t get out of the car…anybody in close contact with that house should be looked at.. the black men who were looked at had no connection to the family, house, street.. Thank you Mr Pickett the lady who helped to solve this terrible crime

[@krissifaith6709]

They lived in the apt complex.

[@Laniece4u2]

@@krissifaith6709 duh

[@Liquid_Mike]

I lost my dad when I was 19, and that crushed me. But I couldn't even imagine losing my mother at that age.. not that I loved one more than the other, its just something about the fact it's your mom and you feel the need to protect her and just need her

[@BunnySlippers82]

I wonder if he made a pass at her and she politely turned him down, so he plotted to hurt her and waited for an opportunity. The fact that she had a boyfriend might have led him to think she deserved it. How sick and evil. RIP sweet angel.

[@meghanmisaliar]

Doubt it.

[@ladyluck538]

​@@meghanmisaliar The above comment might be right. He could have been picking up her sons, trying to get next to her. She still wasn't interested, which angered him.

[@meghanmisaliar]

@@ladyluck538 the only reason I doubt it is because he wasnt interested in her romantically.

[@morganablackwater2017]

@@meghanmisaliar and you know that from where exactly?

[@TawnyC_]

Why would she deserve to be raped and murdered because she had a boyfriend? That makes zero sense.

[@boughtbythecross]

My aunt was murdered in 1975 in Columbus Ohio and it has yet to be solved. My uncle and 2 cousins have gone to their graves not knowing who murdered their wife and mother. It's heartbreaking. Her name was Nancy Sells. Somebody somewhere knows something. If that is you please call the Columbus police dept.

[@kay.dorancy]

So sorry for your loss. May they all rest in peace…

[@tinalove8197]

Contact crime shows and media stations to get her name out there for help.

[@juliarader4046]

I am so sorry. I pray this is solved. My love and condolences to your family.

[@royellwilkinson6177]

Contact a criminal show and get the case started again

[@wailingalen]

As an adult male 38 it breaks my heart to see other grown talk about their mom like this. I get into arguments with mom all the time and this reminds me to enjoy and cherish the little time I have left with Mom. I love you mom

[@patt4035]

DNA and fingerprinting are the best thing to happen to us. Criminals who thought they got away are now being caught. I live for it

[@MusicalMe123]

You are so right! And the exonerations that have occurred due to the advances in DNA tech...it's a miracle.

[@ariloves10]

Me 2. Let justice prevail.

[@sharongrant6498]

And really good video everywhere..

[@tianadavis4849]

This case is sad. However, they overlook the fact that the case was mishandled by being racially profiled. The gentleman who lifted the print said how they were only giving him black men's prints to look at. Had the investigation been done correctly from the beginning by gathering every male that she had come in contact with from the beginning, the case would have been slove a lot sooner.

[@jimwerther]

That's nonsense - investigations focus on the best suspects, not foolishness. Here are the facts: 1. They said that the detective did an exhaustive search of the scene, and found a handprint, no fingerprints. But a handprint means you don't need fingerprints. 2. For the first few weeks the investigation focused on three people, all of them white: The victim's A.ex-husband, B. boyfriend, and C.teenage son. All were eventually cleared. 3. At that point, it appeared very likely that this was a crime committed by a stranger, and not by someone known to the victim. 4. Several neighbors reported seeing an unknown black male nearby on the night she was murdered, so the investigation next turned to finding a black male who fit the description (height, weight, etc.) of the person described by neighbors. Every step along the way, that is exactly how an investigation is normally run. There was more reason at that point to suspect a random attacker seen in the neighborhood then there was to look elsewhere (once the first three were cleared).

[@rayeann1974]

@@jimwerther Quit posting your exact same drivel throughput the comment section!

[@jimwerther]

@@rayeann1974 It's called "facts". I'm sorry that you can't handle the truth. Discuss with your therapist.

[@zakariafarah1101]

@@jimwerther Were you one of the detectives that failed to investigate Coach Joe?

[@lauriedaniele5967]

I’m so glad that you guys solve the case. I just wish the boys could’ve gotten closure earlier. Prayers for her family.

[@chrissyparkins1615]

This story…wow. It moved me so much. She raised incredible men.

[@JamesHaalandMichael]

Yes she really did a great job

[@darshanashvaequine659]

Joseph Mills absolutely slipped through the cracks. Completely overlooked. He was such an obvious suspect from the start. He was a truck driver... could there be other victims? Psychopaths don't usually commit heinous violent crimes and not repeat that behavior. May her sons and entire family find peace.

[@sarahrupert5320]

That’s what I kept thinking…he lived free for 40 more years without *any* other incident or criminal act? I highly doubt it…he just hadn’t been caught. Ughh.

[@Stiasteny]

Yes I think so too!! I got really mad when the detectives denied that he slipped through…

[@kadygirlforever]

What a monster. He knew she was a single-mother and had personal relationships with her kids. He has no conscience, he’s a demon.

[@ThisIsJ.Nicole]

So had they thoroughly interviewed the couch and taken the black detective and the evidence collected seriously, this case would've been solved a long time ago. How sad?! And they trusted this man. A wolf in sheep's clothing. I'm a mother of boys. She would be so proud of them.

[@meghanmisaliar]

Oh stop trying to make it about race.

[@priscillafuentes8663]

I think they interviewed the coach, not the couch.😂 Just saying.

[@meghanmisaliar]

@@maharbaband9675 no. It wasn't. They interviewed BLK men AND white men as suspects. NOT JUST black men.

[@Kthb80]

Wait, what did the couch have to do with it? 😂

[@jericox2980]

I was born down south. I witnessed the racism. Even as a child, I knew it was wrong. It makes me angry. They didn't even take his prints... so sad

[@olympiagrace5974]

Cece Moore’s immense work to help solve different cold cases should be given recognition. She’s the real Avenger.

[@ReGenMed83]

Some people will let racism stand in the way of anything including justice.

[@chrissyparkins1615]

I was blown away by that…but I really shouldn’t have been. Terrible!!

[@tonihazle2034]

Yes, the treatment meted out to the black policeman was appalling. I hope black police get treated better these days in the USA.

[@MimiB1974]

Back in the day day, they’d die before accepting help from black folk 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@asanta2023]

@@MimiB1974 but it was in the 80’s not the 50’s. It’s crazy that they would treat the black investigator like that.

[@amyhurlbut1874]

Not everyone is racist. I'm not. But it was so sad that was what happened. I couldn't believe it either. I have love for any race. We are all human n deserve love ❤

[@hersheyssmith2104]

I’m happy to see the brothers still together after their mother died. Their grandparents did a great job in raising them because if it were not for them taking them in, they would probably ended up in foster homes

[@lisas2538]

My heart breaks for these two men. The pain that comes across. I wish I could hug them. Their lives haven’t been easy. I pray for their happiness and peace. I’m so sorry for their terrible loss. I know their mom loved them so much.

[@MsTeaRex]

When they announced that it was the coach I nearly lost my mind. That just brought me to tears. It broke my heart the way they treated Mr. Pickett . RIP

[@annamarielewis7078]

I knew immediately. He was a VERY obviously the prime suspect.

[@JeffGoins88]

The bond between these two brothers is amazing ❤️

[@kirstena1363]

I was devastated for those boys finding out the killer was their coach… someone who supported them and was there for them all those years took their mom from them. Heartbreaking. What a monster.

[@kuroneko7022]

Mr. Pickett is 94 years old, spry, not senile (he remembered everything about that crime!) and looks about 75! He must have led a good, decent life. What an awful scene for those kids to witness.😢

[@KohalaLover]

I’m sorry to share but Edgar Pickett passed on April 6 of this year, at age 95. A gentleman.

[@TeddyLovesAxl]

@@KohalaLover Nooo 🙇🏼‍♀️

[@Kashidori-Grafix]

Imagine having the killers photo on your wall for 36 years

[@bbe3034]

They had no idea he was the killer!

[@johnmurray3817]

What a tearjerker! Those brothers suffered all of their lives for this heinous crime, but was so good to see how close they are and share the same interest in life. The most disturbing thing is how they interrogated 15-year-old Jeff over and over - only to address the murderer within a phone conversation - that will allow Jeff and Tim to endure their unfortunate sufferings. SMH

[@belm3243]

For those 2 cops to sit there and say they don't think he slipped through the cracks, it is astounding, and you wonder why the case went unsolved for years because they had one type of perpetrator in mind. I guess all the black men fingerprinted had been to the house, but the coach hadn’t ... The knowing will give these brothers some peace because the wondering and the not knowing is burdensome. RIP Mama❤

[@jimwerther]

Only the unintelligent would buy that story. Want actual facts? 1. They said that the detective did an exhaustive search of the scene, and found a handprint, no fingerprints. But a handprint means you don't need fingerprints. 2. For the first few weeks the investigation focused on three people, all of them white: The victim's A.ex-husband, B. boyfriend, and C.teenage son. All were eventually cleared. 3. At that point, it appeared very likely that this was a crime committed by a stranger, and not by someone known to the victim. 4. Several neighbors reported seeing an unknown black male nearby on the night she was murdered, so the investigation next turned to finding a black male who fit the description (height, weight, etc.) of the person described by neighbors. Every step along the way, that is exactly how an investigation is normally run. There was more reason at that point to suspect a random attacker seen in the neighborhood then there was to look elsewhere (once the first three were cleared).

[@efranklin755]

Exactly, they sound ridiculous. Had the detectives been competent instead of prejudiced & biased they would’ve solved it immediately. Every male questioned should’ve been fingerprinted to rule them out. No excuse.

[@jimwerther]

@@efranklin755 Nice story, absolutely false. You really should read up on such things so that you don't reach false conclusions, as you did. Spend some time researching Malcolm Gladwell.

[@quichequiche4274]

​@@jimwerther Black man wasn't mentioned, "SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY" was. O, my bad "Suspicious Activity" = BLACK. 🙄

[@jimwerther]

@@quichequiche4274 Absolutely false. Try learning about the case instead of posting utter nonsense.

[@Queen.AnneBoleyn]

That 94yo Sergeant Pickett is a hero. He's the one who got the most important palm print. I just love him!! He was treated so unfairly and it makes me sick. The devil was in the details....Joseph Mills.

[@katcampbell9213]

“I’m not a bad person” wow, spoken like a true narcissist and homicidal maniac. Wonder if he had any other victims. Only comeuppance he really got was his family knowing who he truly was, he can’t have liked that.

[@pixi2209]

Exactly. What a monster! 👹🤬

[@YouTubeTeacherRemote]

No reason to finger print a guy who had been to the house but found reasons to finger print people that had not been seen at the house? Imma side eye the investigators on that one. It's unfortunate it took this long for these men to get answers to solve the horrofic crime. People need to understand how racism works. The effect can be felt by many as evidenced by the delayed justice and pain they went through. Bless them all.

[@exdamariis]

Exactly👏🏽👏🏽 In the end, racism hurts us all, some a lot more than others, but it’s so evident here that it impacted everyone in such an infuriating way.

[@YouTubeTeacherRemote]

@exdamariis true indeed and very sad. Many think it doesn't affect them but it absolutely does

[@frompamwithlove3746]

This was really heartbreaking to watch. Worst thing you can do to ANY child is to let them grow up with traumas and that’s exactly what the killer and the police department did to these brothers.

[@anneshirley9560]

I know. No child should have to see that. Absolutely heartbreaking.

[@Analysis_Paralysis]

Yeah, even treating the children as suspects. So vile and inhumane!

[@KihkishiyGroup]

Reparations Now. So they finger print all the black males in town in search for a ghost killer next door.

[@monty3854]

As a Scot, the idea that the other side of town is 12 miles away just blows my mind.

[@tinygold772]

True!

[@MsLane61]

😊

[@pinkpugginz]

when the sons were tearing up I cried too! my mom passed away ruined my life about 3 years ago. ❤

[@concettaworkman5895]

Sorry, sweetie, just try to make her proud.

[@brownis810]

My mom passed away 7 years ago my birthday was yesterday I just turned 26.. She will always be proud and looking down at me.. She raised a good daughter 👌🙌 your mom is always in your soul and in your heart.... 💜❤️ stay strong friend

[@justacutepieceofshit]

I lost my mom almost threee years ago too. Sending love to you

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

No surprise he refused to take responsibility until the end. Kudos to the fingerprint technician for the thorough job that helped seal the conviction. How nice he was still alive to be thanked by the brothers. Too bad there isn’t the funding and staffing for all cold cases to undergo GEDmatch and other advanced testing now available.

[@ethos1236]

As horrific as it was to lose their mother to violence, how hard it must have been to find out the murderer was someone whom they had trusted as children. I hope they are able to go on to have a fulfilling life. RIP Linda Slaten

[@mtz6198]

I'm so glad this case was resolved. And hats off to the sergeant (who does NOT look to be in his 90s!!) for the work he did despite the racism surrounding him.

[@beverlywhite5438]

What a horrible monster. Hiding behind being a coach. Knowing people trust coaches. R.I.P. Linda!! 😢🙏 You raised great sons. Thank God for DNA advancement.

[@factcheck5224]

They could have caught him sooner if they had bothered to fingerprint a White guy instead of just random Black men.

[@stellashepherd3229]

This crime was so monstrous and so brazen I can’t believe he didn’t do more. I wonder if his dna is in one (or more) of those thousands of untested rape kits in storage somewhere.

[@IwasBlueb4]

@@stellashepherd3229 in different states, cos he was a truck driver !!!!!

[@IwasBlueb4]

Why should u trust a coach ? Why ???

[@michellevarnum6195]

I can feel your pain those brothers went through just by hearing them talk. How horrendous! What kind of a monster kills a mother and keeps a relationship with her kids... just sick

[@cm9317]

Made me want to cry seeing the pain these 2 brothers have over their mother & at the hands of someone they trusted. How horrible.

[@ManaSura_]

They had to gloss quickly over the horrible racist comment the detective who pulled the fingerprint was told by his colleague when he first made it to the scene. Just outrageous and disgusting.😠

[@stellashepherd3229]

I immediately thought of Emmett Till.

[@ninachan8920]

What else did you want them to say about it? It's a 40 min video about a murdered and r*ped woman, at least they mentioned its absurdity and gave him his deserved recognition.

[@ManaSura_]

@@ninachan8920 you got me wrong, i didn't and do not expect anything more from the producers, I was merely stating the fact that they had to quickly mention it . And yes the case and his own contributions and hard work thankfully was given credit. I was just expressing my disgust at the racist attitudes some minorities had to endure (and sometimes still have), while still considering it understandable that there was nothing to be done to address the matter further without compromising the main topic of the episode.

[@naturl2012]

Wow!🤔

[@helena3631]

@@ninachan8920 here we go you will never understand but that’s the delusional state your in

[@JonBlackstone]

I love 48 Hours. It never fails.

[@kedeglow2743]

RIP Sgt. Pickett, and thank you for serving your community all those years!

[@kristab321]

This one choked me up. The love they had for their mother shows what a good person she was and it's a disgusting shame that that evil man got to live his whole life even after brutally taking hers and taking her away from her sons.....

[@aintthatcommon]

But he was the saver and the father was the monster

[@waynepolo6193]

​@@aintthatcommonWhat?

[@poojapatole3573]

The sad thing is that these 2 men never had a childhood. With an abusive father and then their mother getting murdered and seeing her that way would really mess up someone. Im glad that they have their own family now and wish them a good life ahead. Hope they got to live their childhood through their children