Kristen Trickle: Autopsy of the Mind | Full Episode

A Kansas woman is found dying from a gunshot wound. Evidence at the scene doesn’t add up, so a prosecutor gets creative. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports. Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.
#48hours #crime #mystery
True crime. Real justice. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.
Subscribe to the "48 Hours" KZbin channel: / 48hours
Watch full episodes of "48 Hours": cbsnews.com/48-hours/full-epi...
Listen to the "48 Hours" podcast: link.chtbl.com/48-Hours
Listen to the "My Life of Crime with Erin Moriarty" podcast: link.chtbl.com/CBSNewsMLOC
Follow "48 Hours" on Instagram: / 48hourscbs
Like "48 Hours" on Facebook: / 48hours
Follow "48 Hours" on Twitter: / 48hours
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsnews.com/newsletter/
Download the CBS News app: cbsnews.com/mobile/
Try Paramount+ free: paramountplus.com/?ftag=PPM-0...
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

[@48hours]

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

[@damienjstepick]

The only thing I find odd is the comment on the alarm. If someone works at the same time every day, it’s not hard to create an alarm that goes off every day. Doesn’t mention that when they check the alarm, it was one that goes off every day or was created for just that day. The rest of it is pretty obvious. The guy seemed off during the interrogation. JMO.

[@TestAnne]

Ww980-4025

[@frefe5291]

⁰

[@justinbehrenshausen1653]

“He cares about his spiritual life. He’s a devoted Christian.” I am so utterly sick and tired of this being a blanket defense that someone who is spiritual or religious is automatically a good person.

[@yukikowu5695]

I thought that was an odd comment as well. I mean, most prisoners in the US are Christians too, I would think. How does that make someone less likely to be guilty? 😂

[@Lourdes-id1oi]

He's anything but a devoted Christian.

[@Alice-vc3hj]

You can be spiritual demon possessed. By the devil But he is not a Christian period

[@rubytuesday1316]

True that !! Dismissing responsibility & accountability to another entity seems the norm in USA anymore! godLives- jebusForgives- & theDevil madeMe doIt- Repent, Repeat - What were the christian crusades to begin with? Couldnt be more vicious than that !

[@JoanTarpley-hx9sh]

Precisely! I was raised in evangelical chri$tianity, therefore when I hear those words, they immediately cause me to deem them more suspicious!

[@documax123]

Never tell a controlling narcissist you are leaving him. And don't act increasingly assertive. Just get a few ducks in order, act the same, and go.

[@patriciagriffith2167]

Most dangerous time in a woman's life is when she makes a plan to leave an abusive, controlling partner.

[@MiracleFound]

A friend of my sister did that. Then he killed her mother, her and then himself.

[@AnonForever70]

Exactly. When I left I did so in a way that seemed spur of the moment to my abuser. He was blindsided, but I was safe because of that. In reality I’d been planning for months.

[@justicewarrior1678]

​@@AnonForever70Glad you're safe!

[@JenniferBX-NY]

Amen!

[@shannonrusso3853]

As a woman, I can't imagine shooting myself knowing other people are going to find me and only being in my underwear

[@mattmatt6572]

First photo I seen of Colby I said yep he is the killer

[@dreadheaddavid4207]

If shes got the body for it, I dont think it would cross her mind , also in a moment of desperation and hurt you aren't thinking of being vain or modest etc. I still think he did it though

[@shannonrusso3853]

@@dreadheaddavid4207 Thanks for your input, man

[@dreadheaddavid4207]

@@shannonrusso3853 yes ma'am. Cool last name by the way

[@junkyardjulie]

As woman, I agree! I thought about that right away. Ain’t no way

[@slaphappybullet]

The detective is wrong- women less often try to end their lives with gunshots not because of “looks” but because they don’t want to leave behind a big mess for someone else to clean up.

[@meghanmisaliar]

??? How would you know that??

[@sasskvetch8617]

​​@@meghanmisaliarBecause not all women who plan su!c!de by gunshot end up going through with it - or are successful at it. Some live to tell their story.

[@CC-xn5xi]

That is true. BINGO!

[@CraftyWitch420]

​@meghanmisaliar from interviews with survivors and diaries of those who did not survive

[@Dresseduptogo]

I've heard that too . .but most women choose other choices than shooting themselves in the face or head.. they choose other ways such as overdose...

[@Yusuave]

So nobody tested the husband for gunshot residue? I thought this was standard operating procedure in cases like these...

[@cholieandresa]

Blows my mind when they don’t do that. I mean hello!

[@Yusuave]

@@cholieandresa seriously, could've had a slam dunk case, instead leaves us with many questions.

[@hrmtty]

He said he picked up the gun because he considered killing himself for a second. Even if they had found his fingerprints on the gun or found GSR on his hands, he already had an excuse in place.

[@stacyjaye6350]

Hays, Kansas population 21,000 😆

[@Yusuave]

@@hrmtty His prints on the gun and GSR are two seperate things. You can't explain GSR on your hands if you didn't shoot the gun.

[@Lcm2003]

5 mins in and the guys‘ crying gets to my nerves, so forced and fake

[@marienimo2790]

You spoke my mind

[@no_peace]

I was not going to read the comments so I wouldn't read everything that happened in the story but i heard him fake crying and was like "nevermind, i know what happened" I can't say what i think or it will get deleted

[@Velvety_Teets]

Sounds genuine to me

[@Currabell]

Yes. You pretty much know 99% of the time when someone is faking tears and emotion.

[@TheManthrax]

bad acting I guess ^^ good guys dont cry ♥

[@sarah6722]

When the police said she had died, his response was, "are you sure."

[@karlarivasgrathler5389]

😲

[@janelle009]

Shock, maybe. Shock and grief can do some crazy a$$ things to your mind or make you act differently. He may be guilty IDK I just know my actions when my dad was dying and did die, were strange, regrettable and erratic.

[@nummynummy3705]

​@@janelle009 right, personally I don't believe there was enough evidence for him to have been found guilty.

[@consciousobserver629]

"Would she still be here had I been a better husband?" Yes. Killing her makes him a TERRIBLE husband.

[@Psychwardetiquette]

😂😂😂

[@johncook9392]

LOL great point 😄

[@VelascoGNZ]

Yeah..

[@tinawindham6958]

This dude is such a liar…he lied about his military service, lied about the life insurance, lied about the online chic…

[@ironmaven1760]

Too bad he didn't lie about owning those pants😅

[@junglekutz5625]

He's cut from the same cloth that he mother is cut from. As she likely lives to lie, control and manipulate, as well. When she said that she couldn't read Christian, I had to role my eyes. As only manipulators and control freaks will aim to read and dissect others. As they're not use to forming real and genuine unions. Their approach usually has to do with what they can get, how they can use and benefit whomever. She ain't fooling a soul!

[@GetCraftyLemons]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣​@@ironmaven1760

[@oldhickory4686]

Exactly. Also that coroner is a complete fool. "Well, I just took the husband's statement at face value." Yeah, ok Bud, time for your nap now.

[@fia8079]

Apparently you don't own pajamas. Duhhhhhhhhh

[@bugsea54]

The most daming evidence is Kristen was starting to take control of her life while in a controlling marriage. That is the most dangerous time with a mentally abusive partner.

[@pinkpugginz]

Yup she was trying to leave

[@sammyb1651]

It's true. The default in heterosexual relationships is that the female is the controlling partner. Usually everything has to be done on her terms/texts need to be responded to quickly etc etc. We're okay as a society with that because we're a gynocentric society. If it's the man in control however and the female starts asserting herself then he's almost certainly guilty of mental abuse.

[@SC.......]

So so true

[@StofStuiver]

There was no abuse.

[@xxxxxxxxx1652]

Did you even watch the documentary? Abuse doesn’t always have to be physical, it can come in the form of them ruining your self esteem, controlling you whereabouts and telling you what to do. The restraints don't always have to be physical.

[@PhyllisBurris]

Thank you Judge for giving him life & no parole for 50 yrs.

[@purplechicklover]

The fact that this man went and bought a sex doll after killing his wife. Disgusting.

[@LuzMaria95]

🤮

[@ssing7113]

I’m a guy and yeah… that’s a no go if you are a real man 😂

[@journeehyde9128]

As someone who dresses modestly and prides in that, i absolutely agree. If i were going to off myself, id be dressed. So thats certainly a huge red flag. If you ever find me dead and naked, someone took me out. Period.

[@missgui4400]

This is exactly what I was thinking.

[@monicarenee7949]

I sleep naked but I dress fairly modestly in public. I can guarantee if I knew someone would have to find my body I wouldn’t want to be found naked. So I’m with you there.

[@cindyblount8621]

Yes, that's one of the red flags, women very rarely, just about flat-out never commit suicide nude. There was a case wherein a woman's husband said she shot herself after coming out of the shower (if memory serves), nude, and this husband got away with it, sickening.

[@murugiesther8182]

U​@@monicarenee7949bbbnjkl

[@mirandaschalen]

Totally agree. Stood out to me.

[@janesy7147]

Attorney looked like " If Leonardo di Caprio and Jack Black had a son." 😅

[@user-mv7kh5sv9z]

😂😂😂😂

[@nor_j]

My thoughts too... Leonardo the bigger version ... oops

[@raeshiruss]

Lmao you got me dead thats funny fr 😂

[@justacellist3989]

@@nor_j Have you seen Leo lately?

[@snipsnip05]

omg I can see it hahahahha

[@leiajiang7877]

Funny how everyone who knee her before thought she was always happy but everyone on his side thinks she is timid and quiet. Says a lot about how he affected her

[@monikawelch339]

A few things As a woman….if you found out about infidelity that week or night you would not be sleeping in the same bed. Couch or another room. Also setting up the candy for the next day, as a woman …..or mother, shows …..life is going on. He lied completely…….. About the insurance, about his time overseas with military, etc etc. And let’s not forget…..she was right handed. And his lawyer said …he was a Christian man with great morals! Yeah right! The girl with bunny ears disproves that. He is where he is…and got what he deserved.

[@johncook9392]

Let alone sleeping in the same bed NAKED! This is definitely one of those cases where the large amount of circumstantial evidence painted a VERY clear picture of what happened...

[@alexia3552]

That's like using "he labels himself a Not-Murderer! Therefore he's not one!" Lawyer would be laughed out of the room or held in contempt.

[@KD-gd5oq]

biggest predictor of homicide by a partner is not how violent the partner is, but how controlling.

[@shelteredsparrow2736]

Well said

[@staciacrick3373]

The biggest predictor is having strangled and or stalked their partner. All narcissists are controlling

[@user-oe1mb9hu9i]

Aaron Cunningham 21:18 - Assistant County attorney looks like a fattened up Leonardo DiCaprio ! LOL.

[@dianedoncheski2302]

Yes! It's slow and unusual.He got me for 48Gs!! And I lived.

[@dianedoncheski2302]

@@user-oe1mb9hu9i Hahahaha!

[@outtabox4676]

For the last time, being a devout Christian (or very religious) dosen't make you pure and innocent. His defence lawyer is delusional!

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

100% agree. My soon to be ex-wife of 28yrs is a supposed Christian and bailed on our marriage. She is a FAKE.

[@rmp7400]

Delusional or merely corrupt.

[@jendee1260]

i agree.

[@karimanning9232]

People can put on a mask and lie about who and what they really are to make people believe they are a good person.

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

Colby is a cheesehead!

[@joshbrause2148]

"We have electric blankets that we use for that." 😂😂

[@lachelle81]

And don’t forget, he conferred with his mother prior to the purchase 😆. Pathetic defense

[@NWI_Steel]

To be fair, whether one thinks it's weird or not, it had zero relevance to the case

[@lachelle81]

⁠@@NWI_Steel Fair. IMO…I think it blasts the religious good guy theory outta the water but it was introduced to humiliate him and that’s unfortunate.

[@arbjful]

It’s not like the doll though…😂😂😉😉

[@LaJefa691]

⁠@@NWI_Steelexactly 0 relevance

[@ValerieGriner]

How can that defense lawyer live with herself? I could never defend a guilty murderer.

[@janelle009]

If she didn't someone else would. Everyone deserves to be defended in court. Maybe she wanted the case because she saw how much reasonable doubt there was and looks to be... These episodes are biased like the west Memphis 3 movies.

[@janelle009]

Or to make a murderer... So many now believe Steven Avery despite not knowing all the evidence against him that was not circumstantial like the defense is. I think a lot of the attorneys don't look at it on the emotional level we do. I like to debate and argue but Id be passing on tons of cases since I'm judgemental

[@pkdustin7559]

It's their job, you need to find every single little detail that aids the person in their defense to refrain from being prosecuted. There's a lot of guilty, innocent people, and lots of innocent, guilty people if you understand what I'm saying.

[@judegalligan7985]

The American Justice system has changed being a defense trial lawyer into a shameful occupation. I never thought I'd say this but as a mother I'd be ashamed of my child becoming one

[@pkdustin7559]

@@judegalligan7985 That's extremely narrow-minded and conceited of you to disrespect the men and woman who put in their hard work to defend the citizens who aren't able to defend themselves in a trial. Clearly you have no idea the job duties and level of care they provide these people to ensure there is a fair trial and prevent the innocent from being prosecuted and going to prison for years and years. Just because it's their job to defend a clearly guilty person and poke holes in the story to try to protect their constitutional rights and making sure authorities abide by the rules doesn't make them a bad person, in fact it's very unbiased and courageous of them to try to protect these people and give them a fair fight.

[@marygoff3332]

The minute a 911 call begins with a story instead of "help" and address of the emergency, the likelihood of guilt skyrockets.

[@pammers5588]

That’s a great point.

[@a.evelyn5498]

I don’t know if I agree with this whatsoever. I’ve heard plenty of 911 calls during which the caller begins with what’s happened / happening. People react in incredibly different ways to traumatic events. Some cannot even get out any words. I can see what you mean if the caller goes into a detailed story that states their alibi & tries to make themselves seem totally not part of whatever happened, including immediately blaming someone else. Nevertheless, let’s say there was a robbery the wife was killed while the husband was out (having come home to discover the body). It wouldn’t be surprising if the husband (the caller) began with, “It seems like there’s been a break-in or robbery at my home & my wife is dead.” Something else- some people act surprisingly calm in the face of a traumatic event, like discovering a violent death. It’s likely because shock has set in, & they shut down, relaying their observations in acute & calm detail. We expect people to cry & scream “help,” but that’s just not always true. As I’ve shown, there are many reasons why your statement isn’t necessarily correct; it’s far too complex & people react far too individually to make any assured comprehensive judgment.

[@knowsmebyname]

The police consider it a huge red flag when a 911 caller offers up theories of what happened.

[@aleisaetheridge8682]

Every single time ,without fail. I've heard a ton of 911 calls and it's always that way .

[@SiberiaDreams]

That's a darn brilliant point. 🔥

[@joanneford356]

Just how many murderers hide behind “Christian” devotion?

[@healthycathy9782]

A lot. Sometimes people turn the blind eye if someone is Christian and a “family person”. I’m 37 years old and I was born in a very fundamentalist church and saw my fare share of people being extra generous to mostly males being slimy/ espousing criminal behavior.

[@cindyblount8621]

Studies have shown one of the few things all these abusive men have in common is an attraction to/belief in so-called 'traditional' roles, not all gravitate to religion, but it's easy to see how, especially extreme fundamentalist religions, will have more than their fair share of these abusive monsters.

[@NefariousEvildoer]

Dennis Rader aka BTK is a good example, he was president of his church when he was busted in 2004 for murdering and torturing little boys.

[@EmSpacebird]

*gasps in Lori Vallow Daybell*

[@jannasmith3275]

Also Ruby Franke, and Jodi Hildebrandt ​@@EmSpacebird

[@kokuhakuqiun4215]

One thing all these cases have in common is that the victims are killed by what they tend to fear most, whether it be guns, strangulation/any form of suffocation, being assaulted, being poisoned, etc. Any other true crime fan noticing that pattern?

[@brianarooney9807]

Yep, just watched one where the girl had a fear of fire and was burned to death

[@kimberlychelen9890]

Noticed ✓ 😒

[@hopesherie1]

Yes.

[@lindakincaid4530]

just so you all know, you sometimes never know what someone is going though. We just lost a nurse to suicide, The last nurse on earth you would think. happily married with two small children. Happy, energetic so much to live for.

[@LauraiRoss]

He cried so fake during the interrogation. But he calmly chatted about video games with the responding officer, even though he 'just found' his wife dead. Creepy man.

[@TanieceGray]

Right😂😭it sounded so fake. Crying like a child who wants attention.

[@LauraiRoss]

@@TanieceGray 😉 Exactly! It's so easy for us mothers to spot fake crying! 😆

[@LuzMaria95]

exactly!!!

[@user-lu3sw2hr8o]

Murdering man!!

[@heathernks8]

He did, but have u ever had paramedics at ur house? It takes a long time. The police started the conversation. That tells me how long it was taking. Maybe they did it to entrap him? We can't be cool with that. What if he's innocent? Or the next person is? I think he did it but it's wild how that's the focus instead of WHY the COP asked him what he played. Edit: As someone whose mom used to live just an hour away from Hays, I DO commend these cops on their digital detection.👏👏👏

[@jayboley9683]

Her phone was plugged in also. Why plug it in and worry about charging your phone if you're fixing to off yourself?

[@pixi2209]

Yes, but probably he didn't set alarm than. She had this alarm permanently, every day.

[@cindyblount8621]

Yeah, and she supposedly gets up to go get the gun, lies back down and shoots herself next to her sleeping husband. Such BS.

[@KatieBellino]

@@pixi2209 Same thought on that part of the argument. I don't set my alarm daily. My phone is set to always go off at "x" time for M-F and a different time on the weekend.

[@angelamccrackin5243]

Very good point...

[@Autumn_Forest_]

@@KatieBellinoThey could’ve looked into her phone and seen that it was actually set that day and not a routine alarm. Investigators aren’t morons, and they look into these details.

[@nanon1]

It's not vanity that makes women less likely to die by suicide - it's a desire to not traumatize the loved ones who will find them or leave behind a horrific mess.

[@Annie497]

So untrue. Deeply depressed people, who go to great lengths to end their lives (they make sure they will succeed) can't go beyond the dark lens of the depression to even THINK about how it will affect those left behind. They are not in a rational state of mind when they die. Now, some people have made "attempts" with thoughts of who will find them, but those are more cries for help. People who commit suicide go into what is called a "red zone", where they lose sight over everything else but their pain. Something malfunctions inside of their brain, and even science hasn't pinpointed the specific mechanisms, yet. Statistically, more women attempt, while more men succeed. It's thought to be linked to differences in ability to handle emotional turmoil, something women are better at than men.

[@pilotswife06]

Mental illness can be devastating. I’m not saying he didn’t do it, but I AM saying that there are plenty of examples of people who were smiling the day before they took their own life. Plenty of suicidal people look like they’re thriving and content.

[@Annie497]

Actually, that is rarely true. All suicides are linked to underlying depression. There are signs, often mistaken for "oh, she must be feeling better because she is so upbeat and positive" when it's actually a red flag danger sign. The person's brain has stopped seeing life in a realistic sense, and has silently found a "solution" to their pain. THAT is why they are upbeat. I missed that sign in my husband, because he did not share his thoughts or deep depression with me or his counselor (he was being treated for mild anxiety). Only after the fact did I learn what I could NOW spot in a heartbeat in someone else. But when you are unaware that they are in that headspace, you aren't looking for the warning signs. Only when it's too late does one begin to understand something they mistook for something else. Perfectly fine people don't end their lives.

[@anna-galaxy4589]

My respect for the investigator who did not ignored the signs! Justice was delivered for the girl and her loved ones!

[@alisong2328]

The defense attorneys on these shows always say "I don't believe he did it." I think they feel they have to.

[@Therezumee92]

I mean, they have to say that lol. You can't defend a client and say ''yeah, he's guilty, but find him innocent, please''.

[@jamesl9371]

Yes they have to do that. I’m sure some of them don’t believe that the client is innocent

[@kahledblackman318]

the defense lawyers are actors who passed the bar exam․ 😁

[@DBZluvz]

there's a very simple reason they make that argument and i'll quote John Gage on this one.............. because they were paid to!

[@EnzoneMusic]

They always sound the same and so annoying all the time

[@aawillma]

I learned about gun shot residue from Law and Order and CSI when I was in middle school. COME. ON.

[@arbjful]

It wouldn’t work here though.,,I guess you have a lot to learn..lol..😂😂

[@nice2meetUWenDoWeEat]

The guy saying women are more concerned about looks...no. They are thinking about the mess they would leave behind for others. What a very telling thing for him to say. 🙄

[@CalopsitaVanderbilt1911]

He saw other documentaries where the murderer didn’t cry while interrogation and it got pointed out. So he thought by himself: I will really REALLY cry!!!

[@Ephesians1.7]

I thought the same thing.

[@BlmnotinAfri.-_-]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 go away !

[@KevLane2248]

"He was a devoted Christian" - So what, he was also a murderer. I really hate it when they say things like that, as though religious people don't commit crimes.

[@valleygirl2530]

What exactly makes a person “religious” anyway? To me that’s a few red flags 🚩🚩🚩

[@frankG335]

Judas was a disciple! So...

[@tk00903]

The Jewish people of Jesus day were very "religious ", they were still responsible for his death. It's the individual. " Religion " is used for a variety of crimes, for, or against, a religion.

[@spikenomoon]

I didn’t come to save the righteous. I came to save the sinner. Jesus

[@karimanning9232]

Defense attorney's are paid to make up a defense. I could not be a defense attorney to someone who I thought was guilty.

[@DebbiePrice-yb1fi]

I worked with a private investigator (my spouse) for 10 years, and anytime I heard “I’m a Christian” or “I’m not gonna lie to you, blah blah blah,” my trust went way down. Best one tho, was when a guy in jail said “there’s no way they could identify me! I had a sock hat over my face!” Really? That’s what you want us to tell the DA? Really?

[@vivianvandermerwe1380]

You would think that in ANY suicide case with a firearm that all people present would be tested for gunshot residue. Get a preliminary story from everyone on the scene and then test for residue so people cannot explain it away when they do find residue.

[@kerrypeterson554]

The instant he said he picked up the gun, I knew that was him covering his tracks if they found his fingerprints on the gun

[@StofStuiver]

Nah. It would be normal if his prints were on it. Ofc if its blood prints, then he touched it afterwards. But that can also happen. Its odd that he placed the gun back on her though. Thats not something you'd likely do. But not strong evidence, or evidence at all. Its just one in a number of things thats uncommon and may raise suspicion. But its not evidence.

[@AnonForever70]

@@StofStuiverYou’re dense. It’s evidence he handled the gun.

[@AP12360]

The police should have immediately tested their hands for gunshot residue at the scene to determine who pulled the trigger.

[@PinkGrammarGirl]

Yup, and he said it right away, establishing innocence and offering info he wasn't asked for at the time.

[@reignman30]

You can fake fingerprints but not GSR. Both their hands should've been tested for GSR and that would've told the whole story. Either she had it or not.

[@GGGGGG-qj2un]

People living in the city of Hays should be proud of these hard-working cops and prosecutors.

[@harlieschmidt5945]

As a lifelong Hays resident, I am! They did a marvelous job!

[@allhoney1211]

Detectives don't get enough praise. They are heroes!

[@AP12360]

I agree, but the police and/or coroner should have tested their hands for gunshot residue to determine who pulled the trigger.

[@shahwilloughby4603]

Absolutely!!! The fact that the Coroner ruled it as suicide didn't stop them further investigating. Well done.

[@consciousobserver629]

When cops are so often inept and uncaring, these guys really are standouts. Very commendable!! We need more folks like this!

[@jessicaallbright6933]

Someone needs to do a deep dive into this, there is so many more details that will disgust you that they weren't able to fit in.

[@jonjames7328]

Oh the delightful irony of a crime correspondent called Moriarty.

[@Alice-vc3hj]

I can’t stand to hear him pretending to cry. Sickening

[@karmaklutz]

Sounds like a hysterical laugh at times to me

[@garybyers7683]

agreed. Maybe initially but, in interrogation he tried too hard to be convincing

[@VG-rj8pn]

Remember he's on the lmao Worship team.....

[@analilla]

The defense lawyer really wants us to believe the mother-in-law saying Kirsten being emotionless as opposed to her own family saying she's joyful and always smiling? Maybe they were just never close or she just hated the mother-in-law lol

[@junglekutz5625]

Or could see right through her. Something it seemed like it took time for her to do with that male she was married to.

[@zwebackshyper9307]

you did not get her point at all

[@indigopeas4047]

Or her MIL hated her, which is pretty standard, especially when you have what clearly is a mummy’s boy.

[@christinanichols]

That's crazy talk. Everyone always gets along amazingly with their in-laws. I think I sound just as convincing as the defense attorney. I could do her job, if I was heartless. 🤔

[@theTrend7]

Yeah,I wouldn't believe anything his Mother said. First of all she will say anything to protect her son,and agreed,they probably didn't get along all that great

[@treydaypnw]

Never speak to the Police in any capacity without legal representation, guilty or not.

[@tommyroche9142]

Just on the phone alarm thing, working people normally set a 'weekday' alarm, meaning it go off at the same time every weekday morning, but not on Sat/Sun. The fact her alarm went off after she was dead does NOT mean she didn't plan suicide.

[@MiamiPush2theLimit]

Exactly. My alarms are set to go off every single day and I’m suicidal af.

[@waninigichuki1732]

When the sergeant tells him she's dead he asks "Are you sure?" twice. Blows (pun intended) the cash in 8mths?! He can get all the warmth and comfort in jail! Bless her aunt & uncle for buying the house she intended as a pet care facility.

[@dchawk81]

I didn't hear them say they bought it, only that they drive by it and named it.

[@Da_Love74]

Yeah he'll get plenty of warmth in prison, but I doubt he'll get comfort lol

[@Infertilewithaturtle]

I love Erin Moriarty. She has such a gentle, yet impermeable strength, and excellent eye contact, no matter what question she is asking.

[@kellymckinney5975]

she's the BEST!

[@jgirlinluv55]

She's one of my favorites

[@analilla]

I love how she’s able to ask such controversial questions without offending anyone.

[@chrisoneal2718]

She’s a really good host of 48 hours

[@saraa1741]

I absolutely love her. She is so professional, and she has such a graceful way about her.

[@diannenaworensky6698]

Thank you 48hours for putting this full episode on

[@nicandkiritos22]

Not just the detective who should have had Colbys hands tested for for gunshot residue, the Coroner should have tested her hands for gun shot residue before saying its a suicide. These guys are dinosaurs . Do your job, procedure. Just testing for gun shot residue would have helped the prosecution or something

[@bellachannell777]

🎯

[@hrmtty]

He said he picked up the gun because he considered killing himself for a second. Even if they had found his fingerprints on the gun or found GSR on his hands, he already had an excuse in place.

[@ThienLe-dr4nr]

@@hrmttythats why the post mention to test her hands too…….

[@junglekutz5625]

You can always tell who is and isn't passionate about what they do.

[@JDmix123]

@@ThienLe-dr4nr did you not comprehend what @hrmtty said?

[@dylanG6683]

His excessive fake crying is annoying

[@kiwichick6957]

Not a very good actor was he.

[@rezarectmusic9691]

His defense attorney said if he was guilty why did he call the police right away? Because he was smart enough to acknowledge that the chance was greater neighbors would hear the shot, and if they called before someone else in the residence, it would raise a lot of eyebrows. Terrible defense attorney lol

[@SoTiredOfYourBS]

I had an alarm on my phone that was set to go off on the same days every week at the same time until I turned it off.. when I quit that job, I never turned it off so it would go off just as I had programmed it to until I got rid of the phone.. I read the article about this case and I remember that during the trial someone had testified that Colby was talking about video games on the porch.. the cops audio camera actually proved that a cop had asked Colby what kind of games he played.. so it wasn't like Colby was just randomly talking about video games on his own... you know, like the cop was trying to distract his mind from his wife's condition inside..

[@Therezumee92]

That crying was melodramatic, don't believe one bit to that. Or maybe these shows have made me far too cynical.

[@fredajordan5704]

I feel the same way....Crying was a fake.

[@charrielyn1231]

No - you’re right!

[@laurenmay2098]

Nope, he is faking.

[@bdml77]

You're smart

[@MReid-hl9wy]

Yeah I think cynical is a big thing. I try not to judge anymore. People grieve differently

[@lesliewarnell5172]

Studies have proven, *leaving* an abusive partner is the *most dangerous* time. Leave...in...stealth. Be safe everyone. Be aware. 🕊

[@dakalodk]

They won't listen to your advice

[@kekesb]

a lot of families think their “love ones” wouldn’t take their own life we think we know our family but in reality we really don’t

[@brianharvey9765]

It's pretty clear to me that he murdered her. Just unconvinced that it was proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Cops got lucky.

[@LibrasReact]

Googling about the life insurance days before? Then lying to the police about how he will get life insurance from her death. Trying to say SHE was googling it on his phone when she was actually working at the time! And of course he blows through the money at record speed. Also that snapchat girl needs to think twice about engaging with randos from the internet or she is going to end up on the next episode.

[@ladyxsuebee4048]

Yes, this was the only part of the case that I found sus and would consider a guilty verdict on. I don't know if it's strong enough to convict though

[@RorRiiZzLE]

Coroner should’ve ruled ‘Undetermined’ for at least the time a solid investigation would take.

[@MusicTennis]

Agreed and he really took a beating from Erin Moriarty at 38:36 with what he did not consider like the size of the gun. I'm not sure about the other non science stuff like "searches on insurance" and "an online affair". The coroner is a scientist so why would the police say "hey Doc this clown was having an affair or he made a ton of dough on insurance". That could change the coroners objectivity. It was stupid to not consider the size of the gun.

[@ladyxsuebee4048]

Exactly. But The other evidence they said should have changed his report should have no factor into it.

[@chrisschneider3873]

His parents really dropped the ball not naming him Richard

[@guscunnilin]

Did the police test both of their hands for gunshot residue? It might have been helpful. Am i the only one that felt uncomfortable when the news lady held the gun to her chin to reenact the shooting

[@teddyjam8134]

He was whining throughout the entire police interview. He's trying to put on an act. Innocent people don't do that.

[@JacobEas]

Yep. Usually the jury is not supposed to consider that type of evidence but it's difficult to ignore how poorly he imitated a crying person.

[@joequeer3385]

My thoughts exactly.

[@17thknight]

Yes they do. I can't tell you how many times I've seen "tHaT's NoT hOw InNoCeNt PeOpLe AcT" only for the person to actually be innocent. Anyone who thinks they can judge someone by behavior is always going to be proved wrong

[@denagustafson6070]

I’m only a few minutes in with no clue as to whether Colby is guilty or not. But, this I know: if a suspect cries, people view it as fake, lack of tears is viewed as callous and uncaring. Honestly, IMO, their state immediately after the incident is the least likely indicator of guilt or innocence. When innocent, tears are naturally going to flow; when guilty, the person also has multiple reasons for legitimate tears.

[@MrGrumpyGills]

Absolutes are rarely true, though. Or do you know all innocent people and how they cry?

[@shawnba2294]

“He’s a devoted Christian, he just doesn’t have it in him” , well that’s good enough for me. Case dismissed.

[@deniece0821]

Right? 😆

[@lorid3839]

He's a devout Christian having an online affair. Those things aren't supposed to go together.

[@weallwrong]

The detective in this case is an awesome man of God and a personal friend. As for the murderer, Jesus warned… “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.” Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭24‬-‭26

[@LuzMaria95]

do they even hear themselves talk?! 😭🤦🏽‍♀️

[@markr.devereux3385]

Yep good enough for me. A good Christian lad could never stage so.ething like this. He wouldn't be a suspect flat out.

[@kukuakukua]

Either this woman truly committed suicide or the husband did it or they are just trying too hard to pin it on her husband. I am indifferent about this case. Why was he not tested for gunshot residues? Too many holes in this case for me

[@Annie497]

This was definitely not a suicide.

[@michaelcortez6596]

This story and her love for her aunt, uncle & cousin is very touching..

[@melissapratt3545]

I'm saddened that the coroner believed it was a suicide and didn't even check for gun residue. He doesn't take his job seriously. It hinders the investigation because of his pride.

[@harlieschmidt5945]

Actually, if you watched the whole episode you'd know that the investigators didn't properly relay the circumstances surrounding the death to the coroner.

[@judyadams8296]

@@harlieschmidt5945 apparently he didn’t ask either. Just wrote her off and signed his name. In my profession, if I don’t have the information I need, I’m expected to request that information. And my job doesn’t have anywhere near the impact that his does. While he was being professionally negligent, then after the information was brought to him, too egotistical to change the cause of death even to undetermined, the husband could very well have killed again.

[@meghanmisaliar]

​@@harlieschmidt5945still . . .

[@meghanmisaliar]

​@@judyadams8296yep. He seemed lazy

[@ericvansteenlandt7888]

This coroner is incompetent and too stupid to acknowledge it.

[@greg6924]

Chatting about video games while your wife is bleeding out? You can't make this stuff up. Guilty!

[@heathernks8]

I can imagine a situation where the paramedics were taking forever, so the Deputy started talking about how long they were taking & started a conversation with the guy. It doesn't mean he isn't guilty, I believe he is. I just think that he, ofc, couldn't be weeping over his wife in that moment bc u know the medics had him escorted out & it seems like the Deputy was making small-talk🤷‍♀️

[@brittanyfikes9905]

Sounds like he was asked the question

[@darkfafnir4389]

You mean the cop questioned him 🤡🤡🤡 that was the least suspicious thing he did

[@darkfafnir4389]

​@@heathernks8thank you exactly my thoughts too

[@darkfafnir4389]

​@@brittanyfikes9905 glad i wasnt the only one to catch that terrible reporting...like he wasnt just asked about it

[@MrYaxalot]

Did that investigator really say it would be hard to shoot yourself with a revolver? Dude is not a credible source of information in any way after that.

[@sanetterobertson6085]

"He's a devoted Christian" - who had an affair (online or in the flesh, unfaithfulness is an affair)??? It is because no one knows anymore what 'a devoted Christian' means, that every second person calls themselves Christians.

[@darlingdeb7010]

Religion is just easy to manipulate. The wholesome things usually are. It's the same reason why so many teachers are pedos and so many Dr's are influenced by government funding as opposed to the wellbeing of their patients.

[@ebybeehoney]

I will say, anyone strongly attached to an animal are not likely to leave them hanging. We would worry about what would happen to that animal too much. And THAT is the most powerful evidence. Where are her animals now?

[@foxywhitetip7387]

💯💯💯

[@lunacielo7680]

*YES!!!!!!* I agree 100% cause I suffer from depression. I have two dogs and a cat, and they keep me alive. I love them too much to abandon them. Especially since one of my dogs has a lot of health issues. I think, "no one is going to take care of her like I do." So, yes, she didn't do this to herself.

[@GypsyGirl317]

I'm hoping maybe her family has them. ❤

[@elenak6932]

10000%

[@meghanmisaliar]

​@@lunacielo7680you and everyone else in western society has "D',presssion". Yawn 🥱

[@tashibalampkin8555]

30:18 He went through over a 100 grand in 8 months?! He completely out of pocket.

[@christinebrument6851]

Probably knew he was going to be found guilty so made sure he enjoyed his rubber friend before going to prison .

[@garybyers7683]

​@christinebrument6851 good one

[@hibparv1114]

He had me at sobbing in the beginning but then when they revealed he was a controlling pos, everything was clear.

[@MsMyhouse]

You don't give CPR to someone with a pulse. You give them oxygen. That doesn't make any sense.

[@ladyxsuebee4048]

CPR is both oxygen and compressions, but maybe they just call rescue breathing CPR to simplify things.

[@MsMyhouse]

@@ladyxsuebee4048 I see. I hope so for her case. CPR compressions can cause major injuries. Alot of people get CPR when they don't need it.

[@ladyxsuebee4048]

@@MsMyhouse EMTs are trained in this. She had a revolver blast to the face, she wasn't likely going to survive that regardless....

[@AmishMan777]

We should start a GFM, raise money to open a doggy daycare in that house she dreamed of. We can name the business “Kristen’s Kennel”

[@fatee5069]

It's too late for all that. How about we start one for those that are alive and can actually benefit from it? Call it "Kristen's wings"

[@meghanmisaliar]

And who would run it?

[@janismitchell3122]

I would. Animals deserve to be loved and cared for

[@cholieandresa]

31:13 “for comfort and warmth… we have electric blankets for that” Funny/not funny but this response made me spit some coffee out

[@StofStuiver]

I was laughing out loud too. I thought about buying a fashion/dress doll once (some 40 years ago). At the time that was half for fun so i could point to it and say that was my wife. But i can understand you are so lonely you think of such options. Not for sex, but to have something there that resembles a person. That you can say hi to or something. But in this case, it sounds so bad, as the plastic sex thing was for in bed and payed for by the money he got from the life insurance on the wife he killed. Thats very yucky.

[@caramileelliott1719]

Ikr 😂

[@AriKhuu]

Also while weird, buying a sex doll isn’t a crime. He definitely killed her though

[@burgesj7]

Look my ex wife is bi polar / manic depressive. The 'alarms' being set and the candy which insinuates plans for the next day is a stupid way to approach suicidal tendencies. You live life depressed going through motions until a HORRIBLE moment happens that pushes you over the edge. I find this approach to planning for the next day asinine.

[@meghanmisaliar]

EVERY WW says the same.

[@bostonfrank6739]

he is having an online relationship with another woman. He is checking the life insurance policy on her

[@blackmetalewok]

I know it's a lawyers job to protect their client, but damn...considering her excuses for this man are "bad timing" and "he doesn't remember" she damn well knows he's guilty and still has the audacity to claim that Kristen took her own life multiple times. Listening to her talk left me feeling disgusted every time. Good on the police for pursuing an investigation when they realized something was off too!

[@JacobEas]

Totally. I understand having to say awful things while defending your client in court, but I don't get why defense attorneys go on TV to say them.

[@supriseimblack]

Don't comment on the defense attorney. If you have nothing positive to say just move on.

[@supriseimblack]

Don't try to be like I know they're doing their job but +&$# them for doing their job..

[@stajia4694]

@@supriseimblack it’s not their job to come on TV and state these things, in court yes, but not on TV

[@auntkaz815]

You can put up a defense for your client without using a bunch of unbelievable, offensive excuses. The more of those you use, the less credible your argument is and the less a jury will believe you. Save the excuses for core issues. For the other issues (like buying a sex doll with insurance money or having an on line affair) remind the jury that the defendant may do things they don’t like/agree with but that does not mean he killed his wife.

[@mingdagreatest]

The defense attorney fails to realize that victims families never let go and or forget things about their loved ones that they’ve lost. Saying two years is a long time to go back and talk to them is irrelevant and tasteless 😒

[@supergirl2204]

Nasty sycophant for a narcissist. They always smear the victim through the mud.

[@christinarutkosky1313]

My brother passed away 7 years ago yesterday and it still feels like yesterday that he passed. It's almost like time doesn't move forward when u think of ur loved ones.

[@junglekutz5625]

She's goofy.....

[@zwebackshyper9307]

its her literal job you donut

[@ubeillin]

@@zwebackshyper9307 Seriously. These comments are giving me brain damage lol.

[@dawnsmith2448]

What is weird to me is that the officers continue to talk about the alarm. I set my alarm for Monday thru Friday for the same time. That alarm is going to sound no matter where I am or what I'm doing.

[@carolsummers8734]

Of course zero but she didn't turn it off. She put out candy ready for halloween.

[@johnryder557]

Yea thank God for the persistent people

[@staciacrick3373]

The abandonment by her mother absolutely explains her getting into a relationship with an abuser and/or narcissistic abuser

[@Autumn_Forest_]

100%, sadly!

[@jlee1936]

Great point

[@Verawnique]

Absolutely. And abused women (and men) likely miss the red flags in the beginning.

[@cynthiaschmidt2726]

The medical examiner is a joke. That police department needs to find a new doctor for that position.

[@GamerMason123]

I take it you're not from around here... It's the other way around.

[@jendee1260]

he was a coroner, not a medical examiner. there’s a difference. coroners have experience in their fields (bodies). medical examiners have that on top of medical degrees and licenses to practice medicine.

[@markr.devereux3385]

Well its like this. The man calls 911 and reports his wife sh##t herself next to him in bed. That pretty well gives the coroner 2 choices: cause of death self inflicted or the husband who is a blubbering mess and a devout church going Christian the one who did it. He was present so no 3rd party intruder. I can see not allowing for any present unusual visible trauma to the body a verdict of suicide by firearm. The only other would be the husband did it essentially. Not enough to go out on a limb.on a death certificate which must be signed off in a timely matter.

[@meghanmisaliar]

Agree. He seems senile

[@QueenHive4]

Actually ​@GamerMason123 a medical examiner should determine the manner of death without knowing if a person had a bubbly personality or not.

[@ElClavelSL]

Rest in peace beautiful spirit Kristen. A Beautiful voice her sister has.

[@davidrice3337]

This is why you always get a lawyer if the police want you to go downtown

[@user-zo9dq6qc3c]

About 1200 women are murdered every year as a result of domestic violence. As many children are murdered as well. And about 125 law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty investigating this horrid crime. Educating the public as early as grammar school is vital to helping people recognize the signs of domestic violence.

[@Verawnique]

Absolutely agree. This kind of stuff needs to be taught in school. Would help kids as they start to date as well......

[@zapfilms]

Men, any gender are victims also. Its a huge problem for everybody. Stay away from guns, sure there are other weapons but guns are just too easy.

[@user-lu3sw2hr8o]

I agree, it should be taught because our school teachers aren't overwhelmed enough already...it is not the school system's job to correct fix all of the world's social issues...that is the job of the parent! Parents( should) know their children, they need to step up...parents are the child's teacher for LIFE...ABOUT LIFE.

[@Verawnique]

@@user-lu3sw2hr8o I'm not saying teachers need to do this, but Domestic Violence organizations, local shelters, etc. Of course it's the job of the parent - but given that most parents are unqualified to be parents (mine certainly were not qualified), couldn't we give kids a leg up? School always felt like a safe place for me growing up - why not use that?

[@nlwilson4892]

@@user-lu3sw2hr8o It is far more likely that female children will go on to be victims of abuse if their mother was in an abusive relationship. Boys are a little more complex depending no the nature of the abuse, some become abusers, others abuse substances, so become campaigners against abuse (as do some females). But whatever way you look at it, the children most in need of the education are the ones least likely to get it. That goes for all sorts of bad values and anti-social behaviour. The state needs to break the chain and educate children from a young age how to be good people.

[@travelwithtony5767]

So they never checked his or Kristans hands for gunshot residue, and nobody mentioned that she didn’t leave a suicide note?

[@laurennnelizabethhh]

“He’s a devoted Christian” OH WELL THEN. Might as well just let him go free! 🙄

[@peterg.ryanjr.4821]

I tried watching this but that fake crying of the husband is too much.......

[@crossedwires2629]

"he's a devoted Christian" - oooh, yes, yes, that is a GUARANTEE that he is not a murderer. Totally history aligns with this.

[@shelteredsparrow2736]

Hi I am not sure exactly what you are saying. You use the words “devoted Christian. That should be a guarantee of devotion. And then say “total history aligns with this”. I think you are saying it doesn’t. I may be misunderstanding you. You believe Christianity shows the opposite. I am sorry, if I am understanding you correctly that history shows the opposite of being devoted. I may be misunderstanding you. If your experience has been the opposite of experiencing devotion, I am truly truly sorry. For me I had the opposite experience. I was the kid everyone picked on. Everyone but one person. She was a Christian. She was the most popular girl in the school. She risked her popularity by defending me. She gave me hope in my hopeless world. I didn’t know what a Christian was but I determined to become a Christian because of her. There is a wonderful book out there called WHO IS THIS MAN. It goes through history and shows what a dog eat dog world it was. It shows how the world was changed for the better because of people following the teachings of Christ. I am so sorry if this has not been your experience. That really upsets me. I wish you had my experience of being brought hope to my hopeless world.

[@EllenLeah-pv2yw]

@@shelteredsparrow2736No clue why you think OP is talking about personal experience. Those of us who’ve watched a lot of true crime over the years lost count of all the devoted Christian killers a long, long time ago

[@TamiTribianni]

@@EllenLeah-pv2yw Thing is, people these days just believe someone if they say they're a Christian and that's just not the case, you have to look at how they live their life not just by what they say.

[@phantagirlable]

@@TamiTribianni You are getting dangerously close to the No True Scotsman-fallacy...

[@meghanmisaliar]

U sound goofy.

[@LornaDoome9092]

DA Cunningham looks like an actor playing Leonardo Decaprio in his later years 😂

[@lisavizzini9609]

Why was there nothing mentioned about gun shot residue tests on him and I disagree that the coroner should be made privy prior to his determination on cause of death to all the information such as looking up life insurance policies. All that information would only taint his opinion to what he actually found during the autopsy.

[@EnzoneMusic]

The crying seems forced

[@caleclayton1987]

I totally agree he makes me cringe

[@_Tokenwhtguy]

Agreed! It's so obvious.

[@user-mv7kh5sv9z]

He cried every other sentence

[@TheStar798]

Not going to lie: I was buying it (some people sound fake when they're crying)..... Aaaaand then we heard about him texting his girlfriend from the cop shop 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️

[@EnzoneMusic]

@@TheStar798 The crying alone from the 911 call to the interrogation i knew he was guilty

[@elizabethprost]

“Good Christians” commit some of the most heinous crimes. So sick of that defense.

[@meghanmisaliar]

Just like "good Muslims". It's all religions.

[@meghanmisaliar]

Then obviously they AREN'T "good" christians lol. Duh.

[@StaceyMurphey-bk2wy]

Exactly! Sickening that so many perverts and criminals put on a false "christian" front to cover their vile lifestyles!!

[@Muddyowns]

​@@meghanmisaliarAmen and Awoman.

[@darlingdeb7010]

Religion is just easy to manipulate. The wholesome things usually are. It's the same reason why so many teachers are pedos and so many Dr's are influenced by government funding as opposed to the wellbeing of their patients.

[@Scratchingforcash]

Doesn’t check for gun shot residue. lol let the criminal walk right away scott free

[@ASMRish]

'I had to take the husband at word value' Um, no. That is literally the opposite of your job. Jfc.

[@victoriacannon6214]

The fact that he “put the gun back down on her” tells me he’s lying. No one would do that. That’s insane

[@jamiefairchild1609]

How was he a devoted Christian when he was talking to another woman while being married. Thats not devoted. His lawyer needs to mark that off her list of why she believes him.

[@user-eb7ko2cf8l]

"we have electric blankets for that" got me lol 😂😂😂

[@jgirlinluv55]

Lol

[@lplate44]

😅 lol😅

[@jendee1260]

right! he wanted the 🕳️ in that doll.

[@mrsdouglas]

Watching the prosecutor flag himself with the revolver like that is horrifying.

[@monicasullivan9196]

I thought if someone commits suicide the insurance companies don’t pay out

[@prevost8686]

Most companies have a “con-testability” clause in their contract that states that they will not pay off if a person offs themselves in the first two years of their policy. It’s supposed to prevent someone from taking out a large policy to cover the costs of their actions.