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1
00:00:07,508 --> 00:00:08,774
- I'm craig melvin,
2
00:00:08,842 --> 00:00:19,156
And this is "dateline:
Secrets uncovered."
3
00:00:19,224 --> 00:00:22,159
- She had this look of
absolute terror on her face.
4
00:00:22,228 --> 00:00:23,627
She was scared.
5
00:00:23,696 --> 00:00:25,363
She really, really
was afraid,
6
00:00:25,431 --> 00:00:26,831
And I don't really
know why.
7
00:00:26,899 --> 00:00:29,366
- She was a sunny,
free spirit
8
00:00:29,435 --> 00:00:32,503
Who had yearned to
make it in hollywood,
9
00:00:32,505 --> 00:00:36,239
But she made headlines instead
when she vanished.
10
00:00:36,308 --> 00:00:38,375
- One day, she was gone.
Her pets were gone.
11
00:00:38,377 --> 00:00:40,378
- I knew that
something happened.
12
00:00:40,446 --> 00:00:42,479
- Did something
drive her away?
13
00:00:42,481 --> 00:00:44,448
Or maybe someone?
14
00:00:44,517 --> 00:00:46,983
There was that
old friend turned enemy.
15
00:00:47,053 --> 00:00:48,585
- They seemed to
be very passionate
16
00:00:48,654 --> 00:00:50,186
About hating each other.
17
00:00:50,256 --> 00:00:51,656
- There was
the new friend--
18
00:00:51,724 --> 00:00:54,358
Young, handsome,
a man of mystery.
19
00:00:54,360 --> 00:00:56,728
- He said, "I'm not
what people think I am,"
20
00:00:56,795 --> 00:00:58,662
And I thought,
"wonder what that means?"
21
00:00:58,731 --> 00:01:01,198
- I told her this could
end up killing her.
22
00:01:01,200 --> 00:01:04,468
- A brother and sister
desperate to learn the truth.
23
00:01:04,537 --> 00:01:06,670
- It's just chilling
for me to think about that.
24
00:01:06,739 --> 00:01:14,811
♪♪
25
00:01:14,880 --> 00:01:16,146
- Hello, and welcome
26
00:01:16,148 --> 00:01:18,682
To "dateline:
Secrets uncovered."
27
00:01:18,751 --> 00:01:22,486
Brittany tavar wore
her heart on her sleeve,
28
00:01:22,555 --> 00:01:25,756
Opening her life to anyone
she thought needed her help,
29
00:01:25,824 --> 00:01:28,892
Whether that meant pets
or people.
30
00:01:28,961 --> 00:01:31,296
But after she vanished,
her family learned
31
00:01:31,363 --> 00:01:33,964
That a secret
she had been hiding
32
00:01:34,033 --> 00:01:37,434
May have inadvertently
exposed her to danger.
33
00:01:37,503 --> 00:01:41,238
Now could investigators
find her alive?
34
00:01:41,306 --> 00:01:42,907
Here's keith morrison with...
35
00:01:45,078 --> 00:01:47,644
- They noticed it first
at her favorite place,
36
00:01:47,646 --> 00:01:51,314
That private beach club
faces out at the south atlantic.
37
00:01:51,383 --> 00:01:52,783
Took a little longer
for the story
38
00:01:52,851 --> 00:01:55,185
To spread up and down
the historic streets,
39
00:01:55,254 --> 00:01:58,455
This oldest of all
american cities,
40
00:01:58,524 --> 00:01:59,723
Until it reached
the ears
41
00:01:59,792 --> 00:02:02,592
Of a young reporter
named justine griffin,
42
00:02:02,661 --> 00:02:06,463
Who worked the crime beat at
"st. Augustine, florida times."
43
00:02:06,465 --> 00:02:07,531
- This one was definitely
44
00:02:07,533 --> 00:02:09,933
One of the most bizarre
that I've covered.
45
00:02:09,935 --> 00:02:13,136
One day, her car-- she was gone.
Her pets were gone.
46
00:02:13,205 --> 00:02:15,806
- The "she" justine
is talking about
47
00:02:15,808 --> 00:02:18,608
Was the local fixture here
in st. Augustine, florida,
48
00:02:18,677 --> 00:02:22,079
A striking and friendly woman
named brittany tavar
49
00:02:22,147 --> 00:02:25,549
Who had, without a word to
anyone, up and vanished.
50
00:02:25,617 --> 00:02:27,352
Hardly a big story
at first.
51
00:02:27,419 --> 00:02:30,421
After all, people do come
and go around st. Augustine,
52
00:02:30,489 --> 00:02:34,758
And this was July 2010,
heat ratcheting up.
53
00:02:34,760 --> 00:02:37,628
Good time to
head north, maybe?
54
00:02:37,630 --> 00:02:38,895
- Just as the weeks went on,
55
00:02:38,964 --> 00:02:41,766
It sort of got a
little bit more strange.
56
00:02:41,834 --> 00:02:43,834
- A little bit strange?
57
00:02:43,836 --> 00:02:46,437
In fact, the disappearance
of brittany tavar
58
00:02:46,505 --> 00:02:49,841
Was about to become the biggest
and perhaps strangest story
59
00:02:49,908 --> 00:02:52,610
Of justine griffin's
young career.
60
00:02:52,678 --> 00:02:55,378
Not just that
brittany disappeared,
61
00:02:55,447 --> 00:02:56,313
But that she'd vanished
62
00:02:56,382 --> 00:02:59,517
On such an important
day for her,
63
00:02:59,585 --> 00:03:02,586
The day she was due to appear
in a st. Augustine court
64
00:03:02,655 --> 00:03:05,856
And bring charges
against a bitter enemy.
65
00:03:05,858 --> 00:03:08,125
- She had an enormous
amount of anxiety.
66
00:03:08,193 --> 00:03:10,794
- This is brittany's sister
pat bellamah.
67
00:03:10,863 --> 00:03:14,298
Pat lived clear across
the country in portland, oregon,
68
00:03:14,366 --> 00:03:16,601
So she couldn't do much
about her sister's worries,
69
00:03:16,668 --> 00:03:19,736
Couldn't help her confront
her nemesis in court,
70
00:03:19,738 --> 00:03:21,338
But pat had been aware
since girlhood
71
00:03:21,406 --> 00:03:24,141
Brittany was pretty good
at looking after herself.
72
00:03:24,143 --> 00:03:26,343
- We were polar opposites.
73
00:03:26,412 --> 00:03:29,746
I was much more academically
oriented than she was
74
00:03:29,815 --> 00:03:33,551
And sort of more staid
and analytical.
75
00:03:33,619 --> 00:03:36,153
She was very agile and athletic,
and I wasn't.
76
00:03:36,155 --> 00:03:39,823
So I spent my childhood
following her up trees
77
00:03:39,892 --> 00:03:41,225
And trying to jump
over creeks,
78
00:03:41,227 --> 00:03:43,428
And she could do it,
and I couldn't.
79
00:03:43,495 --> 00:03:46,296
- Scattered family.
Five siblings in all.
80
00:03:46,298 --> 00:03:48,432
Andrew bellamah, one of
brittany's three brothers,
81
00:03:48,434 --> 00:03:51,569
Kept track of her from his
place up in the northeast.
82
00:03:51,637 --> 00:03:53,103
- She was very extroverted.
83
00:03:53,171 --> 00:03:56,773
She-she, uh, marched to
the beat of her own drum.
84
00:03:56,842 --> 00:04:04,101
- So when they heard
she was missing,
85
00:04:04,169 --> 00:04:07,037
Pat and andrew had to
consider the possibility
86
00:04:07,106 --> 00:04:10,107
That brittany had decided
to try something new.
87
00:04:10,175 --> 00:04:13,088
- Well, she very much had
a sense of inventing herself,
88
00:04:13,157 --> 00:04:15,991
You know, her whole life.
89
00:04:15,993 --> 00:04:18,828
- Like the time she went
to hollywood years ago,
90
00:04:18,896 --> 00:04:21,064
Wanted to be a movie star.
91
00:04:21,131 --> 00:04:22,710
- She wanted
certain things in life,
92
00:04:22,777 --> 00:04:24,677
And she just thought
if she belinieved herself,
93
00:04:24,747 --> 00:04:26,146
And she went out
and tried, you know,
94
00:04:26,215 --> 00:04:29,083
She would-- she would
get those things.
95
00:04:29,151 --> 00:04:32,886
- Didn't get those things,
up to now at least,
96
00:04:32,954 --> 00:04:34,689
But she had
some family money,
97
00:04:34,756 --> 00:04:36,890
Settled comfortably
in st. Augustine,
98
00:04:36,892 --> 00:04:39,493
Took up photography,
sold real estate,
99
00:04:39,561 --> 00:04:40,962
Bought a nice house,
100
00:04:41,029 --> 00:04:45,098
And joined a private beach
club called the serenata,
101
00:04:45,167 --> 00:04:47,767
Where she developed a group
of very close friends.
102
00:04:47,836 --> 00:04:50,972
For example, brenda lemke.
- The thing about brittany,
103
00:04:51,039 --> 00:04:54,174
She was a single woman
living on her own,
104
00:04:54,243 --> 00:04:58,111
And I just thought she was
very strong and very brave.
105
00:04:58,113 --> 00:04:59,112
You know, she had money.
106
00:04:59,181 --> 00:05:00,647
She didn't have
to worry about that,
107
00:05:00,649 --> 00:05:04,117
But still, you know, she had
to create a life for herself,
108
00:05:04,186 --> 00:05:06,187
A social environment.
109
00:05:06,254 --> 00:05:09,256
She was interesting.
She wasn't boring.
110
00:05:09,324 --> 00:05:12,992
- Joanna simmons was also
a friend from the serenata.
111
00:05:13,061 --> 00:05:15,195
- I invited her to come
to choir one night
112
00:05:15,197 --> 00:05:16,729
At this church that
I was going to,
113
00:05:16,799 --> 00:05:19,733
And she came and seemed
to really enjoy it,
114
00:05:19,735 --> 00:05:21,334
And so she joined
the choir.
115
00:05:21,403 --> 00:05:23,937
- Was she a spiritual woman?
Was she--
116
00:05:24,006 --> 00:05:27,008
- I think she had a very much
of a spiritual side to her.
117
00:05:27,075 --> 00:05:29,075
- They enjoyed
her personality.
118
00:05:29,144 --> 00:05:32,145
You know, she could be very
sort of sparkly and vivacious.
119
00:05:32,214 --> 00:05:34,681
I was impressed that she
had so many close friends
120
00:05:34,683 --> 00:05:37,050
Who cared so much
about her.
121
00:05:37,119 --> 00:05:40,687
- So because brittany's family
members lived so far away,
122
00:05:40,755 --> 00:05:42,956
It was friends like
joanna and brenda
123
00:05:42,958 --> 00:05:45,425
Who first tired to solve
the puzzle of her absence
124
00:05:45,494 --> 00:05:48,495
That week in July.
- I called a few times,
125
00:05:48,563 --> 00:05:50,497
But I didn't
hear anything.
126
00:05:50,565 --> 00:05:52,299
And then Thursday came,
127
00:05:52,301 --> 00:05:55,435
And I called Thursday,
and I knew.
128
00:05:55,504 --> 00:05:58,639
I knew Thursday
that something happened.
129
00:06:00,642 --> 00:06:02,675
- So brenda called
brittany's family
130
00:06:02,744 --> 00:06:04,245
And they asked her
to go 'round to the house,
131
00:06:04,312 --> 00:06:07,914
But, frankly, just looking
at the place from the outside,
132
00:06:07,916 --> 00:06:11,117
She didn't see any sign
of foul play.
133
00:06:11,119 --> 00:06:12,219
Back in portland,
134
00:06:12,287 --> 00:06:15,189
Brittany's sister pat
didn't know quite what to do.
135
00:06:15,257 --> 00:06:17,058
- I actually happen
to have a long-time friend
136
00:06:17,125 --> 00:06:18,793
Who's a police officer,
so I called him,
137
00:06:18,860 --> 00:06:20,593
And I said,
"what do we do?"
138
00:06:20,662 --> 00:06:23,530
And he says, "well,
just get a locksmith.
139
00:06:23,532 --> 00:06:24,998
"send brenda back
with a locksmith,
140
00:06:25,000 --> 00:06:27,801
"and have her go
into the house."
141
00:06:27,869 --> 00:06:29,402
- Which, by now,
several days
142
00:06:29,471 --> 00:06:32,940
After brittany dropped
out of sight, brenda did.
143
00:06:33,008 --> 00:06:37,010
And inside,
nothing seemed amiss,
144
00:06:37,078 --> 00:06:39,946
Although, she had apparently
taken some of her pets,
145
00:06:40,015 --> 00:06:42,015
Her two little dogs.
146
00:06:42,084 --> 00:06:43,616
- Her dogs were gone,
147
00:06:43,685 --> 00:06:46,820
Huey and kuebear,
her little white bichons.
148
00:06:46,889 --> 00:06:48,755
- But brittany also
had cats,
149
00:06:48,823 --> 00:06:52,125
And they were still
in the house alone.
150
00:06:52,194 --> 00:06:54,961
- One of the doors was open
for the cats to go in and out.
151
00:06:55,030 --> 00:06:58,164
- Some people do that,
it's true. But brittany?
152
00:06:58,233 --> 00:07:00,767
- Well, my sister loved
her cats very, very much,
153
00:07:00,835 --> 00:07:03,236
And she would never just
go away on a trip
154
00:07:03,305 --> 00:07:06,307
And leave them to fend
for themselves.
155
00:07:06,374 --> 00:07:08,107
- Where had brittany gone?
156
00:07:08,176 --> 00:07:10,576
Why would she take her dogs,
leave her cats,
157
00:07:10,645 --> 00:07:12,545
And take off,
vanish,
158
00:07:12,614 --> 00:07:14,781
On the very day she was
all set to appear in court
159
00:07:14,849 --> 00:07:16,917
To resolve
a bitter feud,
160
00:07:16,985 --> 00:07:19,052
A feud which
she told her family
161
00:07:19,120 --> 00:07:21,388
Kept her in constant fear?
162
00:07:21,456 --> 00:07:23,056
- It was very strange that
all of a sudden,
163
00:07:23,058 --> 00:07:25,392
The day that she was
supposed to be in court,
164
00:07:25,460 --> 00:07:26,726
Now she's gone.
165
00:07:26,795 --> 00:07:29,797
- Brittany tavar was
a master of reinvention.
166
00:07:29,865 --> 00:07:32,399
Had she simply run off
for a fresh start?
167
00:07:32,401 --> 00:07:35,168
Or did something
sinister happen to her?
168
00:07:38,106 --> 00:07:39,138
- Over the years,
169
00:07:39,207 --> 00:07:41,207
Eight different people
lived in her spare room.
170
00:07:41,276 --> 00:07:43,076
- That's a very
interesting thing
171
00:07:43,144 --> 00:07:45,745
That a single woman
living on her own would do.
172
00:07:45,814 --> 00:07:48,548
- She wasn't really practical.
I mean, the risk of it--
173
00:07:48,617 --> 00:07:52,887
But I think she really liked
the idea of helping people.
174
00:07:52,954 --> 00:07:56,891
- When "dateline: Secrets
uncovered" continues.
175
00:07:59,694 --> 00:08:03,463
♪♪
176
00:08:07,636 --> 00:08:10,503
- Something was off,
something very wrong,
177
00:08:10,572 --> 00:08:13,373
Here in the dripping heat
of the st. Augustine summer.
178
00:08:13,375 --> 00:08:15,508
Friends of brittany tavar had
been unable to reach her
179
00:08:15,510 --> 00:08:18,511
For several days.
- Everybody that knows brittany
180
00:08:18,513 --> 00:08:21,714
Knows that she would never
just take up
181
00:08:21,783 --> 00:08:24,183
And leave like that
without telling me.
182
00:08:24,252 --> 00:08:25,585
- So brittany's family,
183
00:08:25,654 --> 00:08:28,989
Frantic but far away in
opposite corners of the country,
184
00:08:28,991 --> 00:08:30,791
Called a locksmith,
185
00:08:30,859 --> 00:08:41,937
Asked brittany's friends
to go inside her house,
186
00:08:42,005 --> 00:08:43,738
Have a look around,
187
00:08:43,740 --> 00:08:46,975
And the place seemed
perfectly normal,
188
00:08:47,044 --> 00:08:49,579
Except one or two
little things
189
00:08:49,646 --> 00:08:52,681
Didn't quite make sense.
- There were some anomalies,
190
00:08:52,750 --> 00:08:54,282
Like the air condition
was blasting,
191
00:08:54,351 --> 00:08:56,752
And she never would have left
the air condition blasting.
192
00:08:56,820 --> 00:08:58,487
- Oh, and there was
one more thing, though.
193
00:08:58,555 --> 00:08:59,822
It wasn't so much
as something wrong
194
00:08:59,890 --> 00:09:09,637
As it was just
a little too right.
195
00:09:09,706 --> 00:09:11,440
One of the friends who
searched brittany's house
196
00:09:11,508 --> 00:09:15,243
Was tim martin, a man
brittany had been dating.
197
00:09:15,245 --> 00:09:17,779
- She was a little unorganized,
but the house was very clean,
198
00:09:17,848 --> 00:09:19,180
And so it looked
like maybe somebody
199
00:09:19,249 --> 00:09:21,383
Was going somewhere, but--
- somebody had
200
00:09:21,385 --> 00:09:23,853
Fixed the place up.
- Yes.
201
00:09:23,920 --> 00:09:26,921
- The good news was,
everything was tidy.
202
00:09:26,990 --> 00:09:29,191
There was no sign
of a crime scene.
203
00:09:29,259 --> 00:09:32,193
The bad news is,
the home looked too clean.
204
00:09:32,262 --> 00:09:34,129
- It certainly could be that
brittany simply
205
00:09:34,197 --> 00:09:36,331
Cleaned the place more
thoroughly than usual,
206
00:09:36,333 --> 00:09:37,999
Then packed up and left
207
00:09:38,068 --> 00:09:41,470
And left the back door
open for the cats.
208
00:09:41,538 --> 00:09:44,105
The police told the family that
in the absence of foul play,
209
00:09:44,107 --> 00:09:45,840
There wasn't much
they could do.
210
00:09:45,909 --> 00:09:47,709
No law against a grown woman
211
00:09:47,778 --> 00:09:50,011
Taking off without
telling anyone.
212
00:09:50,080 --> 00:09:52,213
- We hired
a private investigator
213
00:09:52,215 --> 00:09:55,550
Who started looking around
to find something
214
00:09:55,552 --> 00:09:58,287
That would get the police
involved in the case.
215
00:09:58,355 --> 00:10:00,355
- While the pi made his
inquiries,
216
00:10:00,423 --> 00:10:01,357
Over the next few days,
217
00:10:01,425 --> 00:10:04,425
Brittany's family began
their own investigation,
218
00:10:04,495 --> 00:10:08,363
And soon discovered a few
very brittany-esque secrets,
219
00:10:08,431 --> 00:10:10,298
Things she had never
told them about.
220
00:10:10,367 --> 00:10:12,233
- We didn't know
that over the years,
221
00:10:12,235 --> 00:10:13,835
Eight different
homeless people
222
00:10:13,904 --> 00:10:15,503
Lived in her spare room.
223
00:10:15,572 --> 00:10:19,174
She usually had some kind of an
arrangement with these fellows
224
00:10:19,242 --> 00:10:20,642
That they would
help her with stuff,
225
00:10:20,710 --> 00:10:22,777
Like the first guy helped
with the yard work.
226
00:10:22,779 --> 00:10:24,513
I mean, she would never
tell us that,
227
00:10:24,515 --> 00:10:27,048
Because, of course,
we would say, "bad idea."
228
00:10:27,050 --> 00:10:28,183
- "what are you thinking?"
yeah.
229
00:10:28,251 --> 00:10:30,118
- You know, you can't
just invite strangers
230
00:10:30,187 --> 00:10:31,786
To live in your house,
you know?
231
00:10:31,855 --> 00:10:33,655
- That's a very
interesting thing
232
00:10:33,724 --> 00:10:36,192
That a single woman living
on her own would do.
233
00:10:36,259 --> 00:10:37,525
- She wasn't really
practical.
234
00:10:37,594 --> 00:10:40,461
I mean, the risk of it-- either
she would have dismissed it,
235
00:10:40,531 --> 00:10:43,198
Or maybe that was
what was interesting about it.
236
00:10:43,200 --> 00:10:46,267
But I think she really
liked the idea
237
00:10:46,269 --> 00:10:47,602
Of helping people.
238
00:10:47,604 --> 00:10:48,536
- It's kind of
like bringing home
239
00:10:48,605 --> 00:10:49,938
A bird with a broken wing,
240
00:10:50,007 --> 00:10:51,740
And you're gonna fix it
or something like that, and--
241
00:10:51,742 --> 00:10:52,740
- Right.
- Make it right.
242
00:10:52,809 --> 00:10:54,676
- Well, she also grew up
in a family
243
00:10:54,678 --> 00:10:56,811
Where serving people
and serving the poor
244
00:10:56,880 --> 00:11:01,282
Was just part of the
environment that we lived in.
245
00:11:01,351 --> 00:11:02,885
- Brittany had recently
been hosting
246
00:11:02,953 --> 00:11:06,154
A handsome young man
named joe roberts
247
00:11:06,223 --> 00:11:08,758
Whom she had met
at a barnes & noble store.
248
00:11:08,825 --> 00:11:11,226
- She was trying to start up
some enterprise,
249
00:11:11,294 --> 00:11:14,095
And he was gonna help her
do the computer work.
250
00:11:14,164 --> 00:11:17,198
- According to friends,
brittany was a doting landlady.
251
00:11:17,267 --> 00:11:18,567
Bought young joe
new clothes,
252
00:11:18,569 --> 00:11:20,168
Even a computer.
253
00:11:20,236 --> 00:11:21,569
Brittany's friends
got to know him some
254
00:11:21,638 --> 00:11:25,340
When she showed him off
down at the serenata beach club.
255
00:11:25,342 --> 00:11:27,642
- Here she is.
"joann. Joann.
256
00:11:27,711 --> 00:11:29,177
"I want you to meet the guy
in the hot tub.
257
00:11:29,246 --> 00:11:31,646
"he's so good looking.
He's so nice."
258
00:11:31,715 --> 00:11:34,849
- He seemed like he
could be my brother,
259
00:11:34,851 --> 00:11:35,717
My younger brother.
260
00:11:35,786 --> 00:11:38,319
- He just seemed like
such a nice guy
261
00:11:38,388 --> 00:11:42,124
And that he was just-- he just
really wanted to try.
262
00:11:42,192 --> 00:11:44,192
- They accepted him
as somebody brittany was
263
00:11:44,194 --> 00:11:47,262
Trying to help
and who might help her.
264
00:11:47,264 --> 00:11:48,596
- Very charming.
265
00:11:48,665 --> 00:11:50,598
I thought he was
well mannered.
266
00:11:50,667 --> 00:11:53,202
He thought the girls were
really shallow his age,
267
00:11:53,270 --> 00:11:54,804
That they just wanted
to go out and have, like,
268
00:11:54,871 --> 00:11:56,404
One night stands
and he didn't want
269
00:11:56,473 --> 00:11:58,674
To be involved in
relationships like that.
270
00:11:58,742 --> 00:12:03,678
He really wanted, uh, sincere
relationships with women.
271
00:12:03,680 --> 00:12:07,015
- In addition to which he was,
those women could plainly see,
272
00:12:07,017 --> 00:12:09,684
A bit of a hottie
and of course
273
00:12:09,753 --> 00:12:11,519
You know how
gossip can be.
274
00:12:11,588 --> 00:12:13,421
A good looking young guy
that brittany
275
00:12:13,490 --> 00:12:15,757
Had treated very kindly.
276
00:12:15,826 --> 00:12:18,693
He stayed in the master bedroom?
277
00:12:18,762 --> 00:12:19,895
Where did she stay?
278
00:12:19,963 --> 00:12:23,232
- She had a room over by
the pool, the swimming pool.
279
00:12:23,300 --> 00:12:25,234
She liked to listen
to the fountain at night.
280
00:12:25,302 --> 00:12:26,901
It helped her sleep.
281
00:12:26,903 --> 00:12:28,636
- There had been speculation
that there was
282
00:12:28,705 --> 00:12:31,639
Nothing romantic
or sexual about
283
00:12:31,708 --> 00:12:33,441
Inviting this
young man in?
284
00:12:33,443 --> 00:12:35,244
- You know, I joked
with her about it.
285
00:12:35,312 --> 00:12:38,046
She would always say no,
he likes megan fox
286
00:12:38,115 --> 00:12:40,115
And, you know,
he's not interested.
287
00:12:40,183 --> 00:12:41,583
I'm too old.
288
00:12:43,720 --> 00:12:46,322
- Still, who really knew
what went on
289
00:12:46,389 --> 00:12:48,256
Behind closed doors?
290
00:12:48,258 --> 00:12:50,258
Anyway, they couldn't ask joe.
291
00:12:50,260 --> 00:12:51,660
He never stayed anywhere
very long
292
00:12:51,728 --> 00:12:54,228
And he wasn't around anymore
to shed light
293
00:12:54,297 --> 00:12:56,599
On his ex landlady's
disappearance.
294
00:12:56,666 --> 00:12:59,067
So, still playing ametuer
slueths,
295
00:12:59,135 --> 00:13:02,071
Brittany's family now asked
the obvious question.
296
00:13:02,138 --> 00:13:04,272
Was there anyone here
in st. Augustine
297
00:13:04,341 --> 00:13:06,541
Who might want
to harm brittany?
298
00:13:06,543 --> 00:13:10,411
And the answer was
a resounding yes.
299
00:13:10,480 --> 00:13:13,882
Friends like joanna simmons told
how at the serenata beach club
300
00:13:13,884 --> 00:13:16,284
In the days before
she disappeared,
301
00:13:16,353 --> 00:13:18,153
Brittany seemed terrified.
302
00:13:18,155 --> 00:13:22,691
- I saw her one day leaving
the, uh, hot tub area
303
00:13:22,693 --> 00:13:26,027
To go into the pool and she had
this look of absolute terror
304
00:13:26,029 --> 00:13:27,696
On her face.
305
00:13:27,764 --> 00:13:32,067
- Why britney was terrified
began with a very weird story
306
00:13:32,135 --> 00:13:34,169
About a neighbor
she'd gotten to know.
307
00:13:34,171 --> 00:13:37,772
This woman, her name
is ann lydon.
308
00:13:37,841 --> 00:13:41,643
- Everybody knew brittany
and if she stopped you,
309
00:13:41,645 --> 00:13:44,579
She'd want to chat and,
you know, get into your life.
310
00:13:44,647 --> 00:13:45,914
- You couldn't get away
from her for a while.
311
00:13:45,916 --> 00:13:48,049
- No, she's a busybody.
312
00:13:48,118 --> 00:13:51,887
- And if ann doesn't speak
very kindly of brittany now,
313
00:13:51,955 --> 00:13:53,989
You have to understand
it was very different
314
00:13:54,057 --> 00:13:55,390
At the beginning.
315
00:13:55,392 --> 00:13:57,425
Then they were friendly
enough to become partners
316
00:13:57,494 --> 00:13:59,595
In a little dog
breeding venture.
317
00:13:59,663 --> 00:14:02,798
- She wanted to breed
huey with one of mine.
318
00:14:02,866 --> 00:14:05,467
- But then complications.
319
00:14:05,535 --> 00:14:08,469
Brittany began a romance
with a fellow named billy,
320
00:14:08,471 --> 00:14:10,805
Friend of ann
and her husband's.
321
00:14:10,874 --> 00:14:13,609
Billy, uh, as the new boyfriend,
moved right in
322
00:14:13,677 --> 00:14:16,011
And everything was
hunky dory
323
00:14:16,079 --> 00:14:20,014
Until, well, love is
unpredictable.
324
00:14:20,083 --> 00:14:22,750
And in this case,
it didn't last.
325
00:14:22,819 --> 00:14:24,886
- They got into
some stupid fight.
326
00:14:24,888 --> 00:14:28,289
So, billy calls up and said,
"I'm coming to get my stuff."
327
00:14:28,358 --> 00:14:30,691
And, um, she said,
"come by yourself."
328
00:14:30,761 --> 00:14:33,428
- But billy didn't
go there alone.
329
00:14:33,496 --> 00:14:37,031
He was accompanied by
ann lydon and her husband.
330
00:14:37,033 --> 00:14:38,834
- Brittany said,
"don't come in the house."
331
00:14:38,902 --> 00:14:40,569
And they came in.
332
00:14:40,637 --> 00:14:42,838
- But she was cussing
and screaming and whatever
333
00:14:42,906 --> 00:14:45,173
And, um, I said,
"okay, I'm leaving."
334
00:14:45,175 --> 00:14:46,107
- What happened?
335
00:14:46,176 --> 00:14:48,643
- She hit me over the head
with a wine bottle
336
00:14:48,711 --> 00:14:51,980
And she was sitting
on top of me strangling me
337
00:14:51,982 --> 00:14:54,148
And michael and billy
pulled her off.
338
00:14:54,217 --> 00:14:56,185
- Two sides to every story,
of course.
339
00:14:56,252 --> 00:15:00,421
Brittany said ann and her
two men refused to leave.
340
00:15:00,490 --> 00:15:02,924
- You would think
that's her house.
341
00:15:02,992 --> 00:15:04,859
If I say,
"get out of my house,"
342
00:15:04,928 --> 00:15:06,594
You should leave my house.
343
00:15:06,663 --> 00:15:08,596
- And yes, it was true
they fought, said brittany,
344
00:15:08,665 --> 00:15:11,199
But in a report to police,
brittany claimed
345
00:15:11,267 --> 00:15:12,834
She didn't start it.
346
00:15:12,836 --> 00:15:15,603
In fact, after the fight
subsided, it was brittany
347
00:15:15,605 --> 00:15:19,741
Who called the police to accuse
ann of assaulting her, but...
348
00:15:19,743 --> 00:15:20,841
- They went over
and talked to ann
349
00:15:20,911 --> 00:15:24,579
And then they came back
and arrested brittany.
350
00:15:24,648 --> 00:15:26,615
- Arrested brittany?
351
00:15:26,683 --> 00:15:27,950
But why her?
352
00:15:28,017 --> 00:15:30,084
- She admitted that
she put her throw--
353
00:15:30,153 --> 00:15:32,353
Her hand on ann's throat
354
00:15:32,422 --> 00:15:34,956
And-and they arrested her
based on that.
355
00:15:34,958 --> 00:15:36,825
- They charged brittany
with battery.
356
00:15:36,827 --> 00:15:38,693
She spent the night in jail.
357
00:15:38,761 --> 00:15:40,362
It was a very
traumatic experience
358
00:15:40,430 --> 00:15:42,030
And she called me up crying.
359
00:15:42,032 --> 00:15:44,933
- In court, brittany was
sentenced to probation,
360
00:15:45,001 --> 00:15:48,036
Anger management classes,
community service,
361
00:15:48,104 --> 00:15:51,672
And a one year order
to stay away from ann lydon.
362
00:15:51,742 --> 00:15:55,444
But ann, oddly perhaps,
chose to be closer
363
00:15:55,512 --> 00:15:57,445
To brittany,
at least physically.
364
00:15:57,514 --> 00:16:00,715
She and her husband
joined brittany's sanctuary,
365
00:16:00,783 --> 00:16:02,583
The serenata beach club.
366
00:16:02,652 --> 00:16:04,919
- Felt so bad for her
because that was a place
367
00:16:04,988 --> 00:16:07,922
That she really, really
got peace and she was able
368
00:16:07,991 --> 00:16:11,659
To socialize with people
and then enjoy herself there,
369
00:16:11,728 --> 00:16:14,062
And then all of a sudden
here they show up
370
00:16:14,064 --> 00:16:16,130
In the hot tub all the time.
371
00:16:16,199 --> 00:16:18,466
- And before long,
the conflict--
372
00:16:18,468 --> 00:16:22,403
The growing fear was all
brittany could talk about.
373
00:16:22,472 --> 00:16:26,741
She was fearful for her life
and I-- and I-I told her,
374
00:16:26,809 --> 00:16:29,010
Um, this could end
up killing you.
375
00:16:31,281 --> 00:16:33,414
- Did brittany's terror
drive her
376
00:16:33,416 --> 00:16:34,682
Hundreds of miles away?
377
00:16:34,684 --> 00:16:36,685
- Her dogs were found
roaming the streets
378
00:16:36,753 --> 00:16:38,086
And they were both
found separately.
379
00:16:38,088 --> 00:16:39,488
- How did they manage
to connect two dogs
380
00:16:39,556 --> 00:16:41,823
In columbia, south carolina
to her?
381
00:16:41,825 --> 00:16:45,493
- That's just the beginning
of a long, strange tale.
382
00:16:45,562 --> 00:16:48,163
- They were following her
credit card transactions
383
00:16:48,231 --> 00:16:51,900
To north carolina,
idaho, oregon.
384
00:16:51,968 --> 00:16:55,237
- When "dateline: Secrets
uncovered" continues.
385
00:17:04,914 --> 00:17:07,715
- What a respite was
the serenata beach club.
386
00:17:07,717 --> 00:17:11,586
What a lovely perch from which
to enjoy the brilliant sun,
387
00:17:11,588 --> 00:17:14,789
The warm soothing currents.
388
00:17:14,857 --> 00:17:18,594
But on those summer days
in 2010, events at the serenata
389
00:17:18,661 --> 00:17:20,863
Were perhaps a little too warm.
390
00:17:20,930 --> 00:17:23,464
Day after day, the sworn enemies
faced each other
391
00:17:23,533 --> 00:17:26,668
Across swimming pools
and hot tubs,
392
00:17:26,670 --> 00:17:29,337
And all the while
brittany seethed with
393
00:17:29,405 --> 00:17:32,540
An expanding collection
of insults and incidents
394
00:17:32,609 --> 00:17:35,410
Heaped on her
by her ex friend ann.
395
00:17:35,478 --> 00:17:38,213
- I was like, brittany,
can't you just let this go?
396
00:17:38,281 --> 00:17:40,081
And she just--
she couldn't let go of it.
397
00:17:40,150 --> 00:17:44,485
It was so-- it was sub--
an obsession actually.
398
00:17:44,554 --> 00:17:47,488
- Brittany accused ann
of keying her car.
399
00:17:47,557 --> 00:17:50,358
So, she began carrying
around a video camera
400
00:17:50,427 --> 00:17:55,229
As a kind of a visual bodyguard
until the day when ann,
401
00:17:55,231 --> 00:17:58,599
Tired of being taped,
swam over to the camera.
402
00:17:58,601 --> 00:18:01,903
At that point poolside
inside brittany's bag.
403
00:18:01,971 --> 00:18:03,805
- Yes, and I knocked
the camera in the pool.
404
00:18:05,241 --> 00:18:06,508
She pushed my buttons.
405
00:18:06,576 --> 00:18:08,176
She went around town--
the whole neighborhood--
406
00:18:08,178 --> 00:18:10,645
Everybody, "I'm scared
for my life."
407
00:18:10,713 --> 00:18:12,847
- It was after the dunking
of the video camera
408
00:18:12,849 --> 00:18:16,050
That brittany launched
legal action against ann.
409
00:18:16,119 --> 00:18:18,654
By this time she invited
joe roberts into her house
410
00:18:18,721 --> 00:18:21,656
And so she listed the help
of the handsome young border
411
00:18:21,658 --> 00:18:24,993
To prepare a dvd of the incident
to show the judge.
412
00:18:24,995 --> 00:18:27,662
When she got to court,
said brittany,
413
00:18:27,664 --> 00:18:29,997
She was going to tell that judge
just how dangerous
414
00:18:30,066 --> 00:18:33,601
She believed ann was,
and in fact she was afraid
415
00:18:33,670 --> 00:18:34,803
Ann was going to kill her.
416
00:18:34,871 --> 00:18:36,939
- I think all her friends
made very clear she was
417
00:18:37,006 --> 00:18:39,007
Quite traumatized by this.
418
00:18:39,009 --> 00:18:42,677
She was just very, very
much afraid of this ann.
419
00:18:42,679 --> 00:18:46,547
- The court date was
Wednesday July 7th, 2010.
420
00:18:46,616 --> 00:18:48,215
The morning arrived.
421
00:18:48,284 --> 00:18:50,084
Ann came with her attorney.
422
00:18:50,153 --> 00:18:53,421
Sat in court waiting
and waiting
423
00:18:53,489 --> 00:18:56,224
And brittany did not show.
424
00:18:56,226 --> 00:18:59,927
So, that was the very day
she disappeared.
425
00:18:59,996 --> 00:19:03,230
A convenient repree for ann--
too convenient.
426
00:19:03,299 --> 00:19:06,701
Bizarre thought the crime
reporter,justine griffin.
427
00:19:06,769 --> 00:19:10,305
In light of how important
that court date was to brittany.
428
00:19:10,373 --> 00:19:12,440
- She had become
very obsessed of--
429
00:19:12,509 --> 00:19:13,574
With this restraining order.
430
00:19:13,576 --> 00:19:15,576
Everything she was doing was
to basically make sure
431
00:19:15,645 --> 00:19:17,512
This restraining order
was going through,
432
00:19:17,580 --> 00:19:20,047
- Perhaps brittany was
afraid to show up.
433
00:19:20,116 --> 00:19:21,650
Afraid of what'd might happen?
434
00:19:21,718 --> 00:19:24,652
These were not necessarily
genteel ladies, then.
435
00:19:24,721 --> 00:19:26,053
- No, no.
436
00:19:26,122 --> 00:19:28,856
They seem to be
very passionate about
437
00:19:28,925 --> 00:19:31,992
Hating each other,
especially toward the end.
438
00:19:31,994 --> 00:19:34,462
- So, in the days following
brittany's disappearance,
439
00:19:34,531 --> 00:19:36,598
Some people around town
wondered just how much
440
00:19:36,666 --> 00:19:40,468
Ann lydon knew or what she might
have to do with it.
441
00:19:40,537 --> 00:19:44,005
After all, if anybody had
a motive it was ann.
442
00:19:44,007 --> 00:19:46,841
Had all the anger,
the emotion, the bitterness
443
00:19:46,843 --> 00:19:50,344
Finally culminated
in some violent confrontation?
444
00:19:50,413 --> 00:19:52,614
Were they looking at you
as a suspect, you think?
445
00:19:52,682 --> 00:19:54,215
The media.
- Of course they're gonna--
446
00:19:54,284 --> 00:19:55,683
That's the first thing
you're going to think of.
447
00:19:55,752 --> 00:19:58,352
I already had all the news
and the helicopters
448
00:19:58,421 --> 00:20:02,890
And all that, you know,
filming the front of my house.
449
00:20:02,892 --> 00:20:05,693
- The local police department
got wind of it of course.
450
00:20:05,762 --> 00:20:07,628
- That's basically
where detectives
451
00:20:07,697 --> 00:20:09,164
Started asking questions.
452
00:20:09,232 --> 00:20:13,302
- But not very many questions
and not for long.
453
00:20:13,369 --> 00:20:15,037
In fact, according to ann,
454
00:20:15,104 --> 00:20:18,473
There was really only one thing
those detectives asked her.
455
00:20:18,541 --> 00:20:22,244
Did she know anything about
where her arch enemy had gone?
456
00:20:22,311 --> 00:20:24,045
What did you tell them?
457
00:20:24,113 --> 00:20:25,246
- I haven't seen her.
458
00:20:25,314 --> 00:20:27,314
He goes,
"that's all I need to know."
459
00:20:27,383 --> 00:20:28,784
Never heard
from her again.
460
00:20:28,851 --> 00:20:30,317
- And poof!
461
00:20:30,386 --> 00:20:32,853
Just like that,
the police ruled out
462
00:20:32,855 --> 00:20:35,523
Any involvement
on the part of ann lydon.
463
00:20:35,592 --> 00:20:38,192
There were other reasons too,
of course, for doing that.
464
00:20:38,194 --> 00:20:40,128
One of which was that
brittany was just fine
465
00:20:40,196 --> 00:20:42,730
The day before she failed
to show up in court.
466
00:20:42,732 --> 00:20:45,800
- They had surveillance footage
at this gas station
467
00:20:45,802 --> 00:20:47,469
That showed her
getting out of her car,
468
00:20:47,537 --> 00:20:49,804
Putting gas in it,
and then driving away.
469
00:20:49,872 --> 00:20:51,340
Nothing unusual.
470
00:20:51,407 --> 00:20:53,674
- And between
the time that video
471
00:20:53,676 --> 00:20:55,142
Was recorded on July 6th
472
00:20:55,211 --> 00:20:56,445
Then court
the next morning,
473
00:20:56,512 --> 00:20:59,747
It turned out ann lydon
had an unassailable alibi.
474
00:20:59,816 --> 00:21:03,485
So, what could
brittany's family do?
475
00:21:03,553 --> 00:21:04,820
Through all their efforts,
476
00:21:04,887 --> 00:21:06,021
They couldn't persuade
the police
477
00:21:06,089 --> 00:21:07,354
That a crime
had occurred,
478
00:21:07,423 --> 00:21:10,091
That something bad may have
happened to brittany,
479
00:21:10,093 --> 00:21:12,627
And thus the investigation
stalled.
480
00:21:12,629 --> 00:21:15,097
So, those who loved brittany
had no choice
481
00:21:15,164 --> 00:21:18,366
But to follow what leads
there were on their own.
482
00:21:18,368 --> 00:21:20,501
- We were keeping cool heads
and being vigilant,
483
00:21:20,570 --> 00:21:22,037
Trying to do everything
possible,
484
00:21:22,105 --> 00:21:24,905
Coaxing them to do things
they hadn't done.
485
00:21:24,974 --> 00:21:28,175
"did my sister
go on a cruise?
486
00:21:28,245 --> 00:21:31,178
"did she leave town
for a week or something?
487
00:21:31,247 --> 00:21:32,246
"search this area.
488
00:21:32,248 --> 00:21:33,581
"you haven't searched
this area.
489
00:21:33,583 --> 00:21:35,249
Why haven't you done this?"
490
00:21:35,318 --> 00:21:37,652
- But they also hired
a private investigator,
491
00:21:37,720 --> 00:21:39,987
Remember,
and he had an idea.
492
00:21:40,056 --> 00:21:41,889
If they couldn't find
brittany,
493
00:21:41,891 --> 00:21:45,593
Maybe somehow they could
find her dogs.
494
00:21:45,595 --> 00:21:47,061
- We were checking
the pounds.
495
00:21:47,129 --> 00:21:48,796
We were doing anything
and everything
496
00:21:48,798 --> 00:21:50,397
You can possibly imagine.
497
00:21:50,466 --> 00:21:53,201
- Word about the dogs spread
498
00:21:53,203 --> 00:21:54,870
And a week after
brittany's disappearance,
499
00:21:54,937 --> 00:21:58,272
A call came in
and what do you know?
500
00:21:58,274 --> 00:21:59,740
- A tiny white dog.
501
00:21:59,809 --> 00:22:01,475
- It looked like
a rabbit at first.
502
00:22:01,477 --> 00:22:04,880
- Her dogs were found
in columbia, south carolina.
503
00:22:04,947 --> 00:22:06,614
- Ah.
- Without collars.
504
00:22:06,683 --> 00:22:07,948
Just roaming the streets,
505
00:22:08,017 --> 00:22:09,016
And they were both
found separately.
506
00:22:09,085 --> 00:22:10,352
- How did they manage
to connect two dogs
507
00:22:10,419 --> 00:22:12,686
In columbia, south carolina,
to her?
508
00:22:12,755 --> 00:22:14,623
- She had the microchips
implanted in the dogs
509
00:22:14,690 --> 00:22:16,223
With her information on them,
510
00:22:16,292 --> 00:22:18,826
So the veterinary clinic
were able to scan them
511
00:22:18,895 --> 00:22:20,961
And figured out that these dogs
were from florida.
512
00:22:20,963 --> 00:22:23,097
- And belong to brittany.
513
00:22:23,165 --> 00:22:25,099
- They belonged
to brittany, yep.
514
00:22:25,101 --> 00:22:27,035
- Now all of the sudden
the case broke loose,
515
00:22:27,103 --> 00:22:29,970
Because one of the dogs is found
two or three states away.
516
00:22:30,039 --> 00:22:31,706
No tags.
517
00:22:31,774 --> 00:22:36,877
Um, now finally
there's probable cause.
518
00:22:36,946 --> 00:22:37,679
There's no question.
519
00:22:37,747 --> 00:22:39,780
That was, uh, a key--
a key break.
520
00:22:39,782 --> 00:22:41,382
- That was enough to
get the police involved,
521
00:22:41,450 --> 00:22:43,117
But unfortunately,
at that point,
522
00:22:43,185 --> 00:22:47,388
It was 11 days after
she disappeared.
523
00:22:47,390 --> 00:22:50,591
- Finally, st. Augustine
police took over
524
00:22:50,593 --> 00:22:53,260
From the band
of amateur sleuths.
525
00:22:53,329 --> 00:22:55,796
Pat flew to florida to do
what she could to help,
526
00:22:55,798 --> 00:22:58,400
Met with the police,
did the rounds of local media,
527
00:22:58,467 --> 00:23:00,268
Tried to keep the search for
in her sister
528
00:23:00,336 --> 00:23:02,737
Front and center
in the public mind.
529
00:23:02,739 --> 00:23:05,005
- The family long ago
ruled out any possibility
530
00:23:05,007 --> 00:23:08,676
That this is just
a purely innocent, uh,
531
00:23:08,745 --> 00:23:09,743
Departure for her.
532
00:23:09,812 --> 00:23:11,745
I mean, you know,
that just is not possible
533
00:23:11,814 --> 00:23:13,281
That she would abandon
her pets and--
534
00:23:13,283 --> 00:23:15,750
And, you know, stop
calling her friends.
535
00:23:15,818 --> 00:23:17,752
I really felt that
it was a short--
536
00:23:17,820 --> 00:23:19,620
A brief window
of opportunity
537
00:23:19,689 --> 00:23:22,022
While there was still some
publicity about the case,
538
00:23:22,091 --> 00:23:23,091
And then people
will move on.
539
00:23:23,159 --> 00:23:24,625
There will be
other stories.
540
00:23:24,627 --> 00:23:26,627
- Quite reasonable worry,
541
00:23:26,696 --> 00:23:28,229
Especially when the search
for brittany
542
00:23:28,297 --> 00:23:30,898
Seemed to be going nowhere.
543
00:23:30,900 --> 00:23:33,902
- Her picture
had been everywhere,
544
00:23:33,970 --> 00:23:37,571
And had she been anywhere,
somebody in florida--
545
00:23:37,573 --> 00:23:39,573
Somebody would
have seen her picture.
546
00:23:39,642 --> 00:23:42,910
That's why we started to think
she really has disappeared.
547
00:23:42,979 --> 00:23:45,179
- And then, suddenly,
a break.
548
00:23:45,181 --> 00:23:46,981
Almost two weeks after
brittany disappeared,
549
00:23:47,049 --> 00:23:48,382
The police finally
picked up her trail.
550
00:23:48,451 --> 00:23:52,386
Looked like she was on
a long, winding road trip.
551
00:23:52,455 --> 00:23:55,055
What they found were her
credit card transactions,
552
00:23:55,057 --> 00:23:57,725
Which headed north from florida
to south carolina
553
00:23:57,727 --> 00:23:59,393
Where her dogs were found.
554
00:23:59,462 --> 00:24:02,062
- They were following
her credit card transactions.
555
00:24:02,131 --> 00:24:04,132
There were transactions
in north carolina,
556
00:24:04,200 --> 00:24:06,868
Idaho, oregon.
557
00:24:06,936 --> 00:24:10,137
- The question was,
was brittany alone?
558
00:24:10,139 --> 00:24:11,605
Or was she with
someone else?
559
00:24:11,607 --> 00:24:14,208
Was she the driver?
The willing passenger?
560
00:24:14,277 --> 00:24:16,677
Or was there something else
going on?
561
00:24:19,448 --> 00:24:21,015
- And what about
that young drifter
562
00:24:21,017 --> 00:24:23,151
Who disappeared
along with brittany?
563
00:24:23,219 --> 00:24:25,619
- He said, "I'm not what
people think I am,"
564
00:24:25,688 --> 00:24:27,488
And I thought,
"wonder what that means?"
565
00:24:27,490 --> 00:24:29,558
- They thought maybe
the two of them had just left,
566
00:24:29,625 --> 00:24:31,892
Could have just gone on a trip
together, just left town.
567
00:24:31,961 --> 00:24:35,296
- You realize that something
irreversible has happened.
568
00:24:35,365 --> 00:24:38,967
- When "dateline: Secrets
uncovered" continues.
569
00:24:42,070 --> 00:24:46,640
♪♪
570
00:24:46,709 --> 00:24:49,376
Welcome back to "dateline:
Secrets uncovered."
571
00:24:49,445 --> 00:24:50,711
I'm craig melvin.
572
00:24:50,780 --> 00:24:53,315
Brittany tavar had
generously opened her home
573
00:24:53,382 --> 00:24:56,183
To people who needed
a place to stay,
574
00:24:56,252 --> 00:25:00,522
But brittany kept details of
these relationships a secret,
575
00:25:00,589 --> 00:25:03,057
And now she was gone.
576
00:25:03,125 --> 00:25:05,860
Investigators discovered
a trail of digital breadcrumbs
577
00:25:05,928 --> 00:25:07,795
Leading across
the country,
578
00:25:07,797 --> 00:25:11,398
And the race was on
to catch up to her.
579
00:25:11,467 --> 00:25:15,803
Back to keith morrison
with "the stranger."
580
00:25:15,805 --> 00:25:18,806
- A spouse
is late for dinner.
581
00:25:18,875 --> 00:25:21,343
A teenager
stays out all night.
582
00:25:21,410 --> 00:25:23,010
The awful,
sinking feeling
583
00:25:23,079 --> 00:25:26,347
When a loved one
is out of touch.
584
00:25:26,415 --> 00:25:28,349
Usually, of course,
everything rights itself,
585
00:25:28,417 --> 00:25:31,752
But not for the family
of brittany tavar.
586
00:25:31,821 --> 00:25:35,289
In July of 2010, they found
themselves stuck fast
587
00:25:35,291 --> 00:25:37,758
In the purgatory
of missing persons,
588
00:25:37,827 --> 00:25:39,960
The place where families
must go to wait,
589
00:25:40,029 --> 00:25:42,963
For what
they do not know.
590
00:25:43,032 --> 00:25:46,500
- You alternate between,
"it's not real.
591
00:25:46,569 --> 00:25:48,302
"it isn't
really happening."
592
00:25:48,371 --> 00:25:50,504
To having these terrible,
terrible moments
593
00:25:50,506 --> 00:25:54,709
Where you realize that something
irreversible has happened.
594
00:25:54,777 --> 00:25:56,745
- Brittany's two little dogs
had been found,
595
00:25:56,812 --> 00:25:58,245
Abandoned by the side
of the road,
596
00:25:58,314 --> 00:26:00,314
Three states away
in south carolina.
597
00:26:00,383 --> 00:26:02,350
Brittany loved those dogs,
598
00:26:02,352 --> 00:26:04,318
Would never abandon them,
599
00:26:04,387 --> 00:26:06,653
And yet, the credit
card record
600
00:26:06,722 --> 00:26:09,256
Made it look like she
had done exactly that,
601
00:26:09,325 --> 00:26:11,125
That she'd been
driving her car
602
00:26:11,193 --> 00:26:14,728
Clear across the country.
603
00:26:14,798 --> 00:26:17,998
At last, a nationwide alert
was issued for brittany's car.
604
00:26:18,067 --> 00:26:21,335
Now with the whole nation's
law enforcement on watch,
605
00:26:21,337 --> 00:26:23,672
The answer to what happened
to brittany tavar
606
00:26:23,739 --> 00:26:25,672
Should not be long
in coming.
607
00:26:25,741 --> 00:26:28,075
The family held
its collective breath,
608
00:26:28,144 --> 00:26:30,611
Waited, and hoped.
609
00:26:30,680 --> 00:26:32,413
- We were dealing
with the bank authorities,
610
00:26:32,415 --> 00:26:34,148
And they were talking
to the police.
611
00:26:34,150 --> 00:26:36,817
If there's any activity,
one guy had a pager on him
612
00:26:36,886 --> 00:26:38,185
With one of the cards.
613
00:26:38,253 --> 00:26:40,553
If anybody tries to put
anything through on this card,
614
00:26:40,555 --> 00:26:43,891
Our guy's pager's
gonna go off.
615
00:26:43,893 --> 00:26:44,757
- By now, the local police
had been joined
616
00:26:44,827 --> 00:26:47,294
By u.S. Marshals
and the fbi.
617
00:26:47,363 --> 00:26:50,163
And attention now turned
to the young man
618
00:26:50,232 --> 00:26:51,833
Who'd been living
at brittany's house,
619
00:26:51,901 --> 00:26:54,033
The one she'd been showing off
at the beach club,
620
00:26:54,035 --> 00:26:55,703
26 year old joe roberts.
621
00:26:55,770 --> 00:26:58,102
It seems that
joe had left
622
00:26:58,170 --> 00:27:01,973
Around the same time
as brittany disappeared,
623
00:27:02,041 --> 00:27:04,776
And police now had to consider
the distinct possibility
624
00:27:04,844 --> 00:27:06,977
That brittany had
simply washed her hands
625
00:27:06,979 --> 00:27:09,113
Of the feud with ann lydon
626
00:27:09,181 --> 00:27:13,118
And taken off on a cross-country
trip with young joe.
627
00:27:13,120 --> 00:27:17,388
For justine griffin, that only
made the story more interesting.
628
00:27:17,390 --> 00:27:21,191
- I mean, living in
her house for free, so...
629
00:27:21,260 --> 00:27:22,392
- Makes you think,
doesn't it?
630
00:27:22,460 --> 00:27:24,596
- Yeah. They thought maybe
the two of them had just left,
631
00:27:24,665 --> 00:27:25,865
Could have just gone
on a trip together,
632
00:27:25,933 --> 00:27:27,333
Just left town.
633
00:27:27,402 --> 00:27:30,002
- So, really, it was
all speculation.
634
00:27:30,070 --> 00:27:33,573
In fact, nobody had a clue
what those two did.
635
00:27:33,641 --> 00:27:36,409
And then another
lucky break,
636
00:27:36,479 --> 00:27:37,945
Or it seemed lucky.
637
00:27:38,013 --> 00:27:39,681
The good news
in mid-July--
638
00:27:39,683 --> 00:27:42,750
Police found out that just four
days after brittany vanished,
639
00:27:42,752 --> 00:27:45,951
A cop stopped her toyota
on a highway out west,
640
00:27:46,020 --> 00:27:50,092
But brittany wasn't driving.
Joe was.
641
00:27:50,161 --> 00:27:53,763
- On July 11th, uh, roberts
was actually stopped by police
642
00:27:53,830 --> 00:27:56,231
In wyoming for speeding.
643
00:27:56,233 --> 00:27:57,665
- The bad news?
644
00:27:57,733 --> 00:28:00,233
That cop stopped the car
before the alert went out.
645
00:28:00,301 --> 00:28:03,905
He wasn't looking for the car
or brittany or anybody.
646
00:28:03,973 --> 00:28:06,508
He said he didn't recall
seeing a passenger,
647
00:28:06,577 --> 00:28:08,907
But then, he wasn't
looking for one.
648
00:28:08,976 --> 00:28:10,109
- They let him go
with a warning.
649
00:28:10,178 --> 00:28:13,647
- And now that car and whoever
was in it was long gone.
650
00:28:13,715 --> 00:28:15,983
But that stop triggered
a serious effort
651
00:28:15,985 --> 00:28:18,118
To find joe roberts.
652
00:28:18,120 --> 00:28:19,452
- It was after that
653
00:28:19,454 --> 00:28:23,589
That they had released
an arrest warrant for him
654
00:28:23,591 --> 00:28:26,124
With grand theft charges.
655
00:28:26,192 --> 00:28:28,393
- So the investigation
took a turn,
656
00:28:28,463 --> 00:28:30,197
The police hoping
that finding roberts
657
00:28:30,264 --> 00:28:32,466
Would lead to
finding brittany.
658
00:28:32,534 --> 00:28:35,868
They went on tv hoping
to raise public awareness.
659
00:28:35,870 --> 00:28:39,073
- We believe that they, uh,
car's gonna relate to people
660
00:28:39,143 --> 00:28:41,743
More so than him,
661
00:28:41,812 --> 00:28:45,481
Because it's a rav4
dark blue color vehicle
662
00:28:45,483 --> 00:28:47,017
With florida tags.
663
00:28:47,084 --> 00:28:50,552
He pretty much can blend in
with any crowd.
664
00:28:50,621 --> 00:28:52,623
- Trouble was,
police soon discovered,
665
00:28:52,692 --> 00:28:55,027
That only a few days
after brittany disappeared,
666
00:28:55,094 --> 00:28:57,362
Just after the time
of that traffic stop,
667
00:28:57,431 --> 00:29:00,765
The credit card trail
abruptly ended.
668
00:29:00,833 --> 00:29:02,767
They must have stopped
using the card,
669
00:29:02,836 --> 00:29:05,437
And without the
credit card trail,
670
00:29:05,505 --> 00:29:09,105
The police had no idea where
roberts and brittany were now,
671
00:29:09,174 --> 00:29:11,711
Or if they were even
still together,
672
00:29:11,779 --> 00:29:14,313
And if not,
where was she,
673
00:29:14,315 --> 00:29:16,582
And what was he up to?
674
00:29:16,651 --> 00:29:18,049
- What we're concerned about
675
00:29:18,051 --> 00:29:19,984
Is did he meet someone else
at a coffee shop?
676
00:29:20,052 --> 00:29:22,185
And is he living
in someone's house right now?
677
00:29:22,255 --> 00:29:24,256
And that's why I think
it's very important
678
00:29:24,324 --> 00:29:27,557
To get this story out
as much as possible.
679
00:29:27,559 --> 00:29:30,726
- And all that effort finally
produced another break,
680
00:29:30,728 --> 00:29:34,931
Or what seemed like a break
and justine's next big story.
681
00:29:34,999 --> 00:29:38,869
Police discovered somebody
caught roberts on videotape
682
00:29:38,871 --> 00:29:41,938
Just four days after he
and brittany disappeared.
683
00:29:41,940 --> 00:29:43,471
- There was surveillance
footage of him
684
00:29:43,541 --> 00:29:47,345
Walking into a walmart
in ontario, oregon,
685
00:29:47,412 --> 00:29:50,480
And him buying a tent
and some clothes.
686
00:29:50,482 --> 00:29:52,549
- Just him.
No brittany.
687
00:29:52,617 --> 00:29:56,086
But, again, by the time somebody
found the walmart video
688
00:29:56,088 --> 00:29:58,154
And got it to
the florida police,
689
00:29:58,223 --> 00:30:00,757
Roberts was
nowhere to be found.
690
00:30:00,759 --> 00:30:02,760
- So they had alerted
police in that area,
691
00:30:02,829 --> 00:30:04,427
Had started putting
out flyers.
692
00:30:04,495 --> 00:30:06,762
It looked like from--
once he got to the walmart,
693
00:30:06,764 --> 00:30:08,496
He was going to go
off the grid
694
00:30:08,564 --> 00:30:11,300
With his tent
to live in the woods.
695
00:30:11,369 --> 00:30:13,902
- But just who was
this kid anyway?
696
00:30:13,971 --> 00:30:17,773
What was his story before
brittany took him in?
697
00:30:17,842 --> 00:30:21,575
Oh, a lesson in recent
history seemed in order--
698
00:30:21,644 --> 00:30:25,114
The curious story
of young joe roberts.
699
00:30:25,183 --> 00:30:26,781
- He said to me
something really interesting
700
00:30:26,850 --> 00:30:29,318
Which I thought was-- kind of
stopped me for a second.
701
00:30:29,386 --> 00:30:33,254
He goes, "I'm not what
people think I am,"
702
00:30:33,321 --> 00:30:36,358
And I thought,
"wonder what that means?"
703
00:30:38,495 --> 00:30:40,795
- That strange
and charming drifter--
704
00:30:40,797 --> 00:30:42,663
Was he hiding
a shady past?
705
00:30:42,665 --> 00:30:44,531
- Well, he would just
sleep in his car,
706
00:30:44,533 --> 00:30:46,932
But this is how he came
to know a few other women
707
00:30:47,001 --> 00:30:48,670
In st. Augustine.
- The more I got to know him,
708
00:30:48,672 --> 00:30:51,340
The more he started
scaring me.
709
00:30:51,342 --> 00:30:55,243
- When "dateline: Secrets
uncovered" continues.
710
00:30:59,016 --> 00:31:05,556
♪♪
711
00:31:05,624 --> 00:31:07,722
- It's a strange thing,
rather cruel, actually,
712
00:31:07,791 --> 00:31:09,622
How an answer
so desperately sought
713
00:31:09,691 --> 00:31:11,989
Can slip away just at
the moment of capture.
714
00:31:11,991 --> 00:31:14,160
Police had finally
sniffed out the trail
715
00:31:14,228 --> 00:31:16,896
Left by joe roberts,
the one person
716
00:31:16,964 --> 00:31:20,432
Who seemed to know what
happened to brittany tavar,
717
00:31:20,501 --> 00:31:22,565
But before they could
catch up to joe,
718
00:31:22,635 --> 00:31:26,570
He was gone in a puff
of oregon fog.
719
00:31:26,572 --> 00:31:30,441
- The investigators had alerted,
uh, police and law enforcement
720
00:31:30,509 --> 00:31:32,042
All the way up
through washington,
721
00:31:32,110 --> 00:31:34,244
Past seattle
in the pacific northwest,
722
00:31:34,313 --> 00:31:36,546
'cause they thought he was
headed in that direction.
723
00:31:36,615 --> 00:31:39,748
- Meanwhile, investigators
warned brittany's family.
724
00:31:39,750 --> 00:31:41,220
- Well, they were telling me
he had a history
725
00:31:41,288 --> 00:31:43,387
Of falling off
the radar screen.
726
00:31:43,389 --> 00:31:46,892
- And sure enough,
that's just what he did.
727
00:31:46,894 --> 00:31:49,393
And days turned
into weeks.
728
00:31:49,395 --> 00:31:50,727
Summer turned into fall.
729
00:31:50,729 --> 00:31:52,562
No sign of him.
730
00:31:52,631 --> 00:31:55,999
Police suspicions
turned darker.
731
00:31:56,068 --> 00:31:57,735
- I think it's important
for us here in florida
732
00:31:57,805 --> 00:31:59,272
Not to lose interest
733
00:31:59,274 --> 00:32:01,407
And to not just be thinking
and puttin' it off
734
00:32:01,409 --> 00:32:02,742
As this guy is, you know,
2,000 miles away,
735
00:32:02,811 --> 00:32:05,009
'cause he might still be
in our backyard
736
00:32:05,078 --> 00:32:07,410
Or comin' back to our backyard,
for all we know.
737
00:32:07,412 --> 00:32:09,348
- Life went on for
the rest of the world,
738
00:32:09,416 --> 00:32:11,682
But not for those who
loved brittany tavar,
739
00:32:11,751 --> 00:32:13,619
And who knew full well
740
00:32:13,687 --> 00:32:16,354
That time is not on
the side of the missing.
741
00:32:16,422 --> 00:32:18,623
- I really did feel
that the more time went on,
742
00:32:18,625 --> 00:32:21,358
The less likely we
would be to find him.
743
00:32:21,428 --> 00:32:24,897
- Brittany's family found
themselves in kind of limbo,
744
00:32:24,899 --> 00:32:27,366
A barren landscape shared
by more people
745
00:32:27,434 --> 00:32:30,101
Than they had ever
imagined was possible.
746
00:32:30,103 --> 00:32:32,105
- People would say to me, "oh,
you need to talk to so-and-so.
747
00:32:32,173 --> 00:32:34,175
"his sister disappeared."
748
00:32:34,243 --> 00:32:37,178
There are hundreds of thousands
of missing persons,
749
00:32:37,180 --> 00:32:40,179
Um, all heartbreaking
stories,
750
00:32:40,247 --> 00:32:43,115
And you're just a number
in a pool of people
751
00:32:43,183 --> 00:32:45,986
Who are going through this
or who have gone through this.
752
00:32:45,988 --> 00:32:47,856
- Back in florida,
753
00:32:47,858 --> 00:32:50,259
Police had been digging up
everything they could find
754
00:32:50,327 --> 00:32:52,195
About joe roberts.
755
00:32:52,262 --> 00:32:54,597
As crime reporter
justine griffin learned,
756
00:32:54,665 --> 00:32:57,534
Joe had been on the road
roaming the country,
757
00:32:57,603 --> 00:33:00,537
Ran out of money about the time
he got to st. Augustine
758
00:33:00,539 --> 00:33:03,807
Where he began living off
the kindness of local women.
759
00:33:03,876 --> 00:33:06,275
- Came here and got a job
760
00:33:06,343 --> 00:33:08,479
Working as a clerk at
a kangaroo gas station,
761
00:33:08,548 --> 00:33:09,748
And, uh, I guess when
he couldn't afford
762
00:33:09,816 --> 00:33:12,418
To stay at a local motel,
he would just sleep in his car,
763
00:33:12,420 --> 00:33:14,286
But this is how
he came to know
764
00:33:14,288 --> 00:33:17,620
A few other women
in st. Augustine.
765
00:33:17,622 --> 00:33:19,154
- One of them
was a coworker,
766
00:33:19,224 --> 00:33:22,024
A single mother named
cheryl davenport.
767
00:33:22,092 --> 00:33:24,428
As joe needed
a place to stay,
768
00:33:24,430 --> 00:33:26,499
Cheryl invited him
to her place,
769
00:33:26,568 --> 00:33:28,499
Put him a spare bedroom
right down the hall
770
00:33:28,569 --> 00:33:31,035
From cheryl and her
two little children.
771
00:33:31,103 --> 00:33:32,368
- He was a nice guy.
772
00:33:32,436 --> 00:33:34,903
He was always really
good around the kids.
773
00:33:34,972 --> 00:33:37,174
- So cheryl wasn't
worried about joe--
774
00:33:37,243 --> 00:33:38,444
No reason to be,
apparently.
775
00:33:38,512 --> 00:33:40,645
- Joe has too much
of a pretty boy face.
776
00:33:40,714 --> 00:33:42,379
He wasn't
very intimidating at all.
777
00:33:42,446 --> 00:33:45,181
I think I was more intimidating
than he was.
778
00:33:45,248 --> 00:33:47,717
- But then cheryl
began to tell us
779
00:33:47,785 --> 00:33:51,122
Some rather more disturbing
things about joe.
780
00:33:51,124 --> 00:33:54,058
- He told me that
the reason why he left home,
781
00:33:54,126 --> 00:33:56,526
He had run some type
of internet scheme
782
00:33:56,594 --> 00:33:58,729
To where he was getting
people's credit card numbers
783
00:33:58,798 --> 00:34:00,198
And stuff like that.
784
00:34:00,200 --> 00:34:03,534
And they had found out,
and so he took off.
785
00:34:03,604 --> 00:34:05,606
- He confessed this to you?
- Yeah.
786
00:34:05,673 --> 00:34:08,073
And he said that him and his
family don't get along,
787
00:34:08,075 --> 00:34:10,940
Because they believe
he has mental issues,
788
00:34:11,009 --> 00:34:13,279
Severely messed up
in the head,
789
00:34:13,281 --> 00:34:16,547
And that he was convinced
he didn't have issues.
790
00:34:16,616 --> 00:34:18,083
- When he moved in,
said cheryl,
791
00:34:18,152 --> 00:34:20,351
He told her he used to
have a drug problem,
792
00:34:20,420 --> 00:34:22,019
But swore he'd stay clean,
793
00:34:22,087 --> 00:34:25,021
Certainly at least while living
with cheryl and her family.
794
00:34:25,090 --> 00:34:26,756
- He actually looked
for a job
795
00:34:26,824 --> 00:34:28,893
For the first month.
796
00:34:28,895 --> 00:34:32,095
And then he slowly just got
lazier and lazier.
797
00:34:32,097 --> 00:34:34,633
- What was he doing?
- He was going on drug binges.
798
00:34:34,635 --> 00:34:37,568
That's when the anger, like,
started coming out.
799
00:34:37,636 --> 00:34:40,237
The more I got to know him,
the more he started scaring me,
800
00:34:40,307 --> 00:34:42,041
And the more he started
upsetting me.
801
00:34:42,109 --> 00:34:44,243
- And that's when
she says she demanded
802
00:34:44,312 --> 00:34:46,511
That joe get out
of her house.
803
00:34:46,513 --> 00:34:47,579
And then...
804
00:34:47,647 --> 00:34:49,914
- He was about this close
into my face,
805
00:34:49,983 --> 00:34:51,584
And he went like this,
806
00:34:51,652 --> 00:34:53,519
Like he was gonna
punch me in the face.
807
00:34:53,587 --> 00:34:56,322
And I just looked at him
with a dead stare
808
00:34:56,390 --> 00:34:57,391
And I was like, "joe,"
809
00:34:57,458 --> 00:34:58,725
I was like, "I swear to god,
if you hit me,
810
00:34:58,793 --> 00:35:02,594
I will take you down."
[laughing]
811
00:35:02,663 --> 00:35:05,931
- So he left
and found brittany,
812
00:35:05,998 --> 00:35:07,933
Who police would learn
told her friends
813
00:35:08,002 --> 00:35:09,602
Not long before
she disappeared
814
00:35:09,671 --> 00:35:13,539
That she was getting a little
exasperated with joe, too.
815
00:35:13,607 --> 00:35:15,473
- She said that, um,
she would come home,
816
00:35:15,543 --> 00:35:18,210
And he would have gone
through her stuff
817
00:35:18,279 --> 00:35:20,746
And that they got
in a few little fights.
818
00:35:20,815 --> 00:35:23,016
I was kind of worried.
I asked her about them.
819
00:35:23,084 --> 00:35:27,284
You know, she would go,
"no, it's okay, it's okay."
820
00:35:27,351 --> 00:35:29,887
- Did you warn her?
- No, I did, I did.
821
00:35:29,889 --> 00:35:32,625
I warned her about having
people into her house.
822
00:35:32,692 --> 00:35:35,492
- And now still no word.
823
00:35:35,494 --> 00:35:37,026
- We still didn't
stop believing
824
00:35:37,095 --> 00:35:39,360
That there was a chance
that she was alive.
825
00:35:39,430 --> 00:35:41,631
- Police rededicated
their efforts
826
00:35:41,700 --> 00:35:44,001
To find the elusive
joe roberts.
827
00:35:44,003 --> 00:35:47,637
- We are looking for him.
There's no question about that.
828
00:35:47,639 --> 00:35:50,373
- Then sure enough.
829
00:35:50,441 --> 00:35:52,776
- We figured it would be
something trite or petty
830
00:35:52,844 --> 00:35:55,045
That he'd get caught for.
831
00:35:55,113 --> 00:35:57,382
Sure enough,
that's what happened.
832
00:35:59,885 --> 00:36:01,718
- The drifter
makes a mistake,
833
00:36:01,720 --> 00:36:04,653
And brittany's family
learns the truth.
834
00:36:04,721 --> 00:36:06,988
- It's just chilling for me
to think about that.
835
00:36:07,056 --> 00:36:10,960
- When "dateline:
Secrets uncovered" continues.
836
00:36:15,031 --> 00:36:18,732
♪♪
837
00:36:18,801 --> 00:36:20,469
- Welcome back.
838
00:36:20,537 --> 00:36:22,006
The search
for brittany tavar
839
00:36:22,073 --> 00:36:25,142
Became a hunt for
her secretive roommate,
840
00:36:25,211 --> 00:36:28,077
A drifter
named joe roberts.
841
00:36:28,145 --> 00:36:30,145
He was the one person
who could answer
842
00:36:30,213 --> 00:36:32,078
Whether brittany
was still alive,
843
00:36:32,080 --> 00:36:37,017
But roberts had been good
at covering his tracks so far.
844
00:36:37,086 --> 00:36:39,953
Now police were hoping
he would slip up.
845
00:36:40,022 --> 00:36:41,088
Here's keith morrison
846
00:36:41,157 --> 00:36:44,159
With the conclusion
of the stranger.
847
00:36:44,226 --> 00:36:46,560
- For three long months,
brittany tavar
848
00:36:46,628 --> 00:36:48,629
Was just missing.
849
00:36:48,698 --> 00:36:51,164
And all the searching since
by agencies
850
00:36:51,234 --> 00:36:53,566
From the canadian mounties
to the fbi
851
00:36:53,636 --> 00:36:57,138
Had produced no sign
of brittany or joe roberts,
852
00:36:57,205 --> 00:36:59,638
The young boarder who
disappeared along with her.
853
00:36:59,708 --> 00:37:01,643
Nothing, not a thing.
854
00:37:01,711 --> 00:37:04,312
But then on
October 12th, 2010...
855
00:37:04,380 --> 00:37:05,647
- He was caught
in seattle
856
00:37:05,715 --> 00:37:07,748
In a grocery store
in the area,
857
00:37:07,816 --> 00:37:09,850
Trying to steal
lunch meat.
858
00:37:09,918 --> 00:37:13,119
- His captor was a clerk
in a grocery store.
859
00:37:13,188 --> 00:37:15,924
- He wasn't a sheriff.
He wasn't a police officer.
860
00:37:15,992 --> 00:37:19,528
He was somebody that was
employed by a grocery store
861
00:37:19,595 --> 00:37:21,062
To deter theft.
862
00:37:21,131 --> 00:37:23,898
- But it wasn't until after
the seattle police
863
00:37:23,966 --> 00:37:26,668
Showed up and arrested roberts
on a shoplifting charge
864
00:37:26,736 --> 00:37:30,872
They discovered this was
one very wanted man,
865
00:37:30,941 --> 00:37:34,209
And so called the police
in st. Augustine, florida.
866
00:37:34,277 --> 00:37:36,346
- Sometimes we just
have to count on luck,
867
00:37:36,413 --> 00:37:39,146
And sometimes we can
count on their mistake,
868
00:37:39,216 --> 00:37:40,817
And in this case
I think he made a mistake,
869
00:37:40,885 --> 00:37:45,155
And, um, we had a little luck
on our side.
870
00:37:45,223 --> 00:37:47,623
- And then
a little more luck.
871
00:37:47,691 --> 00:37:50,191
- They had found
brittany tavar's car parked
872
00:37:50,262 --> 00:37:53,564
In, like, a north seattle
library parking lot.
873
00:37:53,633 --> 00:37:56,299
The keys had been locked
inside of it, actually.
874
00:37:56,367 --> 00:38:00,569
- So the police had the car,
but no brittany.
875
00:38:00,571 --> 00:38:02,907
It wasn't long before
policemen from florida
876
00:38:02,975 --> 00:38:04,777
Were sitting in
a seattle interrogation room
877
00:38:04,845 --> 00:38:06,645
With young mr. Roberts.
878
00:38:06,714 --> 00:38:08,649
Her family waited again,
879
00:38:08,717 --> 00:38:11,852
This time to hear
what roberts would say.
880
00:38:11,919 --> 00:38:14,320
Only he could resolve
the mystery,
881
00:38:14,389 --> 00:38:17,192
Why she'd been
out of touch for months.
882
00:38:17,260 --> 00:38:19,663
- You always hold out
a small amount of hope
883
00:38:19,665 --> 00:38:24,799
That she would be alive,
and you never give up hope.
884
00:38:24,868 --> 00:38:26,699
- And then
within three hours,
885
00:38:26,768 --> 00:38:28,336
There in that
police station,
886
00:38:28,407 --> 00:38:30,740
Joe roberts finally
answered the question
887
00:38:30,809 --> 00:38:32,408
That had been hanging
over everybody,
888
00:38:32,477 --> 00:38:34,144
Half hope,
half dread,
889
00:38:34,213 --> 00:38:36,546
Over what happened
to brittany tavar.
890
00:38:36,614 --> 00:38:39,811
- The answer was perhaps
the most dreadful story
891
00:38:39,881 --> 00:38:42,281
This young crime reporter
had yet written,
892
00:38:42,349 --> 00:38:45,987
Taken right from the confession
roberts gave police.
893
00:38:46,055 --> 00:38:47,623
- She woke up early on
the morning of her court case,
894
00:38:47,690 --> 00:38:49,022
And woke him up
very angry
895
00:38:49,024 --> 00:38:50,956
That something
wasn't done correctly
896
00:38:51,026 --> 00:38:53,158
Or he didn't do it at all
897
00:38:53,160 --> 00:38:55,361
And was bugging him
early in the morning,
898
00:38:55,428 --> 00:38:57,364
Trying to get him out of bed,
yelling at him.
899
00:38:57,433 --> 00:39:00,033
- Now why would
she do that?
900
00:39:00,101 --> 00:39:01,769
It didn't take
but a minute
901
00:39:01,837 --> 00:39:03,903
For her friends
to figure it out.
902
00:39:03,971 --> 00:39:06,437
- This whole big argument
with joe was about
903
00:39:06,506 --> 00:39:10,110
Him not being able
to get this dvd or cd
904
00:39:10,179 --> 00:39:13,313
Up to perfection about what
they were gonna take to court.
905
00:39:13,383 --> 00:39:15,982
- The court case against
ann lydon, that is.
906
00:39:16,051 --> 00:39:19,120
And so her friends speculated
about what happened
907
00:39:19,188 --> 00:39:20,988
That last morning
of her life,
908
00:39:21,057 --> 00:39:23,391
Said she must have vented
her temper on a man
909
00:39:23,393 --> 00:39:25,130
Who according to
a former landlady
910
00:39:25,197 --> 00:39:27,929
Had a drug habit,
possible mental health issues,
911
00:39:27,999 --> 00:39:29,664
And an anger problem.
912
00:39:29,733 --> 00:39:31,331
- I think it just got
to the point
913
00:39:31,399 --> 00:39:34,534
Where he got pushed
to the point of no return.
914
00:39:34,536 --> 00:39:35,737
- In a statement to police,
915
00:39:35,806 --> 00:39:37,405
Roberts said they argued
916
00:39:37,473 --> 00:39:38,872
The nght before
her disappearance.
917
00:39:38,940 --> 00:39:40,107
And then the next morning
918
00:39:40,109 --> 00:39:42,708
Brittany went off
about something,
919
00:39:42,710 --> 00:39:44,407
Which is when...
920
00:39:44,476 --> 00:39:45,476
- He grabbed a hammer
921
00:39:45,545 --> 00:39:48,146
And hit her in the head
a couple of times.
922
00:39:48,214 --> 00:39:50,282
- That anger issue again.
- Right.
923
00:39:50,284 --> 00:39:53,352
And she was laying on their--
on the kitchen floor bleeding.
924
00:39:53,354 --> 00:39:54,821
And in the report he says
925
00:39:54,890 --> 00:39:56,624
There was lots
and lots of blood.
926
00:39:56,692 --> 00:40:00,426
And at first he tried
to stuff her body
927
00:40:00,428 --> 00:40:02,163
In the attic of her house,
928
00:40:02,232 --> 00:40:05,031
But he said that she was
too heavy for him to carry
929
00:40:05,101 --> 00:40:06,367
All the way
up those stairs,
930
00:40:06,435 --> 00:40:08,904
And then decided
he was going to leave town
931
00:40:08,973 --> 00:40:10,771
And dump her body
in the woods.
932
00:40:10,839 --> 00:40:11,974
Roberts would tell
investgators
933
00:40:12,041 --> 00:40:13,374
That he brought
the dogs with him
934
00:40:13,442 --> 00:40:14,512
To buy him some time,
935
00:40:14,579 --> 00:40:16,111
Because he knew people
that knew her well
936
00:40:16,179 --> 00:40:17,447
Would think that
it was strange
937
00:40:17,515 --> 00:40:19,515
That she just left
without her animals.
938
00:40:19,517 --> 00:40:21,850
- It was a shock, of course.
939
00:40:21,919 --> 00:40:24,319
And then joe roberts
answered another question,
940
00:40:24,321 --> 00:40:27,120
This one with
no good answer,
941
00:40:27,190 --> 00:40:28,657
Where was brittany?
942
00:40:28,725 --> 00:40:30,592
- She was found
on a state road,
943
00:40:30,594 --> 00:40:33,394
Sort of where some
homeless camps in the area,
944
00:40:33,396 --> 00:40:35,763
But it's mainly
just woods.
945
00:40:35,832 --> 00:40:38,666
- One of the most
terrible things would be
946
00:40:38,735 --> 00:40:42,602
To know that someone you loved
died in fear,
947
00:40:42,672 --> 00:40:46,272
You know, died in a moment
of terror and pain.
948
00:40:46,342 --> 00:40:50,142
And that was a very, very hard
thing for me to accept.
949
00:40:50,211 --> 00:40:52,877
It just was-- even today,
it's just chilling
950
00:40:52,947 --> 00:40:54,812
For me to think
about that.
951
00:40:54,881 --> 00:40:56,216
- But at least...
952
00:40:56,218 --> 00:40:58,818
- We never would have
found the body
953
00:40:58,886 --> 00:41:01,353
If he hadn't told us,
you know,
954
00:41:01,422 --> 00:41:03,289
It was in a forest
somewhere.
955
00:41:03,291 --> 00:41:04,357
And the likelihood,
you know,
956
00:41:04,359 --> 00:41:05,758
Maybe it would
show up in 20 years,
957
00:41:05,827 --> 00:41:07,425
But we wouldn't
have found it.
958
00:41:07,494 --> 00:41:10,827
- Having offered his detailed
confession to police,
959
00:41:10,896 --> 00:41:14,096
Roberts pleaded not guilty
to first degree murder.
960
00:41:14,098 --> 00:41:17,870
But ultimately his case
did not go to trial.
961
00:41:17,940 --> 00:41:19,975
After years
of legal wrangling...
962
00:41:20,043 --> 00:41:22,444
- State your name.
- Joseph roberts.
963
00:41:22,512 --> 00:41:25,577
- Roberts pleaded guilty
to second degree murder
964
00:41:25,646 --> 00:41:30,115
On an amended indictment
in may, 2014.
965
00:41:30,117 --> 00:41:32,252
- And you still believe this
plea is in your best interest?
966
00:41:32,320 --> 00:41:33,519
- Yes, sir.
- Thank you.
967
00:41:33,588 --> 00:41:34,920
- And was sentenced
to 30 years
968
00:41:34,988 --> 00:41:37,856
In a florida
state correctional facility.
969
00:41:37,858 --> 00:41:40,125
As brittany's family
struggled
970
00:41:40,127 --> 00:41:42,261
With the aftermath
of her loss,
971
00:41:42,329 --> 00:41:46,399
Her friends looked
after brittany's dogs.
972
00:41:46,467 --> 00:41:50,401
And her friends mourn,
as does her family.
973
00:41:50,470 --> 00:41:51,736
- My sister was the one
974
00:41:51,738 --> 00:41:54,539
That my parents worried about
the most, you know?
975
00:41:54,541 --> 00:41:56,074
She was the one
they were concerned about,
976
00:41:56,141 --> 00:41:58,209
Because she had
the hardest time
977
00:41:58,277 --> 00:42:01,879
Getting her feet
on a path in life,
978
00:42:01,881 --> 00:42:03,414
Finding her way.
979
00:42:03,482 --> 00:42:05,681
We never, ever,
ever dreamed
980
00:42:05,749 --> 00:42:07,350
That anything like this
would happen,
981
00:42:07,418 --> 00:42:10,088
That anything violent
would happen to her.
982
00:42:10,155 --> 00:42:12,622
I guess you have a point
from which you move on,
983
00:42:12,691 --> 00:42:14,625
But there isn't
really closure.
984
00:42:14,693 --> 00:42:17,894
That actually is something that
the homicide detectives know.
985
00:42:17,896 --> 00:42:19,363
There really
isn't closure.
986
00:42:19,365 --> 00:42:21,499
You know, that's a cliche
that people use,
987
00:42:21,568 --> 00:42:23,368
But there's no closure.
988
00:42:23,436 --> 00:42:27,574
- Brittany tavar lived life
on her own terms.
989
00:42:27,643 --> 00:42:30,642
Naive? Maybe.
Reckless? Sometimes.
990
00:42:30,711 --> 00:42:32,978
And it cost her dearly.
991
00:42:33,046 --> 00:42:35,514
- She just thought
she was invincible.
992
00:42:35,516 --> 00:42:37,515
She didn't think
anything bad could happen.
993
00:42:37,583 --> 00:42:40,118
- But that's part of
who she was.
994
00:42:40,186 --> 00:42:42,587
She did have
a very big heart.
995
00:42:42,589 --> 00:42:45,325
- So she did,
and lived out loud
996
00:42:45,393 --> 00:42:47,625
And was exuberant
and generous,
997
00:42:47,694 --> 00:42:51,462
And for those who loved her,
is eternally missed
998
00:42:51,531 --> 00:42:54,000
For all of those things.
999
00:42:54,068 --> 00:42:56,068
- She was my sister,
and I've been robbed
1000
00:42:56,137 --> 00:42:58,202
Of the rest of my life
with my sister.
1001
00:42:58,204 --> 00:42:59,803
I've been robbed
of that relationship.
1002
00:42:59,805 --> 00:43:01,873
I've been robbed
of those conversations.
1003
00:43:01,941 --> 00:43:03,744
You know, I've been robbed
of that friendship.
1004
00:43:08,281 --> 00:43:09,215
- That's all
for this edition
1005
00:43:09,283 --> 00:43:11,417
Of "dateline:
Secrets uncovered."
1006
00:43:11,419 --> 00:43:14,021
I'm craig melvin.
Thank you for watching.
85015
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