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- Emilie morris was
a star high school athlete.
4
00:00:20,804 --> 00:00:22,929
- Emilie was excited
about life.
5
00:00:22,931 --> 00:00:25,682
- Cute kid,
great personality.
6
00:00:25,684 --> 00:00:28,185
- And her coach
was james wilder.
7
00:00:28,187 --> 00:00:31,521
- Wilder had a reputation of
being kinda the golden boy.
8
00:00:31,523 --> 00:00:34,024
- He was like you'd see
a coach in movies,
9
00:00:34,026 --> 00:00:36,193
Always enthusiastic.
10
00:00:36,195 --> 00:00:38,153
- It seemed that emilie
and coach wilder
11
00:00:38,155 --> 00:00:41,615
Had a normal student-coach
relationship,
12
00:00:41,617 --> 00:00:44,034
But emilie kept
a terrible secret.
13
00:00:44,036 --> 00:00:46,495
- I didn't,
in my wildest dreams,
14
00:00:46,497 --> 00:00:51,166
Think that jim wilder
was sexually abusing emilie.
15
00:00:51,168 --> 00:00:53,001
- She hid the truth
for years
16
00:00:53,003 --> 00:00:55,220
Until she finally
found the courage
17
00:00:55,222 --> 00:00:57,172
To break her silence.
18
00:00:57,174 --> 00:00:58,715
- It was just like
this act of bravery
19
00:00:58,717 --> 00:01:00,175
That I couldn't believe.
20
00:01:00,177 --> 00:01:01,676
- In her fight for justice,
21
00:01:01,678 --> 00:01:03,345
Emilie was able
to get coach wilder
22
00:01:03,347 --> 00:01:05,347
To admit
his alleged crimes
23
00:01:05,349 --> 00:01:07,232
While secretly
recording him.
24
00:01:12,356 --> 00:01:14,856
- Emilie was determined
to face wilder in court,
25
00:01:14,858 --> 00:01:17,400
But in a shocking
turn of events,
26
00:01:17,402 --> 00:01:19,361
She mysteriously died.
27
00:01:19,363 --> 00:01:20,570
- I said, "emilie,
28
00:01:20,572 --> 00:01:22,030
What are you doin'
on the floor?"
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00:01:22,032 --> 00:01:24,366
I reached down.
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00:01:24,368 --> 00:01:26,201
She was cold.
31
00:01:26,203 --> 00:01:28,370
- There was definitely
a huge question mark
32
00:01:28,372 --> 00:01:31,706
Over the circumstances
of how emilie died.
33
00:01:31,708 --> 00:01:34,543
- Upon her death,
justice goes unserved
34
00:01:34,545 --> 00:01:37,212
When the case against
wilder is dismissed.
35
00:01:37,214 --> 00:01:40,549
- It seemed too unjust
to just let it go.
36
00:01:40,551 --> 00:01:42,175
- Oh, I was furious.
37
00:01:42,177 --> 00:01:44,010
- Why was justice halted?
38
00:01:44,012 --> 00:01:46,930
You have this
recorded confession.
39
00:01:46,932 --> 00:01:49,766
Why wasn't this enough
to go forward with the case?
40
00:01:49,768 --> 00:01:51,726
- Is it a coincidence
emilie died
41
00:01:51,728 --> 00:01:54,354
Just days before an
important court appearance?
42
00:01:54,356 --> 00:01:57,065
- I don't believe that
there was any other reason
43
00:01:57,067 --> 00:01:58,233
For her
to die that day
44
00:01:58,235 --> 00:02:01,736
Than her life to have been
taken against her will.
45
00:02:01,738 --> 00:02:02,904
- I think there are people
46
00:02:02,906 --> 00:02:05,407
Who would love
to have seen her die.
47
00:02:05,409 --> 00:02:07,459
- She was fighting
for justice.
48
00:02:07,461 --> 00:02:11,204
When she passed away,
it ended everything.
49
00:02:11,206 --> 00:02:13,248
- He gets to go on
and live his life,
50
00:02:13,250 --> 00:02:16,635
And emilie's dead,
and nobody cares.
51
00:02:16,637 --> 00:02:26,728
♪♪
52
00:02:26,730 --> 00:02:32,434
♪♪
53
00:02:32,436 --> 00:02:33,986
- I'm loni coombs.
54
00:02:33,988 --> 00:02:35,645
As a former
criminal prosecutor
55
00:02:35,647 --> 00:02:38,440
For the los angeles county
district attorney's office,
56
00:02:38,442 --> 00:02:41,484
The case of emilie morris
intrigues me.
57
00:02:41,486 --> 00:02:42,611
I learned about
emilie's story
58
00:02:42,613 --> 00:02:44,821
In an article
on buzzfeed news.
59
00:02:44,823 --> 00:02:46,615
She was the victim
of alleged sexual abuse
60
00:02:46,617 --> 00:02:47,782
In high school
61
00:02:47,784 --> 00:02:50,619
And pressed charges
18 years later,
62
00:02:50,621 --> 00:02:54,673
Then mysteriously died during
the criminal proceedings.
63
00:02:54,675 --> 00:02:55,832
Upon her death,
64
00:02:55,834 --> 00:02:57,626
The st. Louis county
prosecutor's office
65
00:02:57,628 --> 00:03:00,337
Declined to continue
with her case.
66
00:03:00,339 --> 00:03:02,005
Emilie's family
has now been fighting
67
00:03:02,007 --> 00:03:05,425
For over five years
to try and find out--
68
00:03:05,427 --> 00:03:07,802
Can the sex abuse case
be reopened,
69
00:03:07,804 --> 00:03:10,772
And are there other
potential victims?
70
00:03:12,476 --> 00:03:15,018
- Hi.
- Hi. How are you? I'm loni.
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00:03:15,020 --> 00:03:16,686
So, I've come to
kirkwood, missouri,
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00:03:16,688 --> 00:03:19,314
A small suburb
outside of st. Louis,
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00:03:19,316 --> 00:03:21,650
To find out what happened
to emilie morris
74
00:03:21,652 --> 00:03:24,819
And to see if anything can
be done to reopen the case
75
00:03:24,821 --> 00:03:27,489
That died with her.
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00:03:27,491 --> 00:03:29,699
First, I would just like
to know a little bit
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00:03:29,701 --> 00:03:32,494
About emilie
when she was growing up.
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00:03:32,496 --> 00:03:36,164
- She was funny, fast,
smart, accomplished.
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00:03:36,166 --> 00:03:38,500
So, she would decide
she wanted to learn
how to do something,
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00:03:38,502 --> 00:03:40,552
And she would
learn how to do it.
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00:03:40,554 --> 00:03:42,837
She was very much
a tomboy.
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00:03:42,839 --> 00:03:44,339
Children are supposed
to crawl first,
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00:03:44,341 --> 00:03:45,715
And she didn't wanna be
bothered with that.
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00:03:45,717 --> 00:03:47,842
It wasn't fast enough.
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00:03:47,844 --> 00:03:51,388
She walked when
she was ten months old,
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00:03:51,390 --> 00:03:54,057
But she also then
felt awkward.
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00:03:54,059 --> 00:03:56,351
She felt like
she was a nerd.
88
00:03:56,353 --> 00:03:57,852
Even though she was
very accomplished,
89
00:03:57,854 --> 00:04:00,188
And attractive,
and intelligent,
90
00:04:00,190 --> 00:04:02,732
She felt like
she didn't fit in.
91
00:04:02,734 --> 00:04:05,694
- She was not afraid
to fail.
92
00:04:05,696 --> 00:04:08,488
Her key statement was,
"I didn't win this time,
93
00:04:08,490 --> 00:04:10,865
"but I'll win next time."
94
00:04:10,867 --> 00:04:12,542
She was quite
a young lady.
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00:04:15,038 --> 00:04:16,538
She was athletic.
96
00:04:16,540 --> 00:04:18,707
That was her forte.
97
00:04:18,709 --> 00:04:20,834
[cheers and applause]
98
00:04:20,836 --> 00:04:23,712
- Emilie was
this older sister
99
00:04:23,714 --> 00:04:24,930
That could do everything.
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00:04:24,932 --> 00:04:27,716
I mean, I think there are
a couple of photos of, like,
101
00:04:27,718 --> 00:04:29,050
Me and my friend,
kelly,
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00:04:29,052 --> 00:04:31,386
Staring at emilie
in her, like, prom gown,
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00:04:31,388 --> 00:04:33,263
You know,
just looking gorgeous,
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00:04:33,265 --> 00:04:34,815
And we're just like,
"aww!"
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00:04:36,435 --> 00:04:39,728
I, like, looked up to her,
you know?
106
00:04:39,730 --> 00:04:41,113
- She was very
intelligent.
107
00:04:41,115 --> 00:04:44,399
She seemed to be
almost on the shy side,
108
00:04:44,401 --> 00:04:46,234
But then you'd get
closer to emilie,
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00:04:46,236 --> 00:04:48,787
And you could see
what a spark plug she was
110
00:04:48,789 --> 00:04:51,707
And how much of a taste
for life that she had.
111
00:04:52,534 --> 00:04:55,243
- She was
a total goofball.
112
00:04:55,245 --> 00:04:57,454
You would be having
a serious conversation.
113
00:04:57,456 --> 00:04:58,913
Then she would just
either say somethin'
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00:04:58,915 --> 00:05:00,081
Or make some silly face,
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00:05:00,083 --> 00:05:01,800
And everyone
would just crack up.
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00:05:01,802 --> 00:05:05,587
- In high school, I always
saw her as the star athlete,
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00:05:05,589 --> 00:05:07,306
The cross-country star.
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00:05:08,467 --> 00:05:10,633
- The summer
prior to freshman year,
119
00:05:10,635 --> 00:05:13,053
Emilie told me
with great enthusiasm
120
00:05:13,055 --> 00:05:15,972
That she was going to
go out for cross country.
121
00:05:15,974 --> 00:05:18,099
- She was just
very dedicated,
122
00:05:18,101 --> 00:05:19,809
Very disciplined.
123
00:05:19,811 --> 00:05:22,896
She ended up bein'
my number one runner.
124
00:05:22,898 --> 00:05:25,157
- Nancy sachtleben coached
emilie her freshman
125
00:05:25,159 --> 00:05:26,775
And sophomore years,
126
00:05:26,777 --> 00:05:27,942
But then took
another job
127
00:05:27,944 --> 00:05:30,653
And left her position at
lindbergh high school.
128
00:05:30,655 --> 00:05:32,405
Coach wilder took over
as coach
129
00:05:32,407 --> 00:05:34,833
For both the boys
and girls teams.
130
00:05:34,835 --> 00:05:37,118
- Jim wilder didn't teach
at the high school.
131
00:05:37,120 --> 00:05:38,787
He taught down at
sperreng middle school,
132
00:05:38,789 --> 00:05:40,455
And he was a math teacher
down there.
133
00:05:40,457 --> 00:05:43,124
Coach wilder
was a terrific guy.
134
00:05:43,126 --> 00:05:45,794
- Wilder had a reputation
of being,
135
00:05:45,796 --> 00:05:47,670
You know,
kinda the golden boy.
136
00:05:47,672 --> 00:05:50,173
He was young.
He was a successful coach.
137
00:05:50,175 --> 00:05:51,966
He really motivated
the kids.
138
00:05:51,968 --> 00:05:55,637
- He was very much like
you'd see a coach in movies,
139
00:05:55,639 --> 00:05:58,932
Always on,
always enthusiastic.
140
00:05:58,934 --> 00:06:02,102
- His persona was such
that you trusted him.
141
00:06:02,104 --> 00:06:05,313
He has the best interest
of these kids at heart,
142
00:06:05,315 --> 00:06:07,440
And I believed it.
143
00:06:07,442 --> 00:06:10,610
I did notice emilie
talking about jim wilder,
144
00:06:10,612 --> 00:06:13,488
And she would phrase it
that she admired him
145
00:06:13,490 --> 00:06:17,700
And that he did a lot
to motivate her running skills,
146
00:06:17,702 --> 00:06:19,828
And I thought she maybe
had a crush on him,
147
00:06:19,830 --> 00:06:21,046
And I would
play that down.
148
00:06:21,048 --> 00:06:22,372
He's a married man.
149
00:06:22,374 --> 00:06:24,207
Be careful your behavior
is appropriate
150
00:06:24,209 --> 00:06:27,043
So that people don't
interpret it incorrectly.
151
00:06:27,045 --> 00:06:29,170
- Emilie's devotion
to james wilder covered up
152
00:06:29,172 --> 00:06:31,131
A horrible secret,
153
00:06:31,133 --> 00:06:33,216
That he was allegedly
sexually abusing her
154
00:06:33,218 --> 00:06:35,009
Throughout
her junior and senior year
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00:06:35,011 --> 00:06:37,178
Of high school.
156
00:06:37,180 --> 00:06:39,556
- Emilie and I went to
high school together,
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00:06:39,558 --> 00:06:42,392
But we became very good
friends after college.
158
00:06:42,394 --> 00:06:44,185
We had some very frank
conversations
159
00:06:44,187 --> 00:06:45,687
About coach wilder.
160
00:06:45,689 --> 00:06:47,522
She didn't recognize
that she had been a victim
161
00:06:47,524 --> 00:06:50,242
Of sexual abuse
in high school.
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00:06:50,244 --> 00:06:52,527
- I think her first
sexual experience
163
00:06:52,529 --> 00:06:54,529
Was with james wilder.
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00:06:54,531 --> 00:06:56,531
I'm pretty sure
it ruined her life.
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00:06:56,533 --> 00:06:58,366
- Emilie went to college
on a scholarship
166
00:06:58,368 --> 00:07:00,535
And continued running
cross country.
167
00:07:00,537 --> 00:07:02,579
After college, emilie
married an older man
168
00:07:02,581 --> 00:07:04,372
And had two children.
169
00:07:04,374 --> 00:07:06,258
For a short time,
she seemed happy
170
00:07:06,260 --> 00:07:08,001
And loved being a mom,
171
00:07:08,003 --> 00:07:11,421
But then her life
spiraled out of control,
172
00:07:11,423 --> 00:07:14,599
And she began to struggle
with alcoholism.
173
00:07:14,601 --> 00:07:16,843
- I think she became
an alcoholic
174
00:07:16,845 --> 00:07:19,512
Trying to find a way to deal
with what happened to her
175
00:07:19,514 --> 00:07:21,014
In high school.
176
00:07:21,016 --> 00:07:22,765
- I think when you're
robbed of your innocence
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00:07:22,767 --> 00:07:24,225
At a young age,
178
00:07:24,227 --> 00:07:27,228
It definitely plays a part
in your bad behavior
179
00:07:27,230 --> 00:07:29,272
As an adult.
180
00:07:29,274 --> 00:07:32,233
- Emilie's alcoholism
led to her marriage ending.
181
00:07:32,235 --> 00:07:35,069
She lost custody
of her children
182
00:07:35,071 --> 00:07:38,072
And began a string of
volatile relationships.
183
00:07:38,074 --> 00:07:41,126
- She was constantly being
in abusive relationships,
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00:07:41,128 --> 00:07:42,952
Older man, younger girl.
185
00:07:42,954 --> 00:07:44,746
- Every relationship
in her life,
186
00:07:44,748 --> 00:07:46,131
Including her marriage,
187
00:07:46,133 --> 00:07:48,583
Always had
a power differential.
188
00:07:48,585 --> 00:07:50,418
Was this because
of an injury
189
00:07:50,420 --> 00:07:53,296
Caused by the trauma
of child sexual abuse?
190
00:07:53,298 --> 00:07:54,923
Quite possibly.
191
00:07:54,925 --> 00:07:56,883
- Emilie started seeing
a therapist
192
00:07:56,885 --> 00:07:59,311
In an attempt to
work through her issues.
193
00:07:59,313 --> 00:08:01,930
- Her counselor had been
telling her for a long time
194
00:08:01,932 --> 00:08:03,765
That she needed
to come forward.
195
00:08:03,767 --> 00:08:06,318
That just never was something
that she felt strongly about
196
00:08:06,320 --> 00:08:10,104
Until she heard about
our friend's daughter.
197
00:08:10,106 --> 00:08:14,442
- In 2013, 18 years after
the alleged abuse started,
198
00:08:14,444 --> 00:08:16,444
Emilie was with christi
and another friend
199
00:08:16,446 --> 00:08:19,113
Playing in the backyard
on a trampoline.
200
00:08:19,115 --> 00:08:20,740
- We were sitting there,
201
00:08:20,742 --> 00:08:23,001
And one of our other
girlfriends from high school
202
00:08:23,003 --> 00:08:25,828
Had a daughter that was now
in middle school.
203
00:08:25,830 --> 00:08:27,956
Her daughter had gotten home
from soccer practice
204
00:08:27,958 --> 00:08:29,174
That afternoon
205
00:08:29,176 --> 00:08:30,959
And told her mother that
she didn't like the way
206
00:08:30,961 --> 00:08:33,461
That coach wilder
had touched her
207
00:08:33,463 --> 00:08:36,172
When he was stretching her out
at practice.
208
00:08:36,174 --> 00:08:39,092
- She experienced, like,
muscle tightness,
209
00:08:39,094 --> 00:08:43,304
And so his solution
was to massage her leg.
210
00:08:43,306 --> 00:08:45,640
He must have
crossed the line
211
00:08:45,642 --> 00:08:48,193
Of what's appropriate,
what's not appropriate
212
00:08:48,195 --> 00:08:50,311
Enough that
this kid went home
213
00:08:50,313 --> 00:08:52,438
And complained
to her parent.
214
00:08:52,440 --> 00:08:55,316
- And emilie--
it made her very angry.
215
00:08:55,318 --> 00:08:56,693
She was a mother,
as well,
216
00:08:56,695 --> 00:09:00,196
And I think she was okay with
somebody doing this to her
217
00:09:00,198 --> 00:09:02,699
But to hear it happening
to one of our daughters
218
00:09:02,701 --> 00:09:04,158
Was not acceptable
to her.
219
00:09:04,160 --> 00:09:06,160
- She realized
that her daughter
220
00:09:06,162 --> 00:09:08,162
Might suffer
the same fate,
221
00:09:08,164 --> 00:09:09,831
So that's when
she decided to go ahead
222
00:09:09,833 --> 00:09:12,384
And try going
to the police.
223
00:09:12,386 --> 00:09:13,876
- The first time
that I talked to emilie,
224
00:09:13,878 --> 00:09:15,003
She was distraught.
225
00:09:15,005 --> 00:09:18,214
She was obviously very
affected by the-the events
226
00:09:18,216 --> 00:09:20,216
That she was trying
to relay to me.
227
00:09:20,218 --> 00:09:21,551
It was very
difficult for her
228
00:09:21,553 --> 00:09:24,220
To finally tell somebody
exactly what had happened
229
00:09:24,222 --> 00:09:25,680
'cause this is a time
in her life
230
00:09:25,682 --> 00:09:28,233
That she had kept quiet
for many years.
231
00:09:28,235 --> 00:09:31,352
- Coming forward to say
that you were sexually abused
232
00:09:31,354 --> 00:09:32,895
Is one of
the hardest things
233
00:09:32,897 --> 00:09:34,906
That a survivor can do.
234
00:09:34,908 --> 00:09:36,524
They know that
they're gonna be dealt
235
00:09:36,526 --> 00:09:37,900
A great deal of resistance
236
00:09:37,902 --> 00:09:39,694
Because
these horrible crimes,
237
00:09:39,696 --> 00:09:42,196
More likely than not,
were perpetrated
238
00:09:42,198 --> 00:09:44,749
By someone that
the greater community
239
00:09:44,751 --> 00:09:46,751
Knew and loved.
240
00:09:46,753 --> 00:09:48,536
- Emilie secretly
recorded wilder
241
00:09:48,538 --> 00:09:50,755
Admitting to their
sexual relationship,
242
00:09:50,757 --> 00:09:53,041
Which led to his arrest
by the st. Louis county
243
00:09:53,043 --> 00:09:55,594
Police department
in August 2013.
244
00:10:10,060 --> 00:10:11,392
- Jim wilder was arrested
245
00:10:11,394 --> 00:10:14,354
And charged with
six counts of sodomy.
246
00:10:14,356 --> 00:10:16,564
He was arrested
on school grounds.
247
00:10:16,566 --> 00:10:17,899
- I was completely
shocked.
248
00:10:17,901 --> 00:10:20,401
It did not fit
his personality at all.
249
00:10:20,403 --> 00:10:22,737
He was very much
a family man.
250
00:10:22,739 --> 00:10:24,072
- There were a lot of people
that were like,
251
00:10:24,074 --> 00:10:26,282
"well, why is she
doing this now?"
252
00:10:26,284 --> 00:10:28,701
We had our fair share
of wilder supporters
253
00:10:28,703 --> 00:10:31,537
That were trashing
emilie's reputation.
254
00:10:31,539 --> 00:10:33,247
- People had
villainized her,
255
00:10:33,249 --> 00:10:35,083
Like she crossed
the line
256
00:10:35,085 --> 00:10:37,969
Because of a reputation
that she had
257
00:10:37,971 --> 00:10:39,921
Maybe of being a little
bit promiscuous.
258
00:10:39,923 --> 00:10:42,924
- She felt that some of
the students that she knew
259
00:10:42,926 --> 00:10:47,220
Saw her as-as a young lady
of ill repute, if you will,
260
00:10:47,222 --> 00:10:49,648
And that bothered her
to-to no end.
261
00:10:49,650 --> 00:10:51,766
- Everyone thought
she was the bad guy.
262
00:10:51,768 --> 00:10:53,142
- She thought she was
the bad guy, too,
263
00:10:53,144 --> 00:10:54,394
You know?
- Yeah.
264
00:10:54,396 --> 00:10:56,729
- Where she was betraying
this man, you know?
265
00:10:56,731 --> 00:10:57,980
- She was worried
about the effect
266
00:10:57,982 --> 00:10:59,157
That it would have
on him.
267
00:10:59,159 --> 00:11:00,492
- Yes.
268
00:11:00,494 --> 00:11:01,776
- As opposed to the effect
that it had on her
269
00:11:01,778 --> 00:11:03,444
All of those years.
- Mm-hmm. Correct.
270
00:11:03,446 --> 00:11:05,330
- At any time,
did she tell you
271
00:11:05,332 --> 00:11:09,242
That she was rethinking
actually following through
272
00:11:09,244 --> 00:11:12,120
With the criminal case?
- No. She was discouraged
273
00:11:12,122 --> 00:11:14,288
About the amount of time
it was taking.
274
00:11:14,290 --> 00:11:15,498
- Mm-hmm.
275
00:11:15,500 --> 00:11:16,958
- But her resolve
became stronger.
276
00:11:16,960 --> 00:11:18,668
She became
more convinced
277
00:11:18,670 --> 00:11:20,586
That it was
the right thing to do.
278
00:11:20,588 --> 00:11:23,631
- The judicial process
doesn't move fast.
279
00:11:23,633 --> 00:11:26,184
It's a very daunting task
for these victims.
280
00:11:26,186 --> 00:11:28,636
They don't get
instantaneous justice.
281
00:11:28,638 --> 00:11:30,972
- How long had the sex abuse
case been pending?
282
00:11:30,974 --> 00:11:32,473
- A year and a half.
- Okay.
283
00:11:32,475 --> 00:11:34,142
- Where it was just
about to plea bargain
284
00:11:34,144 --> 00:11:35,309
Or go to trial.
285
00:11:35,311 --> 00:11:36,519
- So, there was going
to be a decision.
286
00:11:36,521 --> 00:11:38,104
Either it was
gonna settle,
287
00:11:38,106 --> 00:11:39,197
Or it was going to
go to trial.
288
00:11:39,199 --> 00:11:40,648
- Yeah.
It was supposed to happen
289
00:11:40,650 --> 00:11:44,819
A week after she died.
- Wow.
290
00:11:44,821 --> 00:11:46,654
Right before this critical
court appearance,
291
00:11:46,656 --> 00:11:47,947
She's found dead.
292
00:11:47,949 --> 00:11:51,543
- It was just another thing
that was odd.
293
00:11:52,704 --> 00:11:54,379
- And I know this is
really difficult,
294
00:11:54,381 --> 00:11:57,498
But can you tell me
about her death,
295
00:11:57,500 --> 00:11:58,800
About what happened?
296
00:12:04,883 --> 00:12:07,550
- Statutory sodomy
has a punishment range
297
00:12:07,552 --> 00:12:08,893
Of one to seven years.
298
00:12:08,895 --> 00:12:10,178
- For each count?
- For each count.
299
00:12:10,180 --> 00:12:12,722
- That's looking at a
substantial amount of time.
300
00:12:12,724 --> 00:12:15,183
- She said
she was afraid of him,
301
00:12:15,185 --> 00:12:17,727
And she was afraid
of people close to him.
302
00:12:17,729 --> 00:12:19,520
- I think somebody
killed her.
303
00:12:19,522 --> 00:12:21,731
- There were people
who would love to have seen
304
00:12:21,733 --> 00:12:22,866
Emilie dead.
305
00:12:26,470 --> 00:12:32,325
♪♪
306
00:12:32,327 --> 00:12:34,202
- Can you tell me
about her death,
307
00:12:34,204 --> 00:12:37,038
About what happened,
how you found out?
308
00:12:37,040 --> 00:12:38,539
The tragic story
of emilie morris
309
00:12:38,541 --> 00:12:40,708
Brought me to
kirkwood, missouri.
310
00:12:40,710 --> 00:12:43,044
In 2013,
emilie pressed charges
311
00:12:43,046 --> 00:12:45,213
Against her high school
cross country coach,
312
00:12:45,215 --> 00:12:48,549
James wilder, alleging
that he sexually abused her
313
00:12:48,551 --> 00:12:51,552
18 years earlier
in high school,
314
00:12:51,554 --> 00:12:54,105
But shortly before
a major court appearance
315
00:12:54,107 --> 00:12:56,557
In the
fall of 2014
316
00:12:56,559 --> 00:13:00,061
Where it would be decided
if wilder would plead guilty
317
00:13:00,063 --> 00:13:03,564
Or the case
would proceed to trial,
318
00:13:03,566 --> 00:13:06,201
Emilie was found dead
in her apartment.
319
00:13:09,197 --> 00:13:12,290
[phone ringing]
320
00:13:20,625 --> 00:13:22,634
[phone ringing]
321
00:13:29,425 --> 00:13:32,218
For several days
in the fall of 2014,
322
00:13:32,220 --> 00:13:33,928
Emilie's father,
richard morris,
323
00:13:33,930 --> 00:13:36,931
Attempted to contact
his oldest daughter.
324
00:13:36,933 --> 00:13:38,599
- I checked on her
all the time.
325
00:13:38,601 --> 00:13:42,103
She needed something,
or food, or anything,
326
00:13:42,105 --> 00:13:45,490
Whatever the need was,
I-I was there.
327
00:13:54,158 --> 00:13:56,576
- When she didn't respond
to his messages,
328
00:13:56,578 --> 00:13:58,619
Richard went
to her apartment.
329
00:13:58,621 --> 00:14:00,496
- I got through the door.
330
00:14:00,498 --> 00:14:01,956
I went in.
331
00:14:01,958 --> 00:14:04,667
I knew somethin'
was wrong.
332
00:14:07,630 --> 00:14:09,806
And she was laying on
the floor next to her bed.
333
00:14:11,634 --> 00:14:13,301
And I said, "emilie,
334
00:14:13,303 --> 00:14:15,511
"what are you doin'
on the floor?
335
00:14:15,513 --> 00:14:17,513
"did you hurt yourself?"
336
00:14:17,515 --> 00:14:22,143
I reached down,
and she was cold.
337
00:14:22,145 --> 00:14:23,769
I don't know how long
it took for me
338
00:14:23,771 --> 00:14:28,482
To realize that
she wasn't there anymore.
339
00:14:28,484 --> 00:14:31,828
- He called me and said,
"she's dead."
340
00:14:33,823 --> 00:14:36,198
I got there and went in,
341
00:14:36,200 --> 00:14:40,703
And I kept hoping
that he was wrong.
342
00:14:40,705 --> 00:14:44,373
I went in
and sat next to emilie
343
00:14:44,375 --> 00:14:48,878
And-and playing
with her hair...
344
00:14:48,880 --> 00:14:53,674
And that just slayed me.
345
00:14:53,676 --> 00:14:56,510
And then people
started arriving.
346
00:14:56,512 --> 00:15:00,348
There were
quite a few policemen.
347
00:15:00,350 --> 00:15:01,900
- According to
the police report,
348
00:15:01,902 --> 00:15:03,476
When the police arrived,
349
00:15:03,478 --> 00:15:05,403
They searched the apartment
for any clues
350
00:15:05,405 --> 00:15:06,896
Of how she died.
351
00:15:06,898 --> 00:15:09,690
They saw no sign
of forced entry
352
00:15:09,692 --> 00:15:12,026
But found her back door
unlocked
353
00:15:12,028 --> 00:15:13,861
And slightly open.
354
00:15:13,863 --> 00:15:16,247
Her purse was located
in the kitchen
355
00:15:16,249 --> 00:15:19,325
With her wallet inside,
full of cash.
356
00:15:19,327 --> 00:15:21,410
Her laptop sat
on the kitchen counter
357
00:15:21,412 --> 00:15:24,914
With a credit card
right on top.
358
00:15:24,916 --> 00:15:27,041
Emilie was face down
on the floor
359
00:15:27,043 --> 00:15:28,376
In the master bedroom
360
00:15:28,378 --> 00:15:30,920
Wrapped in
a white comforter.
361
00:15:30,922 --> 00:15:33,214
Police found
two bottles of vodka,
362
00:15:33,216 --> 00:15:36,509
And there was vomit
in the trash can.
363
00:15:36,511 --> 00:15:39,220
- The police officers pointed
to the bottle of vodka
364
00:15:39,222 --> 00:15:40,513
That was in the room.
365
00:15:40,515 --> 00:15:42,556
They said that that
would've been enough
366
00:15:42,558 --> 00:15:45,726
To have caused
conditions, possibly,
367
00:15:45,728 --> 00:15:47,770
That something could have
happened by accident.
368
00:15:47,772 --> 00:15:49,230
- Is that the explanation
they gave you,
369
00:15:49,232 --> 00:15:51,273
That this was
an accidental death?
370
00:15:51,275 --> 00:15:52,283
- Yeah.
371
00:15:52,285 --> 00:15:54,068
They never said
that it was overdose.
372
00:15:54,070 --> 00:15:57,905
I remember a detective
saying that, "you know what?
373
00:15:57,907 --> 00:16:00,950
"she was probably
so out of it that,
374
00:16:00,952 --> 00:16:02,627
"you know,
it wouldn't have been,
375
00:16:02,629 --> 00:16:06,038
"you know,
a painful way to go."
376
00:16:06,040 --> 00:16:09,375
- Emilie did struggle
tremendously with alcohol,
377
00:16:09,377 --> 00:16:11,919
But when the call came in
that she had passed away,
378
00:16:11,921 --> 00:16:14,255
It was at a very
unexpected time.
379
00:16:14,257 --> 00:16:16,257
She was in one of
the best places
380
00:16:16,259 --> 00:16:18,134
That I had ever seen her.
381
00:16:18,136 --> 00:16:19,885
The trial was getting
ready to come up.
382
00:16:19,887 --> 00:16:22,263
She was ready
to face it in court
383
00:16:22,265 --> 00:16:25,266
And ready for justice
to be served.
384
00:16:25,268 --> 00:16:26,484
- On the day
of emilie's death,
385
00:16:26,486 --> 00:16:27,643
Police speculated
386
00:16:27,645 --> 00:16:29,812
That she died
from alcohol poisoning,
387
00:16:29,814 --> 00:16:30,980
But to her family,
388
00:16:30,982 --> 00:16:33,607
Details of the scene
just didn't add up.
389
00:16:33,609 --> 00:16:35,735
Some of the best evidence
that we do have
390
00:16:35,737 --> 00:16:38,279
Is what you saw
when you went in there.
391
00:16:38,281 --> 00:16:40,990
So, if you are able
to just go through
392
00:16:40,992 --> 00:16:45,161
Those details with me,
that would be helpful.
393
00:16:45,163 --> 00:16:46,662
- She was face down.
394
00:16:46,664 --> 00:16:47,955
Trash can was there.
395
00:16:47,957 --> 00:16:49,999
- Do you remember
if it was on her body
396
00:16:50,001 --> 00:16:51,459
When you first got there?
397
00:16:51,461 --> 00:16:52,510
- Yes.
398
00:16:52,512 --> 00:16:56,180
- She had-had a kitchen
trash can, he told me,
399
00:16:56,182 --> 00:16:57,423
'cause I didn't see it,
400
00:16:57,425 --> 00:16:59,633
Pushed down
over her shoulders.
401
00:16:59,635 --> 00:17:01,761
She had vomit
underneath her face
402
00:17:01,763 --> 00:17:03,637
And up past her head,
403
00:17:03,639 --> 00:17:05,765
And she was wrapped
in a white comforter
404
00:17:05,767 --> 00:17:07,141
On the floor.
405
00:17:07,143 --> 00:17:10,019
- We have the pictures
of her body.
406
00:17:10,021 --> 00:17:12,354
The one thing
that was changed
407
00:17:12,356 --> 00:17:13,856
That isn't reflected
in the pictures
408
00:17:13,858 --> 00:17:15,533
Is the trash can.
409
00:17:15,535 --> 00:17:18,527
- My dad, in that
kind of middle time
410
00:17:18,529 --> 00:17:20,529
Where he was waiting
for people to come,
411
00:17:20,531 --> 00:17:22,114
He took that trash can
412
00:17:22,116 --> 00:17:24,867
And was tidying up
around the apartment.
413
00:17:24,869 --> 00:17:26,202
- He tried
to clean up the place
414
00:17:26,204 --> 00:17:27,620
Because he didn't
want people thinking
415
00:17:27,622 --> 00:17:29,789
She was a slob.
416
00:17:29,791 --> 00:17:32,374
- The ballwin police felt
like the scene was messed with
417
00:17:32,376 --> 00:17:35,294
Or something 'cause they
didn't see the trash can.
418
00:17:35,296 --> 00:17:36,378
They were
sort of inferring
419
00:17:36,380 --> 00:17:38,172
That no one should have
touched anything
420
00:17:38,174 --> 00:17:40,007
And because the scene
was messed with,
421
00:17:40,009 --> 00:17:42,510
Nothing could have
been done anyway.
422
00:17:42,512 --> 00:17:46,013
- We were in the room
when they wheeled her body out.
423
00:17:46,015 --> 00:17:49,850
I mean, it's just--
it's so surreal.
424
00:17:49,852 --> 00:17:51,519
- Emilie's autopsy revealed
425
00:17:51,521 --> 00:17:54,188
That she died
from asphyxiation
426
00:17:54,190 --> 00:17:58,526
Due to trash can lined
with plastic bag over head.
427
00:17:58,528 --> 00:18:00,194
About two months later,
428
00:18:00,196 --> 00:18:02,488
The police closed
the death investigation
429
00:18:02,490 --> 00:18:06,992
Without determining
exactly how emilie died.
430
00:18:06,994 --> 00:18:08,702
Emilie would not see
the justice
431
00:18:08,704 --> 00:18:12,581
She desperately wanted in
her case against james wilder,
432
00:18:12,583 --> 00:18:15,209
And her family
soon discovered
433
00:18:15,211 --> 00:18:17,378
They wouldn't either.
434
00:18:17,380 --> 00:18:20,214
- I was told by the
detective, detective cook,
435
00:18:20,216 --> 00:18:21,924
At her funeral
436
00:18:21,926 --> 00:18:25,427
That the charges against
jim would be dropped.
437
00:18:25,429 --> 00:18:27,221
- I talked to them
at the funeral home
438
00:18:27,223 --> 00:18:28,597
To pay my respects,
439
00:18:28,599 --> 00:18:31,392
And they were
obviously distraught
440
00:18:31,394 --> 00:18:35,729
When they found out the case
wasn't going forward.
441
00:18:35,731 --> 00:18:38,440
- Since she wasn't there
to face him in court,
442
00:18:38,442 --> 00:18:40,234
They didn't have enough
evidence, they said,
443
00:18:40,236 --> 00:18:42,736
To go forward.
444
00:18:42,738 --> 00:18:46,699
It seemed too harsh,
and too unjust,
445
00:18:46,701 --> 00:18:48,701
And too awful
to just let it go.
446
00:18:48,703 --> 00:18:50,244
- Oh, I was furious.
447
00:18:50,246 --> 00:18:52,413
He gets to go on
and live his life,
448
00:18:52,415 --> 00:18:53,414
And emilie's dead,
449
00:18:53,416 --> 00:18:57,084
And apparently
nobody cares.
450
00:18:57,086 --> 00:18:59,628
- I came to kirkwood to see
if emilie's sex abuse case
451
00:18:59,630 --> 00:19:02,256
Could be reopened and,
if by telling her story,
452
00:19:02,258 --> 00:19:04,925
New victims might
possibly come forward,
453
00:19:04,927 --> 00:19:06,468
But talking to her family
454
00:19:06,470 --> 00:19:09,263
Raised my suspicions
about her death.
455
00:19:09,265 --> 00:19:12,099
The timing of emilie's death
is so questionable,
456
00:19:12,101 --> 00:19:14,810
So close in time
to a major court date
457
00:19:14,812 --> 00:19:16,988
For the sex abuse case
against james wilder.
458
00:19:19,734 --> 00:19:23,736
Is her death somehow connected
to the sex abuse case?
459
00:19:23,738 --> 00:19:25,070
Hi.
I'm loni coombs.
460
00:19:25,072 --> 00:19:26,947
- Dennis cook--
nice to meet you.
461
00:19:26,949 --> 00:19:29,116
- Sergeant dennis cook
was the lead detective
462
00:19:29,118 --> 00:19:31,160
On emilie's
sex abuse case.
463
00:19:31,162 --> 00:19:35,164
You met emilie morris
in, um, August of 2013,
464
00:19:35,166 --> 00:19:36,248
I believe.
- Correct.
465
00:19:36,250 --> 00:19:38,417
The first time that
I talked to, uh, emilie,
466
00:19:38,419 --> 00:19:40,502
She, uh,
readily admitted to me
467
00:19:40,504 --> 00:19:42,421
That she was in
a dark place in her life.
468
00:19:42,423 --> 00:19:44,298
She told me that she had
been drinking heavily
469
00:19:44,300 --> 00:19:46,800
For many, many years.
470
00:19:46,802 --> 00:19:48,135
She told me that
she had been suffering
471
00:19:48,137 --> 00:19:49,303
With depression
472
00:19:49,305 --> 00:19:52,348
For the better part
of her adult life.
473
00:19:52,350 --> 00:19:55,476
She went into- to details
about what the incident was
474
00:19:55,478 --> 00:19:57,645
Specifically that led her
down that path.
475
00:19:57,647 --> 00:19:59,647
- Was she able to tell you
events in her life
476
00:19:59,649 --> 00:20:03,317
That you believed constituted
sexual assault?
477
00:20:03,319 --> 00:20:04,818
- The incident that
she described to me
478
00:20:04,820 --> 00:20:07,363
Was of a criminal nature.
479
00:20:07,365 --> 00:20:10,157
I believe I was probably
one of the first individuals
480
00:20:10,159 --> 00:20:12,993
That she disclosed, uh,
that time period of her life.
481
00:20:12,995 --> 00:20:14,828
So, she had
a little bit of alcohol
482
00:20:14,830 --> 00:20:16,497
Prior to us showing up.
483
00:20:16,499 --> 00:20:17,831
- And how did you
respond to the fact
484
00:20:17,833 --> 00:20:20,167
That she had been drinking?
485
00:20:20,169 --> 00:20:22,211
- The fact that
she's drinking
486
00:20:22,213 --> 00:20:24,838
Doesn't mean
that it's not credible.
487
00:20:24,840 --> 00:20:27,341
To me, it-- more of a
byproduct of the pain
488
00:20:27,343 --> 00:20:28,342
And of the abuse
489
00:20:28,344 --> 00:20:30,511
That she was trying
to come to grips with.
490
00:20:30,513 --> 00:20:32,179
- From the first time
you met her
491
00:20:32,181 --> 00:20:33,847
Until the time
of her death,
492
00:20:33,849 --> 00:20:35,683
Did you see a change
in her personality?
493
00:20:35,685 --> 00:20:36,734
- Sure, 100%.
494
00:20:36,736 --> 00:20:39,395
She was in a much better place
towards the end.
495
00:20:39,397 --> 00:20:40,688
She told me that
her relationship
496
00:20:40,690 --> 00:20:42,523
With her mom and dad
had improved.
497
00:20:42,525 --> 00:20:45,025
Her attitude when I last
talked to her versus
498
00:20:45,027 --> 00:20:49,029
When I first talked to her
was night and day.
499
00:20:49,031 --> 00:20:52,241
- I don't believe that
she drank herself to death.
500
00:20:52,243 --> 00:20:54,243
Once she filed
the complaint,
501
00:20:54,245 --> 00:20:56,537
It was going pretty well.
502
00:20:56,539 --> 00:20:59,039
- When was the last time
that you spoke to emilie?
503
00:20:59,041 --> 00:21:00,249
- I spoke with her
a couple of weeks
504
00:21:00,251 --> 00:21:01,542
Before she passed away.
505
00:21:01,544 --> 00:21:04,595
Uh, she was preparing
a-a deposition for the trial.
506
00:21:04,597 --> 00:21:07,715
- So, that would be
a situation, for example,
507
00:21:07,717 --> 00:21:11,176
If she was dead or unavailable
at the time of trial,
508
00:21:11,178 --> 00:21:12,594
That testimony
could be used.
509
00:21:12,596 --> 00:21:15,764
- Yes.
510
00:21:15,766 --> 00:21:18,851
- I need to find out if
emilie's deposition took place.
511
00:21:18,853 --> 00:21:21,729
If it did, her sworn testimony
could have been enough
512
00:21:21,731 --> 00:21:23,522
To keep the case open.
513
00:21:23,524 --> 00:21:26,400
If emilie died before
the deposition was taken,
514
00:21:26,402 --> 00:21:28,235
That means
no legal statement
515
00:21:28,237 --> 00:21:29,778
Expressing her side
of the story
516
00:21:29,780 --> 00:21:31,739
Could be presented
in court,
517
00:21:31,741 --> 00:21:35,117
Another reason why her death
could be suspicious
518
00:21:35,119 --> 00:21:37,128
And may not
have been accidental.
519
00:21:42,617 --> 00:21:47,921
♪♪
520
00:21:47,923 --> 00:21:49,882
- The tragic death
of emilie morris
521
00:21:49,884 --> 00:21:51,925
In November 2014
522
00:21:51,927 --> 00:21:54,645
Devastated her family
and friends.
523
00:21:54,647 --> 00:21:58,223
- I remember just feeling,
like, in total shock.
524
00:21:58,225 --> 00:22:00,484
It felt like I was
living in a nightmare.
525
00:22:00,486 --> 00:22:02,770
- It broke my heart.
It really did.
526
00:22:02,772 --> 00:22:05,647
I remembered emilie
as this cute kid,
527
00:22:05,649 --> 00:22:07,992
Great personality, braces,
528
00:22:07,994 --> 00:22:11,445
Just giggling,
so full of life.
529
00:22:11,447 --> 00:22:16,575
To know that she longer was,
it was very sad.
530
00:22:16,577 --> 00:22:17,910
- Shortly before
her death.
531
00:22:17,912 --> 00:22:19,286
Emilie told
law enforcement
532
00:22:19,288 --> 00:22:21,121
That she was preparing
for a deposition
533
00:22:21,123 --> 00:22:22,247
In the sex abuse case
534
00:22:22,249 --> 00:22:24,416
Against her high school
cross country coach,
535
00:22:24,418 --> 00:22:26,510
James wilder.
536
00:22:26,512 --> 00:22:28,921
- Once something gets to
the deposition phase,
537
00:22:28,923 --> 00:22:29,830
That's the next step
538
00:22:29,832 --> 00:22:31,682
Before it's either
gonna go to trial,
539
00:22:31,684 --> 00:22:35,135
Or the, uh, suspect
is gonna make a plea.
540
00:22:35,137 --> 00:22:37,262
- I reached out to the
prosecuting attorney's office
541
00:22:37,264 --> 00:22:40,641
To find out whether
that deposition took place.
542
00:22:40,643 --> 00:22:42,693
"there were no depositions
ever taken
543
00:22:42,695 --> 00:22:45,270
"on the criminal case
prior to her death.
544
00:22:45,272 --> 00:22:47,698
"the defense did plan
on taking her deposition,
545
00:22:47,700 --> 00:22:49,775
"but they never had
any dates."
546
00:22:49,777 --> 00:22:53,153
So, emilie dies before
giving sworn testimony.
547
00:22:53,155 --> 00:22:55,873
The timing
seems strange to me.
548
00:22:55,875 --> 00:22:59,827
But they still had
one key piece of evidence,
549
00:22:59,829 --> 00:23:01,837
Wilder's confession
on tape.
550
00:23:02,998 --> 00:23:05,499
- When emilie went to
the police, they told her,
551
00:23:05,501 --> 00:23:07,334
"you know, we're gonna
put a wiretap on you,
552
00:23:07,336 --> 00:23:10,337
"and you're gonna call
coach wilder."
553
00:23:10,339 --> 00:23:12,005
They wanted her
just to talk about
554
00:23:12,007 --> 00:23:15,300
When this happened to her,
how old she was.
555
00:23:15,302 --> 00:23:17,177
- She obviously
wanted to perform well,
556
00:23:17,179 --> 00:23:19,179
And it's a daunting task,
557
00:23:19,181 --> 00:23:20,898
And it's somethin'
that she had never
been through before,
558
00:23:20,900 --> 00:23:22,066
So she was nervous.
559
00:23:22,068 --> 00:23:23,567
- She tried calling jim
wilder on the phone,
560
00:23:23,569 --> 00:23:26,353
And he didn't want anything
to do with that.
561
00:23:26,355 --> 00:23:28,981
- He immediately said,
"not on the phone."
562
00:23:28,983 --> 00:23:31,191
He was very suspicious,
very paranoid
563
00:23:31,193 --> 00:23:33,026
About talking about this
on the phone.
564
00:23:33,028 --> 00:23:35,079
- So, then she
took it upon herself
565
00:23:35,081 --> 00:23:37,581
To set up a date
with him to meet
566
00:23:37,583 --> 00:23:39,867
Because she wanted
to talk about old times.
567
00:23:39,869 --> 00:23:42,202
- She decided to do
whatever it took
568
00:23:42,204 --> 00:23:45,205
To get him on tape to admit
what he had done to her
569
00:23:45,207 --> 00:23:46,298
In high school.
570
00:23:57,603 --> 00:23:58,719
- She wore a wire
571
00:23:58,721 --> 00:24:01,221
And met him in the
galleria parking lot.
572
00:24:01,223 --> 00:24:02,848
- It was just like
this act of bravery
573
00:24:02,850 --> 00:24:03,891
That I couldn't believe.
574
00:24:03,893 --> 00:24:05,192
I still can't believe
she did that.
575
00:24:17,406 --> 00:24:18,789
They made it
into a joke,
576
00:24:18,791 --> 00:24:20,875
But it was just
chilling to hear that.
577
00:24:23,412 --> 00:24:24,587
- Yeah.
578
00:24:25,623 --> 00:24:27,047
- I was just
like I--
579
00:24:29,919 --> 00:24:31,084
- Yeah.
580
00:24:32,713 --> 00:24:35,756
- I think that wilder knew
what he was doing was wrong
581
00:24:35,758 --> 00:24:37,883
And by maintaining
a relationship,
582
00:24:37,885 --> 00:24:40,928
He was ensuring
that she would not talk
583
00:24:40,930 --> 00:24:42,221
And report him
584
00:24:42,223 --> 00:24:44,064
Because why would
she report a friend?
585
00:24:48,321 --> 00:24:49,612
- Right.
586
00:25:06,455 --> 00:25:08,830
- She came back to
the house afterwards,
587
00:25:08,832 --> 00:25:10,791
And she was a wreck.
588
00:25:10,793 --> 00:25:14,294
She was going to destroy
the tape because she said,
589
00:25:14,296 --> 00:25:16,463
"you know, I'm going
to ruin his life,"
590
00:25:16,465 --> 00:25:19,466
And my comment was,
"he's ruined your life.
591
00:25:19,468 --> 00:25:22,761
"do you want other kids
to suffer the same?"
592
00:25:22,763 --> 00:25:25,305
- Emilie turned the
entire 87-minute recording
593
00:25:25,307 --> 00:25:27,766
With james wilder
over to the police.
594
00:25:27,768 --> 00:25:29,017
Based on his own words
595
00:25:29,019 --> 00:25:31,436
And the statement
emilie gave to police,
596
00:25:31,438 --> 00:25:33,939
We can piece together
the exact nature
597
00:25:33,941 --> 00:25:35,533
Of the alleged
sexual abuse
598
00:25:35,535 --> 00:25:39,278
Perpetrated by
james wilder.
599
00:25:39,280 --> 00:25:40,821
Emilie began running
cross country
600
00:25:40,823 --> 00:25:42,990
Her freshman year
at lindbergh high school
601
00:25:42,992 --> 00:25:44,658
And started to develop
a relationship
602
00:25:44,660 --> 00:25:46,827
With james wilder.
603
00:25:46,829 --> 00:25:51,382
She referred to it as a
mentor-student relationship.
604
00:25:51,384 --> 00:25:53,500
She said that they would talk
while they were running,
605
00:25:53,502 --> 00:25:55,502
Or she would call him
at home,
606
00:25:55,504 --> 00:25:58,797
And she would ask him
about advice about boys
607
00:25:58,799 --> 00:26:00,966
That she was
interested in.
608
00:26:00,968 --> 00:26:04,177
- Emilie told me how things
kind of started.
609
00:26:04,179 --> 00:26:06,063
She did talk to me
about his marriage
610
00:26:06,065 --> 00:26:08,640
And how frustrated he was
with his marriage.
611
00:26:08,642 --> 00:26:10,851
His wife was pregnant
at the time,
612
00:26:10,853 --> 00:26:13,312
And so he was
sexually frustrated.
613
00:26:13,314 --> 00:26:14,521
This is all per emilie.
614
00:26:14,523 --> 00:26:18,242
And she thought she could
be better for him.
615
00:26:18,244 --> 00:26:20,652
- Based on emilie's statement
to the police,
616
00:26:20,654 --> 00:26:22,580
Coach wilder may have been
preparing emilie
617
00:26:22,582 --> 00:26:26,199
For the alleged sexual abuse
for two years.
618
00:26:26,201 --> 00:26:30,329
- Predatory grooming
is how a child sexual abuser
619
00:26:30,331 --> 00:26:32,706
Tricks the victim
into thinking
620
00:26:32,708 --> 00:26:34,875
That the abuse is okay.
621
00:26:34,877 --> 00:26:38,837
It creates what we call
a compliant victim.
622
00:26:38,839 --> 00:26:41,673
- In the fall of
her junior year in 1995,
623
00:26:41,675 --> 00:26:44,009
This relationship changed.
624
00:26:44,011 --> 00:26:46,053
According to emilie's
statement to the police,
625
00:26:46,055 --> 00:26:47,888
Coach wilder had
a cross country practice
626
00:26:47,890 --> 00:26:49,556
At bohrer park,
627
00:26:49,558 --> 00:26:54,353
A very large park,
about 16 acres.
628
00:26:54,355 --> 00:26:58,607
Emilie said that she found
coach wilder behind a tree,
629
00:26:58,609 --> 00:27:01,452
So she started talking
to him about a boy
630
00:27:01,454 --> 00:27:04,905
Who wanted her to play
this game called chicken
631
00:27:04,907 --> 00:27:08,241
Where the boy would put
his hand on her thigh,
632
00:27:08,243 --> 00:27:11,411
And coach wilder said,
"well, shall we play?"
633
00:27:11,413 --> 00:27:13,580
And he put his hand
on her thigh,
634
00:27:13,582 --> 00:27:16,383
And then he stopped,
and emilie said, "chicken."
635
00:27:26,428 --> 00:27:28,428
So, coach wilder
did it again.
636
00:27:28,430 --> 00:27:29,930
He put his hand
on her thigh,
637
00:27:29,932 --> 00:27:32,099
And he started
moving upward,
638
00:27:32,101 --> 00:27:33,767
But this time
he didn't stop.
639
00:27:33,769 --> 00:27:35,435
He got to her vagina,
640
00:27:35,437 --> 00:27:36,728
And he left
his hand there,
641
00:27:36,730 --> 00:27:38,772
Over her clothing,
on her vagina,
642
00:27:38,774 --> 00:27:40,658
Until another runner
went by,
643
00:27:40,660 --> 00:27:41,950
And he stopped.
644
00:27:43,070 --> 00:27:46,113
- Kids think they're adults,
but, as a teacher,
645
00:27:46,115 --> 00:27:47,948
You still are the one
in the position
646
00:27:47,950 --> 00:27:50,283
That's here
to protect them.
647
00:27:50,285 --> 00:27:53,286
If a girl is having
some thoughts like that,
648
00:27:53,288 --> 00:27:55,455
It's up to that adult
to make sure
649
00:27:55,457 --> 00:27:58,458
That those thoughts
aren't carried out.
650
00:27:58,460 --> 00:28:00,460
- Emilie said that
after that practice,
651
00:28:00,462 --> 00:28:02,254
He gave her a ride home,
652
00:28:02,256 --> 00:28:04,089
And when they got home,
her parents weren't there,
653
00:28:04,091 --> 00:28:05,683
So they went inside.
654
00:28:15,769 --> 00:28:16,977
In the living room,
655
00:28:16,979 --> 00:28:19,863
Coach wilder sat her down
on an ottoman.
656
00:28:19,865 --> 00:28:23,483
He took her pants off,
he took her underwear off,
657
00:28:23,485 --> 00:28:25,452
And then he performed
oral sex on her.
658
00:28:30,993 --> 00:28:32,668
- Yeah.
659
00:28:34,496 --> 00:28:36,880
And finally,
I felt--
660
00:28:36,882 --> 00:28:40,000
- Child sexual abuse
has nothing to do with sex
661
00:28:40,002 --> 00:28:42,502
And everything to do
with power,
662
00:28:42,504 --> 00:28:43,887
And through
the sexual abuse,
663
00:28:43,889 --> 00:28:47,466
They get instant
verification of their power.
664
00:28:47,468 --> 00:28:49,509
- According to emilie's
statement to the police,
665
00:28:49,511 --> 00:28:52,637
She told wilder
she wanted to stop.
666
00:28:52,639 --> 00:28:54,398
That day, he did,
667
00:28:54,400 --> 00:28:55,733
But that was not
the end
668
00:28:55,735 --> 00:28:57,851
Of the alleged
sexual abuse.
669
00:28:57,853 --> 00:28:59,853
- In her junior year of
high school,
670
00:28:59,855 --> 00:29:03,690
She had qualified to go to
state with cross country.
671
00:29:03,692 --> 00:29:05,859
That meant
a lot to her.
672
00:29:05,861 --> 00:29:07,861
- She was the only girl
from the cross country team
673
00:29:07,863 --> 00:29:09,321
To qualify.
674
00:29:09,323 --> 00:29:11,865
Emilie stated that
over the next few weeks,
675
00:29:11,867 --> 00:29:15,669
She would see wilder
on a daily basis, alone.
676
00:29:17,706 --> 00:29:19,873
- This is clydesdale park.
677
00:29:19,875 --> 00:29:21,875
From what the
police report said,
678
00:29:21,877 --> 00:29:24,336
This is actually
where one of the incidents
679
00:29:24,338 --> 00:29:26,713
Of sexual abuse occurred.
680
00:29:26,715 --> 00:29:31,510
She was apparently
in a practice for state.
681
00:29:31,512 --> 00:29:34,679
They came down
to this bathroom.
682
00:29:34,681 --> 00:29:37,724
She and wilder went into
the male bathroom,
683
00:29:37,726 --> 00:29:39,860
And she performed
oral sex on him.
684
00:29:43,065 --> 00:29:45,449
He was bold enough
to kinda direct her here,
685
00:29:45,451 --> 00:29:48,735
Out in public,
which is kind of creepy.
686
00:29:48,737 --> 00:29:50,070
In this instance,
687
00:29:50,072 --> 00:29:53,240
Somebody actually walked in
on them, um, a stranger.
688
00:29:53,242 --> 00:29:55,250
They didn't say if it was
a student or not.
689
00:30:04,753 --> 00:30:06,044
- Like, I would because-
690
00:30:06,046 --> 00:30:07,888
Because-- I know.
691
00:30:18,100 --> 00:30:21,101
- I recently watched
a diving video of emilie
692
00:30:21,103 --> 00:30:22,986
When she was still
just a teenager.
693
00:30:26,441 --> 00:30:27,440
[cheers and applause]
694
00:30:27,442 --> 00:30:28,567
And the thing that
struck me the most
695
00:30:28,569 --> 00:30:31,829
Was how unseductive
she was.
696
00:30:31,831 --> 00:30:33,280
[laughing]
697
00:30:33,282 --> 00:30:37,075
Her first sexual experience
was with james wilder.
698
00:30:37,077 --> 00:30:38,451
It ruined her life.
699
00:30:38,453 --> 00:30:41,079
He was a trusted
adult teacher,
700
00:30:41,081 --> 00:30:43,290
And she was still a kid,
701
00:30:43,292 --> 00:30:45,300
And that should not
have happened.
702
00:30:55,187 --> 00:30:57,187
- By the fall of 1995,
703
00:30:57,189 --> 00:30:59,973
James wilder had already
allegedly attempted
704
00:30:59,975 --> 00:31:01,850
His first
sexual encounter
705
00:31:01,852 --> 00:31:04,695
With then 16-year-old
emilie morris.
706
00:31:04,697 --> 00:31:06,697
- He was one of
the bad apples.
707
00:31:06,699 --> 00:31:08,481
He had this beautiful
looking apple
708
00:31:08,483 --> 00:31:10,200
On the outside
709
00:31:10,202 --> 00:31:12,819
But was rotten
to the core.
710
00:31:12,821 --> 00:31:14,154
- Eighteen years later,
711
00:31:14,156 --> 00:31:16,615
Emilie disclosed the details
of the first incident
712
00:31:16,617 --> 00:31:17,708
To detectives
713
00:31:17,710 --> 00:31:20,160
At the st. Louis county
police department.
714
00:31:20,162 --> 00:31:21,995
- She didn't really have
a whole lotta people
715
00:31:21,997 --> 00:31:23,547
That she had disclosed to.
716
00:31:23,549 --> 00:31:25,382
She was keeping
this secret,
717
00:31:25,384 --> 00:31:28,343
This deep, dark secret,
to herself for years.
718
00:31:29,713 --> 00:31:31,671
According to
her statement to police,
719
00:31:31,673 --> 00:31:34,558
Emilie and coach wilder traveled
to jefferson city, missouri
720
00:31:34,560 --> 00:31:36,968
For a state cross-country
competition.
721
00:31:36,970 --> 00:31:39,512
She described an incident
where she masturbated
722
00:31:39,514 --> 00:31:42,515
Coach wilder inside
a movie theater
723
00:31:42,517 --> 00:31:45,185
While another coach
sat nearby.
724
00:31:45,187 --> 00:31:48,188
- Perpetrators love
to flaunt.
725
00:31:48,190 --> 00:31:49,740
We see cases
726
00:31:49,742 --> 00:31:51,858
Where children are
sexually molested
727
00:31:51,860 --> 00:31:53,860
At the dining room table
in front of their parents,
728
00:31:53,862 --> 00:31:55,987
And the parents
don't even know.
729
00:31:55,989 --> 00:31:58,198
- Emilie's family obtained
the police report
730
00:31:58,200 --> 00:32:01,368
And read in graphic detail
several specific incidents
731
00:32:01,370 --> 00:32:04,755
Where coach wilder
allegedly abused emilie.
732
00:32:04,757 --> 00:32:07,374
- She and jim wilder would
go to the wrestling room,
733
00:32:07,376 --> 00:32:09,501
Which is up
a flight of stairs.
734
00:32:09,503 --> 00:32:12,262
She would perform
oral sex on him.
735
00:32:12,264 --> 00:32:14,756
There were several instances
where someone else
736
00:32:14,758 --> 00:32:16,767
Would be coming up
the stairs.
737
00:32:16,769 --> 00:32:20,553
Jim would have her hide
in one of the boxes
738
00:32:20,555 --> 00:32:23,106
In which the wrestling
uniforms were kept
739
00:32:23,108 --> 00:32:24,775
Until the person
was done doing
740
00:32:24,777 --> 00:32:27,945
Whatever they were doing,
and then they would leave.
741
00:32:27,947 --> 00:32:30,572
It's disgusting.
742
00:32:39,074 --> 00:32:41,741
- She did talk to me
about a relationship
743
00:32:41,743 --> 00:32:44,795
That she developed
with coach wilder.
744
00:32:44,797 --> 00:32:48,131
What existed between them
was mostly oral sex.
745
00:32:48,133 --> 00:32:49,916
I knew emilie wanted it.
746
00:32:49,918 --> 00:32:52,252
I couldn't see the damage
it was doing to her.
747
00:32:52,254 --> 00:32:53,753
- Everybody knew about it.
748
00:32:53,755 --> 00:32:56,881
It was just one of those things
that you didn't talk about.
749
00:32:56,883 --> 00:33:00,477
- I know there were some people
that raised the red flag.
750
00:33:00,479 --> 00:33:01,761
- There was a student
that was on
751
00:33:01,763 --> 00:33:03,722
The cross-country team
with emilie,
752
00:33:03,724 --> 00:33:06,266
And he saw some things
in the forest,
753
00:33:06,268 --> 00:33:08,727
And he told his parents,
754
00:33:08,729 --> 00:33:11,321
And the parents went to
the administration.
755
00:33:11,323 --> 00:33:13,106
- In March of 1996,
756
00:33:13,108 --> 00:33:15,325
The principal of
lindbergh high school
757
00:33:15,327 --> 00:33:17,318
Allegedly got
some information that
758
00:33:17,320 --> 00:33:20,071
Perhaps there was
an inappropriate relationship
759
00:33:20,073 --> 00:33:22,282
Between emilie
and coach wilder.
760
00:33:22,284 --> 00:33:25,076
He called emilie in
and spoke with her,
761
00:33:25,078 --> 00:33:27,287
And she denied
anything going on.
762
00:33:27,289 --> 00:33:29,622
Then he called in coach wilder
and talked to him.
763
00:33:29,624 --> 00:33:31,124
He also denied.
764
00:33:31,126 --> 00:33:33,918
And so, then he talked
to emilie's parents.
765
00:33:33,920 --> 00:33:37,589
- We received a message
on our answering machine
766
00:33:37,591 --> 00:33:39,758
From mr. Skillman,
who was the principal
767
00:33:39,760 --> 00:33:41,968
Of lindbergh high school
at that time,
768
00:33:41,970 --> 00:33:44,971
Indicating that emilie
had been accused
769
00:33:44,973 --> 00:33:46,973
Of having an affair
with a teacher.
770
00:33:46,975 --> 00:33:49,860
I was outraged.
771
00:33:49,862 --> 00:33:52,771
We went to
the high school.
772
00:33:52,773 --> 00:33:56,816
Skillman said this was
a one-time accusation,
773
00:33:56,818 --> 00:34:00,028
Possibly out of jealousy
because wilder was a top coach,
774
00:34:00,030 --> 00:34:01,821
And emilie was
a top runner.
775
00:34:01,823 --> 00:34:04,207
It was handled
very casually.
776
00:34:04,209 --> 00:34:06,659
"we've looked into this,
and there's no problem."
777
00:34:06,661 --> 00:34:09,713
And I think to make
our lives easier maybe,
778
00:34:09,715 --> 00:34:11,790
We believed it,
and I wish we hadn't.
779
00:34:11,792 --> 00:34:13,541
- I could've things
a little bit better.
780
00:34:13,543 --> 00:34:15,126
I'll accept that,
781
00:34:15,128 --> 00:34:17,220
But if lindbergh high school
would have done
782
00:34:17,222 --> 00:34:21,007
What they needed to do,
it would not be as bad.
783
00:34:21,009 --> 00:34:23,393
- Wilder was a very
successful coach.
784
00:34:23,395 --> 00:34:25,562
I don't think they
wanted him out
785
00:34:25,564 --> 00:34:27,180
Over an incident
like this,
786
00:34:27,182 --> 00:34:29,066
And maybe people were
willing to say
787
00:34:29,068 --> 00:34:32,235
We can look away
and-and let it go on.
788
00:34:32,237 --> 00:34:34,187
- Lindbergh high school
is an amazing school.
789
00:34:34,189 --> 00:34:38,024
There's an incentive to
not want to publicize
790
00:34:38,026 --> 00:34:39,076
Those types of incidents
791
00:34:39,078 --> 00:34:42,028
Where a student
and a teacher are involved
792
00:34:42,030 --> 00:34:44,364
Because it's exposing
the school to risk
793
00:34:44,366 --> 00:34:47,918
That they may not be
happy to adopt.
794
00:34:47,920 --> 00:34:51,421
- Institutions protect
predators over kids
795
00:34:51,423 --> 00:34:53,206
Because of liability.
796
00:34:53,208 --> 00:34:54,758
They don't wanna be sued.
797
00:34:54,760 --> 00:34:56,668
They don't want other victims
to come forward.
798
00:34:56,670 --> 00:34:58,762
They wanna make
the problem go away.
799
00:34:58,764 --> 00:35:01,881
- Emilie said that
throughout her junior year
800
00:35:01,883 --> 00:35:03,767
And into her senior year,
801
00:35:03,769 --> 00:35:05,718
They were performing
these sex acts
802
00:35:05,720 --> 00:35:08,105
Approximately once a week.
803
00:35:08,107 --> 00:35:10,440
By her senior year,
emilie's feelings
804
00:35:10,442 --> 00:35:13,059
About james wilder
seemed to change.
805
00:35:13,061 --> 00:35:14,769
- Predators convince
their victims that
806
00:35:14,771 --> 00:35:17,021
What's happening
isn't abuse,
807
00:35:17,023 --> 00:35:19,116
But the victims know
something is wrong.
808
00:35:19,118 --> 00:35:21,943
For many victims, during
the course of the abuse,
809
00:35:21,945 --> 00:35:24,287
You'll see huge
behavioral changes
810
00:35:24,289 --> 00:35:26,447
Because a victim
is scared.
811
00:35:26,449 --> 00:35:28,575
A victim has
nowhere to turn.
812
00:35:28,577 --> 00:35:31,202
- Emilie, at that time,
was bordering on
813
00:35:31,204 --> 00:35:32,745
Being frantic
all the time.
814
00:35:32,747 --> 00:35:34,914
She began having trouble
with classes.
815
00:35:34,916 --> 00:35:36,791
She was moody.
816
00:35:36,793 --> 00:35:39,469
I knew something was wrong,
but I wasn't sure what.
817
00:35:39,471 --> 00:35:41,972
- I remember thinking that,
like, high school seems
818
00:35:41,974 --> 00:35:44,048
Really hard because
my sister cries,
819
00:35:44,050 --> 00:35:46,476
Like, almost every day
before she goes.
820
00:35:46,478 --> 00:35:49,095
- Senior year, she was
a different person.
821
00:35:49,097 --> 00:35:50,480
You were more inclined
to see her walking
822
00:35:50,482 --> 00:35:53,266
Around school depressed.
823
00:35:53,268 --> 00:35:55,727
- In emilie's senior year
of cross-country,
824
00:35:55,729 --> 00:35:58,605
She was on track to qualify
to go to state.
825
00:35:58,607 --> 00:36:00,323
In order to do that,
she needed to run
826
00:36:00,325 --> 00:36:02,233
In the sectional race.
827
00:36:02,235 --> 00:36:06,070
She awoke that day
and professed not to feel well,
828
00:36:06,072 --> 00:36:07,405
And I knew
how much it meant.
829
00:36:07,407 --> 00:36:09,583
You know, if you don't qualify,
you don't go to state.
830
00:36:10,785 --> 00:36:13,286
I drove her to the race,
and the whole way,
831
00:36:13,288 --> 00:36:14,954
She didn't wanna do it,
832
00:36:14,956 --> 00:36:16,956
And I kept trying
to find a way to,
833
00:36:16,958 --> 00:36:19,584
Well, just, you know,
do the best you can.
834
00:36:19,586 --> 00:36:21,586
She didn't qualify,
835
00:36:21,588 --> 00:36:23,963
And she told me later,
later years,
836
00:36:23,965 --> 00:36:26,799
That she blew
the race on purpose
837
00:36:26,801 --> 00:36:28,593
Because she did not
want to have
838
00:36:28,595 --> 00:36:31,262
To go out of town
with wilder.
839
00:36:31,264 --> 00:36:33,932
- Emilie began to struggle
with her body image
840
00:36:33,934 --> 00:36:36,476
And started to develop
an eating disorder.
841
00:36:36,478 --> 00:36:38,528
- Wilder told her
that she was starting
842
00:36:38,530 --> 00:36:39,938
To put on a few pounds.
843
00:36:39,940 --> 00:36:42,106
She was eating
the whites of oranges,
844
00:36:42,108 --> 00:36:43,700
And that's it,
and you could just see
845
00:36:43,702 --> 00:36:46,319
How torn apart
on the inside she was.
846
00:36:46,321 --> 00:36:47,871
- Emilie told me
about her struggles
847
00:36:47,873 --> 00:36:49,206
With her eating disorder.
848
00:36:49,208 --> 00:36:50,540
She was bulimic.
849
00:36:50,542 --> 00:36:53,543
I can definitely pinpoint
her eating disorder
850
00:36:53,545 --> 00:36:54,994
To a-a specific day,
851
00:36:54,996 --> 00:36:56,996
And had that day
never occurred,
852
00:36:56,998 --> 00:36:58,331
She would've never
had to deal with that.
853
00:36:58,333 --> 00:37:01,551
- James wilder saw
a picture that emilie
854
00:37:01,553 --> 00:37:04,170
Had taken
in their uniforms.
855
00:37:04,172 --> 00:37:06,890
He commented that she
needed to get liposuction
856
00:37:06,892 --> 00:37:08,725
Because she looked
too fat.
857
00:37:08,727 --> 00:37:10,560
- I was very aware
of her bulimia.
858
00:37:10,562 --> 00:37:12,646
You would, like, hear her
doing it downstairs
859
00:37:14,015 --> 00:37:16,140
And felt powerless
to help
860
00:37:16,142 --> 00:37:20,237
Or do anything
for her about it.
861
00:37:20,239 --> 00:37:22,188
- In hindsight,
I can attribute that
862
00:37:22,190 --> 00:37:24,574
To the sexual abuse,
863
00:37:24,576 --> 00:37:27,986
But, at the time, I didn't,
in my wildest dreams,
864
00:37:27,988 --> 00:37:31,698
Think that jim wilder
was abusing emilie.
865
00:37:31,700 --> 00:37:34,000
Even to this day,
it astonishes me.
866
00:37:35,203 --> 00:37:38,588
- Emilie recorded wilder
in July 2013,
867
00:37:38,590 --> 00:37:40,999
18 years after
the first incident
868
00:37:41,001 --> 00:37:42,208
In bohrer park.
869
00:37:42,210 --> 00:37:44,002
The tape provided
enough evidence
870
00:37:44,004 --> 00:37:46,170
For the st. Louis
prosecuting attorney
871
00:37:46,172 --> 00:37:48,548
To charge james wilder
with six counts
872
00:37:48,550 --> 00:37:51,718
Of statutory sodomy
in the second degree.
873
00:37:51,720 --> 00:37:54,387
- Under missouri law,
statutory sodomy is
874
00:37:54,389 --> 00:37:56,556
Oral sex, anal sex,
875
00:37:56,558 --> 00:38:00,226
Or penetration by finger
or foreign object.
876
00:38:00,228 --> 00:38:02,186
For a second degree charge,
the victim has to be
877
00:38:02,188 --> 00:38:03,947
Under 17 years old,
878
00:38:03,949 --> 00:38:07,233
And the offender
has to be 21 or older.
879
00:38:07,235 --> 00:38:10,453
- But despite what appears to be
a confession by james wilder,
880
00:38:10,455 --> 00:38:13,123
Emilie's case was
still dismissed
881
00:38:13,125 --> 00:38:15,241
After her death.
882
00:38:15,243 --> 00:38:17,952
Bob mcculloch was the
st. Louis prosecuting attorney
883
00:38:17,954 --> 00:38:19,796
At the time of
emilie's case.
884
00:38:19,798 --> 00:38:22,874
It was his office's decision
to dismiss the case
885
00:38:22,876 --> 00:38:24,467
When emilie died.
886
00:38:24,469 --> 00:38:27,754
In 2018, bob mcculloch
was voted out of office
887
00:38:27,756 --> 00:38:30,140
And replaced by
the current st. Louis county
888
00:38:30,142 --> 00:38:32,800
Prosecuting attorney,
wesley bell.
889
00:38:32,802 --> 00:38:36,646
Jim wilder was charged with
six counts of statutory sodomy
890
00:38:36,648 --> 00:38:37,981
In the second degree.
- Mm-hmm.
891
00:38:37,983 --> 00:38:40,266
- Can you just tell us
the punishment for that?
892
00:38:40,268 --> 00:38:43,227
- That has a punishment range
of one to seven years.
893
00:38:43,229 --> 00:38:44,821
- For each count?
- For each count.
894
00:38:44,823 --> 00:38:47,490
- So, that's looking at
a substantial amount of time.
895
00:38:47,492 --> 00:38:49,108
- Absolutely.
896
00:38:49,110 --> 00:38:51,161
- Do you know why
the case was dismissed?
897
00:38:51,163 --> 00:38:54,164
- Yeah, my understanding
was that the case
898
00:38:54,166 --> 00:38:56,783
Was going to be
hard to prove
899
00:38:56,785 --> 00:38:59,502
Even with miss morris's
testimony.
900
00:38:59,504 --> 00:39:01,454
There was
no forensic evidence.
901
00:39:01,456 --> 00:39:03,289
There was
no dna evidence.
902
00:39:03,291 --> 00:39:06,793
- But you have
this recorded confession
903
00:39:06,795 --> 00:39:08,294
By the defendant.
904
00:39:08,296 --> 00:39:10,797
Why wasn't this enough
to continue with the case?
905
00:39:10,799 --> 00:39:13,016
- There was never
a direct admission
906
00:39:13,018 --> 00:39:16,135
As to when these acts
may have happened
907
00:39:16,137 --> 00:39:18,188
Because, keep in mind,
if they would've happened,
908
00:39:18,190 --> 00:39:20,973
Say, the week before
or-or even the year before,
909
00:39:20,975 --> 00:39:22,642
They would've
been legal acts.
910
00:39:22,644 --> 00:39:23,935
- So, when they were
planning to go to trial
911
00:39:23,937 --> 00:39:25,362
When she was still alive,
912
00:39:25,364 --> 00:39:26,646
You'd have that recording,
913
00:39:26,648 --> 00:39:28,865
And then you would
have her be able to testify
914
00:39:28,867 --> 00:39:31,534
And put the timeframe to it.
- That would be correct.
915
00:39:31,536 --> 00:39:33,611
- Despite what sounds
like a confession,
916
00:39:33,613 --> 00:39:36,948
Wilder never says he was 29
and emilie only 16
917
00:39:36,950 --> 00:39:39,158
When they alleged
sexual abuse started.
918
00:39:39,160 --> 00:39:41,202
To prove their case,
prosecutors needed
919
00:39:41,204 --> 00:39:45,048
Both wilder's taped confession
and emilie's statement,
920
00:39:45,050 --> 00:39:46,883
And when she died,
921
00:39:46,885 --> 00:39:49,052
Her testimony died
with her.
922
00:39:49,054 --> 00:39:52,680
All hope of a conviction
against james wilder vanished.
923
00:39:54,300 --> 00:39:56,393
- We have
this audio document.
924
00:39:56,395 --> 00:39:59,470
To have that there
and then know logically that
925
00:39:59,472 --> 00:40:02,232
This still can't go forward
is really difficult.
926
00:40:02,234 --> 00:40:04,517
- If we prosecute a case
that we know we can't win--
927
00:40:04,519 --> 00:40:06,236
- Mm-hmm.
- And we don't win,
928
00:40:06,238 --> 00:40:08,146
We can't prosecute
that case again
929
00:40:08,148 --> 00:40:10,690
In the event that new evidence
would come into play.
930
00:40:10,692 --> 00:40:13,910
- But if we were able
to uncover anything else?
931
00:40:13,912 --> 00:40:17,321
- If we find evidence
to support a charge
932
00:40:17,323 --> 00:40:20,417
And thereby be able
to give a victim's family
933
00:40:20,419 --> 00:40:23,086
Some semblance of justice,
we will do it.
934
00:40:24,372 --> 00:40:26,589
- Unless someone comes
forward that witnessed
935
00:40:26,591 --> 00:40:29,500
The alleged interactions
between coach wilder and emilie
936
00:40:29,502 --> 00:40:33,671
Or someone that wilder
confessed to in more detail,
937
00:40:33,673 --> 00:40:37,267
I don't think the sex abuse case
can be reopened.
938
00:40:37,269 --> 00:40:39,844
It seems like the only way
to get justice for emilie
939
00:40:39,846 --> 00:40:42,013
Is if another victim
comes forward,
940
00:40:42,015 --> 00:40:45,775
But, as it turns out,
emilie was not the first person
941
00:40:45,777 --> 00:40:48,653
With claims of sexual abuse
by james wilder.
942
00:40:58,072 --> 00:41:00,698
♪
- in 2013, emilie morris
told police
943
00:41:00,700 --> 00:41:03,626
About the alleged
sexual abuse in high school,
944
00:41:03,628 --> 00:41:06,579
But she was actually
the second person
945
00:41:06,581 --> 00:41:08,039
To come forward
with a claim
946
00:41:08,041 --> 00:41:11,959
Of being sexually abused
by james wilder.
947
00:41:11,961 --> 00:41:13,803
Jessica testa
is a former reporter
948
00:41:13,805 --> 00:41:15,379
For buzzfeed news.
949
00:41:15,381 --> 00:41:17,807
In March 2018,
she published an article
950
00:41:17,809 --> 00:41:19,759
About emilie's case.
951
00:41:19,761 --> 00:41:22,637
As part of her investigation,
jessica discovered
952
00:41:22,639 --> 00:41:25,815
That james wilder
had been arrested in 2008
953
00:41:25,817 --> 00:41:28,726
Under similar circumstances.
954
00:41:28,728 --> 00:41:31,938
- In 2008, a girl at
lindbergh high school
955
00:41:31,940 --> 00:41:34,315
Told school administration
956
00:41:34,317 --> 00:41:37,485
That she had been
inappropriately touched
957
00:41:37,487 --> 00:41:40,830
And had inappropriately
touched jim wilder.
958
00:41:40,832 --> 00:41:42,657
He was arrested.
959
00:41:42,659 --> 00:41:44,834
- Everybody supported
jim wilder
960
00:41:44,836 --> 00:41:48,120
And maligned the person
that had come forward.
961
00:41:48,122 --> 00:41:50,289
- Emilie, at the time,
kept the secret about
962
00:41:50,291 --> 00:41:53,459
Her relationship with
james wilder to herself.
963
00:41:53,461 --> 00:41:55,836
- When the 2008 victim
came forward,
964
00:41:55,838 --> 00:41:59,507
Emilie was still
in support of jim wilder.
965
00:41:59,509 --> 00:42:02,843
She maintained that
jim wilder was innocent.
966
00:42:02,845 --> 00:42:05,429
- It's possible that she
just didn't wanna accept
967
00:42:05,431 --> 00:42:08,691
That what happened
to her was abuse.
968
00:42:08,693 --> 00:42:11,269
- For years, very few people
knew the details
969
00:42:11,271 --> 00:42:15,106
Of the alleged incident in 2008
that involved james wilder,
970
00:42:15,108 --> 00:42:17,692
But, recently,
that changed.
971
00:42:17,694 --> 00:42:20,361
- In the course of
reporting the story,
972
00:42:20,363 --> 00:42:23,864
Eventually, I was able
to read the 2008 report
973
00:42:23,866 --> 00:42:27,034
From the girl
who had brought charges
974
00:42:27,036 --> 00:42:28,953
Against jim wilder.
975
00:42:28,955 --> 00:42:30,288
- Jessica shared
the police report
976
00:42:30,290 --> 00:42:32,331
With me and
the morris family,
977
00:42:32,333 --> 00:42:35,334
And the similarities
to emilie's case
978
00:42:35,336 --> 00:42:37,461
Are astounding.
979
00:42:37,463 --> 00:42:40,464
- So, this is-- it's titled
st. Louis county
980
00:42:40,466 --> 00:42:42,517
Police department
investigative report.
981
00:42:43,636 --> 00:42:47,722
"on 11-6-2008,
at approximately 10:30 a.M.,
982
00:42:47,724 --> 00:42:50,900
Detective sergeant quinn
responded to south lindbergh
983
00:42:50,902 --> 00:42:53,311
To school resource officer
984
00:42:53,313 --> 00:42:55,563
"relative to the original
and criminal complaint
985
00:42:55,565 --> 00:42:57,407
"of sexual assault
that occurred
986
00:42:57,409 --> 00:42:59,400
"at lindbergh high school."
987
00:42:59,402 --> 00:43:01,736
- In 2008,
at lindbergh school,
988
00:43:01,738 --> 00:43:05,031
A 15-year-old female student
989
00:43:05,033 --> 00:43:08,034
Went to her science teacher
with a friend
990
00:43:08,036 --> 00:43:10,536
And asked,
"what should someone do
991
00:43:10,538 --> 00:43:11,912
"if something is
happening to them
992
00:43:11,914 --> 00:43:13,497
"that's inappropriate?"
993
00:43:13,499 --> 00:43:14,582
The science teacher said,
994
00:43:14,584 --> 00:43:16,709
"well, you should
tell somebody about it."
995
00:43:16,711 --> 00:43:18,919
- If you're a schoolteacher,
and two kids come up to you
996
00:43:18,921 --> 00:43:21,088
Asking you about being
inappropriately touched
997
00:43:21,090 --> 00:43:22,923
By an adult, like,
that should set off
998
00:43:22,925 --> 00:43:24,925
Serious alarm bells.
999
00:43:24,927 --> 00:43:27,937
- The teacher says that as
these two girls walk away,
1000
00:43:27,939 --> 00:43:30,607
The 15-year-old turns
to her friend and says,
1001
00:43:30,609 --> 00:43:32,892
"I told him to get off me,
1002
00:43:32,894 --> 00:43:35,528
"and he said, 'this is
the way it's done.'"
1003
00:43:37,106 --> 00:43:39,231
- A few days later,
the science teacher
1004
00:43:39,233 --> 00:43:43,527
Got an email from
this student's grandparents.
1005
00:43:43,529 --> 00:43:45,121
The grandparents had
actually sent it
1006
00:43:45,123 --> 00:43:48,699
To all of the teachers
of this young girl.
1007
00:43:48,701 --> 00:43:50,701
- "me and grandma
are sending an email
1008
00:43:50,703 --> 00:43:52,244
"to all of teachers.
1009
00:43:52,246 --> 00:43:54,705
"ask if behavior has been
different in class lately."
1010
00:43:54,707 --> 00:43:56,207
- Huh.
1011
00:43:56,209 --> 00:43:58,134
- "she has been acting
very different at home,
1012
00:43:58,136 --> 00:44:00,378
"and we are trying to
figure out the problem,
1013
00:44:00,380 --> 00:44:02,380
"and she won't talk to us,
1014
00:44:02,382 --> 00:44:03,547
"so we are seeing
if maybe it has
1015
00:44:03,549 --> 00:44:05,549
"something to do
with school."
1016
00:44:05,551 --> 00:44:08,636
- This is a direct correlation
to the morris' family
1017
00:44:08,638 --> 00:44:11,472
And how they felt like
emilie had been changing.
1018
00:44:11,474 --> 00:44:13,816
- The science teacher
decides to write an email
1019
00:44:13,818 --> 00:44:16,102
To the school
guidance counselor
1020
00:44:16,104 --> 00:44:19,155
And says, "look, what do you
think I should do?"
1021
00:44:19,157 --> 00:44:20,898
That guidance counselor
forwards this email
1022
00:44:20,900 --> 00:44:22,149
To another counselor,
1023
00:44:22,151 --> 00:44:24,160
Who then forwards it
to the principal.
1024
00:44:25,446 --> 00:44:27,571
On November 4th of 2008,
1025
00:44:27,573 --> 00:44:29,490
The principal and
assistant principal
1026
00:44:29,492 --> 00:44:32,451
Of lindbergh high school
called this young girl in
1027
00:44:32,453 --> 00:44:34,620
To interview her.
1028
00:44:34,622 --> 00:44:36,956
- "tenth grade principal
interviewed the victim
1029
00:44:36,958 --> 00:44:39,959
"about the allegation of
inappropriate touchin'
1030
00:44:39,961 --> 00:44:43,421
"she indicated that during
the victim's eighth grade year,
1031
00:44:43,423 --> 00:44:44,839
"she would stay
after school,
1032
00:44:44,841 --> 00:44:47,558
"and wilder would
massage her knee."
1033
00:44:48,845 --> 00:44:50,803
- This 15-year-old girl
was able to give
1034
00:44:50,805 --> 00:44:54,807
Quite a few specific details
about coach wilder.
1035
00:44:54,809 --> 00:44:57,026
She talked about
conversations they had
1036
00:44:57,028 --> 00:44:59,311
Where he talked
about his marriage,
1037
00:44:59,313 --> 00:45:01,522
And his relationship
with his wife,
1038
00:45:01,524 --> 00:45:04,534
And his penis size.
1039
00:45:04,536 --> 00:45:07,820
- The girl tells
these principals that wilder
1040
00:45:07,822 --> 00:45:11,031
Has been massaging her knee
since the eighth grade.
1041
00:45:11,033 --> 00:45:12,875
They would do this
on a weekly basis,
1042
00:45:12,877 --> 00:45:15,044
And he told her
to keep it secret.
1043
00:45:15,046 --> 00:45:17,046
They exchanged
phone numbers.
1044
00:45:17,048 --> 00:45:19,373
- The young girl said,
"he would call me.
1045
00:45:19,375 --> 00:45:20,875
"I would call him.
1046
00:45:20,877 --> 00:45:22,168
"we had these conversations
1047
00:45:22,170 --> 00:45:24,211
"when he was at home
at nighttime."
1048
00:45:24,213 --> 00:45:26,338
He denied that.
He said he'd never called her,
1049
00:45:26,340 --> 00:45:28,132
And yet the investigator
actually pulled
1050
00:45:28,134 --> 00:45:30,718
The phone records,
and there were phone calls
1051
00:45:30,720 --> 00:45:33,012
Going back and forth
between the coach
1052
00:45:33,014 --> 00:45:34,731
And this young girl.
1053
00:45:34,733 --> 00:45:37,391
- The victim, she stated
that things slowed down
1054
00:45:37,393 --> 00:45:39,059
During ninth grade
1055
00:45:39,061 --> 00:45:42,813
Since wilder didn't want
the coaches to know anything.
1056
00:45:42,815 --> 00:45:45,691
- But that changed
in the fall of 2008.
1057
00:45:45,693 --> 00:45:46,984
There was one incident
1058
00:45:46,986 --> 00:45:48,360
Specifically in
the police report
1059
00:45:48,362 --> 00:45:50,196
That the 15-year-old
girl recalled.
1060
00:45:50,198 --> 00:45:52,239
She was at
her boyfriend's house,
1061
00:45:52,241 --> 00:45:54,366
And wilder called her
1062
00:45:54,368 --> 00:45:56,368
And then came
and picked her up
1063
00:45:56,370 --> 00:45:59,589
And brought her
back to the school.
1064
00:45:59,591 --> 00:46:02,258
They were up
in the wrestling office.
1065
00:46:02,260 --> 00:46:04,585
He was touching her.
1066
00:46:04,587 --> 00:46:06,670
- She tensed up
during a massage,
1067
00:46:06,672 --> 00:46:08,714
And wilder wanted her
to relax.
1068
00:46:08,716 --> 00:46:11,383
He stated,
"if you have an orgasm,
1069
00:46:11,385 --> 00:46:13,436
"your body will relax."
1070
00:46:13,438 --> 00:46:15,179
Then he started laughing
and said,
1071
00:46:15,181 --> 00:46:17,482
"oh, my god, I can't
believe I'm doing this."
1072
00:46:18,559 --> 00:46:21,110
- He said, "you can't
keep tensing up.
1073
00:46:21,112 --> 00:46:23,896
"the muscles will relapse."
1074
00:46:23,898 --> 00:46:25,272
And then he said,
"if you're not comfortable
1075
00:46:25,274 --> 00:46:28,275
"with this,
we can stop."
1076
00:46:28,277 --> 00:46:30,453
He locked the door
1077
00:46:30,455 --> 00:46:33,864
And put a box
in front of it.
1078
00:46:33,866 --> 00:46:35,908
She said, "I don't
wanna keep doing this.
1079
00:46:35,910 --> 00:46:38,577
"my muscles are too sore."
1080
00:46:38,579 --> 00:46:40,287
And so, then
wilder suggested
1081
00:46:40,289 --> 00:46:42,248
That they switch.
1082
00:46:42,250 --> 00:46:44,542
He laid on his back
and pulled his shorts down
1083
00:46:44,544 --> 00:46:46,210
With just his underwear on,
1084
00:46:46,212 --> 00:46:49,639
And then he guided her
to how to touch him
1085
00:46:49,641 --> 00:46:52,591
And brush up
against his penis.
1086
00:46:52,593 --> 00:46:55,144
And at that time,
she noticed that he was erect.
1087
00:46:56,973 --> 00:46:58,481
- I'm stunned.
1088
00:46:58,483 --> 00:47:00,808
The similarities
are glaring.
1089
00:47:00,810 --> 00:47:03,602
The verbiage is
almost identical.
1090
00:47:03,604 --> 00:47:06,823
The victim is even
younger than emilie was.
1091
00:47:07,992 --> 00:47:09,441
- Based on police reports,
1092
00:47:09,443 --> 00:47:11,610
There are a number
of similarities
1093
00:47:11,612 --> 00:47:15,414
Between the 2008 case
and emilie's case.
1094
00:47:16,951 --> 00:47:19,335
Both girls were students
at sperreng middle school
1095
00:47:19,337 --> 00:47:21,912
Where james wilder
was a teacher.
1096
00:47:21,914 --> 00:47:24,173
Both girls were runners.
1097
00:47:24,175 --> 00:47:25,916
James wilder gave
both these young girls
1098
00:47:25,918 --> 00:47:28,002
His phone number.
1099
00:47:28,004 --> 00:47:31,338
He'd given them advice,
be a mentor.
1100
00:47:31,340 --> 00:47:33,632
We also have
a wrestling room office
1101
00:47:33,634 --> 00:47:36,185
Being used on both girls.
1102
00:47:36,187 --> 00:47:38,345
And in both cases,
wilder appeared
1103
00:47:38,347 --> 00:47:41,265
To have befriended them
to such an extent
1104
00:47:41,267 --> 00:47:43,526
That they each
expressed concern
1105
00:47:43,528 --> 00:47:45,686
Over what would
happen to him
1106
00:47:45,688 --> 00:47:47,113
Once they came forward.
1107
00:47:48,441 --> 00:47:51,483
In 2008, this 15-year-old girl
gave police
1108
00:47:51,485 --> 00:47:55,195
Very specific details about
the alleged sexual abuse,
1109
00:47:55,197 --> 00:47:58,616
And she was able to give them
one key piece of information
1110
00:47:58,618 --> 00:48:02,378
That could possibly seal
the fate of james wilder.
1111
00:48:04,206 --> 00:48:07,207
- Her high school coach
had brought another man
1112
00:48:07,209 --> 00:48:08,667
To a hotel room,
1113
00:48:08,669 --> 00:48:12,671
And the three of them
engaged in sexual relation.
1114
00:48:12,673 --> 00:48:16,467
- Emilie messages friends
about other alleged victims.
1115
00:48:16,469 --> 00:48:19,345
At least nine other girls
have come forward.
1116
00:48:19,347 --> 00:48:21,221
- Emilie had a lotta
darkness in her life.
1117
00:48:21,223 --> 00:48:23,274
I don't think she was alone
when she died.
1118
00:48:32,577 --> 00:48:35,653
- In 2013, emilie morris
broke her silence
1119
00:48:35,655 --> 00:48:37,655
About allegedly being
sexually abused
1120
00:48:37,657 --> 00:48:39,698
By her high school
cross-country coach,
1121
00:48:39,700 --> 00:48:41,584
James wilder.
1122
00:48:41,586 --> 00:48:44,578
- Her family had felt
that emilie really wanted
1123
00:48:44,580 --> 00:48:46,580
A conclusion to that case.
1124
00:48:46,582 --> 00:48:49,759
She wanted jim to have
his license taken away.
1125
00:48:49,761 --> 00:48:53,087
She wanted him to be
on the sex offender registry.
1126
00:48:53,089 --> 00:48:56,599
- Upon her death,
the st. Louis county
prosecuting attorney
1127
00:48:56,601 --> 00:49:00,177
Dropped the sexual abuse case
against james wilder.
1128
00:49:00,179 --> 00:49:02,271
- The prosecuting attorney
didn't feel like
1129
00:49:02,273 --> 00:49:04,390
It would have been
a successful enough case,
1130
00:49:04,392 --> 00:49:06,442
And so-- at least that
was my understanding,
1131
00:49:06,444 --> 00:49:09,445
And so it didn't
go forward.
1132
00:49:09,447 --> 00:49:11,689
- Emilie knew that
the situation that she
1133
00:49:11,691 --> 00:49:14,108
Went through isn't
unique to her,
1134
00:49:14,110 --> 00:49:16,360
And I think emilie knew
that by coming forward,
1135
00:49:16,362 --> 00:49:18,404
Word would get out,
and word would spread,
1136
00:49:18,406 --> 00:49:20,030
And other victims
would possibly
1137
00:49:20,032 --> 00:49:22,199
Be inspired to
come forward, as well.
1138
00:49:22,201 --> 00:49:24,368
- But emilie was not
the first person
1139
00:49:24,370 --> 00:49:27,129
To come forward with a story
of alleged sexual abuse
1140
00:49:27,131 --> 00:49:29,707
Involving james wilder.
1141
00:49:29,709 --> 00:49:32,793
In the fall of 2008,
a 15-year-old girl
1142
00:49:32,795 --> 00:49:35,045
Told lindbergh high school
administrators
1143
00:49:35,047 --> 00:49:38,298
About an incident in
the school's wrestling room.
1144
00:49:38,300 --> 00:49:41,468
At the time that the school
reported this to the police,
1145
00:49:41,470 --> 00:49:42,720
They said they'd done
1146
00:49:42,722 --> 00:49:45,097
Their own internal
investigation of this report
1147
00:49:45,099 --> 00:49:48,058
And found the allegations
to be baseless.
1148
00:49:48,060 --> 00:49:51,153
Teachers, including wilder,
called the young girl troubled
1149
00:49:51,155 --> 00:49:53,272
And a difficult child.
1150
00:49:53,274 --> 00:49:56,108
She was accused
of making up lies.
1151
00:49:56,110 --> 00:49:57,901
The police asked
the administrators
1152
00:49:57,903 --> 00:49:59,236
If they'd made a report
1153
00:49:59,238 --> 00:50:02,573
To the missouri
children's division
of social services.
1154
00:50:02,575 --> 00:50:05,159
The school said they'd
not made the phone call
1155
00:50:05,161 --> 00:50:07,786
Because they'd been advised
by their legal counsel
1156
00:50:07,788 --> 00:50:09,830
To not do so.
1157
00:50:09,832 --> 00:50:11,123
- I'm stunned.
1158
00:50:11,125 --> 00:50:13,834
- So, like, how often is
lindbergh school district's
1159
00:50:13,836 --> 00:50:16,003
Legal counsel making
these decisions?
1160
00:50:16,005 --> 00:50:17,129
- Yeah.
1161
00:50:17,131 --> 00:50:18,839
- If you suspect
child abuse,
1162
00:50:18,841 --> 00:50:20,507
You are a manded reporter.
- You report it, yeah.
1163
00:50:20,509 --> 00:50:22,092
- You report it before--
you don't need to talk
1164
00:50:22,094 --> 00:50:23,343
To the school legal team.
1165
00:50:23,345 --> 00:50:25,095
You don't need to tell anyone
that you're reporting.
1166
00:50:25,097 --> 00:50:26,680
You can report
confidentially.
1167
00:50:26,682 --> 00:50:27,973
- That's right.
1168
00:50:27,975 --> 00:50:30,142
- Based on the 2008
police report
1169
00:50:30,144 --> 00:50:32,519
And statements made
by the morris family
1170
00:50:32,521 --> 00:50:35,105
About how the school
handled emilie's case,
1171
00:50:35,107 --> 00:50:37,533
Lindbergh high school
may have violated
1172
00:50:37,535 --> 00:50:41,653
Mandatory reporting laws
in both situations.
1173
00:50:41,655 --> 00:50:44,031
- Mandated reporting laws
outline individuals
1174
00:50:44,033 --> 00:50:47,993
That are required to report
a suspicion of abuse or neglect
1175
00:50:47,995 --> 00:50:50,037
To social services.
1176
00:50:50,039 --> 00:50:51,872
They're going to be anybody
involved in a school,
1177
00:50:51,874 --> 00:50:54,383
So teachers, principals,
even bus drivers.
1178
00:50:54,385 --> 00:50:56,502
- As a mandated reporter,
you're not responsible
1179
00:50:56,504 --> 00:50:59,463
For substantiating or doing
your own investigation.
1180
00:50:59,465 --> 00:51:01,840
- The police informed
the administrators
1181
00:51:01,842 --> 00:51:04,384
That a hotline call should
have been made immediately
1182
00:51:04,386 --> 00:51:06,845
Prior to any internal
investigation,
1183
00:51:06,847 --> 00:51:08,472
And this action
may have jeopardized
1184
00:51:08,474 --> 00:51:10,516
Any criminal
investigation.
1185
00:51:10,518 --> 00:51:12,684
The police are pointing our
right here that
1186
00:51:12,686 --> 00:51:14,403
Whatever they find
in this investigation
1187
00:51:14,405 --> 00:51:16,396
Might be compromised
because of the actions
1188
00:51:16,398 --> 00:51:18,148
Of the lindbergh high school.
1189
00:51:18,150 --> 00:51:21,235
- When institutions conduct
their internal investigations,
1190
00:51:21,237 --> 00:51:24,530
They're usually doing it
for liability purposes.
1191
00:51:24,532 --> 00:51:25,823
- Mm-hmm.
- And not focused
1192
00:51:25,825 --> 00:51:28,408
On the health
and safety of a child.
1193
00:51:28,410 --> 00:51:29,910
- On November 6th,
1194
00:51:29,912 --> 00:51:32,329
A week after the alleged
victim's grandmother
1195
00:51:32,331 --> 00:51:34,248
Sent the email
to her teacher,
1196
00:51:34,250 --> 00:51:36,917
The police finally
interviewed the girl.
1197
00:51:36,919 --> 00:51:38,502
The police asked
this young victim,
1198
00:51:38,504 --> 00:51:42,047
"did you ever touch
jim wilder's penis?
1199
00:51:42,049 --> 00:51:44,508
"uh, did he ever
touch your vagina?"
1200
00:51:44,510 --> 00:51:47,770
"and she said,
"yes, several times."
1201
00:51:47,772 --> 00:51:49,596
She gives them
full statements
1202
00:51:49,598 --> 00:51:52,850
Telling police the same thing
she told school administrators,
1203
00:51:52,852 --> 00:51:55,102
But this time
she gives the police
1204
00:51:55,104 --> 00:51:57,521
One additional detail.
1205
00:51:57,523 --> 00:52:00,190
- The girl saw
wilder's groin,
1206
00:52:00,192 --> 00:52:02,952
And she noticed that there
was a knot/bump
1207
00:52:02,954 --> 00:52:05,404
In the right groin area
about the size
1208
00:52:05,406 --> 00:52:08,365
Of a quarter or smaller
from an accident.
1209
00:52:08,367 --> 00:52:10,284
- She also said that
he was circumcised
1210
00:52:10,286 --> 00:52:12,452
And that he would wear
boxer briefs.
1211
00:52:12,454 --> 00:52:15,631
The police got a warrant
to be able to view
1212
00:52:15,633 --> 00:52:17,040
His private parts,
1213
00:52:17,042 --> 00:52:19,293
And they said
he was circumcised.
1214
00:52:19,295 --> 00:52:22,045
Apparently, he did
wear boxer briefs,
1215
00:52:22,047 --> 00:52:24,464
And while they didn't
see a bump
1216
00:52:24,466 --> 00:52:26,466
On the right side
of his groin,
1217
00:52:26,468 --> 00:52:29,812
They saw what they described
as a crescent shape swelling
1218
00:52:29,814 --> 00:52:32,306
On the right side
of his groin.
1219
00:52:32,308 --> 00:52:34,725
That sounds
awfully similar.
1220
00:52:34,727 --> 00:52:36,268
- When wilder is
interviewed
1221
00:52:36,270 --> 00:52:38,228
And when other teachers
are interviewed,
1222
00:52:38,230 --> 00:52:41,231
There is indication that
the girl is not reliable.
1223
00:52:41,233 --> 00:52:43,442
She has told
lies in the past,
1224
00:52:43,444 --> 00:52:45,444
Exaggerated stories.
1225
00:52:45,446 --> 00:52:48,322
Her friends even paint her
as kind of a drama queen,
1226
00:52:48,324 --> 00:52:49,999
But they also defend her.
They say, like,
1227
00:52:50,001 --> 00:52:53,118
"yes, in the past she has
told lies to get attention,
1228
00:52:53,120 --> 00:52:55,162
"but it's not like it
this time.
1229
00:52:55,164 --> 00:52:56,505
"you know, when she's
done that before,
1230
00:52:56,507 --> 00:52:58,007
"she's told everyone.
1231
00:52:58,009 --> 00:53:00,176
"with this wilder thing,
she's only told a few people,
1232
00:53:00,178 --> 00:53:03,128
"and she's asked them
to keep it quiet."
1233
00:53:03,130 --> 00:53:06,298
- I think he knew exactly
what he was doing.
1234
00:53:06,300 --> 00:53:07,758
When he targeted her,
1235
00:53:07,760 --> 00:53:10,344
He knew that
if she ever spoke up,
1236
00:53:10,346 --> 00:53:11,511
Who's gonna believe her?
1237
00:53:11,513 --> 00:53:14,264
She's a-a problem student
who has lied before.
1238
00:53:14,266 --> 00:53:16,192
That's what he
told the police.
1239
00:53:16,194 --> 00:53:18,685
Wilder also mentioned
the 2008 victim
1240
00:53:18,687 --> 00:53:20,779
In emilie's recording.
1241
00:53:36,997 --> 00:53:38,497
The st. Louis county
police department
1242
00:53:38,499 --> 00:53:40,207
Brought the results
of the investigation
1243
00:53:40,209 --> 00:53:42,376
To the prosecuting
attorney's office,
1244
00:53:42,378 --> 00:53:46,004
But, in February 2009,
prosecutors decided
1245
00:53:46,006 --> 00:53:49,466
Not to charge james wilder
with a crime.
1246
00:53:49,468 --> 00:53:51,885
- The then prosecuting
attorney of
1247
00:53:51,887 --> 00:53:53,720
St. Louis county,
bob mcculloch,
1248
00:53:53,722 --> 00:53:55,973
Said that there had not
been enough evidence
1249
00:53:55,975 --> 00:53:57,733
To move forward
with these charges,
1250
00:53:57,735 --> 00:54:00,444
And wilder returned
to school that spring.
1251
00:54:02,523 --> 00:54:05,074
My perception is that
she was really damaged
1252
00:54:05,076 --> 00:54:08,902
By the character assassination
that happened.
1253
00:54:08,904 --> 00:54:10,237
- Why didn't they
believe her?
1254
00:54:10,239 --> 00:54:11,238
That's what I
don't understand.
1255
00:54:11,240 --> 00:54:12,081
- I don't know.
I don't know.
1256
00:54:12,083 --> 00:54:13,082
- Like, what else
do you need to know?
1257
00:54:13,084 --> 00:54:15,409
- I don't know.
- Uh--
1258
00:54:15,411 --> 00:54:16,752
- Just like in
emilie's case,
1259
00:54:16,754 --> 00:54:18,578
It appears that
james wilder managed
1260
00:54:18,580 --> 00:54:21,757
To avoid prosecution
for alleged sexual abuse.
1261
00:54:22,835 --> 00:54:25,261
Why did the administrators
of lindbergh high school
1262
00:54:25,263 --> 00:54:29,339
Wait so long to call the police
and social services?
1263
00:54:29,341 --> 00:54:31,267
- Why do institutions
cover it up?
1264
00:54:31,269 --> 00:54:34,219
Because it's much easier
than doing the right thing.
1265
00:54:34,221 --> 00:54:36,272
Children are
a short-term problem.
1266
00:54:36,274 --> 00:54:38,682
In a high school, kids are
only there four years,
1267
00:54:38,684 --> 00:54:40,600
A middle school,
two or three years,
1268
00:54:40,602 --> 00:54:42,602
Elementary school
five or six years,
1269
00:54:42,604 --> 00:54:44,855
And if you get
the kid out,
1270
00:54:44,857 --> 00:54:47,783
And you can discredit
the kid, then you're fine.
1271
00:54:47,785 --> 00:54:50,068
- According to u.S. News,
lindbergh high school
1272
00:54:50,070 --> 00:54:52,279
Is ranked as one of
the ten best high schools
1273
00:54:52,281 --> 00:54:54,239
In the state
of missouri.
1274
00:54:54,241 --> 00:54:57,409
Its high rank may have
been a contributing factor
1275
00:54:57,411 --> 00:54:59,745
In how the school
handled both cases
1276
00:54:59,747 --> 00:55:01,538
Of alleged sexual abuse.
1277
00:55:01,540 --> 00:55:04,082
- This happens all the time
where you have students
1278
00:55:04,084 --> 00:55:07,303
That approach the school
with a claim of a--
1279
00:55:07,305 --> 00:55:08,637
Of a teacher having
1280
00:55:08,639 --> 00:55:10,139
An inappropriate relationship
with them,
1281
00:55:10,141 --> 00:55:12,215
And when you have
a program
1282
00:55:12,217 --> 00:55:14,634
That's known
for being so good,
1283
00:55:14,636 --> 00:55:16,303
There's a lot of pressure
on administrations
1284
00:55:16,305 --> 00:55:19,648
To make those problems
go away
1285
00:55:19,650 --> 00:55:22,142
And to brush them off
like they don't matter.
1286
00:55:22,144 --> 00:55:23,652
- I reached out to
school officials
1287
00:55:23,654 --> 00:55:25,062
Asking if they
would meet with me
1288
00:55:25,064 --> 00:55:26,980
To discuss
the investigation.
1289
00:55:26,982 --> 00:55:28,482
They declined,
1290
00:55:28,484 --> 00:55:31,068
But they did give jessica testa
a written statement
1291
00:55:31,070 --> 00:55:34,279
When she asked how
they handled the 2008 case.
1292
00:55:34,281 --> 00:55:35,781
- They said,
"we must make decisions
1293
00:55:35,783 --> 00:55:37,574
"based on the
information we have.
1294
00:55:37,576 --> 00:55:39,910
"in 2008, mr. Wilder
was found not guilty
1295
00:55:39,912 --> 00:55:41,495
"of the charges
made against him."
1296
00:55:41,497 --> 00:55:43,663
That is patently false
because those charges
1297
00:55:43,665 --> 00:55:46,792
Were never brought to
the point of a verdict.
1298
00:55:46,794 --> 00:55:48,585
"lindbergh schools
did not receive
1299
00:55:48,587 --> 00:55:50,295
"any other parent or
student complaints
1300
00:55:50,297 --> 00:55:53,131
"during mr. Wilder's time
with the district."
1301
00:55:53,133 --> 00:55:55,425
- Is the last statement
actually true?
1302
00:55:55,427 --> 00:55:57,302
Are emilie and
the 2008 victim
1303
00:55:57,304 --> 00:55:59,763
The only two girls
that came forward?
1304
00:55:59,765 --> 00:56:01,848
In the 2008 police report,
1305
00:56:01,850 --> 00:56:03,475
The young girl
tells police
1306
00:56:03,477 --> 00:56:05,769
About another
potential victim.
1307
00:56:05,771 --> 00:56:07,479
- Wilder told her
that he got away with
1308
00:56:07,481 --> 00:56:10,107
Another incident
involving a student
1309
00:56:10,109 --> 00:56:11,950
Because he had
a good attorney.
1310
00:56:14,613 --> 00:56:16,988
So, there is a third
victim, you know?
1311
00:56:16,990 --> 00:56:19,032
- Holy crap.
1312
00:56:19,034 --> 00:56:22,044
♪♪
1313
00:56:32,464 --> 00:56:34,464
- When emilie morris
heard about the allegations
1314
00:56:34,466 --> 00:56:37,893
Of sexual abuse against
james wilder in 2008,
1315
00:56:37,895 --> 00:56:39,886
She remained silent
because she didn't think
1316
00:56:39,888 --> 00:56:42,180
It was the same thing
as what happened to her.
1317
00:56:42,182 --> 00:56:44,391
- It's possible that
she just didn't wanna accept
1318
00:56:44,393 --> 00:56:46,852
That what happened
to her was abuse.
1319
00:56:46,854 --> 00:56:48,478
She still viewed this
as, like,
1320
00:56:48,480 --> 00:56:51,740
Her first relationship,
her first love.
1321
00:56:51,742 --> 00:56:54,243
- The police report
of the 2008 incident
1322
00:56:54,245 --> 00:56:57,320
Says that wilder told
that young girl
1323
00:56:57,322 --> 00:57:00,031
About a potential
third victim.
1324
00:57:00,033 --> 00:57:02,251
- When the 2008 victim
came forward,
1325
00:57:02,253 --> 00:57:04,253
It raised questions
as to,
1326
00:57:04,255 --> 00:57:06,338
Well, how many other victims
are out there?
1327
00:57:07,541 --> 00:57:09,425
- Joan reaches out to
the alleged victim
1328
00:57:09,427 --> 00:57:13,545
In the 2008 incident hoping
for more information.
1329
00:57:13,547 --> 00:57:14,930
- "my name is joan morris.
1330
00:57:14,932 --> 00:57:17,215
"I am emilie morris' mom.
1331
00:57:17,217 --> 00:57:19,384
"I wanted to tell you
how sorry I am
1332
00:57:19,386 --> 00:57:21,437
"that she chose
not to contact you
1333
00:57:21,439 --> 00:57:24,556
"when you brought forth
charges against james wilder.
1334
00:57:24,558 --> 00:57:26,391
"I'm so sorry for you,
1335
00:57:26,393 --> 00:57:28,393
"that people did not
believe you.
1336
00:57:28,395 --> 00:57:30,896
"emilie had
the same problem."
1337
00:57:30,898 --> 00:57:33,198
- A few hours later,
she responds.
1338
00:57:44,203 --> 00:57:46,128
..."I'm sorry she just
didn't get to see
1339
00:57:46,130 --> 00:57:48,747
"the justice she deserved."
1340
00:57:48,749 --> 00:57:51,416
Is it possible that
emilie knew the identity
1341
00:57:51,418 --> 00:57:53,969
Of the woman mentioned
in the police report?
1342
00:57:53,971 --> 00:57:56,638
And, if so, did she
reach out to her?
1343
00:57:56,640 --> 00:57:59,141
That information could
possibly be on her phone.
1344
00:58:00,552 --> 00:58:02,978
Emilie's family found
her phone next to her
1345
00:58:02,980 --> 00:58:05,764
When they found her
dead in her apartment,
1346
00:58:05,766 --> 00:58:07,149
But when they tried
to open it up
1347
00:58:07,151 --> 00:58:08,817
On the day of her death,
1348
00:58:08,819 --> 00:58:11,102
They made
a startling discovery.
1349
00:58:11,104 --> 00:58:12,988
- Her cell phone,
which had always been
1350
00:58:12,990 --> 00:58:15,232
The same password,
had a different password,
1351
00:58:15,234 --> 00:58:17,609
And we couldn't
get into it now.
1352
00:58:17,611 --> 00:58:20,278
I can't think of a reason she
would've bothered to change it.
1353
00:58:20,280 --> 00:58:22,781
She wasn't, like,
secretive about her phone.
1354
00:58:22,783 --> 00:58:26,117
It made me feel
really suspicious.
1355
00:58:26,119 --> 00:58:27,503
- It would be several months,
1356
00:58:27,505 --> 00:58:29,746
But emilie's family
was finally able
1357
00:58:29,748 --> 00:58:31,456
To open her phone.
1358
00:58:31,458 --> 00:58:33,583
In the days leading up
to her death,
1359
00:58:33,585 --> 00:58:35,177
Several friends
and family members
1360
00:58:35,179 --> 00:58:36,962
Reached out to her.
1361
00:58:36,964 --> 00:58:38,347
Here's her dad.
1362
00:58:38,349 --> 00:58:40,465
"hope you're feeling
better. Dad."
1363
00:58:40,467 --> 00:58:42,017
She writes back,
"love you, dad.
1364
00:58:42,019 --> 00:58:44,186
Thank you for your message."
1365
00:58:44,188 --> 00:58:47,097
If emilie was communicating
with other possible victims,
1366
00:58:47,099 --> 00:58:49,599
And if they're willing
to come forward now,
1367
00:58:49,601 --> 00:58:52,194
It might be enough to get
the case reevaluated.
1368
00:58:53,939 --> 00:58:57,816
Here's one exchange with
someone in August of 2013.
1369
00:58:57,818 --> 00:58:59,818
So, this would be
right about the time
1370
00:58:59,820 --> 00:59:03,446
That the case is getting filed
against wilder by emilie,
1371
00:59:03,448 --> 00:59:04,990
And she starts
talking about,
1372
00:59:04,992 --> 00:59:08,326
"this coach did a lot of things
to me when I was just 16,
1373
00:59:08,328 --> 00:59:10,829
"and it took me until now
to come forward.
1374
00:59:10,831 --> 00:59:13,715
"he's currently a pe teacher
1375
00:59:13,717 --> 00:59:16,501
"and the main girls' track
and cross-country coach."
1376
00:59:16,503 --> 00:59:19,462
And then whoever
this is responds,
1377
00:59:19,464 --> 00:59:22,132
"just a random question.
Is the coach at lindbergh?"
1378
00:59:22,134 --> 00:59:23,842
Emilie responds, "yes."
1379
00:59:23,844 --> 00:59:25,844
And then the person
says, "jim?"
1380
00:59:25,846 --> 00:59:28,471
And she says,
"yes, how did you know?"
1381
00:59:28,473 --> 00:59:30,849
"holy crap," and then
this person says,
1382
00:59:30,851 --> 00:59:32,642
"because the same
thing happened
1383
00:59:32,644 --> 00:59:34,653
"to one of my friends
with him."
1384
00:59:36,148 --> 00:59:39,482
This could be
another victim.
1385
00:59:39,484 --> 00:59:41,910
And then emilie says,
"so, was that the case
1386
00:59:41,912 --> 00:59:43,194
"that went to the news?"
1387
00:59:43,196 --> 00:59:44,863
And this person says,
"no."
1388
00:59:44,865 --> 00:59:47,332
I think she's referring
to the 2008 case there.
1389
00:59:48,660 --> 00:59:51,369
So, this person is talking
about a whole 'nother person
1390
00:59:51,371 --> 00:59:54,331
That we haven't even
talked about
1391
00:59:54,333 --> 00:59:55,707
Or heard about.
1392
00:59:55,709 --> 00:59:58,010
There's no reference
to who this person is.
1393
00:59:59,338 --> 01:00:01,430
The messages go on
to say,
1394
01:00:01,432 --> 01:00:03,673
"how did you find out about
this thing happening to her,
1395
01:00:03,675 --> 01:00:05,717
"if you don't
mind me asking?"
1396
01:00:05,719 --> 01:00:07,436
"she told me.
1397
01:00:07,438 --> 01:00:11,056
"there are probably
many others."
1398
01:00:11,058 --> 01:00:13,058
That message was
just the beginning.
1399
01:00:13,060 --> 01:00:16,353
That same month, emilie
messages several more friends
1400
01:00:16,355 --> 01:00:19,064
About other alleged victims.
1401
01:00:19,066 --> 01:00:21,358
- "I have six counts
against him,
1402
01:00:21,360 --> 01:00:23,026
"and since I've come out,
1403
01:00:23,028 --> 01:00:26,237
"four more girls
have come forward."
1404
01:00:26,239 --> 01:00:27,405
Here's one from
a different friend.
1405
01:00:27,407 --> 01:00:29,449
"emilie, I've heard of two
1406
01:00:29,451 --> 01:00:32,035
"to three other girls
coming out."
1407
01:00:32,037 --> 01:00:33,295
That one is from the woman
1408
01:00:33,297 --> 01:00:36,748
Whose daughter claimed to be
inappropriately touched
1409
01:00:36,750 --> 01:00:40,418
By coach wilder
at soccer practice in 2013.
1410
01:00:40,420 --> 01:00:42,879
- I think that really
brought things to a head for her
1411
01:00:42,881 --> 01:00:45,882
Because after she heard about
our friend's daughter
1412
01:00:45,884 --> 01:00:47,217
At soccer practice,
1413
01:00:47,219 --> 01:00:49,761
That's when she decided to
go to the police.
1414
01:00:49,763 --> 01:00:51,054
- And going back even further,
1415
01:00:51,056 --> 01:00:53,431
When the 2008 victim
came forward,
1416
01:00:53,433 --> 01:00:56,267
A friend of coach wilder's
messaged emilie,
1417
01:00:56,269 --> 01:01:00,897
"apparently, the new info that
might have caused the arrest
1418
01:01:00,899 --> 01:01:02,565
"is that another girl
came forward
1419
01:01:02,567 --> 01:01:05,827
"with allegations of her own."
1420
01:01:05,829 --> 01:01:06,945
This one is referencing
1421
01:01:06,947 --> 01:01:09,739
Another victim
coming forward in 2008
1422
01:01:09,741 --> 01:01:11,282
Other than the one
who gave a statement
1423
01:01:11,284 --> 01:01:12,525
To the police.
1424
01:01:12,527 --> 01:01:15,120
So, this could be the mysterious
other possible victim
1425
01:01:15,122 --> 01:01:16,913
Mentioned in
that police report,
1426
01:01:16,915 --> 01:01:20,458
Or it may be
someone else altogether.
1427
01:01:20,460 --> 01:01:22,961
Her phone
is just loaded with messages
1428
01:01:22,963 --> 01:01:25,013
About other alleged victims,
1429
01:01:25,015 --> 01:01:29,134
But, unfortunately,
she never mentions their names.
1430
01:01:29,136 --> 01:01:31,186
♪♪
1431
01:01:31,188 --> 01:01:33,930
- I think emilie
deserves some justice.
1432
01:01:33,932 --> 01:01:38,360
It would be ideal if another
victim would come forward
1433
01:01:38,362 --> 01:01:40,195
And then perhaps
some of this evidence
1434
01:01:40,197 --> 01:01:42,313
Would be admissible.
1435
01:01:42,315 --> 01:01:43,648
- I've had victims tell me that,
1436
01:01:43,650 --> 01:01:46,317
"if I don't think about it,
it never happened."
1437
01:01:46,319 --> 01:01:49,154
It's not uncommon for them
to want to push it away,
1438
01:01:49,156 --> 01:01:52,115
Never talk about it again,
never think about it again.
1439
01:01:52,117 --> 01:01:53,783
- Only one friend
emilie messaged
1440
01:01:53,785 --> 01:01:55,869
Agreed to speak with me
via skype.
1441
01:01:55,871 --> 01:01:58,163
She's asked to keep
her identity anonymous.
1442
01:01:58,165 --> 01:02:00,048
If that friend knows
the identities
1443
01:02:00,050 --> 01:02:01,708
Of other alleged victims,
1444
01:02:01,710 --> 01:02:03,552
I might be able to
use that information
1445
01:02:03,554 --> 01:02:06,504
To get the sex abuse case
reevaluated.
1446
01:02:06,506 --> 01:02:08,506
- Emilie and I were
really good friends.
1447
01:02:08,508 --> 01:02:10,008
We hung out all the time.
1448
01:02:10,010 --> 01:02:12,969
She had told me about
her relationship
1449
01:02:12,971 --> 01:02:14,137
With her high school coach,
1450
01:02:14,139 --> 01:02:17,515
And that really
weighed heavily on her.
1451
01:02:17,517 --> 01:02:21,686
I remember her telling me
that her high school coach
1452
01:02:21,688 --> 01:02:25,857
Had brought another man
to a hotel room,
1453
01:02:25,859 --> 01:02:30,069
And the three of them
engaged in sexual relation.
1454
01:02:30,071 --> 01:02:32,655
I do think that
she had said
1455
01:02:32,657 --> 01:02:37,327
That he was
also an educator.
1456
01:02:37,329 --> 01:02:41,039
- In August 2013, emilie
sent the following message.
1457
01:02:41,041 --> 01:02:42,207
"since this has happened,
1458
01:02:42,209 --> 01:02:44,509
"at least nine other girls
have come forward."
1459
01:02:46,713 --> 01:02:49,422
Did emilie ever tell you
the names of
1460
01:02:49,424 --> 01:02:52,842
Any of these nine victims
that she told you about?"
1461
01:02:52,844 --> 01:02:56,888
- I don't remember her ever
telling me any names.
1462
01:02:56,890 --> 01:03:00,683
I just remember them
being women that he coached
1463
01:03:00,685 --> 01:03:04,395
That were also underage.
1464
01:03:04,397 --> 01:03:06,523
- As I looked over the case,
I wasn't able to
1465
01:03:06,525 --> 01:03:10,235
Uncover the identity of
any of these alleged victims,
1466
01:03:10,237 --> 01:03:12,028
But emilie's friend
did disclose
1467
01:03:12,030 --> 01:03:14,906
One additional detail
that could possibly
1468
01:03:14,908 --> 01:03:16,407
Relate to her death.
1469
01:03:16,409 --> 01:03:19,410
When she would talk to you
about this relationship
1470
01:03:19,412 --> 01:03:22,539
With her high school
cross-country coach,
1471
01:03:22,541 --> 01:03:25,875
How did she characterize it
to you?
1472
01:03:25,877 --> 01:03:28,470
- She said she was
afraid of him,
1473
01:03:28,472 --> 01:03:31,139
And she was afraid of
people close to him,
1474
01:03:31,141 --> 01:03:33,716
And she was afraid
what would happen to her
1475
01:03:33,718 --> 01:03:36,386
If she did come out.
1476
01:03:36,388 --> 01:03:38,930
- Now, you've asked to
not be seen on camera.
1477
01:03:38,932 --> 01:03:41,432
Can you tell me why
you don't want to be seen?
1478
01:03:41,434 --> 01:03:43,268
- If there is
a murderer at loose,
1479
01:03:43,270 --> 01:03:46,896
Then I wanna
protect my identity.
1480
01:03:46,898 --> 01:03:49,607
I don't believe that
there was any other reason
1481
01:03:49,609 --> 01:03:50,826
For her to die that day
1482
01:03:50,828 --> 01:03:54,496
Than her life to have been taken
against her will.
1483
01:03:54,498 --> 01:03:56,281
- So, you think
she could've been murdered.
1484
01:03:56,283 --> 01:03:58,834
- I think that the probability
is definitely there
1485
01:03:58,836 --> 01:04:01,670
And something to look into.
1486
01:04:01,672 --> 01:04:03,746
- Was emilie morris murdered?
1487
01:04:03,748 --> 01:04:06,791
As it turns out, james wilder
was not the only person
1488
01:04:06,793 --> 01:04:09,294
She had conflict with
in the months
1489
01:04:09,296 --> 01:04:11,296
Leading up to her death.
1490
01:04:11,298 --> 01:04:13,131
♪♪
1491
01:04:13,133 --> 01:04:16,759
- Emilie had had a relationship
with a ballwin officer.
1492
01:04:16,761 --> 01:04:20,096
He was making advances,
and she wanted it to stop.
1493
01:04:20,098 --> 01:04:21,598
- She could have asphyxiated
on a trash bag
1494
01:04:21,600 --> 01:04:23,266
With someone else with her,
1495
01:04:23,268 --> 01:04:25,310
But I don't think that
that's possible by herself.
1496
01:04:25,312 --> 01:04:27,520
- Is it possible
to use a trash can
1497
01:04:27,522 --> 01:04:29,647
As a murder weapon?
- Yes.
1498
01:04:29,649 --> 01:04:32,158
♪♪
1499
01:04:39,042 --> 01:04:40,158
♪
♪♪
1500
01:04:40,160 --> 01:04:43,161
- At the time of
emilie morris' death in 2014,
1501
01:04:43,163 --> 01:04:45,663
She seemed to know
the identities of several women
1502
01:04:45,665 --> 01:04:47,549
Who had allegedly been
sexually abused
1503
01:04:47,551 --> 01:04:50,168
By cross-country coach
james wilder,
1504
01:04:50,170 --> 01:04:52,503
But she never got a chance
to disclose their names,
1505
01:04:52,505 --> 01:04:54,005
And that information,
1506
01:04:54,007 --> 01:04:56,674
Along with her own case
against coach wilder,
1507
01:04:56,676 --> 01:04:58,635
Died with her.
1508
01:04:58,637 --> 01:05:00,511
There are so many
unanswered questions
1509
01:05:00,513 --> 01:05:02,731
About how emilie died.
1510
01:05:02,733 --> 01:05:04,733
Did she pass out
from drinking too much
1511
01:05:04,735 --> 01:05:06,902
And suffocate
e inside the trash can
1512
01:05:06,904 --> 01:05:08,686
As the police
seem to believe,
1513
01:05:08,688 --> 01:05:10,521
Or was there someone
in her life
1514
01:05:10,523 --> 01:05:12,982
That could have
wanted her dead?
1515
01:05:12,984 --> 01:05:15,485
- I think there was
foul play in her death.
1516
01:05:15,487 --> 01:05:18,821
There were people who would
love to have seen emilie dead.
1517
01:05:18,823 --> 01:05:20,657
♪♪
1518
01:05:20,659 --> 01:05:23,201
- Her family and friends
initially believed
1519
01:05:23,203 --> 01:05:27,255
James wilder might somehow
be connected to her death.
1520
01:05:27,257 --> 01:05:29,082
- I know that
she didn't kill herself,
1521
01:05:29,084 --> 01:05:32,543
And I know that
wilder was facing...
1522
01:05:32,545 --> 01:05:34,763
Decades in prison.
1523
01:05:34,765 --> 01:05:36,547
- Police never found
any evidence
1524
01:05:36,549 --> 01:05:40,009
Connecting james wilder
to emilie's death,
1525
01:05:40,011 --> 01:05:41,937
But there were other people
that she had conflict with
1526
01:05:41,939 --> 01:05:44,847
In the last few months
of her life.
1527
01:05:44,849 --> 01:05:48,610
In July 2014,
four months before her death,
1528
01:05:48,612 --> 01:05:51,062
Emilie moved into
a new apartment in ballwin.
1529
01:05:51,064 --> 01:05:54,357
She began having a relationship
with one of her neighbors.
1530
01:05:54,359 --> 01:05:57,735
- Emilie had had a kind of
friendship maybe, like,
1531
01:05:57,737 --> 01:06:01,739
Crossing into a little bit of
a more romantic relationship
1532
01:06:01,741 --> 01:06:05,243
With a ballwin officer.
1533
01:06:05,245 --> 01:06:09,080
It sounded like
he was making advances
1534
01:06:09,082 --> 01:06:12,417
And, at a certain point,
and she wanted it to stop.
1535
01:06:12,419 --> 01:06:14,636
♪♪
1536
01:06:14,638 --> 01:06:16,087
- Emilie begins telling friends
1537
01:06:16,089 --> 01:06:18,974
That the officer's behavior
is frightening her.
1538
01:06:18,976 --> 01:06:27,482
♪♪
1539
01:06:27,484 --> 01:06:31,102
Then, in September 2014,
less than two months
1540
01:06:31,104 --> 01:06:32,654
Before emilie died,
1541
01:06:32,656 --> 01:06:35,156
There was a disturbing incident
between emilie
1542
01:06:35,158 --> 01:06:37,158
And this police officer.
1543
01:06:37,160 --> 01:06:38,901
When emilie
didn't return his calls,
1544
01:06:38,903 --> 01:06:41,329
The officer burst into
her apartment,
1545
01:06:41,331 --> 01:06:44,282
But she wasn't alone.
1546
01:06:44,284 --> 01:06:46,835
The police officer found
emilie with another man,
1547
01:06:46,837 --> 01:06:49,287
A married coach
from a local high school,
1548
01:06:49,289 --> 01:06:51,748
That she'd had an on again,
off again relationship with
1549
01:06:51,750 --> 01:06:53,508
For years.
1550
01:06:53,510 --> 01:06:55,677
- There, again,
she was having an affair
1551
01:06:55,679 --> 01:06:58,254
With a married man
who's a teacher and a coach.
1552
01:06:58,256 --> 01:07:00,089
It reads like a bad story.
1553
01:07:00,091 --> 01:07:02,759
- Emilie did not tell anyone
the specifics of what happened
1554
01:07:02,761 --> 01:07:05,094
When the police officer
walked in on them.
1555
01:07:05,096 --> 01:07:07,305
A short time later,
emilie tells a friend
1556
01:07:07,307 --> 01:07:10,349
That the wife of the coach,
who knew about the affair,
1557
01:07:10,351 --> 01:07:13,603
Had begun harassing her.
1558
01:07:13,605 --> 01:07:15,196
The last person to hear
anything from her
1559
01:07:15,198 --> 01:07:17,532
Was her mom on November 2nd.
1560
01:07:17,534 --> 01:07:18,700
Two days later,
1561
01:07:18,702 --> 01:07:21,611
She's found dead
in her apartment.
1562
01:07:21,613 --> 01:07:25,615
Because of the vodka bottles,
her position on the floor,
1563
01:07:25,617 --> 01:07:27,992
The vomit on
her clothing,
1564
01:07:27,994 --> 01:07:29,878
And the trash can
over her head,
1565
01:07:29,880 --> 01:07:31,954
Some people believed
she got drunk,
1566
01:07:31,956 --> 01:07:34,290
Threw up in the trash can,
passed out,
1567
01:07:34,292 --> 01:07:37,835
Suffocated to death
on the trash can bag.
1568
01:07:37,837 --> 01:07:40,671
And emilie did have
a history of alcoholism.
1569
01:07:40,673 --> 01:07:44,175
- Emilie would go and get
a entire bottle of vodka,
1570
01:07:44,177 --> 01:07:46,177
And it would not be
uncommon for her
1571
01:07:46,179 --> 01:07:48,304
To drink that
in one evening.
1572
01:07:48,306 --> 01:07:50,973
- With victims
of child sexual abuse,
1573
01:07:50,975 --> 01:07:54,685
We'll see chemical dependency
issues as self-medicating.
1574
01:07:54,687 --> 01:07:57,814
We see alcoholism,
drug addiction, depression,
1575
01:07:57,816 --> 01:07:59,816
And suicidal tendencies.
1576
01:07:59,818 --> 01:08:01,317
- Frequently,
she would drink so much
1577
01:08:01,319 --> 01:08:02,911
That she would pass out.
1578
01:08:02,913 --> 01:08:05,029
She'd be close to death.
1579
01:08:05,031 --> 01:08:07,365
- On one occasion,
years before her death,
1580
01:08:07,367 --> 01:08:09,751
Emilie's parents discovered her
on the bathroom floor
1581
01:08:09,753 --> 01:08:12,203
Unconscious,
barely breathing.
1582
01:08:12,205 --> 01:08:14,497
They rushed her
to the hospital.
1583
01:08:14,499 --> 01:08:16,999
When she recovered,
emilie later told friends
1584
01:08:17,001 --> 01:08:20,002
That the doctor said
her blood alcohol content
1585
01:08:20,004 --> 01:08:24,265
Was .550 percent,
significantly higher than
1586
01:08:24,267 --> 01:08:27,051
What would be considered
a lethal dose.
1587
01:08:27,053 --> 01:08:30,605
A blood alcohol level
of .40 percent and above
1588
01:08:30,607 --> 01:08:33,724
Is considered possible
death by alcohol poisoning.
1589
01:08:33,726 --> 01:08:35,560
♪♪
1590
01:08:35,562 --> 01:08:38,279
- I assumed that she had
been drinking,
1591
01:08:38,281 --> 01:08:41,899
But she was detoxing.
I knew that.
1592
01:08:41,901 --> 01:08:45,027
When emilie was detoxing,
her solution,
1593
01:08:45,029 --> 01:08:47,455
Because she would be nauseous,
1594
01:08:47,457 --> 01:08:49,407
Would be to
camp out on the floor.
1595
01:08:49,409 --> 01:08:51,075
She would have a blanket
on the floor.
1596
01:08:51,077 --> 01:08:55,130
She would have her phone
and then some small snack.
1597
01:08:55,132 --> 01:08:57,707
The autopsy was done.
1598
01:08:57,709 --> 01:08:58,916
The autopsy indicated,
1599
01:08:58,918 --> 01:09:01,252
No, emilie,
was not drunk when she died.
1600
01:09:01,254 --> 01:09:02,971
♪♪
1601
01:09:02,973 --> 01:09:04,922
- I remember them telling me
that the tox screen
1602
01:09:04,924 --> 01:09:06,215
Was gonna get back,
1603
01:09:06,217 --> 01:09:08,759
And her blood alcohol volume
was gonna be through the roof.
1604
01:09:08,761 --> 01:09:09,927
- Mm-hmm.
1605
01:09:09,929 --> 01:09:12,597
- And then we got it back,
and it wasn't.
1606
01:09:12,599 --> 01:09:16,601
She had about the amount of
two drinks in her system.
1607
01:09:16,603 --> 01:09:17,894
- In the toxicology report,
1608
01:09:17,896 --> 01:09:22,064
Emilie's blood alcohol
percentage is listed as .048,
1609
01:09:22,066 --> 01:09:25,827
Roughly half the
legal driving limit of .08.
1610
01:09:25,829 --> 01:09:28,112
♪♪
1611
01:09:28,114 --> 01:09:31,332
- From the very moment
we were talking with the police,
1612
01:09:31,334 --> 01:09:34,952
We were indicating
this just isn't right.
1613
01:09:34,954 --> 01:09:37,121
This doesn't make sense.
1614
01:09:37,123 --> 01:09:38,840
- What do you think
happened in her death?
1615
01:09:38,842 --> 01:09:40,082
How did she die?
1616
01:09:40,084 --> 01:09:42,293
- All I can say about
how emilie died,
1617
01:09:42,295 --> 01:09:44,128
Is what didn't happen.
1618
01:09:44,130 --> 01:09:46,297
She didn't commit suicide.
1619
01:09:46,299 --> 01:09:49,517
The circumstances
don't lend themselves
1620
01:09:49,519 --> 01:09:52,094
To a simple accident.
1621
01:09:52,096 --> 01:09:56,307
- She had a kitchen size
trash can over her head,
1622
01:09:56,309 --> 01:09:58,142
Past her shoulders.
1623
01:09:58,144 --> 01:09:59,644
Emilie was claustrophobic.
1624
01:09:59,646 --> 01:10:01,479
She would never
do that herself.
1625
01:10:01,481 --> 01:10:02,697
♪♪
1626
01:10:02,699 --> 01:10:05,650
- Andrea and I talked for hours
trying to figure out
1627
01:10:05,652 --> 01:10:07,202
A way this could've happened.
1628
01:10:07,204 --> 01:10:10,205
- And we did that with
the medical examiner, as well.
1629
01:10:10,207 --> 01:10:13,324
You know, we went in,
and he was trying to
1630
01:10:13,326 --> 01:10:15,493
Give explanations of
how she got in that position.
1631
01:10:15,495 --> 01:10:16,494
- Mm-hmm.
1632
01:10:16,496 --> 01:10:17,712
And how did he
explain that to you?
1633
01:10:17,714 --> 01:10:19,330
- He said he didn't know.
1634
01:10:19,332 --> 01:10:21,716
No one has ever been able to
give us a good answer,
1635
01:10:21,718 --> 01:10:22,792
Even, you know--
1636
01:10:22,794 --> 01:10:24,001
- Not only that.
They didn't try.
1637
01:10:24,003 --> 01:10:25,795
It isn't just that
you don't have an answer.
1638
01:10:25,797 --> 01:10:27,004
It's that the,
1639
01:10:27,006 --> 01:10:29,131
"well, there
wasn't any real evidence,"
1640
01:10:29,133 --> 01:10:30,675
Is basically
what we were told.
1641
01:10:30,677 --> 01:10:31,893
- Mm-hmm.
1642
01:10:31,895 --> 01:10:33,844
- It was so clear that they
weren't taking it seriously.
1643
01:10:33,846 --> 01:10:35,513
- Several months
after her death,
1644
01:10:35,515 --> 01:10:38,474
Emilie's family obtained
her autopsy report,
1645
01:10:38,476 --> 01:10:41,736
But that information created
more questions than answers.
1646
01:10:41,738 --> 01:10:43,980
- The death certificate,
a manner of death,
1647
01:10:43,982 --> 01:10:45,356
Which is traditionally,
you know,
1648
01:10:45,358 --> 01:10:48,859
Homicide or suicide,
is left essentially blank.
1649
01:10:48,861 --> 01:10:50,486
It's undetermined
in emilie's case.
1650
01:10:50,488 --> 01:10:51,696
You know,
they know how she died.
1651
01:10:51,698 --> 01:10:55,658
She died from asphyxiation
from the plastic trash bag
1652
01:10:55,660 --> 01:10:58,753
That was lining the trash can
where her body was found,
1653
01:10:58,755 --> 01:11:01,756
But there was no indication of
how she got into that trash can
1654
01:11:01,758 --> 01:11:03,591
In the first place.
1655
01:11:03,593 --> 01:11:07,428
- I think there are
enough things suspicious
1656
01:11:07,430 --> 01:11:10,381
About her death that
I have never felt comfortable
1657
01:11:10,383 --> 01:11:12,100
With the answers
I've been given.
1658
01:11:12,102 --> 01:11:13,718
- She could have asphyxiated
on a trash bag
1659
01:11:13,720 --> 01:11:15,553
With someone else with her,
1660
01:11:15,555 --> 01:11:18,556
But I don't think that
that's possible by herself.
1661
01:11:18,558 --> 01:11:20,683
I think somebody killed her.
1662
01:11:20,685 --> 01:11:23,853
Somebody in this world
knows what happened to emilie
1663
01:11:23,855 --> 01:11:26,614
On November 4, 2014.
1664
01:11:26,616 --> 01:11:29,033
♪♪
1665
01:11:36,200 --> 01:11:40,036
♪♪
1666
01:11:40,038 --> 01:11:43,247
- When emilie died, she was
wrapped up in this quilt.
1667
01:11:43,249 --> 01:11:46,584
It's never been washed.
It's never been touched.
1668
01:11:46,586 --> 01:11:49,420
We've been questioning
the manner in which she died,
1669
01:11:49,422 --> 01:11:53,049
So it might be important.
1670
01:11:53,051 --> 01:11:56,311
- At the time of emilie morris'
death in 2014,
1671
01:11:56,313 --> 01:11:58,980
Police seemed to believe
she overdosed on alcohol,
1672
01:11:58,982 --> 01:12:00,315
Passed out,
1673
01:12:00,317 --> 01:12:02,933
And suffocated to death
in a trash bag.
1674
01:12:02,935 --> 01:12:04,894
- They anticipated
a really, really high
1675
01:12:04,896 --> 01:12:07,897
Blood alcohol volume,
and that wasn't the case.
1676
01:12:07,899 --> 01:12:08,898
♪♪
1677
01:12:08,900 --> 01:12:10,992
- Is there anything else
in the toxicology report
1678
01:12:10,994 --> 01:12:13,736
That could help explain
how she died?
1679
01:12:13,738 --> 01:12:15,330
I asked dr. Frank sheridan
1680
01:12:15,332 --> 01:12:18,074
To review
emilie's toxicology report.
1681
01:12:18,076 --> 01:12:20,785
Dr. Sheridan is the former
chief medical examiner
1682
01:12:20,787 --> 01:12:22,453
For san bernardino county
1683
01:12:22,455 --> 01:12:24,955
And specializes in
forensic pathology.
1684
01:12:24,957 --> 01:12:26,457
♪♪
1685
01:12:26,459 --> 01:12:29,177
- She also had another thing
present in her tox results,
1686
01:12:29,179 --> 01:12:31,012
And that was a muscle relaxant,
1687
01:12:31,014 --> 01:12:35,132
And that can act in conjunction
with alcohol to cause, uh,
1688
01:12:35,134 --> 01:12:37,468
Some depression
of the nervous system,
1689
01:12:37,470 --> 01:12:40,188
But the level of that drug
was very low,
1690
01:12:40,190 --> 01:12:42,640
So I really don't think
it's significant.
1691
01:12:42,642 --> 01:12:45,309
They also did the alcohol level
on the vitreous,
1692
01:12:45,311 --> 01:12:47,528
Which is the fluids
in her eye.
1693
01:12:47,530 --> 01:12:49,814
That was a bit higher,
which would indicate that,
1694
01:12:49,816 --> 01:12:53,034
At an earlier time,
she probably had a higher level,
1695
01:12:53,036 --> 01:12:54,202
But even still,
1696
01:12:54,204 --> 01:12:56,704
It's not a
staggeringly high level.
1697
01:12:56,706 --> 01:12:59,323
You would generally expect
a person should be able to
1698
01:12:59,325 --> 01:13:00,616
Function reasonably well
1699
01:13:00,618 --> 01:13:03,953
In a situation where
they have to save themselves.
1700
01:13:03,955 --> 01:13:06,214
- Finding out that
emilie wasn't drunk
1701
01:13:06,216 --> 01:13:08,499
Gives credence to
my initial thought
1702
01:13:08,501 --> 01:13:10,385
That there was foul play.
1703
01:13:10,387 --> 01:13:11,836
We talked to the police
1704
01:13:11,838 --> 01:13:14,338
Indicating that
there were people
1705
01:13:14,340 --> 01:13:17,049
Who would have benefited
from emilie's death,
1706
01:13:17,051 --> 01:13:18,893
And we gave them names.
1707
01:13:18,895 --> 01:13:20,511
- Emilie's family
later told police
1708
01:13:20,513 --> 01:13:23,973
About several people emilie
had conflicts with,
1709
01:13:23,975 --> 01:13:27,235
James wilder,
the police officer
1710
01:13:27,237 --> 01:13:30,813
That burst into
her apartment uninvited,
1711
01:13:30,815 --> 01:13:34,075
The married high school coach
she was having an affair with,
1712
01:13:34,077 --> 01:13:36,861
And his wife,
who discovered the affair.
1713
01:13:36,863 --> 01:13:39,488
- And we came to find out that
they never talked with anyone.
1714
01:13:39,490 --> 01:13:41,916
They never really looked into
the possibility
1715
01:13:41,918 --> 01:13:43,492
That another person
had been there
1716
01:13:43,494 --> 01:13:45,870
Or might have been involved.
1717
01:13:45,872 --> 01:13:47,705
- Despite the family's
suspicions,
1718
01:13:47,707 --> 01:13:49,874
Police gathered
no forensic evidence
1719
01:13:49,876 --> 01:13:51,375
At the time of her death.
1720
01:13:51,377 --> 01:13:53,043
They didn't take
any fingerprints,
1721
01:13:53,045 --> 01:13:54,595
Gather any dna,
1722
01:13:54,597 --> 01:13:57,882
Or take any evidence
to be tested later.
1723
01:13:57,884 --> 01:14:00,101
Less than two months
after she died,
1724
01:14:00,103 --> 01:14:02,270
Police officially
closed the investigation
1725
01:14:02,272 --> 01:14:04,272
Into emilie's death.
1726
01:14:04,274 --> 01:14:06,607
- Emilie's sexual abuse case
was handled by
1727
01:14:06,609 --> 01:14:09,393
The st. Louis county
police department,
1728
01:14:09,395 --> 01:14:12,563
But her death case
was handled by
1729
01:14:12,565 --> 01:14:13,856
The ballwin police department,
1730
01:14:13,858 --> 01:14:15,691
And ballwin is kind of
a small city
1731
01:14:15,693 --> 01:14:19,069
Within this larger
st. Louis metro area.
1732
01:14:19,071 --> 01:14:21,030
- This could have been
an accident.
1733
01:14:21,032 --> 01:14:23,458
All I wanted to know was, like,
1734
01:14:23,460 --> 01:14:25,701
Please figure out
what happened.
1735
01:14:25,703 --> 01:14:29,747
I went by myself to
the ballwin police department.
1736
01:14:29,749 --> 01:14:32,041
For my own
documentation purposes,
1737
01:14:32,043 --> 01:14:34,752
I recorded it.
1738
01:14:34,754 --> 01:14:37,054
[coughing]
1739
01:14:39,309 --> 01:14:41,225
- Mm-hmm.
1740
01:14:44,722 --> 01:14:47,023
Well...
1741
01:14:48,768 --> 01:14:50,935
- Mm-hmm.
1742
01:14:50,937 --> 01:14:53,070
Mm-hmm.
1743
01:14:59,612 --> 01:15:01,487
- Mm-hmm.
1744
01:15:01,489 --> 01:15:02,914
Right.
1745
01:15:05,785 --> 01:15:08,410
- Mm-hmm.
1746
01:15:08,412 --> 01:15:22,934
♪♪
1747
01:15:36,315 --> 01:15:38,032
- After andrea's meeting,
the ballwin police
1748
01:15:38,034 --> 01:15:39,650
Did speak with
some of the people
1749
01:15:39,652 --> 01:15:41,702
Suggested by the morris family,
1750
01:15:41,704 --> 01:15:42,987
But those interviews
were done
1751
01:15:42,989 --> 01:15:45,281
Over four years
after emilie's death
1752
01:15:45,283 --> 01:15:48,876
And did not reveal
any new evidence.
1753
01:15:48,878 --> 01:15:50,044
The ballwin police department
1754
01:15:50,046 --> 01:15:53,998
Did not reopen
the investigation.
1755
01:15:54,000 --> 01:15:55,457
I want to go over
the crime scene photos
1756
01:15:55,459 --> 01:15:57,793
With dr. Sheridan
to see if he might be able to
1757
01:15:57,795 --> 01:16:00,054
Provide any insight
that could be helpful
1758
01:16:00,056 --> 01:16:04,049
In understanding
exactly how emilie died.
1759
01:16:04,051 --> 01:16:06,561
So, to be able to
suffocate in this way
1760
01:16:06,563 --> 01:16:08,345
That's described from
a trash can,
1761
01:16:08,347 --> 01:16:12,141
I have a hard time
understanding how that ends up
1762
01:16:12,143 --> 01:16:15,686
Actually suffocating her
to the point where she-she dies.
1763
01:16:15,688 --> 01:16:18,856
- If the trash can
were such a size
1764
01:16:18,858 --> 01:16:22,526
That it fitted snugly over
the upper part of her torso,
1765
01:16:22,528 --> 01:16:26,030
Then essentially her head
is now inside the bottom
1766
01:16:26,032 --> 01:16:28,249
Of the trash can
with a very limited
1767
01:16:28,251 --> 01:16:31,368
Amount of air in there,
and it doesn't take long
1768
01:16:31,370 --> 01:16:34,589
To use up that
limited amount of air.
1769
01:16:34,591 --> 01:16:36,257
- We're not assuming
she was strangled.
1770
01:16:36,259 --> 01:16:37,541
- Strang-- yeah, strangulation
1771
01:16:37,543 --> 01:16:39,585
You can easily
diagnose that autopsy.
1772
01:16:39,587 --> 01:16:40,711
- Okay.
1773
01:16:40,713 --> 01:16:43,339
You know, the fact that
we don't have photographs
1774
01:16:43,341 --> 01:16:45,716
Of how that trash can
was actually found
1775
01:16:45,718 --> 01:16:47,509
Positioned on her body,
1776
01:16:47,511 --> 01:16:49,261
Does that make it
difficult for you to determine
1777
01:16:49,263 --> 01:16:51,105
Actually what happened here?
1778
01:16:51,107 --> 01:16:52,273
- Yes, it does.
1779
01:16:52,275 --> 01:16:53,724
I mean, it would be
of great help
1780
01:16:53,726 --> 01:16:57,061
To have a better understanding
of this trash can
1781
01:16:57,063 --> 01:16:58,270
In relation to her.
1782
01:16:58,272 --> 01:16:59,563
In other words,
1783
01:16:59,565 --> 01:17:02,283
How far down was it
on her chest, for example?
1784
01:17:02,285 --> 01:17:03,442
- Mm-hmm.
1785
01:17:03,444 --> 01:17:05,110
- Was it pinning her arms
to her side?
1786
01:17:05,112 --> 01:17:07,404
Was it a tight fit or loose?
1787
01:17:07,406 --> 01:17:09,907
These things could all be
potentially important
1788
01:17:09,909 --> 01:17:12,034
In trying to evaluate
whether we're dealing with
1789
01:17:12,036 --> 01:17:14,870
An accidental death
here or otherwise.
1790
01:17:14,872 --> 01:17:16,914
- So, is there a way
that a trash can
1791
01:17:16,916 --> 01:17:18,633
Could be used
as a murder weapon?
1792
01:17:18,635 --> 01:17:20,417
- Yes.
Mm-hmm.
1793
01:17:20,419 --> 01:17:22,211
If it was a homicide,
1794
01:17:22,213 --> 01:17:24,805
This can was placed
over her head
1795
01:17:24,807 --> 01:17:28,258
And probably held in place
for as long as it took
1796
01:17:28,260 --> 01:17:30,094
For her to go unconscious,
1797
01:17:30,096 --> 01:17:32,480
And then she'd be
just pushed down on the ground.
1798
01:17:32,482 --> 01:17:34,890
Depending on many factors,
there may not be
1799
01:17:34,892 --> 01:17:37,976
Any signs of struggle
or bruising on the body
1800
01:17:37,978 --> 01:17:39,937
In a situation like that.
1801
01:17:39,939 --> 01:17:41,322
- And the autopsy report shows
1802
01:17:41,324 --> 01:17:42,990
She didn't have
any signs of struggle
1803
01:17:42,992 --> 01:17:44,608
Or bruising
on her body.
1804
01:17:44,610 --> 01:17:45,984
- That-- that's correct.
Yeah.
1805
01:17:45,986 --> 01:17:48,237
- I still find it
hard to believe that
1806
01:17:48,239 --> 01:17:51,666
That can somehow end up
being so tight
1807
01:17:51,668 --> 01:17:53,283
That it could
suffocate anybody
1808
01:17:53,285 --> 01:17:54,502
Over their head like that.
1809
01:17:54,504 --> 01:17:55,670
Do you have
a trash can like that?
1810
01:17:55,672 --> 01:17:56,620
- We-we have one here,
actually.
1811
01:17:56,622 --> 01:17:57,788
- Okay.
1812
01:17:57,790 --> 01:18:00,791
- Which I think is
roughly the same as this.
1813
01:18:00,793 --> 01:18:02,793
- I'm gonna put this
on my head
1814
01:18:02,795 --> 01:18:06,755
And-and see if
it actually--
1815
01:18:06,757 --> 01:18:08,173
Well, okay.
1816
01:18:08,175 --> 01:18:09,466
The plastic went
right up against my face.
1817
01:18:09,468 --> 01:18:11,135
- There's a chance.
Uh-huh.
1818
01:18:11,137 --> 01:18:13,470
- I can see how a trash can
could be used in a homicide.
1819
01:18:13,472 --> 01:18:16,473
Is there a scenario where
this could be an accident?
1820
01:18:16,475 --> 01:18:17,808
♪♪
1821
01:18:17,810 --> 01:18:19,601
- She's feeling sick,
so she goes to vomit
1822
01:18:19,603 --> 01:18:22,271
Into the, uh, trash can.
- Okay.
1823
01:18:22,273 --> 01:18:24,481
- And then she falls.
- She falls into it.
1824
01:18:24,483 --> 01:18:27,484
- And goes head down into it.
1825
01:18:27,486 --> 01:18:29,111
- Is that likely?
1826
01:18:29,113 --> 01:18:32,206
- I would generally expect
that if it happened like that--
1827
01:18:32,208 --> 01:18:33,465
- Yeah.
1828
01:18:33,467 --> 01:18:35,617
- She should have been able to
do something about it.
1829
01:18:35,619 --> 01:18:36,994
- Yeah.
1830
01:18:36,996 --> 01:18:38,662
- But we know that she had,
in the past,
1831
01:18:38,664 --> 01:18:40,998
Had-had seizures, too.
1832
01:18:41,000 --> 01:18:44,334
- People who have been drinking
are prone to seizures.
1833
01:18:44,336 --> 01:18:48,130
I had seen her have one
about a year earlier.
1834
01:18:48,132 --> 01:18:51,008
- Seizures are on their own,
actually, can be lethal.
1835
01:18:51,010 --> 01:18:53,135
If you're having what's called
a grand mal seizure,
1836
01:18:53,137 --> 01:18:54,678
You're going to be unconscious,
1837
01:18:54,680 --> 01:18:56,847
And that obviously
makes it impossible
1838
01:18:56,849 --> 01:18:59,016
To escape from
the situation.
1839
01:18:59,018 --> 01:19:00,851
- The father said that
in the trash can
1840
01:19:00,853 --> 01:19:02,853
At the time
he pulled it off her head,
1841
01:19:02,855 --> 01:19:05,689
There was a rag
and a small amount of vomit
1842
01:19:05,691 --> 01:19:07,649
Inside the trash bag.
- Yes.
1843
01:19:07,651 --> 01:19:09,193
- Does that change anything?
1844
01:19:09,195 --> 01:19:10,411
- I don't think so.
1845
01:19:10,413 --> 01:19:13,030
No, but the vomit suggests
that she was already vomiting
1846
01:19:13,032 --> 01:19:14,490
Into the trash can.
1847
01:19:14,492 --> 01:19:16,992
- How long does it take for
someone to suffocate like that?
1848
01:19:16,994 --> 01:19:18,660
- A few minutes.
- A few minutes.
1849
01:19:18,662 --> 01:19:19,870
- Maybe three or four
1850
01:19:19,872 --> 01:19:22,706
But unconsciousness
long before that.
1851
01:19:22,708 --> 01:19:25,876
It wouldn't take very long
to go unconscious.
1852
01:19:25,878 --> 01:19:30,097
- Does this look like
a-a homicide or, um,
1853
01:19:30,099 --> 01:19:31,673
An accident?
1854
01:19:31,675 --> 01:19:33,884
- If it happened the way
we've been discussing here
1855
01:19:33,886 --> 01:19:35,219
For the last several minutes,
1856
01:19:35,221 --> 01:19:36,553
It is an accident.
Yes.
1857
01:19:36,555 --> 01:19:37,888
- Mm-hmm.
1858
01:19:37,890 --> 01:19:39,223
- But we don't know for sure
1859
01:19:39,225 --> 01:19:40,724
That that is the way
it happened,
1860
01:19:40,726 --> 01:19:44,612
So possibility
of homicide still remains.
1861
01:19:44,614 --> 01:19:46,614
- Dr. Sheridan has given me
several theories
1862
01:19:46,616 --> 01:19:49,066
About how emilie
could have died,
1863
01:19:49,068 --> 01:19:51,568
But that information
is too speculative
1864
01:19:51,570 --> 01:19:54,571
To be used in court.
1865
01:19:54,573 --> 01:19:56,532
Without new evidence,
her death case
1866
01:19:56,534 --> 01:19:58,867
Most likely
won't be reopened,
1867
01:19:58,869 --> 01:20:01,462
And unless
another victim comes forward,
1868
01:20:01,464 --> 01:20:03,631
The sex abuse case
against james wilder
1869
01:20:03,633 --> 01:20:06,416
Will also remain closed,
1870
01:20:06,418 --> 01:20:10,546
But emilie's family
has not given up hope.
1871
01:20:10,548 --> 01:20:12,422
- For as long as
I still feel like
1872
01:20:12,424 --> 01:20:16,385
There's something that I can do
that would make a difference,
1873
01:20:16,387 --> 01:20:19,763
I'm okay with pursuing this.
1874
01:20:19,765 --> 01:20:21,932
- The morris family
would soon discover
1875
01:20:21,934 --> 01:20:24,601
A shocking new detail
about james wilder.
1876
01:20:24,603 --> 01:20:26,403
♪♪
1877
01:20:29,007 --> 01:20:32,201
♪♪
1878
01:20:35,498 --> 01:20:37,739
♪♪
1879
01:20:37,741 --> 01:20:40,993
- Emilie put this scrapbook
together in her senior year,
1880
01:20:40,995 --> 01:20:43,787
And on this page
in particular shows, uh,
1881
01:20:43,789 --> 01:20:46,507
Jim wilder four times.
1882
01:20:46,509 --> 01:20:49,626
More than likely, I'm the one
that took all the pictures.
1883
01:20:49,628 --> 01:20:52,796
That even makes me angrier.
1884
01:20:52,798 --> 01:20:55,841
Here I am documenting
his infatuation
1885
01:20:55,843 --> 01:21:00,512
With my daughter,
and I didn't even realize it.
1886
01:21:00,514 --> 01:21:02,806
It's strange
to live with anger
1887
01:21:02,808 --> 01:21:04,683
Because it doesn't
do you any good.
1888
01:21:04,685 --> 01:21:07,194
I don't want this
to wreck my life.
1889
01:21:07,196 --> 01:21:11,031
And yet, on the other hand,
I feel bad for emilie.
1890
01:21:11,033 --> 01:21:14,318
I think emilie
deserved some justice.
1891
01:21:14,320 --> 01:21:16,537
- Five months after
emilie's death,
1892
01:21:16,539 --> 01:21:18,539
The morris family
discovered that
1893
01:21:18,541 --> 01:21:22,701
James wilder was still
on paid administrative leave.
1894
01:21:22,703 --> 01:21:26,380
- When emilie filed the charges
against jim wilder,
1895
01:21:26,382 --> 01:21:28,665
Wilder was put on
administrative leave
1896
01:21:28,667 --> 01:21:30,375
Following his arrest,
1897
01:21:30,377 --> 01:21:32,794
And as a term of
his administrative leave,
1898
01:21:32,796 --> 01:21:35,839
He was still
receiving a salary.
1899
01:21:35,841 --> 01:21:37,725
- We're looking at
almost two years
1900
01:21:37,727 --> 01:21:40,844
Of jim wilder being on
paid administrative leave.
1901
01:21:40,846 --> 01:21:44,681
The morris family
were able to get the tape
1902
01:21:44,683 --> 01:21:47,559
Of jim and emilie discussing
their inappropriate relationship
1903
01:21:47,561 --> 01:21:49,186
To the school board.
1904
01:21:49,188 --> 01:21:59,246
♪♪
1905
01:21:59,248 --> 01:22:10,207
♪♪
1906
01:22:10,209 --> 01:22:11,592
- And at that point,
the school board
1907
01:22:11,594 --> 01:22:15,212
Made the decision
to allow wilder to resign.
1908
01:22:15,214 --> 01:22:19,433
The only sort of punishment
was that he was no longer able
1909
01:22:19,435 --> 01:22:21,885
To apply to
any school
1910
01:22:21,887 --> 01:22:24,096
In the lindbergh
school district.
1911
01:22:24,098 --> 01:22:27,766
- Wilder being able to
withdraw the way he was,
1912
01:22:27,768 --> 01:22:29,559
I'm furious.
1913
01:22:29,561 --> 01:22:31,228
He kept his teaching license.
1914
01:22:31,230 --> 01:22:34,281
He was not a registered
sex offender.
1915
01:22:34,283 --> 01:22:36,400
- If jim wilder
had been found guilty
1916
01:22:36,402 --> 01:22:38,068
Of the charges
that emilie brought,
1917
01:22:38,070 --> 01:22:40,278
He would have had
his license taken away
1918
01:22:40,280 --> 01:22:43,240
By the missouri department
of education.
1919
01:22:43,242 --> 01:22:44,616
Because emilie died
1920
01:22:44,618 --> 01:22:46,576
Before the case
was able to go to trial,
1921
01:22:46,578 --> 01:22:49,246
And the charges
were simply dismissed,
1922
01:22:49,248 --> 01:22:51,123
He did keep his license.
1923
01:22:51,125 --> 01:22:52,791
♪♪
1924
01:22:52,793 --> 01:22:54,042
- Emilie did not get
the justice
1925
01:22:54,044 --> 01:22:56,420
She desperately wanted.
1926
01:22:56,422 --> 01:22:59,464
The case died with her,
1927
01:22:59,466 --> 01:23:03,468
And her family struggles to
move forward with their lives.
1928
01:23:03,470 --> 01:23:07,597
- Sometimes I think
"what is it that I didn't do
1929
01:23:07,599 --> 01:23:10,767
"that she couldn't
come to me
1930
01:23:10,769 --> 01:23:12,936
"and tell me?"
1931
01:23:12,938 --> 01:23:15,439
I'd have done anything.
1932
01:23:15,441 --> 01:23:17,607
- I felt like, um,
like I was so close
1933
01:23:17,609 --> 01:23:20,277
To a point
where we both were adults,
1934
01:23:20,279 --> 01:23:22,654
And there is
better understanding
1935
01:23:22,656 --> 01:23:24,948
Of what had happened
with her whole life,
1936
01:23:24,950 --> 01:23:27,951
And I just feel
so mad at myself
1937
01:23:27,953 --> 01:23:30,662
That I didn't see
what was actually going on.
1938
01:23:30,664 --> 01:23:32,748
[laughing]
1939
01:23:32,750 --> 01:23:34,624
- Emilie was a hero.
1940
01:23:34,626 --> 01:23:38,003
For her kids,
they need to look and say,
1941
01:23:38,005 --> 01:23:41,515
"my god, my mother
was so brave,
1942
01:23:41,517 --> 01:23:43,350
"because in spite
of her pain,
1943
01:23:43,352 --> 01:23:45,969
"she was able to stand up
and do the right thing."
1944
01:23:45,971 --> 01:23:47,596
♪♪
1945
01:23:47,598 --> 01:23:50,515
- Years after emilie's death,
the morris family decided
1946
01:23:50,517 --> 01:23:53,861
It was time to go public
with her story.
1947
01:23:53,863 --> 01:23:56,196
- In the middle of 2017,
1948
01:23:56,198 --> 01:23:58,815
Andrea morris wrote into
our tip line.
1949
01:23:58,817 --> 01:24:00,534
She wrote something like,
1950
01:24:00,536 --> 01:24:02,319
"are you interested
in covering the murder
1951
01:24:02,321 --> 01:24:04,863
"of a sex abuse victim?"
1952
01:24:04,865 --> 01:24:07,491
Bringing new awareness
to emilie's life
1953
01:24:07,493 --> 01:24:09,868
Became really valuable
in their minds.
1954
01:24:09,870 --> 01:24:11,870
- Jessica investigated
emilie's story
1955
01:24:11,872 --> 01:24:15,332
For a buzzfeed news article
she wrote in 2018
1956
01:24:15,334 --> 01:24:17,551
During the height of
the #metoo movement
1957
01:24:17,553 --> 01:24:19,336
And helped
change the perception
1958
01:24:19,338 --> 01:24:22,506
Of what constitutes
child sexual abuse.
1959
01:24:22,508 --> 01:24:25,509
- The #metoo movement
started in about 2017.
1960
01:24:25,511 --> 01:24:27,052
In my opinion,
I think that
1961
01:24:27,054 --> 01:24:30,397
If she would have
had this occur in 2017,
1962
01:24:30,399 --> 01:24:31,681
Her reputation
wouldn't have been
1963
01:24:31,683 --> 01:24:33,683
Taken into effect with this
1964
01:24:33,685 --> 01:24:36,904
As much as
what had happened to her.
1965
01:24:36,906 --> 01:24:40,690
- Within the #metoo movement,
we are now very aware of
1966
01:24:40,692 --> 01:24:43,860
The sort of consequences
that women can suffer
1967
01:24:43,862 --> 01:24:45,695
In the workplace,
1968
01:24:45,697 --> 01:24:47,906
But we haven't really
talked enough as a society
1969
01:24:47,908 --> 01:24:50,158
About the lifelong effects
1970
01:24:50,160 --> 01:24:52,086
On victims of child abuse.
1971
01:24:52,088 --> 01:24:56,206
Growing up,
every school had its rumor.
1972
01:24:56,208 --> 01:25:00,085
There was always, like,
one teacher and one girl,
1973
01:25:00,087 --> 01:25:02,262
And no one took it
really seriously.
1974
01:25:02,264 --> 01:25:06,007
Nobody stopped to think,
"this is abuse."
1975
01:25:06,009 --> 01:25:08,218
- When emilie told me
what was going on
1976
01:25:08,220 --> 01:25:10,720
Between her and wilder,
at the time,
1977
01:25:10,722 --> 01:25:13,056
I didn't think of it as abuse.
1978
01:25:13,058 --> 01:25:16,393
I was very wrong,
and I struggle with that
1979
01:25:16,395 --> 01:25:18,445
Because I feel as though
I should have known.
1980
01:25:18,447 --> 01:25:19,938
♪♪
1981
01:25:19,940 --> 01:25:22,065
- I came to kirkwood to learn
why emilie morris' case
1982
01:25:22,067 --> 01:25:24,952
Against james wilder
never went to trial.
1983
01:25:24,954 --> 01:25:27,946
Unfortunately,
so much of emilie's story
1984
01:25:27,948 --> 01:25:30,240
Remains a mystery.
1985
01:25:30,242 --> 01:25:32,576
It doesn't look like
either the sex abuse case
1986
01:25:32,578 --> 01:25:35,245
Or the death case
will be reopened,
1987
01:25:35,247 --> 01:25:36,788
But emilie's bravery
1988
01:25:36,790 --> 01:25:39,791
May inspire other women
to come forward.
1989
01:25:39,793 --> 01:25:43,920
- Many victims think
because I didn't say, "no,"
1990
01:25:43,922 --> 01:25:45,973
I thought that, somehow,
I wanted the abuse,
1991
01:25:45,975 --> 01:25:47,966
Or I deserved the abuse.
1992
01:25:47,968 --> 01:25:51,094
It shames a victim
into silence.
1993
01:25:51,096 --> 01:25:54,481
- Emilie ended that shame
when she broke her silence
1994
01:25:54,483 --> 01:25:57,767
And by telling her story,
emilie morris helped change
1995
01:25:57,769 --> 01:25:59,269
The public perception
1996
01:25:59,271 --> 01:26:02,272
Of what constitutes
child sexual abuse.
1997
01:26:02,274 --> 01:26:03,648
♪♪
1998
01:26:03,650 --> 01:26:05,317
- After the buzzfeed article
came out,
1999
01:26:05,319 --> 01:26:06,610
People who knew emilie
2000
01:26:06,612 --> 01:26:08,820
Had actually reached out
to our family
2001
01:26:08,822 --> 01:26:12,666
And said they were sorry
for their perception of emilie.
2002
01:26:12,668 --> 01:26:15,493
They apologized because
they believed wilder,
2003
01:26:15,495 --> 01:26:17,171
And now they don't.
2004
01:26:17,173 --> 01:26:22,125
- It had an unexpected effect
of exonerating emilie.
2005
01:26:22,127 --> 01:26:24,336
People realize,
now that they're adults,
2006
01:26:24,338 --> 01:26:26,463
Oh, that wasn't right.
2007
01:26:26,465 --> 01:26:28,465
That shouldn't
have been going on.
2008
01:26:28,467 --> 01:26:32,510
It made me feel a lot better
for her memory.
2009
01:26:32,512 --> 01:26:35,022
I hope she knew
2010
01:26:35,024 --> 01:26:37,349
That we loved
her dearly,
2011
01:26:37,351 --> 01:26:40,194
And we're trying
the best we could
2012
01:26:40,196 --> 01:26:42,362
To help her through this.
2013
01:26:42,364 --> 01:26:45,490
I want emilie's kids to know
that we never stopped trying...
2014
01:26:48,153 --> 01:26:50,153
And I think it's important
that they know that
2015
01:26:50,155 --> 01:26:52,372
We never stopped
believing in emilie
2016
01:26:52,374 --> 01:26:54,699
And trying to-to do the best.
2017
01:26:54,701 --> 01:26:57,961
♪♪
2018
01:27:17,516 --> 01:27:20,183
- For more information
on "the case died with her,"
2019
01:27:20,185 --> 01:27:22,152
Go to oxygen.Com.
145461
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