1 00:00:46,480 --> 00:00:51,961 Speaker 1: School of Humans. Helen Got Murder Line actively investigates cold 2 00:00:52,040 --> 00:00:55,361 Speaker 1: case murders in an effort to raise public awareness invite 3 00:00:55,401 --> 00:00:58,761 Speaker 1: witnesses to come forward and present evidence that could potentially 4 00:00:58,840 --> 00:01:02,961 Speaker 1: be further investigated by law enforcement. While we value insights 5 00:01:03,001 --> 00:01:06,160 Speaker 1: from family and community members, their statements should not be 6 00:01:06,200 --> 00:01:09,961 Speaker 1: considered evidence and point to the challenges of verifying facts 7 00:01:10,041 --> 00:01:14,041 Speaker 1: inherent in cold cases. We remind listeners that everyone has 8 00:01:14,080 --> 00:01:17,160 Speaker 1: presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 9 00:01:17,961 --> 00:01:20,840 Speaker 1: Nothing in the podcast is intended to state or imply 10 00:01:21,041 --> 00:01:23,601 Speaker 1: that anyone who has not been convicted of a crime 11 00:01:24,121 --> 00:01:27,121 Speaker 1: is guilty of any wrongdoing. Thanks for listening. 12 00:01:29,481 --> 00:01:33,640 Speaker 2: In October of nineteen ninety five, something strange was going 13 00:01:33,681 --> 00:01:36,840 Speaker 2: on inside the Flick home at three h two McNabb 14 00:01:36,920 --> 00:01:41,000 Speaker 2: Street in Rector, Arkansas. The family was made up of 15 00:01:41,041 --> 00:01:44,200 Speaker 2: thirty six year old David Flick, his wife, four year 16 00:01:44,200 --> 00:01:47,841 Speaker 2: old Barbara, their daughter, eleven year old Andrea Flick, and 17 00:01:47,921 --> 00:01:52,161 Speaker 2: Barbara's son from a previous relationship, seventeen year old Aaron 18 00:01:52,321 --> 00:01:57,081 Speaker 2: Michael Hodge. Aaron was never officially adopted by David Flick, 19 00:01:57,401 --> 00:02:00,441 Speaker 2: but at the time he used his last name, so 20 00:02:00,481 --> 00:02:04,800 Speaker 2: he went by Aaron flick. Barbara was a nurse, her husband, 21 00:02:04,881 --> 00:02:08,800 Speaker 2: David had a transmission shop. Friends and family said that 22 00:02:08,881 --> 00:02:13,001 Speaker 2: they were a happy couple. Andrea played basketball and did 23 00:02:13,001 --> 00:02:16,520 Speaker 2: beauty pageants. Aaron was well liked by his friends as well. 24 00:02:17,081 --> 00:02:21,361 Speaker 2: Both Andrea and Aaron were popular at school. Aarin would 25 00:02:21,441 --> 00:02:24,720 Speaker 2: later say. Andrea, Barbara, and David were planning on going 26 00:02:24,721 --> 00:02:28,161 Speaker 2: to Florida to visit relatives, leaving seventeen year old Aaron 27 00:02:28,240 --> 00:02:32,441 Speaker 2: at home, and, like many teens at home alone, Aaron 28 00:02:32,561 --> 00:02:37,241 Speaker 2: decided to throw a party. This seems perfectly normal, except 29 00:02:37,561 --> 00:02:42,361 Speaker 2: that David, Barbara, and Andrea never arrived in Florida. Their 30 00:02:42,401 --> 00:02:45,921 Speaker 2: relatives were concerned, and after a week a friend of 31 00:02:45,960 --> 00:02:49,681 Speaker 2: Barbara's called the police. She said the family never showed 32 00:02:49,761 --> 00:02:52,201 Speaker 2: up at their relative's house and that no one had 33 00:02:52,201 --> 00:02:53,680 Speaker 2: seen them in several days. 34 00:02:54,281 --> 00:02:55,601 Speaker 3: So police did some checking. 35 00:02:56,201 --> 00:02:58,921 Speaker 2: They found that no one in Florida had seen David, 36 00:02:59,081 --> 00:03:03,521 Speaker 2: Barbara or Andrea, nor had anyone in Rector, Arkansas. But 37 00:03:03,961 --> 00:03:06,321 Speaker 2: there was one member of the family who had been 38 00:03:06,361 --> 00:03:08,961 Speaker 2: spotted around town, Aaron Hodge. 39 00:03:09,801 --> 00:03:10,881 Speaker 3: People had seen. 40 00:03:10,681 --> 00:03:15,201 Speaker 2: Aaron driving his stepfather's pickup truck around Paragold. That weekend 41 00:03:15,361 --> 00:03:17,721 Speaker 2: was a big weekend to be out and about in 42 00:03:17,761 --> 00:03:21,201 Speaker 2: that area. It was homecoming weekend, which is a big 43 00:03:21,241 --> 00:03:25,841 Speaker 2: deal everywhere and especially in small towns. Everyone was at 44 00:03:25,841 --> 00:03:29,400 Speaker 2: the Friday night football game. On October thirteenth, nineteen ninety five, 45 00:03:30,121 --> 00:03:33,321 Speaker 2: Aaron drove to the homecoming game and parties in David's 46 00:03:33,361 --> 00:03:36,281 Speaker 2: truck and was hanging out with friends there. He was 47 00:03:36,321 --> 00:03:39,961 Speaker 2: picked up by police at the homecoming festivity and taken 48 00:03:40,001 --> 00:03:44,841 Speaker 2: to the Paragold Police station. Paragold police officer Audrey Emberton 49 00:03:45,041 --> 00:03:49,281 Speaker 2: came to the station and interviewed Aarin. Officer Emberton and 50 00:03:49,361 --> 00:03:53,081 Speaker 2: another officer, Terry Prewitt, then went to the Flick family 51 00:03:53,121 --> 00:03:56,241 Speaker 2: home in the early morning hours at around one am 52 00:03:56,281 --> 00:04:01,921 Speaker 2: on Saturday, October fourteenth. Aaron lived in a converted garage. 53 00:04:02,001 --> 00:04:03,241 Speaker 3: It was in the main. 54 00:04:03,121 --> 00:04:05,641 Speaker 2: Part of the house, but it was his own kind 55 00:04:05,641 --> 00:04:07,841 Speaker 2: of separate area, away from the rest of the family. 56 00:04:08,841 --> 00:04:11,961 Speaker 2: When the police asked Aaron about his family, he said 57 00:04:12,001 --> 00:04:14,161 Speaker 2: they were fine. He said he had heard from them 58 00:04:14,201 --> 00:04:16,241 Speaker 2: a couple of days earlier and they were supposed to 59 00:04:16,281 --> 00:04:20,280 Speaker 2: be back later that day, meaning later on Saturday. Police 60 00:04:20,361 --> 00:04:24,280 Speaker 2: did not buy that story. At three am, Officer Prewitt 61 00:04:24,281 --> 00:04:26,361 Speaker 2: went back to the home to talk to erin again. 62 00:04:27,200 --> 00:04:29,960 Speaker 2: This time Officer Prewett asked if he could get access 63 00:04:30,001 --> 00:04:31,681 Speaker 2: to the main part of the house where the rest 64 00:04:31,721 --> 00:04:34,840 Speaker 2: of the family lived. Aaron told police that the doors 65 00:04:34,880 --> 00:04:38,880 Speaker 2: were locked, so Officer Prewitt looked around. He looked in 66 00:04:38,880 --> 00:04:40,961 Speaker 2: a window of the main house and saw some sheets 67 00:04:40,961 --> 00:04:43,561 Speaker 2: on the floor. When he asked Aaron about the sheets, 68 00:04:44,001 --> 00:04:48,001 Speaker 2: Aaron said the family had been doing some remodeling. Later 69 00:04:48,081 --> 00:04:51,961 Speaker 2: that morning, Aaron was at the police station answering questions, 70 00:04:52,401 --> 00:04:56,161 Speaker 2: and police went back to the Flick house. Officer Prewitt 71 00:04:56,241 --> 00:04:59,241 Speaker 2: got closer to the front door and he smelled something horrible. 72 00:04:59,961 --> 00:05:04,961 Speaker 2: The stench of decomposition was so overpowering that police later 73 00:05:05,041 --> 00:05:07,080 Speaker 2: noted they could smell it when they were one hundred 74 00:05:07,121 --> 00:05:11,841 Speaker 2: and fifty feet away from the house. Officer Prewitt entered 75 00:05:11,881 --> 00:05:15,561 Speaker 2: the home, the smell got worse as he went further in. 76 00:05:16,561 --> 00:05:21,681 Speaker 2: He found David, Andrea, and Barbara all dead, and forensic 77 00:05:21,721 --> 00:05:25,201 Speaker 2: testing later showed they had been dead for about a week. 78 00:05:26,681 --> 00:05:28,961 Speaker 2: This episode is going to be a little bit different 79 00:05:29,001 --> 00:05:32,041 Speaker 2: from other cases we cover because this case isn't open. 80 00:05:32,521 --> 00:05:34,161 Speaker 3: It's already been solved. 81 00:05:34,761 --> 00:05:36,921 Speaker 2: But I thought that it was important to cover because 82 00:05:36,961 --> 00:05:40,601 Speaker 2: this is a very divisive case. There is a man 83 00:05:40,721 --> 00:05:43,521 Speaker 2: in prison for these murders, someone who claims that he 84 00:05:43,561 --> 00:05:49,441 Speaker 2: was wrongfully convicted. So was there a misunderstanding, could someone 85 00:05:49,481 --> 00:05:53,081 Speaker 2: else have been involved? Or is the right person behind 86 00:05:53,161 --> 00:05:57,961 Speaker 2: bars for killing this family in cold blood? On the surface, 87 00:05:58,041 --> 00:06:01,481 Speaker 2: this appeared to be a perfect family, but detectives quickly 88 00:06:01,521 --> 00:06:06,401 Speaker 2: discovered things behind closed doors were far from what they seemed. 89 00:06:07,201 --> 00:06:11,241 Speaker 2: What happened to turn this seemingly perfect family into a 90 00:06:11,281 --> 00:06:12,121 Speaker 2: house of horrors? 91 00:06:13,201 --> 00:06:14,320 Speaker 3: I'm Catherine Townsend. 92 00:06:14,761 --> 00:06:17,520 Speaker 2: Over the past five years of making my true crime podcast, 93 00:06:17,561 --> 00:06:20,961 Speaker 2: Helling Gone, I've learned that there's no such thing as 94 00:06:21,001 --> 00:06:25,161 Speaker 2: a small town where murder never happens. I've received hundreds 95 00:06:25,161 --> 00:06:28,121 Speaker 2: of messages from people all around the country asking for 96 00:06:28,161 --> 00:06:31,361 Speaker 2: help with an unsolved murder that's affected them, their families, 97 00:06:31,641 --> 00:06:32,641 Speaker 2: and their communities. 98 00:06:33,481 --> 00:06:34,321 Speaker 3: If you have a. 99 00:06:34,281 --> 00:06:36,200 Speaker 2: Case you'd like me and my team to look into, 100 00:06:36,721 --> 00:06:38,361 Speaker 2: you can reach out to us at our Hell and 101 00:06:38,361 --> 00:06:42,161 Speaker 2: Gone Murder Line at six seven eight seven four four six' 102 00:06:42,321 --> 00:06:45,961 Speaker 2: one four five at six seven eight seven four four 103 00:06:46,441 --> 00:06:49,681 Speaker 2: six one four, five or you can send us a 104 00:06:49,681 --> 00:06:56,761 Speaker 2: message On instagram At Helen. Gonepod this Is Helen Gone Murder. 105 00:06:56,801 --> 00:07:41,881 Speaker 2: Line police In. Arkansas we're interviewing seventeen year Old Aaron 106 00:07:41,961 --> 00:07:45,721 Speaker 2: hodge about a possible involvement the triple homicide of his entire. 107 00:07:45,761 --> 00:07:50,921 Speaker 2: Family aaron was. Crying he said he had no idea what. Happened, 108 00:07:51,521 --> 00:07:54,921 Speaker 2: meanwhile police were processing the crime. Scene inside the, house 109 00:07:55,681 --> 00:07:59,961 Speaker 2: the doorway To andrea's room was. Locked police busted it 110 00:08:00,041 --> 00:08:03,721 Speaker 2: down and found her lying in her. Bed andrea had 111 00:08:03,761 --> 00:08:06,281 Speaker 2: been shot in the. Head her torso was on the 112 00:08:06,321 --> 00:08:09,161 Speaker 2: bed and her feet were dangling off. It she was 113 00:08:09,201 --> 00:08:12,081 Speaker 2: wearing only her underwear and had been covered up with her. 114 00:08:12,081 --> 00:08:16,081 Speaker 2: Comforter andrea's white shorts AND t shirt were on the 115 00:08:16,121 --> 00:08:19,481 Speaker 2: floor near the. Bed her head was leaning against a 116 00:08:19,521 --> 00:08:21,641 Speaker 2: wall and her arm was up in what may have 117 00:08:21,681 --> 00:08:25,521 Speaker 2: been a defensive. Position detectives said they felt like she 118 00:08:25,561 --> 00:08:28,441 Speaker 2: had struggled with her, killer and that her killer had 119 00:08:28,521 --> 00:08:31,041 Speaker 2: used a pillow to muffle the noise from the. Gun 120 00:08:32,321 --> 00:08:35,801 Speaker 2: aaron lived in a converted bedroom right off the. Garage 121 00:08:35,961 --> 00:08:39,960 Speaker 2: his room was neat with no trace of. Blood police 122 00:08:40,121 --> 00:08:43,481 Speaker 2: did fine shells from a thirty eight caliber weapon In aaron's. 123 00:08:43,521 --> 00:08:46,081 Speaker 2: Room they later said that the murder weapon had been 124 00:08:46,081 --> 00:08:49,441 Speaker 2: a thirty eight caliber gun like the one owned By David. 125 00:08:49,521 --> 00:08:53,521 Speaker 2: Flick police followed the trail of blood down the hall 126 00:08:53,560 --> 00:08:56,481 Speaker 2: To barber's. Bedroom they found her lying on her bed 127 00:08:56,680 --> 00:08:59,761 Speaker 2: in her, nightgown with layers of bedding covering her. Body 128 00:09:00,721 --> 00:09:03,761 Speaker 2: because she was wearing her nightgown and because of the 129 00:09:03,800 --> 00:09:07,241 Speaker 2: position of her, body they felt That barbara had been 130 00:09:07,241 --> 00:09:10,680 Speaker 2: sleeping when she was. Attacked they Found david's body there, 131 00:09:10,721 --> 00:09:13,960 Speaker 2: too face, down at the foot Of barbara's water. Bed 132 00:09:14,560 --> 00:09:17,161 Speaker 2: he was wearing blue pants and a WHITE t. Shirt 133 00:09:18,201 --> 00:09:21,521 Speaker 2: police noted they found no signs of a struggle in this. 134 00:09:21,601 --> 00:09:25,921 Speaker 2: Bedroom police thought That david had not been shot and 135 00:09:26,001 --> 00:09:29,001 Speaker 2: killed In barbara's, bedroom but that he had been dragged 136 00:09:29,001 --> 00:09:29,761 Speaker 2: there from the living. 137 00:09:29,841 --> 00:09:32,201 Speaker 3: Room there were pulls of. 138 00:09:32,081 --> 00:09:35,441 Speaker 2: Blood on the living room sofa and a blood trail 139 00:09:35,521 --> 00:09:37,560 Speaker 2: down the hallway of the house that had been covered 140 00:09:37,601 --> 00:09:41,801 Speaker 2: up with. Pillows officers believed the killer had used the 141 00:09:41,841 --> 00:09:45,241 Speaker 2: pillows to muffle the sound of the, gun but there 142 00:09:45,321 --> 00:09:48,241 Speaker 2: was a lot that police didn't know because the bodies Of, 143 00:09:48,361 --> 00:09:52,201 Speaker 2: David andrea And barbara were too decomposed to know exactly 144 00:09:52,321 --> 00:09:55,040 Speaker 2: what happened to them or how long they had been. 145 00:09:55,081 --> 00:09:59,641 Speaker 2: There all three victims were bloated and covered in large 146 00:09:59,641 --> 00:10:02,761 Speaker 2: blisters that were filled with. Fluid all of them had 147 00:10:02,801 --> 00:10:06,201 Speaker 2: been shot in the head at close. Range barbara And 148 00:10:06,201 --> 00:10:10,481 Speaker 2: andrea had each been shot. Once david had been shot three. 149 00:10:10,521 --> 00:10:14,841 Speaker 2: Times SO i want to back up and look at 150 00:10:14,881 --> 00:10:17,681 Speaker 2: how long the police had been asking questions about the 151 00:10:17,681 --> 00:10:21,481 Speaker 2: family and how Long aaron had been stalling with giving 152 00:10:21,521 --> 00:10:26,201 Speaker 2: them any. Information On october, fourteenth after Officers pruitt And 153 00:10:26,241 --> 00:10:29,001 Speaker 2: imbriden talked To aaron at three am and he said 154 00:10:29,001 --> 00:10:32,921 Speaker 2: his family was, fine police went To David flick's transmission 155 00:10:32,921 --> 00:10:35,721 Speaker 2: shop to see if they could find any. Clues police 156 00:10:35,761 --> 00:10:39,241 Speaker 2: Asked david's employee if he had noticed. Anything he said 157 00:10:39,280 --> 00:10:42,401 Speaker 2: that a toolbox Of david's had been broken, into there 158 00:10:42,481 --> 00:10:44,761 Speaker 2: was some, money and a gun that belonged To david. 159 00:10:44,801 --> 00:10:49,280 Speaker 2: Missing police suspected that something was, wrong so by now 160 00:10:49,401 --> 00:10:52,361 Speaker 2: the police Had aaron in. Custody when they got to 161 00:10:52,401 --> 00:10:56,761 Speaker 2: the interview, Room Officer, leach the officer who was Interrogating, 162 00:10:56,801 --> 00:11:00,921 Speaker 2: aaron Asked aarin to tell him what he. Knew aaron 163 00:11:01,081 --> 00:11:04,241 Speaker 2: said that his family were in the, home and Then 164 00:11:04,521 --> 00:11:07,680 Speaker 2: Officer leach asked what condition they were in if they were. 165 00:11:07,681 --> 00:11:13,281 Speaker 2: Okay aaron, said they're. Dead so Then aaron told his 166 00:11:13,441 --> 00:11:16,481 Speaker 2: version of the. Story, first he said he wasn't sure 167 00:11:16,521 --> 00:11:20,361 Speaker 2: what happened to his. Family, later he completely denied having 168 00:11:20,401 --> 00:11:23,321 Speaker 2: anything to do with their. Deaths he basically said that 169 00:11:23,401 --> 00:11:26,161 Speaker 2: he had gotten into a big fight With david and 170 00:11:26,241 --> 00:11:37,961 Speaker 2: That david had killed his. Family one week After David, 171 00:11:38,001 --> 00:11:41,041 Speaker 2: Flick Barbara, flick And Andrea flick were supposed to arrive In, 172 00:11:41,081 --> 00:11:44,961 Speaker 2: florida police were Interviewing aaron at the deaths of his family, 173 00:11:45,001 --> 00:11:48,401 Speaker 2: members But erin claimed that he didn't kill his. Family 174 00:11:48,961 --> 00:11:52,841 Speaker 2: he said that his, Stepfather David, flick had Killed andrea 175 00:11:52,881 --> 00:11:55,401 Speaker 2: And barbara in a fit of rage and then turned 176 00:11:55,401 --> 00:11:59,521 Speaker 2: the gun on. Himself but it was obvious that someone 177 00:11:59,801 --> 00:12:04,001 Speaker 2: had covered up the bodies in the. Home there were, sheets, blankets, 178 00:12:04,161 --> 00:12:07,881 Speaker 2: pillows and rugs spread out all over the living, room 179 00:12:08,321 --> 00:12:12,601 Speaker 2: So aaron's version of the story on the, surface seemed 180 00:12:12,601 --> 00:12:16,521 Speaker 2: to make zero. Sense If david had killed his wife 181 00:12:16,521 --> 00:12:19,641 Speaker 2: and daughter and then shot, himself how could he have 182 00:12:19,681 --> 00:12:21,121 Speaker 2: shot himself three. 183 00:12:20,961 --> 00:12:21,801 Speaker 3: Times in the. 184 00:12:21,881 --> 00:12:25,361 Speaker 2: Head this would mean That aaron had found the bodies 185 00:12:25,401 --> 00:12:30,921 Speaker 2: and then moved. Them after finding the, bodies police Reinterviewed 186 00:12:31,041 --> 00:12:34,321 Speaker 2: Arin Arin now said That david had been cheating On 187 00:12:34,401 --> 00:12:38,481 Speaker 2: barbara and that they had been sleeping. Separately aaron claimed 188 00:12:38,481 --> 00:12:41,800 Speaker 2: that he told his mother about the infidelity and that 189 00:12:41,881 --> 00:12:45,441 Speaker 2: she had made a plan to Leave. David aaron claimed 190 00:12:45,441 --> 00:12:48,001 Speaker 2: That andrea And barbara were planning on going To florida 191 00:12:48,041 --> 00:12:50,961 Speaker 2: without him And. David he said that He, aaron was 192 00:12:51,001 --> 00:12:54,160 Speaker 2: supposed to go To florida to meet them. Later aaron 193 00:12:54,321 --> 00:12:56,721 Speaker 2: said he was supposed to stay with his grandmother until 194 00:12:56,721 --> 00:12:59,081 Speaker 2: he made the trip To. Florida then he was going 195 00:12:59,121 --> 00:13:02,961 Speaker 2: to be reunited with his mother and. Sister aarin admitted 196 00:13:03,001 --> 00:13:06,441 Speaker 2: that he did break Into david's. Store he stole his 197 00:13:06,481 --> 00:13:09,841 Speaker 2: stepfather's gun in, cash but he said he did that 198 00:13:10,001 --> 00:13:14,601 Speaker 2: Because david owed him. Money aaron said he and a 199 00:13:14,641 --> 00:13:18,481 Speaker 2: friend of his Named David gun had broken in To david's. 200 00:13:18,481 --> 00:13:22,241 Speaker 2: Shop after that he went. Home he had the gun 201 00:13:22,321 --> 00:13:25,081 Speaker 2: and the money with. Him he wanted to Avoid, david 202 00:13:25,121 --> 00:13:27,401 Speaker 2: so he said he went to his bedroom and locked the. 203 00:13:27,401 --> 00:13:30,681 Speaker 2: Door while in the, bedroom he claimed he was counting 204 00:13:30,681 --> 00:13:33,201 Speaker 2: the money and messing around with the, gun putting bullets 205 00:13:33,201 --> 00:13:36,121 Speaker 2: in it and pulling them. Out he Said david came 206 00:13:36,161 --> 00:13:39,081 Speaker 2: into his room and found him with the gun and the. 207 00:13:39,121 --> 00:13:41,681 Speaker 2: Money he said that he and his stepfather got into an. 208 00:13:41,721 --> 00:13:45,641 Speaker 2: Argument at some, point the argument spilled out into the living. 209 00:13:45,721 --> 00:13:49,721 Speaker 2: Room aaron said he Told david That barbara hated him 210 00:13:50,280 --> 00:13:53,481 Speaker 2: and that they were going to leave. Him aaron said 211 00:13:53,601 --> 00:13:56,401 Speaker 2: he told his stepfather he wished that he was. Dead, 212 00:13:57,481 --> 00:14:00,920 Speaker 2: Then aaron claimed that his stepfather was trying to Get 213 00:14:00,921 --> 00:14:03,761 Speaker 2: aaron to fight. Him aaron said he refused to do 214 00:14:03,881 --> 00:14:07,001 Speaker 2: that and he left the. House aaron claimed that when 215 00:14:07,001 --> 00:14:09,881 Speaker 2: he came back to the, house he heard something a, 216 00:14:09,921 --> 00:14:14,721 Speaker 2: gurgling snoring kind of noise coming From. David david was 217 00:14:14,721 --> 00:14:18,161 Speaker 2: on the. Couch he noticed there was blood pouring off 218 00:14:18,201 --> 00:14:21,841 Speaker 2: of the. Couch he claimed That david was already. Dead 219 00:14:22,601 --> 00:14:25,361 Speaker 2: aaron said that he was horrified to find his mother 220 00:14:25,521 --> 00:14:28,041 Speaker 2: and sister dead as. Well he said he believed That 221 00:14:28,121 --> 00:14:30,921 Speaker 2: david had killed both of them and then turned the 222 00:14:30,961 --> 00:14:35,641 Speaker 2: gun on. Himself aaron said that when he realized What 223 00:14:35,761 --> 00:14:39,841 Speaker 2: david had, done he shot his stepfather's body two more 224 00:14:39,881 --> 00:14:43,721 Speaker 2: times because he was so angry at. Him police Asked 225 00:14:43,841 --> 00:14:46,561 Speaker 2: daron why he hadn't called the authorities to report that 226 00:14:46,641 --> 00:14:50,361 Speaker 2: his parents and sister were. Dead he, said, basically he was. 227 00:14:50,361 --> 00:14:53,681 Speaker 2: Scared he said that he was afraid that police would 228 00:14:53,721 --> 00:14:57,321 Speaker 2: blame him for the, killings so he just shut the 229 00:14:57,321 --> 00:14:59,681 Speaker 2: door to the. House he went out to his own 230 00:14:59,721 --> 00:15:03,721 Speaker 2: separate area and left them, there and then he threw 231 00:15:03,761 --> 00:15:07,041 Speaker 2: a party in his part of the, house one that 232 00:15:07,121 --> 00:15:08,201 Speaker 2: didn't end for several. 233 00:15:08,281 --> 00:15:10,441 Speaker 3: Days could this be? 234 00:15:10,601 --> 00:15:13,761 Speaker 2: Possible Could aaron have found the bodies, and in some 235 00:15:13,841 --> 00:15:17,441 Speaker 2: kind of disassociated state of, shock just Moved david into 236 00:15:17,521 --> 00:15:20,641 Speaker 2: the bedroom and then stayed away gone out with his. 237 00:15:20,721 --> 00:15:24,961 Speaker 2: Friends after the, interview detectives had to figure out If 238 00:15:25,001 --> 00:15:26,641 Speaker 2: aaron's version of events was even. 239 00:15:26,721 --> 00:15:28,881 Speaker 3: Possible was this just. 240 00:15:28,801 --> 00:15:32,441 Speaker 2: A terrified teen who was disassociated from reality after abuse 241 00:15:32,481 --> 00:15:36,921 Speaker 2: at home or a cold blooded. Killer in the days 242 00:15:36,961 --> 00:15:41,361 Speaker 2: between his family's deaths and police discovering the, Bodies aaron lived. 243 00:15:41,441 --> 00:15:45,601 Speaker 2: Large he drove David it's black nineteen eighty NINE gmc 244 00:15:45,681 --> 00:15:48,601 Speaker 2: pickup truck around. Town he spent the money that he 245 00:15:48,601 --> 00:15:52,001 Speaker 2: had stolen from the. Shop he also Used david's credit. 246 00:15:52,041 --> 00:15:56,081 Speaker 2: Cards witnesses told police That aaron spent money on clothes AT. J. C, 247 00:15:56,241 --> 00:16:00,561 Speaker 2: penny on gas and other, items and That aaron was 248 00:16:00,641 --> 00:16:05,041 Speaker 2: Signing david's name for these. Purchases one Of aaron's friends 249 00:16:05,081 --> 00:16:09,121 Speaker 2: told police he saw receipts for big amounts six hundred 250 00:16:09,161 --> 00:16:13,121 Speaker 2: to seven hundred, dollars and when friends and family members 251 00:16:13,161 --> 00:16:16,601 Speaker 2: would Ask arin where his parents, were he told everyone 252 00:16:16,681 --> 00:16:20,481 Speaker 2: that they were on vacation In. Florida after police Told 253 00:16:20,521 --> 00:16:24,481 Speaker 2: aaron they found the, bodies he insisted That david had murdered. 254 00:16:24,481 --> 00:16:28,761 Speaker 2: Them police talked To david And barbara's. Friends many of 255 00:16:28,801 --> 00:16:32,081 Speaker 2: them Said david And barbara had a lot of problems With, 256 00:16:32,121 --> 00:16:35,801 Speaker 2: aaron and one friend Of barbara's confessed something even more. 257 00:16:35,841 --> 00:16:40,481 Speaker 2: Suspicious she said Both barbara And david had been afraid Of. 258 00:16:40,601 --> 00:16:44,201 Speaker 2: Erin they said That aaron had issues at, school that 259 00:16:44,241 --> 00:16:46,521 Speaker 2: he had recently been suspended for a day for making 260 00:16:46,521 --> 00:16:49,681 Speaker 2: an obscene gesture while the class picture was being, taken. 261 00:16:49,841 --> 00:16:52,081 Speaker 3: But things were more serious than just school. 262 00:16:52,081 --> 00:16:54,921 Speaker 2: PRANKS a friend Of david's who worked with him at 263 00:16:54,961 --> 00:16:58,761 Speaker 2: the transmission shop told police That david had Bought aaron 264 00:16:58,801 --> 00:17:02,561 Speaker 2: A mustang for his sixteenth, birthday but that one condition 265 00:17:02,641 --> 00:17:05,241 Speaker 2: of buying the car was That aaron had to maintain good, 266 00:17:05,321 --> 00:17:09,400 Speaker 2: grades But aarin, Didn't his grades slipped and the car 267 00:17:09,481 --> 00:17:13,640 Speaker 2: was taken. Away Then arin got stopped at THE asu. 268 00:17:13,721 --> 00:17:17,440 Speaker 2: Campus he gave his name As Aaron flick and apparently 269 00:17:17,600 --> 00:17:19,241 Speaker 2: used a fake social security. 270 00:17:19,321 --> 00:17:19,600 Speaker 4: Number. 271 00:17:20,561 --> 00:17:24,801 Speaker 2: Anne david also confided in his friend That arin had 272 00:17:24,880 --> 00:17:28,001 Speaker 2: choked his Sister andrea because she wouldn't give him. Money 273 00:17:29,241 --> 00:17:32,401 Speaker 2: david told his friend that he was ready to Leave 274 00:17:32,441 --> 00:17:35,880 Speaker 2: barbara because he couldn't Discipline aaron the way he wanted, 275 00:17:35,880 --> 00:17:39,721 Speaker 2: to but he said he wouldn't leave because of his. 276 00:17:39,681 --> 00:17:40,200 Speaker 3: Love for his. 277 00:17:40,360 --> 00:17:45,360 Speaker 2: Daughter so tensions were rising inside that. House but what 278 00:17:45,561 --> 00:17:50,681 Speaker 2: could have happened that led to the triple. Homicide friends 279 00:17:50,681 --> 00:17:53,521 Speaker 2: Of aaron said that he drank and took. Drugs his, 280 00:17:53,641 --> 00:17:56,641 Speaker 2: grandmother the grandmother he said he was supposed to stay, 281 00:17:56,641 --> 00:17:59,521 Speaker 2: with was the only one WHO i can find in 282 00:17:59,601 --> 00:18:02,881 Speaker 2: police interviews who actually had some nice things to say About. 283 00:18:02,881 --> 00:18:06,761 Speaker 2: Aaron she apparently described him as being a mild mannered. 284 00:18:06,801 --> 00:18:10,840 Speaker 2: Person in, fact things had gotten so bad Between aaron 285 00:18:10,881 --> 00:18:13,600 Speaker 2: and his parents they were planning on sending him to 286 00:18:13,601 --> 00:18:17,721 Speaker 2: a juvenile facility The Arkansas Baptist Boys ranch In, harrison 287 00:18:18,401 --> 00:18:22,801 Speaker 2: and the relationship Between aaron and his, Stepfather david was particularly. 288 00:18:22,840 --> 00:18:28,521 Speaker 2: Tumultuous police talked To aaron's, Friend David. Gunn this friend 289 00:18:28,601 --> 00:18:32,080 Speaker 2: later testified That aaron asked him if he would drive 290 00:18:32,201 --> 00:18:35,281 Speaker 2: erin to his stepfather's transmission shop at eleven pm On, 291 00:18:35,441 --> 00:18:39,041 Speaker 2: Sunday october, eighth nineteen ninety. Five when they got, There 292 00:18:39,201 --> 00:18:41,681 Speaker 2: aaron tried his keys in the, door but the keys didn't, 293 00:18:41,681 --> 00:18:44,600 Speaker 2: work So david said that Anir aaron broke into the 294 00:18:44,641 --> 00:18:48,561 Speaker 2: shop and then broke open a. Toolbox all there was 295 00:18:48,601 --> 00:18:52,120 Speaker 2: in there was fifty, dollars Which aaron. Stole the friend 296 00:18:52,201 --> 00:18:54,360 Speaker 2: testified this seemed to be kind of a surprise To, 297 00:18:54,401 --> 00:18:57,001 Speaker 2: aaron Because aaron said he expected to find more. Money 298 00:18:57,721 --> 00:19:01,160 Speaker 2: aaron's friends said That aaron also stole a pistol a 299 00:19:01,241 --> 00:19:04,600 Speaker 2: holster in shells from the. Toolbox he said That aaron 300 00:19:04,721 --> 00:19:09,041 Speaker 2: loaded five shells into that. Pistol after, That David gunn 301 00:19:09,121 --> 00:19:10,881 Speaker 2: said that he And aaron took a ride and drove 302 00:19:10,921 --> 00:19:14,121 Speaker 2: to a. Cemetery aaron got out of the car and said. 303 00:19:13,881 --> 00:19:14,441 Speaker 3: He needed to. 304 00:19:14,481 --> 00:19:17,841 Speaker 2: Think then he came back to the. Car they drove 305 00:19:17,881 --> 00:19:21,881 Speaker 2: To aaron's. House aaron walked in carrying that stolen. Pistol 306 00:19:22,601 --> 00:19:25,120 Speaker 2: the next time he Saw aaron was when he was 307 00:19:25,161 --> 00:19:30,521 Speaker 2: at school the next day driving his stepfather's. Truck police 308 00:19:30,561 --> 00:19:33,881 Speaker 2: were trying to establish a timeline because of the fact 309 00:19:33,921 --> 00:19:37,161 Speaker 2: That aaron was driving the. Truck police believed the family 310 00:19:37,201 --> 00:19:39,881 Speaker 2: were killed on the night Of october, eighth nineteen ninety, 311 00:19:39,881 --> 00:19:42,840 Speaker 2: five which means they would have been lying there for 312 00:19:43,001 --> 00:19:46,600 Speaker 2: five days until the thirteenth or the early morning hours 313 00:19:46,601 --> 00:19:50,281 Speaker 2: of the, fourteenth when they were. Found more than one 314 00:19:50,321 --> 00:19:53,400 Speaker 2: person told police it was very unusual For aaron to 315 00:19:53,401 --> 00:19:56,640 Speaker 2: be driving his stepfather's. Vehicle they knew he did not 316 00:19:56,881 --> 00:20:00,321 Speaker 2: normally have permission to drive that. TRUCK a lot of 317 00:20:00,361 --> 00:20:04,081 Speaker 2: people told Police aaron and his stepfather did not get, 318 00:20:04,080 --> 00:20:07,160 Speaker 2: along And aaron didn't just drive the truck to school 319 00:20:07,161 --> 00:20:10,561 Speaker 2: that one. Day he drove his stepfather's truck for several. 320 00:20:10,641 --> 00:20:13,481 Speaker 2: Days he took his friends to the, Movies he drove 321 00:20:13,521 --> 00:20:17,041 Speaker 2: Around rector And paragold And jonesboro in the, truck and 322 00:20:17,601 --> 00:20:21,921 Speaker 2: he threw parties at. Home police talked to a lot 323 00:20:21,921 --> 00:20:24,640 Speaker 2: of teenagers who said they were drinking and smoking pot 324 00:20:24,721 --> 00:20:28,001 Speaker 2: in that apartment all. Week police also talked to a 325 00:20:28,001 --> 00:20:31,360 Speaker 2: young woman who testified she had sex With aaron in 326 00:20:31,441 --> 00:20:36,041 Speaker 2: his bedroom off the. Garage some people at the parties 327 00:20:36,080 --> 00:20:39,801 Speaker 2: said they noticed a bad smell even though the bodies 328 00:20:39,801 --> 00:20:42,721 Speaker 2: were in the main part of the. House they Said 329 00:20:42,801 --> 00:20:45,880 Speaker 2: aaron had excus. Uses he told them the sewer was backing. 330 00:20:45,961 --> 00:20:48,201 Speaker 2: Up he told others it was cat. 331 00:20:48,241 --> 00:20:49,160 Speaker 3: Litter he. 332 00:20:49,241 --> 00:20:51,400 Speaker 2: Said there was work and remodeling and stuff going on 333 00:20:51,441 --> 00:20:53,521 Speaker 2: in the main part of the, house so everyone just 334 00:20:53,561 --> 00:20:57,120 Speaker 2: stayed away from. It it wasn't until much later that 335 00:20:57,241 --> 00:21:01,561 Speaker 2: these teens realized with horror they had been partying next 336 00:21:01,601 --> 00:21:06,401 Speaker 2: to three dead. Bodies his friend said during that week 337 00:21:06,441 --> 00:21:09,561 Speaker 2: That aarin seemed calm and happy and, normal that he 338 00:21:09,681 --> 00:21:12,201 Speaker 2: told more than one person it was the best week 339 00:21:12,241 --> 00:21:12,440 Speaker 2: of his. 340 00:21:12,521 --> 00:21:14,201 Speaker 3: Life he had. 341 00:21:14,041 --> 00:21:16,721 Speaker 2: Plenty of money to spend on purchases and a nice 342 00:21:16,761 --> 00:21:21,001 Speaker 2: truck to. Drive police found bloody clothing In david's, truck 343 00:21:21,241 --> 00:21:23,840 Speaker 2: along with a pillow that appeared to have a gunshot 344 00:21:23,881 --> 00:21:26,840 Speaker 2: hole in. It that was the one they believed the 345 00:21:26,921 --> 00:21:30,681 Speaker 2: killer used as a. Silencer this didn't seem to make, 346 00:21:30,721 --> 00:21:34,481 Speaker 2: sense because If aaron's version of the story was, true 347 00:21:34,601 --> 00:21:36,880 Speaker 2: Then david would have to have killed his wife and, 348 00:21:36,961 --> 00:21:40,561 Speaker 2: daughter then put that bloody pillow case into the, truck 349 00:21:41,361 --> 00:21:44,521 Speaker 2: then gone, back lay down on the sofa and shot 350 00:21:44,561 --> 00:21:48,121 Speaker 2: himself in the. Head this was something That aaron never 351 00:21:48,161 --> 00:21:52,281 Speaker 2: really explained in his version of the. Story aaron told 352 00:21:52,361 --> 00:21:55,721 Speaker 2: police he did not kill his, family but he did 353 00:21:55,840 --> 00:21:59,080 Speaker 2: tell several different versions of the. Story at, first he 354 00:21:59,161 --> 00:22:01,921 Speaker 2: said he had no idea what happened to. Them, later 355 00:22:02,001 --> 00:22:05,600 Speaker 2: according to court, documents he said he didn't remember exactly what, 356 00:22:05,761 --> 00:22:08,881 Speaker 2: happened but that he could have done. It he admitted 357 00:22:08,881 --> 00:22:11,801 Speaker 2: to police he hated his. Stepfather he said he felt 358 00:22:11,801 --> 00:22:16,361 Speaker 2: like he was out of. Control Was aaron being abused at? 359 00:22:16,361 --> 00:22:18,441 Speaker 2: Home was this just a fight that got out of, 360 00:22:18,441 --> 00:22:24,201 Speaker 2: control or was this something much more. Premeditated one friend 361 00:22:24,241 --> 00:22:28,521 Speaker 2: Of barbara's Named Darlene, bolin Testified david told her specifically 362 00:22:28,601 --> 00:22:31,201 Speaker 2: that he was afraid Of erin and afraid of quote 363 00:22:31,401 --> 00:22:35,561 Speaker 2: what was going to. Happen aaron's, Friend David, gunn also 364 00:22:35,681 --> 00:22:39,521 Speaker 2: Testified aaron had been thinking about killing his. Stepfather he 365 00:22:39,641 --> 00:22:42,401 Speaker 2: said That aaron told him six months before the murders 366 00:22:42,601 --> 00:22:45,481 Speaker 2: that he planned to Kill David flick by hitting him 367 00:22:45,481 --> 00:22:48,561 Speaker 2: on the head with a wrench and later burying the. Body, 368 00:22:49,881 --> 00:22:52,600 Speaker 2: Then aaron's friend Said aaron planned to say that his 369 00:22:52,641 --> 00:22:58,041 Speaker 2: stepfather was. Missing police didn't Believe aaron's, story but there 370 00:22:58,281 --> 00:23:00,481 Speaker 2: was gunshot residue On David flick's. 371 00:23:00,481 --> 00:23:02,321 Speaker 3: Hands an employee of. 372 00:23:02,321 --> 00:23:05,920 Speaker 2: The State Crime laboratory Testified David flick's left hand tested 373 00:23:05,961 --> 00:23:10,600 Speaker 2: positive for gunshot, residue his right hand tested. Negative the 374 00:23:10,761 --> 00:23:14,481 Speaker 2: problem was most of the gunshot residue was on the wrong, 375 00:23:14,601 --> 00:23:16,601 Speaker 2: hand Because David flick was right. 376 00:23:16,641 --> 00:23:19,001 Speaker 3: Handed when the state crime. 377 00:23:18,761 --> 00:23:21,961 Speaker 2: Expert was asked about this in, court she Said david 378 00:23:22,041 --> 00:23:24,241 Speaker 2: could have had that residue on his hands because he 379 00:23:24,281 --> 00:23:27,201 Speaker 2: had fired a weapon, recently but it also could have 380 00:23:27,241 --> 00:23:30,120 Speaker 2: been there for other. Reasons for, example it could have 381 00:23:30,241 --> 00:23:32,881 Speaker 2: rubbed off On david if his body was dragged away 382 00:23:33,161 --> 00:23:36,641 Speaker 2: by some person who had gunshot residue on their own. 383 00:23:36,681 --> 00:23:42,200 Speaker 2: Hands police were not Buying aaron's. Story aaron was charged 384 00:23:42,241 --> 00:23:45,601 Speaker 2: with triple capital murder for the killings Of, David, barbara And. 385 00:23:45,601 --> 00:23:49,961 Speaker 2: Andrea at, Trial aaron's defense attorneys said his, Father David, 386 00:23:49,961 --> 00:23:52,600 Speaker 2: flick was the, killer that he Killed barbara And andrea 387 00:23:52,641 --> 00:23:57,721 Speaker 2: and then shot. Himself they claimed That david shot his 388 00:23:57,840 --> 00:24:00,761 Speaker 2: wife and daughter using his left hand so his non 389 00:24:00,840 --> 00:24:04,281 Speaker 2: dominant hand to, fire and that he used the pillowcases 390 00:24:04,321 --> 00:24:09,521 Speaker 2: as homemade silencers to muffle the. Sounds aaron's lawyers set 391 00:24:09,521 --> 00:24:12,961 Speaker 2: in court that he was so distraught after coming home 392 00:24:13,041 --> 00:24:16,321 Speaker 2: and finding his mother and sister's bodies And david lying 393 00:24:16,321 --> 00:24:20,081 Speaker 2: on the sofa already, dead that he Shot david twice 394 00:24:20,161 --> 00:24:23,961 Speaker 2: more in the, head and that after trying to cover 395 00:24:24,080 --> 00:24:27,920 Speaker 2: up the bodies and, blood he basically disassociated with. 396 00:24:27,961 --> 00:24:30,441 Speaker 3: Reality at, trial. 397 00:24:30,601 --> 00:24:34,401 Speaker 2: The state and the defense painted two very different versions 398 00:24:34,681 --> 00:24:38,041 Speaker 2: of what was really going on behind closed doors inside 399 00:24:38,080 --> 00:24:41,761 Speaker 2: The flick. House there was no question there were major 400 00:24:41,801 --> 00:24:45,481 Speaker 2: problems in that. Home had hated his, stepfather and at 401 00:24:45,561 --> 00:24:48,801 Speaker 2: least one Of barbara's close friends testified That aaron's parents 402 00:24:48,801 --> 00:24:52,241 Speaker 2: were afraid of, him and there were some things that 403 00:24:52,281 --> 00:24:54,961 Speaker 2: police found that would seem, to at least on the, 404 00:24:55,041 --> 00:24:57,920 Speaker 2: surface back up some of the things That aaron was 405 00:24:57,961 --> 00:25:02,080 Speaker 2: saying about infidelity In barbara And david's, relationship because when 406 00:25:02,121 --> 00:25:06,400 Speaker 2: police searched the transmission, shop they found what was described 407 00:25:06,521 --> 00:25:11,920 Speaker 2: as sex paraphernalia in. There according to police, reports there 408 00:25:11,921 --> 00:25:14,641 Speaker 2: were photographs in that, shop and one of those, photographs 409 00:25:14,681 --> 00:25:17,921 Speaker 2: according to court, documents seemed to back up the fact 410 00:25:17,921 --> 00:25:21,481 Speaker 2: That barbara was engaged in some kind of sexual activity 411 00:25:21,481 --> 00:25:24,160 Speaker 2: and that there were images of, Her but it's really 412 00:25:24,201 --> 00:25:27,481 Speaker 2: not clear whether that was evidence of her having an 413 00:25:27,481 --> 00:25:31,120 Speaker 2: affair with someone else or whether the pictures just Showed 414 00:25:31,161 --> 00:25:37,921 Speaker 2: barbara And, honestly it's confusing because these pictures were in her, 415 00:25:38,080 --> 00:25:42,161 Speaker 2: Husband david's, Toolbox so it does beg the, question if 416 00:25:42,161 --> 00:25:46,361 Speaker 2: it was Showing barbara engaging in, infidelity Why david would 417 00:25:46,401 --> 00:25:49,881 Speaker 2: keep those pictures in his own. Toolbox that is still 418 00:25:49,921 --> 00:25:53,281 Speaker 2: a little bit of a. Mystery aaron's attorneys seemed to 419 00:25:53,321 --> 00:25:56,281 Speaker 2: be making the point that those photographs could have Caused 420 00:25:56,361 --> 00:25:58,641 Speaker 2: david to fly into a rage and could have led 421 00:25:58,681 --> 00:26:01,400 Speaker 2: to a volatle argument on the evening Of october, eighth 422 00:26:02,001 --> 00:26:05,881 Speaker 2: but those photographs were not allowed in. Court even if 423 00:26:05,921 --> 00:26:09,321 Speaker 2: there was a huge fight in the, home what would 424 00:26:09,361 --> 00:26:13,920 Speaker 2: Motivate aarin to kill his? Mother the prosecutors believe that 425 00:26:14,001 --> 00:26:16,640 Speaker 2: it was the prospect Of david's mother siding with his 426 00:26:16,681 --> 00:26:19,881 Speaker 2: stepfather and planning to Send erin away to a juvenile. 427 00:26:19,961 --> 00:26:22,721 Speaker 3: Home but what about his Sister. 428 00:26:22,921 --> 00:26:26,961 Speaker 2: Andrea even If aaron flew into a rage and killed his, 429 00:26:27,041 --> 00:26:30,400 Speaker 2: stepfather who he admitted to people he, hated and his, 430 00:26:30,521 --> 00:26:33,921 Speaker 2: mother how could he kill his eleven year old, sister 431 00:26:34,441 --> 00:26:37,441 Speaker 2: who even those who didn't Like aaron admit. 432 00:26:37,241 --> 00:26:38,160 Speaker 3: He seemed to truly. 433 00:26:38,241 --> 00:26:42,120 Speaker 2: Love but it turned out That aaron's relationship with his 434 00:26:42,161 --> 00:26:45,721 Speaker 2: Sister andrea was not straightforward As aaron may have told. 435 00:26:45,801 --> 00:26:50,201 Speaker 2: People remember that friend Of, david's the one who told police, 436 00:26:50,241 --> 00:26:53,761 Speaker 2: that according To, David aaron choked his sister because she 437 00:26:53,801 --> 00:26:58,041 Speaker 2: wouldn't give him. Money that same friend said That david 438 00:26:58,121 --> 00:27:01,400 Speaker 2: did not want erin in the house because he Said 439 00:27:01,641 --> 00:27:05,041 Speaker 2: aaron had threatened to Kill andrea if she Told david 440 00:27:05,080 --> 00:27:08,561 Speaker 2: About aaron hurting her or stealing her. Money things had 441 00:27:08,561 --> 00:27:11,640 Speaker 2: gotten so bad that in the three to five months 442 00:27:11,641 --> 00:27:16,201 Speaker 2: before the, Killings david was so worried he would not 443 00:27:16,601 --> 00:27:20,441 Speaker 2: Leave andrea alone When aarin was, there And andrea was 444 00:27:20,521 --> 00:27:23,600 Speaker 2: so scared of her brother that she would lock herself 445 00:27:23,641 --> 00:27:27,401 Speaker 2: in her. Room the state Claimed aaron did it because 446 00:27:27,401 --> 00:27:30,881 Speaker 2: he wanted to. Party they introduced evidence of his behavior 447 00:27:31,001 --> 00:27:32,920 Speaker 2: during the week after the murders to speak to his 448 00:27:32,961 --> 00:27:36,281 Speaker 2: state of. Mind they said he drank, smoke, pot had 449 00:27:36,361 --> 00:27:39,961 Speaker 2: sex and three, parties that he spent his stepfather's money 450 00:27:40,001 --> 00:27:43,200 Speaker 2: and stole his credit. Cards they claimed that he had 451 00:27:43,281 --> 00:27:47,201 Speaker 2: no rem and that one Of aaron's motives in killing 452 00:27:47,241 --> 00:27:51,161 Speaker 2: his victims was his desire to engage in a hedonistic, 453 00:27:51,201 --> 00:27:54,641 Speaker 2: lifestyle one that presumably he could not have engaged in 454 00:27:54,840 --> 00:27:59,881 Speaker 2: unless there were no adult. Witnesses Aaron hodge was found. 455 00:27:59,921 --> 00:28:04,001 Speaker 2: Guilty when asked by the judge if he had anything to, Say. 456 00:28:04,321 --> 00:28:05,761 Speaker 3: Aaron, Replied i'm not. 457 00:28:05,840 --> 00:28:09,640 Speaker 2: Guilty at the, time The Circuit court was required to 458 00:28:09,681 --> 00:28:13,920 Speaker 2: Sentence aron to the mandatory sentence life without the possibility of, 459 00:28:13,921 --> 00:28:18,641 Speaker 2: parole so in nineteen ninety, Six Aaron hodge was sent 460 00:28:18,721 --> 00:28:21,521 Speaker 2: to serve his time in maximum security at The East 461 00:28:21,601 --> 00:28:24,880 Speaker 2: Arkansas Regional unit In, marianna where he has been for 462 00:28:24,921 --> 00:28:36,920 Speaker 2: the last twenty nine. Years Aaron hodge is still in, 463 00:28:36,921 --> 00:28:42,121 Speaker 2: prison but he has a, Girlfriend. Jennifer jennifer Met aaron 464 00:28:42,161 --> 00:28:45,121 Speaker 2: as a. Child they reac connected much later when she 465 00:28:45,201 --> 00:28:48,641 Speaker 2: was going through a divorce in her. Forties jennifer said 466 00:28:48,881 --> 00:28:50,521 Speaker 2: she believes In aaron's. 467 00:28:50,521 --> 00:28:54,041 Speaker 4: INNOCENCE i think we were probably about nine ten years, 468 00:28:54,041 --> 00:28:55,961 Speaker 4: old and he lived right around the corner from my, 469 00:28:56,001 --> 00:28:57,641 Speaker 4: grandma SO i saw him all the time with his, 470 00:28:57,721 --> 00:29:00,601 Speaker 4: sister and our friends were kind of all the, same 471 00:29:00,641 --> 00:29:02,521 Speaker 4: AND i mean it was just an odd, Thing LIKE 472 00:29:02,641 --> 00:29:05,801 Speaker 4: i remember. SEVENTEEN i didn't talk to him from when 473 00:29:05,841 --> 00:29:09,521 Speaker 4: he was seventeen until about about three and a half years. Ago, 474 00:29:09,561 --> 00:29:12,241 Speaker 4: NOW i guess every year that he, went you, know 475 00:29:12,241 --> 00:29:13,761 Speaker 4: he'd have to come over here To, johnsboro And i'm 476 00:29:13,801 --> 00:29:15,881 Speaker 4: not even really sure for, what but he would have 477 00:29:15,921 --> 00:29:18,561 Speaker 4: to come over here And i'd see him on THE 478 00:29:19,641 --> 00:29:22,041 Speaker 4: ki two would slash that picture and it just break 479 00:29:22,081 --> 00:29:24,401 Speaker 4: my heart because he just looks but that's not even 480 00:29:24,441 --> 00:29:26,641 Speaker 4: what he looks. Like for, One i'll send you a picture, 481 00:29:26,721 --> 00:29:29,281 Speaker 4: too that's not even any of the pictures you see 482 00:29:29,441 --> 00:29:31,361 Speaker 4: of me looks so scary and he's. Not he does 483 00:29:31,401 --> 00:29:32,081 Speaker 4: not even look like. 484 00:29:32,121 --> 00:29:33,721 Speaker 3: That jennifer. 485 00:29:33,841 --> 00:29:36,281 Speaker 2: Said she And aaron started writing letters to each, other 486 00:29:36,841 --> 00:29:40,481 Speaker 2: which led to video, visits and then, eventually she said 487 00:29:40,481 --> 00:29:43,521 Speaker 2: that he opened up about what he claimed happened during 488 00:29:43,521 --> 00:29:46,121 Speaker 2: that fateful week In october in nineteen ninety. 489 00:29:46,161 --> 00:29:49,361 Speaker 4: Seven she had cheated And aaron was going out in 490 00:29:49,361 --> 00:29:51,401 Speaker 4: his face Because aaron had gotten them and he was 491 00:29:51,401 --> 00:29:52,761 Speaker 4: a punk, kid and he'll tell you, that he, Said 492 00:29:52,761 --> 00:29:54,521 Speaker 4: but that doesn't MEAN i killed my, mom you. Know 493 00:29:55,481 --> 00:29:58,001 Speaker 4: and they were into. It she was into it with. 494 00:29:58,081 --> 00:30:01,521 Speaker 4: Him aaron left to go to his friend's, house was 495 00:30:01,561 --> 00:30:03,761 Speaker 4: gone not long at. All when he came, back he, 496 00:30:03,801 --> 00:30:06,881 Speaker 4: said he walked, in he's heard something gurgling or, whatever 497 00:30:07,081 --> 00:30:09,761 Speaker 4: all the exact, words but his mom and sister were 498 00:30:09,761 --> 00:30:12,081 Speaker 4: dead and his stepdad had shot himself and he put 499 00:30:12,121 --> 00:30:14,361 Speaker 4: three more rounds. In it might believe it's his, words 500 00:30:14,401 --> 00:30:17,881 Speaker 4: but again that needs to come from. Him but it's 501 00:30:17,881 --> 00:30:20,481 Speaker 4: always been the. Same it's never changed, ever not. Once 502 00:30:21,201 --> 00:30:23,641 Speaker 4: eight months in is when he started opening up about. 503 00:30:23,681 --> 00:30:28,201 Speaker 4: It and Then i'd had a teenager go through adolescents 504 00:30:28,201 --> 00:30:30,881 Speaker 4: who we just, had you, know just buck wild and 505 00:30:31,441 --> 00:30:35,041 Speaker 4: went through. Stuff and SO i think that's WHY i 506 00:30:35,081 --> 00:30:37,241 Speaker 4: was put in the situation to be able to understand 507 00:30:37,281 --> 00:30:40,121 Speaker 4: and hear it WHEN i, did and oh my, GOSH i, 508 00:30:40,121 --> 00:30:42,001 Speaker 4: MEAN i JUST i remember when he told this story 509 00:30:42,001 --> 00:30:44,201 Speaker 4: to me the first, time all the way, through my knee. 510 00:30:44,281 --> 00:30:46,601 Speaker 4: BUCKLED i, mean they just boockled BECAUSE i, KNEW i 511 00:30:46,681 --> 00:30:48,561 Speaker 4: knew in my heart that he was killing the. 512 00:30:48,601 --> 00:30:53,161 Speaker 2: Truth in twenty, twelve there was another strange twist in 513 00:30:53,201 --> 00:30:58,441 Speaker 2: this case because THE Us Supreme court decided that mandatory 514 00:30:58,761 --> 00:31:01,921 Speaker 2: life without the possibility of parole sentences for miners were. 515 00:31:01,961 --> 00:31:05,881 Speaker 2: Unconstitutional so that meant people under the age of eighteen 516 00:31:05,921 --> 00:31:09,121 Speaker 2: who were given a sentence of life without parole could 517 00:31:09,161 --> 00:31:14,521 Speaker 2: be eligible for. Resentencing this Included Aaron, hodge so this 518 00:31:14,721 --> 00:31:17,881 Speaker 2: paved the way For aaron to get another sentencing, hearing 519 00:31:18,441 --> 00:31:23,241 Speaker 2: which happened On december, sixth twenty twenty, two once again 520 00:31:23,401 --> 00:31:26,961 Speaker 2: information was presented to a jury in Craig Head. County 521 00:31:27,201 --> 00:31:30,481 Speaker 2: that jury Gave aaron a sentence of thirty, years which 522 00:31:30,521 --> 00:31:34,281 Speaker 2: meant that with time, Served Aaron hodge could be free 523 00:31:34,721 --> 00:31:37,241 Speaker 2: in as little as three, years which. 524 00:31:37,001 --> 00:31:39,361 Speaker 3: Would be the year twenty twenty. 525 00:31:39,361 --> 00:31:43,481 Speaker 2: Five he was eligible for parole before and went before 526 00:31:43,521 --> 00:31:46,921 Speaker 2: the parole board in twenty twenty, three but the information 527 00:31:47,001 --> 00:31:49,801 Speaker 2: THAT i could find said that the parole hearing that 528 00:31:49,841 --> 00:31:53,001 Speaker 2: happened in twenty twenty three was. Deferred so as of, 529 00:31:53,081 --> 00:31:58,841 Speaker 2: Today Aaron hodge is still behind, bars but he could 530 00:31:58,881 --> 00:32:04,561 Speaker 2: be free very. Soon jennifer said that her family had 531 00:32:04,601 --> 00:32:08,721 Speaker 2: expressed concerns about her relationship With, aaron but she says 532 00:32:08,761 --> 00:32:11,401 Speaker 2: some of them now believe That aaron is a changed. 533 00:32:11,441 --> 00:32:14,481 Speaker 4: MAN i was, like, look just go back down telling 534 00:32:14,521 --> 00:32:17,441 Speaker 4: you and he was this completely different. Person he Found, 535 00:32:17,441 --> 00:32:20,481 Speaker 4: god he you, know and everything he's saying out That he's, 536 00:32:20,481 --> 00:32:22,161 Speaker 4: LIKE i just want to have a house on the 537 00:32:22,241 --> 00:32:25,361 Speaker 4: end of the road with a dog and be able 538 00:32:25,401 --> 00:32:27,681 Speaker 4: to see a, sunset AND i see. 539 00:32:27,721 --> 00:32:32,241 Speaker 2: It aaron continues to maintain his innocence as he has 540 00:32:32,321 --> 00:32:35,561 Speaker 2: for the past thirty, years and his girlfriend says she 541 00:32:35,681 --> 00:32:36,681 Speaker 2: believes that he should be. 542 00:32:36,761 --> 00:32:39,641 Speaker 4: Released he talks about the sunset and goes over and, 543 00:32:39,641 --> 00:32:41,041 Speaker 4: over and he, said the first TIME i get out 544 00:32:41,041 --> 00:32:43,201 Speaker 4: of him and take a picture of the, sunset where 545 00:32:43,281 --> 00:32:45,681 Speaker 4: WERE I Whatever i'm, doing And i'm going to post 546 00:32:45,721 --> 00:32:49,081 Speaker 4: it on My facebook with my, name And i'm not gonna, 547 00:32:49,121 --> 00:32:52,481 Speaker 4: hide because you know, what everybody want to delve their, 548 00:32:52,521 --> 00:32:55,121 Speaker 4: life and they, did and they'll answer To god for. 549 00:32:55,201 --> 00:32:58,481 Speaker 4: That but this is my, turn And i'm going to 550 00:32:58,521 --> 00:33:01,440 Speaker 4: be exactly Who i'm going to, be And i'm going 551 00:33:01,521 --> 00:33:03,561 Speaker 4: to Thank god for it and realize how LUCKY i 552 00:33:03,601 --> 00:33:03,921 Speaker 4: am every. 553 00:33:04,001 --> 00:33:09,081 Speaker 2: Day of, course not everyone agreed with. This family members 554 00:33:09,081 --> 00:33:12,121 Speaker 2: and people close to the victims believed the rightful killer 555 00:33:12,521 --> 00:33:16,241 Speaker 2: was and is behind, bars and that releasing him will 556 00:33:16,281 --> 00:33:20,201 Speaker 2: be dangerous to the. Community aaron has had several disciplinary 557 00:33:20,281 --> 00:33:24,801 Speaker 2: violations while incarcerated at The East Arkansas REGIONAL. MAX a 558 00:33:24,881 --> 00:33:28,801 Speaker 2: petition on change dot org that has been circulated by 559 00:33:28,841 --> 00:33:32,801 Speaker 2: supporters of the victims' families claimed that the rescenencing hearing 560 00:33:32,881 --> 00:33:36,561 Speaker 2: was biased Because aaron was able to, quote introduce new, 561 00:33:36,601 --> 00:33:39,601 Speaker 2: evidence and spew wise and hatred on the stand all 562 00:33:39,641 --> 00:33:42,401 Speaker 2: the while us the victims were told to either stick 563 00:33:42,441 --> 00:33:44,321 Speaker 2: with what was said in the original try or have 564 00:33:44,401 --> 00:33:49,161 Speaker 2: our victim impact statements heavily edited end quote this. Petition 565 00:33:49,441 --> 00:33:52,921 Speaker 2: justice for The flicks said they believe that quote the 566 00:33:53,001 --> 00:33:56,081 Speaker 2: people Of, Rector arkansas on, us the victims who were 567 00:33:56,081 --> 00:34:00,041 Speaker 2: called to retestify and or to read victim's impact statements 568 00:34:00,361 --> 00:34:04,521 Speaker 2: are all potentially in danger of his wrath once he is. 569 00:34:04,601 --> 00:34:05,481 Speaker 3: Released end. 570 00:34:05,561 --> 00:34:09,841 Speaker 2: Quote they have asked that people reading the petition contact 571 00:34:09,881 --> 00:34:12,841 Speaker 2: the local government representatives to voice their opinions about the 572 00:34:12,921 --> 00:34:20,200 Speaker 2: danger of Releasing. Aron so, far this petition has gotten one, 573 00:34:20,241 --> 00:34:21,600 Speaker 2: thousand two hundred. 574 00:34:21,321 --> 00:34:22,121 Speaker 3: And sixty seven. 575 00:34:22,161 --> 00:34:26,281 Speaker 2: Signatures considering that there are only one eight hundred and 576 00:34:26,281 --> 00:34:30,161 Speaker 2: twenty three people In, Rector, arkansas two hundred and sixty 577 00:34:30,201 --> 00:34:34,321 Speaker 2: seven people signing a petition is a huge. Number many 578 00:34:34,361 --> 00:34:37,881 Speaker 2: of the people who attended parties At aaron's house during 579 00:34:37,921 --> 00:34:40,561 Speaker 2: the week That aaron was there with his family's bodies 580 00:34:41,121 --> 00:34:44,520 Speaker 2: have commented on social media that they they are afraid 581 00:34:44,761 --> 00:34:47,440 Speaker 2: that When aaron gets, out that he'll remember that they 582 00:34:47,480 --> 00:34:51,321 Speaker 2: talk to the. Police does the fact that he continues 583 00:34:51,361 --> 00:34:56,801 Speaker 2: to deny the killings mean that he has disassociated himself from, them. 584 00:34:56,281 --> 00:34:57,520 Speaker 3: Or that he has no. 585 00:34:57,641 --> 00:35:01,801 Speaker 2: Remorse as the clock ticks down to his, release the 586 00:35:01,881 --> 00:35:08,361 Speaker 2: community continues to be. Divided I'm Katherine. Townsend this Is 587 00:35:08,440 --> 00:35:12,521 Speaker 2: Helen Gone Murder. Line Helen Gone murderline is a production 588 00:35:12,601 --> 00:35:15,561 Speaker 2: Of school Of humans And iHeart. Podcasts it's written and 589 00:35:15,601 --> 00:35:19,241 Speaker 2: narrated by Me Catherine townsend and produced By Gabby. Watts 590 00:35:19,761 --> 00:35:22,960 Speaker 2: special thanks To Amy tubbs for her research assistance and 591 00:35:23,161 --> 00:35:26,721 Speaker 2: For James wheaton for legal. Review noah camer mixed and 592 00:35:26,721 --> 00:35:29,921 Speaker 2: scored this. Episode our theme song is By Ben. Sale 593 00:35:30,401 --> 00:35:33,881 Speaker 2: executive producers Are Virginia, Prescott Brandon, barr and. L. C. 594 00:35:34,041 --> 00:35:37,321 Speaker 2: Crowley listen To Helen gone ad free by subscribing to 595 00:35:37,361 --> 00:35:41,401 Speaker 2: The iHeart True Crime plus channel On Apple. Podcasts if 596 00:35:41,401 --> 00:35:43,881 Speaker 2: you were interested in seeing documents and materials from the, 597 00:35:43,921 --> 00:35:47,481 Speaker 2: case you can follow the show On instagram At helen. 598 00:35:47,521 --> 00:35:50,361 Speaker 2: Gonpod if you have a case you'd like me and 599 00:35:50,401 --> 00:35:52,681 Speaker 2: my team to look, into you can reach out to 600 00:35:52,761 --> 00:35:55,120 Speaker 2: us at Our Helen Gone Murder line at six seven 601 00:35:55,161 --> 00:35:58,960 Speaker 2: eight seven four four six one four or. Five that's six, 602 00:35:59,041 --> 00:36:02,361 Speaker 2: seven eight seven four four six one four or. 603 00:36:02,401 --> 00:36:08,961 Speaker 3: Five school Of humans