It had been stripped and burnt almost beyond recognition. Mrs. Smiths mother, 71-year-old Dorothy McClelland of rural Effingham, was pronounced dead that evening at St. Anthonys Memorial Hospital in Effingham. A few weeks before he died, Carey Heidt changed his $3.5 million life insurance policy, removing Robin as the beneficiary. 'He knew that his wife was runnin' around on him,' Sheriff Jimmie McDuffie told 48 Hours. So on that first day, McDuffie turned the case over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). We were family, nobody was perfectbut we grew up very close together," Chris explained. "Based on what I've seen at the scene, looking at the photographs, my estimate was something like two feet," he replied. The events of that early morning on Aug. 25, 2008, not only changed everything for one family it rocked a community and garnered nationwide attention. Thus, he was apprehended on May 22, 2009. The project will happen east of the interchange with I-57 and extend to the Cumberland and Effingham County line, located east of Montrose. The Effingham County trio accused of murdering two children and burying them in their backyard were back in court Thursday, taking issue with their original indictment. Wed, Apr 20, 2011 60 mins A teenage mom and her circle of friends become involved in a strange murder case in California. He and wife Robin had three kids of their own. Crocker was sentenced to life without parole, narrowly escaping the death penalty. July 14, 2012 / 10:55 PM Chris says a shotgun would have to be held at a ridiculous angle to get those bruises and Craig knew betterbut in the heat of murder? "When you sit down and dispassionately look at the evidence, it couldn't be anybody but him," said . The Heidt clan was turning out just as its patriarch had hoped. From just after 10 a.m. until close to 6 p.m., defense attorneys were working hard to pick apart the original grand jury indictment. Sager said police had no record of response to domestic incidents involving the Smiths. South Carolina has some violent cities that you don't hear about in the national news. As the whole county soon would learn, it was hardly the perfect family. "What did you think when you heard this?" "Carey and I met in high school our senior year in English class," said Robin. She sustained a gun wound but was able to alert the authorities. "If this gun slips at all, it will fall toward your arm and it will definitely tear you alive. Low 34F. "You were gonna get married to Craig. Todd Bowlin, 44, of Charleston was described by police as an acquaintance of Sharon Smith. Spencer asked Ed Myrick, the sheriff's firearms instructor. The violent murders, in which the men were shot from just two feet away, sent waves of fear around the close-knit community, where the Heidt family was well-known for their successful real estate business. Robin asked. But do authorities have all the right people? Evidence at the two-week trial showed Craig Heidt was having an affair with Carey Heidt's wife, Robin. Three dead in double murder, suicide . Prosecutor Muldrew shows the video in court, telling the jury Craig could not possibly have gotten those bruises falling on a toilet. A case and trial that gripped the Effingham County community and ripped apart a family has reached its conclusion. But the killer never set the gas ablaze, perhaps panicking when he heard Linda's desperate call to 911. "Philip loved his family, his church and his community." "No, he wasn't prepared and Craig did not want me to tell Carey. McDuffie did, however, within three days of the deaths let the public know it was believed they had no reason to be afraid -- in other words, the Heidts were the target. Juror #4: It was the constant lying about everything, and, you know, telling things before they were even asked. Not only was the marriage on the rocks, but even more shockingly, Robin Heidt was having an affair with her husband's older brother, Craig. "You had a big smile when you said that," Spencer commented. "To have happened like that is truly impossible," Muldrew said. Robin has now turned against her former lover - even testifying against him in court. On Dec. 1, 2010, the murder trial of Craig Heidt begins in the Effingham County Courthouse. It focuses on unveiling the mystery behind the death(s), the impact the case had on the community and the kind of media attention it generated. The family soon learned about this liaison, leading to domestic disputes. Pattison is a cousin of the kids' father, Elwyn. Your login session has expired. 0.2512. Craig Heidt never took the stand. Some said the murders were Mafia related, some said it was a real estate deal gone bad, and others said the murderers were meth dealers that lived not far from the Heidts. ", 'He wanted the big house. And many believe Robin is responsible for the deaths. ", "No question you'd be bruised," Spencer noted. The couple. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation took the lead in investigating at the request of Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, who knew Philip Heidt well. Craig Heidt was tried by an Effingham County jury and convicted of the killings of his father, Philip Heidt, and brother, Carey Heidt. ', Scars: Linda Heidt, who believes her son is innocent, was shot through the left side of her face in the attack, In court: Craig Heidt was found guilty last year of murdering his father and brother and shooting his mother, Craig was 'very angry' about his father's reaction, Robin said. A second man, Aaron M. Kaiser, 37, of Beecher City, was arrested and has been charged with concealing a homicidal death. . Then one day, an officer guarding Linda saw something that set off alarm bells. Advertisement He does not have a cold blooded heart. "It was not smart. The widow of an Effingham County man shot and killed along with his father in his father's home testified Friday to having an affair with her late husband's brother and said he denied having . ", "No," Howard replied. During the trial, it was revealed that Craig had an affair with his brother Carey's wife, Robin, and was planning to purchase land after he'd made some money. "Each of us had our own personalities.". When Craig Heidt stood trial for all the charges against him, Robin took to the stands and detailed her relationship with the entire family. Craig Heidt was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison plus 85 years in Effingham County Superior Court on Thursday afternoon. Brother Chris Heidt was not laughing then or now. The blast was what I saw. "I just, I was just in shock". It's just his character.". Nora Wilfred, 33, was found dead on 4 December 1972, her body having been dumped on wasteland off Pugsley Lane, Herbert Street, in Butetown, Cardiff. Carey, like his father, also went on to become a respected businessman in the community; while Craig, an avid hunter, lived in a secluded cabin in a hunting club near Oliver. Spencer asked Robin. "The first thing I noticed about Craig when I first met him was what a genuine person he was and what a gentleman he was," Bonds told Spencer. ', Happier times: Robin said the affair drove a wedge through the Heidt family, pictured, Brothers: From left to right, Carey, Craig and Chris Heidt. 'It's not something that I'm proud of, but it's a mistake that anyone could make.'. Once inside, according to this scenario, Craig methodically went room to room shooting his brother, his father and his mother all for the love of Robin. "Yeah, um, we were really good friends in the beginning and realized that I was in love with Careyand not long after high school we got married. According to the Illinois State Police, Christopher E . or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Savannah . Inside the forest palace 'Putin shares with his gymnast lover and their secret children': Luxury estate My nightmare neighbours kept throwing condoms and rubbish in our garden - I took epic revenge and they never Seat swapping on planes is a hot topic - but what ARE the do's and don'ts? Matt Sager, center, speaks at a press conference Monday related to the Sunday shootings in Effingham. She then went home, where she and husband Carey had a nasty argument. "You're two feet away, my goodness. "No," she said. More than 40 shots were fired during the attack, he said. Investigators checked the alibi of a local drug dealer, but quickly ruled him out. They resumed their involvement in December, and Craig had moved in by January. When Robin failed to hand over the children's Social Security payments on time, she spent two days in jail. "It didn't do anything for Craig, his appearance of innocence for him to be staying there," said Linda. McDuffie was taken to task by some for not providing much in the way of information to calm those fears. Only hours into the Heidt murder investigation - as Linda Heidt fought for her life - the whispers began: Rumors that this seemingly perfect Southern family was anything but. 'And my family was telling me: "Do you know how this looks?" I had one lady even call me and tell me I need to go see the governor and make the governor make GBI make an arrest.". Two men appeared in Effingham County Superior Court Thursday asking a judge to set a bond after they both were charged with murder. Carey and Robin also got into a fight after he sent a low-flying helicopter to Craig's cabin near Oliver to gather evidence of the affair. "Not only was it laughable, it was scientifically and physically impossible.". "I said we have to go by the evidence.". "Where along the spectrum do you think her actions fall?" "Every time Philip had had an argument with somebody, you know, we had to go and investigate and talk to those folkssee what was going on with it," said McDuffie. Gary B. Schmitt, an Effingham man who murdered his father in 2010 and attempted to murder two others in 2011, has been charged with aggravated battery as a result of . "The gas fumes out by the road were just horrific," McDuffie recalled. I know the man he is. Spencer asked Chris Heidt. Never mind that brother-in-law thing and never mind her three children who at that time were 10, 7 and 3 years old. You can filter data by crime type and by date range be expanding the menus on the left hand side of the page. "Robbery wasn't the motive. He has become, for all practical purposes, Carey Heidt. NBCs Dateline: Mystery in Effingham County is an episode that explores the double homicide of prominent Georgian real estate developers and father and son, Philip Martin Heidt and Carey Albert Heidt, along with its baffling aftermath. Despite her husband and children, who were 10, seven and three at the time, she continued the relationship. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Soon, the investigation began whilst wild rumors and theories about the killer kept floating around the community. "There was a lot of tension very heated conversations, several very heated conversations," Robin told Spencer. What do you think was going on?" A motion to move the trial due to publicity was denied by the judge in the case, F. Gates Peed. Rumors About Gregg Smart's Murder Spread at the Local High School. His mother and brother stand by him, but if Craig Heidt thinks his former lover and sister-in-law is still with him, he's about to get a nasty shock. They next turned their attention to the Heidt's real estate dealings. First published on July 14, 2012 / 10:55 PM. You just kinda point and shoot.". "I mean, this sounds like it's just completely spiraling out of control," said Spencer. "But he did not tell me who it was with.". "Were the brothers very different?" Today, life in Effingham County has returned to normal, or as near normal as it can be in a small community where so many suspicions linger. And she had been shaking as if she was afraid.". Spencer asked Downs. "Most people that saw it literally laughed at this reenactment he did. The Heidt family was widely respected in their community and the murders shocked townsfolk. But Robin was keeping a secret from her husband - one that would eventually claim his life. I pray Rishi Sunak succeeds so as Tory Eurosceptics could take TWO WEEKS to decide whether to back Rishi Sunak's Brexit deal for Northern Watch as shoplifter puts BACK products he's trying to steal after live CCTV hub tells him: 'You're being Is YOUR lifestyle good for your heart? Apparently, Craig had plans to purchase land once he'd made some money. 0. In the end, even without the murder weapon available as evidence, a jury found Craig guilty of 11 counts in connection to the matter. The tiny Logan County community of Beason lost five of its residents when Raymond "Rick" and Ruth Gee and three of their children, Justina Constant, 16, Dillen Constant, 14, and . Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students. asked Spencer. ", "Yes, I can. 'He is livin' in his dead brother's house, sleepin' in his dead brother's bed next to his dead brother's wife,' Muldrew said. An observant security system contractor working on a house in Illinois 30 years ago led police to identify a man accused of gunning down a sheriff's deputy in Lee County, Virginia. She told her husband about the affair two weeks after it began. Nora Wilfred. "I can be certain that Craig did not do this to our family.". "There was two bruises on his right biceps and one on his left. Feb 24, 2023. "It took a coward to walk in at three in the morning into a dark home and do what they did to our family," he said. Only seven months after she'd planned to walk down the aisle to marry Craig Heidt, Robin Heidt instead walked to the witness box to testify against him. Investigators then searched Craig's arms for bruises caused by the impact of shooting the gun - and found his arms bore the marks. Actually, he was the only one that did not have an alibi," Muldrew said. So I did. The order was extended Friday, two days before the slayings on Willow Street. Spencer asked Linda. Spencer asked. But after just six hours that changed. In the ensuing trial, it was revealed that Craig was involved in an affair with Carey's wife, Robin. "He later said that his boots were missin'. News of the murders spread quickly in this rural southern community and so did fear. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. Under oath, Robin repeatedly refuted the notion of having a direct hand in the murders of her husband and father-in-law. Philip and Carey Heidt were well-known, well-respected, well-liked. With Sager are Detective Aaron Lange, left, and Police Chief Mike Schutzbach, right. Currently in his mid-50s, Craig has always maintained his innocence. "It was very much a mess.". Guyton - Rev. The affair became known to the family and caused great tension, "reaching a peak," in the days leading up to the murders, Muldrew said. Effingham police Cpl. Is there any real evidence to link Robin to the crimes? Crime-focused news impacting Effingham County, Georgia and the surrounding area. Craig allegedly planned to secure his future with Robin and had an eye on his share of his father's estate as well as the $3.5 million insurance policy on his brother Carey's life. I didn't wish any harm on Carey or Mr. Philip or Miss Linda," she said. However, by that time, Craig had already insisted that one of his shotguns, boots, and gas cans were missing and even denied his affair with Robin, which she confirmed. And he said, 'No.'". "But I feel like they have the right person.". I had never seen Mr. Philip that angry. But the answer investigators most wanted was from the grievously wounded Linda Heidt. [This story was originally broadcast on Jan. 7. "It was laughable," Muldrew said. Aired: 06/01/2022 Season 10 - Episodes 42:50 S10 - E59 Friends Until Death 2:29 Preview 0:59 2:26 Extras MUGSHOTS.COM IS AN AGGREGATOR OF THE TODAY'S CRIME NEWS. I was really confused and I told Carey about it two weeks into the affair," Robin replied. "What questions did he fail?" For instance, the murder rate in the city of North Charleston was 22.16 per 100,000 people as of 2018, making it the 13th most violent city in America. He wanted the kids that adored him. Susan Spencer asked Robin Heidt. "It was very, very difficult," she said. Juror #11: The way she threw him under the bus just, I mean, that told you right there, she just used him. Missed: Speaking to CBS, Robin Heidt described her husband as a 'wonderful husband and wonderful father'. "I can't even describe how it made me feel - sick," said Robin. "The only things coming out of Carey's mouth about Craig were negative," Robin testified. He said Smiths current residence in Salem was being searched for more clues. And his father, Philip, told Craig flat out: Knock it off with your brother's wife or lose your entire inheritance. Many in the public didn't understand the time required for a complex investigation. "It's amazing that she did survive because, basically, it looks like she was left for dead," said Downs. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. They had three sons, Craig, Chris, and Carey. "Well, are you going to arrest her?" "It was," the sheriff replied, "'cause every time you saw them together it was just like the perfect family.". "The community still wants to know when we're going to arrest her," Sheriff McDuffie replied. "In every single critical bit of evidence, they want you to make a leap of faith," Bonds told the court in his closing argument. Craig Heidt insisted the bruises came not from a shotgun, but from a freak fall -- a misstep in the shower that sent him headfirst over the toilet. Each episode focuses on a different case, delving deep into the police investigation, along with interviews from the victim's family members, friends, colleagues and others connected to the case. Philip's wife Linda Heidt was also shot, but she managed to survive and made the 911 phone call. On May 22, 2009 nine months later Philip Craig Heidt, 41, son of Philip and Linda Heidt, brother of Carey Heidt, was arrested for the attack. ", "I didn't say that," Muldrew replied. In her request for the protection order, Sharon Smith outlined a pattern of alleged abuse that had been, she said, occurring for an extended period of time. Daily News. "The shooter comes to Carey first. Yet, things changed in April 2008, when Craig began an affair with the mother of Careys three children, Robin Heidt. "I wasn't really sure. Prosecutors pointed out the letter never was sentand although certainly heart wrenching, they called it irrelevant. "I wasn't sure; I wasn't sure what that meant.". The verdict was guilty. A travel expert has clarified the Do not sell or share my personal information. "I really would rather not comment on that," she replied. Furious motorist is fined 650 after council worker paints disabled bay around his parked car. NBC's 'Dateline: Mystery in Effingham County' is an episode that explores the double homicide of prominent Georgian real estate developers and father and son, Philip Martin Heidt and Carey Albert Heidt, along with its baffling aftermath. Weeks later, investigators finally were able to interview Linda. They found no motive and no suspect. Robin and Craig got a rude awakening the next morning. "I think most of the community thought it was like a slap in the face," he replied. He had said 'that Carey and Philip had better watch out or he was going to play 'old school' on them.'. He is taking his dead brother's children to school," Muldrew said. Linda was the mothershe's comin' outta the bathroom to see what's going on because she doesn't have a clue the left side of her face was extensively damaged and then the shot continued through her right shoulder. The Mystery of Effingham County Publicly they were a prominent family highly respected for their success. No evidence, including empty shell casings, were left behind at the scene, so it took a while for officials to determine that the weapon used was a shotgun. "People just -- sometimes these things happen and people get divorced. So Howard asked Craig to take off his shirt. ", "The Heidt family?" He claimed he had fallen out of the shower and fallen over a toilet. Watch The Mystery of Effingham County (Season 10, Episode 56) of Dateline: Secrets Uncovered or get episode details on NBC.com. But now prosecutors had their motive: Craig wanted not just his brother's wife, but his brother's life and had killed to get it. You felt like that was fair? In the early hours of August 25, 2008, leading real estate developer Philip Heidt and his son, Carey Heidt, were shot to death in their beds. The community and the case also have been part of national news coverage including a two-hour show on "Dateline NBC" and "48 Hours Mystery" on CBS. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Effingham County Jail reported the following bookings: Effingham County deputies arrested Mason L. Parker, 34, Newton, Feb. 26 on charges of possession of hypodermic syringe, possession of drug . Spencer asked. 'It just took off from there.'. To the medical examiner, the explanation is obvious. On August 25, 2008, Philip and Carey were shot to death in their beds. "And he's drivin' his dead brother's truck. "When you look at the future now, and I assume you're doing your best to look ahead -what do you see for the Heidt family?" Enhanced Cost of Living Calculator Now includes childcare, taxes, health, housing for home owners vs renters, insurance costs and more when you upgrade to premium. "It's not something that I'm proud of, but it's a mistake that anyone could make" said Robin Heidt. Carey Heidt was a young father of three and worked with his father at a real estate office in Rincon. Craig Heidt was convicted two years and four months after the crime by a jury of four men and eight women. EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Tony Arnsdorff has been sentenced to life without parole plus 15 years in the 2017 murder of Courtney Wells. "I looked at Craig and I said, 'That helicopter is here watching us,'" Robin told Spencer. Beason murders. Robin says that never will happen, because there is no evidence to find. According to Robin, theyd also talked about getting married, but she started having second thoughts just before he was arrested. He does not have a cold blooded heart," she replied. "I did not find out until after Carey passed away that he had the life insurance money put into a trust fund for our three children," she said. Asked about the sentence, she told Spencer. Local news, sports and entertainment when you want it. You can filter data by crime type and by date range be expanding the menus on the left hand side of the page. "Do you think their affair had anything whatsoever to do with the murders?" "Both of the men had similar entry wounds -- that is a shotgun wound to the face," Downs said of murder victims Philip and Carey Heidt. "That was the plan, the future plans," she replied. I see truth. Then a sheriff recalled a conversation he had had with Carey a month before his death. Muldrew argues that the shooting made perfect sense if you thought about it as Craig did. I see hope. "Craig doesn't just instantly occur to you?" Officer James Dingledein said. Contact Us Sheriff's Office Email the Office Physical Address View Map 130 W First Street Extension Springfield, GA 31329 Directions Phone: : 912-754-3449 Emergency Phone: : 911 Hours Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Later that Sunday, Robin called her lover, Craig. You have permission to edit this article. The case garnered massive media attention. He also believes multiple shooters were involved. The call came in about 8:45 p.m. City police were joined by Effingham County sheriff's deputies and Illinois state troopers at the scene, where they were . Her eyes got really wide. Crocker, the biological father of Mary and Elwyn Jr., faces multiple charges, including felony murder, concealing the death of another and cruelty to children in the first degree. With numerous rumors about the killer floating around the community, the police finally uncovered the truth that shocked the entire nation nine months after the crime: Philip and Carey were killed by one of their own family members. ", "I wrote down in my journal that I knew what hell smelled likeGasoline and gunpowder," Linda told Spencer. It did; in fact, it had three of them. Craig Heidt's appeal of his conviction will be heard by the Georgia Supreme Court in September. He had intended to light their home on fire as well but fled upon hearing the call. When he was there, he was a very good father, a wonderful father. Therefore, after his passing, she directly asked her lover if he had anything to do with the offenses, and he said no. Therefore, today, in his mid-50s, Craig Heidt is incarcerated at the maximum-security Georgia State Prison in Reidsville. '"The only way I'm gonna have Robin Heidt and have peace is Momma, Daddy, and Carey have to be eliminated from the equation. Dateline: Secrets Uncovered takes a look at some of the most mysterious crimes in recent history. "it just took off from there". Over the last 1 1/2 years, Jerry has been told to stop with the abuse or I would file for divorce, Sharon Smith wrote. Carey Heidt and Robin Seabrook Rast Caves love story is straight out of a storybook; well, the initial aspects of it at least. Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. "Cam has been shooting since he was five," said Edwards. Where to Watch Episode 4 Mystery in Rock Hill, Part 1 Wed, Apr 27, 2011. Among the 2017 arrests 49 were made for violent crime charges. This is not a time to take leaps of faith on another man's life here.". Effingham County Sheriff's Office arrested 25 year old Chyenne N. Norsic of Shelbyville for an Effingham County mittimus to jail and a Shelby County FTA warrant for driving while license suspended. At first, Robin kept the affair from officers who had quizzed her over her husband's enemies. According to an order of protection filed last month by his estranged wife Sharon, Jerry W. Smith had threatened to harm her on several recent occasions. "Where did you think this was gonna go?" The Mystery of Effingham County Episode aired Jun 1, 2022 YOUR RATING Rate Crime Publicly they were a prominent family highly respected for their success. ", "Hasn't asked," Howard said. In December of the following year, she was taken into custody again after failing to hand over her childrens Social Security amount to Linda, their maternal grandmother, who had temporary custody.