Original subtitles

("Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who playing)

NARRATOR: CSI: Miami, the global television phenomenon.

NARRATOR: CSI: Miami, the global television phenomenon.

In this series, we'll explore crime

In this series, we'll explore crime

through an entirely new lens.

DISPATCHER: Marlene Warren was just shot.

NARRATOR: The investigations on this program are true.

NARRATOR: The investigations on this program are true.

Ride along with the real CSI experts.

Ride along with the real CSI experts.

VINCE WEINER: This was the most brutal homicide in over 25 years.

CRUX CONCEPTION: Forensic science,

it was the key witness.

it was the key witness.

NARRATOR: Talk to the real suspects.

I didn't kill anybody, dude.

NARRATOR: Hear from the real victims.

NARRATOR: Hear from the real victims.

I couldn't believe it. I'm in a state of shock.

NARRATOR: And ultimately solve the case

through the use of forensic science.

We still have a homicide suspect somewhere out there.

NARRATOR: This is...

WOMAN: A murder...

NARRATOR: This is...

WOMAN: A murder...

REPORTER: A disturbing story has come in...

(overlapping voices)

NEWSMAN: We start with breaking news...

REPORTER: Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies say

they found the 21-year-old

they found the 21-year-old

with a knife wound to his chest.

Right now, detectives are trying to

track down what exactly happened here in this house

track down what exactly happened here in this house

that left one man dead and a community in shock.

On November 17, in 2016,

On November 17, in 2016,

I took a call for a homicide.

I took a call for a homicide.

It was a death investigation.

And when I arrived on scene,

the boy's mom, her boyfriend,

the boy's mom, her boyfriend,

and a friend that was visiting,

all three of them outside.

all three of them outside.

I start on the outside, taking photos

of the scene, the location.

And then I work my way to the front door.

And then I work my way to the front door.

The front door was wide open.

My name is Crux Conception.

I'm a retired homicide detective

I'm a retired homicide detective

and criminal profiler.

There wasn't any signs of forced entry,

There wasn't any signs of forced entry,

which means the perpetrator had access to the home.

which means the perpetrator had access to the home.

KELLY: The minute I walk in the door...

KELLY: The minute I walk in the door...

the first thing I noticed

was a very neat house.

was a very neat house.

When I walked into the kitchen,

there was a knife on the counter.

there was a knife on the counter.

The blade was soaked.

It had blood on it.

It had blood on it.

And in a hallway, there was blood everywhere.

And in a hallway, there was blood everywhere.

There's also blood smears

There's also blood smears

on the floor and on the walls.

In the bedroom,

a young man was laying on the floor

a young man was laying on the floor

on his back.

There was blood all over his clothing.

There was blood all over his clothing.

A very bloody crime scene.

The bed, the mattress, the sheets

The bed, the mattress, the sheets

on the bed were blood-soaked.

HEIDI SIEVERS: It's evident that this was not

a stationary or static event.

a stationary or static event.

My name is Heidi Sievers,

and I'm a bloodstain pattern analyst.

The bloodletting event most likely happened in the kitchen

near the hallway, running to the decedent's bedroom.

near the hallway, running to the decedent's bedroom.

Due to the fact that there are directional notations

Due to the fact that there are directional notations

in the blood, signifying

it was moving in that direction,

but also the change in volume of blood.

but also the change in volume of blood.

That volume started to increase as the decedent

moved down the hallway.

moved down the hallway.

In the entranceway, there is blood droplets

In the entranceway, there is blood droplets

on the ceiling, which would indicate casting.

If you pull a bloody knife out of somebody,

the blood's going to fly off the knife handle,

the blood's going to fly off the knife handle,

and it's going to leave marks on the ceilings.

SIEVERS: The victim suffered seven distinct

sharp force trauma wounds.

I saw wounds on both hands.

On the thigh, an injury to the upper back,

On the thigh, an injury to the upper back,

and there was a noticeable wound

to his upper chest.

to his upper chest.

The stab wound that he had to the chest...

...it was non-survivable.

It's possible he just didn't see it coming,

It's possible he just didn't see it coming,

or was caught totally off guard.

I cannot imagine

what was going through his mind.

what was going through his mind.

SIEVERS: Typically, when we're dealing with a stabbing,

especially to this totality,

you're dealing with something that is a personal attack.

you're dealing with something that is a personal attack.

CONCEPTION: When we hear "crime of passion,"

everyone thinks broken heart.

everyone thinks broken heart.

But passion is a psychological term.

Not only does it suggest opportunity,

Not only does it suggest opportunity,

it also suggests rage.

Investigators collected

several pieces of evidence.

several pieces of evidence.

One was the knife.

It was a kitchen knife with a white handle

and a blade approximately nine inches long.

and a blade approximately nine inches long.

It coincides with the type of injuries

that the victim sustained.

that the victim sustained.

KELLY: This is the handiest knife in a knife set.

This is your sharp knife

that you do all of your hard work with.

that you do all of your hard work with.

CONCEPTION: It was collected and then sent off to the lab

for fingerprints and DNA analysis as well.

for fingerprints and DNA analysis as well.

The decedent on scene was identified

by his mother as 21-year-old James Barry.

by his mother as 21-year-old James Barry.

James Barry was my younger brother and only brother.

James Barry was my younger brother and only brother.

Around 12:20 that night,

Around 12:20 that night,

I had a call from my father.

(phone ringing)

I will never forget the tone of my father's voice

I will never forget the tone of my father's voice

sharing with me that, "Someone murdered your brother."

sharing with me that, "Someone murdered your brother."

I collapsed crying and screaming on top of my lungs,

saying this can't be true.

saying this can't be true.

And I was in complete disbelief.

It was the absolute worst night of my life.

It was the absolute worst night of my life.

James and I were very close.

Even though we had the seven-year age difference.

Even though we had the seven-year age difference.

I always made sure if anybody picked on my brother,

they had to deal with me.

He was a gamer.

We were big into the Pokémon stuff.

He loved video games.

He loved video games.

James made lots of friends through gaming.

James made lots of friends through gaming.

He was your perfect son,

your perfect brother.

your perfect brother.

He didn't have a mean bone in him.

Everybody loved him.

I can't think of a person that didn't like him.

I can't think of a person that didn't like him.

We're just shocked that it even happened.

We're just shocked that it even happened.

CONCEPTION: Detectives now focus

on the three witnesses:

Jeff, the victim's best friend,

Jeff, the victim's best friend,

James's mom, Nicola,

and her boyfriend, Guy.

and her boyfriend, Guy.

All three witnesses claim that they were asleep,

and didn't hear or see a thing during this incident.

and didn't hear or see a thing during this incident.

Investigators document the presence of blood

on Jeff and Guy,

on Jeff and Guy,

all over their hands...

and on their clothing.

and on their clothing.

Those pieces of clothing

bearing bloodstains

were sent for DNA analysis.

In an investigation like this, where you have

potential witnesses or suspects on scene,

it is important for investigators

it is important for investigators

to interview each of them separately.

They first come to the decedent's mother, Nicola.

They first come to the decedent's mother, Nicola.

KELLY: I met with the boy's mom.

She was obviously distraught and in a difficult place.

She was obviously distraught and in a difficult place.

Nicola informs the police that she wears

Nicola informs the police that she wears

earplugs while she sleeps because of Guy's loud snoring.

earplugs while she sleeps because of Guy's loud snoring.

So it makes sense that she could not hear the screaming

and the noise during the attack.

CONCEPTION: Nicola and James,

by all accounts, they had a very,

by all accounts, they had a very,

very loving relationship.

It's rare where you would have a mother kill her adult son.

It's rare where you would have a mother kill her adult son.

More importantly, she also didn't have blood

on her hands like the other two did.

on her hands like the other two did.

Detectives do not believe

that Nicola is a suspect.

However, Guy and Jeff are both people of interest.

However, Guy and Jeff are both people of interest.

Both of them literally have blood on their hands.

Both of them literally have blood on their hands.

How did three people

not hear a sound during this attack?

not hear a sound during this attack?

Could they have truly slept through a violent murder,

Could they have truly slept through a violent murder,

or is somebody lying?

Could one of these witnesses

actually be the killer?

actually be the killer?

♪ ♪

REPORTER: Rosemarie Barry is struggling to cope

with the death of her grandson James.

She told me by phone she cries a lot.

She told me by phone she cries a lot.

ROSEMARIE: For me, a loving, gentle, beautiful young man.

ROSEMARIE: For me, a loving, gentle, beautiful young man.

REPORTER: The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office says

someone stabbed the 21-year-old man in his home.

Upon reviewing the medical examiner's report,

Upon reviewing the medical examiner's report,

James suffered three wounds to his hands.

That's a defensive wound.

You're trying to fight off your attacker,

and in the process, you get struck.

and in the process, you get struck.

He had four actual stab wounds to the left side of his chest,

He had four actual stab wounds to the left side of his chest,

his abdomen, his back and his right thigh.

The stab wounds in his back

The stab wounds in his back

indicate that he was trying to run

and flee for his life.

SIEVERS: His cause of death

was attributed to a seven-inch

stab wound

to his left upper chest.

to his left upper chest.

One question that arose during the investigation

was how did no one in this house hear him screaming for help

was how did no one in this house hear him screaming for help

while he was being stabbed multiple times?

And a reason for that might be, per the autopsy report,

his chest cavity was full of blood,

his chest cavity was full of blood,

so he might not have had the physical ability to scream.

so he might not have had the physical ability to scream.

And when he did, he would have been pushing out blood

from his mouth and even from his nose.

From the end of that hallway

all the way to his bedroom, he's trying to scream for help

and nobody can hear him.

and nobody can hear him.

KELLY: My first thought was,

it must have been a hell of a fight with a knife.

It must have been swift.

Who is the person that did this to this boy?

Our first suspect is Jeff.

He's 24 years of age.

He's 24 years of age.

He's also the best friend of our victim

and present at the homicide.

KELLY: Jeff is a gamer.

KELLY: Jeff is a gamer.

He used to frequent there a lot.

Sometimes, would spend the night.

SIEVERS: The night of James's murder,

SIEVERS: The night of James's murder,

he came over to play video games, hang out

and essentially sleep over.

and essentially sleep over.

He has the best opportunity

out of anyone to commit this crime

out of anyone to commit this crime

because he was actually in the victim's bedroom

at the time that it occurred.

at the time that it occurred.

CONCEPTION: Investigators interviewed Jeff

to get his account of the events which had transpired that night.

Although Jeff is distraught,

this does not clear him from being a suspect.

this does not clear him from being a suspect.

As a seasoned detective, you see people

putting on fake tears to throw us off the scent.

The hard facts that investigators know is that Jeff

The hard facts that investigators know is that Jeff

was in the room where James died.

was in the room where James died.

James and Jeff,

their social life consisted of gaming,

their social life consisted of gaming,

which is known to sometimes cause emotions, outbursts.

which is known to sometimes cause emotions, outbursts.

Lengthy exposure to violent video games

might cause lack of empathy.

might cause lack of empathy.

It's important for the investigators to consider

the gaming culture

when looking at Jeff as a person of interest.

when looking at Jeff as a person of interest.

Could he have killed James?

Let's compare the physicality of the people involved.

Let's compare the physicality of the people involved.

We have Jeff, who is six-one, 210 pounds.

Then we have James, who is five-nine, 129 pounds.

Then we have James, who is five-nine, 129 pounds.

It's apparent that Jeff is

It's apparent that Jeff is

larger than James,

and could possibly have the ability to overpower him.

and could possibly have the ability to overpower him.

Our first theory is...

...after dinner, James and Jeff

go back to his bedroom to play video games.

go back to his bedroom to play video games.

They were in some type of competition

or tournament together, and James beat Jeff.

or tournament together, and James beat Jeff.

Something gets heated over the game,

and that argument continues to boil.

and that argument continues to boil.

At some point, the boys

make their way back out to the kitchen.

Jeff just snapped.

Jeff just snapped.

He grabs a knife and stabs James.

They make their way back into the bedroom.

Jeff snaps out of it and realizes

Jeff snaps out of it and realizes

that he has to cover this up.

Jeff opens the door

in order to stage a break-in.

He then pretends to frantically call for help

He then pretends to frantically call for help

from Guy and Nicola.

Blood evidence speaks when no one else can.

Jeff did have blood on his hands

Jeff did have blood on his hands

and on his clothing.

Investigators had to photograph

and analyze the type of bloodstains on him.

and analyze the type of bloodstains on him.

If he had been the perpetrator, we would likely

see bloodstains that have force behind them or spatter.

see bloodstains that have force behind them or spatter.

We would see stains on Jeff's clothing

We would see stains on Jeff's clothing

that match that of the walls within the home.

In examining

In examining

the photographs of Jeff,

all of the bloodstains on him

are forms of transfer patterns, or swipes and wipes.

are forms of transfer patterns, or swipes and wipes.

So, if you had wet hands or bloody hands

and you moved them across your clothing,

which are all passive stains.

That coincides with his statement

That coincides with his statement

of attempting to help James, try and render aid

and stay with him until first responders got there.

and stay with him until first responders got there.

The bloodstain patterns

were consistent with Jeff's account of that night,

which makes investigators believe

which makes investigators believe

that Jeff's no longer a suspect.

Next, detectives need to interview Guy,

Next, detectives need to interview Guy,

the mother's boyfriend.

Since Guy is somewhat in a fatherly role

as Nicola's boyfriend,

as Nicola's boyfriend,

is there any type of resentment from Guy to James

or James to Guy?

ALEXANDRA: My mom had multiple miscarriages, so...

James was a miracle baby.

James was a miracle baby.

It was nice not to be the only child anymore.

Growing up, we had really good memories,

Growing up, we had really good memories,

you know, as a family.

Before my parents divorced, James was seven or eight.

Before my parents divorced, James was seven or eight.

You know, it was tough on both of us.

The relationship with Mom and Guy,

The relationship with Mom and Guy,

Guy moved in pretty quickly.

My brother and I had a hard time accepting him at first.

My brother and him

My brother and him

learned how to coexist,

but it wasn't an easy thing.

but it wasn't an easy thing.

Eventually, we saw that he was gonna stick around,

so we got to know him.

so we got to know him.

Until we figure out how that relationship actually was,

if there was harmony or if there was chaos,

if there was harmony or if there was chaos,

then Guy is a suspect.

KELLY: He'd explained to me how he was a butcher,

and he said that of all the knives

and he said that of all the knives

that anybody could have grabbed,

that was the sharpest knife in the house.

CONCEPTION: He also admits

CONCEPTION: He also admits

that it's the same knife

he used to carve the pot roast

for last evening's dinner.

for last evening's dinner.

The next investigative theory is...

...around midnight, Guy can't fall asleep,

...around midnight, Guy can't fall asleep,

so he gets up, James is still playing video games,

but he decides to take a break,

but he decides to take a break,

and he goes to the kitchen.

When he sees Guy, they exchange words.

Guy goes into a fit of rage.

Guy goes into a fit of rage.

He grabs his chef knife.

He stabs James.

James then runs towards his bedroom

James then runs towards his bedroom

while Guy is still attacking him.

James, surprising Jeff, collapses on his bed.

James, surprising Jeff, collapses on his bed.

Guy drops the knife and runs back to his room.

Guy drops the knife and runs back to his room.

He also admits that,

after removing the knife, he washes his hands.

Does that send a red flag? Yes.

Does that send a red flag? Yes.

No one else is washing their hands.

From the time he picked up the knife

From the time he picked up the knife

to the time he washed his hands,

Guy is literally tampering with evidence.

I know most men, 58, are in a profession,

I know most men, 58, are in a profession,

making a living for themselves.

You have a 21-year-old living at home with mom.

You have a 21-year-old living at home with mom.

There could be some resentment there.

That's a boiling point.

That's a boiling point.

Could Guy be the killer?

♪ ♪

After reviewing Guy's stats and interview,

he could have a motive, and he also has the means.

he could have a motive, and he also has the means.

SIEVERS: Guy certainly has the strength

SIEVERS: Guy certainly has the strength

and the skills with a knife

to overpower and carry out an attack like this on James.

to overpower and carry out an attack like this on James.

Looking at Guy as a person of interest,

we need to think about,

is there any evidence linking him to that scene?

is there any evidence linking him to that scene?

Bloodstains on his clothing, as well as DNA

or fingerprints relating to the knife.

or fingerprints relating to the knife.

Is there any evidence that could help

establish Guy's innocence or guilt?

establish Guy's innocence or guilt?

CONCEPTION: Investigators

circle back to the body.

SIEVERS: It was theorized that the first wound was

SIEVERS: It was theorized that the first wound was

the stab wound to James's abdomen.

When we're looking at wound analysis,

typically, the wounds earlier on in the event

are going to be deeper and more severe...

are going to be deeper and more severe...

...because the assailant will have more energy.

...because the assailant will have more energy.

As that event carries on,

the assailant will grow more fatigued.

the assailant will grow more fatigued.

The stab wound in James's abdomen

portrayed an upward directionality...

...suggesting we have someone lower,

and their natural holding position would be

in the area of his abdomen.

in the area of his abdomen.

We have the wound to the upper left chest

We have the wound to the upper left chest

where James was then bent over.

And we now have switched

to an overhand swing of that knife going downward

to an overhand swing of that knife going downward

as well as from left to right.

We also have a linear cast-off pattern

on the ceiling,

as well as the partial wall above James's bedroom door.

as well as the partial wall above James's bedroom door.

In order to create a pattern like that,

a suspect would have had to have been able

a suspect would have had to have been able

to freely swing that knife above their head.

Someone with significant height

would not be able

would not be able

to freely swing their arm up over their head

to create a pattern like that.

Based on not only the bloodstain patterns,

but also the wounds...

...we can establish a relative height of our suspect.

CONCEPTION: The perpetrator had to be shorter than James,

CONCEPTION: The perpetrator had to be shorter than James,

who was five-nine.

So this is going to logistically rule out Guy and Jeff.

♪ ♪

Investigators received the results

from the forensic analysis

from the forensic analysis

for the evidence recovered at the crime scene.

SIEVERS: The DNA analysis came back of the blood only belonging

SIEVERS: The DNA analysis came back of the blood only belonging

to James, and no fingerprints were recovered.

to James, and no fingerprints were recovered.

And that is likely due to the fact

that the handle of that knife is heavily textured

and corrugated, which is not a surface conducive

and corrugated, which is not a surface conducive

to leaving latent print residue.

We don't have any suspect DNA, any foreign DNA,

We don't have any suspect DNA, any foreign DNA,

and we don't have any fingerprints

to later compare to.

Detectives are investigating a real, live whodunnit.

SIEVERS: As crime scene investigators search and process

the house,

they come across a cell phone

they come across a cell phone

just outside the back door

on the south side of the residence.

CONCEPTION: It was a cell phone with a pink protective cover.

CONCEPTION: It was a cell phone with a pink protective cover.

It does not belong

to any of the three individuals

in the house at the time of the attack

in the house at the time of the attack

or to the victim.

So, whose phone is this?

SIEVERS: Investigators trace the phone and it comes back to belonging

SIEVERS: Investigators trace the phone and it comes back to belonging

to 20-year-old Melanie Eam.

Melanie was his first and only girlfriend.

They met through some video game online,

They met through some video game online,

but they ultimately found out they went

to the same high school as well.

They were really a cute couple. She was very sweet.

They were really a cute couple. She was very sweet.

We loved her. She came to our family events.

We loved her. She came to our family events.

CONCEPTION: This discovery is telling.

It doesn't necessarily

incriminate Melanie, however, it does connect her

with the relationship to the family members

and the victim,

and the victim,

and could also possibly place her

in the house at the time of the murder.

Detectives look into the digital forensics

of James's computer in hopes of discovering more information

of James's computer in hopes of discovering more information

to give them a clue of what happened that night.

to give them a clue of what happened that night.

SIEVERS: Digital forensics plays a huge role

in, essentially, any criminal investigation

because they are digging

because they are digging

into your digital footprint, and any type of activity

from your electronic devices can really help provide

from your electronic devices can really help provide

background information

to investigators that could then be

supported by the physical evidence

recovered on scene or a body.

recovered on scene or a body.

Investigators discover a gaming chat between

James and another user by the name of Hellraiser.

James and another user by the name of Hellraiser.

Investigators are able to determine

Investigators are able to determine

that Hellraiser is actually Melanie.

And their chat occurred before James's death.

CONCEPTION: Detectives learn through the messages that James actually

CONCEPTION: Detectives learn through the messages that James actually

broke up with Melanie in a video game chat room.

After James broke up with her, Melanie was distraught.

She was angry. She was in denial.

He also stated that he'd be willing to talk to her as well.

He also stated that he'd be willing to talk to her as well.

This is a huge break for investigators.

This is a huge break for investigators.

Now they got a suspect with a motive.

She was dumped.

She was dumped.

She was angry-- "This was humiliating.

This was embarrassing. You hurt me."

But based on her physicality,

five foot in height, 90 pounds in weight,

could she have killed James?

could she have killed James?

Could she have stabbed him seven times?

♪ ♪

Investigators now shift their focus

Investigators now shift their focus

to the victim's ex-girlfriend, Melanie Eam.

What was her relationship like with the victim?

What was her relationship like with the victim?

And most importantly, where is she at now?

Detectives discover a great deal more about

Detectives discover a great deal more about

who Melanie Eam is by interviewing

James's friends and family members.

CONCEPTION: Guy relays a story to the detectives

CONCEPTION: Guy relays a story to the detectives

that Melanie Eam was very jealous of Jeff

because Jeff is James's best friend.

because Jeff is James's best friend.

They had a great relationship, and they were pretty close.

They talked to Jeff a little bit more about Melanie.

They talked to Jeff a little bit more about Melanie.

She showed no remorse, which tells me

She showed no remorse, which tells me

there is possibly a sociopath

or psychopath tendencies.

These are major red flags, and it is imperative

These are major red flags, and it is imperative

that detectives find Melanie immediately.

Investigators learn that Melanie lives with her parents,

Investigators learn that Melanie lives with her parents,

but upon arrival, they discover that she is gone.

Her parents then relay to the detectives

Her parents then relay to the detectives

the events which transpired that night.

SIEVERS: Investigators learn on November 16th,

SIEVERS: Investigators learn on November 16th,

Melanie was in perfectly fine spirits,

her normal self,

until the late hours of the night

until the late hours of the night

when she grew distraught and upset.

However, her parents were unsure of why.

However, her parents were unsure of why.

Upon getting ready for their late-night walk around 11:00,

they asked if Melanie wanted to go,

she declined their offer and they left without her.

When they came back,

Melanie had left the house in her father's white Toyota.

Melanie had left the house in her father's white Toyota.

Sometime after 1:00 a.m. Melanie returned home,

Sometime after 1:00 a.m. Melanie returned home,

banging on the door and yelling to be let in.

By the time her parents got to the door to open it,

By the time her parents got to the door to open it,

she had peeled out of the driveway

in the white Toyota and left.

in the white Toyota and left.

Investigators were able to obtain

video surveillance from a neighbor of James,

video surveillance from a neighbor of James,

which captures Melanie speeding off

in the white Toyota at 12:52 a.m.

in the white Toyota at 12:52 a.m.

This proves that Melanie was in the vicinity

at the time of the homicide.

We have her cell phone, which was recovered

We have her cell phone, which was recovered

at the crime scene.

We have video footage of her leaving the crime scene

We have video footage of her leaving the crime scene

at the time the 911 call was made.

The evidence is piling up against Melanie.

The evidence is piling up against Melanie.

SIEVERS: We know that she left

her parents' home

sometime after 11:00 p.m.

sometime after 11:00 p.m.

and did not return home until after 01:00 a.m.

She was in a frantic state

and ended up peeling out of the driveway.

and ended up peeling out of the driveway.

We know that

James was planning to break up with Melanie,

James was planning to break up with Melanie,

which aligns with a motive.

But what detectives don't have is physical, hard proof.

But what detectives don't have is physical, hard proof.

It would be difficult to obtain that proof

without locating Melanie first.

Tonight, friends and family are expressing their condolences.

Tonight, friends and family are expressing their condolences.

We're told James Barry was gentle and kind

and he'll be greatly missed.

The search is still on

The search is still on

for a person of interest, Melanie Eam.

SIEVERS: With a potential dangerous murderer on the loose,

SIEVERS: With a potential dangerous murderer on the loose,

and in an attempt to locate Melanie,

investigators start calling some of the recent contacts

investigators start calling some of the recent contacts

on her recent call log.

CONCEPTION: Law enforcement receives a call back

from Melanie's cousin.

from Melanie's cousin.

He tells investigators that he resides

in the state of Maryland and Melanie is with him

and that she arrived at his place of residence

and that she arrived at his place of residence

at approximately 2:00 a.m. that morning.

The distance between Loxahatchee, Florida

The distance between Loxahatchee, Florida

and Silver Spring, Maryland

is approximately a thousand miles.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office requests assistance

from the local police department

up in Maryland to confirm Melanie's location.

up in Maryland to confirm Melanie's location.

OFFICER: Call them right now. 642, Robert, Robert, Charlie.

OFFICER: Call them right now. 642, Robert, Robert, Charlie.

White Toyota Corolla. Investigation back to...

SIEVERS: Local authorities in Silver Spring, Maryland

SIEVERS: Local authorities in Silver Spring, Maryland

conduct a wellness check

on Melanie at her cousin's house.

Thank you.

Detectives feel that Melanie is

a flight risk for the simple fact

that she fled the state of Florida

to Maryland.

Investigators have to proceed with caution.

Conducting a wellness check on her shows more of a sense

Conducting a wellness check on her shows more of a sense

of care and concern for her rather than letting her know

she's a suspect.

she's a suspect.

It is important for investigators to know

where her location is.

They need to ensure that she stays in that location.

Local police also tow and impound her car.

We know that she used that vehicle

essentially as her getaway car

essentially as her getaway car

to drive to Maryland.

So there's likely key pieces of evidence

from the crime scene now in her vehicle.

from the crime scene now in her vehicle.

After impounding Melanie's car,

investigators decide to process it

investigators decide to process it

in order to discover latent bloodstains.

In order to do that, they utilize a chemical compound

In order to do that, they utilize a chemical compound

known as luminol.

Luminol reacts to the heme in blood

Luminol reacts to the heme in blood

to produce a chemiluminescent reaction,

or essentially, it allows the blood to glow in the dark.

or essentially, it allows the blood to glow in the dark.

And in the presence of blood, it will react with a blue-like

luminescence that can be seen with the naked eye.

luminescence that can be seen with the naked eye.

They discover that there are numerous areas inside

They discover that there are numerous areas inside

and outside of the car.

That luminesce, suggesting the presence of blood.

That luminesce, suggesting the presence of blood.

The exterior driver door handle,

the entire driver door panel,

the entire driver door panel,

gear shifter, e-brake, all areas

you would touch as you get

in your car to drive.

in your car to drive.

The blood samples were collected

and sent off to the lab for a DNA analysis,

and sent off to the lab for a DNA analysis,

and those results came back

to the contributor being James Barry.

This is a major break.

They now have hard evidence, and DNA is irrefutable.

They now have hard evidence, and DNA is irrefutable.

The blood in the car, without a doubt,

proves that Melanie was in the house when James was murdered.

proves that Melanie was in the house when James was murdered.

Now detectives need to get

to the state of Maryland to question her.

CONCEPTION: After the confirmation

CONCEPTION: After the confirmation

of James's DNA inside Melanie's vehicle,

detectives face a new challenge, because Melanie crossed

detectives face a new challenge, because Melanie crossed

state lines by leaving Florida and entering Maryland.

Apprehending her becomes more challenging

Apprehending her becomes more challenging

due to different state laws.

Since she is a flight risk, detectives need to act fast.

Since she is a flight risk, detectives need to act fast.

SIEVERS: A detective

from Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office traveled

to Maryland to speak with Melanie in person.

to Maryland to speak with Melanie in person.

And during that interrogation,

she then starts spilling what happened.

she then starts spilling what happened.

DETECTIVE: Okay.

MELANIE: Yeah.

She told investigators that she went to James's house.

She told investigators that she went to James's house.

They spoke in the kitchen

regarding the breakup.

DETECTIVE: Okay.

DETECTIVE: Okay.

CONCEPTION: The things she said, her demeanor, her behavior--

it just showed that, like, the life was out of her.

it just showed that, like, the life was out of her.

Melanie confessed to the murder of James Barry,

and while doing so, she showed no remorse.

and while doing so, she showed no remorse.

She also willingly surrendered

the clothes she wore the night of the murder.

And the subsequent analysis

of the shirt confirms the presence of both

her and James's DNA.

SIEVERS: The day after

SIEVERS: The day after

her confession, Melanie is extradited

from Maryland to Florida, where she is charged

with the second-degree murder of James Barry.

with the second-degree murder of James Barry.

CONCEPTION: They now know

how James Barry was brutally murdered.

how James Barry was brutally murdered.

SIEVERS: James is breaking up with Melanie

SIEVERS: James is breaking up with Melanie

via video game chat thread.

Angered, she drives her white Toyota

Angered, she drives her white Toyota

over to James's house, where she asks

to speak with him out back of the home.

to speak with him out back of the home.

She sets her cell phone down.

They go inside the house.

They are arguing. James is making it clear

They are arguing. James is making it clear

that he is breaking up with her.

She grows increasingly angry and grabs a knife from the kitchen.

She grows increasingly angry and grabs a knife from the kitchen.

She then catches him by surprise,

stabbing him in the abdomen,

stabbing him in the abdomen,

and delivers another stab wound with an overhead swing

just below the collarbone.

just below the collarbone.

CONCEPTION: James then flees that area

and runs through the hallway.

Melanie pursues after him, continuing

Melanie pursues after him, continuing

to attack him as he's running.

SIEVERS: He then retreats into his bedroom to make contact

with his friend Jeff to ask for help.

with his friend Jeff to ask for help.

Melanie drops the knife and flees out the front door...

Melanie drops the knife and flees out the front door...

and drives away.

NEWSMAN: The 1,000-mile journey to bring

NEWSMAN: The 1,000-mile journey to bring

Melanie Eam back to Palm Beach County

to face a judge is now underway.

The 20-year-old, charged with second-degree murder,

The 20-year-old, charged with second-degree murder,

is accused of killing

21-year-old James Barry last month.

She eventually turned up,

and law enforcement arrested her in Maryland.

and law enforcement arrested her in Maryland.

NEWSWOMAN: 20-year-old Melanie Eam is facing several charges,

including second-degree murder.

including second-degree murder.

She's accused of brutally stabbing to death

her ex-boyfriend James Barry back in November of last year.

her ex-boyfriend James Barry back in November of last year.

NICOLA BARRY: He loved life,

he loved his family, he loved his friends.

JAMES BARRY SR.: This is for our son.

JAMES BARRY SR.: This is for our son.

This is for his justice, and

that's what we're all looking for.

that's what we're all looking for.

And I do believe in my heart, at the end of the day,

that will be done.

We find the defendant guilty of second-degree murder.

SIEVERS: Melanie Eam is found guilty

of second-degree murder for the death of James Barry.

of second-degree murder for the death of James Barry.

JUDGE GLENN KELLEY: What I've decided to do is

to impose, uh, a sentence

to impose, uh, a sentence

of 50 years in the Department of Corrections.

SIEVERS: At the time of the murder,

SIEVERS: At the time of the murder,

Melanie was 20 years old, and now,

she's looking at a life in prison with possible

release in 2066 at the age of 70.

release in 2066 at the age of 70.

She's spending her entire adult life behind bars

She's spending her entire adult life behind bars

over a split-second decision

based on anger over a breakup...

based on anger over a breakup...

...all while the victims

are vicariously left behind in pain over the death

are vicariously left behind in pain over the death

of their son, loved one, friend, family member.

of their son, loved one, friend, family member.

KELLY: 50 years?

That's a chunk of time. That's her whole... her whole life.

That's a chunk of time. That's her whole... her whole life.

As far as a family goes, and even Melanie,

nobody wins, in this case.

A young man is dead.

A young man is dead.

He had his whole life ahead of him.

And for me, it's tragic.

And for me, it's tragic.

SIEVERS: This case really

outlines as one of brutality,

not only in the form of the physical altercation

not only in the form of the physical altercation

that happened between Melanie and James,

but also the detriment of how young they were.

but also the detriment of how young they were.

Life is not a game.

Melanie can't reset her life.

Melanie can't reset her life.

This is the real world.

She left a digital footprint, which left a bloodstain.

She left a digital footprint, which left a bloodstain.

And it took a life, a real life.

ALEXANDRA: I do wish I could go back in time

ALEXANDRA: I do wish I could go back in time

and gave James the biggest hug that day,

and say, "I'm sorry, and I love you."

♪ Darkness crawls like a shadow on the ground... ♪

♪ Darkness crawls like a shadow on the ground... ♪

ALEXANDRA: I would love

my brother to be remembered

my brother to be remembered

for the love that he had for the world.

He would want me to be the love that he can't be anymore.

He would want me to be the love that he can't be anymore.

I don't like the word "forgiveness."

I don't like the word "forgiveness."

I'm not there yet.

I don't know if I ever will be.

♪ Can I keep holding? ♪

♪ Can I keep holding? ♪

ALEXANDRA: I've come to peace with the situation

because at the end of the day, he did love her.

because at the end of the day, he did love her.

Be careful of who you love

'cause it could cost you your life.

'cause it could cost you your life.

♪ If a new age ripens ♪

♪ Can I keep holding? ♪

♪ Can I keep holding? ♪

♪ When the moonlight crescents is it worth the bear? ♪

♪ When the moonlight crescents is it worth the bear? ♪

♪ Darkness crawls like a shadow on the ground ♪

♪ Darkness crawls like a shadow on the ground ♪

♪ Whispering, "Ain't that funny now?" ♪

♪ Whispering, "Ain't that funny now?" ♪

Captioning sponsored by CBS

Captioning sponsored by CBS

Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org