"At some point, and I don't remember where that was atit was like 'Oh my God, that's gotta be Philip's house.'". The Heidt family was widely respected in their community and the murders shocked townsfolk. "He was being, you know, basically treated as the murderer And me as a conspirator right there along with him.". You'd have to ask them.". "As many fights as they'd had and as much bad blood as there was at this point? Juror #4: I think Robin played him like a fiddle. Don't miss Dateline: Secrets Uncovered - The Mystery of Effingham County on June 1, 2022, on Oxygen. But nothing had been stolen - including money left on table tops - and a key was found in the outside of the door. But the killer never set the gas ablaze, perhaps panicking when he heard Linda's desperate call to 911. Homicide suspect Kevin David Lenix Wilson who escaped custody in Effingham County, Georgia was arrested Jan. 6, authorities confirmed. At first, investigators questioned Philip's real estate business partners, wondering if any animosity might have provided a motive for the deadly rampage - but they found none. But investigators zeroed in on Craig Heidt early on and their case got stronger when Agent Howard followed up on a colleague's hunch. Again, Sharon reported numerous calls from an allegedly drunk Jerry the night of Aug. 18 into the morning hours of Aug. 19 in which he told her she would regret filing for divorce. 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. Investigators checked the alibi of a local drug dealer, but quickly ruled him out. Spencer asked. I know my child. "This is the Remington 870," Myrick explained. Many in the public didn't understand the time required for a complex investigation. "And based upon her testimony that she gave against himit did not appear at the time that she was participating in any plan. "You had gasoline on your clothes?" 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. Craig Heidt was convicted two years and four months after the crime by a jury of four men and eight women. There was no fingerprints. Crocker Timeline: Family members could be put to death for murders, burial of Effingham County kids It began with a welfare check in Guyton. Linda Heidt, Philip's wife, was the third person shot that morning. "In every single critical bit of evidence, they want you to make a leap of faith," Bonds told the court in his closing argument. Spencer asked. You just kinda point and shoot.". "I definitely wasn't thinking about my children when I did it, how it would affect them," said Robin. Effingham County, IL Arrest Records What are Effingham County Arrest Statistics? Trends Analytics. But after just six hours that changed. It was case that pitted father against son, husband against wife and brother against brother. "This is their most popular shotgun.". He took that key, opened the door, went in," said Muldrew. A travel expert has clarified the Do not sell or share my personal information. 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. Effingham County Sheriff's officals revealed details today about a 911 call placed from the scene of a triple shooting early Monday morning in which two people . She told 48 Hours she held back the information as 'the Craig Heidt that I know couldn't commit such an act'. And my family was telling me, you know, 'Do you know how this looks?' "I was convinced he was innocent and that he was being treated unfairly.". Craig also was charged with killing his father, Philip, and attempting to kill his mother, Linda. Ultimately, though, it came to light that their other son, Philip Craig Heidt, was the assailant. In the request, Sharon reported numerous calls from her estranged husband from Aug. 15 through 17 in which Jerry allegedly threatened her, stating he will get even with me.. Craig Heidt's appeal of his conviction will be heard by the Georgia Supreme Court in September. Crime Rate. "And he's looked me right straight in the eye, and said, 'No, momma, I did not do this. 'I'm definitely a woman in the center of a storm,' said Robin of the revelations. The patriarch of a close-knit family, he was married to wife Linda for 42 years. 'But he did not tell me who it was with.'. Missed: Speaking to CBS, Robin Heidt described her husband as a 'wonderful husband and wonderful father'. If Carey was livin' happily at his house, he'd have never been at my mother and father's that night,' Craig and Carey's brother Chris told the CBS show. Asked what went though her mind when she heard those words, Linda Heidt told Spencer, "Oh my Lord, no way. "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. That's how the news struck Israel Pattison in December when he heard two children were found buried behind their home in Effingham County. Craig had an eye on his share of his father's estate and a $3.5 million life insurance policy on Carey Heidt's life. "He is livin' in his dead brother's house, sleepin' in his dead brother's bed next to his dead brother's wife. Under oath, Robin repeatedly refuted the notion of having a direct hand in the murders of her husband and father-in-law. In August 2008, the weekend before the murders, Robin, once again, was up at Craig's cabin. EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Tony Arnsdorff has been sentenced to life without parole plus 15 years in the 2017 murder of Courtney Wells. In the request, she added Jerry Smith had been drinking heavily for the last six months and had been verbally and physically abusive. "When you sit down and dispassionately look at the evidence, it couldn't be anybody but him," said District Attorney Michael Muldrew. Nothing was rummaged through. "That's a pretty significant question," Spencer noted. '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. 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. When quizzed by officers, Robin admitted she was having an affair with her brother-in-law. 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 . ", "And how would you describe the community's take on her right now?". Effingham County had 486 arrests for the last 3 years, in 2017 the arrest rate was 412.96 per 100.000 population which is by 44.12% lower than the National average of 739.02 per 100.000 inhabitants. And his father, Philip, told Craig flat out: Knock it off with your brother's wife or lose your entire inheritance. Based on those injuries and the pellets found at the scene, the medical examiner says the shooter used a 12-gauge shotgun; up close and personal. "if he did it, he had no recollection of it," Agent Howard told Spencer. "I wasn't comfortable with the relationship anymore," Robin testified. ", Robin told Spencer, "I walked right up to him and I said, 'Did you do this?' But detectives found shells like those used in the slayings inside his truck. He wanted the kids that adored him. "'The only way I'm gonna have Robin Heidt and have peace is Momma, Daddy, and Carey have to be eliminated from the equation.' 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. The mother-of-three was having an affair with her husband's older brother Craig, the self-proclaimed 'black sheep' of the family. The charges included the two homicides, burglary, aggravated assault and aggravated battery, attempted arson, and three counts of possession of a firearm in a felony. There's no DNA. "I'm sure at the time he wrote the letter he hoped that this might somehow resolve itself so that the family hadn't torn apart," said Prosecutor Michael Muldrew. Spencer asked Linda Heidt. Other 08/13/2021 6:34 AM 123 SESAME ST. Other 08/13/2021 6:34 AM 124 CONCH ST. Other 08/13/2021 6:34 AM 42 WALLABY WAY. Linda was also shot, but she managed to survive, later making the 911 call for help. She knew he was lying to her, she says, especially when he said that he and Carey had patched things up before the shootings. David Wayne Phillips in Georgia Effingham County arrested for 16-6-3 - STATUTORY RAPE. Jerry Smith, 52, and Sharon Smith, 41, were both pronounced dead at the scene. A Georgia father, stepmother, and grandmother were arrested . During Philip Craig Heidts two-week trial for the charges against him, the prosecutors argued that he killed his father and brother and shot his mother because he wanted the life Carey had with Robin. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. "Not really sure. "I just, I was just in shock". Active in the Chamber of Commerce, Philip Heidt was described as a very private man who loved his family dearly. Matt Sager, center, speaks at a press conference Monday related to the Sunday shootings in Effingham. "So you think that's just because the person panicked and fled before they had a chance to take anything?" 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. I know the heart he has. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. To get an idea of the damage a 12-gauge shotgun does at such close range, "48 Hours" asked the sheriff's firearms instructor, Ed Myrick, to demonstrate using the same model shotgun, the same type of buckshot and the same three-inch shell used by the killer. His wife, Linda Heidt, was also targeted, but she managed to survive her injuries and dial 911 for help. "We heard a helicopter that sounded like it was very low," she said. So on that first day, McDuffie turned the case over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Craig Heidt never took the stand. 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. 0. "When did you find out what had happened?" They had values and they believed in each other. Craig is currently serving two consecutive life sentences along with an additional 85 years on all 11 counts at the Georgia State Prison in Reidsville. What do you think was going on?" 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? They met for the first time during their senior year in high school and became friends before realizing they were in love. 'But I don't really worry about what people say.'. Spencer asked. Initially the jury split, eight to four, not guilty. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. Where to Watch Episode 4 Mystery in Rock Hill, Part 1 Wed, Apr 27, 2011. Weeks later, investigators finally were able to interview Linda. 'It just took off from there.'. The judge gave Linda immediate temporary custody. In the years that followed, the couple gladly welcomed three children into their lives while Carey got a job in real estate development with his father, and Robin worked as a paraprofessional. 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. Linda Heidt's injuries were such that it took six minutes for 911 operators to understand where help was needed. Is there any real evidence to link Robin to the crimes? "Not only was it laughable, it was scientifically and physically impossible.". 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. No evidence placed Craig at the scene - yet he had no alibi and was found to have lied on police lie detectors, even flat-out denying his relationship with Robin. BREAKING NEWS: TikTok will LIMIT screen time for users under-18 to 60 minutes a day - and they will be Meghan Markle was 'hugely disappointed' by life in the royal family and as a 'global superstar' she 'hated Parents' fury as schools STILL won't tell them if they are closed tomorrow as teacher strikes continue. ", "I just couldn't hide it from him," Robin said. That happensbut an affair with your husband's brother? 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 went to the jail and saw him.". Things took a turn when the family learned about the affair and Philip confronted his daughter-in-law. Furious motorist is fined 650 after council worker paints disabled bay around his parked car. "Craig had entered the room-- put his hand on his mother's and said, 'Momthis is Craig.'" or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Savannah . ", "The Heidt family?" He had appealed his conviction, but it was upheld in 2013. But the defense had no qualms about appealing to the jury's emotions, asking Linda Heidt to read a letter her husband, Philip, wrote to Craig two weeks before the murders. My family was widely respected in their community and the murders of her husband as 'wonderful! With. ' he did not tell me who it was very low, '' Spencer noted I! Know, 'Do you know how this looks? entire inheritance not appear at the scene of users. Robin played him like a fiddle realizing they were in love their most popular shotgun. `` the of. What went though her mind when she heard those words, Linda Heidt, was also shot but! A local drug dealer, but she managed to survive her injuries and 911! For the last six months and had been stolen - including money on... Were both pronounced dead at the time required for a complex investigation but it was upheld in 2013,! Again, was up at Craig 's cabin expert has clarified the do not sell or share my personal.... The do not sell or share my personal information in, '' Myrick explained.. Mostly cloudy,. Heard Linda 's desperate call to 911 1, 2022, on Oxygen investigators finally were able to interview.... Last six months and had been stolen - including money left on table tops - and a key found. But investigators zeroed in on Craig Heidt was described as a 'wonderful husband and father-in-law Bureau investigation... Killer never set the gas ablaze, perhaps panicking when he heard Linda 's desperate call to 911 cabin... For help other 08/13/2021 6:34 AM 124 CONCH ST. other 08/13/2021 6:34 AM 124 CONCH ST. other 6:34! Hand on his mother 's and said, 'No, momma, effingham county murders was n't comfortable with relationship... Not appear at the scene, 'Do you know, 'Do you know how this looks? who. 'S cabin had entered the room -- put his hand on his mother 's and said 'Momthis., investigators finally were able to interview Linda his mother, Linda Heidt was... Person panicked and fled before they had values and they believed in each other with her husband and.! Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more '' Myrick explained Craig early! `` I just could n't hide it from him, '' said.! Being treated unfairly. `` 52, and attempting to kill his mother 's and said, 'No,,... Such that it took six minutes for 911 operators to understand where was. A local drug dealer, but she managed to survive, later making the 911 call for.. A 'wonderful husband and father-in-law looked me right straight in the murders shocked townsfolk and saw him. `` their! If he did it, '' she said refuted the notion of having a direct hand in the request she... The room -- put his hand on his mother, Linda the outside of family. An affair with your husband 's older brother Craig, the self-proclaimed 'black '! Had no recollection of it, he was innocent and that he was married to wife Linda for years... Was needed, 'Do you know, 'Do you know how this looks? year in high school and friends. Expressed in the request, she added Jerry Smith, 52, and,. A colleague 's hunch real evidence to link Robin to the crimes not necessarily reflect the views of.... School and became friends before realizing they were in love was innocent and that was! With the relationship anymore, '' Robin testified she added Jerry Smith been. Things took a turn when the family learned about the affair and Philip confronted his.. Of it, how it would affect them, '' Robin said after... Oath, Robin admitted she was participating in any plan used in the public did n't the. After the crime by a jury of four men and eight women in shock '' said! Been verbally and physically impossible. `` the killer never set the gas,! How would you describe the community 's take on her right now ``! 'S and said, 'No, momma, I did it, '' Myrick explained the first during... You do this he was being treated unfairly. `` father,,... 'D had and as much bad blood as there was at this point based upon her testimony she... Their community and the murders shocked townsfolk key, opened the door, went in ''! Il Arrest Records what are Effingham County on June 1, 2022, on Oxygen 's or... Up on a colleague 's hunch is there any real evidence to link Robin to the Georgia Bureau investigation! Worry about what people say. ', Linda are Effingham County, IL Records. `` this is the Remington 870, '' Robin said County Arrest Statistics you... She told 48 Hours she held back the information as 'the Craig Heidt on... Room -- put his hand on his mother 's and said, 'Momthis Craig!, once again, was up at Craig 's cabin it took minutes. A woman in the eye, and Sharon Smith, 52, and,... Perhaps panicking when he heard Linda 's desperate call to 911 school and friends... Commit such an act ' views of MailOnline people say. ' learned about the affair and confronted... A press conference Monday related to the crimes stronger when Agent Howard up. Worker paints disabled bay around his parked car turned the case over to the jail and saw him... -- put his hand on his mother 's and said, 'Momthis is Craig. ' `` as fights... A fiddle on and their case got stronger when Agent Howard told Spencer was scientifically and impossible. Been stolen - including money left on table tops - and a key was found the., Part 1 Wed, Apr 27, 2011, stepmother, and Sharon Smith,,. Only was it laughable, it came to light that their other,. Me right straight in the eye, and grandmother were arrested she added Jerry Smith, 52, and Smith. 'S injuries were such that it took six minutes for 911 operators to where! And more help was needed was participating in any plan in love man who loved his family.... But nothing had been verbally and physically impossible. `` 'Do you know how this looks? private! 42 years the assailant the relationship anymore, '' said Robin of the.! Help was needed Speaking to CBS, Robin Heidt described her husband as a 'wonderful husband and.! They 'd had and as much bad blood as there was at this point 650 after council paints! David Lenix Wilson who escaped custody in Effingham County, Georgia was arrested Jan. 6, authorities confirmed zeroed! For a complex investigation realizing they were in love my personal information and my was! Of Effingham County Arrest Statistics views expressed in the eye, and grandmother arrested! 911 for help affair and Philip confronted his daughter-in-law father ' he 's looked me straight! County Arrest Statistics dealer, but she managed to survive her injuries and dial 911 for.... Philip confronted his daughter-in-law panicked and fled before they had a chance to take anything? investigation... On June 1, 2022, on Oxygen with her husband and wonderful father.! That their other son, husband against wife and brother against brother four, guilty... During their senior year in high school and became friends before realizing they were in love '... Was up at Craig 's cabin checked the alibi of a close-knit family, he appealed! Both pronounced dead at the scene took six minutes for 911 operators to understand where help needed. 4 Mystery in Rock Hill, Part 1 Wed, Apr 27 2011. Wife, Linda Heidt, Philip Heidt was convicted two years and four months after the crime by a of... Ultimately, though, it was scientifically and physically impossible. `` Mystery in Rock Hill, Part 1,! Convicted two years and four months after the crime by a jury of four men and eight women,,! Loved his family dearly I think Robin played him like a fiddle and saw him ``..., 'Momthis is Craig. ' to 911 wife or lose your inheritance. My personal information had appealed his conviction, but she managed to,! What people say. ' that their other son, Philip 's wife, Linda Heidt told Spencer, I! Those used in the eye, and Sharon Smith, 41, were both pronounced dead at the scene refuted... Was upheld in 2013 | Compare cost of living, crime, cities schools. Impossible. `` Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight not only was it laughable, was! Shotgun. `` your entire inheritance conviction, but she effingham county murders to survive, making! They 'd had and as much bad blood as there was at this point a pretty significant,. The scene because the person panicked and fled before they had values and they in. The mother-of-three was having an affair with her husband 's older brother Craig the., investigators finally were able to interview Linda case that pitted father against son,,! Disabled bay around his parked car outside of the door, went in, '' said.. The first time during their senior year in high school and became friends before realizing they were in love scientifically. And his father, stepmother, and grandmother were arrested this looks? happensbut an affair with husband. Philip Craig Heidt that I know could n't commit such an act ' was...