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. 'Disgust at the affair, disgust at just him period. 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. A man convicted of murder in Effingham County and sentenced to life without parole has died in prison. Craigs motive, in simple words, was to secure a future with Robin, attain the $3.5 million from Careys life insurance policies, and gain back his share of his fathers estate. "People just -- sometimes these things happen and people get divorced. Contact Info: GBI Kingsland Office at 912-729-6198, Brantley County Sheriff's Office at 912-462-6141, and Waycross Police Department at 912-287-2921 The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 14 Field Office and the Brantley County Sheriff's Office are investigating the homicide of Angela Dawn McCarty. Spencer asked Prosecutor Michael Muldrew. Advertisements "'The only way I'm gonna have Robin Heidt and have peace is Momma, Daddy, and Carey have to be eliminated from the equation.' Spencer asked Linda. Crime Type. The video was made before Craig Heidt had a lawyer. Nothing was rummaged through. "When did you find out what had happened?" The case was prosecuted by the Assistant District Attorney Michael Muldrew, who now serves as a Superior Court Judge for the Ogeechee Circuit. And one day, peace," she replied. There was money left out," Howard explained. "Craig had entered the room-- put his hand on his mother's and said, 'Momthis is Craig.'" Robbery. Carey Heidt and Robin Seabrook Rast Caves love story is straight out of a storybook; well, the initial aspects of it at least. "I definitely wasn't thinking about my children when I did it, how it would affect them," said Robin. Her eyes got really wide. "I did 'cause the Craig Heidt that I know couldn't commit such an act," she replied. A motion to move the trial due to publicity was denied by the judge in the case, F. Gates Peed. In charge was Agent Eugene Howard, who quickly realized that the crime scene was not what it seemed. "Sometimes they can be immediate," he said. Actually, he was the only one that did not have an alibi," Muldrew said. Please logout and login again. "But if you're maneuvering around something or in a hurry or whatever, you can also suffer bruises more toward the outside of your arm," noted Spencer. Spencer asked Downs. When her father-in-law Philip discovered the situation, there was a family fallout. Stressful start to National Offer Day? "I was asleep and, um, I heard knocking on the door. Robin now agrees the choice for Craig to move in with her family was not a wise one. Juror #11: The first vote I had voted not guilty. "I don't know. Murder was the motive.". 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. It used to be a popular spot for teens to get together to drink. So did everyone else in town. Craig Heidt was tried by an Effingham County jury and convicted of the killings of his father, Philip Heidt, and brother, Carey Heidt. 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 . They met for the first time during their senior year in high school and became friends before realizing they were in love. After an argument with Robin, Carey left their home to stay with his parents for the night and she called Craig to tell him. According to Robin, theyd also talked about getting married, but she started having second thoughts just before he was arrested. Spencer asked. To the medical examiner, the explanation is obvious. On August 25, 2008, Philip and Carey were shot and killed in their beds. But Linda is convinced that her oldest son is innocent, denying suspicions that she secretly knows otherwise. A few weeks before he died, Carey Heidt changed his $3.5 million life insurance policy, removing Robin as the beneficiary. While Robin spent two days in jail for the latter, she was granted a $15,000 bond in the former, with the stipulation that she had to relocate. EXCLUSIVE - Revealed: Carol Kirkwood's secret toyboy fianc - 13 years her junior - is a divorced police 'Digital antidepressants' to be rolled out on the NHS as health bosses give eight apps and web-based therapy BBC journalists vote 'overwhelmingly' to stage series of strikes in move that could sabotage corporation's 'This is the most ridiculous thing I've seen!' It was case that pitted father against son, husband against wife and brother against brother. Robin admits she made the first move on her brother-in-law, Craig. Thus, he was apprehended on May 22, 2009. Advertisement Muldrew argues that the shooting made perfect sense if you thought about it as Craig did. He wanted the kids that adored him. You felt like that was fair? At first, Robin kept the affair from officers who had quizzed her over her husband's enemies. Juror #9: Robin Heidt was a manipulative person who stopped at nothing to get what she wanted. "Robbery wasn't the motive. "I mean, this sounds like it's just completely spiraling out of control," said Spencer. 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. "As a mother, I could not sacrifice the son that was killed and my husband that was killed to protect another son if I really thought that that son did that," Linda told Spencer. "He later said that his boots were missin'. The affair became known to the family and caused great tension, "reaching a peak," in the days leading up to the murders, Muldrew said. Matt Sager, center, speaks at a press conference Monday related to the Sunday shootings in Effingham. Craig Heidt had also looked at land with a Realtor, saying he expected to have some money soon. "He is livin' in his dead brother's house, sleepin' in his dead brother's bed next to his dead brother's wife. Spencer asked Robin. "This one right hereis about 48-to-50 pounds of pressure on your shoulder of recoil. "As many fights as they'd had and as much bad blood as there was at this point? Your login session has expired. "It was somethin' to the effect of. Asked about the sentence, she told Spencer. "It was," the sheriff replied, "'cause every time you saw them together it was just like the perfect family.". "In every single critical bit of evidence, they want you to make a leap of faith," Bonds told the court in his closing argument. 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. 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. 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. They resumed their involvement in December, and Craig had moved in by January. 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. But the jurors apparently were getting that same negative vibe about everything Robin said. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. The Heidt family was widely respected in their community and the murders shocked townsfolk. They had values and they believed in each other. But after just six hours that changed. Philip Heidt, 59, and his son, Carey Heidt, 32, were shot to death in their beds. Spencer asked. Speaking to 48 Hours, she admitted she made the first move on Craig. Spencer asked Muldrew. Don't miss Dateline: Secrets Uncovered - The Mystery of Effingham County on June 1, 2022, on Oxygen. His wife, Linda Heidt, was also targeted, but she managed to survive her injuries and dial 911 for help. "The only things coming out of Carey's mouth about Craig were negative," Robin testified. The Heidt family was widely respected in Effingham and the murders shocked not just the community but the entire nation. 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. 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. July 14, 2012 / 10:55 PM But investigators zeroed in on Craig Heidt early on and their case got stronger when Agent Howard followed up on a colleague's hunch. Three dead in double murder, suicide . "Very angryand that Carey and Philip had better watch out or he was going to play 'old school' on them," replied Robin. When Robin failed to hand over the children's Social Security payments on time, she spent two days in jail. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. "That was the plan, the future plans," she replied. High 67F. She stated that Carey was a very good husband. The judge sentenced Craig Heidt to the maximum: Two life terms plus 85 years, making parole almost impossible. He wanted the kids that adored him. 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. So the GBI just kept watching Craig Heidt and Robin. A judge sentenced him to two life terms in prison, along with an added 85 years. Business people and friends all had similar words to describe Philip Heidt and his loss. I see justice. Despite her husband and children, who were 10, seven and three at the time, she continued the relationship. He said Smiths current residence in Salem was being searched for more clues. 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 . "No impression that anything was taken from inside the residence.". "When you sit down and dispassionately look at the evidence, it couldn't be anybody but him," said . Robin and Craig got a rude awakening the next morning. Philip's wife Linda Heidt was. Then a sheriff recalled a conversation he had had with Carey a month before his death. I believe that he's innocent."'. Sager said the investigation was continuing for potential information that might help understand Jerry Smiths reasoning before the shootings. Beason murders. Spencer asked the officer. "It was not smart. "Craig doesn't just instantly occur to you?" Local news, sports and entertainment when you want it. And fear drove concern in the public, as well. "They're all three pretty different, yeah. "This is a court of law. On August 25, 2008, Philip and Carey were shot and killed in their beds.. I couldn't do this.'". Despite those assurances the community remained on edge and the rumors started to flow. "Do you think the family has forgiven you? ", "It did not," she replied. Juror #2: Once I seen the bruises that was, like, yeah, he's guilty. Trends Analytics. Craig Heidt was convicted two years and four months after the crime by a jury of four men and eight women. EFFINGHAM A Mason man wanted for the murder of a 29-year-old woman in Effingham County has been arrested in Indiana. "And through conversation with both Craig and his brother, they said at one point that they thought a gas can was missing.". "Do you think their affair had anything whatsoever to do with the murders?" Later that Sunday, Robin called her lover, Craig. or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Savannah . 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. '"The only way I'm gonna have Robin Heidt and have peace is Momma, Daddy, and Carey have to be eliminated from the equation. He had intended to light their home on fire as well but fled upon hearing the call. 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Asked if she could you identify the person, Linda told Spencer, "I didn't see a face or anything. Nine months after the tragic event, police arrested Craig Heidt, son of Philip Heidt and brother of Carey Heidt. "Philip loved his family, his church and his community." "He was being, you know, basically treated as the murderer And me as a conspirator right there along with him.". 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. "This is the Remington 870," Myrick explained. Heidt was a successful real estate developer who'd made millions in this sprawling county about an hour north of Savannah. Arrest 07/26/2022 12:21 PM EFFINGHAM JAIL Arrest 07/25/2022 8:52 AM EFFINGHAM CO JAIL. "Most people that saw it literally laughed at this reenactment he did. They had three sons, Craig, Chris, and Carey. 0. Police would not identify the three children at the home other than to say two were boys aged 12 and 13 and the third was a 5-year-old girl. And my family was telling me, you know, 'Do you know how this looks?' Heidt was convicted four weeks ago for the murder of his father Philip Heidt and his brother Carey Heidt. Widow: Robin Heidt has spoken out for the first time since her lover - also her brother-in-law - shot dead her husband. He does not have a cold blooded heart," she replied. 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. The prosecutor thinks Craig smashed the pane of glass to fake a burglary when, in reality, he simply opened the door with that spare key. To the close-knit community of Effingham County, Georgia, childhood sweethearts Carey and Robin Heidt had the perfect lives - successful careers, a doting family and three blond-haired children. She told 48 Hours she held back the information as 'the Craig Heidt that I know couldn't commit such an act'. Inside Frogmore Cottage: Plush home Harry and Meghan have been 'evicted' from by King Charles boasts a roomy Mike Tindall's latest money-making scheme! Investigators wanted a stronger case. "Philip wanted the family to be perfect good Christian family, good folksand Philip was just - he was the man of the house," said McDuffie. 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. Prosecutors pointed out the letter never was sentand although certainly heart wrenching, they called it irrelevant. 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. Crime Rate. The Heidt family was widely respected in their community and the murders shocked townsfolk. Lee County police asked if the burnt car had a bullet hole in the door. Craig Heidt was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison plus 85 years in Effingham County Superior Court on Thursday afternoon. Aired: 06/01/2022 Season 10 - Episodes 42:50 S10 - E59 Friends Until Death 2:29 Preview 0:59 2:26 Extras The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. On Dec. 1, 2010, the murder trial of Craig Heidt begins in the Effingham County Courthouse. "You had a big smile when you said that," Spencer commented. Firearms expert Ed Myrick thinks a shotgun easily could slip. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. In August 2008, the weekend before the murders, Robin, once again, was up at Craig's cabin. 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. JOSEPH RESSLER, JG-TC. Craig Heidt: I know that it looks bad but I'm gonna tell you something, I couldn't do that to my brother. '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. ", "No," Howard replied. Asked if he sees much of Robin these days, Sheriff Jimmie McDuffie told Spencer, "Seems like we run into her quite often around the county. It did; in fact, it had three of them. "I can be certain that Craig did not do this to our family.". She sustained a gun wound but was able to alert the authorities. "What would this do if fired at a person?" "It's amazing that she did survive because, basically, it looks like she was left for dead," said Downs. "Did that shake your faith in him?" 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. "I can't even describe how it made me feel - sick," said Robin. "I felt like it was fair.". Crocker was sentenced to life without parole, narrowly escaping the death penalty. "Well, are you going to arrest her?" It was definitely not smart,' Robin told 48 Hours. Darnell loved his family and especially loved watching his . 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. From catching each others eye in English class to tying the knot soon after graduation, their courtship was genuinely a whirlwind. He had appealed his conviction, but it was upheld in 2013. I can be certain that Craig did not do this to our family.'. 492 talking about this. According to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, a majority of Effingham county court records are open and accessible to the general public. Craig Heidt was arrested last May and charged with murder. 'But he did not tell me who it was with.'. A Georgia father, stepmother, and grandmother were arrested . "Two life terms plus 85 years? Chris and Craig are the most alike," she replied. The jury convicted Craig Heidt on all 11 counts of murder, battery, burglary and attempted arson. They found no motive and no suspect. Active in the Chamber of Commerce, Philip Heidt was described as a very private man who loved his family dearly. The tables below show which crimes are used to calculate the Crime Grades above. The case garnered massive media attention. Bro. He took that key, opened the door, went in," said Muldrew. 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. He also believes multiple shooters were involved. Later on, Robin called her lover to tell him what had happened, to which he only said that if his father and brother were not careful and minding their own business, hed go old school on them. He had preached, which he loved and was always prepared, for over 40 years in several churches. US States (36975K) Current Events (51K) Celebrity (272) Exonerated . Detectives charged Richard Allen Knaust, Jr. and Dusty Dan Hamilton in November with murder stemming from a trailer fire in which a body was discovered beaten and bloodied. Box 586 Effingham, IL 62401 Phone: (217) 342-4065 Fax: (217) 342-6183 Are Effingham County Court Records Public? Photo: Effingham County Sheriff's Office. Perhaps the prosecution's strongest physical evidence are the bruises on Craig's arms. 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