Her 10-month-old daughter, River, was found drowned in a creek near the train tracks. Sheriff Duane Lewis has stated that Aaron is currently the only suspect, but he has so far refused to cooperate with police and as of the time of writing no charges have been filed in this case. Hall routinely tried to share suspicions such as these with Capt. They discounted that psychological report because they say it was based largely on Ollic's investigation. At this point, it is unclear whether he will be able to post the reduced bond. She was 66. Aaron Wilkinson is a small-time crook turned hitman. Everyone scattered. WebA Texas judge handed down the maximum sentence to a 43-year-old Air Force Major convicted of brutally killing his 29-year-old wife and later mutilating her body. Kadie had not seemed despondent to her, and she wondered why investigators had been so quick to rule the death a suicide. It just looked fat. She By day, Jessica Sanders, the mom, is busy taking care of her children all five of them. River was dressed in a white turtleneck, pink overalls and pink shoes. Chad Dillinger: She kept fighting and fighting and fighting and fighting She wouldn't let anybody tell her different. The citizens would like town council to review the case, the interview and see how Ollic failed. Lt. Dean Kokinda: Right now, he's the only one we're looking at. Every night for the past 11 years, that train has come barreling down the tracks behind Vicky Hall's horse farm in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, near Charleston. "She was very happy, she was very excited to have a boy," says Vicky Hall of her daughter, who was 5 months pregnant when she died. I'm numb just totally broken, just totally dead, totally devastated. There was clothes on the floor. Ollic stating. Vicky Hall: It's just still hard for me to have to believe that that happened to them. Out of all his alleged scare tactics, the most heartless, says Sanders, is video shot by Aaron 10 months after Kadie and River's deaths and laid it on their grave. Pre-trial matters are expected during a motions hearing, but no date has been set. Her truck should never be here, right here. Sanders says she saw Hall through some of her darkest years as she battled to get the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office to take another look at the case -- and another look at Aaron Major. Rick Ollic of the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office delivered the shattering news. DISBARRED attorney Alex Murdaugh has pleaded not guilty to the murder his son and wife at their family estate. Peter Van Sant: She could have been thrown and struck by the side of the train? The lab didnt even receive the blood samples until 1/23/08 Autopsy report wasnt signed until February 11th. As for the next step, in this case, Convery states he is awaiting discovery evidence from the state in order to prepare for trial. When Hall and Aaron picked her up, both mother and daughter noticed something that would become etched in their memories: Aaron's hand. So, heres what we know of her. Ollic also had officers thinking Kadies mom was crazy. So I wasn't looking forward to meeting with her. Vicky Hall: I remember telling myself, "Oh My God what is wrong? Seven years after Kadie's death, Sanders decided to use her talents to help Hall with her quest for answers. Sarah Watford is Kadie's little sister. and the hardest thing, I guess, is to know how much they suffered. Read moreAlex Murdaugh's prosecutor warns jury in final argument: 'Don't let him fool you, too', Spartanburg County may ask voters to approve another six-year penny sales tax in November, which could generate $478 million for road and bridge work. Put all your papers in a box and stop looking at it and put it in God's hands.". On Jan 17, 2008 Kadie Major and her baby, River were found deceased and presumed to have been hit by a train. I didnt even wanna think about that. During questioning in 2008, the investigator never asked Aaron Major about his bandaged hand. Back at Kadie's house, Sarah Watford was waiting alone in case her sister came home. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Major had injuries consistent with being struck by a train, and River died of drowning in a nearby creek. We have uncovered information that initially it wasbelievedKadie was suicidal, I can tell you that is not the case,Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis said. And they didn't believe that Kadie could or would have made that 6/10th of a mile walk in pitch black on gravel in the rain and sleet carrying a 30-pound baby. In his statement, Aaron said she was acting so paranoid "that I couldn't reason with her just wanted to leave the home feeling that someone was out to kill her.". Her little daughter was found drowned in a pond 100 feet away. Peter Van Sant: What did you read in those papers? Lt. Kokinda thinks, like Sanders and Hall, the trouble started back at the house. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. He believed Aaron's story that Kadie's actions were driven by postpartum psychosis. "Based on the information that he had then it would appear to be a suicide," Oliver said. And Hall says, they should have been more suspicious of Aaron's story about Kadie's alleged paranoia the night she disappeared. 3) Richard L. Odom: While already on the run, Odom raped and murdered 77-year-old Mina Johnson as he fled Mississippi.The body was found in the backseat of the victims car, and showed signs of severe sexual trauma with multiple stab wounds. He's trying to determine his next move. document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "© " + html; | Terms of Use| Privacy Policy. Bond today was reduced from $2 million to $450,000 by Judge Frank Castro in the 399th district court. Her body lay beside the track with a nearly 2-foot cut on her abdomen and a laceration on her inside thigh. Legal Statement. The detective believes it was a murder-suicide. "The evidence shows it was a northbound train. On Sept. 6, Berkeley County officials said at a press conference that River did not appear to have been hit by the train. On the icy cold night of I believe this is a cold-blooded murder. The coroner had already issued a preliminary ruling of suicide, later made permanent. Staggering snowfall in California mountains leaves residents trapped for days, Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Several hospitalized after Lufthansa flight diverted to Dulles due to turbulence, Explosive found in checked luggage at Pennsylvania airport, feds say, Prosecution wraps its case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, "Kadie just loved River Lynn with all of her heart. Vicky Hall: If you can tell me I am wrong, and my daughter really committed suicide tell me I'm wrong, please the last thing I wanted was her to die at the hands of her husband. An Air Force major in Texas has been accused of killing his wife after a 134-day missing person search ended with investigators discovering the woman's remains, authorities said. His position as the Chief of Police now in Moncks Corner is a direct reflection of incompetence in that position. And I just thought that was weird. It's very difficult to review this case, as there, The FBi has been murdering people for years since their, Clearly its hard for some people to understand that although, What is taking so long? January 22nd, 2008. "I have an open mind. He wouldn't speak to the previous coroner or Ollic's investigation. Vicky Hall: I realized it was time to get started back on the case. DET. Peter Van Sant: What does that suggest to you, the fact that he's told different stories? See more, Berkeley Count Sheriff's office - Bring in SLED & FBI on this case to investigate, A baby, her pregnant mother, missing on a cold icy night. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Hall still had a giant box of documents sitting in her home. Now hes the Moncks Corner Police Chief. Both Watford and Hall say they had seen Aaron's injured hand the morning the bodies were discovered. WebWilliam S. Burroughs. Aaron wanted Aadon, the unborn child, publicly on display with Kadie's casket. it just made no sense that they weren't here. She wanted to have the same name as her daughter, Avielle. Vicky Hall: I knew she wouldn't do that, wouldn't be capable of doing that. There was no mention of a swollen hand. Jessica Sanders: We became very close. She also began using Aarons last name, unaware that their wedding would never happen. A full investigation is still under way, SLED, SC Department of Transportation and Charleston County are also assisting the investigation. After learning about the original investigation, something didn't sit right with Hall. "48 Hours" would like to speak with Aaron Major as well. Stream all CBS shows through Amazon Prime or CBS ALL-ACCESS. Peter Van Sant: She says she was never questioned about her daughter's state of mind and what had happened in the hours on that day that she disappeared. Kadie, River, Aadon. Simpson case is searching for answers in Kadie Major's death, Former police officer sues Moncks Corner chief over alleged racist comments, Berkeley County sheriff has asked SLED to review suspicious 2008 Kadie Major death case, Moncks Corner police chief suspended after officer's arrest, lawsuit over woman's search, Charleston moves to create new board to help homeowners restore dilapidated houses, Alex Murdaugh's prosecutors push back on 2-shooter theory in final day of testimony, International African American Museum sets new opening date. Det. VICKY HALL [to reporters]: Thank you to this sheriff's department. Jessica Sanders: I did it was like Pandora's box it's unbelievable at all the information that she had and how badly this case was handled. Sarah Watford: She was better than most people -- just had a giving heart, just a true genuine person. Sadly wasnt asked about his hand either. The family was suspicious. They found her 50 yards away from her mother, floating motionless in the streamclose by the rails, according to copies of the autopsy. We believed we unturned everything there was to unturn at the time. Bond today was reduced from $2 million to $450,000 by Judge Frank Castro in the 399th As for that note in Kadie's pocket, Hall believes Kadie was documenting her husband's internet searches on their family computer. She remembered seeing Aaron's hand swollen the morning deputies discovered Kadie. With the help of some good friends and a strong dose of faith, Hall stopped drinking. From day one, Hall did not believe her daughter Kadie, 5 months pregnant, drowned her baby daughter, River Lynn, then jumped in front of a train. In 2007, about four years after their marriage, the couple had a beautiful daughter named River. Darrell Lewis: You call it an interrogation, we call it an interview. They wanted to know more. Vicky Hall: She was so excited about having children and she wanted a big family. Hall was driving home from an Applebee's restaurant when she received a call from her daughter. Vicky Hall [at railroad tracks]: And I just fell on my knees and collapsed,' cuz I knew it wouldn't make any sense. In January 2008, the remains of Kadie Major and her baby daughter River were discovered near train tracks in Berkeley County, South Carolina. Hall suspects he also put a doll with a hole in its stomach at the makeshift memorial where Kadie and River's bodies were found. Darrell Lewis: It is for me 'cause I'd wanna know what happened to my child, my unborn child, and my wife. I asked him why are you talking about this? Vicky Hall: that's the moment everything changed -- that moment. I had to take some breaks and I wouldnt stop and Ive taken breaks and [Im] learning how to take care of myself. Peter Van Sant: If there was in fact not a news broadcast How would he have known that location, that there'd been an accident there? The baby, however, did not belong to While the police have continued investigating, Aaron has maintained a low profile. Then, as she was leaving, she spotted Kadie's truck undamaged -- about 500 feet from the tracks. Sanders and Hall found that suspicious because he had searched for news about the discovery of the bodies more than an hour after he had called Hall to say he had just heard about it on the radio. Investigators at the scene where Kadie's body was found beside the train tracks; her little daughter was found drowned in a pond 100 feet away. Lt. Dean Kokinda: Yeah, come talk to us. Beneath the makeshift cross is another item, one that Hall didn't put there. WebSAN ANTONIO An Air Force major based in San Antonio has been charged with murder after authorities found the remains of his wife, whom he reported missing in March. Looking deeper into the computer search history, Sanders also found listings for 9/11 conspiracy theories and the Jeremiah Project, a website about Bible teachings, the end of times and details about a new world order. Thus, when Aaron was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to a life term without the possibility of parole, Shayanna legally changed her name to Jenkins-Hernandez. "48 Hours," because we would not be standin' here today if it wasn't for them. Most moms spent Mother's Day weekend receiving cards, flowers and breakfast in bed, but Hall was trying to rally support for her dead daughter and grandchildren. Peter Van Sant: The dead bodies of his family are right in front of him. She thought someone was coming to kill her and then she took off, he told Hall. Furthermore, Vicky and Sarah (Kadies sister) were sure that his hand was swollen the day the bodies were located. She rarely sees the man she believes put her daughter and granddaughter in their graves, but she says he has harassed the family for years -- even at the cemetery. Aaron later told the authorities, It was just like all of a sudden, she just got real paranoid, and, you know, quit trustin people and stuff. However, Vicky claimed that Aaron talked about conspiracy theories having nothing to do with Kadies situation. Hall has taken to Facebook to spread awareness. by 2Paragraphs in Culture, True Crime Murder TV | March 2, 2019. Kadie wanted to go to dinner with her mom. August 3, 2019 / 11:08 PM WebThe 48 Hours episode Fatal Crossing investigates the deaths of Kadie Lee Hall Major, a 26-year-old mother, and her 10-month-old daughter River Lynn Major. Anyone with information potentially relevant to the investigation please call the task force hotline at (843) 719-7700. However, Kadie was gone with River soon after. Kadies death was ruled a suicide within days. And we just -- we bonded. And that's what I believe. However, as per a CBS report from 2019, he had not cooperated with the authorities. She suspected her now ex-husband was having an affair and hired Jessica to investigate. Its not shameful and I dont think anybody should be ashamed of who they are inside, regardless of who they love. While the pathologist who conducted the autopsy recommended that the manner of death reports stay pending, former County Coroner Bill Salisbury labeled Kadie and River's deaths as a suicide and undetermined, respectively. Aaron told investigators Kadie seemed to have gotten paranoid the week of her death. Lt. Dean Kokinda: Why is she on the tracks in the first place? Then, Hall says, out of the blue, Aaron suddenly started going off on a string of bizarre conspiracy theories. It seemed like a closed case. Authorities at the time accepted this version of events. Rick Ollic: There were some things that were in that note that made me believe that she was buying into this spiritual warfare that she had going on in her life. SHERIFF LEWIS [to reporters]: Initially it was believed that Kadie was suicidal and had some psychological issues. Major was also pregnant at the time. Vicky Hall: I'm looking at every car coming trying to see her truck. They believe that next move was his call to Hall saying he heard on the radio that two people were killed in a train accident on Oakley Road. Soon after that, Kadie was pregnant with their son, Aadon. Thankfully for them, in 2018, the case was reopened. When two "48 Hours" producers called him asking about the Kadie Major case, he listened. Two days after the funeral, Aaron went in for surgery to mend his broken hand. Which may explain how Aaron injured his hand, says Kokinda. Hall and her husband Jeff were awakened at 1:44 a.m., when Aaron suddenly showed up at their home. They believe that Aaron Major killed Kadie and River. Aaron and Kadie were high school sweethearts who tied the knot in 2003. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 24 hours later it had all been cleaned up. Hours: Fatal Crossing chronicles what happened for the initial ruling to be overturned and the suspicion regarding Aarons involvement. ", "We knew there was more to this," Sanders said. DET. Charleston, SC 29403, News tips/online questions: newstips@postandcourier.com, Delivery/subscription questions: subserve@postandcourier.com, var html = new Date().getFullYear(); And Aaron Major, who Ollic admits was a suspect, was allowed home unaccompanied the night his wife and daughter were found dead. They uncovered new information which led to an investigation by CBSs 48 Hours, as shown tonight on Investigation Discovery, which brought the case to national attention. She believes the note found in Kadie's pocket was her writing down what she found on her computer's search history. WebMaj. Jessica Sanders: I do. And I wish that he you know, he wouldve told me cause I wouldnt I would not have loved him any differently. Correspondent Peter Van Sant interviews Kadies mother Vicky Hall and the detective assigned to the case in 2008. Smith told FOX29 her son-in-law had a temper, but she said her daughter was a fighter and the twowould always work things out. When the investigation into Kadie Majors death was reopened in September 2018, Aaron Major was publicly mentioned as the only suspect in the case. Hall said the funeral was most troubling of all. McDonald is facing murder charges for the death of his wife, Andreen McDonald, in 2019. He's the only person who's said this. "There was supposedly a witness at one point who saw a female walking either on the railroad tracks or right there in the vicinity of the railroad tracks," Oliver said. WebAaron Major recounts the night his wife and child vanished - CBS News George Santos Under Scrutiny CBS News App Ukraine Crisis COVID Pandemic CBS News Live Managing It is unclear if Aaron has new legal representation. However, the quaint life they had planned for themselves came crashing down in January 2008. Refused to answer or acknowledge dozens of emails from the mother of Kadie Major. Hall and Sanders say there were more damning clues back at the house. He said that she wanted to go to a hotel, to which Aaron replied he would take her after he took a shower. While others involved with the case remain silent, Hall continues to speak out. Lt. Dean Kokinda: I think that's one of the possibilities, yes. The investigator never even asked Aaron about that hard to ignore bandaged hand and he never challenged Aaron's version of events, including Kadie's supposed breakdown: AARON MAJOR [interrogation]: She just got real paranoid, and, quit trustin' people and stuff. Vicky Hall: I called every radio station, I went to the TV stations after they died I searched and searched for years, not one person could tell me Oakley Road was ever on the TV or the radio. She really was. We are still looking for answers and are hoping someone will come forward with more information. Darrell Lewis: When I walked in the door, he goes, "I need you to look at this something's wrong with this case.". And this time, detectives are looking into whether someone else someone close was involved in the deaths of Kadie, her daughter and the unborn child she planned to call Aadon. Please share if you already signed. Andreen McDonald was last seen leaving a Pizza Hut on Feb. 28 with her autistic 8-year-old daughter, deputies said. Hall got her horse business back on track, then did something she never thought she'd do with the paperwork from her private investigation. Yet, once it was time to head to university and pursue a profession, they broke up, only to reunite after his draft by the New England Patriots. Would you be willing to apologize if it turns out you were wrong? Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office was so impressed with the investigation by Jessica Sanders, she was offered a job. Grace Beahm Alford/Staff, Kadie Majors mother, Vicky Hall, organizes information she has collected about the incident that led to the death of her daughter, who was found dead with her granddaughter, 10-month-old River, in 2008 along train tracks Thursday, March 21, 2019 in Moncks Corner. Two days after this, on April 19, 2017, he was found hanging in his jail cell. Her remains were found Thursday after a 134-day search. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. 10. Katies mother recalled that Aaron spoke of the government causing 9/11 and the Antichrist coming. Over the years, Vicky and a private detective Jessica Sanders worked to uncover what happened to Kadie and River Lynn. She claimed that he wanted the unborn son, Aadon, to be displayed publicly. Peter Van Sant: Is that your specialty -- cheating husbands and wives? So hard to watch, a son-in-law I trusted, so clearly guilty, yet set free, he should been in that interrogation room by Friday the 18th at the latest. There's also a $25,000 reward, provided by one of Hall's family members, for any information relating to the case that leads to an arrest. And again he is not the only person of interest, we are casting a wide net to ask people to come forward; persons of interest can be someone who we want to talk to or need to talk to.. I dont know what got into him this [time], but it must be the devil," shesaid. But by night, Jessica Sanders, the private eye, is at the gun range or on the road with cameras and disguises in hot pursuit. You can tell me whether or not you murdered your family. She died surrounded by family members. "It didn't make sense to me," she said. WebNow, in a small hospital where soft sobs echoed off the sterile linoleum floors, Aaron Easton, the boy Sara married who grew up to be Marysvilles police chief, explained what Anyone with information potentially relevant to the investigation is asked to call the task force hotline at 843-719-7700. And Sarah Watford, remembering that swollen hand, was convinced that Aaron broke it while killing her sister. And she's the person that I want to be. In one story, Aaron said Kadie refused to enter the house because she was panicked, in a state of paranoia. Andre McDonald was charged with murder in October 2019. But Aaron's behavior he's not acting normal, he's not acting right. He is a fan of Southern rock, bourbon and horse racing. Winds light and variable. First published on March 2, 2019 / 11:14 PM. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Back then, Ollic and his team did not speak to Dr. Case, and Hall says would not listen to what she had to say. She settled in as a homemaker. I think its a beautiful thing, I just wish I was able to tell him that. Therefore, Shayanna continues to raise Avielle to the best of her abilities and keeps the memories of Aaron alive in her heart. Sheriff Duane Lewistold The Post and Courier that Aaron is now the only suspect in the case. Rick Ollic, a former Berkeley County sheriff's captain who is now chief of the Moncks Corner Police Department, said a note in Kadie's pocket contained scribblings about spiritual warfare and the Antichrist. Follow him @TomNovelly on Twitter. Chad Dillinger: He was just sitting there nonchalantly on the front pew eating McDonald's. At first, Aaron tried to make the funeral private, telling Vicky and her family they were not invited. And I never knew that my daughter and my granddaughter would have been laying there, dead. The force of the impact allegedly threw River into a nearby creek where Jessica Sanders: He knew, because he's the one that put 'em out there. Lt. Dean Kokinda: We believe that night there was a fight Some argument whether it be verbal or physical. It didnt take this long. Roux-Neville was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2004 and at that time was given three months to live. Maj. Andre McDonald, 40, already behind bars in connection with his wifes disappearance, was charged Saturday with murder by the Bexar County Sheriffs OfficeHomicide Unit. One of the witness statements was made by a woman who claimed to have seen Kadie walk down the tracks. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. However, his stories Vicky Hall: On the cross is this old, nasty-looking doll. Aaron Major: I'm not going to comment on this. Thank you everyone who has shared and signed! Lt. Dean Kokinda [walking where the bodies were found]: If she wanted to kill herself, she parked right here. WebKadie Major, who was married, was found dead alongside a section of railroad tracks. Sarah Watford: The thing that that stands out that I read that I will never forget is that the first born son is to be sacrificed. Lt. Dean Kokinda: We don't know how River came into contact with the water. Investigators continue digging, but say, for now, they don't have enough evidence to make an arrest. All rights reserved. Its not a full body its just a couple bones and she dont deserve that, Andreen'smother, Hyacinth Smith, told FOX29 San Antonio. But the national attention has also caused the Sheriff's Office and nearly everyone involved in the original investigation to suddenly go quiet, refusing to discuss possible missteps with the initial probe and what they are doing now to rectify that. Kadie's white 2006 Chevrolet Colorado pickup was parkedclose to Hall's home, at the end of nearby Oakley Road. "I remember, I was just walking outside by myself, and I just looked up and I said, 'Kadie and River, I promise you I will do whatever it takes to find the truth,'" Hall tells correspondent Peter Van Sant. Vicky Hall: I turned to alcohol. WebCHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Berkeley County Sheriffs Office says the husband of a woman and her young daughter killed more than a decade ago is the only suspect in the Lt. Dean Kokinda, who would re-investigate the case in 2018, told "48 Hours" that authorities later determined there was no radio report.