Special Agent Mike Smith
👤 PersonPodcast Appearances
Can you tell me whether or not there was ever any substantial outerwear that the defendant either had in his luggage or was wearing? No, sir. There was, I think, a suit jacket.
Can you tell me whether or not there was ever any substantial outerwear that the defendant either had in his luggage or was wearing? No, sir. There was, I think, a suit jacket.
As investigators continued to look at Chaney, FBI analysts moved on from the Fitbit to Molly's cell phone data. They were able to perform a more detailed workup than police.
As investigators continued to look at Chaney, FBI analysts moved on from the Fitbit to Molly's cell phone data. They were able to perform a more detailed workup than police.
And when they got that data, a breakthrough with critical new information to put into the timeline of the night Molly went missing. So they went back to that precise moment.
And when they got that data, a breakthrough with critical new information to put into the timeline of the night Molly went missing. So they went back to that precise moment.
Investigators had their second solid lead, which revealed when and where Molly's run had ended, that she likely had been driven out of town, and that her phone signal had died at 8.53 p.m., 15 miles south of Brooklyn.
Investigators had their second solid lead, which revealed when and where Molly's run had ended, that she likely had been driven out of town, and that her phone signal had died at 8.53 p.m., 15 miles south of Brooklyn.
Following Molly's trail, federal investigators expanded their search beyond the town's limit. Soon... local police would spot a clue much closer to home.
Following Molly's trail, federal investigators expanded their search beyond the town's limit. Soon... local police would spot a clue much closer to home.
The rhythm of her breathing in sync with her favorite music.
The rhythm of her breathing in sync with her favorite music.
Federal, state, and local investigators were urgently pursuing a new lead in the Molly Tibbetts case. Cell phone records showed her evening run had come to a sudden stop at 8.28 p.m. And then she, or her phone, or both... had sped away in a car.
Federal, state, and local investigators were urgently pursuing a new lead in the Molly Tibbetts case. Cell phone records showed her evening run had come to a sudden stop at 8.28 p.m. And then she, or her phone, or both... had sped away in a car.
Even though investigators did not have the cell phone itself, it left an important clue. Where does it end up?
Even though investigators did not have the cell phone itself, it left an important clue. Where does it end up?
Investigators quickly switched the focus of their search to the area where her phone died at 8.53 that night, 15 miles southeast of Brooklyn. What are people saying?
Investigators quickly switched the focus of their search to the area where her phone died at 8.53 that night, 15 miles southeast of Brooklyn. What are people saying?
Her time. As the sun quietly set over the vast cornfield surrounding her home, Molly couldn't have known there would be no more sunset runs. No more anything. Not for her. It was July 18th, 2018. Molly Tibbetts was 20 years old. She'd just completed freshman year at the University of Iowa. And this summer was going to be the best of her young life.
Her time. As the sun quietly set over the vast cornfield surrounding her home, Molly couldn't have known there would be no more sunset runs. No more anything. Not for her. It was July 18th, 2018. Molly Tibbetts was 20 years old. She'd just completed freshman year at the University of Iowa. And this summer was going to be the best of her young life.
The case was getting national attention, too.
The case was getting national attention, too.
One of those red herrings turned out to be Wayne Cheney. investigators could not connect him to Molly, so they dropped him as a person of interest.
One of those red herrings turned out to be Wayne Cheney. investigators could not connect him to Molly, so they dropped him as a person of interest.
Molly's parents weren't giving up, and they were offering a reward for any information.
Molly's parents weren't giving up, and they were offering a reward for any information.
Almost four weeks after Molly's disappearance, the lack of progress was starting to wear on Agent Trent Valletta and his team. You didn't find anything that you thought was a murder weapon. You didn't find her Fitbit. You didn't find her phone. We still have not found any of that. What's the security cam situation in Brooklyn?
Almost four weeks after Molly's disappearance, the lack of progress was starting to wear on Agent Trent Valletta and his team. You didn't find anything that you thought was a murder weapon. You didn't find her Fitbit. You didn't find her phone. We still have not found any of that. What's the security cam situation in Brooklyn?
With so few leads developing, investigators decided to look once again at video from four cameras mounted on a garage on Brooklyn's east side.
With so few leads developing, investigators decided to look once again at video from four cameras mounted on a garage on Brooklyn's east side.
The cameras captured the approach to the road known as the Blacktop. So behind this tree is 385th Avenue. Chief Deputy Joel Vanderleest led eight investigation teams who spent an entire day logging every second of the video from the evening Molly disappeared. While looking at that video, one of them saw something.
The cameras captured the approach to the road known as the Blacktop. So behind this tree is 385th Avenue. Chief Deputy Joel Vanderleest led eight investigation teams who spent an entire day logging every second of the video from the evening Molly disappeared. While looking at that video, one of them saw something.
It also meant the timeline of Molly's disappearance could now be compressed, potentially, to the few moments after she passed the security camera at 7.48 p.m.
It also meant the timeline of Molly's disappearance could now be compressed, potentially, to the few moments after she passed the security camera at 7.48 p.m.
At 7.49, seconds after Molly, the Black Malibu drives by for the first time.
At 7.49, seconds after Molly, the Black Malibu drives by for the first time.
Even on the grainy video, they could tell this car had custom mirrors and chrome that set it apart. Can't see who's driving it.
Even on the grainy video, they could tell this car had custom mirrors and chrome that set it apart. Can't see who's driving it.
At 7.56, Christina Stewart's white minivan passes the same security camera. This is just a few minutes before she saw Molly on her run, as she would later tell police.
At 7.56, Christina Stewart's white minivan passes the same security camera. This is just a few minutes before she saw Molly on her run, as she would later tell police.
Then at 8.02, the Black Malibu drives by again. Can't get a plate number. No. Because this isn't a TV show. At 8.10, the Malibu drives by one last time, almost as if it's circling its prey.
Then at 8.02, the Black Malibu drives by again. Can't get a plate number. No. Because this isn't a TV show. At 8.10, the Malibu drives by one last time, almost as if it's circling its prey.
Investigators now had their third and most substantial lead yet— and their first potential suspect, the driver of the Black Malibu, following Molly. Now the mission was clear and urgent. Find the car, find the driver, and maybe finally find Molly Tibbetts. Investigators had their first major breakthrough in the four-week search for Molly Tibbetts.
Investigators now had their third and most substantial lead yet— and their first potential suspect, the driver of the Black Malibu, following Molly. Now the mission was clear and urgent. Find the car, find the driver, and maybe finally find Molly Tibbetts. Investigators had their first major breakthrough in the four-week search for Molly Tibbetts.
It was this tiny, bouncing dot they spotted on security footage. A blurred image they believed was Molly, jogging by at 7.48 p.m., just before she disappeared. You see Molly, but you also see a car. Yes, we do.
It was this tiny, bouncing dot they spotted on security footage. A blurred image they believed was Molly, jogging by at 7.48 p.m., just before she disappeared. You see Molly, but you also see a car. Yes, we do.
Molly had a great job working at a summer day camp at a local elementary school. Supervisor Jill Sheck said Molly was a natural with children.
Molly had a great job working at a summer day camp at a local elementary school. Supervisor Jill Sheck said Molly was a natural with children.
Not only did the car drive right past Molly, it circled back three times.
Not only did the car drive right past Molly, it circled back three times.
Before a flashing left turn signal marked a final trip out to the blacktop. where Molly was running. Finding that black Malibu suddenly became the major focus of the entire investigation.
Before a flashing left turn signal marked a final trip out to the blacktop. where Molly was running. Finding that black Malibu suddenly became the major focus of the entire investigation.
No. The next day, Deputy Sheriff Steve Kivy was on the road, not looking for anything in particular.
No. The next day, Deputy Sheriff Steve Kivy was on the road, not looking for anything in particular.
Kivy called in the plates and followed at a distance.
Kivy called in the plates and followed at a distance.
Tell me about this guy that gets out from behind the wheel.
Tell me about this guy that gets out from behind the wheel.
The driver identified himself as Christian Bahena Rivera and said he worked at a local dairy farm. You asked him about Molly, about her case?
The driver identified himself as Christian Bahena Rivera and said he worked at a local dairy farm. You asked him about Molly, about her case?
Investigators confirmed the black Chevy Malibu Deputy Kivy had just followed— was a perfect match to the car seen on video circling Molly.
Investigators confirmed the black Chevy Malibu Deputy Kivy had just followed— was a perfect match to the car seen on video circling Molly.
Investigators learned Rivera was an undocumented worker who was in Iowa to work in local agriculture. They also discovered he'd been living here seven years using an assumed identity.
Investigators learned Rivera was an undocumented worker who was in Iowa to work in local agriculture. They also discovered he'd been living here seven years using an assumed identity.
Four days later, investigators brought Rivera in for questioning. They also asked him if it was okay to search his two cars.
Four days later, investigators brought Rivera in for questioning. They also asked him if it was okay to search his two cars.
Lawmen knew they needed a Spanish speaker, and they preferred to have a woman interview Rivera. Luckily, they had recently met Pamela Romero from the nearby Iowa City Police Department. You weren't a detective.
Lawmen knew they needed a Spanish speaker, and they preferred to have a woman interview Rivera. Luckily, they had recently met Pamela Romero from the nearby Iowa City Police Department. You weren't a detective.
She didn't seem concerned about anything or worried.
She didn't seem concerned about anything or worried.
Romero started the interview by keeping things light.
Romero started the interview by keeping things light.
This doesn't sound like the kind of interrogation you see on TV and in movies, you know, where they're sweating the guy. This was just a conversation kind of like the one we're having now.
This doesn't sound like the kind of interrogation you see on TV and in movies, you know, where they're sweating the guy. This was just a conversation kind of like the one we're having now.
Just before lunch, Molly was all smiles as she pranked a co-worker and used his phone for selfies.
Just before lunch, Molly was all smiles as she pranked a co-worker and used his phone for selfies.
Rivera told Officer Romero he had an ex-wife and a three-year-old daughter. And he repeated what he'd told Deputy Kivy, that he'd known about the missing jogger, but nothing more.
Rivera told Officer Romero he had an ex-wife and a three-year-old daughter. And he repeated what he'd told Deputy Kivy, that he'd known about the missing jogger, but nothing more.
Next, she confronted Rivera with images from the video of his Chevy Malibu, passing Molly, minutes before she disappeared.
Next, she confronted Rivera with images from the video of his Chevy Malibu, passing Molly, minutes before she disappeared.
At some point, you start asking questions a little more pointedly about Molly Tibbetts, about whether he saw her and what he was doing that day, and the video that shows him sort of driving past her more than once.
At some point, you start asking questions a little more pointedly about Molly Tibbetts, about whether he saw her and what he was doing that day, and the video that shows him sort of driving past her more than once.
And then, for the first time, Rivera acknowledged not just that he had driven by Molly, but that he had seen her. And that he was attracted to her.
And then, for the first time, Rivera acknowledged not just that he had driven by Molly, but that he had seen her. And that he was attracted to her.
That day, it was Molly's turn to close up the camp. She left about 5 o'clock. She was the last person there.
That day, it was Molly's turn to close up the camp. She left about 5 o'clock. She was the last person there.
I mean, this is not some guy. This is the guy. Even if he was, could Officer Romero get him to admit it? It was day 33 of the investigation into the disappearance of Molly Tibbetts. Police believed Christian Rivera knew what had happened to Molly, but he wasn't giving them anything.
I mean, this is not some guy. This is the guy. Even if he was, could Officer Romero get him to admit it? It was day 33 of the investigation into the disappearance of Molly Tibbetts. Police believed Christian Rivera knew what had happened to Molly, but he wasn't giving them anything.
From the time when the interview begins, can you tell whether your instincts were correct and it is a good idea to have a woman involved?
From the time when the interview begins, can you tell whether your instincts were correct and it is a good idea to have a woman involved?
Molly's brother had picked her up and then dropped her off at her boyfriend Dalton's house. Dalton was out of town and not coming home that night, so Molly sent him a Snapchat message, then texted her mom saying she'd stop by for dinner. And then she got ready for her usual evening run.
Molly's brother had picked her up and then dropped her off at her boyfriend Dalton's house. Dalton was out of town and not coming home that night, so Molly sent him a Snapchat message, then texted her mom saying she'd stop by for dinner. And then she got ready for her usual evening run.
And then Officer Romero finally did what every investigator hopes to do. She got Christian Rivera to crack and reveal the truth about Molly Tibbetts' disappearance.
And then Officer Romero finally did what every investigator hopes to do. She got Christian Rivera to crack and reveal the truth about Molly Tibbetts' disappearance.
Then he suddenly said what investigators had been trying to figure out for weeks. He knew where Molly was.
Then he suddenly said what investigators had been trying to figure out for weeks. He knew where Molly was.
Rivera took investigators to a cornfield that was just a mile away from where they had concentrated their search. Just before sunrise, investigators finally found Molly Tibbetts.
Rivera took investigators to a cornfield that was just a mile away from where they had concentrated their search. Just before sunrise, investigators finally found Molly Tibbetts.
And what happened was as bad as it gets. What did the autopsy show? You stabbed to death. It's still tough for you to think about this, isn't it?
And what happened was as bad as it gets. What did the autopsy show? You stabbed to death. It's still tough for you to think about this, isn't it?
Soon, everyone in Brooklyn was learning the devastating news that sent shockwaves through Molly's family.
Soon, everyone in Brooklyn was learning the devastating news that sent shockwaves through Molly's family.
Christian Rivera was indicted for first-degree murder. His trial came three years later. Morgan was there every day to bear witness.
Christian Rivera was indicted for first-degree murder. His trial came three years later. Morgan was there every day to bear witness.
By then, Rivera had recanted his confession and pleaded not guilty. If convicted of first-degree murder, he faced life in prison without the possibility of parole.
By then, Rivera had recanted his confession and pleaded not guilty. If convicted of first-degree murder, he faced life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Powershack County Prosecutor Bart Claver and Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown presented the pillars of the case against Rivera. The video of Molly jogging and Rivera's car, blood found in his car's trunk that matched Molly's DNA, and Rivera's confession to Officer Romero.
Powershack County Prosecutor Bart Claver and Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown presented the pillars of the case against Rivera. The video of Molly jogging and Rivera's car, blood found in his car's trunk that matched Molly's DNA, and Rivera's confession to Officer Romero.
Morgan Collum was seven years older than Molly. They'd grown up together and were more like sisters than cousins. You ever talk to her about whether or not it was safe to go out there and run at night?
Morgan Collum was seven years older than Molly. They'd grown up together and were more like sisters than cousins. You ever talk to her about whether or not it was safe to go out there and run at night?
A potentially insurmountable challenge loomed for the prosecution. The rookie investigator who had delivered in the interrogation room had also made a rookie mistake when she recited the constitutionally required Miranda warning to Rivera. I skip a part. What part did you leave out?
A potentially insurmountable challenge loomed for the prosecution. The rookie investigator who had delivered in the interrogation room had also made a rookie mistake when she recited the constitutionally required Miranda warning to Rivera. I skip a part. What part did you leave out?
And because of that, the judge excluded six hours of Rivera's subsequent interview with Officer Romero, including his confession.
And because of that, the judge excluded six hours of Rivera's subsequent interview with Officer Romero, including his confession.
Fortunately, Agent Trent Valletta had made sure Rivera was Mirandized a second time. after he led them to Molly's body. And Rivera made another confession on the spot. And that little moment ended up saving you.
Fortunately, Agent Trent Valletta had made sure Rivera was Mirandized a second time. after he led them to Molly's body. And Rivera made another confession on the spot. And that little moment ended up saving you.
Mr. Bahena, I'm going to ask that you rise along with your attorneys, please. The jury wasn't out for long.
Mr. Bahena, I'm going to ask that you rise along with your attorneys, please. The jury wasn't out for long.
Thank you, Carrie. Rivera was convicted of first-degree murder and received a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Thank you, Carrie. Rivera was convicted of first-degree murder and received a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
It doesn't even the scales, though, does it?
It doesn't even the scales, though, does it?
Molly's legacy and commitment to good deeds lives on in Brooklyn, Iowa and beyond.
Molly's legacy and commitment to good deeds lives on in Brooklyn, Iowa and beyond.
Teal ribbons, Molly's favorite color. You still sort of feel her presence, don't you? All the time.
Teal ribbons, Molly's favorite color. You still sort of feel her presence, don't you? All the time.
A memorial fund for child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Iowa has received more than half a million dollars in Molly's memory. For Morgan, part of keeping the memory of Molly alive means running in her shoes. Running just as Molly did that last day.
A memorial fund for child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Iowa has received more than half a million dollars in Molly's memory. For Morgan, part of keeping the memory of Molly alive means running in her shoes. Running just as Molly did that last day.
Later that night, storm clouds rolled in and it poured. But the next day dawned warm summer bright.
Later that night, storm clouds rolled in and it poured. But the next day dawned warm summer bright.
Morgan and Molly were so close. They had exchanged Snapchats every day without fail for almost two years.
Morgan and Molly were so close. They had exchanged Snapchats every day without fail for almost two years.
So you get the hourglass, meaning your streak is in danger.
So you get the hourglass, meaning your streak is in danger.
Morgan wasn't the only one wondering where Molly was. When the camp day began, Molly wasn't there. Molly was reliable.
Morgan wasn't the only one wondering where Molly was. When the camp day began, Molly wasn't there. Molly was reliable.
That question, where is Molly, was being asked all over Brooklyn, Iowa.
That question, where is Molly, was being asked all over Brooklyn, Iowa.
That phone call sparked a chain reaction. Molly's family started calling each other and they were increasingly frantic.
That phone call sparked a chain reaction. Molly's family started calling each other and they were increasingly frantic.
Some of Molly's friends and family hurried to Dalton's house, hoping maybe she was sick or asleep. It was empty, and now panic was setting in. Everybody's calling you because they want to find her.
Some of Molly's friends and family hurried to Dalton's house, hoping maybe she was sick or asleep. It was empty, and now panic was setting in. Everybody's calling you because they want to find her.
At 5.56 p.m., Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office received a call. Molly was missing. Special Agent Trent Valletta caught the case for Iowa's Division of Criminal Investigation.
At 5.56 p.m., Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office received a call. Molly was missing. Special Agent Trent Valletta caught the case for Iowa's Division of Criminal Investigation.
Yes, they are. Deputy Steve Kivy headed up the investigation for the Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office.
Yes, they are. Deputy Steve Kivy headed up the investigation for the Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office.
So Valetta and Kivvy started where investigators always start, finding out everything they could about what Molly had been up to on the day she disappeared.
So Valetta and Kivvy started where investigators always start, finding out everything they could about what Molly had been up to on the day she disappeared.
Pretty much, yes. Now the race was on to build a timeline, minute by minute, from 7 p.m. on the night Molly went missing. At the same time, much of Brooklyn, Iowa held its breath, desperately hoping she'd be found alive. She went for a run after work. That was normal. Now, no one in Molly Tibbetts' circle of family and friends had heard from her in almost 24 hours. And that wasn't.
Pretty much, yes. Now the race was on to build a timeline, minute by minute, from 7 p.m. on the night Molly went missing. At the same time, much of Brooklyn, Iowa held its breath, desperately hoping she'd be found alive. She went for a run after work. That was normal. Now, no one in Molly Tibbetts' circle of family and friends had heard from her in almost 24 hours. And that wasn't.
She's not going to just vanish without telling anybody.
She's not going to just vanish without telling anybody.
Molly's best friend, Alexis Lind, was on vacation and rushed home when she got the news.
Molly's best friend, Alexis Lind, was on vacation and rushed home when she got the news.
Ever since Molly moved to Iowa in the third grade, they had been inseparable. What was it like to be around her?
Ever since Molly moved to Iowa in the third grade, they had been inseparable. What was it like to be around her?
In Brooklyn, Molly had blossomed into an honors student, a cross-country runner, and a three-time participant at Iowa's annual speech competition.
In Brooklyn, Molly had blossomed into an honors student, a cross-country runner, and a three-time participant at Iowa's annual speech competition.
Molly's impeccable reputation left investigators with no obvious personal problems to explore. So they went back to building a timeline of Molly's last day. The last place Molly was known to have been was at the home where her boyfriend Dalton Jack lived.
Molly's impeccable reputation left investigators with no obvious personal problems to explore. So they went back to building a timeline of Molly's last day. The last place Molly was known to have been was at the home where her boyfriend Dalton Jack lived.
Detective Valetta wanted to know if something had happened there and went to speak with the owners, Dalton's older brother and his wife.
Detective Valetta wanted to know if something had happened there and went to speak with the owners, Dalton's older brother and his wife.
If Molly had gone for a run, the question was, where? Investigators got their first clue from someone who had seen Molly that night. Christina Stewart told police she was on her way to feed her family's horses and was driving east of town on a road known as the Blacktop when she saw Molly running. The time was about 8 p.m.
If Molly had gone for a run, the question was, where? Investigators got their first clue from someone who had seen Molly that night. Christina Stewart told police she was on her way to feed her family's horses and was driving east of town on a road known as the Blacktop when she saw Molly running. The time was about 8 p.m.
Their first solid lead confirming Molly did go jogging that evening. Now they had to figure out what happened next. Did she run into someone else? Had she been attacked?
Their first solid lead confirming Molly did go jogging that evening. Now they had to figure out what happened next. Did she run into someone else? Had she been attacked?
Friday morning, two days after Molly was last heard from, the town of Brooklyn turned out an assembly of shaken but determined volunteers to look for her along the blacktop and beyond.
Friday morning, two days after Molly was last heard from, the town of Brooklyn turned out an assembly of shaken but determined volunteers to look for her along the blacktop and beyond.
Even as they searched, investigators and volunteers alike were thinking nothing good would be found there. It was with that grim possibility in mind that police would begin to look at a local farmer, a man with a history of troubling behavior. Molly Tibbetts' family and friends had joined the citizen army of Brooklyn, Iowa that was looking all over town for the missing college freshman.
Even as they searched, investigators and volunteers alike were thinking nothing good would be found there. It was with that grim possibility in mind that police would begin to look at a local farmer, a man with a history of troubling behavior. Molly Tibbetts' family and friends had joined the citizen army of Brooklyn, Iowa that was looking all over town for the missing college freshman.
Even as they kept vigil, they asked a difficult question. Was there some secret Molly had been hiding?
Even as they kept vigil, they asked a difficult question. Was there some secret Molly had been hiding?
Molly's cell phone was an obvious place to look for clues, but it was missing. So investigators came up with an ingenious way to replicate it.
Molly's cell phone was an obvious place to look for clues, but it was missing. So investigators came up with an ingenious way to replicate it.
So you're reading all those texts on that last day. Right. And she's not angry at anybody and nobody else is angry at her.
So you're reading all those texts on that last day. Right. And she's not angry at anybody and nobody else is angry at her.
Now, there was one person who had to know something about Molly's state of mind and maybe even what happened to her. Her boyfriend, Dalton Jack. What kind of vibe you get off him?
Now, there was one person who had to know something about Molly's state of mind and maybe even what happened to her. Her boyfriend, Dalton Jack. What kind of vibe you get off him?
It's a winding road on the outskirts of town. Here they call it the blacktop.
It's a winding road on the outskirts of town. Here they call it the blacktop.
Dalton and Molly had known each other since the sixth grade and had been dating for the past three years. Molly's cousin Morgan thought they were a good match. What'd you think of him?
Dalton and Molly had known each other since the sixth grade and had been dating for the past three years. Molly's cousin Morgan thought they were a good match. What'd you think of him?
Dalton Jack. Seemed genuinely concerned, truthful, cooperative.
Dalton Jack. Seemed genuinely concerned, truthful, cooperative.
Another dead end that took one of the usual suspects off the table. After several days of searching had turned up nothing, the FBI was brought in. Supervisor Molly Ammon put her team to work on recovering the data from the Fitbit Molly was believed to have been wearing.
Another dead end that took one of the usual suspects off the table. After several days of searching had turned up nothing, the FBI was brought in. Supervisor Molly Ammon put her team to work on recovering the data from the Fitbit Molly was believed to have been wearing.
So you start looking even closer along those routes that you regularly took.
So you start looking even closer along those routes that you regularly took.
Another dead end in Brooklyn. Outside of town, investigators were checking out a local pig farmer named Wayne Chaney for what seemed like a good reason. He had a record.
Another dead end in Brooklyn. Outside of town, investigators were checking out a local pig farmer named Wayne Chaney for what seemed like a good reason. He had a record.
Her running shoes pounding out a steady beat.
Her running shoes pounding out a steady beat.