Unlucky Numbers

Summary

20/20 Podcast Episode Summary: "Unlucky Numbers"

Title: Unlucky Numbers
Host/Author: ABC News
Release Date: April 19, 2025
Description: This episode delves into the tragic story of Abraham Shakespeare, a lottery winner whose sudden fortune led to his disappearance and eventual murder. Through investigative reporting, exclusive interviews, and expert analysis, "Unlucky Numbers" unravels the complex web of greed, manipulation, and tragedy that ensued.

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1. Introduction to Abraham Shakespeare

The episode opens by introducing Abraham Shakespeare, a 40-year-old man from Lakeland, Florida. Abraham's life is portrayed as humble and content, working various odd jobs and maintaining strong friendships in his modest neighborhood.

Host (00:31): "A stroke of luck, and nothing will ever be the same again. That's exactly what happened to a man with the name you will never forget, Abraham Shakespeare."

2. The Lottery Win

Abraham's fate changes dramatically when he wins a $30 million jackpot in the Florida lottery. Initially skeptical, he seeks confirmation from his cousin before the news spreads rapidly across Florida.

Narrator (03:17): "I just wasn't sure. I needed somebody I could trust to tell me that. And I was like, do not show this to anybody else. You go to Tallahassee and cash this in immediately."

After taxes, Abraham nets $12 million—a substantial amount for someone from his background.

Host (04:07): "Still, you know, $12 million is a huge chunk of change for a man with a pretty humble background."

3. Life After Winning

Despite his newfound wealth, Abraham remains grounded. He purchases a modest used car, a Rolex watch, and eventually fulfills his long-held dream of owning a million-dollar mansion in a gated community.

Narrator (05:43): "Abraham went to the car dealership. He buys a used car. It was a gem to him."

Abraham's humble spending contrasts sharply with the expectations of his community, setting the stage for future conflicts.

4. The Flood of Requests and Generosity

Abraham's generosity becomes overwhelming as friends, family, and strangers alike seek financial assistance. He establishes a system to manage these requests, treating himself as the neighborhood bank. However, the sheer volume of demands strains his resources.

Narrator (08:44): "Abraham's generosity spread throughout Lakeland. People did not hesitate to come to Abraham and say, you know, I need money for my mortgage... Everything you can think of that someone needed."

Host (09:18): "It got tired sometimes."

5. Introduction of Dee Dee Moore

At a party in his new home, Abraham meets Cyntoria Butler, who becomes his partner. Soon after, Dee Dee Moore enters the scene, presenting herself as a financial advisor eager to help Abraham manage his wealth.

Narrator (14:31): "Dee Dee Moore seemed like she was a very professional woman. She was in a suit and heels and hose and everything."

Dee Dee quickly garners Abraham's trust, taking over his financial affairs and positioning herself as an indispensable advisor.

6. Abraham's Disappearance

Amid mounting pressures and financial strains, Abraham suddenly vanishes. Friends and family notice his absence, sparking concern and speculation about his whereabouts.

Host (16:16): "When nobody seen him for the first couple months, we were like, okay. You know, he did say that he was gonna go away for a while and just let things, you know, kind of die down and chill. And then he was going to come back."

7. Investigation and Suspects

Abraham's cousin, Cedric Edom, files a missing persons report, initiating an investigation. Detectives explore various leads, including the possibility of Abraham fleeing with his money or falling victim to foul play.

Expert (19:56): "A lot of people said, well, I mean, I don't think he's missing. I think he took his money and wants to get away from all this."

8. Dee Dee Moore as a Person of Interest

As the investigation progresses, Dee Dee Moore emerges as a person of interest. Investigators uncover her dubious past, including convictions for petty theft and check fraud, raising suspicions about her motivations and integrity.

Narrator (33:29): "Dee Dee Moore's got a checkered past. She's no angel."

Expert (32:37): "Abraham didn't have access to a penny of his money. Dede had not only taken over all of his banking accounts, she had transferred money out of the banking accounts."

9. The Revelation and Trial

Evidence mounts against Dee Dee as investigators link her to Abraham's financial demise and eventual disappearance. Surveillance footage and witness testimonies suggest her involvement in orchestrating Abraham's murder. Dee Dee is indicted for first-degree murder after human remains identified as Abraham's are discovered on her property.

Expert (63:27): "Dee Dee Moore was indicted for first-degree murder, premeditated murder of Abraham Shakespeare."

Throughout the trial, Dee Dee maintains her innocence, alleging she was manipulated and framed by others.

10. Verdict and Aftermath

After a tense trial filled with compelling testimonies and damning evidence, the jury convicts Dee Dee Moore of first-degree murder. She is sentenced to life in a Florida state prison without the possibility of parole.

Host (70:32): "Dee Dee proves guilty on the first count... life in a Florida state prison without the possibility of parole."

In subsequent interviews, Dee Dee continues to deny involvement, expressing frustration with her conviction and maintaining that she was wrongfully blamed.

Dee Dee Moore (74:58): "I didn't murder. I wouldn't harm nobody. I liked Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and Disney."

11. Reflection and Legacy

The episode concludes by reflecting on Abraham Shakespeare's legacy—a man who used his wealth to help others but ultimately became a victim of greed and deceit. His disappearance and murder leave a lasting impact on his community, highlighting the dark side of sudden wealth.

Narrator (81:36): "Abraham Shakespeare not only lost his fortune and his life, he lost the chance to see his children grow up."

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Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Host (09:18): "It got fed up with it a lot."

• Narrator (23:38): "He wants to move it, because if I'm gonna confess to this, I'm gonna make it my own."

• Expert (53:11): "That's the biggest moment of the case. That's where we know 100% he's dead."

• Dee Dee Moore (74:56): "I didn't harm another human being. I would never hurt nobody."

• Host (70:32): "Dee Dee proves guilty on the first count... life in a Florida state prison without the possibility of parole."

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Conclusion

"Unlucky Numbers" portrays the harrowing journey of Abraham Shakespeare from a humble lottery winner to a man whose fortune brings tragedy and loss. Through meticulous investigative reporting, the episode sheds light on the destructive power of wealth when coupled with human greed and manipulation. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the unforeseen consequences that can accompany sudden financial windfalls.

For those intrigued by true crime and the intricate dynamics of human relationships strained by wealth, "Unlucky Numbers" offers a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.

Transcript

[Host]

This episode is brought to you by Lifelock.

[Narrator]

It's tax season, and we're all a bit tired of numbers, but here's one you need to $16.5 billion. That's how much the IRS flagged for possible identity fraud last year. Now here's a good number. 100 million. That's how many data points Lifelock monitors every second. If your identity is stolen, they'll fix it, guaranteed. Save up to 40% your first [e-mail] podcast terms apply.

[Host]

An all new 2020 starts right now. So this case is such a mess that in the beginning, you don't even have a starting point, except for Abraham Shakespeare winning the lottery, as if you won $30 million.

[Narrator]

Do not show this to anybody. But everybody's there saying, give me, let me, let me have. Women with car full of kids will pull up and say, oh, the Lord led me to you. And I would be like, no, that would be Google Maps, honey.

[Host]

One of the things that people talk about when they talk about winning the lottery is that it's cursed.

[Narrator]

I really would like my old life back where I could walk the streets like a normal person. But then all of a sudden, things go silent and nobody knows where Abraham Shakespeare is. Hey, have you heard from Abe? No, I haven't heard from him. Have you seen him? No, I haven't seen him either.

[Expert]

A lot of people said, well, I think he took his money and wants to get away from all this.

[Host]

So how many people in Polk county owed Abe Shakespeare money?

[Expert]

Over 20, maybe close to 40.

[Host]

There are all these people with this web of connections to Abraham Shakespeare, and any one of them might be someone who has a motive to see him dead. We all dream of a moment in life that will instantly change everything. A stroke of luck, and nothing will ever be the same again. That's exactly what happened to a man with the name you will never forget, Abraham Shakespeare.

[Narrator]

While Abraham Shakespeare was on a trucking route with his colleague Michael Ford, they stopped at a convenience store. Mike Ford, who is the driver, says, you need anything? Abraham, who's staying in the truck, says, yeah, you know, give me. Give me two quick pics.

[Host]

Right here at this gas station in a town with a name you just can't make up. Frost proof, Florida. One stop, two quick pick lottery tickets. One of which would change his life forever. A jackpot worth $30 million.

[Expert]

Hello, Florida. It's Wednesday, November 15th. And here are tonight's winning numbers.

[Host]

12. When Abe realized he'd won the lottery, he wasn't even sure it was Real. So he brought the ticket to his cousin, Ashley McMillan.

[Narrator]

I looked up at him and I looked at the ticket again and I looked up at him, I said, you. I said, you've won $30 million. He said, okay. I just wasn't sure. I needed somebody I could trust to tell me that. And I was like, do not show this to anybody else. You go to Tallahassee and cash this in immediately.

[Host]

News of Abe's win quickly spread across the state of Florida.

[Narrator]

It was at this convenience store that Abraham Shakespeare bought the lotto ticket that changed his life. A Lakeland man is waking up a millionaire. This 40 year old Abraham Shakespeare. He had the winning numbers and Mr. Shakespeare, I'd like to give you my phone number. He opted to take home the lump sum of 17 million. But then after taxes, he ended up with 12 million.

[Host]

Still, you know, $12 million is a huge chunk of change for a man with a pretty humble background who came from the central Florida town of Lakeland.

[Narrator]

Lakeland is small town feel with a little bit of city in it. Beautiful lakes areas are quiet, some parts are rural. And it's in between Orlando and Tampa.

[Host]

And here in Lakeland, Abe lived in a modest neighborhood where many folks struggled to make ends meet.

[Narrator]

This is the famous Abraham Shakespeare's ex home, where he rented and lived.

[Host]

This is where they lived before. This is where they lived before. Before he won the lottery.

[Narrator]

It was set up just like this.

[Host]

Nothing's changed besides painting, pretty modest place, pretty modest.

[Narrator]

Abraham's life has been hardscrabble for its duration. Abraham dropped out of school. He had been in a little bit of trouble as a youth. Nothing major, just a little petty theft kind of things. And as he grows older, he takes on a series of odd jobs. Riding the garbage truck for the city of Lakeland, sweeping up and somebody's barber shop. Abraham had a strong friendship with Greg Smith, who owned a barbershop. He worked at my barbershop as a cleanup guy, sweeping up and mopping floors. He was a less fortunate person. So let him work, get paid or buy him something to eat. Abraham was an easygoing person. He took life just as it came.

[Host]

What kind of guy was he?

[Narrator]

He was a humble guy, humble, respectful.

[Host]

You know, he wasn't a hard, he.

[Narrator]

Wasn'T a hard ass. He was a good dude.

[Host]

He didn't smoke, he didn't drink, he didn't do dope.

[Narrator]

He was just trying to survive, trying to make it in the world as most people do, but without being in the limelight of problems and trouble. Even Though he didn't have a whole lot, he was very content. Abraham has all of this money. He can move anywhere he wants to, but instead, he stays home. He stays in Lakeland. I think to a lot of people's surprise, Abraham did not go buck wild, as they say, when he got his money, he didn't overindulge. Abraham says, I want to buy a car, so off me. And Abraham went to the car dealership. Abraham walks up on this particular car and he liked it. And I'm like, yeah, Abraham, that's nice. But, you know, it's a used car. Used or whatever. It was a gem to him. He said he would go to Denny's to eat breakfast. He bought a Rolex watch from a pawn shop. He come to the shop every day. Millionaire. Come to the shop, sweep the floor. You better not drop a penny on the floor. First thing you gonna say, you gonna pick it up. You want to say, pennies make dollars. Abraham doesn't spend much money on himself, but the one thing that he really wants is a new house. So he buys a 5,000 square foot, million dollar mansion. Prior to winning the lottery, he would walk around this exclusive neighborhood and he would dream about living in one of those homes. He was able to buy his dream home for a million dollars in a gated community.

[Host]

And Abe quickly opened his doors to friends and even strangers. And one of those strangers was Cyntoria Butler, who was at the time down on her luck when she met Abe at a party he threw at his new house.

[Narrator]

At the end of the night, he was like, where are you going? I was like, I might be staying in my car tonight. He was like, well, you know, you can stay here until you get on your feet. He literally let me, as a stranger, move into his house.

[Host]

A friendship blossomed. Centauria and Abe grew close, and eventually they welcomed a son named Jeremiah.

[Narrator]

When the baby is out and they bring him over to the bed, Abraham with his long arms, he swoops in and he takes the baby right out of her hands. And he's holding him and he's like, yeah, I got my snookum puckle.

[Host]

But for Abe, it wasn't enough just to provide for his own family. Abe seemingly wanted to help everyone, and pretty soon, his generosity spread throughout Lakeland.

[Narrator]

When Abraham won the lottery, all of Lakeland and Polk county won the lottery. People did not hesitate to come to Abraham and say, you know, I need money for my mortgage. They're going to foreclose my house, they're going to repossess my car, I've got to bury my mother. Everything you can think of that someone needed.

[Host]

Now you're dealing with all kind of.

[Narrator]

People you want to look out for and people you want to look out for. But everybody's there saying, give me, let me, let me have. Abraham wins this huge lottery, and then within a day, everyone wants a piece. I couldn't even talk with him 10 minutes. His phone was ringing. By the time he get off the phone with that one, another one would call him. There were days that random women with car full of kids would pull up and say, oh, the lord led me to you. And I would be like, no, that would be Google maps, honey. It got tired sometimes.

[Host]

It got fed up with it a lot.

[Narrator]

I really would like my old life back where I could walk the streets like a normal person. But got people coming up, asking for money.

[Host]

And Abe's fortunes might be about to take an even more serious turn for the worse.

[Narrator]

His friend comes forward and says, hey, that's my ticket. All those multi million dollars, they're mine. Abraham Shakespeare was on the verge of losing his entire fortune.

[Host]

When Abe Shakespeare moved into that gated community, he was stepping into his life of luxury as a recent lottery winner. But those gates still couldn't keep people out. Friends, neighbors, even strangers still visited, asking for a favor, a loan, or a handout.

[Narrator]

I think it caused him more harm than good. I don't think he enjoyed that money. It was like, I wish I didn't even have no money. He was dead serious. There's something called the lottery curse. Lottery winners go bankrupt. They are killed, robbed, kidnapped, and scammed till the end of days. Most people work and struggle to get millions. When it's handed to you, it's an easy come, easy go. And you're open game. And if you're not prepared for it, you're screwed with it.

[Host]

Abe tried to manage that flood of requests, turning some of those handouts into loans. But this was far from a perfect system.

[Narrator]

One of the things that Abraham did was he set up a business venture in which he became the hood's bank. But that also meant that he had to make arrangements with them for when they would pay back and how much they would pay back. This was becoming overwhelming.

[Host]

Abe was giving out money faster than he could keep track of. And then things took an unexpected turn with that co worker on the trucking route, the guy who bought the winning lottery ticket for him, Mike Ford.

[Narrator]

Suddenly, there's a lawsuit against Abraham filed by Mike ford, who is claiming that Abraham stole the Tickets. I was able to immediately get in contact with him. He was upset because he thought that Michael Ford was a friend.

[Host]

To defend himself, Ade brought in a high profile attorney named Willie Gary.

[Narrator]

Willie Gary is a force, very self confident. Willie has a private jet. He drives around in Rolls Royces. He wears, of course, custom made suits.

[Expert]

Please be seated, ladies and gentlemen.

[Narrator]

Mike Ford's claim was that Abraham had gone into his wallet, had taken the lottery ticket. Abraham denies that he ever stole that ticket.

[Host]

In response to the lawsuit, Abe alleged it was never about a stolen ticket. It was about a demand for a million dollars. Abe's claim was that Mike basically went.

[Narrator]

To him saying, hey, I want a million dollars. And Abraham said, I'm not giving you any money. And that's when Mike said, well, I'm going to sue you.

[Host]

Ford has a different account. He says that when he asked Abraham about the ticket, Abe offered him a million dollars, but later refused to pay, saying Ford couldn't prove the ticket was his.

[Narrator]

Ford versus Shakespeare was a five day trial. Michael Ford did his best to present his case, but the jury only took an hour to find against him.

[Host]

It was a battle over millions in that courthouse. But in the end, he got to keep all of his money. And then he met someone. He met someone who promised to help him, who promised to protect his fortune, to secure his future. Was Abe's luck finally turning around?

[Narrator]

A woman named Dorise Moore. They call her Dee Dee. Florida born, very ambitious, pretty smart. She comes along in fall of 2008. Dede goes to this small business conference where she meets the realtor who sold Abraham his $1 million mansion. And she thought it would be cool to write a book about his life.

[Host]

Dede is introduced to Abraham and he agrees to let her profile him.

[Narrator]

She wanted to sit down and interview us for her book. Dee Dee Moore seemed like she was a very professional woman. She was in a suit and heels and hose and everything. And said that she owned a company, American Medical Professionals. Dee Dee Moore is a self made businesswoman, a very successful businesswoman with a medical staffing company.

[Host]

And the more time Dee Dee spent around Abe, the more involved she became, not just as an author but but also as an advisor.

[Narrator]

She learns that he has all this money out there in the community. She said, you need a financial advisor, you need some financial help. I am an expert at that. The next thing you know, Dee Dee is Abraham Shakespeare's sidekick and his emissary who goes around to collect money.

[Host]

She had her own money, she didn't need his money.

[Narrator]

And that became a trust factor for him. He's like, you know, she has her own business. She, you know, know how to run things. She gonna help me with my llcs.

[Host]

Dede wasn't just helping Abe with his money. She also started recording their conversations, capturing these behind the scene moments where, even with her help, he still appeared to be fed up.

[Narrator]

Do you get tired of people asking you for money all the time, Abe? Give me your opinion on it. I've been tired. A year ago, all of a sudden, things go silent. And nobody knows where Abraham Shakespeare is. None of his children had heard from him. His mother hadn't heard from him. Nobody had heard from him.

[Host]

And just like that, Abraham Shakespeare disappeared. No calls, no goodbyes. Not a word to the people, people he loved. It was like he vanished into thin air. Abraham Shakespeare seems determined to shake that lottery curse, Especially after his generosity cost him almost all of his jackpot millions. Now he's fighting to get his finances back under control.

[Narrator]

Everything was well, and then it got quiet. All of a sudden, In April of 2009, there's a stir going on in the community about nobody having seen Abraham Shakespeare in a while. A little buzz at first, and then it gets louder and louder and louder and becomes a thing. People start to talk, hey, have you heard from Abe? No, I haven't heard from him. Have you seen them? No, I haven't seen him either. And that kind of started to snowball with everybody. Started to realize, you know, I haven't heard from him either.

[Host]

And so at what point did you notice that Abe might have gone missing?

[Narrator]

When I would call, he would always answer me or respond back. And when I didn't get that, then it began to make, you know, somewhat of a red flag.

[Host]

There was this widespread speculation around Lakeland that Abe finally just got fed up with all these people thinking that he should share his fortune with everyone. And as a result, he decided to skip town.

[Narrator]

It was common knowledge that Abraham said that he got tired of people asking him for money. I really would like my old life back where I could walk the streets like a normal person. When nobody seen him for the first couple months, we were like, okay. You know, he did say that he was gonna go away for a while and just let things, you know, kind of die down and chill. And then he was going to come back.

[Host]

And friends say Abe had a very good reason not to skip town for good. Even though Abe and Centauri at this point were no longer living together, Centuria says Abe was still a devoted father to their Son Jeremiah.

[Narrator]

He was just, like, so excited about being a father. And he would take a picture every day.

[Host]

Finally, In November of 2009, almost six months since Abe disappeared, Abe's cousin Cedric Edom, decides to file a missing persons report at the Polk County Sheriff's office.

[Expert]

Abraham's cousin Cedric Edom, reported him missing to our missing persons unit. And that's where the whole investigation started.

[Host]

But the investigation gets off to a slow start. Lots of people are still convinced that there's an innocent explanation for Abe's disappearance.

[Expert]

A lot of people said, well, I mean, I don't think he's missing. I think he took his money and wants to get away from all this.

[Host]

One of Abe's friends, Judy Hagans, even told the police Abe had mentioned leaving the country.

[Narrator]

Did he ever discuss any intricate plans.

[Expert]

With you that, hey, I'm gonna disappear, and nobody's ever gonna see me again?

[Narrator]

What was that about? He really wanted to move to Jamaica.

[Host]

Still, there was an aspect of Abe's disappearance that puzzled some of his friends and family members. All of a sudden, they started receiving these random text messages from him.

[Narrator]

All of these people that Abraham would normally just pick up the phone and talk to or stop by to see were getting text messages.

[Host]

So at this point, there are a bunch of people coming out of the woodwork who are saying that they've heard from Abe. Right.

[Narrator]

I got a text at one point.

[Host]

And what. What did that text say?

[Narrator]

He was just. He was out and just didn't want to be bothered.

[Expert]

And the mother of his child, Cyntoria, she received a text message saying he was going on vacation and leaving her for another woman.

[Narrator]

I'm texting Abraham, and I'm getting texts back, oh, I'm leaving you for this woman, and we're going to the Bahamas. I got a reply from his number, and the reply was, don't. I don't need nobody filing no missing person's report on me. I'm fine.

[Host]

But Ashley and others close to Abe say they had some serious doubts. About what. Whether he was actually the person sending those texts, Even though they were coming from his phone.

[Narrator]

I knew that wasn't my cousin. This is not Abraham texting me.

[Host]

There's no way that he could have constructed those text messages because Abraham Shakespeare could barely read and write. In fact, his cousin Ashley McMillan used to read him the greeting cards here at this Walgreens where she used to work.

[Narrator]

Before he won the lottery, he was always buying Hallmark cards. He was like, hey, can you come read this card to me? I need something that conveys, like, empathy or sympathy. I asked him one time. I was like, why can't you just read the card? And he looked at me dead square in the face and was like, I cannot read. It was so suspicious as people were getting text messages because he couldn't read or write. And if it wasn't Abraham, who. Who were the text messages coming from?

[Expert]

That was one of the biggest hurdles we had in the beginning of the case was nailing down when the last time, not only was Abraham seen, but when someone physically and actually talked to him on the phone.

[Host]

So this case is such a mess that in the beginning, you don't even have a starting point.

[Expert]

Every time we would talk to someone, they had heard something different. It just seemed like every story was leading back to Dee Dee Moore. And so we're just like, okay, we've got to talk to Dee Dee Moore. Because this lady Dee Dee, is associated to every story that we're being told.

[Host]

For Abe's friends and family, it makes sense that if anyone knows where he is, it would be Dee Dee. I mean, after all, she has been working closely with him to get his finances in order.

[Narrator]

As their friendship began to blossom, Abraham and Dee Dee Moore hung out quite a bit. She became a major asset to him by helping Abraham collect on money that was owed to him. Everybody was very uncertain. Dee Dee had an answer. When police interviewed Dee Dee about Abraham's whereabouts, she says, nothing's wrong. In fact, I'm in constant contact with him.

[Expert]

Her statement was that she talks to him all the time. If we wanted to see him, she would make sure that she brought him to us. So she sends him a text message in front of us and said, abraham, call me. Please call me. We wait a little bit, and nothing. And she's like, well, I'll call you in the morning. Soon as we hear from him, we'll set up a meeting. So we left.

[Host]

Although Dede can't actually connect police with Abe on the phone, she is able to show them that video that she'd taken of Abe, where he says he wants to skip town.

[Expert]

So where do you want to go to?

[Narrator]

It don't matter to me. I'm not a picky person. Are you going to miss your home? Yep, I miss it. But life goes on.

[Host]

Weeks go by, and there's no word from him, and suspicion begins to mount. But then this startling development. Out of the blue, Abe's mother, Elizabeth Walker, is having dinner at a Cracker Barrel, and.

[Narrator]

Elizabeth's phone rings, and she opens her Phone and sees it's Abraham calling. And she said, oh, my God, it's Abraham.

[Host]

Abraham Shakespeare is reported missing on November 9. Most of his friends and family say they have not seen him or heard his voice since April. Is there a chance at this point in the investigation that Abe Shakespeare might just turn up somewhere?

[Expert]

I think we thought that was a real true possibility. Once we put him in the national database as missing, we got calls from all over the United States, and some of them with super confidence that it was Abraham. It wasn't him. But we had to deal with a lot of that.

[Narrator]

With all of these empty leads, Investigators are now looking at other angles. So there's a whole pool of potential individuals that you could look at with some sort of motive. If his disappearance did result in foul play, we certainly hope Abraham's alive and well and he has successfully hidden himself away. But our investigation doesn't lead us to believe that at this time.

[Host]

At this point, detectives are not only concerned that lottery winner Abe Shakespeare might be missing, they're concerned he might be dead. So how many people in Polk county owed Abe Shakespeare money?

[Expert]

Over 20, maybe close to 40.

[Host]

And so some of them would probably not be so upset if he never appeared again.

[Expert]

That was the problem, is that there was a lot of people that owed him money.

[Host]

But investigators aren't particularly interested in a man who had claimed that Abe owed him something.

[Narrator]

Presiding.

[Expert]

Please be seated, ladies and gentlemen.

[Host]

Again, if you have a cell phone.

[Expert]

Michael Ford lost the lawsuit to him. Claimed the winning lottery ticket was his. Went all the way to a trial.

[Host]

He's probably pissed off $30 million of upset.

[Narrator]

Michael, we're up here talking to you about Abraham Shakespeare. How do you know that name? Because I went to trial with him.

[Expert]

For a lotto ticket.

[Narrator]

Okay. And at no time did you. Did you see Abraham Shakespeare while you were in. No. South Florida. And just for the record, you didn't in any way harm, hurt, or cause Mr. Shakespeare to be missing at this time, did you? No, sir.

[Expert]

We actually pulled his phone records to confirm that where he was, and he was in Georgia. I mean, we looked at him that hard, but it was more of an elimination thing.

[Host]

While detectives have a long list of possible suspects to go through, Marissa Green at the ledger in Lakeland is focused on one person. Dede Moore.

[Narrator]

I felt like I had a vested interest in finding Abraham Shakespeare, just like the detectives. A couple of weeks before it was officially announced that Abraham Shakespeare was missing, I met Dee Dee Moore over the phone for the first time. She promised that she could Produce him and I could interview him, but that never happened. And it went silent. And so that's when my red flag started to raise about this woman and who she was.

[Host]

Then, in December 2009, Marissa is able to convince Dee Dee to come down to the Ledger newsroom for an interview with her and her editor, Lyle McBride. Dee Dee tells them that at the time Abe disappeared, most of his lottery jackpot was long gone.

[Narrator]

And he didn't have any money left really. Right. Except for what he was collecting. Little, you know, the regular little. The few that were paying him back. That's what he was living off of because everything else was froze. All his other money was tied up. She said everybody else was taking advantage of him, but not her because she had her own money. That's the kind of person I am. If you ask my family, my friends, I've been that way my whole life. I always helped people.

[Host]

During that three hour interview, Dede now tells a different story. Now she insists that Abe left town to avoid having to pay money in the child support fight he is supposedly having with the mother of his son, Cyntoria Butler.

[Narrator]

And so he was very upset and adamant that he would rather spend 179 days in prison if they find him than to pay her anything. There was never a plan to go to court to get child support. I never attempted to go to court to get child support. That was the end of the story. So during the interview, we played good cop, bad cop, and I was the bad cop. I was the one asking the hard questions of Dee Dee Moore. Where is Abraham? Well, Abraham is knows he was supposed.

[Expert]

To go for contempt of child support.

[Narrator]

Okay? And we. That's the question I asked. Where is Abraham? I do not know. And I told the cops this. I do not know his address. I didn't want to know because of the fact that we knew he would have a warrant out for his arrest.

[Host]

That interview with Dee Dee Moore at the Ledger, it ends without any new information regarding Abe's whereabouts. But then, a month and a half after he was reported missing, there's a surprising turn of events involving Abe's mother, Elizabeth Walker.

[Narrator]

Dee Dee befriended her, and they're having dinner together. One night, the phone rings, and it's Abraham. Hi, Mom. I love you. Oh, baby, I miss you. Where are you? I can't hear you. It's so loud. I can't really hear you, but I'll be home soon. I love you. I love you, too. And that's the end of the call. Dee Dee says, oh, my God. You know, he called. You see, he's okay. And Ms. Walker appears to feel be relieved but not quite sure because Abraham sounded different.

[Host]

Abe's mom is suspicious.

[Expert]

She was suspicious. Didn't think it sounded like her son. But in the back of her mind, maybe he really does have a cold. Maybe he's really sick.

[Host]

Turns out the police are able to trace that phone call. And it leads them not to Abraham Shakespeare alive and well, but to a very different person.

[Expert]

We had that 30 day location tracker on the phone. So we pulled it up and it's at the Lakeland mall.

[Host]

Will that phone call help cops unravel the mystery of what really happened to Abe Shakespeare?

[Narrator]

Critics called the first season of andor thrilling and sophisticated.

[Expert]

The empire cannot win.

[Narrator]

On April 22, the Emmy nominated series returns to Disney plus resistance to subside. We must stand together. We will be crushed. There's a future here for those who dare. You're right here and you're ready to fight. Welcome to the Rebellion Andor Season 2. Streaming April 22nd only on Disney.

[Expert]

Like your favorite travel guide, T mobile's network knows all the spots because T mobile helps keep you connected from the.

[Host]

Heart of Portland to right where you.

[Expert]

Are on America's largest 5G network switch.

[Host]

Now keep your phone and T mobile.

[Expert]

Will pay it off up to $800.

[Host]

Per line via prepaid card.

[Expert]

Visit your local T mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com KeepAndSwitch up to four.

[Host]

Lines via virtual prepaid card.

[Expert]

Last 15 days qualified unlock device. Credit service port in 90 plus days. Device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card is no cash access. It expires in six months.

[Host]

Three weeks after Abe Shakespeare's disappearance is reported to PO the full attention of investigators is now on Dee Dee Moore. She was supposed to have been his financial savior, but they've discovered that she has taken over his lottery fortune. What did you see when you looked into his finances?

[Expert]

Abraham didn't have access to a penny of his money. Dede had not only taken over all of his banking accounts, she had transferred money out of the banking accounts.

[Narrator]

Dede tells Abraham that for his benefit, he needs to sign over his assets and so that she can have control of those assets. That's the way she can protect him from anybody coming after him for any money. She was now living in his house. I couldn't believe it. I'm like, what would make her want to live in this man's house?

[Expert]

Once we were going deep into the investigation, we tried to find out everything we could about Dee Dee. And we found out, you know, she wasn't who she portrayed herself to be.

[Narrator]

Dee Dee Moore's got a checkered past.

[Host]

She's been in trouble with the law before.

[Narrator]

She's no angel.

[Host]

After graduating from Plant City High School in Florida, Dede was eventually able to start up that medical staffing company. But she had her share of run ins with the law. A no contest plea for petty theft in 1999 and a guilty plea for check fraud back in 2002. There was also one incident where she falsely claimed she was carjacked after falling behind on her vehicle payments.

[Narrator]

So she drives the SUV down a dark country road one night, and two Latino men. This is her story. Hijack her suv, tie her up, rape her, beat her and throw her on the side of the road and take off with the suv. Long story short, she had hired these guys to take the car and hide the vehicle from everybody.

[Host]

Dee Dee was convicted of insurance fraud, and that background raises a lot of eyebrows among detectives investigating Abe Shakespeare's disappearance.

[Narrator]

She definitely has the ability to manipulate, to lie, to concoct stories and so forth.

[Expert]

Yeah, we were really convinced that Dee Dee definitely had more information, and we wanted to push some buttons with Dee Dee.

[Host]

So police pressed Dee Dee for answers about how she's taken over Ape's finances.

[Narrator]

You are, in essence, Abraham, correct? Yes, but my point in all of this is all of these people, plus all of the real estate, right? Comes up to how much. But you've got. No, no, no. Comes up to how much, Didi. Comes up to how much. So, okay, so I've done the rough math, okay? It comes up to almost three and a half million dollars, okay? If I'm guilty of anything, I'm guilty of helping him avoid child support. I'm not worried about any of that.

[Host]

Investigators may have their suspicions about Dede, but what they don't have is any hard evidence tying her to Abe's disappearance. Meanwhile, Dee Dee turns to the media to plead her side of the story.

[Narrator]

Because of these people. You talking about your meeting with the cops?

[Expert]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Because of these people, my life has been turned up. In the last two weeks, all my house has been looked over twice, then looked over. They threw all my papers, they took.

[Expert]

My computers and downloaded their hard drives.

[Narrator]

I want this out of my life. And I feel sorry for Abraham, but I. It has hardened my heart. I don't know if I'll ever help anybody out anymore.

[Host]

Then, eight and a half months after Abe's disappearance, and just a couple of days after Christmas There's a development that sends this case in a dramatic new direction.

[Narrator]

The thing that really turns the case was when Elizabeth Walker got that call from her long missing son. Dee Dee Moore was at dinner with Elizabeth Walker when Abraham called.

[Expert]

Abraham's mother called me, and she's like, detective Clark. I. Abraham called me and told me merry Christmas and that he's okay. But she said, it didn't really sound like my son. And I said, what number did that call come from? And she's like. It said private.

[Narrator]

It didn't take long for them to look at phone records.

[Host]

Investigators quickly learned two very critical pieces of information. First, that number is not Abraham Shakespeare's. Second, someone with that phone itself is located very close by a local mall. So they rush to that local mall to figure out who it is. And incredibly, at almost the same moment, they drive in, so does Dee Dee Moore.

[Expert]

And then in drives Dee Dee. It's like a gift from God dropped to us crazy. We watch her get out, meet with this guy, hand him a wad of.

[Narrator]

Cash, and this was just, you know, stink in the high heavens.

[Expert]

They talk for a minute. She gets in her car, and she drives away to the north. And this car with this gentleman in it drives away to the south. So we get behind the car, we're following it, and we're like, let's stop it. We go to stop the car. So I just jump out. I go to the guy, and I go, you can either park your car, get in our car, and come with us, or we're gonna try to put you in prison the rest of your life. And he goes, well, I guess I'm coming with you.

[Host]

The man in the car, the man who got the cash from Dee Dee and who owns the phone that made the call to Abe's mom. He is none other than the friend of Abe's who ran the local barbershop, Greg Smith.

[Narrator]

Do you know Dee Dee Moore? That's what they asked me. Now I'm thinking to myself, lord Jesus, what is going on? Did you make a phone call to Abraham's mother? I said, yeah. Well, I make the phone call to his mother pertaining to be Abraham. I'm supposed to mimic his voice and the way he talk best I can and tell his mom that I'm okay. She's gonna pay me $350. I didn't feel right about it, but I thought I was helping Ms. Walker feel better because she's been worried about her son. Greg told them, then, I think that Abraham is dead. They said, we think so, too. And they said, you know, we need you to keep meeting with Dee Dee because she. We think she has something to do with this, and we need you to work for us. And I'm thinking to myself, man, when I needed this man, this man stepped in and help me.

[Host]

And the reality of what's at stake sinks in.

[Narrator]

For Greg Smith, the light click on. Okay. She actually is under investigation for killing Abraham Shakespeare. I was like, you know, I do what I can.

[Host]

And so begins an elaborate plot to take down Dee Dee Moore and prove her involvement in Abraham Shakespeare's disappearance. Now, this is going to involve not only an undercover sting, a can of Red Bull, but also a discovery made right in this yard for Abraham Shakespeare. The good news is you've won the lottery. That's also the bad news.

[Narrator]

As of this time, we don't know the whereabouts of Abraham Shakespeare.

[Host]

Detectives are not only concerned that Abe Shakespeare might be missing, they're concerned he might be dead.

[Expert]

We've got to talk to Dee Moore because everybody is bringing her name up. Whatever story they had, everything just kept circling back.

[Narrator]

They're saying that I took a gun.

[Expert]

And killed another human being.

[Narrator]

What they need, they need the evidence that I guarantee you Ronald has killed him.

[Expert]

We're like, ronald? We never heard of a Ronald.

[Narrator]

She kept saying, ronald killed him. Ronald shot.

[Host]

Why are you laughing? Because a man is dead. He's been murdered.

[Narrator]

I liked Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. There are so many things that proves my innocence.

[Host]

Do you understand how listening to you is bewildering?

[Narrator]

Well, do you understand how listening to you is just. It sounds like a bunch of stupidity.

[Expert]

Hello, Florida. It's Wednesday, November 15th.

[Narrator]

And here are tonight's winning numbers.

[Expert]

Abraham Shakespeare won $31 million in the Florida lottery, going from rags to riches.

[Host]

But as happens to so many lottery winners, Abe is besieged by people asking him for some of that cash.

[Narrator]

I really would like my old life back where I could walk the screech like a normal person. But got people coming up asking for money. Everybody feels that's their opportunity to get paid. But then he suddenly disappears. But no one has seen Shakespeare, including his mother, who's beginning to think the.

[Host]

Lotto prize may have been a curse.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I'm just hoping to hear something. There is contact. Family and friends receive text messages. In fact, his own mother gets a phone call from Abraham. I answered the phone. I said, hello. Upon further investigation, detectives learned that the voice was Greg Smith, the owner of the barbershop where Abraham would work. I was like, mom, how you. How you Doing this. Abraham.

[Host]

Greg claims he faked that call at the request of a woman named Dee Dee Moore, who was helping Abe with his finances. And the police start investigating her.

[Narrator]

Despite running a legitimate business, Dee Dee Moore has a checkered past.

[Host]

She's been in trouble with the law before.

[Narrator]

Greg decides he does not want to go to jail, so he helps investigators with their case. And one way that he does it is by becoming a confidential informant. I didn't set a plan out to go catch up. I just told him, I'll see what I could do. I'm talking to. Getting ready to talk to Dee Dee. She's getting in the car now.

[Host]

When I interviewed Greg smith back in 2012, he showed me how he secretly recorded conversations with her using something he called a catch can, which he invented himself.

[Narrator]

It's a Red Bull can.

[Host]

Look at that thing. I would figure out how it opens.

[Narrator]

Even it actually separates in between.

[Host]

Oh, yeah.

[Narrator]

Wow.

[Host]

That's brilliant.

[Narrator]

That's the DD Moore catch can. I worked undercover narcotics for eight years, and I wouldn't have came up with this. Almost all of the meetings were in a car. Here it is sitting in front of her. She doesn't even know it's there. Well, they'll never know about you anyway. I never give you up. You know what I'm saying? Ever. And I'm so deep in this with you right now. If you go down, I go down right now.

[Host]

Yeah, it was ingenious.

[Narrator]

But he even took it a step further. He would be smoking small cigars as.

[Expert]

They talked so that she wouldn't get suspicious.

[Narrator]

He would make it a point to flick ashes on or into the can as they were talking.

[Expert]

Pretty simple trick, but it worked good, and it gave us a good recording of the car.

[Narrator]

I just need some time to get freaking Abraham back.

[Host]

Dee Dee is recorded telling Greg that Abe is alive after she had asked Greg to make that fake call to Abe's mom. Dee Dee now asks him to call someone else to continue spreading the news that Abe is okay.

[Narrator]

Should I say that. That he talked to his mom? Yeah. Yeah. See that? That's gonna. That's gonna make it more convincing. But he told her if he tells, she tells anybody. He'll never call back. You make sure you say that. That sounds a little bit more. Say that if she tells anybody, Abraham told her she would. He would never call back. What's up, Dee Dee?

[Host]

Greg later reports back to her that McCall went, well, you tell him, yeah, he's still living.

[Narrator]

I said, yeah, he's still living. I Said if anybody want to know if he's still living. Yeah, he's still living. At one point, the investigation moves to a local hotel where Dee Dee Moore and Greg Smith meet.

[Host]

So Dee Dee and Greg go to the hotel to follow up that fake phone call with a fake letter.

[Expert]

Yes, they did.

[Narrator]

Deep Grooms is inside this.

[Expert]

We're listening as they're in the hotel.

[Narrator]

That's not the same laptop you had, is it? You went and bought that today. Here comes a brand new laptop and a brand new printer. But she is very paranoid now about leaving any traces that can be taken back to her.

[Expert]

So she's dressed in full hospital gown, gloves, face mask, hair, so that while she's typing that none of her DNA gets on the paper or gets on the envelope or anything.

[Narrator]

She is determined. You will not find any Dee Dee Moore DNA here. Chocolate. Chocolate. I don't want you to show this letter to the cops. I just want you to tell them that it was me.

[Host]

They spent about two hours composing this letter to Abe's mother with Greg offering suggestions to Dee Dee about how Abe would actually talk.

[Expert]

And we're down there laughing because Greg's like, no, maybe you should say bro instead of brother.

[Narrator]

If I had to take this letter here and I had to read this.

[Expert]

Letter and I had to understand this letter.

[Narrator]

The letter is convincing to me. It couldn't have came from you. How do you do it to anybody? But how do you do it to a 70 plus year old woman who hasn't seen her son in months? I mean, devious, manipulative, evil.

[Expert]

He puts it in the mailbox. He leaves. I take the letter out of the mailbox and put it in evidence.

[Host]

Remember, those close to Abe knew that he could barely read or write. I mean, this is a copy of the letter. And for a. A guy who, even though his name was Shakespeare, I mean, he didn't write. This is like six or seven pages exactly. I only wrote you just in case you really worry. Just in case you can't keep this to yourself and you're really worried about me. Here's a Christmas present to you.

[Narrator]

The letter is more like a treatise about everything that Abraham would be trying to explain to his mother about why he went away and what hassle he went through once he got all the money and how sometimes he wishes he didn't have all this money, but that he's doing okay and he's trying to stay away and get his life together. I mean, it went on and on and on for pages.

[Host]

But what Dee Dee Moore does next will remove all doubt. Abraham Shakespeare is not okay at all with a body.

[Narrator]

I can do a plea deal with them. What do you want, 50 grand? If you do this, you're going to be a very popular person. You're going to be a legend. By this point, all of the law enforcement officers instincts are firing on code red. They feel that Diddy Moore knew what happened to Abraham Shakespeare. What they need, they need the evidence.

[Host]

So at one point, you ask the sheriff to hold a press conference.

[Narrator]

As of this time, we don't know the whereabouts of Abraham Shakespeare.

[Host]

And at that point, the sheriff says, hey, we think that Abe Shakespeare may have been met with foul play.

[Narrator]

We suspect that he's met an untimely death.

[Host]

He also names Dee Dee Moore as a person of interest.

[Narrator]

I must tell you folks that certainly it is fair to call Dee Dee Moore a person of interest. After that press conference, I believe she felt the walls closing in on her.

[Expert]

So immediately she calls Greg Smith. We've got to do something. Did you see what Sheriff Judd saying about me?

[Host]

And that's when the next phase of the case begins. Convincing Dee Dee that if Abe is actually dead, to admit what really happened.

[Narrator]

They come up with this idea that they will get a fall guy who will say, you know, I'll take the blame and say that I killed Abraham Shakespeare.

[Expert]

We call a guy named Mike Smith. I mean, he's just a very large, intimidating fella and one of the best undercover guys I've ever worked with.

[Narrator]

And his last name happened to be Smith, the same as Greg Smith. And they pretended to be cousins.

[Expert]

So we tell Greg, we just want you to tell her that you have a cousin that's going to prison. If there happens to be something wrong with Abe, I bet for the right amount of money, he'll take a murder.

[Narrator]

I said, I know somebody. I know somebody. I got a cousin gonna do 25 years that'll take that rap. Yeah, I got somebody. Here's the deal. I went and talked to him. He said, okay, I do this. When can I talk to him?

[Expert]

She reacted way more than we expected. She immediately says, I want to meet him. I want to meet him as soon as possible.

[Host]

So soon after, they arrange a face to face meeting in another parking lot in Lakeland.

[Narrator]

I pulled in right about this area here, okay. And park. She comes over. He jumps in the back seat. She jumps in the front. Hello. Hello.

[Expert]

All right.

[Narrator]

This is my baby right here. You gotta take care of her brother. He introduces us. We talk small talk briefly for a couple minutes.

[Host]

Who does she think that you are at this point?

[Narrator]

At that point, Greg had sold a story to her that I was a drug dealer. I was just a drug dealer. He knew I was just a drug dealer. They got busted by the feds that was going away that was willing to take the rap. Yeah, I'm in over my head. I've never been through nothing like this in my life.

[Expert]

The meeting is taking place in a undercover vehicle that we had equipped with listening devices and recording devices.

[Host]

And what was Dede's demeanor like in the car? Was she twitchy?

[Narrator]

She was all chipper, Just normal. I believe the question was, why would you take the wrap? Why would you do that, though? For me? I'm going anyhow. I'm going anyhow. Well, I can tell you, if you do this, you're gonna be a very popular person. You're gonna be a legend. And probably on the open for show. When I told her, I said, I got busted by the feds, man. I'm gonna go do 25 years. I need the money to leave to my baby mama so she can take care of my child. What do you want? 50 grand. Okay. Can I do it in payments? Cause I don't have that kind of cash. I'm gonna have to sell something. I'm gonna need 10 up front. Once I do this. Make sure my boy get the money. Okay.

[Host]

But that's not enough. You feel like you. You need more out of her?

[Narrator]

I felt like I needed more out of her. I feel like we needed a body. Like I said, I'm need a body. Probably can get the plea deal with him, because they definitely gonna want the body.

[Host]

Okay.

[Expert]

And then Mike tells her, wherever the body is, I want to move it, because if I'm gonna confess to this, I'm gonna make it my own. And she brings up there's a guy named Ronald, a drug dealer.

[Narrator]

If you take the rap, he is not gonna show up. But I guarantee you Ronald has killed him. I just know it.

[Expert]

We're like Ronald. We've never heard of a Ronald.

[Narrator]

And Ronald's the one he owed the money to? Yeah, they were doing a drug deal. No, I think Ronald killed him for the money Abraham had on him. Abraham had a ton of cash on him. Like the tune of 800,000 Home.

[Host]

This is a huge development. Whoever Ronald is, Dee Dee has just admitted for the first time that she knows that Abe is dead.

[Expert]

That's the biggest moment of the case. That's where we know 100% he's dead. I mean, for us Couldn't have been a bigger moment than that right there.

[Narrator]

She kept saying, Ronald killed him. Ronald shot him. I said, well, where's the body? Didi, you get what Ronald asking? Ronald can tell me. Tell us about it. That way when I feed my. I can tell him the body is right here. And they will dig him up.

[Host]

Okay.

[Narrator]

And they'll have a body. Okay. Get with Ronald. Find. We need to know. Okay. Holler back at my boy. Okay, I'll do it. All right. Thank you. All right. It was nice meeting you.

[Expert]

The next morning, Dee Dee calls Greg and says we need to meet. And make it quick.

[Host]

Dee Dee wants Mike Smith to be able to confess. Confess as soon as possible so that the investigators will stop looking at her.

[Narrator]

They're watching all the properties and all the friends. Properties I have.

[Expert]

He goes and meets Dee Dee, and Dee Dee hands him a towel. There's something wrapped in the towel. And she tells him, this is the gun that you used to kill Abraham.

[Narrator]

Then we put his handprints on it, and we'll put it somewhere.

[Host]

So she handed over her gun to you.

[Narrator]

Exactly.

[Host]

She trusted you that much that she handed you the murder weapon?

[Narrator]

Exactly.

[Expert]

She asked him to meet him back at the same spot later in the night. She would show him exactly where the body was.

[Narrator]

This is the perfect time. Plant City. Well, go. Well, call me in Plant City. Yeah. All right. We set it up for her to take me to the body now, just like I think the body's still on that property, we're moving the body tonight.

[Host]

Dee Dee thinks that once Greg and his cousin dig up the body, she's gonna be home free. But she has no idea what is actually about to happen Next. This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. It's Brad Milke, host of ABC's Daily News podcast. Start here. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses. Monetary magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations.

[Narrator]

The Amateur has arrived in imax. I want to find and kill the people who murdered my wife. Critics rave. The Amateur is a tense, unpredictable ride. You're just not a killer. Charlie Train me that constantly finds new and inventive ways to up the stakes. The first one you kill, you let.

[Host]

The other ones know you're coming.

[Narrator]

I want them all. Academy Award winner Rami Malek and Academy Award nominee Laurence Fishburne. The the amateur. Maybe. PG13 may be inappropriate for children under.

[Host]

13 now playing only in theaters and IMAX. Not long after, Dede meets with the man who she believes will take the rap for killing Abe Shakespeare. She's driving along this road with Greg Smith, heading to a property she owns on the outskirts of lakeland.

[Narrator]

So Highway 60. It's considered a rural area of Hillsborough County. There's a lot of tomato fields, strawberry farms, and so forth. You feel like you're in the country. Dee Dee's property has two ranch style houses that are several yards apart.

[Expert]

They parked over in this house. We just kind of on the side of the road with our lights off. She walks Greg right here. There was a 30 foot by 30 foot concrete slab.

[Host]

Concrete slab in the middle of a field.

[Expert]

Yep. She takes a piece of angle iron and sticks it in the corner of the slab and sticks it down in there and says, dig. Abraham's body is right there.

[Narrator]

It'll be nine foot. It'll be nine foot deep.

[Host]

And you're listening to this. You guys must be just going nuts at this point.

[Expert]

I think once we heard that, we both look at each other and go, wow. Let's just hope this isn't another Dee Dee spin or scam on things.

[Narrator]

We didn't know if we actually had the body down there or not.

[Host]

As authorities begin this arduous work to uncover what's below ground, they simultaneously set up their next tactic for dede. A few hours later, investigators have Greg call her again. He says, there's a big problem. When we went to dig up the body, the place was swarming with cops. Dee's response? Meet me at the mall.

[Narrator]

Greg and Dee Dee then meet, when all of a sudden, boom. The cops pull up, they jump out, and they bust Greg.

[Expert]

I'm sure she's thinking that we're arresting Greg for the murder of Abraham. So she's composed and says she wants to come back and talk to us and let us know some things.

[Host]

Okay. So you get her in here. That's you?

[Expert]

That's me. Okay. Who is this guy?

[Narrator]

Gregory Smith.

[Expert]

Gregory Smith.

[Narrator]

That's who I know him as. Okay. Abraham introduced me to him.

[Expert]

She first says, hey, I'm glad y'all got that guy Greg. I think that he's done something to Abraham.

[Narrator]

Find out what he knows, because he knows Dedede. Abraham's at.

[Expert]

And so I let her go on for a few minutes. And I said, look, Deedee, I got some bad news for you. I think you know where I'm going with this, Dee Dee. The gig is up okay, the gig is up. Listen, everything that you've told him, everything you've done, everything is recorded, Dede. Everything is recorded.

[Host]

Finally, you see her demeanor change right on her hand.

[Narrator]

We talk to him ten times a day.

[Expert]

We know every move you make. We know everything.

[Narrator]

Dee Dee Moore is caught pretty much red handed. I want a deal. And I won't give you the person's name. Dee Dee at various times blamed everybody under the sun for killing Abraham. He gave me the name of the person.

[Expert]

And here she goes into the whole Ronald. Some random drug dealing guy.

[Narrator]

I honestly don't know the guy's name. I know him by Ronald.

[Host]

So it's Greg Smith. It's Ronald. It's Mike Smith. The undercover.

[Expert]

The undercover. It's her son. It's Cedric Edom.

[Host]

Everybody else, crazy.

[Expert]

Crazy.

[Host]

Police say there is zero evidence that any of those people were actually involved.

[Expert]

Deedee, you've said so many things, you can't even keep your head straight. Listen, listen. Who shot Abraham?

[Narrator]

You know?

[Expert]

No, no, no. Who shot Abraham?

[Narrator]

You'll know who shot him. Authorities allow her to leave because without a body, they didn't have a case to arrest her.

[Host]

Meantime, back at Dee Dee's property in Plant City, a team has assembled to attempt to find the evidence they need to actually arrest her.

[Narrator]

We're talking probably 30, maybe 40 folks. This is definitely not a run of the mill scene. The concrete slab was like a 900 square foot tombstone.

[Expert]

We've got a 30 by 39 inch thick concrete slab that we've got to.

[Narrator]

Bust up on day one. There was nothing found. They kept digging and digging. This is a painstaking task. This is 2 inches at a time, sifting through everything.

[Host]

This was almost an archaeological dig here.

[Expert]

It was, I mean, every quadrant, everything, just so we didn't miss anything.

[Narrator]

And at a point, once we could hit about nine feet, we started to uncover what appeared to be human remains.

[Expert]

You were able to look at this corpse and you knew it was Abraham. You didn't need DNA, fingerprints. I didn't need DNA. I mean, of course we did that, but I looked and there's Abraham. Investigators from Polk and Hillsborough counties announced a discovery tonight.

[Narrator]

We have recovered human remains. The media was doing a stakeout to try to get reaction from Dee Dee, and she drives by in a truck, rolls her window down. I'm only coming out because the media will not leave. And it develops into kind of an impromptu news conference. They're saying that I took a gun.

[Expert]

Put it up, and killed another human.

[Narrator]

Being, and it would never, ever do that.

[Host]

But the very next day.

[Narrator]

Hey, Dee Dee, they're calling you a murderer.

[Host]

Are you a murderer?

[Narrator]

No.

[Expert]

Doris Dee Dee Moore denied any involvement in Abraham Shakespeare's murder as she was led into a deputy's car tonight.

[Narrator]

It was shocking. Here's someone who was supposed to be helping this guy with his money, and now she's the one charged with his murder. By the time we presented it to.

[Host]

The grand jury, she had provided the.

[Narrator]

Murder weapon, the bodies behind one of her houses. It's at the bottom of $1 million.

[Host]

Deanni Moore was indicted for first degree.

[Narrator]

Murder, premeditated murder of Abraham Shakespeare.

[Host]

Experiment De pleads not guilty. And when her trial starts.

[Narrator]

As the now dark, tressed and dressed.

[Expert]

In yellow defendant took copious notes, lawyers.

[Host]

From both sides made their opening arguments.

[Narrator]

To the jury of eight men and four women.

[Host]

There's one big question. Will a jury believe her defense? That she was actually a victim herself of the person she claims killed Abe? Six years after Abraham Shakespeare won the Florida lottery, three and a half years after he disappeared, the murder trial of Dee Dee Moore is set to begin in this courthouse in Tampa.

[Expert]

State of Florida versus Doris Donegan Moore. This has been a full day packed.

[Host]

With the opening statements this morning and then the testimony this afternoon, and what.

[Expert]

Promises to be a full of drama trial.

[Narrator]

The public's interest in this case was incredible.

[Host]

Prosecutors claim Dee Dee Moore swindled.

[Narrator]

Journalists are always looking for something that is unprecedented.

[Expert]

Dee Dee's diabolical scheme to steal from.

[Narrator]

Then kill lotto winner Abraham Shakespeare or unusual conflict scandal. And this had pretty much all of the elements had an anaphylactic shock. Of course, Dee Dee's behavior in the courtroom also helped keep the story going. Another day, another outburst. We're not going to go back and forth. You need to compose yourself.

[Host]

The prosecution is out to convince the jury that Dee Dee meticulously planned Abe's murder.

[Expert]

She conducted a sophisticated campaign to conceal his death by making up stories, by sending text messages.

[Narrator]

Prosecutors show the jury video that Dee Dee took of Abraham in the mansion. And it's really the last piece of video of Abraham alive. Are you gonna miss your home? Yep, I miss it. But life goes on. She's setting up her alibi. She was setting up her story. She knew that Abraham was confronting her about the lack of funds and the ability to access his money and so forth. And it came to a point where in Dee Dee's mind, she's gonna have to do something about this.

[Host]

Prosecutors believe right after that recording, Dee Dee and Abe traveled to her home in rural plant city, Florida. And it's there that prosecutors say she shoots him and leaves him until the next day.

[Expert]

The body's on property she owns. The murder happened in her house. And with her gun, she admitted she bought the lime that was poured over the body of Abraham Shakespeare.

[Narrator]

Prosecutors show video in court of Dee Dee going to walmart to buy cleaning supplies. She was purchasing bleach and, like, latex gloves and. And I think some shovels to help Mike Smith and Greg Smith Dig this body out by hand and dispose of it.

[Host]

Although dede has never faced formal charges alleging she stole Abe's money, Prosecutors say it was greed that motivated her to kill him.

[Narrator]

Santoria is Abraham's former girlfriend, and she tells jurors that Dee Dee told her that she was plotting to take his money. She made it sound like she wanted to clean him out.

[Host]

Why do you say that?

[Narrator]

Because she wanted to know about all of his assets, and she was like, I can help you clean him out. It was just a level of disgust to just know that this is what such a caring and giving person endured.

[Host]

But the prosecutor's star witness is Greg Smith, who takes the standard to deliver some of the most compelling and devastating testimony at the trial so far.

[Narrator]

Greg Smith had been recruited by the sheriff's detectives to become her confidant, and the courtroom was just spellbound by his testimony. I'm grown and don't have to come back. When Greg Smith read the letter that.

[Host]

Dee Dee Moore had composed in the.

[Narrator]

Motel room, Jurors were on the edge of their seat. I've been through a lot, mom. You know it. You should understand more than anyone. I just need time.

[Host]

The prosecution also asks Greg Smith about that supposed drug dealer who Dee Dee claimed was the one who actually murdered Abe.

[Narrator]

I honestly don't know the guy's name. I knew him by Ronald.

[Expert]

Did Ms. Moore address who to blame.

[Narrator]

If you got caught? Yes, she was addressing the guy, Ronald. The imaginary character that she made up. Ronald is nothing but a fictional character.

[Expert]

A character that she created out of her imagination.

[Narrator]

The defense, such as it was, Was primarily based on that old premise that the state's case was all circumstantial, that there was no hard evidence, There were no eyewitnesses. The burden of proof is on the state. It's a very high burden of proof. Proof beyond any reasonable doubt.

[Host]

Dede's lawyer tells the jury there's plenty of reasonable doubt here and that there could be many other possible suspects that.

[Narrator]

The drug dealers or killers saw fit to threaten her to keep her mouth.

[Expert]

Shut or else they would harm her and her son.

[Host]

The defense argues that Greg Smith could actually have been the mastermind in Abe's murder.

[Narrator]

If you study those tapes, most of the ideas about the fall guy, about where's the body, we've got to find the body. We've got to dig up the body and move it, all those things, if you read or listen to those tapes, it is Mr. Smith making those suggestions. Gregory Smith has never been a suspect in this murder.

[Host]

Medidi's attorney insists she is innocent, that she's a victim, in fact, powerless against the deadly whims of others.

[Narrator]

This is a desperate, panicked, perhaps emotionally unstable woman trying desperately to find an explanation that can salvage her life and her son's life.

[Host]

By the end of their case, the defense called zero witnesses, and Dede herself never testified on her behalf.

[Narrator]

Tonight, after just three hours of deliberation, a jury handed down their verdict.

[Host]

But no matter what the jury decides about her fate.

[Narrator]

Bring the jury in.

[Host]

Dee Dee's about to tell us exactly what she thinks about it.

[Narrator]

They didn't get to hear my side. They didn't get to see my evidence. They didn't get to hear my witnesses.

[Host]

Why didn't you take the stand then? Hey, I'm Brad Milke. You may know me as the host of ABC Audio's daily news podcast. Start here. But I'd like to add aspiring true crime expert to my resume. And here's how I'm going to make it happen. Every week, I'm going to unpack the biggest true crime story that everyone is talking about. ABC's got some unique access here, so I'll talk to the reporters and producers who have followed these cases for months, sometimes years. We'll bring you the latest developments and the larger context on the true crime stories you've been hearing about. Follow the crime scene for special access to the people who know these stories best.

[Narrator]

So when I ask, what is Odoo, what comes to mind? Well, Odoo is a bit of everything. Odoo is a suite of business management software that some people say is like fertilizer because of the way it promotes growth. But, you know, some people also say Odoo is like a magic beanstalk because it grows with your company and is also magically affordable. But then again, you could look at Odoo in terms of how its individual software programs are a lot like building blocks. I mean, whatever your business needs, manufacturing, accounting, HR programs, you can build a custom software suite that's perfect for your Company. So what is Odoo? Well, I guess Odoo is a bit of everything. Odoo is a fertilizer. Magic beanstalk. Building blocks for business. Yeah, that's it. Which means that Odoo is exactly what every business needs. Learn more and sign up [e-mail] that's o d o o dot com.

[Host]

After almost two weeks of this roller coaster murder trial, it's now up to the jury to decide Dede's fate.

[Expert]

Bring the jury in tonight.

[Narrator]

After just three hours of deliberation, a jury handed down their verdict. Juries do unpredictable things at times. Is that indeed the jury's verdict? It was probably 7:00 at night. A storm was coming in right as they read guilty on the first count, the defendant is guilty of first degree murder. A clap of lightning happens outside and just kind of lights up the courtroom. It was kind of like, yeah, it was wild. Abraham, Shakespeare was your prey and your victim. Money was the root of the evil that you brought to Abraham. The judge made a brief statement about how heinous her crime was and that he would be sentencing her to life in a Florida state prison without the possibility of parole. I felt like he did get justice because even though his life was cut short, her life is just gonna be long and miserable. I won't forgive her. I don't forgive and I never will.

[Host]

Convicted murderers rarely talk while they still have appeals left. But then again, Dee Dee Moore is no ordinary murderer.

[Narrator]

I'm not nervous. I would get nervous.

[Host]

Hi. After Dee was sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2012, 2020 was granted an exclusive interview with Dee Dee here in her cell blocks cafeteria. Upon arrival, we quickly learned that Dee Dee wasn't exactly camera shot.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I've been on TV before.

[Host]

Okay, that's good to hear. Yeah, you're a pro.

[Narrator]

Let me show you this.

[Host]

And this is fan mail. This is people.

[Narrator]

I have more than fan mail. I have a movie producer doing a big TV screen production of my case.

[Host]

Despite that jury taking less than three hours to convict her, DeeDee vehemently maintains her innocence.

[Narrator]

I think people are complete idiots that think I had anything to do with it. I really do.

[Host]

When the guilty verdict was read.

[Expert]

Mm.

[Host]

What went through your mind?

[Narrator]

They murdered me by the hands of justice. I murdered. You might as well kill me. Cause this is no type of living in here. Because I would never harm another human being. I would never hurt nobody. I liked Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and Disney. I like Tinkerbell and kind things. I'm Not a mean person.

[Host]

After a two week trial filled with damning audio and video evidence, I wondered if Dee Dee might finally come clean about what really happened to Abraham Shakespeare. Did you murder Abraham Shakespeare?

[Narrator]

Absolutely not.

[Host]

Did you bury him in your backyard?

[Narrator]

Absolutely not.

[Host]

Why are you laughing? Because a man is dead. He's been murdered. Clearly.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Host]

And you're laughing. Yeah.

[Narrator]

Because I find it entertaining that people are that ignorant. Because there are so many things that proves my innocence.

[Host]

You ended up in his house.

[Narrator]

Uh huh.

[Host]

With all the rest of his money. Then he ended up dead in your property. Okay, but you shot by your gun. You don't find any of that unusual or odd?

[Narrator]

Absolutely not. Considering the people he hung around. I only knew this man for four months and I'm just gonna. Oh my goodness. I met this man and you know what? I'm gonna plot a murder in four months.

[Host]

Do you understand how listening to you is bewildering?

[Narrator]

Well, do you understand how listening to you is just. It sounds like a bunch of stupidity.

[Host]

So if Dee Dee's claims are so convincing, why didn't the jury buy it? Well, she blames it all on her own attorney.

[Narrator]

I personally would have convicted myself for what they got to hear, but they didn't get to hear my side, they didn't get to see my evidence, they didn't get to hear my witnesses.

[Host]

Why didn't you take the. You had every opportunity to defend yourself.

[Narrator]

I wanted my witnesses to take the stand for me to take the stand. My lawyer says we didn't need it.

[Host]

Your lawyer was that convinced you were gonna win?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Host]

But Dee Dee's lawyer, Byron Heilman, said the decision not to testify was Dee Dee's and Dede's alone.

[Narrator]

We discussed with Ms. Moore whether she wished to testify. That discussion had gone on for quite some time and she made the decision not to do that.

[Host]

But since she claims her case was not properly presented in court. Dee Dee tries with us. People were trying to frame you.

[Narrator]

Absolutely.

[Host]

Why?

[Narrator]

Because first of all, I was an easy target.

[Host]

A target, she claims, for drug dealers. Remember the story about Ronald? That so called drug kingpin Didi claims the gang he allegedly had was out to kill her.

[Narrator]

They were gonna take my son and.

[Host]

Kill him and chop him up and.

[Narrator]

Put him on my doorstep.

[Host]

Who?

[Narrator]

These guys that the Sheriff's department says didn't exist, that we have witnesses, that they do exist.

[Host]

You give so many different versions that it's absolutely bewildering. Why is that?

[Narrator]

I'm threatened.

[Host]

They're making so you're Lying to the police because you feel threatened.

[Narrator]

No, I'm being told to do that. I'm being told to just keep throwing them off by. By Ronald.

[Host]

Dede claims she has witnesses who will back up her version of events, but she wasn't eager to share those names with us. Can we talk to your witnesses? Who are they? Do you mind if we take down their names and maybe contact them?

[Narrator]

I have to ask my lawyer, but I don't know if they'll.

[Host]

These witnesses don't exist. And that certainly looks like your handwriting. What do you mean that looks like your handwriting? What you said were witnesses, notes looks like your handwriting. I don't think think that these witnesses exist. If not, why? Dee says since she's appealing her conviction, she can't actually talk about them. And with that, our interview is over.

[Narrator]

Thank you. Well, it was nice meeting you.

[Host]

You too. Dee may not have been willing to share her evidence of supposed witnesses with us, but she's going to get a chance to. To present her claims in court.

[Narrator]

It's going to be back in court. Today, Dee Dee Moore will try to convince a judge to give her a retrial.

[Host]

Will it be enough to get her murder conviction overturned? After years of filing motions to appeal her condition conviction, In July of 2023, Dede finally gets another day in court.

[Narrator]

Dee Dee Moore is back in a Tampa courtroom demanding a new trial.

[Host]

Dee Dee tells the judge that she was framed by investigators who were paid off by those drug dealers that she alleged were doing business with Abraham Shakespeare.

[Narrator]

They're being paid under the table because cocaine dealers can afford a lot.

[Host]

The investigators denied Dede's allegations.

[Narrator]

I have never heard of anything of this corrupt drug network involving Abraham Shakespeare or corruption within either of our departments.

[Expert]

It's absurd. That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

[Host]

The judge denied Dede's request for a new trial, but that wasn't the last time we heard from Dee Dee. More than 12 years after we first talked in Florida, we spoke to Dee Dee again on a call for prison. Tell me, how are you?

[Narrator]

I'm fine. I've been working on my case, and I've got my appeals out, so I'm waiting patiently.

[Host]

How long have you been incarcerated? In jail and in prison? At this point, 14 years. You still do not admit that you murdered Abe Shakespeare.

[Narrator]

Absolutely not. I didn't.

[Host]

14 years is a lot of time to think. Do you ever go back and think about. About Abe. About Abraham Shakespeare?

[Narrator]

Absolutely. It was wrong. There was no reason for him to pass away. Over money. But for them to lie in public and say that I took his money. The whole situation was so stupid.

[Host]

You murdered him, and you've taken zero responsibility. And you're saying, like in past tense, that it's so sad he had to pass away. Abraham Shakespeare did not pass away. Abraham Shakespeare was shot at close range.

[Narrator]

Everything they said in jury trial was not true.

[Host]

I thought that you might, more than a decade after our interview, have some. Yeah. Some remorse, some reflection about what had happened. That maybe there was a little bit of softness in your heart about Abraham and about your responsibility here.

[Narrator]

There is plenty of softness in my heart.

[Host]

She is still as adamant as she ever was that she was framed. That Abraham Shakespeare was murdered by someone else. She denies taking Abe's money. She denies doing anything wrong. Abraham Shakespeare not only lost his fortune and his life, he lost the chance to. To see his children grow up.

[Narrator]

The funeral was very emotional. It was a celebration of his life. But it was also very sad. To learn that he was killed for his money was just something that everybody could not understand. He was a kind hearted person who genuinely wanted to help people. He helped tons of people in this city. He kept people from going into foreclosure. He paid light bills, phone bills. He honestly did that. Imagine just spending your last $4, which is what Abraham Shakespeare did on those lottery tickets. Putting your last money on a far fetched dream. Abraham. Abraham did a lot of good with some of his winnings. The favor wasn't returned to him. He was a wonderful man. Yeah. He will be sorely missed. I'll never forget, after they found him, I remember having a dream. And I remember in the dream telling Abraham, oh, good, you can come with me now. And he kept saying, no, no, you'll be okay. That was enough for me to believe that I'll be okay. I really miss him today. I really just need to hear his voice today. I just want him, like, bring him back.

[Host]

Remembering Abraham with a broken heart and missing him.

[Narrator]

Centoria is now a traveling nurse.

[Expert]

And we should note that Jeremiah, their son, he is now 16 years old.

[Host]

That's our program for tonight.

[Narrator]

Thank you for watching. I'm David Muir. And I'm Deborah Roberts. From all of us here at 2020 and ABC News, good night. The missing child is Lucia Blix, 9 years old. Please let her come back home safely. Wednesdays, the kidnappers plumbed it meticulously. If money is what it takes to get her back, we're gonna pay it. The secrets they hide. You can't talk about this you can't write about it are the clues. The mother's hiding something. I know it. To find her, tell me where she is. The stolen girl. Wednesdays at 10 on Freeform and Stream on Hulu. This is Deborah Roberts. To hear the backstory to this episode, join me for the 2020 After Show. Every Monday, I'm gonna talk with correspondence producers, some of those folks behind the scenes who bring you these stories. And you're going to hear bonus tape that's not necessarily included in the episode. That's 2020, the after show Mondays in your 2020 podcast feed.