48 Hours: NCIS – Episode 5: "Weapon of Choice" Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the fifth episode of the premiere season of 48 Hours: NCIS, titled "Weapon of Choice," CBS News correspondent Natalie Morales delves deep into the tragic case of Erin Corwin, a 19-year-old Marine wife who disappeared in California’s Joshua Tree National Park. This episode meticulously unpacks the sequence of events, the investigation led by NCIS, and the ensuing trial that sought justice for Erin.

Erin Corwin’s Disappearance and Discovery

Erin Corwin, a young marine wife from eastern Tennessee, vanished in Joshua Tree National Park. Nearly two months later, her body was discovered in an abandoned mine within the unforgiving desert landscape. The discovery sparked immediate suspicions, leading authorities to suspect Christopher Lee, a fellow Marine, as the prime suspect.

Investigation and Arrest of Christopher Lee

After Erin’s body was found, Christopher Lee became the main suspect. Lee had been previously arrested for possession of a potato gun and was released on bail with strict conditions not to leave San Bernardino County. Investigators traced Lee’s movements to Isabel Megley’s horse ranch, but by the time they reached the ranch after Aaron’s body was found, Lee and his family had fled, violating bail conditions.

Beth Ford Roth ([01:03]): "Since Erin's body had been found in a desert mine, authorities were finally able to charge someone for her murder and Chris Lee was suspect number one."

NCIS Special Agent Clifton Randolph Jr. and analyst Ashley de Chalfin extensively searched military databases to locate Lee, who had been honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. Their investigation led them to Anchorage, Alaska, Lee’s hometown, where he was arrested driving his mother’s car. A search of the vehicle revealed incriminating evidence, including blue climbing rope, several knives, and a handmade garrote.

Laura Corwin ([04:04]): "It probably wasn't 30 minutes after I got that phone call saying that it was definitely Erin that I got another phone call saying Chris was arrested in Alaska."

Impact on Erin’s Family

Laura Corwin, Erin’s mother, experienced immense grief upon hearing about her daughter’s death and Chris Lee’s arrest. The Corwin family faced the unbearable weight of their loss, finding solace in a candlelight vigil held at a barn in Oak Ridge where Erin had kept her horse.

Laura Corwin ([05:08]): "Numb. It felt numb. You just go through the motions. You just do what you have to do."

The vigil provided a space for the community and family to grieve collectively, with heartfelt speeches from friends and church leaders. Laura found strength in the support from strangers who empathized with her family's tragedy.

The Trial of Christopher Lee

The legal battle to seek justice for Erin Corwin culminated in a trial that spanned over two and a half years, beginning in October 2016. Chris Lee, who had pleaded not guilty to murder, stood accused of brutally murdering his fellow Marine, Aaron Corwin, driven by jealousy and a desire to conceal his illicit relationship with Erin.

Sean Doherty ([14:53]): "The theory of my case is that Chris Lee was about to discharge from the Marines that he had planned and told his wife that they were going to move their family back to Alaska."

Prosecutor Sean Doherty presented a robust case against Lee, highlighting inconsistencies in Lee’s statements and damning physical evidence. Lee’s initial denials and subsequent admissions during interrogations painted a picture of deceit and desperation.

Beth Ford Roth ([16:04]): "Christopher Lee was forward looking like this the entire time. And I was thinking, I never met Aaron. I can't look at this. The jurors never met her. They can't look at this."

Key evidence included tire tracks matching Lee’s Jeep, DNA found on a soda bottle at the crime scene, and his suspicious online search history related to body disposal methods.

Defense Strategies and Lee’s Testimony

In a surprising move, the defense chose to have Chris Lee testify in his own defense, aiming to humanize him before the jury. Lee admitted to killing Aaron Corwin on the stand, providing his narrative of the events that led to the tragic outcome.

Jason Doherty ([21:35]): "When his name was announced, there was sort of this electricity in the courtroom because no one had any idea that he was going to testify."

Lee’s testimony described a strained relationship, his failed attempt to blow up a propane tank in the mine, and a purported moment of desperation where Aaron confessed to molesting his daughter, which ignited a violent response from Lee.

Christopher Lee ([26:05]): "He claimed he told Aaron, 'when I moved to Alaska, it's over between us,' and that they listened to music for two and a half hours until they reached the point where the mine was."

Despite his efforts to present a sympathetic image, Lee’s narrative was riddled with contradictions and lacked credibility, especially in light of the overwhelming evidence against him.

Erin Corwin’s Character and Community Reaction

The episode emphasizes Erin Corwin’s character, portraying her as a sweet, shy, and naive young woman who loved animals and cherished her family. Her friends and family vehemently rejected the allegations proposed during the trial, defending her innocence and integrity.

Laura Corwin ([32:20]): "And anybody that knows Erin knows that there's no way. There's just no way, absolutely no way Erin would do anything like that."

Conclusion and Ongoing Proceedings

As the trial concluded with Lee’s admission of guilt, the courtroom was left in a state of shock. The Corwin family, especially Laura, who had been preparing for every possible outcome, found a semblance of closure as justice for Erin was within reach.

Natalie Morales ([24:51]): "It was like slow motion. To admit to the crime within a half hour of taking the stand after lying about it for years was just... he was confessing."

The episode wraps up by highlighting the relentless pursuit of justice by both the Corwin family and the NCIS team, underscoring the profound impact of Erin’s loss on her loved ones and the community.

Notable Quotes

• Beth Ford Roth ([07:20]): "Laura was able to see the beauty in strangers empathizing with her. It gave her strength."

• Sean Doherty ([23:12]): "I had a good feeling in this case, just based on how the evidence played out, that he was going to have to testify and he was going to have to either explain away all the circumstantial evidence against him or admit that he did it."

• Laura Corwin ([31:04]): "And anybody that knows Erin knows that there's no way. There's just no way, absolutely no way Erin would do anything like that."

Final Thoughts

"Weapon of Choice" intricately weaves the elements of true crime storytelling with the procedural rigor of NCIS investigations, presenting a comprehensive narrative of Erin Corwin’s tragic demise and the subsequent quest for justice. Through detailed recounting of investigation procedures, court proceedings, and personal testimonies, the episode offers a profound exploration of betrayal, loss, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Additional Production Credits

The episode was crafted with the collaboration of various professionals, including producer Paula Rosa, senior producers Anthony Batson and Jamie Benson, and executive producer Judy Tygaard, among others. The meticulous research and emotional depth provided by the team ensure a compelling and respectful portrayal of Erin Corwin’s story.

Note: All quotes are attributed with their corresponding timestamps as per the provided transcript.