48 Hours: NCIS – Episode 1: "Where is Erin?"

Hosted by CBS News Correspondent Natalie Morales

Introduction

The premiere episode of “48 Hours: NCIS” delves into the harrowing disappearance of Erin Corwin, a 19-year-old Marine's wife, whose life was tragically cut short in California’s Joshua Tree National Park. This collaboration between CBS News’ acclaimed true crime journalism and the popular NCIS franchise offers a gripping exploration of the events leading to Erin’s demise, uncovering themes of infidelity, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth by dedicated investigators.

Background

Erin Corwin's Early Life and Family Dynamics

Erin Corwin was born on July 15, 1994, and was placed in foster care merely two weeks after birth. Her life took a positive turn when she was adopted by Laura and Bill Heavilin, who became her loving parents. Growing up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee—a city with a rich military history and a tightly-knit community—Erin was described as a sweet, shy, and animal-loving individual.

• Laura Heavilin reflects on Erin’s upbringing:
  “Erin was very petite, very shy, extremely naive” (00:38).

Erin’s sheltered upbringing in Oak Ridge, coupled with homeschooling, fostered a strong attachment to her family and animals. Her involvement with the East Tennessee Riding Club highlighted her passion for horses, serving as a sanctuary away from her controlled environment.

Erin’s Relationship with John Corwin

Erin met John Corwin at the East Tennessee Riding Club when she was ten years old. Their relationship blossomed slowly over the years, culminating in a youthful marriage at 18 years old. Their union was partly motivated by practical considerations, such as securing housing on the Marine base in Twentynine Palms, California, where John was stationed as a Marine Corporal.

• Bill Heavilin shares concerns about the relationship dynamics:
  “She was very trusting and always saw the good in people that she did not see the warning signs that I'm sure were there” (34:00).

Erin's Disappearance

The Fateful Sunday Morning

On June 29, 2014, Laura Heavilin’s life was shattered by an ominous phone call. Erin had vanished from the Marine base in Twentynine Palms, California, where she and John had recently relocated.

• Laura Heavilin recounts the moment of realization:
  “Erin was missing. And I'm like what do you mean Erin's missing?” (00:24).

Erin had moved to California to support John’s military career and had settled into their new life, albeit alone for extended periods due to John’s deployments.

Initial Investigation and Suspicion

John Corwin reported Erin missing after realizing she hadn’t returned home as expected. His delayed reporting raised suspicions among authorities, particularly given the remote and harsh environment of Joshua Tree National Park where Erin was last seen.

• Bill Heavilin expresses skepticism about John’s delayed report:
  “I never thought that Erin had run away. I didn’t think that was even remotely a possibility.” (03:09).

John's unemotional demeanor and lack of immediate concern were perplexing to Erin’s family, adding to the intrigue and suspicion surrounding her disappearance.

Investigation by NCIS

Involvement of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)

Due to the military connection, the NCIS was brought in to assist the local sheriff's department in investigating Erin’s disappearance. NCIS Special Agent Clifton Randolph Jr. led the investigation, bringing expertise from the real-life federal agency often glamorized in television.

• Clifton Randolph Jr. explains the role of NCIS:
  “From where NCIS office is located on the installation is not far from where Aaron Corwin lived with Corporal Corwin, practically a mile, maybe two.” (08:06).

Team Assembly and Strategies

Special Agent Randolph and his team, including analyst Ashley de Chalfin, employed a multifaceted approach to locate Erin. This involved meticulous social media analysis, database checks, and on-the-ground investigations to piece together Erin’s last known movements and interactions.

• Ashley de Chalfin describes her analytical process:
  “I scrubbed through Erin's social media. It was 2014, and Facebook was all the rage.” (13:15).

Community Engagement and Key Witnesses

Efforts to understand Erin’s social circle led the NCIS team to Isabel Megley, the founder of the White Rock Horse Rescue Ranch. Isabel’s interactions with Erin provided crucial insights into Erin’s state of mind and her relationship with John.

• Isabel Megley shares her observations:
  “And so when she found her horse, Erin was with Cassie. It was like her partner it was.” (28:20).

Isabel’s ranch became a focal point, revealing the complexities of Erin’s married life and her attempts to find solace and companionship outside her strained relationship with John.

Erin’s Personal Life and Relationships

Struggles in Marriage

Despite their young age, Erin and John’s marriage faced challenges exacerbated by John’s frequent deployments and differing interests. Erin’s loneliness and desire for connection led her to seek comfort in the local community and her growing friendship with Nicole Lee.

• Isabel Megley comments on Erin and John’s relationship:
  “Erin was always fighting with John over what John told her to do.” (29:41).

Building Friendships and Seeking Solace

Erin’s involvement with the White Rock Horse Rescue provided her with a sense of purpose and community. Her friendship with Nicole Lee and the activities at the ranch offered Erin a temporary escape from her isolation, highlighting her need for emotional support and stability.

• Isabel Megley explains Erin’s motivations:
  “So Erin was with Cassie. It was like her partner it was.” (28:20).

Unraveling the Mystery

Search and Rescue Efforts

As the 48-hour mark passed without any trace of Erin, the urgency of the investigation intensified. The NCIS team coordinated with local search and rescue operations, meticulously combing through Joshua Tree National Park’s vast and unforgiving landscape.

• Clifton Randolph Jr. emphasizes the race against time:
  “Time is not on your side.” (13:02).

Key Discoveries and Insights

Investigators uncovered unsettling aspects of Erin’s life, including potential infidelity and betrayal. John Corwin’s lack of cooperation and his contrasting persona raised red flags, prompting deeper scrutiny into his actions and alibis.

• Bill Heavilin reflects on John’s behavior:
  “He started wondering, where's Erin? And tried to get in touch with her, but could not by phone.” (05:51).

Community and Social Media Influence

The tight-knit Marine base community played a significant role in the investigation. Social media buzz and collective effort from friends and neighbors provided leads that were both helpful and convoluted, making it challenging to distinguish fact from speculation.

• Ashley de Chalfin describes the social media landscape:
  “Everybody was talking about it. Everybody was commenting on it on social media.” (31:32).

Conclusion and Insights

The investigation into Erin Corwin’s disappearance revealed a complex tapestry of personal struggles, strained relationships, and the harsh realities of life on a military base. NCIS agents worked tirelessly, uncovering layers of Erin’s life that painted a picture of a young woman caught between duty, isolation, and the longing for connection.

• Bill Heavilin summarizes Erin’s personality:
  “She was so trusting and always saw the good in people that she did not see the warning signs that I'm sure were there.” (34:00).

The episode concludes by highlighting the relentless pursuit of truth by law enforcement and the profound impact of Erin’s loss on her family and community. As the investigation progresses, “48 Hours: NCIS” promises to unravel deeper secrets and provide a comprehensive understanding of this tragic case.

Notable Quotes

• Laura Heavilin:
  “Erin was missing. And I'm like what do you mean Erin's missing?” (00:24).

• Bill Heavilin:
  “I never thought that Erin had run away. I didn’t think that was even remotely a possibility.” (03:09).

• Clifton Randolph Jr.:
  “Time is not on your side.” (13:02).

• Ashley de Chalfin:
  “I scrubbed through Erin's social media. It was 2014, and Facebook was all the rage.” (13:15).

• Isabel Megley:
  “And so when she found her horse, Erin was with Cassie. It was like her partner it was.” (28:20).

• Bill Heavilin:
  “She was so trusting and always saw the good in people that she did not see the warning signs that I'm sure were there.” (34:00).

Final Thoughts

“48 Hours: NCIS” offers a compelling blend of real-life investigative journalism and the fictional prowess of the NCIS franchise. Episode 1, “Where is Erin?”, sets the stage for a six-episode journey through a true crime story marked by emotional depth, procedural complexity, and the relentless quest for justice. Listeners are invited to follow along as the layers of Erin Corwin’s life and disappearance are meticulously peeled back, promising revelations that resonate long after the final minute.

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This summary captures key discussions, insights, and conclusions from Episode 1 of “48 Hours: NCIS,” providing a comprehensive overview for new listeners.