A Deadly Family Secret

Summary

48 Hours: A Deadly Family Secret

Host: CBS News
Episode Release Date: February 12, 2025
Transcript Contributors: Erin Moriarty, Dan Rather

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Introduction

The "48 Hours" episode titled "A Deadly Family Secret" delves into the harrowing case of Bob Dorotek's murder, unraveling the complexities of family dynamics, suspicion, and the pursuit of justice. Hosted by CBS News, this episode transports listeners to the heart of the investigation, presenting a gripping narrative supported by key evidence and emotional testimonies.

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The Dorotek Family: A Picture of Harmony

Bob Dorotek was a successful engineer married to Jane Dorotek, a dedicated medical company executive. Together, they were the proud parents of three children: Alex, Claire, and Nick. The family resided on a picturesque horse farm in the foothills northeast of San Diego, embodying what many would consider a harmonious and accomplished household.

Dan Rather introduces the family dynamic:

Dan Rather [01:13]: "Bob Dorotek was a successful engineer and a proud father of three. His wife Jane was a medical company executive."

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The Disappearance: A Routine Jog Turns Tragic

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, Bob Dorotek informed his family that he was going out for a jog—a routine activity he enjoyed. This statement would be the last communication Jane had with him.

Jane recounts the fateful day:

Jane Dorotek [01:24]: "Bob disappeared. He said he was going out for a jog. That was the last I talked to him."

As hours passed without Bob's return, Jane's concern grew, prompting her to search the area near Lake Wolford Road, a route Bob often used.

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Discovery of the Tragedy: From Jog to Homicide

By the early hours of Valentine's Day, Bob's body was discovered by Deputy James Blackman. Contrary to initial reports suggesting a possible accident, the forensic evidence revealed a more sinister reality.

Jane expresses her immediate realization:

Jane Dorotek [01:58]: "It was obvious to me that it was a homicide."

The autopsy indicated severe bludgeoning and strangulation, leaving no doubt that Bob's death was a premeditated murder.

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Investigation and Rising Suspicion: Jane Under the Spotlight

The investigation swiftly turned towards Jane Dorotek. Several pieces of evidence pointed suspiciously towards her involvement:

1. Blood Evidence: Massive blood spatter was found in the master bedroom, the alleged crime scene, including drops on the ceiling, headboard, and bedding.

   Jane Dorotek [16:13]: "There was no question in our mind that this assault occurred in the master bedroom."

2. Rope Evidence: A rope resembling the one used to strangle Bob was discovered on Jane's porch, matching the rope found at the crime scene.

   Jane Dorotek [22:18]: "Would I really be so sloppy as to leave it right out, sitting on the coffee table for days?"

3. Syringe with Fingerprints: A syringe bearing Jane's fingerprints was found in Bob's blood, suggesting a direct link.

   Dan Rather [21:13]: "The most damaging evidence by far... a syringe found in Jane's bathroom."

Faced with mounting evidence, Jane was arrested three days after Bob's body was found.

Jane vehemently denies the accusations:

Jane Dorotek [02:05]: "My mom is in jail and the killer is out there. But does Claire have something to hide? I have no further comments."

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The Trial: Unraveling Evidence and Defense Strategies

During the trial, Prosecutor Bonnie Howard Regan presented a compelling case against Jane, emphasizing the physical evidence that linked her to the crime. Key points included:

• Blood Spatter: The extensive blood evidence in the master bedroom implied that the murder occurred there, contradicting Jane's claim of a simple jog.

• Rope and Tire Impressions: The similarity of the rope found on Jane's property to that used to strangle Bob, and tire tracks matching Jane's truck near the dumping site.

• Syringe Link: The syringe with Jane's fingerprints in Bob's blood raised serious doubts about her innocence.

Jane's attorney, Carrie Steigerwald, proposed an alternative suspect: Claire Dorotek, Jane and Bob's daughter.

Dan Rather [28:05]: "Jane's attorney says she's not the only one who fits that description. Who does he say killed Bob Dorotek?"

Cette stratégie inattendue visait à semer le doute en pointant Claire comme le véritable meurtrier, suscitant un bouleversement familial et médiatique.

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Family Dynamics and Alternative Suspects: Claire Dorotek in the Crosshairs

The defense's pivot towards implicating Claire Dorotek introduced a complex layer to the case. Key aspects included:

• Strained Relationship: Claire had a tumultuous relationship with her father, marked by resentment and emotional hurt.

  Claire's Attorney [29:33]: "Yes. I wasn't that close with him. We had our rocky points. We argued a lot."

• Alibi and Contradictions: Claire claimed to be in Long Beach during the weekend of the murder, although inconsistencies in her account raised suspicions.

  Dan Rather [31:09]: "Claire was with me Saturday night."

• Potential Motive: The defense suggested that Bruce's threats to sell the family horses—a passion of Claire's—could have driven her to commit the murder.

Despite these allegations, Claire steadfastly maintained her innocence, and her alibi remained largely unverified, leaving jurors to grapple with conflicting narratives.

Claire Dorotek: (Remained silent, invoking the Fifth Amendment during a critical court moment.)

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Verdict and Aftermath: A Shattered Family and Overturned Justice

After days of intense deliberation, the jury delivered a guilty verdict against Jane Dorotek.

Jane's reaction was one of disbelief and devastation:

Jane Dorotek [42:29]: "I'm at a loss for answers. I honestly am. I never thought I'd jury would conclude it was Jane."

Her sons, Alex and Nick, distanced themselves from Jane, grappling with the painful reality of their mother's conviction.

However, the story took a pivotal turn when new DNA testing surfaced, casting doubt on the initial evidence and ultimately leading to Jane Dorotek's murder conviction being overturned just before a planned retrial in 2022. The charges against her were subsequently dropped, leaving lingering questions about the true perpetrator and the possibility of an unresolved mystery.

Dan Rather [44:00]: "The fact remains that there is substantial evidence tying defendant to this crime beyond a reasonable doubt."

This revelation underscored the fragility of the justice system and highlighted the enduring impact of unresolved crimes on families.

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Conclusion: The Lingering Shadows of a Family Tragedy

"A Deadly Family Secret" serves as a poignant exploration of how deeply secrets and suspicions can fracture a family and challenge the pursuit of truth. The Dorotek case encapsulates the complexities of familial relationships, the burden of evidence in the courtroom, and the profound consequences when justice is seemingly derailed. As listeners, we are left to ponder the true nature of justice and the human cost of unresolved mysteries.

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Notable Quotes

• Jane Dorotek [01:24]: "Bob disappeared. He said he was going out for a jog. That was the last I talked to him."

• Jane Dorotek [02:05]: "My mom is in jail and the killer is out there. But does Claire have something to hide? I have no further comments."

• Dan Rather [21:13]: "The most damaging evidence by far... a syringe found in Jane's bathroom."

• Jane Dorotek [22:18]: "Would I really be so sloppy as to leave it right out, sitting on the coffee table for days?"

• Jane Dorotek [42:29]: "I'm at a loss for answers. I honestly am. I never thought I'd jury would conclude it was Jane."

• Dan Rather [44:00]: "The fact remains that there is substantial evidence tying defendant to this crime beyond a reasonable doubt."

• Erin Moriarty [43:08]: "We will probably never know all of the participants in aiding and abetting, either before or after the fact of this homicide."

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Key Takeaways

• Complex Family Dynamics: The Dorotek case highlights how internal family conflicts can become entangled with criminal investigations, complicating the search for truth.

• Evidentiary Challenges: The reliance on physical evidence such as blood spatter and fingerprints underscores the importance and limitations of forensic science in legal proceedings.

• Justice System Flaws: The eventual overturning of Jane Dorotek's conviction due to new DNA evidence raises critical questions about the reliability of initial investigations and the potential for wrongful convictions.

• Emotional Toll: Beyond the legal battles, the case illuminates the profound emotional and psychological impact on the entire Dorotek family, illustrating the broader human cost of unresolved crimes.

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Final Thoughts

"A Deadly Family Secret" not only recounts a compelling murder case but also serves as a reflection on the intricate interplay between family, evidence, and justice. It invites listeners to consider the complexities involved in unraveling truth within the confines of a fractured family and an ever-evolving legal landscape.

Transcript

[Erin Moriarty]

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[Dan Rather]

I'm Dan Rather.

[Erin Moriarty]

He was a proud father of three, married to the same woman for 30 years. But when Bob Dorotek suddenly disappeared, the trail of suspicion led right back home. 48 hours right now.

[Dan Rather]

Bob Dorotek was a successful engineer and.

[Erin Moriarty]

A proud father of three. His wife Jane was a medical company executive. That's our wedding picture.

[Dan Rather]

Married for 30 years, they lived with.

[Erin Moriarty]

Their daughter Claire on a beautiful horse farm. The family has always been incredibly. Then one day, the minute I saw my mom's face, I knew right away something terrible had happened. Bob disappeared. He said he was going out for a jog. That was the last I talked to him.

[Dan Rather]

But the truth was more sinister than that.

[Erin Moriarty]

It was obvious to me that it was a homicide.

[Dan Rather]

Imagine the shock when the trail of suspicion led right back home.

[Erin Moriarty]

Erin Moriarty investigates. There's plenty of blood in that bedroom. Only one person that could have done this.

[Dan Rather]

It's Jane, who is charged with the murder.

[Erin Moriarty]

I would never hurt my husband.

[Dan Rather]

Daughter Claire swears her mother is innocent.

[Erin Moriarty]

My mom is in jail and the killer is out there. But does Claire have something to hide? I have no further comments.

[Dan Rather]

A 48 Hours mystery.

[Erin Moriarty]

A family torn apart. The ties that bind families together are so basic to our lives. It's easy, too easy to take them for granted. That is, until they're gone and many more. Nearly all families have their share of secrets, mysteries. But sometimes the burden of keeping those secrets can be so great, even the closest of family ties can start to unravel. So it is with one family whose mystery involves murder. This is the family that appeared to be living in harmony until one day more than a year ago, when the usual peace and quiet was shattered, setting off a chain of events that would leave a family torn apart. Aaron Moriarty investigates by following a trail no one expected to travel. I always used to say this is the most peaceful place on the face of the earth.

[Dan Rather]

The beauty and drama of these foothills northeast of San Diego no longer give Jane Dorotek any comfort.

[Erin Moriarty]

Nothing feels peaceful anymore. I'm just gonna pound this up.

[Dan Rather]

Jane's life has not been the same since her 55 year old husband Bob disappeared.

[Erin Moriarty]

I wish I just knew what really happened. I wish there was some way to piece it together, somebody to come forward with the truth. Just zoom in and zoom in and zoom out.

[Dan Rather]

Bob, an engineer and avid jogger, says.

[Erin Moriarty]

Jane, very competitive, very methodical and logical.

[Dan Rather]

Went out for a run on a rainy Sunday afternoon and never returned.

[Erin Moriarty]

That's our wedding picture.

[Dan Rather]

Jane had lived almost half her life with Bob.

[Erin Moriarty]

This is me. Oh, this is Bob. I was 23 when we were married.

[Dan Rather]

They raised three children.

[Erin Moriarty]

Alex is the oldest, Claire's in the middle, and Nick is the youngest.

[Dan Rather]

They look like happy kids too.

[Erin Moriarty]

They're wonderful. You know, the family has always been incredibly important to both of us.

[Dan Rather]

Claire, then 24 years old and the only one still living at home, was away the weekend her dad disappeared.

[Erin Moriarty]

Sunday started out like any other day. Hi, guys. My routine was always to get up first, go feed the horses.

[Dan Rather]

As Jane remembers it, it was a busy day at her ranch with thoroughbred horses to feed and expectant mares to watch.

[Erin Moriarty]

That was the day I decided to move all four mares up to the barn on top.

[Dan Rather]

Just before she left the house, Jane says she saw Bob in the living room.

[Erin Moriarty]

Bob was sitting actually in this chair facing the tv. He had the newspapers on the ottoman. He said he was going out for a jog and he was actually had his jogging suit on, was tying his shoes. That was it. That was the last I talked to him.

[Dan Rather]

Three hours later, when Jane returned to the house, she says she was surprised that Bob hadn't returned. Were you concerned at that point?

[Erin Moriarty]

You know, only, only a vague sense of this is a longer run. But by five it was beginning to get dark and I decided to go out and look.

[Dan Rather]

This is the same route Jane says she took that late afternoon to search for Bob, driving up and down the steep hill where he sometimes ran. This kind of scares me, just looking out in a car.

[Erin Moriarty]

Yeah. And there's very little shoulder. I thought, well, maybe he fell off the side the road and he broke his ankle. And he's just sitting there calling, hoping somebody will hear him or find him.

[Dan Rather]

By 7:30, Jane was getting scared.

[Erin Moriarty]

I said, enough, this is enough. Something is wrong. And that's when I made the call to the sheriff's department.

[Dan Rather]

Deputy James Blackman was first on the scene.

[Erin Moriarty]

My first thought that night was maybe this man had a heart attack and fell down the embankment along Lake Wolford Road.

[Dan Rather]

As police began a search and rescue, concerned friends and family gathered at the Dorotek house.

[Erin Moriarty]

The minute I saw my mom's face, I knew right away something terrible had happened.

[Dan Rather]

Claire had spent the weekend visiting Jane's sister Bonnie.

[Erin Moriarty]

She was scared, she was nervous, she was crying, she was freaked out.

[Dan Rather]

It was a long night. What were you feeling by then?

[Erin Moriarty]

It was a horrifying feeling that got more and more horrifying when he wasn't found.

[Dan Rather]

And then in the pre dawn hours of February 14, Deputy Blackmon turned into this driveway.

[Erin Moriarty]

I see something off in the brush and I stop about right here. I could see the body, the shirt, the red pants. He was laying on his back. And I said, this is Mr. Dorothy.

[Dan Rather]

On Valentine's Day morning, Jane learned that the man she had been married to for 330 years was dead.

[Erin Moriarty]

They said they thought he had been hit by a car.

[Dan Rather]

The hardest part was telling her children.

[Erin Moriarty]

You know, it's such a hard thing to do, to call say to your kid, your dad's been his dead. Jane has such a big heart.

[Dan Rather]

Marilyn Ryan is Jane's younger sister.

[Erin Moriarty]

I've never seen anybody with that much sadness put it aside and just hold on to her kids and be the strong one for her children.

[Dan Rather]

As Jane and her family began coping with the news.

[Erin Moriarty]

I got there a little after 7 in the morning.

[Dan Rather]

Police Detective Rick Empson was called in.

[Erin Moriarty]

There was no evidence of any type of vehicle accident.

[Dan Rather]

What Empson found was much worse.

[Erin Moriarty]

He had blood on his face. There was blood near the back of his head. And I could see that there was a rope around his neck.

[Dan Rather]

What did that say to you?

[Erin Moriarty]

It was obvious to me that it was a homicide.

[Dan Rather]

Bob Dorotek had been severely bludgeoned and strangled. How severely?

[Erin Moriarty]

He had extensive fractures to the skull, had lost a tremendous amount of blood and strangulation was a contributing factor as to the cause of death as well as the bludgeoning. How could this happen? How could somebody take away his life like this?

[Dan Rather]

Is there anybody you could thank who would want to see your husband dead.

[Erin Moriarty]

Nobody. Nobody. We sat and cried and prayed and wondered, how could this have happened? Who could have done this? None of us could figure it out. It was just pure, absolute shock.

[Dan Rather]

But the biggest shock was yet to come. Three days after Bob's body was found, the police made an arrest.

[Erin Moriarty]

There was only one person, in my opinion, that could have done this to Mr. Dorotek, and that was his wife, Jane Doratek. He said, you're under arrest. I was like, what? I just couldn't believe this would be happening.

[Dan Rather]

Next on 48 Hours.

[Erin Moriarty]

I know I didn't do this, but how am I going to clear myself? Still getting around to that fix on your car. You got this on ebay. You'll find millions of parts guaranteed to fit. Doesn't matter if it's a major engine repair or your first time swapping your windshield wipers. Ebay has that part you need ready to click perfectly into place for changes big and small, loud or quiet. Find all the parts you need at prices you'll love. Guaranteed to fit every time. But you already know that. Ebay. Things people love. Eligible items only Exclusion supply This ranch is under attack. Our whole way of life is under attack. Streaming Sunday, February 23rd on Paramount plus the return of 1923 a Yellowstone origin story. My family is in danger and I don't have time. Starring Academy Award winner Helen Mirren and academy award nominee Harrison Ford. I pray Spencer can get here. This fight ain't over.

[Dan Rather]

Anything worth having is worth fighting for.

[Erin Moriarty]

1923 Season 2 streaming Sunday, February 23rd exclusively on Paramount Plus I know in my heart that I'm innocent. And everybody that knows me knows I'm innocent.

[Dan Rather]

In a matter of days, 53 year old Jane Dorotek went from well paid health care executive and wife to widow to accused murderer.

[Erin Moriarty]

Here I am in jail. This court is now in session. I'm innocent. And yet here I am.

[Dan Rather]

She's being held on an unusually high $2 million bail. But today, she hopes a judge will listen to the people who are here to support her, her children.

[Erin Moriarty]

We have never known my mom to be violent in any sense.

[Dan Rather]

Old friends.

[Erin Moriarty]

I find it very difficult to believe that she should be guilty of such a thing.

[Dan Rather]

Even her boss.

[Erin Moriarty]

She's always conducted herself in a very responsible manner. Thank you.

[Dan Rather]

The judge agrees to reduce her bail.

[Erin Moriarty]

I'm going to reduce bail to $1 million.

[Dan Rather]

And after 23 days in jail, Jane goes home.

[Erin Moriarty]

I still sometimes think, how can this be? How can this happen? Surely I've been in A really long bad dream, and I'll wake up and it won't be real anymore.

[Dan Rather]

Two months after getting out of jail and still awaiting her trial, we're moving.

[Erin Moriarty]

The household today, the horses tomorrow, and hope we get everything done in two days.

[Dan Rather]

Jane is moving, packing.

[Erin Moriarty]

My crazy method. Just throw it in.

[Dan Rather]

She's leaving the ranch she shared with her husband until he was brutally murdered.

[Erin Moriarty]

I miss him terribly. Every time I go into another room, I still think I'm gonna see Bob sitting at his computer or reading a book. I can't stay here with all of the memories that are here.

[Dan Rather]

Helping are her sister, Bonnie Long, and two of her children.

[Erin Moriarty]

I think we have all the boxes up here.

[Dan Rather]

Nick, her youngest, a construction worker and competitive snowboarder. And Claire.

[Erin Moriarty]

Where are the boxes?

[Dan Rather]

A personal trainer and horsewoman who was also in school getting her master's degree in psychology. Jane's oldest son, Alex, is away in law school.

[Erin Moriarty]

Good horses.

[Dan Rather]

Is there any question in your mind whether your mom's innocent or not? Any question at all.

[Erin Moriarty]

Is there any question in my mind whether that sky is blue or not? No. You know, my reality is my mom is not capable of things like that. And that's the same for everybody in my family. It's just not possible. I loved my husband and thank you, Laura, for giving us Jane. I would never hurt my husband.

[Dan Rather]

Jane and Bob got married in 1970. She was a nurse. He was an engineer working for Lockheed. How would you describe Bob?

[Erin Moriarty]

Very much a high achiever and very much an independent kind of a person.

[Dan Rather]

While Bob had a passion for hiking and jogging, Jane loved her horses.

[Erin Moriarty]

I've been breeding horses for 20 years. Hi, sweetie. I've always loved horses. Go on.

[Dan Rather]

Despite the demands of her job as an executive.

[Erin Moriarty]

Come on. Good boy.

[Dan Rather]

Jane's horse operation grew.

[Erin Moriarty]

We buy three or four a year and hope to train them and resell them. He's looking a little lazy with his back legs.

[Dan Rather]

And the money that went into the horses became a source of contention between Jane and Bob.

[Erin Moriarty]

My father wasn't a real big fan of the horses and the ranch and the operation, and that was always the source of a lot of conflict.

[Dan Rather]

This and other strains in their marriage led Jane and Bob to split up in 1997.

[Erin Moriarty]

I don't make any apologies for the fact that we had rough times, but that doesn't change the fact that we loved each other.

[Dan Rather]

Then a year later, they reconciled.

[Erin Moriarty]

They were getting along better than they ever had in the past. I was living there. I can tell you that.

[Dan Rather]

Jane and Bob had been back together as a couple a year and a half when he was killed before February. How would you have described your marriage?

[Erin Moriarty]

I would say better than ever. I really think the separation caused us to really regroup and think about what was important.

[Dan Rather]

Then why, Jane? Why do they believe you killed your husband?

[Erin Moriarty]

You know, I guess I've been through that one a billion times. I don't know. I have read that in some very high percentage of cases, it's either a family member or somebody known. My alibi of being up in the barn cleaning stalls is probably not a very good one in their mind. But, you know, I wish they would go to motive. What motive would I have to kill my husband?

[Dan Rather]

The motive, according to police, the motive was money. Jane's money. They contend her marriage was in trouble. Again, the prosecution is going to say you killed your husband because you thought you'd have to pay a large part of your income if you got divorced.

[Erin Moriarty]

They can say whatever they want. They can think whatever they want. It's just not the case.

[Dan Rather]

But more important than motive, police say, is evidence. Evidence that shows Bob wasn't killed here where his body was found. His body was dumped here after he was killed. And where was he killed? In his own bedroom.

[Erin Moriarty]

There was no question in our mind that this assault occurred in the master bedroom.

[Dan Rather]

What first led detective Rick Empson to suspect Jane was seeing a piece of rope hanging on the porch.

[Erin Moriarty]

It appeared to be the exact same type of rope that was found around his neck.

[Dan Rather]

Investigators asked if they could search the house.

[Erin Moriarty]

I had said, come in, search, look for anything.

[Dan Rather]

And when they got to the master bedroom, they found some blood.

[Erin Moriarty]

This is the master bedroom. This is the alleged crime scene, actually.

[Dan Rather]

Police say a search of the room revealed massive amounts of blood. Massive.

[Erin Moriarty]

I think massive was the word that was used.

[Dan Rather]

Is that possible?

[Erin Moriarty]

Well, I can't see how it's possible. When I was sleeping in that same bed for three nights. My family's there in and through the room. My two sisters and I sat on the foot of that bed and hugged after Bob was killed. Yeah, we were all in this room. I didn't see any blood, but any.

[Dan Rather]

Blood, Jane says is perfectly understandable.

[Erin Moriarty]

I guess. I don't doubt there is blood on the carpet. We're in the country. We've lived here for two years.

[Dan Rather]

Coming up, there's blood spatter on this.

[Erin Moriarty]

Ceiling, on the headboard, on the nightstand, tile, comforters, sheets.

[Dan Rather]

The case against Jane, she made mistakes.

[Erin Moriarty]

And we caught him. Come on, guys. Hanging out in the shade.

[Dan Rather]

Is there Any way that you can adequately describe what you've been going through for the last five months?

[Erin Moriarty]

I don't think so. I mean, obviously, still, I'm on a roller coaster. I cry one minute. I. You know, I worry about what the future's gonna hold.

[Dan Rather]

Free on bail. But living under suspicion, Jane Dorotek can't believe the sudden turn her life has taken.

[Erin Moriarty]

I know intellectually that the prosecution must feel that they have enough of a case to even go this far, but how can they possibly feel that?

[Dan Rather]

Jane is about to find out? At her preliminary hearing, Jane and her family will see and hear for the first time the evidence against her.

[Erin Moriarty]

Carrie has said, this is going to be your worst nightmare.

[Dan Rather]

Carrie is Carrie Steigerwald, Jane's attorney.

[Erin Moriarty]

Jane, how are you? She's baffled, because I don't think she knows what happened. She knows that she's placed as the killer, and. And she's not the killer.

[Dan Rather]

Do you have any question in your mind that Jane Dorotek killed her husband?

[Erin Moriarty]

No. Absolutely no.

[Dan Rather]

It's prosecutor Bonnie Howard Regan's job to convince a judge there's enough evidence to take Jane Dorotek to trial. Good morning. People of the State of California v. Jane Marguerite Dorotek.

[Erin Moriarty]

I think that the evidence is strong to show that this was a calculated, premeditated, deliberate murder.

[Dan Rather]

According to the prosecutor, Bob Dorotek never went out for a jog on that cool, wet Sunday afternoon in February. Instead, she says, he was killed in his own bedroom.

[Erin Moriarty]

There's plenty of blood in that bedroom, and it's all the victim's blood. So it's obvious that that is where the crime occurred.

[Dan Rather]

Investigators say they found minute drops of blood all over the bedroom.

[Erin Moriarty]

There's blood spatter on the ceiling, on the headboard, on the nightstand, on a potbelly stove, on tile, on comforters, sheets.

[Dan Rather]

Even worse.

[Erin Moriarty]

This is the stain I'm talking about. When the detectives lifted the mattress, there was blood there. Somebody laid there for a while, bleeding. He was struck on the bed at least two times. He was also struck in the vicinity of the potbelly stove.

[Dan Rather]

It was after Bob was killed that investigators believe he was dressed in his jogging clothes.

[Erin Moriarty]

It was a muddy day. It was raining, and there was no evidence of any type of a splash mark on the shoes. There was no mud on the shoes, and each one of the shoes were tied with the shoelaces, tied on the outside of the shoe, as if somebody had put the shoes on Mr. Dorotek.

[Dan Rather]

This would be his normal route. Remember how Jane said as she Was driving along this road searching for her missing husband. When it got dark, I thought, well.

[Erin Moriarty]

Maybe he fell off the side of the road.

[Dan Rather]

Prosecutor Howard Regan says that's when Jane dumped Bob's body here. The tire impressions at the scene match.

[Erin Moriarty]

Jane's truck, without question. And there were three different tires on that truck. What are the chances of another truck having the same three different tires?

[Dan Rather]

Investigators never found a weapon or any blood stained clothing.

[Erin Moriarty]

It appears that Jane Dorotek disposed of the weapon and any bloody clothes, shoes.

[Dan Rather]

The prosecutor claims Jane disposed of the evidence at this shopping center where on the day Bob disappeared, a friend saw her driving to an area behind the stores.

[Erin Moriarty]

There's nothing back there but a number of dumpsters.

[Dan Rather]

But the most damaging evidence by far, the one piece that seems to directly connect Jane Dorotek to the murder is a syringe found in Jane's bathroom.

[Erin Moriarty]

I know that I give the horses shots all the time. If you go look in my fridge right now, you'll find horse syringes.

[Dan Rather]

But this syringe had Jane's fingerprint in Bob's blood. How can you explain that?

[Erin Moriarty]

I can't really explain it, other than I know that I helped Bob clean up a nosebleed. And if that's the same time when I took the syringes and threw them in the trash.

[Dan Rather]

At this point in the court proceedings, Jane is not allowed to respond to the evidence.

[Erin Moriarty]

I know that they have presented a lot of evidence to support that the bedroom is a crime scene.

[Dan Rather]

So we gave her a chance to try explaining some things. Like the blood found in her own bedroom. Do you have any other explanation of how that blood spatter could have gotten there?

[Erin Moriarty]

Not really.

[Dan Rather]

On the ceiling, on the window, on the walls?

[Erin Moriarty]

No.

[Dan Rather]

What about the large amount of blood that was on the other side of the mattress?

[Erin Moriarty]

I don't know.

[Dan Rather]

Jane can come up with only one explanation.

[Erin Moriarty]

I do know when Bob had a nosebleed, he made a comment about getting some blood on the mattress.

[Dan Rather]

So do you still think that that blood could have come from a nosebleed?

[Erin Moriarty]

I think some of it could have come from a nosebleed, But, I mean.

[Dan Rather]

There was some on the ceiling.

[Erin Moriarty]

That doesn't make a lot of sense.

[Dan Rather]

And what about pieces of. Of a rope, much like the rope found around Bob's neck, that were on Jane's porch and in her house?

[Erin Moriarty]

Would I really be so sloppy as to leave it right out, Sitting on the coffee table for days, knowing that everyone is searching everything? Would I really be that stupid?

[Dan Rather]

Yet there is evidence Someone cleaned up. Bob's blood was found on a bottle of cleaning fluid. And there was wet carpeting with blood stains underneath. Kerry, who else would kill Bob there and then clean up afterwards?

[Erin Moriarty]

That's a problem. It's a problem for us in Jane's case.

[Dan Rather]

Another problem. Stories told to investigators by Bob's former co workers.

[Erin Moriarty]

He told me to tell somebody to help him, and that's what I'm trying to do as a friend.

[Dan Rather]

Jim Goudge remembers a chilling conversation he once had with Bob.

[Erin Moriarty]

He said, if anything ever happens to me, send the police to my wife. Direct them to her. Her.

[Dan Rather]

Chuck Piper says Bob told him the same thing.

[Erin Moriarty]

If anything ever happens to me, come looking for my wife. He had fear. Genuine fear. The defendant is a very dangerous person. This was a vicious attack.

[Dan Rather]

After three days of testimony, there are still a lot of people who insist Jane simply couldn't have killed Bob.

[Erin Moriarty]

They can find all the circumstantial evidence they want and they can blow it up and they can make it look really bad if they want. In fact, they've done that. But that doesn't change the fact that my mom could not have done this crime. She didn't have the motive and she didn't have the opportunity. Everything else is irrelevant. Count one, murder.

[Dan Rather]

Nevertheless, the judge rules that Jane should stand trial.

[Erin Moriarty]

Penal code section187.

[Dan Rather]

But no one is prepared for what the judge does next. Bail will be enhanced to $3 million. Your client is remanded to the custody of the sheriff pending posting of bail. The judge suddenly raises Jane's bail to $3 million, one of the highest ever for a spousal murder in this country.

[Erin Moriarty]

I'm devastated. I'm devastated. I didn't expect the bail to be raised. I did not expect bail to be raised.

[Dan Rather]

Unable to raise that kind of money, Jane goes back to jail until her trial. Isn't it gonna be very hard for the jury to believe that somebody else killed Bob, then cleaned up and then moved his body somewhere else? Yes, because who else would do that?

[Erin Moriarty]

Well, you're down to but a handful of people, aren't you?

[Dan Rather]

Next, someone else is accused of killing Bob.

[Erin Moriarty]

Prepare to be entertained. Gladiator 2 is now streaming on Paramount. You hear that crowd? It's ferociously entertaining. I'm just here for the game. And an absolute triumph. Take your father's strength. His name is Maximus. Paul Mescal Pedro Pascal. With Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington. Strength and honor. Strength and honor. Gladiator 2 directed by Ridley Scott. Now streaming on Paramount. Rated R. Now streaming. Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh takes command. Gather your people. We're gonna need every one of them in Section 31, a new Star Trek original mov on Paramount. Plus, Section 31 is just a place for people to bend the rules. Starfleet is here to make sure no one commits murder. What a cute idea. This is chaos. Let's get messy. Don't miss Star Trek section 31. Now streaming exclusively on Paramount. Plus. More than a year after Bob Dorotek was murdered, his body dumped by a mountain road near San Diego, his widow Jane faces trial. Although she firmly denies any involvement in the crime, there is troubling evidence to overcome, especially blood evidence taken from the master bedroom of the couple's hillside home. She's been in prison nearly six months, unable to raise the unusually high bail in the case. $3 million. And Jane Dorotek's lawyers are weighing a risky strategy, one that seems certain to fan the flames of animosity in a family whose better days are but a flickering memory. Here again is Erin Moriar. Happy birthday to you and many more.

[Dan Rather]

Bob Dorotek's murder took more than a life.

[Erin Moriarty]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Mom.

[Dan Rather]

It destroyed his entire family.

[Erin Moriarty]

It's so hard in here. I work really hard every day to stay positive because it's such a difficult environment.

[Dan Rather]

Accused of his murder is his wife of 30 years, Jane, who now sits in county jail.

[Erin Moriarty]

The situation is not very good all the way around.

[Dan Rather]

Jane's daughter Claire, has been forced to put the family ranch on the market.

[Erin Moriarty]

We just do what we can do to get through today, and then we face tomorrow. Tomorrow. It's very hard, Honor. It's very hard.

[Dan Rather]

But what concerns Claire and her mother even more is that neither Alex nor Nick Sweetie have come to see their mother in jail. Does that make you sad?

[Erin Moriarty]

Yes, of course. It's a hard time for all of us.

[Dan Rather]

You are very sure about your mom's innocence, but it doesn't seem like your brothers are quite as sure. Why do they have doubts?

[Erin Moriarty]

I don't know whether I'd say they have doubts or not. I think that they're very frustrated and they're very angry that we still don't know the truth.

[Dan Rather]

Jane's sons won't say why they've stayed away. But the evidence in this case is damaging. It points to a killer who knew the victim, who had a reason to kill him, who also had a reason to clean up the crime scene afterwards. But Jane's attorney says she's not the only one who fits that description. Who does he say killed Bob Dorotek?

[Erin Moriarty]

I'm more convinced than ever that it was Claire who killed her father.

[Dan Rather]

Claire Dorotek, Jane and Bob's 25 year old daughter. It is a shocking development that Carrie Steigerwald and his associate attorney, Cole Casey, say they intend to prove in court. When did you first start thinking that it wasn't Jane at all, but her daughter?

[Erin Moriarty]

To me, no stranger did this homicide.

[Dan Rather]

That it had to be someone who knew Bob. Had to be.

[Erin Moriarty]

Had to be.

[Dan Rather]

Because of the blood in the bedroom.

[Erin Moriarty]

The blood in the bedroom compounded with the cleanup. And the cleanup was done with the cleanup ingredients found in the home.

[Dan Rather]

And Steigerwald claims Claire had a reason to kill her father.

[Erin Moriarty]

It's clear Claire loathed her father. She did not like him at all. He could be a jerk sometimes.

[Dan Rather]

In an earlier interview, Claire said her relationship with her father had been strained. Was there conflict between you and your dad?

[Erin Moriarty]

Yes. Yes. I wasn't that close with him. We had our rocky points. We argued a lot. I think he hurt her greatly emotionally.

[Dan Rather]

But was Claire angry enough to kill her own father? As proof, the attorney points to a letter an irate Claire. Claire wrote to her father. I know that I have been resented by you always. It doesn't have to be more than. She just didn't like her father to kill him in that brutal manner.

[Erin Moriarty]

Let me tell you something. Claire's life right now is the horses.

[Dan Rather]

As Steigerwalt sees it. Claire, who is devoted to her horses, became enraged when her father threatened to sell them.

[Erin Moriarty]

And included in that letter that she wrote is just a threat. Don't you dare think about taking those horses from me.

[Dan Rather]

Your history of betrayal of trust, lack of respect and vicious threats cannot ever be forgotten. The letter was written about a year before Bob Dorotek was killed. So what do you think happened?

[Erin Moriarty]

I think Claire snapped.

[Dan Rather]

Prosecutor Bonnie Howard Regan confirmed the letter exists, but reads it very differently.

[Erin Moriarty]

It shows a troubled relationship between a father and daughter, not motive to kill.

[Dan Rather]

When you first heard the defense was going to point the finger at Claire, did you have a moment of doubt?

[Erin Moriarty]

No. The thought did cross my mind that Claire might be involved somehow along with her mother.

[Dan Rather]

But she says Claire wasn't home the weekend Bob was murdered.

[Erin Moriarty]

There's no evidence to connect Claire Dora to the crime. I went to my aunt's house.

[Dan Rather]

Claire has always said she was in Long beach, two hours away.

[Erin Moriarty]

Claire was with me Saturday night.

[Dan Rather]

And her Aunt Bonnie backs her story. Is there any possibility in your mind that Claire might have killed her dad?

[Erin Moriarty]

No. It's too unbelievable that she's going to murder her father and come up and go for a nice walk with me. Go for dinner. Police never did anything to verify this alibi.

[Dan Rather]

Steigerwalt says that Claire changed details of how she got to Long Beach. Even what she did when she got there.

[Erin Moriarty]

It's almost beautiful for me. She gave such a lie.

[Dan Rather]

Even today, no one has actually checked.

[Erin Moriarty]

Out Claire's alibi as best they could. They attempted to, but they couldn't verify. No, they could not verify that she was.

[Dan Rather]

Do you think it's at all possible that Claire could have hurt her dad?

[Erin Moriarty]

I absolutely don't.

[Dan Rather]

But if Jane really believes that, why would she allow her attorney to point to her daughter as the killer? The daughter Jane clearly loves?

[Erin Moriarty]

I have come across something that could be real, real important. I trust Carrie. I hope we get what we need.

[Dan Rather]

But this is pointing a finger at someone in your own family.

[Erin Moriarty]

You know, the prosecution has already gone there, so it's not news to them.

[Dan Rather]

But is this just a trial strategy? Do you honestly believe that Claire killed her dad? Or is this just a way to get. To confuse the jurors and to get Jane off?

[Erin Moriarty]

I would not put my neck out on the line like that without having a basis in fact for making that statement. Claire. Do you know why?

[Dan Rather]

As for Claire suddenly the center of a media frenzy. She's not speaking to anyone.

[Erin Moriarty]

I have no further comments. Got everything important right.

[Dan Rather]

Are you at all concerned that the jury will wonder about a woman who would allow herself to be defended by pointing the finger at her daughter? Could that work against the two of you?

[Erin Moriarty]

It may. I don't know. I think it is the most viable defense. And I think it's a by the best evidence. I think it's the best defense to present.

[Dan Rather]

Coming up.

[Erin Moriarty]

Claire, can we ask you some questions?

[Dan Rather]

Will Claire take the stand and the prosecution Surprise witnesses against Jane Dorotek.

[Erin Moriarty]

Do you know Jane Dorotek? Yes. How is it that you know her? She's my mother.

[Dan Rather]

Paramount celebrates black voices from climbing to.

[Erin Moriarty]

Success and Bob Marley. One love.

[Dan Rather]

Music can lead to stories of love.

[Erin Moriarty]

And community in the shy. It's a place for our community.

[Dan Rather]

Explore the Black Voices collection on Paramount plus stream now. Let the bodies hit the the phenomenon is back. The new season of yellow jackets streaming February 14th on Paramount plus with Showtime.

[Erin Moriarty]

Think about how screwed up we would be if we had survived a plane crash only to end up eating each other. This place will follow us for the rest of our lives. The only way to truly be seen safe is to be the only one left.

[Dan Rather]

This season. The past will come back to hunt you.

[Erin Moriarty]

You really are insane.

[Dan Rather]

Yellow Jackets new season streaming February 14th on the Paramount plus with Showtime Plan. Jane Dorotek's murder trial is unlike any other in San Diego County.

[Erin Moriarty]

Very rare for a journalist to be involved in a trial of this magnitude and one that is certainly attracting national attention.

[Dan Rather]

At least we see that Jane's the one on trial.

[Erin Moriarty]

Robert Dorotek was a victim of a cold, calculated and brutal slaying.

[Dan Rather]

But she's not the only one accused, ladies and gentlemen.

[Erin Moriarty]

Claire hated her father.

[Dan Rather]

The defense will try to convince jurors that it was Claire who murdered Bob Dorotek in his bedroom.

[Erin Moriarty]

This scene is one that can only be described as explosive. That's what Claire is, a hot tempered, explosive individual.

[Dan Rather]

But it's a tricky maneuver. Do you run the risk that the jury could hear this and think that both Jane and Claire killed Bob Dorotek and convict Jane and then have Claire later charged?

[Erin Moriarty]

It's a genuine risk, but it's a risk we pretty much have to take at this point. Something similar to this hammer was used to strike Mr. Dorotek on the head.

[Dan Rather]

Prosecutor Bonnie Howard Regan begins with the physical evidence.

[Erin Moriarty]

I walked into the room and I had seen blood on the ceiling, and I saw some blood across the comforter on the bed.

[Dan Rather]

The syringe with Jane's fingerprint in Bob's blood, and the tire tracks from Jane's truck in the area where Bob Dorotek's body was found.

[Erin Moriarty]

When you look at all the evidence, it will point to one thing. Jane Dorotek chose murder over divorce.

[Dan Rather]

Faced with such damaging evidence, the defense has only one option. To put serious doubt in the minds of the jurors. First, by proving Jane wasn't physically capable of committing murder. And then by convincing the jurors Claire is.

[Erin Moriarty]

She runs marathons and she's a personal trainer. She is as fit a woman as you will see at the age of 24.

[Dan Rather]

But right away, Carrie Steigerwalt runs into trouble.

[Erin Moriarty]

Could Ms. Claire Dorotek please step forward.

[Dan Rather]

With a jury outside of the court? Claire takes the Fifth.

[Erin Moriarty]

You are going to assert your Fifth Amendment right? That's correct.

[Dan Rather]

Which means jurors will never see or hear from Claire and never be told why.

[Erin Moriarty]

Ms. Dortik may not be called in front of the jury.

[Dan Rather]

The most Carrie Steigerwal can say is that Claire is unavailable.

[Erin Moriarty]

You are excused.

[Dan Rather]

At this time, isn't the jury gonna wonder you've been Talking about Claire. And the jury never sees her and never knows why she doesn't appear.

[Erin Moriarty]

I. As we said, that's a crucial part of the defense of this case. And yeah, it makes it difficult. No doubt it makes it difficult.

[Dan Rather]

Did you kill your father? The defense can still let the jurors hear from Claire through the angry letter she wrote to her father one year before he was killed.

[Erin Moriarty]

You appear to me to be very antagonistic, contentious and controlling. I must take all precautionary measures to protect myself from you underline. That letter speaks volumes. Whether you have clear there or not, that letter is screaming that something's wrong here in Denmark. Just zoom in, zoom in and zoom out. It's all right.

[Dan Rather]

At the same time, the defense wants a jury to believe that Jang couldn't have murdered her husband.

[Erin Moriarty]

She was in a horrible automobile accident and barely can mount a horse. She just is physically incapable of moving a dead person's weight. She couldn't do it.

[Dan Rather]

But there's contrary evidence in court. All jurors are again present, and it comes from the Most unlikely source.

[Erin Moriarty]

Ms. Howard Regan. You may call your next witness.

[Dan Rather]

Jane's own sons. Alex.

[Erin Moriarty]

I remember in 93 or 94 moving irrigation pipes, my mom moving them along with us. They're either 20 or 40 foot long irrigation pipes, and we take them two at a time. And Nick, if I asked you whether, in your opinion your mother would be able to lug around a 100 pound bag of seed, you think she'd be able to? Yes. You think so? Yes. With her hip condition the way it is? Yes.

[Dan Rather]

And they damage Jane's case even further.

[Erin Moriarty]

Your mother always settled things logically. Tried to. No. You wouldn't agree with that statement? Nope. It would be my mom basically saying.

[Dan Rather]

This is what you have to accept.

[Erin Moriarty]

And then my dad would either accept it or there would be threats of divorce or something. That's what I remember from growing up. I know they're going through tremendous pain too. I just am struggling so hard as a mom to know what happened, why.

[Dan Rather]

It is suddenly clear why Jane's never came to see her in jail.

[Erin Moriarty]

Did you say anything specifically about the syringe? Well, I asked her how it got there and what it was doing there. And what was your mother's response? She said that her biggest fear in all of this was that US family members would start questioning her. Mr. Dortik, thank you, sir, for coming in. You are excused. At this time.

[Dan Rather]

Would you say that's been the most damaging testimony?

[Erin Moriarty]

Yeah. It's not what they said. It's the fact that they were there testifying for the prosecution that no doubt. They broke my heart. You know, they just broke my heart.

[Dan Rather]

Kerry thinks it's too risky for Jane to take the stand.

[Erin Moriarty]

You know, what good is it going to do?

[Dan Rather]

He's worried about prosecution questions that he knows Jane can't answer.

[Erin Moriarty]

Explain this, explain that. Things that I know she's incapable of explaining or at least hasn't been able to explain to me. I really can't. I'm sorry.

[Dan Rather]

But there are questions the prosecution can't answer either. Here at the location where Bob's body was dumped, footprints were found, but none of them were Jane's. And there's a witness who says she saw Bob alive on this driveway the day he disappeared.

[Erin Moriarty]

Court is now in session.

[Dan Rather]

The defense hopes those questions will raise reasonable doubt as to who really killed Bob Dorotek.

[Erin Moriarty]

Was it Jane Dorotek? Was it Claire Dorotek? Well, ladies and gentlemen, was it someone else? Was it truly, truly someone else?

[Dan Rather]

Coming up, they just read the verdict. They did?

[Erin Moriarty]

Yeah.

[Dan Rather]

The verdict.

[Erin Moriarty]

Testing, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Well, Michael, jurors have wrapped up their first few hours of deliberations in this case. They'll be returning tomorrow as they go behind closed doors once again and debate the future of Jane Dorotek.

[Dan Rather]

After deliberating for four days, please come to door reporters. The jury returns with a verdict.

[Erin Moriarty]

Could you hand the verdict forms to the bail, please? Thank you, Madam Clerk. Please read the verdict. We, the jury in the above title cause, find the defendant Jane Marguerite Dorotek guilty of the crime of murder in the first degree in violation of penal code section 187 PRNA as charged. It almost didn't register for a minute. It's like, no, this can't be. I was so certain that I was walking out.

[Dan Rather]

What made you feel that during the trial?

[Erin Moriarty]

Because I'm innocent. Because I thought they would see the truth. Do you have any statements you'd like to make about the verdict?

[Dan Rather]

It's a terrible defeat for Carrie Steigerwalt, who hoped the jury would believe an angry daughter could have committed the crime.

[Erin Moriarty]

I'm at a loss for answers. I honestly am. I never thought I'd jury would conclude it was Jane. What are you gonna do next? I'm disappointed in myself that I wasn't able to convey what I perceive to be reasonable doubt to this jury.

[Dan Rather]

What if, in fact, she killed her husband and there was nothing you could do?

[Erin Moriarty]

Maybe I'm a fool for not believing it. I don't believe it.

[Dan Rather]

Congratulations, Prosecutor Bonnie Howard Regan.

[Erin Moriarty]

All I could think about was that justice was served for those boys.

[Dan Rather]

One of those boys, Jane's son Alex, was in court for the verdict.

[Erin Moriarty]

Any reaction at all? No comment for Alex.

[Dan Rather]

Did Alex want to see his mom convicted?

[Erin Moriarty]

Yes. He believes that his mother is responsible for the death of his father.

[Dan Rather]

Since we last aired this broadcast, neither Alex nor his brother Nick have spoken with or seen their mother.

[Erin Moriarty]

But at the same time, those poor kids, they have lost both their mother and father, knowing that their mother is responsible for killing their father in a very brutal fashion.

[Dan Rather]

The verdict officially ends speculation that Claire, not her mom, killed Bob Dorotek. But it doesn't answer all the questions.

[Erin Moriarty]

We will probably never know all of the participants in aiding and abetting, either before or after the fact of this homicide.

[Dan Rather]

Weeks later, when Jane is sentenced, Judge Joan Weber wonders out loud, does that.

[Erin Moriarty]

In any sense mean that Jane Dortick was not the killer? Absolutely not. The fact remains that there is substantial evidence tying defendant to this crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Defendant is committed to the term prescribed by law of 25 years to life. Jane will die in prison if she doesn't get a new trial, if she doesn't get an appeal, nothing is going to save her. And in California, life means life.

[Dan Rather]

It's hard to keep going in a noisy, crowded jail. Jane Dorotek is all alone.

[Erin Moriarty]

I can't see my way clear to away from prison. I just can't see it. After new DNA testing, Jane Dorontic's murder conviction was overturned just before a planned retrial in 2022, the charges were dropped. Streaming on Paramount Plus. Everyone who comes into this clinic is a mystery. We don't know what we're looking for. Their bodies are the scene of the crime. No symptoms in history or clues. You saved her life. We're doctors and we're detectives. I kind of love it, if I'm being honest. Solve the puzzle, save the patient. Morris Chestnut is Watson. Now streaming on Paramount plus and new episodes return Sunday, February 16th on CBS.