Babysitter On Trial

Summary

48 Hours: Babysitter On Trial – Detailed Summary

Podcast Title: 48 Hours
Host/Author: CBS News
Episode Title: Babysitter On Trial
Release Date: July 24, 2025

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I. Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Babysitter On Trial," CBS News' award-winning correspondents delve into a heart-wrenching case that shook a suburban community to its core. The episode unravels the tragic events surrounding the death of 23-month-old Emily Woodruff and the subsequent accusation against her 14-year-old babysitter, Chris Ruth. Hosted by Leslie Stahl, the episode meticulously examines the complexities of the investigation, the legal battle, and the profound impact on both the victim's and the accused's families.

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II. Background of the Families and Chris Ruth

A. The Woodruff Family

The Woodruff family, residing in Lawrenceville, Georgia, epitomized the quintessential suburban lifestyle. Kim Woodruff, a friendly and outgoing mother, managed a successful kid's clothing store [12:03]. Alongside her husband, Lewis, a traveling salesman, they were raising two toddlers: three-year-old Hunter and nearly two-year-old Emily. Their deep bond and the joy of overcoming years of fertility issues made them a beloved family in their community.

B. The Ruth Family

Contrastingly, the Ruth family presented a picture of stability and normalcy. Charlie and Cissy Ruth were proud parents of Chris Ruth, a high school honor student passionate about football [03:36]. Described by his parents as calm, reliable, and exceedingly gentle—Cissy remarked, "I've never seen him blow his cool" [22:50]—Chris was a model teenager whose unblemished record and loving demeanor made him a trusted member of the neighborhood.

C. The Babysitting Arrangement

The intersection of these two families occurred through Cissy Ruth's store, where Kim Woodruff sought a dependable babysitter amidst their busy schedules [07:53]. Impressed by Chris's responsible nature, Kim entrusted him with the care of her children, leading to a seemingly perfect babysitting arrangement [08:24].

Notable Quote:

"I was a student. I don't think I've ever lost my temper in my life. I'm a very mellow guy."
—Chris Ruth [03:43]

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III. The Tragic Incident

On the afternoon of July 25, 2001, the lives of both families were irrevocably altered. Emily Woodruff, who had recently battled a stomach virus, fell severely ill while under Chris Ruth's supervision.

A. Onset of the Emergency

Emily began throwing up again, and Chris found himself alone with the sick toddler. Overwhelmed by the situation, Chris contacted Kim, who was at work.

B. Emergency Response

As Emily's condition deteriorated, Chris attempted to save her life through CPR. Paramedics arrived swiftly, but despite his efforts, Emily was pronounced dead two days later [09:46].

Notable Quote:

"I'm supposed to be getting my driver's license. [...] I'm in here."
—Chris Ruth [19:21]

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IV. Investigation and Charges

The medical examiner's report revealed that Emily died from a combination of sexual assault and shaken baby syndrome. Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter swiftly moved to prosecute Chris Ruth as an adult despite his young age.

A. Medical Findings

The autopsy indicated severe brain swelling equivalent to a significant traumatic injury and evidence suggestive of sexual assault [15:01].

B. Legal Proceedings

At just 14 years old, Chris was charged with felony murder, cruelty to children, aggravated child molestation, and aggravated sexual battery. The prosecution argued that any adolescent, including Chris, could inflict fatal injuries through shaking and assault [16:25].

C. Parental Perspectives

While the Woodruff family grappled with the loss and the accusation, the Ruths staunchly maintained Chris's innocence, believing in a hasty and unjust legal process [37:37].

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V. The Trial

The courtroom became the battleground where two narratives clashed: one seeking justice for Emily, and the other fighting to exonerate an innocent teenager.

A. Prosecution's Case

District Attorney Danny Porter presented compelling evidence:

• Medical Testimonies: Experts testified that Emily's injuries were consistent with both sexual assault and shaken baby syndrome.

  Quote:

  "This child was shaken so hard that her head was snapping back and forth."
  —Danny Porter [16:15]

• Witness Testimonies: Emily's mother, Kim Woodruff, expressed her heartbreak and disbelief, reinforcing her trust in Chris before the tragedy [30:01].

B. Defense's Case

Chris Ruth's defense team, led by Doug Peters, introduced alternative explanations:

• Medical Experts: Dr. Joseph Burton highlighted the lack of definitive evidence for sexual assault, suggesting that Emily's injuries could have resulted from eczema-related scratching [31:38].

• Alternative Cause of Death: The defense posited that a rare brain virus was responsible for Emily's death, supported by testimony from Dr. Chris Sperry, the state's chief medical examiner, who opined that the injuries were due to natural causes [32:32].

  Notable Quote:

  "This is, in my opinion, a natural disease process."
  —Dr. Chris Sperry [32:40]

• Emotional Testimony: Chris took the stand, recounting his perspective and vehemently denying any involvement [30:30].

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VI. Verdict and Aftermath

After a two-week trial filled with emotional testimonies and intense legal maneuvers, the jury reached its verdict.

A. Acquittal

The jury found Chris Ruth not guilty on all four counts: felony murder, cruelty to children, aggravated child molestation, and aggravated sexual battery [38:45].

B. Family Reactions

• Ruth Family: Relieved yet burdened by the traumatic experience, the Ruths celebrated Chris's freedom, though predictions of a challenging road ahead were evident [39:24].

  Quote:

  "He knows he didn't do anything wrong. He did everything to save this little girl's life."
  —Charlie Ruth [37:37]

• Woodruff Family: Struggling with their loss, the Woodruffs expressed disappointment and continued grief, unable to reconcile the verdict with their desire for justice [40:52].

  Quote:

  "She was still gone. That's the main thing, you know, she's gone. I believe what I believe about what happened."
  —Kim Woodruff [40:55]

C. Long-term Implications

The case left lingering questions about the justice system, the treatment of juvenile offenders, and the deep scars left on both families.

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VII. Aftermath and Current Status

A. Chris Ruth's Journey

Post-verdict, Chris embarked on a path to rebuild his life. Overcoming legal battles and societal stigma, he pursued higher education and eventually became a defense attorney, transforming his harrowing experience into a mission to advocate for others [45:01].

B. The Woodruff Family's Healing

Despite the acquittal, the Woodruffs continued to mourn Emily's loss, grappling with the unfulfilled quest for closure and the impact of the tragedy on their lives [41:20].

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VIII. Conclusion

"Babysitter On Trial" serves as a profound exploration of tragedy, justice, and the enduring quest for truth. Through meticulous reporting and heartfelt interviews, CBS News' "48 Hours" sheds light on the complexities inherent in such harrowing cases, leaving listeners to ponder the delicate balance between justice and compassion.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Chris Ruth on his temperament:

  "I never lost my temper in my life. I'm a very mellow guy."
  —Chris Ruth [03:43]

• Harold Dow on the impact of the accusation:

  "Don't allow your children to babysit. You never know what might happen."
  —Harold Dow [01:12]

• Danny Porter on the prosecution’s view:

  "Any adolescent is capable of shaking a child hard enough to kill them."
  —Danny Porter [16:25]

• Kim Woodruff expressing disbelief:

  "I fully trusted Christopher, and more than that, I fully trusted his mother in recommending Christopher."
  —Kim Woodruff [30:01]

• Chris Ruth on his innocence:

  "I would never, ever have any thoughts about hurting Emily."
  —Chris Ruth [25:44]

• Charlie Ruth on the legal process:

  "This is a child who won't let you kill bugs. He can't even stand for the dogs to be disciplined."
  —Charlie Ruth [22:50]

• Dr. Chris Sperry on Emily's cause of death:

  "Shaking is extremely rare as a cause of severe brain injury or death in children older than 6 months."
  —Dr. Chris Sperry [32:58]

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Final Thoughts

This episode underscores the profound challenges faced by families entangled in legal battles over tragic events. It highlights the critical importance of thorough investigations, unbiased legal proceedings, and the enduring resilience of those seeking truth and justice. "Babysitter On Trial" is a poignant reminder of the fragility of trust and the far-reaching consequences of moments that forever alter lives.

Transcript

[Harold Dow]

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[Leslie Stahl]

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[Harold Dow]

I tell my friends, do not allow your children to babysit. You never know what might happen.

[Leslie Stahl]

It was a friendly babysitting arrangement between neighbors.

[Chris Ruth]

I love kids. I've always watched kids and loved being around kids.

[Leslie Stahl]

Chris was as reliable as they come.

[Chris Ruth]

I was a student. I don't think I've ever lost my temper in my life. I'm a very mellow guy.

[Leslie Stahl]

And the Woodruffs couldn't have been happier.

[Kim Woodruff]

He seemed like a responsible kid to me and I liked him.

[Leslie Stahl]

But that would all change. One afternoon, 91 1, my two year old's not breathing. When little Emily became desperately ill.

[Chris Ruth]

I'm babysitting for her.

[Danny Porter]

She's not breathing. Emily quit breathing.

[Leslie Stahl]

Chris says he tried to save her.

[Kim Woodruff]

Do you want to take ptr?

[Danny Porter]

Yes.

[Harold Dow]

Ok. My child had done something very heroic.

[Leslie Stahl]

Harold Dow on why the police just didn't see it that way.

[Danny Porter]

This case has never been a close call in my mind.

[Leslie Stahl]

Now this high school honor student is charged with murder.

[Danny Porter]

Any adolescent is capable of shaking a child hard enough to kill him.

[Leslie Stahl]

48 Hours investigates. Did you have anything to do with Emily's death?

[Chris Ruth]

I would never, ever have any thoughts about hurting Emily the babysitter.

[Doug Peters]

Welcome to 48 Hours Investigates. I'm Leslie Stahl. At one time or another, every parent has to leave the kids with with a babysitter, you close the door behind you and hope you've made the right choice. In this case, the arrangement between two families, the Woodruffs and the Ruths, seemed to be working fine for everybody until the Tragic events that would leave a toddler dead and a teenage babysitter accused. Harold Dow reports on a nightmare shared by two families. Both say they're seeking justice. It's hard to believe it all happened between friends.

[Leslie Stahl]

16 year old Chris Ruth is the kind of kid you'd like to have living next door.

[Chris Ruth]

I don't mean to like toot my own horn or anybody. I was, I was a good kid. I was a student. You know, I never broke any laws or anything. Never got in any trouble at school. I don't think I've ever lost my temper in my life. I'm a very calm mannered, very mellow guy.

[Leslie Stahl]

Now this mild mannered teenager is about to find out if he will spend the rest of his life living in prison.

[Harold Dow]

I think this was a series of tragedies that fell one upon another. And I think that Christopher happens to be the person who was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[Leslie Stahl]

Chris stands accused of sexually assaulting 23 month old Emily Woodruff and then shaking the toddler to death. It doesn't get any worse than that, does it?

[Charlie Ruth]

No, not at all.

[Leslie Stahl]

For Cissy and Charlie Ruth, Chris parents, the fate of their son rests in the hands of 12 strangers in a jury box.

[Harold Dow]

And I try to be as realistic as I can that they may not see it our way, but I'll fight forever to prove that he's innocent.

[Leslie Stahl]

And it all has to do with what seemed at the time to be a perfectly safe agreement between two families. A babysitting arrangement.

[Harold Dow]

I just shudder when any of my friends talk about their children babysitting. Because we know what can happen. It can take away your whole life.

[Leslie Stahl]

Lawrenceville, Georgia, a picture perfect small suburban town about 40 minutes outside of Atlanta. Step straight.

[Charlie Ruth]

There we go. Now you remember, Cameron, you look over here and smile at me.

[Leslie Stahl]

And it's the perfect place to raise a family.

[Charlie Ruth]

Cameron, good. One more time.

[Leslie Stahl]

Charlie is a professional photographer. Daughter Emily plays soccer on Saturdays. Go in, go in. Oh yeah.

[Danny Porter]

Oh, yeah.

[Leslie Stahl]

Yes. And there's football for Chris. Chris, you hope to have a championship trophy up in this case one of these days.

[Chris Ruth]

Definitely. State championships, here we come.

[Leslie Stahl]

Football, huh?

[Chris Ruth]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Leslie Stahl]

Right off the town square. Cissy runs a kid's clothing store.

[Harold Dow]

Do you like this one? I think so. All right, let's go see.

[Leslie Stahl]

One day in the spring of 2000, a mother of two walked into Cissy's store. Her name was Kim Woodruff.

[Harold Dow]

She's a very friendly, outgoing lady.

[Kim Woodruff]

I was on the square in Lawrenceville shopping.

[Harold Dow]

She Noticed my help wanted sign and we talked about it and she hired me. So she started working part time and ended up being a full time employee.

[Leslie Stahl]

Did you become good friends?

[Harold Dow]

Oh, yeah. It was almost like a family business. And she was a part of the family.

[Leslie Stahl]

Kim and her husband Lewis were raising two toddlers, three year old Hunter and almost two year old Emily.

[Kim Woodruff]

She's beautiful.

[Danny Porter]

And Hunter was a miracle boy.

[Leslie Stahl]

All kids are a joy, but especially for the Woodruffs. They've been through years of fertility problems.

[Danny Porter]

We had tried for eight years and he was a miracle to us because we'd waited so long. Three months later, we find out she's pregnant again. After he was born, it was like, wow, this is such a great gift.

[Leslie Stahl]

Lewis is a traveling salesman.

[Danny Porter]

Is Todd in? Would you tell him? Lewis called. They bought this company about four years ago. It's out of Italy.

[Leslie Stahl]

He sells paint, spray guns.

[Danny Porter]

It's sweet. There's nothing else like it on the market. You like that?

[Chris Ruth]

Oh, he's going now.

[Leslie Stahl]

Like many working families, the Woodruffs had daycare issues. Lewis was on the road a lot. And by the summer of 2001, Kim was working full time here at Cissy Ruth's store. So the Woodruffs needed a babysitter, someone they could trust, someone like Chris Ruth.

[Harold Dow]

Christopher was at the store helping me with different things. And she asked me if I thought it would be okay if she asked him if he wanted to babysit.

[Kim Woodruff]

And he seemed like a responsible kid to me. And I liked him. I liked both of her children.

[Harold Dow]

I thought it was fine, but I told her, you're gonna have to ask him. And when she did, he said, well, that'd be pretty neat.

[Leslie Stahl]

And so Chris began to babysit for the Woodruffs on a regular basis, taking care of Hunter and Emily at the Woodruffs house.

[Chris Ruth]

I love kids. I've always watched kids and loved being around kids.

[Kim Woodruff]

I'd watched him interact with them and they seemed to like him.

[Leslie Stahl]

Everyone was very happy with the way it was working.

[Charlie Ruth]

I was tickled pink that we were, I thought, teaching him some work ethic.

[Harold Dow]

But we were also sure of his ability to take care of children.

[Leslie Stahl]

And then on July 25, 2001, something terrible happened to Emily Woodruff.

[Chris Ruth]

My two year old's not breathing. I'm babysitting for her.

[Danny Porter]

She's not breathing. Emily quit breathing.

[Leslie Stahl]

When did you realize that Christopher was in some very, very serious trouble?

[Charlie Ruth]

We found out about it on the 11 o' clock news, showed his picture, said the police were looking for Christopher Scott Ruth. He's being charged with murder and child molest.

[Leslie Stahl]

23 month old Emily Woodruff seemed perfectly fine when her mother Kim left for work on the morning of July 25, 2001.

[Kim Woodruff]

I gave her apple juice and I sat her on the couch. I told her I loved her, gave her a hug and kiss and left.

[Leslie Stahl]

But Emily's teenage babysitter, Chris Ruth, says the toddler was obviously sick.

[Chris Ruth]

She was crying and she looked very tired.

[Leslie Stahl]

What happened next was a nightmare for the families of both children. Emily, who had battled a stomach virus just a few days earlier, began to throw up again. And Chris left alone with the sick toddler. And her three year old brother was soon overwhelmed.

[Danny Porter]

So I called the house at 12 o' clock and Christopher answered. He said, you know, Emily got sick.

[Kim Woodruff]

And I said, well then I'm coming home. And he said, oh, no, don't do that. She's asleep.

[Chris Ruth]

I didn't want to let her down and I thought I could handle it.

[Leslie Stahl]

When Emily woke up, Chris tried to feed her.

[Chris Ruth]

I gave Emily a cracker and she started acting very tired. Like that's when I heard the kind of weird coughing, gurgling noise. She wasn't breathing.

[Leslie Stahl]

What did you do?

[Chris Ruth]

You know, after I patted on her back and nothing happened, I just said, oh, hold on. And I picked her up and put her in the middle of the floor and immediately, you know, called 911. My 2 year old's not breathing. I'm babysitting for her.

[Danny Porter]

She's not breathing. Do you want to attempt cpr? Yes.

[Harold Dow]

Okay, I'm going to tell you what to do.

[Danny Porter]

Okay, listen carefully.

[Harold Dow]

Pinch the nose closed and completely cover.

[Danny Porter]

Her mouth with your mouth.

[Chris Ruth]

I kind of went into autopilot.

[Danny Porter]

You must continue giving her mouth to mouth. You want to give one breath every three seconds.

[Chris Ruth]

And I did that for what seemed like forever until the paramedics got there.

[Danny Porter]

Her respirations had gotten down to approximately two a minute.

[Leslie Stahl]

Paramedic Pinel Ellis reached Emily first.

[Danny Porter]

We knew we needed to secure airway and breathe for her.

[Charlie Ruth]

Christopher called me in a panic and he said, go get Ms. Kim. Emily stopped breathing. I had to call 911.

[Leslie Stahl]

Charlie Ruth raced from his photography studio to his wife's clothing store.

[Harold Dow]

And we hear Charlie banging on the back door. Get Kim, put her in your car and go to her house.

[Kim Woodruff]

It scared us.

[Harold Dow]

I was in a total panic. Oh my gosh, I don't even remember that trip except for thinking, I've got to get there. I've got to get there.

[Leslie Stahl]

So you arrive home, what's the first thing you see?

[Kim Woodruff]

Paramedics and fire trucks in my driveway.

[Leslie Stahl]

Okay.

[Kim Woodruff]

My door standing wide open.

[Leslie Stahl]

You have your feelings.

[Kim Woodruff]

I jump out of my car, run in my house.

[Leslie Stahl]

What are you thinking?

[Kim Woodruff]

Worried. Christopher is white as a sheet, sitting in a chair in our dining room.

[Harold Dow]

And Christopher was sitting in a chair talking to a paramedic.

[Kim Woodruff]

So I look at the paramedic, and the paramedic said, your babysitter did everything he's supposed to do.

[Danny Porter]

Somebody told me that he had done CPR on her and really tried to save her.

[Harold Dow]

Christopher just sat in the chair with his head in his hands.

[Kim Woodruff]

I look over at Christopher, and Christopher immediately said, I'm sorry, Ms. Kim. And I said, for what? You saved my little girl's life. And he said, I'm just sorry.

[Chris Ruth]

Honestly, I couldn't think of anything else to say. I did not know what to say to her.

[Leslie Stahl]

What do you think he was telling you?

[Kim Woodruff]

He's sorry. I think that things got carried away and that, you know, that she got hurt.

[Leslie Stahl]

Emily was in trouble.

[Danny Porter]

Oh, yeah. She was in serious trouble. When we got en route to the hospital, we noticed that her heart rate went down.

[Leslie Stahl]

When Emily arrived at the hospital, her condition was desperate.

[Danny Porter]

They removed the diaper. It appeared that something was wrong.

[Leslie Stahl]

What Pinell Ellis saw was possible evidence of sexual assault.

[Danny Porter]

She was violated.

[Leslie Stahl]

And it was discovered Emily had a brain injury.

[Kim Woodruff]

The neurologist told me that the swelling in her brain was equivalent of falling out of a four story building or being in a car accident without a seatbelt and hitting a tree going 45 miles an hour.

[Danny Porter]

And the thing that really concerns us is that her vagina is torn and her hymen's been pierced.

[Leslie Stahl]

The police were alerted their suspicion Emily had been sexually assaulted and then shaken to death. They immediately began to question Kim and Lewis Woodruff.

[Danny Porter]

You're the mother, he's the father, and I need to shoot straight with you. Okay? 1 of 2 people injured your little girl's vagina. It was either your husband or it was Chris. And one of the two shook the baby within the last 24 hours.

[Kim Woodruff]

It's hard for me to comprehend that anybody could hurt another human being, especially a baby.

[Danny Porter]

Has there ever been any inappropriate acts between you and your daughter? God knows.

[Leslie Stahl]

No.

[Danny Porter]

No. Immediately you just go. Christopher.

[Leslie Stahl]

The roofs refused to allow the police to talk to Chris.

[Harold Dow]

Definitely they wanted to put him in a room and play that good cop, bad cop thing with him without an.

[Charlie Ruth]

Attorney, without anybody friendly to him.

[Harold Dow]

I'm not stupid.

[Kim Woodruff]

I didn't understand that. I thought, first of all, if you're innocent, why do you have to have an attorney present?

[Leslie Stahl]

Then just two days later, July 27, Emily Woodruff was pronounced dead.

[Danny Porter]

I had gone into the room to stand there beside her on the bed. I came back out and I told Kim, I said, kim, she's gone, she's gone. I just saw her eyes and she's not there. She had all of the findings that are consistent with a child that has been shaken.

[Leslie Stahl]

Gwinnett county medical examiner Steve Dunton performed the autopsy. So you're saying that Emily Woodruff died from shaken baby syndrome?

[Danny Porter]

Yes.

[Leslie Stahl]

How hard do you have to shake a child in order to cause death?

[Danny Porter]

Well, the child would have to be shaken so hard that the child's head is snapping back and forth. And particularly if there's a rotation involved, at some point, the child's going to be unable to control its head movement, and that's when the damage happens.

[Leslie Stahl]

How old, how strong do you have to be in order to cause this kind of damage? At the time, Chris ruth was only 14 years old.

[Danny Porter]

Any adolescent is capable of shaking a child hard enough to kill them. These are mostly autopsy pictures and slides from blood work, and these describe some of the injuries.

[Leslie Stahl]

Danny Porter, the district attorney for Gwinnett county, had heard enough.

[Danny Porter]

I mean, you've got a medical examiner telling you it's shaken baby. You've got an EMT who said that he saw gaping vaginal wounds, and you've got a defendant who won't talk to you, who's the only one who was with the child at the time of its injuries.

[Leslie Stahl]

It wasn't a close call in your mind?

[Danny Porter]

This case has never been a close call in my mind.

[Leslie Stahl]

Just one week after Emily died, Chris Ruth was arrested. And even though he had yet to enter the 9th grade, 14 year old Chris was charged as an adult.

[Kim Woodruff]

I just couldn't believe he would do that. I just. I just trusted him. I just didn't think that he would hurt my children.

[Leslie Stahl]

But Chris parents believed their son was being victimized by a rush to judgment.

[Charlie Ruth]

It's almost like nobody is searching for the truth in this whole story.

[Leslie Stahl]

Could this 14 year old honor student, a boy who says he loves children, really be guilty of such an unspeakable crime?

[Chris Ruth]

I'm supposed to be in high school. I'm supposed to be getting my driver's license.

[Harold Dow]

On WhatsApp, no one can see or hear your personal messages. Whether it's a voice call message or sending a password to WhatsApp, it's all just this. So whether you're sharing the streaming password in the family chat, we're trading those late night voice messages that could basically become a podcast. Your personal messages stay between you, your friends and your family. No one else, not even us. WhatsApp message privately with everyone.

[Danny Porter]

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[Chris Ruth]

I didn't do anything. I'm not supposed to be here. I was away from my family. I'm in an orange jumpsuit in a concrete room. I shouldn't be here.

[Leslie Stahl]

For 361 days, four days short of a year, this cell was Chris Ruth's home.

[Chris Ruth]

I'm supposed to be in high school, but I'm sitting in here. I got to see my parents two times a week for two hours.

[Leslie Stahl]

A week after Emily Woodruff died, Chris had been arrested for sexually assaulting and then killing her. Denied bail, Chris was sent here. He had just turned 15.

[Harold Dow]

He was treated like a yard dog.

[Leslie Stahl]

Criminal, and for good reason, says Gwinnett County DA Danny Porter.

[Danny Porter]

The likelihood of Ruth coming into contact with other children presented a danger to the community, and that was the basis of our position.

[Leslie Stahl]

Kim Woodruff reluctantly began to agree that the boy she trusted to babysit her daughter had actually killed her.

[Kim Woodruff]

I had a hard time with it. I had a hard time thinking that someone I thought I knew so well could do something so bad.

[Leslie Stahl]

The Woodruffs couldn't ignore what the evidence suggested. Their daughter, Emily died from acute head trauma, and there were signs of a possible sexual assault. Then they remembered a conversation they had with Chris a week before Emily's death.

[Kim Woodruff]

He said, Ms. Kemp, there's some bruises on Emily's face. Where did that come from? And I said, I don't know anything about that.

[Leslie Stahl]

It was a conversation they wish they had paid more attention to.

[Danny Porter]

You look back and you just go, why? Why didn't I just say never again?

[Leslie Stahl]

Hindsight, two bruises could be seen, one on each of her temples.

[Kim Woodruff]

I mean, I just didn't think anything about it, especially because Christopher brought it to my attention. I never thought it would be something he would do.

[Leslie Stahl]

That same week, Emily had been throwing up a lot, and she had a persistent fever. So Lewis took Emily to a hospital emergency room, where the doctor determined that Emily had a Stomach virus. But the doctor also noticed the bruises, and he thought they might be evidence of child abuse.

[Danny Porter]

He goes, she's got a stomach virus, but those are finger marks. These bruises are finger marks.

[Kim Woodruff]

The doctor said it was from a hand. I knew I didn't do it, and I knew Lewis didn't do it.

[Leslie Stahl]

As required by law. The doctor reported what he saw to the Georgia Child Protection Agency, but the agency failed to investigate, and Emily's case fell through the cracks.

[Kim Woodruff]

We tried to contact them. They didn't answer the phone.

[Leslie Stahl]

The Woodruffs convinced themselves the doctor had simply overreacted.

[Kim Woodruff]

Monday night, I get a telephone call from Christopher, and he said, Ms. Kim, do you need me to babysit the children tomorrow? I said, well, let's give her one more day. She's much, much better. She hasn't been sick in a couple days.

[Leslie Stahl]

And so two days later, the day Emily stopped breathing, Chris was once again babysitting for the Woodruffs. Knowing what you knew, how did it come to be that Chris would babysit again?

[Kim Woodruff]

I didn't think he did it. I didn't think he did it. I never dreamed it was him or I wouldn't have had him there. No.

[Harold Dow]

Blaming Christopher allows her the luxury of not taking responsibility for what happened to Emily.

[Leslie Stahl]

Sissy and Charlie Ruth are absolutely sure their son is innocent.

[Harold Dow]

This is a child who won't let you kill bugs. He can't even stand for the dogs to be disciplined. I mean, I know I'm his mom and I can sit here and I can tell you this. I've never seen him blow his cool.

[Leslie Stahl]

And they believe police jumped to the conclusion that Chris was guilty.

[Danny Porter]

I'm asking these questions directly because we're both adults here. We know what we're dealing with. How do you feel knowing that he did that to your daughter? He needs to get what he deserves. I don't suspect you. No, I really do suspect Christopher. He was the last one seen with her. He's the one that got thrown up on.

[Leslie Stahl]

Just hours after Emily was rushed to the hospital, the police were already targeting Chris.

[Charlie Ruth]

I have never been more insulted by a police officer in my life as what I saw in that videotape.

[Danny Porter]

Chris is the only person that could have. I just can't believe anybody would do that to her.

[Charlie Ruth]

What do you think about Christopher sticking his finger between her legs and then killing your little girl?

[Danny Porter]

Looking back on him after knowing that this happened to your little girl, do you see anything?

[Charlie Ruth]

He never considered another option. Either the parents did it or the 14 year old babysitter did it. He never once looked at the third option, and that was that God called her home.

[Leslie Stahl]

Sissy and Charlie Ruth believe what happened to Emily had nothing to do with Chris. That Emily was very, very sick. Much sicker than just a simple stomach bug.

[Harold Dow]

And had we had any concept of how sick Emily was, guaranteed Christopher would never have been there. Yeah, she's just not feeling very well. Well, that isn't what was going on. She was vomiting day after day after day, unchecked.

[Leslie Stahl]

The idea that Emily was extremely ill, fatally ill, that her death had nothing at all to do with being shaken, would become the cornerstone of Chris defense.

[Harold Dow]

Just try to envision him blowing his cool because she threw up on him or because she was crying or because she was whining. It just wouldn't happen.

[Leslie Stahl]

After spending nearly a year in detention, Chris is allowed to go home to prepare for trial. He's placed under house arrest and has to wear an ankle monitor.

[Chris Ruth]

It sounded crazy to me, you know, that they would make some allegations like that, that something had happened to Emily. Because I knew I was with her, I knew nothing happened to her.

[Leslie Stahl]

For the record, because I have to ask this question. Did you have anything to do with Emily's death?

[Chris Ruth]

Not, not in the least. I would never, ever have any thoughts about hurting Emily.

[Leslie Stahl]

Is it possible at one point you could have lost your temper and. And shook her?

[Chris Ruth]

Never.

[Leslie Stahl]

Chris's future hangs in the balance. Will it be freedom or life in prison?

[Danny Porter]

When that case was not properly diagnosed on Thursday, July 19, the nightmares for two families started.

[Doug Peters]

Is it possible that Chris Ruth, a young man so well liked and who seems so reliable, could be guilty of murdering a toddler? Absolutely. If you ask the parents of Emily Woodruff, they're convinced that Chris, their babysitter, lost his cool and caused their daughter's fatal injuries. Prosecutors say the medical evidence is a lock. But to hear Chris's parents tell it, their son, who could be facing a life in prison, is a victim of a rush to judgment. His defense team has a radically different explanation of what happened to Emily. But as dramatic as this, their theory is even more startling is the identity of the witness they're counting on to make their case. Here again is Harold Dow.

[Harold Dow]

We have to win at all costs, and the cost to us will be our son's life.

[Danny Porter]

Prosecutors accused Christopher Ruth of the most heinous of crimes. 16 year old Christopher Ruth is charged.

[Harold Dow]

With sexually assaulting and killing two year old Emily Woodruff.

[Leslie Stahl]

For a year and a half, the Ruth family has prepared for trial and Tried to prepare for the worst.

[Danny Porter]

In this case, the jurors will have to decide whether there was a murder at all.

[Charlie Ruth]

We could go in there tomorrow and he could be found guilty, and they will take him right out of the courtroom, and we will never be able to touch him again.

[Harold Dow]

It's an accusation of the day. It's like, oh, something happened to that child. It must be shaken baby syndrome. It turned into a witch hunt.

[Danny Porter]

You start flat on your back in these kinds of cases.

[Leslie Stahl]

Doug Peters is Chris's lead attorney. He knows that to keep Chris out of prison, he's going to have to take some big chances.

[Danny Porter]

This is an all or nothing case here. We have not requested any type of manslaughter or anything like that. He either is guilty of murder or nothing.

[Leslie Stahl]

For Chris Ruth, now 16 years old, the stakes couldn't be higher.

[Doug Peters]

Are we ready?

[Chris Ruth]

Yes. Not everybody is a child molester. Not everybody is a baby killer.

[Danny Porter]

All right, come to her quick.

[Leslie Stahl]

Chris Ruth is finally ready to have his day in court.

[Danny Porter]

Bring our jury in, please.

[Leslie Stahl]

The prosecution is up first.

[Danny Porter]

Call your witness.

[Leslie Stahl]

And its key witness wastes no time telling the jury what he thinks happened to little Emily Woodruff.

[Danny Porter]

I felt that she died of a traumatic brain injury.

[Leslie Stahl]

Gwinnett County Medical Examiner Dr. Steve Dunton, who showed us how he believes Emily died, says it was no accident.

[Danny Porter]

Were you also able to form an opinion as to the manner of her death? Yes.

[Leslie Stahl]

And what was that? Homicide. For four days, the jury hears from doctors, nurses, and paramedics who treated Emily, and they all agree that she was first sexually assaulted.

[Danny Porter]

Her vaginal opening was extremely big, and.

[Leslie Stahl]

Then she was shaken to death.

[Danny Porter]

I found evidence of extensive swelling of the brain, a force that caused the brain to move forward and backwards, and that kills the baby.

[Leslie Stahl]

Then Emily's mother, Kim, takes the stand.

[Kim Woodruff]

I fully trusted Christopher, and more than that, I fully trusted his mother in recommending Christopher. I just never dreamed that anything would happen. There's something not right with him. He's a sick boy, and he needs some help.

[Leslie Stahl]

With medical experts and Emily's mother making the prosecution's case, the defense needs to counterattack and decides to make a high risk move.

[Danny Porter]

Raise your right hand.

[Leslie Stahl]

Calling Chris Ruth to the stand.

[Doug Peters]

Did you cause the death of Emily Woodruff?

[Chris Ruth]

No, ma', am, I did not.

[Kim Woodruff]

I was very surprised that they put him on the stand because he had never. He had been closed mouthed the whole time.

[Leslie Stahl]

For the very first time, Chris tells his side of the story.

[Chris Ruth]

She was very, very sick, looking very unhappy. She didn't look at all normal like she should be.

[Leslie Stahl]

And he relives that fateful day when Emily stopped breathing.

[Chris Ruth]

I just saw her laying there, and she wasn't breathing. I picked her up under her arms, and I picked her up and sat her up, and her head just. Her head just went limp. And I. I said, emily. And she.

[Leslie Stahl]

It's emotional testimony, but what about the evidence of sexual assault?

[Chris Ruth]

I had seen her scratched between her legs before, but she was scratching really hard that day.

[Leslie Stahl]

Emily, in fact, had eczema, and it was possible. The defense says she scratched herself hard enough to bleed and make it look like a case of sexual assault.

[Danny Porter]

There was not a tear anywhere in the vagina or the vaginal area of this child. According to Dr. Dunton's report and the other report, only one doctor used the word tear.

[Leslie Stahl]

Defense witness, Dr. Joseph Burton backs up Chris's claim.

[Danny Porter]

There is no definitive diagnostic evidence that would allow one to conclude that Emily had been sexually molested, digitally penetrated or otherwise.

[Leslie Stahl]

Now the defense must answer the most basic question. How did Emily die? Chris lawyers have a surprising theory. They say Emily was killed by a rare brain virus. But even more surprising than their theory is who they get to explain it.

[Danny Porter]

I'm being paid by the state of Georgia to render my honest opinions contrary to the state of Georgia, which, if that's the way it is, that's the way it is.

[Leslie Stahl]

Dr. Chris Sperry is the chief medical examiner for the state of Georgia. The defense asked him to look at Emily's medical records, and he agreed to testify for Chris.

[Danny Porter]

Shaking is extremely rare as a cause of severe brain injury or death in children older than 6 months.

[Leslie Stahl]

Because he works for the state, Dr. Sperry's testimony presents a huge problem for the prosecution. So when he tells the jury what he thinks happened to Emily.

[Danny Porter]

This is, in my opinion, a natural disease process.

[Leslie Stahl]

The testimony has the ring of truth.

[Danny Porter]

I find it very unusual that if this child was shaken, that there was no evidence of any bruising on the chest wall or even any broken ribs. Emily Woodruff died as a consequence of irreversible brain damage. She did not die as a consequence of any abusive or inflicted injuries.

[Leslie Stahl]

Defense attorney Phyllis Miller hopes Sperry's willingness to risk his professional reputation will convince the jury that Emily died of natural causes.

[Harold Dow]

Thank God. Dr. Sperry believed that telling the truth.

[Kim Woodruff]

Was more important than what he might have at stake.

[Leslie Stahl]

The testimony has the Ruths feeling confident.

[Danny Porter]

I heard it's going very good.

[Chris Ruth]

Yeah, it is, it is.

[Harold Dow]

When I do get that sense of, oh, man, yeah, we're gonna win this thing. I try to remember my daughter saying to me, mama, don't get cocky.

[Danny Porter]

Your job is now gonna begin.

[Leslie Stahl]

In closing arguments, both lawyers have a last chance to convince the jury Christopher Ruth killed Emily.

[Danny Porter]

This is Emily on July 15th. Does that look like a sick little girl? This is not about Emily being sexually molested. It is not about Emily being shaken or slammed or hurt in any way. This is about Emily tragically passing away from a natural disease process.

[Leslie Stahl]

After a two week trial, the jury begins its deliberation.

[Harold Dow]

The jury got this case just a few seconds ago. As soon as this jury reaches a verdict, we will bring that verdict to you.

[Leslie Stahl]

But before the jury reaches a verdict, it asks a stunning question.

[Danny Porter]

The question reads as follows. Is it possible for us to convict on count one and not count two? Or do they go together?

[Leslie Stahl]

The jury seems ready to convict Chris Ruth on the most serious charge. Count one, murder.

[Danny Porter]

My God, they could convict Christopher in this case. Then it would be so wrong.

[Harold Dow]

This episode is brought to you by cars.com on cars.com you can shop over 2 million cars. That means over 2 million new car possibilities. Like making space for your growing family. Being becoming the type of person who takes spontaneous weekend camping trips or upgrading your commute wherever life takes you next. Or whoever you're looking to be. There's a car for that on cars.com visit cars.com to discover your next possibility.

[Danny Porter]

Hey there, cats and kittens. It's Brian from the commercial break, the mediocre comedy podcast where my best friend Chrissy and I attempt to make sense of the world. We talk about the absurd, the ridiculous and the stuff no one asked for. Like Internet weirdos, pickup artists and why everyone is obsessed with crystals and colonics. It's all gotta stop. The show is free, it's frequent and it's probably not for everyone. You can go to tcbpodcast.com [e-mail] the commercial break or check out the show wherever you listen to podcasts. We'll see you on the next commercial break. And best to you. This episode is brought to you by Liquid iv. In heart pumping moments, you need hydration that can keep up. That's where Liquid IV comes in. Scientifically formulated to quickly replenish electrolytes and fluids lost from your well earned sweat session. Hydrate your favorite mode of movement with Liquid iv. Made with triple the electrolytes of the leading sports drink, plus eight vitamins and nutrients also available and sugar free tear pour live more. Visit liquidiv.com to learn more. Okay, ladies and Gentlemen, we are about to receive the verdict in this case.

[Harold Dow]

Please, please let them find the wisdom to get past whatever it is that's hanging them up. Please let them find wisdom and truth.

[Charlie Ruth]

He knows he didn't do anything wrong. He did everything he possibly knew how to save this little girl's life.

[Chris Ruth]

Of course, the thoughts pop into your mind, you know, what if, what if the worst happens?

[Leslie Stahl]

Although he was just 14 years old at the time of his arrest, Chris Ruth has been tried as an adult and faces all the adult consequences.

[Charlie Ruth]

I think that has really been something that has just, absolutely, just tore my heart out. I mean, we're Talking about a 14 year old kid here.

[Danny Porter]

Before he took her life, he took her innocent. That should outrage you folks.

[Leslie Stahl]

His parents have heard some harsh words against their son in the nearly two week trial, but they've never had any doubts that he had anything to do with the tragic death of 23 month old Emily Woodruff.

[Danny Porter]

Never.

[Leslie Stahl]

Never.

[Charlie Ruth]

None whatsoever. You would expect that out of Sissy and I to make that comment, but I can give you a list of about five or six hundred names that would tell you the exact same thing.

[Leslie Stahl]

The opinions of 12 jurors are all that matters. Now.

[Danny Porter]

I'm informed that the jury has reached a verdict. Is that correct?

[Leslie Stahl]

The jury has deliberated just eight hours to decide whether Chris goes to prison or if he goes free.

[Danny Porter]

As to count one, we the jury find the defendant not guilty of felony murder. As to count two, we the jury find the defendant not guilty of cruelty to children. As to count three, we the jury find the defendant not guilty of aggravated child molestation. And as to count four, we the jury find the defendant not guilty of aggravated sexual battery. Ladies and gentlemen, please calm down.

[Leslie Stahl]

For the Ruth family, it was a welcome verdict and an expensive one. Chris's defense has cost them nearly $400,000. But at this moment, freedom is priceless.

[Danny Porter]

Thank you. How do you feel?

[Chris Ruth]

I don't know. It felt like, you know, a million pounds had just been pushed off of me. I could just feel all that stress and all that pressure just. It went right out. I'm just glad it's over. I'm just glad.

[Leslie Stahl]

Looking at the evidence you came back with not guilty on all four counts, what convinced you that Chris Ruth was innocent?

[Danny Porter]

We felt like the prosecution really didn't present their case very well.

[Leslie Stahl]

Was this a difficult decision for the jury to come to?

[Danny Porter]

Very difficult.

[Leslie Stahl]

Anything you'd like to say to the Woodruff family?

[Chris Ruth]

I'm just sorry for what they had to go through and that.

[Danny Porter]

We were.

[Chris Ruth]

Very concerned about her family.

[Leslie Stahl]

And no matter what verdict we gave, the little baby was not coming back. Exactly. It was not a verdict the Woodruffs were prepared to hear.

[Danny Porter]

I was stunned.

[Kim Woodruff]

Disappointment just.

[Danny Porter]

It totally blew me away.

[Leslie Stahl]

They've lost their daughter.

[Danny Porter]

She's still gone. That's the main thing, you know, she's gone. I believe what I believe about what happened.

[Leslie Stahl]

What do you think happened to Emily?

[Kim Woodruff]

I don't want to answer that. I don't want to answer that. I don't want to be. I don't want to get myself in trouble with that.

[Leslie Stahl]

Do you think Emily would be alive today had you not asked Chris to babysit for you?

[Kim Woodruff]

Yes.

[Harold Dow]

I pity that they can't accept the truth, that they think that it was some horrible, abusive ending and it wasn't. She was sick.

[Danny Porter]

We rejoice with Chris. We thank you for upholding him and for him upholding us. Now bless us all and nourish us in your fellowship through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

[Chris Ruth]

Amen.

[Leslie Stahl]

The Ruths are thankful that Chris is finally free of the burden and suspicion he's been under for nearly two years. But they know he has a lot of catching up to do.

[Harold Dow]

That's what we're going to help him do. We've got to gain back the things that were lost. You can't replace the homecoming dances and those things, but you can come back to goals and dreams.

[Doug Peters]

So how will Chris start putting his life back together? Don't go away.

[Harold Dow]

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[Danny Porter]

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[Kim Woodruff]

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[Harold Dow]

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[Danny Porter]

But if not, it's time to ask. Wait, am I sleeping on JCPenney?

[Harold Dow]

Shopjcpenney.com, yes, JCPenney.

[Leslie Stahl]

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[Danny Porter]

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[Leslie Stahl]

So give it a [e-mail] Switch.

[Harold Dow]

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[Leslie Stahl]

Two years ago, Chris Ruth was a normal kid living a normal life. Now he's trying to piece that life back together.

[Harold Dow]

All right, pull it up.

[Leslie Stahl]

The first step is to remove the ankle monitor he's worn for the last four months.

[Harold Dow]

Ah, there it goes. There it goes.

[Leslie Stahl]

Yes.

[Doug Peters]

All right.

[Leslie Stahl]

Then it's driving lessons with Mom.

[Harold Dow]

Slow down.

[Chris Ruth]

I've never driven more than 10ft before, so I'm about ready to go. Get to it.

[Harold Dow]

Swing all the way out. I know it. There you go. That's better. Okay.

[Leslie Stahl]

Finally, the biggest step of all. High school.

[Chris Ruth]

I suppose it might be a little hard getting back to the first few days, but I think biology, that's pretty good.

[Leslie Stahl]

His mom can stop worrying about his defense and concentrate on something a little more normal, like biology.

[Harold Dow]

So you didn't bring the biology book.

[Chris Ruth]

Through the whole thing? I was more worried about my mom than I was myself because I knew I was gonna get through it and I knew I was gonna be able to deal with it. But I wasn't sure about her.

[Harold Dow]

All right, I'm not gonna kiss you when we get up there. Oh, are you gonna kiss me? Cause that's fine with me. I love you. Have a wonderful day.

[Charlie Ruth]

Bye.

[Harold Dow]

I'm proud of you.

[Chris Ruth]

Thank you.

[Harold Dow]

Love you. I think the legal part's over, buddy. He'll carry it with him for all of his life. Always.

[Leslie Stahl]

Chris Ruth went on to law school.

[Danny Porter]

And now is a defense attorney.

[Leslie Stahl]

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[Danny Porter]

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[Leslie Stahl]

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[Danny Porter]

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[Leslie Stahl]

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[Danny Porter]

We have to stop this invasion.

[Harold Dow]

Get into this. This crew is a team.

[Danny Porter]

We are going to find our way out of this.

[Leslie Stahl]

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[Danny Porter]

Now streaming on Paramount plus.