48 Hours: "Perfectly Executed" Episode Summary

Release Date: June 23, 2025

Introduction

The CBS News podcast "48 Hours" delves into the chilling 1994 murders of the Raffae family in Bellevue, Washington. This episode, titled "Perfectly Executed," explores the intricate investigation that spanned a decade, leading to the conviction of two young men, Sebastian Burns and Atif Rafe, under highly controversial circumstances.

The Crime Scene [00:00 - 05:30]

On the night of July 13, 1994, an upper-middle-class neighborhood in Bellevue was shattered by the brutal murder of the Raffae family. At approximately 2:00 AM, police were called to the scene where they found Sultana Raffae, Tariq Raffae, and Basma Raffae brutally beaten to death with a baseball bat.

• Detective Bob Thompson (03:45): "There was blood all over the room, on the ceiling, on the floor. It was a savage attack, clearly personal."

The crime scene exuded signs of meticulous planning, with no signs of forced entry despite the apparent break-in.

Initial Investigation and Suspicion [05:31 - 15:00]

The first responders quickly identified two teenage boys, Sebastian Burns and Atif Rafe, as the primary witnesses and, soon after, the primary suspects. Their behavior following the discovery raised red flags.

• Police Officer (07:20): "How could the boys remember so much detail about where they'd been that evening and yet not recall key moments at the murder scene?"

Sebastian and Atif provided airtight alibis, claiming to have been at a movie theater during the time of the murders. However, discrepancies in their statements and their subsequent flight to Vancouver, Canada, intensified suspicions.

Undercover Operation by RCMP [15:01 - 25:00]

Determined to secure a confession, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) orchestrated an elaborate undercover operation targeting the duo. Implementing sophisticated tactics, they introduced Sebastian and Atif to fictional crime bosses who manipulated them into admitting guilt.

• Undercover Sergeant Haslett (17:50): "We believe Sebastian Burns is responsible, and we're going to get a full confession from him."

Over several months, the RCMP built trust, inviting them into a fabricated world of crime, culminating in a staged meeting where Sebastian and Atif allegedly confessed to the murders.

Key Confessions and Arrest [25:01 - 35:00]

On July 18, 1995, a pivotal moment unfolded as Sebastian and Atif met with the undercover officers at the Ocean Point Resort. In what appeared to be a genuine confession, both admitted to the murders, tying their fabricated alibis to the crime.

• Sebastian Burns (29:30): "We did it because we felt capable of killing. It was necessary to achieve what we wanted in life."

Despite the lack of physical evidence linking them to the crime, their verbal confessions were deemed sufficient for arrest.

Trial and Legal Battles [35:01 - 50:00]

The trial, commencing in September 2003 after nearly nine years of legal limbo, hinged primarily on the coerced confessions. Defense attorney Teresa Olson championed their innocence, highlighting the absence of forensic evidence and the manipulative tactics employed by the RCMP.

• Teresa Olson (42:15): "The investigation was built on lies and manipulation. My clients are innocent."

However, a scandal erupted when Teresa Olson was caught in an inappropriate relationship with Sebastian during the trial, leading to her disqualification and the appointment of a new legal team.

Verdict and Sentencing [50:01 - 1:10:00]

Despite mounting defense arguments, including testimony from neighbors who heard noises inconsistent with the boys' alibis and forensic experts questioning the plausibility of their confessions, the jury convicted Sebastian Burns and Atif Rafe of first-degree murder.

• Judge Charles Mertell (1:05:30): "Sebastian Burns is an arrogant convicted killer. You shall be sentenced to life without parole."

Both men received three consecutive life sentences, underscoring the severity of their convictions despite lingering doubts about their guilt.

Aftermath and Appeals [1:10:01 - 1:30:00]

Years of advocacy by Innocence International and continued protests from friends and family kept the case in the public eye. In 2017, Atif married a volunteer from Innocence International, further highlighting the prolonged struggle for justice.

Sebastian and Atif have consistently maintained their innocence, claiming that their confessions were coerced under threat by the undercover officers.

Notable Quotes

• Narrator [02:15]: "There is blood all over his face. It was basically an overkill."

• James Jude Conat, Senior Deputy Prosecutor [04:50]: "We think that the search for the truth would lead police to another country."

• Sebastian Burns [29:30]: "We did it because we felt capable of killing. It was necessary to achieve what we wanted in life."

• Teresa Olson, Defense Attorney [42:15]: "The investigation was built on lies and manipulation. My clients are innocent."

• Judge Charles Mertell [1:05:30]: "Sebastian Burns is an arrogant convicted killer. You shall be sentenced to life without parole."

Conclusion

"Perfectly Executed" presents a harrowing tale of ambition, manipulation, and the quest for truth within the criminal justice system. The episode challenges listeners to ponder the ethical boundaries of undercover operations and the profound implications of coerced confessions. As the case remains a subject of debate, it underscores the delicate balance between prosecutorial zeal and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

After Listening

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the complexities of the case, the reliability of confessions obtained under duress, and the enduring quest for exoneration faced by those wrongfully convicted.