48 Hours: Post Mortem | The Han Family Murders

Podcast: 48 Hours
Host: Ann Marie Green
Guest: Natalie Morales (48 Hours Correspondent)
Original Air Date: November 11, 2025

Overview

This “Post Mortem” episode of 48 Hours, hosted by Ann Marie Green with correspondent Natalie Morales, dives deeply into the 2016 Han family triple homicide case. The episode explores the shocking murders of Dr. Henry Han, his wife Jenny, and their five-year-old daughter Emily, found wrapped in plastic in their garage. The conversation unpacks Pierre Hobbs’ manipulative character, the forensic and digital evidence against him, and emotional ramifications for loved ones, culminating in Hobbs’ conviction.

Key Discussion Points

1. Victims and Suspect Background

• Victims: Dr. Henry Han (renowned healer), wife Jenny, daughter Emily.

• Suspect: Pierre Hobbs, former business associate, described as a “career con man” who ingratiated himself with successful people despite dubious credentials.

  “Prosecutors… describe him as a lying liar who lies about lying, and they describe him as a career con man.”
  —Natalie Morales, (02:08)

Pierre’s History

• Hired by Dr. Han for a CBD startup, later fired for misusing Han’s credit card for escort services and other questionable charges (02:29).

• Reestablished contact with Han just weeks before the murders.

• Had previously convinced investors in Arizona to fund a fake “perpetual energy machine.” (03:45)

  “Pierre did demonstrations… they found an external energy source… a car battery… and… wires running underground into this prototype.”
  —Natalie Morales (04:12)

2. Motive for Murder

• Purely financial: Pierre was nearly destitute—with about $500 left—and desperately sought companionship, even spending $10,000 on an escort (05:17).

• According to friend TJ Derita, Pierre confessed his plan was to “drain the money out of Dr. Henry Hahn’s account” and assumed if he transferred money in small amounts, no one would notice (05:17, 05:51).

  “Once he did start to try to make those transfers, I believe the first amount was $72,000… that triggered a bank fraud alert.”
  —Natalie Morales (05:51)

3. Crime Scene and Initial Investigation

• Crime scene was messy despite Pierre’s attempt to clean up—bleach stains, bloody sheets, etc. (07:26).

• Pierre planned to dispose of the bodies to make it look like a disappearance but failed due to logistical challenges.

  “He tries to clean up, but he’s kind of unsuccessful… police zero in on Pierre.”
  —Ann Marie Green (07:26)

• Dr. Han’s friends (Mark & Marla Palumbo, Don Goldberg) quickly noticed something was wrong, leading police to discover the crime (07:49).

4. The Digital & Physical Evidence Trail

Key Evidence:

• Keylogger Device: Pierre installed a keylogger on Han’s computer—but left it in place, inadvertently exposing himself (08:51).

• Surveillance Footage: Captured Pierre buying plastic wrap and duct tape at a Home Depot, as well as at an Arizona gun store purchasing firearms and ammunition matching the murder weapon (09:42).

• Home Depot’s Role: Their surveillance and receipt-tracking systems were pivotal.

  “Home Depot keeps track of the receipts… able to track the surveillance footage as well.”
  —Natalie Morales (09:59)

• Go Bags: Pierre’s father (not implicated) was seen handing him duffel bags in a Walmart parking lot shortly after the murders (10:30).

• Victims’ Phones: Wrapped in aluminum foil in an attempt to thwart tracking, yet one still pinged—helping police trace Pierre (11:15-11:33).

5. Arrest & Further Evidence

[13:11] Pierre was arrested at a California gas station less than 48 hours after the murders.
Evidence in Pierre’s Car:

• Han’s wallet, credit cards, social security card

• Expended shell casing tied to the crime

• Murder victims’ cell phones wrapped in foil

  “Pierre made Internet searches: Is a car searched when entering Tijuana? How do crime scene investigations work?... He also consulted an online psychic—‘Will I get caught for what I did?’”
  —Natalie Morales (13:30–14:30)

Notable Moment:

• Pierre’s post-murder Google searches and inquiry to a psychic featured as a moment of dark irony:

  “Count Marco replied: What did you do, Pierre? Well, you know… investigators were the ones who were able to answer that: Yes, Pierre, you will get caught.”
  —Natalie Morales (14:25)

6. The Confession and Pierre’s Friend, TJ Derita

• TJ Derita: Pierre confessed to the murders to TJ, but TJ waited two days to inform police, initially believing Pierre was spinning another story (15:20–15:56).

  “[TJ] felt sorry for Pierre because he saw Pierre as being very socially awkward…”
  —Natalie Morales (17:10)

• Defense tried to discredit TJ due to his career in the adult entertainment industry, but the judge dismissed the relevance and TJ’s testimony matched corroborating evidence (16:56–17:10).

7. Interrogation & Pierre’s Defense in Court

• Pierre’s demeanor: Convinced of his own smarts, he waived Miranda rights and created elaborate alternative narratives, implicating shadowy “figures” and the Department of Energy (18:19–19:51).

  “‘I have no clue. Oh my gosh, everything was perfectly fine when I left.’”
  —Pierre Hobbs, suspect (18:19, 18:34)

• Courtroom Tactics: DA waived the death penalty for a bench trial; Pierre testified himself, spinning tales of being framed by a government conspiracy (20:28).

  “Pierre’s explanation on the stand for the murders was that he was being framed by the Department of Energy…”
  —Natalie Morales (20:28)

• His defense attorney hinted at possible mental illness, but Pierre denied any diagnosis (21:42).

8. Judgment, Appeals, and Lasting Impact

• Conviction: Guilty on all three counts of first-degree murder.

• Sentence: Three consecutive life terms without parole (21:54).

• Appeals: All appeals up to the U.S. Supreme Court were denied (21:54–22:19).

  “So much evidence as we see in this case against him, and it’s hard to believe that any further motions… anything could come of that.”
  —Natalie Morales (22:19)

• Victim Legacy: Dr. Han and his family were deeply beloved in their community. Interviewed survivors and friends emphasized Dr. Han’s healing legacy (22:42–23:09).

  “A good man’s name is his legacy. Nearly a decade later, they’re all remembered by those who knew and loved them.”
  —Don Goldberg (via Natalie Morales, 23:09)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Prosecutors… describe him as a lying liar who lies about lying, and they describe him as a career con man.” —Natalie Morales (02:08)
• “Pierre did demonstrations… they found an external energy source… a car battery… wires running underground…” —Natalie Morales (04:12)
• “Once he did start to try to make those transfers, I believe the first amount was $72,000… that triggered a bank fraud alert.” —Natalie Morales (05:51)
• “Pierre made Internet searches: Is a car searched when entering Tijuana? How do crime scene investigations work? … He also consulted an online psychic—‘Will I get caught for what I did?’” —Natalie Morales (13:30–14:30)
• “A good man’s name is his legacy. Nearly a decade later, they’re all remembered by those who knew and loved them.” —Don Goldberg (via Natalie Morales) (23:09)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Pierre’s Fraudulent Past: 02:29–04:12
• Discussion of the Murders’ Motive and Details: 05:17–07:12
• Evidence Collection and Digital Trail: 08:51–10:27
• Home Depot Surveillance and Receipts: 09:42–10:27
• Discovery and Arrest: 13:11–14:30
• TJ Derita’s Testimony: 15:20–17:10
• Pierre’s Interrogation Clip: 18:19–18:43
• Bench Trial and Verdict: 20:28–21:54
• Appeals and Victim Remembrance: 21:54–23:09

Episode Tone

The episode is investigative and empathetic, blending journalistic rigor with respect for the victims and their families. The hosts maintain a measured, thoughtful cadence, punctuated by moments of genuine emotion and disbelief at the callousness of the crime.

Summary

This Post Mortem episode offers a thorough, layered discussion of one of the most unsettling murders investigated by 48 Hours. The hosts dissect the psychology of Pierre Hobbs, the overwhelming forensic evidence, and the ripple effects of tragedy on the community. Central themes include the dangers of misplaced trust, the sophistication of contemporary investigations, and a tribute to the lives of those lost far too soon.