48 Hours: NCIS – Episode “Where is Erin?” Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the premiere episode of “48 Hours: NCIS” titled “Where is Erin?”, CBS News correspondent Natalie Morales delves into the mysterious disappearance of Erin Corwin, a 19-year-old Marine's wife. This episode explores the intricate details of Erin's vanishing, the ensuing investigation, and the involvement of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

Background: Erin Corwin and Her Family

Erin Corwin was a vibrant young woman embarking on a new chapter in her life. At 19, she moved from Tennessee to 29 Palms, California, to live with her husband, John Corwin, a Marine Corporal stationed at the local Marine base. Her parents, Laura and Bill Heavilin, had not seen Erin in months, as she had recently started her life in California with her high school sweetheart.

The Disappearance

The tranquility of Erin’s new life was shattered on June 29, 2014. On a sunny Sunday morning, Laura and Bill Heavilin were preparing to attend church when they received a distressing call from their son-in-law, John Corwin.

Laura Heavilin [02:42]: “My son-in-law called probably around 11:00, 11:30 on Sunday morning and told us that Erin was missing. And I'm like what do you mean Erin's missing?"

Erin had fled to Joshua Tree National Park to scout hiking routes for an upcoming visit from her mother. However, her husband’s account raised immediate concerns.

Initial Investigation Steps

John Corwin reported that Erin was last seen driving to Joshua Tree National Park around 7 am. According to him, Erin was not an adventurous person and unlikely to embark on such a strenuous hike alone. Despite initial assumptions that Erin might have simply lost her way, John did not contact authorities until Erin failed to return by nightfall.

Bill Heavilin [07:02]: “He started wondering, where is Erin? And tried to get in touch with her but could not by phone. He knows there is not good service in the desert, so he didn't worry too much. But then by nightfall, he was worried.”

John’s delayed reporting of Erin’s disappearance became a focal point for investigators, casting suspicion on his involvement.

Bill Heavilin [07:39]: “But he didn't do anything. He didn't call police, he didn't really tell anybody on his base.”

The Role of NCIS

Due to the complexity of the case and its connection to the military community, NCIS was brought in to assist the local sheriff’s department. NCIS Special Agent Clifton Randolph Jr. took the lead in the investigation.

Clifton Randolph Jr. [10:06]: “The initial story we received was Erin had gone to Joshua Tree National Park to look for nice hiking routes for her and her mother who was coming out later on that week. That was the last time that Corporal Corwin had seen her driving in their blue Corolla away from the installation.”

The involvement of NCIS was crucial given their expertise in handling cases within military bases and their ability to navigate the protocols of such environments.

Key Insights and Developments

As the investigation unfolded, several discrepancies emerged regarding John Corwin’s behavior and the circumstances surrounding Erin’s disappearance. His unemotional demeanor and the lack of an immediate response heightened suspicions.

Bill Heavilin [07:53]: “His version of the story is that I thought from watching television shows that you have to wait 24 hours before you can report an adult missing. But that makes you seem suspicious in the eyes of the investigators.”

The episode highlights the challenges faced by investigators in discerning the truth, especially when dealing with individuals who may not exhibit typical responses to traumatic events.

Conclusion and What to Expect Next

The first episode sets the stage for a complex narrative filled with secrets, lies, and a potentially dangerous romance that may have contributed to Erin Corwin’s tragic end. As “48 Hours: NCIS” continues, listeners can expect a deep dive into the evidence, interviews with key figures, and an exploration of the twists that make this case particularly compelling.

Natalie Morales [10:28]: “This is just the beginning of the story of Erin Corwin's disappearance. In the next few episodes of 48 Hours, NCIS investigators untangle it all. They find a story full of secrets, lies, and at the heart of it, a dangerous romance.”

Notable Quotes

• Laura Heavilin [02:42]: “My son-in-law called probably around 11:00, 11:30 on Sunday morning and told us that Erin was missing. And I'm like what do you mean Erin's missing?"

• Bill Heavilin [07:02]: “He started wondering, where is Erin? And tried to get in touch with her but could not by phone. He knows there is not good service in the desert, so he didn't worry too much. But then by nightfall, he was worried.”

• Bill Heavilin [07:39]: “But he didn't do anything. He didn't call police, he didn't really tell anybody on his base.”

• Clifton Randolph Jr. [10:06]: “The initial story we received was Erin had gone to Joshua Tree National Park to look for nice hiking routes for her and her mother who was coming out later on that week..."

• Bill Heavilin [07:53]: “His version of the story is that I thought from watching television shows that you have to wait 24 hours before you can report an adult missing. But that makes you seem suspicious in the eyes of the investigators.”

Final Thoughts

“48 Hours: NCIS” presents a gripping true crime narrative that intertwines real-life investigation with the procedural elements familiar to fans of the NCIS television series. Through meticulous reporting and engaging storytelling, the episode invites listeners to unravel the mystery of Erin Corwin alongside seasoned investigators.

For those intrigued by complex criminal cases and the behind-the-scenes efforts of federal agencies like NCIS, this episode offers a compelling introduction to the series.