Introducing: The First 48 | From Crime House and A&E

Summary

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Crime House 24/7 – "Introducing: The First 48" (July 16, 2026)

Episode Overview

This episode introduces listeners to the new podcast version of the iconic true crime TV show, The First 48, produced in partnership by Crime House and A&E. Host Vanessa Richardson presents an episode of The First 48 in which listeners follow homicide detectives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as they race to solve the murder of an unhoused man, Mark "Smalls" Clifford Lake, within the crucial first 48 hours after the crime. Through vivid narration, interviews, and real detective work, the case unravels moment by moment, shining light on crime-solving, community challenges, and personal resilience.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Crime and the Victim’s Story

• Setting: A grassy field behind a gas station in Tulsa serves as a shelter for unhoused people, including Mark "Smalls" Lake and his wife, Georgette.
  • “We’re right to the entrance of the field. Over the years, we've been together, Smalls always end up back over in this area. He was an amazing man…this is my home.” — Georgette Lake (01:54)
• Danger and Loss: Georgette foreshadows the tragedy:
  • “Feels like this place just devours everything that touches it. And he knew it was coming...I lost my whole world.” — Georgette Lake (02:17)
• Murder Details: On August 29, 2020, Mark is shot and killed near his encampment.

The Investigation Launches

• Detectives on the Scene: Detective Jason White leads the investigation, aware that leads dwindle significantly after 48 hours.
  • “Hey.” [Arriving at darkened path near the body] — Det. Jason White (05:31)
• Initial Evidence: Two bikes, knives, and a backpack—none conclusive.

Early Witness Interviews

• Rowdy Peterson’s Account:
  • Mark and Georgette asked Rowdy to watch their camp while they ran an errand.
  • Two men, both armed, approached, asking about "Smalls" and clearly intending to rob him.
  • “Smalls sells dope out there in the woods, and they knew it. And then I think they came to rob a guy.” — Rowdy Peterson (08:43)
  • Description: One Hispanic (blue rag, tank top), the other dark-skinned, dark clothing.
• Emotional Context: The motive includes desperation:
  • “They’re trying to get money to get a house...they lost their kids because of drug sales and they try and sell drugs to get a house so you don’t lose your kids.” — Rowdy Peterson (11:18)

Interview with Georgette (Mark’s Wife)

• Georgette initially acts evasive, but with sustained questioning, confirms her knowledge of at least one suspect, "AJ," who has a Grim Reaper tattoo and lives on Latimer.
• “He's supposed to go get stuff from any store that we choose...but he would never show up with the stuff. He would just show up himself.” — Georgette Lake (19:09)
• Confirmed frustration between Mark and AJ over drug transactions and a stolen bike (19:44).

Detective Work and Leads

• Identifying AJ:
  • Database search reveals “Andres J. Martinez,” recent arrestee and possible AJ (17:51)
  • Georgette positively IDs him from a photo and tattoo (18:56)
• Second Suspect:
  • Officer Myers spots a man matching the second suspect’s description.
  • Identified as Jason Enrique Arce, “Loco,” a gang member from California with a violent history.
    • “For him to be certified as a gang member in the city of Tulsa, that says something right there in and of itself.” — Det. Jason White (22:53)

Interrogation and Breakthroughs

• Arce’s Denial:
  • Claims he was at the gas station after an argument, denies knowing AJ or hearing gunshots.
  • “You didn't tell us that there was a guy in the car with you...You were in there with a guy that goes by AJ.” — Det. Jason White (35:14)
• Video Surveillance Contradicts Suspects:
  • Surveillance footage shows Arce and AJ together, leaving the BMW, contradicting their stories.
    • “See, right there, they just kiss...so he said that they had a big fight, but then they're just kissing in the car.” — Det. Jason White (33:34)
• Phone Data:
  • Arce’s phone has AJ’s number; location data links him to the crime's vicinity (34:47).

Arrests and Confessions

• Confronting Suspects with Evidence:
  (Arce and AJ each questioned, both deny involvement despite mounting evidence.)
• Gunshot Residue Test: Both men test positive.

Case Resolution and Reflections

• A.J. Martinez pleads guilty to manslaughter (40 years).
• Jason Arce is convicted of murder (life in prison).
• Detective White reflects on the challenges and credits Georgette’s courage:
  • “For her to have the courage to step up, I’m extremely proud of her, and I think that she did the right thing for her husband on his behalf.” — Det. Jason White (44:33)

Aftermath – Georgette’s Resilience

• Georgette moves in with her mother, struggles to reclaim her children, and begins building a new life.
  • “My oldest, she's the one that has seen, you know, our life...Smalls is the only actual father figure I've ever had...I'm still trying to readjust to living indoors...” — Georgette Lake (45:16)

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Notable Quotes and Moments (w/Timestamps)

• Georgette on Life in the Field:
  • “He was an amazing man…This is my home.” (01:54)
• Georgette’s Ominous Feeling:
  • “Feels like this place just devours everything that touches it. And he knew it was coming.” (02:17)
• Rowdy’s Motive for Mark & Georgette:
  • “They’re trying to get money to get a house where they lose their kids…” (11:18)
• Detective White on Investigation Pressure:
  • “Just two hours in, we’ve got a pretty decent description.” (11:44)
• Detective White Confronts Georgette:
  • “Rowdy seems to think you’re not going to be completely honest… I think you know more than that.” (13:58)
• Video Evidence Key Moment:
  • “See, right there, they just kiss…So he said that they had a big fight, but then they just kissing in the car…” (33:34)
• Arce’s Wry Realization:
  • “So I’m probably gonna be on first 48, huh?” — Jason Enrique Arce (36:57)
• Detective White Praising Georgette:
  • “For her to have the courage to step up. I’m extremely proud of her…” (44:33)
• Georgette’s Path After Loss:
  • “I’m still trying to readjust to living indoors or living with other people…with Mark, it was living in each other’s moment rather than the world.” (45:16)

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Timeline of Major Events

| Time | Event | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:27 | Introduction, narration sets scene in Tulsa; Georgette shares reflections | | 04:37 | Call to 911 received; officers begin on-scene investigation | | 07:20 | Detective White begins questionings at the station | | 08:09 | Rowdy details arrival of two armed suspects | | 13:40 | Georgette describes the confrontation and murder | | 17:30 | Georgette identifies 'AJ' and his tattoo | | 18:51 | Georgette positively IDs photo of AJ | | 22:53 | Introduction of second suspect, Jason “Loco” Arce, gang ties revealed | | 33:34 | Video surveillance contradicts suspects' stories | | 35:14 | Detectives confront Arce with mounting evidence | | 37:37 | AJ is located and arrested | | 40:12 | Both suspects maintain innocence; gunpowder residue tests confirm involvement | | 44:33 | Detective White reflects on case difficulties and Georgette’s strength | | 45:16 | Georgette details her attempts to rebuild her life after Mark’s murder |

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Closing Thoughts

This episode serves as a gripping introduction to The First 48 podcast, blending methodical police procedure with raw human emotion. The detectives' persistence and the courage of the victim’s wife help to break through a wall of fear and silence, closing a complex case and providing closure for a grieving family. The episode balances the tragedy of loss with notes of hope, resilience, and the importance of community—and sets the tone for future episodes centered on real-life high-stakes homicide investigations.

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Transcript

[Vanessa]

Hi, listeners, it's Vanessa. Before today's episode, I want to tell you about another show I think you'll love. Crime House and A E are teaming up on the podcast version of the famous true crime series the First 48. Each week, Carter Roy takes you inside a landmark homicide case. The interrogations, the dead ends, and the breakthroughs in the critical first 48 hours. Listen to and follow the first 48 every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Hi, Crime House community. It's Vanessa. I have something exciting to share with you today that I know you'll love. Crime House and A and E are teaming up for the official podcast version of the famous true crime series the First 48. Each week, Carter Roy will take you inside the critical first 48 hours of a homicide case. The interrogations, the dead ends, and the breakthroughs that crack a case wide open. Real detectives, real cases, real stakes. I've got an episode of the show for you to listen to now. If you like what you hear and want more, make sure to follow the First 48 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. There's also a link to the show in this episode's description.

[Narrator]

This his crime house. There's a large grassy field behind a gas station in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Around its overgrown edges, unhoused people find shelter from the elements. Georgette Lake is one of those people, and so is her husband, Mark, AKA Smalls. She reflects on what brought them to this place.

[Georgette Lake]

We're right to the entrance of the field. Over the years we've been together, Smalls always end up back over in this area. He was an amazing man. Think you can ever find a man that would make you just come out here to this and be like, okay, babe, I love you. I'm happy and comfortable. This is my home.

[Narrator]

But while the field gives them a place to stay, it's also full of danger.

[Georgette Lake]

Feels like this place just devours everything that touches it. And he knew it was coming. He'd tell me a week before that something, something was about to change. Something's about to happen out where I lost my best friend, my heart. I lost my whole world.

[Narrator]

For homicide detectives, their chance of solving a murder is cut in half if they don't get a lead within the first 48 hours. Welcome to the first 48 presented by a and E Global Media, ITV America and Crime House Studios. Adapted from the hit TV show, every episode features a high stakes homicide investigation. Investigation in the critical hours that Define it. Today's episode brings us to Tulsa, Oklahoma, when an unhoused man is shot dead near his shelter. Homicide detectives have to work fast to solve the case before his killers disappear. With little evidence and only a couple of witnesses, it's a race against the clock, counting up to 48 hours. A note. This program documents actual homicide investigations. Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced, and all suspects covered on this podcast are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. In some episodes, certain details have been changed to protect the identities of witnesses or the integrity of the investigation. Listener discretion is advised. This case is called the Dark Trail. Queen Carvania stood haloed by the morning sun.

[Detective Jason White]

An army hung on her every word.

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

My champions, I have sold my chariot on Carvana. Twas a lovely suv, an inexplicably queenly offer. They're even coming to the castle to collect it.

[Narrator]

Tonight we feast.

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

An offer you can feast on.

[Narrator]

Sell your car today on Carvana.

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

Pickup fees May apply.

[Narrator]

At 9:15pm on August 29, 2020, a 911 dispatcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma, receives a call.

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

911. Jeannie, please fire.

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

Medical Police. Directly behind me. I heard the scream and my dog was barking like crazy. They just fired a gunshot. Did you see it happen or just hear it? I heard it, but I seen the flash from the gunshot. Some woman is screaming and I went out there to see what was going on. We'll get off this out there.

[Narrator]

Officers rush to the crime scene, a field behind a gas station. When they arrive, the count to 48 hours begins. After the area is cordoned off and the evidence is documented, Homicide detective Jason White inspects the scene.

[Detective Jason White]

Hey.

[Narrator]

Detective White ducks under the police tape and heads down a darkened path, using his flashlight to illuminate the surroundings. After a short walk, he spots the victim lying face up on the ground. He suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim's name is Mark Clifford Lake, also known as Smalls. Described as a good hearted guy, Mark and his wife Georgette called this encampment home while they searched for a permanent place to live. Aside from getting off the streets, Mark wanted to create a stable environment for himself, Georgette, and his three stepchildren. But before he got the chance, someone took Mark's life. And now it's up to Detective White and his team to solve his murder. Around the crime scene, they find some evidence. Two bicycles, a couple knives and a backpack. But none of it is conclusive. However, two people witnessed the crime. Mark's wife, Georgette, and one of the camp's other residents, Rowdy Peterson, Detective White, asks them to go down to the station so he can talk to them. But before he leaves, he has another idea.

[Detective Jason White]

We may have video of these guys at a quick trip. We might get video of the actual suspects potentially coming down the trail. They got officers working on that right now. All right, well, I definitely want that footage. I'm gonna start going downtown and start interviewing these people.

[Narrator]

It's been one hour and 14 minutes. Detective White arrives at the station and begins his questioning. He wants to talk to Rowdy Peterson first. Detective White figures he'll be a little less emotional and can break down what happened.

[Detective Jason White]

Hi, buddy. I'm the detective that's handling this case. All right. Where are you living? On the streets where you kind of stand up there or in that field. All right, just tell me what happened.

[Rowdy Peterson]

Earlier, they asked me if I could save you for 20 minutes and wash your dog because there can't be getting pilferings. People are still in the dove.

[Narrator]

According to Rowdy, Mark and Georgette had asked him to keep an eye on their things while they went on an errand. And everything was quiet until it wasn't.

[Rowdy Peterson]

I heard some wrestling in by the scent. I thought it was the dogs and can't come out of nowhere with gun.

[Narrator]

He says two men approached Mark's tent.

[Rowdy Peterson]

They both had guns. Had to clasp up my face. Kept asking me questions about, is he gonna come back soon? Who's he got with him? Where'd he go? I just know he went to a friend's house in the neighborhood, and now he'd be back 20 minutes.

[Detective Jason White]

Who knew? What they asking for?

[Narrator]

For Smalls, if you recall, Smalls was Mark Lake's nickname.

[Rowdy Peterson]

Smalls sells dope out there in the woods, and they knew it. And then I think they came to rob a guy.

[Detective Jason White]

Did you see them shoot tonight?

[Rowdy Peterson]

I did not see them shoot. I heard the gunshots and they took off running.

[Detective Jason White]

Those guys over there right before this happened?

[Rowdy Peterson]

Yeah, I see him. They have families off in that neighborhood, not too far away.

[Narrator]

Rowdy says he's seen the two men in the area before and that right before Mark and Georgette came back, he overheard one of the suspects on the phone with a woman. The conversation was heated.

[Rowdy Peterson]

They were very upset that his wife was getting talked about. William, for sure they were going to kill him. They were probably not killing him, and they might have to kill the wife.

[Narrator]

In the end, it seems like they decided to only go after Mark and leave Georgette alone. Sergeant Nathan Schilling asks Rowdy more about the Murder itself.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Between the time they pointed the guns at you and Smalls got shot, did you see or hear from the Smalls?

[Rowdy Peterson]

I heard these. Like, what the you doing out here? I jumped up. I took off running. Minutes. I was scared. I thought they were gonna kill me. I heard just pop, pop, pop. I heard about five jobs. I came close to them, shot their weapons.

[Detective Jason White]

Can you describe them for me? One at a time.

[Rowdy Peterson]

He's Hispanic. He was wearing the tank top and a blue rag on his face. Okay.

[Detective Jason White]

Did you have any tattoos?

[Rowdy Peterson]

I don't know.

[Detective Jason White]

What about the other guy?

[Rowdy Peterson]

Another guy's dark skin. Dark. Dark brown. Dark clothing, blue jeans, I believe.

[Detective Jason White]

Would you be able to identify either one of these guys?

[Rowdy Peterson]

Yes.

[Detective Jason White]

They live up in that neighborhood?

[Rowdy Peterson]

Yep, they live in that neighborhood. I don't know where.

[Narrator]

Even though Rowdy doesn't know where the possible suspects live, he thinks he knows someone who does. Mark's wife, Georgette.

[Rowdy Peterson]

The wife, though, is. She's saying she doesn't. She's gonna lie. She's giving sure she's gonna want to do something to these guys. She knows who both of them are. She knows where they live, she knows their families. Yeah. Yeah. So hopefully you do the right thing.

[Detective Jason White]

I appreciate you being forthcoming with us. That's a lot of really good information for me to work with. Okay.

[Narrator]

Before they finish the interview, Rowdy has one more thing to tell Detective White. Something that adds an additional heartbreaking element to this case.

[Rowdy Peterson]

Smalls in your life. They're trying to get money to get a house. Every two weeks to get a house where they lose their kids. Kids and DJS because of your waiver. It's sad. They lost the kids because of drug sales and they try and sell drugs to give a house so you don't lose your kids.

[Detective Jason White]

Uh huh.

[Rowdy Peterson]

Oh, they're doing what they gotta do.

[Detective Jason White]

Just two hours in, we've got a pretty decent description.

[Narrator]

The team puts out a BOLO on the suspects, while White turns to the victim's wife, Georgette.

[Detective Jason White]

You know my heart goes out to you. I know this life changing through here. And your kids, how old are your kids?

[Narrator]

She says the oldest is 15, then 10 and 11.

[Detective Jason White]

So you guys have been together a long time.

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

He's not the birth father of the kids, but we've been together eight and a half years.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay. I gotta be able to get these people off the streets and that's starting with that. Okay. And then we can get you in touch with somebody to try to get you in line, to get you in a better position in Your life. Does that sound like a pretty good idea?

[Narrator]

Georgette agrees to tell Detective White what she knows.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, tell me what happened.

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

My husband talked about our clothes being over at a friend's house.

[Narrator]

She says she and Mark, who she calls Baby, rode their bikes over to a friend's house to get their laundry. When they returned to their encampment, they heard their dog barking.

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

Someone's there. It's like, maybe there's nobody there. So he zoomed in front of me, and then I look up, and two guys come running out from the tent area, and Baby's screaming, and he, like, tackles Baby off the bike, and he fell on the ground and started saying, I'm sorry, bro. No, no, no, Please. Point. I guess I was supposed to let him. My grandpa looked at me, and he pointed right at me. But nothing happened, and the guy both started running.

[Detective Jason White]

Who are these guys?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

I don't know. They're these people that were walking down the street. He really always helps everybody.

[Narrator]

Georgette said she didn't know who they were, but Detective White remembers what Rowdy said. He still isn't sure if Georgette is telling him everything.

[Detective Jason White]

Listen to me. Rowdy seems to think that you're not going to be completely honest with us because he thinks that you're going to want to take care of business on your own. I think you know more than that.

[Narrator]

It's been two hours and nine minutes, and Detective White is still searching for a lead.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Tyler redick here from 2311 Racing.

[Detective Jason White]

And Bubba Wallace.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

You know what's the worst part of a race?

[Detective Jason White]

A rain delay.

[Narrator]

Sitting around waiting for the track to dry is dull.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

But instead of waiting, we hang out with Chumba Casino.

[Detective Jason White]

Social casino, slots, bingo, solitaire. Plenty of fun to keep us entertained. So why let a rain delay slow you down?

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Play [e-mail] let's Chumba.

[Detective Jason White]

Sponsored by Chumba Casino. No purchase necessary. Prohibited by law. 21 plus, terms and conditions apply.

[Narrator]

10 years after Troy, Odysseus is still lost war hero, liar, survivor, and the man at the heart of one of history's greatest stories. I'm Tristan. Captain Hughes. And all of this month on the Ancients, I'm going to be sailing through Homer's treacherous world of monsters, witchcraft, and tempestuous gods, exploring the real archaeology and history beneath the myths. From Troy to Ithaca, this is Odysseus. Like you've never heard him before. Join us on the Ancients from History hit. Listen now and subscribe on your favorite podcast, podcast player. On August 29, 202032 year old Mark Clifford Lake was shot dead at his encampment in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Following his death, Homicide detective Jason White takes charge of the investigation. So far, he's learned from one witness, a man named Rowdy Peterson. The two men shot Mark. Rowdy knows the two men live somewhere nearby, but he's not sure where. But the witness says that Mark's wife Georgette does. Detective White sits down to talk to her, hoping that she'll tell him everything she knows.

[Detective Jason White]

Rowdy cares a lot about you, and he cares a lot about your husband. He tells me that you know them pretty well. I need to know who these guys

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

are,

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

AJ I don't know who the other guy was, where he came from, who he looked like. A little miniature knockoff version of AJ I guess.

[Detective Jason White]

Where do they live?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

Latterburg.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay, but you know who AJ Is, and AJ Was there, period.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Okay.

[Detective Jason White]

Do you know any more to his name?

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

No,

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

he just came up from California.

[Detective Jason White]

Does he have any tattoos?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

A Grim reaper on his shoulder.

[Narrator]

Thankfully, Georgette provided Detective White with three pieces of valuable information. One of the Suspects is named A.J. he has a tattoo of the Grim Reaper on his shoulder. And he lives off a street called Latimer Place. He passes this Information along to Sergeant Nathan Schilling.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Search our database for

[Jason Enrique Arce]

A.J.

[Detective Jason White]

latimer.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

It'll search all our reports and field interviews, and maybe we'll get lucky where someone mentions his nickname.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Huh.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

This holds some promise. Andres J. Martinez. So we will find him in traces. And there we are. And he lists the address he needs. Slide Place. So he just got arrested like three weeks ago and claims to be homeless.

[Narrator]

37 year old Andres J. Martinez grew up in Riverside County, California. He has no prior convictions. Based on what the investigators have Learned so far, Sergeant Schilling thinks this may be the A.J. georgette is referring to. He wants to see if she recognizes him. Sergeant Schilling brings this information to Detective White, who's still in the interrogation room with Georgette. Detective White shows her a photo of Andres Martinez.

[Detective Jason White]

Is that him?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

Yes. Check his shoulder.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay, so this is the guy that's got the Grim Reaper tattoo on his shoulder.

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

Shoulder.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

The individual you referred to as AJ

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

we have literally only known him about maybe a week and a half. He's supposed to go get stuff from any store that we choose. Anything we want. He's supposed to be able to do it.

[Detective Jason White]

Was he getting dope in exchange for bringing you guys stuff?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

Yeah, but he would never show up with the stuff. He would just show up himself. Everything's in the car, everything's in the garage. And they end up arguing, bickering. There's a kit ambush that Vivi took from aj. Made him walk home.

[Detective Jason White]

What? What did he take?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

A kit ambush? It's a bike.

[Narrator]

She says that AJ was supposed to pay Mark for drugs that he'd been fronted, but when AJ failed to come through, Mark took his bike.

[Detective Jason White]

Is that why AJ came back? Probably pissed off.

[Georgette Lake]

Probably.

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

My husband made him empty his pockets and leave his bike.

[Detective Jason White]

Does your husband have a knife?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

He has a knife that slides in and out, but I think he left it at the tent. When we left, I had my knife on me.

[Detective Jason White]

What kind of knife do you have?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

I have a hand. Like switchblade type knife. It's black and silver.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, so let's talk about the second guy. Describe him for me. Did you happen to notice any tattoos on that guy?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

No.

[Detective Jason White]

Did you get a decent look at him?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

No.

[Detective Jason White]

But you definitely got a good look at aj?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

I try to remember what they were looking like.

[Narrator]

If you didn't catch that, she said, usually if someone pulls a gun in my face, I try to remember what the f they were looking like.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, sit tight.

[Georgette Lake]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

Although they still have to identify the second suspect, Detective White has enough to get a warrant for AJ's arrest, but he and Sgt. Schilling were aren't sure where to find him. According to a recent incident report, AJ's address on Latimer Place is vacant.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

AJ shows to be homeless in our database, so I was trying to figure out his address on Latimer. On the 10th, a call went in of a burglary at the location. The tenants moved out. So that address is probably. Probably not going to be good anymore.

[Detective Jason White]

We'll find him.

[Narrator]

Three hours in, the case takes a turn. Officer Dylan Myers was patrolling the area around the crime scene when he spotted a man fitting the description of the second suspect, AJ's unnamed friend. Officer Myers pulled him over to talk to him and he could sense something was off. He tells Detective White about their interaction with and why he decided to bring the man in for questioning.

[Detective Jason White]

So how did tattoo guy come into this situation? He was looking around really nervously, so I stopped him. He was like, man, I just came

[Jason Enrique Arce]

from a quick trip over there on Sheridan.

[Detective Jason White]

He was super nervous.

[Narrator]

It's been 2 hours and 44 minutes. Detective White looks up the suspect. 38 year old Jason Enrique Arce, also known as Loco, is from Compton, California. He has a prior conviction for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and he's listed As a known member of the Serenos gang, which originated in Southern California and has spread across the country.

[Detective Jason White]

I've had a little contact with the Serenos in a previous case. You have the Mexican mafia Below the Mexican mafia. You're gonna have the Serenos here in Tulsa. I know that you're gonna have a variety of different Serenos cliques or sets. For him to be certified as a gang member in the city of Tulsa, that says something right there in and of itself. He's been certified for a reason. He's got a motherload of tattoos on his face. I don't know specifically if there's any significance to those tattoos. It's aggressive. It's kind of scary. We don't run across hardcore people like him.

[Narrator]

Detective White shows Mark's friend Rowdy a photo of Jason Loco Arce to see if Rowdy recognizes him. He shares the result of that conversation with Sergeant Schilling and another police officer.

[Detective Jason White]

I'm thinking tattoo is not gonna be, you know, nothing. So I take it into Rowdy. I'm like, hey, dude, do you know this guy? The moment I show him a picture of him, that's him. But he didn't say nothing about any tattoos on this guy's face.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

No.

[Detective Jason White]

This guy's got freaking tattoos all over the place.

[Narrator]

It's been 2 hours and 54 minutes. Detective White decides to show Georgette a photo of Jason Enrique Arce as well.

[Detective Jason White]

I want to see what her reaction's going to be when I show her the photo of this guy. You know, that guy?

[Narrator]

White shows the victim's wife a photo of Jason Arce.

[Detective Jason White]

Are you sure?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

He kind of looks almost like the guy. The same way. His hair, scalp. I don't know. His face. I mean, everything else about him seems familiar. It makes sense why I could see how dark his hair was at wave.

[Narrator]

Georgette says it makes sense why she couldn't see him clearly with how dark

[Detective Jason White]

it was out there.

[Narrator]

Detective White decides he needs to talk to Arce himself. From his dealings with other gang members. He knows the way to get respect is to give respect. And then hopefully, Arce will tell Detective White and Sergeant Schilling the truth.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, well, first of all, I'm Detective White. This is Sergeant Schilling over here. You from California?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Yes. Where at? I was born.

[Detective Jason White]

At least today you had some serious tattoo work, man.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Serious.

[Detective Jason White]

Here's what I want to talk to you about. So you were over there at the quick trip, Is that right?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

I always just happened to be out There because my girl was picking up. I don't know if it was her cousin or her friend or something.

[Narrator]

He says he rode with his girlfriend to the gas station earlier that night.

[Detective Jason White]

What kind of car was it?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

A BMW.

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

Cheap.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

And I was drunk, and me and Harry started arguing. I took her out by the trash

[Narrator]

can, he says after they got in a fight, he stormed out of the car. And she drove off.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

There's like, a field all right there, like grass and stuff and brush. I went towards that one.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

And I fucking came back out and I called her up. I was back and forth. I was waiting for her. She didn't come back. We were hiding.

[Detective Jason White]

So did you see anybody or see anything go on while you were in that field?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Got a bunch of homeless people.

[Detective Jason White]

Did you hear any gunshots?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Gunshots?

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

He shakes his head no.

[Detective Jason White]

You didn't hear anything like that?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Not when I was there. I didn't have gunshot.

[Detective Jason White]

Well, there's a. We had a situation where there was a. There was kind of an incident that happened with a homeless person saying you were involved in that in any way, shape or form. Okay. Did you happen to meet up with a friend of yours that was a male, like a. Like a homeboy or anything like that over there earlier?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Not there, though.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay. Who would that. Who would that be?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

I call him Junior.

[Detective Jason White]

How about aj?

[Narrator]

Detective White shows Arce a photo of Andres AJ Martinez. Arce doesn't show any emotion either way.

[Detective Jason White]

Like that guy. You know him?

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

Nah.

[Detective Jason White]

You don't know him?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

No. No.

[Detective Jason White]

Have you fired a gun today?

[Narrator]

Again, Arce shakes his head no.

[Detective Jason White]

Perfect. I've got a test that I want to. Basically rub your hands to tell me whether or not you fired a gun. Is that cool?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

And what are you saying, it was shooting or something? Because you're asking about gunshots.

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah. Yeah, there was a shooting. Yeah. When you said you ran into some homeless people back in the back. How far back?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Right there. Right where that parking lot is. North Carolina.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Did you go down the trail at all?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

No. Dark? Hell no. They can go down the trail. It's dark.

[Narrator]

Arce says not far, just by the parking lot. He didn't go down the trail to the encampment. It was too dark. And he agrees to take the gunpowder residue test. It will take some time for the results to come back.

[Detective Jason White]

Let me see your hand right quick.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

So that's what this is all about?

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah. So if you don't got nothing to do with it, you got nothing to worry about.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Somebody got hurt or something?

[Detective Jason White]

Unfortunately, yeah. What's your girlfriend's phone number?

[Jason Enrique Arce]

It's on my phone.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay, what's her name?

[Narrator]

Arce tells Detective White and Sergeant Schilling her name, which we aren't disclosing, but he doesn't want them to call her.

[Detective Jason White]

We're gonna call your girl. We're gonna verify that with her. We'll look at your phone. You've given me your gunshot residue test. That's pretty helpful.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

I mean, I really don't think you calling her is gonna solve this.

[Detective Jason White]

I think it's gonna help us out big time.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Feel like harassing her. Like, at which time you said it was 12 or whatever. Me and her already been arguing and calling her up and bugging her or whatever, or just harassing her over that type of shit.

[Detective Jason White]

We just need to call her just to verify your story. Sit tight.

[Narrator]

As they exit the interrogation room, Detective White says he has a feeling that Arce is involved. And if he can't find the answer soon, time could be running out.

[Detective Jason White]

There's never been a better time to

[Vanessa]

get outside and experience the benefits of nature. Discover nearby trails and explore. Explore the outdoors with alltrails. Download the free app today and find your outside.

[Narrator]

It's been 3 hours and 39 minutes. Detective Jason White is making progress in Mark Lake's murder case. He has one of the two suspects in custody, a man named Jason Enrique Arce. But he also needs to find Arce's suspected accomplice, Andres A.J. martinez. Sergeant Nathan Schilling agrees, but Arce isn't telling them what they need to know. So Sergeant Schilling calls Arce's girlfriend to try and learn more. Detective White listens in on the call, along with Lieutenant Brandon Watkins.

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

What is he being pushing for, if you don't mind reacting?

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

There was a incident that happened over there behind the Quick Trip.

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

Please don't tell me he's in trouble, cuz he didn't do nothing, honestly. But I know he was to go take a walk because we got into that creature and that's it.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Was there anyone else with him?

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

He had a friend with him, but I don't know his friend. I don't get along with his friend. Me and his friend don't get along for.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Who's his friend?

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

I don't know his name. I just know it's not a Mexican fool.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

How long was he in the car with you guys?

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

He don't understand the car with me. Whenever we got into it, he freaking

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

like with Jason, you know that you can get in trouble if you lie to the police to hinder an investigation. Correct?

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

Yes, I understand that. And I'm not lying to you. Me and his friend don't get along.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Did he tell you anything about what happened while you were gone?

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

I don't even know what the is going on, honestly. And that's the honest cigar truth.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Someone was shot tonight. And if you're lying for him.

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

I'm not lying for him.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

What's his friend's nickname?

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

Come on. Don't. Don't be.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Don't play dumb.

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

His phone for his friend. I don't like his friend. I don't even like him being around that shit. I knew the stupid was going to happen. I know his plans about them, but I didn't know they were going to do something.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

So they weren't talking about being mad or looking for somebody?

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

No, sir. I didn't know shit.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

All right. Bye.

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

Bye.

[Detective Jason White]

She's saying just enough to make it sound like she's telling the truth. And she said the word honestly 14 times. She's lying.

[Narrator]

Detective White and Sergeant Schilling agree with Lieutenant Watkins.

[Detective Jason White]

He's involved, isn't he?

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Yeah, he's number two. Okay, I figured he was Tim and aj.

[Detective Jason White]

She told us that.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

No, no, but she does say his friend's in the car. A male friend that she doesn't like. That's nothing. But trouble is in the car with him. They get out and they walk away. And then she leaves.

[Narrator]

Four hours after Mark's murder, surveillance video from the gas station comes in. Detective White and Sergeant Schilling take a look at it. The video shows a white BMW pulling into a parking spot, the same car the suspect Jason Arce described. A moment later, a large man in dark clothes matching AJ's description gets out of the back seat. After that, Jason Arce gets out of the front passenger seat and follows him. Detective White spots something else in the video, a contradiction from what he's been told. Both Arce and his girlfriend said they were fighting. But in the video, Detective White sees something that brings that into question.

[Detective Jason White]

Hang on. Go back a little bit real quick. See, right there, they just kiss.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

That's a little contrary to what he was telling you.

[Detective Jason White]

So he said that they had a big fight, but then they just kissing the car. And he's getting out of the car 8:45.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

So 18 minutes before the 911 call.

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah, he claims that he just went right over into the field and that was it. And then he left. Okay, so let's look at the south view of that.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

Like 9:03?

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah, probably. The 911 call initially comes in at 9:02.

[Narrator]

They check the footage from just a minute or two after the shooting. Two men come running into the frame. They're in the distance, but it looks like Jason Arce and his friend, the man they believe is AJ Martinez.

[Detective Jason White]

That's going to be them. That's going to be aj. So they're together. That's. That's huge. Huge video. I guess we could see if AJ's phone number is in his phone.

[Narrator]

Using a phone number they have for AJ from. From a prior report, Sergeant Schilling searches Jason Arce's contacts.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

He confirms AJ's number is in RC's phone.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, that's good. That's good.

[Sergeant Nathan Schilling]

And I was looking at his location data, and it puts him at AJ's house on Latimer. So he was back at the house doing something after he no longer lives there.

[Detective Jason White]

That's good. Hour cooking.

[Narrator]

It feels like they're on the verge of cracking this case. So they return to the interrogation room and confront Jason Arcene.

[Detective Jason White]

You didn't tell us that there was a guy in the car with you. You said it was a chick, man. Yeah, yeah. You were in there with a guy that goes by AJ.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

I don't know. AJ.

[Detective Jason White]

You've got AJ's number in your phone, man. You were lying to me about being with this guy, and it's causing you some problems. You've got three people. Aj, AJ and ajj.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

I mean, if you call, it's gonna be all women answering phone.

[Detective Jason White]

Well, maybe, but. But it's the same number that we have for AJ. Andreas Martinez.

[Narrator]

It's been five hours and 49 minutes.

[Detective Jason White]

And then the other problem is the fact that I've got you on video running from that field with the other dude. The information that we've got from the witnesses that were up there at the scene with. That you were with this other guy was that you both were shooting. Okay, that's what we were told. There was a charge. Murder.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Are you serious, man?

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah, I'm dead serious. These guys are gonna take your clothes.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

You think it's a homicide?

[Detective Jason White]

It is a homicide. The guy did die. So we're gonna talk to aj. You know, we're gonna find him, and we'll talk to him as well. Best of luck. Okay? We're gonna book Jason. Rc. These are two violent individuals, so it's gonna be nice to be able to get these people off the street for. For this victim's wife. In large part, this is because of that alert police officer, Officer Myers noticing this guy walking down the street. And sure enough, you know, he's one of the two suspects.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

So I'm probably gonna be on first 48, huh?

[Detective Jason White]

Yeah. The next thing is we're gonna be looking for AJ who is gonna be Andres Martinez. My hope is, is that we're gonna be able to locate him relatively quickly.

[Narrator]

They decide to arrive, arrest Arce for killing Mark Lake and the search for his accomplice. AJ Is on patrol. Officers scan the neighborhood for AJ and the area around his old address on latimer place. Just 13 hours in, AJ is brought down to Homicide. Detective White is running on fumes. He talks to the officer who brought AJ In.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, tell me what happened. This morning.

[Narrator]

We drove by Glamour Place.

[Detective Jason White]

He was asleep in a chair outside the house. Okay, if he's a man of character, then he's gonna step up for his buddy, and he's gonna tell me what really was going on.

[Narrator]

This is the final piece of the puzzle, the key to closing the book on Mark Lake's murder. Detective White conducts the interrogation with Lieutenant Brandon Watkins.

[Detective Jason White]

All right, buddy. My name's Jason White. This is Lieutenant Watkins over here next to us, and I'm one of the detectives that's up here.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Okay.

[Detective Jason White]

Where were you last night? I've been out all night. Do you know a guy that has a street name of Loco?

[Rowdy Peterson]

I heard about him.

[Narrator]

Detective White shows AJ Pictures of Jason Arce and Jason's girlfriend. AJ doesn't betray much emotion.

[Jason Enrique Arce]

Okay.

[Detective Jason White]

Would it be that guy? Yeah. Have you ever seen that girl before?

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

Long, long time.

[Detective Jason White]

Did she happen to give you a ride with her boyfriend? Dropped you off over to Kwik Trip, which has cameras everywhere. She had another girl with her.

[Narrator]

He says she had another girl with her.

[Detective Jason White]

Well, here's the problem with that, because we've already talked to her, and she's told us that both you and him were together in the car, and then the two of you guys got out. I was there with her in the

[Rowdy Peterson]

car,

[Detective Jason White]

and I told him that's it.

[Rowdy Peterson]

So I just walked home.

[Narrator]

He claims he was there with her in the car, then he walked home. That's it. All he did was walk home.

[Detective Jason White]

There's a guy by the name of Mark Lake. Him and his wife, they live in a tent along the trail from. Along that quick trip. All right.

[Narrator]

Confirmation. He walks down that trail.

[Detective Jason White]

I know. So you know the trail? Yes.

[Narrator]

He knows there are unhoused people who stay there, and he says hi to them.

[Detective Jason White]

Well, Mark is dead. I know what to do with this situation?

[Narrator]

AJ Says he had nothing to do with this situation.

[Detective Jason White]

Were you around somebody that. That fired again? But that's you, and that's Loco.

[Narrator]

Yeah, he was running.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay. This is called a gunshot residue test. It allows me to basically scrub your hands. Does that sound agreeable to you?

[Narrator]

AJ Says he doesn't mind because he didn't shoot anyone.

[Detective Jason White]

Well, I've got two witnesses that watched you do it.

[Narrator]

Detective White is close to finishing this interrogation, and then he can make his final arrest. It's been 13 hours and 44 minutes. Detective Jason White has already arrested one suspect, Jason Enrique Arce, for the death of Mark Lake. Now he's focusing on the second suspect, Andres. A.J. martinez didn't kill somebody.

[Detective Jason White]

How would I do that?

[Narrator]

A.J. says he didn't kill somebody. How would he do that?

[Detective Jason White]

You pulled out a gun and you shot. I don't have any guns. Do you have any tattoos? Yeah, I have tattoos. Is one of them a grim reaper on the side of your shoulder?

[Georgette Lake]

Yes.

[Detective Jason White]

Let me see it, if you don't mind.

[Narrator]

AJ Shows him it's just like Georgette described. AJ Tells him he saw Mark riding a bicycle on the trail at some point before the shooting. He says they bumped into each other, but that's it. However, as Mark's wife, Georgette, already told Detective White, it went well beyond that.

[Detective Jason White]

So, essentially, there was a situation that happened over there a few days ago where they accused you of stealing something or some weed. Ring a bell?

[Rowdy Peterson]

He told me that when I was

[Detective Jason White]

walking by, but I don't know who he's talking about. He accused you of being a thief, he took your bike, he made you empty your pockets, and he sent you home. Like, get out of here,

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

because I

[Detective Jason White]

know I didn't do anything wrong.

[Narrator]

A.J. says he wasn't even worried about it. He's not worried because he knows he didn't do anything wrong.

[Detective Jason White]

Essentially, that's kind of. That falls in the category for me, that he was being disrespectful to you. I don't know why we're going to kill this guy from a bike. Yeah, there's no sense in that. I don't have no guns at all. That's not what I do.

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

I don't kill people.

[Narrator]

Detective White isn't buying it. He officially places A.J. under arrest.

[Detective Jason White]

Okay, Loco got charged with murder, so you're gonna get the same thing. Why are you charged with murder?

[Georgette Lake (Interview)]

Murder for him.

[Detective Jason White]

The only people that were close to Mark when the gun went off was you and Loco. Yeah, but I did not do anything. That's what I'm telling you. If you didn't do it, then who does that leave? The person. Which is who? I don't know. I can't.

[Narrator]

Lieutenant Watkins presses him further on it.

[Detective Jason White]

You got one opportunity to tell the truth, and you're just pissing that away. Are you scared of Loco? He's a Serenius from East Los Angeles. Are you scared of the man?

[Various Witnesses/Interviewees]

No.

[Narrator]

The interrogation is over for now. Detective White performs the same gunshot residue test he did on Jason Arce. Now they just have to wait for the results. He shares his thoughts on how the investigation has unfolded. Unfolded so far.

[Detective Jason White]

What I love about this interview that we did is he corroborates basically everything that the victim's wife had talked about. Everything up until the part where this happens, which tells me she's telling the truth. She watches this go down, so I don't see that she would have a motivation to basically make up that he did this. He's there in their world. I think he felt like he got disrespected, and so he probably was telling. Telling his buddy about it. And his buddy, you know, being the syrenous gang member that he is, he's like, man, you're gonna have to do something about it and prove yourself.

[Narrator]

It's been 14 hours and 14 minutes, and this case is closed. The gunshot residue tests came back positive for both men. In the face of all. All the evidence, Andres AJ Martinez pleaded guilty to first degree manslaughter and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Jason Arce fought the charges and was convicted of first degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison. When it was all said and done, Detective White reflected on the tricky nature of this case.

[Detective Jason White]

You know, this was a challenging case straight out of the gate. Just because you're dealing with the homeless population, for starters, sometimes they're afraid. They're afraid to talk. For her to have the courage to step up. I'm extremely proud of her, and I think that she did the right thing for her husband on his behalf.

[Narrator]

Not only did Georgette play a crucial role in solving her husband's murder, she managed to turn her life around after experiencing this horrific tragedy. It's a testament to her resilience and strength and a powerful way to honor Mark's memory. About a year later, she talked about her journey following her husband's death.

[Georgette Lake]

About a week after he had passed, my mom, she was like, well, you can come stay and, you know, whatever you need. And I didn't want to do it. I don't like accepting help from people. But then my son called me on the phone and he's like, mom, you need to go stay with Mimi. I was like, well, that's just Smalls right there telling me to hurry up and get into a place. So I've stayed over here last five, six months. There's three kids all together and the two youngest were taken away. They're just all the way in Missouri. My oldest, she's the one that has seen, you know, our life. She actually came up to me just the other day and she was like, you know, Smalls is the only actual father figure I've ever had. It's been different. I've actually gotten out and started working. I'm still trying to readjust to living indoors or living with other people or having to adjust back to being just respectful, normal person, you know, it's because with Mark it was living in each other's moment rather than the world. I see his face all the time. I know that Mark didn't like me being out there at all. All he ever wanted was best for me. So I'm trying Little steps at a.

[Narrator]

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the First 48. Join us next week for another high stakes homicide investigation and the crucial early hours that define it. To learn about how you can help the families of homicide victims, go to www.aetv.com 48resources.

[Vanessa]

Thanks for listening to this episode of the First 48. To hear more, follow the First 48 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. There's also a link to the show in this episode's description. Hi listeners, it's Vanessa. Before today's episode, I want to tell you about another show I think you'll love. Crime House and A and E are teaming up on the podcast version of the famous true crime series the First 48. Each week, Carter Roy takes you inside a landmark homicide case, the interrogations, the dead ends, and the breakthroughs in the critical first 48 hours. Listen to and follow the first 48 every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.