Deborah Atrops

Freeburg declined our request to comment on the case.

There just really wasn't any information that pointed in the direction of Jeff Freeburg.

He gave his DNA freely.

There really just wasn't any motive evidence or anything else that caused him to be a significant suspect.

And they say John Pearson's suicide was an unrelated tragedy.

There was quite a bit of investigation that was done by our detective after he committed suicide to show it had nothing to do with a guilt for Debbie's murder.

When 48 Hours reached out in 2025, Pearson's lawyer declined to comment on the case.

Prosecutors say Pearson's family told them he had wanted to testify at Bob's trial.

As for the defense's argument that Debbie had a history of making up stories, prosecutors say this is unfortunately consistent with life inside an abusive relationship.

When someone's going through a domestic violence situation, they are, in a way, living a lie.

Bob's side of the courtroom was full.

Did that strike you as interesting?

It depends on the case.

After all these years, Darlene Lufkin says she thinks the jury got it right.

I had my suspicions all along.

You believed that that was the right verdict?

I do.

At her father's sentencing in July 2025, Rhianna Stevens made an emotional appeal for leniency.

When I was eight months old, someone robbed me of getting to have a life with my mom.

There to support me every milestone.