Peter Van Sant

Scott wondered if his father had fallen somewhere.

They searched the more than 8,000 square foot main house, the barn, and surrounding woods.

The fire was a smoldering burn pile.

It's where they burn yard waste.

Was there a dead animal in the pile?

Scott moved down for a closer look.

Scott was horrified and certain he had just picked up human remains, remains he believed could be his father.

Sheriff's deputies and detectives quickly realized that what had happened that day at the Ferris family farm was no accident.

they learned that the Farrises were a dysfunctional family.

Accusations went round and round like a sinister Ferris wheel.

Investigators now had to figure out if any of those arguments pushed one of Gary's own kin to kill him.

And it was, but it was our Ferris wheel.

This Ferris wheel was powered by distrust over finances, jealousy, and personal betrayal.

And now, a murder.

A nightmare that would go on for years, dragging them through a carnival of lies, turning into a murder case the likes of which I have never before experienced.

I'm Peter Van Sant.

From 48 Hours, this is Blood is Thicker, The Ferris Wheel.

Episode 1, Big Daddy is Missing.

When Gary and Melody Ferris bought their 10-acre property in 2013, it was meant to be the beginning of a new era.

The two had raised four kids, Chris, Scott, Emily, and Amanda, and were now grandparents.