Scott Weinberger

A young life cut down too soon by the heartless actions of one man.

A young life cut down too soon by the heartless actions of one man.

A murder cover-up never truly erases the crime. In fact, it often helps law enforcement solve it. Desperate attempts to hide evidence tend to be reckless, leaving behind more clues than the killer realizes. From sloppy crime scene cleanups to digital footprints and inconsistent alibis, these mistakes create more opportunities for investigators to crack the case.

A murder cover-up never truly erases the crime. In fact, it often helps law enforcement solve it. Desperate attempts to hide evidence tend to be reckless, leaving behind more clues than the killer realizes. From sloppy crime scene cleanups to digital footprints and inconsistent alibis, these mistakes create more opportunities for investigators to crack the case.

Ultimately, while a cover-up may delay justice, it rarely denies it, because there's no such thing as a perfect crime, and certainly no such thing as a perfect cover-up. And while it's important to have the right detective on the case, collecting solid evidence, developing circumstantial evidence, it's tying all of that into a tidy bow for the jury, and that takes a skilled prosecutor.

Ultimately, while a cover-up may delay justice, it rarely denies it, because there's no such thing as a perfect crime, and certainly no such thing as a perfect cover-up. And while it's important to have the right detective on the case, collecting solid evidence, developing circumstantial evidence, it's tying all of that into a tidy bow for the jury, and that takes a skilled prosecutor.

They are the last voice for the victim in the courtroom. And while all of these sleight-of-hand tricks the defendant may have displayed in attempting this sloppy cover-up, Brian Porter was there to make sure that Samaya and her family received justice.

They are the last voice for the victim in the courtroom. And while all of these sleight-of-hand tricks the defendant may have displayed in attempting this sloppy cover-up, Brian Porter was there to make sure that Samaya and her family received justice.

I'm Scott Weinberger, investigative journalist and former deputy sheriff.

I'm Scott Weinberger, investigative journalist and former deputy sheriff.

And this is Anatomy of Murph.

And this is Anatomy of Murph.

But if providing a good, safe life for a child is the epitome of selflessness, then denying that safety through acts of abuse or even homicide, that could be the most selfish act of all. Today's tragic story is one where those two opposites meet in a devastating act of violence.

But if providing a good, safe life for a child is the epitome of selflessness, then denying that safety through acts of abuse or even homicide, that could be the most selfish act of all. Today's tragic story is one where those two opposites meet in a devastating act of violence.

Described as outgoing and personable, Michelle put her high spirits and positivity to work as a varsity cheerleader, first in high school and then at North Carolina State University. Here's Richard Spivey, a retired investigator at the Wake County Sheriff's Office in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Described as outgoing and personable, Michelle put her high spirits and positivity to work as a varsity cheerleader, first in high school and then at North Carolina State University. Here's Richard Spivey, a retired investigator at the Wake County Sheriff's Office in Raleigh, North Carolina.

In 1997, Michelle met a fellow NC State student named Jason Young, and the two had instant chemistry. Shortly after graduation, the couple was married and had a child on the way. By 2006, Michelle was pregnant with their second child, and that meant some big changes for her future plans.

In 1997, Michelle met a fellow NC State student named Jason Young, and the two had instant chemistry. Shortly after graduation, the couple was married and had a child on the way. By 2006, Michelle was pregnant with their second child, and that meant some big changes for her future plans.

On November 3rd, 2006, Michelle's sister received an unusual text from Michelle's husband, Jason, while he was away on a business trip.

On November 3rd, 2006, Michelle's sister received an unusual text from Michelle's husband, Jason, while he was away on a business trip.