“First Love, Then Murder”: 48 Hours Reports on Aaron Friar Homicide April 19 2025

This Saturday, April 19, 2025, 48 Hours presents the emotional and disturbing case of Ellie and Aaron Friar in an episode titled “First Love, Then Murder.” Airing at 10:00 PM ET/PT on CBS, correspondent Natalie Morales investigates the 2017 murder of 50-year-old Aaron Friar and the disturbing events that led to the arrest of his teenage daughter, Ellie. The case traces a web of deceit, emotional manipulation, and violent escalation sparked by a forbidden relationship between Ellie and her much older boyfriend, Gavin MacFarlane.

A Disturbing Discovery in Medford, Oregon

The case began on the morning of October 2, 2017, when Aaron Friar’s youngest daughters, ages eight and eleven, awoke in their Medford home to find their father and older sister missing. Their fear deepened when they discovered blood on the living room couch. The older girl alerted their father’s girlfriend, Michelle Robinson, who quickly contacted the police.

Officers arriving at the scene encountered a grim situation. The eleven-year-old told detectives that she had woken around 5 a.m. to the sound of shouting and crashing, but had not investigated until later, when she found her hand soaked in blood after touching the couch in the dark. Her account set off a full-scale investigation into the apparent disappearance of both Aaron and his 15-year-old daughter, Ellie.

An Unhealthy Relationship and Family Tension

It didn’t take long for investigators to focus on a key figure in Ellie’s life—19-year-old Gavin MacFarlane, her boyfriend. The relationship had raised red flags within the Friar family. Aaron, in particular, believed Gavin was a harmful influence and had recently forbidden his daughter from seeing him. This decision led to an escalation, with Gavin even reporting to police that Aaron had shown up at his house and made threats.

Ellie was deeply attached to Gavin, and the restriction did little to dissuade her from maintaining contact. Detectives quickly saw a potential motive rooted in her desire to continue the relationship, free from her father’s control. What they uncovered would shock not only the family but the wider community.

The Truth Emerges Through Interrogation

Police soon located Ellie, Gavin, and a third person, 22-year-old Russell Jones II, walking together. All were brought in for questioning. Ellie claimed she had been abused by her father and said she was trying to escape a violent home environment. She initially described a plan to run away, alleging that Russell showed up armed with a machete and attacked Aaron while he was sleeping. Ellie insisted she was unaware of any plan to harm her father and fled upon hearing his screams.

However, investigators noted inconsistencies in her story, beginning with her use of a false name and misstatements about her age. Her narrative unraveled further when Russell Jones gave a very different account. He claimed it was Gavin who had attacked Aaron, using a baseball bat, and that Ellie was involved in disposing of the body. Jones also admitted to helping move Aaron’s body wrapped in tarp and guided detectives to the rural site where they had dumped it.

Confessions and Contradictions

Autopsy results confirmed that Aaron had died from blunt force trauma, supporting Russell’s statement about the use of a baseball bat. Gavin MacFarlane soon admitted to the killing. He told detectives he had attacked Aaron to protect Ellie from alleged abuse and believed she was pregnant at the time. However, a medical evaluation showed Ellie was not pregnant and had not suffered any miscarriage.

Gavin’s confession included a chilling reenactment of the murder, in which he described striking Aaron as he slept. He also claimed that Ellie had encouraged the murder, quoting her as saying, “Go out in the front room, take him out, and text me when it’s done.” These allegations painted a grim picture of a coordinated plan between the couple, fueled by anger and a desire to be together.

Despite Gavin’s claims about Aaron’s abuse, investigators found no evidence of mistreatment in Ellie’s past or any complaints from her younger sisters. The defense narrative of protection and desperation was ultimately contradicted by the facts and forensic evidence.

Sentencing and Aftermath

The legal consequences were swift and severe. Gavin MacFarlane pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole in 2043. Due to his relationship with a minor, he also faced statutory rape charges. Russell Jones, who cooperated with authorities, received a 15-year sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit murder.

Ellie Friar was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and also accepted a plea deal. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison and will be eligible for parole in 2041, when she will be 39 years old. The court acknowledged her age and role in the conspiracy but stopped short of holding her fully accountable for the physical act of murder.

The tragedy left a lasting impact on the Friar family. Ellie’s two younger sisters must now live with the knowledge that their father was killed just feet away while they slept. In interviews, including on 48 Hours, family members express the profound grief and confusion that remains.

An Unforgettable Case of Love Turned Lethal

The murder of Aaron Friar stands as a devastating example of how a romantic relationship, when clouded by secrecy and manipulation, can spiral into deadly territory. What began as a teenage romance developed into a catastrophic betrayal that claimed a life and shattered a family.

As 48 Hours explores in “First Love, Then Murder,” the case highlights how perception and reality can diverge, particularly when young minds are manipulated by emotion, misinformation, or external pressures. The episode provides rare insight into the psychological complexities of adolescent relationships and the consequences of unchecked obsession.

Viewers can tune into this powerful investigation on CBS or stream on Paramount+ to understand the full scope of this haunting and unforgettable case.