“The Devil’s Twin”: 48 Hours Reports on Heather DeWild Homicide July 20 2024
The latest episode of “48 Hours” titled “The Devil’s Twin” brings to light the harrowing case of Heather DeWild, who went missing on July 24, 2003. This episode, reported by Erin Moriarty, delves into the investigation of her murder and the complex dynamics within her estranged family. Retired Denver cop Dave Springer recounts his desperate search for his daughter, painting a picture of a father’s worst nightmare and a family’s unyielding pursuit of justice.
The Disappearance of Heather DeWild
Heather DeWild, 30, vanished after visiting her estranged husband Dan DeWild’s house in Edgewater, Colorado. She intended to pick up insurance cards for their two children and sign a check, but neither task was completed. Her father, Dave Springer, immediately feared the worst when Heather did not return. His concerns were not unfounded as Heather was days away from finalizing a bitter divorce, and her husband, Dan, was becoming increasingly hostile and desperate.
The initial police response yielded no immediate clues. However, Dave Springer, a veteran police officer, suspected foul play from the start. His intuition, combined with inconsistencies in Dan’s statements, heightened the urgency and suspicion surrounding Heather’s disappearance.
The Investigation Begins
Denver Police Detective Mark Crider was brought in to assist with the case, recognizing the personal stakes involved due to Dave Springer’s status as a fellow officer. The investigation quickly focused on Dan and his identical twin brother, David DeWild, who lived together and worked as mechanics. Initial interactions with Dan raised red flags, especially when he insisted on consulting his attorney and discouraged his brother from speaking to the police.
Despite the suspicions, the initial search of the DeWild home turned up no evidence of foul play. However, attention soon shifted to David’s vehicle, which was undergoing repairs. A cadaver dog indicated the presence of decomposing human scent in the vehicle, reinforcing the belief that Heather’s body had been transported in it. This breakthrough led to further scrutiny of the brothers’ activities and behaviors.
Discovery of Heather’s Body
Heather’s body was discovered a month later by Curtis Johnson, a worker moving dirt on a canyon road. Her remains were severely decomposed, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of death. Despite this, the condition of her body and the location of its discovery pointed strongly towards foul play.
The lack of direct forensic evidence continued to challenge investigators. The meticulous clean-up efforts by the DeWild brothers, inspired by crime shows, left little physical trace. This gap in evidence initially prevented any arrests, leaving Heather’s family in a prolonged state of anguish and frustration.
Reopening the Case
In 2005, nearly two years after Heather’s murder, a new district attorney, Scott Storey, reopened the investigation with a dedicated task force led by investigator Russ Boatright. This team meticulously reviewed the extensive case files and re-examined all available evidence, but tangible breakthroughs remained elusive.
Despite the challenges, the investigation continued to build a circumstantial case. Key discoveries included a sex tape revealing Dan’s fascination with bondage, similar to how Heather’s body was found, and Dan’s dating profile where he prematurely described himself as a widower. These findings, though not definitive, added to the mounting suspicion against Dan and David DeWild.
Breaking Point and Confession
The pivotal moment came in 2012 when David DeWild decided to cooperate with investigators. He admitted to helping his brother Dan in disposing of Heather’s body after Dan killed her. This confession came nine years after the murder and provided the critical breakthrough needed to move forward with charges.
David’s detailed account of the crime revealed the premeditated nature of the murder. Dan had planned Heather’s death in response to financial pressures from the divorce and child support obligations. David’s cooperation, including a videotaped walkthrough of the crime scene, significantly bolstered the prosecution’s case.
Trials and Sentencing
In December 2011, Dan, David, and Roseanne DeWild were arrested for Heather’s murder. The trial against Dan commenced in 2012, with David serving as the prosecution’s key witness. Despite the circumstantial nature of the evidence, David’s testimony provided a compelling narrative of Dan’s actions and motives.
The jury ultimately convicted Dan of conspiracy and accessory to murder, but deadlocked on the first-degree murder charge. Faced with the prospect of a retrial, Dan later pled guilty to second-degree murder, receiving a 74-year prison sentence. David, in exchange for his cooperation, received a reduced sentence of 12 years and will be eligible for parole in three years.
Conclusion: Justice for Heather
The “48 Hours” episode highlights the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement in securing justice for Heather DeWild. The perseverance of her family, particularly her father, Dave Springer, and the determined efforts of investigators like Russ Boatright, ultimately led to the convictions of those responsible.
This case underscores the importance of tenacity in criminal investigations, especially when dealing with calculated and meticulous perpetrators. Heather’s tragic story serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the enduring quest for justice by those left behind.
More 48 Hours: The Devil’s Twin
More Feature Articles
- “Wave of Deceit”: ’20/20′ Reports on Laura Lee Day Case July 5 2024
- “The Ranch”: Dateline Reports on Eduardo & Jayne Valseca Abduction July 5 2024
- “The Black Box”: Dateline Reports on Judy Orr Baldwin Homicide July 6 2024
- “Murder on the Cape”: 48 Hours Reports on Christa Worthington Homicide July 6 2024
- “Blood in the Sand”: 48 Hours Reports on Barbara Nantais & Claire Hough Homicides July 6 2024
- 60 Minutes Reports on “Targeting Americans”, “Kevin Hart”, “3D Printing” & “Your Chatbot Will See You Now” on July 7 2024
