911, what's the address of your emergency?
>> Ma'am, my dad's been shot.
>> >> Somebody help me.
>> When a hunting trip takes a devastating turn, a teenage boy fights to keep his stepfather alive.
But, as the investigation unfolds, what first appears to be a tragic accident will quickly become a case built on suspicion,.
Secrets,.
And revenge.
>> He had a look on his face.
It was almost like he felt like he succeeded at part of his plan.
>> It almost seems like he gets excited talking about it.
Like he wants to talk about it.
>> Absolutely guaranteed.
This guy's a psychopath. He's a sicko.
>> The following is based on official police records released to date, and the footage has never been seen before until now.
On November 30th, 2023,.
Dispatchers in Lenawee County, Michigan, receive a desperate call for help.
>> 911, what's the address of your emergency?
>> Yeah, hey. Dad, where are we?
Dad.
Ma'am, my dad's been shot.
>> He got shot?
Yeah.
How was he shot, sir?
>> I don't know.
That's my stepfather, and I can't let him die.
>> As the caller's location is showing somewhere in the woods, the dispatcher makes an educated guess as to what happened.
>> Okay, are you hunting? Is that how he was shot?
>> Yeah, my dad's been shot, please, ma'am.
He got shot in the back.
I I found the wound,.
But it didn't go all the way through.
>> Did you see that happen?
>> All I know is is I heard a loud boom.
Ma'am, I have to call my mom.
>> The caller, 17-year-old.
Trenton Berry, is told to stay on the line while the dispatcher's colleague contacts his mother.
She instructs Trenton to lay his stepfather flat on his back and keep pressure on the wound until first responders can get.
To them. >> Yeah, stay with me.
Yeah. >> Yep, keep talking to him, okay?
>> Yeah, stay with me. Stay.
My mom on the way, ma'am?
>> Yep, your mom's on her way.
>> Should I fire my gun to let them know where I'm >> No, don't fire your gun because your mom's going.
To be there to drive them back to you, okay?
>> They're coming, Dad. Dad, they're on their way.
Please squeeze my hand. Dad, squeeze my hand.
Kurt.
Kurt, squeeze my hand. >> Is he talking to you at all?
>> No, but he's still breathing.
>> He's still breathing, okay.
>> I hear the sirens. >> You hear the sirens?
>> I can see them. Come.
>> And waiting. >> COME BACK NOW.
NOW. NOW. NOW.
>> Do they see you? >> No, help.
>> Keep yelling for them. I want them to get to you.
>>.
Help. I need some help over here.
Help, somebody help me.
>> A deputy arrives where medics have unloaded an off-road vehicle preparing to navigate the snow-covered terrain and reach the victim.
At the same time, Trenton's mother, Jennifer, is trying to find their exact location using Life360.
>> I have my kid in my.
>> They're both out this way?
>> I like 360.
>> Sounds like the victims to the east of everybody.
About 400 yd.
>> About 400 yd.
To the north.
Of you. Going to be to the north of you.
>> Thank you.
Clear.
Great. >> I think I did.
>> Can you show us where the patient's contact now?
>> They're down there. >> I cannot move, please.
Please, Dad.
Please, tell me you have the phone.
Wait till my mom gets here.
Is my mom on her way?
Officer, can I use your phone to call my mom?
Sure. Where was he hit, do we know?
>> I In In the back.
In the back. >> Yes, yes, I understand.
>> Yes, please start cutting this stuff off, please.
>> His stepfather, 41-year-old.
Kurt Stubbins, appears a lifeless and gray with his eyes wide open and staring blankly.
>> Where's his firearm? >> Right here.
>> Where's his firearm at?
>> That one's my dad's.
Yes. >> Mine's empty.
>> Though Trenton hesitates to let go of the wound, he finally releases pressure and blood begins pouring from his stepfather's back.
>> Where was he at? >>.
Where.
>> You guys were here. >>.
Yeah. >> He was walking back to his hunting spot.
>> When you were coming around here cuz you know we're going to go back to the truck.
>> And he dropped right here.
Yeah. >> While paramedics load Kurt onto the off-road vehicle for transport to an ambulance, the detective on scene tries to get.
Clearer answers from Trenton as to what exactly happened.
>> Why are you right here?
If your vehicle's there, where are you guys circling?
>> Because because.
The owner of this property >> Yep, we got a search warrant.
Yep. >> And he's had people that.
Okay.
>> You know my dad said he shot at anybody.
I've never shot at anybody a day in my life.
Yep. >> You guys were facing >> Yes, we were facing this way and I just heard boom.
So you know my dad dropped right there.
So I unloaded my gun,.
Dropped it, took off my coat, and dropped it.
>> Where's your Where's your mag?
>> My mag is right there.
>> Right here. >> Right there.
>> I'm just going to check it just >> Yep, I can only hold three rounds in that mag.
>> Did you have one in the chamber as well prior to.
>> I don't There should only be two in that mag.
>> So you did fire one.
>> No, I didn't.
There was one in the chamber.
I unchambered it. >> Did that one go in the stove?
>> It flew over here somewhere.
It flew in this direction. >> a live round, it's not a spent round.
>> Yes, it is live. It is live.
Okay. >> It is live.
It is live.
>> With what little information he has, the detective draws a conclusion that doesn't sit right with Trenton.
>> Now listen to me. I'm a detective.
This is very important. Sounds like it was an accident, correct?
>> I did not shoot my father.
>> And I'm asking you, it sounds like an accident.
Or did you You guys didn't get into a fight with anybody, correct?
No. >> You're wrong. me and my dad >> Yeah.
No. >> No, not you guys fighting, but you guys didn't fight with a neighbor and >> like that.
No, I just heard boom and like.
>> Now, we're going to be able to tell.
The distance. That's one of the things we do, okay?
If it's a complete accident, it's complete accident.
No problem there whatsoever.
But we have a bunch of people looking for other people.
What is going to occur is we're going to be able to look at his back and tell how far the shot.
Came from. >> Yeah. >> If you guys are No, I'm not even saying you did I didn't say you did.
I'm I'm just saying if you were walking along and you simply tripped.
And your gun went off, that's fine.
Okay, that's an accident. They're going to work on him regardless of what happens, okay?
You understand that? >> Okay, there is this one guy way up over there, not on this property, but on the other.
Side.
His name is Josh. I don't know his last name, okay?
But him and my dad and some other guy named Trevor.
Have had.
You know, stuff in the past.
>> The idea that someone may have had a reason to harm Kurt is something the detective will have to consider later.
But for now, Trenton makes one thing clear.
He doesn't agree with what they're implying.
>> Never in a million years I'd shoot myself.
>> Nobody's saying you shot yourself.
But >> We have to check all all avenues, right?
>> sounded like that that he's that he did though.
>> Well, we don't know. Yeah, we show up to a scene.
We don't know what happened, right?
We have to investigate and determine what what went down, okay?
>> He's mistaken right now.
My step sister, that is his that is her only parent her mom died when she was two.
Okay. >> So, that man has to survive.
>> As Kurt's life hangs in the balance, Trenton considers how his mom, Jennifer, will react.
>> She's going to blame me for it.
>> Why would she blame you for it?
>> Cuz she would. >> Carol, secure.
>> I already know she would.
I love that man to death.
>> And why do you think your mom would blame you?
>> Because she she's like that.
>> Well, I mean, I don't know.
What does that mean, she's like that?
Cuz you know, when I get mad.
Mhm. >> I have really bad anger issues.
Okay. >> And you know, I get mad and you know, I'll go and say, you know, I'll kill somebody, you know,.
Not meaning it. >>.
Mhm. >> You know.
That's it. I mean.
I'm so glad that I can remember this because.
I didn't take my meds this morning.
>> Okay. >> And when I don't >> take meds for?
>> Um I have.
Really bad anxiety.
And eating disorder and something else.
I I can't remember the third one right now.
>> After realizing Trenton's hands are still soaked in his stepfather's blood, the deputy helps rinse them clean with a bottle of.
Water. All Trenton can do now is wait.
Please. Please.
Please.
Please, Lord.
Why are they still here?
Who? >> The ambulance.
>> Uh there's multiple ambulances that showed up, so.
>> Oh, I didn't know that.
Question, what time is it? Because I do have a doctor's appointment.
>> 10:20. We'll make a phone call for you, let them know you're not going to make it.
What's it for? >> Uh I.
It I It's easier to show you.
Uh to be honest with you, you know what this >> I was going to say I still don't know what it.
Is. >> I actually had weak and non-reconstructive.
Foot surgeries and I haven't seen my doctor in almost a year.
>> Okay. Do you have your cell phone on you?
>> It's over there. >> Okay, so you have your phone in your back pocket there.
>> Oh, is it? Oh, well, thank you, Deputy.
>> I mean, do you have his phone number in here?
No, I >> No, I don't, Detective.
Like I told Deputy.
Petty here. >>.
Yep. >> It's you guys have anything else to ask?
You can have my mother play it.
Absolutely. >> Sorry to have you guys come out here on.
Such beautiful day.
>> They decide to take Trenton to his mother, Jennifer, who is still waiting at the main road.
The detective first speaks with her alone as she already knows the ambulance carrying Kurt never left for the hospital.
His injuries were far too severe.
And the fight to save him was over before it could even begin.
>> Are you the wife or his mother or boy is he your boy or your friend?
>> That's my boy. >> That's that's your son, I got that.
Who is he to you? >> We were That's my fiance.
>> fiance, okay. I believe this is what I believe so far.
We're going to find out, okay?
But I believe he accidentally shot him.
Okay, he says he he says he hasn't shot him but I believe so based on everything we've seen, okay?
Let me tell him real quick then I'll come and I'll have him talk to you and you can hug him and.
Do it and you can do whatever, okay?
Okay, you have any questions for me right now?
No. >> The detective now faces the difficult task of informing Trenton.
We're going to talk to your mom, I just found out, okay?
Trent, your your step father did pass away, okay?
All right, no just stay here.
I I get it. I get it.
Sorry.
Ma'am?
Yes.
>> You guys always kill people.
You guys always do this.
>> They provided the first aid to him the medical when they got here, okay?
I walked up to him as soon as I got here and and it looked like he was probably passed but we.
Always work on him, okay?
Your mom's right here, Trent.
>> I don't believe it. Mama.
Get up. Mama,.
No.
Oh, no.
>> The detective gives them some space as he provides his colleague with an update.
>> Said he had three rounds of smoking in the case.
Kid is freaking out right now.
I didn't just just tell me he's dead but >> Oh, that's all right.
>> Yeah, that's why he's on the ground, yeah.
>> Is he comprehending?
>> Yeah. >>.
Okay. >> But he's he's slow.
He's 17 but he's definitely he hasn't graduated.
He's he's he's Jim slow.
>> How old is he? It's okay.
I know you're very very dramatic.
>> Thank you. >> You bet.
We're not we're not done yet.
We'll be here working with you and help you through this, okay?
>> I can't.
>> No, you'll make we do we do this unfortunately.
Quite a bit, okay?
We'll get you to talk to some people and help you through.
Your mom is here for you.
>> I know I need that, man.
>> And I need that, man.
I can't I can't carry on the family business without him.
>> What's what is your business?
>> Lawn and landscaping. I can't do it without him.
>> Yeah, your step dad runs a landscape.
>> I can't do it without him.
>> Well, you're going to need to help your mom at this point.
>> I need to get a job now.
Okay. Well, let's get through this first, okay, Trent?
>> Unfortunately, delivering the devastating news doesn't end with Trenton as Kurt's 16-year-old daughter has just arrived followed closely by Trenton's sister.
>> Sounds like your father, I'm sorry, was accidentally.
Shot and he actually did pass away, okay?
SO.
>> WHAT'S HAPPENING?
>> THERE WAS A HUNTING ACCIDENT TODAY.
Who are you to her?
>> Uh that's my sister. >> Your sister?
Is Kurt your dad? >> Yeah, he's my dad.
>> Okay, come over.
There sounds like there was a hunting accident today and Kurt PASSED AWAY, OKAY?
>> I GOT TO GIVE YOU GUYS SOME TIME, BUT OBVIOUSLY I'M GOING BE HERE AND I'll I'll answer all your questions,.
Okay?
>> The detective gives the family some time to grieve and heads to the ambulance to examine Kurt's body.
According to police records, Kurt sustained a single gunshot wound to the left of his spine, slightly lower than center mass.
There's no exit wound, meaning the bullet is likely still inside the body.
And if the detective's theory is correct, it should match Trenton's gun.
But this presents a problem when all three rounds Trenton said he loaded are fully accounted for.
>> So, we have a little issue.
We do have three live rounds,.
And that's what the magazine takes.
>> >> So, uh that doesn't mean you can't put a mag in and throw a bullet in or put a bullet.
In and put the mag in.
So, I'm going to go interview him on that real quick, but it sounded like no, you just had the three in.
The mag.
So, whatever. >> That's yeah. >> That's our issue.
>> Because we need to we need bullet.
We need another We need a >> means before.
>> Though the detective's leading theory is that the shooting was accidental,.
Authorities begin searching for evidence that could prove whether or not someone else was in the woods.
In the meantime, the detective meets with Trenton, Jennifer, and Trenton's biological father, Eric, at a local fire station.
The following interrogation has been analyzed by a retired detective, who is also a licensed polygraph examiner, as well as a former.
Hostage negotiation commander and instructor.
>> You did great, and everything you literally.
You do need to be proud of him.
Literally, I haven't seen his dolls do.
In my life like he did.
>> The direction >> You and I would have burned it, don't worry.
>> I was throwing cornstalks.
>> Building rapport is especially important right from the start.
When the detective tells the parents they should be proud and that Trenton did a good job, he's helping build trust.
This reassures them and makes Trenton feel supported.
It's an effective approach because when someone feels supported rather than judged, they're more likely to keep talking and be honest.
>> So, there's We got three live rounds, and that's good.
>> Okay, so I.
Know I'm not I'm not saying that 100%.
We keep an open mind. Okay, we are keeping an open mind.
That's what we do. >> Cuz I think you would have said I accidentally shot my dad.
>> I really do you know I.
I really do think you would have.
>> Yeah. >> Uh so >> I loved that man that >> There's a clear disconnect as Trenton refers to his stepfather.
As quote that man. He doesn't seem upset and continues to deny the bullet came from his gun.
If it did, a shell casing should be somewhere at the scene.
And authorities begin searching for it with the help of metal detectors and ammunition sniffing canines.
>> I will attend the autopsy at which point we certainly should.
Obtain the slug. I actually felt Kurt in his chest.
Um it's got bruising, you know, in the front so and and it's right basically here.
>> So we have a lot of evidence that we will be able to determine what happened.
So again, we flew the drone.
It's going to show tire tracks.
It's going to show footprints.
And we flew way out several fields away.
>> Though the detective has said many times that he believes this was an accident,.
Jennifer makes it clear that her son would have no reason to shoot Kurt intentionally.
>> There was no quarrels, no beefs.
So I mean >> Yeah, that I had a little bit of an.
When I was seeing my dispatch calls me and says, "Hey, you got some information."
We're going to look at that and I'm I'm going to get to that.
>> >> Uh just the last year 2022,.
You and him got into an argument is what's reported.
And I'll look at it. If it's wrong, it's wrong, but I just want to say that.
You called the police. >> Yes, I was upset.
>> Yeah, I had showed up.
I was there. >>.
Okay. >> According to police records, officers were called to their home in August of 2022.
After Trenton allegedly punched Jennifer in the stomach during an argument.
Trenton claimed Kurt had repeatedly struck him in the face, though officers noted he appeared to have no visible injuries.
After speaking with officers, Trenton admitted what he did was wrong and said he needed mental help.
Jennifer shared at the time that Trenton had not taken his medication.
>> I just got.
To tell you, Detective, I do have PTSD.
>> From what?
Oh, the foot, yeah. >> Yeah.
>> You showed me his foot.
That looks pretty well. >> I'm surprised that.
I can shoot a firearm with.
PTSD.
Cuz not too many people can do that.
>> Jennifer would later explain that Trenton once cut his foot after jumping into a lake.
The injury became infected, leading to a partial loss of feeling.
Setting aside the past for now, the detective returns to the facts at hand.
>> Nobody else, footprint-wise,.
Was in that instant field right there.
There's three fields kind of close.
Nobody else, there's no other tracks when I show up.
It's us creating tracks.
Uh so, I'm confident >> I afraid of?
>> Well, I'm Well, I'm No, I'm But I'm confident nobody's within.
Uh.
400 yd.
Of where this occurred.
>> One thing that.
Does look like maybe uh it was an accident.
Close by is because of that what we call.
Burning or the gray black around the sign orange on the jacket.
>> That's close. >> But you would think that >> That's no >> That's super close to char like that.
Mhm. >>.
Yep. >> And it would move it.
>> F >>.
It's >> What I don't see is any other.
>> Would you testify that's consistent with 8 yd.
If I need you to? >> I mean, that's close.
It's There's the burnings on it.
>> Yeah. No, yeah. >> It's super close.
>> Trenton is very scared and stressed at this point, and he's squeezing his fingers and hands so hard that they're turning.
White. He's trying to stay calm, but his body language is giving him away.
With the evidence not lining up with his version of events, the detective offers him the chance to correct his story.
>> Uh this is what I want to do.
I just wanted to give you that opportunity.
That hey, you know, I'm a man and a son of a.
I >> I I accidentally did something That's That's it.
That's that. Cuz I have to give a recommendation.
This is all said and done with.
>> I can't remember.
>> Why do you think that is?
Do you have any idea?
>> Cuz when I usually don't take my meds, my mind screws with me.
>> That's another That's another reason.
>> My mind screws with me.
>> If you don't remember that and if that's what it was you didn't have your meds today then that's that.
If you now think you shot her but.
That is what happened.
You know, we'll deal with it.
You're not going with us today.
>> Well, I want you to speak the truth.
I probably could have tripped.
Okay. >> I probably could have tripped.
>> Okay. >> And that >> Then it could have gone and gone off at that point.
>> If it did just >> Just speak the truth.
Don't say what you did. >> I can't remember.
If I did or not but I think I did trip.
Okay. All right.
And then you're sticking to.
Yeah. >> You're just standing up now.
>> I think I did trip.
Okay. >> Trenton's mother appears sad but it's easy to see that for whatever reason she doesn't believe his story.
>> Well, then I asked you did you.
Did you shoot him on purpose?
>> But Trenton's admission is only the beginning and the detective's work is far from over.
Meanwhile, a friend of Kurt's has just arrived at the fire station and a deputy heads out to speak with him.
>> It is Dave.
I was.
It's neighbor's property. You have We're running together.
Okay. >> We've been having a lot of issues with his to the neighboring property.
And uh.
I think they need to be questioned.
>> What I can tell you.
At this point.
It appears that this was an accident.
Okay. >> Um I know you've you've got some concerns with with the bordering neighbors and stuff but.
I don't want to say that.
100% that nobody else is involved, but this appears from the evidence that we have collected that.
This was an accident.
Um >> Oh my god.
>> I'm sorry.
>> It was Trent. It's Trent.
Trent. >> He's okay.
He's okay.
>> Oh, this poor kid.
>> And I'm that person.
No. I told I can't wait to see you at the fire department cuz you did so good out there.
>> The detective gives Jennifer a tissue, but offers none to Trent as he is still not crying.
>> Everything you did after the accident and even that accident to be able to pull that off after an accident and.
Do as good as you did.
The words you were saying, you know, love you and stuff like that.
Everything was great.
First of all, 911.
>> What did Trent say? >> What did he do, man?
>> I think he loves him.
>> Wanting to see for himself exactly how the accident unfolded, the detective asked Trenton to demonstrate how he was walking while.
Holding the firearm.
>> I kind of like.
>> You know what? Why don't you go stand up and just demonstrate?
Why don't you stand up if you want?
>> It was a freak accident.
Like He walked in front of Trent.
I'm like >> How was the gun when you were carrying it before you tripped, Trent?
>> How was it held? Like this.
>> And where was Kurt? >> >> In front of me.
And he was 10 yards away.
Mhm. >> And I didn't mean to.
Do it. >> That's >> That's a freak accident.
>> I believe you. >> Everybody's going to hate me now.
>> We totally understand that. Nobody's Nobody's going to hate you.
>> Yeah, the whole family out there is going to dis- disagree with me and everything.
>> The detective could have pressed Trenton further by asking him why his family wouldn't believe him, but as for right now,.
His story is logical.
It's assumed that he avoided admitting the gun discharged because he was afraid.
The normal instinct for a lot of people, especially a teenager, is to lie the first time the event is told as.
They're scared of getting in trouble.
>> Sorry, Mom.
I didn't mean to.
I didn't mean it.
He didn't mean to.
>> I know. >> I love you,.
>> And he loves you and you love him.
>> I didn't mean to.
>> Following his apology, Jennifer gently touches Trenton's shoulder, but soon pulls away.
The detective ends the interview with the family for now, and Trenton apologizes.
For the earlier deception. >> I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys the truth.
Sorry. >> I told you. >> Hey, the important thing is >> And I know I failed him, too.
>> It all came out, okay?
>> But there are many questions that still demand answers.
>> There is one last thing, though, that I I want to You like you've been a man here.
Did you.
Eject that shell and throw it?
Did you put it in your pocket?
What did you do with the shell?
>> exactly where where it was.
>> Oh, okay. Where was it?
>> He said it landed by the bag.
Where were the bags at? It.
Like landed and like all I saw was just something fly.
It's like in in those bushes the brush somewhere.
Okay. >> But after conducting multiple searches, the missing shell casing was nowhere to be found.
After learning what happened to her brother, Kurt's sister contacted the detective with troubling allegations,.
Claiming Jennifer withdrew money from Kurt's bank account while she was still at the crime scene.
Eric and Jennifer later met with investigators to address the concern.
>> Someone told me that while you were on scene,.
Uh you transferred It doesn't mean you did anything cuz it doesn't even make sense to you.
I mean, it's not like you told Trent to go kill him and then Trent shot him.
I don't believe that that's the case, but nonetheless, on scene, you transferred money.
Kurt's bank account to another account.
That doesn't mean it's illegal. I'm just telling you.
Yes, I did. And I'm not I'm not afraid to tell you the truth.
Yeah, that's what I know. I don't know I didn't know what it was going to do for the kids and I.
And to pay our taxes.
>> I got I got no issue with that, but I mean when people say something is I have to look at.
It. I don't know if it's legal.
No. So, how much how much how much did he how much did you probably move?
>> He said he did $100.
My cash is worth almost $3,000.
>> It's not even It's not even 5,200.
I mean.
I don't even really worth it, you know.
>> Jennifer believes Kurt may have had a $15,000.
Life insurance policy, but it was terminated earlier in the year for non-payment.
>> Nobody ran out, took that gun from his hand.
You, you know, you over this.
$15,000.
You didn't take the gun,.
Shoot Kurt,.
Hand it back to Trent, and then take off.
Your shoe impressions aren't out there.
There's no little girl shoe impression.
There's no shoe impression when I get there except for you know, Trent and Kurt's and the deer.
I mean, no vehicle tracks right there, you know, so >>.
Mhm. Like that wouldn't have been worth it.
It's like.
>> It didn't happen. I'm just saying I mean what you're telling me and and this stuff it came out.
It didn't happen. >> While Jennifer firmly denies any involvement in Kurt's shooting, she also doubts that Trenton played a role believing.
His admission to tripping may have been coerced.
>> He was pressured into saying that because when he said and I'm not going to When he is at home,.
Well, it could be like, "Hey, did you do this?"
And it could be his little brother that broke something and he'd be like, "I did it.
I'll clean it up." And he will take the blame for something he doesn't do.
So, him stating.
Agreeing with me that you tripped.
And that you know, gun going off, him agreeing to that, whatever.
I don't It's just whatever. We're going to match that with a gun to make sure that is what occurred.
>> If this.
Happened the way it seems,.
There's no.
Sorry, Lord. No way.
It was on purpose. He had no reason.
>> Jennifer and Eric add that this entire incident has been extremely traumatizing for Trenton.
>> Man, I'mma tell you this.
We We were driving.
And he heard an ambulance.
And dude, he grabbed his ears and just started wailing and just.
>> And here will kick in cuz he said, "We killed him."
He said the medical killed him.
We killed him. He got pissed at us.
>> So, those are the Those are concerns for me, okay?
When something, like you said, if whatever he he trips off and he goes,.
Um.
We didn't kill him. >> Um we know that.
>> I know. I know. But nonetheless,.
So there's something, you know, again, that's what the doctors would or something going on with him.
>> He did. >> That does certain things.
>> Are you sleeping?
Do you think it was his time to go to school?
I need help, please.
>> With these rumors addressed, there's little the detective can do but wait for Kurt's autopsy results before deciding how to move.
Forward. But the case becomes further complicated when a deputy receives concerning Snapchat messages from a social worker revealing communication between Kurt's.
16-year-old daughter and her close friend.
In the messages, she writes, "I think someone is after me.
I know it sounds crazy. There's this guy I keep on seeing who's nearby in this vehicle or maybe Trenton or even.
Jennifer. Something is wrong."
The detective later spoke with her to address these concerns.
>> You literally think anyone's going to harm you?
Are you afraid of anybody.
Harming you right now? >> It's not necessarily that I'm scared that's.
I've always had my dad.
He's He's been the only one that's been there since I was born that I still have.
Mhm. >> And I feel.
Unsafe in life in general without him now.
That's kind of what I was meaning to say.
>> But one message she sent was very clear regarding her fears.
Kurt's daughter writes,.
"I feel like I'm next. Trenton has almost shot him before hunting.
He used to threaten to shoot us all and put a gun to my dad loads."
>> So >>.
So >> there was an incident.
A few years ago where Trenton and my dad were arguing.
Trenton got mad.
Jennifer wasn't there. I was sitting on the couch.
Trenton walked out of his room with one of the guns.
And it was loaded and he was threatening to shoot everyone and everything because he was mad.
And then my daddy had to kind of like push him back and everything and Trenton tried wrestling him so my dad.
Kind of had to.
Restrain him a little bit. My dad just.
I don't know. He told Trenton to put the gun down and everything and he yelled at Trenton.
He didn't.
He didn't like back down or anything.
He just stood his ground right there.
Like he did not move. And he was telling Trenton and he grabbed the gun out of Trenton's hand and everything and.
He told him to go to his room.
>> Despite this incident, she makes one thing clear.
>> They've had some fights in the past but Trenton also has disability, too.
And.
He has some anger issues but.
>> >> it's really complicated.
Like my dad I know I know my dad loves him.
>> But there's something else she isn't telling the detective and another message that has deeply disturbing implications will soon need to.
Be addressed by the family.
By January, Kurt's autopsy has been completed and the detective contacts Trenton for a follow-up interview as there are critical details to.
Review. He arrives in the company of his parents as well as his attorney.
>> We used two K9s, state police K9 dogs.
We used metal detectors. We didn't have find it.
Did you end up taking the spent one and just put it in your pocket?
No. >> Okay. So where is the spent shell casing?
>> Should still be up there in that food.
Okay. It didn't match. You know, this slug from that gun didn't match the one that I removed from his body.
Um so, it's confirmed that that bullet.
Came from the gun your Savage 350 that you had.
So,.
When you walked, our DNA I had my DNR officers walk the exact path all the way around.
One, to make sure there's no other foot and shoe impressions.
And two, to make sure there's no vehicle impressions.
But,.
When they did it,.
They're like literally it is like one person walked.
And by that I mean, you're walking right in his footsteps the entire distance of approximately 600 yd.
>> And then he's walking right inside the steps the whole way.
>> Okay. >>.
Yeah. >> And it looks like there's just one set of tracks, but there's double tracks.
>> Really? So, he is literally.
In every track. >> Must be that cognitive thing.
Probably being a little he just it's just something he's doing.
>> Yeah. They walk in the same way.
>> And I'll just ask you, is that something that you know cognitively or you purposely are thinking in your head when.
You walk? Is that something you do?
>> And he That's what you just told me to do.
>> Walk in his footsteps?
Did he say why?
Or do you know why he would do that?
Or or you know why? >> Make less noise.
>> I'm a avid hunter big time and that's not something I've ever done.
Yeah. >> Michigan hunter safety guidance states that a hunter walking behind another person should carry their firearm with the muzzle pointed.
Away from them. Something that Trenton demonstrated during his first interview.
When he did, Trenton's right pointer finger twitched as if he was pulling the trigger of the rifle.
>> A trip and fall, in theory, the gun should go off.
You know, like trip and fall.
It should go off here. So, the bullet.
Should be over here towards the road.
Um and there's a degrees of missing.
Not only.
Did you not miss all this, the bad news is.
You hit dead nuts,.
Which I'm it's straight.
Right to left, top to bottom.
So, the problem for us concerned is.
It looks like.
I don't know why, but it looks like.
You shot him, okay? >>.
>> Not purposely. >>.
Okay. >>.
Right. >> What also leaves the detective concerned is a comment Trenton made while they were waiting together at the scene.
>> You sit on the ground at one point and you're rocking back and forth.
Crying, which is completely understandable.
Saying things like you can't die, you can't die.
And then.
You just instantly.
Turn to me and go, "Oh, it's a beautiful day."
>> Sorry to have you guys come out here on.
Yep.
>> However, Trenton's lawyer is quick to intervene on this line of questioning.
>> I don't think you can predict.
What someone would do in that particular type of stressful situation.
So, I'm I'm we're not going to we're not going to talk about >>.
Okay. >> But, the detective isn't finished and there are more concerns to address.
>> Do you remember that incident where I think you said I'm going to shoot I was just looking through my report.
Real quick, but I'm going to shoot this school.
You you wrote on the bathroom wall.
You you officer, remember that?
>> According to police records, in December of 2022,.
Trenton approached a school resource officer saying he found something written on a bathroom stall.
In pencil, it read, "I'm going to shoot up the school."
However, a special education teacher was quick to note the handwriting looked a lot like Trenton's.
Kurt defended Trenton at the time insisting his stepson would never carry out any acts of violence,.
But Trenton later admitted to writing it explaining he did it because he was sick with a cold and tired.
Investigators spoke with his school principal who had insights to share.
>> Trenton, I think just lives in a world.
Of make-believe.
Sometimes.
And wants to be.
The unsung hero.
In certain situations.
With the bathroom incident, he was going to help solve this crime and I'm going to be like getting the whatever badge.
Afterwards. Do you know what I mean?
So, we have the facts. Things are lining up.
Just.
Say that this is what you've done.
>> But as Trenton is unwilling to discuss this incident further, the detective moves on to address something else that is deeply.
Troubling involving additional Snapchat messages his step sister sent to her friend.
They read, quote, "He's forcibly touched me before and threatened to hurt my dad or me.
I don't have anywhere to go that's safe.
I want to run." >> Did anything ever happen.
Between you two.
When.
Mom and Kurt weren't present at the home?
She said this happened over the the past couple of years.
Okay, so.
And she was just estimating.
She said she could count about 10 times this this past year.
Of of you.
In her presence.
No. >> Okay. She also said that.
>> I believe you're going to Dad's house one day.
And you went to go give her a hug.
And you had one arm around her like this.
And then with your other hand you you reached up and grabbed her breast.
Did that ever occur? >>.
No. >>.
No. Another instance,.
She said that she you were on the living room sitting.
On the couch watching a movie.
Um and you kind of reached.
Like through the cushion and up and and grabbed her her butt area.
No. >> Do you know why she would tell us.
Why she'd make that up? Does she hate you in in other situations?
Has she Has she made up other stuff about you like that?
Or or what? >> I mean, I think she could be jealous cuz I was hanging with Kurt all the time.
>> I want to face my accuser.
>> Well, she's not accusing you.
Yes, she is.
But whatever. And at this point I hate to say it.
I'm the accuser at this point, okay?
It's >> The detective previously spoke with Jennifer and Eric in private regarding these allegations.
>> This is the first time I heard about any of it.
>> And she And she didn't say she told you.
She said she No, she didn't say she mentioned something to you.
Once these allegations came up, she said she mentioned it to you.
>> According to Jennifer, she had no knowledge of any of these claims, and even explained she had cameras set up around.
The house that would have captured any inappropriate behavior.
>> I've never seen anything like that on the camera.
>> Got you. >> And it was then >> Where's the cameras at?
Where's the >> The camera in the living room Okay, check >> No.
No, the camera in the living room sat right in front of the TV whenever we would leave.
>> Which camera? >> It would capture the whole living room and even Trent's bedroom door.
>> But the detective made it clear that he wasn't there to debate the truth of the allegations, and instead wanted them.
To consider the chilling possibility that what happened to Kurt was no accident.
>> My biggest concern is if nothing happens with Trent,.
>> >> does he ever really learn anything?
And then you guys, let's say he does something stupid in the future, gets married and then I'm not saying getting married.
Is stupid, but he gets married and then he harms.
His wife.
And he gets that mindset where oh, I can do this, where he beats his, you know, beats his wife or shoots.
His wife, you just did your son no justice.
Now he's actually in prison,.
You know. >> Yeah, I could see him doing community service.
>> Well, if if he's wrong, he's wrong.
No. >> And then that's actually >> I could see our kid doing community >> Right, but if he's wrong,.
I love my son. If he's wrong, he's wrong.
>> As the group interview continues, Trent is given a stern warning.
>> It's going to look good to make sure you keep yourself out of trouble, don't get in fights.
I'm just saying, you know, if you got to punch your sister.
Or punch your brother,.
Um, if any of those things happen,.
I'm pretty convinced that they would say to lock you up.
So, I'm only telling you this cuz I told them before to And you, I just don't want to see you get.
In trouble. So, prove it to everybody, prove it to yourself, prove it to your parents, prove it to me that.
You're in control of yourself, you know?
That's all I'm saying. So,.
>> But just weeks later, a shocking turn of events would bring Trenton back into the spotlight.
And send the case spiraling toward a new wave of disturbing allegations.
On January 28th, Trenton allegedly assaulted 23-year-old.
Brad, who is the son of Kurt's close friend Dave.
In a later interview, Brad explained what happened, stating the incident began after they decided to hang out together and play with.
RC cars.
>> He seemed fine. Everything all seemed fine.
He just may have been a little bit more quiet.
I don't know if that was cuz he was tired.
Or if he was in his head thinking too much.
When we're arriving.
To RC place that my dad and I are a part of, just made the turn to get go down the dirt.
Road and his younger sister calls him up.
I lost your lizard.
She couldn't find it for 15 minutes.
Then he grabbed it cuz he found it, but he still didn't calm down right away.
He was still.
Jittery and he said he was like feeling like his heart rate was too fast.
His heart was pumping too much.
I said, "Dude, just calm down.
Calm down. Let's Let's plug in our RCs and go and play."
>> According to Brad, someone he refers to as Santa Claus due to his appearance, gave Trenton a dab of marijuana to.
Help calm him down, which seemed to have an adverse effect.
>> And then he started like mumbling like he was talking to himself or like uh you know, like the angel demon.
Thing like he was talking to two different I don't know what.
And then he turned to me.
And he's like, "It's your fault."
I go, "What?"
He's like, "I'm going to kill you."
He started coming at me.
Like walking up on me menacingly with fists.
Clenched.
I said, "Dude, calm down. What's wrong?
What's going on?" >> Brad says he wanted to take Trenton home and settled him down enough to get him into the.
Passenger seat of his truck. >> Seemed fine and then in the passenger seat he seemed to be.
Talking to himself again saying, "No, I can't."
Then he demands started demanding that I would stop truck.
I go, "Why? What what what's wrong?
Are you okay? What's wrong?"
He goes, "No. No. Nothing.
Nothing coherent.
In terms of a sentence." Like just He tried to piece something together.
That something about his dad and his mom at first.
And then he kind of just dropped it.
>> When you say dad, are we talking about Eric or.
I'm assuming Kurt. >> Brad then decided to call Trenton's mother, Jennifer, and that's when things took a violent turn.
>> Are you on the phone with MY MOM?
NO.
>> STARTED WAILING INTO ME, GRAPPLED ME WITH one arm, and he's punching me on the left side.
And I remember screaming and yelling to him, "Stop.
Stop. Stop.
Trenton, stop.
Please, stop. Why?"
I know my phone was still on and I dropped it.
I said, "Jennifer, he's trying to kill me.
Please, help. Someone call somebody."
I couldn't get him off of me.
There was no way I was going to be able to get him off of me at all and.
I remember asking him, "Why?
What's wrong? Why are you doing this?
Stop."
And things that he was saying was,.
"You took my father from me.
You took my mother from me.
And when I'm done with you, I'm going for your dad next."
>> Brad shares that in retrospect he can think of one reason Trenton may have wanted to kill Kurt.
He explains that Kurt invited him and his father, Dave, to join them hunting that day and if Kurt told Trenton, it.
May have set him off. >> Trent has always said that Kurt was the only person that has taught him anything and.
I think by us coming into his life, he did not like that.
Which is a jealousy spite thing.
Has Trenton told you he shot him?
>> He shot her? >> Not the I shot him directly sentence.
No. >> How did he say it?
>> He said.
I had to do it. It's because.
Of you and your dad. Cuz you guys came into our lives.
If it wasn't for you, I would still have my dad and I would still have my mother.
I want to say he said that if we were gone, it would be all fine.
>> According to Dave, who has been listening in on speakerphone,.
He's spoken with Jennifer several times since the shooting and she is still convinced there was someone else in the woods that.
Day. >> You know, it's it's almost like she's afraid to admit that she's a couple times I said my son is.
Not a monster.
And I told her I I said, "No, I know your son's not a monster."
I said, "But he, you know, he has some demons that we got to find out.
What's going on."
>> Right. Okay. >> She, you know, she admitted herself that he's at his dad's because if he was to go off,.
She wouldn't be able to handle him.
>> While Brad's theory that Trenton was jealous offers a possible motive, the detective will soon learn he may have had more.
Than one reason to pull the trigger.
Following the incident with Brad, a warrant was issued for Trenton's arrest and on February 12th, 2024,.
They find him at his father's house.
>> You guys will be hearing from my lawyer.
>> We're here right now. Detective Brackett here.
Yes, Jennifer.
>> Trenton, don't you walk away from >> You guys are supposed to call my parents.
>> Yes, sir. We're here right now.
Detective Brackett, number here right now.
Because Because they didn't call a lawyer.
>> So So warrants >> Remember I told you not to get in any trouble?
>> He has disabilities, man. >> Yeah, but remember I told him not to get in trouble.
>> that kid. So that created some issues.
>> Yeah, but see, there's there's no charges being pressed.
>> Regardless of you guys shot somebody, I told you guys not to get in any trouble.
>> Eric gathers his son's medication and gives him a hug goodbye along with a warning.
>> You've got to stay cool.
Okay? >> He says he's calling me cuz he's juvenile or he's the adult.
>> I know he has a He has a mental disability.
>> You know, he >> I know.
I'm just I'm trying to explain that.
>> You know, I've got kids, too, and I don't >> I trust you.
I'd much rather him go to the juvenile than the county jail, you know what I'm saying?
>> I know. You're going to be okay.
>> Yep, I know.
I love you, man.
I love you, too, pops.
And >> Hey, how'd you guys know where I was?
Stalking me? >> Because there's nobody hiding.
Why? Are you Are you >> It's the only other way that they know.
>> No. Are you hiding something?
No. >> I think you did it to yourself.
>> It's the only other way that they know.
>> I didn't do it.
>> Trenton is transported to the Maurice Spear Campus, a youth detention facility.
After final hugs from his parents, he's left in the hands of the staff who are told what comes next for Trenton.
>> I just know at the campus, they know that things go a little different, but now he's actually being charged as.
An adult, so and that person is pissed him off.
First of all, Trenton doesn't know it's open murder.
He thought it was a careless use which is what we thought originally, careless use of a firearm causing death.
We got new information, so we changed it a little bit and it's now open murder and he's being charged as an.
Adult.
Both of those are going to put him over the edge.
The mom can't handle it. They told us he finds out he's going to nut out, so anyhow,.
Here you go. Have a good day.
We're out of here.
>> Following his arraignment the next day, Trenton is charged as an adult on one count of open murder among other charges.
And is given a staggering bond of $10 million and $5,000.
He's later transferred to the Lenawee County Jail where one thing quickly becomes clear.
Inmates cannot be trusted with dark secrets.
According to one of them, Trenton began butting heads with an inmate named Ed leading to a chilling confession.
>> He says,.
Uh, you know, I'm going to kill him, dude.
I'm going to kill him, like referring to referring to Ed right cuz he's pisses him off all the time, you know,.
And I said to him like, "Hey, you know, you should be careful of saying like that, you know?
You remember you are in here for a murder case and that's not going to help you someday like saying all that."
And he said, "It doesn't matter anyways.
Everybody knows that I didn't kill him my stepdad on accident."
And I said, "What? What are you talking about?
Why do you say stuff like that, you know?
Is that true?" And he's like, he said, "Yeah, something about not wearing his shoes,.
The special his shoes that he was supposed to wear that day so that he would have a reason why he fell.
Or why he made it look like he fell."
And, you know, then he could say that the gun went off.
And I'm like, "Whoa."
I said, "What were you even pissed off at him about?"
And he said, "Well, you know, he kept saying stuff about my step sister."
He said that there was some incident that happened with his step sister and, you know, him something inappropriate.
>> He wasn't the only one to come forward as another inmate met with investigators to share more of Trenton's revelations.
>> First thing he his words were, "I'm here for a murder and it wasn't an accident."
And I was like, "Well, how did all that go down?"
He pretty much said,.
"There was some issues going on with his sister which he tried to sleep with her in this and.
Yeah, Trenton tried to sleep with her his.
Step sister which was only 12 at the time.
And his stepdad found out. His stepdad called him out on it in front of everyone in the house and he got.
Extremely upset about that and felt like his step father had betrayed him or something.
>> He adds that Trenton admitted he was angry and convinced his step father to go on the hunting trip.
>> He said once they got out there, he let him get in front of him quite a bit and then he.
Took a stance on one knee and raised the rifle and he said he shot.
>> Stills taken from trail camera show Kurt in the moments leading up to his murder.
They would be the last known images ever captured of Kurt alive.
Another inmate who knew Kurt personally and was familiar with Trenton before they shared space in the county jail also came forward.
To share Trenton's alleged confessions.
>> He said, "I'm a real good shot.
When I shot Kurt,.
I did it from one knee from the hip."
And then he said, "I shot through a hole this big."
Trenton Berry is a scary man.
Right. >> Based on what I would listen to?
>> Yes, according to what you said.
>> I'm a freaking hardened criminal, dude, and I wouldn't trust that guy around my dog.
>> According to the inmate, Trenton learned that his step sister was planning to testify against him at his trial, and Trenton.
Made him a disturbing offer. >> He said, "You're getting out soon.
You're getting out soon. My mom and dad, I can get money.
My mom and dad, I'll pay you $5,000.
If you kill him."
The more I was around him, the more alarmed I was about how.
Absolutely.
Guaranteed.
This guy's a psychopath. Just the way I've been in prison for 21 years.
Okay. >> Okay, I've done a lot of time and I've been in all high levels.
I've done everything you can do in the penitentiary, bad, good, and whatever.
I've been around many, many murderers,.
And he has a definite psychopathic.
Feel and to his personality, to his way he acts, to the way he gets angry.
>> She's scared to death of him.
Okay. >> And that she's thinking about changing her name because she's worried that he's going to get out and do something.
>> He's also talking about.
What's that? >> Yeah, he did he was.
Like he said he her several times then he went couple times and you know, he's back and forth all the time.
Cuz that was kind of disturbing, too, cuz he's.
I mean, they're both young, 15, 16.
I mean, not.
Just but the way he.
Talked about it was was was weird.
Like I think he was in some fantasy, like he wanted to.
You know, guys brag about girls in jail, and I get it, but not your sister or your step sister.
If he found out that Berry was trying to do that to him, that he would have walked over there and smacked.
Out of him and said, "Listen, dude,.
If you think that's going on in this house."
You know what I mean? That's just Kurt.
>> And I tell you right now, I got no problem taking a stand on any of this.
I would tell you right what I told you today on the stand because he's a sick.
>> In one Snapchat message, Trenton's step-sister pointed to troubling behavior he displayed at the fire station on the day of Kurt's.
Death, writing, "He was walking around laughing at the TV while everyone was crying."
During Brad's interview, Dave shared something that happened after Kurt's death that left him deeply unsettled.
>> I have a memorial cross.
With a deer.
That I picked up.
In memory of Kurt.
And he.
Trent said.
To me, he said, "You miss Kurt, don't you?"
>> >> And I said, "Yeah, dude."
And he had a look on his face that.
Had struck me weird in his eyes.
It was It kind of reminded me of There's a picture of the Joker.
>> >> where he's kind of looking down and he's got a grin on his face and he's kind of like looking.
Out of the top of his eyes and then just kind of like his eyes are just.
They're just.
They're like glowing.
And he said that to me looking at me when it struck me odd.
And it it was almost like he felt like.
Uh uh he succeeded at part of his plan and it it just.
And it when I seen that, I'm like, "Wow, that I talked to myself, that's not Trent.
Something's not right with Trent."
>> He's got like that that twisted look in his eyes.
Sometimes he does this weird grin thing and sometimes he doesn't.
It almost seems like he gets excited talking about it, like he wants to talk about it.
>> Each of the inmates who came forward agreed to testify in court regarding Trenton's confessions.
This seemed to upset him, however, as he was later captured on camera writing a letter to one of the inmates stating,.
"Ryan, you are a rat ass."
This would later lead prosecutors to consider adding a witness intimidation charge.
Though his case was initially set to go to trial, Trenton Berry eventually accepted a plea agreement in November of 2025,.
Pleading no contest to a reduced charge of second-degree murder, and all the remaining charges were dropped.
He was sentenced to 12 to 50 years in prison and will be eligible for parole in February of 2036.
At the age of 29.
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