Piers Morgan Interviews Woman Who Killed Her Entire Family | Erin Caffey | True Crime Interview

TLDR;

This documentary explores the harrowing case of the Caffey family murders, where a mother and her two sons were killed in a brutal attack orchestrated by the teenage daughter, Erin Caffey, and her boyfriend, Charlie Wilkinson, along with two accomplices. The video features interviews with Erin, her father Terry Gaston, investigators, and individuals connected to the case, examining the events leading up to the murders, the aftermath, and the complex relationships and motivations involved. It raises questions about Erin's role as either a cold mastermind or a manipulated young woman, and the unfathomable forgiveness offered by her father.

• The murders were driven by a desire to escape family restrictions and be with her boyfriend.
• Terry Gaston, Erin's father, grapples with forgiving his daughter while seeking justice for his murdered family.
• The case highlights the devastating consequences of choices made by young people and the complexities of love, manipulation, and responsibility.

Introduction: Amazing Grace and Initial Impressions [0:09]

The video begins with Erin Caffey singing "Amazing Grace" in prison, showcasing her vocal talent. The interviewer then asks about her feelings towards Erin, describing her as a dangerous murderer, a sentiment echoed by investigators who find the case exceptionally disturbing due to the family betrayal.

The Crime Scene and Terry's Account [1:38]

The scene shifts to the location of the murders, where Terry Gaston recounts the horrific night. He describes being awakened by Charles Wilkinson, his daughter's boyfriend, who opened fire on him and his wife, Penny. Terry recalls his son Matthew's pleas to Charlie and the subsequent fire that engulfed the house, killing Penny and their two sons, Matthew and Tyler. Terry emphasizes his determination to survive and identify the killers.

Investigation and Discovery [5:49]

The aftermath of the attack is detailed, including Terry's hospitalisation and his identification of Charlie as one of the murderers. Police discover Erin hiding in Charlie's trailer, claiming she had been drugged and kidnapped. However, the investigation soon reveals her involvement in the murders, leading to Terry receiving the devastating news in the hospital.

Interview with Erin Caffey [8:25]

The interviewer meets Erin in prison, where she has been incarcerated for eight years. Erin reflects on her past, expressing disbelief that she, once a fun-loving and successful young woman, could be involved in such a terrible crime. She attributes her downfall to poor choices made at a young age and recalls her father's initial reaction when he asked if she was involved, which she denied.

Perspectives on Erin's Character [11:47]

Investigators and those who knew Erin struggle to reconcile her actions with her upbringing and personality. They describe the crime as illogical and perplexing, noting that none of the perpetrators seemed capable of such violence. The question arises whether Erin is a cold, calculating murderer or a vulnerable young woman manipulated by her boyfriend.

Warning Signs and the Breakup [14:46]

Terry recalls noticing a change in Erin after she started dating Charlie, describing Charlie as someone with a disturbing presence. Penny discovered Charlie's Myspace page, revealing concerning content that led them to forbid Erin from seeing him. Erin initially reacted calmly, claiming she wanted to end the relationship but didn't know how.

The "Fubar" Plan and the Night of the Murders [16:43]

Erin admits that Charlie spoke about killing her family, referring to it as "Fubar," but she claims she didn't take him seriously. The events of the night of the murders are recounted, including the accomplices picking up Erin and Charlie, their discussion in a cemetery, and their return to the Caffey home. Charlie and Charles entered the house, shot Terry and Penny, and then attacked Matthew and Tyler. The house was set on fire, and Erin and Charlie later had sex.

Conflicting Accounts and Erin's Lies [20:02]

Charlie confessed to the murders, claiming Erin instigated them. Erin maintained her innocence, insisting she was drugged and kidnapped. However, evidence, including the lack of smoke smell on her clothes and her phone calls, contradicted her story. The interviewer confronts Erin about her lies and her actions on the night of the murders, including having sex with Charlie after the killings.

Terry's Perspective and Forgiveness [24:03]

The interviewer questions Erin about her motives and her responsibility for the murders. Terry expresses his belief that Erin was not the mastermind but a vulnerable teenager manipulated by Charlie. He recounts his struggle with anger and his initial desire for the death penalty for the accomplices. However, he eventually chose to forgive them and focus on rebuilding his relationship with Erin.

Charlie's Mother's View [26:14]

Charlie's mother, Theresa Meyers, shares her perspective, stating that Charlie was not an evil person but was manipulated by Erin. She recalls instances where Erin made false accusations of abuse against her parents, leading Charlie to believe she was in danger. Theresa tried to encourage Charlie to leave Erin, but he was deeply in love with her.

Charlie's Confession and Terry's Request [28:18]

Charlie admits to shooting Terry and Penny, stating he intended to kill them. Terry recounts his meeting with prosecutors and his initial demand for the death penalty for Charlie and Charles Wade. However, he later requested that the accomplices be spared the death penalty.

Michael Washburn's Testimony and Erin's Responsibility [30:41]

Erin's former boyfriend, Michael Washburn, testifies that Erin had previously expressed a desire to hire someone to kill her parents. The interviewer presses Erin on her personal responsibility for the murders, and she admits that she could have stopped it at any time.

Terry's Unconditional Love [34:16]

The documentary highlights the extraordinary relationship between Terry and Erin, despite her involvement in the murders. Terry states that he would love Erin unconditionally, even if she had been the one to attack him. Erin expresses her disbelief in her father's unwavering love and her fear that he would eventually abandon her.

Returning to the Scene and Forgiveness [37:43]

Terry recounts his decision to live in a camper van on the property after the fire, seeking to make sense of what happened and to maintain a connection with his family. He describes his struggle with guilt and his eventual realisation that he was not responsible for the murders. Terry shares his process of forgiveness, starting with Erin and then extending to the accomplices and himself.

Sentencing and Final Reflections [41:43]

The sentences of the perpetrators are revealed: Charlie Wilkinson and Charles Wade are serving life without parole, Bobby Johnson will serve a minimum of 20 years, and Erin Caffey will serve a minimum of 42 years. Erin reflects on her feelings towards Charlie and her potential future. She expresses a desire to pay her respects at the graveyard and acknowledges the healing process ahead. The interviewer concludes by thanking Erin for her time and wishing her well in her efforts to become a better person.