Summary
**One-Sentence Summary**
In a bizarre and tragic case, Piper Roundtree was convicted of murdering her ex-husband, Professor Fred Jablin, in a scheme to regain custody of their children, using disguises, a fake identity, and her sister’s name to evade detection.
**One-Paragraph Summary**
This two-part episode of *48 Hours* investigates the 2004 murder of Fred Jablin, a beloved university professor found shot in his driveway in Richmond, Virginia. The investigation quickly centers on his ex-wife, Piper Roundtree, who had a bitter custody battle with Fred and was ordered to pay him child support. Despite having an alibi placing her in Texas, police discovered she had flown to Virginia using her sister Tina’s name, purchased wigs and a gun, and stayed in a hotel near the crime scene. Through cell phone records, eyewitness testimony, and forensic evidence, prosecutors proved that Piper disguised herself to commit the murder and frame her sister. Piper was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, while Tina was later convicted of tampering with evidence.
**Key Takeaways**
* **Motive:** The primary motive was custody of their three children; Piper believed killing Fred would allow her to regain custody, as she was devastated by losing physical and legal custody in a bitter divorce.
* **The Disguise:** Piper used two wigs (blonde and brunette) and makeup to disguise herself as her sister, Tina Roundtree, to fly to Virginia and avoid suspicion.
* **The Alibi Breakdown:** Although Piper claimed to be in Texas, cell phone records placed her phone in Richmond, and witnesses identified her at a hotel and a car rental agency near the airport.
* **The Gun:** Evidence showed Piper rented a .38 caliber revolver at a shooting range days before the murder, the same type of weapon used to kill Fred.
* **Sister’s Involvement:** While Tina was not charged with murder, she was convicted of tampering with evidence (likely helping dispose of items or lying to police) and received probation.
* **Legal Irony:** Piper, a former prosecutor, was convicted by a jury that deliberated for less than an hour, with cell phone records serving as the "smoking gun."
**Important People/Entities**
* **Fred Jablin:** The victim, a 52-year-old professor at the University of Richmond and devoted father.
* **Piper Roundtree:** The defendant, Fred’s ex-wife and a former prosecutor, convicted of first-degree murder.
* **Tina Roundtree:** Piper’s sister, who was used as a cover identity for the flight; convicted of tampering with evidence.
* **Detective Kobe Kelly:** The lead homicide detective from Henrico County who pursued the investigation.
* **Jerry Walters:** Piper’s boyfriend, whose credit card was used to buy the wigs and airline ticket.
* **Michael Jablin:** Fred’s brother, who had custody of the children and testified against Piper.
* **48 Hours:** The CBS news magazine program that produced the investigation.
**Notable Timestamps**
* **00:51:** Introduction of the crime scene: Fred Jablin found shot in his driveway on Halloween morning.
* **02:50:** Introduction of the strange clues: "Two wigs, a gun, and a murder."
* **12:40:** The major lead: Police discover a flight booked under Tina Roundtree’s name.
* **23:15:** The airport chase: Police attempt to intercept the passenger but fail to identify her initially.
* **45:00:** The credit card trail: Discovery that Jerry Walters’ card was used to buy wigs and the plane ticket.
* **53:50:** Trial begins: Prosecutors outline the motive related to child support and custody.
* **57:36:** Eyewitness identification: A travel agent identifies Piper as the woman who checked in as "Tina."
* **58:34:** The cell phone evidence: Calls from a Richmond pizza place link Piper to the area.
* **01:01:00:** The shooting range: Witness testifies Piper rented the specific gun used in the murder.
* **01:14:39:** The Verdict: Jury finds Piper guilty of first-degree murder.
* **01:15:58:** Sentencing: Jury recommends life imprisonment.
* **01:20:46:** Aftermath: Tina Roundtree is later convicted of tampering with evidence.