Clues and evidence in the murders of Julie Kibuishi and Sam Herr
A young woman brutally shot in the apartment of a war hero; detectives were sure he was on the run, but when they found him an entirely different story emerged.
On May 22, 2010, police responded to a father's frantic 911 call. Steve Herr alerted them that he'd found a woman's body in his son Sam's apartment. Detectives identified the victim as Julie Kibuishi. Police initially suspected Sam Herr.
WATCH: "48 Hours:" Killer Performance
The Confession
Four days later, detectives arrested local actor Daniel Wozniak and charged him as an accessory to murder. Wozniak told them he had helped Sam escape. But after hours of questioning, Wozniak admitted that he had killed Sam Herr.
Money was his motive. He wanted to pay for his honeymoon. Wozniak also confessed he had lured Julie to Sam's apartment, killed her and staged the scene to frame Sam.
Backpack of evidence
Wozniak filled a backpack with evidence. Police recovered it just outside his parents' house.
Backpack of evidence
The backpack contained Sam Herr's clothes, phone and wallet.
Incriminating searches
Detectives found that prior to the murders, Wozniak conducted Google searches: "how to hide a body" and "quick ways to kill people."
Wozniak's tools
Wozniak told police he dismembered Sam Herr's body with an ax and saw.
Recovering Sam's remains
Police found Sam Herr's torso in the Liberty Theater at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, where Wozniak had previously performed.
A sad birthday
It took two days to find Sam Herr's missing body parts. On May 29, Sam's birthday, Steve Herr learned his son's head was found in El Dorado Park.
Saying goodbye
Sam Herr received a hero's burial with full military honors.
Remembering Julie Kibuishi
A family June Kibuishi had worked with created a quilt to commemorate her daughter, Julie, weaving in images that reflected her love of music and fashion.
Another arrest
In November 2012, Wozniak's fiancée, Rachel Buffett, was arrested. She was charged as an accessory after the fact to murder.
"Duped by Dan"
In February 2013, Rachel Buffett went on the "Dr. Phil" show. She maintained her innocence and stated she had been "duped by Dan."
Wozniak on trial
Five-and-a-half years after the double murders, Daniel Wozniak went on trial and was convicted.
Honoring Sam
Veteran Miles Foltz asked Steve Herr to be best man at his wedding in place of his best friend, Sam. Steve accepted the honor.
Arguing for the death penalty
Prosecutor Matt Murphy argued Daniel Wozniak should get the death penalty. He pointed to the killer's lack of remorse, disregard for his victims and their families' suffering. On Jan. 11, 2016, the jury recommended death for Wozniak.
Justice
In September 2016, the parent of Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi got to confront Daniel Wozniak in court. A judge pronounced the sentence. "It is the order of this court that you shall suffer the death penalty"
Wozniak is currently at San Quentin State Prison.