was dead. >> reporter: chiquita's loved ones were huddled together when veteran homicide detectives chris johnson and elvin howard rolled up to the scene. >> so the responding officers told you, "that's the husband over there," but he's on the edge of things for you. you haven't approached him yet?" >> that's -- that's correct. >> he was upset to the point where uniform patrol had to put him in the back of the unit. >> so do you go up at the point? >> no. at that time, we try to gather as much information as possible. >> reporter: the detectives began their standard investigative ritual -- putting together a timeline of the victim's last day. assistant lessie hookfin knew some of it. >> so that thursday, how does that fit in your recollection? what was that day like? >> pretty regular day. >> reporter: chiquita had gone to court and that very day talked to reporters about her latest case. >> the statute is the question that i would like the appellate court to review. >> reporter: after a quick chat, she headed back to her office where workers were refinishing a