Peggy Sue Thomas: How did a former Ms.

Washington end
up at the heart of a murder case?

Jim Huden and Peggy Sue Thomas

"Absolutely untrue. Money's not that vital in which you me," said Thomas.

On the particular morning of December 26, the day Russel Douglas was murdered, Thomas and also
Jim Huden were with a residence on Whidbey Island.
Hill said the band member -- lead guitarist Jim Huden --had confided in him within a late-night drive
to a gig just one month after the murder of Russel Douglas.
"You're owning an affair having a married man," Van Sant noted to Thomas.
"Not in the beginning," she replied. "I was consequently in love with him therefore clueless."
Russel Douglas has been your estranged husband involving Brenna Douglas, certainly 1 of Peggy
Sue Thomas' great friends.
"It was... Brenna spoke, I guess, to a lot of people concerning hers as well as Russ's marriage,"
mentioned Thomas.
At your trial, the particular star witness against Jim Huden will be Bill Hill, whom says Jim confessed
to end up being able to him about killing Russel Douglas.
And Brenna Douglas had even bad-mouthed the woman's dead husband.
"When he offered this in order to Microsoft he made numerous million dollars?" Van Sant asked.
From any beauty queen strut to some perp walk in the Island County Courthouse upon Whidbey
Island, Wash., inside the summer associated with 2011, Peggy Sue Thomas is formally charged with
almost all the murder of Russel Douglas.

"That will be a lot fun. That's virtually an excessive amount of enjoyable for a protection attorney like
me, to become honest," Platt replied.
Remembering Russel Douglas
"I have to say that you're harassing me and I currently filed any police grievance for an individual
personally guys subsequent me. so I want you to definitely leave," Brenna Douglas replied.
"This can be Whidbey Island, exactly where I grew up from birth 'til I had been 8 years old," Peggy
Sue Thomas stated as she looked out towards the particular island aboard the ferry. "The difficult
memories outweigh the nice memories....Because I am accused of the crime I didn't commit."
"And does Brenna ask those questions?
"Do the truth is oneself as a patriot?" Van Sant asked Thomas
But with regard to Greg Banks, the real victim on this case continues to end up being able to be
largely forgotten.
Peggy Thomas says your ex home has been ransacked using police taking computers, photographs
and wonder pageant videos--but leaving her Ms. Washington sash behind. They Will then proceeded
to always be able to grill her in regards to become able to the death regarding Russel Douglas.
"She didn't say, 'What's happened? Precisely why are a person currently here?'" Van Sant asked.
By Aug. 4, 2004, Det. Mark Plumberg had traveled in order to Punta Gorda, Fla., for you to confront
the particular man he believed murdered Russel Douglas.
"My children are my proudest accomplishment," said Thomas.
"I'd rather wear jeans along with boots as well as leap on the Harley when compared with be
described as a beauty queen," the lady said.
"It's dark, secluded no-through road, not just a large amount of visitors ... It's an excellent spot for
any murder," Det. Plumberg said. "The vehicle has been in a darkish driveway, door open, Russel
was inside the automobile ... it was any massively traumatic wound."
While Jean ran their own business, Jim centered read more about his band.
It was a .380 Bersa. Any buddy associated with Jim Huden's told police Jim gave it to him in Thomas'
house in Las Vegas.
"At some time this is going upon do you have any kind of idea?" Van Sant questioned Jean Huden.
"It began excellent and-- the harder controlling your woman got, the -- much less responsive I got, a
person know. I defintely won't be controlled, a person know, simply by anybody," stated Allen.
"He had experienced abuse. And Also so he had been gonna wipe your slate clean somehow through
killing an abuser," Van Sant commented in order to Banks of the feasible motive.
"I opened the doorway and there is Peggy on my small doorstep," Jean Huden informed Van Sant.

48 Hrs Segment Extras

An outdated pal involving Jim Huden's gave "48 Hours" permission to check inside the locker which
we had not been opened within greater than a pair of years.
"Yes. or near to any million," Jean Huden replied. "But he do very well with regard to himself."
"Bill Hill ... felt the widow had knowledge, although certainly not just about any active part,"
mentioned Plumberg.

Jim Huden: That's fine. Uh... it's attorney time.

"No," the detective replied.
But Jim Huden had been finding comfort and also ease inside his long-distance relationship with
Peggy Thomas.
"According in order to Jim, the answer would be yes."
"I ended up being like, RUN! Carry out something. An Individual know, you've a new chance. It's not
more than yet," the girl told Van Sant.
"I looked him within the deal with along with I said, 'Mr. Huden, I am aware you're your man in
which pulled the trigger as well as killed Russel Douglas,'" Plumber advised Peter Van Sant.
Platt says Jean Huden's changing story demonstrates how desperate your prosecution will be to
make a new case without credible witnesses as well as evidence.
"Head over heels," Boyer laughed.
"I don't even understand how a person can answer-- I don't know how I ended up here," the lady
replied in their merely TV interview.
Detective Mark Plumberg with the Island County Sheriff's Department ended up being known as for
the scene that will night.
"His name has been Bill Hill ... lived in the Florida inside a town known as Punta Gorda," he said.
"Are a bit of the femme fatale?"
"I spoiled my clients. and my guidelines had been usually in the thousands for one night. This was
my all-time favorite occupation ever," the lady said.
Detective Plumberg then checked Russel's phone records and also discovered calls from a Nevada
number. That They originated from Peggy Sue Thomas. Your Woman had known as Russel many
times in the days leading approximately his murder.
"First period I fulfilled Peggy had been by means of any limo service. As Well As -- they will inquire --

me ... 'What, do you want, a guy? Or Even the actual ex-Mrs. Washington?' I said, 'Well, we'll
consider the-- ex-Mrs. Washington," Allen stated with a laugh.
"And -- he says, 'So I started lookin' regarding somebody that will fulfilled in which - in which -M.O.,'" mentioned Hill.
But Brenna wasn't arrested because investigators couldn't link her towards the shooting.
Jean Huden says Jim became unstable, threatening to commit suicide, however the girl stood a far
better idea.
A beauty queen and rock guitarist are associated with the horrible murder upon Whidbey Island,
Wash.
It had been suspicious behavior, specifically right after they informed Brenna your ex husband had
been murdered.
According to end up being able to Jean, Jim Huden had shared along with her everything concerning
the murder, which includes that Peggy Sue Thomas and also Brenna Douglas were involved. but Jean
Huden refused for you to betray the particular man the lady loved.
"And what was that moment such as regarding you?" Van Sant asked.
Platt says Jean Huden can be a liability regarding prosecutors because the lady changed your ex
story serious amounts of period again.
"Not one person could figure out the very negative thing regarding Russel Douglas, certainly not
anything that will make me think, 'That's why somebody wanted him dead,'" he told Van Sant.
But Plumberg had an entirely distinct take.
"That the lady did it," Boyer said. "... that your ex as well as Jim does this."
"I am really patriotic, yes," the lady replied.
Jim Huden: This really is a serious frightening experience.
"And you're telling me the truth, right?" Van Sant pressed on.
By 2003, Thomas had been surviving in Las Vegas, where your woman worked as a glamorous
limousine driver in order to high rollers.
"I think there's over $500,000 in insurance premiums," mentioned Bill Hill.
But in the late 90s, along with the girl 2nd marriage around the rocks, Thomas literally transformed
herself.
Just weekly prior to always be able to the trial is about in order to start, prosecutor Banks folds his
hand as well as offers Thomas any plea deal: 4 many years inside prison on the reduced cost
involving rendering criminal assistance. Your Woman accepts.

As Thomas as well as Jim Huden's fling progressed, your woman began flying to become able to
Florida. reading Jim's emails, Jean discovered your affair and confronted him; Jim swore it absolutely
was almost all over. Then within April 2003 there is the knock at Jean's front door.
Ann Rule, the true-crime author that could reach over 2 dozen Ny Occasions bestsellers, tells "48
Hours" the lady couldn't assist however write about the Russel Douglas case. hear why the situation
was thus intriguing in order to her.
While reporting this story, "48 Hours" learned regarding certainly 1 of Jim Huden's previous
hangouts as well as got any suggestion he may have left behind a few belongings.
19 Photos
"Detective Wallace stated 'If you do not commence confessing now we'll make certain that you
obtain the death penalty and the kids tend to be going to watch you die,'" mentioned Thomas.
Later which afternoon, Jim Huden agreed being questioned in the neighborhood police department,
exactly where he denied shooting Russel:
"That was a large difficulty regarding us. I failed to wanna walk from Peggy Thomas empty-handed.
And Also the truth actually hinged in Jean," mentioned Banks.
"And what does he say?" Van Sant asked.
"It's a guide associated with inconsistencies. While Jean Huden originally spoken with detectives
back in 2004 ... your woman said, as well as I quote, Jim by zero means informed her that will Peggy
knew," Platt said. "Now, seven a prolonged time later, 'Oh, I remember, Peggy's involved, the one
that stole my man, usually the particular one that ruined my life. Yeah, she would it.'"
It has been after ten p.m. and also pitch black when Plumberg and a colleague came calling.
Plumberg declared Brenna, "came out and intersected her arms as well as leaned against the door
frame along with said, 'May I help you?'"
Jim Huden's former band mates talk to "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant about what it was
like to find out his or her one-time lead guitarist wa...
"And I said, 'The police informed me they use a murder weapon. What's going on?' Along With he
said, 'I would it. I killed Russ.' As Well As he said, 'I'm sorry I got anyone involved. Just know that I
love you and also also you might never observe me again.' Along With he hung up your phone,"
stated Thomas.
"He said he loved two women," stated Thomas.
"No," Thomas replied.
To know how this beauty queen produced but an additional transformation -- in order to murder
suspect -- you have to go back into a cold, darkish night about Whidbey Island throughout December
2003:
Gail O'Neil shares memories regarding your ex son, Russel Douglas, who had been murdered upon
Sept. 26, 2003, about Whidbey Island, Wash.

"You, your mistress, wants to get collectively using the wife... in order to confront the particular
husband?" Van Sant questioned Thomas.
"I advised him to make a choice. I had been like, 'You have to choose whom you wanna always be
with,'" Jean Huden said. "He mentioned he wished to become along with me."
"Scary," the lady replied. "My lifestyle became a new tabloid story along with headlines regarding
'Drop-Dead Gorgeous.' ... I knew I stood a battle on my hands."
"Bill Hill was really quite definitely the hero on this case," Banks said. "I most likely could have got
rested the case following Bill testified."
Jim Huden believed he'd found out that abuser, Hill said, in Russel Douglas.
"Couldn't or not necessarily it's that what you said to Detective Plumberg, it was the actual truth.
That Will Jim told anyone Peggy wasn't involved on this case. 'Cause your own story didn't change
for years" Van Sant inquired Jean.
"And Peggy had been supposed to have a new certain quantity along with Jim had been supposed to
obtain $50,000 with regard to pulling your trigger," Hill informed Van Sant.
But inside the early 2000s, Thomas had moved on, ultimately settling within Las Vegas. Jim Huden
along with Thomas lived separate lives until June associated with 2002, when she reconnected with
Jim at a funeral upon Whidbey Island.
It turns out Jim Huden had help acquiring to Mexico along with staying out of sight pertaining to
more than 6 years.
In the particular chaos subsequent Hurricane Charlie throughout August 2004, Jim Huden blew from
town.
With this new evidence, Island County investigators flew to end up being able to Las Vegas, where
Peggy Sue Thomas agreed to resolve his or her new questions.
"Those calls had been about the 23rd involving December, where we had been playing phone tag,"
Thomas advised Van Sant.
One month later, authorities came pertaining to Peggy Sue Thomas.
"He informed me, 'There are things about me that will I'm not really gonna tell you, so don't ask,"
said Mabarak.
"Yeah, while he ended up being lying to be able to each folks and which we were each believing
him," your woman replied.
Thomas claims the lady was at shock through Jim's confession.
"You did not be involved in any kind of way, conspire for you to kill him?" Van Sant requested
Thomas.
"You paused, though. Would the girl say one thing near that?"

"Yes," Boyer affirmed. "I mean, I ended up being clear on it."

"At that will point, they'd nothing to hold him on. That They had simply no warrant. Zero indictment.
so they brought him home," mentioned Jean Huden.
"We knew nothing," he replied.
Instead, Jim Huden informed Hill he'd been abused simply by his stepfather as getting a child.
Asked if the lady is at enjoy together with Jim Huden, Thomas told Van Sant, "I was."
The true-crime author of over 2 dozen The Large Apple times bestsellers tells "48 Hours" she
couldn't assist but write in regards in order to the Russel Douglas case.
Thomas would always be a trailblazer. Throughout the actual Navy, your woman served as an
aircraft mechanic during Operation Desert Storm.
48 hours Segment Extras
At the same time, cops had just raided Peggy Sue Thomas' residence in Las Vegas.
SEEKING JUSTICE FOR RUSSEL DOUGLAS
"Yes, I did. Yet I can inform you, if I ended up being the true definition of a gold digger, we were
built using a prenup also it entitled me to end up being able to approach more than $700,000 plus a
boat," the lady replied.
"I swear on the love pertaining to my children. I swear in my life," your woman replied.
"After we had confirmed the particular identity in the man within the vehicle as becoming Russel
Douglas, we ... chose to go and also converse using the wife Brenna Douglas," stated Plumberg.
A globe from Whidbey Island, Washington, it's happy hour inside a small town on the west coast
regarding Florida. A Person about the stage is actually Detective Mark Plumberg's mysterious caller.
With simply no tough evidence against them, each Jim Huden as well as Peggy Sue Thomas were
free to go.
Jorge Mabarak remembers the concert within Veracruz exactly where Jim has been one of the
featured performers. Mabarak, the CBS Information consultant, says this fugitive coming from
justice were built using a soft side.
"And it's just-- I-- it have got to the point where I couldn't take action anymore. I'm tired of investing
in Jim's mistake," the girl said.
His theory? Peggy lured Russel compared in order to that secluded region on Whidbey Island for you
to exchange a gift with regard to Brenna. It ended up being here that Jim Huden lay throughout wait
with a gun.
Under the actual regards to your ex plea deal, even when extra evidence can be uncovered, Peggy
Sue Thomas can certainly not be faced with murder.

And bear within mind the first suspect within this case, the victim's wife, Brenna Douglas?
Investigators located zero evidence that cash actually changed hands among Brenna, Jim Huden
along with Peggy Sue Thomas. but prosecutor Banks says Brenna remains upon his radar.

"He just disappears," said Det. Plumberg.

Meanwhile, the other woman inside Jim Huden's life, Peggy Sue Thomas, continued to operate a
vehicle limos inside Las Vegas. Despite getting a new murder suspect, the girl hit the particular
jackpot when the lady satisfied Mark Allen within 2007.
Play Video
"If a person look at the actual videos of him he truly looks imply about the stage. However he had
been not. He was a very soft guy, really tender, extremely comprehending ... and there was in simply
no way virtually any -- just about any symbol of violence or perhaps virtually any attitude -- an
aggressive attitude. Never," he informed Van Sant.
Jim Huden caught a lucky break when Hurricane Charlie hit the west coast regarding Florida. The
Particular murder suspect was now gone with almost all the wind.
Meanwhile back within Florida, Jean Huden's lifestyle had fallen apart. By Simply 2011, the lady had
turn directly into a drug addict -- arrested multiple times in fees which range from possession for
you to forgery for you to theft.
"No," she replied. "I married Mark 'cause I loved him deeply."
Jean as well as Jim Huden
Jim Huden (police video): I'm any son of your bitch, however I - I --I'm absolutely no killer. However
I'm a new son of your bitch.

"And we know coming from experience that the spouse in a murder is often -- the particular
perpetrator," Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks explained. "There had been no-one otherwise
that the authorities could find -- that were built together with a purpose -- in order to murder Russ.
...Brenna has been the particular prime suspect."
Suspects surprised using simultaneous, separate interrogations
"She was very open, answered all of my questions," Plumberg stated of Thomas. "Nothing
concerning her reaction made me second-guess anything."
Mark Allen is a multimillionaire oilman and thoroughbred horse owner. 1 of his horses had been the
particular winner of the 2009 Kentucky Derby.
But Jim wasn't comfy discussing his past.
Thomas provides denied that conversation ever took place. Yet for Boyer, your episode resulted in
the startling realization.
"And she looked over me and he as well as she said, 'Well, no much less than this time I'll
understand to throw it within the water," Boyer informed Van Sant. "I went house as well as I
literally just fell apart. I mean, I just-- like, I just started shaking. I was crying."
Russel Douglas' vehicle at the crime scene

After just seven a couple of months associated with marriage, Mark Allen was separated via both
Peggy Sue Thomas and a sizeable chunk associated with change.
"Almost absolutely no reaction," Plumberg told Van Sant. "I would anticipate a minimum of a slew
involving questions: 'Who, what, when, where, why and how?'"
Jim Huden told Bill Hill how the cash could be divided.
"I assumed your murder weapon will be at the bottom of Puget sound and that we would not see it
again," mentioned Plumberg.
Facing severe jail occasion for multiple felonies, Jean Huden decided to cooperate along with
investigators.
"They confirmed me a picture of a gun along with requested if I'd seen it," Thomas told Van Sant.
What Huden said subsequent had been bizarre -- that he wished to seek revenge pertaining to his
stepfather's abuse simply by killing yet another abuser.
First up regarding trial can be Thomas' former lover along with alleged trigger man, Jim Huden.
Prosecutor Greg Banks says there could have been several motives for murder: insurance money as
well as that Huden has been out in order to avenge the abuse he claims he had been put through like
a child.
But Jean Huden says the girl began to discover a new troubling adjust in their husband from then on
funeral.
"And -- he had an ins -- mental insight upon people. Everybody such as him. He likes everybody -- he
liked everybody. never had any kind of problem," Mabarak said. "He would end up being a blues
player along using a blues man."

"Oh, your woman was furious," Jean Huden replied.

"And I had been down along along with a little heartbroken. Along With the girl said, 'Do one thing
crazy.' so I did," Thomas told Van Sant. "I ended up winning."
Detective Plumberg presses Jim Huden to notice if he'll now implicate Peggy Sue Thomas or maybe
the victim's wife, Brenna Douglas.
"The murder regarding Russel Douglas," said Van Sant.
In the woman's home, however, Peggy Thomas' pageant memorabilia holds a unique location
regarding honor.
"Absolutely," stated Plumberg.
"Not that will I remember, no," Thomas replied.
"And I'm exactly about proving myself in the man's world," the girl said.
Cops say these people in zero way discovered virtually any evidence that Russel Douglas bodily
abused anyone.
"Honestly, have you marry him pertaining to his money?" Van Sant questioned Thomas.
"His mind, believe it as well as not," said Thomas.
Hill agonized more than that will secret, waiting six weeks prior to he made your contact to show
within his great friend, Jim Huden.
"I'm absolutely suggesting the truth," stated Thomas.
Bill Hill
Hill declared Huden began naming his accomplices. The Actual first: his own girlfriend, Peggy Sue
Thomas. It has been large break within the case.
Along the actual way, she married and divorced 3 times -- raising two beautiful daughters, Taylor as
well as Mariah.

"... he was just never the particular same," she said. "He started to find extremely depressed and
also dark and also started drinking heavily along with doing drugs plus it just wasn't Jim anymore."
And Boyer wasn't the only individual getting issues with Thomas.
Investigators had a strong circumstantial case against Peggy Thomas and also Jim Huden. Keep
within mind individuals insurance policies?
But luck was about Plumberg's aspect when he received an unbelievable tip.
"She mentioned that he had had several affairs," Plumberg said. "She pointed out which he might be
emotionally abusive. she alluded for you to several physical abuse."
Investigators get Jim proper where they want him, nevertheless he shuts down.
AUTHOR ANN RULE ON THE DOUGLAS MURDER
Jim Huden refused to take the stand, leaving unanswered exactly what the real motive may get been.
Right After an eight-day trial and twenty witnesses, the particular jury took less than four hrs to
reach any verdict.

"I don't think of myself as a stupid person, yet in the large event it found Jim Huden, I was a
complete moron," Jean Huden advised Van Sant.
"Did he possess a handgun together with him?"
"He just falls off the facial skin with the Earth?" Van Sant asked.
"Far from it, actually," Thomas replied with a laugh.
"Not -- no. not that," the girl replied.
"I could sense which it had been one thing which was actually deep," said Hill.
Meanwhile Det. Plumberg ended up being understanding more in regards to always be able to the
relationship in between Jim Huden along with Peggy Thomas. They'd stood a long history together
each becoming an adult in Whidbey Island.
"Hey Brenna? Peter Van Sant, CBS News. Following all of this time, investigators nonetheless
believe anyone had been involved in the murder of one's husband. What do you've for you to say in
order to that?"
"How will a former beauty queen end up in the center of your murder case?" "48 Hours"
correspondent Peter Van Sant inquired Thomas.
"A person that's smart adequate to recognize that will within this tiny small community regarding
individuals who have been fed and also fed and fed the story in which isn't true ... which I wasn't
gonna get a fair trial," your woman replied.
Dynamic protection attorney Craig Platt will represent Peggy Sue Thomas. Requested if Jean Huden
ought for you to be believed, Platt told Van Sant, "No, absolutely not. There are consequently many

problems with Jean Huden's testimony, it actually boggles my head for you to know where to begin."
"I mean, (sighs) he would be a excellent man. and he just -- he did every thing your woman
questioned him to," the lady said.
After the girl ignored repeated requests to speak along with "48 Hours", Van Sant finally came in
person together with Brenna in the retailer parking lot:
"Head more than heels," the girl replied.
"That's a bit ominous."
"How do Peggy react to it?" Van Sant asked.
"This is actually in regards in order to a confederacy involving dunces. This is about misinformation
being able to develop and become perpetuated as well as utilized against an innocent woman to end
up being able to attempt to convict your ex for a crime the lady didn't commit," stated Platt.
Las Vegas became Jim Huden's residence from home. He'd lie in order to Jean, telling the woman's
he was coming here looking for gigs, when he was actually meeting Peggy Thomas. Your beauty
queen has been now creating a excellent living generating that will limo.
Peggy Sue Thomas: No.
"I said, 'No, I haven't.' Along With that they said, 'Well, it may become the murder weapon. We've
matched it with all the ballistics,'" said Thomas.
"What time ended up being this?" Van Sant asked.
"Jim Martin. Thus everybody knew him as Jim Martin," Mabarak informed Van Sant.
The man your woman loved was a productive software developer. Jim Huden had even offered a
program to Microsoft.
"Things got hot and hefty right away," Hill said. "He had really strong feelings with regard to her."
KIRO-TV report: Tonight, Island County detectives possess a murder mystery about their hands.
They're searching for that person or individuals responsible for that shooting death associated with
32-year-old Russel Douglas.
It was just around the period investigators think Russel Douglas has been murdered.
Among your pals whom visited Thomas along with Jim Huden in Las Vegas: Brenna Douglas, that
partied with these just 3 months prior to her husband has been murdered upon Whidbey Island.

"And in which money, $400,000, we've heard $500,000," Van Sant said. "But which would've cleared
the decks regarding Brenna."
"-- to always be able to murder Russ..." Van Sant asked.
Jean Huden admits the girl lied to always be able to investigators regarding Jim's whereabouts with
regard to years.
Play Video

"He loved this area. He would come here along with sit with regard to hours," said Jorge Mabarak,
that was obviously a close friend regarding Jim Huden's in Veracruz. but he knew him by a distinct
name.

Play Video
"So what innocent individual accepts any plea offer where you're gonna end up inside prison
regarding four years?" Van Sant asked Thomas.
"It had been ... a new scary situation," Hill mentioned associated with testifying. "I couldn't take a
glance at him the complete period I was about the stand."
THE INFORMANT
"I got Jim out with the country. I supported him for years. I went to Mexico to see him," stated Jean
Huden.
Play Video
Thomas is entitled to parole on Aug. 12, 2016.
"And I took it right away for you to our state laboratory who was, within hours, in any place to
confirm this fired in which shell casing plus it fired the particular bullet that individuals pulled
through Russel's head. The idea was virtually as well great being true," Plumberg informed Van
Sant.
Six months later, it had been Peggy Sue Thomas' turn for you to deal with justice. Along With Banks
had a witness who was ready for you to implicate her: Jim Huden's wife, Jean.
Brenna said his or her marriage was in trouble. They Will had separated, however Russ was
remaining using your ex in supplement for you to their a couple of children more than Christmas.
"Did you encourage Jim --" Van Sant questioned Thomas.
"Absolutely not. I shouldn't reduce Russ's death throughout any way because I grieve pertaining to
his family," your woman replied. "But I'm additionally any victim within this. ... I'm truly quitting 4
numerous years of my well being pertaining to some thing I didn't do."
"You think in a new single approach or even yet another Peggy Sue Thomas was involved in this
program to murder Russell Douglas?" Van Sant asked the actual detective.
"I felt completely afraid. I slept about the couch using a .357 beneath me, beneath my pillow," stated
Hill.
Also tripping out was Bill Hill, which couldn't believe investigators had advised Jim that he ended up
being your informant.
"No."
"Did Brenna, Russel Douglas' wife, did the girl realize that her husband involved to become
assassinated?" Van Sant inquired Hill.
Det. Plumberg (police video): Anyone understand what you've informed Bill. He's your better pal in
the total world. ... who a person told ... that a person simply killed this guy in Whidbey Island.

Jim Huden: that you guys are here.

Why Ann Rule has been intrigued with all the Russel Douglas murder case
From left, Peggy Sue Thomas, Brenna Douglas along with Jim Huden
Band mates open up concerning rocker, murder suspect
"Peggy herself informed me the girl has been involved in this murder. so I mean it does not find a lot
clearer compared to that," mentioned Jean Huden.
"Yes," Plumberg said. "Peggy Thomas, the lady I had spoken to, works throughout las Vegas as a
limousine driver. and I said, 'Well, therefore far, I can easily confirm his story. Let's go from here.'"
KIRO TV report: Guilty as charged! an Island County fugitive now faces years at your rear of bars...
"Did anyone tell him, 'Look, he's a kid abuser?" Van Sant continued.
"Would you like to have Jean Huden up on the stand with an opportunity to cross-examine her?" Van
Sant asked.
"Jim and also I spoke, connected about this level of losing someone we each loved," mentioned
Thomas.
Mabarak can always be a famous jazz pianist in Mexico and often played onstage using Jim.
"How achieved it arrive which your own lover, Jim Huden, shot Russ Douglas inside the head, unless
you place him approximately it?" Van Sant asked.
"I figure there should be a new greater program at the end of all this pertaining to me," she said.
"There's one thing fantastic in one other aspect regarding this and I do not necessarily know what
tend to be the lesson is actually yet, but there's gotta end up being one."
Det. Plumberg (police video): I consider the particular plot with regard to this didn't originate from
you. I don't feel the scheme for this originated in anyone ... A Person got played Jim.
Peggy Sue Thomas
"He says, 'I shot him,'" Hill explained. "I said, 'What?' He says, 'Yeah.' He says, ' Got the gun along
with ... shot him in the head.'"
48 hours Segment Extras
"Yeah. I think that's -- that's what, in the warped alcohol, pickled, drug-altered thoughts involving
Jim Huden -- was the one thing that was makin' sense to end up being able to him," Banks replied.
After Googling your band's name, Det. Plumberg zeroed inside about the bass player.
And that's when investigators got the break they needed. Jim Huden has been arrested inside
Veracruz, Mexico, and also returned in order to Whidbey Island practically eight years following
Russel Douglas had been murdered.

"At 1 time, the lady does say something," Thomas said. "'He's really worth much more in my
experience dead than alive.'"
"You had been married to some rock star now?" Van Sant asked Jean Huden.
"That ended up being definitely the incorrect factor to do," she advised Van Sant.
Det. Plumberg: Just what could it be that a person are afraid of?
"Yes. or any wannabe ... rock star," she replied.
While investigators about Whidbey Island were left scratching their particular heads, questioning
exactly where Jim Huden had gone, little does they are generally totally aware that he ended up
being greater than 2,000 miles away throughout Veracruz, Mexico.
CLOSING IN ON SUSPECTS
"We got any call from an investigator inside New Mexico," Plumberg said, "who stated he had spoke
with somebody who thinks they might have the murder weapon in the Russel Douglas homicide."
"What have you enjoy about him?" Van Sant asked.
"Uh-huh," the lady replied. "Yeah. It's possible. This is possible. I just -- to become honest, I do -- I
honestly don't don't forget stating that..."
"Peggy, using this plea deal, have you get away with murder?" Van Sant requested Thomas.
48 Hours
For the next seven months, the situation consumed Detective Plumberg.
"I didn't see a gun," said Thomas.
Just weeks in to the investigation, cops discovered a feasible motive: money. Brenna, whom owned
any curly hair salon, was at credit card debt and also together with Russel's death, she would
receive a six-figure payout.

"These accusations which I'm concerned within this crime are already a lie since the beginning,"
Thomas told Van Sant.
But there was a bit problem. Jim Huden ended up being married and living in Punta Gorda together
with his wife, Jean.
Thomas explained for you to cops your woman ended up being again on Whidbey for your holidays.
she ended up being calling Russel to always be able to supply him with the Christmas present on her
friend, Brenna.
"Did Brenna at just about any time say for you to you, 'You know, I wish he has been dead,'" Van
Sant inquired Thomas.
"You did acquire $700,000 and a houseboat," Van Sant noted for you to Thomas.
Just a few times before likely to prison, Thomas shared a few final moments together together with
the woman's daughters.
"Are a person difficulty Peggy?" Van Sant asked.
They were hoping a suggestion may lead all of them to the gun utilized to murder Russel Douglas.
"I thought within maybe a quantity of warped way this would bring us closer together. An Individual
know, if we shared this horrible secret," Jean Huden told Van Sant. "That Brenna and Peggy and
which he had planned to kill Russel Douglas."
Even Jean Huden admits your ex memory is a bit shaky.
"Mark ended up being madly crazy about Peggy?" Van Sant inquired Vicky Boyer.

"I broke. I broke. I couldn't believe that the person I loved as well as allowed straight into my
residence could kill someone. I has been hysterical that will day," she told Van Sant.
"He (sighs) ... necessary to figure out something," Hill told Van Sant. "I said, 'OK.' I didn't know if he
was gonna tell me he has been gay or even somethin'."
"And Peggy had been madly inside love with his bank accountant," Van Sant commented.
"He said he desired to venture out and get a number of cigarettes," stated Thomas.
"I stood a childhood crush in him," mentioned Thomas.
After an interview , Thomas referred in order to as Jim Huden in order to confront him.
"...there had been no less than a pair of life insurance policies," said Banks.
But a mysterious caller was ready to unlock every one associated with the tricks of this murder.
"Not one," stated Plumberg.
"Practice to be able to Deceive" can be revealed through Simon along with Schuster Inc., which can
easily be owned simply by CBS Corporation, the parent business regarding CBS Information and
CBSNews.com.
"At which point, he is just tripping out as they understands it's only a matter of time," the lady said.
The Russel Douglas murder investigation
Vicky Boyer labored along with Thomas and also Allen upon their particular horse ranch in New
Mexico.
"Late morning," Thomas replied, "between 10 as well as 11."
"Absolutely not!" Thomas interrupted.
"You would believe so, yeah," Banks replied.
"When the actual informant called, he told us he played in a band. ... known as 'Buck Naked as well
as the Xhibitionists,'" mentioned Detective Mark Plumberg.
"I have got not followed you. These are questions anyone should talk about. Peggy says that you
simply when said to the girl in which Russ has been worth much more to anyone personally dead
than alive. Brenna talk to us. I'll request a person 2 questions and also we'll go away," Van Sant
inquired as Brenna Douglas drove away.
"You know, this situation is all about acquiring justice with regard to Russ Douglas. I mean, (sighs)
what does Russ do? He ended up being attempting to accomplish the right factor by his wife,
attempting to find again together. And Also with regard to he got a bullet inside the head," said
Banks.
"Tell me about the Jim that arrives back again to the house. Exactly what can you see?" Van Sant

asked Thomas.
While that will locker had been empty for that nearly all part, elsewhere in the residence, "48 Hours"
does discover Jim Huden's birth record in the state regarding Washington, his Florida driver's
license and his border crossing paperwork dated Sept. 10, 2004.
"I had a minimum of 3 cops along with guns in order to my head telling me for you to 'Freeze!
Freeze! Freeze!' As Well As they will consider my auto keys ... place me within handcuffs, shove me
in a dark laundry room," stated Thomas.
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"When your detective came up, he said 'You're inside fairly large trouble,'" Thomas recalled.
Jim Huden executing onstage throughout Mexico
"It was amazing ... she started working out and the excess weight just fell off," said Vicky Boyer, who
ended up being simply when Thomas' great friend. "To me, I ended up being like, 'You go girl!' As
Well As then, someone had approached the woman's concerning maybe becoming Ms. Washington."
"He just disappears," your detective replied.
Detectives allege Jim Huden and Peggy Thomas lured Russel Douglas to become able to his death by
simply asking for you to drop off the existing for Russel's wife, Brenna. both Ji...
"Well, I believed he couldn't know him," Thomas replied. "I don't think I could've stated or even did
say almost anything to him to make him go psycho like he did."
Produced simply by Chris O'Connell along with Greg Fisher
"Yeah," your woman replied.
Hill then revealed the actual name regarding the next accomplice: Brenna Douglas, your victim's
wife.
"So that's when the double lifestyle began," mentioned Jean Huden.
Jean Huden says, following his interrogation, Jim became frantic
Before your woman was obviously a murder suspect, Thomas, 48, had already lived a full life. She's
any former beauty queen, however Thomas wasn't born having a pageant sash across the girl chest.
"No tears, no strange behavior, no sweat coming out of his forehead--nothing? " Van Sant asked.
"I mean, your woman remains the suspect in my mind," he advised Van Sant. "To this day."
"Absolutely not!" stated Thomas.
48 hours Segment Extras
TRACKING Any FUGITIVE

"I believe it meant everything to her," Boyer said. "Everything the girl required came from in which
pageant."
But Thomas' anger didn't last long. Your a pair of lovers couldn't remain far from each other as well
as in December 2003, Jim Huden informed his wife he has been planning to spend christmas
together with his family members back again upon Whidbey Island. Nevertheless it had been just yet
another chance to get a romantic rendezvous using Peggy Thomas
Detective (police video): Therefore ahead of February a person by simply no means observed Jim
within possession of the gun such as that?
Jim as well as Jean Huden are generally even now legally married. That They have got not
necessarily spoken throughout years.
Jim Huden had been sentenced to 80 years within prison.
In an effort for you to generate new leads inside the case, Island County investigators went to the
media as well as announced that will Jim Huden along with Peggy Sue Thomas had been their
particular prime suspects.
"Jim Huden ... what do you know concerning this guy?" Van Sant asked Det. Plumberg.
Though the lady didn't pull the particular trigger, investigators tend to be convinced Peggy Sue
Thomas assisted set happens with regard to Russel Douglas' murder about the island the girl knew
so well.
"I needed to finally tell these people exactly where he was," she told Van Sant.
Jim Huden: It's not really true.
"The Jim I always saw," she replied.
Vicky Boyer had usually believed in her friend's innocence inside the murder involving Russel
Douglas. that is actually until 1 night inside a bar, a new drunken Peggy Sue Thomas allegedly joked
concerning "taking care" of the difficulty for a friend as well as mentioned that they might use her
gun.