Welcome to Secrets True Crime, the Eric Cates and Gypsy Story.

I'm your host Amber Sitten.

What is done in darkness will eventually come to light.

That is the purpose of this podcast.

To shine light on the story of Eric Cates, his beloved dog gypsy, and the town of Empire, Alabama.

Listener discretion is advised.

The subject matter may involve violence, sexual content, murder, and adult themes.

It is not suitable for younger listeners.

This is episode 6 of a serial podcast and they are designed to be listened to in order.

It has always been reported that Eric was last known to be seen alive that Friday night at

the Blue Store by Crystal, a store employee.

At the end of the last episode, I told you that Eric left the Blue Store at 8.03 p.m. and headed south on Hill

Road. Here is where things start to get a little fuzzy.

Tanya told us the Blue Store closed at 8.30 p.m.

But Crystal is adamant that the Blue Store closed at 8 p.m.

Regardless of the official time the store was supposed to close,

what we can tell you is there were customers there

well after 8 p.m.

and the doors were not locked until 8.26 p.m.

More importantly, that last reported sighting at 8.03 p.m.

doesn't fit with the story Toby has always been told about Eric

coming back to the store to ensure Crystal closed up and left safely.

...