Don't Scream

This gripping episode of 48 Hours recounts the harrowing true story of Tiffany Mead, a young mother who survived a near-fatal throat slashing by her estranged husband, Chris Ertman, in 2013. Initially reported as a suicide attempt, the case quickly unraveled into a complex web of deception, with Tiffany claiming Ertman attacked her, while he insisted she had tried to kill herself. Detectives Bob Thompson and Jen Daly faced immense challenges: a missing knife, a forged letter from a non-existent 'Mary Olson,' and Ertman’s calm demeanor. The breakthrough came when Daly discovered a crucial clue—a sticky note with a name—leading to a jailhouse informant who revealed Ertman’s intent to orchestrate a hit on Tiffany while in custody. After multiple failed attempts, an undercover sting finally captured Ertman on tape agreeing to pay $5,000 for his wife’s murder. Though the case never went to trial, Ertman pleaded no contest to attempted murder, obstruction of justice, and solicitation to commit aggravated murder. He was denied parole and will not be eligible for release until 2029. Tiffany, now living with PTSD and fear, remains protected by her new husband and emotional support dog, with Daly standing by her side as a lifelong advocate.