Emilie Morris was an Oxygen documentary called “The Case Died with Her”, airing Sunday December 6th from 7-8 PM ET/PT that tells her story and suspects any mishandling by authorities of her case involving sexual abuse at 16 years old by former high school coach who sexually abused her at that age. Officially her death was classified as accidental asphyxiation by authorities but her family and friends suspect otherwise and believe her case was mishandled by authorities; their story will also be featured.
The Abuse | Emilie Morris
Emilie Morris was a promising athlete at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, Missouri in the mid-1990s when her life took a devastating turn when she fell under Jim Wilder’s influence – her cross-country coach at 29 at that time – who began grooming and manipulating her into sexual relationships lasting two years with him as they allegedly exploited their positions of power and trust over her.
The Confrontation
Morris kept her abuse a secret for many years, suffering depression, anxiety, alcoholism and suicidal thoughts as a result. While she tried to move on with life – marrying twice and having two children – but never truly healed from its trauma; rather than accepting responsibility herself she blamed herself and felt shame and guilt over what had transpired.
The Confrontation
Morris decided to confront Wilder and seek justice for what had been done to her. She reached out through social media, making an appointment to meet in the parking lot of a shopping mall where they would speak on an audio recorder concealed inside her sports bra; hoping a confession might surface from him.
Wilder admitted having sexual relations with Morris when she was underage, yet tried to justify his actions by explaining that she was the “persuasive one”. Their relationship was “electric”, according to Wilder. Additionally, he claimed he wasn’t being creepy or predating on her; rather he cared for her deeply.
Morris gave her recording to police and gave a taped interview detailing the abuse she endured. Additionally, she filed a civil suit alleging negligence and failure to protect from Wilder and his school district; Wilder was later arrested and charged with six counts of statutory sodomy.
The Death
Morris was set to testify against Wilder in court on November 5, 2014. Unfortunately, on November 4th she was found dead by her mother. An autopsy determined she died from asphyxiation but left its cause unclear; this could have been an accident, suicide or even murder.
Family and friends were devastated to hear of her suicide, particularly considering she was so close to getting justice. Furthermore, suspicious circumstances may have contributed to it; such as:
- Her phone was missing at the scene and has never been recovered, and there were no signs of forced entry or struggle in her apartment door, while a laptop computer found open on her bed contained an email draft addressed to Wilder’s wife.
- Her civil lawsuit against Wilder and the school district had already been dropped without prejudice two days before her death; while afterward her criminal prosecution against Wilder was dropped due to lack of witnesses. Consequently, both lawsuits were discontinued.
- Family and friends of Morris have long suspected that someone may have murdered her or coerced her into killing herself to silence her, as well as believing the police did not conduct a full or adequate investigation of her death. Since her passing they have fought tirelessly for answers and justice for Morris.
- “The Case Died with Her” is a new documentary that delves into Morris’ life, abuse and eventual death through interviews with family, friends, lawyers and former prosecutors; as well as excerpts from recordings she made with Wilder and footage from her recorded police interrogation interview.
This documentary seeks to shed light on Morris’ story and raise awareness about sexual abuse by authorities or legal systems, while questioning their treatment of her case.
The Documentary
This documentary is hosted by former prosecutor Loni Coombs, who provides analysis and commentary about the case. It draws heavily from an original 2018 report written by BuzzFeed News reporter Jessica Testa.
Emilie Morris was an American student and cross-country runner who died at 35, shortly before she was scheduled to testify against a former high school coach who sexually abused her at 16. Her death occurred shortly before she was scheduled to testify against the coach who sexually abused her as a 16 year old.
Who Is Jim Wilder? Jim Wilder served as Morris’ cross-country coach at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, Missouri and allegedly lured and seduced her into a sexual relationship that lasted two years.
FAQs: The Ultimate guide to your questions
Q: How did Emilie Morris die?
A: Emilie Morris died by asphyxiation caused by a plastic bag over her head and helium tank placed nearby her bed, although its exact cause and manner of death remains undetermined – it could have been an accident, suicide or homicide.
Q: What happened to Jim Wilder?
A: Jim Wilder was arrested and charged with six counts of statutory sodomy in 2013 after Morris recorded their conversation in which Wilder admitted having sexual relations with her as she was underage. Nonetheless, this criminal case was dismissed following Morris’ death because the prosecution needed her testimony for proceeding; since then he has never faced trial or punishment for his alleged crimes.
Q: What does “The Case Died with Her” refer to?
A: “The Case Died with Her” is an Oxygen documentary which delves into Morris’ life, abuse and eventual death through interviews with her family, friends, lawyers and former prosecutors – including excerpts from recordings she made with Wilder and footage from a police taped interview she gave herself.
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