48 Hours

Why Did Josh Kill? (13x3)

Air date: Oct 07, 1999

Last November, 8-year-old Maddie Clifton vanished from her Jacksonville, Fla., home. After a frantic citywide search, she was discovered hidden in the waterbed of a 14-year-old boy who lived across the street. Josh Phillips was put on trial, convicted of first-degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. But the question remains: Why did he do it? 48 Hours finds out. For seven days, parents Steve and Sheila Clifton held out hope, and with the help of dozens of volunteers searched desperately for their daughter. Correspondent Peter Van Sant reports on how Josh was viewed by his family, friends and teachers. Was there any hint that he could end up murdering his playmate?