The Firefighter's Secret | Full Episode
- Dec 5, 2024
- 40:58
- Full Episode
A young woman is found dead in her burning home. She’d been involved with a firefighter — could he have set a fire to cover her murder? "48 Hours" contributor Nikki Battiste reports. (Aired Nov. 30, 2024)
True crime. Real justice. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.
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Brief Summary
Melissa Lish was murdered by Matthew Ploy before giving birth, leading to a complex investigation and trial.
Key points
- Tragic Fire Before Thanksgiving. On November 25, 2020, a devastating fire claimed the life of Melissa Lish, an EMT, just days before she was due to give birth.
- Matthew Ploy: A Man of Secrets. Matthew Ploy, the father of Melissa's unborn child, kept the pregnancy a secret and was present at the scene of the fire.
- The Investigation Begins. Investigators delve into the circumstances of the fire, questioning whether it was accidental or intentional.
- The Shocking Autopsy Results. Autopsy results reveal that Melissa was murdered, leading to a deeper investigation into Matthew Ploy's involvement.
- A Grieving Family's Quest for Justice. Melissa's family holds a funeral for her and her unborn baby, grappling with their loss and seeking answers.
- Matthew Ploy Found Guilty. After a week-long trial, Matthew Ploy is found guilty of first-degree murder.
Episode highlights
- Tragic Fire Before ThanksgivingOn November 25, 2020, a devastating fire claimed the life of Melissa Lish, an EMT, just days before she was due to give birth.“My heart just sank because we were not sure if Melissa was home or not.”1:14Dec 5, 2024
- Matthew Ploy: A Man of SecretsMatthew Ploy, the father of Melissa's unborn child, kept the pregnancy a secret and was present at the scene of the fire.“He was trying to set up a story that there was an accidental house fire.”3:55Dec 5, 2024
- The Investigation BeginsInvestigators delve into the circumstances of the fire, questioning whether it was accidental or intentional.“We could identify at least three very simple and easy ways to exit this resident.”12:49Dec 5, 2024
- The Shocking Autopsy ResultsAutopsy results reveal that Melissa was murdered, leading to a deeper investigation into Matthew Ploy's involvement.“What was found was evidence of strangulation including hemorrhages around her neck.”15:29Dec 5, 2024
- A Grieving Family's Quest for JusticeMelissa's family holds a funeral for her and her unborn baby, grappling with their loss and seeking answers.“We didn't get to kiss his forehead, touch his cheek.”15:55Dec 5, 2024
- Matthew Ploy Found GuiltyAfter a week-long trial, Matthew Ploy is found guilty of first-degree murder.“We the jury find the defendant Matthew Ploy guilty of first-degree murder.”36:37Dec 5, 2024
- Victim Impact StatementsMelissa's family shares their grief during sentencing, highlighting the impact of her loss.“We lost Melissa in the prime of her life.”37:31Dec 5, 2024






