Duck hunters rarely venture out alone, yet it seemed like Mike Williams had broken that

cardinal rule one December morning in 2000, heading into the dark waters of Lake Seminole all by

himself.

His disappearance sparked Florida's most baffling missing persons case, one that would expose

a web of betrayal orchestrated by his own wife.

Denise Williams played her part masterfully. The grieving widow's tears seemed genuine,

her devastation complete. She embodied the image of a devoted spouse suddenly thrust into tragedy,

but beneath her carefully crafted

facade lay a sinister truth that would take 17 years to surface. This is Monsters. Jerry Michael Williams, who went by Mike, was born on October 16, 1969 in Florida.

He and his older brother Nick grew up in Bradfordville, just northeast of Tallahassee.

The Williams brothers attended North Florida Christian High School,

where Mike was described as an excellent student who was the student body president. It was at that

school that Mike met and started dating Denise Merrill. He was also in high school that Mike met

Brian Winchester, who would go on to become one of his best friends.

Mike and Denise continued dating after high school where Mike attended Florida State University.

After he graduated with a degree in political science and city planning, they got married and began

their adult lives together. Mike became a property appraiser for the Ketchum appraisal group and was very successful.

Denise became a certified public accountant.

Their lives weren't all work with no play, though.

Mike's friend Brian had also gotten married to his high school sweetheart, Kathy Aldridge,

and the couples would often go out together and party.

Having all grown up in conservative Christian families,

...