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Key evidence in the disappearance and death of millionaire Andreen McDonald

Andreen McDonald: A Millionaire Vanishes
Andreen McDonald: A Millionaire Vanishes 42:00

Millionaire business owner Andreen McDonald was known for her strict workout regimen. On the morning of March 1, 2019, when she didn't show up for work, her employees called the gym, which was her usual first stop in her morning routine. They found out she never showed up there either, which raised red flags. What happened to the San Antonio businesswoman, wife and mother?

The McDonalds

Andreen and Andre McDonald
Andreen McDonald, pictured with Andre McDonald, in front of a sign for Starlight Homes, their assisted living business in San Antonio. Instagram

Married couple Andreen and Andre McDonald were the picture of success. Andre McDonald was a major in the Air Force, and together, he and Andreen McDonald built an assisted living business from the ground up and became millionaires.

Feb. 16, 2019: Andre's 40th birthday party

Andre McDonald
Andre McDonald at his 40th birthday party. Instagram

For Andre McDonald's 40th birthday, Andreen McDonald threw him a party at their San Antonio home. According to friends, the couple seemed to be getting along.

Feb. 28, 2019

Andreen McDonald evidence
After a heated argument that evening, Andre McDonald says he left the house to cool off at that gas station.  Bexar County District Courts

According to Andre McDonald, during a meeting at a tax preparer's office, he discovered Andreen McDonald had opened a separate business without his knowledge. He later told police, when they got home a heated argument ensued. Andre McDonald said he left the house and went to a gas station to cool down. While there, the argument continued via text.

Revealing text messages

Andreen McDonald evidence
A text between the McDonalds. Bexar County District Courts

The couple argued about the business as well as alleged infidelity in the marriage, and even discussed the possibility of divorce. In one message, Andre McDonald texts, "Andreen I don't care if you file for divorce."

Andre McDonald said when he returned home, he thought his wife was sleeping in a separate bedroom.

March 1, 2019

Andreen McDonald evidence
A Bexar County sheriff's deputy discovered what he believed was blood on the wall and possibly a hair. Bexar County District Courts

When Andreen McDonald didn't show up to work the next morning, her friends and colleagues became concerned. They picked up Andreen McDonald's mother, Maureen Smith, from work and drove to the house. Smith called police and reported Andreen missing. 

When a Bexar County sheriff's deputy responded to the McDonald home, the group walked him through the house. The deputy noticed something disturbing: there was blood and hair on a light switch in the bathroom.

The burn pile

Andreen McDonald evidence
A zipper from Andreen McDonald's blouse was discovered in a  burn pile in the backyard. Bexar County District Courts

In the backyard, they discovered a burn pile. In it, a zipper was visible. The deputy also found that Andreen McDonald's purse, ID and keys were still at the house, but her phone was missing.

When Andre McDonald returned to his home to find law enforcement there, he claimed he did not know where his wife was but revealed they had an argument the night before. After an investigator arrived on the scene, Andre McDonald refused to speak further and requested an attorney.

March 2, 2019

Andreen McDonald evidence
Andre McDonald is seen at the checkout of a Lowes store. Two red gas cans can be seen on the counter. Bexar County District Courts

The next morning, surveillance video captured Andre McDonald in a Lowe's purchasing a cart full of items including a shovel and an ax.

March 2, 2019 - 2:00 p.m.

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Surveillance video of Andre McDonald purchasing a 9mm handgun and ammunition. Bexar County District Courts

Later that day, an undercover investigator assigned to watch the McDonald house noticed that the garage had been damaged and saw Andre McDonald backing out of the driveway. The investigator followed him to a nearby gun shop where additional investigators, who were called to the scene, observed Andre McDonald purchasing a 9mm handgun and ammunition.

"We were under the assumption that he was purchasing a gun to probably harm himself," lead investigator Frank Stubbs told "48 Hours." 

Andre McDonald was detained as he walked from the store to his car. The investigators turned him over to military authorities for a mental evaluation.

Suspicious items