The Man Who Knew Too Much

48 Hours Mystery Reports On Murder Of U.S. Journalist In Moscow

(CBS)  "It's not going to be enough just to find some scapegoat," says Michael Klebnikov. "It has to be taken right to the very top, wherever that top is."

The Russians insisted they had their men and in January began their jury trial. Two men charged with murder, one with conspiracy. The proceedings were secret. Then four months later, a verdict: not guilty on all counts.

Russian law allows acquittals to be appealed - but that process is now stalled despite official American efforts. And the Klebnikovs’ earlier confidence in Russian justice has been shattered.

"My fear is that at a certain point, the investigation will reach a level high enough where it reaches some very powerful people and then it's gonna stall out," adds Peter Klebnikov.

High-ranking U.S. officials assure the family they are keeping pressure on the Kremlin, but will that be enough?

"People abroad make a mistake in the West very often about Russia," says Franchetti. "They think that they can come here and start telling the Russians what to do. The Russians don't react to that kind of pressure. They just don't."

It’s still unclear where this mystery will end: back in the killing ground of Tolyatti, in the violent landscape of Chechnya or perhaps back in Moscow and the massive money machine of its new economy.

As Franchetti points out, no one at this point is even sure of the motive: "Most likely, it's something that he was actually working on, as opposed to something he already published. But I'm afraid that we just don't know."

And it something we may never know.

When the Committee to Protect Journalists presented its International Press Freedom Award to Paul, Musa accepted on his behalf.

"One great journalist has been killed but I hope other journalists will pick up the banner and fight on -- because an attack on one journalist is an attack on all journalists. And in this case, on hope itself. Thank you," she said.

In the end, it's not symbolism but cherished memories that will keep Paul Klebnikov alive for his family, memories and the music and culture of the country he loved as much as his own.

"What he really loved was the old Russian songs," says Musa. "One of the things that really makes me think about Paul is that these songs would go way down with the whole choir."

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The Committee to Protect Journalists wants President Bush to urge Russia's president to pursue justice in the Klebnikov murder. The two presidents meet this month.

An international team of investigative reporters, calling themselves "Project Klebnikov," is developing new information in the case.