Blood and Water: Face to Face

True Crime Vault: All American Murder

Jul 7, 20261h 24mSummary

This episode of 20/20 delves into the harrowing and complex case of AJ Armstrong, a teenager accused of murdering his parents, Dawn and Antonio Armstrong, in their Houston home. The narrative explores the chilling discovery of the couple, who were found shot in their bedroom with pillows placed over their heads, in a house that appeared to have no signs of forced entry. The hosts recount the night of the crime, starting with a 911 call from a distressed AJ, and follow the investigation as police quickly shift their suspicion toward him. Key segments of the episode examine the evidence that baffled investigators, including a mysterious note left on the kitchen counter, a bullet hole found in the floor of AJ’s bedroom, and conflicting statements made by the teen during police interrogations. The episode also provides insight into the "all-American" reputation of the Armstrong family, highlighting Antonio’s background as a former professional football player and the family's deep ties to their community. Through interviews and legal analysis, the program tracks the legal battle, the multiple trials, and the enduring questions surrounding a case that left a community and a family shattered.

The After Show: Cold Cases - Baby Holly and Yogurt Shop Murders

Jul 6, 202619 minSummary

In this episode of The After Show, host Deborah Roberts sits down with Mindy Montford, the founder of the Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit at the Texas Attorney General’s Office. The discussion centers on the grueling but vital work of investigating long-dormant criminal cases. Montford, who has collaborated extensively with the 20/20 team, provides insight into the investigative process, specifically highlighting her work on the high-profile Baby Holly case and the complex Yogurt Shop murders. A major theme of the conversation is the evolution of investigative techniques. Montford explains the importance of approaching cold cases with a fresh perspective, often starting from the beginning of the case file to avoid the pitfalls of past tunnel vision. She emphasizes the impact of modern DNA technology and the critical role of interagency collaboration. Beyond the technical aspects, the episode explores the emotional toll of the work, with Montford sharing her commitment to being a voice for victims and providing families with the answers they have sought for decades. The episode concludes with practical advice for personal safety and a reflection on the meaning of justice in cases where closure remains elusive.

The Snare, Episode 3: "No Good Explanation"

Jul 1, 202631 minSummary

In this third episode of The Snare, the investigation into Angie Dodge's murder centers on the relentless interrogation of Chris Tapp. Despite physical evidence—specifically DNA found at the scene—failing to match Tapp or his friend Ben Hobbs, police continue to apply intense pressure on Tapp during multiple polygraph examinations. Under this strain, Tapp’s narrative shifts repeatedly; he eventually implicates his friend Jeremy Sargis, offering graphic, fabricated details about the crime that investigators use to secure a confession. The episode examines the devastating consequences of these interrogations, not only for Tapp, who is ultimately convicted, but also for those caught in the police’s dragnet, such as Sargis, who faced immense social and personal ruin despite being cleared. The narrative follows Tapp’s trial, his conviction, and the judge's unusual sentencing decision. Perhaps most significantly, the episode highlights the evolution of Angie’s mother, Carol Dodge. After years of demanding justice and pushing law enforcement, her deep dive into sixty hours of interrogation footage leads her to a startling realization that challenges everything she previously believed about the case and Tapp’s true role in her daughter's death.

True Crime Vault: A Killing on the Cape

Jun 30, 20261h 24mSummary

This episode of the 20/20 True Crime Vault examines the chilling 2002 murder of Christa Worthington, a glamorous fashion writer found dead in her remote Truro, Cape Cod home. The investigation captivated the nation, as Worthington was discovered by a former boyfriend, with her two-year-old daughter, Ava, found unharmed beside her body after being left alone for nearly two days. The hosts explore the complexities of Worthington’s life, detailing her transition from a high-society New York journalist to a solitary life in a historic cottage. The discussion delves into the tangled web of personal relationships, affairs, and secrets that surfaced during the investigation. With no prior murders in the quiet town for decades, local police faced immense pressure while navigating a list of suspects that included Worthington’s former lovers, the father of her child, and even family members. The episode highlights the investigative challenges, including a poorly managed crime scene and the eventual, controversial use of a DNA dragnet. Ultimately, the story serves as a haunting look at how a quiet, tight-knit community was forever changed by a violent tragedy that left investigators searching for justice in a sea of rumors and heartbreak.

The Snare, Episode 2: He's Turning On You

Jun 24, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of The Snare, the investigation into the 1996 murder of Angie Dodge takes a dramatic turn. Seven months after the crime, detectives shift their focus to Ben Hobbs, a friend of the victim, after receiving a tip about a separate sexual assault case involving a knife. Simultaneously, police bring in another friend of the victim, Chris Tapp, for an intense series of interrogations. As detectives pressure both men, the narrative becomes increasingly complex and contradictory. Tapp, initially claiming he knew nothing, eventually changes his story multiple times under the stress of polygraph testing and threats of the death penalty. He ultimately alleges that Hobbs confessed to the murder and rape, claiming he acted as an unwilling witness. Meanwhile, Hobbs vehemently denies any involvement, remaining confident that his DNA will clear his name. The episode culminates in a significant turning point when the DNA results return, exonerating Hobbs and leaving investigators back at a standstill, forcing them to re-evaluate their entire case and the reliability of the statements they have spent weeks collecting.

True Crime Vault: Sabrina: Lost or Stolen?

Jun 23, 202643 minSummary

In this episode of 20/20, the podcast examines the haunting and controversial disappearance of five-month-old Sabrina Eisenberg, who vanished from her family home in Valrico, Florida, in 1997. The investigation quickly turned against the parents, Steven and Marlene Eisenberg, as law enforcement and the public grew suspicious of their unemotional demeanor and decision to hire a lawyer. The episode details the intense pressure the couple faced, including failed polygraphs and a massive search that authorities seemed to conduct with the assumption of foul play by the parents rather than an abduction. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the controversial secret wiretapping of the Eisenbergs’ home, which police claimed captured incriminating statements. However, the episode reveals that these tapes were largely unintelligible and served as the basis for a federal prosecution that was later declared to be conducted in bad faith. The podcast explores the emotional toll on the family, their move to Maryland, and their persistent belief that Sabrina is still alive. The episode concludes by highlighting the long-standing questions, potential leads—including a mysterious child found in Illinois—and the ongoing quest for truth in a case that remains an enduring mystery.

The After Show: Her Last Call

Jun 22, 202630 minSummary

In this episode of The After Show, host Deborah Roberts and producers Denise Martinez-Ramundo and Jeff Schneider revisit the tragic 2008 kidnapping and murder of Denise Amber Lee. The discussion explores how this harrowing case became a catalyst for significant improvements in 911 emergency protocols in Florida. By analyzing chilling, previously unreleased 911 calls, the team demonstrates how Lee’s quick thinking—leaving breadcrumbs and personal items behind—provided investigators with the critical evidence needed to identify her captor, Michael King. The conversation highlights the profound impact of the crime on Lee’s family, particularly her two sons, who speak publicly about growing up without their mother and the complex feelings surrounding her legacy. The episode also provides an update on the case’s resolution, detailing the eventual execution of the perpetrator and the family’s ongoing dedication to advocacy. Through emotional interviews and investigative insights, the hosts examine the intersection of personal tragedy and systemic change, honoring Lee’s bravery while reflecting on the resilience of those she left behind.

Her Last Call

Jun 20, 20261h 26mSummary

The podcast episode Her Last Call from 20/20 details the harrowing true story of the 2008 disappearance of Denise Lee, a young mother from North Port, Florida. The narrative begins with the chilling discovery by her husband, Nathan, who returned home from work to find their two young children alone and his wife missing. As a former law enforcement officer himself, Denise’s father quickly mobilized a massive search effort, realizing early on that his daughter would never voluntarily abandon her children. The episode reconstructs the investigation through emotional interviews and the chilling inclusion of 911 audio recordings. Viewers hear the desperate calls for help placed by Denise while she was being held captive, as well as critical tips from observant citizens who spotted her abductor’s green Camaro. The program highlights the heroic efforts of a neighbor and a passing motorist who provided law enforcement with vital clues despite the perpetrator’s attempts to evade detection. This tense, investigative episode explores the rapid, multi-agency response to the crisis and the devastating reality of a tragedy that deeply affected the local community.

The Snare, Episode 1: Peacekeeper

Jun 17, 202631 minSummary

In the premiere episode of The Snare, titled Peacekeeper, 20/20 explores the haunting 1996 murder of 18-year-old Angie Dodge in Idaho Falls. A vibrant and business-minded teenager, Angie was found brutally murdered in her apartment, a crime that shattered her small, tight-knit community. The episode details the investigation led by Detective Jeff Pratt, who meticulously processed the crime scene and faced the daunting challenge of a case with no initial suspects. The narrative highlights the perspective of Angie’s mother, Carol Dodge, whose persistent and tireless search for justice became the driving force behind the case for decades. As police struggled to find leads, the community was gripped by fear, and rumors began to circulate. The episode also introduces Chris Tapp, a young man who was brought in for questioning, setting the stage for a complex and troubling legal journey. Through interviews with those who knew Angie, the podcast paints a poignant portrait of a young woman whose life was stolen, while underscoring the early efforts of investigators to use developing DNA technology to capture a killer who had left behind chilling, mysterious evidence.

True Crime Vault: Undercover Girlfriend

Jun 16, 20261h 26mSummary

In this episode of 20/20, the podcast investigates the tragic 2017 disappearance of Yingying Zhang, a brilliant visiting scholar from China who vanished shortly after arriving at the University of Illinois. The narrative traces the frantic efforts of campus police, the FBI, and Zhang’s devastated family as they navigate the sprawling university grounds in search of clues. The investigation hits a breakthrough when law enforcement discovers surveillance footage of Zhang entering a black Saturn Astra, a rare vehicle model that becomes the focal point of the case. The episode highlights the critical investigative work of Sergeant Carter, whose meticulous frame-by-frame analysis of the grainy footage revealed a specific defect on the car’s hubcap, ultimately leading authorities to suspect Brent Christensen, a local graduate student. The discussion explores the chilling contrast between Christensen’s mild-mannered academic life and the darker reality of his actions. Through interviews and detailed reporting, the program reconstructs the high-stakes interrogation process and the harrowing search for the truth, shedding light on how collaborative police work and persistent family advocacy attempted to resolve a case that shook the international academic community.