Ep 7. Desperate Cry

On The Case With Paula Zahn is a true crime documentary series that examines some of the most disturbing and perplexing criminal cases of the past few decades. The show uses extensive interviews with investigators, family members, and other people involved in the cases, as well as dramatic reenactments and archival footage, to tell the stories of these crimes and the people affected by them.

Season 12 episode 7, titled "Desperate Cry," focuses on the case of a missing woman named Ida Barnes. Ida was a 42-year-old mother of three who disappeared from her home in Gravette, Arkansas, in August 2010. Her family reported her missing two days later after they could not reach her by phone or find her at her home.

The episode opens with Paula Zahn explaining the circumstances of Ida's disappearance and introducing the major players in the case, including Ida's family and the investigators working on the case. We hear from Ida's sister, brothers, and daughter, who describe Ida as a loving mother who had her struggles but was always there for her family.

The investigation into Ida's disappearance begins with a search of her home and the surrounding area. Investigators find no signs of a struggle or forced entry, but they do find some curious clues. Ida's cell phone, purse, and car keys are all missing, but her car is still in the driveway. There is also evidence that someone tried to clean up blood in the kitchen, though it is unclear whose blood it is.

As the search for Ida continues, investigators begin to suspect foul play. They question Ida's ex-boyfriend, who has a criminal history and a history of domestic violence, but he denies any involvement in her disappearance. They also track down a man who was seen at Ida's house the night she disappeared, but he too denies any involvement and has an alibi.

Despite the lack of a body or any other concrete evidence, investigators begin to focus on one suspect in particular: Ida's ex-husband, Howard. Howard and Ida had a bitter divorce, and there were allegations of abuse on both sides. Howard had a history of violence and had recently been released from prison on a drug charge. When investigators question him about Ida's disappearance, he becomes defensive and uncooperative.

Over the course of the episode, we hear from investigators, forensic experts, and family members as they piece together the evidence in this complex case. We learn about the challenges of investigating a missing persons case without a body, and the painstaking work that goes into analyzing DNA evidence. We also hear about the toll that Ida's disappearance has taken on her family, as they struggle to come to terms with the fact that she may never be found.

As the episode builds to its conclusion, we see the investigation take a dramatic turn. A new witness comes forward with information that could finally crack the case wide open. We won't spoil the ending here, but suffice it to say that "Desperate Cry" is a riveting episode of On The Case With Paula Zahn that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.