Ep 49. Jury Delivers Verdict in Gainesville Love Triangle Murder

On this episode of ABC 20/20, viewers are taken inside a riveting courtroom drama as the verdict is delivered in a high-profile murder trial. The case centers around a love triangle in Gainesville, Florida, that turned deadly in August of 2018. The victim, 33-year-old Henry “Hank” Costa, was a local businessman who had been romantically involved with 30-year-old Ashley McArthur. McArthur was a former police officer who owned a firearms business and had become close friends with the victim over the course of several years.

But when Hank Costa’s wife discovered the affair and confronted him about it, a series of events was set in motion that would lead to tragedy. Prosecutors allege that McArthur, driven by jealousy and a desire to eliminate her rival for Costa’s affections, shot the victim in the back of the head and then went to great lengths to cover up the crime.

The trial has captivated the community of Gainesville, drawing intense media attention and attracting crowds of curious onlookers to the courthouse each day. In a case with circumstantial evidence and no eyewitnesses to the crime, the prosecution and defense teams have fiercely battled it out in court. Key questions have arisen about the character of both the victim and the defendant, as well as about the timeline of events leading up to and following the murder.

As the verdict is read, viewers will be on the edge of their seats, waiting to hear the decision of the jury and the fate of Ashley McArthur. Will she be found guilty of first-degree murder, as the prosecution has argued, or will the defense’s case of reasonable doubt sway the jury in her favor? The stakes are high, and the outcome of the trial will have far-reaching implications for all involved.

Through interviews with key players and expert analysis, ABC 20/20 provides in-depth coverage of this gripping case and sheds light on the complexities of the justice system. Whether viewers are legal enthusiasts or simply interested in following a real-life crime drama, this episode is sure to captivate and inform.