Ep 51. Police Suspect Man Killed Son for Insurance Payout

In the latest episode of ABC's 20/20, we delve into the tragic case of a man suspected of killing his own son for insurance money. The episode, titled "Police Suspect Man Killed Son for Insurance Payout," examines the story of Joseph Kuaffman, a father from New Mexico who was charged with the murder of his 12-year-old son, Alex.

On November 24, 2018, Joseph Kuaffman called 911, reporting that his son Alex was missing. He claimed that Alex had run away from their home in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Search parties were organized, and the community came together to help look for the young boy. However, after searching for weeks, there was still no sign of Alex.

As the search continued, suspicion grew around Joseph Kuaffman. Police began to investigate the father's connections to a life insurance policy worth $50,000 that he had taken out on Alex. The policy had been active for less than a year, and it had been taken out without the knowledge of Alex's mother.

Further suspicions arose when it was revealed that Joseph had a history of financial struggles and had recently filed for bankruptcy. The insurance money could have provided some relief to his financial woes.

As investigators continued to dig deeper, they discovered that Joseph had told people Alex had a history of running away, even though there was no evidence of this. He had also been seen buying alcohol and marijuana on the day Alex went missing. These behaviors raised a red flag for authorities, and they issued a search warrant for the Kuaffman family home.

During the search, police found the body of Alex buried under a pile of debris in the backyard shed. The discovery confirmed the worst fears of the community: that Alex had died at the hands of his own father.

In the aftermath of Joseph Kuaffman's arrest, questions swirled about what could drive a father to kill his own son for money. The investigation revealed a troubled family history, with allegations of drug abuse and domestic violence.

As the case made its way through the courts, the defense argued that there was no concrete evidence linking Joseph to the murder. They pointed out that the cause of death could not be determined, and that the search for Alex was not conducted in a way that would guarantee the preservation of any possible crime scene.

Nonetheless, after deliberating for only a few hours, a jury found Joseph Kuaffman guilty of second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Throughout the episode, ABC's 20/20 takes a deep dive into this harrowing case and the heartbreaking loss suffered by a young boy and the community that tried to bring him home. It provides a clear portrayal of the investigation that ultimately led to Joseph Kuaffman's conviction.

The episode features interviews with family members of Joseph and Alex, as well as law enforcement officials involved in the case. Additionally, viewers gain insight into the workings of the legal system, the intricacies of forensic science, and the emotional toll that the loss of a child takes on a community.

Overall, "Police Suspect Man Killed Son for Insurance Payout" is a riveting episode and a sobering reminder of the tragic consequences of greed and violence.