Ep 8. Stacey Stites: The Girl in the Pines

Stacey Stites was a 19-year-old girl who worked at a grocery store in Bastrop, Texas. She was engaged to be married to a police officer, a man named Jimmy Fennell who was 10 years older than her. In 1996, Stacey was found dead on the side of a country road, her body partially hidden in the brush. She had been strangled to death with a belt, and her murderer had left behind a semen sample.

For years, Stacey's case remained unsolved, until Fennell's DNA was tested in 2016. The results showed that his DNA matched the semen found on Stacey's body, and he was arrested for her murder. However, Fennell has always maintained his innocence, and the case remains a controversial one.

In this episode of ABC 20/20, correspondent Deborah Roberts investigates Stacey's murder, speaking with her family, friends, and those involved in the case. Roberts also speaks with Fennell's former lawyer and a forensic expert who worked on the case to try and gain a better understanding of what happened on the night of Stacey's murder.

The episode also explores the racial tensions that exist in Bastrop, an area that has a history of racism and discrimination. Fennell was a white police officer, while Stacey was a white woman who was engaged to a black man. Some have suggested that Fennell's connections in law enforcement and his political power influenced the investigation, leading to a wrongful conviction.

Through interviews with those close to Stacey and those working on the case, viewers are given a detailed look at the evidence against Fennell and the possible motives behind Stacey's murder. As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that there are still many unanswered questions surrounding this tragic case.

Overall, Stacey Stites: The Girl in the Pines is a compelling episode of ABC 20/20 that takes a deep dive into a complex and controversial murder case. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime and those who want to learn more about the issues of racism and justice in America.