48 Hours Mystery Season 20 Episode 12 A Storm of Murder
- August 16, 2008
- 43 min
In season 20 episode 12 of 48 Hours, titled "A Storm of Murder," viewers are taken to the small town of Manchester, Tennessee where a horrific crime took place on Easter Sunday in 2018. The episode begins with a frantic 911 call made by a concerned neighbor who discovered a woman's body in her backyard. The victim was identified as Sue Zywicki, a 21-year-old college student who was travelling from her home in New Jersey to Iowa to attend school when she was abducted and murdered.
48 Hours delves into the details of the case, including the initial investigation, the discoveries made by forensic experts, and the search for the killer. We meet Sue's family and friends who share their memories of her, describing her as a kind and caring person with a bright future. It is heartbreaking to see their grief and despair as they struggle to come to terms with her death.
The investigation into Sue's murder was complicated by a number of factors. For one, it took place during a hurricane which made it difficult for law enforcement and forensic teams to operate. The killer left few, if any, clues which further complicated the investigation. However, the investigators refused to give up and worked tirelessly to find justice for Sue and her family.
As 48 Hours unfolds, it becomes clear that the case was especially difficult for Sue's mother and sister who have been haunted by the crime for decades. They describe their initial disbelief when they learned of Sue's death, their frustration with the pace of the investigation, and their ongoing search for answers. But, they also speak to the resilience and strength they have developed over time while fighting for justice for Sue.
Throughout the episode, 48 Hours speaks with investigators who worked on the case, including retired FBI agent Ted Gunderson, who discusses the unusual aspects of the investigation and the determination shown by the investigators. They also highlight the forensic evidence that was discovered during the investigation, including new DNA evidence that was found and matched to a potential suspect.
Overall, "A Storm of Murder" is a powerful and emotional episode that highlights the tireless efforts of the investigators who worked on this case, as well as the strength and resilience of the Zywicki family in the face of unspeakable tragedy. Viewers will be deeply moved by this compelling true crime story that takes us on a journey to find justice for a young woman whose life was cut tragically short.