48 Hours Mystery Season 24 Episode 33 Follow the Money

In episode 33 of season 24 of 48 Hours Mystery, titled "Follow the Money," the show examines the case of a wealthy oilman who is found murdered in the small town of Lufkin, Texas. The victim, Mickey Bryan, was a beloved first-grade teacher and her husband, Joe Bryan, was convicted of her murder in 1986. Now, over 30 years later, new evidence has come to light that may exonerate Joe and shed light on the real killer.

The episode begins by introducing Mickey and Joe Bryan and their seemingly idyllic life in small-town Texas. Joe was a respected high school principal and former football coach, while Mickey adored her job as a teacher and was beloved by her students and colleagues alike. But on February 12, 1985, everything changed when Mickey was found brutally murdered in the couple's bedroom.

Joe Bryan quickly became a suspect in his wife's murder. Prosecutors argued that his alibi was flimsy, that his behavior was suspicious, and that he had a financial motive for killing his wife. Mickey was independently wealthy thanks to her family's oil business, and Joe stood to inherit a sizable fortune if she died.

Despite the lack of physical evidence tying him to the crime, Joe Bryan was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. His conviction was based largely on circumstantial evidence - there were no witnesses, no murder weapon, and no concrete motive - but the power of the state's case proved too much for the jury to resist.

Now, over 30 years later, new evidence has emerged that could exonerate Joe Bryan and shed light on the real killer. In "Follow the Money," 48 Hours Mystery investigates this new evidence, which centers around a theory that Mickey's murder was not a crime of passion but a calculated hit carried out by a contract killer. The episode interviews experts on forensic psychology and criminal behavior who explain why this theory is credible and how it could be key to proving Joe's innocence.

The episode also takes a closer look at the financial aspect of the case. Prosecutors argued that Joe had a financial motive for killing Mickey, but the defense team argues that the real financial motive lay with Mickey's family and business associates. The episode delves into the complex financial dealings of the Bryan and Mitchell families, and reveals how the oil boom of the 1980s may have played a role in Mickey's murder.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to key players in the case, including Joe Bryan and his family, Mickey's family, and the detectives and lawyers involved in the original trial. The show also includes never-before-seen interviews with key witnesses and people close to the case. Together, this evidence sheds new light on a 30-year-old murder case and raises troubling questions about the nature of justice in America.

"Follow the Money" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode of 48 Hours Mystery that takes viewers down a path of twists and turns in a case that has continued to captivate audiences for decades. With new evidence and explosive revelations, this episode is a must-see for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in the intricacies of the American justice system.