Ep 7. A Death in Payson Canyon

In the 32nd season of the popular true crime series, 48 Hours, episode 7 titled "A Death in Payson Canyon" focuses on the mysterious death of Sarah McNeel, a Utah mother, and her young son, Jacob. The episode begins with the 911 call made by Sarah's husband, Josh, who reports that his wife and son are missing from a camping trip in Payson Canyon. Police immediately launch a search and rescue mission, but when Sarah's body is found at the bottom of a cliff, it quickly becomes a homicide investigation.

As the investigation progresses, law enforcement becomes suspicious of Josh's story. He claims that Sarah fell while they were taking a hike, but his account of the events doesn't add up. As detectives dig deeper, they uncover a web of lies and deceit. Josh had been cheating on Sarah and had taken out a large life insurance policy on her just before the camping trip. On top of that, he had also been researching how to stage a hiking accident and how to find the perfect place to dispose of a body.

The episode features interviews with family members, friends, and law enforcement officials, who piece together the timeline of events and reveal the secrets that ultimately led to Sarah and Jacob's death. Viewers will hear from Sarah's sister, who expresses her suspicions about Josh early on in the investigation, and from the detective who spent countless hours piecing together the evidence that ultimately led to Josh's arrest.

The episode also details the legal battle that followed. Josh initially refused to plead guilty and went to trial, where he defense argued that Sarah's death was an accident. However, the prosecution presented evidence of the life insurance policy, Josh's affair, and internet searches for how to stage a hiking accident. In the end, Josh was found guilty of first-degree murder for Sarah's death and second-degree murder for Jacob's death.

"A Death in Payson Canyon" is a gripping and emotional episode that showcases the painstaking work of law enforcement officials to solve a complex and tragic case. It's a reminder of the importance of seeking justice for victims and their families, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. As the episode draws to a close, viewers will witness the love and devotion of Sarah's family and friends, who continue to hold her memory close and seek to honor her legacy.