Ep 10. A Predator In The Woods

On The Case With Paula Zahn is a true crime television series that features in-depth analysis of various criminal cases, including murders, disappearances, and other violent crimes. In season 20, episode 10 titled "A Predator In The Woods," Paula Zahn delves into the mysterious disappearance of Melody Ann Jones, a 31-year-old mother, from her home in Warsaw, Missouri.

Melody Jones was a dedicated mother to her two young children and had no known enemies. On June 1, 2018, she went out on an evening run and never returned home. Her husband, Shane Jones, searched for her that night, but found no trace. The following day, Shane reported his wife missing to the police, initiating an extensive search.

As law enforcement combs the area, a primary suspect makes himself known to the Jones family. Jeffery Dean Litton, a local resident, claims he saw Melody during her run and that she had asked him for directions. Litton asserts that he gave her directions before driving off in the other direction. He later claims that he saw someone in a red truck following Melody and that he tried to follow them, but lost sight of both vehicles.

Litton's claims were initially taken seriously by law enforcement because he had been a volunteer firefighter and had assisted in the search efforts. However, inconsistencies in his story began to emerge, and investigators grew suspicious of his behavior. They discovered that he had a prior conviction for a sexual offense and that he had made inappropriate comments to women in the past.

As the investigation proceeds, new evidence is uncovered that leads to a disturbing discovery in Litton's home. Investigators found a hidden room in his basement that contained a large collection of child pornography and disturbing literature on the abduction, rape, and murder of women.

The investigation into Melody Jones' disappearance raised questions about Litton's potential involvement in other unsolved crimes in the area. Zahn speaks with law enforcement officials and family members about how the investigation led to Litton's arrest and eventually his conviction.

Throughout the episode, Zahn explores the impact of unsolved crimes on families and communities and the importance of perseverance in investigations. She also raises broader questions about the link between sexual deviance and violent crime.

"A Predator In The Woods" is a gripping episode that takes viewers on a journey through a complex investigation in a small Missouri town. Through interviews with family members, law enforcement officials, and experts, the episode offers a detailed look at the case and the hunt for a violent predator.