Ep 3. Salt in the Wound

On The Case With Paula Zahn is a true crime documentary series that examines complex criminal cases to uncover the truth behind some of the most mysterious and sensational crimes in American history. The show follows veteran journalist Paula Zahn as she uses her years of experience to investigate unsolved cases and shed light on the events that led to these heinous crimes.

In season 20 episode 3 titled "Salt in the Wound," Paula Zahn investigates a baffling case that has remained unsolved for years. The episode explores the story of a young woman named Jennifer Odom who vanished from her Florida hometown more than two decades ago. Jennifer was just twelve years old when she went missing, and her disappearance has haunted her family and friends for years.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to Jennifer Odom and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. We learn that Jennifer was a smart and lively sixth-grader who enjoyed playing music and spending time with her friends. On February 19th, 1993, Jennifer was walking home from her school bus stop when she vanished without a trace.

The police launched an extensive search for Jennifer, but the investigation turned up few leads. Over the years, several leads were followed, but none of them led to Jennifer's whereabouts. The case went cold, and Jennifer's family was left with no answers.

The episode then delves into how the community rallied together to keep Jennifer's memory alive. Jennifer's family and friends continued to search for her, and law enforcement officials never gave up on the case. The episode also introduces viewers to some of the people who were directly involved in the search for Jennifer, including law enforcement officials, volunteers, and private investigators.

Then, a break in the case leads to a shocking revelation that shakes the community to its core. A local man named Larry Peavy, who had been convicted of multiple sexual offenses in the past, became the focus of the police investigation. Investigators discovered evidence that linked Peavy to Jennifer's disappearance and death.

The episode then explores the details of the investigation and the trial and sheds light on the evidence that led to Peavy's conviction. The case is a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk in even the safest of communities and highlights the efforts of law enforcement officials to bring justice to victims and their families.

Overall, "Salt in the Wound" is a compelling episode that explores a heartbreaking story of a young girl's disappearance and the community's determination to bring her killer to justice. With Paula Zahn's insightful analysis and the use of archival footage and interviews with those involved in the investigation, the episode provides a gripping account of a case that shook a community and still resonates to this day.