Ep 1. Crime And Injustice

On The Case With Paula Zahn is an investigative series that explores some of the most fascinating and puzzling criminal cases in the United States. In season 21 episode 1, named "Crime And Injustice," Paula Zahn delves into the stories of four different victims who were let down by the justice system. Each of these cases highlights the ways in which the American legal system can fail those who need protection the most.

The episode begins with the story of a young girl named Jessica Chambers, who was killed in December 2014 in Panola County, Mississippi. Jessica was just 19 years old when her car was found on fire near her hometown of Courtland. She was severely burned and had suffered from a number of stab wounds, and she died shortly after being taken to the hospital. Despite intense investigation, the perpetrator of this violent crime remained at large for years, as the case languished unsolved. In the meantime, family members and friends of Jessica Chambers were left to mourn her loss and beg for justice. Paula Zahn will explore the details of this case and the subsequent trial and sentencing of the accused.

The second story follows the case of Mollie Tibbetts, an Iowa college student who was murdered while jogging in the summer of 2018. Mollie's disappearance made national headlines and hundreds of volunteers searched the area for her, but no trace of her was found for weeks. Eventually, the investigation brought police to a cornfield where they discovered her body. The man accused of killing her was arrested and charged, but his defense team has argued that he was pressured into confessing and that the confession is not substantive enough to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Paula Zahn will speak with the family of Mollie Tibbetts and examine the facts of the case.

The third story focuses on the case of a 12-year-old girl named Kelsey Smith, who disappeared from a Target parking lot in Overland Park, Kansas in June 2007. Security cameras captured footage of Kelsey walking out of the store, but she never made it home. Police searched for her for days and eventually found her body in a park in Missouri. A man was later arrested and convicted of her kidnapping, rape, and murder, but supporters of Kelsey's family argue that the investigation took too long to get started and that the police department failed to take the case seriously enough in the early stages. Paula Zahn will explore the details of the case and speak with Kelsey's family members.

Finally, the episode will showcase the case of Trevell Coleman, a rapper who was sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit. Trevell was convicted of murder in 1993 and served 17 years in prison before he was exonerated thanks to DNA evidence. The case highlights the failings of eyewitness testimony and how it can lead to wrongful convictions. Paula Zahn will speak with Trevell Coleman and examine the factors that led to his wrongful conviction.

Overall, season 21 episode 1 of On The Case With Paula Zahn delves into the complexities of the criminal justice system and the challenges that often arise in cases of violent crime. Through interviews with family members, investigators, and attorneys, Paula Zahn offers a comprehensive look at the crimes themselves as well as the aftermath and impact on those affected by them.