Ep 2. Bound By the Truth

On The Case With Paula Zahn season 8 episode 2, titled "Bound By the Truth," explores a story of a woman's mysterious disappearance from a small town in New Jersey. The episode delves deep into the investigation process and the efforts of law enforcement officials and loved ones in search of answers.

The episode begins with the disappearance of a woman named Jeanette DePalma in August 1972, who was only 16 years old at the time. Her disappearance had been heavily covered by the media at the time, and many theories had emerged in regards to the possible reasons behind her vanishing. Over the years, the case remained unsolved, and it eventually faded into obscurity.

Decades later, a writer named Jesse P. Pollack became interested in the case and started his own investigation. He was fascinated with the strange circumstances surrounding Jeanette's disappearance and felt that there might be more to the story than what the authorities had previously concluded.

Through his research, Jesse discovered that a cult-like group had been active in the area at the time of Jeanette's disappearance. The group, known as The Witches, practiced occult rituals and was led by a self-proclaimed witch named Bill Haines. They believed in the power of sacrifice and had been known to perform animal sacrifices in the woods surrounding the town.

As Jesse delved deeper into the case, he discovered that many of the witnesses and individuals involved in the investigation had passed away or were unwilling to talk. Nevertheless, he remained determined to uncover the truth and finally bring closure to Jeanette's loved ones.

Paula Zahn meets with Jesse to discuss his findings and explore the case together. They bring in former detectives who worked on the case and local journalists who covered the story at the time to re-examine the evidence and retrace the steps taken by the authorities in their investigation.

The episode takes viewers through a gripping tale of twists and turns, as the team uncovers shocking new evidence to piece together a dark and unsettling story. They also explore the possible reasons behind the lack of progress in the initial investigation and the influence that the cult-like group may have had on the local authorities.

As the investigation unfolds, questions continue to arise: Was Jeanette a victim of The Witches' cult practices? Did her disappearance have a more sinister motive behind it? Or was her case simply one that slipped through the cracks of an inadequate investigation and was left forgotten for decades?

Through detailed interviews and investigative work, "Bound By the Truth" takes viewers on a compelling journey to uncover the mystery surrounding Jeanette's disappearance. The episode highlights the unwavering dedication of individuals seeking answers, even when they seem impossible to find.