Ep 4. What The Little Girl Saw
- January 20, 2023
In episode 4 of season 46 of ABC's 20/20, titled "What The Little Girl Saw," viewers are taken on a chilling journey through the eyes of a young girl who witnessed a murder.
The episode retells the story of the murder of Jodi Parrack, an 11-year-old girl who was found strangled in a cemetery in Constantine, Michigan in 2007. The case went unsolved for years until a break in the case came from an unlikely source - a little girl named Rayne Perrywinkle.
Rayne's mother took her to a Florida Walmart in 2013 where they ran into a man named Donald Smith. Smith offered to buy Rayne some clothes and snacks and her mother, who was in a difficult financial situation, accepted. Smith then took Rayne to a nearby McDonald's and later to a Dollar General store, all while her mother waited in the Walmart parking lot.
As the night went on, Smith's behavior grew more and more erratic, and Rayne became increasingly uncomfortable. Eventually, Smith convinced Rayne to leave the store with him and promised to take her back to her mother. Instead, he took her to a nearby church where he sexually assaulted and killed her.
After Rayne's mother reported her missing, police were able to track Smith down and arrest him. During the investigation, they discovered that Smith had a criminal history that included sexual assault on minors and possession of child pornography.
As part of their investigation, police showed Rayne a photo lineup to see if she could identify her abductor. She picked out Smith's photo without hesitation, providing crucial evidence to convict him in court.
The episode includes interviews with law enforcement officials who worked on both the Jodi Parrack and Rayne Perrywinkle cases. They explain the challenges they faced during the investigations, how they were eventually able to solve the crimes, and the impact these cases had on their lives.
The episode also features interviews with family members of both Jodi and Rayne, who share their emotional experiences and how they have coped with the devastating losses of their loved ones.
"What The Little Girl Saw" is a heartbreaking and sobering portrayal of the impact of violent crime on families and communities, as well as the importance of justice for the victims and their families. It serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to prevent and solve violent crimes, particularly those committed against children.
