Ep 14. The Daughters Who Disappeared

In 2017, two teenage girls, Ashley Freeman and Lauria Bible, disappeared in Oklahoma after a triple homicide at Freeman's family home. Despite extensive searches and investigations, their whereabouts remained unknown for years. Now, in episode 14 of 48 Hours season 35, titled "The Daughters Who Disappeared," correspondent Erin Moriarty delves into this mysterious case and uncovers new evidence that sheds light on what really happened to Ashley and Lauria.

The episode begins with a chilling audio recording of a frantic 911 call made by a neighbor who witnessed the Freeman's home engulfed in flames. The triple homicide that occurred at the scene, which claimed the lives of Ashley's parents and younger brother, was initially thought to be a drug-related crime. However, when no suspects or motives were found, the focus of the investigation shifted to the missing girls.

Moriarty speaks with family members, friends, and law enforcement officials involved in the case, piecing together the events leading up to Ashley and Lauria's disappearance. She explores the possibility that the girls may have witnessed the murders and were subsequently targeted by the killer to keep them quiet. Moriarty also uncovers evidence that suggests the girls may have been taken out of state and potentially sold into human trafficking.

The story takes a surprising turn when a private investigator on the case uncovers a potential suspect who had been previously overlooked by law enforcement. The man, who was a friend of Ashley's brother and had been at the Freeman home the night of the murders, had a history of violent behavior and had been seen in the area where the girls' bodies were believed to be buried. Moriarty speaks to the suspect's ex-girlfriend, who claims that he confessed to killing the girls and burying their bodies, and who had even taken her to the burial site.

Throughout the episode, Moriarty also explores the emotional toll that the case has had on the families of Ashley and Lauria. She speaks with Lauria's mother, who has tirelessly searched for answers and justice for her daughter, even starting a foundation to raise awareness for missing and exploited children. The episode ends on a somber note, as the search for Ashley and Lauria's remains continues with little hope of finding them alive.

Overall, episode 14 of 48 Hours season 35 is a haunting and heart-wrenching exploration of a decades-long mystery. Moriarty brings a depth of empathy and insight to the case, highlighting the pain and loss experienced by the families of the missing girls. With new evidence uncovered, the episode offers a glimmer of hope for the possibility of closure and justice.