Ep 37. Alisa Mathewson's Night Terrors

In season 35, episode 37 of 48 Hours, titled "Alisa Mathewson's Night Terrors", viewers follow the investigation into the murder of Alisa Mathewson, a 22-year-old college student who was found strangled in her apartment in 2014. The case had gone cold until a break came in 2017 when a DNA match linked an Arizona man, Adrian Nieto, to the crime.

The episode begins with a reenactment of the night of Alisa's murder. The young woman had been studying for her exams and had spoken to her sister, Amanda, on the phone just a few hours before her death. The police initially had no suspects and no leads until a woman came forward and claimed her ex-boyfriend, Adrian Nieto, had confessed to her that he had killed a woman in Texas.

The investigation starts to focus on Nieto, who had been living in Arizona when he was arrested for another crime. The police obtain a DNA sample from Nieto, and it matches the DNA found on Alisa's body.

Viewers are introduced to Alisa's family, who share their grief and the pain of losing their beloved daughter. They talk about her personality, her love for reading, and her ambition to become a teacher. We hear from Alisa's friends who speak about her contagious smile and her dedication to her studies. The episode also showcases photos and videos of Alisa, giving viewers a glimpse into who she was.

As the investigation unfolds, the detectives speak to Nieto's ex-girlfriend, who had reported his confession to the police. She recounts how Nieto had described the murder in detail, even mentioning how he had used his shoelaces to strangle Alisa. The police also talk to other people who knew Nieto, including his friend, who reveals that Nieto had confessed to him as well and had even shown him pictures of the crime scene.

The episode covers the trial, where the defense argues that Nieto had falsely confessed and that his story was inconsistent. However, the prosecutors present strong evidence, including DNA, witness testimonies, and video footage from the crime scene. After deliberating for only a few hours, the jury finds Nieto guilty of murder and hands him a life sentence.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of who Alisa was, beyond just a victim of a terrible crime. Her family and friends share their memories of her as a kind-hearted, ambitious, and gentle person who had a bright future ahead of her. The episode also highlights how detectives and police officers work tirelessly to solve crimes and bring justice to the families of victims.

In the end, "Alisa Mathewson's Night Terrors" is a moving and poignant episode that sheds light on the tragic loss of a young life and the tireless efforts of authorities to bring the perpetrator to justice. The episode reminds us of the impact that one life can have on the people around them and the importance of working hard to make sure justice is served.