Ep 6. A Killer in Town

On The Case With Paula Zahn has been a popular American true crime documentary series that delves deep into the mysteries behind some of the most shocking murder cases. The show's twelfth season's sixth episode, "A Killer in Town," continues to follow the same pattern.

The episode revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a teenage girl named April Andrews from her hometown in Georgia. On a seemingly ordinary day in 1987, April left her high school for lunch but never returned. The case remained cold for over two decades, until a man named David Dwayne Bell confessed to the crime while serving time for an unrelated crime.

However, things are not as simple as they seem. During the investigation, it emerges that Bell was acquainted with April and even lived in the same trailer complex as her. But despite this, Bell was not an initial suspect, and neither the police nor April's family had any reason to suspect him.

The episode is particularly poignant because it highlights the devastating impact of a murder on a family. April's sister, Angie, is seen sharing her heartwrenching story on the episode. She talks about how the entire family tried to cling on to the hope that April would somehow return and put up missing posters throughout the town. April's mother, Darlene, has also been tirelessly campaigning for her daughter's case to be solved.

On The Case With Paula Zahn is known for its detailed reenactments of the crime, and this episode is no exception. It shows the events leading up to April's disappearance, including her last interactions with her friends and teachers. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence and detective work that helped to solve the case.

The episode also touches on the impact that the crime had on the community, which was small and close-knit. April's disappearance left people feeling vulnerable and unsafe, as they knew that the perpetrator could be someone they knew personally. The eventual solving of the case brought a sense of closure to many people, and the community was finally able to move on after decades of uncertainty.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is that the perpetrator, Bell, is interviewed by Paula Zahn herself. It's rare to see a criminal confess to a murder and even rarer to see them willingly talk about it on camera. As Paula talks to Bell, it becomes clear that he has a complex personality and may have been involved in other crimes.

Overall, "A Killer in Town" is an emotional and compelling episode that highlights the value of perseverance and detective work in solving cold cases. The show serves as a stark reminder that some crimes remain unsolved for years, but dedicated detectives and grieving families can eventually work together to catch the culprit. The episode also showcases how seemingly ordinary people can turn out to be capable of heinous crimes and how communities can come together to heal after a tragedy.