Ep 2. Stolen Dreams

In "Stolen Dreams," the second episode of the sixteenth season of "On The Case With Paula Zahn," the veteran true crime journalist takes viewers on a deep dive into the heart-wrenching story of a missing teenager.

In 1997, 17-year-old Tracie Hawlett from Panama City, Florida, disappeared without a trace. The bubbly, outgoing teenager was last seen on August 7th, leaving her job at a local grocery store after working the night shift. She had plans to meet up with her boyfriend, J.B. Beasley, and their mutual friend, Heidi Childs, for a fun night out.

However, Tracie never showed up. Concerned about their friend's sudden disappearance, J.B. and Heidi tried to reach her by phone but to no avail. After hours of waiting, they decided to drive around to look for Tracie, even stopping by her house to check if she had made it home. When it was clear that Tracie was nowhere to be found, they reported her missing to the police.

From there, the investigation into Tracie's disappearance began in earnest. Paula Zahn takes viewers through the twists and turns of the case, from the early days when local authorities believed that Tracie had simply run away or gotten lost, to the shocking discovery of her body along with Heidi's hours away from Panama City in a wooded area miles away.

With interviews from family members, friends, law enforcement officials, and local reporters who covered the case, "Stolen Dreams" paints a vivid picture of the pain and anguish that Tracie's loved ones endured as they waited for answers about her fate. The episode also explores the potential suspects and motives that investigators considered, including a mysterious white truck that was seen near the crime scene and a person of interest who was known to have stalked Tracie in the past.

As always, Paula Zahn's skillful storytelling, empathy, and attention to detail make "Stolen Dreams" a gripping watch for true crime enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. The episode offers not only a personal look into Tracie's life and family but also highlights the difficult and often frustrating work that law enforcement officials undertake in order to bring justice to victims of crime.