Ep 18. Alone With Evil

On The Case With Paula Zahn is a true crime series that follows the investigative journalism of Paula Zahn as she delves into some of the most perplexing criminal cases in the United States. In season 17 episode 18, entitled Alone With Evil, Paula explores the disturbing case of an Illinois woman named Mandy Guffey.

Mandy was a 24-year-old mother of two who had fallen on hard times. She had resorted to working as an escort to make ends meet, but her situation soon turned deadly. In October of 2008, Mandy's body was found in a remote cornfield, strangled to death. Her murder became the focus of a nationwide manhunt as investigators worked to identify the person responsible.

The episode begins with Paula introducing us to the case and explaining how the initial investigation took place. We see footage of the crime scene where Mandy's body was found, and hear testimony from the investigators who were assigned to the case. They explain the challenges they faced in trying to identify the killer, as well as the progress they made in the months that followed.

As the investigation heats up, Paula interviews Mandy's family and friends to get a better understanding of who she was as a person. We learn about her struggles with addiction and the reasons why she turned to prostitution, as well as the positive influence she had on her young children. We also hear from some of the men who hired Mandy for sex, providing insight into the potentially dangerous situations she unwittingly put herself in.

Throughout the episode, Paula takes us through the various twists and turns of the investigation as new information comes to light. We see how the detectives were able to gather evidence and track down suspects, including one man who later confessed to murdering Mandy. However, the investigation didn't end there, as the detectives worked to uncover the full extent of the crime and bring all those involved to justice.

The episode is not only a gripping true crime story but also a portrait of a woman who was dealing with difficult circumstances and trying to make the best of a bad situation. Through Paula's reporting and interviews with Mandy's loved ones, we come to understand the person behind the tragic headlines.

Overall, Alone With Evil is a thought-provoking episode that sheds light on the dangers of the sex industry and the lengths that authorities will go to bring justice to those who have been wronged. Paula Zahn's investigative journalism is as sharp and insightful as ever, making this episode a must-watch for fans of true crime.