Ep 4. Where's Crystal

In this episode of On The Case With Paula Zahn, titled "Where's Crystal", Paula investigates the baffling disappearance of a young mother named Crystal McDowell. Crystal, who is described as vivacious, charismatic, and kind-hearted, vanished without a trace from her home in Baytown, Texas just days before Hurricane Harvey hit in August 2017.

Despite intense searches and investigations by law enforcement and volunteers, no sign of Crystal was found. However, Paula delves into the case, speaking with Crystal's family and friends, as well as experts in criminal profiling and forensic science, to try to unravel the mystery of what happened to this beloved mother of two.

Paula starts by getting a sense of who Crystal was before she disappeared. She speaks with Crystal's brother, who describes her as someone who was always eager to help others, and who had recently started a successful career in real estate. Crystal also had a tumultuous past, including a previous marriage that ended in violence, but which she had put behind her to move forward with her life and raise her children.

As Paula delves deeper into the case, she uncovers several possible suspects and motives. There is Crystal's ex-husband, who had a history of domestic violence and who was the last person to see her before she disappeared. Then there is Crystal's live-in boyfriend, a man who had a history of drug abuse and whose behavior leading up to Crystal's disappearance was described by some as suspicious.

There are also other potential suspects who emerge as Paula digs deeper, including a local businessman who had an altercation with Crystal over a real estate deal, and a woman who was having an affair with Crystal's boyfriend and who allegedly threatened Crystal before she vanished.

As Paula investigates these leads, she also explores the science of criminal profiling and forensic evidence. She speaks with experts who analyze the behavior and motivations of potential suspects, and who examine the physical evidence left behind at the scene of the crime. This evidence includes traces of DNA found in Crystal's car, as well as surveillance footage from nearby businesses that may have captured the movements of suspects or vehicles around the time of Crystal's disappearance.

Ultimately, Paula uncovers a complex and troubling web of potential suspects and motives. She speaks with Crystal's family and friends, who remain devastated by her disappearance, and who are still holding out hope for answers and closure. Through her investigation, Paula raises important questions about the role of violence against women, the challenges of investigating missing persons cases, and the human toll of unsolved crimes.

"Where's Crystal" is a gripping and emotional episode of On The Case With Paula Zahn, one that sheds light on the difficult work of law enforcement and criminal investigators, and the impact that violent crimes can have on families and communities. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who seek justice for victims of crime, and a reminder of the importance of never giving up hope.