Ep 5. Good Morning, Goodnight And Goodbye

On The Case With Paula Zahn is a true crime documentary series that follows the investigations of various crimes, from murders to disappearances, and the process of bringing justice to the victims and their families. In season 18 episode 5, titled "Good Morning, Goodnight And Goodbye", Zahn delves into the case of a young woman who vanished without a trace.

The episode begins with the last known images of 21-year-old Nayla Kidd, a talented engineering student who went missing in New York City in May 2016. With no history of mental health issues or substance abuse, it was a complete mystery why she would drop everything and disappear. Her friends and family were distraught and desperately searched for answers.

Zahn interviews Nayla's mother, La Creis, who recalls the shock and fear she felt when she realized her daughter was missing. She describes Nayla as a hardworking, driven student with an incredibly bright future ahead of her. The family had recently relocated to Brooklyn from Kentucky, and Nayla had been thriving in her new environment.

Zahn also speaks to Detective Ray Jenkins, who was assigned to the case. He describes how Nayla's disappearance was unlike anything he had ever seen. There was no evidence of foul play, no signs of struggle or forced entry. It was as if she had simply vanished into thin air.

As the investigation begins, Jenkins and his team start looking at Nayla's personal life, trying to determine if there were any issues or conflicts that could have led to her leaving voluntarily. They discover that Nayla had recently ended a relationship with a man who was emotionally abusive and controlling. He had been pressuring her to give up her dreams of becoming an engineer and settle down with him instead.

Zahn also speaks to a former classmate of Nayla's who describes the toxic environment within the engineering department. She alleges that the male students and faculty members were hostile towards female students, often belittling and harassing them. She suggests that this could have contributed to Nayla's decision to leave.

As the investigation continues, Detective Jenkins and his team receive a critical piece of information that leads them to a secluded cabin in upstate New York. Inside, they find evidence that Nayla had been staying there, including her laptop and phone. They also find a handwritten note from Nayla where she expressed her desire to start a new life and leave everything behind.

Zahn interviews La Creis, who tearfully reads parts of the note. She describes the pain and confusion she felt reading her daughter's words, wondering why Nayla would choose to leave behind everything she had worked so hard for.

The episode ends with the investigation still ongoing. The detectives and Nayla's family remain hopeful that she will be found safe and that they will finally get the answers they have been looking for.

Overall, "Good Morning, Goodnight And Goodbye" is a gripping and emotional episode that showcases the impact of a young woman's mysterious disappearance on her loved ones and the detectives working the case. Zahn's interviews with family members, friends, and law enforcement give viewers a deep insight into Nayla's character and the events that led up to her disappearance. The episode highlights the importance of continuing to search for answers and never giving up hope, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.