48 Hours “The ‘Unsolvable’ Murder of Roxanne Wood” Airs 10PM August 12 2023 on CBS
In a encore episode of 48 HOURS titled “The ‘Unsolvable’ Murder of Roxanne Wood,” airing on Saturday, August 12 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network, the case of a brutal murder that had remained cold for 34 years is brought back to life through the remarkable work of investigative genetic genealogist Gabriella Vargas and a dedicated undercover police officer.
The story begins in February 1987, when Terry Wood returned home after a night of bowling to discover his wife, Roxanne Wood, dead on their kitchen floor. The crime scene revealed a horrifying scene – Roxanne had been sexually assaulted and her throat slashed. Despite DNA evidence being collected, the technological limitations of that time hindered progress, and the case was deemed unsolvable.
However, over three decades later, the tenacious efforts of Gabriella Vargas, an investigative genetic genealogist, began to change the course of this investigation. Armed with her expertise and determination, Vargas embarked on an uphill battle to unravel the mysteries surrounding Roxanne’s murder.
As the episode unfolds, correspondent Peter Van Sant leads viewers through the twists and turns of this extraordinary journey. Alongside Vargas, an undercover police officer’s crucial role and a seemingly insignificant piece of evidence – a cigarette butt – come together to create a breakthrough. Through innovative techniques, advanced DNA analysis, and relentless pursuit, the investigation gains momentum.
Join 48 HOURS as they recount the gripping tale of how a case once deemed “unsolvable” was cracked open by the dedication of individuals unwilling to let a heinous crime remain unpunished.
