ABC 20/20 “Deadly Vows” October 20 2023 Recap & Preview
Prepare to be gripped by a chilling story of infidelity, a crumbling marriage, and a husband’s dark secrets as ‘20/20‘ investigates the shocking murder of Katrina Smith. This episode, with reporting by ‘Nightline’ co-anchor Juju Chang, peels back the layers of a case that sent shockwaves through a tight-knit community.
It all began when Katrina Smith, a beloved wife and stepmother, mysteriously failed to show up for work one fateful day. Her husband, Todd Smith, immediately sounded the alarm, and the community rallied behind him. Todd made heart-wrenching pleas for the safe return of his wife on local television. The entire town held its breath, hoping for Katrina’s safe return.
But hope turned to despair when, nearly three weeks later, Katrina’s lifeless body was discovered. The community’s worst fears were realized, and questions began to swirl. Who could have wanted to harm Katrina Smith, a woman known for her kindness and warmth?
In this ‘20/20‘ episode, viewers will be taken on a journey through the twisted web of secrets and lies that led to Katrina’s tragic demise. The investigation uncovers a sordid tale of infidelity within the Smith marriage, a relationship that was already teetering on the brink of collapse. As investigators dig deeper, they unearth shocking revelations about Todd Smith’s alarming past.
‘20/20‘ features exclusive interviews that shed light on the case’s darkest corners. Teresa, Todd Smith’s ex-wife, and Paige, Todd’s daughter, offer their insights and perspectives, providing a unique glimpse into the life of the man at the center of this chilling mystery. Additionally, the program includes interviews with Joseph Pederson, a former U.S. attorney, Larry Schultz, a former arson investigator, and the off-duty firefighter who made the grim discovery of Katrina’s lifeless body.
To further unravel this complex narrative, ‘20/20‘ alsopresents never-before-seen photos from Todd Smith’s past. These images offer clues and context, adding depth to a story that is as disturbing as it is mysterious.
Don’t miss this two-hour ‘20/20‘ special as it peels back the layers of deception, betrayal, and tragedy in the murder of Katrina Smith. Tune in on Friday, October 20, from 9:01 PM to 11:00 PM EDT, on ABC.
What Happened to Katrina Smith & Killer Todd Smith?
Katrina Smith was reported missing in October 2012, with Todd Smith initially reporting her disappearance. Suspicion arose when it was discovered that Katrina had not merely missed a job interview but had moved out of their home and had an appointment with a divorce attorney. Her body was found three weeks later in the Rock River.
During Todd Smith’s trial, prosecutors argued that he bludgeoned Katrina to death with a softball bat on the night of her return to their home. They believed that he placed her body in her car, dumped it in the river, and returned to clean up the crime scene. Evidence also revealed that Smith had been tracking Katrina’s car and stalking her before her murder.
Todd Smith was convicted of killing his estranged wife, Katrina Smith, and dumping her body in the Rock River. Todd Smith has been actively attempting to overturn his conviction since he was sentenced to nearly 60 years in prison in 2017.
Smith was found guilty of first-degree murder and concealing a homicidal death in January 2017 and was subsequently sentenced in April of that year. Immediately after his conviction, Smith, through Assistant Public Defender Margie O’Connor, requested the court to vacate his conviction. O’Connor argued that the trial should not have been held in Winnebago County due to extensive public attention, claiming that the jury couldn’t have been impartial.
However, Judge Fernando Engelsma denied the motion in April 2017. Smith then filed an appeal, asking the Illinois Appellate Court to overturn Engelsma’s decision. On December 30, 2020, the higher court affirmed the murder conviction.
There was little movement in Smith’s case until mid-2021 when he filed a handwritten, pro se brief, requesting more time to prepare a petition for post-conviction relief. Smith claimed he needed this extension due to difficulties researching his case and cited challenges with organizing his transcripts.
Smith also faced allegations of mail fraud for assisting in defrauding elderly clients between 2009 and 2012. His federal fraud case has been put on hold pending the outcome of his murder case appeals. Currently, Smith is representing himself in his efforts to overturn his murder conviction.
