ABC 20/20 “She Was Almost Home” October 27 2023 Recap & Preview
In the summer of 2016, the tranquil community of Fulton County, Ohio, was rocked by the mysterious disappearance of 20-year-old Sierah Joughin, who vanished while riding her bike home from her boyfriend’s house. As days turned into an agonizing search for Sierah, her loved ones feared the worst.
ABC News correspondent John Quiñones dives into this chilling case in a new episode of “20/20.” The program delves into the investigation that ultimately uncovered James Worley, a local man with a sinister history and a barn hiding dark secrets.
This two-hour special includes an exclusive interview with Robin Gardner, who survived an earlier abduction attempt by Worley. Viewers will also hear from key individuals in Sierah’s life, such as her mother Sheila Vaculik, aunt Tara Ice, and then-boyfriend Josh Kolasinski. Major Matt Smithmyer from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, who led the investigation, provides insight into the case. Additional interviews with Sierah’s friends Kelsie Langenderfer and Bailey May, her grandmother Cathy Shaffer, and FBI Special Agent Devon Lossick and FBI Violent Crime Task Force officer Dan Van Vorhis, who conducted interviews with Worley during the search, offer further perspective.
Don’t miss this gripping episode of “20/20” as it unravels the chilling events surrounding Sierah Joughin’s disappearance and the shocking discoveries that followed. Tune in on Friday, Oct. 27 2023, from 9:01 to 11:00 p.m. EDT, on ABC.
What Happened to Sierah Joughin & Killer James Worley?
On July 19, 2016, 20-year-old Sierah Joughin went missing in rural Fulton County, Ohio, after spending the day cycling with her boyfriend, Josh Kolasinski. Concerns arose when she didn’t return home, and Josh reported her missing after his attempts to contact her failed. Police began investigating and discovered her bicycle in a cornfield near her home, with signs of a struggle, including blood on the handlebars. They also found other items and suspected an abduction.
During their investigation, police questioned James Worley, who lived nearby and claimed to have been in the area when Sierah disappeared. Suspicion grew as they found items belonging to Worley that were similar to those found near the bicycle. Additionally, Worley had fresh injuries on his arms and legs.
A search of Worley’s property revealed disturbing evidence, including restraints, firearms, and a makeshift dungeon hidden behind hay bales in one of his barns. However, Sierah was not found on his property.
Tragically, three days after her disappearance, Sierah’s body was discovered in a shallow grave in a cornfield, approximately 12 miles from Worley’s home. She had been bound, gagged, and hogtied, ultimately dying of asphyxiation from a large plastic object forced into her mouth. There was no evidence of sexual assault.
James Worley was arrested and charged with aggravated murder, kidnapping, and other offenses. During the trial, it was revealed that Worley had a history of violence, including a previous abduction attempt in 1990 when he kidnapped a woman named Robin Gardner while she was cycling. In that incident, he hit her, handcuffed her, and threatened her before she managed to escape.
Despite Worley’s claims of innocence, the evidence, including the presence of Sierah’s blood on his motorcycle and various items on his property, pointed to his guilt. Additionally, his internet search history and the violent nature of his prior abduction attempt weighed heavily against him. The jury found him guilty, and he was subsequently sentenced to death.
Sierah’s tragic murder led to the enactment of Ohio Senate Bill 231, which established a searchable database of felons convicted of specific violent offenses in the state. James Worley’s execution is scheduled for May 20, 2025.
