ABC 20/20 “The Deadly Ride” December 22 2023 Preview & Case Details
ABC’s “20/20” will be airing a two-hour program that delves into the terrifying crime spree of Jason Dalton, a former Uber driver who brought terror to Kalamazoo, Michigan, during a deadly shooting rampage that lasted for eight horrific hours on February 20, 2016. Dalton’s actions resulted in the deaths of six people and left two others seriously injured. This episode of “20/20” will explore the events of that tragic day, shedding light on Dalton’s puzzling explanation to the police.
The program will include interviews with surviving victims, relatives of the victims, law enforcement officials, and individuals who had encounters with the killer. Matt Gutman, ABC News chief national correspondent, will conduct emotional interviews with two survivors of Dalton’s rampage: Abbie Kopf, who miraculously survived despite being shot in the head at the age of 14 and experiencing her heart stopping, and Tiana Carruthers, a young mother who was shot in her condominium complex while protecting children from the gunfire. Abbie and Tiana will share their experiences with Dalton, discuss their injuries, and talk about how their lives have progressed since the tragic events.
Viewers can expect to see police dashboard camera footage, surveillance videos, and hear 911 calls from witnesses. Interviews with key figures will also be featured, including Abbie’s parents, Vicki and Gene Kopf, who will describe the emotional moment when they believed they were saying their final goodbyes to their daughter, only to witness her heart start beating again. Law enforcement officers involved in the case, such as Lt. Chuck Christensen of the Michigan State Police, Sgt. Kyle Gorham, Detectives Bill Moorian and Cory Ghiringhelli who interrogated Dalton after his arrest, and others from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety will provide insights into the investigation.
Additional interviews with individuals connected to the case, including passengers who escaped a terrifying car ride with Dalton on the day of the shootings, prosecutors, and relatives of the victims, will provide a comprehensive look at the tragic events. The episode is scheduled to air on Friday, December 22 2023, from 9:01 to 11:00 p.m. EST on ABC.
What Happened to Jason Dalton?
In February 2016, Jason Dalton, a former Uber driver, committed a series of shootings in Kalamazoo, Michigan, that resulted in the death of six people and severe injuries to two others. This incident began a complex legal and investigative process, revealing chilling details about Dalton’s actions and motivations.
Dalton, who had been working with Uber for less than a week, was arrested and subjected to intensive interrogation. During these sessions, details emerged that Dalton believed the Uber app had taken control of his mind and actions. In never-before-seen interrogation tapes obtained by ABC News’ “20/20”, Dalton described an experience where, upon logging into the Uber app, he saw a symbol resembling the Eastern Star. This symbol, he claimed, transformed into a devil-like figure, which he believed began to control him. Dalton described how the app’s color changes – from red to black – signified its control over him, compelling him to follow its commands.
The victims of Dalton’s shooting spree included a varied group of residents: Tiana Carruthers, Richard and Tyler Smith, Mary Lou and Mary Jo Nye, Dorothy “Judy” Brown, Barbara Hawthorne, and 14-year-old Abigail Kopf. Carruthers and Kopf were the only survivors. Dalton carried out these shootings while continuing to transport Uber customers, indicating a chilling compartmentalization of his actions.
Investigators found Dalton’s behavior during the interrogation to be notably emotionless. He initially refused to answer questions, pleading the fifth, and only spoke of unrelated matters like his dog and a desire to hear his wife’s voice. Eventually, Dalton began to elaborate on his experiences with the Uber app, claiming that it communicated with him using a system of one “ding” for “yes” and two “dings” for “no.” His accounts portrayed a deeply disturbed individual, seemingly disconnected from the gravity of his actions.
Nearly three years after the shootings, Dalton pleaded guilty to six counts of first-degree premeditated murder and two counts of assault with the intent to commit murder. The court sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This case was a shock to the community and raised questions about the role of technology in influencing individuals’ actions, though Dalton’s claims about the app’s control were viewed with skepticism by law enforcement and mental health professionals.
Following this incident, Uber introduced a “critical safety response line” to provide a direct connection for riders in urgent safety situations. This tragic event left a deep and lasting impact on the Kalamazoo community, marking a dark chapter in its history.
