ABC 20/20 “There Is a Monster in Me” January 19 2024 Preview & Case Details
Prepare yourself for a riveting episode of 20/20 titled “There Is a Monster in Me,” set to air on January 19, 2024. This episode takes us deep into a decades-old mystery that will send chills down your spine.
The story revolves around the tragic case of Susan Woods, a woman whose life ended in the most horrifying way imaginable. The episode “There Is a Monster in Me” delves into the harrowing journey of discovering Susan Woods’ killer and the shocking twists that followed. Join 20/20 on January 19, 2024, as it unravels this chilling tale of betrayal and darkness.
What Happened to Susan Woods & Killer Joseph Scott Hatley?
On July 28, 1987, Susan’s lifeless body was discovered in a bathtub at her home in Stephenville, Texas. The initial investigation revealed that she had been dead for at least 48 to 72 hours, and the cause of her death was asphyxiation, a result of either strangulation or drowning. Her life had been stolen, and a sinister attempt at rape had preceded her demise.
Cindy Hayes suspected Susan’s former husband, Michael Woods, as the perpetrator, fueled by a disturbing cassette tape left by Michael, filled with vile and vulgar remarks about Susan and her loved ones. The police followed a similar lead and kept Michael under suspicion for two long decades.
However, the case went cold, and hope for justice seemed distant until Lt. Don Miller of the Stephenville Police Department decided to revisit the case files. What unfolded next would shock everyone involved.
The truth emerged that Susan Woods’ murder was a carefully concealed secret, and the real monster behind her tragedy was someone close to her. Joseph Scott Hatley, Cindy Hayes’ first cousin, was revealed to be the true killer. Hatley had gone unnoticed during the initial investigation, but Lt. Miller’s dedication led to a breakthrough.
New forensic techniques, including DNA profiling, provided the evidence needed to link Hatley to the crime. His fingerprints and DNA from cigarette butts were a match to the crime scene evidence. Hatley’s sinister past also included accusations of rape and attempted murder, which, while resulting in acquittal, had registered his fingerprints in the database.
In June 2006, Hatley was located and brought in for questioning. In 2007, he confessed to the murder of Susan Woods, sealing his fate with a plea deal that sentenced him to 30 years in prison. However, the twist in the story was that Hatley was released after serving just 11 years, leaving Susan’s family enraged and disappointed.
