ABC 20/20 “‘Forever 17” May 10 2024 Recap & Preview

Don’t miss a captivating new episode of ABC’s 20/20 titled “Forever 17,” airing on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. This two-hour special dives deep into a haunting cold case that gripped the small city of Ozark, Alabama, for over two decades.

In 1999, the community was shattered by the brutal murder of two 17-year-old girls, Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley, whose bodies were discovered in the trunk of a car. Their deaths remained a mystery until a breakthrough in 2019 linked Coley McCraney to the crimes through DNA evidence obtained via a family genealogy website. McCraney, a local truck driver and preacher with no prior criminal record, was subsequently arrested and charged with capital murder.

The episode unfolds the intense narrative from the night of the murders to the recent trial and sentencing, where McCraney was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Featuring exclusive interviews with key figures including Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, family members of the victims, and those who support McCraney’s claims of innocence, “Forever 17” offers a comprehensive look into the emotional, legal, and community impacts of this tragic case.

Tune into 20/20 for this profound exploration of justice, loss, and the relentless pursuit of truth in a case that has haunted the Wiregrass region for nearly a quarter of a century.

What Happened to Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley?

The new episode of ABC’s 20/20 titled “Forever 17” delves into the chilling case of the murders of Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley, two 17-year-old girls whose lives were tragically cut short in 1999 in Ozark, Alabama. This compelling two-hour special offers a detailed examination of the case, from the discovery of their bodies to the eventual arrest and trial of Coley McCraney, shedding light on a cold case that haunted the community for nearly two decades.

The program features exclusive interviews with various individuals connected to the case, including family members of the victims, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, and supporters of McCraney. It explores the emotional, legal, and community impacts of the case, illustrating the relentless pursuit of truth and justice in a saga that gripped the Wiregrass region for over 20 years.

The evening of July 31, 1999, marked the beginning of the tragic story when Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley left for a party but never returned home. Their bodies were discovered the next day in the trunk of Beasley’s car, both having suffered gunshot wounds to the head. For years, the case remained unsolved, leaving the community and the families of the victims in agonizing uncertainty.

The breakthrough in the case came in 2019 when genetic genealogy was used to trace DNA found at the crime scene to Coley McCraney, a local preacher and truck driver. His arrest shocked the community, as he was well-regarded and had no prior criminal record. McCraney’s trial revealed complex layers of the case, including his unexpected defense claiming consensual sex with Beasley but denying involvement in the murders.

Despite McCraney’s defense, the prosecution presented DNA evidence as crucial in securing his conviction for capital murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole, bringing a mix of relief and sorrow to the families of the victims. The verdict sparked discussions on the ethical use of genetic genealogy in the criminal justice system and its implications for privacy and personal freedom.

The case left a profound impact on the community of Ozark, reflecting on the vulnerabilities in small towns and the evolving landscape of criminal investigation. The legacy of Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley serves as a poignant reminder of the quest for justice and the enduring pain inflicted by such tragedies, while also raising questions about the intersection of technology, ethics, and law enforcement in modern society.