ABC 20/20 “Her Last Halloween” November 1 2024 Recap & Preview

On Friday, November 1, 20/20 will air an in-depth investigation into the tragic case of Karen Swift, who was found dead near a cemetery in Dyersburg, Tennessee, after disappearing following a Halloween party. The episode, reported by *Nightline* co-anchor JuJu Chang, will air from 9:01 to 11:00 p.m. EDT on ABC, with the opportunity to stream the following day on Hulu.

The case begins with Karen’s unsettling disappearance, which left friends and family in shock. After a night out, authorities discovered her abandoned car and a smashed cell phone along the roadside, intensifying the search for answers. Adding to the mystery, weeks before her disappearance, both Karen’s and her neighbor’s dogs were found to have been poisoned, raising questions about potential foul play.

As investigators dig deeper, they uncover marital issues between Karen and her husband, David Swift, who soon becomes the primary suspect in her death. During the trial, David was acquitted of the most serious murder charges, but the jury deadlocked on a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, resulting in a mistrial. David is now set for retrial on that charge and maintains his plea of not guilty.

This episode of 20/20 will feature exclusive interviews with key figures in the case, including David’s ex-wife, Kelly Essman, and family members, providing insight into the relationships and dynamics at play. The program will also include perspectives from Ashley Swift, Karen and David’s daughter, as well as law enforcement officials and legal experts involved in the investigation.

Tune in for a gripping hour that seeks to uncover the truth behind Karen Swift’s tragic death and the ongoing quest for justice in this compelling true crime story.