Dateline NBC “Footprints in the Snow” May 23 2025 Recap & Preview

This Friday, May 23, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET/8:00 PM CT, Dateline NBC presents “Footprints in the Snow”, a chilling investigation into the mysterious disappearance of 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews. Her case remained unsolved for decades until detectives uncovered a bizarre set of clues that pointed to a suspect whose strange behavior raised suspicions.

Jonelle Matthews vanished on December 20, 1984, from her home in Greeley, Colorado, after performing in a Christmas concert. The next day, her father found disturbing footprints in the snow outside their home, but no sign of Jonelle. The investigation into her disappearance drew national attention, and the case remained a cold case for 34 years until her remains were discovered in 2019.

This Dateline episode covers the twists and turns of the case, including interviews with key figures such as Jonelle’s family, law enforcement officials, and those close to the suspect, Steven Pankey. Pankey, a former Greeley resident, was indicted for Jonelle’s murder in 2020, after years of odd and contradictory behavior.

Dateline explores the investigation, how new forensic techniques helped crack the case, and the trial that led to Pankey’s conviction. Tune in for a powerful and emotional account of how Jonelle’s family finally found justice and closure.

Don’t miss “Footprints in the Snow” this Friday, May 23, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET on NBC.