ABC 20/20 “Driven to Death” October 17 2025
ABC’s 20/20 returns with a gripping two-hour true crime special titled Driven to Death, premiering Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9/8c. Co-anchors Deborah Roberts and David Muir dive deep into the twisted story behind the 2020 disappearance and murder of Gregory Rice, a devoted father of four whose life was cut short by a calculated betrayal involving his longtime partner and her secret lover.
A Missing Husband and a Shocking Affair
When Gregory Rice vanished from Conway, South Carolina, in 2020, friends and family were immediately alarmed. The father of four was known for being devoted to his children and consistent in his routine. Suspicion soon centered on Meagan Jackson, the mother of his children, and her extramarital relationship with Christopher Dontell—then a deputy coroner for Horry County.
What began as a missing person case quickly turned into a homicide investigation. In a tragic twist, authorities discovered that Gregory had been murdered, and his body had been secretly disposed of.
Betrayal from Within
The investigation uncovered a dark and disturbing conspiracy. Meagan Jackson was arrested and charged with Gregory’s murder, while Dontell—her lover—was charged as an accessory after the fact and with conspiracy to commit murder. During her June 2025 trial, Dontell testified against Jackson, telling jurors he witnessed the killing and helped cover it up out of fear for his own safety.
Dontell claimed Jackson threatened him into helping dispose of Gregory’s body and remained adamant that she masterminded the plot. In court, he described Jackson as manipulative, saying she used money to influence him and offered lavish gifts to keep him under her control.
The Trial and Sentencing
Meagan Jackson was convicted in June 2025 and sentenced to life in prison. Dontell, who had pleaded guilty months earlier, was sentenced in July 2025 to the maximum 20 years—15 for accessory after the fact and five for criminal conspiracy, served consecutively. During sentencing, his wife Erica spoke emotionally on his behalf, calling Jackson “the Antichrist for our family.” She claimed her husband had been manipulated and expressed deep anguish over the toll the crime had taken on their family.
Gregory Rice’s daughter, Savannah, gave an emotional victim impact statement, pleading with the judge for the maximum penalty. She recalled how Dontell had once comforted her, pretending to search for her father while knowing the truth.
Exclusive Interviews and Firsthand Accounts
20/20: Driven to Death features interviews with family members, legal experts, and insiders close to the case. Viewers will hear from Erica Dontell, who stood by her husband even as he admitted his involvement. The episode also shares never-before-seen courtroom footage and explores the shocking psychology behind romantic manipulation and the deadly consequences that unfolded.
When and Where to Watch
- Airs: Friday, October 17, 2025
- Time: 9:00–11:00 p.m. ET
- Network: ABC
- Streaming: Available the next day on Disney+ and Hulu
A Story of Deceit, Control, and Consequences
Driven to Death is a cautionary tale about how infidelity and manipulation can spiral into violence. With emotional testimony, courtroom drama, and a hard look at the human cost of betrayal, 20/20 delivers another compelling installment in its long-running legacy of investigative reporting.
