ABC 20/20 “Badass Detective” January 9 2026
ABC’s 20/20 continues its dedication to powerful storytelling with a brand-new episode titled “Badass Detective”, premiering Friday, January 9, 2026, at 9/8c on ABC and streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. The special dives into two haunting cold cases from Sunnyvale, California, and the unrelenting efforts of Detective Matt Hutchison to bring long-overdue justice to victims Estella Mena and Karen Stitt.
Detective Matt Hutchison of the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety has made a remarkable name for himself by solving 12 cold cases, including seven homicides and five sexual assaults. His tireless dedication is not about recognition, but about remembering victims and standing up for families who have waited decades for answers.
The episode highlights Hutchison’s work on two standout cases that have deeply affected him — the murders of Estella Mena and Karen Stitt. Both were young women with full lives ahead of them, taken too soon under tragic circumstances. The broadcast reconstructs these investigations and how a combination of perseverance, forensic science, and teamwork led to long-awaited arrests.
While Hutchison is being nationally recognized, he insists the true focus belongs to Estella and Karen. “They are the heroes of the story,” he says, emphasizing that he’s just an “average guy doing his job.” He hopes the episode will show that cold case resolutions are possible nationwide and that no victim should be forgotten.
“Badass Detective” also gives viewers an inside look at the emotional toll these cases take, not just on families but on the investigators who carry them for years. Hutchison’s candid interviews underscore the humanity behind law enforcement’s most difficult work.
Catch 20/20: Badass Detective on ABC this Friday, January 9 at 9/8c, or stream it anytime on Disney+ and Hulu. The episode promises a compelling and emotional journey into the world of cold case investigations — and a reminder that justice can still be served, no matter how much time has passed.
