ABC 20/20 “Her Last Note” January 23 2026
This Friday, January 23, 2026, 20/20 presents a haunting new true crime special titled Her Last Note, airing at 9/8c on ABC and streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. The episode investigates the shocking murder of 19-year-old Jessie Blodgett, a talented musician and aspiring performer whose life was cut short in her own home. What unfolded next was a chilling discovery: the killer was someone hiding in plain sight, living a double life that no one suspected.
Jessie Blodgett was found strangled in her bedroom in Hartford, Wisconsin, in July 2013, just hours after spending the previous evening rehearsing for a community theater production. Her father, Buck Blodgett, found her body and immediately called 911, launching a small-town homicide investigation that would grow into a case with national attention.
As 20/20 retraces the investigation, viewers will see how detectives followed the smallest of clues to unravel the mystery. Interviews with Jessie’s family, friends, and law enforcement reveal the devastating impact of her death and the painstaking search for answers. It wasn’t long before investigators focused on someone from Jessie’s circle — a fellow musician and longtime friend, Daniel Bartelt.
Bartelt, who had recently returned home from college and had no known criminal history, quickly became a suspect when police connected him to another violent attack that occurred just days before Jessie’s death. Surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and a disturbing internet search history helped lead investigators to the truth.
Her Last Note dives into the betrayal and heartbreak at the center of the case, exploring how a promising young life was stolen by someone Jessie once trusted. The episode also highlights her family’s tireless pursuit of justice and their work to honor Jessie’s memory through the Love>Hate Project, founded by her parents.
Don’t miss this gripping and emotional 20/20 special, airing Friday night on ABC. Stream it the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
