ABC 20/20 “What the Killer Left Behind” January 30 2026

This Friday, 20/20 uncovers a heartbreaking case of persistence, love, and justice in an all-new two-hour special titled What the Killer Left Behind, airing January 30, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. EST on ABC. The episode, reported by correspondent Ryan Smith, dives into the 2011 murder of Amanda Plasse, a 20-year-old waitress from Chicopee, Massachusetts, whose vibrant personality and brutal death shook her close-knit New England community.

Amanda was found stabbed to death in the kitchen of her apartment. A beloved Friendly’s employee, her murder appeared both random and senseless, leaving investigators and her family desperate for answers. Early leads went cold, and for years the case remained unsolved, but Amanda’s mother, Michelle Plasse, refused to let it be forgotten.

Michelle became a relentless force for justice—organizing community events, handing out flyers, and keeping Amanda’s memory alive in hopes that someone would come forward. Her unwavering advocacy kept the case in the public eye and pushed authorities to revisit old evidence. That determination paid off.

In a surprising turn, a whiteboard from Amanda’s apartment—long overlooked—provided a key clue. It ultimately pointed investigators toward a man who had been hiding in plain sight all along. The discovery led to a breakthrough in the case and finally brought the killer to justice.

20/20 features exclusive interviews with Amanda’s family, friends, and investigators who worked the case, revealing the emotional toll and the power of a mother’s fight for the truth. The episode highlights not just a tragic crime, but the community and resilience that brought closure.

Watch What the Killer Left Behind Friday night on ABC, and stream it the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.