48 Hours “The Root Beer Float Murder” April 4 2026 Preview

CBS’s 48 Hours presents a chilling new episode titled The Root Beer Float Murder, airing Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Correspondent Peter Van Sant reports from Freetown, Indiana, where what first appeared to be a routine burglary quickly unraveled into a far more disturbing and calculated crime.

The case begins when a suspect is caught in the act of a break-in, prompting investigators to dig deeper. What they uncover leads them down an unexpected path to the death of Harold Allen. As detectives piece together the evidence, they discover thousands of text messages, unusual substances, and a plan that centered around something as ordinary as a root beer float.

Through detailed reporting, the episode explores how investigators connected the dots between the burglary and a poisoning that would ultimately define the case. Interviews with Harold Allen’s brother, Matthew Allen, and sister-in-law, Samantha Allen, provide a personal look at the victim and the impact of his death on those closest to him.

Law enforcement officials, including Lt. Adam Nicholson and Detective Clint Burcham, walk through the investigative process, explaining how critical evidence and digital communication helped reveal the truth. Prosecutor Lynsey Fleetwood also shares insight into how the case was built and presented in court.

The Root Beer Float Murder offers a gripping look at how a seemingly small crime can expose a much darker story. The episode airs Saturday night on CBS and is available to stream on Paramount+.