More than two decades ago, a small Ohio town was shaken by the murder of 5-year-old Devan Duniver. Shortly after, 12-year-old Anthony Harris confessed to the crime, but he and his lawyers maintained his innocence, citing police coercion through intimidating interrogation techniques. After serving two years in juvenile detention, Harris successfully appealed and had his conviction overturned.
In this episode of 20/20, John Quiñones sits down with Harris to discuss his confession, the psychological impact of the experience, and the ongoing search for Duniver’s killer. The program also includes interviews with key trial witnesses and search party members, who provide new information about a suspicious man seen near the search area. As a result of these interviews, the district attorney has requested further investigation, bringing renewed attention to the case.
The episode features insights from Tarin Hale, Harris’ public defender, as well as Daniel Warren and Geoffrey Mearns, the lawyers who handled Harris’ appeal and civil lawsuit. Dan Risinger, the police officer who took the missing person report from Duniver’s mother, and journalists who closely followed the case, also share their perspectives.
With exclusive footage from the ABC News archives, including Quiñones’ 1999 interview with Harris and interviews with Devan’s mother, Lori Duniver, and Anthony’s mother, Cyndi Harris, the program examines the ongoing quest for justice and closure.
20/20: Anthony Harris airs on Friday, August 23, from 9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT on ABC, with the episode available the next day on Hulu.
