In this brand new instalment of 20/20, airing on Friday April 5 at 9.00pm, ABC News chief national correspondent Matt Gutman delves into a double homicide case that unfolded in Tennessee. The victims, 36-year-old Bill Payne and 23-year-old Billie Jean Hayworth, were found shot dead in their home, with their 7-month-old son miraculously unharmed in his mother’s arms.
Authorities initially suspected the murders were carried out by a professional hitman, but the investigation soon revealed a bitter online feud and a deadly catfishing scheme. Gutman navigates a trail of incriminating evidence, including social media posts, texts, and emails, to expose a web of lies and uncover the mastermind behind the plot.
The episode features interviews with key individuals, including Joe Woodard, assistant chief of the Mountain City Police, and former prosecutor Matthew Roark. Additionally, Barbara and Jenelle Potter, the mother-daughter duo accused of orchestrating the murders, share their side of the story. The episode also includes insights from TBI Special Agent Scott Lott, Payne’s sister Tracy Greenwell, Hayworth’s sisters Beverly Morrell and Janie Hayworth, and the couple’s friend Lindsey Thomas.
The investigation uncovers the dark side of social media and the deadly consequences that can arise from online interactions. It highlights the importance of being vigilant and aware of the potential dangers that lurk in the digital world.
20/20 takes viewers on a compelling journey, shedding light on the complex truth behind this tragic case. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, the episode provides a deeper understanding of the events that led to the deaths of Payne and Hayworth.
The episode airs on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 9:00–11:00 p.m. EDT on ABC, with next-day availability on Hulu.
