In the upcoming episode of Dateline, “Before the Storm,” airing on NBC at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024, correspondent Dennis Murphy looks into the disappearance of a Texas mother, Crystal McDowell, whose case takes a sinister turn.
The story, set in Baytown, Texas, focuses on the mysterious disappearance of 37-year-old Crystal, a mother of two, during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The storm caused widespread flooding, creating challenges for the initial investigation. However, it also played a crucial role in preserving vital evidence that would later help uncover the truth.
Interviews with key individuals, including Sheriff Brian Hawthorne, District Attorney Cheryl Lieck, Ranger Steven Jeter, and Jade Cherry, a close associate of Crystal, provide insight into the case. The investigation centers on two key figures: Crystal’s ex-husband, Steve McDowell, and her new boyfriend, Paul Hargrave. One of them is responsible for her disappearance, but which one, and why?
As the floodwaters receded, investigators discovered a series of revealing clues that pointed them in the right direction. The hurricane may have initially hindered their efforts, but it also ended up playing a pivotal role in their search for justice.
Tune in to Dateline on NBC at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024, to uncover the shocking details and find out who was responsible for Crystal McDowell’s disappearance during one of Texas’s most devastating storms.