Podcast Summary: 20/20 - "Bad Romance: Web of Lies"

Episode Information:

• Title: Bad Romance: Web of Lies
• Host/Author: ABC News
• Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction: The Winger Family Dream

The episode opens by introducing Mark and Donna Winger, a seemingly idyllic couple who have longed to start a family. After struggling with infertility, their dream comes true when they adopt a three-month-old baby girl named Bailey. The narrative paints a picture of a perfect American family, filled with love and hope.

• Mark Winger: "A couple's dreams have just come true and their world is shattered in an afternoon. Could love put a family together? Or will everything be caught in a web of lies?" (00:44)

• Donna Winger: "On this very special day at this very special house, a very special little baby is going to come live with us." (01:03)

A Picture-Perfect Family

Mark and Donna’s life appears harmonious. Mark is a nuclear engineer, and Donna works as a technician at Memorial Medical Center. Their bond is strong, and they are excited about their new role as parents.

• Mark Winger: "Mark and Donna had a very nice married life." (02:54)

• Donna Winger: "Here comes our special delivery." (01:32)

The Harrowing Ride

Tensions rise when Donna discovers she cannot conceive, leading to strain within the marriage. Amidst this turmoil, Donna connects with Bailey’s birth mother through her job, setting the stage for a tragic turn of events.

• Donna Winger: "Donna called up and she was hysterical. She had just found out that she could not get pregnant." (03:09)

• Mark Winger: "Mark was unhappy for the fact that I know he wanted to have a big family." (03:28)

One afternoon, after Donna drops off Bailey at the airport, she encounters Roger Harrington, a troubled driver who begins to exhibit disturbing behavior.

• Mark Winger: "Donna describes a terrifying ride where the driver, a man named Roger Harrington, drove erratically at 75 miles an hour, talking about demons with Donna and baby Bailey in the backseat." (05:17)

The Tragedy Unfolds

The situation escalates when Donna becomes the victim of violent attacks. The Winger family is thrust into chaos as Mark attempts to protect his wife and child.

• Deann Schultz: "On August 29, 1995, the Springfield Police Department responded to a 911 call." (08:08)

• Mark Winger: "He was working out downstairs on his treadmill when he had heard a thump upstairs." (09:07)

Upon discovering Donna severely injured and Roger Harrington dead, Mark calls 911, believing he acted in self-defense.

• Mark Winger: "I shot him. Please, he was killing my wife." (06:49)

• Deann Schultz: "Mark Wenger wanted to kill his wife. And then opportunity presented when Roger Harrington drove Donna Wenger and he told deann that he needed to get that man into his house." (26:05)

Initial Closure and a New Beginning

Authorities initially conclude that Mark acted to defend his wife, closing the case swiftly. The Winger family attempts to rebuild their lives, but underlying tensions and Mark's behavior hint at deeper secrets.

• Deann Schultz: "Donna was clinging to life. She had been hit no less than seven times in the head with a hammer." (08:20)

• Mark Winger: "Donna's family reports that during this time period, Mark was withdrawn. He was drinking a lot and watching violent movies." (12:02)

Entering Rebecca's Life

To support a struggling marriage, Donna hires Rebecca as a nanny. Rebecca becomes an integral part of the family, deepening the narrative with her presence.

• Rebecca Winger: "I just felt like she deserved the best." (13:42)

• Mark Winger: "Mark put pressure on me to marry him and have children with him." (16:36)

The Affair and Hidden Motives

A shocking revelation surfaces when Deann Schultz, Donna’s best friend, admits to an affair with Mark. This disclosure uncovers a possible motive for murder, suggesting Mark's unfaithfulness and desire to remove Donna from his life.

• Deann Schultz: "Deann Schultz explained that she had been having an affair with Mark Wenger. Prior to the murder of Donna Wenger." (23:10)

• Donna Winger: "I think that whole time Mark was giving a grand performance. I could never come back and say, oh, he got angry or he was rough with the kids." (39:35)

Reopening the Investigation

New evidence and testimonies lead detectives to reopen the case against Mark Winger. Key inconsistencies, such as the positioning of bodies in polaroids and Roger Harrington’s presence, reveal the possibility of a staged homicide.

• Mark Winger: "There's a note with the name Mark Winger, the address and the time." (28:29)

• Deann Schultz: "Mark Wenger wanted to kill his wife." (26:05)

The Trial and Conviction

The trial unfolds with compelling testimonies and forensic evidence. Despite Rebecca’s support, Mark's facade begins to crumble as the jury becomes convinced of his guilt.

• Mark Winger: "There was no way this murder could have happened." (26:41)

• Deann Schultz: "He was obviously unhappy, was unfaithful, and who had specifically talked about wanting to kill his wife." (35:00)

After deliberation, the jury finds Mark guilty of murdering both Donna Winger and Roger Harrington, sentencing him to life in prison without parole.

• Donna Winger: "I know, I was sitting next to my husband when I heard the judge say that the verdict was guilty." (37:24)

• Mark Winger: "Mark was sentenced to life in prison with no parole. He had two counts against him. One for Donna, one for Roger." (39:27)

Aftermath: Families Torn Apart

The conviction leaves both the Winger and Harrington families grappling with grief and betrayal. Donna’s family continues to honor her memory through a fund supporting women in distress, while Rebecca faces homelessness and the loss of her family life.

• Roger Harrington: "Would just tell him, no. I truly love you." (42:48)

• Donna Winger: "He is like a chameleon. I believe that Mark is a monster." (39:12)

Conclusion: A Legacy of Pain and Resilience

"Bad Romance: Web of Lies" delves deep into the complexities of love, betrayal, and justice. It highlights how appearances can be deceiving and the profound impact of hidden secrets on families. The episode underscores the enduring pain of loss and the pursuit of truth amidst deception.

• Donna Winger: "Nothing that we've done or will do in the future will ever replace her." (43:48)

• Roger Harrington: "He was an innocent victim." (38:37)

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Winger: "Mark and Donna had a very nice married life." (02:54)
• Deann Schultz: "Mark Wenger wanted to kill his wife." (26:05)
• Rebecca Winger: "He [Mark] was a monster." (39:21)

Key Moments with Timestamps:

• 00:44: Introduction of the Winger family's seemingly perfect life.
• 05:17: Donna's terrifying ride with Roger Harrington.
• 08:08: The tragic 911 call and discovery of Donna and Roger.
• 23:10: Revelation of Mark's affair with Deann Schultz.
• 35:32: Deann's testimony linking Mark to the murders.
• 39:27: Mark's conviction and sentencing.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of "Bad Romance: Web of Lies," providing an in-depth look into the Winger family's tragic story, the unraveling of hidden motives, and the pursuit of justice. For those who haven't listened, this summary offers a clear and engaging overview of the episode's key points and emotional depth.