Podcast Summary: "Blood and Water" (20/20, ABC News)
Release Date: April 24, 2026
Episode Overview
This special preview episode introduces the upcoming true crime investigative series "Blood and Water," chronicling the mysterious 2001 murder of Leslie Jenning Preyer in suburban Washington, D.C. The episode outlines the initial discovery, the subsequent cloud of suspicion, and the decades-long search for the killer. With advancements in DNA technology, the case is finally re-examined, leading to stunning revelations.
Key Topics & Insights
1. Discovery of the Crime Scene
- The episode opens with Leslie’s colleagues expressing concern over her unexplained absence from work ([00:03]).
- Quote:
A: "It was Wednesday morning, about 10am when Leslie Jenning Preyer's colleagues became concerned she hadn't come to work." [00:03]
- The narrative quickly shifts to the emergency call, underlining the shock and urgency of the scene:
- Quote:
B: "911, which emergency? We just walked in the door, her husband and I, and there's blood in the foyer." [00:09]
2. First Impressions & Initial Investigation
- The story sets the time and place, bringing listeners to the Washington, D.C. suburbs in 2001 ([00:16]).
- No signs of forced entry; evidence points to a violent encounter inside the home.
- Quote:
A: "There were signs of a struggle, but no forced entry. This woman was strangled and she was beaten. She was found in the shower with the running." [00:24]
3. Family in Shock & Suspicion Rises
- Leslie’s body is discovered in the upstairs bathroom. Her children recall the traumatic moment they were told their mother was gone:
- Quote:
C: "Leslie's body was found in the upstairs bathroom. My dad is like, your mom's been in an accident. Suspicion fell where it usually does in cases like this." [00:33]
- The investigation narrows on close family. The episode highlights the scrutiny faced by Leslie’s husband:
- Quote:
D: "Her husband told us that he had failed the lie detector test. I asked him, did you kill Mom?" [00:45]
- C: "And he said no." [00:52]
4. A Cold Case for Two Decades
- The episode underscores the frustrating two-decade gap without answers, hinting at the anguish endured by those connected to the case:
- Quote:
C: "For the next two decades, Leslie Preyer's case remained unsolved. And the shocking truth about the real killer stayed hidden." [00:52]
5. Technological Breakthrough & Break in the Case
- Recent advances in DNA technology allow investigators to reopen the case with new tools:
- Quote:
C: "...until very recently, when new technology allowed investigators to do what had once been impossible." [00:52-1:13]
- The tension builds as detectives focus on a suspect, trailing and collecting evidence:
- Quote:
*A: "And what they're looking at"…
B: "is this DNA." [01:13–01:15]
A: "Detectives started trailing him to confirm their suspicions." [01:16]
6. Confrontation & Shifting Focus
- The emotional reality of suspicion and accusation is highlighted as the investigation closes in:
- Quote:
C: "Hands up." [01:20]
A: "In your eyes, it's guilty until proven innocent, honey." [01:21]
D: "Your DNA was in the crime scene." [01:25]
7. Host Introduction & Series Teaser
- Host Stephanie Ramos introduces herself and teases the main arc of the upcoming series:
- Quote:
C (Stephanie Ramos): "I'm Stephanie Ramos, and this is Blood and Water, a new series from ABC Audio in 20/20. And he almost got away with it. He almost got away with it." [01:27]
- The episode ends with an invitation to join the investigation when the series officially launches:
- "Coming April 28th. Listen, wherever you get your podcasts." [01:27]
Notable Moments & Quotes
- Discovery of the body:
B: "We just walked in the door, her husband and I, and there's blood in the foyer." [00:09]
- The emotional burden on the family:
C: "My dad is like, your mom's been in an accident. Suspicion fell where it usually does in cases like this." [00:33]
- Breakthrough through new DNA technology:
*A: "And what they're looking at"--
B: "is this DNA." [01:13]
- Host stakes the central tension:
C (Stephanie Ramos): "And he almost got away with it. He almost got away with it." [01:27]
Final Thoughts
With haunting first-person accounts and a promise of new revelations thanks to modern forensic science, "Blood and Water" promises an in-depth, gripping exploration of an unsolved murder. This preview episode sets the stage for a story of tragedy, suspicion, technological breakthrough, and the relentless pursuit of truth—inviting listeners to follow the twists and turns as justice is finally pursued, 20 years later.
Tune in to "Blood and Water" beginning April 28th, wherever you get your podcasts.
