Podcast Summary: "I Have Killed For You" – 20/20 by ABC News

Episode Information:

• Title: I Have Killed For You
• Release Date: June 7, 2025
• Host/Author: ABC News
• Description: This episode delves into the harrowing true crime case of Bonnie Woodward's disappearance, the subsequent investigation, and the eventual conviction of Roger Carroll. It explores family dynamics, investigative challenges, and courtroom drama, providing an in-depth look into a case that captivated a small Illinois town.

1. Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with the disappearance of Bonnie Woodward, a 47-year-old nurse’s aide from Dalton, Illinois. Bonnie's sudden vanishing act set off alarm bells in her community, given her consistent work ethic and reliable nature.

Narrator [02:31]: "47 years old, worked at the nursing home for over 25 years, I believe, and just a woman who was reliable."

2. Bonnie Woodward’s Disappearance

Bonnie was last seen on June 25, 2010, after finishing her shift at Unismith Nursing Home around 3 PM. Her red Chevy Avalanche remained parked with windows down, an unusual sight for someone who cherished her vehicle.

Narrator [02:44]: "She went to work, she worked her shift and then would come home to her children every night, as well as Gary Wilmerth, who she was dating at the time."

When Bonnie failed to return home or for work the next morning, her coworkers noticed the abnormal state of her car, prompting Gary Wilmerth, her boyfriend, to report her missing.

3. Initial Investigation and Suspects

Detectives initially focused on Bonnie's immediate circle:

• Gary Wilmerth: Bonnie’s boyfriend of seven years. Despite attempts to contact Bonnie post-disappearance, his calls went unanswered. During a police interview, Gary appeared cooperative, even passing a polygraph test.

Gary Wilmerth [08:23]: "Bonnie was loving my life and she was a good-hearted woman and I mean she put up with me and I mean that wasn't easy."

• Chester McAdams: Bonnie’s ex-boyfriend with a criminal background. Multiple witnesses identified him as a potential suspect due to his tumultuous relationship with Bonnie.

Narrator [14:28]: "Bonnie started to see him and then I showed back up in the picture and ran him off me."

Despite thorough inquiries, Chester alibied himself at work, eliminating him as a primary suspect.

4. Heather Woodward’s Disappearance

Complicating the case was the disappearance of Heather Woodward, Bonnie's 17-year-old stepdaughter, reported missing over a week before Bonnie. Heather had been vocal about an unhappy home life and had recently moved in with her teacher, Christine Scheffel, citing abuse at home.

Heather Woodward [20:17]: "Sometimes I just couldn't do it no more."

5. Reappearance of Heather Woodward

Eight days after Bonnie vanished, Heather unexpectedly returned, prompting renewed scrutiny. Heather was found at a library, exhibiting behavior inconsistent with her age, clutching a teddy bear, and expressing fear.

Heather Woodward [26:45]: "I didn't know Bonnie was going to go missing."

6. The Carroll Family Investigation

The investigation shifted focus to the Carroll family, particularly Roger Carroll and his son Nathan. Multiple police sightings placed Bonnie with a man fitting Roger's profile, raising suspicions.

Investigator [36:18]: "He's in his 40s with the brownish gray hair, 5'10ish. His primary car is a silver 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, which is the suspect vehicle description."

Fingerprints of Roger were found on Bonnie’s abandoned truck, but without direct evidence linking him to the disappearance, the case remained unresolved for years.

7. Grand Jury Testimony and Breakthrough

After eight years, a newly appointed prosecutor, Jennifer Mudge, reopened the cold case. A pivotal moment occurred when Nathan Carroll, Roger’s 16-year-old son at the time, testified against his father.

Nathan Carroll [66:51]: "He loaded Bonnie's body into a bucket loader... and they started a massive fire."

Nathan's detailed and emotionally charged testimony provided the necessary evidence to charge Roger with first-degree murder.

8. Trial Proceedings

The trial was marked by intense courtroom drama. The prosecution relied heavily on Nathan's testimony, forensic evidence, and the presence of Roger’s fingerprints on Bonnie's vehicle. However, the defense targeted inconsistencies in Nathan's story and questioned the validity of the bone fragments found at the Carroll property.

Prosecutor [70:32]: "A man linked in 2010 to the disappearance of Bonnie Woodward today has been charged with her murder."

9. Verdict and Sentencing

After five days of deliberation, the jury found Roger Carroll guilty of first-degree murder. During sentencing, Roger maintained his innocence despite overwhelming evidence.

Roger Carroll [82:23]: "I don't have anything to be sorry for. I won't apologize because I've done nothing wrong."

He was sentenced to 40 years in prison for murder, plus an additional 25 years for the firearm enhancement.

10. Appeals and Ongoing Developments

Roger Carroll appealed his conviction, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, particularly the inconclusive DNA results from the bone fragments.

Narrator [83:31]: "Bonnie Woodward's killer, Roger Carroll, is appealing his conviction."

The case remains a poignant reminder of the complexities in solving cold cases and the enduring quest for justice by the affected families.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Gary Wilmerth [08:23]: "Bonnie was loving my life and she was a good-hearted woman."

• Heather Woodward [26:45]: "I didn't know Bonnie was going to go missing."

• Nathan Carroll [66:51]: "He loaded Bonnie's body into a bucket loader... and they started a massive fire."

• Roger Carroll [82:23]: "I don't have anything to be sorry for. I won't apologize because I've done nothing wrong."

Conclusion

"I Have Killed For You" offers a comprehensive exploration of Bonnie Woodward's disappearance, the intertwined family dynamics, and the meticulous investigative efforts that ultimately led to Roger Carroll's conviction. Through personal testimonies and forensic evidence, the episode underscores the challenges of resolving long-standing missing persons cases and the relentless pursuit of truth by law enforcement and affected families.