Podcast Summary: 20/20 After Show: Bad Romance

Release Date: April 28, 2025

Introduction

In the April 28, 2025 episode of ABC News' 20/20 After Show, hosts Deborah Roberts and Ryan Smith delve deep into the dark and twisted world of love entwined with true crime in their special series, "Bad Romance." This episode explores the sinister consequences of obsession, manipulation, and the extreme actions people take when their emotions spiral out of control.

Overview of the "Bad Romance" Series

Deborah Roberts introduces the "Bad Romance" series as a collection of true crime stories where love turns deadly. The series examines relationships that devolve into obsession and deceit, leading to tragic outcomes. Ryan Smith emphasizes the universal fascination with these stories, attributing it to the fundamental human emotion of love and how it can drive individuals to unexpected and often destructive behaviors.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Smith [02:09]: "Love is just this basic human emotion that we all want to feel. And when we feel it, Deborah, it can make us do things that are unexpected and that make us go beyond what we would normally do."

Case Study 1: The Double Life of James Addie

One of the most gripping stories covered in the series is that of James Addie, a man who led a double life, resulting in the tragic murder of his fiancée, Molly Watson. Deborah Roberts recounts her investigation into this case, highlighting how Addie's deceit shattered the lives of those around him.

Notable Clips and Quotes:

• Melanie Addy [06:13]: "I can't even tell you. It was just mind boggling. It made no sense at all. None."

• Deborah Roberts [07:13]: "I had to represent the viewer there with those questions and the shock of what she told me."

Roberts shares a poignant moment from her interview with Melanie Addy, James's ex-wife, who grapples with disbelief and hurt upon discovering her husband's betrayal.

Notable Quote:

Melanie Addy [06:48]: "He was a pretty selfish person. He could be controlling and intimidating and it could be challenging."

Case Study 2: The Murder of Angel Goyena and Her Mother

Another harrowing story featured is that of Angel Goyena and her mother, who were brutally murdered while Angel was planning her wedding. The case took a chilling turn when the perpetrator, David Hoshaw, began sending taunting letters to the police, attempting to mislead the investigation.

Notable Clips and Quotes:

• David Hoshaw [14:04]: "You don't have a clue, do you? I met the pretty biatch at the beach a few days before I killed her..."

• Ryan Smith [16:03]: "He was trying to throw them off, and what he did was essentially give himself up."

Hoshaw's strategy of sending misleading letters ultimately backfired, as investigators used his own actions to track him down through cell phone records and credit card receipts.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Smith [14:22]: "He's trying to throw them off, and what he did was essentially give himself up."

Case Study 3: The Tragic Tale of Lintell Washington

The series also covers the tragic murder of Lintell Washington, a beloved schoolteacher, who was killed by Robert Marks. Her three-year-old daughter became a crucial witness, providing key information that led to Marks's arrest.

Notable Clips and Quotes:

• Lintell Washington's Friend [19:14]: "She was in love. I think she had her disappointments. And so now finally she gets someone who's Dr. Robert Marks, and he wants her."

• Ryan Smith [20:17]: "When you have a child, I always like to tell people cases like this, they don't happen. And then investigators research it for a week, and then the case is solved in two weeks."

The emotional toll on the child witness and the complexity of the investigation highlight the profound impact of such crimes on families and communities.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Smith [20:38]: "It's the involvement of children in some of this that makes these cases so harrowing."

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Deborah Roberts shares an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience while interviewing Melanie Addy. During the interview, the hair and makeup team, who were intimately connected to the Molly Watson case, revealed their connection by sharing audio clips of Molly, adding a layer of emotional depth and immediacy to the reporting process.

Notable Quote:

Deborah Roberts [11:14]: "We have to tell you something. We knew Molly. We knew something happened to her."

Ryan Smith remarks on the uniqueness of such moments, highlighting that real-life reporting often presents unforeseen challenges that scripted dramas rarely capture.

Emotional Impact on Victims and Interviewees

Both hosts discuss the profound emotional impact these stories have on those involved. Ryan Smith emphasizes the importance of honoring victims and providing a respectful space for interviewees to share their experiences. Deborah Roberts echoes this sentiment, noting the cathartic relief many feel after recounting their traumatic stories.

Notable Quotes:

Ryan Smith [23:18]: "I always take it from a place of how can we help you best express what you feel about what happened."

Deborah Roberts [24:23]: "There’s no greater compliment to me... you made this so much easier than I thought it would have been."

Preview of Upcoming Stories: Doomsday Bride

Looking ahead, Deborah and Ryan tease upcoming stories in the "Bad Romance" series, including the case of Lori Vallow Daybell. Lori's entanglement with doomsday preacher Chad Daybell led to a series of disturbing events, culminating in her conviction for conspiracy to commit murder. This case underscores the perilous intersection of extreme belief systems and personal relationships.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Smith [25:33]: "Using my legal mind, how a case comes together, how evidence comes together to help them tell their stories."

Conclusion

The "Bad Romance" series on 20/20 After Show offers a compelling exploration of how love, when corrupted by obsession and deceit, can lead to unimaginable tragedies. Through in-depth discussions, poignant interviews, and real-life case studies, Deborah Roberts and Ryan Smith shed light on the fragile line between love and madness, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the darkest corners of human emotion.

Production Credits

Produced by Cameron Shatavian and Sasha Oslanian, with executive production by Janice Johnston, Josh Cohen, and Laura Mayer. Theme music by Evan Viola.

Tune In

Don't miss the remaining episodes of the "Bad Romance" series, airing Tuesdays at 10:00 PM on ABC. For more true crime coverage, tune into 20/20 every Friday night at 9:00 PM.