Podcast Summary: The After Show: I Have Killed for You 20/20
Host: ABC News
Release Date: June 9, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of 20/20: The After Show, host Debra Roberts delves into the haunting cold case of Bonnie Woodward, a 47-year-old mother of four who vanished from a small town in Illinois nearly a decade ago. Joined by her colleague Juju Chang, co-anchor of Nightline, the discussion unpacks the intricate investigation, key evidence, and the eventual trial that brought resolution to this mysterious disappearance.

Background of the Case

Bonnie Woodward's disappearance was initially overshadowed by her 17-year-old stepdaughter Heather's earlier run from home. Weeks before Bonnie vanished, Heather had left her family and was found staying with Roger and Monica Carroll and their 16-year-old son, Nathan. Heather resurfaced unharmed, but Bonnie's sudden disappearance raised immediate concerns.

Ju Ju Chang highlights the severity of the situation:

"When you realize that, suddenly Bonnie goes missing, you have a story of not just one person, a missing person, but two people in the same family." [02:55]

The Small Town of Alton, Illinois

Alton, depicted as a quintessential Midwestern small town, seemed an unlikely setting for such a mystery. Known for its picturesque main street, church steeple, and even dubbed one of the most haunted small towns in America, Alton is a close-knit, working-class community.

Juju Chang describes the town:

"It's one of those Midwestern small towns where it looks like a scene out of, you know, sort of from yesteryear... full of people who are salt of the earth." [02:50]

Bonnie Woodward: A Pillar of the Community

Bonnie was revered as the glue of her family and community. She worked diligently at a nursing home, adhered strictly to her routines, and was the social hub, organizing family gatherings and Fourth of July picnics. Her sudden disappearance left a void that echoed through her family and the entire community.

A poignant memory from Bonnie's niece, Rachel Lee, underscores her character:

"She was the aunt that took a second to actually listen to you if something was going on. Like, she was fair. She listened." [04:40]

Initial Investigation

The police first focused on Bonnie’s boyfriend, Gary Wilmer, and an ex-boyfriend who had fled town, both of whom were quickly cleared. However, a critical piece of evidence—a red truck belonging to Bonnie—contained Roger Carroll's fingerprints. Despite this, the lack of concrete evidence kept Carroll out of immediate suspicion, and the case went cold.

"Bonnie was the kind of person who would, like, be the social hub of her family... she left her car in the parking lot. She just disappeared." [05:02]

Renewed Interest and Key Evidence

Nearly a decade later, new evidence surfaced when Monica Carroll, Roger’s wife, alleged that Roger had attacked her. This prompted Prosecutor Jennifer Mudge to revisit the case, leading to renewed investigations. The breakthrough came through Nathan Carroll's testimony, granted immunity in exchange for his detailed account of the events.

Jennifer Mudge reflects on Nathan's testimony:

"Nathan was a 16 year old boy living under Roger Carroll's thumb... he started... [16:07]"

Key evidence included:

• Fingerprints: Roger Carroll's fingerprints on Bonnie’s truck.
• Sassafras Tree Evidence: A tree near the burn site damaged by fire, corroborating Nathan’s timeline.

  "We cut out, obviously, the integral parts where the damage was. A botanist... said that the tree was damaged probably by fire... [19:35]"

The Trial

Roger Carroll was brought to trial, where Nathan’s compelling testimony was crucial. Nathan described witnessing Roger dispose of Bonnie’s body using a fire pit, a confession that was bolstered by the botanical evidence from the sassafras tree. Despite Roger's steadfast denial, the jury found him guilty based on the accumulation of circumstantial evidence.

Prosecutor Jennifer Mudge emphasizes the authenticity of Nathan’s account:

"If he had said, 'I killed her. My father had nothing to do with it,' there was a split second of fear." [17:36]

Verdict and Aftermath

In October 2020, Roger Carroll was sentenced to 40 years for murder, with an additional 25-year enhancement for using a firearm. Throughout the trial, Roger maintained his innocence, showing little emotion during sentencing.

Juju Chang summarizes:

"Roger Carroll still is denying that he had anything to do with it. He never talked about a motive." [23:02]

Reflections on Motive

The enigmatic title "I Have Killed for You" stems from Monica Carroll’s claim that Roger confessed to killing Bonnie to protect the family, though the exact motive remains unclear. Investigators and prosecutors speculated various motives, including protecting his family from potential fallout involving Heather’s allegations of abuse, which were later disproven by child protective services.

Closing Thoughts

The resolution of Bonnie Woodward’s case underscores the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and the pivotal role of credible testimonies in solving cold cases. The episode not only sheds light on the complexities of familial relationships in small communities but also highlights the emotional and psychological toll such mysteries take on all involved.

Juju Chang concludes:

"This story was... a real Perry Mason moment... you could hear a pin drop." [16:46]

Notable Quotes

• Rachel Lee on Bonnie’s Impact:

  "She definitely was like everything. Like it just kind of fell apart after that." [05:04]

• Prosecutor Jennifer Mudge on Nathan’s Testimony:

  "If he had said, 'I killed her. My father had nothing to do with it,' you granted me immunity. I'm free. Oh, right." [18:15]

• Investigator Scott Gallachi on Sassafras Tree Evidence:

  "It's similar. It's good evidence... it does prove that the story of the fire on the Hill is accurate." [20:38]

Conclusion

"The After Show: I Have Killed for You" masterfully unravels a decade-old mystery through meticulous reporting and insightful interviews. By exploring the interplay between personal dynamics and investigative breakthroughs, the episode offers a comprehensive look at how justice can prevail even after years of uncertainty.

For more detailed coverage and true crime stories, tune in to 20/20: The After Show on ABC News every Friday night.