20/20 After Show: "Since You've Been Gone" – A Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: 20/20 After Show: Since You've Been Gone
• Host: Debra Roberts, ABC News
• Release Date: July 21, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into the two-decade-old true crime mystery of Alyssa Turney's disappearance in Phoenix, Arizona. It covers investigative twists, including a false confession, discovery of pipe bombs, and the subsequent murder trial and acquittal of Alyssa's stepfather, Michael Turney.

1. Introduction to the Case

Debra Roberts opens the episode by introducing the haunting disappearance of 17-year-old Alyssa Turney from Phoenix, Arizona, in 2001. Initially deemed a runaway, the case took a dark turn as authorities began suspecting her stepfather, Michael Turney.

Notable Quote:

Debra Roberts (00:33): "When 17-year-old Alyssa Turney disappeared on the last day of her junior year of high school, authorities at first believed it looked like a classic runaway case."

2. Overview of the Investigation

The host is joined by Mary Ellen Resendez Schwizo, an editorial producer with extensive experience on the case. They reflect on how initial perceptions shifted from a runaway to a potential abduction, especially after a Florida convict's false confession and the emergence of disturbing evidence in Michael Turney's home.

Notable Quotes:

Mary Ellen Resendez Schwizo (04:09): "She was reported as a runaway by her father, but police are starting to suspect she didn't run away."

Debra Roberts (05:13): "It kind of shined a different light on him."

3. The False Confession and Media Involvement

In 2009, correspondent John Quinones reopens the story, highlighting a false confession by Thomas Hymer, a Florida convict, who later recants his claim after being confronted with evidence.

Notable Quote:

John Quinones (02:23): "I was reporting on a vibrant teenage girl named Alyssa Turney. She had disappeared in 2001."

4. Michael Turney: Becoming a Person of Interest

Michael Turney, Alyssa's stepfather, emerges as a key figure. Despite maintaining his innocence, his intensive surveillance practices and reluctance to cooperate fully with authorities raise suspicions.

Notable Quotes:

Michael Turney (12:19): "The videos I recorded because I love my family."

Detective (12:41): "From Michael Turney's perspective, he feels like he's assisting in the investigation by handing over some of these tapes."

5. Escalation to Federal Investigation

The discovery of pipe bombs and firearms in Michael Turney’s home shifts the investigation from local to federal jurisdiction. Turney is arrested and pleads guilty to unlawful possession of destructive devices, resulting in a 10-year sentence, of which he serves seven years.

Notable Quotes:

Michael Turney (14:44): "These things weren't in there. They were not in that house."

Forensic Psychologist (14:47): "The discovery of these bombs changed the entire focus of the investigation."

6. The Trial and Acquittal

After his release in 2017, Michael Turney faces a second-degree murder charge. The lack of concrete evidence, such as Alyssa's body or a crime scene, undermines the prosecution's case. Despite the prosecution presenting clips from an earlier interview, the defense successfully argues insufficient evidence.

Notable Quotes:

Prosecutor Vincent Bordino (18:17): "He wouldn't do it."

Mary Ellen Resendez Schwizo (20:33): "Substantial evidence does not exist to warrant a conviction."

7. Courtroom Drama and Unexpected Ruling

In a surprising courtroom development, the judge dismisses the case before it even reaches the jury, citing insufficient evidence. This rare judicial decision leaves both the courtroom and the listeners in shock.

Notable Quotes:

Judge (20:41): "Substantial evidence does not exist to warrant a conviction."

Mary Ellen Resendez Schwizo (21:42): "There were a lot of jaws that were just dropped."

8. Aftermath and Continuing the Search

Despite the acquittal, Alyssa Turney remains missing. Her family, particularly her sister Sarah Turney, becomes increasingly involved in advocating for renewed investigations, leveraging platforms like TikTok and her own podcast to keep the case in the public eye.

Notable Quotes:

Michael Turney (27:29): "I'm trying. And to get back into some kind of physical and mental shape is important."

Mary Ellen Resendez Schwizo (29:16): "Phoenix police is always following up on leads. This is one of the top unsolved cases in Arizona."

9. Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts

The episode concludes by emphasizing the unresolved nature of Alyssa Turney’s disappearance. Both Michael Turney and Sarah remain steadfast in their respective quests—Michael denying involvement and Sarah seeking answers through advocacy and public engagement.

Notable Quotes:

Mary Ellen Resendez Schwizo (30:14): "There are no confirmed answers as far as anything that we could report."

Debra Roberts (30:48): "Mary Ellen, you'll keep us up to date and if there is anything new, we'll probably be updating it again."

Key Takeaways:

• Complex Investigation: The case of Alyssa Turney highlights the complexities of distinguishing between a runaway and a potential abduction, significantly influenced by the initial classification of the disappearance.

• Impact of Media: Media coverage and local podcasts played a crucial role in keeping the case alive and influencing public perception, ultimately affecting the direction of the investigation.

• Legal Challenges: The absence of a body or concrete evidence poses significant hurdles in prosecuting such cases, as seen in Michael Turney's acquittal.

• Family Advocacy: The Turney family's relentless pursuit for answers underscores the emotional and psychological toll on families of missing persons.

• Ongoing Mystery: Despite years of investigation and public attention, Alyssa Turney's whereabouts and fate remain unknown, leaving the case open and unresolved.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Debra Roberts (00:33): "When 17-year-old Alyssa Turney disappeared... authorities at first believed it looked like a classic runaway case."

• Mary Ellen Resendez Schwizo (04:09): "She was reported as a runaway by her father, but police are starting to suspect she didn't run away."

• Michael Turney (12:19): "The videos I recorded because I love my family."

• Michael Turney (14:44): "These things weren't in there. They were not in that house."

• Judge (20:41): "Substantial evidence does not exist to warrant a conviction."

• Mary Ellen Resendez Schwizo (30:14): "There are no confirmed answers as far as anything that we could report."

Final Thoughts

"Since You've Been Gone" offers a compelling exploration of a long-standing true crime mystery, intertwining investigative journalism with personal narratives. It underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement and families alike in seeking closure for unresolved disappearances. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact such cases have on communities and the relentless pursuit of truth and justice.