Podcast Summary: 20/20 – The After Show: There Is a Monster in Me
Episode Details:
- Title: The After Show: There Is a Monster in Me
- Host/Author: ABC News
- Release Date: July 28, 2025
Introduction to the Susan Woods Murder Case
In this gripping episode of ABC News' 20/20 After Show, host Debra Roberts introduces a haunting true crime story from Texas—the murder of Susan Woods. Initially, the tightly knit community swiftly accused her estranged husband, Michael Woods, of the heinous crime. However, inconsistencies surfaced when fingerprints found at the crime scene did not match Michael's, causing the case to stall for two decades.
Notable Quote:
Debra Roberts [00:01]: "Michael Woods was cleared, and a jury ultimately convicted another man by the name of Scott Hatley, a local man with a violent history."
Exploring the Investigation with Chris Connelly
Debra Roberts engages in an in-depth conversation with ABC News contributor Chris Connelly, who delves into the complexities of the Susan Woods case. Chris highlights the diligent research undertaken by the 20/20 team and acknowledges the collaboration with journalist Brian Burrow of Texas Monthly, whose work was instrumental in uncovering new leads.
Notable Quote:
Chris Connelly [02:27]: "This was a powerful story because this was a man that an entire town had decided had done something... it was a remarkable thing and a look at kind of what happens or can happen in a small town where everybody assumes one thing and something very different happens."
Michael Woods: Beyond the Suspicion
The episode paints a multifaceted portrait of Michael Woods, initially vilified by his community but ultimately proven innocent. Despite leaving behind a trail of anger and vitriol—such as cassette tapes and hostile notes—Michael maintained his innocence. Chris Connelly emphasizes the burden Michael carried, living under the shadow of false accusations for over forty years.
Notable Quote:
Chris Connelly [04:06]: "Michael Woods had harbored life under this penumbra of suspicion for decades. He had not murdered Susan Woods."
A Glimpse into Michael's Personal Life
Beyond the dark allegations, the story reveals a different side of Michael Woods. During their interview, Chris introduces a more humane and relatable aspect of Michael by recounting a moment where they bonded over music. This interaction showcased Michael's talent as a guitarist and provided listeners with a deeper understanding of his character.
Notable Quote:
Chris Connelly [05:31]: "We wound up singing together by Zager and Evans... That's kind of how we broke the ice with Michael Woods."
Shannon Meyers Barriento: The Heroine of the Case
A pivotal figure in solving the Susan Woods murder was Shannon Meyers Barriento, a resilient survivor who endured a brutal assault by Scott Hatley—the very man eventually convicted for Susan's murder. Shannon's courage to come forward with her story was instrumental in linking Hatley to both her assault and the Woods case.
Notable Quote:
Chris Connelly [13:12]: "Shannon's willingness to come forward... was enormously powerful, I think, for her and for everybody who listened to it."
The Breakthrough: Linking Evidence
Detective Don Miller played a crucial role in reopening the Susan Woods case. Through meticulous examination, new fingerprints matching Scott Hatley's were discovered at the crime scene, alongside other evidence like cigarette butts. These findings, combined with Shannon's testimony, solidified the case against Hatley.
Notable Quote:
Chris Connelly [14:29]: "Shannon's willingness to go to cops... drove Scott Hatley out of town, and years later, with the fingerprints at the site of Susan Wood's murder, Shannon drives the thing that gets Scott Hatley nailed for the murder of Susan Woods."
Scott Hatley: The Unraveling of a Killer’s Mind
After his conviction, Scott Hatley's narrative took an eerie turn. Posthumously, over 260 pages of his writings were discovered, revealing chilling insights into his psyche. These writings offered a rare glimpse into the mind of a murderer, portraying his longstanding depravity and lack of remorse.
Notable Quote:
Chris Connelly [17:55]: "It was just a window into the twisted mind of someone who could do these awful things, hiding in plain sight."
Conclusion: Unveiling the Monster Within
The episode, aptly titled There Is a Monster in Me, encapsulates the profound journey from suspicion to truth. It underscores the importance of perseverance in investigative journalism and justice. Shannon Meyers Barriento's bravery, combined with the relentless efforts of Detective Miller and the 20/20 team, ultimately brought closure to a decades-old mystery, exonerating Michael Woods and ensuring that Scott Hatley's heinous crimes were finally acknowledged.
Notable Quote:
Debra Roberts [21:25]: "Your reporting is always just mesmerizing. You have a way of bringing it all home, all the turns in this case."
Behind the Scenes and Production Insights
In the latter part of the episode, Chris Connelly shares personal anecdotes about the challenges and experiences encountered while reporting from Stephenville, Texas. From cultural differences to building trust within a small community, the segment offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication required to tell such a compelling story.
Notable Quote:
Chris Connelly [11:31]: "Stephenville was a great experience. It's a very different town now than it was during the time of our story because there's been a big university that's really expanded."
Final Thoughts
20/20 After Show's episode, There Is a Monster in Me, is a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth and justice. Through expert storytelling, in-depth interviews, and compelling evidence presentation, ABC News delivers a powerful narrative that not only solves a cold case but also highlights the resilience and courage of those who seek the truth.
Production Credits:
- Producers: Amira Williams, Sasha Aslanian
- Reporters: Joseph Rhee, Chris Connelly, Karen Shiffman, Amanda Carr, Brian Mazersky, Alex Barenfeld
- Theme Music: Evan Viola
- Executive Producers: Janice Johnston, Laura Mayer
- Director of Podcasting: Josh Cohen
- Operations Director: Michelle Margulis