Podcast Summary: 20/20 - The After Show: They Know Everything

Episode Information:

• Title: The After Show: They Know Everything
• Host/Author: ABC News
• Release Date: June 23, 2025

Overview: In this gripping episode of ABC News' 20/20 After Show, host Deborah Roberts delves into the harrowing true crime case of Christian Aguilar, an 18-year-old college student whose disappearance and subsequent murder shocked the University of Florida community. The episode features an in-depth interview with ABC News correspondent Victor Akindo, who provides comprehensive updates and insights into the case, including a rare prison interview with the convicted murderer, Pedro Bravo.

Introduction to the Case

[00:33] Deborah Roberts opens the discussion by introducing the case of Christian Aguilar, whose disappearance in 2020 led to a massive search effort by the Gainesville community and ultimately resulted in the tragic discovery of his body in a remote swamp. She sets the stage for an in-depth conversation with Victor Akindo, who reported extensively on the case.

Host and Correspondent Background

[01:15] Victor Akindo shares his personal connection to Florida and his background in journalism. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the television news industry, Victor explains how his upbringing influenced his career path. He mentions interning at WPLG and his long-standing association with ABC's 20/20.

Community Response and Search Efforts

[03:22] Victor Akindo recounts the unprecedented community response in Gainesville following Christian's disappearance. "The hundreds of people, the throngs of people that descended on Gainesville to help that family search for their missing son. Never seen anything like it," he states at [04:10]. Deborah Roberts emphasizes the tight-knit nature of Southern communities, which amplified the collective effort to find Christian.

Christian Aguilar's Family and Their Struggle

The podcast highlights the deep emotional toll on Christian’s family. [08:06] Farrell, a Gainesville police detective, speaks about the difficulty of delivering the tragic news. Christian's parents, Carlos and Claudia Aguilar, are portrayed as resilient yet devastated, with Carlos voicing a poignant sentiment: "Justice is different from revenge. A loving family who, you know, just had to deal with this and tried to honor their son's legacy" [09:20].

Investigation and Arrest of Pedro Bravo

[13:22] The focus shifts to the investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of Pedro Bravo, a close friend of Christian Aguilar. Victor details how Bravo's inconsistent statements and suspicious behavior during interrogations raised red flags. Surveillance footage and testimonies from mutual acquaintances ultimately implicated Bravo.

Trial and Conviction

Pedro Bravo's trial in 2014 is discussed extensively. [17:18] Victor Akindo explains Bravo's decision to testify in his own defense, which proved to be a critical misstep. "During that trial in 2014, Pedro testified that he and Christian did have an argument, but he denied killing his friend," Victor notes [17:22]. The jury convicted Bravo, sentencing him to life in prison without parole.

Rare Prison Interview and New Developments

Nearly a decade after his conviction, Victor Akindo secured a rare interview with Pedro Bravo in prison. [19:05] Victor describes Bravo's demeanor: "He was silent. He didn't say a word to us." During the interview, Bravo maintained his innocence but showed signs of emotional strain. Despite his continued claims of innocence, evidence continued to mount against him.

In 2023, significant developments emerged:

• Michelangelo's Recantation: A key witness, Michelangelo, who had initially claimed Bravo confessed to him in prison, recanted his testimony.
• Eyewitness Testimony: Kelsey Edwards came forward, alleging she saw Bravo and Christian fighting, contradicting previous statements.
• Schemes to Exonerate: Authorities uncovered that Bravo orchestrated a scheme involving false testimonies to attempt his release, leading to additional charges against him.

Pedro Bravo's Death

In a somber conclusion to this segment, [28:47] Deborah Roberts reports Bravo's suicide in prison in March 2025 at the age of 31. This tragic end adds another layer of sorrow to the already devastating case.

Impact on Christian Aguilar's Loved Ones

The episode poignantly portrays the enduring pain of Christian’s family. Christian’s parents and brother continue to honor his legacy, with the University of Florida awarding him a posthumous degree in biomedical engineering. Carlos Aguilar's heartfelt message to Pedro's parents underscores the mutual suffering: "Carlos Aguilar said that Pedro destroyed two families, his and ours, and nobody won that day" [18:05].

Reflection and Closing Remarks

Deborah Roberts and Victor Akindo reflect on the emotional toll of covering such tragic stories. Victor shares, "These are places I knew well. So this one definitely hit home" [30:13]. The episode closes with expressions of solidarity and the ongoing support for Christian’s family as they continue to navigate their grief.

Notable Quotes:

• Victor Akindo [04:10]: "The hundreds of people, the throngs of people that descended on Gainesville to help that family search for their missing son. Never seen anything like it."

• Deborah Roberts [09:20]: "Justice is different from revenge. A loving family who, you know, just had to deal with this and tried to honor their son's legacy."

• Victor Akindo [17:22]: "During that trial in 2014, Pedro testified that he and Christian did have an argument, but he denied killing his friend."

• Deborah Roberts [18:05]: "Carlos Aguilar said that Pedro destroyed two families, his and ours, and nobody won that day."

• Victor Akindo [30:13]: "These are places I knew well. So this one definitely hit home."

Conclusion: This episode of 20/20 After Show masterfully navigates the complex and emotionally charged narrative of Christian Aguilar's disappearance and murder. Through detailed reporting, personal interviews, and an exploration of the investigation's twists and turns, Deborah Roberts and Victor Akindo provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the case's profound impact on the individuals and community involved.