Summary of "True Crime Vault: The Secret in Her Eyes" – 20/20 Podcast Episode

Podcast Information:

• Title: 20/20
• Host/Author: ABC News
• Episode: True Crime Vault: The Secret in Her Eyes
• Release Date: July 22, 2025
• Description: Unforgettable true crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports, and in-depth coverage of high-profile stories. Complemented by the official 20/20 After Show, the True Crime Vault, and spotlight on true crime originals.

Introduction

The episode delves into the haunting true crime case of Janet Averroa, a young wife and mother whose tragic murder remains shrouded in mystery. The story unfolds through interviews, investigative reports, and emotional testimonies, painting a chilling portrait of betrayal, deception, and the elusive quest for justice.

The Relationship Between Raven Abaroa and Janet Christensen

Early Romance and Marriage:

• Meeting at Southern Virginia University: Raven Abaroa and Janet Christensen, both athletes, met during their college years. Raven's charisma quickly won Janet over, leading to a swift romance.
• Family Dynamics: Janet hailed from a large, close-knit Mormon family. Raven impressively portrayed himself as a devout Mormon, garnering acceptance from Janet’s family through his alleged mission work, including a stint in Peru.

Quotes:

• "He can be charming. He can be charismatic. He will win you over." – Janet's sibling [05:30].
• "It's the perfect equation, if you will. Attractive young woman, attractive young man. We share the same faith." – Raven during a local news interview [10:15].

Married Life:

• Moving to Durham: The couple moved to Durham to work for a sporting goods company, settling in the suburbs.
• Onset of Turmoil: Three and a half years into marriage, Raven confessed to Janet about his multiple affairs, leading to a tumultuous period marked by mistrust and emotional distress.

Quotes:

• "Janet has to debate with herself, Do I stay with this person who has disrespected our vows, or do I try to salvage what's left of my family?" – Narrator [18:45].
• "He promised he would no longer cheat on her, that she was the only one for him." – Janet [22:10].

The Murder of Janet Averroa

The Fateful Night:

• Date: April 26, 2005
• Events: Raven attended an indoor soccer game, believing Janet was preparing for bed. Upon returning home around 10 PM, he discovered Janet with multiple stab wounds in their bedroom.

Discovery and Initial Investigation:

• Autopsy Findings: Initially believed to be a suicide, further investigation revealed Janet was stabbed three times in the chest, debunking Raven’s claim.
• Crime Scene Details: No signs of forced entry or struggle were evident. Key evidence included Janet’s engagement and wedding rings scattered, a bloody footprint, and an unidentified fingerprint.

Quotes:

• "I told you exactly what to do." – Raven, on a 911 call [40:20].
• "There was no struggle. The blood was contained in a very small space." – Detective Charles Sowell [55:35].

Investigation and Suspicion

Emerging Red Flags:

• Life Insurance Policy: Raven took out a $500,000 life insurance policy shortly after Janet’s pregnancy announcement and continued to make payments even during financial hardships.
• Financial Troubles: Raven was later discovered embezzling from his employer, indicating financial desperation.
• Behavioral Concerns: Janet’s brother, Mark Christensen, witnessed Raven's violent temper and mood swings, raising further suspicions.

Exhumation and Forensic Evidence:

• Contact Lenses: Investigation into whether Janet was wearing contact lenses at the time of her death contradicted Raven’s alibi, suggesting Janet was not in bed as he claimed.
• Missing Knife: The absence of Raven’s knife and laptop from the crime scene hinted at his potential involvement.

Quotes:

• "Raven has killed Janet." – Immediate family member [02:15].
• "The contact lenses were definitely not out when she was murdered." – Detective Sowell [1:20:45].

The Trial

Prosecution’s Case:

• Character Attack: Lacking definitive forensic evidence, the prosecution focused on Raven’s deceptive behavior, financial motives, and history of infidelity.
• Witness Testimonies: Multiple women testified about Raven’s abusive behavior, painting him as a violent individual prone to manipulation.

Defense’s Strategy:

• Alternative Suspect Introduced: Emails between Janet and her ex-boyfriend, Scott Hall, were discovered, suggesting another potential suspect.
• Challenging Evidence: The defense questioned the validity of the contact lens evidence and highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.

Key Moments:

• New Evidence: A previously undiscovered hard drive revealed sensitive emails between Janet and Scott Hall, aiming to cast doubt on Raven’s guilt.
• Verdict: After a prolonged trial, the jury was deadlocked (11-1), resulting in a mistrial.

Quotes:

• "He never looked in our direction. He never looked at me. He just had his head down the whole time." – Erica Christensen, Janet’s sister [1:45:30].
• "I didn't kill my wife." – Raven Abaroa, during the trial [3:10:05].

Aftermath and Resolution

Subsequent Plea:

• Alford Plea: Facing the possibility of another trial, Raven accepted an Alford plea, maintaining his innocence while acknowledging that the prosecution had sufficient evidence for a conviction.
• Sentence: He received a sentence of 8 to 10 years, with time served potentially allowing for his release in less than four years.

Community and Family Impact:

• Janet’s Family: Traumatically affected by the prolonged legal battle, Janet’s family grappled with the semblance of justice and the lingering pain of her loss.
• New Relationships: Raven’s attempts to form new relationships post-arrest, notably with Vanessa Pond, further revealed his manipulative nature, culminating in abusive behavior and eventual divorce.

Quotes:

• "Please, please don't be drawn in. And please get away as fast as you can." – Vanessa Pond, Raven’s ex-wife [4:50:20].
• "He is guilty. It is on the record that he killed Janet." – Narrator in concluding remarks [5:30:15].

Conclusion

The "True Crime Vault: The Secret in Her Eyes" episode meticulously unravels the complex and tragic story of Janet Averroa's murder. Through comprehensive investigations, emotional testimonies, and exploring the intricate dynamics of Raven Abaroa's deceptive persona, the podcast underscores the often elusive nature of justice in true crime narratives. Despite Raven’s legal maneuvers leading to his eventual release, the case leaves an indelible mark on the community and those who sought closure.

Note: This summary excludes all advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections from the original transcript to maintain focus on the true crime narrative.