48 Hours — "A Son's Pursuit of Justice"

Date: September 25, 2025
Host: CBS News
Correspondent: Anne-Marie Green (also features Detective Donna Velasquez, Judy Jackson, John Wolf, Michael Wolf, and others.)

Overview

This gripping 48 Hours episode explores the decades-old disappearance and murder of David Jackson from his Florida home in 1988. Through relentless investigation, personal sacrifice, and unexpected confessions, the Jackson family’s long search for answers pivots on the unwavering determination of David’s son, John, and detective Donna Velasquez. The episode delves into the tangled web of family conflict, failed justice, and the emotional aftermath for those left behind.

Key Discussion Points and Timeline

1. The Disappearance of David Jackson

• Family Alarm ([01:33]): David’s mother, Judy Jackson, describes her son:
  “He was my firstborn. He was a child that smiled all the time…a very good child.”
• Unanswered Calls ([01:51-02:01]): The family recognizes something is wrong when David doesn’t show up for work; they begin searching, passing out flyers, searching wooded areas, and swimming in canals.
• Pain and Desperation ([02:09]): Judy recounts the agony:
  “You just want to die.”

2. Cold Case Reopened: Detective Velasquez Enters

• Assignment & Initial Impressions ([02:22-03:16]): Detective Donna Velasquez is assigned to the case in 2003, her first detective role, emphasizing David was responsible and unlikely to have left voluntarily.
• A Shocking Connection ([03:16-03:56]): Police Explorers unit introduces John Wolf (David’s son), who reveals his identity to Velasquez in a stunning exchange:
  “That picture, well, that’s my father.”

3. Family History Unpacked

• Teenage Romance and Turbulence ([06:22-08:14]):
  • David (a Burger King manager) and Barbara Britton (employee) marry after an unplanned pregnancy.
  • Barbara’s father, Harry, is described as intimidating and disapproving.
  • The marriage unravels; Barbara initiates divorce and moves with their son, John, to Arizona, marrying Michael Wolf—20 years her senior.
• Custody Conflict ([08:46-09:02]):
  • Agreement for Barbara to bring John back to Florida in summer 1988 for a visit.

4. The Night of David’s Disappearance

• The Last Call ([09:02-09:25]): David receives a call (believed to be from Barbara), leaves for beer and cigarettes, and never returns.
• Mysterious Vehicle ([09:25-09:43]): David’s car is found abandoned, thoroughly cleaned—no fingerprints at the airport.
• Custody Adoption Motives ([10:03-10:24]): Within months of David’s disappearance, Michael Wolf moves to adopt John—raising suspicion.

5. Building a Case Amid Red Flags

• Suspicion Grows ([10:40-11:09]):
  • John is initially asked to wear a wire to incriminate Barbara but backs out after considering the familial implications:
    “Granted, I love her, but if someone did something bad, why should someone cover it?”
• Detective’s Determination ([11:38]):
  “That’s not normal…Mother, to come up and say, what are you trying to do, have me arrested?” — Velasquez notes suspicious behavior from Barbara.
• A Breakthrough: Google Search ([13:41]): Velasquez uses new technology to cross-reference missing persons and unidentified remains.

6. Remains Discovered & Case Turns to Homicide

• Family Confirmation ([15:06]): DNA testing using Judy’s sample provides a match—David’s remains are found, finally confirming the worst ([15:06-15:23]).
• A Mother’s Closure ([15:54]):
  “David, you’re home again. It was almost as if everything had lifted… That’s all they needed was him back.” — Judy Jackson ([15:54-16:30])

7. Barbara’s and Michael Wolf’s Interrogations

• Barbara’s Unusual Responses ([16:43-17:16]): Detective is unsettled by Barbara’s focus on "how many bones" were found rather than empathy or horror.
• Michael Wolf’s Bizarre Confession ([18:00-18:25]):
  “Harry and I had discussed this, David’s demise. I told him the type of weapon he used.”

8. Breakthrough From Wolf’s Ex-Wives

• Nancy and Carol’s Testimonies ([19:33-23:08]):

  • Nancy Graham (Wolf's ex-wife) describes Michael’s drunken confessions.
  • Carol Larson (another ex-wife) provides corroboration, describing Wolf’s admissions and the use of a silencer.

• Murder Plot Unraveled ([20:39-23:33]): Barbara and her father were heavily involved; Barbara lures David under pretense, Michael Wolf waits at Motel 6, and David is shot ([21:44-22:05]).

  “He came out and he shot David. … He had to get so drunk to do it.” — Nancy Graham ([21:44])

9. The Murder, Body Disposal, and Aftermath

• Graphic Details ([32:34-33:52]): Michael Wolf describes the shooting and disposal of David’s body, with Harry and Barbara assisting in transport, burial in a construction lot, and a later failed attempt to retrieve remains due to construction ([34:06-34:14]).
• Adoption Finalized & Fallout ([35:07]): A few months after the murder, Wolf adopts John, but Barbara soon leaves Michael, seeking child support.
• Wolf Convicted ([25:19-25:49]): Jury convicts Michael Wolf of first-degree murder after less than an hour of deliberation.

10. Legal Twist: Barbara’s Fate

• Barbara Arrested ([36:01]):

  • After Wolf confesses, Barbara is arrested and spends years in jail awaiting trial.

• Conflicting Accounts, No Physical Evidence ([37:53-39:09]):

  • Barbara’s defense claims lack of evidence, phone records suggest an alibi.
  • Wolf alleges the alibi call was faked, but Seltzer (defense attorney) says no answering machine existed at Wolf’s home.

• Plea Deal and Sentencing ([41:44-42:58]):

  • Barbara pleads guilty to being an accessory after the fact, only admitting to arranging a phone call with David.
  • No substantial prison time served; family believes justice falls short.

  “She finally said she’s guilty. If she wants to minimize it, that’s fine. God knows and David knows. And I know in my heart she lured David to the motel to murder him…” — Judy Jackson ([43:05])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Judy Jackson (on the devastation of loss):
  “It was pure hell. It felt like my whole heart was just empty that you could put your hand through it. There was just nothing there.” ([04:59])

• Detective Donna Velasquez (on breaking the case):
  “My partner taught me how to do a Google search…It popped out about 50 matches. But one description jumped to the top of the list.” ([13:41])

• Michael Wolf (on Barbara’s and Harry’s involvement):
  “He and Barbara both had a very large part in organizing and setting this thing up.” ([27:39])

• Judy Jackson (finding closure):
  “I picked up the box and I said, ‘David, you’re home again.’ It was almost as if everything had lifted… That’s all they needed was him back.” ([15:54-16:30])

• Barbara Britton (maintaining innocence):
  “I did not kill David. I had nothing to do with it. I did not even have knowledge of it.” ([35:42])

• John Wolf (on choosing truth over family loyalty):
  “If you’re my son, daughter, wife, child, you do something wrong, have a good day.” ([11:07])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening family recollections & disappearance: [01:33-02:09]
• Detective joins the case; John’s surprise connection: [02:22-03:56]
• Backstory of Barbara & David's relationship: [06:22-08:14]
• David’s last known movements: [09:02-09:43]
• John Wolf’s involvement with police (wear the wire, etc.): [10:57-11:16]
• Use of Google for breakthrough: [13:41-14:10]
• DNA confirmation and return of remains: [15:06-16:30]
• Michael Wolf’s confessions/interviews: [17:46-18:25], [27:18-29:55], [31:45-33:52]
• Testimonies of ex-wives (Nancy & Carol): [19:33-23:33]
• Wolf’s trial, conviction: [25:19]
• Barbara’s trial, plea, and aftermath: [36:01-42:58]
• Closing: family closure, unresolved pain: [44:08-44:46]

Conclusion and Legacy

• David’s family, especially his mother Judy and son John, found some measure of closure, but remain haunted by a sense of incomplete justice ([44:08-44:46]).
• Michael Wolf remains in prison for David’s murder.
• Barbara Britton’s plea and light sentence continue to generate anger and debate about the efficacy of the justice system.
• The story is a testament to the persistence of a grieving family and a determined detective — and how truth can eventually come to light, even decades later.

This summary captures the critical elements and emotional landscape of the episode, providing insight and context for those seeking to understand the multi-layered pursuit of justice for David Jackson.