20/20 Tonight: "The Salem Strangler" September 25 2026

20/20: “The Salem Strangler” September 25 2026

A young woman’s strangulation remained one of Massachusetts’ haunting unsolved crimes for nearly four decades. Years later, another woman survived a strikingly violent attack — providing investigators with evidence that would eventually help unlock the cold case.

The story is at the center of the 20/20 season premiere, “The Salem Strangler,” airing Friday night at 9/8c on ABC.

The investigation begins with Claire Gravel, a 20-year-old Salem State College student from North Andover, Massachusetts.

On the night of June 28, 1986, Gravel went out with friends in Salem. She was dropped off near her apartment early the next morning, but what happened afterward remained a mystery.

Her body was discovered on June 30 in woods near Route 128 in Beverly. Gravel had been strangled, with investigators determining that a piece of her own clothing had been used to kill her.

Police investigated numerous leads, but no one was charged. Years became decades, and the question of who killed Claire remained unanswered.

Then another woman encountered a man named John Carey.

In 2007, Rosemarie Diskin was inside her Hamilton home when Carey attacked her. Diskin later testified that Carey strangled her. She survived, and Carey was convicted in connection with the attack.

That crime would have consequences extending far beyond Diskin’s case.

DNA evidence eventually allowed investigators to connect Carey to Gravel’s murder. Prosecutors said testing identified Carey’s genetic material on the tank top that had been used to strangle the 20-year-old student.

Carey was indicted in 2022, more than 35 years after Gravel’s death.

The case finally went to trial in 2026, with Diskin among the witnesses taking the stand. Carey’s defense maintained that investigators had the wrong man and questioned aspects of the original investigation, but the jury convicted Carey of first-degree murder on March 3.

He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The 20/20 premiere also highlights the people who refused to allow Gravel’s story to disappear.

Among them is journalist James Maroney, who was 28 when he covered the killing for North Shore TV News. Gravel’s photograph remained on his desk for decades as he continued reporting on the case and trying to generate renewed attention.

Nearly 40 years after his first report, Maroney was interviewed by ABC News about the case and his efforts to keep the search for Gravel’s killer alive.

“The Salem Strangler” reconstructs the crime, the attack that produced a critical investigative connection and the modern forensic work that helped authorities finally answer a question Claire Gravel’s family had lived with for decades.

The Season Premiere of 20/20, “The Salem Strangler,” airs Friday at 9/8c on ABC. The episode will also be available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.

About 20/20

20/20 is ABC’s flagship newsmagazine, known for its in-depth investigative reports, true crime stories, and exclusive interviews. Since its debut in 1978, the program has built a reputation for powerful storytelling and journalism that goes beyond the headlines. Airing weekly in primetime, 20/20 continues to deliver compelling stories that captivate audiences. This page provides the latest 20/20 schedule, so viewers always know what’s airing next.

Over the years, 20/20 has covered a wide range of stories, from high-profile criminal cases to human-interest features and cultural issues. Anchored by David Muir and Debra Roberts, the show combines investigative depth with emotional storytelling.

Its true crime specials, in particular, have become a staple of Friday night television, drawing large audiences and sparking conversations nationwide.

Weekly 20/20 Schedule

20/20 typically airs on Friday nights at 9/8c on ABC. Episodes often run two hours and feature extensive reporting on a single case or topic, giving the program a unique depth compared to other newsmagazines.

The weekly schedule highlights upcoming stories, whether they involve breaking investigations, exclusive interviews, or updates on past cases. Episodes are also available to stream on Hulu after broadcast, making it easy for viewers to catch up.

Why Follow the 20/20 Schedule?

Each week’s episode of 20/20 is a standalone story, meaning viewers can jump in at any time. Following the schedule ensures fans won’t miss highly anticipated investigations or exclusive interviews.

Many episodes of 20/20 spark national attention, often becoming part of broader conversations around true crime and justice. Staying updated on the schedule guarantees that viewers never miss the most talked-about stories in investigative journalism.

Conclusion

This guide provides the latest updates on the 20/20 schedule, including weekly broadcasts and upcoming episode details. With regular updates, it ensures you always know when to tune in. Bookmark this page to stay connected with one of television’s most respected and enduring newsmagazine programs.