20/20 ABC Tonight: “Forever 17” May 10 2024

Tune in to ABC’s 20/20 for a compelling new episode titled “Forever 17,” airing Friday, May 10, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. This two-hour special delves into a haunting case that has gripped the small city of Ozark, Alabama, for over two decades.

The episode focuses on the tragic 1999 murders of two 17-year-old girls, Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley, who were found dead in the trunk of a car after a night out. Their murders remained a mystery until a breakthrough in 2019 with the arrest of Coley McCraney, thanks to DNA evidence obtained through a genealogy database. McCraney, a local truck driver and preacher, had lived a seemingly quiet life before being linked to the crime, challenging the community’s perception of him.

“Forever 17” will explore the intense emotions and complex narratives that emerged during the trial, including McCraney’s claim of having had consensual sex with Beasley but denying any involvement in the murders. The episode features interviews with key figures in the case, including family members of the victims, who share their enduring grief and quest for justice.

This episode of 20/20 not only revisits the chilling details of the crime but also highlights the evolving role of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases, illustrating how modern science is reshaping the landscape of criminal investigations. Tune in for an in-depth look at a case that has haunted a community and challenged legal and ethical boundaries in law enforcement.

Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley: The Full Story

The new episode of ABC’s 20/20, titled “Forever 17,” delves into the haunting case of Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley, two 17-year-old girls whose lives were tragically cut short in 1999. The program explores the discovery of their bodies, the ensuing investigation, and the eventual arrest and trial of Coley McCraney, shedding light on a cold case that haunted the small town of Ozark, Alabama, for nearly two decades.

The night of July 31, 1999, marked the beginning of the tragedy when Hawlett and Beasley left for a party but never returned home. Their bodies were discovered the next day in the trunk of Beasley’s car, both having suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Despite years of investigation, the case remained unsolved until a breakthrough in 2019 when genetic genealogy led to the arrest of McCraney, a local preacher and truck driver with no prior criminal record.

McCraney’s arrest shocked the community, challenging their perception of a respected member suddenly implicated in a heinous crime. His subsequent trial revealed a complex narrative, with McCraney denying involvement in the murders but admitting to consensual sexual contact with Beasley. Despite his defense’s arguments, McCraney was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole, sparking discussions about the use of DNA evidence and its role in the justice system.

The impact of the case on the community of Ozark was profound, highlighting the vulnerabilities of small towns and the lingering effects of such tragedies. The resolution of the case, while providing some closure, also raised questions about the ethical implications of forensic technology and its application in criminal investigations. The legacy of Hawlett and Beasley serves as a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of justice and the evolving landscape of crime-solving methods.

Coley McCraney’s arrest and subsequent conviction marked a dramatic turn in his life, challenging his reputation as a devoted family man and community leader. Despite his assertions of innocence, the jury’s decision and subsequent appeals process have thrust him into the national spotlight, emblematic of the complexities surrounding forensic DNA technology and legal ethics in the pursuit of justice.