Dark Side of the Mesa | Full Episode
- Aug 24, 2026
- 42:00
- Full Episode
Convicted of killing his wife in 2004, a bombshell twist gives a Colorado man a second shot at freedom. Will a jury set him free? "48 Hours" correspondent Susan Spencer reports in this episode from March 2007. Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.
True crime. Real justice. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [email protected]
Brief Summary
Michael Black is convicted of murdering his wife Jennifer and remains a suspect in the disappearance of their daughter Abby.
Key points
- A Family's Disappearance. Michael Black returns home to find blood and chaos, leading to a frantic 911 call.
- The Shocking Discovery. The decomposed body of Jennifer Black is found in a landfill, seven months after her disappearance.
- Unraveling the Perfect Family. The Blacks appeared to be an ideal couple, but dark secrets began to surface.
- Michael's Dark Confession. Michael admits to being addicted to hardcore pornography, complicating the investigation.
- The Search for Abby. Community rallies to search for missing Abby, but Michael Black remains absent from the efforts.
- Michael Black's Trial Begins. As the murder trial of Michael Black begins, the community questions the fairness of the proceedings.
Episode highlights
- A Family's DisappearanceMichael Black returns home to find blood and chaos, leading to a frantic 911 call.“My family's gone. My daughter and my wife aren't here.”1:16Aug 24, 2026
- The Shocking DiscoveryThe decomposed body of Jennifer Black is found in a landfill, seven months after her disappearance.“The decomposed body of 34-year-old Jennifer Black wrapped in a red and black plastic tent.”3:09Aug 24, 2026
- Unraveling the Perfect FamilyThe Blacks appeared to be an ideal couple, but dark secrets began to surface.“If you had to pick a couple to whom this would be the most unlikely thing to happen, this would probably be it.”4:51Aug 24, 2026
- Michael's Dark ConfessionMichael admits to being addicted to hardcore pornography, complicating the investigation.“I was pushing him on that. It's like, boy, you paint a really nice picture.”14:38Aug 24, 2026
- The Search for AbbyCommunity rallies to search for missing Abby, but Michael Black remains absent from the efforts.“It was incredible to see the turnout. This whole community got involved.”19:41Aug 24, 2026
- Michael Black's Trial BeginsAs the murder trial of Michael Black begins, the community questions the fairness of the proceedings.“I just don't think Michael can get a fair trial here.”23:26Aug 24, 2026
- The Pain of LossBoth families suffer immense loss as they navigate the trial's emotional toll.“I've lost my only daughter and her only child.”28:45Aug 24, 2026
- Guilty VerdictThe jury finds Michael Black guilty of first-degree murder after deliberations.“Guilty of first-degree murder.”39:47Aug 24, 2026
