Footprints in the Snow
- Feb 21, 2023
- 1:23:19
- Full Episode
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The missing persons case of 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews in Colorado remains a mystery for more than 3 decades until detectives narrow in on a suspect whose bizarre behavior after her disappearance hints at something much more sinister. Dennis Murphy reports.
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Brief Summary
The episode recounts the 1984 disappearance of Janelle Matthews and the eventual conviction of Steve Pankey for her murder.
Key points
- A Child Goes Missing. Janelle Matthews disappears after a Christmas concert, leaving her family and community in shock.
- Community Mobilizes. The people of Greeley come together to search for Janelle, showing their support for the family.
- A Father's Grief. Jim Matthews struggles with the police investigation and the suspicion surrounding him.
- The FBI Gets Involved. The FBI joins the investigation, leading to intense questioning of Jim Matthews.
- Norris Drake Emerges. Detective Olson discovers a potential witness, Norris Drake, living across from the Matthews.
- Steve Pankey's Odd Behavior. Pankey's strange actions and comments raise suspicions about his involvement in Janelle's case.
Episode highlights
- A Child Goes MissingJanelle Matthews disappears after a Christmas concert, leaving her family and community in shock.“A town haunted.”1:01Feb 21, 2023
- Community MobilizesThe people of Greeley come together to search for Janelle, showing their support for the family.“The people of Greeley are like salt of the earth.”14:51Feb 21, 2023
- A Father's GriefJim Matthews struggles with the police investigation and the suspicion surrounding him.“I decided to call my pastor.”22:34Feb 21, 2023
- The FBI Gets InvolvedThe FBI joins the investigation, leading to intense questioning of Jim Matthews.“The FBI agent was trying to get me to confess.”23:05Feb 21, 2023
- Norris Drake EmergesDetective Olson discovers a potential witness, Norris Drake, living across from the Matthews.“A possible witness?”29:09Feb 21, 2023
- Steve Pankey's Odd BehaviorPankey's strange actions and comments raise suspicions about his involvement in Janelle's case.“Well, you don't think I would hurt her, do you?”46:21Feb 21, 2023
- Discovery of Janelle's RemainsDetectives find human skeletal remains, leading to the identification of Janelle Matthews.“No question who your discovery is at that point.”49:50Feb 21, 2023
- Pankey's ArrestSteve Pankey is arrested and charged with first-degree murder after decades of suspicion.“They arrested Steve Pankey at his home in Idaho.”1:01:16Feb 21, 2023
Episode quotes
Tension
85/ 100High tension






