Forensic Files

“True-crime junkie” inserts himself into a decades-long investigation

48 Hours

  • Aug 7, 2022
  • 2:35
  • Short

For decades, a man suggested to anyone who would listen he knew what happened to a missing 12-year-old girl. A stunning admission came to light when he testified at his own murder trial.

Crime. Social justice. Impact. "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.

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Brief Summary

Stephen Panky admits to lying in Janelle Matthews' murder trial, raising doubts about his credibility and involvement in the case.

Key points

  • The Disappearance of Janelle Matthews. Janelle Matthews, a twelve-year-old, vanished after a choir concert in 1984.
  • Stephen Panky's Stunning Admission. In a shocking turn, Panky admits to lying during his murder trial.

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