Could Two Murders in a Small Texas Town Be Connected? A New Two-Hour ‘20/20’ Unravels the Shocking Details

Following the murder of fourth-grade teacher Mickey Bryan 36 years ago – on Oct. 15, 1985 – fear and shock washed over Clifton, Texas, and local authorities soon arrested her husband, Joe Bryan. Four months earlier another crime rocked the small town: the murder of 17-year-old Judy Whitley, later linked to former Clifton police officer Dennis Dunlap. After Bryan spent more than three decades in prison for Mickey’s murder, key expert testimony about forensic evidence used against him proved faulty. Those close to the case wondered – could the two homicides be linked and could Dunlap be Mickey’s killer, too? In a new two-hour program, “20/20” co-anchor Amy Robach, who’s been following this case for years, sits down with Bryan for his first broadcast TV interview. He opens up about the investigation into Mickey’s murder, his time in prison, how it feels to be out of prison after being paroled in 2020 on his eighth attempt, his reunion with his family, and his continued mission to clear his name, including his work with The Innocence Project of Texas. “20/20” features an interview with John Grisham, global bestselling author of a novel inspired in part by Bryan’s case, and exclusive interviews with Penny Blue, Mickey’s sister; Elaine Allen, one of Dunlap’s ex-wives; and Kenneth Fields, former Clifton police officer who worked with Dunlap. The program also includes the last interview with Leon Smith, former publisher and editor of local newspaper “The Clifton Record,” and a longtime champion of Bryan’s innocence who was writing a book on the case prior to his death in 2020. Other interviews include Jessi Freud, Walter Reaves Jr. and Allison Clayton, Bryan’s appeals attorneys; Jim Bryan, Bryan’s brother; and additional family and friends of Bryan. “20/20” airs Friday, Oct. 15 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

 

ABC News’ “20/20” is an award-winning primetime program anchored by David Muir and Amy Robach. A proven leader as a long-form newsmagazine for over 40 years, “20/20” features unforgettable, character-driven true-crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports and in-depth coverage of high profile stories. The two-hour “20/20” events air Fridays from 9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT on ABC and are available to stream on ABC News digital platforms and Hulu. David Sloan is senior executive producer, and Janice Johnston is executive producer.

 

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Elizabeth Russo
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