‘20/20’ Examines Case of 15-Year-Old Student Taken by Tennessee Teacher Resulting in 38-Day Nationwide Manhunt

In 2017, 50-year-old high school teacher Tad Cummins took his 15-year-old student Elizabeth Thomas from her small hometown in Tennessee after illicit behavior that began in his classroom came to light. Their disappearance prompted a 38-day national search, making headlines across the country. “20/20” examines the case with new interviews and police footage after ABC News correspondent Eva Pilgrim had the first on-camera interview with Thomas in 2018. The two-hour program provides a comprehensive look at the case, including the events leading up to the disappearance, never-before-released evidence from the month-long investigation that tracked the pair across the country, and the prosecution of Cummins.

“20/20” has new interviews with key investigators and prosecutors who brought Cummins to justice, including Special Agent Sterling Wall, the lead FBI agent on the case; Special Agent Tyler Sells with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; detective Marcus Albright, the lead investigator from the Maury County, Tennessee Sherriff’s Office; and Sara Beth Myers, the lead federal prosecutor on the case. The program also features never-before-broadcast interrogation footage of Cummins, providing critical insight into his state of mind before he fled, and an interview with Cummins’ ex-wife Jill. Additional interviews include key family members of Cummins and Thomas; Jason Whatley, the Thomas family attorney; District Attorney Brent Cooper; and Griffin Barry, whose tip led to Cummins’ arrest. “20/20” airs Friday, Dec. 2 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EST), on ABC, next day on Hulu.

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. Janice Johnston is the executive producer. The two-hour “20/20” events air Fridays from 9:01-11:00 p.m. EST on ABC and are available to stream on ABC News digital platforms and Hulu.

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ABC News Media Relations
Sarah Jautz
sarah.jautz@abc.com

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