Press release - Series

April 11, 2025

A TODDLER’S HEARTBREAKING DISCOVERY SPARKS A DARK INVESTIGATION IN THE ‘20/20’ LIMITED TRUE CRIME SERIES ‘BAD ROMANCE,’ AIRING TUESDAY, APRIL 15, ON ABC AND STREAMING THE NEXT DAY ON HULU

‘20/20’ Co-Anchor Deborah Roberts Reports on How a Workplace Romance Turned Fatal for a Baton Rouge Mother and Teacher of the Year

ABC News*

ABC News’ “20/20” co-anchor Deborah Roberts reports on a chilling case of a missing mother that stunned a Baton Rouge community and uncovers the truth behind her disappearance in an all-new episode of the “20/20” limited true crime series “Bad Romance,” airing Tuesday, April 15 (10:01-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu.

When a passerby finds a 3-year-old girl with blood on her feet wandering alone in a parking lot, authorities embark on a multiday search for her missing mother: Lyntell Washington, a beloved Baton Rouge educator who was voted Teacher of the Year. When law enforcement finds the pregnant teacher shot in the head, they are also given a cryptic clue from her toddler. As investigators dig deeper, they learn Lyntell had a secret affair with a co-worker — a man whose own secrets and carefully constructed alibi raise even more disturbing questions.

“Bad Romance” is hosted by ABC News contributor and ESPN analyst Ryan Smith.  Now in its second season, the series reveals shocking true crime stories of love turned lethal over the years and features interviews with individuals involved in some of the most deadly and twisted obsessions.

ABC News’ “20/20” is an award-winning primetime program anchored by David Muir and Deborah Roberts. A proven leader as a long-form newsmagazine for over 45 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.

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ABC News Media Relations
Bridgette Maney
bridgette@bridgepr.net|

Alison Bridgman
alison@bridgpr.net

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