Press release - Series
March 19, 2025
THE WIFE OF A TEXAS MINISTER IS FOUND DEAD AND HER FAMILY SEARCH FOR ANSWERS ON AN ALL-NEW ‘20/20’
ABC News’ John Quiñones Reports on the Murder That Shocked a Church Community and Interviews Law Enforcement Who Helped Bring a Killer to Justice, Airing Friday, March 21, on ABC and Streaming the Next Day on Hulu

Matt Baker was a charismatic minister of a small church in Hewitt, Texas, just outside Waco. To his congregation, it looked like he had it all. Married to Kari, a Sunday school teacher, the couple seemed to have a happy and loving marriage and two young daughters, but when Kari was found dead, the carefully crafted facade Matt created soon started to unravel. ABC News correspondent John Quiñones reports in an all-new episode of “20/20,” airing FRIDAY, MARCH 21 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.
Matt and Kari met when they were teenagers at bible camp, quickly falling in love and marrying just months later. To those around them, they appeared to have a strong and devoted relationship, with Matt admired by his community. But tragedy struck the family when one of their daughters succumbed to a brain tumor, and Kari was found dead almost seven years later in the family home from an apparent suicide. While their parish and community showered Matt with love and support, Kari’s family was convinced foul play was at hand and began investigating her death independently from law enforcement.
The “20/20” episode features never-before-broadcast emails between Matt and Kari that reveal new details about their marriage. Interviews include Linda Dulin, Kari’s mother, as well as Kari’s aunts Kay Bailey and Nancy Lanham and Nancy’s daughter Lindsey Pick, who call themselves the “Charlie’s Angels” of Waco due to their detective work on the case. Quiñones interviews investigator Abdon Rodriguez and former Texas Ranger Matt Cawthon, who was instrumental in getting Kari’s body exhumed and autopsied in the hope of finally learning what really happened to her.
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. The two-hour “20/20” events air Fridays from 9:01-11:00 p.m. ET on ABC and are available to stream on ABC News digital platforms and Hulu.
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ABC News Media Relations
Bridgette Maney
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