‘20/20’ Unravels the Details of a 15-Year-Old’s Disappearance and Explores How the Case Went Cold for Ten Years Before Authorities Arrested a Suspect

Nicholas McGuffin spent almost ten years behind bars for a crime he says he did not commit. If he didn’t kill his former girlfriend, then who did? McGuffin opened to “20/20” about his overturned manslaughter conviction in the death of then 15-year-old Leah Freeman, killed in 2000 when McGuffin was only 18 years old. For this newly updated show, McGuffin spoke candidly about his work with the Forensic Justice Project that helped him gain his freedom; the key role unidentified DNA found on evidence played in overturning his conviction; and his life since being free, including his desire to seek justice for Freeman and solve the mystery behind who really killed her. “20/20” unravels the details of Freeman’s disappearance and explores how the case went cold for ten years before authorities arrested McGuffin. It also features interviews with Kathy McGuffin, McGuffin’s mother; McGuffin’s friends Nanette Stevens, Rick Stevens, Quinn Meyers and Haley Greenway; Shaun McCrea, McGuffin’s trial attorney; Mark Dannels, Fmr., City of Coquille Police Chief who first arrested McGuffin in 2010; Paul Frasier, Coos County District Attorney; and an interview with Janis Puracal, McGuffin’s attorney.  “20/20” airs on Friday, Aug. 26 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC OAD: 2/28/20)

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.

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

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