A Wild and Deadly Game of Catfish — ‘20/20’ Investigates Two Murders That Allegedly Lead to the CIA

When 36-year-old Bill Payne and 23-year-old Billie Jean Hayworth were found in their Tennessee home shot dead with their 7-month-old son, unharmed in his dead mother’s arms, investigators said the murder looked like it could be a professional hit. Authorities soon learned the young couple had become embroiled in a bitter online feud and uncover a deadly catfishing scheme. In a new “20/20,” ABC News chief national correspondent Matt Gutman investigates an incriminating trail, including hundreds of social media posts, texts and emails, untangling a web of lies and unmasking an unlikely mastermind behind the murder plot.

The two-hour program features new interviews with Joe Woodard, the assistant chief of Mountain City Police, and former prosecutor Matthew Roark. Additional interviews include Barbara and Jenelle Potter; the mother-daughter duo accused in the murder plot; TBI Special Agent Scott Lott; Payne’s sister, Tracy Greenwell; Hayworth’s sisters Beverly Morrell and Janie Hayworth; and Lindsey Thomas, a friend of the murdered couple. “20/20” airs Friday, April 5 (9:01-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC, next day on Hulu.

ABC News’ “20/20” is the No. 1 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. EDT on ABC and are available to stream on ABC News digital platforms and Hulu.

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Sarah Jautz
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Bridgette Maney
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