Teen convicted of ‘thrill kill’ murder of her neighbor

Nine-year-old Elizabeth Olton went missing from her home in St. Martins, Missouri. Her mother, Patty Price, recounts how Elizabeth left to play with a six-year-old neighbor, Emma, but never returned. A massive search effort involving hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement, and even the FBI was launched, with Elizabeth's cell phone pings leading them to a large wooded area.

As the search for Elizabeth intensifies, investigators re-interview Emma, who reveals more details about her older half-sister, 15-year-old Alyssa Bamonte. Alyssa initially claims to know nothing, but police discover a suspicious 'grave' in the woods that Alyssa admitted to digging. A search of Alyssa's room uncovers disturbing writings, self-harm confessions, and a journal with an ominously scribbled-out entry dated the day Elizabeth disappeared.

Alyssa is interrogated, and using backlighting, police decipher the scribbled entry in her diary: 'slit and throat.' Confronted with this, Alyssa eventually confesses. She lured Elizabeth into the woods, strangled and stabbed her multiple times, and slit her throat, driven by a 'thrill kill' motive. She then buried Elizabeth in the pre-dug grave.

Alyssa, a juvenile, was certified to stand trial as an adult for first-degree murder. Her confession was later suppressed due to legal technicalities. Facing the possibility of the Supreme Court ruling against life sentences for juveniles without parole, prosecutors offered a plea deal. Alyssa was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 35 years and 5 months. Elizabeth's family expresses their anger and disbelief at Alyssa's lack of remorse.

The second case presented is the disappearance of 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds from her father Justin DiPietro's home in Maine. Ayla's mother, Trista Reynolds, has been relentlessly searching for answers. She plans to declare Ayla legally dead to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Justin, hoping to force him to testify under oath about what happened.

Ayla's disappearance is shrouded in suspicious circumstances. Police found Ayla's blood throughout Justin's house, and her car seat and even Justin's shoes. Ayla's family had previously reported concerns about Justin's care for Ayla, noting mysterious injuries and allegations of domestic battery. Peter Hyatt, a statement analyst, points out Justin's use of past tense when referring to Ayla, suggesting knowledge of her death.

Trista confronts Justin and his mother, Phoebe, who accuse Trista of taking Ayla. Justin's sister, Alicia, who was present the night Ayla disappeared, denies any foul play, attributing the blood to Ayla's lactose issues. Despite strong evidence and police belief in foul play, Justin has never been charged. The wrongful death lawsuit aims to uncover the truth and bring closure to Ayla's devastated family.