ABC News correspondent Stephanie Ramos has introduced a new 20/20 podcast titled "Blood and Water" that examines a long-unsolved murder case.
The series highlights the intersection of persistent detective work and the evolution of investigative techniques. By revisiting a case that remained dormant for years, the podcast illustrates how cold cases can be reopened and solved through fresh perspectives and updated evidence.
The podcast focuses on the death of a woman, identified in reports as either Leslie Oder or Leslie Preer, who was killed in her home in a suburb of Washington, D.C. [1]. The murder occurred in 2001 [1], leaving the family and investigators without answers for a significant period of time.
According to the program, the case remained unsolved for approximately two decades [2]. The narrative explores the specific details of the crime scene and the subsequent efforts by detectives to identify the perpetrator. The investigation eventually led to a resolution around 2021, roughly 20 years after the initial crime [1, 2].
Stephanie Ramos said the podcast aims to explore the intricacies of the investigation and explain the process that finally led to a breakthrough. The production by the 20/20 program emphasizes the psychological toll on the victims' families, and the persistence required by law enforcement to close a file after such a long interval.
The series examines how detectives revisited the evidence and what specific leads allowed them to solve the homicide two decades later [2]. By detailing the timeline from the 2001 crime to the eventual arrest, the podcast provides a window into the mechanics of modern cold-case units in the U.S.
“The podcast focuses on the death of a woman... who was killed in her home in a suburb of Washington, D.C.”
The resolution of this case underscores the increasing efficacy of cold-case investigations, where the application of new forensic technology or the revisiting of old witness statements can overcome the passage of time. It reflects a broader trend in U.S. law enforcement to utilize specialized units to provide closure for families in decades-old homicides.
