Bonnie Woodward, a 47-year-old mother of four, vanished after her shift at a nursing home in Alton, Illinois, raising alarm among her family who were accustomed to her regular check-ins. Concern grew when her red truck was discovered abandoned, and witnesses reported seeing her enter a silver Chevrolet with an unknown man. The investigation took a curious turn when Bonnie’s 18-year-old stepdaughter, Heather, who had recently run away from home, became a suspect, though she was later cleared by authorities.
The case, which remains unsolved, is the focus of an upcoming episode of ABC’s “20/20,” airing on June 6. The program will feature interviews with key figures, including Bonnie’s boyfriend Gary Wimurth Sr., her niece Rachel Lee, and several law enforcement officials involved in the investigation. JuJu Chang, co-anchor of “Nightline,” will lead the report, diving deeper into the mysteries surrounding Bonnie’s disappearance.
“20/20” is known for its compelling true-crime stories and investigative journalism and has been a staple of primetime television for over 45 years. The episode promises to bring new insights and perspectives into this troubling case, thereby keeping the story of Bonnie Woodward alive in the public consciousness.
This incident highlights not only the distressing outcomes that families endure when a loved one goes missing but also the importance of continued efforts in solving such cases. The attention from media programs like “20/20” can sometimes rekindle leads and help bring closure to families seeking answers.