After a fight with her husband, Carolyn Killaby disappears from a Vancouver, Washington bar late one November night in 1995. Witness reports, a found car, and traces of blood lead investigators to suspect Dennis Smith, a man with a violent past.

The investigation used early DNA testing, a manhunt and a televised tip to capture Smith, who was later convicted and sentenced to life. Carolyn's body was never recovered; the family pursued civil action against authorities and was awarded damages while the case left lasting questions about parole supervision and justice for the victim.