Secrets of the Lake (Rebroadcast)

This rebroadcast episode of 20/20 explores the chilling mystery of human remains discovered in Lake Mead, Nevada, as receding water levels due to prolonged drought have exposed decades-old secrets. Once a vast reservoir created by the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead has become a grim archaeological site, revealing skeletal remains in barrels, on shorelines, and submerged in the dry lakebed. The story centers on a 1970s-era body found in a corroded oil drum—determined to be a homicide victim with a gunshot wound—sparking speculation about mob involvement, particularly linked to figures like Johnny Pappas, a rumored mob associate who vanished in 1976. The investigation, led by Las Vegas Metro’s homicide division, has identified two of the seven discovered remains through DNA: Donald Smith, who drowned in 1974, and Claude Russell Penzinger, missing since 1998. Meanwhile, the case of Tina Bushman’s father, Tom Ernst, who disappeared in 2002, was finally resolved after a decades-long search, bringing closure to her family. The episode underscores how climate change and water scarcity are not only environmental crises but also uncovering long-buried human stories, offering both answers and haunting reminders of lives lost. Beyond the criminal investigation, the episode reveals the broader cultural and historical significance of Lake Mead. The submerged town of St. Thomas, Nevada, once wiped out by the dam’s construction, is now reemerging, along with relics like a 1948 B-29 bomber and countless boat wrecks. The lake has become a magnet for treasure hunters, social media influencers, and even a viral novelty product—'Lake Mead Corpse Water'—highlighting the eerie fascination with its exposed past. Despite the morbid allure, the episode emphasizes the emotional weight of these discoveries for families seeking closure. With a 90% cold case solve rate, Las Vegas law enforcement remains committed to justice, proving that even the most forgotten cases can be reopened. Ultimately, the story is one of resilience, memory, and the enduring power of hope in the face of uncertainty.