True Crime Vault: Rocky Mountain Horror

The episode "Rocky Mountain Horror" from the 20/20 True Crime Vault delves into the chilling case of Scott Kimball, a man who orchestrated a web of deception, manipulation, and murder while posing as an FBI informant. The story unfolds through the tragic disappearances of two women—Casey McLeod and Jennifer Markham—both of whom were last seen with Kimball. As their grieving fathers, Rob McLeod and Bob Markham, join forces, they uncover a disturbing pattern: Kimball had been involved with both victims, and his fabricated identity as a federal agent allowed him to evade suspicion for years. The investigation intensifies when Detective Gary Thatcher uncovers Kimball’s check fraud scheme, leading to a shocking revelation: Kimball was not an FBI agent but a paid confidential informant. This discovery triggers a cascade of revelations, including Kimball’s involvement in the 2004 near-fatal accident that severely injured his son Justin, who survived and later exposed his father’s crimes. With the help of Justin’s testimony, investigators connect Kimball to multiple victims, including his missing uncle Terry and another woman, Leanne Emery. A high-stakes plea deal allows Kimball to lead investigators to the remains of three victims in the Utah Book Cliffs, though Jennifer Markham’s body remains missing. Despite a 70-year sentence, Kimball continues scheming even behind bars, attempting a helicopter prison escape. The episode ends with the haunting question: how many more victims does Kimball have? The story is a harrowing exploration of betrayal, the fragility of trust, and the devastating cost of a man who lived a lie so convincing it fooled even the FBI.