48 Hours The Brighton Ax Murder Airs October 19 2024 on CBS

This Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 9:30 PM ET/PT, 48 Hours presents an encore of “The Brighton Ax Murder,” with correspondent Erin Moriarty reporting on the long-unsolved murder of Cathy Krauseneck. The case dates back to February 19, 1982, when Jim Krauseneck claimed to have found his wife dead in their bed, the victim of a brutal ax attack. This chilling incident, dubbed the Brighton Ax Murder, became one of America’s oldest cold cases until new developments emerged.

The investigation revealed inconsistencies at the crime scene that raised suspicions among law enforcement. Authorities believe the scene was staged to resemble a burglary, obscuring the true nature of the crime—Cathy’s intentional murder by her husband. A significant piece of evidence, a shoe print found at the scene, matched the boat shoes that Jim Krauseneck was known to wear, although they were never tested.

The case remained dormant for decades until 2019, when Monroe County officials enlisted forensic pathologist Michael Baden to reexamine the evidence. Baden determined that Cathy was likely killed around 3:30 AM, implicating Jim Krauseneck, who was home at the time. This led to his arrest and subsequent charges for Cathy’s murder. However, Jim and his current wife, Sharon, along with their legal team, maintain his innocence.

In an exclusive interview with Erin Moriarty, Sharon Krauseneck expresses her unwavering belief in her husband’s character. “Jim … is a decent, loving human being,” she asserts. She reveals that she has never confronted him directly about the murder of his first wife, stating, “No … When you’re married to a man, you know his heart, and you know his soul.”

48 Hours: “The Brighton Ax Murder” is produced by Josh Yager and James Stolz, with a talented team behind the scenes to bring this compelling story to viewers. This episode promises to provide a deep dive into the complexities of a case that has haunted investigators and the Krauseneck family for over four decades, making it a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts.

Release Date & Time: 9:30 PM Saturday 19 October 2024 on CBS

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