ABC 20/20’s Night Terror: What Happened to Dennis & Norma Woodruff?

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As a lifelong follower of true crime narratives and a firm believer in the pursuit of justice, I eagerly anticipate ABC 20/20’s episode “Night Terror” on August 9 at 9 p.m. ET. The story of Brandon Dale Woodruff, a man sentenced to life for a crime he claims he didn’t commit, has intrigued me since its inception, and I can’t wait to see his first interview.

The upcoming “Night Terror” episode on ABC 20/20 will delve back into the murders of Dennis and Norma Woodruff, followed by their son Brandon Dale Woodruff’s conviction. This intriguing episode is scheduled to air on the network this coming Friday, August 9, 2024, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). In a surprising turn of events, Brandon – who was given a life sentence for capital murder – will be granting his first interview in this episode, asserting his innocence and stating that he did not commit the murders of his parents whatsoever.

Back in October 2005, I learned that Dennis and Norma Woodruff, residents of Royse City, Texas, tragically lost their lives due to gunshot and stab wounds at their home. The authorities later disclosed that Norma was shot repeatedly and her throat was slashed, while Dennis suffered from both gunshots and stabs. It’s a haunting fact that this brutal act unfolded in the living room; however, there were no signs of a forced entry. Strikingly, the perpetrator didn’t make off with anything from the scene and even took the time to clean up in one of the bathrooms.

The probe concluded that Brandon Dale Woodruff, their son, was presumably the one who witnessed Dennis and Norma before they passed away. Later on, investigators detained Brandon due to incriminating proof uncovered against him, such as DNA evidence.

Who killed Dennis & Norma Woodruff?

During their probe into the murder of Dennis and Norma Woodruff, detectives uncovered clues suggesting their son, Brandon Dale Woodruff, was involved. At 19 years old, Brandon emerged as a suspect when it was discovered he was the last person to be with the victims before they were found dead. Moreover, authorities learned that Brandon, who attended Abilene Christian University, had a hidden lifestyle. The investigation unveiled that he frequented gay dance clubs, was in relationships with men, and acted in adult films. (ABC News reported this timeline.)

According to reports, Brandon Dale Woodruff’s girlfriend’s mother, Michelle Lee, contacted the authorities with an alarming disclosure. In her report, she alleged that some firearms and ammunition had gone missing from her residence. Additionally, it was stated that during the period of Dennis and Norma Woodruff’s murder, Brandon had been residing in Michelle’s house. Investigators later discovered that the bullets from the crime scene corresponded with those found at Michelle Lee’s home. However, they were unable to locate the gun.

Although Brandon Woodruff maintained his innocence regarding the gun theft allegations, law enforcement still apprehended him and charged him with capital murder. In June 2008, a relative of Woodruff’s found a knife in their old family home located in Heath, Texas. The discovery was made within the barn, and one of his former college roommates reportedly spotted the same knife in his room. However, investigators were unable to definitively connect that knife to the murder cases.

2009 saw the trial of the case, where eight jurors, who considered homosexuality immoral, declared him guilty. Throughout the court proceedings, the prosecution repeatedly highlighted Brandon Dale Woodruff’s sexuality to tarnish his image. Remarkably, this conviction was handed down without any murder weapon, tangible evidence, eyewitnesses, or even a precise time of Dennis and Norma Woodruff’s demise.

Over the years, Brandon’s case has garnered an assembly of supporters who believe he was a victim of biased judgment. ABC News interviewed several jurors from the case who maintained they did base their guilty verdict on the accused’s sexuality. Nonetheless, these supporters have started a movement to free him from prison. Now, the Innocence Project of Texas has taken up the case, and the organization continues to work on his exoneration.

Allison Clayton, the deputy director at the Innocence Project of Texas, mentioned that the sequence of events in this case doesn’t seem logical. She noted that the prosecution had based their case on the assertion that Brandon Dale Woodruff was untraceable during the time of Dennis and Norma Woodruff’s murders. However, Clayton highlighted phone records belonging to Brandon, which investigators found during their investigation. It appears these records narrow down the potential window of opportunity for the accused, and Clayton emphasizes that the timeline remains questionable.

Another key piece of evidence the organization is looking into is DNA from the hair found in Norma Woodruff’s hands. Allison Clayton said, “Police found a clump of longer blonde hairs” in the victim’s hand. She added, “Now, that would normally be an indicator that she had somehow grabbed her attacker and that she pulled his or her hair.” Clayton claims, “Law enforcement never tested that hair.” She reveals that the Innocence Project is fighting “to figure out who has that hair because we want it tested.”

In the meantime, Brandon Dale Woodruff claims he’s innocent regarding the murders of his parents, Dennis and Norma Woodruff. This week’s episode of ABC 20/20 titled “Night Terror” will feature an exclusive prison interview with the accused. The episode is set to air on ABC this Friday, August 9th.

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2024-08-09 15:41