20/20 What The Killer Left Behind
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Jan 31, 2026 Seth Green, Amanda Plass's boyfriend at the time who was an early suspect later cleared by DNA and shoe-print evidence. Michelle Penna, Amanda's mother who led a relentless public crusade for justice and awareness. They recount the shocking discovery, forensic leads like palm and shoe prints, a crucial whiteboard clue, DNA from a discarded cigarette, the courtroom showdown, and the lasting push for Amanda's Law.
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Keep Reviewing Evidence Relentlessly
- Preserve and retest all physical evidence and DNA until the case is resolved.
- Re-examine overlooked items periodically; new techniques or fresh eyes can reveal crucial leads.
Relentless Public Campaign By A Mother
- Michelle Penna organized billboards, flyers, balloon releases, and tip cards to keep Amanda's case public.
- Her grassroots campaign sustained attention and generated new leads when the investigation stalled.
Unauthorized Crime Photos Spark Lawsuit
- Two Chicopee officers took and shared unauthorized crime-scene photos of Amanda's body.
- The leak led Michelle Penna to sue and later helped prompt 'Amanda's Law' banning such photos.