Sweetwater County Detective to Appear On “20/20” Friday For Dating Game Killer Episode

It's a little short notice, but if you're a true crime fanatic, you should tune into ABC's "20/20" tonight at 7 p.m. to see a Sweetwater County detective.

EF
Ellen Fike

January 09, 20212 min read

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It’s a little short notice, but if you’re a true crime fanatic, you should tune into ABC’s “20/20” on Friday at 7 p.m. to see a Sweetwater County detective.

According to a social media post, Sweetwater County Detective Jeff Sheaman will appear to discuss the 1977 murder of Christine Thornton in Granger.

According to media reports, Thornton left Texas in 1977, heading to Montana with her boyfriend to pan for gold. Her remains were found near Granger in western Sweetwater County in 1982, however, they were not identified until 2015.

Sheaman and other detectives investigating the case ultimately connected Thornton’s murder to the killing of at least seven other women across the country by Rodney Alcala, also known as the “Dating Game Killer.”

Alcala is now charged with first-degree murder in Thornton’s death and has been convicted of seven other murders. However, officials maintain his body count could be much higher. He has been imprisoned since 1979.

He is known as the “Dating Game Killer” due to his appearance on the dating show of the same name in the midst of his crime spree. He actually won his segment.

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Ellen Fike

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