Scott Weinberger

This is why we sit in judgment, why we listen so closely, and why we demand integrity at every step.

This is why we sit in judgment, why we listen so closely, and why we demand integrity at every step.

Ashley Flowers is executive producer.

Ashley Flowers is executive producer.

I'm Scott Weinberger, investigative journalist and former deputy sheriff.

I'm Scott Weinberger, investigative journalist and former deputy sheriff.

And this is Anatomy of Murder. Before we get started today, I just wanted to mention that today's case will be our 200th episode. So let me just say it would not be possible without our amazing AOM staff of producers, researchers, editors, and of course, congratulations to my great friend and partner on the show, Anasiga. This is a fantastic milestone together, and I'm enjoying the ride.

And this is Anatomy of Murder. Before we get started today, I just wanted to mention that today's case will be our 200th episode. So let me just say it would not be possible without our amazing AOM staff of producers, researchers, editors, and of course, congratulations to my great friend and partner on the show, Anasiga. This is a fantastic milestone together, and I'm enjoying the ride.

And of course, always, if you want to stay in touch with us on social, it's at AtasigaNegalazi and at Weinberger Media. We also host two other podcasts. true crime podcasts that you may want to tune into too. But now on to today's case.

And of course, always, if you want to stay in touch with us on social, it's at AtasigaNegalazi and at Weinberger Media. We also host two other podcasts. true crime podcasts that you may want to tune into too. But now on to today's case.

It's known for its natural beauty, its bluegrass music, and in the old days, more than just a few whiskey stills. After all, this was once prime bootlegger country.

It's known for its natural beauty, its bluegrass music, and in the old days, more than just a few whiskey stills. After all, this was once prime bootlegger country.

In reality, even in this quiet corner of Appalachia, change does come, and sometimes it packs a punch. Like in January of 2012, when a Facebook feud escalated into accusations of cyberbullying, catfishing, and eventually real-life violence.

In reality, even in this quiet corner of Appalachia, change does come, and sometimes it packs a punch. Like in January of 2012, when a Facebook feud escalated into accusations of cyberbullying, catfishing, and eventually real-life violence.

36-year-old Billy Payne and his fiancée, 23-year-old Billie Jean Hayworth, both grew up in Mountain City and in 2012 were working in the local cotton mill and raising their seven-month-old son.

36-year-old Billy Payne and his fiancée, 23-year-old Billie Jean Hayworth, both grew up in Mountain City and in 2012 were working in the local cotton mill and raising their seven-month-old son.

The co-worker entered the house and called out to Billy numerous times without a response.

The co-worker entered the house and called out to Billy numerous times without a response.

Billy's bedroom was on the first floor of the two-bedroom Rambler. The neighbor was not prepared for what he discovered when he stepped inside the room.

Billy's bedroom was on the first floor of the two-bedroom Rambler. The neighbor was not prepared for what he discovered when he stepped inside the room.