No, Daddy, Don't!

Case seen on 20/20

"Everybody Loved John. . ."

Mary Jean Pearle and John Battaglia's marriage seemed picture perfect from the outside. With their two young daughters, Faith and Liberty, they made their home in a wealthy Dallas suburb. John was handsome, charming, and successful—but behind his mask of normality lay a vicious, violent abuser who'd brutally beaten his first wife—and who made Mary Jean the new target of his irrational rages. After nine hellish years, she divorced Battaglia.

"I Never Thought He'd Hurt The Children. . ."

On Christmas Day, 1999, during a court-ordered family visit, he attacked her in front of their daughters. For the next two years, he threatened, harassed and stalked her. Mary Jean feared for her life, but not for the lives of the children, with whom Battaglia was never anything less than caring, loving, and gentle.

"No, Daddy, Don't!"

But in spring, 2001, when Faith and Liberty were visiting their father, Mary Jean received a message to call her daughters. Helpless, horrified, she heard her older daughter's pleading cries. Then came the sound of gunshots—followed by silence. What evil impulses had driven a seemingly devoted father the ultimate act of violence and betrayal. . .and how would justice be served?