“20/20” TWO HOUR SEASON PREMIERE FEATURES DIANE SAWYER INTERVIEW WITH ELIZABETH VARGAS ON ALCOHOLISM AND ANXIETY AND THE DISAPPEARANCE AND MURDER OF A SOCCER MOM RUNNING AN ESCORT BUSINESS

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The Special Edition Airs Friday, September 9 Begins at 9pm ET|PT on ABC

PART I

From the very beginning “20/20”cameras have followed one family’s journey seeking justice. “20/20’s” investigation brings new voices and new perspectives to a case that transfixed the country when a soccer mom went missing. On June 28, 2007 Paige Birgfeld- a loving mother of three who ran an escort business- suddenly disappeared, and her remains were found five years later. In 2014 authorities arrested Lester Jones, one of Paige’s clients, and this week the jury deliberates his fate. ABC News Correspondent Ryan Smith’s report includes interviews with Paige’s family, friends and members of law enforcement along with the interrogation tapes that helped lead to Jones’ arrest. 

Three days after Paige disappeared in 2007, her car is found lit on fire, and it quickly becomes clear she disappeared under sinister circumstances. Hundreds searched for her, but her remains weren’t located until 2012. At the time of Paige’s disappearance, authorities did not know who would want to harm this single soccer mom. First they look into her two ex-husbands as possible suspects, but confirm both of their alibis. Then investigators learn she was running an escort business, opening up a new pool of suspects. 

Part one of “20/20’s” Season 39 premiere “Soccer Mom By Day…” airs on Friday, September 9 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.

PART II

ABC News’ Elizabeth Vargas lived a double life for many years. To viewers, colleagues, friends and family, she had it all - a loving mother with a high profile job. Secretly she was battling alcohol abuse and crippling anxiety on and off camera. ABC News Anchor Diane Sawyer interviews Vargas about her struggles throughout the years, the impact on her personal and professional life, the tools she uses to survive these challenges every day and the hope she has for the present and future. 

 Vargas will discuss her life story, which is chronicled in her forthcoming memoir “Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction.” The book will be released on Tuesday, September 13 by Grand Central Publishing. 

 The Diane Sawyer special edition of “20/20” airs Friday, September 9 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET) on ABC.

“20/20” is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and David Muir. David Sloan is senior executive producer.

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