Online bullying, unrequited love, and a shocking catfish twist all intertwined in a small Tennessee town, leading to tragic consequences.
The shooting deaths of Billy Payne and his girlfriend, Billie Jean Hayworth, and the complex investigation into their alleged killers are now the focus of an ABC 20/20 true crime documentary titled Am I Next? set to air on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 9 pm ET, exclusively on Hulu.
Billy Payne, 36, and Billie Jean Hayworth, 23, were found dead in their home on January 31, 2012, each with a single gunshot wound to the head. The couple had a seven-month-old son together.
The murders shocked the community, and police soon narrowed down their focus to prime suspects Jenelle Potter and her parents, Marvin and Barbara Potter. Jenelle, a young woman struggling to fit in, turned to social media and found solace with Tracy Greenwell, a pharmacy clerk, and her friends, including Tracy’s brother Billy Payne. Jenelle also began dating Tracy’s cousin, Jamie Curd, who visited her home under the pretense of fixing their computer.
The twisted tale of friendship, jealousy, and cyberbullying took a dark turn when anonymous comments on Jenelle’s Facebook page blamed Billie Jean Hayworth for the harassment. Jenelle believed Billie was envious of her looks and growing bond with Billy Payne, leading to a rift between the three.
During a police interrogation, Jenelle attempted to conceal her relationship with Jamie Curd, but the truth eventually surfaced. Curd implicated Jenelle’s father, Marvin, as the one responsible for the murders. With incriminating evidence found on the Potter family’s computer and communication between the family and a fictional CIA agent named “Chris,” prosecutors concluded that Jenelle’s catfishing attempt manipulated her parents into committing the heinous crimes.
Marvin Potter was found guilty of the murders and is currently serving two life sentences. Jamie Curd accepted a plea deal for a 25-year prison sentence. Jenelle and Barbara Potter were later convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
During a post-conviction hearing in July 2021, Marvin admitted to the killings, stating his wife and daughter were aware of his actions. All three members of the Potter family remain incarcerated, with Barbara eligible for parole in 2028 and Jenelle’s sentence scheduled to end in 2069.
Tune in to ABC’s 20/20 for a closer look at this harrowing true crime story.
