or


PRIMETIME
Air Date: Thursday, March 17, 2005
Time Slot: 10:00 PM-11:00 PM EST on ABC
Episode Title: "N/A"
[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

CYNTHIA McFADDEN'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH A HIGH SCHOOL HONORS STUDENT AND EAGLE SCOUT CHARGED WITH THE GRISLY MURDER THAT SHOCKED A SMALL WISCONSIN TOWN, ON ABC NEWS' "PRIMETIME LIVE," THURSDAY, MARCH 17

Also: An Eye-Opening "Primetime Live" Tests Reveals How Vulnerable Teenaged Girls Can Be to Predators;

And: Major Developments in John Quiqones' "Rent-a-Patient" Investigation, A Nationwide Insurance Scam Involving Unnecessary Surgical Procedures

A quiet Wisconsin community was stunned when a local man was found shot and stabbed inside his isolated home. It was even more shocking when Gary Hirte, a high school honors student, star athlete and Eagle scout, was charged with the heinous crime. Prosecutors say Hirte is a ruthless murderer who "thrill-killed" Glenn Kopitske just to prove he could get away with it, and even bragged to friends afterward. The defense argues that Hirte was insane with rage when he attacked - a "psychotic episode" triggered by a supposed drunken homosexual tryst. In an exclusive interview with Cynthia McFadden, Hirte says he bears absolutely no responsibility for his actions. A jury is left to decide which version of the story is the truth -- temporary insanity or cold-blooded murder -- on "Primetime Live," THURSDAY, MARCH 17 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Also: "Primetime" teams up with a child safety expert and, with the permission of parents, puts some teens to the test to see how vulnerable they are to potential abductors. The result is a revealing look at how the girls react to some typical ploys used by predators. With astonished parents looking on, several girls fall for the tricks and find themselves in potentially dangerous positions, while others manage to stay safe. The expert tells Chris Cuomo what teens can do to prevent themselves from becoming victims.

And: John Quiqones updates his March 2004 report on what the FBI calls one of the biggest medical insurance scams in history -- thousands of people from across the country enticed into having often unnecessary medical procedures with the promise of quick cash or free cosmetic surgery. A "Primetime Live" hidden camera investigation shows how recruiters bring would-be patients to southern California where they are paid to undergo surgeries they don't need. Quiqones experiences how easy it is to take part in this alleged scheme when he finds himself just minutes away from going under the knife.

DIANE SAWYER, CHRIS CUOMO, CYNTHIA MCFADDEN and JOHN QUIQONES are the anchors of "Primetime Live." DAVID SLOAN is the executive producer.

Share |