Pam becomes a source of support not just for Betsy’s family, but for law enforcement and District Attorney Leah Askey as they build their case. Russ hires Joel Schwartz, a top criminal defense attorney from St. Louis.

Pam gets her 15 minutes of fame when D.A. Leah Askey calls her to the stand as a witness for the prosecution even as Joel Schwartz tries to poke holes in the case against Russ.

Pam starts to lose control as Russ' new trial looms ahead, she's facing money troubles and a relentless "Dateline" producer, and difficulty caring for her sick mother. D.A. Leah Askey realizes Pam may not be the star witness she thought.

Pam gains notoriety once the Dateline episode airs. As she squares off against Betsy's daughters in a civil suit for the insurance money, public opinion turns against her. Leah Askey finds her seat as District Attorney challenged by Mike Wood, whose campaign centers around Pam's connection to Betsy's murder.