Betrayal: Under His Eye - The Harrowing True Story of the Rutherford Family
Stacey Rutherford's life took a dark turn when she discovered a hidden camera in her family home's bathroom, planted by her second husband, a local physician. The shocking revelation led to the unraveling of a disturbing double life, culminating in Justin's guilty plea for sexually abusing his stepson and another minor, as well as his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot. The ABC News Studios' true crime docuseries "Betrayal: Under His Eye" delves into the Rutherford family's harrowing ordeal.
Stacey Rutherford, a single mother of two, found love with Justin, a charming medical student she met on a dating app in 2015. Their seemingly perfect life together took a dark turn in 2021 when a hidden camera disguised as a phone charger was discovered in the family bathroom by a teenage friend of Stacey's son. The subsequent investigation revealed Justin's disturbing collection of photos capturing private moments of unsuspecting individuals.
The docuseries sheds light on the trauma endured by Stacey's son, Tyler VanScyoc, who bravely spoke out about the sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of his stepfather. Overcoming feelings of guilt and shame, Tyler shared his story to break free from the silence that had consumed him. His courage in coming forward highlighted the manipulation and betrayal he experienced at the hands of the man he once trusted.
Despite the facade of a loving family life, Stacey never suspected the dark secrets Justin harbored. The revelation of his heinous actions left her grappling with guilt and disbelief, questioning how she could have missed the signs of his sinister behavior. Justin's subsequent arrest and conviction brought a sense of closure but also left Stacey haunted by the fear of his potential return to seek revenge.
Justin's sentencing to a lengthy prison term provided some measure of justice for the victims, including Tyler, who endured years of abuse at his hands. The Rutherford family's decision to share their story serves as a cautionary tale, urging parents to remain vigilant and have open conversations with their children about the reality of abuse, even within seemingly safe environments.
In the aftermath of the trauma inflicted by Justin, the Rutherford family's resilience and determination to speak out offer hope for healing and empowerment. Their bravery in confronting the darkness that infiltrated their lives serves as a beacon of strength for others facing similar challenges. Through their story, they aim to raise awareness and encourage survivors to break the silence and seek support.