Dateline Presents: Five Miles From Home

Prosecutors' love triangle theory. Youth pastor accused of wife's murder. Plus, June Diane Raphael.

Jul 2, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly, host Andrea Canning navigates a series of gripping updates from the world of true crime. The program begins with a deep dive into the murder trial of Larry Miliete, focusing on the prosecution’s theory of a love triangle that allegedly led to the disappearance of his wife, Maya. A pivotal moment in the trial occurred when the mistress’s wife, Patricia Laird, took the stand, offering surprising testimony that shed new light on the affair and the dynamics between those involved. The episode also covers the reopening of a cold case involving David Vandermer, a former youth pastor accused of murdering his wife nearly two decades ago on a hiking trail in Zion National Park. The discussion highlights the disturbing revelations that emerged after his arrest, including allegations of grooming and the eventual death of the suspect while in custody. Furthermore, the show provides updates on the high-profile legal proceedings of Alec Murdoch and Luigi Mangione, before concluding with a lighthearted yet insightful conversation with actress and devoted Dateline viewer June Diane Raphael, who discusses her passion for the genre.

Luigi Mangione’s shifting defense strategy. A victim’s lover takes the stand. Plus, Keith Morrison's new podcast.

Jun 25, 202632 minSummary

This episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly features a deep dive into the evolving legal defense of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Host Andrea Canning and her guests analyze the defense team’s brief, headline-grabbing decision to pursue a psychiatric defense based on extreme emotional disturbance, only to withdraw it shortly thereafter. The discussion highlights the strategic complexities of such a defense and examines the evidence, including Mangione’s own writings, to understand his state of mind leading up to the crime. The episode also turns to San Diego, where prosecutors are nearing the end of their case against Larry Millete for the murder of his wife, Maya. The program features insights from investigative reporter Alexis Reivis regarding the pivotal testimony of Maya’s lover, Jamie Laird, who provided a detailed account of their secret relationship and the mounting tension within Maya’s marriage. Finally, the show provides a roundup of ongoing cases, including updates on the Crystal Rogers investigation and a significant Supreme Court ruling regarding the conviction of Pedro Hernandez in the decades-old disappearance of Etan Patz. Keith Morrison also joins the program to preview his new podcast, Five Miles From Home.

Spellcaster testifies at murder trial. Legal fireworks in UNC student murder. Plus, cars and crime.

Jun 18, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly, hosts and correspondents navigate a series of high-profile legal developments. The episode opens in San Diego, where the trial of Larry Miliete takes an unusual turn. Prosecutors explore Miliete’s fixation on magic and spellcasters as evidence of his state of mind leading up to his wife Maya’s disappearance in 2021. The testimony of a digital spellcaster, whose identity was not as mystical as claimed, provides a rare look into the defendant's alleged desperation and malice. The show also shifts to North Carolina, where the decades-old murder case of UNC student Faith Hedgepeth resurfaces. New pretrial motions from the defense point toward potential third-party culpability, specifically regarding the roommate who discovered the crime scene, sparking significant pushback from the prosecution. The remainder of the episode covers emotional sentencing hearings for the Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann, and Tracy Grist, the Utah mother who orchestrated the murder of her son-in-law. Finally, a veteran crime scene investigator provides expert insight into how modern vehicles—from touchscreens to telematics—have become critical, data-rich crime scenes that often hold the key to cracking complex investigations.

Karen Read's bombshell lawsuit. Twist in Crystal Rogers case. Plus, Legally Brunette host Emily Simpson.

Jun 11, 202636 minSummary

In this episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly, host Andrea Canning and the team dive into a series of high-profile legal updates and long-standing criminal mysteries. The primary focus is the bombshell civil lawsuit filed by Karen Reid against the Massachusetts State Police and the Canton Police Department. Following her acquittal, Reid is taking legal action to address what she alleges was a corrupt and biased investigation. The episode features an in-depth look at newly revealed, disturbing text messages and voicemails from former state trooper Michael Proctor and former officer Sean Good, raising significant questions about institutional integrity. The episode also tracks a major development in the case of Crystal Rogers, the Kentucky mother who vanished in 2015. Nick Houck, the brother of the man previously convicted in her death, has been indicted on perjury charges. Producers also provide updates on the sentencing of Brendan Banfield, who was convicted of a deadly catfishing plot, and discuss the ongoing trial of Larry Millete in California. Finally, the program welcomes guest Emily Simpson to analyze the latest trends in true crime documentaries, capping off a packed edition of investigative reporting.

Lester Holt on Luigi Mangione. Divorce attorney on trial for client's murder. Plus, ankle monitors.

Jun 4, 202633 minSummary

This episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly features host Laura Jarrett as she navigates several high-profile investigations. The primary focus is the ongoing legal saga of Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Dateline anchor Lester Holt joins the program to share insights from his recent investigation into the case, detailing how original investigators used security footage to track Mangione’s movements and discussing the chilling discovery of a manifesto in his possession. The discussion also touches upon the complex challenges of seating a jury for such a widely publicized trial. The episode further explores the cold case of Eliza Sherman, a mother of four murdered in 2013, for which her own divorce attorney, Gregory Moore, was recently indicted. Additionally, the podcast provides updates on the trial of a San Diego man accused of killing his wife, and a significant mistrial regarding the death penalty phase in an Arizona murder case. Finally, the program investigates the reliability of ankle monitors in the corrections system, featuring expert analysis on why these devices occasionally fail to prevent flight in high-stakes criminal proceedings.

TikTok star accused of hiring hit man. Hemlock and magic spells at a murder trial. Plus, the Bexley Box.

May 28, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly, host Andrea Canning examines a series of chilling criminal cases, led by the high-profile arrest of a TikTok influencer accused of conspiring to commit murder. Prosecutors allege that 24-year-old Gabby Gonzalez, along with her father and a former boyfriend, attempted to hire a hitman on the dark web to kill her ex-partner, Jack Avery, amid a contentious custody battle. The episode also covers the ongoing murder trial of Larry Milete in San Diego, where prosecutors present a bizarre array of evidence, including the defendant’s search for magic spells and plant-based poisons to eliminate his wife, Maya. Additionally, the podcast provides updates on the case of Barry Morphew, who faces trial for the death of his wife via animal tranquilizers, and the sentencing of a New Jersey businessman convicted of a quadruple homicide. Finally, the show highlights a poignant initiative called the Bexley Box, created by the widow of a murder victim to provide comfort to children who are left stranded in police stations during traumatic events. The discussion offers a deep dive into these complex legal proceedings and the pursuit of justice for victims and their families.