Dateline Originals

In December of 2002, NBC News Producer Dan Slepian got a letter from a New York State maximum security prison. It was detailed and meticulous, almost like it had been written by a lawyer. It was from a man serving 25 years to life for murder. And it ended with a desperate plea: look into my case.

In 1998, Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez was arrested for killing a retired New York City police officer. A year later, he was convicted of second degree murder. But he insisted he didn’t do it. Dan was skeptical. Prosecutors said five eyewitnesses had sworn JJ was the killer. Could five people be wrong?

So Dan pays JJ a visit. And at the end of it, JJ gives Dan a challenge: prove me guilty.

This episode was originally published on February 20, 2023.

Josh Mankiewicz and Dan Slepian discuss the issues of wrongful convictions in front of a live audience at the CrimeCon conference in New Orleans. 

This episode was originally published on September 2, 2019.

It’s been more than 20 years since Richard Rosario was convicted of a murder he says he could not possibly have committed. If he didn’t do it, who did? And what’s next for Rosario and his family? This is the final episode of Dan Slepian’s 3-year investigation.

 This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.

Suddenly, a change that could breathe new life into Richard Rosario’s bid for freedom. Dan Slepian speaks to the woman who could make all the difference. 

This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019

After two decades with their father behind bars, Richard Rosario’s family has new hope that he may be set free. After an emotional prison visit, a court is about to decide if it is time for this family to be finally reunited.

This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.

Talking to a murder victim’s family is a tough thing to do, but Dan Slepian needs to find out more information about Jorge Collazo in his search for the truth. Collazo’s sister tells Dan she’ll never forget the day her little brother was killed. And, she reveals a surprise about what happened just two weeks before the murder – a lead that could have been critical.

This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.

Did anyone fully investigate Richard Rosario’s alibi? Dan Slepian tracks down detectives, lawyers and an eyewitness to the murder – and gets some shocking answers to that question.

This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.

The murder case against Richard Rosario was based on two eyewitnesses. But Rosario claims there are more than a dozen people who can prove he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. Dan Slepian packs his bags and heads to Florida to speak with some of those alibi witnesses. Along the way, he also meets Rosario’s wife and two children.

This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.

Is Richard Rosario an innocent man? Or is he a murderer? Dan Slepian begins his investigation at a prison in upstate New York, and at the scene of the crime in the Bronx.

This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.

Women who’d been targeted by Kristi’s killer fight for justice, and one of them confronts him face-to-face.                                      

This episode was originally published on April 11, 2024.

A trial comes to a surprising conclusion.

This episode was originally published on April 9, 2024.

After a tip line is established in Kristi’s case, calls come in from other women who describe terrifying encounters with a predator.

This episode was originally published on April 4, 2024.

Detectives interview a suspect even as they search for Kristi.

This episode was originally published on April 2, 2024.

Investigators search for a mystery man who promises young women fame and fortune.

This episode was originally published on March 26, 2024.

Kristi Johnson vanishes after heading into the Hollywood Hills for a photo shoot.

This episode was originally published on March 26, 2024.

A verdict, a twist, and a pastor’s new calling.

This episode was originally published on December 19, 2023.

Prophecy and proof take center stage as a murder trial begins....

This episode was originally published on December 14, 2023.

A wife comes clean, a witness comes forward and new facts come out.

This episode was originally published on December 12, 2023.

Forbidden relationships cause regrets… and suspicions.

This episode was originally published on December 5, 2023.

A fatal fire, a needy pastor, and a chilling premonition.

This episode was originally published on December 5, 2023.

Ebenezer Scrooge awakens in his home on Christmas morning to find he has a second chance. He joyfully makes amends with all those around him and even becomes a father figure to Tiny Tim. 

This episode was originally published on December 11, 2023.

The Ghost of Christmas Future reveals the appalling events that will happen if Scrooge doesn’t become a kinder man. Tiny Tim will die, and so will Scrooge, though no one will mourn him. Scrooge begs the Ghost for a chance to put things right. 

This episode was originally published on December 11, 2023

The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge how Christmas should be celebrated – with joy and giving, even when you are poor, like Scrooge’s own kindly clerk Bob Cratchit. 

This episode was originally published on December 11, 2023

The Ghost of Christmas Past visits Scrooge and takes him back to his own childhood. He’s reminded that he was shown kindness as a young man, and had even been in love, before his greed took over. 

This episode was originally published on December 11, 2023

Ebenezer Scrooge hates Christmas with a passion. To him, it’s all a waste of time and money. But when he’s visited by the ghost of his dead business partner, the equally greedy Jacob Marley, Scrooge begins to understand  the error of his ways.                                        

This episode was originally published on December 11, 2023.

Things with Katrina don’t go the way Ichabod Crane had hoped. As he rides home, stories of local ghosts haunt his thoughts. Panicked, he gallops off into the night, only to encounter the most terrifying sight of all – the Headless Horseman himself!

This episode was originally published on October 23, 2023.

Ichabod Crane has fallen hard for Katrina. At a big party at the Van Tassel home, the two dance all night as jealous Brom stews in the corner. By night’s end, Ichabod prepares to profess his love.

This episode was originally published on October 23, 2023.

New school teacher Ichabod Crane wastes no time getting to know everyone in town, especially the rich and beautiful Katrina Van Tassel. The only problem is, Katrina has another suitor – the dashing Brom Bones.

This episode was originally published on October 23, 2023.

Dateline Originals – your podcast destination to discover and binge more than a dozen true crime mini-series told as only Dateline can. Includes award winning series like “The Thing About Pam,” “Mommy Doomsday,” “Motive for Murder” and so many more. Follow now to listen to Dateline Originals completely free. Or subscribe to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening: apple.co/DatelinePremium

Nearly 13 years to the day after Nona’s murder, a woman has a chilling encounter with a predator in the night.

This episode was originally published on October 12, 2023.

A new suspect says he has an alibi, but can he prove it?

This episode was originally published on October 10, 2023.

A jury holds the fate of Nona’s boyfriend in its hands.

This episode was originally published on October 5, 2023.

When police name a suspect, the court of public opinion all but convicts him.

This episode was originally published on October 3, 2023.

Investigators focus on a man with Nona’s blood on his hands.

This episode was originally published on September 26, 2023.

The murder of 19-year-old Nona Dirksmeyer shakes the community of Russellville, Arkansas to its core.

This episode was originally published on September 26, 2023.

A big decision. New theories. And a mystery man revealed.

This episode was originally published on April 11, 2023.

An attorney and his son undertake a new review of the evidence in Michelle’s murder and get a surprise opportunity to make their case to prosecutors.

This episode was originally published on April 4, 2023.

After three trials, a verdict. But a Dateline viewer could change everything…

This episode was originally published on March 28, 2023.

A retired sheriff’s deputy sees Michelle O’Keefe’s smiling face on a billboard and asks to join the investigation.

This episode was originally published on March 21, 2023.

Police investigating Michelle O’Keefe’s murder encounter a talkative witness. Maybe too talkative.

This episode was originally published on March 14, 2023.

She loved her shiny blue Mustang. Then it became a crime scene.

This episode was originally published on March 14, 2023.

The jury renders its verdicts. Afterwards, a remarkable moment of forgiveness takes place.

This episode was originally published on December 13, 2022.

A hit man makes a choice, and the trial gets underway.

This episode was originally published on December 6, 2022.

Lovers on the line in jailhouse phone calls reveal new clues. Then, a big arrest.

This episode was originally published on November 29, 2022.

The investigation into a murder plot leads to a femme fatale with a past.

This episode was originally published on November 22, 2022.

A manila envelope filled with maps and photos helps investigators start to unravel a deadly plot.

This episode was originally published on November 15, 2022.

A hit man arrives in Charleston, South Carolina with a member of a wealthy and well-known family in his crosshairs.

This episode was originally published on November 15, 2022.

A woman at the center of the case turns state’s evidence and the defendant takes the stand.

This episode was originally published on October 18, 2022.

Recorded phone calls from a suspect in jail reveal the ties that bind unraveling.

This episode was originally published on October 11, 2022.

A detective plays cat and mouse with an unusual suspect, while crime scene evidence raises questions for investigators.

This episode was originally published on October 4, 2022.

Choices about relationships, revelations and reconciliation set a murder in motion.

This episode was originally published on September 27, 2022.

A secret affair gets discovered, and a murder suspect gets cuffed.

This episode was originally published on September 20, 2022.

When a wife and mother is murdered in Greeley, Colorado, responding investigators suspect the costumed killer is someone they know.

This episode was originally published on September 20, 2022.

On June 6, 2020, 65-year-old Lydia Abrams disappeared from her ranch near Idyllwild, California. Left behind were her phone, purse, keys, wallet and truck. Dateline’s Keith Morrison sits down with Dia’s son, Clinton Abrams, her friend Julie Stanford and Keith Harper, who describes himself as Dia’s fiancé. While those closest to her have different theories about what may have happened to Dia, one thing they all agree on is that she would never have left behind her animals, including her beloved dog, Ruby. Dia Abrams is 5’6” with blue eyes and blonde hair, and weighs 135 lbs. Anyone with information about her case, is asked to call the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office at 951-791-3400. Get more and see pictures of Dia Abrams here: https://www.nbcnews.com/datelinemissing

This episode was originally published on June 27, 2023.

19-year-old Logan Schiendelman was last seen at his grandmother’s house in Tumwater, Washington on May 19, 2016. Logan’s car, a black 1996 Chrysler Sebring, was found the next day, abandoned on Interstate 5 just south of Olympia. His phone, wallet and driver’s license were in the vehicle. Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz speaks with several of Logan’s loved ones and Lt. Cameron Simper of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Logan is biracial and has black hair and brown eyes. He’s 5’11” and weighed 160 lbs. at the time of his disappearance. If you have information about Logan’s case call the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office at 360-786-5519. Get more information and see pictures of Logan Schiendelman here: https://www.nbcnews.com/datelinemissing

This episode was originally published on June 20, 2023.

On June, 13, 1965, 2-year-old Elizabeth Ann Gill, known as “Beth,” vanished while playing in her yard in Cape Girardeau, Missouri – just a few blocks from the Mississippi River. Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz speaks with two of her nine siblings, Martha Gill Hamilton and Jeannie Gill Hinck, and Bobby Newton of the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Both police and the family believe Beth may have been abducted and raised by another family, and could still be alive. They are hopeful DNA and ancestry websites will lead them to Beth, who likely would not remember being abducted. Beth would be 60 years old today. If you have any information about her case, or you believe you might be Beth, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST.

This episode was originally published on June 13, 2023.

Jasmine Robinson was last seen in the Archer, Florida home she shared with her grandmother on February 18, 2019. The 23-year-old was approximately six months pregnant when she went missing. Police believe she disappeared at approximately 7 p.m. Earlier that day, she had a heated phone call at work with the man she believed to be her baby’s father. Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz talks with her sister, Shantavia Robinson, her grandmother, Rosa Robinson and Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Det. Chris Weitzel. Jasmine is 5’2” and 150 lbs. She wears black-framed glasses, and has brown eyes and black, braided hair. If you have information about Jasmine’s case call the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, at 352-367-4161; or to leave tips anonymously, call CrimeStoppers, at 352-372-7867.

This episode was originally published on June 6, 2023.

On October 22, 2021, 15-year-old Nevaeh Kingbird, a member of the Red Lake Nation, left her family’s house in Bemidji, Minnesota at around 1 a.m. At 2 a.m. she left another home in a nearby trailer park. She was last seen in the Nymore neighborhood of Bemidji. Andrea Canning talks to Nevaeh’s mother, Teddi Wind, her sister, Lakaylee, her uncle Daniel Wind, and Indigenous missing persons advocate Lissa Yellow Bird Chase. Nevaeh was 5’4” and weighed 120 lbs. at the time of her disappearance. She has brown eyes and dark brown hair with blonde highlights. She has two scars: one on her left eyebrow, another on her left thigh. If you have information on Neveah’s case call the Bemidji Police tip line at 218-333-9111 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE LOST.

This episode was originally published on May 30, 2023.

Kent Jacobs, a 41-year-old man with a developmental disability, went for a walk near his mother’s home in Hope Mills, North Carolina on March 10, 2002, and never returned. He was last seen walking about a mile from the Colonial Heights neighborhood on a road called Brooklyn Circle. Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz talks to two of Kent’s siblings, Keith Jacobs and Kim Baber, and Nan Trogdon, a retired detective who worked Kent’s case for five years. Kent was 5'6" and 150 lbs. with dark curly hair and brown eyes when he vanished. He would be 62 years old today. If you have information call the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office at 910-323-1500.

This episode was originally published on May 30, 2023.

UPDATE: In November of 2023, Dee Ann Warner’s husband was charged with her murder. Dale Warner was also charged with evidence tampering in the case. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges. In August 2024, Dee’s body was found on property owned by her husband. Her death has been ruled a homicide. Josh Mankiewicz reports. Listen to our original podcast on the case here: https://link.chtbl.com/dee_ann_warner

This episode was originally published on November 22, 2023.

52-year-old Dee Ann Warner was last seen at the home she shared with her husband in Franklin Township, Michigan on April 25, 2021. That Sunday, one of Dee’s daughters, Rikkell Bock, stopped by her mother’s house with her husband and daughter around 9:00 a.m., but Dee was nowhere to be found. They reported her missing that day. Rikkell, Dee’s brother Gregg, and private investigator Billy Little talk with Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz. This episode has been updated to include the 2023 arrest of Dale Warner for his wife’s murder. He has pleaded not guilty. In August 2024, Dee’s body was found on property owned by her husband. Her death has been ruled a homicide. The Michigan State police are continuing to follow leads and ask anyone with information to contact the MSP Monroe Post at 734-242-3500.

This episode was originally published on August 23, 2022.

29-year-old Alexis Ware was last seen around 7:30 p.m. at a 7-Eleven off Highway 29 in Anderson, South Carolina on January 30, 2022. Calls to her phone went directly to voicemail after that. On February 1, Alexis was officially reported missing. Alexis’s mother, Alberta-Gray Simpkins, and half-brother, Travis Ware, speak with Dateline’s Andrea Canning about the disappearance. Alexis was last seen wearing a black bonnet, a black jacket with a purple shirt, blue jeans, and black Crocs. Alexis has multiple tattoos and dimple piercings. She has long black hair and brown eyes, is about 5’6” and weighs around 215 lbs. If you have information, please contact the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office at (864) 260-4405 or CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

This episode was originally published on August 16, 2022.

Aubrey Dameron, a 25-year-old citizen of the Cherokee Nation, was last seen leaving her family’s home on the outskirts of Grove, Oklahoma, in the early morning hours of March 9, 2019. She was reported missing when she failed to return home or answer calls. Aubrey’s family fears that as a transgender Native American woman, she may have been the victim of a hate crime. Dateline’s Andrea Canning talks to Aubrey’s uncle Christian Fencer, her aunt Pam Smith and the director of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service. Aubrey is 5’10”, and weighs 150 lbs. She has two distinguishing tattoos: a triquetra symbol on her back and the word “Shorty” on her upper left arm. Anyone with information about Aubrey’s case is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service (918) 207-3800.

This episode was originally published on August 9, 2022.

On September 26, 2016, 21-year-old Keeshae Jacobs texted her mother, Toni, to say she was going to spend the night at a friend’s house. She never returned to their Richmond, Virginia home. Authorities suspect foul play in Keeshae’s disappearance. Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz speaks with Keeshae’s mother, Toni, and Natalie Wilson, co-founder of The Black & Missing Foundation. Keeshae is 5’3”, weighs approximately 100 lbs., with brown hair and eyes. She was last seen wearing black basketball shorts, pink and black Nikes and a pink scarf. She has several distinguishing tattoos: a rose on her right thigh, a flower on her right wrist, paw prints on her right thigh, and a leaf on her right foot. Her mother’s name, Toni, is inked with a heart on her left shoulder. If you have information, please call the Richmond Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit at (804) 646-0729.

This episode was originally published on August 2, 2022.

38-year-old California mother Heidi Planck was last seen leaving her 10-year-old son’s football game in Downey, California on October 17, 2021. Her ex-husband, Jim Wayne, reported her missing three days later when she failed to pick their son up from school. Hours after Heidi was last seen, her dog was found on the 28th floor of an apartment building in downtown Los Angeles. Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz speaks with Jim Wayne and one of Heidi’s close friends. Heidi is 5’3” and 120 lbs., with blonde hair and blue eyes. If you have information on Heidi’s case, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (213) 486-6840 or the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 1-800-222-TIPS.

This episode was originally published on July 26, 2022.

On June 23, 2021, 24-year-old geologist Daniel Robinson, drove his 2017 blue Jeep Renegade away from his job site in the desert area west of Sun Valley Parkway just north of Cactus Road in Buckeye, Arizona. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since. Daniel’s father, David, speaks with Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz about his tireless search for his son. Daniel is 5’8”, and weighs 165 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes and is missing part of his right arm below his elbow. If you have information, call the Buckeye Police tip line at (623) 349-6411.

This episode was originally published on July 26, 2022.

Three shots fired, and the truth about Ron’s murder is revealed.

This episode was originally published on July 12, 2022.

Jaime returns to California for questioning. But Patty has another plan in mind…

This episode was originally published on July 5, 2022.

After discovering evidence of a horrific crime at Ron Presba’s home, detectives question a defiant suspect.

This episode was originally published on June 28, 2022.

The moment for murder had arrived. But could Jaime go through with it?

This episode was originally published on June 21, 2022.

Besotted with Patty, Jaime agrees to a horrifying request. But can he go through with it?

This episode was originally published on June 14, 2022.

An impressionable young man falls under the spell of a persuasive older woman with a problem to solve.

This episode was originally published on June 14, 2022.

Fireworks and finger pointing in court as two little old ladies do whatever it takes to beat a murder rap.

This episode was originally published on November 16, 2021.

The investigation goes into high gear with the discovery of the murder weapon.

This episode was originally published on November 16, 2021.

Detectives leave Helen and Olga alone together in a room wired for sound. Old resentments boil over.

This episode was originally published on November 16, 2021.

The Granny Task Force conducts simultaneous early-morning raids at the homes of Helen and Olga.

This episode was originally published on November 16, 2021.

An insurance investigator’s hunch leads law enforcement to assign a task force to tail two little old ladies.

This episode was originally published on November 16, 2021.

Helen and Olga are on a mission to help homeless men in Los Angeles, when tragedy strikes. Twice.

This episode was originally published on November 16, 2021.

Days before her trial was to begin, Tucker’s lawyer said he had proof of his client’s innocence: a recording of the shooting made by Tucker herself. Warning: This episode contains audio of violence which may be disturbing to some listeners.

This episode was originally published on April 29, 2021.

Detectives want to know who fired and re-loaded the gun hours before Shane was shot.

This episode was originally published on April 27, 2021.

She was there to help with legal documents, but when a fatal shot rang out, she became a key witness.

This episode was originally published on April 22, 2021.

The gun fired in an instant, but the backstory that preceded the shooting took years to unfold.

This episode was originally published on April 20, 2021.

The story Tucker told police sounded like a scene from a movie, but it was all too real.

This episode was originally published on April 13, 2021.

Indie filmmakers cast Wyn Reed as their star. What they didn’t know was that Wyn wasn’t Wyn.

This episode was originally published on April 13, 2021.

Keith Morrison sat down with producer Shane Bishop to discuss the recent developments and charges in the case that has taken yet another bizarre turn.

This episode was originally published on June 2, 2021.

The six-month search for Lori’s two missing children has followed a trail from snowy Idaho to sunny Kauai and back again. And the question of where the children are is finally answered.

This episode was originally published on March 4, 2021.

As the investigation into Lori’s missing children intensifies, she and her new husband leave town. Then another person close to Lori dies unexpectedly.

This episode was originally published on March 2, 2021.

Lori moves to Idaho, as mysterious and disturbing events continue to unfold around her and Chad.

This episode was originally published on February 25, 2021.

A deadly shooting at Lori Vallow’s home brings police to her door. And it wasn’t the first time they’d met.

This episode was originally published on February 23, 2021.

Lori is drawn to an end-times author. They’re both married to other people. That’s about to change.

This episode was originally published on February 16, 2021.

Lori Vallow was a wife, mother, and beauty pageant contestant. Then people around her started dying.

This episode was originally published on February 16, 2021.

A conversation with a killer and the motive for murder is revealed.

This episode was originally published on June 4, 2020.

A routine traffic stop leads to a break in the case.

This episode was originally published on May 28, 2020.

An escape from danger becomes the beginning of the nightmare.

This episode was originally published on May 21, 2020.

A second murder raises perplexing questions for investigators.

This episode was originally published on May 14, 2020.

Investigators learn more about the men in Gelareh’s life.

This episode was originally published on May 7, 2020.

She was a small woman with a big voice. And then she was gone.

This episode was originally published on May 7, 2020.

Keith Morrison talks with Renée Zellweger about how and why she made her scripted series.

This episode was originally published on March 7, 2022.

Pam Hupp is charged with the murder of Betsy Faria.

This episode was originally published on July 28, 2021.

Another thing about Pam… 

This episode was originally published on September 27, 2019.

A 911 call. An intruder killed. Or was it something more sinister?

This episode was originally published on September 26, 2019.

The greeting seemed innocuous, but not for long.

This episode was originally published on September 24, 2019.

An unexpected call changed everything.

This episode was originally published on September 23, 2019.

The prosecution believed it was a case about greed. The defense did, too.

This episode was originally published on September 19, 2019.

The evidence pointed to a crime of passion. But was it?

This episode was originally published on September 18, 2019.