A Killing in Cottonwood
- Mar 18, 2020
- 40:39
- Full Episode
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In this Dateline classic, a family many saw as 'perfect' in an All-American town experiences a tragedy that shakes their faith and family. Keith Morrison reports. Originally aired on NBC on January 3, 2014.
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Brief Summary
Mark Duenas is convicted of murdering his wife Karen after a tumultuous investigation and trial, despite family claims of his innocence.
Key points
- A Night of Horror. The Duenas family faces a devastating tragedy when a late-night emergency reveals bloodshed.
- The Investigation Begins. Detectives arrive to piece together the events surrounding Karen Duenas's murder.
- Mark's Arrest. Five months after the murder, Mark Dwaynes is arrested, shocking the family.
- The 911 Call Confession. Mark's 911 call is claimed to contain an inadvertent confession of guilt.
- Mistrial and Family Plea. After a mistrial, Mark's family publicly pleads for him not to be retried.
- Family's Ongoing Struggle. Mark's family continues to defend him while grappling with the aftermath of the murder.
Episode highlights
- The Investigation BeginsDetectives arrive to piece together the events surrounding Karen Duenas's murder.“What was his story of what happened that night?”11:50Mar 18, 2020
- Mark's ArrestFive months after the murder, Mark Dwaynes is arrested, shocking the family.“He was upset. Like, are you kidding me?”22:09Mar 18, 2020
- The 911 Call ConfessionMark's 911 call is claimed to contain an inadvertent confession of guilt.“I killed my wife, the state claims.”25:44Mar 18, 2020
- Mistrial and Family PleaAfter a mistrial, Mark's family publicly pleads for him not to be retried.“This is love. This is belief in this human being.”30:57Mar 18, 2020
- Family's Ongoing StruggleMark's family continues to defend him while grappling with the aftermath of the murder.“Life is so much harder protecting my dad.”38:21Mar 18, 2020
- Guilty VerdictThe jury delivers a guilty verdict for Mark Duenas, leading to emotional reactions.“You're sick. I felt like throwing up, to be honest.”39:03Mar 18, 2020
- Tragedy in a Small TownThe community reflects on the shocking murder that shattered their sense of safety.“The worst you can imagine happened.”40:16Mar 18, 2020
Tension
85/ 100High tension
