Forensic Files

Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions thrown out. A new search for Kristin Smart. Plus, AI and murder.

Dateline NBC

  • May 14, 2026
  • 34:49
  • Full Episode
Synchronizing the audio with the ad breaks and transcriptThis takes a brief moment, please wait.

<p>In South Carolina, Supreme Court judges make a pivotal ruling in the case of Alex Murdaugh, the disgraced lawyer convicted of murdering his wife and son. In California, police search for the remains of Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old college student killed in 1996, in the backyard of her killer's mother. In Dateline Round Up, emotions run high at the sentencing of Dale Warner, the Michigan man convicted of killing his wife Dee and concealing her body in a fertilizer tank. Plus, NBC News Senior Legal Correspondent Laura Jarrett discusses AI chatbots under fire in the courtroom.</p> <p> </p> <p>Find out more about the cases covered each week here: www.datelinetruecrimeweekly.com </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Brief Summary

This episode discusses the Kristen Smart case, Alec Murdoch's overturned conviction, and a lawsuit against AI chatbots for murder involvement.

Key points

  • Alec Murdoch's Conviction Overturned. In a surprising turn, the South Carolina Supreme Court has overturned Alec Murdoch's conviction, granting him a new trial.
  • Search for Kristen Smart's Body. Investigators are digging in Southern California, hoping to find the body of Kristen Smart, missing for decades.
  • Emotional Sentencing of Dale Warner. Dale Warner was sentenced for the murder of his wife, Dee, with family members delivering powerful statements.
  • Amber Spradlin Case Update. Amber Spradlin was murdered in 2023; her case has seen significant developments in 2024.
  • Lynette Hooker's Disappearance. Lynette Hooker vanished while sailing; her husband’s story raises suspicions.
  • Groundbreaking AI Lawsuit. A lawsuit claims an AI chatbot influenced a mass shooting; implications for AI accountability arise.

Tension

70/ 100High tension

More from Dateline NBC

Solve the Crime

Read a real case one clue at a time, then see how your call held up against the investigators.

Start a Case

Join Team Forensic Files

Regular case drops, breaking crime news, and podcast premieres, straight to your inbox.

or

Forgot your password?