Forensic Files

Arson and alleged fratricide in New Jersey. New 911 calls in Microsoft employee murder. And sentencing murderers.

Dateline NBC

  • Sep 18, 2025
  • 27:44
  • Full Episode
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<p>A New Jersey man accused of murdering his brother and his brother's entire family, then setting fire to both their homes to cover up his crimes, wants out of jail after seven years waiting for trial. In Florida, prosecutors release all-new evidence to the public as they build their case against a couple they say orchestrated a hit on Microsoft employee Jared Bridegan. Updates on Chad Daybell and his jailhouse letters, and the sentencing of Brooks Houck, the convicted killer of Kentucky mom Crystal Rogers. Plus, why sentencing a murderer is harder than you'd think.<br /> </p><p>Find out more about the cases covered each week here: <a href="http://www.datelinetruecrimeweekly.com">www.datelinetruecrimeweekly.com</a><br /><br />To learn more about Dateline LIVE in Nashville on Sept. 28, and to get tickets, go here: <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline-event">https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline-event</a></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

Paul Canaro awaits trial for his family's murder; Jared Bridegan's case involves a murder-for-hire plot by his ex-wife.

Key points

  • The Canaro Family Tragedy. A brother is accused of murdering his family and setting their house on fire.
  • Murder-for-Hire Plot Unveiled. New evidence released in the murder of Microsoft employee Jared Bridegan.
  • Kentucky's Trial of the Decade. Sentencing of Brooks Houck for the murder of Crystal Rogers.
  • The Complexity of Sentencing. Sentencing varies greatly across jurisdictions, influenced by numerous factors.
  • Upcoming Episode Tease. A new episode explores the mysterious death of Sandra Birchmore.

Tension

65/ 100Some tension

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