As Darkness Fell
- Aug 3, 2021
- 41:59
- Full Episode
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<p>Mark and Mary Beth Harshbarger had a passion for hunting. They were both excellent shots and rarely missed, until one tragic outing changed everything. Keith Morrison reports in this Dateline classic. Originally aired on NBC on April 22, 2011.</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
Mary Beth Harshbarger shot her husband Mark, mistaking him for a bear, leading to a controversial trial for criminal negligence.
Key points
- A Tragic Mistake. Mary Beth mistook her husband for a bear and shot him, leading to chaos.
- Suspicion Arises. Mark's family begins to suspect foul play after his death.
- Mary Beth's Defense. Mary Beth claimed she mistook her husband for a bear during the shooting incident.
- The Verdict. Mary Beth was found not guilty of criminal negligence, leading to public outrage.
- Life After Trial. Mary Beth returned home to find her boyfriend had left her for the babysitter.
Episode highlights
- A Tragic MistakeMary Beth mistook her husband for a bear and shot him, leading to chaos.“I shot a bear. Did I get him?”9:06Aug 3, 2021
- Suspicion ArisesMark's family begins to suspect foul play after his death.“Immediately, we had that instinct that this wasn't an accident.”14:29Aug 3, 2021
- Mary Beth's DefenseMary Beth claimed she mistook her husband for a bear during the shooting incident.“It would be pretty hard to mistake a human for a bear.”26:44Aug 3, 2021
- The VerdictMary Beth was found not guilty of criminal negligence, leading to public outrage.“The charge of criminal negligence against Mrs. Harshbarger is dismissed.”38:55Aug 3, 2021
- Life After TrialMary Beth returned home to find her boyfriend had left her for the babysitter.“Barry had run off with the babysitter. They'd moved out, got married.”40:08Aug 3, 2021
Tension
75/ 100High tension
