Common Denominators
- Aug 2, 2023
- 43:22
- Full Episode
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<p>After a 13-year-old girl is murdered on Valentine’s Day, the investigation leads to a high-profile trial and a conviction. But to one veteran cold case detective, something didn’t look right. Could the wrong person have been in prison? Keith Morrison reports in this Dateline classic. Originally aired on NBC on June 8, 2008.</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
Detective Dennis Delano solves cold cases, exposing systemic flaws while pursuing justice for murder victims Joan Giambra and Crystal Lynn Gerard.
Key points
- Dennis Delano's Award. A cop receives recognition for freeing an innocent man and solving cold cases.
- The Horrific Murder of Joan Giambra. Joan Giambra was found strangled and naked, a crime that shocked the community.
- The Mystery Deepens. Detectives uncover similarities between multiple murder cases linked to Dennis Donahue.
- DNA Evidence Leads to Arrest. Dennis Donahue's DNA matched evidence from Joan Giambra's case, leading to his arrest.
- The Case Against Lynn Dijak. Lynn Dijak was convicted of murdering her daughter, but evidence suggests otherwise.
- Lynn DeJak's Release. After 13 years in prison, Lynn DeJak is released but faces a retrial for murder.
Episode highlights
- The Horrific Murder of Joan GiambraJoan Giambra was found strangled and naked, a crime that shocked the community.“A monstrous crime.”2:43Aug 2, 2023
- The Mystery DeepensDetectives uncover similarities between multiple murder cases linked to Dennis Donahue.“Now the mystery was irresistible.”6:28Aug 2, 2023
- DNA Evidence Leads to ArrestDennis Donahue's DNA matched evidence from Joan Giambra's case, leading to his arrest.“It was a perfect match.”9:31Aug 2, 2023
- The Case Against Lynn DijakLynn Dijak was convicted of murdering her daughter, but evidence suggests otherwise.“By the time of her arrest, a consensus had already formed in the old neighborhood.”16:10Aug 2, 2023
- Lynn DeJak's ReleaseAfter 13 years in prison, Lynn DeJak is released but faces a retrial for murder.“Ms. DeJak is released upon her own recognizance.”26:33Aug 2, 2023
- New Evidence EmergesA new medical examiner's report leads to the dropping of charges against Lynn DeJak.“Crystal Lynn died of a cocaine overdose.”34:01Aug 2, 2023
- Justice for Joan GiambraDennis Donohue is found guilty of murdering Joan Giambra, bringing some closure to Lynn.“He can't hurt nobody ever again.”38:37Aug 2, 2023
Tension
85/ 100High tension
