Return to Poplar River
- Apr 6, 2021
- 42:47
- Full Episode
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In this Dateline classic, the small town of Poplar, Montana is shaken when police find the battered body of 17-year-old Kim Nees on the outskirts of town. Keith Morrison reports.
Keith Morrison sits down with Barry Beach to talk about his life as a free man after serving 31 years in prison. After the Verdict is available now only by subscription to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts. LINK: https://apple.co/3P67LDf
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Brief Summary
Barry Beach was wrongfully convicted of Kim Nees' murder; new evidence led to his eventual exoneration after 33 years in prison.
Key points
- The Murder of Kim Nees. A well-liked valedictorian is found dead, sparking rumors of jealousy and violence.
- Barry Beach's Confession. Barry Beach confesses to a crime he insists he didn't commit, raising questions about his guilt.
- New Evidence Emerges. Centurion Ministries investigates and uncovers potential new suspects in the Kim Nees case.
- A New Trial Granted. Judge E. Wayne Phillips ruled there was clear evidence for a new trial for Barry Beach.
- Back to Prison. The Montana Supreme Court ruled against Barry Beach, sending him back to prison.
- Clemency Granted. Montana's governor signed a bill allowing Barry Beach's life sentence to be commuted.
Episode highlights
- The Murder of Kim NeesA well-liked valedictorian is found dead, sparking rumors of jealousy and violence.“Some in town claim this was a murder by a gang of mean girls.”0:16Apr 6, 2021
- Barry Beach's ConfessionBarry Beach confesses to a crime he insists he didn't commit, raising questions about his guilt.“I allowed Barry to call his mother back in Montana.”6:57Apr 6, 2021
- New Evidence EmergesCenturion Ministries investigates and uncovers potential new suspects in the Kim Nees case.“Centurion's team believes Barry Beach is innocent.”17:32Apr 6, 2021
- A New Trial GrantedJudge E. Wayne Phillips ruled there was clear evidence for a new trial for Barry Beach.“Finally, this time, it was yes.”30:50Apr 6, 2021
- Back to PrisonThe Montana Supreme Court ruled against Barry Beach, sending him back to prison.“I was stunned. It was a kick in the stomach.”36:58Apr 6, 2021
- Clemency GrantedMontana's governor signed a bill allowing Barry Beach's life sentence to be commuted.“Barry Beach walked out of the Montana State Prison for the last time.”40:26Apr 6, 2021
Tension
85/ 100High tension
