Secrets of the Desert
- May 28, 2019
- 1:24:27
- Full Episode
Synchronizing the audio with the ad breaks and transcriptThis takes a brief moment, please wait.
In this Dateline classic, the mystery surrounding the deaths of three women deep in the Sonoran desert takes 17 years to untangle, and is only solved when a fourth woman comes forward with the truth. Dennis Murphy reports. Originally aired on NBC on May 19, 2017.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brief Summary
Linda Watson disappears, her mother Marilyn is murdered; Dave Watson is convicted of both cases after years of investigation.
Key points
- The Strangest Call. Marilyn receives a shocking call from Linda's mother, igniting a frantic search.
- The Mysterious Disappearance. Linda Watson goes missing, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and blood.
- Blood Found at the Scene. Marilyn discovers blood in Linda's home, leading to a theory of foul play.
- Marilyn's Fight for Justice. Marilyn fought tirelessly for justice for her missing daughter, Linda, even after her murder.
- A Tragic Coincidence. The murders of Marilyn and Linda occurred in the same house, raising questions about their connection.
- The Vault of Cold Cases. Linda's case, along with Marilyn's and Renee's, ended up in the cold case vault.
Episode highlights
- The Mysterious DisappearanceLinda Watson goes missing, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and blood.“A loving mother one day just disappears.”0:15May 28, 2019
- Blood Found at the SceneMarilyn discovers blood in Linda's home, leading to a theory of foul play.“Now we have a theory of foul play.”22:08May 28, 2019
- Marilyn's Fight for JusticeMarilyn fought tirelessly for justice for her missing daughter, Linda, even after her murder.“I will do my best to try to find Linda.”34:57May 28, 2019
- A Tragic CoincidenceThe murders of Marilyn and Linda occurred in the same house, raising questions about their connection.“How often are a mother and daughter killed at the same house?”39:23May 28, 2019
- The Vault of Cold CasesLinda's case, along with Marilyn's and Renee's, ended up in the cold case vault.“All three investigations are in the vault.”46:36May 28, 2019
- The Cold Case VaultThe cases of Linda, Marilyn, and Renee remain unsolved for years, collecting dust.“We keep waiting and listening and hoping that something will come up.”47:32May 28, 2019
- A Shocking DiscoveryA DNA match from a skull found in 2003 finally identifies Linda Watson.“At last, here was proof she was no longer alive.”54:17May 28, 2019
- Rosemary's Dark SecretRosemary reveals a secret she kept for years about the night Linda disappeared.“How do I look my daughter in the eye and live the rest of my life knowing what I know?”59:20May 28, 2019
Episode quotes
Tension
85/ 100High tension
