Smoke and Mirrors

Dateline NBC

  • Dec 31, 2025
  • 41:52
  • Full Episode
Synchronizing the audio with the ad breaks and transcriptThis takes a brief moment, please wait.

When a Chicago pharmaceutical representative stops returning calls, her large and loving family begin to worry. Keith Morrison reports.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brief Summary

Naila Franklin's disappearance leads to a murder investigation and the conviction of her ex-boyfriend Reginald Potts.

Key points

  • The Mysterious Disappearance. Naila Franklin goes missing, leaving her family and friends in a state of confusion and fear.
  • A Disturbing Discovery. Six stacked cardboard boxes found in a secluded area raise alarms about Naila's fate.
  • A Shocking Revelation. The discovery of a body leads to the confirmation of Naila's death by asphyxiation, marking a tragic turn.
  • The Search Intensifies. As days pass, Naila's family launches a media campaign to find her, facing challenges along the way.
  • Unraveling the Mystery. Investigators delve into Naila's past relationships, uncovering potential suspects and motives.
  • Reginald's Double Life. Reginald juggled multiple relationships and presented a false image of success.

Tension

85/ 100High tension

More from Dateline NBC

Solve the Crime

Read a real case one clue at a time, then see how your call held up against the investigators.

Start a Case