Forensic Files

Talking Dateline: Deadly Detour

Dateline NBC

  • Mar 25, 2026
  • 27:25
  • Full Episode
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<p>Blayne Alexander sits down with Josh Mankiewicz to discuss his episode, “Deadly Detour.” In 2016, Atlanta power couple Diane and Tex McIver were driving home with a friend when Tex’s gun went off and fatally shot Diane through the passenger seat. Tex said the gun went off accidentally, but investigators disagreed. They believed Tex McIver intentionally pulled the trigger to kill his wife and inherit her money. Tex went to trial in 2018, where he was convicted of felony murder and sentenced to life in prison. Then, in 2022, the Georgia Supreme Court overturned the verdict. Tex pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, and in 2025 was released from prison on parole. Josh talks about what it was like to drive the fatal route with the McIvers’ friend, Dani Jo, and Blayne describes her days as a local reporter in Atlanta, covering some of the same lawyers who worked on the case. Later, Josh shares an extra clip from his interview with three jurors from Tex’s murder trial and answers your questions from social media. </p> <p>Have a question for Talking Dateline? DM us @DatelineNBC or leave a voicemail at (212) 413-5252 – your question could be featured in an upcoming episode.</p> <p>Listen to the full episode of “Deadly Detour” on Apple: <a href="https://apple.co/40NOexH" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://apple.co/40NOexH</a></p> <p>Listen on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MAhho9QOzM8UiioenDEEb" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MAhho9QOzM8UiioenDEEb</a></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

Blaine Alexander and Josh Mankiewicz discuss Tex McIver's trial for accidentally shooting his wife Diane during a drive in Atlanta.

Key points

  • Deadly Detour: A Tragic Incident. Tex McIver accidentally shot his wife Diane during a car trip, leading to her death.
  • Jurors Reflect on the Verdict. Jurors discuss the challenges of reaching a verdict in the high-profile case.
  • Grieving Differently. Discussion on how society judges different grieving processes.
  • Involuntary Manslaughter Debate. Exploring the jury's decision on the defendant's sleep disturbances.
  • Atlanta Traffic Reflection. A light-hearted moment reflecting on moving back to Atlanta.

Tension

65/ 100Some tension

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