Talking Dateline: The Professor & The Poet
- Mar 11, 2026
- 27:27
- Full Episode
<p>Keith Morrison and Josh Mankiewicz sit down to discuss Josh’s latest episode, “The Professor & The Poet.” Sue Marcum, a beloved accounting professor at American University, was found dead in her Bethesda, Maryland, home. When police tracked down her stolen car, they thought maybe her murder was the result of a robbery gone wrong. But DNA pointed to someone much closer to home: Sue's Spanish teacher and friend, Jorge Rueda Landeros. By the time authorities connected him to the crime, Landeros had fled to Mexico, where he lived and taught yoga for more than a decade before his arrest and eventual conviction.</p> <p>Josh and Keith talk about the dangers of loving the wrong person and the importance of listening to your friends’ advice. Plus, Josh reminisces about his childhood in Bethesda and what it was like to go back there as a Dateline correspondent. He also shares an extra clip from his interview with the killer’s ex-girlfriend.</p> <p>Listen to the full episode of “The Professor & The Poet” on Apple:<a href="https://apple.co/4rmNZ7k" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://apple.co/4rmNZ7k</a></p> <p>Listen on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6anAENlSGSqxdP08dFAUU8" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/6anAENlSGSqxdP08dFAUU8</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
Sue Markham's tragic relationship with Jorge Landeros leads to murder; insights from producers and ex-girlfriend Rocio highlight warning signs and investigation details.
Key points
- The Professor and the Poet. A discussion about the episode involving Sue Markham and Jorge Landero.
- Rocio's Courage. Rocio shares her experience with Jorge and her decision to call the police.
- Unexpected Connections. Keith shares a coincidental encounter with a mother-daughter duo on a flight.
- Life Insurance Mystery. Jorge Landeros did not attempt to collect the life insurance payout after his passing.
- Sue's Unique Accounting Style. Sue made studying accounting fun, even taking a job with the Ringling Brothers Circus.
Episode highlights
- The Professor and the PoetA discussion about the episode involving Sue Markham and Jorge Landero.“This was an interesting story.”0:52Mar 11, 2026
- Rocio's CourageRocio shares her experience with Jorge and her decision to call the police.“That took a lot of courage to call the police in Maryland.”14:14Mar 11, 2026
- Unexpected ConnectionsKeith shares a coincidental encounter with a mother-daughter duo on a flight.“Meetings that you never expect to happen.”18:10Mar 11, 2026
- Life Insurance MysteryJorge Landeros did not attempt to collect the life insurance payout after his passing.“He did not.”23:30Mar 11, 2026
- Sue's Unique Accounting StyleSue made studying accounting fun, even taking a job with the Ringling Brothers Circus.“She definitely tried to make it interesting.”24:18Mar 11, 2026
