Forensic Files

Talking Dateline: The Room Downstairs

Dateline NBC

  • Dec 4, 2024
  • 19:29
  • Full Episode
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<p>Josh Mankiewicz catches up with Andrea Canning about her episode, “The Room Downstairs.” In March 2011, a suburban New Jersey home was suddenly engulfed in flames. When firefighters entered the basement, they found 59-year-old Robert Cantor dead on a bed. An autopsy revealed that he’d been fatally shot before the fire was set. Andrea and Josh talk about the love triangle that pointed investigators to their prime suspect and the circumstantial case that resulted in his conviction – twice. Plus, Andrea shares two podcast-exclusive interview clips, one from the victim’s best friend and the other from his killer.</p><p>See the sweater Tung wore during his interview: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ijdpFw5AMm4?feature=share ">https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ijdpFw5AMm4?feature=share </a></p><p>Listen to the full episode of “The Room Downstairs” on Apple: <a href="https://apple.co/41vjGSW">https://apple.co/41vjGSW</a></p><p>Listen to the full episode on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Bp75v2QXrJwaeUlAVO8WJ">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Bp75v2QXrJwaeUlAVO8WJ</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

Robert Cantor's murder reveals a love triangle and circumstantial evidence against Tony Tung, leading to a complex investigation and emotional fallout.

Key points

  • The Room Downstairs. A house fire reveals a murder, leading to a complex love triangle.
  • Circumstantial Evidence. The case against Tony Tung relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, raising questions about its validity.
  • The Sweater Story. A hideous sweater worn by Tony Tung during an interview becomes a character in its own right.

Tension

60/ 100Some tension

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