Forensic Files

The family matriarch’s defense. A landmark decision in the Gilgo Beach murders case. And a mom hits the road seeking justice.

Dateline NBC

  • Sep 4, 2025
  • 28:03
  • Full Episode
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<p>Inside the defense of Florida grandmother Donna Adelson. In Long Island, a judge's ruling on DNA ahead of alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann's, murder trial. Plus, almost 21 years after her daughter was murdered, a mother hits the road to bring awareness to the unsolved case.</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

Donna Adelson's trial updates, Gilgo Beach DNA ruling, and a mother's road trip for her daughter's unsolved murder.

Key points

  • Mom Admits to Murder Involvement. In a shocking turn, a mother admits to helping her husband commit murders during the trial.
  • Mother's Cross-Country Road Trip. A mother drives across the country to raise awareness for her daughter's unsolved murder.
  • DNA Evidence Allowed in Gilgo Beach Case. A judge rules that new DNA testing methods can be used in the trial of Rex Heuerman.
  • Maggie's Heartbreaking News. Maggie receives the shocking news of her daughter's murder from a sheriff.
  • Living in Honor of Brittany. Maggie shares how she copes with her daughter's murder and keeps her memory alive.
  • Join Maggie at CrimeCon. Maggie invites people to connect and learn about surviving families at CrimeCon.

Tension

65/ 100Some tension

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