The Haunting
- Oct 26, 2022
- 1:24:44
- Full Episode
<p>In 1979, Pastor Richard Douglass, his wife Marilyn, and their children, Brooks and Leslie, lived peacefully just outside of Okarche, Oklahoma -- until two drifters arrived at their home. Keith Morrison reports in this Dateline classic. Originally aired on NBC on May 27, 2011. </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
Brooks Douglas forgives his parents' killer after a traumatic home invasion that left his family shattered.
Key points
- A Night of Terror. On October 15, 1979, the Douglas family faced a horrifying home invasion that changed their lives forever.
- Survival Against All Odds. Brooks and Leslie Douglas survived a brutal attack that left their parents dead, fighting for their lives in the hospital.
- A Scary Moment. Leslie and I both about came out of our skin when the highway patrolman drew his weapon.
- The Finality of Loss. Out of the hospital, orphaned now, the finality of the children's loss sank in.
- The Capture of Ake and Hatch. The manhunt for the killers of the Douglas family ends with their capture in Colorado.
- Confessions of the Killers. Thanksgiving night, Ake and Hatch delivered chilling confessions about their crimes.
Episode highlights
- A Night of TerrorOn October 15, 1979, the Douglas family faced a horrifying home invasion that changed their lives forever.“I heard the first shot go off and said, I love you, I love you dad.”0:22Oct 26, 2022
- Survival Against All OddsBrooks and Leslie Douglas survived a brutal attack that left their parents dead, fighting for their lives in the hospital.“If I was going to live, I needed to make a decision.”14:24Oct 26, 2022
- A Scary MomentLeslie and I both about came out of our skin when the highway patrolman drew his weapon.“That was a scary moment.”24:11Oct 26, 2022
- The Finality of LossOut of the hospital, orphaned now, the finality of the children's loss sank in.24:15Oct 26, 2022
- The Capture of Ake and HatchThe manhunt for the killers of the Douglas family ends with their capture in Colorado.“It was stunning news. Thanksgiving Eve, 1979, six weeks after the murders, the manhunt was over.”33:12Oct 26, 2022
- Confessions of the KillersThanksgiving night, Ake and Hatch delivered chilling confessions about their crimes.“I unload a 357 Magnum loaded with 38 watt cutters on these people.”33:20Oct 26, 2022
- Brooks and Leslie's TestimonyThe siblings bravely testify against their parents' killers, reliving their trauma in court.“It was like I had to pretend like I was somebody else.”43:02Oct 26, 2022
- The Verdict SurpriseThe jury's decision shocked everyone: Ake received life instead of death.“I remember when the verdicts were read in the courtroom, there was an audible gasp.”52:36Oct 26, 2022






