The Man Who Talked to Dogs

Dateline NBC

  • Dec 31, 2020
  • 1:24:36
  • Full Episode
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In this Dateline classic, life seemed perfect for Mark Stover. He had a successful career as a “dog trainer to the stars” on a beautiful island paradise. After a tough divorce, he’d recently found love again. Yet friends said he walked around in a constant state of fear. Could he sense the danger no one else could see? Keith Morrison reports. Originally aired on NBC on January 21, 2011.

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Brief Summary

Mark Stover, a dog trainer, is murdered; Michael Oaks claims self-defense, but is convicted of murder after a complex trial involving domestic violence allegations.

Key points

  • A Mysterious Disappearance. On October 28, 2009, Mark Stover vanished without a trace, raising alarms.
  • Strange Happenings. Employees noticed odd behavior and signs of distress leading up to Mark's disappearance.
  • Suspicious Circumstances. Detectives uncovered strange events surrounding Mark's last known whereabouts.
  • Suspicion Grows Around Michael Oaks. Michael Oaks is pulled over by police, leading to a series of alarming discoveries.
  • The Discovery of Blood. Investigators find blood on the dog trainer's car, raising the stakes in the case.
  • A Shocking Revelation. Defense attorney claims Mark Stover was a domestic violence terrorist, flipping the narrative.

Episode highlights

Tension

85/ 100High tension

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