Forensic Files

The Mortician, The Murder, The Movie | Full Episode

48 Hours

  • Feb 6, 2024
  • 42:09
  • Full Episode

Did a mortician kill and freeze a widow to live off of her millions or was it a desperate act to end abuse? "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant investigates. Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.

True crime. Real justice. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.

Brief Summary

Bernie TAA, a funeral director, murdered widow Marjorie Nent for her money, leading to a controversial trial and a film adaptation.

Key points

  • The Odd Couple of Carthage. Bernie and Marjorie's unlikely friendship blossomed after her husband's death.
  • The Shocking Discovery. Marjorie's family uncovers the truth about her disappearance.
  • Bernie's Arrest. The shocking moment when Bernie is taken in for questioning.
  • The Trial of Bernie TAA. Bernie is found guilty of murder after a swift trial, sentenced to life in prison.
  • A New Hope for Bernie. Years later, a new trial leads to Bernie’s life sentence being thrown out.
  • The Final Verdict. After a second trial, Bernie is sentenced to 99 years in prison.

Tension

85/ 100High tension

More from 48 Hours

Solve the Crime

Read a real case one clue at a time, then see how your call held up against the investigators.

Start a Case

Join Team Forensic Files

Regular case drops, breaking crime news, and podcast premieres, straight to your inbox.

or

Forgot your password?